HomeMy Public PortalAbout20100317 - Agenda Packet - Board of Directors (BOD) - 10-09 Midpeninsula Regional
Open Space District
Meeting 10-09
SPECIAL MEETING
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Coastside Fire Protection District
Training Room
1191 Main Street
Half Moon Bay, CA
SPECIAL MEETING
6:30* SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE
DISTRICT
ROLL CALL
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS—Public
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
6:40* CONSENT CALENDAR
I Approval of Minutes-None
2 Approval of Revised Claims Report
3 Approval of Written Communications-None
6:50* BOARD BUSINESS
4 Approve the Purchase of the POST(Lobitos Ridge) Property located in unincorporated Sail Mateo
County(340-acre portion of Sail Mateo County Assessor's Parcel Number 066-230-030)as all
addition to Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve; Adopt the Preliminary Use and
Management Plan, and Approve a Categorical Exemption in Accordance with the California
Environmental Quality Act- M. Williams
ADJOURNMENT
Times are estimated and items may appear earlier or later than listed. Agenda is subject to change of order.
TOADDRESSTHEBOARD.- The Chair will invite public comment on agenda items at the time each item is considered by
v f'the Board o
Directors. You may address the Board concerning other matters during Oral Communications. Each speaker will ordinoril.),be
limited to three minutes. Alternately,you may comment to the Board by a written communication, which the Board appreciates.
Consent Calendar. All items on the Consent Calendar may be approved without discussion by one motion. Board members, the
General Manager, and members q/'the public-may request that an item be removed fromthe Consent Calendar during consideration
of the Consent Calendar.
�
'
Muting }0-0q Page
� In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need assistance to participate in this meeting, please
� contact the District Clerk m(65[)60|-|2OO. Notification 48 hours prior nn the meeting will enable the District to make
reasonable arrangements m ensure accessibility m this meeting.
Written mmoriu\a relating to an item on this Agenda that are considered m buapublic record and are distributed to 8nmd
members less than 72 hours prior to the meeting, will be available for public inspection at the District's Administrative
Office located m3]ODistd Circle, Los Altos, California 94022.
CERTIFICATION OF POSTING OF AGENDA
1, Anna Duong, Acting District Clerk for the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District(MROSD), declare that the
foregoing agenda for the March 17, 2010 Special Meeting of the MROSD Board of Directors was posted and available for
review ou March ||,20|0n,the Administrative Offices ofh1RD8D, 330Dige|Circle, Los Altos,California,94O22. The
agenda ia also available onthe District's web site athttp_j//www.Qpe���-
Signed,his |lth day o[March,20\0 at Los Altos, California.
Actin- District Clerk Date: March It,20 10
Claims No. 10-06
Meeting 10-09
Date 3/17/10
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
# Amount Name Description
12289 $3,674,000.00 ## Old Republic Title Company Land Acquisition-POST Lobitos Ridge Property
12290 $10,500.00 Go Native District Wide Vegetation Management
12291 $4,453.34 S&M Commercial Body Body Repairs On Maintenance Truck
12292 3 595.00 ATS-S ecialized$ Heavy Equipment Refresher Training
P vY9
12293 $3,044.73 Shute,Mihaly&Weinberger LLP Legal Services-ECDM Staging Area And Trails Improvement
Project
12294 $2,998.63 Trail Services Rigging Equipment And Tools For Trail Construction&
Renovation At ECDM
12295 $1,917.50 Normal Data Water Rights Database Development
12296 $1,375.49 Sol's Mobile Service Vehicle Repairs&Service
12297 $1,023.67 Carpenter Rigging Of San Jose Supplies For Stream Restoration-RSA
12298 $1,012.74 Summit Uniforms Uniform Expenses
12299 $773.30 CPS Skills Test For Admin/HR Manager
12300 $704.55 Gilroy Motorcycle Center Supplemental Equipment For ATV
12301 $700.00 Aaron's Septic Tank Service Pumping Services-Deer Hollow Farm
12302 $695.76 Commuter Check Services Commuter Check Program-Transit Passes
12303 $600.00 Heather Heights Road Association 2009 Road Dues
12304 $555.00 County Of San Mateo Human Effective Business Writing Training/Powerful Telephone Skills
Resources Department Training
12305 $547.36 Accountemps Accounting Temp
12306 $431.01 Palo Alto Upholstery Reupholster And Repair One Maintenance Truck
12307 $423.20 Rice Trucking-Soil Farm Rock Delivery For Trail Repairs At Pulgas Ridge
12308 $378.06 Stanton, Eric Reimbursement-Uniform Expenses
12309 $297.50 Jobs Available Recruitment Ad-Senior Management Analyst
12310 $236.00 Cupertino Medical Group Employee Medical Services
12311 $229.43 Cotterel,Scott Reimbursement-Uniform Expense
12312 $211.95 Lampson Tractor Grease&Oil For Tractors
12313 $206.13 West Payment Center Legal Research Fees
12314 $171.59 The Workingman's Emporium Uniform Expenses
12315 $165.47 Recology Garbage Service-AO
12316 $161.95 Allied Waste Services Garbage Service-Rental Residence
12317 $153.75 Ergo Vera Ergonomic Evaluations
12318 $118.65 Davison,Steve Reimbursement-Uniform Expenses
12319 $74.63 California Water Service Company Water Service-Rental Residences
12320 $74.12 Target Specialty Products Landscaping Supplies
12321 $50.00 '1 Santa Clara County Clerk Recorders Filing Fee-Environmental Clearance For Fuels Reduction Project
Office
12322 $37.54 Firestone Complete Auto Care Tires For Patrol Truck
12323 $37.25 Madco Welding Wire
12324 $15.00 Tires On The Go Tires
Total $3,711,970.30
*1 Urgent check issued 3/10/10
## In the event agenda item is not
approved,this claim will not be
processed
Page 1 of 1
i
Claims No. 10-06
Meeting 10-09
Date 3/17/10
Revised
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
# Amount Name Description
12289 $3,674,000.00 ## Old Republic Title Company Land Acquisition-POST Lobitos Ridge Property
12290 $10,500.00 Go Native District Wide Vegetation Management
12291 $4,453.34 S&M Commercial Body Body Repairs On Maintenance Truck
12292 $3,595.00 ATS-Specialized Heavy Equipment Refresher Training
12293 $3,044.73 Shute, Mihaly&Weinberger LLP Legal Services-ECDM Staging Area And Trails Improvement
Project
12294 $2,998.63 Trail Services Rigging Equipment And Tools For Trail Construction&
Renovation At ECDM
12295 $1,917.50 Normal Data Water Rights Database Development
12296 $1,375.49 Sol's Mobile Service Vehicle Repairs&Service
12297 $1,023.67 Carpenter Rigging Of San Jose Supplies For Stream Restoration-RSA
12298 $1,012.74 Summit Uniforms Uniform Expenses
12299 $773.30 CPS Skills Test For Admin/HR Manager
12300 $704.55 Gilroy Motorcycle Center Supplemental Equipment For ATV
12301 $700.00 Aaron's Septic Tank Service Pumping Services-Deer Hollow Farm
12302 $695.76 Commuter Check Services Commuter Check Program-Transit Passes
12303 $600.00 Heather Heights Road Association 2009 Road Dues
12304 $555.00 County Of San Mateo Human Effective Business Writing Training/Powerful Telephone Skills
Resources Department Training
12305 $547.36 Accountemps Accounting Temp
12306 $431.01 Palo Alto Upholstery Reupholster And Repair One Maintenance Truck
12307 $423.20 Rice Trucking-Soil Farm Rock Delivery For Trail Repairs At Pulgas Ridge
12308 $378.06 Stanton, Eric Reimbursement-Uniform Expenses
12309 $297.50 Jobs Available Recruitment Ad-Senior Management Analyst
12310 $236.00 Cupertino Medical Group Employee Medical Services
12311 $229.43 Cotterel,Scott Reimbursement-Uniform Expense
12312 $211.95 Lampson Tractor Grease&Oil For Tractors
12313 $206.13 West Payment Center Legal Research Fees
12314 $171.59 The Workingman's Emporium Uniform Expenses
12315 $165.47 Recology Garbage Service-AO
12316 $161.95 Allied Waste Services Garbage Service-Rental Residence
12317 $153.75 Ergo Vera Ergonomic Evaluations
12318 $118.65 Davison,Steve Reimbursement-Uniform Expenses
12319 $74.63 California Water Service Company Water Service-Rental Residences
12320 $74.12 Target Specialty Products Landscaping Supplies
12321 $50.00 *1 Santa Clara County Clerk Recorders Filing Fee-Environmental Clearance For Fuels Reduction Project
Office
12322 $37.54 Firestone Complete Auto Care Tires For Patrol Truck
12323 $37.25 Madco Welding Wire
12324 $15.00 Tires On The Go Tires
12325 R $5,479.34 *2 Home Depot Field Supplies/AO Landscaping Project Supplies/Drill&Drill
Bits/Ridged Planer&Planer Knives/Grinding Discs/All Season
Bulbs/ Hammer Bits/Batteries/Rental Residence Supplies-
Faucet, Paint,Carpet Cleaning Kit,Shower Door
12326 R $5,000.00 Fresno Mobile Radio FCC License For Two-Way Radio Frequency
12327 R $4,500.00 Foothill-DeAnza Foundation Wildlife Corridor Study
12328 R $2,621.56 *3 KBM Workspace Deposit-Office Furniture
12329 R $2,060.25 *4 Santa Clara County Clerk Recorder Filing Of Negative Declaration For White Oaks Trail Rehabilitation
12330 R $2,047.84 Office Depot Office Supplies/Break Room Supplies/Six Office Chairs-FFO/
Copy Paper/Panel Hook For Cubicles/CD Rom Sheets/
Lapdesk With Light
12331 R $1,072.50 Normal Data Consulting Services-Weeds Database Development
Page 1 of 2
I
Claims No. 10-06
Meeting 10-09
Date 3/17/10
Revised
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
# Amount Name Description
12332 R $534.66 G.P. Sports Motorcycle Repair&Service
12333 R $178.73 Green Waste Garbage Service-SFO
12334 R $167.98 Miller,Ken Reimbursement-Uniform Expense
12335 R $119.95 Reed,Steve Reimbursement-Uniform Expense
12336 R $110.11 Forestry Suppliers Stream Gauge For Alpine Pond
12337 R $86.31 Perez,Mike Reimbursement-Uniform Expense
12338 R $37.50 Hapke,Alexander Reimbursement-Membership Dues
12339 R $27,50 Paterson, Loro Reimbursement-Membership Dues
12340 R $18.75 Malone, Brian Reimbursement-Membership Dues
Total $3,736,033.28
*1 Urgent check issued 3/10/10
*2 Urgent check issued 3/15/10
'3 Urgent check issued 3/15/10
'4 Urgent check issued 3/15/10
I
## In the event agenda item is not
approved,this claim will not be
processed
Page 2 of 2
i
Midpeninsula Regional
Open Space District
R-10-32
Meeting 10-09
March 17, 2010
AGENDA ITEM 4
AGENDA ITEM
Approval of the Proposed Purchase of the Peninsula Open Space Trust Lobitos Ridge Property
located at 2050 Purisima Creek Road in unincorporated San Mateo County (Assessor's Parcel
Number 066-230-030) as an addition to Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve;
Adoption of the Preliminary Use and Management Plan; and Approval of a Categorical
Exemption in Accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act.
GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Determine that the recommended actions are categorically exempt from the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as set out in this report.
2. Adopt the attached Resolution authorizing the purchase of the Peninsula Open Space
Trust Lobitos Ridge Property and approving the related Assignments of Leases of the
Property.
3. Adopt the Preliminary Use and Management Plan contained in this report.
4. Designate the Property as an addition to Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve.
5. Withhold dedication of the Property as public open space at this time.
SUMMARY
The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (District) is proposing to purchase the
approximately 340-acre Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) -Lobitos Ridge property, at a price
not to exceed $3,675,000. As part of this transaction, the District is also proposing to continue
leasing portions of the property to existing tenants: one grazing tenant, one agricultural tenant,
and two residential tenants. The following report presents a description of the POST Lobitos
Ridge property, the Coastside Protection Plan process, a Preliminary Use and Management Plan,
the environmental review, the purchase terms and conditions, and financial considerations.
R-10-32 Page 2
DISCUSSION
The 340-acre POST property being considered for purchase by the District is located next to
Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve (Preserve) off Purisima Creek Road,
approximately I '/,. miles east of Highway I (Cabrillo Highway) and approximately 7 miles
southeast by road of the city of Half Moon Bay. POST purchased the property from the Beffa
family in 2004. The property is within the Coastside Protection Area, an area that was annexed
into the District boundaries in 2004.
Property Description (see attached map)
The POST Lobitos Ridge property provides a natural extension of the open space preserve
system since it is located in between the POST Blue Brush Canyon and UC Elkus Uplands
additions to Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve (the Preserve) purchased by the
District in 2009 (see R-09-78 and R-09-91). The coastal landscape of the Lobitos Ridge property
consists of grazed rolling grasslands, steep brushy canyons, productive row crop land, and lush
creek corridors that represent the great diversity of the coastal San Mateo County. The La
Honda Fault crosses the easternmost portion of the property in a north/south direction. Rising to
a height of just over 900 feet, the property possesses unparalleled views of the coastline and the
western Santa Cruz Mountains. It includes part of the entirety of Lobitos Ridge, a prominent and
imposing ridgeline extending from the Preserve west to the coastal lowlands, separating the
watersheds of Purisima Creek to the north and Lobitos Creek to the south. This ridgeline is
central to the open, rural landscape of the region, whether seen from the Preserve or Highway I
and the coastal lowlands below. Likewise, views of the ocean and lowland from the ridge are
spectacular.
Resource inventories performed by POST, consultants and District staff have revealed a wide
variety of plant and animal habitats. The property is dominated by open grasslands with
scattered native perennial grasses and coastal scrub, with riparian woodlands shading the creeks.
The property has moderate populations of invasive thistles and velvet grass, both undesirable
weeds.
With approximately '/4 mile of perennial stream frontage, three small stock ponds, and several
seeps, the property possesses significant watershed and riparian values. The middle watershed of
Purisima and Lobitos Creeks originate on this property. Forming the part of the approximate
southern property line, Lobitos Creek is a free-flowing stream known to host steelhead trout
despite the presence of two known fish passage barriers at Verde Road and Highway 1. Pockets
of spawning gravels and young-of-the-year steelhead or resident rainbow trout were observed in
a recent California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) stream survey. According to CDFG
staff, if fish passage barriers were ever removed Lobitos Creek has excellent restoration potential
for the benefit of steelhead trout. Large resident rainbow trout have also been documented in
Purisima Creek, which crosses the property near its northern boundary. However, Purisima
Creek is blocked at its mouth by a bedrock waterfall and therefore does not support fish that
migrate between fresh and salt water such as steelhead trout.
The Lobitos Ridge property provides a rich resource for many wild animals, including mammals
such as mountain lions, coyotes, bobcats and dusky-footed woodrats. Predatory birds including
red-tailed hawks, Cooper's hawks and sharp-shinned hawks and loggerhead shrikes frequent this
R-10-32 Page 3
landscape. In addition, a wide variety of songbirds are found on the property. The seasonal
ponds provide potential breeding habitat for the rare and threatened California red-legged frog.
Current Use and Development
Prior to POST's 2004 purchase, the property was owned by the Beffa family who had occupied
the property for over 50 years. The property has been in continuous use as a farm for
approximately 140 years. The property was historically used for dairy farming and dry farming
of peas, beans, corn, grain, and hay. Small scale oil production also occurred on the property,
discussed further below. The ranch is currently used for beef cattle grazing, irrigated row crop
agriculture, and residential purposes.
Vehicular access to the lower property is directly from Purisima Creek Road. The main road that
accesses the upper ridgeline originates on recently purchased District properties (the former
POST Bluebrush Canyon and UC Elkus Uplands properties). In general, the existing seasonal
ranch roads on and accessing the property are in good condition and do not show signs of
significant soil erosion. Under the terms of the existing lease, which will be assigned to the
District as part of the property purchase, the grazing tenant is obligated to repair and maintain all
roads used for the grazing operation and to prevent and control erosion resulting from their use.
Mr. Vince Fontana runs a cow/calf operation on the portion of the Lobitos Ridge property south
of Purisima Creek in combination with the District's UC Elkus Uplands addition to the Preserve.
Water for cattle is provided at a natural spring near the northern corner of the property, and at the
property's three stock ponds. Since the Lobitos Ridge property does not have corral facilities,
the lessee uses a set of corrals located off the property. Adequate fencing is present along the
property perimeter. In addition to maintaining the roads used by the grazing operation, Mr.
Fontana also maintains the property's fencing and ponds.
The Ochoa family, an existing residential tenant, also leases approximately 7 acres along
Purisima Creek Road for irrigated row crop agriculture, primarily cut flowers. This area
represents the first actively farmed prime agricultural land being proposed for District purchase
on the San Mateo Coast. The District already owns and leases several other agricultural
properties in commercial use, including several Christmas tree farms, a chestnut orchard, and
vineyards.
A number of existing farm-related structures and improvements are found near Purisima Creek,
with no structures on the Lobitos Creek side of the property. Agricultural irrigation
infrastructure is present, and separate agricultural and residential water pumps draw water
directly from Purisima Creek. Buildings on the property include a two-story farmhouse (circa
T sheds of varying 7 sizes.
several wood-frame s
1$70), single-story cottage (1925), barn, garage, and se y >;
Both residences are occupied by residential tenants, as discussed further under Terms and
Conditions.
With the passage of time, a significant amount of debris and deferred maintenance had
accumulated on the property. POST agreed to initiate repair work before transfer of the property
to the District. In 2009, as part of POST's pre-repair efforts, a historic architect and cultural
resources consultant conducted evaluations of the historic and cultural resource significance of
the farm area. The portions of the property adjacent to Purisima Creek are considered highly or
R 10_32 Page e 4
moderately sensitive for prehistoric archaeological resources. An archaeological monitor was
present during initial ground-disturbing activities associated with the repair project to assist in
identifying prehistoric resources if any were found.
Based upon the Historic Resources Report, the 1.870's farmhouse appears to be historically
significant as a rare example of a simple vernacular styled Victorian-era farmhouse. It is one of
the few remaining farmhouses from this era near the former town of Purisima. The farmhouse is
also representative of local construction methods, as it was constructed using redwood (likely
locally milled) and features an unusual redwood stump foundation which is amazingly well
preserved considering its age. The barn is the only other building on the property which may
have historical significance, since it is typical of other historic barns in the area and supports the
farmhouse's historic significance as an example of a Victorian-era farm on the San Mateo Coast.
Originally used as a cow barn, it appears to have been built in the late nineteenth century, and
has been little altered since its original construction.
In October 2009, at POST's request, the San Mateo County Historic Resources Advisory Board
(HRAB) added the farmhouse to the County General Plan's Historic and Archaeological
xdesignated
7
t d historic
list, an proposal affec
ting the desl na e
Resources Inventory. Once included on the It, y p p �, 1v
resource must first be reviewed by the H P
HRAB and impacts to historic integrity assessed.
Resources listed on the Inventory are eligible for special consideration by the State Historical
Building Code, which recognizes and endorses the case-by-case use of custom construction
solutions where strict compliance with standard building code regulations would negatively
affect the resource's historic appearance or trigger full code upgrade of the structure.
POST's repair measures were reviewed by the HRAB, comply with the State Historic Building
Code, and were designed to meet the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Historic
Rehabilitation.
POST has addressed the most pressing maintenance needs, with the support and assistance of
District Real Property and Planning Department staff"as well as POST's tenants. As discussed in
the Terms and Conditions section of this report, a condition of the purchase is POST's
satisfactory completion of this maintenance and repair work. The farmhouse foundation,
windows, siding, and roof have undergone repair and a heating system is being added. The
farmhouse's sole bathroom, which was contained within a dilapidated later building addition, is
being completely replaced with a new bathroom and laundry room. The barn is being cleaned up
and stabilized. New septic tanks and leach fields were installed for both residences. A water
treatment system and a 5,000 gallon water storage tank were installed, providing potable water to
both residences. A number of run down outbuildings were demolished and debris was cleaned
up. All repairs are being performed with appropriate County permits and POST is employing
coastside contractors where possible.
The property is within the Half Moon Bay Oil Field, one of several known oil fields in San
Mateo County. The lands near the farm buildings along Purisima Creek Road were the site of
exploration and small scale petroleum production first starting in the early 1920's. One well was
properly capped and abandoned upon drilling in 1947, and two others were properly capped and
abandoned in the mid-1980's. At District staff s request, in 2008 POST completed the capping
and formal abandonment of the remaining fourth defunct oil well, consistent with the procedures
R-10-32 Page 5
established by the State Department of Conservation, Division of Oil, Gas and Geothermal
Resources.
An adjacent neighbor and the residential tenants currently ride their horses on the property
formal authorization from POST
. After purchasing the property, staff anticipates
without o p g p P Y� p
working with tenants and neighbors to obtain required District access permits with terms meeting
the District's typical neighbor use requirements.
Potential Future Use and Development
Although not proposed for consideration at this time, the property could potentially be opened
for low-intensity recreational use and integrated into the overall District trail system in the future
after the long-term planning process is completed, unless precluded by environmental,
agricultural or other constraints identified during this process. The District's 1998 Regional
Open Space Study shows a potential regional trail connection in the vicinity of the property that
may someday provide a link between the Bay Area Ridge Trail in the Preserve and the California
Coastal Trail currently under construction along the coastal bluff tops to the west.
Coast
side Protection Program Process
As part of the annexation process, the Service Plan and subsequent conditions approved by
LAFCo established a number of policies and procedures for conducting the Coastside Protection
Program. The Program now guides the District's purchase, use and management of open space
land within the Coastside Protection Area. The proposed purc
hase of the Lobi os Ridge prop
erty
described in this Report and the accompanying Preliminary Use and Management Plan are
consistent with the policies and procedures contained in the Program.
The Coastside Protection Program requires consultation with interested public agencies, officials
and interested organizations to solicit input into the planning process prior to the Board's
consideration of purchasing the property. On January 19, 2009, District staff met and consulted
n Mateo Count Farm
rm Bureau who generally supported the project and provided
with the San y g y pp p J
information about past agricultural use of the property. On December 16, 2008, the project was
presented to the San Mateo County Agricultural Advisory Committee where it was generally
supported. District Staff assured both the Farm Bureau and the Agricultural Advisory
Committee that agricultural concerns would be carefully considered in future planning for the
property, and that the decision making process would include numerous opportunities for their
participation p
ation and input.
' 1 Property Committee a standing committee of the Board of Directors, held a
The District's Rea o
p Y � g
meeting near the property (within the Coastside Protection Area) with neighbors and interested
members of the public in order to familiarize them with the property and to receive public input
on the proposed purchase of the property. This meeting was held on January 22, 2009 after
notice was widely distributed to property owners of land located adjacent to or surrounding the
property, Coastside public officials, community-interest groups, non-profit land trusts,
conservation-oriented organizations, elected officials, government agencies and government-
sponsored organizations within the Coastside Protection Area. Over 20 members of the public
attended the meeting. At the meeting, staff described the property and how it would be managed
as a natural extension of the adjacent Preserve, the proposed preliminary use and management
plan for the property, and the terms of the proposed purchase.
R-10-32 Page 6
USE AND MANAGEMENT
Planning Considerations
To preserve the Bay Area's natural features and open spaces, the Association of Bay Area
Governments (ABAG), through their FOCUS Program, has partnered with land trusts, open
space districts, parks and recreation departments, and local jurisdictions to identify areas of
regional significance that have broad community support and an urgent need for protection to be
designated as Priority Conservation Areas (PCAs) for the region. FOCUS is an incentive-based
regional development and conservation strategy that promotes a more compact land use pattern
for the Bay Area. The "Lobitos Ridge Corridor" is identified as a priority for conservation
because of the regional trail linkage potential and its rural and agricultural character.
The property is comprised of one legal parcel and has a potential development density of three
residential sites. Development of the property for residential purposes would be feasible, as
much of the property is accessible and there are many relatively level building sites along or near
ridgetops. Within close proximity are numerous homes visible from, and close by, Purisima
Creek Road on one to twenty acres of land. The property's upper ridgelines are visible from the
Cabrillo Highway (Highway 1), a state-designated Scenic Highway.
The current San Mateo County General Plan designation for the property is Agriculture, and the
zoning is Planned Agricultural District/ Coastal Development (PAD/CD). Adjacent private
properties to the northeast, southwest and south are also zoned PAD/CD. District staff requested
that San Mateo County review the conformity of the District's proposed property purchase with
the County General Plan. Because the General Plan land use designation is Agriculture, the
conformity review was referred to the San Mateo County Agricultural Advisory Committee. On
December 16, 2008, District staff made a presentation about the property purchase to this
Committee. On January 28, 2009, the San Mateo County Planning Commission conducted its
conformity review and found the purchase in conformance with the General Plan.
According to the California Department of Conservation's Farmland Mapping and Monitoring
Program (FMMP) 2008 update, the property contains approximately 5.75 acres of Prime
Farmland, 1.4 acres of Farmland of Statewide Importance, and 0.3 acres of Farmland of Local
Importance. Lands with these designations correspond to the areas currently used for irrigated
row crops. San Mateo County soils maps show that about 7 acres along Purisima Creek meet the
County Local Coastal Plan/ District Coastal Service Plan definition of"Prime Agriculture"
moderately to highly suited to the cultivation of truck and field crops. The Preliminary Use and
Management Plan contained in this report specifies that the District will continue to lease the
prime agricultural land on the property for irrigated row crops. District staff is working with an
agricultural management consultant to prepare a comprehensive Agricultural Production Plan for
the property for future District Board of Directors review and consideration, after soliciting
public input and consulting with coastside agricultural experts. This effort will be coordinated
with the District-wide agricultural policy development planned for 2010.
Regarding the FMMP designation for the balance of the property, approximately 252 acres are
shown as suitable for grazing, with the remainder shown as "other lands" comprised of steep
scrublands. Although some of the ridge lands suitable for grazing may have been dry farmed
R-10-32 Page 7
historically, these lands are currently fallowed with no obvious farming infrastructure present.
The Preliminary Use and Management Plan contained in this report specifies that the District
will continue to lease the balance of property for conservation grazing to maintain and enhance
native biodiversity, reduce wildfire risk by controlling fuel loads, and promote the local,
historical agriculture economy. District staff is preparing a Rangeland Management Plan for the
g Y p p g €�
Board review and consideration after soliciting tenant and public input. The
property for future , g p p
Rangeland Management Plan will be coordinated with a long term grazing lease for the Lobitos
Ridge property in conjunction with the 450-acre UC Elkus Ranch Uplands property purchased in
2009. It is anticipated that this Rangeland Management Plan and long term lease will be
presented to the Board in fall 2010.
POST commissioned a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment prior to purchase and District
staff has conducted due diligence investigations and inspections of the property, including a
review of San Mateo County's property records and files. No information of concern was noted
in reviewing this information.
The low-lying ground near Purisima Creek is potentially subject to seasonal flooding and is
within a FEMA-designated 100-year flood zone. Although the current tenants do not recall the
property improvements being threatened by flooding, certain improvements appear to fall within
this zone. Staff is researching the costs and benefits of flood insurance for this property. Such
insurance may be available through the federal flood insurance program.
The 1985 Purisima Creek Adjudication Decree No. 278007 and subsequent modifications (the
Decree) authorizes the owners of the Lobitos Ridge property to use the waters of Purisima Creek
and its tributaries, though the water must be used in accordance with the restrictions in the
Decree. For the Lobitos Ridge property, the Decree authorized first priority rights to 333 1/3
gallons per day for domestic use, including use for domestic animals. When the flow of
Purisima Creek at the Purisima Creek Road upper bridge exceeds 0.750 cubic feet per second,
second priority users may take water. The Decree authorized second priority rights to an
additional 333 1/3 gallons per day for domestic use, and to 10,900 gallons per day to irrigate 13.4
acres. The property has one diversion point indicated on the Decree's map. The property's
domestic water system currently collects water directly from Purisima Creek, treats it, and stores
it on-site in tanks for later use. An agricultural pump collects water from Purisima Creek for
irrigation purposes.
Preliminary Use and Management Plan (Next Steps)
The principal purpose of the Preliminary Use and Management Plan is to establish a status quo
approach to land management to be effective in the interim between purchase and the completion
of a subsequent long-term plan. This plan outlines the uses that can occur on this property in the
near term, the management methods for ensuring their compatibility with each other and with
neighboring properties. It also outlines actions to protect and balance the agricultural and natural
resource potential, and initiate activities needed to inform long term planning and management.
The Preliminary Use and Management Plan below will take effect upon the close of escrow, and
remain effective until a long-term plan is developed for the property. The Preliminary Use and
Management Plan includes continuation of grazing under the provisions of a grazing lease,
continuation of agriculture under the provisions of an agricultural lease, continuation of
R-10-32 Page 8
residential uses as two month to month rentals, resource management, posting signs, securing the
site, and removing structures that are not necessary for management of the property or on-going
grazing operations, as described more fully below.
All mitigation measures contained in the Coastside EIR are incorporated into this Preliminary
Use and Management Plan.
Name: Designate the property as an addition to Purisima Creek Redwoods Open
Space Preserve.
Per the Purchase Agreement, for a limited period, allow POST to name one
specific location, land formation, trail, natural and physical feature, staging
area or other area of significance within the property, consistent with the
District's "Policy for Site Naming and Gift Recognition".
Public Access: Designate the property as closed to the public. Issue tenant and neighbor
permits on a case-by-case basis allowing hiking and equestrian use
consistent with historical use patterns. Allow Docent-led hikes, after
evaluating the compatibility of limited public access in light of existing on-
site factors including agriculture, natural resources, neighbor concerns,
temporary parking/staging needs, and road and trail conditions.
Signs and Site Install private property, closed area and preserve boundary signs where
Security: appropriate.
Structures and Rent the residential structures under District month-to-month residential
Improvements: rental agreements. Monitor POST's completion of the structure and
improvement repair work currently in progress. Preserve the historic
integrity of the farmhouse and barn. Maintain the residences in a habitable
condition. Maintain the existing water system providing domestic, irrigation,
and stock watering in serviceable condition. Comply with any applicable
requirements of the Purisima Creek Stream Adjudication.
Resource Conduct a detailed resource assessment of the property, covering such topics
Management: as vegetation management and special status plants and animals. Use
conservation grazing, consistent with the Rangeland Management Plan, as a
vegetation management tool to reduce invasive weeds and encourage native
grasses within the property's grasslands. Conduct other interim invasive
plant and animal management activities consistent with the District's policies
and practices.
Rangeland Continue grazing under the existing grazing lease being assigned to the
Management: District. Upon preparation of a Rangeland Management Plan and before
lease expiration, enter into a long-term conservation grazing lease in
accordance with the District's Coastside Service Plan, the District's Grazing
Management Policy, and the Rangeland Management Plan. Present the
long-term grazing lease and Rangeland Management Plan for future review
R-10-32 Page 9
and approval by the District Board of Directors.
Prime Continue cultivation of agricultural crops under the existing agricultural
Agricultural lease being assigned to the District. Upon preparation of a comprehensive
Land: Agricultural Production Plan, enter into a long-term agricultural lease in
accordance with the District's Coastside Service Plan and the District's
Agricultural Policies. Present the long-term agricultural lease and
agricultural production plan for future review and approval by the District
Board of Directors.
Patrol: Regularly patrol the property utilizing existing ranch roads and patrol
easements.
Wildfire Fuel Conduct conservation grazing, as noted above, as well as other standard
Management: District-wide fuel management practices. Further assess plant communities
on the property to determine wildfire management needs and consult with
San Mateo County and the California Department of Forestry and Fire
Protection in developing site-specific fuel modification and management
program as part of the subsequent planning process.
Roads and Keep existing primary roads for seasonal use in coordination with the
Trails: grazing tenant. Implement maintenance and minor erosion and sediment
control measures for access roads in accordance with District and Service
Plan standards. Prepare a more detailed road and trail assessment of the
entire property as part of the subsequent planning process.
Fences and Install, maintain, and repair existing gates and fences specified in the
Gates: Rangeland Management Plan as necessary to prevent unwanted livestock
movement onto adjacent private property and into other areas of Purisima
Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve. Working with the tenant, fence
sensitive riparian corridors to minimize the impacts of cattle access to the
stream corridor, while maintaining a watering source for livestock. Install
new fences and gates as necessary to prevent unauthorized vehicular entry at
the property boundaries.
Coastside Operate and manage the property in conformity with the provisions of the
Service Plan: Service Plan for the Coastside Protection Program.
Dedication: Withhold dedication the property as public open space at this time. Study
timing of dedication and potential disposition of prime agricultural lands to
promote continuance of agricultural use as part of subsequent planning
process.
Subsequent Develop a long-term plan for the property and any additions to Purisima
Planning: Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve, including more detailed plans for
grazing, resource management, public access, road and trail management,
agricultural production, and wildland fuel and fire management. Since the
R-1 0-32 Page 10
property is within the Coastside Protection Area and is subject to the Service
Plan, the process for developing a long-term plan involves conducting more
detailed resource assessments to inform resource management, range
management, and public access plans including consultation with interested
government officials, agencies and organizations; and an extensive public
input process. The long-term plan will be subject to further environmental
assessment under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
CEQA COMPLIANCE
Project Description
The project consists of the acquisition of a 340-acre property as an addition to the District's open
space preserve system and the concurrent adoption of a Preliminary Use and Management Plan
for the property. The land will be permanently preserved as open space and maintained in a
natural condition. The historic resources present on the property will be preserved. The property
will be closed to the public. The majority of the property will continue to be leased for cattle
grazing. A 7-acre portion will continue to be leased for farming as irrigated cropland. The two
residences will continue to be rented. The structure and improvement repairs currently underway
will be completed, including farmhouse and barn repair measures designed to be consistent with
the Secretary of Interior's Standards for Historic Building Rehabilitation. Minor resource and
wildfire fuel management activities will occur and existing ranch roads will be maintained
according to District standards.
No decisions are being made now about future changes to use, management or improvements
proposed for the property. Ultimately, the property will be included in a future long-term plan
for the Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve, which would be subject to further
public input and subsequent environmental review. The outcome of this future decision making
process is speculative at this time.
In accordance with the Coastal Service Plan, the project incorporates all of the Coastside EIR
mitigation measures that apply to land purchases within the Coastside Protection Area and is
subject to the Coastal EIR mitigation monitoring program.
CEQA Determination
The District concludes that this project will not have a significant effect on the environment. It is
categorically exempt from CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act) under Article 19,
Sections 15301, 15316, 15317, 15325, 15331, and 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines as
follows:
Section 15301 exempts operation, repair, restoration, maintenance, permitting, leasing,
licensing or minor alteration of existing public or private structures, facilities, mechanical
equipment, or topographical features, involving negligible or no expansion of use beyond
that existing at the time of the lead agency's determination. The Preliminary Use and
Management Plan specifies the property will be operated and maintained in a natural
condition and there will be no expansion of use. The property will be closed to the public;
residential uses, irrigated row crops and cattle grazing will continue; minor resource and
wildfire fuel management activities will occur; existing ranch roads will be maintained
R-10-32 Page I
according to District standards. The repairs currently in progress will be completed to address
current standards of public health and safety and the residences will be maintained in a
habitable condition.
Section 15316 exempts the acquisition of land in order to create parks if the site is in a
natural condition and the management plan proposes to keep the area in a natural condition.
The Preliminary Use and Management Plan specifies that the land will not be developed and
will remain in a natural condition.
Section 15317 exempts the acceptance of fee interests in order to maintain the open space
character of an area. The District will acquire fee interest and maintain the open space
character of the area. No new development is proposed as part of this project.
Section 15325 exempts transfers of ownership of interests in land in order to preserve open
space and historical resources, and to allow continued agricultural use to occur. This
acquisition will transfer fee ownership of the property to the District and ensure that the open
space will be preserved, that continued agricultural use will occur, and that the historic
resources will be preserved by implementing the Preliminary Use and Management Plan and
by incorporating it into the District's open space preserve system.
Section 15331 exempts projects consisting of maintenance, repair, stabilization,
rehabilitation, or reconstruction of historical resources in a manner consistent with the
Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Historic Buildings. The farmhouse repair work
currently in progress is consistent with this standard.
This proposed purchase qualifies under these five sections. The project is also exempt under
section 15061(b)(3), as there is no possibility the actions may have a significant effect on the
environment.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
The purchase price for the 340-acre POST property is $3,075,000, or approximately $9,044 per
acre. The purchase price is supported by an independent appraisal commissioned by the District
determining the fair market value of the property to be $3,675,000. As part of this transaction,
POST has agreed to complete repairs and improvements to the two residential structures and
associated infrastructure located on the property (discussed in detail on page 4 of this report) at a
cost not to exceed $600,000. These funds will be held in an escrow impound account and
released upon completion of all required work and finalization of County permits. It is
anticipated that these improvements will be complete and County building permits signed off no
later than September 2010.
The two residential tenants for the farm house and cottage are currently under month-to-month
rental agreements with POST that will terminate at close of escrow, and will be replaced with the
District's standard monthly residential agreements under substantially the same terms. The
residential agreements will be entered into under the General Manager's authority.
R-10-32 Page 12
Two agricultural tenants currently lease the property from POST. As part of this transaction,
POST's grazing lease with Vince Fontana will be assigned to the District. Staff is preparing a
Rangeland Management Plan and long term District grazing lease to replace the existing lease
which expires on August 19, 2010. POST's agricultural lease with the Ochoa family for the 7
acres of irrigated row crop farming will also be assigned to the District. Similarly, staff is
preparing an Agricultural Production Plan and lease to replace the existing lease which expires
on October 31, 2010. The Ochoa family is also the residential tenant occupying the farm house.
The Rangeland Management Plan and Lease and the Agricultural Production Plan and Lease will
be presented to the Board for approval at meeting later this year.
POST's April 2004 Purchase and Sale Agreement included a provision allowing the Beffa family
to erect a monument of Beffa's design and at Beffa's sole cost at a location mutually acceptable
to Beffa and POST. This family monument was installed on the property on a ridgeline visible
from Purisima Creek Road. Under the terms of that Agreement, Beffa is responsible for upkeep
of the monument, and POST is to afford reasonable access for this purpose. Beffa is to
indemnify POST for any claims arising from entry on the property. At its election, POST can
require Beffa to provide insurance. There is also a termination provision in the event Beffa
defaults in their obligations regarding upkeep of the monument, in which case POST has the
right to remove the monument. Upon the District's purchase of the property, all rights and
obligations of POST related to the monument will be assumed by the District.
The purchase agreement also includes a covenant that provides POST a period of five years to
recognize significant donors through the naming of a specific location, land formation, trail, or
other natural feature on the property, in accordance with the District's "Policies for Site Naming
and Gift Recognition".
BUDGET CONSIDERATIONS
FY2009-10 Budget for New Land Purchases:
New Land Budget $20,100,000
Less:
Land purchase commitments this fiscal year ($11,315,000)
POST Lobitos Ride property urchase $ 3,675,000)
New Land Purchase Budget Remaining $ 5,110,000
Controller M. Foster was consulted on this proposed purchase and has indicated that, considering
cash flow and account balances, funds are available for this property purchase.
Grants
District staff applied for purchase funding assistance from two state grant programs. In 2008, the
District applied for and was awarded a grant of$500,000 from the Anadromous Salmonids/Trout
Habitat category of the Habitat Conservation Fund to assist with either the purchase of the Lobitos
Ridge or the adjacent Blue Brush Canyon property now owned by the District.
R-10-32 Page 13
In 2007, District staff requested a Proposition 84 grant from the California State Coastal
Conservancy to purchase the Lobitos Ridge property and other nearby properties related to the
regional trail connection discussed above under Potential Future Use and Development. The
Coastal Conservancy is unable to award grant funds at this time due to the state bond freeze.
Current Coastside Protection Area Fiscal Considerations
The 340-acre property is located in the District's Coastside Protection Area. Because it is not
located within the service area of the Coastside Fire Protection District, the property is not
subject to the Agreement between San Mateo County and the District regarding fire services.
Similarly, the property is not located in the La Honda-Pescadero School District; therefore, no
fees will be payable under either Agreement as a result of the proposed purchase.
The Coastside Protection Program included a Fiscal Analysis conducted by Economics Research
Associates confirming the feasibility of implementing that Program. To ascertain whether the
conclusions made in the Fiscal Analysis are valid for this particular project, Staff has researched
the specific site conditions and expected costs associated with the proposed purchase and
subsequent management of the property. This site assessment indicated that acquisition and
management costs for the POST (Lobitos Ridge) property are expected to be consistent with the
Fiscal Analysis projections.
Furthermore, staff assessed the costs associated with this project and compared them to the
Controller's most recent 15-year projections of cash flow, property tax revenue and operating
expenses. Staff therefore concludes that purchasing and managing this property will not result in
any significant impact to the District's existing services, and that the District has the resources to
sustain this project.
PUBLIC NOTICE
An advance letter announcing the meeting date and the agenda for this public meeting, where the
Board of Directors will consider purchasing this property, have been sent to property owners of
land located adjacent to or surrounding the subject property, individuals requesting notification
about this specific property, agenda subscribers, individuals requesting notification of proposed
Coastside and Preserve projects, and Coastside public officials, community-interest groups, non-
profit land trusts, conservation-oriented organizations, elected officials, government agencies and
government-sponsored organizations within the Coastside Protection Area, as well as attendees
of the January 22, 2009 Board Real Property Committee Meeting. The agenda and this report
have been made available on the District's website. Accordingly, all notice required by the
Brown Act and the Coastal Protection Program has been provided.
NEXT STEPS
Upon approval by the Board of Directors, staff will proceed with close of escrow for the
purchase of the property, and will undertake the next steps identified in the Preliminary Use and
Management Plan contained in this report. Replacement agricultural and grazing leases, an
agricultural production plan, and a rangeland management plan will be brought to the Board for
review and consideration at a later date.
R-10-32 Page 14
Attachments:
1. Resolution
2. Exhibit A - Property Map
Prepared by:
Sandy Sommer, Senior Real Property Planner
Michael Williams, Real Property Manager
Contact person:
Sandy Sommer, Senior Real Property Planner
Graphics prepared by:
Galli Basson, Planning Technician
RESOLUTION 10-10
RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN
SPACE DISTRICT AUTHORIZING ACCEPTANCE OF PURCHASE AGREEMENT AND
ASSIGMENT OF LEASES,AUTHORIZING GENERAL MANAGER OR OTHER OFFICER TO
EXECUTE CERTIFICATE OF ACCEPTANCE OF GRANT TO DISTRICT, AND
AUTHORIZING GENERAL MANAGER TO EXECUTE ANY AND ALL OTHER
DOCUMENTS NECESSARY OR APPROPRIATE TO CLOSING OF THE TRANSACTION
(PURISIMA CREEK REDWOODS OPEN SPACE PRESERVE - LANDS OF PENINSULA OPEN
SPACE TRUST)
The Board of Directors of Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District does resolve as follows:
Section One. The Board of Directors of Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District does hereby accept
the offer contained in that certain Purchase Agreement between the Peninsula Open Space Trust and the
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, a copy of which purchase agreement is attached hereto and
by reference made a part hereof, and authorizes the President or other appropriate officer to execute the
Agreement and all related transactional documents on behalf of the District to acquire the real property
described therein ("the POST Property").
Section Two. The General Manager, President of the Board of Directors or other appropriate officer is
authorized to execute Certificate of Acceptance for the Grant Deed on behalf of the District.
Section Three. The General Manager or the General Manager's designee shall cause to be given
appropriate notice of acceptance to the seller and to extend escrow if necessary.
Section Four. The General Manager is authorized to expend up to $10,000.00 to cover the cost of title
insurance, escrow fees, and other miscellaneous costs related to this transaction.
Section Five. The General Manager and General Counsel are further authorized to approve any technical
revisions to the attached Agreement and documents which do not involve any material change to any term
of the Agreement or documents, which are necessary or appropriate to the closing or implementation of
this transaction.
Section Six. The purpose of this Section is to enable the District to reimburse its general fund for the cost
of certain land acquisitions. The District wishes to finance certain of these real property acquisitions and
expects to use tax-exempt debt, such as bonds, but a tax-exempt financing is not cost justified for the
District unless the principal amount of the financing is large enough to justify the related financing costs.
Consequently, it is the District's practice to buy property with its general funds and, when a tax-exempt
financing is cost justified based on the aggregate value of acquisitions, to issue tax-exempt obligations to
reimburse itself for previous expenditures of general funds. These general funds are needed for operating
and other working capital needs of the District and are not intended to be used to finance property
acquisitions on a long-term basis.
U.S. Income Tax Regulation Section 1.150-2 requires an issuer of tax-exempt debt to declare its intent to
use a portion of tax-exempt debt proceeds for reimbursement of expenditures prior to the payment of the
expenditures. Accordingly, the Board of Directors hereby declares its intent to issue tax-exempt
obligations in the maximum principal amount of$3,675,000.00 and to use a portion of the proceeds of the
obligations for reimbursement of District expenditures for acquisition of the POST Property that are paid
before the date of issuance of the obligation.
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Exhibit A: Proposed POST (Lobitos Ridge) Property Purchase, Midpeninsula Regional
Purisima Creek Redwoods OSP
Open Space District
Proposed Addition Watershed Land
March 2010
- MROSD Preserves ® Conservation or Agricultural
Other Protected Open Space Easement • ,
or Park Lands Other Public Agency
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Nonprofit Land MROSD Coastal Protection %file's
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Area Boundary
Midpeninsula Regional
' Open Space District
To: Board of Directors
From: Stephen E. Abbors
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Date: March 12, 2010
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Re: FYI
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Open Space'Distriict Regional For Immediate Release
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I
Date: Feb.26,2010 Contact: Leigh Ann Maze(650)691-1200 x566
MROSD approves purchase of 160 acre property in Half Moon Bay
Los Altos,California [Feb. 26,20101—The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District's board of
directors approved purchase of a 160-acre property in Half Moon Bay at a public meeting Wednesday
night.The seller,a private party,will retain ownership of the adjacent property which includes their
working Christmas tree farm. Less than two acres of the tree farm is on the land the District is purchasing,
and will be leased back to the seller to be operated as part of the tree farm.
The property is located near Highway 92 and Skyline Boulevard,an area identified as a priority for land
conservation because it serves as a gateway to the San Mateo County Coast.The District's purchase of
the property helps to preserve agriculture, rural character and scenic beauty of the Half Moon Bay area.
Protection and restoration of the natural environment are also a priority for the District,and the purchased
property provides rich and diverse habitat for wildlife.
Because the property is surrounded on all sides by private land, it will remain closed to the public for the
time being. Future land purchases will be necessary to connect it to the District's existing Mills Creek
Open Space Preserve, less than a mile away.
Created by voters in 1972,the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District has successfully protected more than 58,000 acres of
open space.The public enjoys the District's diverse and beautiful preserves 365 days a year.The District is public agency whose
mission on the Coastside is to acquire and preserve in perpetuity open space land and agricultural land of regional significance,
protect and restore the natural environment, preserve rural character, encourage viable agricultural use of land resources, and
provide opportunities for ecologically sensitive public enjoyment and education.www.openspace.org.
i
i
Midpeninsu
egio
f I Open Space iDist ict For Immediate Release
Date: March 5,2010 Contact: Leigh Ann Maze(650)691.1200 x566
MROSD to consider purchasing 340 acres near Half Moon Bay
Los Altos,California [March 5,20101—The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District is holding a
public meeting in Half Moon Bay on March 17 to consider purchasing a 340-acre property known as
Lobitos Ridge from the Peninsula Open Space Trust(POST). Please help the District inform your readers
about this meeting to be held:
March 17 at 6:30 p.m.
Coastside Fire Protection District
1191 Main Street
Half Moon Bay,CA.94019
The property is adjacent to the District's existing Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve near
Half Moon Bay,and is an important link in the goal of connecting"Purisima to the Sea"by preserving a
corridor of public open space and agricultural land from Skyline Ridge to the San Mateo County coast.
The District purchased an adjacent 260-acre property from POST in June 2009, and an adjacent 450-acre
property from the University of California in August 2009.The District hopes to add one final piece of
land to complete this project in 2011.
"Lobitos Ridge is a key link connecting public lands together that provide all of us with scenic beauty,as
well as vital necessities like clean water and locally produced food,"said District General Manager Steve
Abbors.
The District is a public agency whose mission is to preserve open space and agricultural land,protect and
restore the natural environment and provide for ecologically sensitive public recreation and education. If
purchased by the District,Lobitos Ridge would continue to be grazed and farmed,and would remain
closed until a public planning process looks at opportunities to balance public access with environmental
preservation and agriculture.
POST is a private, non-profit land trust that protects local land in order to preserve it as parks and open
space. When POST acquires a piece of land, the organization's goal is to transfer it to an entity who can
manage it in perpetuity, often to public agencies like the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District.
Prior to the meeting,an agenda will be posted to the District's Web site at www.openspace.org.
Created by voters in 1972,the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District manages more than 58,000 acres of open space.The public enjoys the
District's diverse and beautiful preserves 365 days a year.The District is a public agency,specifically a California special district,whose mission
on the Coastside is to acquire and preserve in perpetuity open space land and agricultural land of regional significance,protect and restore the
natural environment, preserve rural character, encourage viable agricultural use of land resources, and provide opportunities for ecologically
sensitive public enjoyment and education.
i ' IMidpeninsula Regional Memorandum
Open Space District
•
To: MROSD Board of Directors
CC: Interested Persons and Neighbors to Lower Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve
Through: Steve Abbors, General Manager
From: Ana Ruiz, Planning Manager
Date: March 17, 2010
Re: Update on the Parking Expansion Investigations for lower Purisima Creek
Redwoods Open Space Preserve
This memo provides an update on recent District activities to identify parking solutions to improve the
roadside parking situation along lower Purisima Creek Road near the trailhead entrance to Purisima Creek
Redwoods Open Space Preserve, as requested by our Coastside neighbors at the District Board meeting
held in Half Moon Bay on June 24, 2009.
In October 2009, District staff met onsite with San Mateo County Planners to discuss current parking
conditions. At this meeting staff also explored the possibility of expanding parking in the interior of the
Preserve at an existing flat area next to the Preserve restroom. Based on these conversations, County
planners raised concerns regarding the feasibility of obtaining permitting clearance from the Coastal
Commission given the proximity to Purisima Creek and riparian vegetation. Questions were also raised
regarding the feasibility of allowing emergency vehicle clearance and an ingress/egress two-lane width
along the driveway.
Based on County feedback, District staff has decided that the best approach is to prepare preliminary
conceptual design plans to facilitate initial discussions with the Coastal Commission to determine whether
such a proposal would be favorably received given the sensitivity of the creekside setting. This
preliminary conceptual design plan would also identify the potential total number of viable additional
parking spaces to better understand the cost and benefit of such a proposal. To move forward on these
tasks, staff has placed this project in the FY2010-1 1 Action Plan and Budget. Staff hopes to present the
preliminary conceptual design to the Coastal Commission by early summer 2010. If the project is
favorably received by the Coastal Commission and the cost-benefit analysis findings are positive, design
will begin. If the Coastal Commission does not support the project in concept and/or the cost outweighs
the benefit of the additional parking spaces (this will depend greatly on how many spaces the site can
truly accommodate and the estimated cost per space),then staff will recommend that the project be re-
evaluated.