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MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
Meeting 07-09
REGULAR AND SPECIAL MEETING
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, April 25,2007
330 Distcl Circle, Los Altos,California
Please Note: 6:30 p.m. Special Meeting Closed Session Start Time
7:30 p.m.Regular Meeting Start Time
AGENDA*
6:30 ROLL CALL
CLOSED SESSION
The Special Meeting Closed Session will begin at 6:30 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 Legal Counsel—Existing Litigation,California Government Code§54956.9(a)
Name of Case—Citizens for Responsible Open Space v.San Mateo County LAFCo,Midpeninsula Regional
Open Space District,Court of Appeals,First Appellate District,Case No.Al 1685
2.Conference with Legal Counsel—Existing Litigation,California Government Code§54956.9(a)
Name of Case—Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District v.Lysons,Santa Clara County Superior Court Case No.
1-07-CV-081193
3.Conference with Real Property Negotiator—California Government Code§549956.8
Real Property—Santa Clara County APNs 503-48-014,517-32-001 —Highway 9,Saratoga
Agency Negotiator—L.Craig Britton,General Manager
Negotiating Party—Michael J.Murder,Director,Roads and Airports Department,County of Santa Clara
Under Negotiation—Price and terms of payment
7:30 REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
ROLL CALL
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS—Public
ADOPTION OF AGENDA—K.Nitz
ADOPTION OF CONSENT CALENDAR—K.Nitz
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS—K.Nitz
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
■ FEBRUARY 7,2007
■ FEBRUARY 28,2007
■ MARCH 28,2007
BOARD BUSINESS
7:40* 1 Authorize the General Manager to Enter into Agreement with Macro Corporation to Provide Project
Management Services to Implement the District's Digital Simulcast Two-Way Radio System for Total
Contract Amount not to Exceed$98,000 and Contract Period not to Exceed 5 Years—D.Topley
Meeting 07-09 Page 2
8:00* 2 Adopt Resolution Amending the General Manager's Employment Agreement Regarding Salary and
Benefits,including a 2.5-point Cost of Living Increase and a 3.5 point parity adjustment for an Adjusted
Salary of$173,149.60 per Annum,Approving a 5%Meritorious Pay Award of$8,154.54.
8:05 3 Adopt Resolution Amending the General Counsel's Employment Agreement Regarding Salary and
Benefits,including a 2.5-point Cost of Living Salary Increase and 3.5 point parity adjustment for an
Adjusted Salary of$159,868.80 per Annum,and Approving a 5%Meritorious Pay Award of$7,529.08.
8:15* 4 Adopt Resolution Approving the Amendment to the Controller's Employment Agreement to Reflect a
Salary Increase of 2.5 Points for an Adjusted Salary of$17,994.08 per Annum.
5 Authorize the General Manager to Extend Agreements for Maintenance and Repair of District Fleet
Vehicles by Roy's Repair Service of La Honda not to Exceed$60,000 and CMK automotive of Mountain
View not to Exceed$35,000—D.Topley
REVISED CLAIMS
9:00* INFORMATIONAL REPORTS—Reports on compcnsable meetings attended. Brief Reports or announcements
concerning activities of District Directors and Staff;opportunity to refer public or Board questions to staff
for factual information;request staff to report back to the Board on matter at a future meeting;or direct staff
to place a matter on a future agenda.
9:15* ADJOURNMENT
Times are estimated and items may appear earlier or later than listed.Agenda is subject to change of order.
TO ADDRESS THE BOARD: The Chair will invite public comment on agenda items at the time each item is considered by the Board of Directors. You
may address the Board concerning other matters during Oral Communications. Each speaker will ordinarily be limited to three minutes. Alternately,
you may comment to the Board by a written communication,which the Board appreciates.
All items on the consent calendar may be approved without discussion by one motion. Board members,the General Manager,and members of the
public may request that an item be removed from the Consent Calendar during consideration of the Consent Calendar.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act,if you need assistance to participate in this meeting,please contact the District Clerk at(650)
691-1200. Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the District to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting.
•
Regional Open Space
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
R-07-54
Meeting 07-09
April 25, 2007
AGENDA ITEM I
AGENDA ITEM
Authorization to Enter into a Professional Services Agreement wit acro Corporation to Provide Project
Management Services for Implementation of the District's Digi Simulcast Two-Way Radio System.
GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMME,
Authorize the General Manager to enter into a Professional Services Agreement with Macro Corporation in the
amount of$90,000,plus a contingency of$8,000, for a total contract amount not to exceed$98,000, to provide
project management services for implementation of the District's Digital Simulcast Two-Way Radio System. The
term of the agreement will be for a period not to exceed five years.
BACKGROUND
On November 30,2005,MROSD contracted with Macro Corporation to complete a needs analysis and plan for
improvement of the District's two-way radio communications system. This contract was awarded to Macro based
upon a competitive RFP process. Macro's proposal was ranked the highest and most cost effective. The General
Manager approved the contract for$22,000.
At your January 24, 2007 meeting you accepted Macro's report resulting from that contract for the implementation
of a digital simulcast two-way radio system for the District(R-07-10). The original 2005 contract with Macro
provided the research and baseline information necessary for the District to proceed to Phase Two: Implementation
of the Radio System Improvements. At your March 14, 2007 meeting you approved a$1,426,000, three-year,
funding plan and authorized expenditure in the amount of $300,000 in Fiscal Year 2007-2008.
DISCUSSION
Macro has worked with the District since the inception of this project, District Staff feel the best way to ensure
success and quality of the final product is to have Macro Corporation continue to provide the necessary professional
project management for the duration of the project.
District Staff recommends awarding this contract to Macro Corporation based upon their past work,current
knowledge of the project, outstanding track record for responsiveness,and the excellent quality of their work to
date. Macro Corporation has substantial experience with similar two-way radio projects and recently completed a
multi-million-dollar radio project for San Mateo County.
Macro's estimate of the total contract cost for project management services over the project's three to five years'
completion schedule is$90,000. This cost includes oversight of the mobile repeater pilot program,the design and
construction of the digital simulcast infrastructure,radio procurement, and final testing. The fiscal year 2007-2008
budget of$300,000 for year one of the three-year plan to upgrade the radio system includes $25,000 for Macro's
services.
Prepared by: David Topley, Support Services Supervisor
Contact person: Same as Above
i
r MACRO
i'
Attachment A—Proposed Tasks
Task 1: Mobile Repeater(MR) Pilot Program - Task Total $16,745
Activity 1.1 —Develop approach to identify frequency for mobile repeaters
Activity 1.2—Implement approach; identify frequency; apply for(1) frequency
Activity 1.3 —Work with vendors on digital/analog/in-band radio model issue
Activity 1.4—Develop Request for Quote (RFQ) for Mobile Repeater pilot model
Activity 1.5 —Review mobile repeater proposals/quotes
Activity 1.6—Oversee mobile repeater pilot test(2-4 units; 3 trips)
Activity 1.7—Suggest specific mobile repeater approach
The goal of this Task is to establish a working mobile repeater configuration, including the final
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frequency. In this Task, Macro will assist the District in applying for a radio frequency for mobile
repeater use, and work with a communications system provider/maintenance provider who will set up a
limited number of vehicular repeaters for District staff to test for a period of time. (Costs for the
maintenance provider's efforts and mobile repeaters are not included in Macro's costs.)While Macro
will establish the technical requirements, it is expected that the District's staff will determine if the
repeaters will meet their requirements. We note that there are no guarantees that we can locate or license
a usable radio frequency, even after considerable effort.
Task 2 -Microwave System Design Efforts - Task Total $10,656
Activity 2.1 —Work with Santa Clara Co. & San Mateo Co. on microwave sharing
Activity 2.2—Identify gaps, roadblocks to connectivity; suggest solutions
Activity2.3 —Develop final connectivity plan and project cost adjustments
p YP p J J
Activity 2.4—Support MROSD on Microwave Use Agreements
Activity 2.5—Support MROSD on Site Lease Agreements (MROSD sites)
The Goal of this Task is to finalize the microwave backhaul details and identify any gaps or
roadblocks that may impact the simulcast project. Some sites may require new microwave to
connect with existing County microwave; equipment types will be selected. This effort is a
prerequisite to development of the Technical Specification(next Task).
Task 3 - Specifications for Infrastructure, Subscriber and Microwave - Task Total $28,273
Activity 3.1 —Develop Technical Specifications (DRAFT)
Activity 3.2— Site visits to verify vendor efforts, etc. (5 sites/3 trips)
Activity 3.3—Revisions to Technical Specifications (FINAL)
Activity 3.4—Attend Pre-Proposal Conference
Activity 3.5—Respond to proposed questions; addendums
Activity 3.6—Review proposals
Activity 3.7—Attend Board Mtg. On award; support to MROSD
Activity 3.8—FCC License modifications for narrowband digital
The Goal of this task is to identify a vendor who can supply and install the infrastructure(i.e., repeaters,
microwave, etc.), as well as the subscriber equipment(vehicular, portable and remaining mobile
repeaters). Thus, Macro is recommending that the District consolidate the purchase of most all
equipment in a single procurement if possible; this will reduce the impact on staff time and Macro's
costs to the District. This does not necessarily mean that the District must commit to purchasing from a
single supplier, which might limit its choice of equipment.
Macro will assemble the technical Specification, which would be incorporated into the District's
boilerplate RFP package. The District will mail the RFP and receive the vendor's proposals. Macro will
assist the District in reviewing up to three proposals; usually the District could have several other
employees assisting with this process. Macro can provide a recommendation on which vendor to select,
or we can simply act as technical advisors, and not take a direct position on a particular vendor.
Macro does not anticipate that the Technical Specification would include, describe, or specify facility
improvements, such as new towers, shelters or generators. Macro will quote separately to specify
these particular items; although, our estimate includes producing specifications for battery backup
systems at each site if space allows.
Task 4 -Project Oversight and Testing - $34,297
Activity 4.1 —Project rick-off Meeting w/vendor; planning work(1 trip)
Activity 4.2—Review vendor design submittals; problem resolution
Activity 4.3 —Oversee factory test of system(1 trip)
Activity 4.4—Oversee installation; problem resolution (4 trips)
Activity 4.5 —Oversee eqpmt. acceptance tests (5 MROSD, 3 Co. sites; 3 trips)
Activity 4.6—Oversee coverage acceptance tests (2 trips)
Activity 4.7—Overall project management(Macro contract)
The goal of this task is to oversee design, installation and final testing of the entire radio system and
verify that it meets the intent of the specification. This includes a visit to the vendor's factory to
oversee initial tests before the equipment ships to the field. Testing includes oversight of on-site test
measurements by the vendor, as well as tests of coverage and simulcast performance. We expect the
District to provide some support to the vendor, including site access, access to vehicles, liaison support
to the counties, and attendance to vendor contractual issues that arise. Macro will support the District as
needed on the technical side, and in other areas as needed,up to the limits of our Task budget. Macro
has included a few hours of overall internal contract and staff management.
Schedule
The following is an estimated schedule, assuming that the project could require three years to
complete. It is an estimate as many tasks are not under Macro's control.
Task Months
Task 1: Mobile Repeater(MR) Pilot Program 6
Task 2 - Microwave System Design Efforts 6
Task 3 - Specifications for Infrastructure, Subscriber and Microwave 6
Task 4 - Project Oversight and Testing 12-18
i
r
Regional Open Space
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
R-07-55
Meeting 07-09
April 25, 2007
AGENDA ITEM 2
AGENDA ITEM
I
Approval of Salary Adjustment, Adoption of Resolution Approving Reporting Employer Paid
Member Contribution as Special Compensation for Board Appointees, Meritorious Pay Award
for the General Manager, and Approval of General Manager's Employment Agreement
AD HOC BOARD APPOINTEE EVALUATION COMMITTEE'S RECOMMENDATIONS
1. As a result of the Board's evaluation of the General Manager's performance for the period
of March 10, 2006 through March 9, 2007 and compensation review for the position, the
Ad Hoc Board Appointee Evaluation Committee recommends a 2.5 point annual salary
adjustment, which is the same as the salary adjustment received by all District employees
for fiscal year 2007/2008, and a 3.5 point parity adjustment retroactive to March 9, 2007.
In addition, the Committee recommends that the Board Appointees group's Employer
Paid Member Contributions (EPMC)be reported as Special Compensation to the Public
Employees Retirement System (PERS). Based on the General Manager's outstanding
performance, the Committee also recommends a 5% meritorious pay award.
2. Adopt the attached resolution approving the General Manager's
s Employment
Agreement
to reflect an adjusted salary of$173,149.60 and approving a 5% meritorious pay award j
totaling $8,154.54.
3. Adopt the attached PERS resolution for Paying and Reporting the Value of Employer
Paid Member Contributions for Board Appointees to PERS.
DISCUSSION
As a result of the General Manager's last performance evaluation and salary adjustment on
September 13, 2006, the Board directed the Ad Hoc Board Appointee Evaluation Committee,
composed of Directors Cyr (Chair), Hanko and Siemens, to review information to be gathered by
Human Resources on additional benefits provided to appointed executive management staff of
comparable agencies, and to make subsequent recommendations to the full Board of appropriate
additional benefits for this class of employees so that the District remains competitive in this area
of the labor market. (See Report No. R-06-113). This is particularly timely due to the need to
conduct early and orderly succession and recruitment planning in response to the General
Manager's retirement schedule.
On behalf of the Board, the Committee reviewed a compensation study for this position, as well
as for General Counsel, as prepared by Johnson& Associates. This study will be useful in the
R-06-113 Page 2
General Manager recruitment process, which will occur later this year. The Administration
Department also studied various benefits provided to executive management at comparable
agencies including special compensation. Special compensation is an aspect of the PERS
retirement system in which compensation (other than basic salary) employees receive is reported
to PERS as part of the employee's compensation for calculation of retirement benefits. Special
compensation includes a variety of pay and benefits, such as longevity pay, auto allowances, shift
differential, and merit pay.
It is common for executive appointees to receive special compensation reporting for the portion
of the employee's contribution to the PERS retirement system paid by the employer. In the
District's case, like most agencies, the District pays both the employer and employee share of
PERS contributions. Employees now pay 1% of the employee contribution and effective April 1,
2008 will pay an additional 1%. This will remain the case for the General Manager and General
Counsel as well. The Controller does not currently qualify for PERS retirement due to the part
time status (25%) of his contract.
The Committee finds it appropriate to recommend that the EPMC contribution for the Board
Appointees be reported to PERS as special compensation. This benefit will keep the District
competitive in the executive compensation area during its succession planning process. The cost
to the District of this benefit for the Board Appointees is nominal.
A survey of the District's comparable agencies indicates that the salaries of both positions are
well below market median. The survey showed a market deficit for the General Counsel position
of 18.84% and a market deficit for the General Manager position of 9.47%.
The Board also reviewed a study of a narrower class of comparable agencies, which have
comparable classes for both the General Manager and the General Counsel classifications. That
study showed the General Manager's salary is 21.46% below market median and the General
Counsel's salary is 16.53% below market median.
It was the recommendation of the Ad Hoc Committee that some parity adjustment was in order at
this time to keep these positions from falling farther behind median. The Committee
recommends that a 3.5 point salary parity adjustment be approved at this time. This adjustment is
appropriate given the approximately 9.5% deficit in the General Manager's classification and
18.84% deficit in the General Counsel's classification when viewed against the broadest class of
comparable agencies.
After inclusion of the 2.5 COLA, the General Manager's salary would remain about 7% below
market median. An adjustment of half of this deficit, or 3.5 points, is being recommended, for a
total of 6 points for the General Manager.
The Board completed its annual evaluation of the General Manager's performance and
compensation for the position at its April 18, 2007 meeting. The Board was very pleased with
the General Manager's performance and outstanding success on overall District programs. The
Ad Hoc Board Appointee Evaluation Committee, was instructed to serve as the District's
negotiator and met with the General Manager to review his compensation
R-06-113 Page 3
Based on the Board's review of the General Manager's performance during the evaluation period,
the Committee also recommends that a 5% meritorious pay award of$8,154.54 be granted the
General Manager. This award is not a salary adjustment, but rather is granted as a one-time
award in recognition of his performance during his year of service from March 10, 2006 through
March 9, 2007 as mentioned above. The Board is very pleased with the General Manager's
outstanding performance during the past year. Significant District accomplishments, in which
the General Manager was directly involved, included the following:
1) Implementation of a 5-year Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the represented (field)
staff and subsequent agreement by the Office, Supervisory and Management (OSM) employees,
that positions the District well in the labor market (such as the new PERS 2.5 formula and
increased retiree medical benefits), in addition to providing some cost containment for future
increases in medical benefits and conforms to and helps clarify the Board's long-term salary and
benefits policy; 2) Moving forward with the necessary Resource Management Policies in order to
pave the way for a new 5-year strategic plan; 3) The District very successfully co-hosted the
Special Park District's Forum with East Bay Regional Park District; 4) The very successful land
purchase year, with over 5,000 acres acquired; 5) The record amount of almost$6,000,000 in
grants for land acquisition in addition to over $20,000,000 in land value gifts; 6) The debt
refinancing that provided over $6,000,000 in present savings, and put the District in a good
position for future borrowing; 7) The Board approved an ambitious plan to completely revamp
the District's radio system; 8) Completed a Land Management Evaluation and Efficiency Study
of the District's Operations functions that will be presented to the Board next month;
9) Completed the Pulgas Ridge Public Access Improvement Project; and 10) Completed the final
draft of the District's new Good Neighbor Policy.
Administration Department:
37 positions (including 3 promotions, 14 seasonals, 2 intern, 3
• The District hired for
temporary and 15 permanent staff) over the last 12 months.
• The Workplace Enhancement Plan (WEP) implementation is ongoing, with regular
department meetings, as well as individual meetings and an ongoing WEP evaluation system
incorporating a review at each Management Team Meeting. There are also departmental
meetings and interdepartmental meetings that follow to increase communication
opportunities. Additionally, "one-on-one" meetings are scheduled within each department
(including my one-on-one meetings with all Department Managers).
• Refinanced $60 million of District debt to create a present value savings of over$6 million,
in addition to smoothing out the District's debt service and freeing up future years debt
service obligations (between years 20 and 30) for future borrowing opportunities.
• Completed the election process for 4 District Wards (all unopposed), and provided the
process for the successful appointment to fill the vacancy in Ward Four.
• Provided Agenda packets and minutes for 25 Regular and Special meetings of the Board.
R-06-113 Page 4
Real Property Department:
• The District's preserved lands now total 55,605.18 acres.
• Approximately 5,006 acres of new open space land was purchased over the last fiscal year.
• The District received $5,993,183 in grant funds and $20,764,500 in gifts.
• Several notable purchases included:
POST (Forde property) included $1,750,000 in grants and brought Purisima that much
closer to the Pacific.
StarLink Logistics easement, left us with one final trail easement to obtain in order to
connect Ravenswood through the Palo Alto Baylands.
Purchase of the Peery property completed a 25-year quest to acquire 53 acres on Lobitos
Creek, wherein timing of the San Mateo Coastal Annexation delayed a 5-year grant
project in the amount of$325,000, requiring 3 annual legislative(thanks to Joe Simitian)
extensions. The purchase also included a $150,000 bargain sale.
POST (Driscoll Ranch property) finally closed escrow after almost a year of negotiations
resulting in a$16,455,000 gift of land to the District from POST (plus a$115,365 grant
through the County of San Mateo—the details of which are still being worked out).
POST (Stevens Canyon Ranch) purchase was completed by the District (we had been
managing the property since POST's purchase in December 2004). This project
generated $3,340,000 in grants out of the $6,600,000 purchase price.
POST (lower Thysen property) was acquired for free, utilizing $462,500 in grant funds
p
plus $3 782 500 in the form of a gift from POST.
Purchase of the former 8.72-acre Smith property completed a 30-year process to purchase
the last of the Morrill "Black Mountain Ranch"property, the balance of which was
originally gifted to Stanford and later purchased by the District as a part of a very difficult
negotiations.
otiatxo ns. This property was sold to the District at"hal
f price,"" saving us $375,
000
off the appraised amount.
Operations Department:
• Attracted 2 key scientists to conduct Sudden Oak Death research on District land.
0 Obtained 3-year permit from San Mateo County to continue implementation of the tree
R-06-113 Page 5
removal project at Pulgas Ridge.
• Land Management Cost Evaluation and Efficiency Study has been completed and is now
ready for presentation to the Board at the meeting of May 23, 2007.
• "Led the charge" on reclassification of slender false broom as a Category A Noxious Weed in
California.
• Field staff completed the Dusky Footed Woodrat Trail as the final element of the Pulgas
Ridge Public Access Improvement Project.
• In conjunction with Planning, the El Corte de Madera Watershed Improvement Plan is
continuing with the completion of the rerouting of the Giant Salamander Trail.
• Started cleaning up the old marijuana gardens utilizing the Santa Clara County Sheriff's
Team Hawk.
• Completed the radio system needs assessment and plan for improvement and obtained Board
approval (and beginning budget) to implement the plan in 3 years, if at all possible.
• Sent out an RFP for radio dispatch services, which will result in a new 6-year contract with
the City of Mountain View, due to come back to the Board at an upcoming meeting in May.
• Based upon meetings with the members of the MRODSPOA, staff reported twice to the
Board for direction, and as a result continued to embark on the radio system upgrades,
budgeted for a new look at the District's logo, and put money in the budget to contract with
the Santa Clara County Sheriff s Office for patrol assistance in Sierra Azul (subject to further
Board approval). There is still more Board discussion to come regarding the remaining
policy issues.
• A new Geo-cashing program was put into place on District lands.
Public Affairs Department:
• The Good Neighbor Policy was presented in draft form to the Board at a meeting on the San
Mateo coast, and based upon public and Board member input, a revised draft is ready for
presentation back to the Ad Hoc Committee.
• Distributed 46 press releases, with positive results in local newspapers, including 7 press
releases focused on resources management related issues.
• Coordinated and conducted the 2006 Ridge Trail Cruz event along Skyline Blvd. with the
Bay Area Ridge Trail Council.
• Recruited and conducted training for over 40 new Trail Patrol, Crew Leader, and
R-06-113 Page 6
Conservation Easement Monitoring volunteers.
a The new format/training model for Outdoor Activity Docents produced 10 very engaged and
enthusiastic new docents (completed training in June 2006). Four new Nature Center Hosts
were trained. In 2006, District Volunteers contributed a record 15,149 hours of service, a
10% increase over last year.
0 Coordinated and conducted a very successful Volunteer Recognition Event in September,
with over 180 people in attendance.
Planning Department:
0 Completed the Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve staging area and public access
improvement project.
0 Year four of the El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve Watershed Protection
Program is nearly complete, with upgrades and relocation of the Giant Salamander Trail,
o Completed the Picchetti Winery Building Seismic Upgrade project.
o Completed clean-up of the oil spill at Pulgas.
0 Secured $200,000 in Proposition 40 grants for watershed restoration/implementation in
the San Francisquito Watershed.
* Secured $150,000 in Proposition 50 grants for watershed restoration/implementation in
the San Gregorio Watershed.
0 Completed the Grazing Policy.
Submitted by:
Ad Hoc Board Appointee Evaluation Committee
(Directors Cyr, Hanko and Siemens)
Contact person:
Jed Cyr, Chair
DISTRICT GENERAL MANAGER EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
This Employment Agreement ("Agreement") is made and entered into this 25th day of April
2007 by and between Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, a California public agency
("District"), and L. Craig Britton ("General Manager").
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS AGREED AS FOLLOWS:
1. Designation of District General Manner
L. CRAIG BRITTON is hereby appointed and employed as General Manager of the
District.
2. Essential Powers and Duties
A) The General Manager's powers and duties shall be as specified in Sections 5538
and 5549 of the Public Resources Code of the State of California; and
B) All duties, powers, and responsibilities as provided in the District Personnel
Policies and Procedures Manual ("Manual"); and
Q Such other duties as the Board of Directors may direct consistent with the
District's enabling legislation; and
D) The General Manager shall perform his duties and exercise his powers consistent
with due diligence, according to the highest and most professional standards, and
in compliance with all federal, state and local laws, ordinances, rules and
regulations which are applicable to or associated with the performance of such
duties.
3. Compensation and Benefits
Compensation and benefits shall be according to the terms and conditions set out in the
Manual, except and as set forth herein.
A) SaIM. As compensation for the services to be performed hereunder, the General
Manager shall receive a salary at the rate of $173,149.60 per calendar year.
District's Board of Directors (the "Board") shall review the General Manager's
performance and salary annually.
B) Annual Salary Adjustment and Performance Review. The Board shall annually
review the General Manager's performance. At that time, the parties may propose
to modify or amend this Agreement and the Board may consider an annual salary
adjustment for the General Manager. Any such annual salary adjustment shall be
retroactively applied to the General Manager's anniversary date of March 9 1h. The
Board may grant the General Manager a greater or lesser amount, if any, than that
granted to other District employees.
219229.1 M1244-001
C) Meritorious Pay. The Board may grant the General Manager a meritorious pay
award, ranging from 0% to 5% over and above the General Manager's annual
salary and in addition to consideration of a possible annual salary adjustment
increase. Such meritorious pay award shall be based upon the Board's annual
review of the General Manager's performance. The evaluation shall be based upon
criteria and objectives to which the Board and the General Manager have
mutually agreed. Meritorious Pay shall not be a salary adjustment, but rather
recognition for performance during the previous year of service.
D) Vacation. Holiday. and Sick Leave. The General Manager shall earn vacation,
holiday, personal, administrative and sick leave at the current rate of accrual for
Department Managers in accordance with the Manual. In addition to the vacation
cash-out provisions of the Manual, the General Manager may elect to cash-out up
to eighty(80) additional hours of accrued vacation leave in any calendar year.
E) Retirement Plan. The District contracts with the California Public Employees'
Retirement System (PERS) to provide its employees the Local Miscellaneous
2.5% at 55 retirement plan ("the Plan"). The District shall pay all but 1% of the
General Manager's required 8% contribution to PERS, resulting in an Employer
Paid Member Contribution (EPMC) of 7% and will pay the District's employer
contribution in accordance with the District's Plan. Effective April 1, 2008, the
District shall pay all but 2% of the General Manager's required 8% contribution
to PERS, resulting in EPMC of 6% and will pay the District's employer
contribution in accordance with the District's employer contribution in
accordance with the District's Plan.
F) Mileage Allowance. The District shall pay the General Manager an in-lieu
mileage allowance calculated at the rate of 1,000 miles per month multiplied by
the current IRS optional standard mileage rate in recognition of the significant use
of his private vehicle for District business. The General Manager may elect to
cease receiving this mileage allowance and in lieu thereof receive an equivalent
increase in his annual salary.
G) Benefit Plans. The District shall pay the full premium for the General Manager
and his dependents for enrollment in any medical insurance plan offered by the
District. The District shall also provide dental, vision, and various life and
disability insurance coverages, and other benefits available to management
employees in accordance with the Manual and as approved by the Board of
Directors from time to time, including, but not limited to, participation in the sick
leave conversion program, and the basic life insurance equivalent as related to the
General Manager's salary. The District will also provide the cafeteria plan in
accordance with Internal Revenue Code Section 125 as provided in the Manual.
H) Membership and Conferences. The District shall continue to pay for the General
Manager's membership or participation in the National Recreation and Parks
Association (NRPA), the California Parks and Recreation Society (CPRS), the
219229.1 M1244-001
California Association Regional Park and Open Space Administrators
(CARPOSA), and such other organizations and conferences as may be approved
by the District Board, in additional to any membership payments offered to
employees in the Manual.
I) Special Compensation. The District shall report the value of EPMC to PERS as
special compensation. The full terms of the attached District Resolution
implementing this provision are incorporated herein by reference. In the event that
for any reason PERS disallows any of General Manager's salary or compensation
to be included in the calculation of the value of the General Manager's retirement
benefit, the General Manager shall have no claim or recourse of any kind against
the District.
4. Severance Pay
In the event that the District terminates the General Manager's employment for reasons
other than malfeasance commitment of an illegal act or current drug abuse the Board
g g a
shall compensate the General Manager in the amount equal to six (6) months'
compensation based upon the General Manager's salary as of the date of termination.
5. Termination
The General Manager may terminate this Agreement upon sixty(60) days' written notice
III to District; in that event, the provisions of Section 4 above are not applicable. The
General Manager serves at the pleasure of the District Board of Directors and may be
discharged without cause, subject to the provisions of Section 4 hereinabove.
6. Entire Agreement
This instrument and the attached resolution regarding PERS contain the entire agreement
of the parties and may be changed only by an agreement in writing signed by the parties
hereto.
7. Effect of Waiver
II
No waiver by a party of any provision of this Agreement, shall be considered a waiver of
any other provision or subsequent breach of the same or of any other provision, including
the time for performance of any such provision. The exercise by a party of any remedy
provided in this Agreement or at law shall not prevent the exercise by that party of any
other remedy provided in this Agreement or at law.
8. Supersedes Prior Agreements
This Agreement supersedes any and all previous employment agreements and
amendments thereto entered into by and between the District and the General Manager.
219229.1 M1244-001
9. Amendment: No amendment, alteration, or variation in the terms of this Agreement is
valid unless made in writing and signed by both parties.
10. Notices: Any notices to be given by either party to the other shall be made in writing, by
either personal delivery or by mail, registered or certified, postage prepaid, with return
receipt requested. Notices delivered personally shall be deemed received as of actual
receipt; mailed notices shall be deemed received as of five days after the date postmarked.
Mailed notices shall be addressed to the respective parties as follows:
To the District: Mid peninsula Regional Open Space District, 330 Distel Circle, Los
Altos, California 94022, Attention: Clerk of the Board of Directors
To Britton: Same as above.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Employment Agreement
effective this 25th day of April 2007 at Los Altos, California.
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN GENERAL MANAGER:
SPACE DISTRICT:
By:
Ken Nitz, President L. Craig Britton, General Manager
Date: Date:
ATTEST:
Sally Rice, District Clerk
219229.1 M1244-001
RESOLUTION NO. 07-
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
APPROVING 2007-2008 SALARY ADJUSTMENT AND
MERITORIOUS PAY AWARD FOR THE DISTRICT
GENERAL MANAGER AND APPROVING GENERAL
MANAGER EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
entered into a District General Manager Employment Agreement("Agreement"), dated August
25, 2004, with L. Craig Britton, employing him as the District's General Manager; and
WHEREAS, the Agreement provides for an annual review of the General Manager's
performance and an annual compensation review, which the Board has completed; and
WHEREAS, the Board desires to adjust the General Manager's compensation to include a
2.5 point cost-of-living salary adjustment and a 3.5 point parity adjustment increasing his salary
to $173,149.60 per calendar year retroactive to April 1, 2007 and the reporting of Employer Paid
Member Contributions as special compensation for PERS retirement; and
WHEREAS, the Board, based on its annual review of Britton's performance, desires to
grant him meritorious pay of 5% or $8,154.54 over and above Britton's salary in recognition of
his outstanding performance during the previous year of service.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Directors of the
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District does hereby authorize the President of the Board of
Directors or other appropriate officer to execute the attached District General Manager
Employment Agreement on behalf of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District to increase
the General Manager's salary to $173,149.60 per calendar year based upon a 2.5 point cost of
living adjustment and a 3.5 point parity adjustment retroactive to April 1, 2007 and to provide six
month's severance pay.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional
Open Space District does grant the General Manager by adoption of this resolution a 5%
meritorious pay award in the amount of$8,154.54 over and above the General Manager's salary
for meritorious service in Fiscal Year 2006-2007.
RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MIDPENINSULA
REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT APPROVING RESOLUTION FOR PAYING
AND REPORTING THE VALUE OF EMPLOYER PAID MEMBER
CONTRIBUTIONS
WHEREAS,the governing body of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District has the
authority to implement Government Code Section 20636(c)(4 ) pursuant to Section 2069 1; and
WHEREAS, the governing body of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District has a written labor
policy or agreement which specifically provides for the normal member contributions to be paid by the employer,
and reported as additional compensation; and
WHEREAS, one of the steps in the procedures to implement Section 20691 is the adoption by the
governing body of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District of a Resolution to commence paying
and report►ng the value of said Employer Paid Member Contributions(EPMC); and
■ This benefit shall apply to all employees of the Board Appointee group.
■ This benefit shall consist of paying 1%of the normal contributions as EPMC,and
reporting the same percent(value)of compensation earnable(excluding Government
Code Section 20636(c )(4) as additional compensation.
• The effective date of this Resolution shall be 04/25/07.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the governing body of the Midpeninsula Regional
Open Space District elects to pay and report the value of EPMC, as set forth above.
i
Regional Open z�,Nace
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
R-07-56
Meeting 07-09
April 25,2007
AGENDA ITEM 3
AGENDA ITEM
Approval of Salary and Benefit Adjustment and Meritorious Pay Award for District General Counsel and
Approval of District General Counsel's Employment Agreement
i
AD HOC BOARD APPOINTEE EVALUATION COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
1. As a result of the Board's evaluation of the General Counsel's performance for Fiscal Year 2006-
2007 the Ad Hoc Board Appointee Evaluation Committee recommends a 5%meritorious pay
i
award based on the General Counsel's performance a 2.5 point cost of living salary adjustment,
and a 3.5 point parity adjustment for Fiscal Year 2007-2008, retroactive to April 1,2007. The
Committee also recommends approval of six month's severance pay and reporting the General
Counsel's Employer Paid Member Contribution as Special Compensation to the Public
Employee's Retirement System as set out in Report No. 07-55 -Approval of Salary Adjustment,
Adoption of Resolution Approving Reporting Employer Paid Member Contribution as Special
Compensation for Board Appointees, Meritorious Pay Award for the General Manager,and
Approval of General Manager's Employment Agreement.
2. Adopt the attached resolution approving the District General Counsel's Employment Agreement to
reflect a salary of$159,868.80 and approving a 5%meritorious pay award totaling$7,529.08.
DISCUSSION
The Board conducted its annual evaluation of District General Counsel's performance and compensation
for the position at its April 18, 2007 meeting. The Ad Hoc Board Appointee Evaluation Committee,
composed of Directors Cyr(Chair), Siemens and Hanko,met with the District's General Counsel to review
her compensation.
The District General Counsel's current annual salary is$150,581.60. Based on the General Counsel's
performance and evaluation, the Committee recommends the Board approve a salary adjustment for
District General Counsel as follows: an annual salary adjustment of 2.5 points,which is the same salary
adjustment received by all District employees for Fiscal Year 2007/2008. Although Board appointees are
not part of the District's"point"system,this method will be used in order to have a uniform method of
calculating salary adjustments.
A survey of the District's comparable agencies indicates that the salary of this position is well below
market median. The survey showed a market deficit for the General Counsel position of 18.84%. The
Board also reviewed a study of a narrower class of comparable agencies,which have comparable classes
for both the General Manager and the General Counsel classifications. That study showed the General
Counsel's salary is 16.53%below market median.
Seventh Amendment to Emplu.,-..ent Agreement Page 2
It was the recommendation of the Ad Hoc Committee that some parity adjustment was in order at this time
to keep these position from falling farther behind median. The Committee recommends that a 3.5 point
salary parity adjustment be approved at this time. This adjustment is appropriate given the approximately
9.5%deficit in the General Manager's classification and 18.84%deficit in the General Counsel's
classification when viewed against the broadest class of comparable agencies.
As described in tonight's agenda report concerning the General Manager's compensation, after inclusion
of the 2.5 COLA,the General Manager's salary would remain about 7%below market median. An
adjustment of half of this deficit,or 3.5 points, is being recommended for the General Manager, for a total
of 6 points. To retain the current internal relationship of the General Counsel's salary to the General
Manager's salary, the same parity adjustment is being recommended for both positions.
The Committee recommends that the General Counsel receive the same severance pay benefit as the
General Manager of six months' salary. This item has been approved in prior evaluations but has not been
incorporated into the Counsel's employment agreement until this year's evaluation.
The Committee also recommends reporting the General Counsel's Employer Paid Member Contribution
(EPMC)to the Public Employee's Retirement System(PERS)as Special Compensation as set out in
Report No. 07-55 -Approval of Salary Adjustment, Adoption of Resolution Approving Reporting
Employer Paid Member Contribution as Special Compensation for Board Appointees, Meritorious Pay
Award for the General Manager, and Approval of General Manager's Employment Agreement.
Based on the Board's review of District General Counsel's performance during the past fiscal year,the
Committee also recommends that a 5%meritorious pay award$7,529.08 be granted. This award is not a
salary adjustment,but rather is granted as a one-time award in recognition for performance for her year of
service during Fiscal Year 2006-2007. The Board is very pleased with District General Counsel's
outstanding performance during the past year. Significant accomplishments of the Legal subprogram have
included:
LITIGATION AND REGULATORY PROCEEDINGS
LITIGATION
• CITIZENS FOR RESPONSIBLE OPEN SPACE V. MROSD
This litigation seeks to void LAFCO's approval of the District's annexation of the San Mateo
Coast. The lawsuit challenged the legality of the protest process and whether LAFCO and the
San Mateo County Elections Division properly invalidated protests against the annexation. In
October 2006, the San Mateo County Superior Court ruled in favor of the District on all issues.
In January 2007, the plaintiffs filed an appeal. General Counsel worked closely with outside
counsel throughout this case, as on the two prior cases in which the District successfully
defended the annexation from invalidation. This will continue to be a key project during Fiscal
Year 2007-2008.
• FOGARTY V. MROSD
In this lawsuit, Fogarty and co-owner McFarlane asserted a right to an access easement over
Coal Creek Open Space Preserve and a right to improve a pre-existing road on a conservation
easement the District holds over a portion of this property. The District's title company
provided the defense to Fogarty's complaint; the District bore the costs of the cross-complaint.
This case was contentious, due in part to the aggressive prosecution of the case by plaintiffs'
counsel and due to ongoing coverage disputes with the District's title insurance company, First
Seventh Amendment to Emph, -ent Agreement Page 2
American. General Counsel was able to convince First American to resume coverage on three
occasions when it sought to end its defense obligations to the District. The matter settled on the
eve of trial in February. The parties agreed that the District would acquire the conservation
easement property for $400,000 and secure a deed restriction prohibiting further development
on the remaining Fogarty parcel. The District reached a separate settlement with First
American Title Company which contributed $55,000 towards settlement.
PROJECTS
COASTSIDE PROTECTION PROGRAM
• The General Counsel continued to provide legal advice regarding various aspects of implementing this
Program and drafting the transactional documents to continue to purchase District properties on the
Coast. These included the 700-acre POST(Tunitas Creek)property and the 53-acre Peery property.
REAL PROPERTY
• Counsel provided legal advice to the Real Property Department on major land acquisitions and
management agreements. This involved drafting the legal documents necessary to complete the
POST Driscoll Ranch acquisition project. Key projects also included acquisition of the POST
Stevens Canyon Ranch Property, the Smith Property (Montebello, Skyline Ridge), and the
BDS/Pitzen Property (Sierra Azul).
• Legal assistance to the Real Property Department on various encroachment and property rights
issues, including road grading done in violation of a conservation easement held jointly by the
Town of Los Gatos and the District at Sierra Azul OSP. The Town, with the District's input, has
reached agreement with the violator for repair of the conservation easement violation.
• Assistance in administering and operating the Guadalupe Land Company and securing continued
pro bono assistance from Wilson, Sonsini, Rosati and Goodrich for this purpose.
• Securing continued pro bono assistance from Wilson on a potential land exchange with Ridge
Vineyards at Montebello OSP.
PLANNING
0 A key project with Planning continued to be the Coastside Protection Program.
0 The Legal subprogram has been working closely with Planning on the Navy's process to develop a
remediation plan for Site 25 at Stevens Creek Shoreline Nature Study Area, various projects to
connect the Bay Trail along the Ravenswood Preserve, and a successful negotiation with the Santa
Clara Valley Water District for the Guadalupe Creek Fish Ladder project.
OPERATIONS
• A key project to resolve the extent of District peace officer authority off District lands and outside
the District's boundaries had to await the outcome of ongoing litigation in the City of Del Mar.
Counsel has now re-submitted a request for an Attorney General's Opinion on this issue and will be
submitting additional comments reflecting more recent case law.
ADMINISTRATION
• Provided legal advice concerning personnel and disciplinary matters and assisted in the ongoing
update of the Personnel Rules.
Seventh Amendment to Emplo'Rent Agreement Page 2
• Assisted in the 2006 District refinancing conducted jointly with the Financing Authority, including
developing an RFP and selection of new bond and disclosure counsel.
• Assisted the Board in developing and conducting an appointment process to fill the vacancy in
Ward 4 due to Director Little's resignation in August.
• Assisted the Ad Hoc Board Appointee Committee in developing an initial succession planning
process for recruitment of a General Manager.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS
Assisted the Good Neighbor Policy Committee to develop the Good Neighbor Policy, which was
reviewed by the full Board on February 7, 2007. After completing the revisions requested by the
Board, this Policy will be returned to the Board. It will fulfill a LAFco annexation condition and help
Board Members, the public, and staff work better together on the common problems of adjacent
neighbors.
Submitted by:
Ad Hoc Board Appointee Evaluation Committee
(Directors Cyr,Hanko, and Siemens)
Contact person:
Jed Cyr, Chair
RESOLUTION NO. 07 -
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OF THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE
DISTRICT APPROVING A SALARY ADJUSTMENT
AND MERITORIOUS PAY AWARD FOR DISTRICT
GENERAL COUNSEL AND APPROVING THE
DISTRICT GENERAL COUNSEL'S EMPLOYMENT
AGREEMENT
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space
District entered into a District General Counsel Employment Agreement("Agreement"),
dated August 25, 2004, with Susan M. Schectman, employing her as the District's
General Counsel; and
WHEREAS, the Agreement provides for an annual review of District General
Counsel's performance and an annual compensation review; and
WHEREAS, the Board desires to adjust the General Counsel's compensation to
include a 2.5 point cost of living adjustment and a 3.5 point parity adjustment increasing
her salary to $159,868.80 per calendar year retroactive to April 1, 2007 and the reporting
of Employer Paid Member Contributions as special compensation for PERS retirement;
and
WHEREAS, the Board,based on its annual review of General Counsel's
performance, desires to grant her meritorious pay of 5%or$7,529.08 over and above
General Counsel's salary in recognition of her outstanding performance during the
previous year of service;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Directors of the
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District does hereby authorize the President of the
Board of Directors or other appropriate officer to execute the attached District General
Counsel Employment Agreement on behalf of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space
District to increase the General Counsel's salary to $159,868.80 per calendar year based
upon a 2.5 point cost of living adjustment and a 3.5 parity adjustment retroactive to April
1, 2007 and to provide six month's severance pay.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula
Regional Open Space District does grant District General Counsel,by adoption of this
Resolution, a 5%meritorious pay award in the amount of$7,529.08 over and above
District General Counsel's salary for meritorious service in Fiscal Year 2006-2007.
DISTRICT GENERAL COUNSEL EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
This Employment Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into this 25'h day of April 2007 by and
between Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, a California public agency ("District"),
and Susan M. Schectman ("the General Counsel").
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS AGREED AS FOLLOWS:
1. Designation of District General Counsel
SUSAN M. SCHECTMAN is appointed and employed as legal counsel for the District.
The designation of the position is General Counsel.
2. Essential Duties
The General Counsel shall perform her duties consistent with due diligence, according to
the highest and most professional standards, and in compliance with all federal, state and
local laws, ordinances, rules and regulations which are applicable to or associated with
the performance of such duties.
A. Administrative Duties
I) The General Counsel shall attend all regular and special meetings of the
District Board of Directors as needed. The General Counsel's duties in
this connection shall be to render advice and opinions with respect to
legal matters which may arise during such meetings, except legal matters
which may pertain to proceedings wherein specialized legal services are
to be provided by special counsel or which do not fall within the General
Counsel's scope of duties.
2) The General Counsel shall also attend meetings of committees and staff
of the District when requested to do so by the District Board of Directors
or the District General Manager.
3) When requested to do so by the District Board of Directors or District
General Manager, the General Counsel shall prepare and review
resolutions, notices, contracts, leases, ordinances and other legal
documents and papers in matters pertaining to the District, and shall also
examine for legal sufficiency all documents submitted to her by the
District.
4) The General Counsel shall perform legal research as required to attend
to the legal needs of the District and shall review legislation and court
decisions to determine their effect upon District affairs.
5) The General Counsel shall cooperate with and assist the District, its
officers, directors, agents and employees on all general legal matters
219230.1 M1244-001
f
i
i
pertaining to the District, including the enforcement of District laws,
ordinances and codes.
6) The General Counsel shall also perform such other related and
appropriate legal services for the District as may be requested by the
District Board of Directors or the District General Manager.
B. Litigation Duties
When requested to do so by the District Board of Directors, the General Counsel
shall represent the District in legal and administrative proceedings to which the
District may be a party.
3. Acting General Counsel
The General Counsel shall select another person or persons to act as General Counsel to
the District in cases where the General Counsel is unable to act due to illness, vacation or
other reason. The selection of Acting General Counsel shall be subject to the approval of
the District Board of Directors where the appointment exceeds three weeks.
4. Limitation on Duties
A. The General Counsel's position shall be full time and her regular work hours shall
be generally 40 hours of service per week, including attendance at Board or Board
Committee meetings.
B. It is recognized that the District normally contracts with special counsel in certain
matters pertaining to the District, such as labor relations, worker's compensation,
general liability and bond issues. In the event legal services are provided by
special counsel, the General Counsel will be responsible for general oversight in
such cases to ensure the District is effectively represented and for providing
general legal assistance and support to the special counsel as needed.
5. Compensation and Benefits
A. As compensation for the services to be performed hereunder, he General Counsel
shall receive an annual salary at the rate of $159,868.80, retroactive to April 1,
2007.
B. Annual Salary Adjustment and Performance Review: The Board shall annually
review the General Counsel's performance. At that time, the parties may propose
to modify or amend this Agreement and the Board may consider an annual salary
adjustment for the General Counsel. Any such annual salary adjustment shall be
retroactively applied to April I".
C. Meritorious Pay: The District may grant the General Counsel meritorious pay,
ranging from 0% to 5% over and above the General Counsel's annual salary.
Such meritorious pay shall be based on the Board's annual review of the General
219230.1 M1244-001 2
Counsel's performance. Evaluation shall be based upon criteria and objectives to
which the Board and the General Counsel have mutually agreed. Meritorious pay
shall not be a salary adjustment, but rather recognition for performance during the
previous year of service.
D. Benefits: The General Counsel shall receive the benefits available to regular full
time employees of the District including those set out in the District's "Personnel
Policies and Procedures Manual" on the same terms available to these employees,
except for medical insurance coverage of the health plan selected by the General
Counsel for which District will pay the full family premium. The General
Counsel may participate in any District optional benefit plan at her own cost.
E. Retirement Plan: The District contracts with the California Public Employees'
Retirement System ("PERS") to provide its employees the Local Miscellaneous
2.5% at 55 retirement plan ("the Plan"). The District shall pay all but 1% of the
General Counsel's required 8% contribution to PERS, resulting in an Employer
Paid Member Contribution ("EPMC") of 7%, and will pay the District's employer
contribution in accordance with the District's Plan. Effective April 1, 2008, the
District shall pay all but 2% of the General Counsel's required 8% employee
contribution, resulting in EPMC of 6% and will pay the District's employer
contribution in accordance with the District's Plan.
F. Leave: The General Counsel shall earn leave as set forth in the District's
"Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual" and "Administrative Leave Program
for Managers".
G. Mileage Allowance: The General Counsel will be eligible to receive mileage
reimbursement at the applicable District rate for use of her personal vehicle on
District business.
H. Special Compensation. The District shall report the value of EPMC to PERS as
special compensation. The full terms of the attached District Resolution
implementing this provision are incorporated herein by reference. In the event that
for any reason PERS disallows any of General Counsel's salary or compensation
to be included in the calculation of the value of the General Counsel's retirement
benefit, the General Counsel shall have no claim or recourse of any kind against
the District.
6. Termination and Severance Pay The General Counsel may terminate this Agreement
upon forty-five (45) days' written notice to District. District may terminate this Agreement by
written notice to the General Counsel at any time. The General Counsel serves at the pleasure of
the District Board of Directors and may be discharged without cause. In the event that the
District terminates the General Counsel's employment for reasons other than malfeasance,
commitment of an illegal act, or current drug abuse, the Board shall compensate the General
Counsel in an amount equal to six (6) months' salary as of the date of termination.
219230.1 M1244-001 3
7. Entire Agreement This instrument and the attached resolution regarding PERS contain
the entire agreement of the parties and may be changed only by an agreement in writing signed
by the parties hereto.
8. Effect of Waiver No waiver by a party of any provision of this Agreement shall be
considered a waiver of any other provision or subsequent breach of the same or of any other
provision, including the time for performance of any such provision. The exercise by a party of
any remedy provided in this Agreement or at law shall not prevent the exercise by that party of
any other remedy provided in this Agreement or at law.
9. Supersedes Prior Agreement This Agreement supersedes any and all previous
employment agreements and amendments thereto entered into by and between the District and
the General Counsel.
10. Amendment No amendment, alteration, or variation in the terms of this Agreement is
valid unless made in writing and signed by both parties.
11. Notices: Any notices to be given by either party to the other shall be made in writing by
either personal delivery or by mail, registered or certified, postage prepaid, with return receipt
requested. Notices delivered personally shall be deemed received as of actual receipt; mailed
notices shall be deemed received as of five days after the date postmarked. Mailed notices shall
be addressed to the respective parties as follows:
To the District: Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, 330 Distel Circle, Los Altos,
California 94022, Attention: Clerk of the Board of Directors.
For Schectman: Same as above.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Employment Agreement
effective this 25 1h day of April 2007 at Los Altos, California.
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN GENERAL COUNSEL:
SPACE DISTRICT:
By:
Ken Nitz, President Susan M. Schectman
Date: Date:
ATTEST:
Sally Rice, District Clerk
219230.1 M1244-001 4
Regional Open Space
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
R-07-57
Meeting 07-09
April 25, 2007
AGENDA ITEM 4
! AGENDA ITEM
Approval of Salary Adjustment for the Controller and Approval of Controller's Employment Agreement
AD HOC BOARD APPOINTEE EVALUATION COMMITTEE'S RECOMMENDATIONS
1. As a result of the Board's evaluation of the Controller's performance for the Fiscal Year 2006-
2007,the Ad Hoc Board Appointee Evaluation Committee recommends a salary increase of 2.5
points per annum retroactive to April 1, 2007.
2. Adopt the attached resolution approving the Controller's Employment Agreement to reflect an
adjusted salary of$17,994.08 per annum.
DISCUSSION
The Board conducted its annual evaluation of the Controller's performance at its April 18, 2007 meeting
and was extremely pleased with Mike Foster's performance and service to the District. The Ad Hoc
Board Appointee Evaluation Committee,composed of Directors Cyr(Chair), Hanko, and Siemens, was
instructed to serve as the District's negotiator and was directed by the Board to meet with the Controller to
review his compensation.
The Controller's Employment Agreement calls for an annual performance review and consideration of
any proposals by the Board or the Controller to modify or amend the Agreement. It is also possible for
the Board to award a salary adjustment and grant a meritorious award of up to 5%. However, the
Controller requested that he not be awarded a meritorious increase,even though the Board felt he
deserved conside
ration for this award.
The Committee recommends that, based on the Controller's past performance,the Board approve a salary
adjustment for the Controller of 2.5 points,the same adjustment received by other District employees,
increasing his annual salary to $17,994.08 retroactive to April 1, 2007. While Board appointees are not
formally part of the District's"step"or point system,this system will be used to calculate the
recommended salary adjustment in order to have a uniform method of calculating salary adjustments.
Prepared by:
Ad Hoc Board Appointee Evaluation Committee
Directors Cyr, Hanko and Siemens
Contact person:
Jed Cyr, Chair
RESOLUTION NO. 07 -
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OF THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE
DISTRICT APPROVING A SALARY ADJUSTMENT
FOR DISTRICT CONTROLLER AND APPROVING
THE DISTRICT CONTROLLER'S EMPLOYMENT
AGREEMENT
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space
District entered into a District Controller Employment Agreement ("Agreement"), dated
August 25, 2004, with Michael L. Foster, employing him as the District's Controller; and
WHEREAS, the Agreement provides for an annual review of District Controller's
performance and an annual compensation review; and
WHEREAS, the Board desires to adjust the Controller's compensation to include
a 2.5 point cost of living adjustment increasing his salary to $17,994.08 per calendar year
retroactive to April 1, 2007;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Directors of the
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District does hereby authorize the President of the
Board of Directors or other appropriate officer to execute the attached District Controller
Employment Agreement on behalf of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District to
increase the Controller's salary to $17,994.08 per calendar year based upon a 2.5 point
annual salary adjustment retroactive to April 1, 2007.
DISTRICT CONTROLLER EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
This Employment Agreement("Agreement") is made and entered into this 25th day of April 2007,by and
between Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District,a California public agency("District"),and
Michael L. Foster("Controller").
NOW,THEREFORE,IT IS AGREED AS FOLLOWS:
1. Desip-nation of District Controller
MICHAEL L. FOSTER is hereby appointed and employed as Controller of the District.
2. Essential Powers and Duties
A) The Controller's powers and duties shall be as specified in Sections 5538,5552 and 5553
of the Public Resources Code of the State of California; and
B) All duties,powers,and responsibilities as provided in the District Class Specification for
this position; and
Q Such other duties as the Board of Directors may direct consistent with the District's
enabling legislation; and
D) The Controller shall perform his duties and exercise his powers consistent with due
diligence,according to the highest and most professional standards,and in compliance
with all federal,state and local laws,ordinances,rules and regulations which are
applicable to or associated with the performance of such duties.
3. Compensation and Benefits
Compensation and benefits shall be as set forth herein.
A) Salary. As compensation for the services to be performed hereunder,the Controller shall
receive a salary at the rate of$17,994.08 per calendar year.
B) Annual Salary Adjustment and Performance Review. The Board shall annually review
the Controller's performance. At that time, the parties may propose to modify or amend
this Agreement. The Board may consider an annual salary adjustment for the Controller.
Any such annual salary adjustment may retroactively apply to the beginning of the
District's fiscal year,April 1".
Q Meritorious Pay. The Board may grant the Controller a meritorious pay award,ranging
from 0%to 5%,over and above the Controller's annual salary and in addition to
consideration of a possible annual salary adjustment increase. Such meritorious pay
award shall be based on the Board's annual review of the Controller's performance.
Meritorious Pay shall not be a salary adjustment,but rather recognition for exceptional
performance during the previous year of service which exceeds regular and expected
duties, such as complex or time-consuming special projects.
D) Benefits. The Controller shall not receive any District benefits.
219228.1 M1244-001
4. Retirement Plan. The District contracts with the California Public Employees' Retirement
System(PERS)to provide its employees the Local Miscellaneous 2.5%at 55 retirement plan
("the Plan"). The Controller will be eligible to become a member of the District's Plan upon
working the specified number of hours set out in Government Code Section 20305. The
Controller's membership shall be effective not later than the first day of the first pay period
of the month following the month in which the required number of hours have been worked.
In that event,the District will pay all but 1%of the Controller's required 8%contribution to
PERS,resulting in an Employer Paid Member Contribution("EPMC")of 7%and will pay
the District's employer contribution in accordance with the District's Plan. Effective April 1,
2008,the District will pay all but 2%of the Controller's required 8%contribution to PERS,
resulting in EPMC of 6%and will pay the District's employer contribution in accordance
with the District's Plan.
5. Special Compensation. The District shall report the value of EPMC to PERS as special
compensation. The terms of the attached District Resolution implementing this provision are
incorporated by reference into this Agreement. In the event that for any reason PERS,
disallows any of Controller's salary or compensation to be included in the calculation of the
value of the Controller's retirement benefit,the Controller shall have no claim or recourse of
any kind against the District.
6. Termination
The Controller serves at the pleasure of the District Board of Directors and may be
discharged without cause and without right of appeal of any kind. The Controller may
terminate this Agreement upon sixty(60)days' written notice to the District.
7. Entire Agreement
This instrument and the attached resolution regarding PERS contain the entire agreement of
the parties and may be changed only by an agreement in writing signed by the parties hereto.
8. Effect of Waiver
No waiver by a party of any provision of this Agreement shall be considered a waiver of any
other provision or subsequent breach of the same or of any other provision,including the time
for performance of any such provision. The exercise by a party of any remedy provided in
this Agreement or at law shall not prevent the exercise by that party of any other remedy
provided in this Agreement or at law.
9. Supersedes Prior Agreements
This Agreement supersedes any and all previous employment agreements and amendments
thereto entered into by and between the District and the Controller.
10. Amendment:' No amendment,alteration,or variation in the terms of this Agreement is valid
unless made in writing and signed by both parties.
11. Notices: Any notices to be given by either party to the other shall be made in writing,by
either personal delivery or by mail,registered or certified,postage prepaid with return receipt
requested. Notices delivered personally shall be deemed received as of actual receipt; mailed
notices shall be deemed received as of five days after the date postmarked. Mailed notices
shall be addressed to the respective parties as follows:
To the District: Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District,330 Distel Circle,Los Altos,
California 94022,Attention: Clerk of the Board of Directors
219228.1 M1244-oo12
To Foster: Same as above.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this District Controller Employment
Agreement effective this 25h day of April 2007 at Los Altos,California.
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN CONTROLLER:
SPACE DISTRICT:
it
By:
Ken Nitz,President Michael L. Foster
Date: Date:
ATTEST:
Sally Rice, District Clerk
219228.1 M1244-oo13
Regional Open Space
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
R-07-49
Meeting 07-09
April 25, 2007
AGENDA ITEM 5
AGENDA ITEM
Authorization to Extend Agreements to Provide Vehicle Ma* tenan&e and Repair Services for fiscal year 2007-
2008
GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION
Authorize the General Manager to extend the agreements with each of the following vendors to provide
maintenance and repair services for the District's fleet vehicles:
1. Roy's Repair Service of La Honda for an agreement not to exceed$60,000;
2. CMK Automotive of Mountain View for an agreement not to exceed$35,000.
DISCUSSION
At your April 27,2005 meeting,you authorized the General Manager to enter into a contract with CMK Automotive
and Roy's Repair Service to provide the maintenance and repair services for District vehicles(see Board Report R-
05-45).
The initial one-year contracts were approved after a competitive proposal process.The contracts provide for two I-
year extensions. On April 26,2006(R-06-5 1)you approved the first one-year extension.This extension will be for
the second one-year period.Performance of both vendors has been outstanding. They continue to provide high
quality, competitively priced work while demonstrating excellent customer service and responsiveness to urgent
service and repair needs.
Both vendors will continue to honor the terms of their original contract, including their hourly labor rate,which is
$75/hour for Roy's Repair Service, and$80/hour for CMK. The fiscal year 2006-2007 budget for vehicle
maintenance and repair was$110,000. Of that total,approximately$60,000 was paid to Roy's Repair Service,and
$35,000 to CMK Automotive.
Given the District's experience with overall high quality and professional services provided by Roy's Repair Service
and CMK Automotive, staff recommends that the District extend these agreements for fiscal year 2007-2008 for an
amount not to exceed$60,000 and$35,000 respectively. Funding for these services has been included in the
Operations budget for fiscal year 2007-2008.
Prepared by:
David Topley, Support Services Supervisor
Contact person:
Same as above
°
' Claims No. 07-07
Meeting 0-09
Dote 4/25/07
Revised
MidpeninsuUa Regional Open Space District �
�
�
# Amount Name Description �
6685 g2.2e6.57 101 Livestock Supply Company T'poom&Ba'b|aonvVim �
6886 $1.500.00 Aaron's Septic Tank Service Pumping Services
6687 $osUDO Abatement AnaKxicm Asbestos Survey'Stevens Canyon Ranch Caretaker
cemn
6888 $3.996.75 All Premium Promotional Products Volunteer Uniforms/Special Event Supplies
6688 $3700 Aoen'n Press Clipping Bureau Clipping Service
8890 $141.05 Allied Waste Services Garbage Service
ee91 $194e Anderson Engraving sngravinn-wameeadgen
6692 $210,e1 xntoon, woeoe Reimbursement'Mileage
6093 *1.915.41 *ruT Telephone Service-AO, ppO&SFO/Voice Mail
Service AD/Fax Service'AD&FFO/Alarm Service-
FFO
� aenw $1431 ATur/MCI Long Distance Fax Service'SF0
�
osoa $30e.23 Beck's Shoes Inc. Uniform Shoes
6690 *8.849.76 ^1 Big Creek Lumber Lumber Materials'Bridge Construction onGiant
� Salamander Trail
� 6097 $4.550.80 ^z Big Creek Lumber Fencing Materials For New Properties
� 5698 $895.19 an Flooring Inc. New Carpet|n Bear Creek Room-AO
� *699 $soon Britton, L.Craig Reimbursement'Cell Phone
� 6700 $36.48 C.C. Cnaohnnn Docent/Volunteer Supplies
� 6701 $1.81500 California Conservation Corps Erosion Control'sCom
aroz $14.07450 California Conservation Corps Storm Damage Repair,Trail Brushing&Erosion Control
6703 $n0000 California Department 0f Fish&Game Stneambou Alteration Fee'Coal Creek Project
� e70* $1.700-00 California Department Of Fish uGame Additional G,momueu Alteration Fees'EComWater
� Protection Program
6705 $572.17 California Water Service Company Water Service-aO&FFO
6706 *559.00 Camino Medical Group Medical Services
� 6707 $284.04 Co,|onn. Kerry Reimuumnmem-Unioonn Expense
� oron *21 rr Cvr|uun. moourd Reimbursement Conference Expenses
6709 $3.e7e.18 COW Government, Inc. z Adobe Acrobat Pro,2 Adobe povtnuovp. IWindows
Vista&1MG Office 2Oo7/Annual Email Filtering Service
6710 $73354 Christenson,Andrea noimuumemen|-Tuitivo&Mileage
6711 $auoou Citadel Arts Board Members Photo Shoot �
6712 $1.695.82 Cmn Automotive Inc. vvxidemaintnnanco&Reva/ro �
6713 s473070 Coast Range Biological uC vegetuuonManning-Sanpranoiuquimvvote,sxau/
� Additional Biotic Assessments uServices �
� 6714 m19.00 Coastal Sierra, Inc. Internet Service-3FO
� 6715 *2.741.29 Community Action Board Cleanup&Removal[x Debris-Loma pnemRoad
� 6716 $2.210.00 Concern Employee Assistance Program Quarterly Fee
6717 $98.28 Correia,Anthony nnimuumement-Vni^onn Expense
� 6718 *1.32*.29 Cpsmo Office&Field Supplies
�
� 671e $250.00 County O,San Mateo AppncanunFee-Enunmcwmempennh
6720 $156.00 County Of Santa Clara'Office O,The Fingerprinting Services
� Sheriff
� 6721 *77ae1 Cube Solutions Ergonomic Supplies
�
� 6/22 $3341 Danielson, Dennis Ro,nhmmemem-Unxonn Expense
6723 m1o5* Davison, Steve Reimbursement Uniform Expense
872* $mooV Del Rey Building Maintenance Replace Lights-AO/Nature Center Cleaning Service
6725 $n.zao.*z Design Concepts Graphic Design Services Bm:hureo.wmeoamo.
Presentation Fvmem. Mailing Labels, Fact Sheets&
Business Cards
8728 $1.2e3.96 Design, Community&Environment Maote,PlannmgGowime-La*nnuaCreex
' Page,ofs
�
Claims No. 07-07
Meeting 07-09
Date 4/25/07
Revised
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
# Amount Name Description
6727 $189.66 Downing, Brendan Reimbursement-Cell Phone, Local Business Meeting&
Uniform Expenses
6728 $14,999.79 Ecosystems West Botanical Surveys-Bear Creek Redwoods&La Honda
C reek
6729 $299.00 Employer Resource Institute Cal/OSHA Newsletter
6730 $4,849-59 ESRI Annual License Renewal For GIs Software
6731 $400.00 Execu Train Training-Microsoft Office
6732 $14.55 FedEx Kinko's Copy/Printing Services
6733 $250.00 First American Title Company Endorsement To Title Policy
6734 $14,886,65 *3 First Bankcard Field Supplies-3,932.63 Office Supplies-635,82 Computer
Exp.-867,13 Business Mtgs-482.40 Conferences/Training-
3,950.57 Advertising/Subscriptions/Books-1,725.12
Uniform Exp-821.37 P.A. Event Supplies-1,643.50
Volunteer/Docent Supplies-828.11
6735 $87.28 Fitzsimons, Renee Reimbursement-Docent/Volunteer Supplies&Mileage
6736 $55138 Forestry Suppliers, Inc. Field Supplies
6737 $206.96 Freeman, Matt Reimbursement-Mileage&Cell Phone
6738 $63.31 G&K Services Shop Towel Service
6739 $3,326.31 Gardenland Power Equipment Field Supplies
6740 $4,852.78 General Graphics Exhibits Sign Board&Specifications
6741 $2,000.00 Geografika Consulting Design&Cartography Services
6742 $16,217.50 Go Native Nursery Herbicide Spraying
6743 $43,098.75 Go Native Nursery Pest Management Consulting Services/Development Of
Outreach Program To Facilitate Treatment Of Slender
False Brome
6744 $48,090.00 Godbe Research Public Opinion Survey&Focus Group
6745 $454.83 Goodco Press, Inc. Printing Services-Business Cards&Shells
6746 $383.36 Great Printing&Copies Printing Services-Envelopes
6747 $460.00 Green Waste Recovery, Inc. Debrix Box-SFO Roofing Material Waste
6748 $6,401.66 Guy Plumbing&Heating, Inc. Plumbing Fixtures&Repairs For 3 Rental Residences
6749 $9,000.00 Haro, Kasunich&Associates Geotechnical Evaluation&Grading Plan Preparation-
Russian Ridge
6750 $2,000.00 Harris Construction Tape&Texturing-La Honda Residence
6751 $1,091.73 Home Depot Field Supplies&Equipment
6752 $88.50 ID Plus, Inc. Name Tags
6753 $1,020.80 Interstate Traffic Control Products Field Supplies
6754 $11,996.50 Jakaby Engineering Bridge Design& Engineering-Thornewood
6755 $2,64676 Jakaby Engineering Engineering Design For Culvert At Fremont Older Gate
6756 $3,410.80 Jakaby Engineering Feasibility Study-Saratoga Country Club&Fremont
Older Joint Staging Area Project
6757 $180.00 Jim Davis Automotive Vehicle Repairs
6758 $645.75 Julie Norton Web Training&Consulting
6759 $306.22 Jurich, Michael Reimbursement-Supplies For DHF Residence
6760 $800.00 Kathleen M.Wong Writing Services-Volunteer Newsletter
6761 $7,680.00 King Crane Service Cleanup&Removal Of Debris-Loma Prieta Road
6762 $5,938,08 KVO Industries Inc, 5 Sign Panels&Frames
6763 $4,068.90 LA Consulting Consulting Services-Land Management Cost Evaluation
&Efficiency Study
6764 $300.00 Lance Bayer Legal Services
6765 $7,965.44 LFR Levine Fricke Grant Preparation-Hicks Flat Site Remediation
6766 $4,067.95 LFR Levine Fricke Petroleum Product Release Source Investigation-Pulgas
Ridge
Page 2 of 5
Claims No. 07-07
Meeting 07-09
Date 4/25/07
Revised
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
# Amount Name Description
6767 $6,950.91 LFR Levine Fricke Planning Services-Skyline Ridge Tree Farm Restoration
Project
6768 $142.08 Los Altos Garbage Company Garbage Service-AO
6769 $429,57 Los Altos Garbage Company Dumpster Service-FFO
6770 $3,232.00 Macro Corporation Develop Two&Three Year Plans For New Radio System
6771 $5,904.00 Macro Corporation Assessment&Plan For Improvement Of District's Two
Way Radio System
6772 $512.46 Moffett Supply Company Sanitation Supplies
6773 $326.69 Monster Mechanical, Inc. HVAC Quarterly Maintenance-AD
6774 $3,974.94 Meumta4m Terfeee Depesit FeF EaSt Bey:Feeir Evem!
6775 $81.19 Naber,Jennifer Reimbursement-Uniform Expense
6776 $160.21 Neopost Postage Machine Ink Cartridge
6777 $4,624.00 Normal Data Digital Image Library Development
6778 $998.20 Normal Data Database Maintenance& Improvements
6779 $2,441.55 Orchard Supply Hardware Field Equipment&Supplies
6780 $2,802,00 Padilla Rain Gutters Gutters&Downspouts-SFO Roof Project
6781 $189.02 Paterson, Loro Reimbursement-Uniform Expense
6782 $8,289.50 Patsons Media Group Printing Services-Brochures,Greeting Cards&Fact
Sheets
6783 $37,532.00 PCN Construction Guard Rail Installation-Sierra Azul
6784 $2,308.85 Peterson Tractor Co. Tractor Repair&Maintenance
6785 $200.00 *4 Petty Cash Replenish Petty Cash
6786 $200.00 Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP Legal Services-Saratoga Country Club
6787 $3,542.10 Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP Legal Services-Fogarty/MacFarlane Litigation
6788 $341.85 Pine Cone Lumber Fencing/Lumber Materials
6789 $355.55 PIP Printing 35th Anniversary Stickers/Mailing Labels
6790 $246.27 Quality Toner Products Toner Cartridges
6791 $296.12 R. E. Borrmann's Steel Co., Inc, Steel Stock For Storage Racks
6792 $46.25 Rayne Of San Jose Water Conditioning Service
6793 $85.00 Rene Hardoy Landscaping Services-AD
6794 $2,595.00 Rich Voss Trucking, Inc. Rock Delivery-Skyline Ridge Parking Lot/Base Rock-
FFO Stock
6795 $290,00 Rick Skierka-Licensed Land Surveyor Review&Analysis Of Boundary Dispute-Rossetta
6796 $28,87 Ricoh Americas Corporation Quarterly Photocopying Charge
6797 $142.80 Roessler,Cindy Reimbursement-Invasive Plant Class Registration
Mileage
6798 $4,345.66 Roy's Repair Service Vehicle Repairs&Service
6799 $9,960.00 San Francisco Estuary Institute Prepare Stream Habitat Inventory-La Honda Creek
6800 $499.99 San Jose Water Company Water Service
6801 $5,000-00 San Mateo County Parks And Grassland Research
Recreation Foundation
6802 $476.61 Sanguinetti, David Reimbursement-Uniform Expense&Field Supply
6803 $1,384.00 Santa Clara County Department Of Annual Generator Permit Fee
Environmental Health
6804 $56575 Sears Field Supplies
6805 $479.25 Serendipity Land Yachts Deposit-Shuttle For Fremont Older House Tour
Deposit-Shuttle For Site Dedication Event At Pulgas
Ridge
6806 $6,445.00 Shute, Mihaly&Weinberger LLP Legal Services-Coastal Annexation Litigation
6807 $1,043.06 Silicon Valley Network Cabling Server Rack Installation
6808 $20.28 Smutnak,Greg Reimbursement-First Aid Supplies
6809 $190.00 South Bay Regional Public Safety Field Training Officer Course-B. Malone&T. Lausten
Page 3 of 5
Claims No. 07-07
Meeting 07-09
Date 4/25/07
Revised
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
# Amount Name Description
6810 $65,077.00 Southwest Fence&Supply Company Fence Removal&Construction-Skyline Ridge
6811 $757.73 Staples Credit Plan Laser Printer
6812 $50.04 State Board Of Equalization Diesel Fuel Tax
6813 $385.76 Staywell First Aid Training Materials
6814 $255.83 Stevens Creek Quarry Base Rock For Volunteer Project-St.Joseph's Hill FFO
Stock
6815 $2,016.26 *5 Stevens Creek Quarry Base Rock-Skyline Ridge Parking Lot
6816 $1,316.34 Summit Uniforms Uniform Expenses
6817 $327.22 Sunnyvale Dodge Vehicle Repair
6818 $603.61 T R Miller Company Photos Of Promotional Merchandise For Website
6819 $938.19 Tadco Supply Janitorial Supplies
6820 $67.00 Terminix Pest Control-A.O.
6821 $6,250.00 The Ferguson Group Lobbying Services-Federal Assistance To Accelerate
The Cleanup Of Mt. Umunhum
6822 $8,197.78 The Sign Shop 197 Assorted Trail Signs
6823 $3,373.13 Timothy C. Best,CEG Engineering Geology For Bridge Locations, New Trail
Scouting&Stream Channel Restoration Assessment-
Thornewood
6824 $1,378,74 Tires On The Go Tires
6825 $101.19 Tony&Albas Pizza Local Business Meetings
6826 $4,160.00 TR Communications Reprogrammed All Mobile Radio Repeaters
6827 $5911.63 United Rentals Highway Technologies Trail Signs
6828 $380.92 $1,999-:Fa United Site Services, Inc. Sanitation Services-FFO/Remfel RestfoarA&&mlts
F@F Fast Bay TewF
6829 $30,000.00 USDA Forest Service Sudden Oak Death Resistance Study
6830 $1,254.11 VP 11, LLC Event Supplies
6831 $179.70 West Payment Center Legal Research
6832 $1,200.00 West Valley-Mission College Registration Fee-4WD Training For Four Staff
6833 $9,080.00 Wetlands&Water Resources Inc. Natural Resource Management Evaluation&Dam
Condition Assessment-Thornewood
6834 $346.64 Williams, Mike Reimbursement-Mileage&Cell Phone
6835 $101.57 Xpedite Systems, Inc. Fax Broadcast System Services
6836 R $175.63 ADT Security Services Alarm Service-SFO
6837 R $199.00 AmeriGas Propane
6838 R $177.30 AT&T Voicemail Service-AO
6839 R $26.83 California Water Service Company Water Service-Windy Hill
6840 R $1,000.00 Dave's All House Repairs Rental Residence Repairs
6841 R $1,872.00 Employment Development Department Unemployment Insurance Claims-1st Quarter 2007
6842 R $257.00 Ergo Vera Ergonomic Evaluation
6843 R $13,987.52 First Bankcard Field Supplies-4,896.30 Office Supplies-2,923.20
Computer Exp-2,419.58 Business Mtgs-170.03
Conferences&Training-2,423.55
Advertising/Subscriptions/Books-807.84
Volunteer/Docent Supplies-347.02
6844 R $129.52 G&K Service Shop Towel Service
6845 R $190.22 Green Waste Garbage Service-SFO
6846 R $78,48 Hapke,Alexander Reimbursement-Field Supplies
6847 R $1,364.00 Liebert Cassidy Whitmore Legal Services
6848 R $665.05 McKowan, Paul Reimbursement-Conference Expense
6849 R $1,359.95 Office Depot Office Supplies
6850 R $108.21 Pape'Material Handling Bobcat Supply
6851 R $347.97 Peninsula Digital Imaging Map Laminating&Mounting
Page 4 of 5
Claims No. 07-07
Meeting 07-09
Date 4/25/07
Revised
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
# Amount Name Description
6852 R $322.46 Petty Cash Business Meetings,Training&Conferences, Parking&
Mileage, Office Supplies,Volunteer Supplies&Field
Supplies
6853 R $41.95 Sanguinetti,David Reimbursement-Mileage
6854 R $380.00 The Public Retirement Journal Registration-PIERS Training Seminar
Total s5ee,94e.ee-
$562,857.88 1 Urgent Check Issued 4/3/07
*2 Urgent Check Issued 3/30/07
*3 Urgent Check Issued 4/4/07
*4 Urgent Check Issued 415/07
*5 Urgent Check Issued 4/11/07
Page 5 of 5
Claims No. 07-07
Meeting 07-09
Date 4/25/07
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
# Amount Name Description
6685 $2,286,57 101 Livestock Supply Company T-Posts&Barbless Wire
6686 $1,500.00 Aaron's Septic Tank Service Pumping Services
6687 $560.00 Abatement Analytics Asbestos Survey-Stevens Canyon Ranch Caretaker
Cabin
6688 $3,99675 All Premium Promotional Products Volunteer Uniforms/Special Event Supplies
6689 $37,00 Allen's Press Clipping Bureau Clipping Service
6690 $141.05 Allied Waste Services Garbage Service
6691 $19.49 Anderson Engraving Engraving-Name Badges
6692 $210.91 Antolin, Noelle Reimbursement-Mileage
66113 11,915,41 AT&T Telephone Service-AO, FFO&SFO/Voice Mail
Service-AO,/Fax Service-AO&FFO/Alarm Service-
FFO
6694 $1431 AT&T/MCI Long Distance Fax Service-SFO
6695 $308.23 Beck's Shoes Inc, Uniform Shoes
6696 $8,849.76 *1 Big Creek Lumber Lumber Materials-Bridge Construction On Giant
Salamander Trail
6697 $4,550.80 *2 Big Creek Lumber Fencing Materials For New Properties
6698 $695.19 BR Flooring Inc. New Carpet In Bear Creek Room-AO
6699 $60.00 Britton, L.Craig Reimbursement-Cell Phone
6700 $36.48 C.C. Creations Docent/Volunteer Supplies
6701 $1,815.00 California Conservation Corps Erosion Control-ECDM
6702 $14,074.50 California Conservation Corps Storm Damage Repair,Trail Brushing&Erosion Control
6703 $500.00 California Department Of Fish&Game Streambed Alteration Fee-Coal Creek Project
6704 $1,700.00 California Department Of Fish&Game Additional Streambed Alteration Fees-ECDM Water
Protection Program
6705 $57217 California Water Service Company Water Service-AO&FFO
6706 $559.00 Camino Medical Group Medical Services
6707 $234.64 Carlson,Kerry Reimbursement-Uniform Expense
6708 $21.77 Carlson, Richard Reimbursement-Conference Expenses
6709 $3,979.18 CDW Government, Inc. 2 Adobe Acrobat Pro,2 Adobe Photoshop, 1 Windows
Vista& 1 MS Office 2007/Annual Email Filtering Service
6710 $733.54 Christenson,Andrea Reimbursement-Tuition&Mileage
6711 $300.00 Citadel Arts Board Members Photo Shoot
6712 $1,695.82 CMK Automotive Inc, Vehicle Maintenance&Repairs
6713 $4,730.70 Coast Range Biological LLC Vegetation Mapping-San Francisquito Watershed
Additional Biotic Assessments&Services
6714 $119.00 Coastal Sierra, Inc. Internet Service-SFO
6715 $2,741.29 Community Action Board Cleanup&Removal Of Debris-Loma Prieta Road
6716 $2,210,00 Concern Employee Assistance Program Quarterly Fee
6717 $99,28 Correia,Anthony Reimbursement-Uniform Expense
6718 $1,324.29 Costco Office&Field Supplies
6719 $250.00 County Of San Mateo Application Fee-Encroachment Permit
6720 $156.00 County Of Santa Clara-Office Of The Fingerprinting Services
Sheriff
6721 $772.91 Cube Solutions Ergonomic Supplies
6722 $3141 Danielson, Dennis Reimbursement-Uniform Expense
6723 $110.54 Davison, Steve Reimbursement-Uniform Expense
6724 $310.00 Del Rey Building Maintenance Replace Lights-AD/Nature Center Cleaning Service
6725 $5,280.62 Design Concepts Graphic Design Services-Brochures,Notecards,
Presentation Folders, Mailing Labels, Fact Sheets&
Business Cards
6726 $1,283.96 Design,Community&Environment Master Planning Services-La Honda Creek
Page 1 of 4
Claims No. 07-07
Meeting 07-09
Date 4/25/07
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
# Amount Name Description
6727 $189,66 Downing, Brendan Reimbursement-Cell Phone, Local Business Meeting&
Uniform Expenses
6728 $14,999.79 Ecosystems West Botanical Surveys-Bear Creek Redwoods& La Honda
Creek
6729 $299.00 Employer Resource Institute Cal/OSHA Newsletter
6730 $4,849.59 ESRI Annual License Renewal For GIs Software
6731 $400.00 Execu Train Training-Microsoft Office
6732 $14,55 FedEx Kinko's Copy/Printing Services
6733 $250.00 First American Title Company Endorsement To Title Policy
6734 $14,886.65 *3 First Bankcard Field Supplies-3,932.63 Office Supplies-635.82 Computer
Exp.-867,13 Business Mtgs-482.40 Conferences/Training-
3,950,57 Advertising/Subscriptions/Books-1,725,12
Uniform Exp-821.37 P.A. Event Supplies-1,643.50
Volunteer/Docent Supplies-828.11
6735 $87.28 Fitzsimons, Renee Reimbursement-Docent/Volunteer Supplies&Mileage
6736 $551,78 Forestry Suppliers, Inc. Field Supplies
6737 $206.96 Freeman, Matt Reimbursement-Mileage&Cell Phone
6738 $63.31 G&K Services Shop Towel Service
6739 $3,326.31 Gardenland Power Equipment Field Supplies
6740 $4,852.78 General Graphics Exhibits Sign Board&Specifications
6741 $2,000.00 Geografika Consulting Design&Cartography Services
6742 $16,217,50 Go Native Nursery Herbicide Spraying
6743 $43,098.75 Go Native Nursery Pest Management Consulting Services Development Of
Outreach Program To Facilitate Treatment Of Slender
False Brome
6744 $48,090.00 Godbe Research Public Opinion Survey&Focus Group
6745 $454.83 Goodco Press, Inc. Printing Services-Business Cards&Shells
6746 $383.36 Great Printing&Copies Printing Services-Envelopes
6747 $460.00 Green Waste Recovery, Inc. Debrix Box-SFO Roofing Material Waste
6748 $6,401.66 Guy Plumbing&Heating, Inc. Plumbing Fixtures&Repairs For 3 Rental Residences
6749 $9,000,00 Haro, Kasunich&Associates Geotechnical Evaluation&Grading Plan Preparation-
Russian Ridge
6750 $2,000.00 Harris Construction Tape&Texturing-La Honda Residence
6751 $1,091.73 Home Depot Field Supplies&Equipment
6752 $88.50 ID Plus, Inc. Name Tags
6753 $1,020,80 Interstate Traffic Control Products Field Supplies
6754 $1,996,50 Jakaby Engineering Bridge Design&Engineering-Thornewood
6755 $2,646.76 Jakaby Engineering Engineering Design For Culvert At Fremont Older Gate
6756 $3,410.80 Jakaby Engineering Feasibility Study-Saratoga Country Club&Fremont
Older Joint Staging Area Project
6757 $180,00 Jim Davis Automotive Vehicle Repairs
6758 $645.75 Julie Norton Web Training&Consulting
6759 $306.22 Jurich, Michael Reimbursement-Supplies For DHF Residence
6760 $800.00 Kathleen M.Wong Writing Services-Volunteer Newsletter
6761 $7,680.00 King Crane Service Cleanup&Removal Of Debris-Loma Prieta Road
6762 $5,938,08 KVO Industries Inc. 5 Sign Panels&Frames
6763 $4,068.90 LA Consulting Consulting Services-Land Management Cost Evaluation
&Efficiency Study
6764 $300.00 Lance Bayer Legal Services
6765 $7,965.44 LFR Levine Fricke Grant Preparation-Hicks Flat Site Remediation
6766 $4,067.95 LFR Levine Fricke Petroleum Product Release Source Investigation-Pulgas
Ridge
Page 2 of 4
Claims No. 07-07
Meeting 07-09
Date 4/25/07
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
# Amount Name Description
6767 $6,950.91 LFR Levine Fricke Planning Services-Skyline Ridge Tree Farm Restoration
Project
6768 $142.08 Los Altos Garbage Company Garbage Service-AO
6769 $429,57 Los Altos Garbage Company Dumpster Service-FFO
6770 $3,232.00 Macro Corporation Develop Two&Three Year Plans For New Radio System
6771 $5,904,00 Macro Corporation Assessment&Plan For Improvement Of District's Two
Way Radio System
6772 $512.46 Moffett Supply Company Sanitation Supplies
6773 $326,69 Monster Mechanical, Inc. HVAC Quarterly Maintenance-AO
6774 $3,077.97 Mountain Terrace Deposit For East Bay Tour Event
6775 $81.19 Naber,Jennifer Reimbursement-Uniform Expense
6776 $160.21 Neopost Postage Machine Ink Cartridge
6777 $4,624.00 Normal Data Digital Image Library Development
6778 $99810 Normal Data Database Maintenance&Improvements
6779 $2,441.55 Orchard Supply Hardware Field Equipment&Supplies
6780 $2,802.00 Padilla Rain Gutters Gutters&Downspouts-SFO Roof Project
6781 $189.02 Paterson, Loro Reimbursement-Uniform Expense
6782 $8,289.50 Patsons Media Group Printing Services-Brochures,Greeting Cards&Fact
Sheets
6783 $37,532.00 PCN Construction Guard Rail Installation-Sierra Azul
6784 $2,308.85 Peterson Tractor Co. Tractor Repair&Maintenance
6785 $200.00 *4 Petty Cash Replenish Petty Cash
6786 $200.00 Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP Legal Services-Saratoga Country Club
6787 $3,54210 Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP Legal Services-Fogarty/MacFarlane Litigation
6788 $341.85 Pine Cone Lumber Fencing/Lumber Materials
6789 $355.55 PIP Printing 35th Anniversary Stickers/Mailing Labels
6790 $246.27 Quality Toner Products Toner Cartridges
6791 $296.12 R. E. Borrmann's Steel Co., Inc, Steel Stock For Storage Racks
6792 $46.25 Rayne Of San Jose Water Conditioning Service
6793 $85.00 Rene Hardoy Landscaping Services-AD
6794 $2,595.00 Rich Voss Trucking, Inc. Rock Delivery-Skyline Ridge Parking Lot/Base Rock-
FFO Stock
6795 $290.00 Rick Skierka-Licensed Land Surveyor Review&Analysis Of Boundary Dispute-Rossetta
6796 $28.87 Ricoh Americas Corporation Quarterly Photocopying Charge
6797 $142.80 Roessler, Cindy Reimbursement-Invasive Plant Class Registration
Mileage
6798 $4,345.66 Roy's Repair Service Vehicle Repairs&Service
6799 $9,960.00 San Francisco Estuary Institute Prepare Stream Habitat Inventory-La Honda Creek
6800 $499.99 San Jose Water Company Water Service
6801 $5,000.00 San Mateo County Parks And Grassland Research
Recreation Foundation
6802 $476.61 Sanguinetti,David Reimbursement-Uniform Expense&Field Supply
6803 $1,384.00 Santa Clara County Department Of Annual Generator Permit Fee
Environmental Health
6804 $565.75 Sears Field Supplies
6805 $479.25 Serendipity Land Yachts Deposit-Shuttle For Fremont Older House Tour
Deposit-Shuttle For Site Dedication Event At Pulgas
Ridge
6806 $6,445.00 Shute, Mihaly&Weinberger LLP Legal Services-Coastal Annexation Litigation
6807 $1,043,06 Silicon Valley Network Cabling Server Rack Installation
6808 $20.28 Smutnak,Greg Reimbursement-First Aid Supplies
6809 $1190.00 South Bay Regional Public Safety Field Training Officer Course-B.Malone&T. Lausten
Page 3 of 4
Claims No. 07-07
Meeting 07-09
Date 4/25/07
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
# Amount Name Description
6810 $65,077.00 Southwest Fence&Supply Company Fence Removal&Construction-Skyline Ridge
6811 $757.73 Staples Credit Plan Laser Printer
6812 $50,04 State Board Of Equalization Diesel Fuel Tax
6813 $385.76 Staywell First Aid Training Materials
6814 $255.83 Stevens Creek Quarry Base Rock For Volunteer Project-St. Joseph's Hill FFO
Stock
6815 $2,016.26 *5 Stevens Creek Quarry Base Rock-Skyline Ridge Parking Lot
6816 $1,316.34 Summit Uniforms Uniform Expenses
6817 $32722 Sunnyvale Dodge Vehicle Repair
6818 $60161 T R Miller Company Photos Of Promotional Merchandise For Website
6819 $938.19 Tadco Supply Janitorial Supplies
6820 $67.00 Terminix Pest Control-A.O.
6821 $6,250.00 The Ferguson Group Lobbying Services-Federal Assistance To Accelerate
The Cleanup Of Mt. Umunhum
6822 $8,19738 The Sign Shop 197 Assorted Trail Signs
6823 $3,37113 Timothy C. Best,CEG Engineering Geology For Bridge Locations, New Trail
Scouting&Stream Channel Restoration Assessment-
Thornewood
6824 $1,378.74 Tires On The Go Tires
6825 $101.19 Tony&Albas Pizza Local Business Meetings
6826 $4,160.00 TR Communications Reprogrammed All Mobile Radio Repeaters
6827 $591.63 United Rentals Highway Technologies Trail Signs
6828 $1,393-73 United Site Services, Inc. Sanitation Services-FFO/Rental-Restroom&Sinks
For East Bay Tour
6829 $30,000.00 USDA Forest Service Sudden Oak Death Resistance Study
6830 $1,254.11 VP 11, LLC Event Supplies
6831 $179.70 West Payment Center Legal Research
6832 $1,200.00 West Valley-Mission College Registration Fee-4WD Training For Four Staff
6833 $9,080,00 Wetlands&Water Resources Inc, Natural Resource Management Evaluation&Dam
Condition Assessment-Thornewood
6834 $346.64 Williams, Mike Reimbursement-Mileage&Cell Phone
6835 $101.57 Xpedite Systems, Inc. Fax Broadcast System Services
Total $544,265.57
*1 Urgent Check Issued 4/3/07
*2 Urgent Check Issued 3/30/07
*3 Urgent Check Issued 4/4/07
*4 Urgent Check Issued 4/5/07
*5 Urgent Check Issued 4/11/07
Page 4 of 4
f
Regional Open Space
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
TO: Board of Directors
FROM: L. Craig Britton, General Manager
DATE: Apri 25 007
RE: FYI's
Regional Open Space
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
MEMORANDUM
To: Craig Britton, General Manager
From: Stella Cousins, Open Space Planner I
Date: April 20, 2007
Re: Alpine Road Ranches Boundary Fence Upgrade, Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve
Cc: File
At the District Board of Directors meeting of February 14, 2007, the contract for the Alpine
Road Ranches Boundary Fence Upgrade Project was awarded to Southwest Fence and Supply,
Inc. of Patterson, California. The approved contract amount was $64,392.00, divided into the
$34,906.00 base bid amount and $29,486.00 for supplemental projects and contingency.
Construction began on March 7, 2007. The project consisted of the removal of existing fence in
poor condition and the construction of 11,100 feet (2.1 miles) of high-tension barbed wire fence.
The fencing is located in along Alpine Road and at key interior sites on the former Silva and Big
Dipper Ranches. The project's completion is a major step toward preparation of the ranches'
dilapidated infrastructure for a conservation grazing tenant. In the course of the project work, it
became apparent that the former Silva residence was also in need of upgraded fencing, as the
residence is to be reoccupied. A change order was issued to modify the nature of the additional
work and include a fence upgrade in this area.
Construction was completed within the project deadline, and District staff issued acceptance of
work on April 16"', after a small punch list was completed. The new fence is highly durable and
built according to specifications, with steel braces in concrete at stressed comers, galvanized
materials, and a raised barbless bottom wire throughout. The design of the fence anticipates use
of large vehicles for loading and unloading cattle, and is also relocated to avoid eroding road
cuts. The majority of the redwood posts from the old fence were reclaimed for District use.
District staff is satisfied with the construction of the fence, and has received favorable comments
from neighbors of the preserve.
The final cost for the removal and construction of the fencing was $57,364.00, including the base
bid portion of the project, supplemental projects, and labor for the additional Silva residence
fencing. A Notice of Completion was filed with the County of San Mateo on April 20, 2007.
The District will retain 10% of payment for the project for 60 days, in keeping with contract
documents. This time frame allows staff to ensure that that all payrolls, material bills, and other
debts connected with the project have been addressed.
Page 1 of 1
Regional Open Space
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
MEMORANDUM
To: Craig Britton, General Manager
From: Andrea Christenson, Planning Technician
Date: April 19, 2007
Re: Loma Prieta Guard Rail Installation and Site Cleanup Projects
Cc: File
At the meeting of February 14, 2007, the Board awarded a contract for metal beam guard rail
installation along Loma Prieta Road and Loma Chiquita Road at Sierra Azu] Open Space
Preserve to PC&N Contruction, Inc. of Byron, California. The contract amount was the bid
amount of$32,800.00 plus a contingency amount of up to $6,560.00, for a total not to exceed
$39,360.00.
The guard rail was installed during the week of March 19, 2007, and staff is pleased with the
performance of PC&N Construction, Inc. The work was performed per project specs and
completed without delays. As contracted, the project consisted of the installation of 700 feet of
guard rail in four sections along Loma Prieta Road and Loma Chiquita Road. Changes to the
project included the addition of 50 feet of guard rail and the labor required to weld the guard rail
bolts. The additional guard rail was necessary to increase the efficacy of the barrier and prevent
off-road vehicles from bypassing the section. The bolts were welded in order to prevent the nuts
from being removed by vandals. These changes totaled $4,732.00. Therefore, the total amount
payable to PC&N Construction, Inc. for the project is $37,532.00. The total amount of
contingency that remains unspent is $1,828.00.
A Notice of Completion was filed with Santa Clara County on March 28, 2007. The District will
retain 10% of payments due to PC&N Construction, Inc. for 60 days after the filing of the Notice
of Completion in accordance with the contract documents. This time frame allows staff to
review evidence that that all payrolls, material bills, and other debts connected with the project
have been addressed.
Also at the meeting of February 14, 2007, the Board asked if staff could clean up an illegal dump
site off of Loma Prieta Road prior to installing guard rail at the site. Staff contracted with King
Crane Services, Inc. and Community Action Board of Santa Cruz County, Inc. for the general
cleanup, removal, and disposal of debris. The work was completed on March 5 and 6, 2007.
Thirty cubic yards of debris were removed from the dump site, and staff is very pleased with the
result.
During the cleanup, seven abandoned cars were discovered in two areas further down the
hillside. On March 15, 2007, King Crane and Community Action Board crews returned to the
Page 1 of 2
Regional Open Space
glplwx
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
site to investigate the feasibility of removing the cars using a crane. Unfortunately, the location
of the cars on the hillside made lifting them impossible. Staff determined that alternate methods
of removal were either cost prohibitive or would cause significant habitat damage. The cars
were therefore left in place. However, they are not visible from Loma Prieta Road or Summit
Road.
Page 2 of 2
�
Fromm: ke|lyxNelson [nla|ltm:kelhx@ssnnnateonzj.onz
Sent:Thursday, April 05. 2007 7:54 PM
To: David Sanuinettil
Cc: Craig Britton; Matt Freeman; NjrkLen|ngton; Mike Williams
Subject: thank you again
Sangp.
Thank you again for your contributions tothe Blue Circle yesterday. You were the perfect man
for the job and I think it was really valuable for people to see you, hear your insights, and get a
� sense ofwho you/K8ROSD are. You represent the District well. On another note to all of you, |
� wanted to let you know that my perception of the"word on the street"coastside about IVIROSD
has gotten better and better in no ornaU part because of your participation, aonaesibi|ih/, and
respectful demeanor. Whether or not this is a new approach, people are taking notice and | hear
� it often.
� Best,
� Kx
� KoUyxNelsnn
Executive Director
� San Mateo County Resource Conservation District
� 8J5Mimmnntes Street Suite 1U3
Half Moon Bay,CA 94019
� phono:85O712J765
fax 650.720.0484
�
�
�
Regional S Open a.
p �'
1
A� w�
April 4, 2007
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors
Housing, Land Use,and Environment Committee
70 West Hedding Street
10`h Floor East Wing
San Jose,CA 95110
Re: Sanborn County Park Trails Master Plan(Meeting of April 24, 2007)
Dear Honorable Supervisors:
On behalf of Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District(District), I am writing to express continued
support for the proposed Sanborn County Park Trails Master Plan. Because of its location on the
eastern side of the Santa Cruz Mountains between Highways 9 and 17, Sanborn County Park provides
natural area recreation opportunities to residents from all over the South Bay area,particularly those
residing in the nearby towns of Los Gatos and Saratoga. Approval of the Master Plan and
implementation of the projects identified within the plan will greatly enhance recreational opportunities
for the public within Sanborn County Park and also in surrounding open space areas, which include
Castle Rock State Park,Lexington Reservoir County Park,and the District's Saratoga Gap,Long Ridge,
Bear Creek Redwoods, and El Sereno Open Space Preserves.
The District is particularly interested in several of the specific planning projects envisioned in the
Master Plan,as discussed in more detail below:
• The extension of the Faultline Trail toward the District's El Sereno Open Space Preserve would
ultimately form a connection with the Preserve's Aquinas Trail, facilitating parks and open
space access via Bohlman Road and Montevina Road,and from neighboring residential areas.
The completion of this proposed connection will represent a significant new addition in
accessible trail mileage both for El Sereno Open Space Preserve and for Sanborn County Park.
• The planned designation of an additional 4.2 miles of Bay Area Ridge Trail, including the
aforementioned Faultline Trail,planned connections to Lexington Reservoir County Park, and
multiple use improvements to the John Nicholas Trail.Upon implementation,these Ridge Trail
connections,identified in the 1995 Countywide Trails Master Plan, will link the regional trail
networks in Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve and areas east with Sanborn County Park and
many other Skyline area destinations.
Approval of the Sanborn County Park Trails Master Plan will further advance significant projects and
regional greenb
elt on the peninsula. Much of the Master
will provide improved public access to the re >o p
P
g �
Plan was assembled by way of research and planning on the part of County staff,who are to be
applauded for their thorough efforts. I look forward to continuing the partnership initiated through this
Master -Ian process.
Sine rely,
L. Craig Britton
General Manager
LCB:sc
cc: MROSD Board of Directors
Lisa Killough,PRD
John Falkowski, PRD
33o Distel Circle 650-691-uoo info@openspace.org BOARD OF DIRECTORS:PeteSiemens,Mory Davey,Jed Cyr, GENERAL MANAGER:
Los Altos CA 94022-1404 650-691-0485 fax www,openspace.org Curt Riffle,Nanette Hanko,Larry Hossett,Kenneth C.Nitz L.Craig Britton
Regional Open Spa
April 3, 2007 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
Janan Green
12373 San Mateo Road
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
RE: Access to Miramontes Ridge Property, Mills Creek Open Space Preserve
Dear Ms. Green:
I am writing to follow up on your request to be notified when the District schedules
docent led hikes of the Miramontes Ridge property and to clarify the District's intended
use of the access road traveling past your property. Docent led hikes will initially be
conducted twice a year, once in the spring/summer and once in the fail. District staff or
volunteers will "car pool" hikers onto the Peninsula Open Space Trust (Madonna Creek)
property to park and lead an interpretive hike of the Miramontes Ridge property. You
will be notified in advance of when these hikes are scheduled.
In regards to the access road, the District recognizes that the road is narrow and travels
past several private residences including your own. Our title research indicates the road
consists of both an easement over our property and a strip of land owned b Peninsula
Y p p Y p Y
Open Space "Trust. The District will continue to use the road for patrol and maintenance
access to the Mills Creek Open Space Preserve, and if any change in use is proposed in
the future all neighbors would be invited to participate in the public process.
If you have any additional questions regarding these matter, please contact Michael
Willi s, the District's Real Property Manager at(650) 691-1200.
incerely,
L. Crag
i Britton
General Manager
cc: Board of Directors
Michael Williams, Real Property Manager
Rudy .furgensen, Public Affairs Manager
i-uoo o-6 33oDistelCircle 6 5 9 info@openspace.org BOARD oF DIRECTORS:Pete Siemens,Mary Davey,ledCyr, GENERAL MANAGER:
Los Altos CA 94022-1404 650-6gi-0485 fax www.openspace.org Curt Riffle,Nonette Hanko,Larry Hassett,Kenneth C.Nitz L.Craig Britton
Regional Open Spa
C
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
April 3, 2007
Audrey Rust, President
Peninsula Open Space Trust
222 High Street
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Dear Audrey,
In response to your letter of March 22, 2007 regarding the Rose-Basich conservation
casement property, the District is in the process of working with the County of San Mateo
to reverse the lot line adjustment, and thereby return the subject property to the former
parcel configuration before fee title to the property can be transferred to the District. As
you know, the County moves slowly on such matters. As indicated in the February 28,
2007 Board Report, the property is intended for dedication as public open space.
Therefore, if the County approves the reversal of the lot line adjustment this year, this
property will be recommended for dedication by a resolution of the District's Board of
Directors at a meeting in December 2007.
Si erely,
L. Craig Britton
General Manager
33o Distel Circle 650-6g1-12oo info@openspace.org BOARD OF DIRECTORS:Pete Siemens,Mary Davey,Jed Cyr, GENERAL MANAGER:
Los Altos CA 94022-1404 650-691-0485 fax www.openspace.org Curt Riffle,Nonette Hanko,Larry Hossett,Kenneth C.Nitz L.Craig Britton
� a .
x e 2^
n �7a fir, s
Peninsula p p
in la Open Space Trust
Celebrating 30 Years of Local Land Protection M A R 2 A 20 .x
Board of Directors March 22, 2007
Karie Thomson,Chair
Allan F.Brown
Susan Ford Dorsey Craig Britton
Larry Jacobs
Charlene Kabcenell Midpeninsula Regional Open.Space District
Martha J.Kanter 330 Distel Circle
Robert C.Kirkwood Los Altos, CA 94022-1404
Norman E.Matteom
Dianne McKenna
Paul Newhagen Dear Craig,
William Reller
Joseph R.Seiger
Sandra Thompson I have reviewed the February 28, 2007 report of the agenda item
Mark A.Wan concerning the Fogarty Property. I understand that the Rose-Basich
Advisory Council conservation easement has merged with your fee ownership of the
Robert Augsburger property.
Sheldon.Bremer,Ph.D.
Patricia Compton
Phyllis Draper When POST accepted the Rose-Basich conservation easement, we
David L.Fletcher assumed an in-perpetuity obligation to protect this property.
Robert B.Flint Jr. Therefore, it is very important that the District proceed with its
Elaine French
Vince S.Garrod dedication to assure that this commitment is continued. Would you
Sukey Grousbeck please confirm when your Board is to dedicate the property as public
Rosemary Hewlett
Christina A.Holloway open space?
Patricia L.Hooper
Mary Hufty,M-D. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Karla Jurvetson,M.D.
Suzanne B.King
Melvin B. Lane Sincerely,
George M.Marcus
Jacqueline Mayer
Robert W.McIntyre
Robert H.Miller
David W.Mitchell A i�rlr[�
Gordon E.Moore,Ph.D. - ' -, St
Bette Moorman
Janet Morris
Susan Orr
F.Ward Paine
Paul O.Reimer
Barbara Doyle Roupe
Alexander H.Schilling Jr.
T.Chester Wang
Anne M.Westerfield
Rosemary Young
Leah Zaffaroni
President
Audrey C.Rust
222 High Street
Palo Alto,California 94301
Tel: (650)854-7696
Fax: (650)854-7703
www.openspacetrust.org
Recycled Paper
Regional Open Spa
-----------------
INI-FR-OFFICE MEMORANDUM
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
To: C. Britton, General Manager
From: M. Williams, Real Property Manager
April 1 3 2007 U
Date: p ,
Sub'ect: William H. Smith Property
t Addition to Monte Bello Open Space Preserve
J P �' p p
Escrow closed for the subject transaction on March 29, 2007and title to and possession of this 8. -acr parcel
passed to the District.
I am not aware of any use and management concerns that were not addressed in the staff Report to the Board. In
accordance with the Public Notification Policy, neighbors to the property were notified of this purchase. As there
were no comments made by any of the neighbors or members of the public that might require amendment to the
use and management recommendations, close of escrow marks the final adoption of the Preliminary Use and
Management Plan recommendation, as tentatively approved by the Board of Directors at its meeting of March 14,
2007.
I
DEDICATION&ACQUISITION INFORMATION
Preserve County Ownership Status: Board Approval Date&
& & Grantor Acres (Fee,Easement,Lease, Resolution Number or
Area A.P.N. M mt Agreement)
General Manager
g g
Approval Date
Clara William H. Smit
h 872 Fee March 14 2007
Monte Bello Santa 351-12-043 Trust . 07 09
Mgmt.Status:
Dedication Date
Closing Date (Open,Closed,CMU, Type Purchase Price GIS Code
Status(Intended or
or Other)
Withheld) Cash $375.000
March 29, 2007 Closed 1 375 000
'
GiIt
Total $750,000
Misc. Notes:
cc: Board ol•Directors
Administration
Accounting
Operations& Field Offices
Planning
Public Affairs
I
33o Distel Circle 650-691-12oo info@openspace.org BOARD OF DIRECTORS:Pete Siemens,Mary Davey,led 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
Regional Open Space
g p
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
Memorandum
To: Craig Britton
From: Rudy Jurgensen
Date: 4/17/2007
Re: 35"' Anniversary
The Public Affairs Department will initiate several activities to celebrate the District's 35
to
anniversary this year:
Newsletter—the 35tt'anniversary will be highlighted in a text box/newsletter article in the
summer issue and the 35tt' anniversary tag line will be incorporated in the design of all of the
remaining issues in 2007.
Letterhead—the District's letterhead and envelopes will have the tag line: Celebrating 35
Years of Open Space Preservation.
T-Shirt—a special T-Shirt for the 35tn anniversary, which also has the District preserves
listed on the back, has already been produced.
Labels/stickers—a sticker will be produced for the District information packets.
Web site—we will add wording to the Web site's homepage celebrating the anniversary.
Merchandising—we will produce and offer a 35tn anniversary shirt on the District's Web site
store.
Media—we will send out a release highlighting the accomplishments of the last 35 years.
i
Regional Open Space
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
TO: Board of Directors
FROM: L. Craig Britton, General Manager
� I
DATE: April 25, 2007
RE: FYI's
0
Craig Britton
From: Craig Britton
Sent: Monday, April 23, 2007 11:33 AM
To: Meredith Manning
Cc: Matt Freeman
Subject: FW: Last night's meting
Meredith, this is so great ! This is exactly what the District planning function is all
about -- to evaluate the problem, get the input from diverse groups and interested (and
invested) individuals -- and come up with a plan that everyone likes -- or at least buys
into (a very difficult and elusive outcome) . I didn't think it could be done, and of
course we aren't finished yet, but we are well on our way as a result of your exemplary
efforts! Thanks again. Craig.
Original Message-----
From: Matt Freeman
Sent: Wednesday, April 18, 2007 2: 55 PM
To: Craig Britton
Subject: FW: Last night's meting
Craig,
Mary Zvirblis was very complimentary at the workshop last night, and rightly recognized
Meredith for her very hard work and sound recommendations.
Matt
-----Original Message-----
From: Mary Zvirblis [mailto:MAZ@phlogiston.com]
Sent: Wednesday, April 18, 2007 7 :42 AM
To: Meredith Manning; Matt Freeman
Subject: Last night's meting
A million thanks for a job well done last night-
You should be very proud
Warmest regards
mary
Sally Rice
From: Sally Rice
Sent: Tuesday, April 24, 2007 2:17 PM
To: omwalt851 @sbcglobal.net'
Cc: Larry Hassett
Subject: FW: Meadow Trail on Windy Hill
Dear Ms. Walter,
Thanks for your email regarding signage at lower Windy Hill Open Space Preserve. My
understanding is the private driveway sign was designed to be small and fairly
unobtrusive. At the request of the in-holder served by the driveway, District staff
recently ordered a larger sign (12" x 24") that will soon be installed near this
intersection.
Because this is such a confusing intersection, I 've asked Planning Department staff to
visit the site to double-check the mileage question. it is possible that whoever designed
the sign assumed that the bypass trail was part of the Spring Ridge Trail. If necessary,
we will change the directional sign to help clarify the situation.
Sincerely,
Matt Freeman
Planning Manager on behalf of
Larry Hassett
-----Original Message-----
From: General Information
Sent: Friday, April 13, 2007 11:32 AM
To: Larry Hassett; Matt Freeman
Subject: Fw: Meadow Trail on Windy Hill
----- Original Message -----
From: "marilyn walter" <mwalt851@sbcglobal.net>
To: <info@openspace.org>
Sent: Tuesday, April 10, 2007 2:39 PM
Subject: Meadow Trail on Windy Hill
Att: Larry Hassett
Since I often walk over the Kabcenell bridge and on up
the Meadow Trail, I often wonder about two things:
1. Why is the sign just past the bridge that warns
people that the road is private and they should use
the trail instead SO SMALL? Surely a much more
obvious sign is needed, since I see the vast majority
of people just trudging up and down the road,
apparently unaware of the Meadow Trail that starts
just to the left off the bridge.
2. Why does the sign there at the start of the Meadow
Trail just past the bridge indicate that the Spring
Ridge Tr. is just .3 miles ahead. I personally timed
it several times, and at 2 1/2 miles an hour it takes
me about 20 minutes to reach Spring Ridge (allow for
greeting a fellow hiker or two) so to me a quick and
cheap fix would be to simply change the .3 to a .8,
which could be accomplished inexpensively by two
brushstrokes without changing the sign at all!
Love the walk. . . .Marilyn Walter
2
-' Regional Open Space
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
April 26, 2007
DRAFT RESPONSE
PREPARED BY STAFF
FOR BOARD CONSIDERATIO'
Dear Mr. Krawetz:
Thank you for your March 29, 2007 letter regarding the recent installation of guard rail along
Loma Prieta Road and Loma Chiquita Road (also known as Casa Loma Road) at Sierra Azul
Open Space Preserve. Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District("District") installed this
guard rail in an effort to prevent illegal dumping and off-road vehicular use of the adjacent
District land. These activities damage habitat, degrade the visual character of the area, and have
resulted in significant land management costs. Previous attempts to stop the dumping and off-
road vehicular use by erecting wire fences were unsuccessful because the fences were vandalized
and dismantled shortly after their installation. Guard rail was subsequently selected as the
barrier of choice because of its resistance to vandalism and removal.
Guard rail was installed at three locations along Loma Prieta Road and Loma Chiquita Road.
The southernmost location is a pullout on a curved section of Loma Prieta Road northeast of the
intersection with Summit Road. The goal was to prevent vehicles from backing up to the edge of
the bank to dump garbage and debris down the hillside. The guard rail was therefore installed
within the pullout, several feet from the edge of the existing roadway. The placement of the
guard rail at this location provides an ample buffer for two cars to pass on the roadway safely,
and adequate space remains for one car to pull entirely off the roadway if needed.
The second location is along the west side of Loma Prieta Road southeast of the intersection with
Loma Chiquita Road. The purpose of the guard rail is to keep vehicles from turning off of Loma
Prieta Road to drive illegally on District land. The guard rail was therefore installed at the
vegetation line along the side of the road. The posts are offset from the edge of the road to
prevent the guard rail from narrowing the roadway.
The third location is at the intersection of Loma Prieta Road and Loma Chiquita Road. Two
sections of guard rail were installed to block off-road vehicle access onto District property and to
stop illegal dumping in the pullout area. The guard rail is located along the side of the road,
either at the vegetation line or within the pullout. The distance between the posts and the road
edge ensures that the guard rail does not protrude into the roadway. The guard rail might make
Loma Chiquita Road appear narrower because it delineates the road and creates a barrier
between the roadway and the pullout. The roadway has not been obstructed or narrowed,but
simply better defined in order to help keep vehicles on the road and off of the pullout as they
drive around the corner.
Regional Open Space
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
Your letter also addressed the Districts intention to put a locked gate at this intersection. A 14
a III
gate will eventually be located between the two guard rail sections. This gate is necessary to
prevent illegal use of the pullout area and surrounding preserve land. However, the District will
communicate and coordinate with neighbors and adjacent land owners prior to installing and
locking the gate. The District will make arrangements with everyone who has a legal right to use
the section of Loma Prieta Road north of the intersection with Loma Chiquita Road in a manner
consistent with their needs. A locked gate will not be installed until all authorized users have
been provided access. In the meantime, the 16' opening between the two guard rail sections will
continue to allow for unobstructed travel along Loma Prieta Road.
In conclusion, I hope this letter alleviates your concerns about the safe and continued access to
your property. The guard rail was installed in a manner that does not obstruct traffic or narrow
the roadway, and the District will communicate and coordinate with you prior to installing a
locked gate on Loma Prieta Road. In the meantime,please feel free to contact John Maciel,
District Operations Manager, at(650) 691-1200. j
Sincerely,
Kenneth C. Nitz
President of the Board of Directors
cc: Don Gage, District 1 Supervisor
t
i
MROSD
I
In the News
3 /28 - 4/25
i
11CAI. .... nac
, IU • .
Wildflower time at open space preserves
ThousandS of`acres'of open All the district preserves offer
space preserves in the Peninsula glimpses of California's native
hills are alight with spring wild- wildflowers. Visitors can also
g P g
flowers waiting to be enjoyed by admire trillium, blue dicks,
hikers and picnickers. -hounds tongue,lupine,suncups,
Flowers on Russian Ridge and — always California
Open Space Preserve, west of poppies at Windy Hill,Skyline
Skyline and north of Page Mill Ridge, Pulgas Ridge, El Corte
Road,are particularly abundant de Madera and other open space
this year. The Midpeninsula preserves.
Re 'g�onal'OP en -Space District The district offers free docent-
has been conducting prescribed led hikes of its preserves. Some
burns for several years to control require reservations.
n, call f>9 1-
Plants lasts and restore the For information,
natural environment. 1200;or go to openspace.org.
Alm_ __.anac
he
Community celebrates
Earth Day all week !�
d i Goldfield
k Wildflower walks,sunrise care- Faith Action-Weds' Activities and tidy tips
mony,super-healthy, dinner,hikes include showingsofthefilms An are blazing
and bike rides,damps—Pm- Inconvenient Truth"of 7 p.m.and .i at Edgewood
insula residents can find many "Who Killed the Ekcaic Cart'at Natural
t 3" Preserve.For
ways to celebrate our Earth this'..9 pm.on two nights:Wednesday, k information,
weekend..- April 18,and Fri&y.April 20;and
Sunday, April 22 officially an all-day Environmental Expo o to
„ g
21 ��g _� friendsofedge
marks the 48th Earth Day since ial Saturday Aprtl.; wood.org.
1970,'when former congressman,,{,drop-off for deetroruc waste
Pere McCloskey, Sen Gaylord".' vents are at Took Palmer urs[il 4 rn at the Marine Science
Nelson and ahorde of college sru -Park at.150 Waodifi Ave. Por tartan Chu rch in Palo Alto.Local ocal ,t140percoupleec at can 96,9M,ebt. Q Parkway
dents launched the annual event information,Soto'at"rogreen, organic chefs Jesse Cool and Laura talhngLauraStaat9629Wiiart - in institute,od City Besides two
to protect the environmem on our -net;and dick on.Earth Day Stec will prepare theplanet-friend- 3l6 or,vtetdrtg astern orglearth
Din- ly dinner at the carbon-neutral day hour boat ride on the Bay,activi-
:::home planet. �A"Party for[li�:.Planet will ties will include fish and shark
f Here's a sampling.of local ner and Aucnort Will r'*btr;tds zero-waste evmt5u loeSimitian ■ � ftm on feedirs tide creatures,ocean
bur Acterra on Saturday,Apnl 21, will be auctioneer for the live auc- give blots rides and watery & P°�
activities: 31,from 6 a m. arts and crafts,live music,and,of
Atherton a.going alf Olrt boC tmrn 6:30.to 10 p,m.at the Uni- tion.Tickets at$75 per person or `SawrdaX Apnl course.mud.For information or
boat reservations,call 364-2760;
or go to sfbaytmi.org.
■A Sunrise Ceremony will greet
the sun and honor the Earth on
Sunday,April 22,starting after 6
a.m.at Bayfront Park,at the end
of Marsh Road in Menlo Park.For
information,call Acterra at 962-
9876,or go to acterra.org.
■-Spring-wildflowers can be
enjoyed in parks and,open space
preserves throughout the Peo-
insula-Friends of Edgewood are
running free docent-led tours
every Saturdayand Sunday to 4iew
the spectacular native wildflowers
at Edgewood Natural Preserve.
Walks scut at 10 a.m.from the Old
Stage Day Camp on Edgewood
Road at the park entrance and
run until about I pm.Walks this
weekend also start from the Clark-
ia Trailhead,nearer the meadow
flowers on Canada Road just east
of the freeway.For information,
call 1-966-GO-EDGEWOOD;or
go to frlendsofedgewoodorg.
■ In 'Wildflowers of Earth
Day;docents from the Kdpenin-
s rla Regional Open Space District
will tour tar es o meow
and woodlands on Russian Ridge
along Skyline Boulevard on Sun-
day,April 22.from 1 until 4 pm.
For this,or other weekend hikes
or bike rides,call the district at
691.1200;or go to openspace.org.
■The Coyote Point Museum
features many earth and animal-
friendly exhibits and activities
through the week and weekend.
Highlights include new Wildlife
Shows ON Saturdays at 11 a.m.
and 1 pm-; and Sundays"at 1
and 3 pm.Other popular activi-
ties include River Otter Feeding
daily at 12:30 pm.;Fox Feeding at
11:30 am.every day but Sunday;-
and"Masters of the Night,"a bat
exhibit that nuns through May 6.
For information,call 342-7755;or
go to coyoteptmuseum.org.
�
Commentary: Grazing protects our rangeland ecosystem Page 2of2 .
to binds and other species. ^
The service recognized this area was primarily privately owned by California's ranching industry, and
if the environmental groups wanted to be successful, they must be willing to work with the ranching
community.
In 2005, the California Farm Bureau Federation and the California Cattlemen's Association partnered
with these environmental organizations to form the California Rangeland Conservation Coalition. This
coalition is made up of 64 groups working to ensure that grazing continues on the grasslands in
California's Central Valley, surrounding foothills and interior coast range.
� We can all learn from one another if we stop and take the time to listen and work together. Livestock
� grazing provides benefits not only to ourstate's economy, but also to the ecosystem, and we are glad
� that | di idua|s outside the livestock i dustry are finally agreeing with us on that poin
t.
�
� (Dan Byrne is the CFBF District 19 board representative on behalf of Lassen, Modoc, Plumas and
Sierra counties. He may be contacted atdMyrme@ont.met.)
� Permission for use is granted, however, credit must be made to the California Farm Bureau Federation
� when reprinting this item.
«u»
�
http://www.cfbfconi/agalert/AgAlertStory.cfm?ID=791&ck=DF7F28AC89CA37BF 1AB... 3/28/2007
2
HALF MOON
IN =F-CAC?K� 6`FEaLF
SERVING THE ENTIRE SAN MATEO COASTLINE SINGE 1891;
Hme r ;
,
Peninsula Tales & TrailsOutdoors!
CompanionA Great . .
Get your comprehensive guide to the
magnificent, unspoiled public open spaces
in the San Francisco Midpeninsula area.
• Highlights 38 selected routes and
many special features in 22 open
space preserves.
• Designed for hikers, bicyclists,
equestrians, visitors with dogs,
and families.
• Includes 384 pages, stunning color
and black-and-white photographs
throughout, plus 39 maps.
Available through selected book
stores, Internet retail sites, and
at the District office. A limited inventory of slightly
damaged books signed by the author is also available
for sale at 1/2 price at the District office.
$19.95 paperback;Graphic Arts Center Publishing Company
Micipeeinsula Regional Open Space District
330 Distel Circle • Los Altos,California 94022-1404
Phone: (650)691-1200 • Web site:www.openspace.org
MountainViewn
A o listen to black-necked stilts, western in a variety of locales,including Stever
-_sandpipers and marsh wrens,to name just Creek County Park,the Los Trancos OD
-.a few of the birds seen during the outing. Space Preserve and the Fitzgerald Marn
"It's kind of like a love song,"Homer Preserve in Moss Beach.
3 explained to the students."They have to Themes for the trips range from mare
practice a lot The male bird who has the ecology to earthquake geology at
t song be geu the best lady bird." preparedness. One_popular.trip, call-
'"T7iio6triisive"paths and docks allowed nature in your neighborhood,"examnn
the students easy access to various reaches the ecological life is suliirbah and urb;
of the preserve,and a wide array.of wild- settings around siudente schools..'
life. "It's good to get them looking arouni
The students examined underground Horner said of the.students."'You na
holes made_by.jackrabbits,and observed need-to show it to them in order for the
the'thousands of barnacles clinging-to a'_to appreciate it"
dock on the.marsh. They also received The 30young naturalists seemed to fu
a.shott lesson in the photosynthesis of appreciate it,right up to the moment wh
aquatic grass,"and even got to eataome they had to get back on their school bu:
pickle weed,which they,reported lived up "Oh my gosh,"said one,taking a 1;
1 to its name. _ look."Look how beautiful it is."o
.- Third-grade teacher Rachel Zierdt said
the trip was a nice contrast to everyday life E-mail Alexa Tondreau at
qn the-Peninsula. atondreau@mv-voice.com
SAMIENNEY "Its so congested out there,"she said.
Springer School third graders Arad Massoodi,Megan Bioucchi,'Hunter Lai and E6beth "It's lovely to get the children in nature.
Yoon examine the marshes of the Bands Nature Preserve in Palo Alto. What's neat is that it's right here in our
' A backyards."
BAYIANDS environment," added Yolunteer Bobbie Zierdt said the hike is intended to cor-
►Cmraxxd from :1 Callison P
res and with classroom curriculum,
Page
Consisting of 2,100 acres the Baylands including a unit on the Ohlone Indian
Sea Scouts base which once acted as a. preserve extends out for about as far as tribe,whose members once lived in the
meeting place.and training ground for the eye can see.It contains creeks,sloughs lands now constituting the preserve. .
young amateur sailors. .. ;;. - and large areas of freshwater and saltwater "You can show them all the pictures you
"We try to get them to learn about the 'marshland,artd•is-home to 150 species of want"she-said "But this makes it con-
environment and love it,so they will pro birds,including the endangered clapper crete and real It's a wonderful resource."
tect it,'docentwiarilynHorner explained, rail. Started in Palo Alto in 19n,Environ-
as she waited in the Baylands parking lot Chirping birds commanded the atten- mental Volunteers currently has about 150
for the students to arrive: tion of one small group of third grade docents.The group conducts field trips for
"We want them to be stewards of the pupils as they wandered around,stopping the purpose of teaching natural science
- tMooNBAYLF REviFw
t,r:t+t^Ftize:r,to �Ita3t
' SU NG THE ENTIRE sAN MATEO OOASTUNE SINCE 1998
< T R A I L S >
ally busy trail is not the place to go if you're seeking solitude. near the tennis courts.From I-280,take Hwy.92 east and follow the
Burleigh Murray Ranch State Park: This lovely short trail is directions above.
actually an old farm road.It follows Mills Creek and will lead you by
a historic ranch and barn. Two mules round trip to the barn, four South Coast Trails
miles round trip to the water tanks. Ano Nuevo State Reserve:Afio Nuevo is a 3-mile round trip to
Trails for equestrians, hikers and cyclists: From the Hwy. the Afio Nuevo Point. It's an easy hike until you get to the sand,
1/92 intersection, go south on Hwy. I for 1.2 miles to Higgins where there are dunes that make the trek more challenging. From
Purisima Road. Turn east and go 1.7 miles to the park entrance, Northern Elephant Field, with binoculars, you might spot elephant
where you'll find parking. seals,which molt during the spring and summer.Permits are free and
Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve: This you get them at the entrance station from 8:30 a.m.to 3:30 p.m.;$2
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (MROSD) preserve to park.South on Hwy. 1, 30 miles from Half Moon Bay.
contains a 21-mile network of challenging trails through canyons Russian Rid a*O en Space Preserve: In the spring,Russian
and ridges under a balcony of redwoods. MROSD says this is a Ridge is one of the best places to view owers to the area, ac-
great place for summer walks because it is heavily forested and cording to MROSD. Year-round,the preserve has wonderful open
cooler than other trails. The trail possibilities within this preserve views and grassy hillsides and is not as steep as Purisima or Windy
are many, so it might be a good idea to consult a guidebook before Hill. Webb recommends a medium-length, moderately difficult trip
choosing a route. of 3.5 miles.Start at the entrance to the preserve at the intersection
The Purisima Trail:This old county road used in the 19th cen- of Skyline Boulevard and Page Mill Road.Take the Bay Area Ridge
tury, follows Purisima Creek through steep canyons and is 8.4 miles Trail, connect with the Mindego Trail,join the Ancient Oaks Trail
round trip. Alternatively, you might make a loop from the North and then you'll connect back again to the Bay Area Ridge Trail and
Ridge Trail or Harkins Ridge Trail and return on the Whittemore return to the parking lot.The entrance to Russian Ridge can be ac-
Gulch Trail for a vigorous 6.8-mile trip. Or, from the Higgins cessed by taking Skyline Boulevard (Hwy. 35) 19.7 miles south of
Purisima entrance, try the challenging 9.1-mile loop: take Purisima Hwy. 92. Or take the Page Mill Road exit from I-280 until its inter-
Creek Trail to the Soda Gulch Trail, connect with Harkins Ridge section with Skyline Boulevard. Complete loop is multi-use for hik-
Trail, the North Ridge Trail and then end with Whittemore Gulch ers,bikers and equestrians;dogs are not allowed.All MROSD trails
Trail. Some trails are open only for hikers;others,are open to eques- have trail maps available at the signboards in the parking areas.
trians and cyclists. There is even a 1/4-mile-long trail, funded by Windy Hill Open Space Preserve: MROSD recommended
POST,for the physically limited.Access the preserve from either Hig- two hikes in this preserve with varied trails and incredible views. A
gins Purisima Road or Skyline Boulevard 6.5 miles south of Hwy 92. great 1.5-mile hike is the Anniversary Trail loop,which offers 360-de-
Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve:This 293-acre Midpenin- gree views of the entire Bay Area. It is open to hikers and leashed
sula Regional Open Space District preserve contains two beautiful dogs only.Access this hike from Skyline Boulevard, 14.4 miles south
loop hikes and joins the San Francisco Watershed.One 3-mile loop is of Hwy. 92,where you'll find a gate labeled WH01 at the entrance
a surfaced road designed for hikers and cyclists. An alternate route, and ample roadside parking. Or try a longer, approximately 8-mile
the hikers-only Polly Geraci Trail,meets up with the main loop. loop.Park at the designated parking area on Skyline Blvd., 14.8 miles
To get there,take the Edgewood Road exit from 1-280 and go east south of Hwy. 92. From there, take the Lost Trail to Razorback
one mile.Turn left on Crestview Dr. and left on Edmonds Road; Ridge,connect with Eagle Trail and then the Hamms Gulch Trail,fi-
Edgewood County Park and Natural Preserve:Edgewood is nally returning to the Lost Trail for a short distance back to the park-
a San Mateo County park adjacent to Pulgas Ridge and contains 467 park-
ing lot.This loop is open to equestrians and hikers with some sections
acres of land. of the trail dog-accessible. The Spring Ridge Trail is open to bikers, K
There are more than seven miles of trail within the park and.sev- horses,hikers and dogs. 2
eral loops.It a"park for all seasons,"with pleasant views year-round Big Basin Redwoods State Park: Established in 1902, Big g
and beautiful greenery in the spring months. Basin is California's oldest State Park, and consists of over 18,000
Start at the entrance and follow Edgewood Trail or Sylvan Loop, acres of old-growth and recovering redwood forest. It has the best
then choose a path.There are many possible routes at this park,mak- hiking trails in the area, according to Ano Nuevo Park Ranger Brett ::E
ing it a fun place to come back to again and again. Mizeur,because of its beautiful waterfalls,80-mile trail network and
To get there from 1-280,take the Edgewood Road exit and go west. camping areas.Trails range from easy to moderate,with options for Z
Park on the south side of Edgewood Road near the freeway or at hikers,backpackers,cyclists and equestrians.The best way to pick a
Canada and Edgewood Roads. hike is to check out the Web site at www.bigbasin.org.From here,you C
Crystal Springs Cross Country Running Course: This 7.5- can find information about trails,weather conditions and fees.To get m
mile course is considered one of the best cross-country paths in the to Big Basin, take Skyline Boulevard(Hwy. 35)to Hwy. 9, and then N
Bay Area. Maintained by College of San Mateo volunteers,the trail take Big Basin Way to the Ranger Station. Call (831) 338-8860 for
is open exclusively to hikers,joggers and runners. Be sure to bring a more information. —
water bottle—the trail area can get pretty hot on warmer days. In Butano State Park: Chief Ranger Gary Strachan, said his fa- r
fact,more than one Half Moon Bay High School cross-country ath- vorite hike is the beautiful 10-mile Canyon Trail. It's challenging !v
lete has been known to pass out from heat exhaustion when running but not extremely steep.There are several other trails you can con-
this trail. nect to once you are on Canyon Trail.Call(650)879-2025 for more
To get there from the coast or 1-280, take Hwy. 92 east and exit information.Butano is off Hwy. 1,4.6 miles south of Hwy.84.Take M
at Ralston Ave.Turn right on Hallmark Drive and continue to Hall- Pescadero Road east for 2.6 miles, turn south on Cloverdale Road g,
mark Park. Park on the street and enter the trailhead by the path and then go five miles to the park entrance on the left. ■ m
Qx
�k
Weekend Hike: Monte Bello Open Space Preserve Page 2 of 3
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morning -- so the view was not great. But still it was very nice to be Yellowstone
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On the way back I took the Indian Creek Trail. This trail has some New Champagne
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The Indian Creek Trait leads to the Stevens Creek Nature Trail. This
trait is only for hikers since it crosses a creek(no bridge) and has a
couple steep cliffs. The Trail is well shaded and is a very nice change
from the other trails which are out in the open.
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i
MROSD Use & Management Meeting 2 pm Wednesday,November 2 :: ROMP :: Respon... Page 1 of 2
ROMP'
9"pvnsible organked M"ntala ftdalars
Home :: Membership :: Calendar :: Photos :: Shop :: Login
Apr 16, 2007 - 08:58 AM
Search MROSD Use&Management Meeting 2 pm Wednesday, November 2
;Gpogt Posted by: Josh on Oct 26, 2005 - 11:33 PM
Web Site
; ?�EmailQ9 Archive This is a rare opportrunity to get some more trails open to bikes!
The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (MROSD) Use &
ROMP & Management Committee will meet 2 pm Wednesday, November 2 at their
Local Info offices at 330 Distei Circle in Los Altos. They will "review the status of four
• Post to trails that are currently closed on an interim basis to bicycling and/or
Website equestrian use..." The trails are Black Mountain in Rancho San Antonio,
Zinfandel Trail in Picchetti Ranch, Ridge Trail (south of Horseshoe Lake) in
ROMP Skyline Ridge, and Soda Gulch Trail in Purisima Creek Open Space
• Buy Hats Preserves. For full agenda. (If the agenda isn't there yet, it will be soon,
and Jerseys they promise me. Otherwise bug them at 650-691-1200.)
• Membership
• About Please consider attending the meeting or send an email to the entire board.
• Shop Some points you can make in your communication are:
• Contacts
• Sponsors
• Nati Trail
Patrol . Cyclists should not be discriminated against. We should have access
• Events& to the same quality trails as hikers and equestrians, instead of just
Meetings steep, exposed fire roads.
ROMP . Regional and longer connecting trails reduce cyclist density at
News trailheads providing more, positive user experiences for everyone.
. The
Mountain . Studies show that mountain biking does not damage trails any more
Cyclist than hiking.
Rides • Opening trails to cyclists that create 5, 10, 15 mile loops in
• Everyone underused preserves reduces density in more popular preserves.
Welcome!
• Trail
Conditions
• Lead a Ride
• Ride
Calendar
• Beginners MROSD Use & Management Meeting 2 pm Wednesday, November 2
Guide ( Login/Create an account I Comments
• Guide to
st
Passing
• Getting On Comments a)a owned byrthe poster. We aren't ead Oldest r responsible for their content.
With
Equestrians
• Horses'
Shoes
http://www.romp.org/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=143&mo... 4/16/2007
Mount o view
I 0UT ,00R
APRIL WA T
Avenadas Walking Groton meets in the lobby of
Li;tle House.Call Hal Makin at 948 2310 fordes--
tination.Wednesdays,9 A.m.Fe
Little
House
800 Middle Ave.,MerJ0 Park Can 326-2025.
www.perinsulavolunteers org
CALIFORNIA NEWTS 4-mile,leisurely-
paced hike with docent Paul Vadopalas.-
Discuss the life cycle of amphibians,then
hike along Canyon Road to a hidden pond to
observe and learn about California newts.
April 1, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.Free.Monte Bello
Open Space Preserve.www.openspace.org
General News
3 / 28 - 4/ 25
Page 1 of 2
r
County all but rejects Stanford's trail money
Supervisors say $8.4 million came with too many strings attached
By Rebekah Gordon, STAFF WRITER
Inside Bay Area
Article Last Updated:04/11/2007 03:09:59 AM PDT
REDWOOD CITY—With an$8.4 million deal from Stanford University for trail improvements hanging in the balance, county
supervisors came as close as they could Tuesday to saying "no thanks" without actually saying it.
The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors said Stanford's offer had too many strings attached and lamented the protracted
negotiations, which continued until Monday. Posturing for control, they again put off rejecting the money outright, opting to
determine whether an alternative grant program — with the help of Santa Clara County— will pan out instead.
"I don't think we're going to make much progress in terms of future negotiations. We could spend an awful lot of time on this
and we have spent an awful lot of time on this," Supervisor Rich Gordon said. "I think it's time to move on."The offer, which
involves a controversial plan to widen the existing Alpine Trail that winds through Menlo Park and Portola Valley, is the result of
a complicated agreement between Santa Clara County and Stanford that began seven years ago.As a condition of a Santa Clara
County permit that allowed Stanford to construct 5 million square feet of housing and academic facilities, Stanford agreed to
build up to two trails, one of them in San Mateo County.
The supervisor's were set to reject the offer at their meeting two weeks ago, but relented after Stanford made filth hour
concessions.The board agreed to spend more time reviewing the revised offer.
Stanford's original plans for the trail, according to the county, included making it 12 feet wide, potentially crossing private
driveways in the Weekend Acres neighborhood. Major grading would be involved to shift a hillside, as would extensive work
along the banks of the San Francisquito Creek. Some 40 neighbors in Ladera vocalized their opposition to the proposal at a
public hearing last May, according to the county.
Furthermore, the county has said that while the offer could allow for lesser improvements,those improvements would require
is not required). Now the su su
pervisors
that its approval
approval from Stanford and Santa Clara County (Stanford has contendedP
r entities at arm's length from controlling how the county spends its$8.4 million.
keep other e 9 h' P
want to do everything the can to 9
rY 9 Y P
"The troubling part is that we do have to rely on everyone else before we can still go forward with anything of substance in San
Mateo County and that is, frankly, offensive," Supervisor Jerry Hill said. "It's our trail, it's our road and it's something that would
benefit our citizens."
The supervisors want the money diverted to Santa Clara County to set up a grant program there. Grants for trail improvements
could be awarded by Santa Clara County to San Mateo County and other local trail jurisdictions,such as the Midpeninsula
Regional Open Space District. The supervisors have given county staff 120 days to determine the feasibility of this idea, with a
report expected back in 60 days.
Stanford has said that if the county chooses this option, it will withhold doling out the$8.4 million to Santa Clara County until
I 2011 when the P
agreement expires. Hill called that move, while legal, "criminal, in terms of the community."
Larry Horton, Stanford's director of government and community relations, said Stanford wants to continue to work with the
county to reach an agreement and did not want the supervisors to reject the offer.
"I believe that there are fewer strings In this than probably any foundation or government grant one could get and we would be
glad to remove more strings," Horton said. "We do not want strings, we want this to work."
nMenloPark at Juni ero Serra Boulevard, Santa Cruz Avenue and Alpine Road, winds up Alpine Road
The 4.3 mile trail starts f M e P
Intersection.of Portola and AI fine roads in
Ladera and ends at the
h unincorporatedP
a 280 and throw ,
underneath Interstate 9
Portola
Valley.The countY's portion of the trail,for which the$8.4 million would be used, stretches 1.8 miles.
A separate, 2.8 million deal to Improve the portion of the trail that sits in Portola Valley's jurisdiction is proceeding as planned.
s P
P , $
http://www.insidebayarea.com/portlet/article/html/fragments/print_article.j sp?articleId=56... 4/13/2007
k Page 1 of 1
"
San Mateo County's ' �
Trail plan given reprieve
By Michelle Durand,Daily Journal Staff
For the second time in as many weeks, Stanford University's
proposal for a recreational trail along Alpine Road was spared from rejection to allow San Mateo and Santa Clara
counties extra negotiation time.
Supervisor Rich Gordon made no bones about wanting to reject the proposal but joined the others to
unanimously Y P final re wait 60 days for a status report and another 60 for rep
ort.
"I've come to the conclusion that it is time for us to say no. I don't personally feel that we're going to make much
progress in terms of future negotiations,"Gordon said. "There are too many strings, too many things out of our
control."
The extra 120 days,the board agrees, is adequate time for San Mateo County to see if it can reach an
arrangement with Santa Clara County outside of any restrictions Stanford University places on the plan.
Stanford agreed to build a multi-use trail near Page Mill Road and a similar path along Alpine Road in San Mateo
County.The eight-foot wide trail would be built on a bike lane through the neighborhood. In return for the trails,
Santa Clara County approved two million square feet of new campus buildings.
Before Stanford can begin the trails, however, it must receive approval from Portola Valley and San Mateo
County.
The county is not as keen on the plan, particularly after 1,500 residents signed a petition opposing it.
"The welfare of this community is not for sale,"said Ginger Holt, a resident of Weekend Acres,the neighborhood
near the proposed trail.
At the last board meeting, Stanford offered the county the unused balance of the$8.4 million allocated for the
plan and a vote was delayed two weeks. On Monday, Stanford dismissed the county's counter-offer and
reiterated that the second plan is still on the table. i
Both Gordon and Supervisor Jerry Hill maintain the county has no interest in improving the Weekend Acres area
and does not want to expand the current width of the Alpine Trail
The supervisors appeared unswayed still yesterday, particularly if Stanford has approval over use of the extra
money set aside in improvement and maintenance funds.
Stanford University representative Larry Horton said the county can do what it wishes with the money but the
supervisors said they would rather work out a deal with Santa Clara County directly in which it grants the money
back.
Hill said Stanford's plan is"frankly offensive"because it negotiated work on San Mateo County's trail with Santa
Clara County without inviting local representatives to the table.
Residents like Janet Davis urged the board to hold its ground despite others who feel a portion of$8.4 million is
too much to pass by.
"I think this is a no-win situation for either the county or the people who live on the road,"Davis said. 'We just
don't need any more hazards on the road."
Others, like Larry Gibbs, a Ladera resident who heads Environmental Health and Safety for Stanford, simply
asked the board to delay a decision until more information is available.
Michelle Durand can be reached by e-mail: michelle@smdailyjoumal.com or by phone: (650)344-5200 ext. 102.
http://www.smdailyjoumal.com/article_preview_print.php?id=73453 4/13/2007
Palo Alto Daily News Page I of 2
Sorviri�,Athomxl,East Palo AA,).UK;Altos. WIS.,fienic Pa*..W-Umaq),40w,Pt:rlota VaNV,Stawort_'Sunnyva!e.
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P A
,Lo ALTo DAILY NEWS Powered by a Topix.not
Apr 13,2007
Local News I Home Page Wednesday Apr I i Recent Commontse
Region/State News
Supervisors send Stanford deal back 16cornments in
World News
Business News to the negotiating table 'Tough'I've sl love'for the homeless
ept out a tot this year in Palo Alto.Homeowners are
Sports-Professional usually nice to me about I a Palo alto homeless guy
Announcements Board wants to hammer out Alpine Road agreement in 120 days
Arts&Entertainment
By Shaun Bishop I Daily No"Staff Writer 116 comments in
Columnists Police:Fake traveler's checks making rounds
Death Notices Stanford University will got One more chance to persuade San Mateo County to accept 'Did you find someone that would cash them?They look
Letters&Opinion millions of dollars from the university for Improvements to a trail near Alpine Road, good but you can tell something is.,.'—)amle
though county officials remain skeptical over conditions tacked on to the funds.
Society
Sports-Local For the second time in as many weeks,the countys Board of Supervisors held oil on 7 continents In
Style rejecting Stanfords gift of SBA inillion to Improve a trail in an unincorporated pad of the We're In another drought
county despite urging from supervisors Rich Gordon and Jerry Hill-who negotiated with
"Lawns serve a purpose.They moderate a climate and
the university for several weeks-to turn the offer down. hold down duet'—Waher_E_Wallis
Local CAassifieds
Instead,the board told County Manager John Maltbie to set up a meeting with Stanford
R-a! Nets Services
of and Santa Clara County's manager to try and hammer out a deal that would I comment in
y
Contact Information satisfy all three parties within 120 days.The board asked for an update after 60 days, Group challenges appointment
'Board member Mandy Lowell is 100%correct.Spending
Jobs at the Daily News 'if my colleagues want to see us have one more shot at getting there,that's OK." M*000 to S1.000,000 for a seat t...'—Guy M Wong
Staff Gordon said after the meeting. CPA
Re I port delivery Problems The money comes from a complex deal in 200D between Stanford and Santa Clara Stan a discussion
County that among more than 100 other conclifions,required the university to pay for
construct facilities on Its Palo Alto Ads by Coogic
improvements to two trails in exchange for the right to con
Do you have a calendar
campus.Santa Clara County decided in 2D05 to let the Alpine Road trail in neighboring
hem,brief or newslip? San Mateo County be one of the selected trails.
Please contact us. Restaurants Palo Alto
The plan drew the Ire of nearby residents in the Weekend Acres neighborhood,who said Check our Silicon Valley
Dail News Publfcatons the S8.4 million in proposed improvements from a Stanford consultant were too guide for a perfect
extensive and would pose a safety hazard in some places.Gordon suggested S2 million restaurant in your area.
Burlingame Daily News to S3 million of work would be more appropriate. s omUY
East Bay Daily News
Stanford emphasized that the county did not have to do all the suggested work.but
Los Gatos News der the original agreement,arry money not spent on improving the trail would have
Redwood City Daily News un Surinvall
gone back to the university.
San Mateo Daily News Foreclosures
County officials said they believed Stanford should pay the full SBA million,and so set Free list of foreclosures,
out to draw up an agreement that would allow the county to keep any unspent funds. fixer uppers and estate
sales save I 000s
After a new offer from Stanford and a counteroffer from the county,the two sides were --sayAreaHa"Satex"
unable to reach a consensus by this week.
clear that there is a need on their pad and there are resources on our part and that M-Qff Speedy Test
should be a perfect match'said Larry Horton,Stanford's director of community and 9mly
government relations."but well have to wait and a"' Pass or Free Retest.
408-260-8322 3473 el
One point that soured the deal for the supervisors was a clause that required the camino real,santa Clara
approval of Stanford and Santa Clara County for certain aspects of any plans the county Q309 w0Q.WL—,
made.But Horton said the review was necessary to ensure that the trail work would
meet Its obligation to Santa Clara County under the 2000 agreement,
'Me strings that are attached to this agreement go far beyond what we are wiling to Palo Alto Ca Homes
tolerate and subject ourselves to;Hill said. Search the Palo Afto CA
MLS View Local CA
If the county rejects the money,it would revert to Santa Clara County.Gordon said he Homes For Sale
would encourage that county to establish a regional grants program to distribute the a a Tft'.m m
park funding to agencies in need.
Sfill,several residents asked the board Tuesday to accept the money. Great Dining in Palo
'We have a narrow sidewalk that I am shoved off of all the time by the baby strollers and Alto
the skateboarders and the dogs,*said Kathleen Much,who Wes near the trail site. Read Online Reviews&
'Take the money.please.' Ratings Find a Great
Place to Eat Out
.rrw.Ymruai,tom
E-mail Shaun Bisho at sbishop(g?dailynewsgroup corm.
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http://www.paloaltodailynews.com/article/2007-4-11-04-11-07-pa-haffison 4/13/2007
cbs5xom - Bay City News Wire Page I of 2
CBS 5 - San Francisco Bay Area's source for news,
weather, traffic and sports: Bay City News Wire
Bay City News Wire
SAN MAIEO CO.:SUPES SET LEWr FOR ALPINE ROAD NEGOITAI IONS
04110107 10:45 PDT
Negotiations on an$8.4 million Stanford University proposal to fund a trail along Alpine Road were given a 120-day limit today by San Mateo
County supervisors.
The proposed trail in unincorporated southern San Mateo County would stretch from the border of Menlo Park to Portola Valley,according to
3eremy Dennis,chief of staff for Supervisor Rich Gordon.
The Board of Supervisors asked county staff to meet with officials from Stanford and Santa Clara County regarding the proposal and other
funding possibilities, Dennis said.
Santa Clara County officials originally agreed to allow Stanford to develop facilities,provided the university pay to build and maintain trails in
the area,according to the San Mateo county manager's office.
The university later proposed the$8.4 million for improvements to the Alpine Road trail in San Mateo County,the county manager's office
reported.
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t
rheA1 _m___ __anac
I -
Ideas-thoughts and opinions about local issues from people in_our community Edited by Tom Gibboney.
44lvvtavtaci
•
A solution
o for Al-
pme Rodtrt&Jl
_
f the latest offer from Stanford to bankroll work on a disputed section fronts Stanford Weekend Acres,where Stanford had planned to move
of Alpine Road trail holds up,we urge county supervisors to take the Alpine Road into the hill across the road to make room.In the 1.8-mile
money.But be careful.To quote Supervisor Rich Gordon,"In dealing section-from Piers Lane past the Interstate.280 overpass and Ladera,the
with Stanford,the devil is in the details." existing bike lane could be repaired and resurfaced in place with some
In a stunning turnaround,last week,as the San Mateo County Board careful attention-to areas where the creek comes close to Alpine Road.
of Supervisors was about to turn down Stanford's This is a welcome move byStanford,'and we
offer to build a humungous"recreational"trail hope that a care5il,air-tight agreement can be
along Alpine worked out by April 10.It seems abundantly clear
EDITORIAL Road for that Stanford will never be willing to place the trail
$8.4 million, across its own open lands,as most people here
Supervisor expected when Santa Clara County approved its
Gordon use permit in 2000. -
announced a new offer from Stanford.The uni- The likelihood of extra money presents
versity would accept a lesser trailbuiltto the opportunities'to improve the regional trail
county's standards,and.allow the county to keep system in San Mateo County that also serves
the entire$8.4 million for maintenance of the Stanford.An appealing suggestion is to reopen
trail and other purposes. upper Alpine Road,closed by slides,to give
The supervisors unanimously agreed to post- :Mountain bicyclists an off-road route from the
pone their decision until April 10 at 9:15 a.m. Valley to Skyline.
to allow time for negotiations with Stanford on One warning:We hope the new agreement
a trail that might satisfy both opponents in San will allow for the money to be released sooner
Mateo County,and Santa Clara County,which than under the present agreement,which allows
has required Stanford to build the trail as partial Stanford to keep it as long as 2011.
mitigation for up to 5 million square feet of new We encourage the San Mateo County super-
building on campus, visors to get the best deal they can,and apply
Instead of constructing a 12-foot multi-purpose any excess funds to improving trails for the area
trail along busy Alpine Road from the Menlo Park Map shows Stanford's old, controversial and region.It may not be the outcome some
boundary for 2.5 miles past Ladera to Portola plan for an Alpine Road Trail.The portion of residents had wanted,but at least the present
Valley,Stanford is apparently willing to settle for the roadway from Piers Lane north would trail will be improved and the horribly intrusive
a lesser trail.According to Supervisor Gordon, escape major development under a new
proposal being discussed. project sought by Stanford will never see the
nothing will happen in the portion of the trail that light of day.
Online Editioln
Stanford offers trails deal to San Mateo County
PA W4zOA-1..
Stanford University,,with its plan to build a new hiking trail along
Alpine Road all but dead and ready to be rejected Tuesday by the San
Mateo County Board of Supervisors,made a new offer to the county
last Friday that delayed.any decision until April 10.
The new offer includes paying San Mateo County $8.4 million to
improve an existing hiking trail further west on Alpine Road,with the
remainder of the funds to be used for other county trails and recreation
needs.
San Mateo County Supervisors Rich Gordon and Jerry Hill had rec-
ommended to their colleagues that Stanford's more ambitious trail plan,
which would have included cutting down part of a hillside and realign-
ing Alpine Road near the Weekend Acres housing area,be rejected.
The new proposal does not affect that part of Alpine Road.
The Alpine Road trail was approved by the Santa Clara County Board
of Supervisors in December 2QO5 as a condition of an earlier approval
for a new general use permit for the Stanford campus.Under that 2005
approval,Santa Clara County stipulated that if the Alpine Road trail
is not built,Santa Clara County would get$8.4 million for other trails
and recreation programs,money that Stanford now is promising to give
San Mateo County instead.
The$8.4 million was the estimated cost of the original trail plan for
Alpine Road that Stanford proposed.
Larry Horton, Stanford's director of community and government
relations,said that any approval of a new plan with San Mateo County
would have to be approved by Santa Clara County,too.
Santa Clara County Supervisor Liz Kniss said Tuesday she would
wait to hear from Santa Clara County staff on whether Stanford's new
proposal to San Mateo County meets the requirements of Santa Clara
County's 2005 agreement with Stanford.
Gordon said the new trail offer from Stanford is in lieu of the"mas-
sive trail project"Stanford originally proposed.He and Hill made it
clear that if they are not satisfied by the negotiations with Stanford
between now and April 10, they will recommend Stanford's offer be
rejected.
"I am absolutely and firmly convinced in dealing with Stanford that
the devil is in the details,"Gordon said."We need more discussion—Don l�."ak
ON 7K WEB The latest local news headlines at wwwJNdoArcOnfue.com
www.sanmatrpcauntyhmes.com
Nearly rejected, trail
offer remains on table
TRA'L from Local 1 Unhappy with that option
and the trail-widening plan.
offer is the result of a Gordon and Supervisor Jerry
The o re-
complicated seven-year-old Bill insirnd lied prepared to re-
coin
P ject the offer al Tm .day's
agreement between Santa Clara mceting.alYowina aL•s of the
County and Stanford.a Bondi- monies to be turnrd over to
lion of a permit that allowed Santa Clara County.Their rec-
to const
ruct 5 million
tanford r Santa
S n was fo
housin
g and aca-
ommendatio
square feet of g Clara County to create a grant
demic facilities. Program with tyre money for re-
The 4.3-mile trail starts in gional trail improvements, ,
Menlo Park at Junipero Serra However.according to
Boulevard,Santa Cruz Avenue Gordon,Stanford would bold
and Alpine Road.winds up Al- out on paying those funds to
to 11
th Interstate n until 20
pine Rued underneath Santa Clara County
280 and through unincorpo- when the offer expires.Ae-
rated Ladera.and ends at tax ce ting the funds would allow
P
interaction of Portola and Al- the monies to begin flowing in
Valley. said.
pine roads in Portolatwo to three years.GordonGor
The county's portion of the trail. Larry Horton.Stanford's di-
for which the 88.4 million would rector of government and com-
be used,stretches 1.8 miles munity relations,said that he
A separate.$2.8 million deal knew nothing of the county's
'to improve the trail that sits in plans to reject Stanford's offer
Portola Valky's jurisdiction is until a reporter inquired about
proceeding as planned. tt Thursday.He said he did not
According to the county, believe the county's criticisms
Stanford-s original plan involved were valid.
redesigning the Alpine Road "It doesn't seem to me that
trail and widening it so that It they really understood Ole na-
wou)d encroach on properties in ture of what we offered."Horton
the Weekend Acres neighbor- said of the county."We're not
hood.potentially crossing Pri- saying that ifs going to be this
vate driveways,it would involve wide trail that neighbors don't
major grading to shift a hillside. want"
and extensive work along the He said the county has al-
banks of San Francisquito vw+ahys had the flexibility
lein bility to do
and
Creek.of particular concern
%7�,u propoxr,l in make the trail came forth Friday-to clues up
12 rect wide.leading the Com- any misunderstanding.He also
mittee for Green Foothills to call said the massaged offer shows
it the"Alpine Road sidewalk.' that Stanford is not in this to
Some 40 neighbors in Ladera pinch Pennies.
vocalized their opposition to this We're not just doing to
proposal at a public hearing last save money."Horton saidd."it's
May,according to the county. actually a fundamental act of
generosity on the part of the uni-
The committee,which sup- versity.'
ports the neighbors'position,
has also sued Stanford and Staff writer Rebekah Gordon can
Santa Clara County,believing be reached at(650)306.2428 or
that the university is obligated r teocountyti-
to build a trail on Stanford land mea earn
rather than making Improve-
ments to an existing trail on Alpine Trail
and city land.
H �niod Ut&erskr has oaeted
However.Holly Van Houton,
San Mateo county SL4 million for
the committee's executive di- improvements to the t.s-oae vonron
rector,said that she is Pleased at the ink that reins w eourav lend.
that there is more flexibility in
this revised proposaL which
keeps trail widening,enerbacb-
ment on driveways and envi on- ti
mental impacts on riparian "—{
areas off the table. pied
roars'
'It's an opportumty to sec if Se bra
there s some win-win that could
come out of Oils,but the devil is
in the details:Van Houten said.
'1 want to see something that
can be legally binding." Alpine
The Bounty's lawyers will Trail
spend the next two weeks nego-
tiatingwith Stanford.The su- ` r—
pervtsors said Tuesday that (/
rejection of the offer was still
not out of the question.
According to the county. 4r
under the initial Proposal from
Stanford,the county could have %
also instituted lesser Improve- s 1
mints,such as erosion repairs I 1 let
along San Francisquito Creek, r/
which the county estimated
would cost 82 million.But all p j
improvements would require °RoiaR
approval from Santa Clara - ? ( �
County and Stanford,and any d
funds unused would have re- .-.: .
verted to Stanford.
` Menlor Mo Lo$ us,
T �r,AL www.paloaltodaUynews.com
• n
isot-b recomIll�e
Supery
•ectEng arayreeo posed trail,the money should go back to
Pair say $8.4 million Anybody who has Santa Clara County to start a "regional
follow Prod to utilize the funds that
could go back to the Stanford would have committed to the
+ + ed Stanford
court for grants development issues trail."
knows their behavior is Santa Clara County Supervisor Liz
Kniss called it "an idea certainly worth
BKn+snKn --- not in keeping with the looking at."
DMLY NeWS STAFF vuRrtfa "From our standpoint, I think it's a
Two San Mateo County supervisors spirit of the original better mitigation to use the money for
recommended this week that the board agreement.' recreational use for the entire region,"
reject an offer from Stanford University ass said.
to create a 12-foot-wide trail along Michael Closson,Acterra Stanford spokesman Larry Horton
Alpine Road. said he could not comment on the super-
"It's not necessary and it's environ-
"They would have to move Alpine visors'recommendation until he had dis-
men7en tally insensitive," said Supervisor Hill,who penned the recommends- Road slightly north, which would take cussed the proposal with both San Mateo
tion along with Supervisor Rich Gordon. down a bunch of the hillside,"said Holly and Santa Clara counties.
Tuesday,the supervisors'
Van Houten,executive director
On Tue ors of Corn- "We are still studying and reviewing
will vote approve Stanfor 's mittee for Green Foothills• The plans it,"he said.
whether
to give San Mateo County d proposal million would also require armoring the creek Van Houten said she supported the
which could expand erosion, s
banks, ihe idea of a grants program• She suggested
which begins at the
to widen the trail, funds could be used to build "cheaper
border between Menlo Park and unincor- said.
poratexi San Mateo County and ends in "Part of the trail goes through the and less destructive trails."
res neighborhood and cross- -We could take that same amount Of
Portola Valley. Stanford offered to es Weekend
bunch of neighbors' dri eways. money androduce manyore miles of
improve the current,smaller trail as part That's a safety hazard,"she said trails in places where people really want
f a package of development mitigations travesty on the to see those projects,"she said
° P g its 5 "The whole thing is a tra ty
when Santa Clara County approvedoriginal concept, Closson said"Having Closson suggested building s trail on
million-square-feet expansion in 2000. Road is not a some of Stanford's undeveloped land
"Anybody who has followed Stanford a sidewalk along Alpinefrom the Dish to the Arastradero Pre-
development issues knows their behavior tom"
is not in.keeping with the spirt of the is
Gordon said that his constituency the
the trail plans. Hill said he hopedStanford views
Original agreement," said Michael Clos- not all o �public testimony that we recommendation as "an opportunity tc
son, executive director of Acterra, an took,the proposal was not wanted by our win back the support of the community
environmental nonprofit in Palo Alto. P° and to do the right thing by releasing
Hill said that Stanford's design for the residents,"he said.
new trail would involve widening the Hill and Gordon propose that instead those funds back to Santa Clara County
of using the$8.4 million to build the pro- as soar as possi e.
path and cutting into the hillside.
1
Mountain View
l
{
LocWNeivs
Navy delays
Hangar one report
B Daniel DeBok the mr"The report would provide
Y t
tai dean u r r y
en �m P
dxide the his a cost analysts of alternatives
during the re- report that may us
w d B "dangerous ast week, B the
d
Moffett
Field Res- tone building's fate. for desnmB�'P B
.' Moff anon, as
ular tamm
urce''of con T spokesman Rick Wets- so ,
1Jtora6oti°Advisory.Board .Navy spoke n t tt—the PCSs
meeting, the Navy gave:an senborn said the revised envi- weisseatwr pu,
impromptu update on Hangar ronmental evaluation and cost and other chemicals in Hangar
One, saying there has been a' analysis would no longer beOne's aktti''whirh are slowly
significant delay in the release released in late spring or early leeching into the surrounding
on- summer, but "sometime this environment.
of the hangar's revised envir Navy alternatives range from
demolition to restoration to-
having orily the frame intact
Weisacaborn said he was per-
sonally "frustrated' with the
delay.The temporary coating on
thehanga to stop the run-off of
toxic PCBT was only supposed
m last three tofiveyears. We re
at five,',he`said,'_'
"lvfy peisonai goal is to get
this done beforemy beard turns
white,"he said,having grown a
beard.since-the last meeting.
Weissenborn also revealed
that if the Navy were to leave the
historic structure in place after
"cleanup,it would no longer be
useable."
The Navy,he said"wont make
it useable.What has to be done
to make it useable has to be
done."by someone else.
Weissenborn has said that in
ordef to dean the frame of all
contamination it would have to
be partially disassembled. He-
also said the Navy is considering
usinga fabric to stretch over the
frame,similar:to what is used at
the Shoreline Amphitheatre.
Council member lac Siegel
attended.the meeting. Draw-
ing on his own experience as
a former government contrac-
tor for Lockheed Martin, he
questioned the process used
to analyze the cleanup costs.
Weissenborn said a contractor
was preparing a work-order to
detail the costa of cleanup for
the report;but questioning by
Siegel revealed the contractor
would not be allowed to actu-
ally make a bid on the project,
meaning the actual bid amounts
from other contractors could be
much different.
"There could be surprises with
the cost,'Weissenborn said.
The Navy decided to revise the
EE/cA last year after receiving
harsh criticism for apparently
underestimating the costs of
demolishing the hangar and not
detailing how it had come to its
conclusions.
"This time we'll take you there.
_.We'll be a lot closer this time,"
Weissenborn said.
i
a
j I
MountainView
III
LOcalNewS
BAY'TRAIL �� lnioRnn ►tlorv,
►cantawed fiom page i >;
Anyone w�h g to to�ome'iit 4xt ut iea(in Nnll;he--
e hey
Vol c e_ the ermronment i tmpact report Arla 38�n fi to-3 p rr at
.until
April 23 comments tan �JYo#ett a rn Eagle krrom of-
said NASA wild biologist be matle Mine of tie Restofianon Building 943, stnuts�de tf .cram
Chris Alderete, who discussed Project's Web site details bebw).. gate
the rare turtle in a presentation or mailed to: For more the Bondi Bay Salt
about wildlife management at a Pond Restoration Project, or to;
Moffett Field Restoration Advi- Clyde Morris,LISFWS, read.the eovironmental impact ,
sort'Board meeting last week. Don Edwards San fmncrsco.Bay `report, visit www.southbayresto
"I want the trail,but this is one of NWR ration.org.Fot rime on the Bay
the places not opened to humans. 9500 Thornton Ave Tram visit http:llb*mil aba9.
_There's been little access over Newark,CA 94560. ca.gov
the years,"Alderete said
One of the western
pond tur-
are humans,
e' biggest threats d s
who in
the past have snatched
them up to be taken home as
pets.The introduction of non-
native species, including other
turtles,to their habitat has also
hurt their numbers.
NASA found more.than 50 of
the rare turtles while remov-
ing contaminated soil from a
channel in the area.The turtles
survived a temporary relocation
to the golf course pond ne
arby.
'
In the 193-P aB e sectio
n of the
report dealing with impacts to
wildlife,the turtle is said to be
"uncommon along the inshore
side of Pond}A3W"at Moffett
Field.The report also says the
turtle "May occur.rarely in
freshwater and brackish creeks
and'sloughs elsewhere in the
study area" ......
Other area species at risk,
identified by NASA;include the
western burrowing owl,the salt
marsh harvest mouse and the
California clapper rail.; .
Another controversial aspect
of the project is the possible
consequence for. several bird
species that have made a home
in the salt ponds.It is undecided
how many salt ponds will revert
to marshland,but the percent-
age will be somewhere between
50 and 90 percent; according
to the environmental impact
report. The Mountain View
areas to be restored are part of
the Alviso restoration complex,
which includes 7,363 acres of
salt ponds and 1,607 acres of
marshes.
Mountain View wetlands to be
restored include the areas
between the mouths of the Ado-
be, Permanente and Stevens
creeks in Shoreline Paris m
E-mail Daniel DeBolt at
ddebolt@mv-voice.com
i
e ecu ?mews
MercuryNews.com
2B P MERCURYNEWS.COM SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 2007 Local News
"This is one giant leap for the bay checkerspot.But it's only a baby-step on a long road for Homo sapiens."
STU WEISS,BIOLOGIST WHO TRACED CHECI(ERSPOTS DISAPPEARANCE TO POLLUTION FROM NEARBY INTERSTATE 280
BUTTERFLIES
I New hope for insects' revival
now mystery o
that m ste f steepdecline solved
Gintinvalfrum Page llt - �, l Bay checkerspot
x v I butterfly
said before the cerenToriy,
close to the ISacre test
Y �''�', - r §r' r - v t... y9!� The threatened bay checkerspot
sTtegewhere it is hoped the + P " `� � { +' i bdterfly,at left once found in many
checkers is w ll now recolo- " x. ' t spots on the Peninsula is being
Po E+..,
rize w m ivleased RI Edge—Dr!—Dr!County ark
With grant oney from the in Redwood I y
National Fish and Wildlife
I Foundation and other sources,
Weiss and others zeroed in on �
Interstate 280.Air samples re-
vealed that the 100,000 vehi- iMx y
cles passing by each day were y a W SmJnt
spewing trogen oxide ni s on CrestvewDr-
the adjacent parkland,essen :° rr
r: �+ 5 (.• -e$ r B4'.Giym eta^
tially fertilizing the invasive
ryeggrrass that elbowed out the r, ,t Eamruk
wildf]owers the checkerspots `J o
:• {ire needed to survive.While the
species had already been in �; " �i z 1 PesaYe EayewoOdRd
decline,this could have been
the last straw.
By 2008,the last checker-
spot at Edgewood was history, :
leaving the world's only sur-
viving lation down on
popu F r 14.kT
grazing lands south of San Jo-
se
Th make matters worse, "" - ; 5' wERCURr mFws
i said Juba Bott of the San Ma- a a,Ar
{r "ITiis release is a milestoTx
teo County Parks and Recre-
for all of us,"said Peter Ingram
ation Foundation,"the catalyt- sport n a Friends of Edge
is converters on the cars are ! wood -shirt with a photo 0
converting nitrogen-oxides in- Edward I, the fast butterfl'
to ammonia which is a fertibz- � u ansplanted here from Soutl
{ er like Whawe put on our lawns." y�,, San Jose"We're walking a fin,
t to do,Bott said"we OANw nHur,vE-wERewrNEwswac IAs line between preserving arm
tried goats,burning,weeding
—then we discovered that if Activists have new hope for the bay checkerspot butterfly,shown here in 2005 at Coyote Ridge.They released thousands Thursday in protecti ig species, and thei
we mowed at carefully timed Edgewood County Park where ryegrass fertilized by smog had sent them into decline.The grasses will be cut back regularly before they em—et ]y intervening as we ar
cycles,we could beat back the choke out wildflowers. "You want Mother Nature t
ryegrass while still allowing do her thing," he said. 'Bc
the natives to come back
We've been mowing since the late-morning sunlight,a few has been hacking away at inva- 5vstrations out" ed a natural preserve very- sometimes,you have h step i
2003, restoring the habitat. of them took to the air,flitting sive weeds for nearly 20 years This was a true lave fast for checkerspotpendeared every- and do something. ilE
Now it was time to bring the about the group of grass-roots "In the early days,I kept b7- the checkerspot. one to this ark and made it lion source on 280
will checkerspot back home.' warriors who had made their ing to recruit people to help "This species is the real hero easier to tell our story." change,so well constantly ha%
Thins av s celebration was recoveiy possible: The scien- pull weeds and they'd say'Ai a of Ed because it kept it Now it's back, even though to monitor the habitat So we'i
much more than a simple fists moivtormg the habitat, you Grrzy?"'Hess said.'But I from�ng a golf cotuse in the llution will continue to conmTitted—forever"
homecoming As the checker- representatives from local gov- can't walk past a weed without the e.u•ly ]Ms," said Kathy fertilize the lye But the
spots from Weiss'bag settled ernments and non-profits,and geWng mad.Killing them,for Korbholz, a past president of Weed Warriors loiow their job Contact PabichNo),at
atop nearby flower blooms, self-described Weed Warriors me,is like going to see a psychi- the Friends of Edgewood who doesn't end with the return of (408)920-56 uJ'neuis.own or
then warmed themselves in like 90-year•old Elly Hess,who atiist—it lets me get all my helped get Edgewood desigiTat- the checkerspot. (403J 92056R4
r
r
o Alto Town C;(w
COVER STORY
HIDDEN VILLA �,��
From Page 1 .,;.� 5M .fr.• .ini r 1
AM-
and pleas,along with more than I -�
TI30.000 in gifts and pledges.
Overington said he could sym-
pathize with supporters of Hid- _ >
den Villa who expressed dismays
at the hoard's initial decision to
cut staff and the overnight camp.
I
"Any criticism that has come
at Hidden Villa has come from 'P , \
passionate commitment. 1 can
certainly understand that:' he
said. r,�• 'ar,;�'
Since the reinstatement of the �.:'. .
1'
camp,board members have raced •t to assure its supporters that it will •r i
continue its core programs while
changing its fundraising strait-
gies in the next few years.Such ,: r � y
a challenge will not be overcome .. I •--� �•'
easily,and changes are afoot to
ensure Hidden Villa is more re-
i Tea
silient as it faces the harsh reality +
of non-profit operation. -
"TheR's a perception that 'A 'f'Y`"' ``fa•`' r
there's a magical source of mon-
ey.There really isn't:'said board
member Sally Falkenhagen. "1 i
don't think the budget will ever
6e just right:'
Fundraising goals r j
New plans take hold just as
Overington, formerly Hidden �� s r, � .� Ways to get a taste of Hidden Villa
Villa's director of programs and � .i+,, F L„r
community partnerships, takes _ •Community Supported •Farmstand at Hidden Villa
the reins from Beth Ross,who re- .x v _ `•,.�q 7y t Agriculture Program The stand at the entrance to
signed in January. :' x:,. -±_ ,nr4� Buy a share or half-share Hidden Villa offers self-serve
Historically, Falkenhagen ti "' in Hidden Villa's yearly farm sales of produce and plant
said,the organization has relied , production and receive weekly starts for the garden.
heavily on donations and grants, 41, `_`rr boxes of seasonal produce.
currently making up 60 percent For more information, What makes up Hidden Villa
of its yearly budget.The amount y „ v ti �" �,�rz call 949-6647 or e-mail 5 acres of farms
is"more than our base can pro . ..� csaMhiddenvilla.org. 8 miles of hiking trails
vide:'she said. 4 Education garden
These days, Overington said f. •farmer's Market in Moun- Barnyard with livestock
e i w,.
the goal is to match earned rev- s^ ,r„i. ?�.: " fain View Oldest hostel in the United
enue fees with donations-a for- Hidden Villa is planning to States
mula that will help with financial 7°: ,, TF}'} sell its produce at the Mountain $3.49 million revenue in 2006
sustainability.Foundation grants pHOin59\'lnl;HnlTOi'Hr W. View.Farmer's Market this year. $2.85 million in expenses
will continue to be key.Falken- Top left,Hidden Villa's interim Executive Director Chris Over-
hagen said. ington and farm manager Jason McKenney tour the Hidden community agriculture. history of food production at
Overington said reaching out Villa grounds.Right,Elena and Sophia Bron iff-Chang pet baby
'The premise of the program culinary culture;' McKenna
to a loyal donor base and attract-
ing new donors pose obvious err- sheep.Above,animal husbandry manager Steve Burger gathers is to visit farm animals, learn said.`That kind of production
chicken eggs. how to care for ilietn and make steadily decaying"
eas for improvement.
"We do need to be far more connections about the food they He cites the decline in poop
ronmental practices, Overington eat,"Overington said. willing and able to make a livii
proactive with sharing our ideas
with people;'he said. About the new director said some people forget the most Young visitors peek into nest- at farming as the biggest fact
In ■ gesture that symbolizes Overington, a teacher and critical component of the Hidden ing boxes to count eggs and feel that must be reversed to make I
personal commitment and out- naturalist, caved as the organi- Villa mission:ensuring that chi]- their warmth, and learn what a cal produce a regular part of Iif
t mach, he 22 board members zation's environmental education dren feel a"personal connection' chicken looks like when it walks 'Nobody should be eats.
recent) announced they would program director for 10 years. to the environment. on two legs,rather than art
Y iving broccoli brought in from Mexi
contribute 5250,1H10 of their Overington said he isn't averse All the other environment at the table in a tomato sauce. if it can be grown locally,
own motley for the"Board Chal- to the idea of staying on perma- policies won't matter if there isn't "Nothing more clearly con- Kenney said, noting that peti
lenge."They hope their donations nently in his new leadership role. a generation to care about it:' netts to the environment than our leum-heavy, industrialized ag
will encourage the community to "It will be a competitive inter- he said."That's the work we do connection with food;'said Jason culture is the biggest collecli
match that amount in donations. view process,(but)I'm enjoying here,and it's good to see others McKenney, Hidden Villas farm source of pollution in the Unit
Meanwhile, the organize- every moment of the job and its responding to it" manager. "We show where food States.
tion will turn over its own stories challenges,"he said. comes from and how to make Hidden Villa's environmen
-finding creative ways to raise Besides the focus on raising Educational value positive choices." boosters aren't angling for a ra
money within, Overington said. funds and the managerial side of Visit Hidden Villa any week- McKenney isn't shy about the cal overhaul of American eati
As part of the animal husbandry his job•the energetic and artieu- day morning and you find chil- organization's belief in the value habits.They just think the cot
program,staff members will sell late Overington speaks vocifer- dren sprouting from every field of local,organic, seasonal food. try,and especially the fertile E
organic eggs and pork to the com- tingly about how valuable Hidden and barn on the farm. Schools The farm is a teaching farm,one Area,can do a lot better.
munity.Rental fees at the Hidden Villa's programs are to the area's from as far away as Santa Crux, that demonstrates the feasibility "Don't say no chocolar,
Villa hostel and other facilities children. the East Bay and San Francisco of small-scale. diverse, humane Overington said in mock horn
will increase,as will those for at- Amid the rhetoric about land bring classes for up-close en- agricultural practices. See HIDDEN VILLA,Pagi
Area
tending the camp. conservation and better envi- counters with farm animals and 'The Bay Ar has a rich
Peps 5/Los Altos Town Crier/April 11,2007
i
4
now,
San Mateo,CA
(San Mateo Co.)
San Mateo Co.Times
(Cir.6xW.39,376)
MAR 2 3 2001
Alle{s_ P.C.B. Est.1888
SANTA CLARA COUNTY _
,L(6 Traps set for
mountain lions
Traps have been set by a
trapper hired by the owner of
four sheep killed by a mountain
lion in unincorporated Santa
Clara County, according to De-
partment of Fish and Game
Warden Kyle Kroll.
According to Kroll,although
mountain lions are a protected
species, they are not endangered
and have reached their holding
capacity in California.
Mountain lions,also known
as cougars,can be killed legally.
by authorities through two ex-
ceptions in policies guiding their
Protection.The loopholes are if
the mountain lions pose a threat
to public safety or if they are
preying on livestock or pets,
Kroll said.
Sightings in Santa Clara
County are not uncommon,
according to Kroll.
"Wherever you see deer,there
are probably mountain lions,"
Kroll said.