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HomeMy Public PortalAbout20030723 - Agendas Packet - Board of Directors (BOD) - 03-16 Regional Open ice MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT Meeting 03-16 SPECIAL AND REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT 6:30 p.m. Wednesday,July 23, 2003 330 Distel Circle Los Altos,California AGENDA* Please Note: 6:30 p.m. Closed Session Special Meeting Start Time 7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting Start Time 6:30 ROLL CALL SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT—CLOSED SESSION The Closed Session will begin at 6:30 p.m. At the conclusion of the Closed Session,the Board will adjourn the Special Meeting Closed Session to the Regular Meeting,and, at the conclusion of the Regular Meeting, the Board may reconvene the Special Meeting Closed Session. 1. Conference with Legal Counsel—Existing Litigation, Government Code Section 54956.9(a) Name of Case—Half Moon Bay Coastside Foundation.et al.v. Midpeninsula Regional Open Space Distri San Mateo County Superior Court Case No. CIV432548 2. Conference with Real Property Negotiator—Government Code Section 54956.8 Real Property—Santa Clara County APN 537-10-003 Agency Negotiator—Michael C.Williams, Real Property Representative Negotiating Em1y—Geneva Slaght 7:30* REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT ORAL COMMUNICATIONS—Public ADOPTION OF AGENDA—N.Hanko 7:35* SPECIAL ORDER OF THE DAY 0 Resolution for John Escobar ADOPTION OF CONSENT CALENDAR—N. Hanko BOARD Buswm 7:45* 1 Appointment of Benjamin Guzman as a Peace Officer;Adopt the Attached Resolution of the Board Appointing Benjamin Guzman as a Peace Officer—G.Baillie 7:50* 2 Consideration of Staff's Recommendation to Award the Contract for Construction of the Federal EmergencO 0"me nt,�jrnc MA)-Funded Old Page Mill Trail Repair Project at Skyline (FE tos, CA 94022-1404 - Phone: 650-691-1200 Fax: 650-691-0485 * E-mail: mrosd@openspace.org - Web site:www.openspace.org #Z��2 S=Et— Board of Directors: Pete Siemens,Mary C. Davey,Jed Cyr,Deane Little,Nonette Hanko, Larry Hassett,Kenneth C. Nitz - General Manager: L.Craig Britton Meeting 03-16 Page 2 Ridge Open Space Preserve; Authorize the General Manager to Execute a Contract with Casey Construction for the Bid Amount of$25 8,15 8,Plus a Contingency Amount of Up to$27,842, for a Total Amount Not to Exceed$286,000 for Construction the FEMA-funded Old Page Mill Trail Repair Project at Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve- S. Sommer 3 Half Moon Bay Coastside Foundation v. MidLpeninsula Regional Qpen Space District: Authorize the . General Manager to Enter into a Retainer Agreement with the Law Firm of Shute, Mihaly and Weinberger to Provide Legal Services for the Coastal Annexation Project in an Amount Not to Exceed$50,000-S. Schectman 4 Authorization to Purchase Four Fire Pumpers for District Patrol Vehicles;Authorize the General Manager to Execute a Purchase Contract with Cascade Fire for Four(4)Fire Pumpers for District Patrol Vehicles at a Total Cost of$46,885 -D.Topley 8:00* INFORMATIONAL REPORTS-Brief reports or announcements concerning pertinent activities of District Directors and Staff. REVISED CLAIMS 8:20* 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 WITII THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT,IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE TO PARTICIPATE IN MS 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. RESOLUTION No. Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District i Honoring and Congratulating John Escobar Upon His Departure from the District for Greater Opportunities and Perhaps"Greener," but More Eastern,Pastures WHEREAS,the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District recognizes that much of the District's strength,growth,and success comes from the stability and longevity of some of its employees;and WHEREAS,the Board further recognizes that this longevity and`institutional memory"in certain key positions, such as that of Assistant General Manager,have become more and more crucial to the ongoing success of the District;and WHEREAS,Mr. John Escobar,Assistant General Manager of the District,exemplifies the necessary combination of professionalism,talent, skill,and sheer longevity that has indeed brought to the District a great many accomplishments;and WHEREAS,John's tenure with the District began in an unsurprising way, as a ranger working on typical patrol and maintenance projects;it took him a two full years to become a Supervising Ranger(a long time considering there were only four rangers on star,during which time he opened the Skyline Field Office, established key neighborhood relationships,created liaison with local public safety agencies,and worked with District planning staff to develop new facilities and trails;and WHEREAS,John's career continued to evolve, seemingly paralleling the District's own evolution,as he rose to the position of Operations Manager,where he successfully took on a whole new set of administrative and managerial tasks,tackled with the same straightforward, sometimes bull-headed resolve,tenacity,and commitment that had become his hallmark;and WHEREAS,John's ascension to the position of Assistant General Manager brought him to yet another new level of responsibility, and his success in that position has,unfortunately,positioned him all too well to accept a similar,but much more complicated, position with East Bay Regional Park District; and WHEREAS,after a mere twenty-four years of dedicated and outstanding service,John will be leaving the District,where he cut his teeth,cut the trails,and cut the checks,to continue his career elsewhere. Now,TIEEREFoRE,BE IT REsoLvED that the Board of Directors of the Midpemnsula Regional Open Space District hereby sadly,but with great respect and admiration,honors and congratulates Mr. John Escobar upon his departure from the District,offers its heartfelt gratitude for the consistent and steadfast standard of excellence he has always brought to each of his roles with the District, sincerely thanks him for his significant and incalculable contributions to the District's success,and wishes him well as his career in the preservation of open space and park lands continues and grows. Adopted by the Board of Directors July 23,2003 Regional Open f ice MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT R-03-68 Meeting 03-16 July 23, 2003 AGENDA ITEM 1 AGENDA ITEM Appointment of Benjamin Guzman as a Peace Officer GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMEND — Adopt the attached Resolution of the Board appointing Benjamin Guzman as a peace officer. DISCUSSION At your meeting of January 14, 1976, you decided that District rangers should be appointed peace officers as outlined under Section 830.31(b) of the Penal Code of the State of California (see Report R-76-2). Benjamin Guzman has met the necessary Penal Code requirements to qualify him for appointment. The passage of the attached Resolution will complete the appointment process. Prepared by: Gordon Baillie, Management Analyst Contact person: Same as above 330 Distel Circle • Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 • Phone: 650-691-1200 Fax:650-691-0485 + E-mail:mrosd@openspace.org • Web site:www.openspace.org i (D` E.. Bwal of Directors:Pete Siemens,Mary C. Davey,Jed Cyr, Deane tittle, Nonette Flanko,Larry Hassett,Kenneth C. Nitz• General Manager:L.Craig Britton I _ RESOLUTION NO. 03- RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT APPOINTING PEACE OFFICER The Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District does hereby resolve as follows: The following person is hereby designated as a peace officer of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District pursuant to Section 830.31(b)of the Penal Code of the State of California,to enforce the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Land Use Regulations and those state and local regulations related to the protection and safe use of District land, enforcement of which is specifically authorized by the District: Benjamin Guzman Regional Open f ice R-03-70 Meeting 03-16 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT July 23,2003 AGENDA ITEM 2 AGENDA ITEM Consideration of Staff's Recommendation to Award the Con Construction of the Federal Emergency Management Agency(FEMA)-Funded Old Pa Mill Trdi Repair Project at Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve Tl__ GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDA ON Authorize the General Manager to execute a contract with Casey Construction for the bid amount of $258,158,plus a contingency amount of up to$27,842, for a total amount not to exceed$286,000 for construction the FEMA-funded Old Page Mill Trail Repair Project at Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve. DISCUSSION At your May 22, 2002 meeting, you authorized staff to solicit bids for construction of the FEMA-funded Old Page Mill Trail Repair Project at Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve(see Report R-02-75). The project includes repair of two large washouts, installation of a crib retaining wall,and the enlargement of an existing culvert along the lower segment of Old Page Mill Trail. The bidding process commenced on July 2, 2003, and staff contacted over 10 potential bidders to solicit interest in the project. Plans were sent to 14 contractors, as well as two local builders' exchanges. A pre-bid meeting was held at the project site on July 10,2003 that was attended by five interested contractors. Sealed bids were due on July 16, 2003. One bid was received, from Casey Construction of Redwood City, with a base bid amount of$258,158. Staff contacted several references and found Casey Construction to be well regarded and qualified to perform the work. The Bid Proposal includes all equipment and labor to construct the project as described above. The costs for any additional work will be controlled either by add alternates or unit prices established by the bidding process. The contingency allowance of$27,842.00 is approximately ten(10)percent of the base bid,and is expected to cover the cost of any additional services, including potential add alternates determined to be necessary by the District during construction. San Mateo County approved the grading permit in June 2003, and the building permit on July 17. Given the sensitive natural setting,the project needs to be completed by mid-October to avoid the potential for erosion damage if seasonal rains commence before construction is completed.To remain on this ambitious schedule,which would allow 45 working days to complete the work, construction needs to start no later than August 11, 2003. The Old Page Mill Trail repair project is listed as a key public access improvement project in the Board- approved Planning Department Action Plan for fiscal year 2003-2004. At your March 26, 2003 meeting, you adopted the fiscal year 2003-2004 budget that included$229,540 to construct the Old Page Mill Trail repairs(see Report R-03-34). This budget was based upon a cost estimate prepared by a qualified engineering contractor, which by necessity was prepared before plans and bid documents were complete. The requested authorization amount exceeds the budgeted amount by approximately twenty-five (25) percent. Staff has carefully analyzed the bid breakdown as compared to the District's budget estimate. The 330 Distel Circle - Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 - Phone: 650-691-1200 Fax: 650-691-0485 e E-mail: mrosd@openspace.org * Web site: www.openspace.org #;ffg H=EE sT Board of Directors: Pete Siemens,Mary C.Davey,Jed Cyr, Deane Little, Nonette Hanko, Larry Hassett, Kenneth C. Nitz - General Manager: L.Craig Britton R-03-70 Page 2 budget estimate for the large washout and crib wall repair is the major difference; the budget estimates for the other work items are consistent with the bid. The logistics of repairing the large washout and constructing the crib wall have been a factor that is difficult to quantify and estimate. The full width of the trail was washed out during the storms; however, half the fill material needed to complete the repair is located on the far side of the washed out area, requiring the contractor to develop a temporary equipment access route through the damaged section.The project engineers studied alternate fill sources during project development,but all other nearby sources would have entailed substantial vegetation removal and significant excavation to obtain the desired granular fill. Importing fill to the remote setting would be cost prohibitive, since it would require double handling to utilize equipment small enough to traverse the preserve trail network. These factors directly relate to the cost of repairing the large washout and constructing the crib wall,the major area where the bid exceeded the District's estimate. As a result of further investigation by staff,the Casey Construction bid amount is determined to be fair and reasonable. The project is almost entirely funded by FEMA, with a grant of$92,850 for the large washout and crib wall repair,and a grant of$29,540 for the small washout repair(a culvert replacement not funded by FEMA is also included in the project). FEMA's deadline for project completion is December 31, 2003. According to FEMA staff, the grant amount for the large washout should be regarded as an estimate, since the grant will cover 100%of actual costs. The requested not-to-exceed amount of$286,000 includes $212,908 for the large washout and crib wall repair, and $29,720 for the small washout repair. Therefore, it is expected that FEMA would reimburse the District for a total of$242,628 should our actual costs amount to $286,000. (The difference is because the culvert repair is not funded by FEMA.) Having determined that the bidder is well-qualified and has made a fair and reasonable bid,and given the remoteness of the project location and the fact that the District will most likely receive FEMA reimbursement for 85 percent of the actual construction costs, staff strongly recommends awarding the contract to Casey Construction,the sole bidder. Other potential actions could result in not completing the project this year,which would result in the loss of FEMA funding entirely. NOTIFICATION Once the Board authorizes the contract award,notification of this project will be posted on the District's website and signs will be installed on site at Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve to inform the public of the impending construction activities.Planning staff also intends to notify owners and occupants of adjoining properties regarding the construction schedule. CEQA COMPLIANCE At your November 13, 2002 meeting,you approved a Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring Plan for Old Page Mill Trail Repair Project and determined that the project avoids or minimizes all potential impacts to a less-than-significant level (see Report R-02-124). Staff has been monitoring compliance with the Mitigation Monitoring Plan and will continue to do so during construction. Prepared by: Sandy Sommer,AICP/ASLA, Senior Planner Ana Ruiz, Open Space Planner I Contact Person: Sandy Sommer,AICP/ASLA, Senior Planner Regional Open -ice ------------------- R-03-72 Meeting 03-16 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT July 23, 2003 AGENDA ITEM 3 AGENDA ITEM Half Moon Bay Coastside Foundation v. Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District: Authorize the General Manager to Enter into a Retainer Agreement with the Law Firm of Shute, Mihaly and Weinberger in an Amount Not to Exceed $50,000 GENERAL COUNSEL'S RECOMMENDATION �,/)A Authorize the General Manager to enter into a retainer agreement with the Law Firm of Shute, Mihaly and Weinberger in the matter of Half Moon Bay Coastside Foundation v. Midpeninsula Regional Qpen Space District and to provide legal services for the Coastal Annexation Project in an amount not to exceed $50,000. DISCUSSION On June 6, the Board certified the Final Environmental Impact Report(EIR)for the Coastal Annexation project, adopted a Willing Sellers Ordinance, and took other actions related to the Coastal Annexation Project (see Report R-03-54). These actions were the culmination of several years of work and public participation in the development of the current project proposal, and enable the District to submit an application to San Mateo County LAFCo for annexation of the Coastal Annexation Area. This will be the first step in a public process to evaluate and determine whether to approve the project and what project conditions may be appropriate. The LAFCo process will require specialized legal services, as will other aspects of the Coastal Annexation Project as it proceeds through its next phases. There is an immediate need for these services due to the filing of a lawsuit seeking to invalidate the Board's certification of the Final EIR. The above-entitled lawsuit was filed on July 8, 2003. The lawsuit is filed pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act and in essence contends that the Final EIR for the Annexation Project does not meet the statutory standards of environmental analysis required by CEQA. As the Board knows,District staff and consultants prepared a thorough, impartial and exhaustive study of potentially significant environmental impacts, which the Board reviewed and approved prior to taking action. District legal counsel will respond to the lawsuit as appropriate. It is staff s assessment the Final EIR fully complies with all CEQA requirements and that the lawsuit is without merit. The District will prepare the required administrative record as required by CEQA and will take other steps required to defend the District. This will require specialized litigation skills. It is the General Counsel's recommendation that the law firm of Shute, Mihaly and Weinberger be retained to represent the District in this litigation. This firm is one of the most highly qualified CEQA litigation firms in the state, and has extensive experience in this type of litigation. The firm provided legal advice to the District as needed during the lengthy course of the Coastal 330 Distel Circle * Los Altos,CA 94022-1404 * Phone: 650-691-1200 Fax: 650-691-0485 * E-mail: mrosd@openspace.org * Web site:www.openspace.org Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,MaryC. Davey,jedCyr,Deane Little,NonetteHanko, Larry Hassett,KennethC. Nitz - General Manager:L.Craig Britton R-03-72 Page 2 Annexation project development and is, therefore, very familiar with the project and related issues. The Board authorized the sum of$50,000 to be appropriated in the fiscal year 2003-2004 budget to cover legal costs associated with proceeding with the project(see Report R-03-34). Since the process will be lengthy, and does include litigation defense costs, General Counsel recommends authorizing the full appropriation at this time so that staff will have funds available as needed for legal services. Depending on the further steps necessary to defend this litigation, and on the nature and complexity of other legal issues that may arise in connection with the project, staff may return to the Board in the future for additional expenditure authorization. Funds for this are budgeted in the Planning Department's Budget under Coastal Annexation Program 37, Special Legal Fees. Prepared by: Susan Schectman, General Counsel Contact person: Same as above Regional Open ice MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT R-03-69 Meeting 03-16 July 23, 2003 AGENDA ITEM 4 AGENDA ITEM Authorization to Purchase Four Fire Pumpers for Distri Patrol hicles GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION Authorize the General Manager to execute a purchase contract with Cascade Fire for four (4) fire pumpers for District patrol vehicles at a total cost of$46,885. BACKGROUND At your May 14, 2003, meeting you authorized staff to solicit competitive bids for four fire pumpers for District patrol vehicles (see Report R-03-10). After finalizing specifications, staff solicited competitive bids from wildland fire-fighting equipment dealers. A notice was placed in the San Jose Mercury News and bid packets sent to four wildland fire equipment dealers. Three responses were received by the 9:00 AM, July 1 deadline. The following responses were received: 1) Golden State Fire "No Bid" 2) Cascade Fire $46,885.24 (including tax) 3) L.N. Curtis $59,862.25 (including tax) Cascade Fire's bid met the District's specifications and was the lowest responsive bidder for four fire pumper units. The Operations budget for fiscal year 2003-2004 includes $40,000 for the purchase of four fire pumpers. Since the cost of new patrol vehicles purchased was less than expected, due to the State bidding process, extra funds are available. The unspent funds remaining in the vehicle purchase account is approximately $7,000 and can cover the additional amount needed for the pumper purchases. At mid-year budget review an adjustment of$6,885 will be transferred from the fixed asset vehicles account to the fixed asset fire expense equipment account to reflect the actual ex P adjustment. The new pumper units will be replacements for fire pumpers that are approximately ten to fifteen years old. The new pumpers will have a significant increase in performance and reliability over the existing units they are replacing Prepared by: David Topley, Support Services Supervisor Contact person: Same as above 330 Distel Circle • Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 • Phone:650-691-1200 Fax:650-691-0485 • E-mail: mrosd@openspace.org • Web site:www.openspace.org _ 1 OFAEEs' Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Mary C. Davey,Jed Cyr, Deane Little, Nonette Hanko, Larry Hassett,Kenneth C. Nitz • General Manager:L.Craig Britton Claims No. 03-13 Meeting 03-16 Date 07/23/03 Revised Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District # Amount Name Description 6111 $40,051.68 2M Associates Coastal Annexation Consultant Study 6112 $150.00 Acme&Sons Sanitation Sanitation Services 6113 $517.68 All Laser Service Toner Cartridges 6114 $459.33 Allied Auto Works Vehicle Service and Repairs 6115 $19.64 AT&T Telephone Service 6116 $5,266.95 Barg Coffin Lewis&Trapp Legal Services-Guadalupe Watershed 6117 $55.46 Baron Welding&Iron Works,Inc. Plumbing Supply 6118 $2,824.00 BNY Western Trust Company Note Paying Agent Fees-1996 Revenue Bonds III 6119 $122.49 Browning-Ferris Industries Garbage Service 6120 $50.65 Cal-Line Equipment,Inc. Vehicle Repair 6121 $263.69 California Water Service Company Water Service 6122 $306.00 Camino Medical Group Medical Services 6123 $222.01 Cascade Fire Equipment Company Field Supplies 6124 $206.67 Cole Supply Co.,Inc. Janitorial Supplies 6125 $248.97 Continuing Education of the Bar Legal Books 6126 $2,655.88 Cresco Equipment Rentals Tractor Rental 6127 $207.50 Danielson,Dennis Reimbursement-EMT Training 6128 $3,576.90 Diane L.Renshaw Consulting Ecologist Consulting Services-Pulgas Ridge Trails 6129 $340.31 Escobar,John Reimbursement-Mileage 6130 $52.00 Fitzsimons,Renee Reimbursement-Docent Supplies 6131 $279.75 Forestry Supplies,Inc. Field Supplies 6132 $183.65 Freyer&Laureta,Inc. Consulting Services-Old Page Mill Road 6133 $50.50 G&K Service Shop Towel Service 6134 $111.35 Gempler's,Inc. Uniform Supplies 6135 $500.00 George H.Miller Associates Appraisal Services 6136 $61.05 Grainger,Inc. Field Supplies 6137 $372.13 *1 Home Depot,Inc. Field Supplies&Equipment 6138 $31.75 Kevin's Auto Repair Vehicle Smog Check 6139 $1,886.48 Kinko's Printing Services-EIR&Related Documents 6140 $87.00 Kwik Key Lock&Safe Co.Inc. Lock&Key Services 6141 $366.15 Lab Safety Supply Field Supplies 6142 $963.61 Los Altos Garbage Co. Refuse Services 6143 $87.21 MCI Long Distance Telephone Service 6144 $75.96 McKowan,Paul Reimbursement-Mileage 6145 $562.90 MetroMobile Communications Radio Repairs&Maintenance ' 6146 $2.99 Minton's Lumber&Supply Field Supply pp y 6147 $45.00 National Notary Association Membership Renewal-L.Zadek 6148 $1,556.05 *2 Office Depot Office Supplies 6149 $206.76 Office Products&Interiors Office Chairs 6150 $3,355,000.00 ## Old Republic Title Company Presentation Center Acquisition 6151 $737.18 Orlandi Trailer Trailer Accessories 6152 $1,218.47 Pacific Bell Telephone Service 6153 $11.85 Paterson,Loro Reimbursement-Uniform 6154 $56.13 Peninsula Digital Imaging Printing-Bid Set-Old Page Mill 6155 $30.00 Project Ergonomics Erognomic Equipment 6156 $4.64 Rancho Hardware&Garden Shop Field Supply 6157 $899.33 Safety Kleen Oil Recycling&Solvent Tank Service 6158 $215.80 San Francisco Chronicle Annual Subscription 6159 $1,901.98 San Jose Mercury News Legal Display Ad.&Subscription 6160 $466.82 San Jose Water Company Water Service 6161 $51.93 San Mateo County Times Quarterly Subscription 6162 $1,000.00 *3 Saratoga Springs Staff Recognition Event Deposit Page t of 2 Claims No. 03-13 Meeting 03-16 Date 07/23/03 Revised Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District # Amount Name Description 6163 $104.60 Second Cup Caf6 Local Business Meeting 6164 $622.78 Shell Credit Card Center Fuel 6165 $33.75 Specialty Truck Parts,Inc. Vehicle Parts 6166 $183.16 Summit Uniforms Uniform Expense 6167 $816.79 Tadco Supply Janitorial Supplies 6168 $29.18 The Bicycle Outfitter Bicycle Tools&Parts 6169 $30.00 The Wildlife Society Membership Renewal 6170 $103.28 Tony&Albas Pizza Local Business Meeting Expense 6171 $711.59 United Rentals Highway Tech. Signs,Cross Walk Stencils&Paint 6172 $216.50 United Rentals Northwest,Inc. Equipment Rental 6173 $2,500.00 United Soil Engineering,Inc. FFO Shop Bldg-Consulting Geologic Services 6174 $7.83 United States Postmaster Postage 6175 $278.80 West Group On-Line Legal Services 6176 $237.62 Wild Fire-Tyco Field Supplies 6177 $425.00 Wild Life Associates Presentation-Staff Event 6178 $158.04 Williams,Mike Reimbursement-Mileage 6179 R $358.26 Acme&Sons Sanitation Sanitation Services 6180 R $336.08 AT&T Wireless Cellular Phone Service 6181 R $339.52 Beck's Shoes Inc. Uniform Boots 6182 R $144.55 California Water Service Company Water Service 6183 R $750.00 Dillingham Associates Consulting Services-Jacques Ridge Staging Area 6184 R $234.39 Document Systems Office Supplies 6185 R $295.36 Federal Express Express Mailing 6186 R $182.58 Green Waste Recovery,Inc. Garbage Service 6187 R $9,790.00 Hitech Construction Management& Construction Management Service-FFO Shop Building Design 6188 R $14,000.00 Joe's Tractor Service Discing Services SRO/FRO 6189 R $272.68 Just Ergonomics,Inc. Erognomic Equipment 6190 R $315.00 *4 Kiwanis Club of Los Gatos Festival Booth&License Fee-Art&Wine Festival 6191 R $2,395.00 Liebert Cassidy Whitmore Membership-Bay Area Employment Relations Consortium 6192 R $45.00 National Notary Association Membership Renewal-S.Thielfoldt 6193 R $442.18 Petty Cash Conference&Training Expense,Office&Field Supplies, Vehicle Mileage Reimbursement,Volunteer Supplies, Out of Town&Local Bus.Meeting Expense 6194 R $668.00 Ray L.Hellwig Services,Co.,Inc. HVAC Maintenance-Admin.Office&Tenant Space 6195 R $300.00 Wolfe,Roberta Recording Services Total $3,463,949.75 *1 Urgent Check Issued 7/17/03 *2 Urgent Check Issued 7/17/03 *3 Urgent Check Issued 7/15/03 *4 Urgent Check Issued 7/18/03 ## Board Approved,7/9/03, Agenda Item#2 Page 2 of 2 P Regional Open Space g P MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICF To: Board of Directors From: L. Craig Britton, General Mana j4�-�' Date: July 18, 2003 Re: FYI's 330[Nstel Circle • Los Altos,CA 94022-1404 • Phone:650.691-1200 Fax:650.691-0485 • E-mail:mrosd@openspace.org • Web site. www.openspace.org Regional Open Space MIDPENINSULA REGI0,NALX*WN FAGEUSTR CT, -. Memorandum To: John Escobar,Asst.General Manager(shoat-timer}, e From: L. Craig Britton,General Manage Date: July 16,2003 Re: Acceptance of Resignation I accept your resignation as Assistant General Manager for the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District with very mixed feelings. The first sensation is tremendous sadness and regret that you are leaving the District after twenty-four years of extremely dedicated and valuable service. The District is losing a tremendous asset,which cannot be replaced. The other sensation is that of pride and happiness for you as you advance in your career. I am proud that the District,over the years,has been able to contribute to your development in such a way that has enabled you to successfully compete for your new position. I am also happy for you and your family,as this move is one that will benefit and provide new advantages and opportunities for all of you. I know that the new job will be very challenging,but that you will handle it in stride. Also EBRPD is only "across the Bay" and I know that we will see you and hear from you now and again. John you've always been an incredibly competent ally in working with the Board,staff and public and I will sorely miss your great ideas,compromises and solutions. The District will not be the same without you,but we can rejoice in the fact that we will all continue to be working toward the same goal of preserving a sense of the environment and enhanced quality of life for,future generations in the San Francisco Bay Area. See you at the Forum! CC: MROSD Board of Directors Lisa Zadek From: John Maciel Sent: Friday, July 11,2003 11:57 AM To: Ana Ruiz;Anne Koletzke; Brendan Downing; Brian Malone; Bunny Congdon; Bruce Kosanovic(E-mail); Cart Oosteffnan; Bunny Congdon; Cathy Woodbury; cindy(E-mail); Craig Beckman; Cindy Roessler; Craig Beckman; David Sanguinetti; David Topley; Del Woods; David Topley; Dennis Danielson; Docent; Doug Vu; Docent; Duncan Simmons; Foothills Crew; Foothills Ranger, Gloria Ison; Foothills Ranger, Gordon Baillie; Grant Kem; Janet Beaugh; John Dickey; John Escobar; John Maciel; John Escobar; Kathleen Hart; Craig Britton; Laurie Crook; Lisa Zadek; Matt Freeman; Michael Bankosh; Matt Freeman; Michael Jurich; Michael J Bomberger(E-mail); Michael Newbum; Mike Foster, Mike Williams; Mike Foster; Paul McKowan; Renee Fitzsimons; Ruthie Harari-Kremer, Sally Thielfoldt; Sandra Sommer, Shannon Younkin; Skyline Crew; Skyline Ranger; Stan Hooper, Stephanie Jensen; Stan Hooper, Steve Schur(E-mail); Stephanie Jensen; Sue Schectman; Sumudu Welaratna; Tom Fischer, Tom Lausten Subject: Staff changes-Maintenance and Construction Supervisor Richard Downing,our newly hired M&C Supervisor has separated his employment with the District due to some unfortunate and extenuating personal circumstances. Therefore, Effective today July 11, 2003, Michael Jurich has been appointed the new Maintenance and Construction Supervisor for the Foothills Area. Michael has done an excellent job Acting in this position over the past month and during the recruitment period. Please congratulate Michael when you see him, and provide him with all your support and assistance. John Maciel Operations Manager Regional Open ice MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT July 11, 2003 Honorable Sandy Decker Mayor, Town of Los Gatos Civic Center P.O. Box 949 Los Gatos, CA 95031 Dear Mayor Decker: Thank you for your request regarding the naming of a Los Gatos geological feature or trail after Mr. Vic Collord, resident and former member of the Los Gatos Trails and Bikeways Committee. This request will be taken to our Legislative, Finance, and Public Affairs committee this next Wednesday, July 16th. This is a Standing Committee of the Board of Directors, and as such, is a public meeting. I have enclosed a copy of the meeting agenda for your information. If you cannot attend this meeting, I will notify you of the Committee's recommendation within the next two weeks. ,---- it Sincerely, L. ralg Britton General Manager LCB/ec Enclosure cc: Los Gatos Town Council Debra Figone, Town Manager MROSD Board of Directors 330 Distel Circle • Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 Phone: 650-691-1200 Fax: 650-691-0485 • E-mail: mrosd@openspace.org • Web site: www.openspace.org C ®FEES, Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Mary C.Davey,Jed Cyr,Deane Little, Nonette Hanko,Larry Hassett,Kenneth C.Nitz • Genera/Manager:L.Craig Britton Regional Open Saace -------------------- MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT July 11, 2003 John Wilson, Superintendent La Honda—Pescadero Unified School District P.O. Box 189 Pescadero,CA 94060 Dear Mr.Wilson: Thank you for your letter of June 5, 2003 and the Initial Report prepared by the La Honda-Pescadero Unified School District's(LHPUSD) subcommittee regarding concerns about the potential fiscal impact of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District's (MROSD)proposed annexation of the San Mateo Coastal area. The subcommittee's Initial Report reflects considerable research and analysis. However, in reviewing the report, it is apparent that there is information missing regarding MROSD's potential for collecting new tax revenues,the way in which the revenue sharing is calculated,and the basis for determining tax loss that might result from the annexation. We would be glad to meet with you and the subcommittee to help clarify these points and provide detailed information about our fiscal analysis for the project. Further,you will be pleased to know that the MROSD's Board of Directors approved a Resolution of No Property Tax Exchange for the Coastal Annexation Area at the hearing on June 5th,which is attached for your reference. Unfortunately the report did not mention MROSD's or staffs attempt to meet with you prior to circulation of the Final EIR. Planning Manager Cathy Woodbury requested a meeting to present a mutually beneficial proposal to further environmental education,which we still wish to discuss with you. The Board of Directors' action at the public hearing on June 5,2003 is the culmination of five years work at the Open Space District. More than 14,000 notices of the meeting were also mailed to coastside residents and other interested parties. Announcements of the hearing were published in 2 newspapers and staff expended countless hours preparing for this hearing. Although the District Board did not defer action as you requested,this was only the first step in a 6-12 month process during which the Local Agency Formation Commission(LAFCo)will review and consider the annexation application. This time period provides an opportunity for us to meet with you and your Board of Trustees to discuss and hopefully resolve issues that might be of concern prior to any final decision on the application by LAFCo. I look forward to meeting with you. Sincerely, L. Craig Britton,General Manager Cc: MROSD Board of Directors LHPUSD Board of Trustees LCB:cw:ak P.S. I have also tried to reach you by telephone in the past week,but unfortunately have been 330 Distel Circle * Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 * Phone: 650-691-1200 Fax: 650-691-0485 * E-mail: mrosd@openspace.org * web site:www.openspace.org Board of Directors: Pete Siemens,Mary C.Davey,Jed Cyr, Deane Little, Nonette Hanko, Larry Hassett,Kenneth C.Nitz - General Manager:L.Craig Britton Regional Open *ce MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT July 11, 2003 Holly Van Houten,Executive Director Bay Area Ridge Trail Council 1007 General Kennedy Ave., Suite 3 San Francisco, CA 94129-1400 Dear Ms. Van Houten: Thank you for inviting the District to participate as a partner in the dedication ceremony for the Woods Trail,Kennedy Trail, and Priest Rock Trail alignment of the Bay Area Ridge Trail, and for offering to send out a"save the date" card for this event. I would like to confirm October 251h as the District's preferred date for the event and suggest that the ceremony be held at the soon-to-be-completed Jacques Ridge Staging Area located at the corner of Hicks Road and Mt. Umunhum Road starting at 9:30 a.m. Stephanie Jensen, the District's Public Affairs Manager, will be in contact with you to confirm a meeting date with you and Bob Power to discuss the coordination of logistics for the event between our organizations. This dedication marks the completion a significant section of the Bay Area Ridge Trail in the south bay area. The Board of Directors, the District staff, and I look forward to working with the Ridge Trail Council and Santa Clara County Parks to make this event a tremendous success. Sincerely, L. Craig Bntton General Manager LCB/ec cc: MROSD Board of Directors 2_ i t l Circle Los Altos A 4 14 4 Phone: 6 0-691-1200 330 D s e C C 9 02� 0 Pone 5 Fax: 650-691-0485 * E-mail: mrosd@openspace.org * Web site: www.openspace.org ' � E Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Mary C.Davey,Jed Cyr, Deane Little, Nonette Han ko,Larry Hassett, Kenneth C. Nitz • General Manager:L.Craig Britton Regional Open Space MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT To: Board of Directors From: L. Craig Britton, General Manager Date: July 23, 2003 Re: FYI's 330 Distel Circle • Los Altos,CA 94022-1404 • Phone: 650-691-1200 Fax: 650-691-0485 • E-mail: mrosd@openspace.org • Web site: www.openspace.org I i MEMORANDUM MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT To: L. Craig Britton From: Gordon Baillie / Subject: Update on the Russian Ridge Burn Date: July 22, 2003 Acting Skyline Area Superintendent Craig Beckman has been informed by CDF that the controlled burn at Russian Ridge is postponed indefinitely. CDF is reevaluating the controlled burn program in light of the incident at San Bruno Mountain. It is likely that our burn is postponed until after the first rains in the fall. We will notify you if the situation changes. i Cathy Woodbury From: Janet McBride [Janetm@abag.ca.gov] Sent: Friday, July 18, 2003 10:56 AM To: Cathy Woodbury; Del Woods Subject: Bay Trail press Janet McBride.vcf Watch for Bay Trail press coverage in the S.F. Chronicle and Channel 5 (KPIX) , starting this weekend. I expect some stories will feature (loosely) related shoreline issues or characters and others will be more closely related to the trail. Following are details I've been given: SF Chronicle 7-part series starts Sunday (7/20) (Sunday kick-off theoretically front page) with daily stories following - 5 written by reporter Carl Hall, & 1 each by Jane Kay (South Bay) and Rick DelVecchio (Oakland/ Alameda) . Channel 5 - i 1. 11 PM news Kick-off Saturday night (I'm not sure about Sunday night) Nightly stories Mon-Thurs 2 . The 11 PM nightly stories (except for Saturday) will be replayed the following night at 5 PM 3 . Companion live morning shows: Mon-Wed between 6:30-6:40 AM Monday - Carl Hall in SF; Tues. - Pt. Isabel, Richmond; Wed. Arrowhead Marsh/ MLK Jr. Reg11 Shoreline, Oakland Janet McBride Bay Trail Project Manager 510-464-7935 (phone) 510-433-5535 (fax) 510-207-7814 (cell) ------------------------------------------- INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM July 16, 2003 TO: L. Craig Britton, General Manger FROM: G. Baillie, Management Analyst SUBJECT: MONTHLY FIELD ACTIVITY SUMMARY Month June Year 2003 VIOLATIONS CITES TOTALS CRIMES TOTALS Bicycles Suicide I Closed area 3 3 Speed 3 8 ACCIDENTS/INCIDENTS Helmet 7 19 Bicycle accident 6 Night-riding 4 5 Equestrian accident 0 Unsafe operation 0 0 Hiking/running accident 2 Dogs Other first aid 0 Prohibited area 4 9 Search&Rescue 3 Off-leash 11 12 Vehicle accident 0 Off-road vehicles 0 1 LZ air evacuation 0 Closed area 5 6 Fire 0 After hours 10 16 Fishing 1 2 ENFORCEMENT Vandalism 0 2 Parking citations 29 Parking 10 10 Other citations 50 Parking after hours 19 28 Written warnings 41 Dumping/littering 0 0 Arrests 0 Campfires 0 1 Police assistance 3 Camping 0 1 Weapons MUTUAL AID Actual contact 0 0 Accident 7 Report only 0 0 Law enforcement 2 Evidence of 0 0 Landing zone off-site 0 Collecting plants 0 1 Search & Rescue I Minor poss alcohol 0 1 Fire L Furnishing alcohol to minor 0 1 Group w/out pen-nit 0 2 Alcohol prohibited 2 2 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT INCIDENTS BY DATE Date 3 A visitor riding an electric bicycle in Sierra Azul was reported overdue. After a search involving three District staff, three Santa Clara County rangers and two Santa Clara County sheriffs deputies the individual was located on a trail by F. Reneau. He had a dead battery. He was transported back to his vehicle and warned that electric bikes are prohibited. J. Smith, and M. Newburn were also involved in the search. 7 K. Carlson and A. Corriea contacted five visitors for closed area violations in Sierra Azul. The visitors had beer and one broke his beer bottle by throwing it in the creek. They were cited for closed area violations, warned about littering, and one person was warned for minor in possession of alcoholic beverages. T. Lausten assisted. 21 Three visitors under the influence of alcoholic beverages were stopped by T. Lausten for after hours violations in Fremont Older. None of the visitors were capable of driving so a Santa Clara p g County deputy was requested. They were cited for after hours violations and were then transported to a nearby residence by deputies. F. Reneau assisted. 23 A missing person was reported at Hidden Villa. M. Newburn responded to the command post. B. Downing and J. Smith did an area check in three nearby preserves. The search was cancelled when the woman's boyfriend called and said she was located in. Santa Cruz. 26 A track coach reported two missing runners at Rancho San Antonio OSP to K. Miller and B. Guzman. The missing runners were located at Deer Hollow and reunited with the coach. 29 A bicyclist was observed riding off trail in Fremont Older OSP. The bicyclist was stopped and issued a citation. The bicyclist stated that rangers were just harassing bicyclists, and that the impacts of off trail riding were minimal. 30 SMSO and District rangers searched for a possibly suicidal man on July 29' in the Coal Creek/Alpine Road area. The man's car was parked by the Alpine Road gate for approximately four days. The next day, L. Paterson and J. Lloyd found the body of the missing man in the creek near the Razorback Trail in Windy Hill OSP. The man was pronounced dead at the scene by the coroner and removed from the preserve. Suicide is the likely cause of death. June Vandalism 6 A map box at Purisima was smashed. 20 Fences and buildings at Bear Creek Redwoods were found open, along with motorcycle tracks in the area. i i ntebello Ra ch Th urran y Tim, Tina, Christina & Stephanie Paints and Arabians 18 July 2003 Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Board Attn: L. Craig Britton 330 Distel Circle Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 RE: Proposed plan for Long Ridge Open Space Preserve New Trail To Whom It May Concern: Our family would like to state that we are in full support of your proposed 1.7 Mile Trail Alignment for Long Ridge Open Space Preserve to Construct the Grant- Funded Saratoga Summit Trail. We moved to this beautiful area in 1998 and as a family utilizes both the equestrian and bike trails in this area and fully agree that there is a need for a pedestrian/equestrian connector trail to the Long Ridge Open Space Preserve from our Skyline-to-the-Sea Trailhead. You have done an incredible service for all types of enjoyment to the park areas in the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District and we want you to know how much we enjoy using the system. We hope you build the new trail and support this proposal! Thank you �.for your time, Tim, Tina & Christina McGurran Montebello Ranch 12330 First Fork Road # Los Gatos,CA 95033 Phone: (408)867-3825 0 Fax: (408)867-3815 9 Cellular: (408)690-4488 Horses iquality come along "Once in a Blue " WHEREAS, the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District was formed in 1972 in ov S U Santa Clara County for the purpose of preserving and managing open space lands within its jurisdiction on the San Francisco peninsula;and WHEREAS, existing public benefits of the District's services include protecting nearly 50,000 acres of nearby open space lands and providing for low- intensity public recreational use of approximately 220 miles of trails within 26 open space preserves;and �tA WHEREAS, the City of Sunnyvale is within the jurisdiction of the District, and its constituents have reaped the benefits provided by the District;and WHEREAS, in the late 1990s, the District received requests and petitions from individuals, organizations, and elected bodies for its services in the preservation and management of open space lands, beyond its current boundaries west of Skyline Boulevard, and including the San Mateo County coastline;and WHEREAS, if successful, the District's efforts will provide for the people of the City of Sunnyvale, as well as surrounding regions, expanded opportunities for public access, increased resources for maintaining the physical and economic integrity of coastal agricultural lands, elected representation for the coastside area on the District's board of directors, and enhanced community programs in environmental education and open space volunteerism; WHEREAS, no taxation would accompany this proposed annexation, and local schools would retain their current revenue, THEREFORE, I, Julia E. Miller, Mayor, on behalf of the Sunnyvale City Council, do hereby endorse and support the MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT in its efforts to extend its boundaries to include lands west of Skyline Boulevard from the southerly limits of the City of Pacifica to the San Mateo/Santa Cruz County line. PROCLAIMED THIS FIFTEENTH DAY OF JULY,2003.. Julia E. Miller Mayor FROM : JED CYR PHA NO. 14087490170 Jul. 22 2003 10:07PM P2 JUL dd Ud ue t a eF n b U ftsu b'v' ';krb p. 2 T«ly 22,2003 Honorable Sandy Decker,Meyor Town of Los liatos Civic Caster 110 East Main Street P.O.Box 949 Los Gatos,CA 9503 y°ia fcr�.sit>ril� RE:NL mming of Geological Feature or Tr*9 for Mr.Vic Collard Dear Mayor Dmkcr As Chair ofthe District's Legislative.Finance,and Public Affairs(LFPAC)Standing Committee,I would like to thank you for your consideration of the Midpeninsula Regional Opcn Space District as a partner in trails and community projects.I am writing in specific mponse to yoar recent request that the District consider naming a site or trail after an apparently beloved local constituent who has served as a regional trails advocate.Vic Collord. At the request of Director Pete Siemens.the District's LFPAC considered your request in the context of District gift and memorial politics.(Please see attachment.)As you might expect,the District receives many requests to bestow memorial honors on local community members,and thercforc,the Board adopted policies regarding memorials.These District policies strictly define she situations under which the District narres sites or trails,and,in this ease,unfortunately your request on behalf of Mr,Collord does not fit the established orizeria for site or trail ttarrang. Sccuorns III A.and 1 B.2. require that the person to be:memorialized be both a"significant supporter" defined as individuals or group of individuals who have shown conspicuous or noteworthy suppon for the District through extraordinary contributions of titre and effort to the advancement of the goals,philosophy.and mission of the District,and be deceased.I and the LFPAC Committee members regret that District policies preclude our fulfillment of your noble request,and hope that there is a trail or site within:he Town's authority that might appropriately commemorate W,Collord's local comet mity efforts--perhaps even a trail or site on which he has wo:kod. We do look forward to working with you on efforts to dergnate trails or sines in commemoraron of individuals who t:'tcet the District's memorial criteria.As you know,the Distrnut Board and staff value the partnership between the Town and District;through the vision and cooperation of the Town of Los Gatos,the Open Space District gas been more successful at preserving a healthful gtaliry of life for our shared constituents. Please tail the District's General Manager Craig Britton if we trtay be of ft ore assistance. Sincerely. cd Cyr, AC Chair 3C/lcb,`shj cr. MROSD 13ovrd of Director. Los Gatos Town Council Debra Figone.Los Gatos Town Manager I' Regional Open r ice July 22, 2003 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT Honorable Sandy Decker,Mayor Town of Los Gatos Civic Center 110 East Main Street P.O. Box 949 Los Gatos, CA 95031 Via facsimile RE: Naming of Geological Feature or Trail for Mr.Vic Collord Dear Mayor Decker: As Chair of the District's Legislative,Finance,and Public Affairs(LFPAC) Standing Committee, I would like to thank you for your consideration of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District as a partner in trails and community projects. I am writing in specific response to your recent request that the District consider naming a site or trail after an apparently beloved local constituent who has served as a regional trails advocate,Vic Collord. At the request of Director Pete Siemens,the District's LFPAC considered your request in the context of District gift and memorial policies. (Please see attachment.)As you might expect,the District receives many requests to bestow memorial honors on local community members, and therefore,the Board adopted policies regarding memorials.These District policies strictly define the situations under which the District names sites or trails, and, in this case, unfortunately your request on behalf of Mr. Collord does not fit the established criteria for site or trail naming. Sections III A. and I B.2.require that the person to be memorialized be both a "significant supporter" defined as individuals or group of individuals who have shown conspicuous or noteworthy support for the District through extraordinary contributions of time and effort to the advancement of the goals,philosophy, and mission of the District, and be deceased. I and the LFPAC Committee members regret that District policies preclude our fulfillment of your noble request, and hope that there is a trail or site within the Town's authority that might appropriately commemorate Mr. Collord's local community efforts—perhaps even a trail or site on which he has worked. We do look forward to working with you on efforts to designate trails or sites in commemoration of individuals who meet the District's memorial criteria. As you know,the District Board and staff value the partnership between the Town and District; through the vision and cooperation of the Town of Los Gatos, the Open Space District has been more successful at preserving a healthful quality of life for our shared constituents. Please call the District's General Manager Craig Britton if we may be of future assistance. Sincerely, Jed Cyr, LFPAC Chair JC/Icb/shj cc: MRO.SD Board of Directors Los Gatos Town Council Debra Figone, L916:jiWANN ML W6, CA 94022-1404 Phone: 650-691-1200 Fax: 650-691-0485 • E-mail: mrosd@openspace.org Web site: www.openspace.org Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Mary C.Davey,Jed Cyr, Deane Little,Nonette Nanko, Larry Nassett, Kenneth C.Nitz • General Manager:L.Craig Britton Regional Open Sp, MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT July 17, 2003 John Ferreira San Mateo-Santa Cruz Unit Chief California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection 6059 Highway 9 Felton, CA 95018 Subject: Russian Ridge Prescribed Burn Dear Chief Ferreira: We are writing to encourage you to approve the implementation of an 80-acre prescribed burn in grasslands on Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve in San Mateo County during the July through October 2003 time period. The primary purpose of the prescribed burn is to reintroduce fire to a grassland ecosystem. Specifically, the burn will control nonnative invasive plants (Harding grass, yellow star thistle and other thistles) that have taken over large areas of the northern portion of the preserve. Controlling these invasive plants is essential to restoring the preserve to native grasses and wildflowers. Adjacent residents have expressed concerns about the invasive plants spreading to their proprieties. This is the sixth year of a 1998 grassland restoration plan developed for this preserve. Since development of the plan, we have been able to conduct three prescribed burns on the preserve but have not been able to burn in much of the northern portion of the preserve. Last year, on October 31, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF) directed a 65-acre prescribed burn in the northern portion of the preserve, but we were unable to burn the dense areas of invasive Harding grass that are the target of this year's burn. The best time to conduct this burn is in the July through October period when the Harding grass will be dry enough to burn efficiently and wet-windy conditions are not prevalent on this ridge top. It may be possible to burn later than October after initial rains if heavy winter rains are delayed this year. Delaying the burn until after October creates some uncertainty due to unpredictability of weather at that time of year. If initial rains are heavy or frequent, driving fire-fighting equipment on the site may be difficult. We therefore would prefer not to wait until after October to burn. 330 Distel Circle t Los Altos,CA 94022-1404 Phone: 650-691-1200 Fax:650-691-0485 t E-mail:mrosd@openspace.org Web site: www.openspace.org Other purposes of the prescribed burn are to create a fire-safe condition by burning off woody shrubs and the dry thatch that have formed underneath the thick, dense patches of Harding grass. Harding grass is persistent, spreads readily, and is likely to add to the future dry thatch load unless controlled. After the burn, our crews are ready to control the resprouts of Harding grass to prevent it from recolonizing the preserve and spreading to adjacent lands. The burn provides an excellent opportunity for District and CDF staff to l P PP Y train together in live-fire conditions under controlled circumstancesin preparation for emergency response situations. i (project A Prescribed Burning Project Standard Agreement has been prepared for this burn (pject number RXCZU-020). The site is vegetated primarily with grasslands with a few areas that contain brush. There are no areas within or near the proposed burn that contain large amounts of heavy fuels such as eucalyptus. In conjunction with CDF staff, our crews have prepared the site for this prescribed burn by establishing disc and hand lines, treating existing trails and patrol roads to serve as fire breaks, creating buffers around sensitive areas, notifying the public, developing a traffic safety plan and coordinating with wildlife agencies. CDF will be creating additional blacklines prior to the burn and coordinating with air quality control agency. Our trained staff will be joining CDF staff at the site during the burn. We are confident that this burn can be conducted safely and will provide important public benefits. Please call me if you have any questions about the purpose of this prescribed burn. Sincerely, Cindy Roessler Resource Management Specialist cc: Ken Biscay, CDF Battalion Chief Angela Petersen, CDF VMP Coordinator David Sanguinetti, MROSD Area Superintendent John Maciel, MROSD Operations Manager Attachment: Map of Russian Ridge — 2003 Prescribed Burn 12213'0"w' RUSSIAN RIDGE PRESCRIBED BURN gyros STREAMS BURN-RELATED fro= "M zao sm `t— PerenialPOWERLINES �., . um Ana t.Melville ice— High Tension A 2190 • •e. ."""r N;f�•• Intermittent, ,mb' /, Discline Telephone Hand-at Fireline O A GATES ROADS Spring a Spring Area //''�� •Trail © Numbered(District) o Unpaved Road Staging Area(with Diameter) ® Non-numbered Mina Paved Road © Rock Wall Tti CREEK /, Important Road Power Pole(with Pole No.) ` Major Road O Johnny Jump-up Patch ♦ , PARKING (with Diameter) `♦ a 0 Parking Lot Q Johnny Jump-up Patch . == O S P M Roadside Parking Single House �"`••., a a Cluster of Structures Q Equestrian Parking `\•• • Natural Feature •` ^�.,.,, ® Field Office • °�.. am CC05 ■""""" • Peak or Hilltop _ C C r� C ♦ �t�w• 06 C3 Tree Canopy ��-- • V -"'"" MROSD Land ca a (t t` Ted NOckOn'S-•N \•��' � `� �lake or Pond o • \\\ Road ' All, Pees / o Aso ,soD Feet t r r Gray :r ,inch2=approx.16 acres 1.10,000 Scale •" ♦ •— o�AZ'UrMm�ozi F p RRO •.. tt ---'f— e 0Mon CJ f ■■ ■ ■ , ■ ■■ No Canopy Data t � l a ■ North of Skyline Blvd "RR05 ck all J� DISC ■ ■ VJ .Wl �j•, I g Ar E ud/V m Ir. �■ % � o Vista S .eoint CC03 �••p� �,r I 4 Fi li 104+���'�. 444 �,,wr `v`V approx. 4A4 - -_lJi S S I A J Tra,, ,9.000 sqf, '7A A RIDG r� 20' l t �� w ao' O S P f:' 9''ea R1a9e zolr �o, .... 1 I 1 - I NA P' PACE DI T 122"13'0"W 122"12'30"W 122°.1.2'0"W Web Statistics Q2 2003 April—June July 18,2003 Apr May Jun Total Page Views 89429 103069 94408 (Each page landed on is a Page View) Total Visitors 20861 23000 22309 Avg Page Views/Day 2980 3324 3146 Avg Visitors/Day 695 741 743 Coastal Page Views 1409 2459 2793 (includes all pages viewed within the Coastal section of the website) Jobs Page Views 6194 3882 2602 (Includes all pages viewed within the Jobs/Human Resources section of the website) Apr May Jun Most Popular Pages w Preserve Locator a Preserve Locator 0 Preserve Locator ■ Maps &Trails a Maps &Trails • Maps &Trails ■ Out Act • Out Act 0 Purisima Map ■ Newsletter Newsletter ■ ECM Map ■ Russian Ridge 0 Purisuria Map 0 Out Act Map • ECM Map Newsletter ■ jobs Prepared by: Lauren Crook MIDPEN/NSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT Memorandum To: Craig Britton From: Stephanie Jensen Date: 7/23/2003 Re: Coastside Public Information In response to your question regarding the possibility of providing more publicity of the District's community programs to our coastside neighbors, here are three thoughts: 1) Over a year ago, I directed staff to develop additional media contact lists and to regularly send press advisories, copies of Outdoor Activities, and calendar announcement listings to in-District and coastside media outlets. We have also pitched feature stories re: resource management efforts, events, and programs, as time has permitted. These efforts have generated a few nice photo features as well as calendar announcements and short articles in the targeted publications (including magazines, such as Bay Area Parent, Sunset, and Bay Nature). Attached please find several examples of the Half Moon Bay Review pieces resulting from these efforts between October 2002 and April 2003. We intend to continue these efforts, and, as time permits, to augment them. 2) A new coastside weekly or monthly publication has debuted this summer, and we intend to try a free media strategy in it to announce programs to our neighbors; we will also explore publicity opportunities through the Chamber of Commerce. 3) 1 have planned to send two Public Affairs staff members to take program brochures and flyers to about a dozen coastside community and recreational centers in August (contact list included in outreach memo). 4) As you know, we've discussed exploring paid media with an advertising specialist. Please don't hesitate to ask, should you need any additional information. 0 Page 1 M/DPEMMSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE D/SMCT Memorandum To: Stephanie Jensen,MROSD Public Affairs Manager From: Andrew Martin, MROSD Public Affairs Intern Date: 7/22/2003 Re: Coastal community media outreach Stephanie: Per your request, please find several articles from the Half Moon Bay Review that represent the yield of our efforts to garner public support for the District and to project a positive image to our neighbors on the coast. Please note that,while I have found a good number of recent articles, I may have overlooked one or two. Sincerely, V Andrew Martin 0 Page 1 HALF MOON BAY REVIEW Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2002 2^ COMM UNIIf Y MROSD: Several walks •are this month The meeting point for this Continued from Paga e 1IIIp n walk, the parking lot of the p�kS ear�r� Fremont Older estate, can be changes settle around the quaint found if you take Highway 280 to nature center, come and learn I familiesHighway 85 and go to De Anza about natural and pond commu- Boulevard, and take a left off the pities, and maybe study live freeway. Go a fifth of a mile to aquatic organisms. By STACY TREVENON Prospect, turn right and continue To get to the nature center,go Half Moon Bay Review until you pass the country club, to the meeting place in the park- and then rum into the parking lot, ing lot at Russian Ridge, at the Chances to explore open space Next, you'll be "So Close, yet northwest corner of�Skyline and sample the outdoors in its fall So Wonderful!" on Oct. 19, as Boulevard and Page Mill Road. beauty abound through the rest of docent Bob Segalla leads partici- On Wednesday, Oct. 23, you October throughout the pants on a`five-mile hike with a can take a "Scenic Aerobic Nlidpeninsula Regional Open few steep climbs en route to see Hike" from 10 a.m. to noot. Space District. some different habitats. You'll with dacent� Ben:ie Larkin and Ten free activities designed see Wildcat Loop,the Bypass and with the family in mind will take Coyote Trails before having = paella Yana.pace, traverse .fit a moderate e four to five miles place during the rest of October = lunch with fellow hikers and l through various preserves Sur on the district's permanently pre- heading home. rounded b;; natural beauty. served open lands. This takes place from 11:30 Meet at Fremont Older. The first took lace this morn- a.m. to 4 p.m., and the meeting P Alteration families: irons 10 ing, an "Explorer Hike" a> El place is Rancho San Antonio.To a.m. to noon on Saturday. Oct Sereno. Such hikes are oifered get there, take Highway 280 to , once or more r month in most _l take part in "Family Fun: Per Foothill Boulevard south and turn flu;}c ;round the Pond" at months of the year,and are mod- right on Crystal Rey Drive. Go a Daniels Nature Center. erase, three- to five-mile-long mile and turn left into the lot,and Interpretive aide Jessica treks with varying elevation follow the lot around to the right hior2an will lead you on a mile- gains. until you see the restrooms. and-ci-half hike. 'teach You to The next one is tomorrow, a On Saturday and Sunday, Oct. inGetat your„«n instrument. and "Midweek Search for Fruits and 19 and 20,if you are heading out la; along with the natural town avoid p Nuts" from 1 a.m. to 2 .m. a r, of to a old the Pumpkin 0 a:. P P na,:i :dies of nature. Rids a2 i Thursday,Oct. 17. Fest� 'al crowds, "Stop In and ages, and adults. are welcome. Docents Dick Gehrer and Jack Explore'." at the Daniels Nature "Stop 1n anci Esplora!" is Daane will lead participants on a Center frotn noon to 5 p.m. both repeated on the weekend of Or-,t. hunt for wild fruits and nuts on a days. As fail and seasonal ?b tnd 27. moderate four- to five-mile hike T..: ,ur, an ".aauurnnz� in the preserve that was once the See M'ROSD,Page 313 Exploration" from 10 a.na. to home of San Francisco newspa- p.m.at: Sunday,Oct. '7 at Logs per editor Fremont Older and his Ridge. Here. you can explore wife.Cora.The trail will go up 10 fall's hanger on ,w.)ods and Hunter;Point and include sweep- n,,e ado,. s, as docents Paul. mg views of the South Bay. Vadopalas and Tommi Stnith lead participants (.n a Five-rnilt hike along t,z ion; Ridge Trail. You'll ha%%2 l.utcf and maybe meet up with so:., wild turkeys and deer. N Ieet at the Grizz!;: Flat '- h::ad on the west,.. . of sky 1...- Boulcv r_l, 3., miles north o High,.vay 9. The final walk in :i.. soles w;l: take participant" and Up H:ttntnns Gulch" from ir1 I t Mks; Review file photo Brian Banks, Heather Pease Olson and her husband Erick Olson get in some hiking at Poplar Beach. a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. sheds and a variety of eco- property tax revenues collected 27. Docents Ed Hattyar and systems. It also restores within district boundaries. Becky Nguyen will lead an damaged natural resources and The district is divided into eight-mile hike from the ridge provides trail improvements for seven geograr.hic wards repre- too to the creek, where the passive recreational use by the sented by an elected board group will stop for lunch and public. member.The board holds public then head back up or the views. The district's goals are to -neetiags on the second and Meet at the Windy Hill park- acquire a continuous greenbelt fourth Wednesdays of each ing area, which is on Skyline of protected open space lands month at 7:30 p.m. in the dis- Boulevard 2.3 miles south of for public enjoyment, and to trict offices, located at 330 Highway 84. pr_serve open space for the Distel Circle in Los Altos. en The Midpeninsula Regional enjoymt cf future genera- There is no admission fee for Open Space District a:c:ends tions. f the u afks. from the city of San Car!,--.; to Its funding is provided by a For further information, call the town of Los Gatos.A public sma:. share of the annual total (650) 691-1200. agency, it has been actively involved in preserving more than 46,500 acres of diverse open space, and manages 26 open space preserves. The district permanently protects wildlife habitat, water- i Park activities trek into win nter By STACY TREVENON Half Moon Bay Review Winter may be coming on, but the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District is greeting it with a 4 fresh schedule of outdoor activi- ties geared toward enjoying autumn. Take a break from 2:30 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 9 and join the "Busy People Birding by the Bay" I at the Stevens Creek Shoreline.It's a marshland nature study led by docents Kandis Scott and Jim Rea. To get there, take Highway 101 south to Shoreline Boulevard east + and go to the park entrance,where L+ �. Y > you.will turn right. There's also an event for n _ . tam bikers.From 9 a I pm. to m. on Sunday,Nov. 10,take a moun- tain bike ride through "Sun, Soil *'!` and Storms" along the South Skyline Preserves. Docents Patty -- - " Ciesla and Strether Smith will host - . .� : a short course on the forces that shape our landscape in this inter- Review file photo mediate-level ride at a brisk pace through five preserves in the South Babette and Tom Hogan take a stroll through Butano State Park this past summer. Skyline area. Over 12 miles and s 2,000 feet,you'll stop to examine Page Mill Road and go west about Nguyen will lead participants will Ridge Trail in search of ancient t different types of soil and rocks, seven miles. lead the way along Peters Creek oaks and signs of early rainfall. and learn about erosion. This grouping of activities con- and Long Ridge trails, offering Docents Paul Vadopalas and Jack For this activity, helmets must tinues on Wednesday, sweeping views and peeks Daane will lead participants on a be worn and reservations are Nov. 13, with a "Scenic Aerobic into the district's history-. Meet at loop through the woodland area, required. Call the district at (650) Hike"from 10 a.m.to noon begin- the Grizzly Flat trailhead, at the over Alpine Road,down Old Page 691-1200,ext.536. ning at Russian Ridge. Docents west side of Skyline Boulevard 3.3 Mill Road and perhaps to a hidden On Sunday,Nov. 10,take part in Bernie Larking and Stella Yang miles north of Highway 9. waterfall. the MROSD 30th anniversary hike will help participants feel fit with a Also, "Stop in and Explore!" a Midpeninsula Regional Open from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Docents four-to five-mile hike through var- regularly planned activity by Space District extends from San Katherine Greene and Paul Billig ious preserves. MROSD at the Daniels Nature Carlos to Los Gatos, and main- will set a moderate pace along On Saturday, Nov. 16, from 10 Center, will be held from noon to tains 26 open space preserves on eight miles with a 1,000400t ele- a.m.to 1:30 p.m.,explore a variety 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, its nearly 48,000 acres of diverse vation change passing through five of plant communities on a moder- Nov. 16 and 17. open space. preserves in the south Skyline ately paced,four-to five-mile hike These activities conclude on For more information about the region.Meet at the Skyline Ridge along the "Long Ridge Loop" Nov. 17 with a look into "The district and its activities,call(650) parking lot. Take Highway 280 to Docents Ed Hattyar and Becky Rainy Season" along the Russian 691-1200,ext.536. HALF MOON BAY REVIEW • We,�rlesday, Dec. 111, 2002 • 38 t Open pace for hristmas , s By STACY TREti ENON ■ On that same day, from 10 a.m. to 2 H alf Moon Bay Review p.m.. a "Pre-Holiday Hiking Break" is scheduled at Monte Bello. Docents Dick See the outdoors this holiday season Gehrer and Judy Fenerty will lead a four- with Midpeninsula Regional Open Space mile hike through the grasslands and District adventures. canyons of this "beautiful mountain" (in ■ This series of walks begins this Italian). ' Sunday, Dec. 15. with "Winter Solstice" Meet at Monte Bello, the entrance to held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Skyline which is right across from Los Trancos Ridge. Docents Paul Vadopalas, Jack (see"Footsteps;'Dec. 15). Daane and Jim Rea will escort visitors at a a Bring your dog — if it's well-social- leisurely pace six miles up a promontoy ized and on a leash — on the "Fleas overlooking the ocean, share seasonal sto- Navidad Dog Hike" on Dec. 21 from 9 to ries at lunch,and then return via Horseshoe i l a.m. on Pupas Ridge. Docent Ann Lake. Reisenauer and friend Baxter Gooddog Meet at the Skyline 'Ridge parking lot, Black, and fellow human Mary Bernstein which you find by taking Highway 280 to will lead a moderately paced, three-mile Page Mill Road and going west seven hike along various preserve trails. Bring miles. plastic bags for poop, and reservations are ■ If that's not to your taste, try required. "Footsteps on the Fault" a leisurely two- To get to Pulgas Ridge, take Highway � I mile exploration with docent Keith 280 to Edgewood Road. Go three-quarters Johnseard, of the forces shaping the San of a mile toward San Carlos to Crestview Andreas Fault. and go left, then take an immediate left It will be held from 1 to 3:30 p.m.on the onto Edmonds Road and the preserve same day, this Sunday, at Los Trancos. entrance is to the right. ( Take Highway 280 south to Page Mill ■ Or, take a " E1oti.aav Hiatus in the Road, turn west and proceed for seven Redwoods" from 10 a.m. to 1 .m. that p p miles to the parking lot to the right. same day. It's a moderate three- to four- ■ The following Wednesday, Dec. 18, mile walk among redwood giants, with from 10:30 a.m.to 2 p.m.,do an"Explorer docents Ed Hattyar anti Becky Nguyen. Hike" at the Stevens Creek Shoreline, Meet at the Higgins-Purissima entrance. Docents Sietken Krieger, Dennis Smith Take Highway 1 south 4.6 miles to Verde- and Jim Rea will lead visitors around vari- Purissima, and go east 3.9 miles to the lot. ous:. reserves to see winter's changes.This Reservations are required.pb hike is moderately paced,from three to rive ■On Sunday, Dcc. 2_, at Stevens Creek miles long and with varying elevation Shoreline from 9 a.m. to I p.m., go changes. "Birding the Ba by Bike," with a moun- y i by at the parking area on Skyline tain bike ride along the Bay Trail with Boulevard at Page Mill. docent Patty Ciesela. You'll peek into bay ■ On the next day, Thursday. Dec. 19, creeks,marshes and salt ponds,looking for from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., take a leisurely, birds and wildlife. The trails are flat, easy four-male canyon-setting "Tbyon Walk" and includo road riding. Brine a wind- with docents Sam and Delpha Berry, to breaker.binoculars and a field guide. enjoy winter's colors. There's red (toyon (For directions. see Dec. 18.) berries, poison oak), green (live oaks, bay ■ On the day after Christmas, take part I laurel) and grays ;fog, sage). Reds and in the "i lth Annual hike Off Those whites—from a local winery —await at Holiday Calories;' b; touring four differ- the end of the walk. ent preserves near Sk line Boulevard. It's For this activity,meet at Picchetti Ranch: about seven tnt'­s lotto, with some strenu- take Highway 280 to Foothill Boulevard. ous sections and an overall 1,400-foot ele- Go south and travel 3.5 miles along vation gain. Foothill/Stevens Creek Road,until you get fleet at the Skyline Ridge parking lot,at to Monte Bello Road. At this point, turn Page'Mill Road. right, and go a half-mile to the entrance to For reservations and further information, the left. call(6501 691-I20u. i i I Hike into the New Year By STACY TREVENON Foothill Blvd. and go south. Turn Half Moon Bay Review right on Cristo Rey Drive`and go one mile,then turn left into the lot. Over the first two weeks of Go to the lot on the farthest right. January, docents for the On the next day,Sunday,Jan.5, Midpeninsula Regional Open from 2 to 4:30 p.m. at Los Space District have scheduled Trancos, take an "Earthquake seven free activities to bring fami- Walk" with docents Keith lies and outdoors lovers into the Johnsgard and Christie Wilson,to open spaces around the Peninsula. learn how the San Andreas Fault They begin from 10 a.m. to 2 influences the earthquakes felt in p.m. on New Year's Day with a the region. It will take two-and-a "Happy New Year,"when docents half hours and cover a couple,of Paul Vadopalas and Adda Quinn miles. lead a moderate hike up the Long Las Trancos is just across from Ridge Trail to seek invigorating Monte Bello(see Jan. 1). ocean views. You may spot win- On Wednesday,Jan.8,from 10 tering wildlife like deer or wild a.m. to noon, take a "Scenic e cork..y�s. ,aerobic Hike" through Rancho Meet at the Grizzly Flat trail- San Antonio with docents Bernie head,located at Long Ridge. e That Larkin and Ste lla Yang on a four- is on the west side of Skyline to five-mile moderate hike through Blvd., three miles south of Page -arious preserves. Mill Road, On the next day,Thursday,Jan. If that's not for you,on the same 9, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., check day, from 1 to 4 p.m.,you can try out "Not So Bald Knob," via a the "4th annual New Year's Day pleasant trail along a hilltop that Exercise Hike" with an aftemoun has regrown since the trees were aerobic session u to the to of cut back ears ago. Docents Sam P P Y g Black mountain with docents Paul Bent' and Jack Daane will lead Billig and Tommi Smith.It's about this moderate six-mile hike via five to six miles,and climbs about Bald Knob and the Irish Ridge 800 feet. Trail. You can find Monte Bella if you Meet at the Redwood Trail take Highway- 280 south to Page entrance, on the west side of Mill Read, go west, and proceed Skyline Boulevard 6.5 miles south seven miles to the parking lot. of Highway 92. On Saturday,Jan.4,from 11:30 Finally, on Saturday, Jan. 11, a.m.to 4 p.m.,have"Lunch at the from 10 a.m, to 3 p.m., join Farm" as docent Bob Segalla docents Ed Hattyar and Becky shares the fun of discovering Nguyen at Monte Bello for"Peaks nature at Rancho San Antonia.It's and Canyons," or an excursion to a dve-mile, moderate talk with a the top of Black Mountain, for f couple of 400-foot climbs across lunch and panoramic views. It's a three habitats.Lunch will be at the moderate, six-mile hike with long spot called The Farm, climbs and some steep spots. To find Rancho San Antonio, For further information,contact take Highway 280 south to _1%IROSD at(650)691-1200. New series of MR SD wal ks begi ns By STACYTREVENON April 19 is -Eggs-ploration in Open a.m. to noon at Long Ridge,take a"Scenic Half Moon Bay Review Space" from 1:30 t-o 4 p.m. at the Skyline Aerobic Hike"with docents Bernie Larkin Ridge. This is a family-style afternoon of and Stella Yang. It's a four- to five-mik, Throughout the month of April,for those exploring Horseshoe Lake and environs moderate hike with a few stops, graced who want to get outdoors and experience with the district's public affairs intern with sensational scenery. Meet at the the coming of spring, the Midpeninsula Andrew Martin, along with docents Mary Skyline Ridge parking lot Regional Open Space District has devised Ann Monahan, Bill and Marilyn Bauriedel wOn that Saturday, April 26, from a schedule of walks and outdoor activities. and Bob'Moncrieff.They will ring the lake 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Ravenswood, These hikes and activities, taking place with hidden eggs that are filled with a "Walk and Roll"with docents Jim Rea and at various parks throughout Sari Mateo series of fun and informative nature clues. Kandis Scott. They'll share interesting County, offer something for all members Treasures await those who complete this facts about the district's 30-year history j,f of the family. discovery mission. open-space protection, with emphasis on The walks are free to the public. For fur- This activity is suitable for youth ages 6 its wetlands.This walk will follow a level, ther information, to make reservations or to 10, accompanied by an adult. Meet at hard-surfaced, two-mile trail atop a levee, to obtain directions,call(650)691-1200. the Skyline Ridge parking lot, which is accessible to wheelchair,,,, m This series of outdoor adventures Reservations are required. strollers and hiking boots alike, begins Wednesday, April 16, with an m On Saturday and Sunday, April 19 Participants can see migratory waterfowl "Explorer Hike" from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 20, try to "Stop in and Explore" each and shorebirds from an observation deck. up St. Joseph's Hill. For this ongoing day from noon to 5 p.m. at the Daniels as well as a panoramic view across San monthly hike, loa,, your backpack with 'Nature Center. For this regular activity, Francisco Bay. provisions, slap on sunscreen, and join the district invites families to visit this There are other activities planned for docents Sict-ken Krieger, Dennis Smith or charming wooden building nestled at the that day, tot). From 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., at Jim Rea to make new discoveries in the edge of Alpine Pond, enjoy displays Russian Ridge, take part in a "Family 1 spring. This hike is moderately paced and about natural communities, view larger- Outdoor Discovery: Earth Day in Blooin." from three to five miles loriv, and varies in than-life pond strata mobiles. take a pond Celebrate Earth Day with thi, two-mile elevation gains. Sleet at the VTA parking prowl and maybe study live aquatic organ- frolic through the ridge's wildflowers an-,11 I of, isms. ancient oaks, with interpretive aide Jc.ssica xOn the next day, April 17, get a On Sunday. April 20, from 10 a.m. to Morgan and docent Tommi Smith. You'll Shakespearean with "Wildflowers. Where 11-:30 in the afternoon, you can sample a also come home with astunning handmade Art Thou'?" from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at "Sprin-g, Sampler" of dazzling flowers in Earth Day bouquet, Reservations are i Edgewood County Park. In this activity, the meadow and woodlands at Russian required. docents Dick Gehrer and Judy Fenerty lead Ridge with the help of docents Paul w Finally, on the weekend of April 26- `Stop in ai,participants in a leisurely, five-mile walk Vadopalas and Paul Billig. It's a leisurely, 27, there Is a repeat of the ' ) and to view the spring flowers and enjoy a 3.5-mile walk. Explore" event at the Daniels Natuirl, waterfall at its peak flow.Meet at the camp There's still more to choose fro on that Center from noon to 5 p.m. each day. entrance. same day. From 10:30 a.m.to 2:30 p.m.,at This series of adventures COuClUdes on u0n Saturday, April 19, at Monte Bello, La Honda Creek, you can check out Sunday. April 27 from I to 4 p.m. with answer the question "How Did the —Wildflowers and Vistas" with docents from miacv's-" Participants an"I Mountains Get Here Anyway" A Geologic Betty and Steve Salverer. This is a five- families are invited to Join docents Keiti, Introduction to the Santa Cruz Mountains," mile hike in a beautiful, secluded place. Jobrisgard and Jeff Richardson and explore from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Docents Dave made fairly strenuous with an 800-foot ele- the varied Skyline Ridge ccosystern,with a Boore and Barbara Patterson will lead this nation gain and one 600-foot climb. But major focus on hove the Ohlone Irid.an�� strenuous five- t,,-) six-mile hike through a you'll get to see some hti,-,-, old trees and and early pioneers used Plant,, to meet an diverse nreserve where participants will panoramic views in all, directions, weather array of needs -- long before grocery see the Santa Cruz Mountains in a new permitting, and a potential bonus of wild- department stores arrived. light: in the context of their geological and flowers. This leisureiv, two-mile, rotted-trip hi zX seismic origins. It includes a visit to the Note: Reservations are required, and Affl traverse the inargins of Alpine P,,)rn-,' lush depths of the flora and fauna of must be made prior to April f4. Directions and the upper reaches of Skyline Rid,.. Steven. Creek Canyon. Reservations are will be sent with the reservation confirma- and return by %vav of a visir to the Niatu%- required for this,hike. tion- Center at the dj-.',,i end Meet a,' the a If that's not to your liking, also on a That Wednesday, April 23. from 10 Russian Ridge paikinf! lot,