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Home My Public Portal About20070110 - Agenda Packet - Board of Directors (BOD) - 07-01 Regional Open Space MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT Meeting 07-01 SPECIAL AND REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT 7:00 p.m. Wednesday,January 10, 2007 330 Distel Circle, Los Altos, California Please Note: 7:00 p.m. Special Meeting Closed Session Start Time 7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting Start Time AGENDA* 7:00 ROLL CALL CLOSED SESSION The Special Meeting Closed Session will begin at 7:00 p.m. At 7:30 p.m.,the Board will convene the Regular Meeting,and,at the conclusion of the Regular Meeting,the Board may reconvene the Closed Session. 1. Conference with Real Property Negotiator-California Government Code § 54956.8 Real Property-BDS Capital,Inc.property,located at the end of Reynolds Road approximately one mile south of Hicks Road in unincorporated Santa Clara County.Assessor's Parcel Number 575-07-008. Agency Negotiator-Michael Reeves Negotiating Party- Michael Parsons,Vice President,BDS Capital,Inc. Under Negotiation-Price and Terms 2. Conference with Legal Counsel—Existing Litigation,California Government Code Code § 54956.9(A) Name of Case—Citizens for Responsible Open Space v.San Mateo County LAFCo,Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, San Mateo County Superior Court Case No.CIV442954 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 WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS APPROVAL OF MINUTES • NOVEMBER 15,2006 BOARD BUSINESS 7:40* 1 Election of Board Officers for 2007;Elect Officers of the Board for the 2007 Calendar Year—S.Rice 7:55* 2 Appointment of Alexander Hapke as a Peace Officer;Adopt Resolution of the Board Appointing Alexander Hapke as a Peace Officer—J.Maciel MetAing 07-01 Page 2 8:00* 3 Proposal ofthe Addition of Geographic Information Systems (GIS)Coordinator Position to the Planning, Department and a Corresponding Amendment to the Position Classification and Compensation Plan, Approve a new GIS Coordinator Position and Assign a Salary Range of Step Number 293 to 318, with a Corresponding Monthly Salary Range of$5,190 to$6,660; Authorize the Replacement of an Open Space Planner I Position with a GIS Coordinator Position in the Planning Department Staffing Plan and Approve the Amendment to the Position Classification and Compensation Plan— M. Freeman 4 Renewal of Investment Authority and Adoption of Annual Statement of Investment Policy; Adopt Resolution to Renew the District Controller's Investment Authority until January 17,2008 and to Approve the District's Annual Statement of Investment Policy—M. Foster 5 Authorization to Amend a Conti-act Agreement with Design, Community and Environment, Inc. to Provide Additional Master Planning,;Services for La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve; Authorizing the General Manager to Amend an Agreement with Design, Community and Environment of Berkeley,California for ail Additional Amount of$88,000 for a Total Contract Amount of$188,000 for Master Planning Services tot- La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve—A. Ruiz 6 Authorization to Amend the Contract with LFR Levine-Fricke to Provide Environmental Services for an Additional $5,000 for an Overall Amount not to Exceed$85,475 for Petroleum Product Release Source Investigations at Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve; Authorizing the General Manager to Amend the Contract with LFR Levine-Fricke to Provide Environmental Services for an Additional $5.000 in an Overall AITIOUnt not to Exceed $85,475 for Petroleum Product Release Source Investigations at PLII-as Ridge Open Space Preserve - K. Lenington 7 Approval of Legislative Consulting Services Agreement for 2007 with Public Policy Advocates; Authorize the General Manager to Execute the Consulting Services Agreement with Public Policy Advocates for 1�Legislative Consulting Services in Sacramento-- C. Britton 8 Adopt the Preliminary Use and Management Plan Recommendations for the Former Alexander Property as an Addition to Purisirna Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve(San Mateo County Assessor's Parcel Number 067-123-080); Confirm that the Recommended Actions are Categorically Exempt from CEQA as set out in the Memorandum; Adopt the Preliminary Use and Management Plan Recommendations as Set Forth in the Closing Memorandum and Name the Property as an Addition to Purisirria Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserce; Indicate Intention to Dedicate the Property as Public Open Space--J. Dickey REVISED( LAINIS 8 13 INFORMATIONAL REPORTS — Reports oil conipensable meetings attended. Brief Reports or announcements concerning activities of istrict Directors and Staff', opportunity to refer public or Board questions to staff for factual information; request staff to re port back to the Board on matter at a future rneetiru,;or direct staff to place a matter on a future agenda. CLOSED SESSION CONTINUED(if necessary) REPORT ON RETURN FROM RECONVENI[A)CLOSED SESSION(if necessary) California Government Code Section 54957.1(a). 8:50* %DJ011, RNNIENT Times arc estimated and itenis may appear earlier or later than listed Agenda is subject to change of order. 10A1)1)R1"S8 771EBOARD Ille(vion,will invite public continent oil agenda items at the nine each itemis considered b,the Board ol"Direc tors, oil may uaciress the Board concerning other matters during Oral Coninnin ical tons Each speaker will ordinarily be limited io three iiiinitteN I ou Inal,C oallnent to the Board by a wralen conlinualCUli0a, whic h the Board aj)precuves. '111nelim on motion. Board members,die General A4eiiiager,and members t?lthe 1,uhh, inat request Mai all item he removed from the Consent Calendar during consideration of the Consent Calendar In compliance with the Americans\s ith Disabilities Act,it'you need assistance to participate ill this meeting,please contact the District Clerk at(650) 691-1200 Notification 48 11001's prior to the meeting will enable the District to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting Regional Open Space MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT R-07-04 Meeting 07-01 January 10, 2007 AGENDA ITEM I AGENDA ITEM Election of Board Officers for 2007 GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION Elect Officers of the Board for the 2007 calendar year. DISCUSSION Pursuant to Section 1.22 of your Rules of Procedure, you are required to elect new Board Officers for the calendar year at your first regular meeting in January. The election will be by signed ballot and counted by the District Clerk. After the election, the ballots will be available for public inspection. The Board's Rules of Procedure list the order of officers to be elected as follows: President, Vice-President, Treasurer and Secretary. The Treasurer is an automatic member of the Administration and Budget Committee. Separate ballots will be used to elect each Board Office. Nominations are called for first. When nominations are closed, election by ballot for that office will then proceed. Prepared by: Carolyn Butler, Deputy District Clerk Contact person: Sally Rice, District Clerk 1 JANUARY 10, 2007 BOARD OFFICES - ELECTION NOMINATIONS OFFICE/ NAME (write in) BALLOT#1 BALLOT 92 President: Nominee: Cyr e/ Nomination: e- Dave Second: p �, Hanko Hassett Nitz /4 e f Motion to Close: n Riffle Second: Siemens Vice President: Nominee: r �. Nomination: Dave z� Second: 6V fHanko Hassett (/ Nitz t/ Motion to Close: a r Riffle Second: r Siemens Treasurer: Nominee: � ,,, ]` Cyr Nomination: p w Dave Second: Hanko Hassett Nitz Motion to Close: e Riffle p Second: Siemens C/ Secretary: Nominee: a r Cyr Nomination: Dave Second: Hanko Hassett Nitz Nomination r Riffle b Second: L Siemens (% Motion to Close: Second ADMINISTRATION & BUDGET COMMITTEE - APPOINTMENTS Nxi]ES: -Z// M:\Board\Forms\Board Offices-Election Form.doc l Regional Open Space MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT R-07-06 Meeting 07-01 January 10, 2007 AGENDA ITEM 2 AGENDA ITEM Appointment of Alexander Hapke as a Peace Officer GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION _—�� Adopt the attached Resolution of the Board appointing Alexander Hapke as a peace officer. DISCUSSION At your meeting of January 14, 1976, you decided that District rangers were to be appointed peace officers as outlined under Section 830.31(b) of the Penal Code of the State of California (see Report R-76-2). Alexander Hapke has met the necessary Penal Code requirements to qualify him for appointment. The passage of the attached Resolution will complete the appointment process. Prepared by: Gordon Baillie, Management Analyst Contact person: John A. Maciel RESOLUTION NO. 07- RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT APPOINTING PEACE OFFICER The Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District does hereby resolve as follows: The following person is hereby designated as a peace officer of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District pursuant to Section 830.31(b)of the Penal Code of the State of California, to enforce the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Land Use Regulations and those city,county,and state regulations related to the protection and safe use of District land, enforcement of which is specifically authorized by the District: Alexander Hapke Regional Open Space MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT R-07-07 Meeting 07-01 January 10, 2007 AGENDA ITEM 3 AGENDA ITEM Proposal of the Addition of a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Coordinator Position to the Planning Department and a Corresponding Amendment to the'Position, Classification and Compensation Plan GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMNWNDATIONS I. Approve a new Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Coordinator position and assign it a salary range of Step Number 293 to 318, with a corresponding monthly salary range of $5.190 to $6,660. 2. AL11,1101UC the replacement of an Open Space Planner I position with a GIS Coordinator position in the Planning Department staffing plan. 3. Approve the attached amendment to the Position Classification and Compensation Plan. DISCUSSION The use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping technology has grown tremendously over the past few years at the District. Staff has created robust databases of the District's land holdings. roads and trails, and natural resources. Virtually every department utilizes or relies upon GIS mapping and analysis services. GIS is used, in combination with Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers, to locate exact property boundaries in the field in order to identify encroachments or to determine boundary fencing and signage locations. GIS and other software applications are used to produce all of the District's maps, graphic exhibits and preserve brochures. The use of GIS has become integral to the District's planning process. It is used to help site trails and other facilities in the most appropriate locations, avoid impacts to sensitive com nitin i ties, and to ensure compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act. As data from natural and cultural resource inventories are incorporated into GIS, staff has an increasing understanding of the District's preserves and their ecological integrity, GIS is especially %'aIL1,1bIC in terms of identifying and prioritizing resource management projects based upon this information, and it is being increasingly used by staff in this capacity. The District's Planning Technicians have day-to-day responsibility for providing many of these services, although the number of GIS users at the District has grown to nine staff members. As one of many responsibilities, Open Space Planner I Matt Sagues provided technical support to these staff members, updated the District's land holding database as new properties were R-07-07 Page 2 purchased, and managed a number of resource inventory and mapping projects. Matt Sagues recently resigned from his position at the District, leaving a crucial gap in the GIs program. Given the rapid growth and widespread application of GIs services at the District, staff feels that a dedicated, full-time GIs Coordinator position would be the best way to fill this gap and to better provide for consistent development and maintenance of the GIs program. GIs and GPS technology require specialized education and training in order to stay current in the field. A dedicated position provides the greatest likelihood of attracting and retaining a qualified individual to help the District achieve the full potential of GIs technology. As described in the attached position classification, the GIs Coordinator would have a strong background in land conservation planning or natural resources management. The GIs Coordinator would be responsible for development and maintenance of the District's overall GIs program and supervision of Planning Technicians who also provide GIs support. Core responsibilities would include development of new data sets and associated quality assurance and quality control procedures; integration with the Weed Information and Management System and the public notification and real property databases; coordination of field-based GPS data collection and property mapping efforts; production of data catalog and industry-standard inetadata to facilitate data sharing between agencies; and providing technical support and training to other staff so that they can more efficiently apply GIs technology to their projects. The position would also be responsible for utilizing GIs to enhance the District's capabilities in a number of key areas including resource monitoring, facilities management (by developing a roads and trails maintenance database, for example), use of the Internet to share appropriate maps and geographic data, and increased application of visualization tools such as Google Earth into the District's presentations. BUDGET IMPLICATIONS The proposed annual salary range of$62,283 to $79,924 was determined through assessment of comparable agencies within the Bay Area and is equivalent to the Open Space Planner 11 position. At this time, staff is proposing to replace the vacant Open Space Planner I position with the GIs Coordinator position. The difference in salary between the two positions is approximately $11,100 annually, This additional amount would be included in the annual budget beginning with the 2007/2008 fiscal year. Due to recruitment time and the vacancy of the Planner I position, there is no budgetary impact for the current fiscal year. Prepared by: Matt Freeman, Planning Manager Contact person: Same as Above Regional Open Space MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS(GIS) COORDINATOR Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job. JOB OBJECTIVES Under direction, the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Coordinator is responsible for the development and administration of the District's GIS program in support of open space planning, resource management, and other land protection activities. The position develops and maintains spatial databases and data sets; coordinates use of GIS and data sets with other departments; provides GIS training and technical support to District staff; maintains hardware, software licenses, and supplies; develops tools and procedures to streamline application of GIS to a variety of projects; conducts advanced spatial analysis and mapping as necessary; and provides direction to intern and others as assigned. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS This is a specialized level class responsible for exercising independent discretion and decision making to advance GIS Program goals. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully responsible for following the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. The GIS Coordinator may supervise Intern, Planning Technician, Planner 1, or Resource Specialist/ Resource Planner I staff on a project-specific or ongoing basis. EXAMPLES OF IMPORTANT RESPONSIBILITIES The following tasks are typical for positions in this classification. Any single position may not perform all of these tasks andfor may perform similar related tasks not listed here. • Use ArcGIS and related software to develop and maintain a comprehensive library of data layers related to land holdings, natural and cultural resources, trails and other recreational facilities, and other essential data sets; • Perform GIS analysis, spatial modeling, and remote sensing in support of a wide variety of planning, stewardship, and real property projects; recommend and develop solutions, standards, and procedures for applying GIS technology to organizational objectives; • Supervise the work of subordinates in the use and application of GIS and GPS to planning projects; coordinate with other staff to ensure that GIS and GPS standards and procedures are implemented effectively; • Train staff in the use of GIS and GPS equipment and software and coordinate integration of field- collected data into the GIS data library; • Use ArcGIS in combination with other software to prepare presentation-quality maps and exhibits for use in Board meetings, other public meetings and workshops, and for publication on the Internet; • Direct District research activities to identify, acquire,.and integrate data from other agencies and organizations into the District's data library; maintain and update the District's information catalogue; create and maintain government-compliant metadata; and develop procedures to share appropriate data; • Prepare and deliver effective Board reports and public presentations; • Act as District liaison to other agencies and represent the District at GIS professional meetings and conferences to coordinate regional data collection efforts; and • Perform other duties as assigned. RegionalRegionalO�� e"v Space � � MIDP2NINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT QUALIFICATIONS � Thorough knowledge and understanding of the principles of 8|8, he ummm and applications; � Working knowledge of programming to generate boom or scripts to automate repetitive tasks; � � Phmdp|em and techniques of cartography and publication-quality map production using ArcG|S and other software; � Database design endinb*graUonbmbweenK4icromoftAnnensandArcG|G; � Theory and techniques ofG|G applications booadaotna| mapping; Familiarity with natural resource management issues and the principles and practices of open space � and/or park planning; Knowledge of GPS equipment and field-based data gathering techniques highly desirable; and Basic principles of supervision, training and performance evaluation. � � Ability to: � Develop and maintain spatial databases and data sets; � � Compile property ownership and boundary data from various sources including GPS. survey � � � dooumenbotion, assessor parcel mapm, and other sources into ocadestre| base map; Develop guidelines and procedures to fmoi|itobo District staff use and application of E;|S data to a wide � � range of planning and land protection projects; Perform advanced mapping and analysis using ESF\| {S|Sproducts; � � Coordinate production of superior maps,graphics, and exhibits using ArcG|S and other software; � � Supervise, train, and evaluate the work ofothers; � Understand and carry out oral and written instructions; � � Communicate clearly and concisely in EnQ|imh, both orally and in writing; . Establish and maintain positive and cooperative working relationships with oo-wmrhane and � � representatives from other agencies and organizations; � �� Regional »�� »� S»� ��o ��"�� Space _ MUDPEN|NSWLA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT Education and Experience Guidelines Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way boobtain the knowledge and abilities would be: Education: Equivalent to a 8S/BA degree from an accredited college or university with major oounsevvnrk in Geography, Landscape Architecture, Community and Regional P|annin0, Natural Resources Management or other closely related field with a specialty in G|S; and � ' Three years of experience with G|S as applied to land proteoton, open space p|unnin8, or natural resources management, including at least one year of experience in a supervisory role. License or Certificate Possession of, or ability bnobtain o wa|kJ California driver's |ioanam. PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS The physical demands herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential job functions. � � Environment: � Primarily office environment; occasionally work alone in field environment including travel from site to � site. Mobilit � Routinely y' eibingforpnm|on0adpohodmoftimne; extensive use of computer; when conducting field assignments, may traverse rough, difficult terrain. � � Vision: Visual acuity to review written materials and mops and judge distances of 20 feet or more. � : � Speaking and hearing to exchange information. Exempt Approved lidpeninsula Regional Open Space D t Position Classification and Compensation Plan Approved 01/10/2007—Effective 03/01/2007 Classification Title Step Range HourlyRan Monthly Range Annual Range Seasonal Open Space Technician 237-247 $17.128-$18.925 $2,968-$3,280 $35,626-$39,364 Receptionist/Administrative Clerk 244-269 $18.367-$23.569 $3,183-$4,085 $38,203-$49,023 Farm Maintenance Worker 257-282 $20.910-$26.833 $3,624-$4,651 $43,492-$55,812 Open Space Technician* 257-282 $20.910-$26.833 $3,624-$4,651 $43,492-$55,812 Accounting Clerk 259-284 $21.332-$27.373 $3,697-$4,744 $44,370-$56,935 LAdministrative Assistant 259-284 $21.332-$27.373 $3,697-$4,744 $44,370-$56,935 I C01111111.111itV Programs Aide 259-284 $2 1.332-$27.3 73 $3,697-$4,744 $44,370-$56,935 Lead Open Space Technician* 267-292 $23.104-$29.647 $4,004-$5,13 8 $48,056-$61,665 Ranger 268-293 $23.335-$29.944 $4,044-$5,190 $48,536-$62,283 Planning Technician 268-293 $23.335-$29.944 $4,044-$5,190 $48,536462,283 Senior Administrative Assistant 270-295 $23.806-$30.547 $4,126-$5,294 $49,5 16-$63,537 Docent Programs Coordinator 273-298 $24.528-$31.476 $4,25 1-$5,455 $5 1.018-$65,470 Network Specialist 273-298 $24.528-$3 1.476 $4,25 1-$5,455 $5 1,018-$65,470 Volunteer Coordinator 273-298 $24.528-$3 1.476 $4,25]-$5,455 $51,018-$65,470 Equipment Mechanic Operator 276-301 $25.274-$32.432 $4,380-$5,621 $52,569-$67,458 Senior Accounting Specialist 276-301 $25.274-$32.432 $4,380-$5,621 $52,569-$67,458 Open Space Planner 1 278-303 $25.783-$33.085 $4,469-$5,734 $53,628-$68,8 16 Resource Specialist I / Resource Planner 1 278-303 $25.783-$33.085 $4,469-$5,734 $53,628-$68,816 Public Affairs Specialist 278-303 $25.783-$33.085 $4,469-$5,734 $53,628-$68,816 Maintenance & Resource Supervisor 283-308 $27.102-$34.777 $4,697-$6,028 $56,372-$72,336 Supervising Ranger 283-308 $27.102-$34.777 $4,697-$6,028 $56,372-$72,336 C0111111011ity Affairs Supervisor 293-318 $29.944-$38.425 $5,19046,660 $62,283-$79,924 Real Property Specialist 293-318 $29.944-$38.425 $5,190-$6,660 $62,283-$79,924 GIS Coordinator" 293-318 $29.944-$38.425 $5.190-$6,660 $62,283-$79,924 Open Space Planner 11** 293-318 $29.944-$38.425 $5,190-$6,660 $62,283-$79,924 Resource Management Specialist" 293-3118 $29.944438.425 $5,190-$6,660 $62,283-$79,924 Support Services Supervisor 293-318 $29.944-$38.425 $5,190-$6,660 $62,283-$79,924 Management Analyst 297-322 $3 1.163-$39.989 $5,401-$6,931 $64,819-$83,177 Senior Real Property Planner** 303-328 $33.085-$42.456 $5,734-$7,359 $68,816-$88,308 Senior Planner" 303-328 $33.085-$42.456 $5,734-$7,359 $68,816-$88,308 Area Superintendent 308-333 $34.777-$44,627 $6,028-$7,735 $72,336-$92,824 Assistant General Counsel 318-343 $38.425-$49.308 $6,660-$8,546 $79,924-$102,560 Adrninistration/1-IR Manager 325-350 $41.204-$52.874 $7,142-$9,164 $85,704-$109,977 Operations Manager 325-350 $41.204-$52.874 $7,142-$9,164 $85,704-$109,977 Planning Manager*** 325-350 $41.204-$52.874 $7,142-$9,164 $85,704-$109,977 Public Affairs Manager 325-350 $41.204-$52.874 $7,142-$9,164 $85,704-$109,977 �Real Property Manager 325-350 $41.204-$52.874 $7,142-$9,164 $85,704-$109,977 Assistant General Manager 343-368 $49.308-$63.274 $8,546-$10,967 $102,560-$13 1,609 Note: Does not include Board appointees: General Manager, General Counsel, and Controller The salary range ininii-nuin for Seasonal Open Space Technician is 20 points below Open Space Technician OS'Fs will receive an additional 1%stipend for Class A or B license; LOST for Class A Will receive an additional 4%stipend for Masters degree in a related field ***Will receive an additional 4%stipend for Landscape Architecture license used for District business Regional Open Space MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT R-07-11 Meeting 07-01 January 10, 2007 AGENDA ITEM 4 AGENDA ITEM Renewal of Investment Authority and Adoption of Annual Stpfe-mehipf investment Policy GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDAT!PN— Adopt the attached Resolution to renew the District Controller's investment authority until January 17, 2008 and to approve the District's Annual Statement of Investment Policy. DISCUSSION The District Controller's authority to invest temporarily idle funds will expire on January 10, 2007 according to the provisions of Resolution 06-01 (See Report R-06-03). The attached Resolution renews the Controller's authority to invest District funds in accordance with the District's Investment Policy. When short-term interest rates rise, as occurred in 2005 and 2006, the District is able to earn an enhanced return on temporarily idle funds by investing directly as permitted by the Government Code. The attached policy also permits the Controller to invest surplus District funds directly in such specific investments. Prepared by: Michael Foster, Controller Contact person: Same as above RESOLUTION NO. 07- RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT ADOPTING A STATEMENT OF INVESTMENT POLICY AND AUTHORIZING THE CONTROLLER TO INVEST SURPLUS FUNDS ALLOWED BY GOVERNMENT CODE WHEREAS, the District needs to maximize the yield on surplus temporarily idle funds in order to help meet land acquisition objectives; and WHEREAS, Chapter 4, Division 2 of Title 5 of the Government Code authorizes the District to deposit and invest surplus funds in investments which, at times, yield interest rates higher than achievable through the Santa Clara County Pooled Fund, or the California Pooled Investment Authority; and WHEREAS, the District can often improve its yield on surplus funds without sacrificing financial safety and flexibility. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED AS FOLLOWS: Section One. The Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District does hereby authorize the Controller to invest surplus or temporarily idle funds according to the Investment Policy attached hereto as Exhibit "A" and by reference made a part hereof. Section Two. Before any particular investments the Controller shall consult with the General Manager, or a District employee authorized to act in his/her behalf, to determine anticipated cash flow needs of the District. Section Three. This Resolution supersedes Resolution No. 06-01 adopted January 11, 2006. This Resolution shall no longer be in effect as of January 17, 2008, unless extended in time, and inactive funds shall then be deposited in the Santa Clara County Pooled Investment Fund, with the California Pooled Investment Authority, or invested through the District's commercial bank. | ^ | ` Exhibit"A" Statement eyInvestment Policy GOALS Qoali. Capital Preservation The primary goal shall heio safeguard the principal of invested funds. The secondary objective shall bc ' tomec<the liquidity needs of the District. Tile third objective shall heto achieve u return mnfunds � consistent with this Policy. Temporarily idle funds shall be invested in a conservative manner, Such that � � funds call always be withdrawn at, orjust above or below, full invested value. Investments that offer � opportunities for significant capital gains and losses are excluded. � � Temporarily idle funds will be managed so that normal operating cash needs and scheduled extraordinary cash needs call be met on u yumc day hooim. Investments will be auODcioody liquid to provide usteady and rr|iub|c flow ofcash to the District to insure that all land purchases call be rnudc promptly(within � � two weeks). Goal 3, Income Temporarily idle funds shall earn the highest rate of return that is consistent with oapku| preservation and liquidity goals and tile California Government Code. � GUIDELINES | |. Determination ofIdle Funds � The Controller will prepare cash flow projection prior toall investment decisions. This cash flow | ection will be reviewed and evaluated bv the General Manager. The General Manager iaresponsible for approving the Controller's designation of the amount of funds not required for the immediate necessity mfthe District and available for investment. � 2. & contingency reserve ofu1 least $5,00O,00U shall bc maintained with the Santa Clara County Pooled Investment Fluid. Tile General Manager ia responsible for approving the Controller's designation o[the size o[this contingency reserve. At all timcm this contingency reserve, together with funds held in trust bv bond trustees and pledged \u the payment of bonds issued by the District, will bm sufficient io satisfy the reserve requirements for all District debt. 3. Non-Invested Funds N|u District funds not otherwise invested uapermitted by this Policy, or maintained with trustee paying agents and pledged to the payment of District indebtedness, will be deposited with the Santa Clara County Pooled Investment Fund, the San Mateo County Treasurer's Pooled Investment Fund or the State of � California's Local Agency Investment Fund. 4. Selection of Investments | � The Controller is responsible for selecting investments that fit within the amounts and maturities | recommended bv tile Controller and hv the General Manager. The Controller ia also responsible for directing security transactions. 5. Investments Instruments and Deposit of Funds Investments and deposits of funds shall be limited to those allowed by and subJect to tile procedures of Government Code Section 536O0eY seq. and 53b]5c/seq. In the event of any conflict between the terms of this Policy, and the Government Code, tile provisions of tile Government Code shall prevail. Investments shall not beleveraged, Investments, and "derivatives,"that offer opportunities for significant capital gains and losses are excluded. All investments,other than investment of bond proceeds and funds held by trustees and pledged to the repayment of bonds or other District indebtedness, shall mature within � 180 days. Funds held by such trustees and other bond proceeds may be invested in accordance with the � indenture or agreement providing for tile issuance Of Such debt. 6. Diversification Investments other than insured or collateralized deposits at banks and savings and loan associations shall � be diversified. . For===�other than deposits and investment of funds held bytrustees as set out in Section ithe breadth of ownership and number of securities outstanding will be sufficient to establish a secondary | market ill which investments call be readily converted to cash without causing a material change in their � market value. � | — / Bankers' Acceptances and Negotiable Certificates of'Deposit may be purchased only from the District's � commercial batik or banks and savings and loan associations with over$1,000,000,000 of deposits and reporting profitable operations and which meet all applicable criteria of tile Government Code. 9. � Securities collateral izing batik m savings and loan deposits must be rated "A" or higher. |0. Investments in Name of District � All investments purchased shall stand in tile name nfthe District. \ \. The Controller shall report all sccuri(y transactions to the Administration mnd Budget Committee no later than the next Re"LlIar Meeting of tile Board ot'Directors after any transaction has been made. The Controller shall Submit a report of the District's investments and Security transactions to tile Administration and Budget Committee by the fourth Wednesday ofeach month in uonon]unoe with Government Code Sedionj36U7. The Controller will render u quarterly investment report\o the Board u[Directors ae required by Government Code Section 5]646. Such reports shall also hr submitted tothe General Manager and \o the District's auditor. The Administration and Budget Committee shall act on � behalf ofthe Board of Directors in receiving reports from the Controller required by Government Code Srotion536U7. � |2. Purchase of Securities The Controller is authorized to purchase securities through tile investment department ofthe District's commercial batik and us otherwise permitted 6y the Government Code. The batik or other investment institution from which authorized securities are purchased shall be instructed in writing only tu purchase �| � securities in the numeofthe 0s(dc( and that all matured funds mhu|| be returned to the District's ! commercial batik account. The bank shall also be instructed tn send receipts for transactions tothe General Manager, F�� ------- | � � ^ Regional Omen Space | MUDPENIN5UL& REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT | � i &-O7'02 M1cebng07-O| January 10, 2007 ��|��U�� D-�|�� ~"��^ `�~�� ~�^'~ � / AGENDA ITEM Authorization to Amend o Contract Agreement with Design, Community and Environment, Inc. to Provide Additional Master Planning Services for La Honda Preserve | GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION Authorize the General Manager to anueud an agreement with Design, Community and Environment of � Berkeley. California for all additional ammuntmf0Q8,O0O for utotal contract umountof$|Q8,0OOfor | master planning services for [u Honda Creek Open Space Preserve, | DISCUSSION | Thu La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve Master Plan will serve usu comprehensive and long-term use and monugemeotp|un for what is now, with the recent Drimon|| Ranch purchase, the District's |urgom( � preserve in San Mateo County. Through acm||uboctive. community-based planning approach that | � engages stakeholders and tile public, the District ia developing u Master Plan that will establish u / framework to protect tile Preserve's natural, cultural, and historic resources and identify opportunities for rocruo\ion, interpretation, and education that are compatible with the natural environment. � Oil May 26, 2004. the Board of Directors authorized the General Manager to execute a contract with � Design. Community and Environment(DC8cE) \o provide master planning services for the Cu Honda Creek Open Space Preserve for usumnot tu exceed $\00,0U0 (see Report {l'O4-52). C)C&6initiuted work on the Master Plan in June 2004 with the first phase ofthe project focusing on data collection and dutarcvicw. Later\hutyeor, two public workshops were held to: (\) introduce the public tothe planning | process; (2) present existing conditions information; (3) highlight key issues and opportunities for resource management and public access; and (4) gather public input onthe desired vision and goals for tile Preserve. In 2005, the master plan project was placed oil hold pending the purchase of Driscoll Ranch, which has more than doubled tile acreage ofthe Preserve. Given the need to integrate Driscoll Ranch into the Master Plan project, District staff requested that DCJbEprcpere orcvimed scope o[work | and fee schedule. After a careful review of the revised scope of work and an assessment of tile need for additional master planning tasks, staff recommends the requested contract amendment to allow for the following: | ^ Assistance with preparing for and facilitating an additional public workshop ^ Revisions 1othe Existing Conditions report to include Driscoll Ranch � " Additional stakeholder interviews to solicit input oil how best to integrate Driscoll Ranch into tile larger Preserve N . Page ^ Additional site visits to identify issues and opportunities for public access and resource management at Driscoll Ranch, and to identify opportunities for connecting upper and lower La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve " Additional environmental review ofpotential environmental impacts that may result Ommthe proposed Master Plan implementation actions ut the Driscoll Ranch property The cost of additional consultant services for the Master Plan total approximately $08,000, which includes a tell percent(10%) contingency amount for additional unanticipated services. Staff believes this amount to be reasonable to complete the additional workload. Staff recommends that the Board authorize the General Manager\oamend tile consultant services ugroement with DC6tS in tile amount of $88,O0O, thus increasing the contract amount toanot4o-cxccod total of$|88'000. | FUNDING � Tile Planning Department budget for the Master Plan project fbr\hisuunrcthsou| yeur(20O6-ZV07) ie � � $80.000. This Current budget contains Sufficient funds to cover the cost for Master Planning set-vices that � �ctcd �oboincu��dihvou�h �hccndo[��upob Starting the rennuiningfunding to are expected � , � complete tile Master Plan vvooN be included in the budget for fiscal yeur2OO7-2000. CEQACOMPLUANCE Staff Concludes that amending the consultant agreement for master planning services does not constitute u project under California Environmental Quality &ct(( EO&). Therefore, the recommended action is exempt. Future action taken by the Board to implement the consultants' work, auch as adopting the � Master P|un, will be muNcdWCB}� rnvi�wn1thu�bm�� ' � Prepared by: Ana Ruiz. Senior Planner, A|[P Contact Person: Same a* above � � Nt Regional Open Space MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT R-07-01 Meeting 07-01 January 10. 2007 AGENDA ITEM 6 AGENDA ITEM Authorization to Amend the Contract with LFR Levine-Fricke to Provide Environmental Services for an Additional $5.000 for an Overall Amount Not to Exceed $85,475 for Petroleum Product Release Source Investigations at Pulgas Ridge Open pace Preserve GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDAT1ONk—'-- Authorize the General Manager to amend the contract with LFR Levine-Fricke to provide environmental services for an additional $5.000 in an overall amount not to exceed $85,475 for rCt1-0leL11ll product release source investigations at Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve. BACKGROUND District staff began investigating the source of petroleum product contamination and conducting remediation of affected areas at Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve since the petroleum was first observed emerging at the site in February 2004. The District contracted with LFR Levine-Fricke to begin excavating and removing the source of contamination and complete the remediation of the site (see reports R-05-93, R-06-23 and R-06-72). DISCUSSION Upon completion of the remediation activities and submittal of a report detailing these activities on September 12, 2006, San Mateo County Environmental Health has qualified the site for Case Closure. However, the County is requiring the submittal of a Case Closure Memorandum and Summary which was not anticipated for the project and was not budgeted for with LFR Levine- Fricke. This contract amendment will allow for the completion of this report and the closure of the case file with San Mateo County Environmental Health. FUNDING The contract amount for services with LFR Levine-Fricke is Currently at $80,475. The additional services being provided by LFR under this amendment are estimated at $5,000, which would bring the total contract amount for services to $85,475. These additional services will be funded through savings realized on other projects in the Planning Department Budget. R-07-01 Page 2 CEQA COMPLIANCE This project involves limited earthwork for investigating subsurface soil conditions at Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve. The District concludes that the contract amendment is not a project for purposes of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) in that it does not involve any commitment to a specific project which may result in a potentially significant physical impact on the environment. Prepared by: Kirk Lenington, Resource Planner Contact Person: Same as above i Regional Open Space MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT R-07-03) Meeting 07-01 January 10. 2007 AGENDA ITEM 7 AGENDA ITEM Approval of Legislative Consulting Services Agreement for 20 with-Public Policy Advocates GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION Authorize the General Manager to execute the Consulting Services Agreement with Public Policy Advocates for legislative consulting services in Sacramento. DISCUSSION In January of each year, the Board considers approval of legislative consulting agreement for legislative services in Sacramento for the benefit of the District. For 17 years, these services have been provided at a below-market cost by Ralph Heim of the firm Public Policy Advocates ("PPA"). The General Manager recommends that the District continue to contract with PPA because of the high quality of Ralph Heim's services, his ongoing familiarity with the District's programs, his involvement in projects expected to continue in 2007, and the special circumstances of these services. The Consulting Services Agreement with PPA is for a one-year term for legislative consulting services in Sacramento. The terms and conditions of the proposed agreement remain generally unchanged. The consulting fee of$1,100.00 per month, plus a monthly expense allowance of $55.00 has not increased since 1989. The contracted services are to commence January 1, 2007 and continue through December 31, 2007. Ralph Heim will continue to represent the District and will provide excellent service at a very modest cost, especially considering the returns to the District. He has worked very effectively on the District's behalf and has done an outstanding job of protecting the District's legislative interests. We look forward to working with Mr. Heine to represent the District's interests in Sacramento this coming year. Prepared by: L. Craig Britton, General Manager Contact person: Same as above Regional Open Space MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT R-07-09 Meeting 07-01 January 10, 2007 AGENDA ITEM 8 AGENDA ITEM Adopt the Preliminary Use and Management Plan Recommendations for the former Alexander Property as an Addition to Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space P rve (San Mateo County Assessor's Parcel Number 067-123-080) GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATIONS,:7:: 1. Confirm that the recommended actions are categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as set out in the attached Memorandum. 2. Adopt the Preliminary Use and Management Plan recommendations as set forth in the attached Closing Memorandum and name the property as an addition to Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve. 3. Indicate your intention to dedicate the property as public open space. DISCUSSION The District accepted a gift of a Redwood Park subdivision lot under the General Manager's authority to approve and accept a gift of real property in accordance with the District's Rules of Procedure, Section 2.60 B.2, as amended October 8, 2003 (see attached Closing Memorandum dated December 21, 2006). The General Manager signed a Certificate of Acceptance for each of the two Gift Deeds, which together comprise a 100% interest in the approximately 0.06-acre lot. The General Manager has determined that this lot is an appropriate addition to Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve. Therefore, it is recommended that you confirm the CEQA determination made by staff and adopt the Preliminary Use and Management Plan as set forth in the attached Memoranda. Prepared by: John P. Dickey, Real Property Specialist Contact person: Same as above egional Open Spy INTER-OFFICE MEMORANDUM DUM MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT To: C. Britton, General Manager From: John Dickey, Real Property Specialist Date: December 21, 2006 Subject: CLOSING MEMORANDUM Alex and er-Greensides Property Addition Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve Lot 53 in Block 30 in Redwood Park was offered to the District as a gift from Alexander-Greensides. This gift of land was accepted by the District General Manager in accordance with the District's Rules of Procedure, Section 2.60 (2) as amended on October 8, 2003 (see Report R-03-103), to wit: "The General Manager is hereby authorized to approve the acquisition of an interest in or easement upon real property, or an option to acquire such an interest or easement, on behalf of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District provided the following conditions are met: 1. The General Manager determines that the acquisition of such interest in or easement upon real property is necessary or appropriate in order for the District to effectively acquire, plan, maintain and operate its system of open space preserves, and that such acquisition is consistent with all applicable District regulations and policies concerning acquisition of real property; and 2. The purchase price, option price, or, in the case of a gift, the fair market value of the gift, does not exceed the General Manager's authority to expend District funds as provided in Section 5549 (b)(2) of the Public Resources Code and as authorized by the Board of the Directors; and 3. Prior to the General Manager's approval of an acquisition, the District undertakes all acts required by law prior to acquiring real property, including compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act; and 4. After acquisition, the General Manager shall notify the Board of Directors, in writing, of the acquisition or option and place upon the Board of Director's agenda at its regular meeting a Preliminary Use and Management Plan for the real property so acquired. Pursuant to the District's Public Notification Policy, the General Manager may determine that such Plan be presented to the Board for final adoption, in the event no public comments concerning the proposed plan have been received prior to Board action." The General Manager signed Certificates of Acceptance on December 20, 2006 for the Alexander- Greensides lot, based upon the determination that acceptance of this gift is in accordance with the 33o Distel Circle 650-6g7-1200 info@openspace.org BOAPParDIRECTORs:Pete Siemens,Mary Davey,JedCyr, GENERAL MANAGER: Los Altos CA 94022-1404 650-6gr Riffle,fax www.openspace.org Curt Rie`,'Nonette Hanko,Larry Hassett,Kenneth C.Nitz L.Craig Britton a t above-stated The Gift Deed was recorded on December 21, 2006 and title to and possession of policy. the property has passed to the District. i The following chart presents dedication and acquisition details for this property: i DEDICATION&ACQUISITION INFORMATION Preserve County Ownership Status: General (Fee, Easement, & & Grantor Acres Manager Lease,Mgmt Area A.P.N. A reement) Approval Date Purisima Creek San Mateo December 20, Redwoods 067-123-280 Alexander-Greensides 0.06 Fee 2006 I Mgmt.Status: Dedication Date& Closing Date (Open,Closed,CMU, Status(Intended or Type Purchase Price G1S Code or Other) Withheld) December 21, Closed Intended Gift ($1,000)Gift 2006 Misc.Notes: cc: Board of Directors Administration Operations Accounting Planning Public Affairs I Page 2 Regional Open ��Space , � mUDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT � MEMORANDUM To: [. Britton, General Manager From: Del Woods, Senior Real Planner Date: December 2|, 2006 � Subject: Preliminary Use &s Management Plan Recommendations and CE()A Compliance for A lexander/G reen sides Property Additions to Purisirria Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve San Mateo County/\pN067-l23-28U Preliminar y Use and Management Plan Recommendations The Preliminary Use and Management Plan will take effect o1 the close uf escrow and remain effective until the plan im amended oro Comprehensive Use and Management Plan inadopted. The property will be maintained ino � � natural condition and no changes 10 land use are anticipated. lf changes to land use are proposed in the future,tile � plan would br subject 0m further environmental review and public input. Public Access: Closed to public auoemo ut this time. Signs: Install Preserve boundary signs where appropriate. Name: Name the properties as additions to Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve. Dedication: Indicate your intention to dedicate the property au public open space. Public Safety Review: Preliminary site safety inspection has been conducted and there are no known safety hazards oil the site. CEOA Compliance Project Description The project conmiotmoftheucquioitiunufupproximmtr|y0.08aoreyof|undusunuddidontothcPurisimuCn:ck Redwoods Open Space Preserve and the adoption of a Preliminary Use and Management Plan for the property. The |uud to be acquired consists ofone lot within the Redwood Park"paper" subdivision, which is located in an unincorporated area of San Mateo County. The primary access im off Skyline Boulevard to the west. The land � adjoins� `' � � . Use and Management Plan for the 9urimimoC,eck Redwoods Open Space Preserve. The land will be permanently � preserved as open space and maintained in onuturu| condition.CEQA � Determination |t has been concluded that this project vvi|| ncxhuvcumignifivanteffectonthccnvironnocn1. himcategorically exempt from C6OA (California Environmental Quality Act) under Article l9, Sections l5]l6, \53l7` l5]25, and )5O6| anfollows: Section 15316 exempts the acquisition of land in order to create parks if the site is in a natural condition and the management plan proposes to keep the area in a natural condition. The preliminary use and management plan specifies that the land will not be developed and will remain in a natural condition. Section 15317 exempts the acceptance of fee interests in order to maintain the open space character of an area. The District will acquire fee interest and maintain the open space character of the area. No new development is proposed as part of this project. Section 15325 exempts transfers of ownership of interests in land in order to preserve open space. This acquisition will transfer fee ownership to the District and ensure it will be preserved as public open space by incorporating it into the Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve This acquisition qualifies under all three sections. The actions proposed in the Preliminary Use and Management Plan are also exempt under Section 15061, as there is no possibility the actions may have a significant effect on the environment. CEQA Determination Completed By: Date: c� Del Woods, Senior Real Property Planner i 2 Claims No. 07-01 Meeting 07-01 Date 1/10/07 Revised Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District # Amount Name Description 6095 $1,438.14 Ace Fire Equipment&Service Fire Extinguisher Annual Maintenance-SFO&FFO Company 6096 $644.84 ADT Security Services Alarm Service&Repair-FFO 6097 $195.80 AT&T Telephone Service-AO/Fax Service-FFO 6098 $3,500.00 Bay Area Open Space Council Annual Membership 6099 $378.58 Beck's Shoes Inc. Uniform Shoes 6100 $800.00 Bill's Towing&Recovery Tow Truck Fees 6101 $160.00 BMI Imaging Systems Microfiche Machine Repair 6102 $140,00 Brush Road Corporation Road Association Dues-Hunt Property 6103 $325.30 California Water Service Company Water Service-AO&FFO 6104 $24,995.00 Causey Derngen&Moore Inc. Accounting Research Fees To Secure An IRS Refund Of $44,716.00 6105 $2,066.03 CMK Automotive Inc. Vehicle Maintenance&Repairs 6106 $2,000.00 Concern Employee Consultation&Facilitation 6107 $108.00 Constant Contact Email Service For District Website 6108 $2,490.00 Cornerstone Structural Engineering Bridge Design&Engineering-Thomewood Group 6109 $748.42 Costco Office&Field Supplies 6110 $325.94 Davison,Steve Reimbursement-Tuition 6111 $2,747.42 *1 Dell Commercial Credit 3 Switches For Network Upgrade/Laptop 6112 $3,849.61 Design,Community&Environment Master Planning Services-La Honda Creek 6113 $172.66 Downing, Brendan Reimbursement-Mileage 6114 $5,150.00 Econo Tree Service Stump Removal-Rhus Ridge 6115 $132.34 Fed Ex Shipping Charges 6116 $334.87 Fedtx Kinko's Copy Services 6117 $2,975,09 *2 First Bankcard Field Supplies-182.63 Office Supplies-788,11 Computer Expenses-415.03 Local/Out Of Town Business Meetings-356.44 Conferences&Training- 355.97 Advertising/Subscriptions/Books-272.18 Volunteer Supplies-604.73 6118 $185.82 G&K Services Shop Towel Service 6119 $1,861.62 Gardenland Power Equipment Field Supplies 6120 $125.95 Gempler's, Inc- Uniform Supplies 6121 $6,308.89 H.T. Harvey&Associates Habitat Surveys-Bear Creek Redwoods 6122 $768.49 Hapke,Alexander Reimbursement-Ranger Academy Expenses 6123 $3,461.89 Hertz Equipment Rental Equipment Rental-Drum Roller For Employee Residence Driveway Repairs 6124 $6,777.66 Jakaby Engineering Bridge Design&Engineering-Thornewood 6125 $25.00 Jim Davis Automotive Tire Repairs 6126 $11210 Jobs Available, Inc. Recruitment Ad-Community Affairs Supervisor 6127 $11,55915 LA Consulting Consulting Services-Land Management Cost Evaluation &Efficiency Study 6128 $345.00 Lance Bayer Legal Services 6129 $52.74 Lanier Worldwide, Inc, Copy Machine Supplies 6130 $4,522.68 LFR Levine Fricke Planning Services-Skyline Ridge Tree Farm Restoration Project 6131 $327,17 LFR Levine Fricke Engineering&Design Services-Pulgas Ridge Public Access Improvements Project 6132 $118.65 Los Altos Typewriter Typewriter Repair 6133 $19.57 Macke Water Systems, Inc. Water Filter Replacement 6134 $1,000.00 Matt Mann Web Design Services 6135 $479.84 McKowan,Paul Reimbursement-Volunteer Recognition Supplies 6136 $968.15 Metro Mobile Communications Radio Repairs&Supplies Page 1 of 3 Claims No. 07-01 Meeting 07-01 Date 1/10/07 Revised Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District # Amount Name Description 6137 $21,000.00 Mike Tobar Excavation Cleanup-Interiano Property 6138 $150.00 Miller,Ken Reimbursement-EMT Refresher Course 6139 $700.00 Newburn,Michael Reimbursement-Tuition 6140 $24710 Noble Tractor, Inc. Tractor Supplies 6141 $2,894.03 Office Depot Office Supplies 6142 $206.40 Office Team Office Temp-Reception Desk 6143 $10,000.00 *3 Old Republic Title Company Deposit-Property Purchase 6144 $39.39 Orlandi Trailer Trailer Accessories 6145 $4,678.69 Pape* Material Handling Bucket&Door For Bobcat 6146 $40.45 Paterson, Loro Reimbursement-Uniform Expenses 6147 $2,295,22 Perez, Mike Reimbursement-Ranger Academy Expenses 6148 $296.56 Petrotek Gas Pump Repairs 6149 $231.14 Pine Cone Lumber Lumber/Deck Materials-Employee Residence 6150 $4,141,00 Portola Park Heights Property Owners' Portola Heights&Doherty Ridge Road Repairs-Per Association Agreement 6151 $934 Rancho Ace Hardware&Garden Shop Field Supplies 6152 $50.00 Rice,Sally Reimbursement-City Managers Meeting Luncheon 6153 $40.34 Robert's Hardware Field Supplies 6154 $104,88 Roessler,Cindy Reimbursement-Local Business Meeting/Cell Phone 6155 $481.59 Roy's Repair Service Vehicle Repairs&Service 6156 $377.82 Royal Brass Inc. Field Supplies 6157 $34.00 San Francisco Department Of Public EMT Recertification Fee-B. Downing Health 6158 $98.03 *4 San Mateo County Additional Fire Service Fees-Per Agreement 6159 $96.00 San Mateo County Public Health Coliform Testing 6160 $60.00 Sanguinetti, David Reimbursement-Cell Phone 6161 $11.00 *5 Santa Clara County Clerk Recorders Fee-Notice Of Expungement Office 6162 $107.14 Sears Field Supplies 6163 $3,411.43 Silicon Valley Network Cabling Rewire Server Room,Relocate Patch Panels, Install Rack &Run New Cables 6164 $200.00 State Water Resources Control Board Stock Pond Water Rights At Big Dipper Ranch 6165 $416.33 Summit Uniforms Uniform Expenses 6166 $198.97 Tadco Supply Janitorial Supplies 6167 $47.98 The Bicycle Outfitter Bike Supplies 6168 $7,254.00 Timothy C. Best,CEG Road&Trail Inventory-San Francisquito Creek Watershed 6169 $507.68 Tires On The Go Tires 6170 $267.77 Tony&Albas Pizza Local Business Meeting 6171 $1,225.00 Trucker Huss Legal Services 6172 $5.66 United Parcel Service Parcel Shipping 6173 $62.25 United Rentals Highway Technologies Trail Sign-SFO 6174 $661.25 Unlimited Graphics&Sign Network Vehicle Decals&Logos 6175 $79.11 West Tek Supply, Inc. Field Supplies 6176 $356.67 Wickham, Elisa Reimbursement-Uniform Expenses 6177 $1,323.86 Workflow One Printing Services-Citation Forms 6178 R $46.00 Ace Fire Equipment Annual Maintenance Fee 6179 R $175,63 ADT Security Services Alarm Service-SFO 6180 R $45,40 Allen's Press Clipping Bureau Clipping Service 6181 R $141.05 Allied Waste Services Garbage Service 6182 R $1,474.43 AT&T Telephone Service-AO,SFO Fax Service-AO,SFO& FFO/Alarm Service-FFO Page 2 of 3 Claims No. 07-01 Meeting 07-01 Date 1/10/07 Revised Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District # Amount Name Description 6183 R $17.66 AT&T/MCI Long Distance Fax Service-SFO&FFO 6184 R $154.71 Ben Meadows Company Planning Supplies 6185 R $1,748.88 Briscoe Construction Window Replacement&Repair-Employee Residence 6186 R $260.00 Britton,L.Craig Reimbursement-IRWA Membership Dues&Cell Phone 6187 R $17,498.00 California JPIA 2007 Property&Automobile Insurance Premium 6188 R $27.43 California Water Service Company Water Service-SFO 6189 R $32777 Cascade Fire Equipment Company Field Supplies 6190 R $350.00 *6 City Of Los Altos Facility Rental Deposit-State Of The District 6191 R $119.00 Coastal Sierra Internet Service-SFO 6192 R $5,656.34 EDAW Master Plan Contract Services-Sierra Azul&Bear Creek Redwoods 6193 R $180,00 Freeman, Matt Reimbursement-APA Membership 6194 R $113.99 Goodco Press, Inc. Printing Services-Business Cards 6195 R $190.22 Green Waste Recovery, Inc. Dumpster Service-SFO 6196 R $1,514.04 Home Depot, Inc. Field Supplies&Equipment 6197 R $496.87 Interstate Traffic Control Products U-Channel Sign Posts 6198 R $214.48 Langley Hill Quarry Base Rock-Russian Ridge&Monte Bello Road 6199 R $571.65 Los Altos Garbage Company Dumpster Service-FFO/Garbage Service-AO 6200 R $190.00 Monster Mechanical, Inc. HVAC Safety Check-AO 6201 R $874.33 Orchard Supply Hardware Field Equipment&Supplies 6202 R $78.36 Pape'Material Handling Bobcat Supply 6203 R $288.34 Petty Cash Local Business Meetings,Training,Office Supplies, Staff Activities, Parking&Mileage,Docent Supplies 6204 R $18,08 Reed&Graham, Inc. Hay Bales for Trail Restoration 6205 R $2,178.00 Rural Pig Management Pig Control Services 6206 R $608.02 San Jose Mercury News Legal Ad.-Invitation To Bid For Fence Demolition& Reconstruction 6207 R $34.91 San Jose Mercury News Quarterly Subscription 6208 R $10.00 San Mateo County Public Health Tick Testing 6209 R $32.90 Sierra Office Supply Office Supplies 6210 R $401.62 State Board Of Equalization Water Rights Fees-4 Sites 6211 R $534.67 United Site Services Sanitation Services&Pumping 6212 R $282.08 Verizon Wireless Cell Phone Service 6213 R $200.00 Williams, Michael Reimbursement-IRWA Membership 6214 R $100.23 Xpedite Systems, Inc, Fax Broadcast System Services Total $196,262.28 *1 Urgent Check Issued 12/20/06 *2 Urgent Check Issued 1/4/07 *3 Urgent Check Issued 12/18/06 *4 Urgent Check Issued 12115/06 *5 Urgent Check Issued 1/2/07 *6 Urgent Check Issued 1/9/07 Page 3 of 3 Claims No. 07-01 Meeting 07-01 Date 1/10/07 Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District # Amount Name Description 6095 $1,438.14 Ace Fire Equipment&Service Fire Extinguisher Annual Maintenance-SFO&FFO Company 6096 $644.84 ADT Security Services Alarm Service&Repair-FFO 6097 $195.80 AT&T Telephone Service-AO/Fax Service-FFO 6098 $3,500.00 Bay Area Open Space Council Annual Membership 6099 $378.58 Beck's Shoes Inc. Uniform Shoes 6100 $800.00 Bill's Towing&Recovery Tow Truck Fees 6101 $160,00 BMI Imaging Systems Microfiche Machine Repair 6102 $140.00 Brush Road Corporation Road Association Dues-Hunt Property 6103 $325.30 California Water Service Company Water Service-AO&FFO 6104 $24,995.00 Causey Derngen&Moore Inc. Accounting Research Fees To Secure An IRS Refund Of $44,716.00 6105 $2,066.03 CMK Automotive Inc. Vehicle Maintenance&Repairs 6106 $2,000.00 Concern Employee Consultation&Facilitation 6107 $108.00 Constant Contact Email Service For District Website 6108 $2,490.00 Cornerstone Structural Engineering Bridge Design&Engineering-Thornewood Group 6109 $748.42 Costco Office&Field Supplies 6110 $325.94 Davison,Steve Reimbursement-Tuition 6111 $2,747.42 *1 Dell Commercial Credit 3 Switches For Network Upgrade/Laptop 6112 $3,849.61 Design,Community&Environment Master Planning Services-La Honda Creek 6113 $172.66 Downing, Brendan Reimbursement-Mileage 6114 $5,150.00 Econo Tree Service Stump Removal-Rhus Ridge 6115 $132.34 FedEx Shipping Charges 6116 $334.87 FedEx Kinko's Copy Services 6117 $2,975.09 *2 First Bankcard Field Supplies-182.63 Office Supplies-788.11 Computer Expenses-415.03 Local/Out Of Town Business Meetings-356.44 Conferences&Training- 355.97 Advertising/Subscriptions/Books-272.18 Volunteer Supplies-604.73 6118 $185.82 G&K Services Shop Towel Service 6119 $1,861,62 Gardenland Power Equipment Field Supplies 6120 $125.95 Gempler's, Inc. Uniform Supplies 6121 $6,308.89 H.T. Harvey&Associates Habitat Surveys-Bear Creek Redwoods 6122 $768.49 Hapke,Alexander Reimbursement-Ranger Academy Expenses 6123 $3,461.89 Hertz Equipment Rental Equipment Rental-Drum Roller For Employee Residence Driveway Repairs 6124 $6,777,66 Jakaby Engineering Bridge Design&Engineering-Thomewood 6125 $25.00 Jim Davis Automotive Tire Repairs 6126 $112.20 Jobs Available, Inc. Recruitment Ad-Community Affairs Supervisor 6127 $11,559.25 LA Consulting Consulting Services-Land Management Cost Evaluation &Efficiency Study 6128 $345.00 Lance Bayer Legal Services 6129 $52.74 Lanier Worldwide, Inc. Copy Machine Supplies 6130 $4,522.68 LFR Levine Fricke Planning Services-Skyline Ridge Tree Farm Restoration Project 6131 $327.17 LFR Levine Fricke Engineering&Design Services-Pulgas Ridge Public Access Improvements Project 6132 $118.65 Los Altos Typewriter Typewriter Repair 6133 $19.57 Macke Water Systems, Inc. Water Filter Replacement 6134 $1,000.00 Matt Mann Web Design Services 6135 $479.84 McKowan, Paul Reimbursement-Volunteer Recognition Supplies 6136 $968.15 Metro Mobile Communications Radio Repairs&Supplies Page 1 of 3 Claims No. 07-01 Meeting 07-01 Date 1/10/07 Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District # Amount Name Description 6137 $21,000.00 Mike Tobar Excavation Cleanup-Interiano Property 6138 $150.00 Miller, Ken Reimbursement-EMT Refresher Course 6139 $700.00 Newburn, Michael Reimbursement-Tuition 6140 $247,20 Noble Tractor, Inc. Tractor Supplies 6141 $2,894.03 Office Depot Office Supplies 6142 $206.40 Office Team Office Temp-Reception Desk 6143 $10,000.00 *3 Old Republic Title Company Deposit-Property Purchase 6144 $39.39 Orlandi Trailer Trailer Accessories 6145 $4,678.69 Pape' Material Handling Bucket&Door For Bobcat 6146 $40.45 Paterson, Loro Reimbursement-Uniform Expenses 6147 $2,295,22 Perez, Mike Reimbursement-Ranger Academy Expenses 6148 $296.56 Petrotek Gas Pump Repairs 6149 $231,14 Pine Cone Lumber Lumber/Deck Materials-Employee Residence 6150 $4,141,00 Portola Park Heights Property Owners' Portola Heights&Doherty Ridge Road Repairs-Per Association Agreement 6151 $9,74 Rancho Ace Hardware&Garden Shop Field Supplies 6152 $50.00 Rice, Sally Reimbursement-City Managers Meeting Luncheon 6153 $40.34 Robert's Hardware Field Supplies 6154 $104.88 Roessler,Cindy Reimbursement-Local Business Meeting/Cell Phone 6155 $481.59 Roy's Repair Service Vehicle Repairs&Service 6156 $377.82 Royal Brass Inc. Field Supplies 6157 $34.00 San Francisco Department Of Public EMT Recertification Fee-B. Downing Health 6158 $98.03 *4 San Mateo County Additional Fire Service Fees-Per Agreement 6159 $96.00 San Mateo County Public Health Coliform Testing 6160 $60.00 Sanguinetti,David Reimbursement-Cell Phone 6161 $11.00 *5 Santa Clara County Clerk Recorders Fee-Notice Of Expungement Office 6162 $107,14 Sears Field Supplies 6163 $3,411.43 Silicon Valley Network Cabling Rewire Server Room,Relocate Patch Panels, Install Rack &Run New Cables 6164 $200.00 State Water Resources Control Board Stock Pond Water Rights At Big Dipper Ranch 6165 $416.33 Summit Uniforms Uniform Expenses 6166 $198.97 Tadco Supply Janitorial Supplies 6167 $47.98 The Bicycle Outfitter Bike Supplies 6168 $7,254.00 Timothy C. Best,CEG Road&Trail Inventory-San Francisquito Creek Watershed 6169 $507.68 Tires On The Go Tires 6170 $267,77 Tony&Albas Pizza Local Business Meeting 6171 $1,225,00 Trucker Huss Legal Services 6172 $5.66 United Parcel Service Parcel Shipping 6173 $62,25 United Rentals Highway Technologies Trail Sign-SFO 6174 $661.25 Unlimited Graphics&Sign Network Vehicle Decals&Logos 6175 $79.11 West Tek Supply, Inc. Field Supplies 6176 $356.67 Wickham, Elisa Reimbursement-Uniform Expenses 6177 $1,323.86 Workflow One Printing Services-Citation Forms Page 2 of 3 r ` Claims No. 07-01 Meeting 07-01 Date 1/10/07 Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District # Amount Name Description Total $159,107.19 *1 Urgent Check Issued 12/20/06 *2 Urgent Check Issued 1/4/07 *3 Urgent Check Issued 12/18/06 *4 Urgent Check Issued 12/15/06 *5 Urgent Check Issued 1/2/07 Page 3 of 3 i Regional Open Space MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT TO: Board of Directors FROM: L. Craig Britton, General Manage DATE: January 5, 2007 RE: FYI's i i i I Regional Open Space MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT Memorandum To: Board of Directors / From: L. Craig Britton,General Manager , "--- Date: January 10, 2007 Re: Midpeninsula Ranger's Peace Officer Association The Midpeninsula Ranger's Peace Officer Association (MRPOA) has forwarded you their letter of response (as attached)diseussed at your October 25, 2006 meeting. Because there are a number of items mentioned in this letter, and an expression of frustration on the part of the members, I thought it would be helpful to outline the timeline of the communication process and clarify where we stand at this point in time: Sept. 21, 2005 The MRPOA sent a letter to me (prompted by the then recent shooting of tile Fish and Game Warden during a marijuana farm raid at Sierra Azul), requesting a meeting to discuss their concerns. Nov. 1, 2005 The Operations Manager, Asst. General Manager(Risk Manager) and I met with three members of the ranger group and had a good dialogue. The group requested an opportunity to make a presentation to the Board,to which I agreed. May 5, 2006 I placed an agenda item for the MRPOA to make a presentation to the Board. (Please note- an earlier presentation could not be scheduled as January, February and March are extremely busy months for all managers due to the Action Plan and budget process. In addition, very involved negotiations were in process with the MROSD Field Employees Association (FEA). At your May 5, 2006 Board Meeting, after the presentation by the ranger group, suggested that management would provide a response to the presentation for the Board. No formal action was taken by the Board at this meeting. I did not feel that this formal Board Agenda item should be brought forward until after You approved the contract with the FEA, which was approved on August q, 2006. October 25, 2006 1 provided a report to the Board in response to the items mentioned by MRPOA. outlined which items management feels are Administrative matters and which items are Board Policy items. At the meeting the Board gave the following direction: January 5, 2007 |) Directed staff N work with MKPUAon issues identified in the report us being Administrative (upon which the Board was ioogreemeno. 2) Directed General Counsel hmro- Ubrnit the request h/ the Attorney 1 General clarifying tile Peace Officer authority. 3) Directed staff iu research and report back tnthe Board onthe response times iu District Ranger requests by the local |a° enforcement jurisdictions. � 4) Continue discussion on the remaining three policy matters which � included the District logo and firearms. 5) @nrciod staff{o continue with the process oil the radio improvements. The K4KPOA asked that they bogiven more time <m make their response to the General Manager's recommendations. The group thought they wouldwouldhave their response nzudv by your Dec. 13,x Board meeting. December 13. 2006 Members of the K4|lPO/\ mudc all Oral Communication <otile Board stating they were not yet prepared to submit their response |otter, but wou|d have itshortly. December 2}. 2DO6 We received a copy of the letter from MRPOA to the Board, which I have placed in FY|`s. ( understand that you have also ncooivcd individual copies from tile Ranger staff. � � In addition (o the above iime|ime, ihc [bUowing is an update nfuunncoftile key action items taken since (he October 25"' Board meeting: o We are setting meeting this nx/u1b with the ranger group for further discussion u[these items. o General Counsel has resubmitted tile District's request for an opinion from the Attorney General's Office oil District ranger authority. o \Vc are compiling the |awunK`rcement response times, as you dipccted, and will present this information iu You a( x future meeting. o Regarding the radio system upgrade, u report to the Board is scheduled for tile January 24, 2O07meeting. ' To address tile rangers- comments about tile marijuana farms, please be advised that the District response � iw those concerns was: |) (oprovide Marijuana Punn Recognition training io all staff(March 2v. 2OO6)bo recognize signs o[potential farms in an area so staff Would not inadvertently put themselves in danger; and 2)|o change tile protocols for rangers regarding marijuana farms\o provide tile highest level of safety � regarding such farms oil District property. ( feel this matter has been addressed. | | assumed that the MRP0/\ |cUcr was going to provide input from dle rangers on dlc four remaining � policy areas that the Board is still considering ao that xc ouuN revisit and engage the entire Bound in this � discuyaiun. � � | 2 � � 12/21/?006 14:16 6509491781 SKYLINE PAGE 02 i December I3,2006 Dear Board Mernbers, The Midpenimsula Regional Open Space District employs dedicated and experienced rangers. These rangers are peace Officers as required by state law under 5500 of the Public Resources Code. The Midpeninsula Rangers Peace Officer Association,referred to as the MRPOA,represents this group.We share the District's goal of protecting and rnanaging a greenbelt. Our letter to Craig Britton dated September 21, 2005 addressed a number of public safety and officer safety issues. 'The letter referenced the Warner Study begin in 1998. As a result of this study the Board of Directors issued an Operations Program Review Action Plan on March 30, 200I. The letter noted that a number of the recommendations in the Board Action Plan have been slow to be implemented. MRPOA requested that they be able to make a presentation directly to the Board of Directors. On May 10,2006 three members of the MRPOA made a presentation to the Board of Directors. Virtually all off duty ranger staff were present.An oral presentation was given and a written document was provided outlining officer safety and public safety concerns. It also referenced the Board of Directors Operations Program Review Action Plan based in part on the recommendations of the Warner Study. The MRPOA report also contained additional recommendations. The board and management staff indicated it would respond in a timely manner_ On October 25, 2006 management responded with report R-WI25. The report identified what it believed to be Administrative Issues and Policy Issues. It made no mention of the catalyst for bringing these issues to the board which is the growing of marijuana on District land by organized crime syndicates. We believe that it would be premature for the Board of Directors to take any further action on the recommendations found in the Policy Issues of report R-06-125 other than the two that are already in progress,specifically,the radio and Attorney Generals opinion. After a review of all the issues,boar administrative and policy,the Board of Directors may identify specific areas of concern on which they wish to comment or give direction.. As indicated in report R-06-125,we believe that the Board of Directors should direct manag ement staff to work w A. We would ask the Board of Directors to direct with MRPOA. staff to work with the MRPOA on issues raised in the original letter from the MRPOA of September 21,2005,the report to the Board by the MRPOA as presented on May 10, 2006 and the Operation Program Review Action Plan of March 30,2001 as well as other issues that may arise. The MRPOA believes it would be beneficial if a Board Member participates in these meetings and reports back to the board in public session. Any recommendations should include specificity,time lures and desired outcomes. These meetings should be conducted in a timely manner and include the 2007-08 budget cycle. Sincerely, President Vice President Treasurer John Lloyd Dennis Danielson Christopher Barresi 81/04/07 13:31:39 312-922-7'-9 -> 658691848r 'DIAMAP - PRODUCTIO Page 082 For Immediate Release Contact: Nina Nowak January 4,2007 Staff Writer/Editor Phone: (650) 854-7696 Email:nnowakaopenspacetrust.org Web: www.opempacetrust.org POST Transfers Historic Stevens Canyon Ranch to MROSD (Menlo Park, Calif.) - The Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) has transferred 238-acre Stevens Canyon Ranch to the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District MROSD for 6.6 P (MROSD) $ million. Funding support Y su ort from key public agency partners—including$5 million from MROSD and$1.6 million from the Santa Clara Valley Water District for the purchase of a conservation easement ment on 69 acres of riparian habitat on the ranch—made the sale possible. The transfer was completed on December 29, 2006. Tucked into the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains near Cupertino, Stevens Canyon Ranch was once a thriving fruit farm that helped the Santa Clara Valley earn its nickname of"The Valley of Heart's Delight." POST purchased the ranch from private owners in 2005 for$6.6 million as part of POST's Saving the Endangered Coast campaign. MROSD now plans to add the land to its existing Saratoga Gap Open Space Preserve for recreational trail development and eventual public access. 01/04/07 13:3Z:3Z 31Z-9ZZ-7",9 -> 658691848r 7DIAMAP - PRODUCTIO Page 883 "Stevens Canyon Ranch is a precious remnant of Silicon Valley's agricultural past," said POST President Audrey Rust. "By transferring this scenic heritage property to the Open Space District,POST ensures that the land will remain open and undeveloped, and that future generations will be able to experience its rustic charms and exceptional natural beauty." The ranch dates back to the 1880s and includes an apple and pear orchard that still bears fruit at harvest time. Rising approximately 1,000 feet between Stevens Creek and Saratoga Gap Open Space Preserve, the property lies at the heart of 6,640 acres of public land. Its central location creates a link to the Bay Area Ridge Trail, the Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail,Castle Rock State Park, Sanborn County Park, Long Ridge Open Space Preserve and numerous other preserves along Skyline Boulevard. In early 2005, POST entered into a license and management agreement for MROSD to manage all of the ranch except for the orchard, which POST will continue managing once the land transfers to MROSD. "With its rich history,strategic location and diverse habitats,Stevens Canyon Ranch is a significant addition to the District's open space lands," said MROSD General Manager Craig Britton. "Our partnership with POST,the Santa Clara Valley Water District and other public agencies to protect this property will result in a stunning addition to Saratoga Gap Open Space Preserve and expand recreational trail corridors in the area." The ranch's secluded,rugged terrain includes redwood forest, grassland, oak woodland and mixed evergreen forest. Abundant water from springs and creeks attracts wildlife from surrounding public lands. The ranch has a colorful history. Early settlers in the area used the land for hunting,fishing and fur-trapping, and bedrock mortars where Ohlone Indians ground acorns are still visible on the property. In 1881,homesteader Bastido Bordi cleared 100 acres on the land, planting the fruit orchard and a vineyard 01/04/07 13:33:33 312-922-- 658691040r "DIAHAP - PRODUCTIO Page 004 and establishing a small family winery. His original main house,built atop a stone wine cellar,still stands as the central building on the property. ### POST is a leading private, nonprofit land trust dedicated to preserving the beauty, character and diversity of the San Francisco Peninsula landscape. Since its founding in 1977, the organization has been responsible for saving nearly 60,000 acres as permanent open space and parkland in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. egional Open Sp` MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT December 20, 2006 John Maltbie, County Manager San Mateo County Re: S e: Agreement Between San Mateo County and M>dpcmnsula Regional Op pace District (Regarding Fire Services)—Fire Services Fee for Land Purchases Semi-Annual Installment i Dear Mr. Maltbie, On behalf of Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District(District), I am forwarding the Fire Services Fee payment to you resulting from the District's property purchases within San Mateo County (County) in the Coastside Protection Area, as outlined in our March 2004 Agreement. The District and County entered into the contractual Agreement for the provision of fire-related services to District lands in the Coastside Protection Area that are not currently provided within the State Responsibility Area by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF). According to the Agreement, the District will, in exchange for the County's fire services, compensate the County by means of a Fire Services Fee. The District has purchased three additional properties within the Coastside Protection Area since its last report to you on June 28, 2006. Those properties include: 1) The 183.5-acre Forde property previously owned by Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) and under a License and Management Agreement with the District (APN 066-240-020), purchased on October 31, 2006. Per the Agreement, the averaged assessed value in the District's Fiscal Analysis ($460 per acre increased at two percent per year, or $488.15) provides a greater tax rate than the actual assessed value of the property and is therefore used to determine the Service Fee of$69.41. e 53.2-acre Real Estate Trust Community Foundation of Silicon Valley and Peery 2) The Y (APN 067-370-010 -030 Trust et al property (A ), purchased on November 29, 2006. The Service Fee of$28.34 is determined b a combination of the averaged assessed value S Y calculation for APN 067-370-010 and the actual assessed value for APN 067-370-030. 3) The 3,681-acre Driscoll Ranch property previously owned by POST (APN 078-270-010, -020, -030; 078-290-010, -020, -030, -060; 082-140-020; 082-170-010, -040) purchased on December 15, 2006. The averaged assessed value was used to calculate the General Tax Rate for APN 078-270-010 and—020; the remaining properties used the current assessed values for the tax rate. The Service Fee for this property is $12,507.22 33o Distel Circle 650-691-12oo info@openspace.org BOARD OF DIRECTORS:Pete Siemens,Mary Davey,Jed Cyr, GENERAL MANAGER: Los Altos CA 94022-1404 650-69t-0485 fax www.openspace.org Curt Riffle,Nonette Hanko,Larry Hassett,Kenneth C.Nitz L.Craig Britton g.mom CJ ..0iu ae weu Maltbie December 20, 2006 Page 2 The calculation of the annual service fee for these three properties is contained in the table below: Parcel Number Acres General Tax Rate APN 066-240-020 183.5 $895.66 Pro Rata Share for County Fire_(!/o) x 0.0775 Service Fee Due $69.41 Parcel Number Acres General Tax Rate APN 067-370-010 38.2 $186.47 APN 067-310-030 15.0 $179.23 Sum x Pro Rata Share for County Fire $365.70 x 0.0775 Service Fee Due $28.34 Parcel Number Acres General Tax Rate APN 078-270-010 576.29 $2,813.16 APN 078-270-020 101.49 $495.42 APN 078-270-030 615.57 $10,904.88 APN 078-290-010 254.95 $15,350.47 APN 078-290-020 450.82 $27,684.91 APN 078-290-030 213.50 $12,864.13 APN 078-290-060 430.49 $26,679.57 APN 082-140-020 23.03 $1,351.26 APN 082-170-0 10 471.87 $28,647.04 APN 082-170-040 542.69 $34,592.64 Sum x Pro Rata Share for County Fire $16 1,')8').48 x 0.0775 1 Service Fee Due $12,507.22 Service Fees (lands previously purchased) - $4,150.55 TOTAL SERVICE FEE $16,657.77 The Agreement requires the District to make Fire Services Fee Payments to the County in two semi-annual installments for any land purchases completed by the District within the Coastside Protection Area. In accordance with the Agreement, please find enclosed the Fire Service Fee of $8,328.88 including installments of$452.77 for the Miramontes Ridge property purchased August 30, 2005, $1,336.88 for Rapley Ranch property purchased January 10, 2006, $236.76 for Portal Lookout property purchased January 11, 2006, and the first installments of$34.71 (Forde), $14.17 (Peery), and $6,253.61 (Driscoll) for the three new properties described above. Enclosed, please find a table clarifying a payment schedule for the Coastside properties MROSD purchased to date that are subject to this Agreement. We would also like to remind the County that the District is still in litigation regarding the validity of the Annexation of the Coastside Protection Area, which is the subject of the Agreement. Should the litigation rescind the Certificate of Completion for the Annexation, or otherwise result in the Annexation not being final or effective, the District expects that any fire Maltbie December 20, 2006 Page 3 services fee payments made to the County for purchases in the Coastside Protection Area would be reimbursed to the District, as the District's obligation to pay the fire services fee under this Agreement is specifically contingent on the Annexation being final and effective. Sincerely, L. Craig Britton, General Manager cc: Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Board of Directors FIRE SERVICE FEE PAYMENT SCHEDULE Purchase Install Install ns a Assessor Parcel No. Date General Tax Rate % Fire Service Fee 1/1/06 7/1/06 1/1/07 056-440-010 8/30/2005 $3,298.07 0.0775 $255.60 056-440-060 $3,298.06 0.0775 $255.60 056-440-070 $3,298.07 0.0775 $255.60 056-450-020 $1,561,00 0.0775 $120.98 Sub-total $887.78 $443.89 $443.89 $452.77 078-210-370 1/10/2006 $10,010 0.0775 $775.78 080-320-170 $24,490 0.0775 $1,897.98 Sub-total $2,673.75 na $1,336.88 $1,336.88 085-130-050 1/11/2006 $6,109.80 0.0775 $473.51 na $236.75 $236.75 066-240-020 10/31/2006 $895.66 0.0775 $69.41 na na $34.71 067-370-010 11/29/2006 $186.47 0.0775 $14.45 067-310-030 $179.23 0.0775 $13.89 Sub-total $28.34 na na $14.17 078-270-010 12/15/2006 $2,813.16 0.0775 $218.02 078-270-020 $495.42 0.0775 $38.40 078-270-030 $10,904.88 0.0775 $845.13 078-290-010 $15,350.47 0.0775 $1,189.66 078-290-020 $27,684.91 0.0775 $2,145.58 078-290-030 $12,864.13 0.0775 $996.97 078-290-060 $26,679.57 0.0775 $2,067.67 082-140-020 $1,351.26 0.0775 $104.72 082-170-010 $28,647.04 0.0775 $2,220.15 082-170-040 $34,592.64 0.0775 $2,680.93 $6 253.61 Sub total $ 12 na na 507.22 , I TOTAL 1 $8,328.88 12/18/2006 I gional Open Sp e MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DIS TRICT December 20,2006 La Honda Pescadero Unified School District err Attn: Superintendent Jim Beard Re: Agreement Between La Honda Pescadero Unified District(LHPUSD) and Midpeninsula .Regional Open Space District(MROSD)—Report of Purchase and Semi-annual Installment of Tax Compensatory Fee Dear Superintendent Beard, On behalf of MROSD, I am forwarding a report of purchase and Tax Compensatory Fee resulting from MROSD property purchases within the LHPUSD boundary and the MROSD Coastside Protection Area, as outlined in our March 2004 Agreement. The Agreement became effective on September 7,2004 when the Certificate of Completion of Annexation was recorded, extending the MROSD boundary to the Pacific Ocean from the southern border of Pacifica to the Santa Cruz County line. According to the Agreement, MROSD is required to report to LHPUSD the current MROSD land purchases and leases within the LHPUSD and Coastside Protection Area by Assessor Parcel Number (APN) within 30 days of close of escrow. MROSD is also responsible for submitting semi-annual installments of the Tax Compensaotory Fees based on MROSD purchases within the LHPUSD and Coastside Protection Area. This letter constitutes the report. Enclosed, please find the next semi-annual installment of the Tax Compensatory Fee. As of December 31, 2006, MROSD will have closed escrow one new property within the LHPUSD and the Coastside Protection Area. The property is the 3,681-acre former Driscoll Ranch property that Peninsula Open Space Trust(POST) owned prior to the MROSD purchase, of which $1,349.76 acres are subject to this Agreement. The Assessor's Parcel Numbers(APN)are listed in the table below. As explained to you in our last Annual Report, the calculation of the LHPUSD Tax Share of$10,259.73 is based upon the tax assessment rate of the parcels at the time that Peninsula Open Space Trust(POST) purchased the property, because POST is a non-governmental tax-exempt entity and provision 5b of the Agreement states: In the case of Eligible Acquisitions from non-governmental tax- exempt entities such as non-profit land trusts, MROSD will pay a Tax Compensatory Fee equal to the property tax that LHPUSD would otherwise have received, had it not been acquired by such tax- exempt entity, based upon the actual property taxes levied upon the Eligible Acquisition on the date that it was acquired by the tax- exempt entity. POST closed escrow on January 22, 2002 and MROSD used the property tax information from the 2001- 2002 tax year to determine the General Tax Rates for each APN. The table below outlines the calculation of Tax Compensatory Fee or"LHPUSD Tax Share." 33o Distel Circle 650-691-i2oo info@openspace.org BOARD OFDfRECTORS:Pete Siemens,Mary Davey,JedCyr, GENERAL MANAGER: Los Altos CA 94022-1404 650-6gi-0465 fax www.openspace.org Curt Riffle,Nonette Nanko,Larry Nassett,Kenneth C Nitz L.Craig Britton � � � � Superintendent Jim Beard Page 2 Parcel Number Acres General Tax Rate Sub-Total LRPUSD Tax Share $10,259.73 � LI-IPUSD Tax Share (lands previously purchased) $1,204.29 LHPUSD TOTAL ANNUAL TAX SHARE $11,464.02 According tothe Agreement, the LBPDSD Tax Share istnbcpaid toLBPDSD6u two installments mcmi- onnuu||yonJanuary )* and July )mof each calendar year. Please find enclosed the LHD`D8D Tax Share installment for the two properties reported to you on June 28, 2006 and the first installment of the new property ua described above for a total semi-annual payment of$5'732.0\. Enclosed, please find utable clarifying u payment schedule for the CousLmide properties K1ROOI) purchased to date that are muhiect to this Agreement. The Agreement between LHPUSD and MROSD also requires that by August I of each year, LFIPUSD report to MROSD the nature, scope and costs of tile environmental education services LHPUSD provided during its prior fiscal year. We did not receive this report from you for the 2OO5-Z0O6 fiscal year, We look forward to hearing from you on the nature, scope, and costs of the environmental education services LB9USD provided during this past year. We would also like toremind L89DSD that the District is Currently in litigation regarding the validity of the Annexation nf the Couutyide Protection /\rcu vvhiuhisth�euhi�c�o[�h� /�&rcunncn�� Should � , ' � litigation rescind the Certificate ofCompletion for the Annexation, nrotherwise result in the Annexation � not being final or effective,the District expects that any LHPUSD Tax Share payments made to the LRPlJSD for purchases in the Coantaide Protection Area would heruimbumed to the District, as the [>ie1rict`a�ob!<Aadnn \n pay the LBPUSD Tax Share under this Agreement io specifically contingent on the Annexation being final and effective. Should you have any questions regarding the information contained in this report, please contact me. � L Craig Britton General Manager cc: Midpeninsu|o Regional Open Space %)ieLhct Board of Directors � i � � � � L. ,PUSD TAX COMPENSATORY FEL- PAYMENT SCHEDULE Purchase install ns a Assessor Parcel No. Date General Tax Rate % School Tax Share 7/1/06 1/1/07 080-320-170 1/10/2006 $1,682.16 0.47 $790.62 $395.31 $395.31 085-130-050 1/11/2006 $880.15 0.47 $413.67 $206.84 $206.84 078-290-010 12/15/2006 $3,362.58 0.47 $1,580.41 na 078-290-020 $7,772.53 0.47 $3,653.09 na 078-290-030 $2,811.34 .0.47 $1,321.33 na 078-290-060 $7,882.77 0.47 $3,704.90 na Sub-total $10,259.73 $5,129.87 TOTAL $5,732.01 12/18/2006 Page 1 of 1 Volunteer From: "Dennis Henley" �' � To: '"'Craig Beckman' <cbeckman@openspace.org>, "Paul McKowan"<volunteer@openspace.org> Sent: Tuesday, December 19, 2006 3:34 PM Subject: 2006 was a great year Craig and Paul, I would like to thank you and all of the MROSD staff for your devotion to the protection of our bay area natural resources. 2006 has been a real eye opener for me. The MROSD staff members are a real joy to work with and your programs have helped me focus in a most positive way. In my next life I will try to start my volunteer work at an earlier age. See you in 2007, Dennis Henley i 12/19/2006 12/18/86 1B:18:52 312-922-2e' -? 65069104BS `IAMAP - PRODUCTID Page 002 tititi I For Immediate Release Contact: Nina Nowak December 15,2006 Phone: (650) 854-7696 nnowak4open.spacetru st.org www.openspacetrust.org POST Transfers Expansive Cattle Ranch to MROSD (Menlo Park, Calif.) - Today, the Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) announced that it has completed the transfer of Driscoll Ranch to the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (MROSD/The District) for inclusion in the District's open space preserve system. The 3,681-acre property,located along Highway 84 in La Honda, was purchased by POST in 2002 as part of its Saving the Endangered Coast campaign. "For three decades,Driscoll Ranch has been accessible only to the Driscoll family,guests,and hired ranch hands," said Walter Moore, POST Executive Vice President. "Now, with the transfer of the ranch to MROSD, the property is one step closer to opening to the public. POST's goal with Driscoll Ranch was to insure the continuation of well-managed grazing on the property while opening it for public enjoyment. To that end, the District and the Driscoll family are currently undertaking a master planning effort to integrate the grazing lease held 1Z/18/06 18:11:44 312-922-24' 650691048E 'IAMAP - PRODUCTIO Page 003 by Driscoll Ranches and traditional uses with future hiking trails,staging areas and other facilities on the property." POST acquired Driscoll Ranch from Driscoll Ranches, LLC for$21 million paid over a three-year period. Now, four years later,POST is transferring the land to MROSD for$9 million. POST is able to transfer the land to the District at a reduced price thanks to public funding provided by the California Coastal Conservancy and the generosity of POST supporters. At 5.75 square miles, Driscoll Ranch is one of the largest private tracts of undeveloped land remaining on the San Francisco Peninsula. The land is a patchwork of varying terrain and wildlife habitats,serving as an example of northern California's rich biodiversity. From the ranch's highest elevation, outdoor enthusiasts will be able to enjoy jaw-dropping 360-degree vistas of the Pacific Ocean,the San Mateo coastline,and the San Gregorio Valley. Future hikers and equestrians might also spot the threatened California tiger salamander and the threatened California red-legged frog. "Driscoll Ranch is the largest property ever acquired for public use in the history of MRO'SD," said Craig Britton,General Manager of MROSD. "Over the next two years, we plan to hold a series of public workshops to make sure people have a chance to provide meaningful input about future use of the ranch." The District plans to incorporate Driscoll into the adjacent La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve located north of the ranch. Combined, these two properties will create the District's largest preserve in the county, spanning a total of 5,759 acres. 12/18/06 18:12:39 312-922-2a' -> 6506918405 -'IAMAP - PRdDOCTID Page 884 POST is a leading private, nonprofit land trust dedicated to preserving the beauty, character and diversity of the San Francisco Peninsula landscape. Since its founding in 1977, the organization has been responsible for saving more nearly 60,000 acres as permanent open space and parkland in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. I I I I Regional Open Spy ' 1 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT December 15, 2006 Ms. Arlinda Heineck Community Development Director RE: Fiscal Agreement Regarding Las Pulgas Community Development Project between the Menlo Park Community Development Agency and the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Dear Ms. Heineck: In November 1991, the Menlo Park Community Development Agency (Agency) and the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (District) entered into a Fiscal Agreement, (Agreement) whereby the Agency agreed to pay the District an "Initial Payment" of $150,000 as well as a tax increment "pass-through" payment as specified in Exhibit A of the Agreement from fiscal year 1992�93 through fiscal year 2004-05. The purpose of this Agreement was to compensate the District for a potential loss in revenue from negative tax implications of the Las Pulgas Community Development Project. As part of that Agreement, the District agreed to use these resources for the following: (1) to acquire additional open space in the Ravenswood Open Space Preserve (Ravenswood) area and along the eastern bay front of the city; (2) to prepare plans for the construction of signage, trails and other public access amenities (collectively, "improvements"); and Q) to develop improvements on the land. The Agreement also specified that the District would submit statements to the Agency describing how the payment monies were spent. During the District's audit last year, the auditors brought to our attention that the District had failed to provide your Agency with statements describing the use of the Initial Payment funds. As such, the purpose of this letter is to provide you with that information. Furthermore, I would like to take this opportunity to further explain the efforts we have expended in this area in cooperation with public agencies, local land trusts, and private partners. Since 1991, the District has used the monies from the Initial Payment and tax increment payments to complete the following land acquisitions and improvements at Ravenswood: 1) Completion of Public Access and Infrastructure Improvements since the early 1990s. The District's Planning and Operations departments continually monitor conditions at the preserve and ensure that public access trails, signs, and other infrastructure are in safe working order and that healthy natural resource 33o Distel Circle 650-69i-mo info@openspace.org BOARD OF DIRECTORS:Pete Siemens,Mary Davey,Jed Cyr, GENERAL MANAGER: Los Altos CA 94022-1404 650-6gi-0485 fax www.openspace.org Curt Riffle,Nonette Nanko,Larry Nassett,Kenneth C.Nitz L.Craig Britton conditions are maintained. Since the early 1990s, District field crews, along with the help of some of our constituents through numerous volunteer projects, made the following improvements: added base rock at the entrance to the preserve, completed road work, removed dumped debris, installed retaining walls on a °whole access" trail, installed fencing and signs, completed numerous clean-up projects and vandalism repairs, painted and maintained the observation decks, repaired fencing, weeded and planted natural vegetation. In total, the District spent approximately $40,000 on labor hours and material costs for these improvements over the past ten years. 2) Facilitated, reviewed, and monitored restoration of tidal marsh at Ravenswood/Cooley Landing. The District played a key role in the restoration of Ravenswood/Cooley Landing Salt Pond by encouraging and permitting StarLink Logistics, Inc (formerly Aventis CropScience USA, Inc. and Rhone-Poulenc Inc.) to have access to Ravenswood to conduct a tidal restoration project to the entire former salt pond area. This mitigation project was administered by the Regional Water Quality Board and managed by Star Link Logistics. The District reviewed and approved the restoration project and plans as well as provided the required public notices. The District currently monitors the progress of the restoration efforts and will continue to do so over the next six years. Substantial District efforts have been spent on this project in order to restore the former 150-acre salt pond to a healthy tidal marsh and improve the habitat for the vegetation and wildlife (including the federally endangered California clapper rail) at the adjacent Ravenswood preserve. The value of these efforts both, preformed directly by the District and contributed by Star Link Logistics (as a result of District negotiation efforts), is approximately $500,000. 3) Encouraged and Assisted the Peninsula Open Space Trust in acquiring the 6.62- acre Cooley Landing property.. The District encouraged and assisted Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) in purchasing the Cooley Landing property for $1,200,000. This critical acquisition was funded by a grant from the Packard Foundation, which would not have been possible without POST's leadership and involvement in the project. t) Facilitated and negotiated, in cooperation with the City of Palo Alto, easements to improve Bay Trail connections to other public lands and trails near and adjacent to Ravenswood. The District initiated and facilitated City of Palo Alto acquisition of the PG&E and Star Links Logistic, Inc. Trail Basements. These easements extend the public trail adjacent to Palo Alto's Baylands Nature Preserve connecting to Ravenswood and implement an important segment of the San Francisco Bay Trail. The District is still working on acquiring the final trail easement to complete this trail connection. When complete, this project will allow Menlo Park residents to experience a continuous trail from Ravenswood to the Baylands Nature Preserve in Palo Alto and from there connect to Mountain View Shoreline Park. The acquisition of the easements and preparation of the trail have a value of approximately $30,000. _I . f . The District continues to manage and work on improvements at Ravenswood. Current District efforts include funding a predator control project, to be managed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service and implemented by the US Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. This project will remove non-native and predator fauna that threaten the native California clapper rail and salt marsh harvest mouse, both endangered species, whose only habitat is the salt-water marshes of the San Francisco Bay. The District is contributing $55,000 to this program, which will be implemented over a number of years. In summary, since the initiation of Subject Fiscal Agreement approximately $1,770,000 has been spent in the Ravenswood Open Space Preserve area both directly and indirectly on behalf of the District thereby fulfilling the Districts obligations thereunder. As such, please consider this as the final report in this matter from the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. Sincerely,`'_ L. Craig Britton General Manager CC: District Board of Directors ..�TEROFFICE MEMORANDUM December 15, 2006 TO: L. Craig Britton, General Manager FROM: G. Baillie, Management Analyst SUBJECT: MONTHLY FIELD ACTIVITY SUMMARY Month November Year 2006 DISTRICT VIOLATIONS CITES TOTALS OTHER CRIMES TOTALS Bicycles None Closed area 20 24 Speed 6 13 Helmet 16 24 ACCIDENTS/INCIDENTS Night riding 3 3 Bicycle accident 0 Enter sensitive area(M) 0 0 Equestrian accident I Headset prohibited 1 5 Hiking/running accident I Dogs Other first aid 0 Prohibited area 1 5 Search & Rescue 3 Off-leash 16 19 Vehicle accident 0 Off-road vehicles 0 0 LZ air evacuation 0 Closed area 3 3 Fire 0 After hours 5 7 Fishing 0 0 Vandalism 0 2 ENFORCEMENT Parking 30 40 Parking citations 83 Parking after hours 53 53 Other citations 72 Dumping 0 2 Written warnings 42 Camping 0 0 Arrests 0 Weapons Police assistance 0 Actual contact (air gun) 0 2 Weapons report 0 1 Reckless driving 0 1 MUTUAL AID Minor puss alcohol 0 1 Accident 2 Alcohol possession 0 1 Fire I Gathering wood 0 1 Law enforcement 0 Collecting plants 0 3 LZ for offsite 0 Collecting insects 0 3 Smoking 0 4 Metal detector prohib 0 1 Filming w/out permit 0 1 Delay peace officer I I Indecent exposure 0 1 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT INCIDENTS BY DATE Date 2 A single gunshot was heard near Deer Hollow Farm at Rancho San Antonio. The sound was reported by both a staff member and a volunteer. Sheriff s deputies were called and searched the area but were unable to locate anything or anyone suspicious. 3 An 80-year-old hiker fell near the Tafoni formation at El Corte de Madera. He received minor injuries to his face. San Mateo County Fire and District rangers responded. The victim was medically assessed but declined further assistance or medical transport. He hiked out on. 15 A report was received regarding aggressive dogs belonging to a neighbor at Bear Creek Redwoods. The dogs were entering the preserve and chased an equestrian. Contact was made with the neighbor and a citation was issued for dogs prohibited, and nuisance dogs. 16 A report came in from Garrod Stables via Mountain View Communications regarding a nude male p g g jogger in Fremont Older, heading towards the main park entrance.. The female equestrian stated that she was offended when she saw the suspect. After a search of the area, no suspect was found. There have been several occurrences over the last few months. An investigation is continuing between ranger staff and the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office. 18 A ranger heard radio traffic regarding a wildland fire off Wagner Road. A large column of smoke could be seen. The ranger was first on scene to a private property near Sierra Azul, and observed a 3000 foot debris pile on fire and also that an oak tree had begun to burn. Initial attack knocked the fire down, but more water was needed. The fire was fully extinguished by Santa Clara County Fire Department. 19? A ranger at Windy Hill attempted to stop a bicyclist for speeding at an estimated 30 mph. The cyclist maneuvered around the ranger and sped up to the parking lot, where the ranger caught up to him. The person said he did not hear the ranger's orders to stop,because he was wearing a headset covering both ears. He was issued a citation for"wilfully delaying a peace officer"and"wearing a headset covering both ears while bicycling". 22 District staff was requested to respond to Sam MacDonald County Park with ATVs to assist with a search. The Skyline Area Maintenance supervisor and an OST responded to the staging area. The lost person was found before District staff was deployed. 25 A ranger made contact with two men in the Rincon Creek area of Sierra Azul, a posted closed area. The men had been shooting air guns. Both men were cited and released. 26 A search for stranded hikers occurred in the Guadalupe River drainage of Sierra Azul. Mtn. View dispatch received a phone call from the three hikers, who were going to be late getting out, and it was getting dark. After a search by District staff, the three hikers were located on a steep hill. They were evaluated and seemed mildly hypothermic. They were given jackets and flashlights and were accompanied out. 28 At Monte Bello an equestrian was thrown from her horse when the horse began to slip on a muddy trail. She sustained an injured left shoulder, an injured back, and a left wrist fracture. District rangers, Palo Alto Fire and Santa Clara County Fire responded. She was transported by ambiance to Stanford Hospital. November vandalism 8 A split rail fence was hit by a vehicle and broken at Foothills OSP 10 A barricade was broken in half on a trail in El Corte de Madera. 2 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT For Immediate Release Contact: December 14, 2006 Kristi Britt Public Affairs Specialist (650) 691-1200 DISTRICT PURCHASES 238-ACRE STEVENS CANYON RANCH PROPERTY -- Century-old Cupertino Foothills Property Offers Diverse Landscape and Outstanding Future Recreational Opportunities -- LOS ALTOS, CA [December 14, 2006] —The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District's Board of Directors last night unaninnously voted to purchase the 238—acre Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) Stevens Canyon Ranch property as an addition to the District's Saratoga Clap Open Space Preserve. Ili 2005, tile Tlie Di Stevens tr ict ente ed into a L nicenselan property preservation dMan agement AAgreement with POS[' to manage th e pr opee 50,000 protected acres. until funds to purchase it were obtained. funding support was recently secured from the Santa Clara Valley Water District through a $1.6 million riparian conservation easement purchase with POST, California Coastal Conservancy grant funds totaling S500,000, and $1.2 million from the State Park Bond Act of 2002 (Proposition 40). "Stevens Canyon Ranch has been a particularly significant purchase," said Craig Britton, the District's General Manager. "This property marked a major milestone in open space acreage protected by the District, its location makes it an ideal site for regional trail connections and recreation, and the long-time relationship between tine District and the previous owners resulted in all of the parties desires for preservation ofthis property." Located between Monte Bello and Saratoga Gap Open Space Preserves and lower Stevens Creek County Park, there are excellent opportunities for two regional trail connections from Stevens Canyon Ranch. The first would cross over Stevens Creels and ascend northward to the planned Stevens Creek Trail between the District's Monte Bello Preserve r nd Stevens Creek County Park. The second potential trail would extend from the northwestern boundary of the property, connecting, Stevens Creel: Canyon to Saratoga Gap Preserve and the Bay Area Ridge Trail. This trail would provide access to the regional trailhead at Saratoga Gap and connect with the Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail, Castle Rock State Park, Sanborn Skyline County Park, Long Ridge Preserve, and numerous other preserves along Skyline 130u1evard. T'lle property's diverse landscape includes grassland, meadows, and redwood groves along year-round creeks in deeply-cut canyons, including an immense, 12-foot diameter old-growth redwood thought to be the largest tree rennaining in Stevens Canyon. A population of rare Santa Clara red ribbons clarkia also grows in one of the meadows and a stand of purple needle grass on one of the knolls is one of the best intact stands in Santa Clara County. Stevens Canyon Ranch has been a family ranch since the 1880s and still retains the atmosphere of an earlier age. An old stone winery, weathered outbuildings, and an apple and pear orchard are visible reminders of the agricultural heritage of Santa Clara Valley. Tlie faded paintings oftwo dancing ladies adorn the winery doors and open into a cool, dark interior where wine casks were stacked to the ceiling, and some are still there. ('rented by voters more than 30 vears ago, the: Midpeninsulu Regional Open Space District has successfully protected cruet rnarruged neurly 50,000 acres dfc�pen space. The public enjoys the District's diverse and beautiful preserves 365 days a year. The District is an independent, nun-enterprise, C'aliforniu special district whose mission is to uccluire and prc>scrve a regional greenbelt af'open space land in perpetuity, protect and restore the natural environment, and provide opportunities for ecologically sensitive public enjoyment and education. wwn,.openspac•e.org MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT For Immediate Release Contact: Rudy.1Urgensen December 14, 2006 Public Affairs Manager (650)691-1200 GRANT AWARDED FOR FOUR PROJECTS TO ERADICATE NOXIOUS WEEDS IN SAN MATEO COUNTY California LTC)S, eof►Fc��d �u d2A06icult►e �CDt�A efforts l as award►ed1tfieinvasive ci►weeds in San Mateo County, tile Stepping ! Department g ( ) p� nsula Regional Open Space District and its partner agencies in the San Mateo County Weed Management Area (WMA) a combined $100,000 grant to eradicate and control infestations of slender false brome, pampas grass, St. John's wort, and other non- native, noxious weeds. The grant is a success for the WMA, which was formed by state and local agencies, private landowners, the agricultural incfust►y, and environmental organizations to fight invasive plant species in San Mateo County. In addition to the Mid peninsula Regional Open Space District, the WMA includes the County of Sall Mateo (Agriculture and Parks and Recreation Departments), California Department of Parks and Recreation, Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST), Friends of Edgewood Natural Preserve, and others. The District's slender false brome eradication project will receive $10,000 and is one of four projects funded by the grant. Slender false brome is a quick-spreading, peren ial, non-native grass that threatens redwood forest and grassland ecosystems by inhibiting tree seedling establishment, out-competing native forest floor and grassland species for nutrients and light, altering the composition of forest understory, and reducing the value of livestock pastures. Slender false brome, so far found only in Oregon and Woodside, CA, was recently upgraded to an A-rated noxious weed by the State of California, triggering significantly increased cooperative multi-agency efforts to eradicate it on publicly and privately-owned lands. The District's eradication project airs to remove slender false brome from private properties in the Woodside area to prevent the grass from spreading to protected redwood forests and beyond. The District has already removed 40 acres of slender false brome from the Thornewood Open Space Preserve in Woodside, but complete eradication from the surrounding private properties is required to prevent further ecological losses in California. Other projects funded under the San Mateo County Weed Management Area grant include: • $50.700 to help restore native grasslands at San Mateo County Parks' Edgewood Natural Preserve by tcsting different methods for controlling non-native annual grasses and promoting the establishment of native wildflowers and perennial grasses. • S19,800 to the Peninsula Open Space Trust to assist in eradicating new infestations of Canary Island St. John's wort on POST lands along Highway 1 near Gazos Creek. • S 10,000 to the Peninsula Open Space Trust to help remove and control pampas grass on its 1 19-acre Pillar Point Bluff property to restore native plant communities and reduce the source of pampas grass seed in the area. All projects include additional in-kind money and tine donated by local agencies and volunteer groups to complete these valuable projects. 4## Crc°atc?�l/w voters more than 30 years ergo, the Alidpetinsula Regional Open Space District has yuc~cess(ully protected and nr�rrrcr =cdOV(T it1,000 ucv-cs o/opal space. lhepuh/ic enjoys the District's diverse and heoutijldpreserves 363 clays ayear. 117C District Ls an nrdcperrderrt, non-enterprise, C ohlbrniu pecial district whose mission is to acquire and preserve a regional ercmhelt of open spuee land in perpettrit>>, prote>et and resrore the natural environment, and provide opportunities for ecoloirically sensitive public enjoyment and education. i�ititir,upcu�pucc�.ur� Regional en' arm MiDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT December 8, 2006 M. Fentress Hall Dear Ms. Hall: In an email dated December 2, 2006, you advised the President of the Board of Directors of Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (District) of your new position as Chair of the Woodside Trails Committee. You also requested an update on the status of grant funds expected in support of projects at Thornewood Open Space Preserve and an implementation schedule. I am pleased to announce that the District received grant funding under the Coastal Nonpoint Source Pollution Control Program (CNPS) Proposition 50 from the State Water Resources Control Board. Funds are to be used specifically for projects to implement water quality improvement actions toward eliminating impairment of waters in the San Francisco Bay Region. As you know, Dennis Martin Creek is tributary to San Francisquito Creek, which is listed as impaired by sediment under the Clean Water Act, Section 303(d). Grant funds are not tied specifically to a bridge over Dennis Martin Creek; instead, they are tied to priority road and trail repair projects for all District lands within San Francisquito Creek watershed. The District intends to use a portion of these funds at Thornewood Open Space Preserve once the Board of Directors gives policy guidance to staff on implementation of priority projects at that Preserve. Staff is overseeing civil engineers, engineering geologists, and geotechnical engineers to develop options for public access over Dennis Martin Creek along the existing Dennis Martin Trail alignment. Preliminary soil core drilling results for locating bridge consultants had hoped, in large part because of the abutments were not as goo d as p abu g geologic instability of the site. Options for other ways to cross the creek are being examined and staff has a field appointment to discuss these options with California r Department of Fi sh and Game in January 2007. I Staff is shepherding the project along as quickly as possible and is aware that this project is important to the Woodside Trails Committee. A full range of alternatives will be presented to the District's Use and Management Committee as soon as they are available. 33o Distel Circle 650-691-1200 info@openspace.org BOARD OFDHZECTORS:Pete Siemens,Mary Davey,Jed Cyr, GENERAL MANAGER: Los.Altos CA 94022-1404 650-691-0485 fax www.openspace.org Curt Riffle,Nonette Honko,Larry Hassett,Kenneth C.Nitz L.Craig Britton CEQA review, Town of Woodside and resource agency permit applications will follow, with implementation likely occurring in 2008. Thank you for your continued interest in the District's management of Thornewood Open Space Preserve. Please feel free to contact Meredith Manning, Project Manager, at (650) 691-1200, if you have further questions. Sincerely, 7 l 6,.�7 Jed Cyr President, Board of Directors cc: L. Craig Britton Matt Freeman Rudy Jurgensen Meredith Manning n Regional Open Spa -� MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT November 27, 2006 I Craig Dremann Dear Mr. Dremann: Thank you for your recent correspondence to the District regarding our resource management practices. In your message, you identify what you believe to be an inconsistency between the District's recent examination of grazing as a management tool for the District's grassland areas and language within the Vegetation Management Policy. Although the Resource Management Policies document does identify grazing as a threat to native plant communities (Chapter 4, page 4-1), the text goes on to state that "controlled grazing" is a vegetation management alternative that can be used in the "maintenance, establishment, or restoration of target vegetation that meets a preserve's management objectives." (Chapter 4,page 4-2) The District is currently developing grazing management standards consistent with these policies under which livestock grazing will be used to manage grassland habitats. In response to your questions regarding the District's management of Harding grass and yellow star thistle at Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve, the District has been working on the control and management of these species through several methods including the use of prescribed fire as a resource management tool and the on-going release of biological control agents in efforts to reduce the viability of seeds from yellow star thistle. The District has also mapped the occurrence of non-native vegetation for all of the District's lands to help prioritize areas for treatments. Thank you for your continued interest in the District's resource management activities. Sincerely, Yied Cyr President, Board of Directors cc: L. Craig Britton Rudy Jurgensen Kirk Lenington Cindy Roessler 33o Distel Circle 650-691-1200 info@openspace.org BOARD OF DIRECTORS:Pete Siemens,Mary Davey,Jed Cyr, GENERAL MANAGER: Los Altos ca 94022-1404 650-69r0485 fax www.openspace.org Curt Riffle,Nonette Honko,Larry Hossett,Kenneth C.Nitz L.Craig Britton ' V*Vr t n Regional Open Space ° MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT January 10, 2007 DRAFT RESPONSE PREPARED BY STAFF FOR BOARD CONSIDERATION Dear Mr. Brezoczky, Thank you for your e-mail of December 30, 2006 and your interest in trail connections. Connecting District trails is also a general goal of the District, whenever feasible. The District Ward boundaries do not in any way inhibit the District's ability to plan and create trail connections. The Ward boundaries are an essential part of the legislation that created the District and are related to constituent representation for the purpose of elections. By law, the District considers realignment of the Ward boundaries every 10 years following the federal census to provide for equal representation on behalf of the District's constituency. The entire Board addresses policies for the whole District. Specifics such as trail alignments are addressed in the preserve Use and Management planning process. Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve is currently in the master planning process. Staff has been working with the public to prepare a thirty-year vision for the Preserve, including interior and regional trail connections. Attached is a recent newsletter with more information about this project. Please contact the District at(650) 691-1200 or via email at masterplan@openspace.org if you would like to receive notification of upcoming master planning workshops and meetings. You may also be interested to know that the Santa Clara County Parks Department is currently preparing a Master Trails Plan for Sanborn County Park. The Parks Department and the Open Space District are working together to identify regional trail connections between Sanborn Park and El Sereno Open Space Preserve. For more information about this project, you can reach the County Parks Department at(408) 355-2200. i Again, thank you for your interest in the District and sharing your ideas about trail alignments. If you have any further questions addressed in this response,please contact Matt Freeman, the Districts Planning Manager. Sincerely, i Jed Cyr MROSD Board President I� 5ierra Azul/ bear Creek r► SpaceeJwooJs Open . r PLAN rALL 2006 OVERVIEW NEXT STEPS Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District would like DECEMBER 2006 Plan Allernatives,Public Workshop your feedback on several alternative futures being developed for its two southernmost Preserves. Sierra Azul and Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserves contain SPRiN( 2007 Prepare Draft Preferred Plan over 18,000 acres combined and offer a wide range of low-intensity recreational opportunities in remote and St.;.vwIAZ2007 1st Public Hearing on Draft Plan rugged settings, provide habitat for rare and sensitive species, and contain numerous cultural sites and historical FALL200j Final Plan sic Environmental Review landscapes. PLEASE JOIN US FAL12007!Wr< z_'t)08 2nd Public;Hearing& Final Plan Tuesday, Decern6er 3, 2006 at 6.30 p.m. CONTACT INFORMATION At this workshop, the Master Plan project team will present preliminary alternative concepts for public review If you have any questions or comments, please email and feedback (see some topics below). This meeting will masterplan((1'openspace.org, visit the project Web site also serve as a public scoping session to provide you with wwxv.openspace.org/masterpIan, or call Ana Ruiz, Project an opportunity for input on what issues should be Planner, at (650) 691-1200. All information, including addressed as part of the environmental review for the handouts, public feedback from previous workshops, and Master Plan. The input collected at this next workshop maps, can be found on the project VVeb site. will be used to refine the alternatives and craft the Draft Master Plan and Environmental Impact Report (EIR). identifiesMaster Plan Alternatives The li,,t below represents a few ideas that will be presented as plan alternatives at the December workshop. Alternative 1 (No Action)—what would happen if there was no Master Plan • to use 0� opportunitiesAlternative 3—similar to Alternative 2 with expanded r RFC IONAL AND INTH:IOR TR;1ll5 htl.UML;NHt1M ¢ £� PARKING AND STAGING AI:E r Kenned Limekilnto ■ District tours_ St.Joseph's Hill Preserve , ■ Expand roadside parking at ■ Kennedy Road ■ Rancho de Guadalupe to --, Mt.Um Rd(near Bald Mtn.) i Hicks and Pheasant Roads t; Almaden Quicksilver Co.Part ■ Keep monolith if feasible,vi .ry ■ Cothran/Wrights Station ■ Alma College to Summit Rd proceed with demolition Roads corridor ` g plan ■ North of Presentation Or ALMA COLLEGE PL-t>Lic I)SE � Qu ti r `• - ,, _. "'wd'iv ■ Retain shrines,brick walls ■ Open,tivest Bear Creek &other minor visual Redwoods � ` y remnants of the past �a ■ Open Rancho de Guadalupe " ■ Retain and restore chapel ■ Off-Leash Dog Area b 4 or return entire site to ■ Hang Gliding natural c':ondit.ions ■ Backpack Camping v.. *L UL1 URAL AND WAIL RAL(RESOURCE PRC)TLCI ION AND MANAGEMENI ARE PAR OI ALL AL ItRN4I I VLS k � �AlterrsaCtvs wlt e presented on preserve rnas of tt; op PUBLICr r Kedwoods Open ,5pace You are invited to attend tkc upcoming wor6kop: Tuesday, December 5, 2006 6:30 p.m. — 9:30 p.m. d� Los Gatos Neighborhood Center Main Hall 208 East Main Street Los Gatos, CA 95033 Los Gatos f -;a (Across the street from the Saratoga/ Nooborhoed Center ` `t Los Gatos Recreation Department) __.-..._.. .Me Kamp�� Las Gatos Participation is Icey to a great Plan! The mission of the MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT is to acquire and preserve a regional greenbelt of open space land in fti ewr.wae perpetuity;protect and restore the natural environment;and provide •�"�'1- .Co=spa"Vw""' opportunities for ecologically sensitive public enjoyment and education. Please contact us if you would like to be removed from the Master Plan mailing list. i L'ON tlWJad Rio-aapdsuado•mmm VD'Oily qed 8.to•aordsuadoduelcLatsew UIVd asevod•s-n S81,0-L69(OS9) :d • OOZ V 169(O59):d pw°s"d ZZO176 eluaOPILD'soild sod . alOJID RISK] 0££ ' M60�U!d Uuis!a awdS uadp 1euoigab ejnsuivadpryy J MROSD In the News 12 / 14 / 06 — 01 / 10 / 07 Im Mountain View,CA (Santa Clara Co.) Mountain View Voice (Cir.W.47,500) I f DEC — 1 2006 c.1tllen S P.C.B. Est 1888 _ ' designated a dangerous weed nvasive rays 1'i© g I N S U LA approach,according to Jurgensen. SLENDER FALSE BROME A THREAT TO PEN Slender,false brome is now REDWOODS, OPEN SPACE DISTRICT.SAYS "public enemy No. 1 as far as Bay City News relationship with forest under- dangerous weeds are concerned," growth,according to Roessler. Jurgensen said. harmless-looking green. That ecokigycouldbe strained if Midpeninsula Regional,Open -grass.that some Woodm the slender false brome is allowed'- Space District biologists-have ide residents may`find r to propagate and use up water alreeadby ha' rond success eradication with slender efforts growing in their yards has now required for.young redwoods or fals been classified by a state agency other small plants,Roessler said. on district lands re ate and Woodside, cal as a serious threat to the area's A few weeks ago,the tat der ge se ��Peration,with t they hope to work redwood ecosystem, according cy agreed to-reclassify to the mitippninsula Regional brome as an A-rated weed, the' with local residents to convince rjen cmar '171 ..- - highest designation for noxious them to voluntarily let the dis- &ologist Cindy Roessler said weeds' Midpeninsula Regional trict eradicate the weed on she is still trying to figure out how Open Space District,spokesman their Properties, before its area named culprit, Rudy lurgensen said. expands as it has in Oregon, the innocuously derider false brome, a Perennial While the district has already Roessler said. grass native to Europe and North allocated$1.2 million over 10 years Roessler estimated that the Africa,arrived only in Woodside. to eradicate slender false biome, slender false brome could be Roessler speculated that it could its reclassification. will allow the completely removed from Wood- have been brought in by someone district Brit Food and Agricul-o coordinate with the sideFor mdor infor`tnatis in five to 10on on slen- purpostlY to Plant in their yard,or E its seed could have been hidden in tore and the San Mateo County der false brome, including pho- straw or hay brought to the area. Agriculture Department to take a togra�hs of the geed,visit www. The only other place in the much more aggressive eradication openspace.org.a U.S. where the plant has been reported is Oregon,where it has overrun more than 10,000,acres of Douglas fir forestland over the past 70 years,Roessler said. ' Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District biologists dis- covered slender false brome in Woodside's Thornewood Open Space Preserve in 2004 and esti- mate that it has been spreading over about 100 eras of public and private lands in the Wood- side area for the past 10 years. Officials from the . district made their case to the California Department of Food and Agri- ' culture that the weed,which can grow easily in sunny or shady, w dry et or d conditions, was.a threat to Woo dside s redwood ecolo 'cal trees, which have an gi � �ooelo ]�Gt�der _ _=_ | n� ' Co stsi n8mS&C0DlmDnit» |_Hos,�]_pi�d��_|_��n��_�i��|��%ery|-��Nf��LL!-----'--'---'----'—'------'—'-----------------�---- | TOP STORIES LATEST TOWN HALL TOPICS ADVERTsS | MEM��__________ VIDE --'------- Intemmeto Username 'C)' Half The 0�xn�� approves campaign finance reform, Free Inconvenient Truth DVD for | discusses parking teachena_ while copies last Freeform r | spoken| County hopes tubring more parks to wo Road behind the ^A|be�son's^ the global Password theMidco�st Te�aceAvenueSigna| DEIR mind.' | POST 6 sq. mi. Driscoll Ranch ' ' ' ��hakr�,��D to MRD5D Auto-login next time VIDEO: HMB City Council bakes up CLICK for topics. Anybody read Cookies��==== �- CLICK/ | campaign finance, development plans, Town Hall posUngy.Ci][xto request and parks posting access. Submit Infant am care on tt | Fr|d�y, December 15� 2oQ6 � Forgot password? -�-- '-'-'---�-'---- -'-------'-�' - -� -' -'--'--�-� ' ---''-' -�- ---- -' --'- - Asafe nut � CLICKto �� ;� join! and POST get grant for weedlearning e � eradication wherechik � It's not necessary to join, but Press release posted by Barry Parr on Dec 15, 2006at04:*3pm ° Environment between tƒ � only Coagsider members can comments " email two month � create or comment on years can i � stories. The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CQFA) has awarded with each / ^' <�R��D\ d �h our prufes/��ox��e C��A�� agencies in the San Mateo County VV��d Y��na��nl�nt Area (VVy�A) a ------------�-�-�- -------- ��l[o ��»m neeu combined $100 DOO grant to eradicate and control infestations of RS6 feed slender false b~'nne, pennp�� grass, �t. ]ohn'� wort, �nd other non- �� / xbuut[oastside, - CLICK Advertise on Coastsider native, noxious weeds. The grant includes $19,000 to the Peninsula Email Barry parr [}pen Space Trust to assist in er�dic�bng new infestations of Canary Archives Island 51. John's wort on POST lands along Highway 1 near Gazos Creek Advanced Search and $10,000 to POST to help remove and control pampas grass on its 119-acre Pillar Point Bluff property tm restore native plant communities Quick search: and reduce the source of pampas grass seed in the area. � | CLICK_to��r��d_the��_fui|_storY.� . � -- WHY WAIT TILL vxEDmESDAY'?_'----- page 1 of z pages Get a Coasts:de,Alert by email whenever*e post a � big story, unusaUynomore than once a week. Enter your name and email address and click"Subscribe" or "Vnsubschhe^: | httn-/kx)as1sider.coo/index.obn/sito/nnoo o eradication/ 12/27/20 / Sai. ...ateo, CA (San Mateo Co.) San Mateo Co.Times (Cir. 6xW. 39,376) DEC 1 3 2006 jllen s P.C.B. Est. 1888 Poo 1C1 S stepUPfig-ht Qainst reedisease ■Agencies eye : z, potential resistance " of tanoak to illness 4' .t By Julia Scotts' STAFF WRITER More than a decade after a ` z. disease identified as Sudden Oak Death began killing oak trees at open space preserves s _ , across the Bay Area, officials .;. are still searching for a cure. , r Last week, the Midpenin- Sula Reg•oi nal Open Space_Dlat ict announced an impor- tant step toward combating x the disease,which has deci- mated oak tree populations MI�PENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT - across 17 of its preserves: a A TANOAK TREE on the Monte.Bello Open Space Pre-: $60,000 grant for a joint re- serve dries up after falling victim to Sudden Oak Death. search project with the U.S. Forest Service and the Na trict officials. Palmieri, spokesperson for tional Park Service.The dis Since no cure exists for the the California Oak Mortality trict comprises 50,000 acres Task Force, a group of 80age- across + disease,which kills oak.trees 1 P x San Mateo and Santa +*- by cutting off their vascular rides with which the Midpe- „*. Clara counties. ninsula Regional Open Sp ace The agencies will spend a systems and infesting the gi P total of$190,000 over the forest ecosystem that sur District is affiliated. next four years to discover rounds them,'officials are The district has already whether some tanoak trees hoping that the discckery of a spent$20,000 on a 10-year are genetically resistant to resistant strain could allow work plan to combat Sudden- Sudden Oak Death. them to repopulate affected Oak Death on its preserves. To date, one million native areas. Officials will locate and treat oak and tanoak trees in 15 "Scientists are worried older disease-susceptible oak coastal California and Oregon about local extinction of trees before they are contami J. - counties have been affected by tanoak in areas that are par nated while continuing to re the disease, according to dis- ticularly hard hit,"said Katie search the problem. San Mateo,CA Tan Mateo Co.) n Mateo Daily Journal (Cir.W.) DEC 1 2 2006 JIIM'S P.C.B. Et. 1888 Open Space District fights Sudden Oak Death d DeninSula RI 1 01� O[nn Fe officials In a : ............ _District announced plans to participate in a four-year research Oak Death. Project to combat Sudden Sudden Oak Death killed more than one mil- lion native Oak and tanoak trees along coastal California and Oregon and threatens local forest ecosystems, including District preserves, said MROSD spokesman Rudy Jurgensen. The district will contribute$60,000 toward the $190,000 joint project with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Park Service, Jurgensen said,.in an effort to study whether some tanoak trees may be genetically resistant to the disease. could Potentially be used to reforest areas that have been affected by the dice Jurgensen 0 a ' c Almana The Open s ace district buys the Driscoll Ranch from POST ��V5,t� The largest property ever purchased for public Preserve.The resulting preserve will become the use by the Midp pins,1a Re 'onal Open Space_ district's largest in San Mateo County,spanning a istrict will open new opportunities for hiking total of5,759 acres. and low-key recreation just over Skyline Ridge. The Driscoll Ranch is the district's third acquisi- On Dec. 13, the district board bought the tion of land originally bought by POST this fall: 3,681-acre Driscoll Ranch,located along High- ■ In October,the district bought the 183-acre way 84 in La Honda,from the Peninsula Open lower Purisima Creek from POST for$2.25 mil- Space Trust (POST) for $9 million. POST lion.The scenic property may some day serve as a bought the active cattle ranch from the Driscoll critical link in a trail system linking Skyline with family in 2002 for$21 million as part of its Sav- the coast. ing the Endangered Coast campaign. ■ On Dec. 13, the district also bought the The district will be undertaking a master plan- 238-acre Stevens Canyon Ranch from POST ning program to integrate public use of the ranch as an addition to the Saratoga P P� Gap O Space with continued grazing.District General Manager Preserve.Located near Monte Bello Open Space Craig Britton said,"Over the next two years,we Preserve and Lower Stevens Creek County Park, plan to hold a series of public worksho ps s to make t _ P he property lend ' P P s itself to regional trail connec P PAY � sure people have a chance to provide meaningful tions.It is also a historic family ranch dating back input about the future use of the ranch." to the 1880s,with ranch buildings, an orchard, The district plans to merge the Driscoll Ranch and an old stone winery with doors decorated by wit h h the adjacent La Honda Creek Open Space fading paintings of two dancing ladies. D' tsider: POST transfers 6 sq. mi. Dri- -11 Ranch to MROSD Page I o: as Coastsiicler Coastside news&commullift/ Home I Video...I ciifieds I Caldar I Gallery I TOWN HALL...I........ ...... ........... ........................... . .............. ass .............. en . MEMBERS TOP STORIES LATEST TOWN HALL TOPICS ADVERT Username VIDEO: Half Moon Bay City Council The good old days Free Bil Directc approves campaign finance reform, Free Inconvenient Truth DVD for Add YOL discusses parking teachers-- while copies last to Coas- Password County hopes to bring more parks to the Road behind the old "Albertson's" Busines Midcoast Terrace Avenue Signal DEIR FREE. POST transfers 6 sq. mi. Driscoll Ranch Coastsi, to MROSD Busine F Auto-login next time VIDEO: HMB City Council takes up CLICK for more topics. Anybody can read Dilrectc campaign finance, development plans, Town Hall postlngs.CLICK to request posting MCI and parks access. Submit ' Infant Forgot password? ENVIRONMENT e TOP STORIES toddle) CLICK to join! POST transfers 6 sq. mi. Driscoll Ranch to the coz MROSD A safe, It's not necessary to join, but Press release posted by Barry Parr on Dec 18, 2006 at 03:32 pm * email * print learninc only Coastsider members can I environ create or comment on The Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) announced today that it has where c II stories. completed the transfer of Driscoll Ranch to the MidgeninsuLq�� betweei of two r Open Space District (MROSD) for inclusion in the District's open space three y( COASTSIDER preserve system. The 3,681-acre property, located along Highway 84 in La interact Atom feed RSS feed Honda, was purchased by POST in 2002 as part of its Saving the other atprofessi About Coastsider Endangered Coast campaign. Advertise on Coastsider Coastsi Email Barry Parr Ranches, LLC for $21 million Infant] Archives POST acquired Driscoll Ranch from Driscoll Center Advanced Search paid over a three-year period. Now, four years later, POST is transferring cucl the land to MROSD for $9 million. POST is able to transfer the land to the District at a reduced price thanks to public funding provided by the Quick search: California Coastal Conservancy and the generosity of POST supporters. Caffe L F_ Italian submit "For three decades, Driscoll Ranch has been accessible only to the Driscoll bar Fres family, guests, and hired ranch hands," said Walter Moore, POST Executive & bagel WHY WAIT TILL Vice President. Now, with the transfer of the ranch to MROSD, the sandwic WEDNESDAY? property is one step closer to opening to the public. POST's goal with Salads, more Ei Get a Coastsider Alert by Driscoll Ranch was to insure the continuation of well-managed grazing on go Rel& email whenever we post a the property while opening it for public enjoyment. To that end, the atmospl big story, unusally no more District and the Driscoll family are currently undertaking a master planning an ocea than once a week. Enter your effort to integrate the grazing lease held by Driscoll Ranches and Hwy 1 z name and email address and click "Subscribe" or traditional uses with future hiking trails, staging areas and other facilities Montari 650.72E "Unsubscribe": on the property." M - Th: 5 pm h ttn-flr.nastsi der.com/index.phi)/site/news/17 34/ 12/27/20 oastsider: POST transfers 6 sq. mi. Driscoll Ranch to MROSD Page 2 0: . Name: Peninsula Open Space Trust F: 5:3t: 60 Email: — _ _ Driscoll Ranch. Click to download a pdf. Sun: 7 . Subscribe.'. Unsubscnbe'* w At 5.75 square miles, Driscoll Ranch is one of the largest private tracts of N E W undeveloped land remaining on the San Francisco Peninsula. The land is a CLASSI WEATHER FORECAST patchwork of varying terrain and wildlife habitats, serving as an example zooz pond ;Ned .....Tnu...............rri................ of northern California's rich biodiversity. From the ranch's highest black exce F7F", elevation, outdoor enthusiasts will be able to enjoy jaw-dropping 360- Wintec Dr( �� degree vistas of the Pacific Ocean, the San Mateo coastline, and the San Fitness Trz HI 5�F HI 59F HI 5'?F Lo.. 49F LA: 40F Lo: 45F Gregorio Valley. Future hikers and equestrians might also spot the COTTAGE wwty"'eathe'foryou.`om threatened California tiger salamander and the threatened California red- HandcraftE RECENT COMMENTS legged frog. Wanted: C Barb Mauz: The priorities of 1992 Ford the Tax Paying Homeowners "Driscoll Ranch is the largest property ever acquired for public use in the $2,000 OB in the Mid-Coast in response history of MROSD," said Craig Britton, General Manager of MROSD. "Over Office &Cc to the County's... Posted Dec 21 12:55pm in County hopes the next two years, we plan to hold a series of public workshops to make to bring more parks to the sure people have a chance to provide meaningful input about future use of CLICK to p Midcoast the ranch."The District plans to incorporate Driscoll into the adjacent La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve located north of the ranch. Combined, TRAVEL .. ..................... Mike Ferreira: Hal, your these two properties will create the District's largest preserve in the • Live trafl statement- -"the Ailanto county, spanning a total of 5,759 acres. • Map settlement, which commits • Montara Ailanto to paying for exactly... COMMENTS • El Grana PostedDec 20 8:38pm in .................................................................................................._................................_........................__...........................................................__. • HMB to More than $4 million raised The following was posted by Mike Ferreira on 12/18 at 06:26 PM • 280 to H so far for Coastside Adult • Hwys 1 f Community Center Not only Coastsiders but future generations of all Californians, as well, should THE WE be grateful for the vision, determination, and generosity of Audrey Rust, her Sam Carriers: Mr. Bogner associates, and her donors _ _...__. FOR WE .. . thanks for your comments. You can preview your comment below Am looking forward to our EV ENTS "free"traffic light&... Posted No event- Dec 20 5:490m in More than ADD YOUR OWN COMMENT $4 million raised so far for _._..._ ........... _... LIVE Coastside Adult Community You are not logged in. E N T E RT Center Jazz, Ceti Please Register and Login to post a comment. 28 7:00 PP Hal Bogner: Mr. Olsen, I Accoustic understand that the Bays and HMS Brev Girls Club does Indeed 28 7:00 Pt operate here, and... Posted Dec 19 10:09pm in More Aloha I than $4 million raised so far Brewingg I 7:00 PM. I`for Coastside Adult Community Center Jazz, Ritz Dec 29 7:( Hal Bogner: Hmmm. 7000 Sounds like time to update Jazz, Ceti the zoning, as PUD isn't the 29 8:00 PP proper zoning for... Posted Music, Sa Dec 19 9:21pm in Wavecrest Store Sat, resumes farming on AM. Thanksgiving Music, Sa Store Sat, http://coastsider.com/index.php/site/news/1734/ 12/27/20 OST transfers Driscoll Ranch for $9M - 1,ilicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal: Page 1 o: silicon V*alley/San Jose Business Journal-December 19,2006 tttp://sanjpse.bizjovrnals.comisanjosetstoriest,2QQ6112118/daily2O.htmI SILICON VALLEY SAN JOSE P1An�!-; ;4V Busioness[K-131-1, BUSINESS PULSE SURVEY: Did you take steps in.December to.reduce your tax Liability for 2006? DUST transfers Driscoll Ranch for $9M iiicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal-December 19,2006 'he Peninsula Open Space Trust(POST)said Monday it transferred Driscoll Ranch to the A' idpeninsula Regional Open Space District in exchange for$9 million. 'he 3,681-acre property,located along Highway 84 in La Honda,was purchased by POST for$21 nillion from Driscoll Ranches LLC in 2oo2 as part of its Saving the Endangered Coast campaign. For three decades, Driscoll Ranch has been accessible only to the Driscoll family,guests,and aired ranch hands,"said Walter Moore, POST executive vice president. "Now,with the transfer of he ranch to MROSD,the property is one step closer to opening to the public." "OST said District and the Driscoll family are currently undertaking a master planning effort to ntegrate the grazing lease held by Driscoll Ranches and traditional uses with future hiking trails, ;taging areas and other facilities on the property. :1OST said it was able to transfer the land to the Midpeninsula district at a reduced price because A public funding provided by the California Coastal Conservancy and POST supporters. %,t 5.75 square miles, Driscoll Ranch is one of the largest private tracts of undeveloped land -emaining on the San Francisco Peninsula. Contact the Editor Need Assistance? More Latest News Subscribe or renew online 41/contents of this site @ American City Business Journals Inc. All rights reserved. http://sanjose.bizjoumals.com/sanjose/stories/2006/12/1 8/daily20.html?t=printable 12/27/20 ' ALTo NEWIS , PALo IJAPILY Dec 27. 2D0G � Local News/Home Page Wednesday Dec 2V RecentCoro/ Scenic ��. ��~ hands � Region/S�teNmwa ��l0��n �°�l�� l�1�� l�� i � World News ~~~°��~� �� ~~��~~~~ ~~�~ comments � 8uminomo News Group aims to make land public Community mot ~|�N||smoV`e�e` Spo�s'Pmhassional � ' the victim.wovv.. Arts&Entertainment ByMark Abramson/Daily News Staff Writer � Columnists Panoramic ocean views and sweeping vistas of forested ridges at the Driscoll Ranch are 35 comments i/ Death Notices one step closer ho being open for the public toenjoy. Police kill 10-ve Letters&Opinion 'Police did agmi Society The Peninsula Open Space Trust has announced that it transferred the 3,681-acre lucky having the ranch District.The trust bought thebnd Sporta-Loca| outside the $21 million in2OD2 and paid Style the family over a three-year period,according toa press release. :12 comments i, Zunwcnaoen0a' Pub|infundingfromMhoCoUfonnioComaha|Consen/encyenddonabonmaUmwedthabmot ^8ehoum|y,'o|on. Local Classifieds . to pmmoUona|mati release stated.The trust raised$0 million from its donors and the California Coastal Daily News Services Conservancy contributed another$0 million to transfer the land. Announcements ^/�comments in The5J property�-square-milealongHighwmyD4hombeenin1heOhacoUfomUyfor Vip|encew»uk*, Contact Information three decades and d|uonaof the�rg�dphve��ac�ofundeve�ped land onthe "You tell�| em| i\ Jobs at the DaUyNews Peninsula. occupation Bank: 8beff "There are very few properties of this size(on the Peninsula),"said Audrey Rust, Report delivery problems president of the trust. Co|teQradngwUoonUnueon the pnopedy.and the ranch will provide necreoUona| 0 havaems}ender "x"" item, brief ornawsb activities. Please contact us. The property is the biggest pieneof|andthebumthas acquired for public use, according to the open space district. Its possible uses Include horseback riding, mountain biking Daily News Publications and hiking.And the land is home buanimals,such aocoyotes,mountain ||ono, domesUcotedhorses and cattle and the threatened California tiger salamander and Burlingame Daily News California red-legged frog. East Bay Daily News ^Dvmrthann/dhwo u a ) Vm hold nmahmoofpubUc workshops ho make sure LoaQotnoOei|yNewm years, - people have a chance to provide meaningful input about the future use of the ranch," Redwood City Daily News iCrmigBhdun.genano|manogernfthadiabiot. San Mateo Daily News The district plans to combine the ranch with the adjacent La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve to the north and create a preserve that spans 5.75Bacres. The district plans un pin down ideas for letting people enjoythe with its fourth and final public forum in August 2DO7.said Mike Williams,nao|propedy manager for the � district.The public's feedback will be used to draft a master plan for the land by the end � of20O7pr early 2O0U. Because cd the grazing on the land,it will be opened | |Um||yfovdomant4edhikeaand peoplewho get permits to access the property,he said.About five years after the plan is finalized,the property will be open for the public without the need to get a permit. E-mail Mark Abramson atmabnemmon@dailynevwagn»up.00m. Comment mnthis story .pa{0altodailynewO.cVm/artic]e/2006-l2-20-8mc-Gcc-transfer 12/27/20 � i I I (rbheVMa111 .1ak.. Monti for Sudden��ak` e"a study Y As Sudden Oak Death (SOD) killed more than a million trees wipes out tanoak trees on Windy in California and Oregon. So far Hill and 16 other open space pre- about 3,000 acorns have been col- serves,the Midpeninsula Reg gnat lected from 31 locations on district O en S ce District is contribut- lands where trees have been lost. ing$60,000 toward a joint research In local areas, SOD shows up project with the U.S.Forest Service most visibly in dead tanoaks, and National Park Service. although other oaks may be affect- The project will focus on wheth- ed.The district first adopted a 10- er some tanoak frees are genetical= year work plan to map and study ly resistant to the disease that has the disease on its lands. I r tne)v. op - N E W S Grant to help right county's invasive weeds Starting in April, Woodside neighbors of the Thornewood Open Space Preserve will get "It is destroying the forest more help in eradicating slen- Yl g der false brome, an invasive ecosystem,"said Cindy Roessler, non-native grass, thanks 'to a resource management specialist $100,000 grant from the state. for the open space district. The grant from the state In November, the state pro- Department of Food and Agri- moted slender false brome to culture will allow the Midpen- an A-rated noxious weed:'Of, insula Regional Open Space the grant's total, $10,000 will District and partner agencies supplement the district's jo- Year, $1.2 million program to to attack infestations of slender false brome, pampas grass, St. get rid of it.There are also small Johns wort, and other exotic Patches in the La Honda and weeds spreading into parks Corte Madera open space pre- and open spaces in San Mateo serves,Ms.Roessler said. The district has hire con- County. - Y Count . tractor _for to plan a control ro _ P Slende P r false brome,an aggres gram and outreach to nearby sive perennial grass originating in southern Europe and North homeowners. "In April we will st ar setting up workshops in Africa, is found only inWood- Woodside,"Ms.Roessler said. side and Oregon. In Oregon it has overrun 10,000 acres. Other projects to be funded by the state rant include: In Woodside it has been most- ate grant to help, restore ly eradicated from Thornewood, P. but is spreading onto neighbor- native grasslands at Edgewood ing private properties. Natural Preserve. ■ $19,800 to the Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) to help eradicate St. John's wort spreading on POST lands near Gazos Creek. ■$10,000 to POST for its pro- gram to remove pampas grass from its 119-acre Pillar Point Bluff property and restore native plant communities. San Mateo,CA (San Mateo Co.) San Mateo Co.Times (Cir.6xW.39,376) NOV 2 9 20Ub J�//J� ' P.C.8. Est.1888 i clldl[q! .. �l d GREEN PIONEERS 77 . w _ *ra Staff ji o 6 ROWLEwIS(top)and MATHEW SUMMER THE ROOF IS REMOVED from a school building in Portola Valley during a"green"demolition process that will recycle and re-use much of the existing material in the construction of a new Town Center. (Below)Ted Driscoll had solar panels put on his Portola Valley house in September.He and dozens of neighbors are working with Solar City, a solar panel provider,to buy and install a large quantity of solar panels all at once for a discount. Simi town is big on. environment By Julia Scott Welcome to Portola Valley;where hun- STAFF WHrr.Efi dreds of residents drive Prius hybrids.in- PORTOIA VALLEY sfead of SIJVs and Town Council members AST MONTH,a few residents of are chosen for their green activist creden- Portola Valley's Ranch ne�hbor- bals•;` hood had•the.idea to' o inst&ll solar In this town,reducing pollution and pre- panels on their homes together fdr ruing open spa.ace have never"been derided a disco ted'tate. . The were hoping to iIIteiest, asfive or to m ie causes.Those values have long people in the project;70 people came to a since become part of the mainstream dis meeting on it - Plea�!ppe GREEN,News 11 San Mateo,CA (San Mateo Co.` San Mateo Co. (Cir.6xW.39,3, NOV 2 9 2UUb Jfi n s P.C.8. Est.1888 • town big o hel ing en onment Sm p suggested that several neighbors get to- ► GREEN,from News 1 gether and buy solar panels in bulk last month.Driscoll,who also happens to be a "course and are incorporated into the town's member of the Town Council,installed everyday functions—from no-waste reCy solar panels on his home in September and cling to detailed green building guidelines has taken the lead in organizing several for new homeowners. meetings with SolarCity,the Foster City- 'Many of these initiatives go back decades _ based company that has agreed to provide . and have set the bar for."green" the panels at a 30 percent discount,pro- :'achievements on a municipal scale across .•_� _._.__ vided enough people sign up. San Mateo County. "It was clear that there was interest in Portola Valley was one of the first towns this.There was rl;ally the sensation that we on the Peninsula to sign up for recycling were near the tipping point and really just and trash removal services with reen- needed an additional push,"said Driscoll, ante Recovery of San Jose,thus ensuring who calls investing in solar panels"an a every single tn�mat residents throw ethical issue." out-from kitchen waste to wine bottles— The Portola Valley initiative will be the is recycled. first"bulk"solar deal ever attempted by So- After his election last December,the larCity,said company CEO Lyndon Rive. l'Mayor Steve Toben in a"green pro- The more people who convert their homes cerement"policy to ensure that the town's to solar,the more opportunity there is for employees made environmental choices in savings on installation,labor,travel and their daily work,from non-chemical jantto- permitting costs,he said. ::vial supplies to the amount of paperbeing p '-Siff "It's a green,forward-thinldng commu- ola used, A WORKER REMOVES a section of roofing nity Vall'If we can set the example in done, the Toben said that many residents had Valley and show that it can be done,then been pushing for changes. from the Town Center in Portola Valley. we can promote this as a poster child and "I think the town attracts people who go to other communities,.said Rive. have this inclination to support natural con- according to Toben.But now"at least the That's not all.in September,Portola cerns.I saw that there was a momentum Architectural and Site Control Commission Vey elected to join the Mayors Climate and I wanted to take some additional might ask a homeowner,'Well,you're plan- protection Agreement,a national agreement steps,"he said. ning to install solar panels on your home.. endorsed by the U.S.Conference of Mayors Under Toben's leadership;the Town But have you considered bamboo in 2005 to reduce global warming pollution Council also decided to rebuild its Town flooring?'" under the auspices of the Kyoto Protocol.In Center complex—encompassing a library, Portola Valley residents'passion for en- so doing,the town committed to reducing a City Hall,a town plaza and a community vironmentalism runs deep.The town was its carbon emissions at least 7 percent hall—with the goal of achieving a stringent incorporated in 1942 during a major con- below 1990 levels by 2012. gold-standard"green"design to save energy. troversy over a proposed 1,000 home sub- More than 20 local citizens have since Part of the process will involve carefully dis- division on iis'western hillside;today,the created the Climate Protection Task Force mantling and recycling nearly 100 percent site is forever protected as part of to assess how to meet these goals,from of the wood,metal and concrete from the ninsula Relgonal Q en Space Distric s adopting lifestyle and technology changes to old complex and re-using them in the new , pen pace eserve. educating fellow residents on how they can one.The project is due to be completed in,4 y make a difference. The residents of this deeply affluent town "I think the town has normalized the dis- December 2005. Town building policy now also gives spe of 4,417(median home price:$1.5 million) course(on environmentalism),created a cific attention to green design in the permit even voted to impose a 2 percent annual space where we can have a reasoned dis- approval process,requiring homeowners to utility tax on themselves in the early 1990s cussion,"said Toben."We understand what fill out a"sustainable building"checklist to benefit a fund earmarked for the pur- the goals are,and we are discussing very se- Ghat ensures they will at least consider how chase of open space. riously the effects of climate change."LJ5 the choices they're making will impact the Locals have taken action in other areas environment as well.Portola Valley Ranch neighborhood Staffwriter Julia Scott can be reached at(650) None of the additions are mandatory, resident Ted Driscoll was among those who 348-4340 or at jscott@angnewspapers.com. MP Weekly Walker TOM DAVIDS >>WEEKLY WALKER 1 e Steam Donkey Loop IF YOU »GO EL CORTE DE MADERA CREEK DIRECTS Skyline Boulevard go aft eight riles south of Highway 92 or is through the upper rugged and grassy fields with good views to the south f of the d Mountain Park near Gana he wa side one mile EI Corte de Madera Creek mountainous area of the I awrence west You will see a e of minor, Skews Posit adhe Area.Gate Chine is it the west rub Skyline, eneP1 across the road hen ttre traiNreads to the Skyline Trek arxi the Afambique Tail in Open Space Preserve Creek `r unmarked trails going wed These County Park El Corte de Madera became part . lead to the beat vkew sties and they GRUE Moderate-Elevation loss and regain of about 60o test. of the Mldpeninsuta Open Space soon rejoin the main trail. DISTANCE Two miles. "2feel most emphatically Preserve around INS,and modern After hiking about is minutes, Tiles:one to two lours. logging continued until shortly after you will reach Gate CM-03,which SPECMAL WNWTIM,Tice trails ate multi use and wry steep in spots watch hoist that we Should not turn, the preserve was created.`ITistari is the start of Gordan Mill Trail, for bicycles and- s,especially of weekends.No dogs allowed.No drinking tally; the area has been logged Two information kioaks are located water or tokt facilities at the traiRread or on trall.No a tree which was old talc,rear trait The since 1859,when the Gilbert broth- here,with fire latest information on preserve is managed dtM Reeional0oen Space district.Ptorre:(650) when the first Egyptian ere Frafgrlin she Stephen,acquired issues related to the preserve.Con- 691-1200;a-marl:m ce.org conqueror penetrated the 400-phus acres of land.Their first tine on Gordon Mill Trail,a wide lumber mill was built in 1861 to sup- service road leading downhill.As valleyO the Euphrates needs of the local community.In previously mention After a half-Lour of the mill f uP ply. ty P. ou�y mentioned, brig.� into shingles." 18T5,the Gilbert property was sold book tells us that Alexander Gor- will reach a clearing and a junc- About 15 minutes on the Steam to Alexander Gordon.(For the best don purchased some 400-plus tion to Steam Donkey.Trail.Tbis Donkey Trail brings you to a junc- -President Theodore Roosevelt, history of lumbering in this area, acres from the Gilbert brothers, is your uphill route back to Sky- tion that returns to Gets CM-03. read"Sawmills in the Redwoods" but I could find no other mention line Boule vard.The trellis narrow Don't but Santa Crui,1903 . �' turn. bike another 30 Frank M.Stanger,copyright 1967, of Gordon.. and has its ups and downs with a minutes to the preserve gate and published by San Mateo County liis- Soon you will move from the ' cumulative climb of about 600 feet. trailhead.You are now at Skyline r toricai Assodatioa) grassy,exposed hillside into heavy It is a beautiful bike up a ravine that Boulevard.Tung Jeff;your car is T ae k O n ace reserve This hike begins at Gate CM-04, tree cover.On a typical summer drains�Iawr'er Creek.The-,^-•a five-minute walk along Skyline includes 2,821 acres witlocated on the west side of Skyline morning portions of the trail will name Steam Donkey' a $oulevard. miles of multi-use trails.It is . Boulevard, directly across from he."vast from fog drip created dur- unique wench system driven by This Is a short,but strenuous bike. named for a creek that starts from tretilheads for the Skyline Trail ing the evening before Gordon Mill steam power.These donkey engines You can easily rin near S line Boulevard and and the Trail in Wan- Trail d' abort 400.feet over were of b2ziami ifuc extend your timer, springs ley' Alambuque _ #ing txw thisbeautiflr]canyonbyb Gor- runs about five miles to San Grego- derlich County park.Park face-in 06 mile to the first junction.Notice mendous power and soon replaced don Mill Trail to I.awrencee Creek. rio Creek"then on to the Pacific to the mailboxes,and Gate CM-04 the deep road cut on your right as horses and oxen as the preferred We have done so several times and Oman."This namesake creek be- is on your right.Beyond the gate, 1 yarn descend This was a major road way of putting logs out of the forte will Include this segment in a future gins in the northern area of the pre the trail is identified as the Sierra built during Pe late 1800s to haul and to the mill. . issue of the Weekly Walker. serve.The southern area is drained Morena Trail,which begins here lumber arrd machine-cut shingles As you hike this trail,you will see by several tributaries of Lawrence and runs north,or parallel to Sky- from the deep canyons some 1,200 many large stumps along the very 16rvmmnur+ra aced hG tag i Creek,which Sows into El Corte de line Boulevard to Gate CM-01 near feet below to the Skyline Ridge and- steep hillside.The trees were cut area4VP uadaoma Madera Creek near the southwest Skaggs Point on to Redwood City for shipment to the branches stripped,and the huge Ematt tow@tandauktum or che&out corner of the preserve.This hike The first 0.3 mile leads over San Francisco. logs were wencher!up or down to "„ .. . www&vek5watkarmm mountain network news b r + n yc ?T �p,'� S �J V F� R� z - i i Sierra Azul / .', Bear Creek Redwoods • _ fi Y e° a •.. ,(. 1 - I open Space Preserves 1 '� i:.%•'t"^ ` R...D.d.Owdolrp. '! �. - I I _ _ I MASTER PLAN Arai m.``�+, .. Existing Management "^•+ K.nn.dy-Llk11n ' t and erra ZUl 'motion'_Ouick.ltver Features Map , t County Park Boar Ora.*�Rodroo i �CaMdNaf Mta ,^a .. "'� "• �/�,�J In � - `-� Ant \ N '"�,^.' ` •� -. .: .0,een Sp ce�Pr ery t O on pa a.ptaa.rr. -- - - r.no• G�.� j i,,,, - .�-~ Land Managorntent Ms Y `L1, • •�NM__ �, t , NRO.D MNrM .•..'ter. .'.YI.Yarrafrrra tuwwr'OM.Iw.w«.w.-r w•oC..C.• ' 1 aar•I Da..Y•M 6CVNA l•ml• koamowi car NM San Water �� . --- --and-_..-. N Roads 8 Trails •�•t.:N �1 L FnWrrs 6 Faellltlar OIIIc• ® Reelr.om -� F kt.l.r N o FMW -.y.r - p Dal d R.•.. o W m.T.m mp.ar Real i I s • n+•n m.d•F••I.. t P'..Pm Arn.r Prrv•.I." l o uucr..n•aa F•.wro t1 cN eo. wnvr Un I Io Ram l•'•+'�;,•• 1 .yA. �•-"F•• • O.0 TrN 1 , •• �. .............. a,•..y wm. Hydrologic Features --- T,N u•• i • ama. Q DPg•on umn P•rm•!tl O saw 1:a/Aga Y'ta Pa.rx,W 1'•r600 k N•wN F.Wi. Parking S o q u e I Im.rmnl..l Demonstration Forest ��1M aw.M a•r.. Sr vw vw. ® vanxq�d 1•.._ • NM Pu•.m•1 W.Rr Body r{ R.afWa P•K.yI ICI I More open access.More trails. New Alternatives for Sierra Azul Establishing and maintaining trails would An Exciting Master Plan for As MOSS had recommended, plans for appear to be relatively easy. The Cathedral Bear Creek and Sierra Azul both preserves included connections from the Oaks section may be somewhat more difficult Neil Wiley mountains. Sierra Azul alternatives included to open. Realistically, it may be in a long- More than a hundred local residents a connection to Cothran/Wrights Station range alternative(Alternative C) plan." interested in Bear Creek and Sierra Azul Road through San Jose Water Company New possible trail connections within the open space preserves attended the December land, a connection to Summit Road near preserve make more areas accessible and 5 public workshop meeting. The master Loma Prieta mountain, and a connection longer hikes more practical. These include plan project ream presented various plan between Mt. Umunhum and Highland Way a new trail from Cathedral Oaks to Mt. alternatives for public review and comment. near the Soquel Demonstration State Forest. Thayer and El Sombroso, and a connection After some discussion, the audience had the These trail entrances would give mountain between Mt. Umunhum and Woods Trail. opportunity to rate alternatives and make residents access to Sierra Azul without Additional regional trails connect the Mt. their own suggestions. driving down Highway 17. Moreover, the Umunhum area with Santa Clara County Although hikers, equestrians, and cyclists latter two connections provide for a regional Open Space,Limekiln Trail with St.Joseph's had some opposing views, the potential for trail corridor to Nisene Marks and Aptos. Hill, and Rancho de Guadalupe with new trails had us all smiling. Hot topics Although access via Wrights Station Road Almaden Quicksilver Park. Several parking included where to allow bicycles,the location is an exciting possibility, it would require areas would be created or improved.Signage, of new parking areas, and addition of new negotiated permission from San Jose Water both interpretative and directional,would be entry points and trails. Unknowns included that may be difficult to acquire. added throughout the preserve. Backpacking associated costs of these changes, projected Inside Sierra Azul, perhaps the most campgrounds at the north and south ends of increases in traffic,and need for more rangers significant alternatives offer the possibility the preserve would provide for long-distance and maintenance. Although the mountain of opening up the Guadalupe and Cathedral and overnight hikers. group Mountain Open Space Stewards had Oaks sections. I've hiked the Guadalupe Other improvements, not mentioned in recommended a mountain history museum section with Open Space docents.This section the meeting,should be considered,especially at Bear Creek, it was not considered in either offers some pleasant hiking on existing trails. in view of the large size of the preserve. of the two alternatives presented. These include improving safety through the page 18 Mountain Network News january 2007 www.mnn.net addition of communications for use in fire _ Bear Creek Redwoods, especially the lower 3 section below the Alma College site, is well and medical emergencies, potable water for `.� y- suited for shorter walks and rides. It offers emergency use, and increased patrolling. �a - - Although this isn't a park, a few benches many short loops over relatively level ground at key locations would improve visitors - through light forest and open meadows. experience. ' .. _- In this area, the suggested changes appear minimal, perhaps limited to making some narrow road-width trails into single-tracks, adding an off-leash dog area, and improving + the existing parking area. This is probably enough, but the accessibility and beauty " ? of this preserve should attract more users. Longer range plans should allow for far more r� parking. Use by families and casual non hikers suggests the use of extensive directional and interpretative signage. Adding a new parking area for thirry to forty vehicles and six to eight horse trailers next to Alternatives for Bear Creek Redwoods Presentation Center should help to make the Sierra Azul's size and rugged terrain are well higher areas of the preserve more accessible. suited for long distance hikers and cyclists, In our group, another site for horse trailers but often too challenging for young families was suggested. Rather than pulling slow- and more casual day hikers. In contrast, moving trailers up Bear Creek Road, why the smaller overall size, milder climbs, d ims, an tiA not provide access for horse trailers directly _- shorter trails of Bear Creek Redwoods are off Highway 17 on to Alma College Road?It perfect for less athletic walks and rides of a sounds like a safer and easier alternative. Guadalupe section of Sierra Az few hours. It's the accessible preserve for the Another new parking area alternative was rest of us. proposed at the intersection of Bear Creek 94 ark Smith Senior Loan Consultant (408) 353-9784 mark@victoriacapita)inc.com www.bomeloansiliconvalley.com Mountain Resident — 1 make house calls! Purchase & Refinance. • Construction & Lot Loans • 100% Financing Cash Out Low.Doc - Equity Loans/Lines Mountain Home Buyer's Seminar Tuesday, January 16th at Summit Properties VICTORIA - Please call Mark for details and to RSVP - CAPITAL, INC. Come and learn and ask questions about DRE#01333106 20 S. Santa Cruz Av#101 Los Gatos Mountain Real Estate and its Financing! Los Gatos CA 95030 page 19 january 2007 Celebrating life in the Santa Cruz Mountains hs "i 4%, A4 1_4S �., li pw 'A Road and Summit. The area provides a Some might have concerns about more pleasant hiking over varied terrain, some relatively flat and large area for parking for the bicycle and pedestrian traffic,but because of excellent views, a good loop trail, and a few upper areas of the preserve. This alternative its remote location and terrain, I doubt that remaining giant redwoods. A parking area would give mountain residents access to the this would be a problem. within the western section and better access park without driving Highway 17 or Bear The plan calls for removal of all old should be considered.' Creek Road. Unfortunately, Summit Road structures,with the possible exception of the Summary between Highway 17 and Bear Creek has chapel and a few shrines. This is a practical The Open Space staff and their consultants many narrow sections with blind corners. solution, but I'm concerned that there is have done a good job of presenting a wide Encouraging more traffic on this substandard too little regard for history. This area has a range of alternatives. Residents at the well- road might be a problem. Also, users of this rich and interesting history that should be attended December workshop gave their lot must cross Bear Creek Road just beyond a told. While these buildings may have little opinions and presented some new ideas. bury intersection to enter the western section historical value, the old bridge, the brick It will be interesting to see how this comes of the preserve above Bear Creek Road, and walls,and the archway underneath the main together at the next master plan meeting they must use this route to reach the rest of road should be protected.I would like to see scheduled for this summer. Maps and plan the preserve unless a new trail (alternative an interpretative center offering exhibits and te l arnatives are posted at www.openspace. 72) is built from Summit Road to the lower information about natural history, biology, alto eastern part of the Bear Creek preserve. geology,and local mountain history.Perhaps These preserves are a great resource, Several other new trail connections are a small visitor center could be added to a especially for our mountain community. proposed, including a new trail between new ranger's office at the Alma College site. Our input can make these preserves even upper and lower Bear Creek preserve, and a It was good to see that the alternatives better. If you have suggestions, give them to trail easement through Presentation Center include support for maintaining the existing Open Space. For more information h how lands. (I hiked this trail with Sister Toni stable. This is a valuable service. There are O input your ideas, call Ana Ruiz at how of Presentation Center. To read about our few stables left in the South Bay, and the to input or visit wwcall na Ruiz adventure, visit www.mnn.net, click on Bear Creek preserve is a great place to ride. "Hikes and other Explorations," then click Establishing a long-term lease and a site plan on"Presentation Center.")' should improve the facility. 1. For more about the Guadalupe section, Regional trail corridors are proposed Although the plan offers many excellent For mwwmnn.nedguadalupe.htm between the preserve and Lexington alternatives, the western section of the visit w2. For more about Presentation Center, visit Reservoir County Park, El Sereno Open preserve above Bear Creek Road has not www.mnn.nct/pcenter.htm Space,and Moody Gulch(Redwood Estates). received enough consideration. Even with 3. For more about the west section of Bear All three have value,but mountain residents, the alternatives presented, access is difficult Creek preserve, visit www.mnn.nct/ up perbcar.hrm especially in Redwood Estates, would gain and somewhat dangerous. I hiked this area the most from the Moody Gulch corridor. on an Open Space tour. It offers some page 20 Mountain Network News january 2007 www.mnn.net smart. Since I have been here 1 have learned 1.Water quality will be compromised with yxx "come," "sit," "down," and"shake," and I am polluted run-off from extreme disturbance learning new things quite rapidly, especially of the land. Loggers, large equipment move- Y' when there is a treat involved. ment, and large tree removal will loosen the ._: If you can find room in your heart and soil, especially in the many extreme, steep family for a young, short-haired female dog ravines.These areas are prone to earthquakes who weighs about forty pounds, give the which increase the danger of major earth o Veterinary Hospital at Summit Veter f a call at movement. _ - 408-353-1113 and ask to meet me. I will be - 2. Removing the biggest tree canopy will waiting for you. promote brush growth and reduce moisture 6 Tiernet� retention. on behalf of Sahara 3. The continued proposed logging inva- sion will greatly disturb endangered spe- N He doesn't like signs In reference to Theresa Martinelli-Jones' cies,wildlife, and human life, especially near letter faulting political candidates for trashing public schools and the many mountain pri- .� _ vale residences. the landscape with campaign signs, I found San Jose Water Company has a business your justifications for violations of the sign Dog needs a home ordinance to be unfortunate. license to supply quality water to Santa Clara Hi. My name is Sahara. On October 31 County—state regulated and tested—and profit whether political,in support of non- protect the watershed as other counties in I was hit by a car and severely injured. My rofit "good causes" or ads for goods and P family decided they didn't want me any more, services, are nothing more than litter on a California and that's what they should adhere g false claims to get even more so they called Santa Cruz Animal Services stick. More importantly, signs encourage to. Making and risking their main important duty who came and got me.After they examined more signs and implicitly tell people that a P g te n P me, they knew I was indeed severely injured, candidate,a cause or a business are ultimately of supplying water to thousands of people so they brought me to Summit Veterinary more important than the community's right and increasing fire danger is unconscionable. My family and I have lived the Santa Cruz Hospital to be examined. to an environment that is more appealing I had a badly broken rear femur that than a drive through the yellow pages. Mountains in Los Gatos for twenty years and would require extensive surgery to repair. in that you in your position will deeply 9 g y ea P Furthermore, you ignore that n All through the process of manipulating my unincorporated Santa Clara County such look into the facts and prevent all parts of injured leg and others parts of my bruised the atrocious logging proposal from being a signs are illegal in the public right of way with reali body,I never whimpered.I just looked at the no exemption, even for political candidates. ry' caregivers with big, sad eyes, and gave them you would think"wanna be elected"officials, Loretta-6 WXnSon kisses. Everyone there was immediately won P.S. Laws should be changed to protect the of all people, would respect the law and not watersheds of the states. over by my sweet, forgiving attitude. When break it. What kind of message to our kids Animal Services declared they would have to is that? put me to sleep because my injuries were too Midpeninsula Open Space has submitted �oH n Miller severe for them to pay for, Dr. Madden and comments regarding San Jose Water's NTMP Mary Sullivan, who own Summit Veterinary Logging (logging plan) created after participation in Hospital, said they would adopt me. From all my readings on the subject and the Pre-Harvest Inspection. Midpen asks After making sure I was strong enough, a logical thinking, I have concluded that that the plan be withdrawn and resubmitted special surgeon came in to repair my broken owning and protecting the one thousan ' as it is lacking in so many important items, leg with pins, a plate, and a bone graft. It acres of pristine forest watershed near the is incomplete, misleading in a material way, was a very long operation,but the staff made Los Gatos Creek inlet to Lexington Dam is etc., and impossible to follow with all the sure I was as comfortable as possible. I spent an honorable position with high public stan- change pages.To see the complete report go a long time with my leg in a sling, to give dards. The main focus should be the contin- to: ftp://thp.fire.ca.gov/THPLibrary/North— the surgery time to heal, but I maneuvered ued protection of the water quality and the Coast_Region/NTMPs2006/1-06NTMP- around quite well on three legs, especially watershed area which has been done to this 012SCL/20061201_1-06NTMP-012SCL_ after I found out where the"treat"jar was. point in time,except for the spraying of toxic PHI-Advisor2.pdf I have been here at Summit for over two chemicals near the water supply to kill poison Excerpts from the PHI report: months, and although they love me very oak. For this an investigation, charges, and Suitability as Public Open Space.The area much, they know that I would be happier fines should be administered. proposed for harvest under the NTMP with a home and yard of my own, and a What shocks me is for the sake of huge Would unquestionably be suitable as open family who would love me the way I am. profits to those who own and direct the San space. Maintaining the existing forest and Right now I am very thin, have a long scar Jose Water Company and Big Creek Lumber watershed resources, without the proposed on my leg and walk with a little limp, but Company is that they continue proposing long-term timber harvest, is compatible with all that will disappear with time. I am very what is not logical. the protection of the public water-supply page 8 Mountain Network News january 2007 www.mnn.net r watershed of Los Gatos Creek,and should be prepared by TSS Consultants. These justification for the amendm ent was that ' reviewers have credibly questioned whether the additional acres yarded by the helicopter, considered viable altern ative.a The amount of work that has gone into the the proposed NTMP will actually increase made the helicopter operation more preparation of the NTMP is acknowledged, the wildfire hazard on the lands of SJWC by economically feasible. The same possibilities though we believe that there is information increasing forest-floor fuels loads, creating exist for the SJWC NTMP. within the NTMP that is incorrect,incomplete increased growth of ladder fuels, and by We are concerned that there may be or misleading in a material way, and is removing the large, old trees most resilient opportunity to "bundle" other possible therefore insufficient to evaluate significant to fire. timber operations with additional properties environmental effects of the proposed NTMP. Another reasonable project alternative near SJW that could significantly increase the We believe that the NTMP in its current should evaluate a project that would duration of helicopter logging impacts. This form has the potential to result in significant implement water quality and fire-hazard- has also recently occurred on the NTMP environmental impacts. The alternatives reduction mitigations without the NTMP. listed above. analysis, in particular, appears to have been These (other areas owned by SJWC) are Cumulative Recreation Impacts. The use written with the foregone conclusion that undoubtedly some of the highest wild-land of an area of only 300 feet from the NTMP selects the NTMP as the preferred alternative, fire-hazard areas in the NTMP area and operations to assess recreational impacts is as opposed to a thorough, fair evaluation of surrounding region. The avoidance of fuel simply absurd. possible alternatives. treatment in these high fire hazard areas Fire. The primary benefits touted in the This alternatives analysis erroneously should be evaluated in the fire assessment fire plan are the augmentation of lopping standards, augmentation of road-safety implies that management of the area as a for the NTMP. g park or open space preserve would result in Noise.The analysis of noise impacts within zones, and augmentation of defensible space significant construction of public facilities and the NTMP fails to recognize the difference around habitable structures.There is no need infrastructure in support of public use....the between the sound of the highway (*a for augmenting lopping standards if there District has invested approximately$500,000 low hum) as opposed to the shrill sound is no slash generated by timber harvesting. to upgrade and abandon a number of roads of chainsaws, yarding, safety horns, and The augmentation of road-safety zones and and skid trails in one of our preserves over the the percussive sound pulses generated by defensible space around habitable structures last few years, to improve water quality and helicopter blades and a jet engine. can be completed now,without the proposed reduce potential downstream impacts to fish. Helicopter Operations. We therefore NTMP.(there is more about fire on page 6 of This work is necessary because of a legacy of question the economic feasibility of the tr a ore)- Inadequacy Of The NTMP As past timber harvest impacts that ended in the the helicopter units, and have difficulty Pro posed. We are concerned that the plan justifying the associated noise and wildlife mid-1980s. as originally filed was substantially flawed Given MR land management impacts. and that it is being fixed through the review ' —� g Public Purchase CableYarding/Helieopters.In reviewing the the Pu document practices described above, process. This,makes the NTMP Alternative Analysis is entirely incorrect. . NTMP and plan area, it appears thtremelat s extremely difficult to follow and we fear that designated ated for cable yarding have extremely the NTMP will Y g Operations proposed m g certain revisions or recommendations may be P result in substantial new road construction long reaches, deflection problems,downhill excluded from the enforceable plan, if one is and reconstruction, operations proposed in yarding, and areas that will be difficult, if approved.This has also apparently happened biologically sensitive areas and geologically not impossible,to reach. _ i troubl ing that during the review of with one of the other problematic helicopter arvest related Its g g unstable watercourses, h plans mentioned earlier.We strongly request alterations to a 120+-year-old late-succession the Briggs unit, the RPF stated that some that the Jan be returned as it currently forest, nearly annual timber falling, cable of the mapped cable unit was not accessible. stands and ask that the plan be resubmitted yarding,and helicopter operations. This certainly reduces our confidence in when a complete plan is prepared. Water Quality. The disturbance levels some other areas of the plan that appear Review Team Member.MROSD is a public associated with the NTMP have the potential even more difficult to cable yard. agency that manages public land with values to seriously degrade water quality, public- Another significant concern regarding the otenciall affected b the proposed NTMP, water supplies, and degrade habitat for feasibility of harvesting the cable-yarding and as an a enry with similar mission to aquatic resources, including resident trout, designated units of the NTMP is whether State Parks, we believe it is appropriate for and the California red-legged frog. these units will be switched to helicopter a representative from MROSD to serve as a The SJWC property also contains a large operations after the plan is approved. We formal Review Team participant in the same acreage area of late succession forest that is are aware of a recent NTMP (1-98NTMP- manner as a DPR representative would serve. unique to the Santa Cruz Mountains, and 019SCL) submitted by and operated on by Tern Glt�.rle provides habitat for a wide variety of wildlife, Big Creek Lumber, the preparation of the NAIL steering committee including late succession dependent species. SJW NTMP, where helicopter operations Fire. There are a number of fire scientists were dramatically extended following who have commented on the proposed initial approval of the NTMP. This was NTMP and associated fire-hazard assessment done....without public notification... The Mountain Network News January 2007 page 10 u,ww mnn.net AA . .yam •� �# ..► � .y.=•..`.� $�.�. r . S� „ s S , . . ■ • ■ r r ..a.., .� 7,. +i • 408.355.1530 cgoddard@cbnorcaLcom www.conniegoddard.com • •• • ,�• • President's Circle .. 4 399. 4 • 08. 1 62 -. - • -• • •- • •• • barbara.harriman@cbnorcaLcom •• -• • • • www.barbaraharriman.com • • COLDW L •� •- .• BANK AR • •• 1 • ••• - RESIDENTIAL BROKERAGE - 11 Sierra Azul Bear Creek Redwoods Why have a master plan? Sierra Azul is vast, encompassing more No less beautiful and rugged, although The master-planning process aims to pro- than 17,000 acres. Because of its size, the much smaller in size at just over 1,340 vide the public with greater opportunities preserve is divided into four areas: the Ken- acres, Bear Creek Redwoods abounds with for recreation access, interpretation, and nedy-Limekiln area adjacent to Lexington Douglas fir, oak, and madrone, as well as education, while protecting the natural, Reservoir County Park; the Cathedral Oaks the redwoods for which it is named. There cultural, and historic resources of the land- area, which is almost entirely surrounded by are also grasslands, five ponds, and three scape. The Open Space District is develop- private property and is therefore currently perennial creeks. Of historic interest, the ing a long-term vision for these public lands closed to the public; the Rancho de Guadal- preserve is the site of the former Alma Col- and addressing opportunities for access and upe area,which is also currently closed to the lege and once contained the first mainland regional trail connectivity, species and habi- public pending the planning and develop- radio tower to receive the news of the attack tat protection, safety concerns, and main- ment of public access facilities; and the Mt.e,: on Pearl Harbor. Much further back, the tenance issues, among others. District staff Umunhum area, named for the 3,486-foot preserve served as one of General Fremont's and consultants are actively soliciting and mountain that is its most dominant feature. camp sites. Now, with its direct access to encouraging community involvement from Although known for its chaparral-covered Lexington Reservoir County Park, its prox- various agencies, non-profit organizations, slopes, Sierra Azul has pockets of serpentine imity to State Route 17, and its potential neighbors, and constituents throughout the grasslands,bay and blue-oak woodlands,and connections to many trails in the region, planning process. lush riparian corridors, including the head- including the Bay Area Ridge Trail, Bear To be placed on a community interest list, waters of Guadalupe Creek. Home to deer, Creek Redwoods can easily become one of call Ana Ruiz at 650-691-1200. bobcat, coyote, and the federally threatened the Bay area's most popular recreation des- red-legged frog, the preserve also provides tinations. exceptional habitat for the elusive and (ar- ranging mountain lion. It has the beauty and ruggedness of an unspoiled wilderness and attracts visitors seeking a more vigorous The information on this page was provided at the hiking, biking,or equestrian experience. website www.openspace.org. „� Water storage tanks, rain barrels, l Your local source for \� d pumps, downspout filters and RAIN WATER �� drip irrigation supplies. HARVESTING PRODUCTS d / Visit our Scotts Valley store and see a working rain harvesting display. Join us Sunday, February 11 th or March 11 th at 12:00 noon for a Free 1A" rain on >190Osf roofs= Seminar on rain harvesting. 6;000•gallon RAINING? RSVP- (831) 438-6450. Limited to 25 guests. "St or.¢ it now...use it later. / Seminars held at the Scotts Valley store d � a ,Lower your water bill! only. SCOTTS VALLEY SPRINKLER & PIPE SUPPLY I _ x WATSONVILLE SCOTTS VALLEY 831.438.6450 831.728.0446 I� � 5010 Scotts Valley Dr. 131 Walker St. T-� --- } �-. - www.sysprinklerandpipe.com lanuary 2007 Celebrating fife in the Santa Cruz Mountains page 23 sm ACH 2O0.7 - ter _"t6 . `�v� - - ..--rt"e�s=i_' yI`'+•' 4�5 #ri' '`�.`�yC,sz�—•` -r:. r Y,,,,•1. ��` ... �- _ t Ar t he Ancient � 111 . N SeaUK h n- elk, KY. 44, doe- IV F3�� a `"� .i�. ��PY C� ?+�!k '�:'S� Yl,' `^� � - •�'..'�i'.rtit-. .'1F� � {' .�'.Uv�` -r•?� ti `� .,.ty.�•7 !' ,.[ �MlK+nt. � .^� � Y --� L� ; • ahs .. : � ai. r •ate.. 'e: + a �.c- ,s• - _ ,1' ..�', Y'# � F• s "*ems —.�'• c,. ` 5,. Fr. '�- �,r'-•.0 -�, � ems. �` ,�• �� .��f�� 'F.:, y y`' ,�'r` 1 - j_ Botanic Magic in .Ti.lden% Park NapaRiver Rebound Z. 40' ` .The Rock in the Redwoods- s (left)One of the main attractions at El Corte de Madera a Creek Open Space Preserve is this large sandstone boulder `. $* partially hidden among the trees.(right)Its surface is s, ,;' ... pocked with intricate formations called tafoni,produced e+ ��,,,£•`"`}.- by interactions of winter rains and chemicals in the sandstone. r de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve. After more than a century of use and r. abuse,the land began to heal. jam.^ The preserve takes its name from El Corte de Madera Creek, in the spring- and fog-fed headwaters of San Gregorio Creek.The name means "the wood- cutting place"in Spanish, a fitting moniker around here.While California's North Coast boasts the tallest redwood trees and the biggest stands, it was here, ;. "".e•� in the Santa Cruz Mountains,at the southern end of the redwood range,that both the commercial logging of redwoods - M t and the public outcry to preserve them ivy - .` 'K< began.El Corte de Madera Creek pre- ~ Bents a view into this intersection of humans,history,and habitat. It also offers visitors abundant oppor- tunities to wander among recovering �s redwood forests,now even more verdant after refreshing winter rains.Mosses and lichens plump up and unfurl on tanoak trunks.Hanging gardens, again lush with l lif e,coat ro cks,while tumbling , blin creeks Pa v 3 background music.Orangish papery curls 3 of madrone bark littering the ground relax and become supple.Drop your concerns TA F O N I TALES FROM EL C O RT E DE M A D E R A about all those cars back on the road. THE ROCK IN THE REDWOODS With 3, miles trails,this place absorbs people,and within minutes you can feel like you have it almost to yourself. by Caro yn J Strange The preserve abuts Skyline Boulevard (Highway 35), which snakes along the Rest your eyes on the tall trees and equestrian center along the road.And Peninsula's crest.The mountains slope breathe the fragrant forest air—and a that cacophony in the background, echo- relatively gently east toward San Fran- deep sigh of relief.You've escaped for ing up the ravines?That's the logging of cisco Bay,and commercial redwood a few hours—or all day—to ramble second-growth redwoods—possibly logging began on those eastern slopes beneath a leafy canopy.Redwoods, mixed with the din of motorcycles. around the nearby town of Woodside Douglas-firs,tanoaks, and madrones Scratch that and breathe another during the 18305. But these steep,rugged shelter miles of trails waiting to sigh of relief!San Mateo County western slopes discouraged loggers until guide you to creeks,ocean vistas, had already approved plans for such the 186os,after the bayshore port of and a fantasy sandstone formation. developments, but they were tossed Redwood City had sprung up and the It could have worked out differ- aside forever when the Midpeninsula eastern side was mostly logged out. ently.Instead of 2,800 acres of open Regional Open Space District acquired Eight sawmills operated in the preserve's space,picture a hundred homes and an this land in 1985 and created El Corte gullies and gulches,leaving an tnescap- 0 a few equally unlikely bulges, .ing animals—begins the physical z called cannonballs,protrude erosion of the rock and exposes the from the rock. weakened interior to accelerated weath- _ Limited by climate,rock ering.Breaching that crust leads to the In type, and other circumstances, large caves.Then the same processes tafoni formations are uncom- working on the weakened inner rock mon.In this case,the stage was form the fretworks.Sandstone isn't D set some ;o million years ago uniform;better-cemented areas, called — when the Vaqueros Sandstone concretions,resist weathering,giving rise formed off Southern Califor- to decorations like the cannonballs.The nta's shore.Deep sand sedi- stone lace develops because calcite-laden ments settled into a marine water takes the path of least resistance, .ntir - .,� basin;then calcite,from the along cracks. "Over time it cements those shells of marine animals,slowly cracks,leaving the rest of the sandstone �!� s cemented the sand bed less cemented,"says naturalist and retired together as it was carried north geologist Paul Heiple. "It's a reverse along the San Andreas Fault. topography." Cavernous weathering Nature needs thousands of years occurs in two phases, chemical to sculpt these delicate decorations. r_ and physical.The chemical Scrambling around the tafoni boulder phase requires distinct wet and endangers the formations as well as able legacy, from old logging roads to dry seasons,which our Mediterranean the scrambler, so resist the temptation. "fairy rings"of second-growth redwoods climate provides.First,winter rains, Besides,this is the only one of the encircling the stumps of ancients long slightly acidic from atmospheric carbon district's -5 preserves where venturing since turned into lumber or shingles. dioxide, soak into the rock.This mildly off trail can get you a citation. Yet in this densely forested landscape, acidic water dissolves and begins to When the district buys land, it not a sandstone formation called tafoni steals redistribute the calcite cement.Then, as only inherits problems, it shoulders the spotlight, especially for first-time summer's warm,parched air slowly dries responsibility for remedies. "Our visitors.Indeed, in 1974 the San Mateo out the rock,the water,now laden with mission is not recreation first,"says County Parks and Recreation Depart- dissolved calcite,wicks outward.As the district's Skyline Area Superinten- ment considered a 4o-acre park around water evaporates from the rock surface, dent David Sanguinetti. "Protection of the "sandstone caves." the calcite it carried is left behind in the the resource takes precedence."When the The huge sandstone boulder in outer foot or so of the rock.Thus, still-young district acquired this land,it question perches on the north-facing summer drying concentrates the calcite allowed public access soon after pur- slope of a steep ravine in the northern cement,strengthening the outer rock and chase.Unfortunately,that created portion of the preserve,hidden among forming a hard outer crust, while problems in this steep,disturbed terrain, trees.As you approach,the trail's long weakening the inner rock. when mountain bicyclists—then a rela- switchback frustrates then gratifies as it Anything that breaks that crust— tively new user group—discovered old, first guides you away from the boulder, falling branches,hail,windblown debris, erosion-prone roads and motorcycle and then back onto a viewing platform for a good look. F A sculpting process called cavernous weathering—or tafoni weathering, from " to oru(plural to oni ,the Corsican word for "cave"—has scooped out hollows at h "� the boulder's base.But forgive yourself if Y Y our eyes don't quite register these large as the intriguing `caves hone - so muchhoney- combed cells inside,called fretworks, stone lace,or stone lattice.Amid this vertical array of pockets and concavities, The preserve's 36 miles of trails snake down steep �y ram"` grt canyons thick with second-growth redwoods.The young trees give some sense of their giant forebears, �- which were logged out beginning i5o years ago. MISMI.LOGNMOv,WWW.VE R4USRnOlO.COM J ANUAAY-MARCH 2O07 mok BAY NATURE O M's- ww EAGUSvn OTO.COM Z trails.To address such Madrones,tanoaks,and other understory inappropriate use,the district trees add color and diversity of form to the -I convened a ctttzens'group forest.Tanoaks in the preserve have been r . S - the subject of recent studies on sudden m that agreed upon the current oak death. trail system and the closure w of all other old trails.Now- F. n adays the district goes through respect watercourses and a public planning process natural contours and shed before opening new properties. Alrain quickly,to prevent water "This is the preserve that from picking up speed, taught us to do things differ- ` energy,and sediment. "We're . r. ently,"Sangumetti says. designing for big pulses of More than just an eyesore rain;'Manning says,and last and maintenance headache, year's soggy March tested trail erosion contributes recent improvements. "They sediment to creeks,which is performed beautifully,"she of special concern in the San says.Current work focuses Gregorto Creek watershed, on the mile-long Giant Sala- critical Central Coast habitat - mander trail,closing it to all for steelhead trout and coho I' ,a visitors until later this year. s salmon.Steelhead is listed - Struggling fish PoP ula- federally as threatened,and d�°�,•'i' �. tions and secretive salaman- coho is listed both by the ders aren't the only concerns; state and federal governments ,a a rare plant holds on here, as endangered.Sediment ruins e{ IMP' too.The Kings Mountain stream-beds fors P awnin g by � r manzanita(Arctostapbylos ' covering rocks and gravel and , =� regismontana)doesn't grow reducing pool depth.That �_ =" is-' much beyond the Kings means fewer laces to la eggs, `=' "~ '- . Mountain area along the P Y gg C d , r�'s`�x ` R:,iz.,,4_ '.: fewer places for juveniles to ridge between Highways qz hide from predators,and less food,too. land.Their ability to migrate is limited, and 84,and the California Native Plant Research at the preserve is examining so they depend on their home streams. Society considers it endangered. the effects of sediment and other habitat To protect downstream wildlife,the The woody shrub needs full sun,but variables on another creature,the Califor- district developed a Watershed Protection doesn't compete well in chaparral. "The nia giant salamander(Dicamptodon ensatus). Program in 2004 and revisited the state strange thing about this manzanita is it's Marbled in shades of red,brown,and of the trail system. "It's the first of its an edge species,"says Cindy Roessler, copper,it's one of North America's kind for the district,but it probably resource management specialist for the largest salamanders—up to a foot won't be the last,"the district's Meredith district. "It loves to have its back up long—and is found only in the Coast Manning says of the comprehensive plan. against the forest and its front to the Range from Mendocino to Santa Cruz A big part of the problem is that the sun."The district maps its locations, counties.Eggs laid in streambed gravel old logging roads were poorly designed avoids disturbing it, and also keeps an don't hatch for several months, and and never intended for year-round eye open for places to plant it. "But it's juveniles remain in the stream for up to recreational use.Properly designed trails hard to get it to germinate,"Roessler three years before metamorphosing into says. "We're working with a adults who move out onto not-so-dry ng all ` nursery that is tr yi�:-� ' kinds of different methods. I Propagators experimented (far left)This section of Skyline Ridge is a home to the Kings Mountain manzanita, a local endemic that favors edge habitat v Ih and can be found along hails in the pre- serve.(left)The reclusive California giant salamander also makes its home here. h C J 'i Though the salamanders can be up to a f, foot long,they're rarely seen in the open. OWD THARR mFRANK S.8.1T 5 I l AURORA MENE H-0 •1 r with cold and hot temperatures,seed ;: i z coat scratching, and simulated burning,but nothing has worked consistently. µ. _ Kings Mountain manzanita may be ' rn picky but it's not shy.Its growth habit makes it easy to spot right next to trails. X Look for it along Manzanita Trail,Fir D Trail,and at the Vista Point, a lunch stop _ r- popular for its ocean view(fog permit- ting.It's fairly easy to identify.You " might first observe the strongly overlap- " ping gray-green leaves.Upon closer examination,notice that leaf stems are short, or absent,so the leaves clasp the r _ `_' branch,which may be hairy.Deep lobes El Corte de Madera is popularwith mountain bike near the stem give leaves an elongated tanoak acorns were collected and riders.Early problems with erosion led to a new heart shape.In winter,they're in bud and catalogued from five locations around management plan that became a model for other blooming, with clusters of pink lanterns the state,including here, in a search for peninsula preserves. opening as early as March. resistant strains of tanoak.Acorns will Another plant to watch here,the be planted under controlled conditions, roads being reclaimed by nature.You tanoak(Lithocarpus densforus),is abun- and researchers will study any strains might wonder whether the rare manza- dant for now.Three types of redwood that resist infection.In the other effort, nits and abundant tanoak will still grow forest dominate this preserve, and the young tanoaks in already infested areas here zoo years from now, and how big company that plants keep can really were injected with the pathogen,then the redwoods will be.Then again,you matter.There are some small pockets of months later cut down.The trunks were can just take a grateful breath and be glad pure redwood, and a fair amount of sliced thinly and examined microscopi- that this preserve is here, and so are you. redwood/Douglas-fir association,but a tally to follow how the disease spreads majority is redwood/tanoak association. through tree tissues. GETTING THERE So anything affecting+tanoaks here could As you wander the trails,the view El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space alter wide swaths of forest.Sudden oak in either direction along the abuse-to- Preserve has multiple entrances;the most death(SOD)has been hitting tanoaks recovery arc of this place is,well,foggy, accessible are along Skyline Boulevard hard up and down the coast, and it's here as befits the redwood range.You don't (Highway 35).Skeggs Point,about 4 too.But it's not kicking in like it has have to look hard to see signs of old miles north of Highway 84 and 1.5 miles elsewhere. "The south of Kings Mountain Road,offers unusual thing about ^•^ '.,t,2 �} ) parking.(Note:Southbound traffic El Corte de Madera cannot turn left into the Skeggs lot. c« R•� El Corte de Madera Creek Creek is that it °,M„ r �5' '� Open Space Preserve During the wet season,some trails may be open only to hikers.Trail improve- doesn't have very T•I _ ment and restoration work, continuing man California ; - - --- - co, Y ,,,; 1� bays;'says Roessler. ;!° -- _A'' ° ¢,FpR•mO.,d»� through zooq,may require temporary _ •�•R•• closures of some trails to all visitors.For California bay 22W'\ 2UT s�== the latest trail conditions,go to www. laurel(Urnbellularia 00 +� ; openspace.org or call(65o)69i-i200. cal ifornica)acts as a reservoir and t 0, CC/ �'1� -- Science writer Carolyn J.Strange lives I<ss than-5 spreader for the Rv�: "°° �% r'; l 4 P ew"•'' - - -ti;;��.1 miles,as the crow flits from the tafom sandstone but I , disease pathogen. 2IDB t ^ d; Y _o is c ,T -, -, more than 14 miles away by road and trail.Her last The district has - °. story for Bay Nature was about Edgcwood Park and committed to help .` t ° ,�-`.•` '� -" Natural Preserve(April June 2oo4). fight son,and El Corte de Madera r(f"��°` BAY NATURE HIKE Creek preserve is (`�' r, '� " "" „+,_ ,; / Sunday,Marchii,ioa.m.-Zp.m. playing a role in f_' c; I,' c""' Join us and MROSD docents for a walk at El Corte de Madera Creek.Details:www.baynature.com, two statewide click on"Bay Nature Events" RSVP required. research projects. 4r_ -' �+ ce••a� �• •, Email hikes@baynature.com or call(510)528 8550. Last fall io,000 cz NR�Tow,• S BE.P[/.5[,WWW.RGSERRFSS.COM JANUARY—MARCH 2O07 wllw4 BAY NATURE 1j C:u��ertino _,:Briefs Caltrain toy drive was on right track P EWS Caltrain's sixth annual Holiday Train cu0ec[cd d,832 toys and books along with more than 51,6IX7 in cash during its stops in early December. Anestimatedl6'000 children and '� f adults winedouttosee thedecoral- ed train at nine stops Dec.2-3. The toys collected went to the Sal- r •'.� vatioa Army and the U.S.Marine • Corps Reserve's Toys for Tots cam- J', ►ts �w s Since the first holiday tram in 200E ri - .•.� more than 30.000 gifts have been donated The VTA also conducted a toys'.1. drive, ting people rn"Stuff the "'' - laid+- tf"'� k •.,,;1' Bus."Since.1995,the VTA has asked ..-•/4 �r"�. Y� ;pppp the communitytobnngtoys and Ell up a bus.This year,]°'base,WCit filled. J ��' _ Those toys were donated to the Toys for Tots campaign as well. 3_ Contest for kids , who build models _ ,e Young model-airplanelrners unite - at the Moreland-West Community s Center gym on Jan.21 and Jan.29. from9 a.m.to 5 p.m. Boys and girls 18 and younger can enter the Jan.20 contest.All conies- rants will build and fly a simple model airplane for a S5 entry fee,which * includes the cost of materials.Prizes will be nw.rded for first through fifth place. Ac ` Beginning on Jan.28.children age 10 and older may attend a youth fae•WaVb ar iaq�eawr Raawr-� indoor model airplane building and Old Homestead:The main house still stands on the Stevens Canyon Ranch property,which dates back to the 18805.The flying class.The classes are from 4 to Ranch is close to 6,600 acres of public preserves and parks. 6 p.m.at the Moreland gym,IM Fall- ........_...I.._.__.............. brook Ave..and include eight aes- ..........._......................................._..... _. siuns. Youths will learn to build,adjust and By lightweight,free-flyintie ndoor preserving historic Stevens Canyon Ranch model eirylanes m a supervised envi- ronment The class can be a gateway to local,national and international Open space district conrests.scienceprojed -reward- /f t...c w ing hobby. acquires 238—acre site For more information.call Lou � � '�i"X fir.` '� � %%., .j• Young at 408.252.2145. By HUGH BIGGAR VTA bans smoking The M'doeninsula Revional Ooen r S ac�haspurchased r hlhistoric at transit facilities [evens Canyon Ranch in the hills above i. Cupertino and Saratoga. 4 The Santa Clara Valley Trans- Craig Brition,the district's general man- portation Authority,boardofduec- ager,said the 238-acre properryisanidealsite ton adopted a no-smoking policy at for regional trail connecnonsandrecreation. allt e rarisil facilities. The district had been managing the The new policy applies to all VTA grounds since 2005.It recently acquired y -^. ti-.iS �,`t' shelters,transit centers and light rail funding from the Santa Clara Valley st"'yt ' '.". station platforms. Water Dislric[lhroughaSl.6 million riper- The policy went into effective Jan. ianconservation casement,and from grant Branching OI(t.-An apple orchard is located behind the main house on the 1-but sigtu identifying-no smoking and state bond money. Stevens Canyon Ranch property. areas are not expected lu go up until Stevens Canyon Ranch is close to 6,600 ......._........ f_._.._......._............_-..._.._...___....__...._._._--..._.__.. spring 2o07.Until the sigm arc in ayes of public preserves and parks.The pur- place,VTAo(flcui say it will ta:hard chase of the ranch helps the opens pace dis- grasslands,meadows,pear and apple adom the doors to the old winery building. to enforce the new rule,but they hope trio connect parklands and preserves tocre- orchards,and redwood groves.There is a At that time,alcohol was illegal due to the smokes will be eonsideral<atid coin- ate a corridor of natural spaces in the Santa 12-foot diameter,old-growth redwood Prohibi[ion-era in the United Slates. ply smokers willng a considerate Cruz Mountains,according to David San- thought to be the largest tree remaining in -It's hearsay,but l have heard the lone• guinelti,area superintendent for the district. Stevens Canyon, ing ladies provided a way of communicat- The corridor also links the Saratoga Gap The ranch is located along winding ing that the winery was a place you could Email us and the Montebello and Pichetti Open find alcohol,"said Sanguinetti. Space preserves. Stevens Canyon Road and dates back to the •Ilse land also includes old stone mortars 'Stevens Canyon Ranch gives to more 1880s.It includes an old homestead built by used by the Ohlone—the first settlers of Letters to the editor can be sent to: trail opportunities,including connecting to the Bordi family,and astone winery.The the site—to grind acorns, courier@community-newspa trails up to Skyline Drive."said Sanguinetti, laded paintings of two dancing women pers.com- The ranch property's landscape includes dressed in the flapper style of the 1920s Ranch,page 9 JANUARY 3.2007 CUPERTINO COURIER 7 Cupatino ff nU IER NEWS _.___._—_...__._____.............................. _ t� 4+'i. tit ,;R :� # ��'.,�..y-•�^rc.,; a,. � � eYesasrga►t JagatWr wa.r{w P�-ti n--s� :. �r -'�,. �'i: Winery Entrance:The faded paintings of two dancing ladies adorn the doors IN vs•t w { 1 { 't� t s of a stone structure that once housed casks of wine. .........._.....___........_............................................._......_.............._............................ _ 'Icouidn't stand the thought of having Ranch huge mansions on the property,"Glen- 0...ing Jones told the COURIER in 2004. _ ``� q•' "�`.`� - 1 � Continued/rampage? Tnnsicurrentllucxtaathe rsnctiPr _..._..._.._........_......__........_ .__.--.__........__-.._... eny.which tractors. pack e+ �'4r - r The Bords family sold the land in the Ing bones and farm equipment.According 1950%to the Glendenning family.Betz to the district-the old farm equipment does Glendenning Jones then sold the land to not have significant historical value. - f+lw,.• k the Peninsula Open Space Trust in2OO4. Sanguinettisaid there were no dt immedi- 9a` At the time,Glendenning Jones said a ate plans for renovations ofran buildings. 1 g 1 g ies developer had approached her.but she "We'll tventuallvdevelop amasmrplan -'^Lt wanted the property to remain intact. on how to open it to the public,'he said. Winter Courses Include: ........................................................................................ .Russia,Russian,Russians .` 9 ' his vehicle.Deputies found that the vehicle •Desperetely Seeking Sundance:A Survey of American „+tl ,f ,,l', Report hadbcenslolcnin San Jos rhedriverww driven to the main jail and booked. Independent Film Thr f 11—terg incidents were cu/Jtd from Residential burglary—Dec. 23, Bubb .The Enlightenment reports filed by deputies or the sheriffs Road.A thief entered through the open —aide snbstwion. garage door of a home and took a purse •Art with Attitude:American Art in the 1990s Shoot atnnn-game bird—Dec.2.Stevens from a car parked inside.The items taken .Real NUMB3RS:The Actual Mathematics Behind the Popular Creek Boulevard.A suspect was observed included credit cards and$200 in cash. bringing two pellet guns to a public park. Vitndulism—Dec.22.Rodrigues Avenue. TV Series Deputies were called and saw the suspect The rear window of a vehicle was broken, .St.Augustine in Milan:The Confessions and Early Dialogues discharge the weapon at a bird.The sus- causing S400 in damage. pect apologized for shooting the bird and Grand theft—Dec.22.N.Wolfe Road. wasciled for astate department of vi fish and Three women removed the sensor tags Join us at Stanford Continuing Studies,a unique program for Bay Area game olation. and walked off with 12 bras worth un Pnxsession of m¢Ihamphel.nnlne—Dec. estimated$500.One of the suspects had adults offering a broad range of courses taught by Stanford's distinguished 24.Imperial at Stevens Creek Boulevard. a black eye patch. faculty,engaged irls[mctors,and cutting-edge researchers.With offerings Following a vehicle stop on a suspected Auto theft—Dec. 21. Pruneridge burglary.a deputy recognized the driver Avenue. A 1995 Honda Accord was from liberal Arts and sciences to professional and personal development, as a parolee.The suspect voluntarily stolen from the parking lot of an apart- handed the deputy a small bag of ment complex. we encourage you to satisfy your passion.Learning is an endless journey. methamphetarmne.He was arrested and .......................................... Continue yours by taking a Stanford Continuing Studies course! booked at the main jai!. p Pnas¢Dec. of cncaine, eaarij Road Cat Emergencies g sale—Dec. 24, Homestead Road .l eontinuin studies.stanford.edu Franco Court.After making a vehicle stop,deputies searched the vehicle and Continued from page J t'"•• F r U inf rmu aon visit found numerous baggics of marijuana.a _............................_................_........_...._..._......_. ;/t•.1\r. or mot scale and$600 in cash(mostly in 20s). help rapidly integrate data.Among the 13 _!' � `2 SIAOtOr(j Ufll V(;fSl[y contin u i ngstudies.sta nrord.edu The suspect,who was booked into the cities involved in the program are Sunny- `i main jail,was also found with a plastic volt,Saratoga.Campbell,San Jose and bagsie with a white powdery substance L.os Gatos. that tested positive for cocaine. "This technology is a way to see how Auto th¢n—Dec. 24. Intentate 280 at they mightconnect the dispatch centers," Stevens Creek Boulevard.A driver wns Knapp said."The next step is intplemen- Find t t _ s s ataypcd fur nW Mving working tail lights on ration." JANUARY 3.2007 CUPERTINO COURIER 9 P Outdoors k`rr+.] wFat 3"-�4x�w+'r4 P •�" w`'r n,'�a y,�', ................ .......... A . ....... ...... .. ......... r (. {1 ,4h The San Francisco Bay is a sturiong photo subject at the end of the day.Ideal locations for taking photos include Berkeley,Angel Island and Mount Tamalpals. AS THE SUN BEGINS TO SET .: 5 best photo spots :: From Berkeley to Bolinas to the often hanging out within close range of the parking lot p p y and hundreds of others that can be tracked and spotted on South Bay, these are the laces for stellar scenic shots on Tamales trails."You've,you' a got wl the ater on ut I sidesove ofyow,up y p on Tamales Ridge,you've got water on both sides of you;' Martin said."Taking in sunsets,looking out across the "Dear Tom,I am wondering if you could recommend some choices within close range.With the 330400t climb,you ocean,are spectacular;"and you can create award-win- places within an hour or so of San Francisco thatyou think gain the famous perch at the Mount Tam summit,2,571 ning photos with a silhouette of a bull elk in the fore- are best forphotography.When 1 shoot nature Iprefer early feet.On clear evenings,the bay,its islands and landmarks ground."Then,on the other side,you've got Tamales Bay a.m.,around sunrise,and late p.m.,_minutes before sun- make the region seem like the Land of Oz.Nearby to the and miles of rolling foothills"The colors at dusk,he not- set."—Sam Zaydel west,from Bolinas Ridge,park at a pullout and make the ed,change almost by the second,and with it,the visual For this request,I compared notes with photographer short walk to a hilltop lookout.The coastal hills plunge to impacts.(415)464-5100,www.nps.gov/pore. James Martin, whose new book, "The Islands of San the sea and your view extends to the horizon for what can 3. HIDDEN BEACH,ANGEL ISLAND Francisco Bay"(Down Window,20o6),has established seem perfect sunsets,with the Farallon Islands picking up him as a major photographic talent in the region.Here are dusk's glow for the best photos. (415) 388-2070, The best view for photos at Angel Island is not from the our picks: www.parks.ca.gov. summit,Martin says,but from the secluded beach below the Camp Reynolds barracks.This gorgeous cove provides 1. MOUNT TAMALPAIS 2. PIERCE RANCH/TOMALES POINT a beach lookout to the south of the San Francisco water- SUMMIT/BOLINAS RIDGE RIDGE front,where,with a wide-angle tens,you can set up the Nature is the artist.The sun and its refracted colors are There is no better place to photograph wildlife than at shot so the framing extends from sand to water to dusk's the brush and paint.At sunset,this scene can be the can- Pierce Ranch at Point Reyes National Seashore,with elk glow on the city's waterfront."Then turn to the right," vas,the Bay Area's greatest show at dusk.You have two CONTINUED ON PAGE 36 /, �18�aO Outdoors Bay and beyond::Clear your head.Gape at the """""" view.Get some exercise.Change your scenery.MeetFRW w►ce as some creatures.You're in the Bay Area,after all. Martin says,"and you'll see the glow on the Golden Gate Bridge."Th capture the magic of dusk here means camping; Sat.-Sun 1931 First Ave.,Wal- several hike-to campsites are located near this spot at Camp nut Creek.(925)935-1978.® Reynolds.(415)435-1915,wuw.angetisland.corn. Aquarium of the say Sea life Marine Mommal Center Vial- 4.GRIZZLY PEAK BOULEVARD,BERKELEY indigenous to San Francisco Bay for Center The Visitor Center is the focus at this venue that contains marine mammal exhib- The sunsets,virus and photo shots available from several features two clear-turmel exhi- its,a gift store and Webeam turnouts an Grizzly Peak Boulevard can stun even longtime bitions through which visitors access for the public to remotely residents Of the East Bay who have Haver taken the time to can walk and be surrounded by marine mammal patients.10 chase this one down.This road extends from the East Bay's fish.io a m. 7 P.m.Mon.- a.m.-4 p,rn daily.Merin Head- skyline through Tilden Park and then,in a series of curves, Titres.,io a.m.-8 p.m.Fri.-Sun. lands,1065 Fort Cronkhite, downhill and to the UC Berkeley campus.There are several Pier;q,Embarca pullouts along the way,set high on foothill ledges,with tan- f7.50-$33.95• Rodeo Beach,Sausalito.(415) dero at Beach St.(888)732- 289-7355•—.mar inemarnmal t>1 c views to the west of San Francisco Bay and the Golden 3483.www.aquariumoffhebgy. center.org. Gate.The bridge is framed by San Francisco to the left and corn. the Mann Headlands to the right.Martin and I agreed that California Academy of Scl- Oakland Museum of Cailfor- this is one of the best spots close to an urban area to take in a nia"Bring the Condors Home" sunset anywhere.Pick out a clear evening and check it out. arces"Coral Reef."Atwo- the exhibition interprets condor (510)562-7275,1tww.ebparks.org. story,20,000-gallon coral reef biology,behavior,and life histo- tankthatfeaturesdozensof 5.SKYLINE RIDGE,PENINSULA tropical reef fish and a wide ry,as well as issues threatening From S Londe to P Mill Road,then beyond to Highway variety of colorful corals."Di- the survival of the species.io 9,S one bit after another with a series of vista point nossurs:Ancient Fossils,New a.m.-5 pm.Wed.-Sat.,noon-5 lookouts.The views of the South Bay are dunning and on Discoveries?Learn how many P•m.Sun open until q p.m.the first Fri.of each month.loth clear evenings,provide a panorama for the photographer preconceived notions about and Oak streets,Oakland.(510) with a fish-eye lens.But the other lookouts provide beasts are at a ocean that can be even more dramatic. these ancient being 238-z2oo. views towardtp shattered as recent discoveries When the evening fog cloaks the coastal hills,the foothill are brought to life using the a Responsible Wild- sunset,if summits poke through like islands.Then,right at latest technologies."Discovery = life Viewing Photos you luck out,just as the sun hits stratus,you can get a rain- Tide Pool."Handle a few of the of gray whales harbor seals, bow of colors refracting through the layers of fog for a few animals that live along our northern elephant seals,shore ds.(650)6qi-i2oo,www.opatspace.org. coast,including turban snails, birds and natural history notes. _Tom Sifenatra, corn hermit crabs and mussels.Nat- 9 a.m.-5 p.m,Mon.-Fri.,8 realists answer questions about a.m.-5 p.m.Sat.-Sun.and boll- the animals and their habitat. days.Point Reyes National Sea- "no Great Outdoors With Tom Stpt "d "Xtreme Life:On Earth and shore.Point Reyes Stetson.(415) d"N e an interactive 561-6622.www. o airs Sundays at 10 a.m.on KBCW-44 and Beyon avigat /arnilones. rg. say Area Cable 12.His Outdoors Report projection of the surface of Mars can he Board Saturdays on KCBS(740 AM) and learn about the Planet's Rotary Nature Center Nature at 7:35 a.m.,9:35 a.m.and 12:35 p.m. single-celled animals at the displays and daily interpretive mow-ltainView �;t f M Y 01 C M NORBERT VON DER GROEBEN WOOLY FRIEND: Mary Gilman, senior director of Deer Hollow Farm,pets a sheep on the farm last Thursday.'Gilman, a Mountain View city employee, is retiring after 24 years of overseeing the farm's activities. Under her tenure, Deer Hollow invited thousands of local students to participate in the city-run educational program. See story,page 6. i 10-tmtairiv:LeNNT - S Local. Ct9' r� 1 Deer Hollow farm manager Mary Gilman walks the grounds during one of her last days on the job.Gilman is retiring to start a farm of her own. NONBIRI v()N DFR LPDEB[N Deer Hollow director says goodbye IN 24-YEAR TENURE, her to live on site at Deer Hollow lessons that students were receiv- MARY GILMAN BROUGHT and work seven days a week to ing in their classrooms,so that keep the farm up and running. the words and pictures in their NEW STRUCTURES, "You always need to be a season textbooks could come to life at ahead.Today may be a winter day, Deer Hollow,and also to instill CURRICULUM TO CITY'S but we're planting for the summer students with an appreciation for FARM PROGRAM program,"Gilman said."The city nature.Deer Hollow Farm is sur- has always respected my dedica- rounded by rolling grasslands, By Alexa Tondreau tion to the program. It's been a chaparral and woodlands and is pleasure to work with them.But bordered by Permanente Creek. Ue on Deer Hollow Farm it's also been a heck of a lot of "That's what matters most hectic, to say the least. work" to me, watching students who ere is livestock to feed,an Her hard work has not gone I've known since they were five orchard to prune,seeds to plant, unnoticed. Michele. Petersen, years old return as young adults and children to teach—busloads Mountain View's recreation super- or adults with a respect for the ofthem,brought in from neighbor- visor, said Gilman had been "a land,"Gilman said. ing towns on a near-daily basis- wonderful asset to the city and The success of the educational Then there's the matter of the the community. She serves can- program makes Gilman feel the herbs,the eggs,and the stacks of stituents all over the Bay Area." most proud. hay-Also there's a wilderness trail Petersen continued,"She really has "The pure pleasure in my soul that runs through the farm and been the farm all these years" and gut has been for the children gets heavy traffic from pedestrians Gilman,who grew up in Wash- first"she said,"and the commu- and bicyclists,and volunteers stop ington, D.C. and relocated to nity of people here. It's a strong by during all times of the day to California in her 20s,first became community." help out.Add to all of that the goat acquainted with Deer Hollow That community feels just as that went into labor last night and when she worked there as a sum- strongly about her.Throughout you've got a day in the life of Mary mer camp counselor"somewhere her final days on the job,volun- Gilman, Deer Hollow's senior back in the'70s,"she said with a teers, employees and Deer Hol- coordinator. laugh. low fans interrupted her routine "I call myself a teacher-slash- After working as a school teacher to give their heartfelt good-byes. farmer," Gilman said, in an andprogram coordinator,Gilman "We've been.coming here for interview with the Voice. "I've got the top job at Deer Hollow in years.It's like a second home for helped Deer Hollow grow to get 1982 and saw the farm through us,"Los Altos resident Suzie Moll where it is.Everything's success- substantial growth and develop- said,after wishing Gilman well. ful now.It's a good time to go." ment.Under GO man's watch,most "My kids have grown up along- Gilman retired last week,after of the structures on the 10-acre side the animals.They think of 24 years running the farm,which site were rebuilt to authentically it as their farm." functions as a historic homestead replicate the kind of family-run Gilman isleaNingDeerHollowto and working farm and invites homestead that stood on the land move with her"wonderful partner" nearly 4,000 children a year to in the 1850s. to a farm of their own,on 40 acres participate in its educational But Gilman also revamped the in Monterey County.She said she pi ograms. educational curriculum,expand- felt the time was right for her to Located in the Rancho San ing just a few classes into a begin a new chapter in her life,and Antonio Open Space Pm "Ile full-fledged "outdoor education' that she knows Deer Hollow will above Los Altos,Deer Hollow is program for children from kin- continue to thrive after she is gone, managed by the city of Mountain dergarten to ninth grade. Cur- "People were surprised when View in conjunction with fund- rent courses include farming and I said I was leaving.The saying ing from the t4jdpenin u a en gardening,science and wilderness I kept hearing is'the farm won't Space District,Santa Clara Coun- studies, and a history class that be the same without you' But ty and the nonprofit organization studies the culture of the Ohlone because of the commitment of Friends of Deer Hollow Farm. Tribe through a replica of a Native our staff and volunteers,it will Gilman has been one of Moun- American village. stay strong.I really believe that." tain View's hardest working Gilman said she developed the "But hey,the time comes,"Gil- employees,with a job that required curriculum to correspond with man said."I've loved it." o 1OTEBOOK/ Striped bass poachers cal—ht in DFG sting Page 1 o SMat@.com Return_to regular view TM � 7 Print This Article i NOTEBOOK Striped bass poachers caught in DFG sting -Tom Stienstra, Chronicle Staff Writer s' ±. Sunday,December 24,2006 A two-month undercover operation by the Department of }, g Fish and Game culminated in a landmark bust of a Bay- Delta striped bass poaching operation last week, the DFG [ ' reported. A team of game wardens arrested 14 suspects and seized five boats. In one incident, game wardens watched the suspects selling 10 striped bass for$300, said Kathy Ponting, who leads the DFG's undercover unit. I "The only thing the suspects didn't have was a cash register sitting on the tailgate, that's how organized these operations were," Ponting said. In reading the DFG arrest report, game wardens described that there may be a much bigger story here. All the suspects are believed to be Southeast Asian immigrants. That makes this bust as much about cultural differences that have to be addressed, as the abuse and decline of a public resource. According to the latest DFG estimates, the striped bass population in the Bay-Delta is at an all-time low. Hall of Fame balloting The candidates for the 2007 California Outdoors Hall of Fame are the most diverse ever nominated by the public: Laurie Bagley, record mountain climber; Il Ling New, America's top female firearms instructor; Stephen Sillett, world's No. 1 climber of tall trees; Bob Crupi, first to catch-and-release giant bass; Rick Copeland, helped created private land management outdoor program; Bill Beebe, pioneered the investigative outdoors story; Cathy Ann Taylor, high-altitude trekking guide; Bob Simms, consummate woodsman; Hans and Jacqueline Florine, world's most noted speed climbers; Bob Coomber, national icon for wheelchair hiking; Dean Kamazes, America's top marathon runner; Jack Laws, outdoor leader of youth; Linda Yaffe, youth educator/world camper; Ann Marie Brown, hiker/biker extraordinaire; Yvon Chouinard, founder of Pantagonia. Winners by ballot will be announced at the International Sportsmen's Exposition, Jan. 11-14 at the San Mateo County Event Center', go to sportsexpos.com. Locator beacon In response to the deaths of the lost climbers on Mount Hood in Oregon, fieldscout Leon Nelson has proposed legislation that mountain climbers be required to carry Personal Locator Beacons. PLBs work similar to Emergency Locator Transmitters, which are required in all airplanes, that is, when activated, they emit a locator signal that is picked up by aircraft, and in turn, speeds rescue time. "I got one of the very first units that were made available to backpackers," Nelson said. "It is with me at all times when I'm in the woods." The big hangup is cost: at $750, that's way too steep of a price for most climbers. OVA itto://sfp-ate.com/c2i-bin/article.cpi?file=/chronicle/archive/2006/12/24/SPG46N41 GO7.DTL&type=printa... 12/27/20 OTEBOOK/Striped bass poachers caught in DFG sting Page 2 o'- Notes of note New;)ark land: The Peninsula Open Space Trust transferred the 3,681-acre Driscoll Ranch last week to the Mir peninsula Open Space District. This is a stellar property located adjacent to La Honda Creek Preserve, and together,will form a contiguous reserve spanning 5,759 acres. After I explore it, I'll have a detailed report in the future. Salmon viewing: The season is here to watch coho salmon migrate,prepare nests and spawn in the streams and creeks of west Marin. Guided tours are available from the Salmon Protection and Watershed Network. (415) 488-0370 or spawnusa.org. Top 10: California is ranked No. 2 in America for the number of registered boats (963,758, does not include kayaks, canoes or rafts), only 10,000 behind No. 1 Florida. The rest of the top 10: 3. Michigan; 4. Minnesota; 5. Wisconsin; 6. Texas; 7. New York; 8. South Carolina; 9. Ohio. 10. Illinois. On the radar: After decades where L.A. has dried up the Lower Owens River below Tinemaha Reservoir in the Owens Valley, the river is flowing once again, thanks to a court decision. It will take years to once again provide decent trout fishing, but it is a major victory any time you beat the water bully boys from Southern California. Water, not words: Thanks to Rep. Mike Thompson and Sen. Barbara Boxer, both California Democrats, Congress passed a six-month deadline for Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez to finalize a recovery plan for salmon on the Klamath River. But hey, the report could be two sentences long: 1. Let water run down the river. 2. Take out the Iron Gate and Cop co darns. Page C - 15 URL: http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2006/12/24/SPG46N4IG07.DTL t 2006 San Frag0scU 01rynk Jq htto:Hsfizate.comJc 2i-bin/article.cRi?file=/chronicle/archive/2006/12/24/SPG46N41 G07.DTL&type=printa... 12/27/20 a I Jan.8-9.Ages 12-20.Prepare a drama one- Ecosystem Transitions With docents `P minute monologue.Los Altos Youth Theatre, David Milburn and Judy Boore.A moderate ' 97 Hillview Ave.,Los Afros.Call 947-2796. to strenuously-paced hike with an elevation www.ci.los-altos.ca.ushecreatioMayt change close to 2,000 feet over 7 miles. "Thoroughly Modem Millie"PYT Older children with hiking experience wel- needs youths ages 8-20 to audition for the come.Bring lunch and be prepared to climb musical,Jan.6.10 a.m.and 2 p.m.;Jan.7, and descend.Rain cancels.Meet at the 2 and 6 p.m.Prepare song and one-minute Higgins-Purisima entrance.Jan.1,9 a.m.-2 prose monologue.Bring sheet music,instru- p.m.Free.Purisima Creek Redwoods Open mental tape or CD.Dress to dance.$160 Space Preserve,www.openspace.org participation fee.Peninsula Youth Theatre, Exploring Said Mountain With docents 2500 Old Middlefield Way,Mountain View. Paul Vadopalas and Sarah Schoen.A 6 mile, www,pytnet.org moderately-paced hike along the Borden Aurora Singers Auditions Rehearsals Hatch,Bald Knob,and Irish Ridge Trails.An Tuesdays.For information and auditions, out and back route.Meet at Skeggs Point. call Dawn.Reyen 365-6785: Reservations are requited.Jan.7,9:30 �Y111rX G (!� a.m.-2 p.m.Free.Purisima Creek Redwoods Environment Open Space Preserve.www.openspace.org Redwood Aerobics Docents Suzanne Earthquake Hike With docents Tommi ✓chi and Rebecca Pickart will pant out and Strether Smith.Learn about local geol- natural history facts on a 7.2-mile aerobic trek ogy and earthquakes at the junction of the through the redwood forest along trails,includ- Pac'rfic and North American plates.2-3-mite ingGordon Mill,Steam Donkey,and Timber- stroll to discover remnants of the effects view.Bring lunch.Jan.7,9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. of the 1906 earthquake and discuss how Free.El Corte de Madera Creek Redwoods to prepare for future earthquakes.Jan.7, Open Space,Preserve,www. .org ..` 2-4:30 p.m.Free.Los Trancos Open Space Scenic Aerobic Hike With docents Ber- Preserve.www,openspace.org nie Larkin and Stella Yang to visit a variety of district preserves.3-5 mile,moderately paced aerobic outings.Meet at the Grizzly Flat trailhead.Jan.10,10 a.m.-noon Free. Long Ridge Open Space Preserve_.www. openspace.org i I Q"ooiEnvironment I 1�, Is Global Climate Change Affecting Your Health"Dr.Judy Klein of UCSF will discuss the impacts on human health from global warming.Jan.16,7-9 p.m.$5 �r __ (1�, T ��Z,� tt mevation Center, er, 39il. East Peninsula Gore lrilllL�b lJll � servatior Center, 3921 East Bayshore Road,Palo.Alto.Call 962-9876 ext.306. www.acterra.org noon$10 members/$15 non-members. Purisima Creek Redwood's Omen Space Mammal Tracking Docents Keith Johns- Filoli,86 Canada Road,Woodside.www. Preserve.www.openspace.org gard and Caroline Decker will teach how filoli.org Redwood Aerobics Docents Suzanne to}den#ify resident rrtemrTmts. Leisurey Top Ten Texturing Techniques for Mixed Schieck and Rebecca Prckart will point ham,savers 2 fairly flat miles with extend- Media Art Learn 10 techniques to adding out natural history facts on a 7.2-mile --— ad stops in muddy areas.Appropriate for texture to mixed media art.Ail levels wall- aerobic trek through the redwood for- i mature children.Me' .attt4Cattrans via- come,Jan. 14-21, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.Mem- est along trails, including Gordon Mill, to point.,Jan.14,1"�:30 p.rn:Free.Rus- Donkey, and Timberview. Bring slain Ridge Open Space Preserve.www. bars $150Jnon members $175. Pack Steam Art League,668 Ramona,Palo Alto.Cali lunch.Jan.7,9:30 a.m.1:30 p.m.Free.EI ore _ Madera Creek Redwoods Open Winter at Rancho San Antonio With 415 337-1107. www.pacificartleague/ Corte de Made Khmer and Susan peter. Kevin i j Space Preserve.www.openspace.org docents K classes/classes.html a With docents Bernie son. A moderately-paced hike through is Hike Scen ic Aerobic ._ tails Yang to visit a variety of the Dear Hollow Farm area and up the Larkin and S 9 Clubs/Meetings La uit- !° Rogue Valley Trail. Bring a lunch. S Alto Libra Book Group reserves.3-5 mile,moderately- Friends of Palo rY District pable for children with hiking experience 11 7:30 9 p.m.Discussing"Year of cad aerobic outings.Meet at the Grit -- g 1�� Jan arxi, Iles 5m Pa late�i coo Wonders" by Geraldine Brooks. Free. �,Fiat trailhead.Jan. 10, 10 a.m. -noon that can p Center, 1305 Space Preserve. climb. Jan. 14, 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Lucie Stern Community Free.Long Ridge Open P www.openspace.org .www Mend- Alto www.o penspace.org c Middlefield Road,Pei www.openspa g spaloaftolib.org Concerts Gregg Rolle Sand, Maio plus La Van- tans Jan.13,7 p.m.$35 advance/$40 at the door. Fox Theatre, 2215 Broadway, � 1 on men t a EnvirWith doen ants Redwood City.Call 366-4119.www.fox_ E ke Hike a mmi n_"about local dream.com and Strettier Smith. Lea,r eke s at the junction Environment oeoeP and earthquakes the Pacific and North.American plates, Earthquake Hike With docents Tommi 2-3-mile stroll to discover remnants of and Strather Smith. Learn about local the effects of the 19M-earthquake and geology and earthquakes at the junction discuss how,to prepare for future earth- -4:30 :m.'Free.Los American sates. qu ekes. Jan:7, 2 p of the Pacific and North P q 2-3-mite stroll to discover remnants of Trancos Open Space Preserve. www. the effects of the 1906 earthquake and openspace.or9 . discuss how to prepare for future earth- Exploring Bald Mountain With docents quakes. Jan. 7, 2-4:30 p.m. Free. Los Paul Vadopalas and Sarah Schoen,A 6 Trancos Open Space Preserve. www. mile, moderately-paced hike along the openspace.org Borden Hatch,Bald Knob,and Irish Ridge c Ecosystem Transitions With docents Trails. An out and back route. Meet at -- David Milburn and Judy Boore.A mod- Skaggs Point.Reservations are required. orate to strenuously-paced hike with Jan.,7, 9:30.,a.m.2 p.m. Free. Purisima (;reek Redwoods Opera Space Preserve. an elevation change close to 2,000 feat w openspace org over 7 miles. Older children with hiking Tws experience welcome. Bring lunch and Redwood-Aerobics Docents Suzanne be prepared to climb and descend.Rain out net and Rebecca is on t will point cancels. Meet at the Higgins-Purisima out natural history facts d o d forest trek through the redwood forest entrance. Jan. 1, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. aerobic g K Pu .. risima Creek Redwoods Open Space along trails,including Gordan Mill,Steam Donkey, and Timbervlew.-Bring lunch: Preserve,www.openspace.org Jan.'7,9:30 a.m:1:30.p.m.Free.El Corte Exploring Said Mountain With docents de Madera Creek Redwoods Open Space Paul Vadopalas and Sarah Schoen. A Preserve,www.openspace,org 6 mile, moderately-paced hike along �� — Scenic Aerobic Hike With docents Bernie the Borden Hatch,Bald Knob,and Irish Larkin and'Stella Yang to visit a variety of Ridge Trails. An out end back route. District preserves.3-5 mile,moderately- Meet at Skaggs Point.Reservations are paced aerobic outings.Meet at the Griz required. Jan. 7, 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. zy Flat traiihead.Jan. 10, 10 a.m.-noon Free.Long Ridge Open Space Preserve. www.openspace.org MountainView I ENVIRONMENT•V ENVIRONMENT i.1& AULD LANG SYNE Docent Paul Billig a 7 EXPLORER HIKE With docents Siefken r, miles hike.Rain will not cancel,but the route Dennis Smith,and Bill Blodgett.Moderately- may change depending 0 trail conditions. paced excursion of about 3-5 miles with a variety Bring a lunch.Dec.31, a Space Preserve. Free. of elevation gains.The route will be determined www.opRancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve. I on prevailing trail and weather conditions. DISCOVERING Meet at the Jacques Ridge parking lot.Dec.20, DISCOVERING WINTER BIRDS With docents 10:30 a.m.2 P.M.Free.Sierra Azul Open Space Detla ds hayscoe and Kay over the Learn how the Preserve.www.openspace.org wetlands have changed over the years while on a leisurely paced 2-3 mile hike.Bring binoculars EYE OF THE NEEDLE With docents Mary and a field guide iy Bernstein and Deborah Probst,Hike the top of have them.Dec. ne 9 a.m.-1 p.m.Free..Stevens Creek Shoreline Windy Hill,to the summit and around.Meet at Nature Study Area.www.openspace.org Dec, ECO SYSTEM TRANSITI ONS With docents `the Skyline Boul evard parking area. 6 1d F n9 8:30 a.m.-noon.Free.Windy Hill Open Space David Milburn and Judy Boore.A moderate to Preserve.www.openspace.org strenuously-paced hike with an elevates change FINDING FUNGI AT PURISIMA With dose to 2,000 feet over 7 mules'Older children docents Chris Macintosh,Kay Partekwv,and 'nth hiking experience welcome.Bring ketch and Paul-Billig.Search for fungi of all sizes,shapes, be et at the 2D�� ima and entrance. Ram Leh' and colors.Non-technical,7-mile walk at a Mee-at the Higgins-Purisima e k Redwoods Jan.i,9 moderate pace to see the variety of the fungal a.m.-2 p.m.Free.Pima Creek Redwoods Open III kingdom.Meet at the Whittemore Gulch - Spate Preserve'www.openspace.org entrance.Reservations are required.Dec.17, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.Free.Purisima Creek Redwoods S M O R E L I S T I N G S Open Space Preserve.www.openspace.org MAMMAL TRACKING Docents Keith Johns For a complete listing of gard and Caroline Decker will teach how to iden- local events,see our website at tify and differentiate larger resident mammals. www.PaloAttoOnline.com. leisurely paced hike,covers 2 flat miles with extendedstopsininuddy;areas.Appropriate for mats dnit�ter"$M t aI&'Calt ans vista point. Dec.17,1.330 p.m.Free.Russian Ridge Open Space Preser ii.www.openspace.org POND TO POND EXCURSION Docents Mari- lyn and Bill Bauriedel will lead a group on a 3.5 mile hike around Horseshoe Lake and then up over the Ridge Trail to Alpine Pond.Brief snack stop near the Daniels Nature Center.Dec.16, 9 Preserve. noon.Free.Skyline Ridge Open Space ENVIRONMENT Md Votes Preserve.www.openspace.org , WINTER AT SKYLINE With docents Tommi 7' and Strether Smith.Look for signs of winter and ECOSYSTEM TRANSITIONS With docents( Z approaching spring.A moderately paced,5-mile David Milburn udy Boone.,A moderate to hike along the Ridge Trail that travels through strenuously-�ke wrttti an elevation change several natural communities and circles two dose to2,000 feet over 7 miles..0lder Children ponds,Bring a lunch.Meet at Russian Ridge Pre- with hiking experience welcome.Bring lunich serve.Dec.17,10 a.m.-2 p.m.Free.Skyline Ridge and be prepared to climb and descend.Rain can- Open Space Preserve.www.openspace.org _ eels.Meet at the Higgins-Purisima entrance.Jan- 1,9 a.m:2 p.rTL Free.Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve.www.openspaCe•org TAFONI TREK 4.8-mile hike along the El Corte de Madera Creek,fir,and Tafoni Trails to view outside evergreens and learn about Tafo- ni sandstone formations with docents Sarah Schoen and Pamela Reliford.Dec.23,9 a.m. ►continued on page 27 it:ju p.m.Free.El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve,www.openspace.org i Al n ....qc Me }�] A Older children with hiking experience wel- Outdoors,4�t y%ov come.Bring lunch and be prepared t climb 1�2 and descend.Rain cancels.Meet at the Higgins-Purisima entrance.Jan.1,9 am.-2 Auld Lang Syne.Docent Paul Billig a 7 p.m.Frae.Purisima Creek Redwoods Open miles hike.Rain will not cancel,but the route Space Preserve.www,opegspace.org may change depending on,trad conditions: Pre-Pranaiai Perambulatlon.'A`vi Bring a lunch.Dec,31,10 a.m.-4 p.m.Free. 94W Rancho San Antonio Open Sppace Preserve. ous lb-mile;four preserve hike with docents Rancho San Antonioace,org Judy and Dave Boore.Bring a lunch.Rain, www.osnow,or serious mud will cancel.Meet at Discovering Winter Birds.With Monte Bello Preserve.Dec.31,10 am.-3 docents Debbi Brusco and Kay Partelow. p,m.Free.Monte Bello Open Space Pre- Learn how the wetlands have changed over serve.www.openspace.org the years while on a leisurely paced 2-3 mile hike.Bring binoculars and a field guide if you have them.Dec.30,9 a.m:1 p.m.Free. Stevens Creek Shoreline Nature Study Area. www.openspace.org Ecosystem Transitions.With docents David Milburn and Judy Boore.A moderate to strenuously-paced hike with an elevation change close to 2,000 feet over 7 miles. .,I�TEROFFICE MEMORANDUM December 15, 2006 TO: L. Craig:Britton, General Manager FROM: G. Baillie, Management Analyst SUBJECT: MONTHLY FIELD ACTIVITY SUMMARY Month November Year 2006 DISTRICT VIOLATIONS CITES TOTALS OTHER CRIMES TOTALS Bicycles None Closed area 20 24 Speed 6 13 Helmet 16 24 ACCIDENTSANCIDENTS Night riding 3 3 Bicycle accident 0 Enter sensitive area(M) 0 0 Equestrian accident 1 Headset prohibited 1 5 Hiking/running accident 1 Dogs Other first aid 0 Prohibited area 1 5 Search&Rescue 3 Off-leash 16 19 Vehicle accident 6 Off-road vehicles 0 0 LZ air evacuation 0 Closed area 3 3 Fire 6 After hours 5 Fishing 6 0 Vandalism 0 2 ENFORCEMENT Parking 30 40 Parking citations 83 Parking after hours 53 53 Other citations 72 Dumping 0 2 Written warnings 42 Camping 0 0 Arrests 0 Weapons Police assistance 0 Actual contact (air gun) 0 2 Weapons report 0 1 Reckless driving 0 1 MUTUAL AID Miner poss alcohol 6 1 Accident 2 Alcohol possession 0 1 Fire 1 Gathering wood 0 1 Law enforcement 0 Collecting plants 0 3 LZ for offsite 0 Collecting insects 0 3 Smoking 6 4 Metal detector prohib 0 1 Filming wlout permit 0 1 Delay peace officer 1 1 Indecent exposure 0 1 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT INCIDENTS BY DATE Date 2 A single gunshot was heard near Deer Hollow Farm at Rancho San Antonio. The sound was reported by both a staff member and a volunteer. Sheriff's deputies were called and searched the area but were unable to locate anything or anyone suspicious. 1 3 An 80-year-old hiker fell near the Tafoni formation at El Corte de Madera. He received minor injuries to his face. San Mateo County Fire and District rangers responded. The victim was medically assessed but declined further assistance or medical transport. He hiked out on his own. 15 A report was received regarding aggressive dogs belonging to a neighbor at Bear Creek Redwoods. The dogs were entering the preserve and chased an equestrian. Contact was made with the neighbor and a citation was issued for dogs prohibited,and nuisance dogs. 16 A report came in from Garrod Stables via Mountain View Communications regarding a nude male jogger in'Fremont Older, heading towards the main park entrance.. The female equestrian stated that she was offended when she saw the suspect. After a search of the area,no suspect was found. There have been several occurrences over the last few months. An investigation is continuing between ranger staff and the Santa Clara County Sheriff s Office. 18 A ranger heard radio traffic regarding a wildland fire off Wagner Road. A large column of smoke could be seen. The ranger was first on scene to a private property near Sierra Azul, and observed a 3000 foot debris pile on fire and also that an oak tree had begun to bum. Initial attack knocked the fire down,but more water was needed. The fire was fully extinguished by Santa Clara County Fire Department. 19 A ranger at Windy Hill attempted to stop a bicyclist for speeding at an estimated 30 mph. The cyclist maneuvered around the ranger and sped up to the parking lot,where the ranger caught up to him. The person said he did not hear the ranger's orders to stop,because he was wearing a headset covering both ears. He was issued a citation for"wilfully delaying a peace officer" and"wearing a headset covering both ears while bicycling". 22 District staff was requested to respond to Sam MacDonald County Park with ATVs to assist with a search. The Skyline Area Maintenance supervisor and an OST responded to the staging area. The lost person was found before District staff was deployed. 25 A ranger made contact with two men in the Rincon Creek area of Sierra Azul,a posted closed area. The men had been shooting air guns. Both men were cited and released. 26 A search for stranded hikers occurred in the Guadalupe River drainage of Sierra Azul. Mtn. View dispatch received a phone call from the three hikers,who were going to be late getting out, and it was getting dark. After a search by District staff, the three hikers were located on a steep hill. They were evaluated and seemed mildly hypothermic. They were given jackets and flashlights and were accompanied out. 28 At Monte Bello an equestrian was thrown from her horse when the horse began to slip on a muddy trail. She sustained an injured left shoulder, an injured back, and a left wrist fracture. District rangers, Palo Alto Fire and Santa Clara County Fire responded. She was transported by ambulance to Stanford Hospital. November vandalism 8 A split rail fence was hit by a vehicle and broken at Foothills OSP 10 A barricade was broken in half on a trail in El Corte de Madera. 2