HomeMy Public PortalAbout20151022 - Agenda Packet - Board of Directors (BOD) - 15-26
SPECIAL MEETING
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
Grant Community Center, Room 1
1575 Holt Avenue
Los Altos, CA 94024
Thursday, October 22, 2015
9:30 AM
A G E N D A
9:30 SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MIDPENINSULA
REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
The Board President will invite public comment on items not the agenda. Each speaker will ordinarily be
limited to three minutes; however, the Brown Act (Open Meeting Law) does not allow action by the
Board of Directors on items not on the agenda. If you wish to address the Board, please complete a
speaker card and give it to the District Clerk. Individuals are limited to one appearance during this
section.
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
BOARD BUSINESS
The President will invite public comment on agenda items at the time each item is considered by the
Board of Directors. Each speaker will ordinarily be limited to three minutes. Alternately, you may
comment to the Board by a written communication, which the Board appreciates.
1. Annual Review of the Strategic Plan Goals and Objectives to Guide the Focus for Fiscal
Year 2016-17 (R-15-150)
Staff Contact: Kevin Woodhouse, Assistant General Manager and Ana Ruiz, Assistant General
Manager
General Manager’s Recommendation: Adopt the Proposed Changes to the Strategic Plan to
Effectively Respond to Changes in the Surrounding Environment.
INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDA
Board Outreach Opportunities
Diversity Program
District Strategic Response to the Drought
District Efforts on the San Mateo County Coast
Meeting 15-26
ADJOURNMENT
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need assistance to participate in this meeting,
please contact the District Clerk at (650) 691-1200. Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the
District to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting.
Written materials relating to an item on this Agenda that are considered to be a public record and are distributed
to Board members less than 72 hours prior to the meeting, will be available for public inspection at the District’s
Administrative Office located at 330 Distel Circle, Los Altos, California 94022.
CERTIFICATION OF POSTING OF AGENDA
I, Maria Soria, Deputy District Clerk for the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (MROSD), declare that
the foregoing agenda for the special meeting of the MROSD Board of Directors was posted and available for
review on October 16, 2015, at the Administrative Offices of MROSD, 330 Distel Circle, Los Altos California,
94022. The agenda and any additional written materials are also available on the District’s web site at
http://www.openspace.org.
Maria Soria
Deputy District Clerk
R-15-150
Meeting 15-26
October 22, 2015
AGENDA ITEM 1
AGENDA ITEM
Annual Review of the Strategic Plan Goals and Objectives to Guide the Focus for Fiscal Year
2016-17
GENERAL MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION
Adopt the Proposed Changes to the Strategic Plan to Effectively Respond to Changes in the
Surrounding Environment.
SUMMARY
Each year, the Board of Directors (Board) reviews and comments on the results of an
Environmental Scan to determine what adjustments are needed to the Strategic Plan goals and
objectives to best position the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (District) to respond
to future challenges and/or opportunities. Results of the Environmental Scan and the
corresponding proposed changes to the Strategic Plan are discussed in detail as part of this
report. Moreover, additional information regarding select topics of interest regarding the
District’s Diversity Program.
BACKGROUND
In 2011, the District developed and the Board adopted a comprehensive Strategic Plan (R-11-96)
to provide a high-level framework for guiding the District’s implementation of its mission
statement. Each year, the District recommends and the Board approves adjustments to the
Strategic Plan to ensure that the strategic goals and objectives appropriately respond to changes
in the surrounding environment, which are captured in an annual Environmental Scan. The
updated Strategic Plan is then used to provide high level direction for developing the upcoming
fiscal year Action Plan and Budget. As such, the annual Strategic Plan review is intended to
provide the Board with an early opportunity to set the District’s overall course for the coming
year at a broad policy level. In addition, the Board will also have an opportunity to confirm the
District-wide priorities for the next fiscal year on November 17, to guide the Action Plan and
Budget development well ahead of the presentations to the Action Plan and Budget Committee,
which will now occur in April.
Information provided in this memorandum and staff presentations during the meeting will
summarize the District’s progress on its Strategic Plan goals and objectives over the last year,
present the results of an environmental scan concerning significant changes in the last year or
forecasted for the coming year, and a recommendation from the General Manager on potential
adjustments to the Strategic Plan for Fiscal Year (FY) 2016-17.
R-15-150 Page 2
DISCUSSION
Environmental Scan Results
As a reminder, the annual Strategic Plan Review includes an annual Environmental Scan that
analyzes and evaluates the internal and external conditions, data, and factors that affect the
organization to understand whether any strategic adjustments are needed to better position the
District to respond to future challenges and/or opportunities.
At the retreat, staff will summarize information from the Environmental Scan results provided in
Attachment 1, including the following main take aways:
1. Strong emphasis is needed at least for the next year on building the internal systems,
providing adequate staff capacity, completing the organizational restructuring, and
making decisions on staff facilities to establish the District’s new business model to fully
focus on expedient project delivery and effective land management. Significant time
must be devoted to: hiring/on-boarding; conducting new systems needs assessments,
vetting consultants/vendors, and implementing new systems; maintaining strong
communication across all levels of the organization, developing departmental
restructuring plans, and utilizing change management tools to support the organizational
transitions; and, evaluating various long-term options for staff facilities and making
decisions and setting priorities for implementation.
2. Remaining staff capacity needs to be focused on implementing the Measure AA projects
that are already underway (including Mt. Um, Bear Creek Redwoods, La Honda).
3. The District should not pursue any large, new initiatives or projects at this time (see
additional discussion under Adjustments to Strategic Plan, below).
4. The District needs to build the systems and mechanisms in place to allow for a more
mobile and flexible work environments to continue attracting/retaining staff and respond
to growth in preserve acreage, visitor use, and staffing numbers.
5. Continued changing demographics and increase in awareness and use of District
preserves requires greater internal District awareness and appreciation for diverse
perspectives and needs; additional training and pursuit of new partnerships are becoming
more important.
The Environmental Scan reveals the need for continued intense focus on organizational change
actions to expand the District’s project delivery capacity and excellent services provided to the
public. Beginning mid-year during FY2014-15, and prior to completion of the Financial and
Operational Sustainability Model (FOSM) Study, the District began to implement organizational
changes based on early findings of the FOSM to get a head start on facilitating the delivery of
Measure AA projects. These steps included mid-year budget approvals for critical new positions
and commencement of an Information Systems and Technology Strategic Plan. Following
adoption of the Final FOSM Study in March 2015, the District began additional FOSM
implementation steps. Simultaneously, the District has been actively progressing on Measure
AA projects. These two categories of Action Plan projects – FOSM Implementation and
Measure AA projects – are anticipated to dominate staff resources into FY2016-17, in addition to
continued improvements to the District’s on-going programs such as public outreach, field
maintenance and visitor service functions, and restoration work.
Adjustments to the Strategic Plan
Proposed adjustments to the Strategic Plan goals and objectives are provided in detail in
Attachment 2. Adjustments to the Strategic Plan will help set the framework for the Board’s
R-15-150 Page 3
discussion on District-wide priorities scheduled for November 17 and guide the overall
development of the FY2016-17 Action Plan and Budget.
Given the Board’s direction to the General Manager to focus on the Board’s list of five success
criteria that emphasize pacing of projects, delivering exceptional work, a balanced mission
delivery, project delivery innovation and creating an exceptional organization, it is the General
Manager’s recommendation that the District needs to approach any new projects or initiatives
with caution and thorough scrutiny of scoping, planning, and identifying staff resource trade-offs
when considering whether new projects or initiatives are feasible. Staff morale is very high and
hopeful, but it is also fragile given the current pace, workload, and amount of change the
organization is undergoing. These dynamics are important to consider as the District plans its
budget and action plan for FY2016-17.
FISCAL IMPACT
Acceptance of the Environmental Scan and Adoption of the proposed changes to the Strategic
Plan has no direct fiscal impact, but will drive, together with the Board’s confirmation of District
priorities on November 17, the development of the FY2016-17 Action Plan and Budget.
BOARD COMMITTEE REVIEW
This item was brought straight to the full Board given full Board interest and importance.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Public notice was provided as required by the Brown Act.
CEQA COMPLIANCE
This item is not a project subject to the California Environmental Quality Act.
NEXT STEPS
On November 17, 2015, the Board will confirm the District-wide priorities for the upcoming
fiscal year. The outcomes of the October 22 and November 17 Board Retreats will guide the
development of the FY2016-17 Action Plan and Budget, including the 3-Year Capital
Improvement Plan.
Attachments
1. 2015 Environmental Scan
2. Proposed Revisions to the Strategic Plan Goals and Objectives for Fiscal Year 2016-17
Responsible Department Head:
Stephen E. Abbors, General Manager
Prepared by:
Ana Ruiz and Kevin Woodhouse, Assistant General Managers
ENVIRONMENTAL SCAN ANALYSIS
What has changed over the last year?
1. Intense focus on financial/organizational restructuring to effectively deliver Measure AA
a. Results:
i. Completion of the FOSM
ii. Board approval of following new/updated policies:
1. Fund Balance Policy and Initial Reserve Commitments
2. Initial and Continuing Disclosures Relating to Bond Issuances
3. Public Contract Bidding, Vendor and Professional Consultant Selection,
and Purchasing Policy
iii. First Bond Issuance - $45M and AAA rating
iv. Approval of formation process for the Bond Oversight Committee
v. AB495 signed into law, allowing GM purchasing authority to increase to $50k
vi. Approval of 14 new positions; 5 hired, 4 underway, 5 remaining to initiate
vii. Rental of additional administrative office space (AO3)
viii. Completion of the Information Systems and Technology Strategic Plan
ix. Movement of work units into new spaces/new departments
x. Implementing new Electronic Timecard System
xi. Implementing new Human Resources Information System (HRIS)
xii. Developing a new project delivery/hand-off process
xiii. Developing transition plans for the creation of new departments/moving of
functional work groups
xiv. Pursuing additional temporary rental office space (AO4)
xv. Evaluating long-term staff facility options
b. Impacts:
i. Implementing new Business Model for the District
ii. Fast paced increase in staffing – expanding capacities and skills sets
iii. Systems, policy, procedural, and staffing changes occurring simultaneously
iv. Need for ongoing change management and clear communication about recent
and upcoming changes – important to establish a District intranet
v. Strong momentum in place for changes and adjustments to occur; willingness
and expectations from staff for continued change – best to take advantage of this
momentum
vi. Increased pressure to select best long-term solution for the Admin Office and
field offices
vii. IT infrastructure needs major improvements to handle new information systems,
software applications, additional employees, separate GIS server, mobile work
environment, and for disaster recovery/business continuity. Significant cost and
time implications; need to identify and focus on highest benefit improvements.
viii. Shifting staff and work functions into new/other departments will create gaps of
capacity in prior departments (where overflow work assignments/scope creep
would otherwise be shared / distributed to greater numbers. Will need to
Attachment 1
consider adding staff to some departments to “fill in these gaps” and avoid
reducing overall capacity to manage important functions.
ix. Implementation of multiple new systems is increasing the need/desire for
additional management analyst capacity to help run implement and new
systems, and conduct data analytics to keep current staff focused on capital
projects and preserve management
2. Increased Emphasis in Public Outreach
a. Results
i. Greater engagement and participation from diverse communities throughout the
District’s jurisdiction
ii. Greater District awareness and name recognition
iii. Increase in public attendance at Board/Committee meetings; increase in written
and oral comments from the public
iv. Increase in freedom of information act requests
b. Impacts
i. Increasing pressure to implement a Document Management System for ease of
document retrieval to respond to information requests
ii. Increasing pressure to improve the Contacts Database to maintain up-to-date
address information for email/mailed notifications
iii. Important to continue promoting District awareness to new residents coming
into the region recognizing the continued job growth
iv. Increasing need for a more robust interpretive program and greater collaboration
with outside entities/organizations who have the resources and connections to
organize events and bring groups to the preserves
v. Increasing need for District-wide diversity awareness/humility training
3. Pressure to Demonstrate Progress on Measure AA projects
a. Results
i. Mt Um Summit Project is one year ahead of schedule (began in late 2012);
opening of summit and trail scheduled for fall 2016.
ii. Expedited Bear Creek Redwoods Preserve Plan and added Alma College and
Bear Creek Redwoods Site Plans as components (began in 2014).
iii. Draft EIR for the Bear Creek Redwoods Preserve Plan scheduled to be released
in late 2015.
iv. La Honda Creek Watershed Protection Project (road upgrades) completed;
working on completing additional road segment off Sears Ranch Road and
opening an interim parking area for early opening in 2016.
v. Opening of Mindego Hill Trail scheduled for spring 2016.
b. Impacts/Considerations
i. Significant staff resources dedicated to Mt Um, Bear Creek Redwoods, and La
Honda Creek (equivalent of approx. 8 FTEs across all departments).
ii. Redirecting attention to other or new areas/preserves or initiatives will impact
the schedules of big preserve projects that are currently in progress.
Attachment 1
iii. Intense focus on Measure AA projects leaves little/no room for responding to
new issues.
iv. As new areas are opened to the public, the District will better understand the
operational impacts and levels of visitation of these areas; important to remain
flexible to adding more operational/management staff to manage the future use.
4. Strong Employment and High Cost of Living
a. Results
i. Strong job growth in both public and private sectors.
ii. Seeing increases in compensation packages throughout the region.
iii. High employment and low housing stock resulting in lack of local/regional
affordable housing.
iv. Employees facing longer commute times.
v. Experiencing more employee turnover in entry level positions.
vi. Jurisdictions increasing minimum wage.
b. Impacts
i. More employees/new candidates for employment requesting telecommuting
benefits – telecommute administrative policy underway.
ii. Faced with hiring for both new positions and to fill vacancies.
iii. Pressing need to consider new ways of doing business to ease the long commute
impacts – satellite AO offices on the north/south/coast; cloud-based systems;
reliable video conferencing; reliable data connectivity; mobile devices;
revisiting the District’s housing policy for tenant residences; modifying the core
working hours.
5. 5th Year of Below Average Rainfall
Please refer to Board FYI on the District’s Strategic Response to the Drought. In addition, the
District is pressed to hire a new Water Resources Specialist in the Natural Resources
Department with expertise in water supply improvements and water rights management to
protect District water rights, ensure sufficient and establish secondary sources of water for
agriculture/cattle grazing, tenant use, and wildlife/fisheries, and better understand private water
rights on District lands. Legal issues regarding protection of water resources, illegally tapping
into available water, potential loss of water rights, etc., are increasing. Also, likely to
experience additional regulations and restrictions on water use in the future.
6. Other Items Worth Briefly Noting:
a. Assessed Value continues to grow faster than expected, we therefore expect more tax
revenue and a greater likelihood that all $300M of GO bonds will be issued.
b. El Nino may bring substantial flooding, slope failures, road and trail damage, tree
damage, and potential structural issues, with all the concomitant repairs, contracting,
liability, and resource management issues arising from that. If this is the case, staffing
resources may need to be redirected to address emergencies and public safety – which
would then significantly impact other priorities and time-sensitive commitments. This
Attachment 1
would have the largest impact on Operations and Natural Resources staff, who have
addressed these issues in the past.
KEY TAKE AWAYS FOR COMING YEAR
1. Strong emphasis is needed at least for the next year on building the internal systems, providing
adequate staff capacity, completing the organizational restructuring, and making decisions on
staff facilities to establish the District’s new business model so that we can then fully focus on
expedient project delivery and effective land management. Significant time needs to be
devoted to: hiring/on-boarding; conducting new systems needs assessments, vetting consultants
and vendors, and implementing new systems; maintaining strong communication across all
levels, developing plans for all department restructurings, and utilizing change management
tools to support the organizational transitions; evaluating various long-term options for staff
facilities and making decisions and setting priorities for implementation.
2. Remaining staff capacity needs to be focused on implementing the Measure AA projects that
are already underway (including Mt. Um, Bear Creek Redwoods, La Honda).
3. The District should not pursue any large, new initiatives or projects in FY2016-17
4. The District needs to build the systems and mechanisms in place to allow for a more mobile
and flexible work environments to continue attracting/retaining staff and respond to growth in
preserve acreage, visitor use, and staffing numbers.
5. Continued changing demographics and increase in awareness and use of District preserves
requires greater internal District awareness and appreciation for diverse perspectives and needs;
additional training and pursuit of new partnerships are becoming more important.
Attachment 1
Attachment 2: Proposed Adjustments to Strategic Plan Goals and Objectives for FY2016-17
Goal 1 - Promote, establish and implement a common conservation vision with partners
Objective 1 – Build and strengthen collaboration with partners
Objective 2 – Implement an integrated approach to conservation on the Peninsula, South
Bay and San Mateo Coast
Objective 3 – Implement the District’s Vision Plan
Goal 2 – Connect people to open space and a regional vision
Objective 1 – Complete the selection process, and appoint, and on-board the Bond
Oversight Committee
Objective 2 – Develop and implement a comprehensive public outreach strategy including
engagement of diverse communities and enhanced public education programs
Objective 3 – Expand the District’s diversity awareness and sensitivities so that Involve the
entire District organization in is effectively engaging in public outreach and
communication
Goal 3 – Strengthen organizational capacity to fulfill the mission
Objective 1 – Provide the necessary resources, tools, and infrastructure to meet Measure
AA commitments, implement new systems and structures, deliver enhanced
services, and manage staffing growth and change. Plan and complete first
bond issuance under Measure AA authority to fund high-priority Measure
AA projects
Objective 2 – Pursue Provide the necessary resources and tools to pursue additional
discretionary revenue opportunities to augment operating and bond revenues
Objective 3 – Begin to implementContinue implementing additional phases of the new
business model, as informed by the results of the Financial and Operational
Sustainability Model Study, to effectively and efficiently deliver Vision Plan
projects and the District’s ongoing functions
DATE: October 22, 2015
MEMO TO: MROSD Board of Directors
FROM: Stephen E. Abbors
THROUGH: Shelly Lewis, Public Affairs Manager
SUBJECT: Board Outreach Opportunities
_____________________________________________________________________________
This memorandum has been prepared to describe potential new opportunities for Board engagement that
considers the Board’s leadership role as elected representatives. These opportunities seek to expand the
Board’s relationships with our local and State delegation, and with other elected officials such as the
Board of Supervisors, as well as engage the Board is policy discussions that affect the District. These
opportunities will be primarily supported by our new Legislative and External Affairs Specialist position,
which is expected to be filled by December. As Board members consider the time commitment for these
new opportunities, direction on which ones to focus on will assist Public Affairs in scheduling activities.
Potential Future Board Outreach Opportunities
• Speak in front of elected bodies on grant application awards, Midpen programs, etc.
• Invite an Assembly Member and/or Senator and constituents to walk/hike at one of the preserves
(e.g. “meet your elected officials on a hike” event)
• Attend regular community programs as a guest speaker (e.g. Java with Jerry (Hill)).
• Participate in regular-featured segments on local cable shows “Talk with a Board Member”, such as
Comcast’s Newsmaker Program (5 minute segments that air on local cable shows talking to
community leaders)
• Legislative visits to Sacramento (2x per year) to meet with elected officials and legislative staff
• Local legislative staff meetings – participate as guest speaker at their monthly local meetings.
• Yearly presentation to each city council within the District on District current events/projects
• Yearly visit to D.C. to meet with Congress and California Senators
• Speak at partner events (e.g. Bay Area Open Space Council Gatherings, Land Trust Conference)
• Attend ground breaking and grand opening events (e.g. opening of Mt. Umunhum in 2016)
Please note that beginning in 2017, the Board will have the opportunity to work with a new California
Senator and Assembly Member given the upcoming retirement of Senator Boxer and the term limits
affecting Assemblyman Rich Gordon. Potential policy issues will likely revolve around Proposition 1
Water Funds, Cap and Trade, and a potential State Park Bond.
Finally, attached to this memo is an addendum listing current opportunities for Board engagement.
ADDENDUM – Current Board Outreach Opportunities
List below includes groundbreakings and dedications, as well as District-sponsored partner events. These
are current opportunities for the Board to engage with elected officials, partners, and constituents.
Upcoming District Events that are already on calendar:
• Herb Grench Overlook Dedication – October 27, 2015
• Mindego Hill Grand Opening – April 2016
• Mount Umunhum Summit Groundbreaking – March/April 2016
• Mount Umunhum Grand Opening – October 2016
• District Field Trips with city/county elected officials, other staff, partners – Spring/Summer 2016
• Measure AA Update, local council members and legislatures -- tbd
• Legislative Luncheon – July 2016
Regularly-sponsored Partner Events and approximate timeline:
• State of Silicon Valley Conference, Joint Venture Silicon - January
• Bay Area Open Space Council Annual Meeting and Quarterly Gatherings - March and quarterly
• “Bay Nature Awards Dinner” Bay Nature Institute - September
• “Nature’s Inspiration” Committee for Green Foothills Annual Gala - October
• “Guardians of Nature Benefit” Sierra Club Loma Prieta Chapter - October
Chamber of Commerce Events
In 2015, the District joined the following Chambers: Half Moon Bay, Redwood City, Mountain View,
Sunnyvale, and Saratoga. Board members are encouraged to attend mixers; Public Affairs staff attends at
least one per month. Staff did introduction at Mountain View and Redwood City mixers. Mixers are
announced via email – all Directors should be receiving. Public Affairs includes upcoming mixers in the
bi-weekly notes. The District will be featured at the Half Moon Bay Mixer on October 15.
Speaking Opportunities
• Presentations before City Councils, service groups and partner agencies; dates scheduled include:
o Los Gatos: November 3rd @7pm (Siemens)
o San Carlos: November 9 @7pm (Harris)
o Half Moon Bay: November 17 @7pm (Harris)
o Los Altos City Council: November 24 @7pm (Riffle)
o Palo Alto City Council: November 30 @6pm (tbd Hanko/Kishimoto)
o Mountain view: December 1st @6:30pm (Riffle)
o Saratoga: January 20 @ 7pm (Siemens)
• CSDA Chapter Meetings
o Santa Clara County – quarterly (Siemens attends)
o San Mateo County – quarterly – non-voting member (Harris attends)
• Regular Legislative meetings in the District or Sacramento – typically once per year.
• Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation Liaison Meetings – 1st Wednesday of the month at 6:30
pm, Isaac Newton Senter Auditorium County Government Center , 70 W. Hedding Street, 1st
Floor San Jose, CA 95110. County Parks Commission has established liaisons roles and 2 minute
“Liaison Reports” on the agenda.
• South Skyline Association Board meetings, 7:30pm on the 2nd Thursday of each month.
• Kings Mountain Association Board meetings, 3rd Thursday of the month at the Community
Center 13889 Skyline Boulevard from 7-9pm
• PMAC meeting on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at the Pescadero Community Church, 363
Stage Road, Pescadero
Community Outreach Events
Attendance to over 25 community fairs and festivals are scheduled each year of which board members are
encouraged to attend and engage with their constituents. Events are publicized in the Board biweekly
notes.
DATE: October 22, 2015
MEMO TO: MROSD Board of Directors
FROM: Stephen E. Abbors
THROUGH: Assistant General Managers and Department Managers
SUBJECT: Diversity Program
_____________________________________________________________________________
This memorandum with addendums serves to describe the District’s Diversity Program for the Board.
The Diversity Program aims to increase awareness and inclusion of the diverse needs, desires, and
perspectives of the larger community. Diversity in this discussion is inclusive and encompasses areas
such as ethnic background, socio-economics, age, open space awareness, and preserve user groups.
Listed below are the top four new opportunities to consider as the Board reflects on the District’s
Diversity Program for Fiscal Year 2016-17. The four focus areas capture many of the new future
opportunities that were originally brainstormed and listed in Addendum 1.
VISITOR USAGE SURVEY - Recommend commissioning a professional field study to set a
benchmark of current preserve usage that includes demographic information such as: age, ethnic
background, residency, barriers to entry (i.e. parking, transportation), specific usage (i.e. hiking, nature
study, cycling). Participation would be voluntary and highly encouraged. This benchmark is critical to
develop target goals and track performance measures. At this time, we can only rely on anecdotal
information.
COOLEY LANDING EDUCATION CENTER - Recommend expanding the District’s partnership role
with the City of East Palo Alto to either actively find a suitable operator or fully take on the day-to-day
operations of the Cooley Landing Education Center. Latter approach would require additional staffing –
same staff could address the next item below.
EXPANSION OF VISITOR SERVICES DIVISION - Recommend expanding the District’s
interpretive programming by supplementing the volunteer/docent program with initially an additional full
time staff (1 FTE) to lead school programs, a mobile/additional visitor center, and expand/manage outside
partnerships. In subsequent years, recommend adding 2 year-round internship positions to support this
program. Current staff dedicated to managing the volunteer and docent programs have no capacity to
expand the interpretive program.
BOARD POLICY - Recommend the Board consider whether development of a Board Policy on the
Value of Diversity is warranted at this time.
ADDENDUM 1 (Potential Future Opportunities)
Outreach Activities
• Intensify outreach efforts to specific geographic areas with high potential return:
o East Palo Alto/Belle Haven community of Menlo Park – pursue opportunities for the District
to work with health care providers, gang prevention/after school programs, youth
development and safety programs.
o Rancho San Antonio – take advantage of high visitation and high diversity to expand
programming, interpretation, and awareness; work with Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition to
promote safe bicycle routes to the preserve.
o North Fair Oaks section of Redwood City – partner with existing organizations like Siena
Youth Center to develop healthy habits and create access for low-income youth.
• Promote the District to new government agencies.
• Host more events similar to the Founders Day Event on a smaller scale as open house events.
• Publicize events on an ongoing basis, especially on social media– geocaching, scavenger hunts
• Increase social media use with pictures (Pinterest and Instagram)
• Partner with other park and open space agencies on Latino collaboration project to fund two
dedicated outreach positions within Latino Outdoor focusing on South Bay and Peninsula region.
• Participate in 2016 Open Roads/New America Media collaboration to incorporate ethnic
programs and cultural events focused on outdoor recreation as part of the NBC program.
Partnerships
• Expand current partnerships:
o Work with Acterra and CCCs to expand youth employment as part of ongoing projects (e.g.
Hendrys Creek restoration project, volunteer projects, etc.)
o Expand Deer Hollow Farm partnership - increase funding and/or docent resources to increase
programs/ transportation assistance
o Expand partnership with Committee for Green Foothills to bring diverse families on docent-
led hikes
o Continue to diversify the volunteer and docent programs, recruiting new participants with
diverse interests, language skills, and backgrounds
o Provide \ introductory programs for adults, families and youth who are new to open space.
o Continue partnerships with the Native American community in planning and implementation
of the Mount Umunhum site improvements for public access, recreation, interpretation and
stewardship. Outreach again to the Muwekma Tribe as interpretive plans are developed.
• Establish new, non-traditional partnerships:
o Attend town and community events not attended before – including faith-based events, non-
profit events (San Mateo County Gardeners Association, Boys & Girls Clubs)
o Establish new partnerships with educational programs such as Vida Verde
o Engage with retail vendors, such as REI, Dick’s Sporting Goods, etc., to promote the District.
o Create a grant program to fund community based programs that increase diverse outreach.
o Engage with Community NGOs that have cultural membership, experience and expertise in
working within their socio-cultural groups (e.g. Black Leadership Kitchen Cabinet, Asian
American for Community Involvement, La Raza Roundtable groups in Santa Clara County)
Public Access Projects
• Expand the District’s partnership with the City of East Palo Alto on operations of the Cooley
Landing Education Center.
• Engage the East Palo Alto and Belle Haven communities in future public meetings on the Bay
Trail project (e.g. potential joint onsite PNR Committee/City Planning Commission meeting).
Employee Training
• Schedule Diversity/Cultural Awareness and Humility Training for all staff
• Leverage partnership opportunities with Santa Clara County and San Mateo County, which
already provide Cultural Competency programs, training and outreach.
Recruitment Methods
• Create a more intensive internship program that recruits at different levels: high school, college,
and master’s programs; establish an internal youth corps program and partner with local youth
programs to bring high school and early college students to work seasonally for the District (field
maintenance, public outreach, social media) - potential opportunity to work with La Puente del
Sur located in Pescadero to bring coastside youth into the environmental field through paid
internships/seasonal employment.
• Use outreach events to advertise District jobs/functions – equipment operators, biologists, etc.
• Establish both Seasonal Ranger and Ranger Aide positions to encourage careers in Operations.
• Seek or develop leadership academy for entry level staff and first time supervisors.
• Promote leadership programs and trainings, with strong encouragement to women and people of
color to apply for opportunities.
• Attend local school/college job fairs/career days - partner with wildlife organizations to package
programs on conservation and associated careers. Partner with local school districts to provide
information to guidance counselors/career planning programs.
• Add bilingual skills as highly desirable as part of job announcements, where appropriate.
• Develop a recruitment plan with goals.
• Play Midpen videos at movie nights in local communities, as previews to movies at theatres, and
at outreach events.
• Remove applicant names and names of academic institutions when reviewing applications.
Board Policy on Diversity
Staff researched numerous partner and government agencies to learn about best practices related to
diversity policies. If directed by the Board, staff would consider incorporating the following principles:
• Recognition of the District’s diverse community.
• Appreciation of the value that diversity brings to the organization.
• Importance of communicating the value of diversity at all levels of the organization.
• Commitment to involve the many cultures, ethnicities, and races in District activities and
programs through outreach.
• Common set of principles based on fairness of treatment, recognition of rights, acceptance of
responsibilities, commitment to equality, and dedication to expanding opportunities for all.
• Responsibility to face challenges and seize opportunities created by diversity.
• Fostering of relationships, respect, and understanding between diverse groups.
• Providing opportunities for staff and the Board to become more aware about diversity.
Greater representation and participation of diverse populations at all levels of the District
organization and community life.
ADDENDUM 2 (Current and Past Activities)
This addendum provides a comprehensive list of the District’s diversity outreach actions over the past two
years to bring people of diverse backgrounds to District Preserves and engage them to participate in day-
to-day District work. This list includes outreach activities, partnerships, public access projects, employee
training, and recruitment methods.
Outreach Activities
Current
• Participating in two (2) health promotion events for Latino populations – Sana Sana, an initiative
of San Mateo County’s Healthy Latino Collaborative and the North Fair Oaks Bike Rodeo.
• Participating in Cupertino’s Diwali Festival, a community event for Hindis.
• Latino Outdoors Partnership Program – two Spanish speaking hikes in partnership with Whisman
School District; staff and docent training on interacting with Latinos in Open Space Preserves.
• Collaborating with Santa Clara Valley Audubon to offer pilot high school program called RAILS,
"Research, Advocacy, Identification, Leadership, and Stewardship", to explore skills that will
help students excel in higher education and careers in biology, field ecology and environmental
education – included a field day for 5 students at Bear Creek Redwoods with District staff and
docent.
Past
Youth Outreach
• 3 park management internship projects in 2014 (two were interpretation internships).
• 5 Eagle Scout projects in 2014; one in 2013.
• 2 Girl Scout Gold Award projects.
• Welcomed 1,211 children to the Daniels Nature Center in 2014.
• Spaces & Species school program: field trips to 785 students (3rd – 5th grades) in 2014 and 823 in
2013– of 32 classes that participated in 2014, 9 received transportation funding assistance.
• An additional 2,200 elementary school students participated in nature discovery education at
three different District preserves in partnership with Environmental Volunteers.
• Hosted annual Wingding Family Fest at Skyline Ridge: 2014 - 400 attendees, 2013 - 300 attendees.
• Discussed environmental careers at the Saratoga High School Career Day.
• 14 media stories targeted to families and youth.
• Presentations to the Mountain View Youth Commission, the San Mateo County Youth
Commission (Environmental Committee) and outreach to green clubs at high schools and
colleges.
• Partnership with College Track, a nonprofit that helps youth apply to and stay in college.
• New chicken coop at Deer Hollow Farm – important for youth engagement and learning.
Ethnic/Racial Diversity Outreach
• Launched Walk-with-a-Doc program, hosting 2 walks led by bilingual physician volunteers.
• Entered into new partnership with Latino Outdoors to lead Spanish-language hikes and provide
cultural diversity training to staff and volunteer.
• Led 2 Spanish-language hikes and 2 classroom activities for English learners in 2014.
• Held 2 Spanish-speaking docent-led interpretive hikes in honor of Spanish Heritage Month in
2013 and 2014.
• Held African American History Month celebration at Ravenswood OSP in 2013 and 2014; over
120 guests, including 50 children in 2014.
• 9 media stories targeted to diverse audiences.
• Participated in Soul Stroll for health, a large-scale health event targeting African Americans.
• Participated in more events that target Asian immigrants and families of diverse income levels.
• Worked with the City of East Palo Alto on the design and future programming of the new
Education Center at Cooley Landing.
• Worked with multiple agencies and jurisdictions on the conceptual design of the Ravenswood
Bay trail connection project.
• Translation of “Explore your Backyard” general brochure into Chinese, Korean, and Spanish.
• 2 Spanish, 1 Mandarin radio/tv programs highlighting Midpen trails and preserves.
• Partnership with New America Media to expand outreach to diverse communities.
• Luncheon for ethnic media leaders at Picchetti Ranch OSP.
Broad Outreach
• Two 12-week ad card program on Caltrain and SamTrans buses to reach out to large audiences.
• Hosted Founders Day with estimated 600 attendees representing many communities.
• Open Space Vision Plan – with multiple public workshops across entire District jurisdiction,
online Mindmixer interactive site, focus group meetings, stakeholder questionnaires.
Partnerships
Current
• Collaborating with Chief Valentin Lopez and the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band on the design and
implementation of the interpretive elements at Mount Umunhum summit to recognize and
celebrate the significance of their place of origin and history on the mountain top.
• Working with Save the Redwoods League to provide pilot program that brings high school
students to redwood forests to understand redwood ecology and climate change impacts through
hands-on citizen science activities. Will begin November 2015 at Purisima Creek Redwoods OSP
with 2 classes from Woodside HS in Redwood City - student diversity 59% Hispanic, and 49% of
school population on free-lunch program; and 2 classes from Menlo-Atherton HS, in Menlo Park
- student diversity 43% Hispanic, and 39% of school population on free-lunch program.
• Collaborating with regional open space and parks agencies, and public health/health care
organizations, and the Institute at the Golden Gate on the Healthy Parks, Healthy People (HPHP)
initiatives. Includes: docent-led 1st Saturday HPHP hikes at various District preserves; working
San Mateo County Parks and Family Health Services departments (and other partners) to research
and provide new health-based family activities; exploring opportunities with Santa Clara County
Parks to offer explore an urban/regional park partnership
• Collaborating with Student Conservation Association, which partners with East Palo Alto School
District to host an annual week-long volunteer project.
Past
• Provided Summer Nature Adventures week-long day camp for children in 2nd-6th grade in 2013,
2014, and 2015 in partnership with Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society, City of Mountain View,
City of Cupertino, Environmental Volunteers, and Santa Clara Valley Water District. Between
20-30 children participated.
• Since 2014, District staff coordinated and collaborated extensively with multiple jurisdictions,
agencies, and partners to seek input on and further refine the District’s proposed nomination of
six (6) PCAs in San Mateo County and nine (9) PCAs in Santa Clara County. District conducted
outreach to over 19 agencies, jurisdictions and organizations to build support.
Public Access Projects
Current
• Working with the City of East Palo Alto on the operations of the new Cooley Landing Education
Center and Park
• Working with multiple agencies and organizations on the completion of the Ravenswood Bay
Trail Connection Project, where the completion of this project will expand shoreline access to
residents of East Palo Alto and the Belle Haven area of Menlo Park.
Employee Training
Current
• Researching diversity trainers/programs for good fit and relevance to the open space and
conservation field.
Past
• Latino Outdoors Education Sessions for staff and docents
• Fair and Impartial Policing for field staff
• Cultural Bridges to Justice training for managers and senior staff
Recruitment Methods
Current
• Creating a video highlighting Midpen professions and types of projects/work
DATE: October 22, 2015
MEMO TO: MROSD Board of Directors
FROM: Assistant General Managers and Department Managers
THROUGH: Stephen E. Abbors, General Manager
SUBJECT: District Strategic Response to the Drought
_____________________________________________________________________________
This memorandum describes the impacts to District operations and actions the District has taken
to respond to the ongoing drought in the western United States, which began in 2011 (the last
year with rainfall totals at or above average). To understand the scale of the drought, the table
below presents a summary of the recorded annual precipitation for San Francisco, which has an
average annual rainfall of 23.66 inches:
Water Year
(Oct – Sept)
Rainfall Total
(Inches)
Percent Above
(Below) Average
2015 18.19 -23%
2014 12.54 -47%
2013 16.61 -30%
2012 15.64 -34%
2011 28.87 +22%
The drastic reduction in rainfall (represented by a 33% annual average rainfall shortage over the
4 years of the drought) directly affects District lands, facilities and operations that predominantly
rely on local streams and groundwater for domestic and agricultural water supply.
Statewide, the drought has been dramatically worsened by increased mean temperatures and
reduced snowpack in the Sierra Nevada, which serves as a water storage “reservoir” providing
30% of California’s water. Although local water agencies use this as a component of the water
supply for their customers, very few District facilities use water from these agencies.
The impact of the ongoing drought has affected many aspects of the District’s activities, as can
be seen in the list below:
Measures to Protect Wildlife
• Continuing to complete pond improvement projects to ensure stockponds are capable of
providing water to wildlife and for stockwater uses.
2
• Hydrologic modeling has been completed for some ponds to determine livestock use
levels that can be supported without impacting pond water levels and duration of
ponding, protecting breeding by California red-legged frog and other wildlife use.
Grazing and Rangeland Management
• District grazing tenants have reduced stocking rates by 25% to 50%.
• Grazing season and duration has been reduced by up to 50%, year-round grazing has
been transitioned to seasonal grazing when water and vegetation growth can support
cattle grazing, and some properties have had little or no grazing.
• Greater focus and attention has been given to water infrastructure, which has been
repaired to fix leaks. Additional supply (springs or wells), storage (tanks) and additional
troughs have been added to better distribute cattle across rangeland.
Wildland Fire Management
• Defensible space around District structures and facilities has been improved and
completed earlier in the fire season.
Illigal Water Diversions
• The District has removed illegal water diversions at the Hendrys Creek property at Sierra
Azul OSP.
• The District, Santa Clara County Sheriff and California Fish and Wildlife removed an
illegal water diversion from Saratoga Gap OSP.
• The District reached settlement agreement with several private property owners
eliminating water diversions from the Alma Water system at Bear Creek Redwoods OSP.
Bear Creek Redwoods Water Study
• A comprehensive assessment of water resources has been completed for the Bear Creek
Redwoods Preserve Plan to determine compatible water supply sources for planned uses
at the Preserve.
• The existing Holmes well has been tested and evaluated as a viable groundwater source
for potable water for the Bear Creek Stables’ operations and future visitor-serving
amenities at the former Alma College site. The District is proceeding with the
development of plans for refurbishing the well and a water distribution system to supply
water to the stables. Because the District recently learned of an adjacent private well,
there may be as yet undetermined limits on what can be obtained from the Holmes well.
• District staff is coordinating with Santa Clara Valley Water District staff to utilize their
engineering expertise related to water distribution.
• The District is evaluating the existing Aldercroft Creek diversion and water rights for
continued use of the creek.
Fog Harvesting
• The District’s Innovation Team is collaborating with the United States Geological Survey
to research and pilot the use of fog water harvesting technology to supplement water
supplies for District facilities. Three experimental square-meter fog collectors will be
installed at each of three sites on District lands for a total of nine small fog collectors to
determine the water yield at different sites and using different fabrics.
Roads and Trails Improvements
3
• Drainage and erosion control improvements on District roads and trails have been
accelerated in anticipation of potentially stronger and longer duration winter storms
associated with projected El Nino winter conditions.
District Water Supply Improvements
• Water supply tanks and water lines for several District residences (private and employee)
have been improved due to impacts from lower groundwater levels that have caused
water well pumps to go dry. In some instances, pumps can be lowered within the well to
address this situation. In other instances, water has been trucked in to fill the tank.
Water Rights
• Over the past two years, District staff has begun to identify water rights deficiencies and
has identified a scope of work and level of expertise necessary to appropriately manage
water rights issues and at mid-year will be bringing forward, for Board consideration, a
recommended permanent position to staff that function going forward.
Public Information – Views Quarterly Newsletter
• Summer 2015 – GM Message – Supporting Our Life Support System
• Spring 2014 – Wildlife Strategies in a Drought
DATE: October 22, 2015
MEMO TO: MROSD Board of Directors
FROM: Assistant General Managers and Department Managers
THROUGH: Stephen E. Abbors, General Manager
SUBJECT: District Efforts on the San Mateo County Coast
_____________________________________________________________________________
This memorandum describes the District’s work on the San Mateo County coast. The District is
engaged in a significant amount of activity in the Coastal Area. Following an overview of the
District’s goals for the Coastal Area, a summary and highlights of key program areas is provided,
with more detailed lists of activities provided in attachments. In summary, the District’s success
in protecting open space and agricultural lands on the San Mateo Coast continues to require
ongoing engagement of the Coastal Area agricultural community to maintain a balance in
protecting the natural resources, support viable agriculture, and provide ecologically sensitive
public enjoyment of open space lands on the San Mateo Coast.
Coastal Area Goals in the 2004 Service Plan
The District’s mission for the 2004 Coastal Annexation Area as defined by the Coastside
Protection Area Service Plan 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.
Through the Service Plan, the District is committed to:
• Protect watershed integrity and water quality
• Protect sensitive resources such as habitats for special-status species
• Provide key links to existing District and other public open space and park lands
• Provide visitor-serving facilities (unpaved trails and small, gravel-surfaced parking lots)
for low-intensity recreation (hiking, bicycling and horseback riding)
• Support development of an integrated regional trail system coordinated with the San
Mateo County Trails Plan
• Provide opportunities for scientific research, resource conservation demonstration
projects, outdoor environmental education programs, and interpretive programs, and
• Preserve existing and potential agricultural operations in order to keep the maximum
amount of prime agricultural land and other lands suitable for agriculture in agricultural
production
2
More detailed information about the Service Plan is provided in the attachment to this
memorandum.
Land Purchases
Over the last 10 years, the District has purchased or protected 10,409 acres of open space and
agricultural land in the coastal area (see map and table attached). In 2015, the District acquired
703.84 acres, including the District’s first two conservation easements in the Coastside
Protection Area. While outside the Coastal Protection Area boundaries, two additional purchases
at La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve in 2015 (Toepfer and Ashworth), totaling 43.21 acres,
provided additional protection in the headwaters of La Honda and Harrington Creeks, both of
which are in the San Gregorio Creek Watershed.
2015 Coastal Area
Property Acquisitions
Preserve Fee/Easement Acres
POST (Alpine Ranch) Pescadero Park
Complex Easement 353.00
Riggs Purisima Creek
Redwoods Fee 40.20
Apple Orchard & Event
Center
La Honda Creek Fee 307.64
San Gregorio Creek La Honda Creek Pending
Easement 3.00
Total 2015 Coastal Area Property Acquisitions 703.84
Going forward in 2016, Real Property will work toward the following objectives in the coastal
area:
• Completing the 240-acre Purisima Uplands property transfer to complete the Purisima to
the Sea corridor (MAA #3) from the Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve at
Skyline Blvd. to Verde Road with trail easement connection held by POST to the Cowell
Coastal Trail.
• Work with POST, San Mateo County Parks, State Parks and the Coastside Land Trust to
identify a long term manager (not District) and funding for the Cowell Coastal Trail.
• Further protect the Lobitos Creek watershed at Purisima Creek Redwoods OSP
(MAA#3).
• Begin work on future property additions to Miramontes Ridge OSP (MAA#1).
Conservation Grazing Program
The District now owns and manages approximately 10,045 acres of grazing lands with 8,011
acres located in the coastal area, and 2,034 acres in the District’s original boundaries on the
former McDonald Ranch at La Honda Creek OSP and the Big Dipper/Silva Ranch at Skyline
Ridge OSP. In addition, the District has purchased 33 acres of agricultural land including 31
acres of row crops and 2 acres of tree farm (see map and table attached). In 2007, the District
Board of Directors developed a Grazing Management Policy as part of the District-wide Natural
Resource Management policies. The District now administers 10 grazing leases and 3
agricultural leases in the coastal area to ensure that these lands remain in sustainable agricultural
production consistent with Board policy and the Coastside Protection Area Service Plan. Details
regarding current and planned grazing activities are provided under the Restoration/Stewardship
section of this memo, in addition to more detail about past activities in the attachment.
3
Public Access Projects
Current and planned public access projects in the coastal area are focused on the Mindego area of
the Russion Ridge OSP, La Honda Creek OSP, and Purisima Creek Redwoods OSP. Cattle
grazing will begin on Mindego November 1, 2015, followed by public access to the Mindego
Trail spring 2016. Restoration work in La Honda Creek OSP is underway (more detail is
provided under the Restoration/Stewardship section of this memo), and work on opening the La
Honda Creek Open Space Preserve to the public is scheduled to begin in Fiscal Year 2017-18.
Purisima Creek Redwoods OSP efforts are focused on the Purisima to the Sea corridor. More detail
regarding these projects is provided in the attachment.
Restoration/Stewardship Projects
The District is currently undertaking the following restoration/stewardship related activities in
the Coastal Area:
• La Honda Creek OSP Watershed Protection project – upgrades to Driscoll Ranch Roads
to reduce/control sediment.
• Completion of the El Corte de Madera Creek OSP Watershed Protection project.
• Selection of new grazing tenant for the Mindego Hill area of Russian Ridge OSP.
• New grazing tenant selection for former POST Apple Orchard area of La Honda Creek
OSP.
• Grazing infrastructure improvements to facilitate grassland management with livestock
grazing at Tunitas Creek OSP, Mindego Hill area of Russian Ridge OSP, Big Dipper
Ranch area of Skyline Ridge OSP, October Farm area of Purisima Creek Redwoods OSP.
• Funding to continue the San Gregorio Creek stream gage.
The following activities are planned:
• Agricultural water use efficiencies and improvements, including reduction in diversions
and withdrawals at recently-purchased POST Muzzi property.
• Fisheries habitat restoration at recently-purchased POST Muzzi property.
• Fisheries habitat restoration at the POST Apple Orchard and Event Center property
additions to La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve (OSP).
• Pond improvements to enhance California red-legged frog and San Francisco garter
snake habitat at the Mindego Hill area of Russian Ridge OSP.
• Grazing infrastructure improvements at the former McDonald Ranch area of La Honda
Creek OSP and Lobitos Ridge area of Purisima Creek Redwoods OSP to facilitate
grassland management with livestock grazing.
• Riparian habitat restoration, pond restoration, and steelhead fisheries restoration at the
Madonna Creek area of Miramontes Ridge OSP.
• Agricultural well construction at the Madonna Creek area of Miramontes Ridge OSP.
Detailed information about past restoration/stewardship activities is provided in the attachment.
Patrol
Rangers perform routine patrols of Coastal Area preserves. They are also assigned to monitor
specific grazing leases to assist the Natural Resources Department’s goals. In addition, rangers
conduct outreach programs for local schools and community groups. As additional public access
opens in the Coastal Area, staff will be evaluating opportunities to locate a Coastal Area
outpost/office to make the District’s work on coastal properties more efficient.
Partnerships & Outreach
In addition to the requirements of the 2004 Coastside Protection Area Service Plan, the District’s
activities in the Coastal Area also involve numerous partnerships and related agreements, such as
4
a Memorandum of Understanding with the San Mateo County Farm Bureau, a service agreement
with the La Honda–Pescadero Unified School District, and an agreement with San Mateo County
regarding Fire Services. The District has also recently partnered with and/or sponsored the Vida
Verde Nature Education Center in La Honda, the Half Moon Bay Chamber of Commerce, the La
Honda Educational Foundation, and may have a partnership opportunity with the Puente
Community Resource Center to participate in educational and interpretive programs for youth.
The District is actively engaged in outreach efforts in the Coastal Area, attending and
participating in numerous community fairs, forums, and meetings.
More details about the District’s partnerships and outreach efforts are provided in the attachment.
DATE: October 22, 2015
MEMO TO: MROSD Board of Directors
FROM: Assistant General Managers and Department Managers
THROUGH: Stephen E. Abbors, General Manager
SUBJECT: Supplemental Information Concerning the District’s Efforts on the San Mateo
County Coast
______________________________________________________________________________
This supplement provides additional details about the District’s efforts on the San Mateo County
Coast
Service Plan for the San Mateo Coastal Annexation Area
The Service Plan provides Guiding Principles that reflect the conditions of the San Mateo
County Coast’s unique agricultural and open space resources, and the needs of the area’s
community. The Guiding Principles direct Land Acquisition, Services and Funding, Agriculture,
and Representation. The Guiding Principles include Permanent Policies that prohibit the use of
eminent domain to acquire property within the Service Plan area, prohibit the District from
imposing any property tax within the Coastal Annexation Area without a vote of the residents of
that area, retain agricultural uses on lands purchased by the District, work with agricultural
lessees or underlying landowners to facilitate improvement of viable agricultural practices, water
rights, and farm labor housing, and direct the District to actively pursue easements and leases
with interested parties that benefit both the mission of the District and the sustainability of the
agricultural community on the San Mateo County Coast.
Conditions imposed by the San Mateo County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo)
in 2004 included amendments to the District’s Good Neighbor Policy in 2004 that increased the
Board’s commitment to work with Coastside constituents, improve communication, and foster
more opportunities for community participation in District decisions. The conditions also
resulted in the appointment of a citizen Ombudsperson to facilitate issue resolution between the
District and members of the community, and the creation of a position within the District with
agricultural management expertise in 2008 which was fulfilled with the hiring a Rangeland
Ecologist.
Acquisitions by the District from willing sellers trigger a review by the County to ensure that
purchases are in compliance with the San Mateo County’s General Plan, an identification of any
Williamson Act Contracts in place on the property (which also requires prior consultation with
the San Mateo Agricultural Advisory Committee on properties including agricultural uses), and
initiation of Contract non-renewal if not yet initiated by previous land owner. Properties in the
upper reaches of the Service Plan area are also reviewed for possible inclusion in a State-
designated Timber Preserve Zone and if any Timber Harvest Plans have been approved on the
property.
As a condition of the Service Plan, the District also developed a Memorandum of Understanding
(MOU) with the San Mateo County Farm Bureau which pertains to agriculture and land use
issues on District lands located within the Coastside Protection Area.
Coastal Land Purchase Program
Coastal Area land purchase map and table provided as Attachment 1.
Conservation Grazing Program
Grazing and agricultural land map and table provided as Attachment 2.
Public Access Projects
Mindego Area of Russian Ridge OSP: Mindego Ranch was purchased by the District as an
addition to Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve in July of 2008. In 2011, the District purchased
the Silva property and entered into a partnership with POST to plan and construct public parking
and access to the Mindego Ranch area (known as the Mindego Gateway Project). The District
consulted with the Farm Bureau regarding the Mindego Hill Trail in March 2012, to fulfill the
intent of the MOU. In August of 2012, the Board adopted an Amendment to the Use and
Management Plan to facilitate effective stewardship of Mindego Ranch, which includes re-
introduction of cattle grazing scheduled for November 1, 2015, as well as future public access to
the Mindego Trail scheduled for the Spring of 2016.
La Honda Creek OSP: The La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve Master Plan retains the
existing 3.7 miles of hiking and equestrian trails currently open to the public, and opens over 25
miles of new trail, including 9.3 miles of multi-use trail open to bicycles, and 16.7 miles of
hiking and equestrian only trail. Trails in the northern portion of the Preserve, which is grazed,
would also be opened to dogs on leash to facilitate effective integration of the two uses.
Additionally, the Master Plan also includes two interim parking areas to expedite public access,
three new permanent parking lots over the life of the Master Plan, easy access trails, a new
segment of the Bay Area Ridge Trail, interpretive signage, horse troughs, and picnic areas.
Work on opening the La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve to the public is scheduled to begin
in Fiscal Year 2017-18.
Purisima Creek Redwoods OSP: Once the 240 acre Purisima Uplands (Giusti) property is
transferred to the District, the Purisima to the Sea corridor from Purisima Creek Redwoods Open
Space Preserve at Skyline Blvd. to Verde Road and the Cowell Coastal Trail will be complete.
A public staging area at Verde Road and a multi use trail approximately 8 miles in length
connecting to the Bald Knob Trail will be identified and planned in FY2017-19 for anticipated
construction and opening in FY2020-21.
Restoration/Stewardship Activities
In addition to the current and planned activities listed in the main memorandum to which this
supplement is attached, past restoration/stewardship activities have included:
• Fisheries restoration and sediment control at Big Dipper Ranch area of Skyline Ridge
OSP.
• Stockwater pond restoration – Driscoll Ranch area of La Honda Creek OSP.
• Installation of water meters and gages within San Gregorio Creek watershed preserves.
• Invasive bullfrog eradication to improve habitat for San Francisco Garter Snake –
Mindego Hill area of Russian Ridge OSP.
• Purple Starthistle control – Mindego Hill area of Russian Ridge OSP, Driscoll Ranch area
of La Honda Creek OSP.
• Grazing infrastructure improvements to facilitate grassland management with livestock
grazing at Tunitas Creek OSP; Mindego Hill area of Russian Ridge OSP; Big Dipper
Ranch area of Skyline Ridge OSP; Lobitos Ridge, former UC Elkus, and Blue Brush
areas of Purisima Creek Redwoods OSP; Driscoll Ranch and McDonald Ranch areas of
La Honda Creek OSP.
• Collaborative and cooperative work with neighbors and local fire agencies to install and
maintain shaded fuel-breaks and defensible space around structures.
• Restoration of a portion of the Skyline Ridge Tree Farm at Skyline Ridge OSP.
• Closure of unpermitted landfill in the Mindego Hill area of Russian Ridge OSP.
• Restoration of grassland habitats using prescribed fire, mechanical treatments, and native
plant species re-seeding at Russian Ridge OSP.
Partnerships & Outreach
San Mateo County Farm Bureau MOU: In January 2004, the Board of Directors approved a
MOU with the Farm Bureau which requires the District to consult with the Farm Bureau on new
land purchases and planning for public access projects to avoid adverse impacts to adjacent
agricultural operations. The Real Property Department regularly consults on new land purchases
and grazing & agricultural leases with Natural Resources Department staff on projects in the
Coastside Protection Area. These consultations usually involve a site visit with Farm Bureau
members and a presentation and discussion to the full Farm Bureau Board as well as Real
Property Committee field trip meetings and Board meetings. The District has also consulted on
projects where livestock grazing has been reintroduced on fallowed District lands such as the
McDonald Ranch at La Honda and the Big Dipper and Silva Ranches at Skyline Ridge. Natural
Resources and Real Property Department staff also regularly attend monthly Farm Bureau
meetings.
Most recently, Planning and Real Property Department staff consulted with the Farm Bureau on
the proposed Priority Conservation Area (PCA) for the Southern San Mateo County Coast and
the other 14 PCAs within San Mateo County proposed acquisitions and conservation easements,
awareness of process for selection of grazing tenants, partnership with San Mateo County to
promote farm labor housing, onsite grazing infrastructure improvements, and capital
improvement projects to extend season of vehicular access and reduce erosion on internal ranch
roads.
In the PCA consultation, the District collaborated with San Mateo County Parks to share the
benefits of the PCA program in supporting future grant opportunities for sustaining agricultural
operations within the South San Mateo County Coast. The District also shared the partnership
with POST in identifying PCAs within San Mateo County. The Farm Bureau recommended
support of the PCAs to the San Mateo County Agricultural Advisory Committee and ultimately
to the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors for a Resolution of Support for the PCAs
nominated in San Mateo County.
As the District begins to develop public trail access plans and open lands with grazing and
agricultural uses for public use, the Planning, Operations and Natural Resources Department
staff will need to initiate consultations with the Farm Bureau and work with grazing and
agricultural tenants and neighbors as part the public outreach process to avoid adverse
agricultural impacts and better understand the agricultural communities concerns. Measure AA
projects such as the Mindego Ranch Area of Russian Ridge, La Honda Creek OSP Master Plan
implementation and the Purisima to the Sea project will require consultation and ongoing
communication with the Farm Bureau and the Coastside agricultural community.
In October 2014, Planning, Natural Resources and Real Property Department staff met with
members of the Farm Bureau Executive Board at Mindego Ranch Area to provide an update on
the District’s continued work to re-introduce livestock grazing to this coastal property, which
include upgrades to the livestock water system infrastructure to allow for grazing, enhancements
to ponds to improve habitat for sensitive species, and road repairs to allow patrol and
maintenance access, as well as the removal of the True residence and Grandma residence to
facilitate public access and recreation. There was a great deal of discussion with the Farm Bureau
regarding the access constraints to this site given the endangered species and the USFWS take
permit for San Francisco Garter Snakes. This consultation provided the Farm Bureau members
an opportunity to understand the complexity of addressing interdependencies related to grazing,
resource management, public access and recreation, and allowed staff to demonstrate the
District’s commitment to re-introduce cattle to the coastal property before opening the Mindego
Ranch Area to public access at Russian Ridge OSP.
La Honda - Pescadero School District Service Agreement: In March of 2004, the District
entered into an Agreement with La Honda – Pescadero Unified School District to meet the
following goals:
1. Tax Compensation Fee – For lands purchased in the School District boundaries and
within the Coastside Protection Area, the District will pay a service fee to offset tax
revenues received by the School District. These fees will increase annually by 2%.
2. Environmental Education – The District will work with the School District to support
environmental education such as “field trips to local fish habitat or a study of erosion
control methods.” The District’s annual costs are currently approximately $16,000.
The term of this Agreement is 20 years and in year 19 (2023), the District and School District are
to begin negotiations on a Successor Agreement.
San Mateo County Fire Service Fee Agreement: In March of 2004, the District entered into an
Agreement with San Mateo County regarding Fire Services to meet the following goals:
1. Fire Service Fee – For lands purchased in the County’s District boundaries not covered
by Cal Fire’s State Responsibility Area, and within the Coastside Protection Area, the
District will pay a service fee to offset tax revenues received by the County. These fees
will increase annually by 2%. The District’s annual costs are currently approximately
$6,300.
2. County will provide Fire and Medical Services on District lands within the Coastside
Protection Area.
3. District and County have entered into a Mutual Aid Agreement.
4. District will consult with County on its Fuel Management Program.
5. District will consult with County on installation of additional water resources for fire
suppression.
The term of this Agreement is 15 years and after 10 years (2014), the District and County are to
begin negotiations on a Successor Agreement.
Outreach and Sponsorships: The District has engaged in the following:
• Vida Verde Nature Education in La Honda - $10k sponsorship issued September 2015 for
outdoor environmental education programs.
• Participant in the Half Moon Bay Chamber of Commerce; sponsoring October event.
• La Honda Educational Foundation sponsorship – $5k issued August 2015 to sponsor
fundraising event for outdoor education and outdoor garden programs.
• September 13, 2015 Healthy Kids Fair, Half Moon Bay
• September 19, 2015 Volunteer Recognition Event, La Honda Creek Event Center
• September 26, 2015 San Mateo County Latino Collaborative Community Healthy Equity
Forum, Half Moon Bay
• February 19, 2015 San Mateo County Resource Conservation District 75th Anniversary,
Half Moon Bay
• 2014 and 2015 aired Room to Breathe videos on Pacific Coast TV
• March 27, 2014 - Devil’s Slide Tunnel Trail Opening, Montara
• April 9, 2014 - Mid-Coast Community Council Meeting, El Granada
• May 14, 2014 - Presentation to the Pescadero Municipal Advisory Council
• May 17, 2014 - Rock the Block Event, Half Moon Bay
• August 16, 2014 - Pescadero Arts & Fun Festival, Pescadero
The District is also considering involvement with the following groups if/when staff capacity
allows:
• Puente Community Resource Center – outreach to farmworker families, farmers and
other residents of the coastside
• Outreach to high school and middle school green clubs
Coastside Protection Zone
Miramontes Ridge
Russian Ridge
Thornewood
Windy Hill
Pulgas Ridge
Teague Hill
Purisima Creek Redwoods
El Corte deMaderaCreek
La Honda Creek
WOODSIDE
LA HONDA
SAN GREGORIO
HALF MOON BAY
Peninsula Volunteers, Inc
POST (Roberts)
POST (Portola Lookout)
Gallaway
POST (Miramontes Ridge)
POST(Rapley Ranch)
POST (Madonna Creek Ranch)
POST (Bluebrush Canyon)
POST (Mindego Ranch)
POST (Madonna Creek Ranch)
POST (October Farm)
POST (Forde)
POST (Lobitos Ridge)
UC Elkus Uplands
Sare
POST (Toto Ranch)POST (Toto Ranch)POST (Toto Ranch)
POST (Mindego Ranch)
POST (Tunitas Creek)
POST (Driscoll)
Riggs
POST (Alpine Ranch)
Gallaway
Sempervirens Fund (Lagomarsino)
PeeryPeery
POST (Mindego Ranch)
POST(Apple Orchard& Event Center)
POST(Apple Orchard& Event Center)
POST(Apple Orchard& Event Center)
Bergman
UV84
UV101
UV280
UV1
UV35
Midpeninsula Regio nalOpen Space DistrictCoastal La nd P urchases
September, 2015
Path: G:\Projects\a_Districtwide\Coastside_Protection_Zone\MROSDOwnershipWithin\CoastalAcquisitions_20150928.mxd
Created By: jhawk
0 21Miles
I
(MROSD)
While the District strives to use the best available digital data, this data does not represent a legal survey and is merely a graphic illustration of geograp hic featur es.
MROSD Coastal Property
Other Protected Open Spaceor Park Lands
Other Public Agency
Watershed Land
P
acific
O
ce
a
n
Land Trust
Coastside Protection Zone
San Francisco Oakland
San Jose
S.F. Bay
SantaCruz
MROSD Preserves Coastside Protection Zone
MROSD Property, Closed to Public
MROSD Conservation or Agricultural Easement
MROSD Property, Permit Only
Non MROSD Conservation or Agricultural Easement
Private Property
Preserve/Grantor
El Corte de Mader a Creek
Gallaway
Sempervirens Fund (Largomarsino)
La Honda Creek
POST (Apple Orchard & Event Center)
POST (Driscoll)
POST (Driscoll )
Long Ridge
POST (Portola Lookout)
Miramontes Ridge
POST (Madonna Creek Ranch)
POST (Miramontes Ridge)
POST (Roberts)
Sare
Pu risima Creek
Peery
Peninsula Volunteers , Inc
POST (Biuebrush C anyon • De Cesare)
POST (Forde)
POST (Lobitos Ridge · Beffa)
POST (October F anm )
Riggs
UC Regents/Eikus 4-H Ranch
Russian Ridge
Bergman , Barbara
Boyd, Alicia
POST (Alpine Ranch)
POST (Mindego Ranch)
POST (Rapley Ranch)
Tunitas Creek
POST (Toto Ranch)
POST (Tunitas Creek)
Acreage
58.700
30.760
89.480
307.640
2,387.350
1,293.350
3,988.340
50.000
50.000
564.000
675.730
31 .900
160.000
1,431.630
53.200
4.350
259.920
183.460
340.000
270.000
40.200
470.000
1,621.150
14.250
0.385
353.000
1,047.000
151.000
1,565.635
952.490
707.460
1,659.970
Acreage Grand Total Sum:
10,406.205
Appraise dValue
$1 ,408,100.00
$1 ,030,000.00
$2 ,438,100.00
$5,840,000.00
$25.455,000.00
so .oo
31,295,000.00
$600,000.00
600,000.00
$3,600,000.00
$4 ,648,000.00
$650.000.00
S1 .420,000.00
10,318,000.00
$800,000.00
$10,000.00
$3,225,000.00
$2 ,250,000.00
$3,675,000.00
$3,564.000.00
$725,000.00
$4,500,000.00
18,749,000.00
s 1 '700 ,000.00
$2,500.00
so .oo
$22.500,000.00
$3,475,000.00
27,677,500.00
$7 ,144,000.00
$4 ,245.000.00
11 ,389,000.00
App<a isedValue Grand Total Sum:
102,466,600.00
Cash
$1 ,033,100.00
$515,000.00
$1 ,548,100.00
$5,840,000.00
$8,884 ,635.00
so.oo
14,724,635.00
$600,000.00
600 ,000.00
$1 00,000.00
$0.00
$4 00,000.0 0
s 1 .420,000.00
1,920,0 00.00
5325,000.00
$10,000.00
$3.225.000.00
$500,000.00
$3,1 75,000.00
$3,564,000.00
$362,500.00
$4 ,500,000.00
15,661,500.00
$850,000.00
$2,500.00
$2,500,000.00
$14,436,000.00
$0.00
17,788,500.00
$3,500,000.00
$0.00
3,500,000.00
Cash Grand Total Sum:
55,742,735.00
Financed
so.oo
so.oo
$0.00
so.oo
so.oo
so.oo
0.00
so.oo
0 .00
so.oo
$0.00
$0 .00
$0.00
0.00
so.oo
so.oo
so.oo
so.oo
$0 .00
so .oo
so.oo
$0 .0 0
0.00
$850,000.00
$0 .00
$0 .0 0
$0.00
$0.0 0
850,000.00
so .oo
so.oo
0.00
Financed Grand Total Sum:
850,000.00
Grant
$375,000.00
so.oo
$375,000.00
$0.00
$1 15 .365.00
so.oo
1 15,365.00
$0.00
0.00
$500,000.00
$2.050,000.00
so.oo
so.oo
2,550,000.00
$325.000.00
$0.00
so.oo
s 1 '750,000.00
$500,000.00
so.oo
SO.OO
$0.00
2,575,000.00
so.oo
$0.00
so.oo
$8 ,064.00 0.00
$500,000.00
8 ,564,000.00
$0.00
$462,500.00
462,500.00
Grant Grand Total Sum:
14,641 ,865.00
Gift
$0.00
$5 15,000.00
$515,000.00
so.oo
$16,455,000.00
so.oo
16,455,000.00
$0.00
0.00
$3,000,000.00
$2,598 ,000 .00
$250,000.00
so.oo
5,848,000.00
$1 50,000.00
so.oo
$0.00
so.oo
so.oo
so.oo
$362,500.00
so .oo
512,500.00
so .oo
so .oo
so .oo
so .oo
$2,975 ,000.0 0
2,975,000.00
$3 ,644 ,000.00
$3,782 ,500.00
7,426,500.00
Gift Grand Total Sum:
33,732,000.00
Other
so.oo
$0.00
$0.00
SO.OO
$0.00
$0.00
0.00
$0.00
0.00
$0.00
so.oo
$0.00
so.oo
0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
so.oo
so.oo
SO.OO
$0.00
0.00
$0.00
so.oo
$0.00
$0.00
so.oo
0.00
so.oo
so.oo
0.00
Other Grand Total Sum:
0.00
BoardApproval[ CloseOfEscrowD Fee Easem entO the r
5123120 12
5123120 12
7/22120 15
t/1212006
11 1212006
12/2012005
2/812012
612912005
6124/2009
2124/20 10
111 1512006
6124/2009
416/2005
3117/2010
3114/20 12
2/11 /20 15
8112/2009
10/2712010
1218/2008
112812015
312512008
12/2012 005
11114/2012
2/712007
915120 12
61 15120 12
8128/2015
12/1512006
12/1512006
11612006
31 1612 012
813012005
6130/2009
311212010
1211/2006
11 /4/2011
6130/2009
1013112006
313 1/2010
313012012
313 1/2015
812812009
1112912010
12/1912008
2/2712015
711012008
1/6/2006
11130120 12
212312007
Fee
Fee
F ee
Fee
F ee
F ee
F ee
Fee
Fee
Fee
Fee
Fee
Fee
Fee
Fee
Fee
Fee
Fee
F ee
Fee
Easement on Private Land
Fee
Fee
Fee
Fee
32
£¤1
£¤84
£¤84
£¤35
£¤1
£¤35
£¤92
£¤280
£¤82
£¤101
£¤101
£¤82
£¤84
£¤280
HALF M OON B AY
P A C I F I COCEAN
UpperCryst
a
l
S
p
r
i
n
g
s
R
e
servoir
U
pper
C
rystal
S
p
rin
gs
Reservoir
SANGREGORIO
LAHONDA
STANFORD
WOODSIDE
RED WOODCITY
MENLOPARK
SANCARLOS
C h e s t n u t O r c h a r d21 A c r e s
S k y l i n e R i d g eChristmas Tr e e F a r m52 A c r e s
B i g D i p p e r R a n c h904 A c r e s
M i n d e g o R a n c h1,0 3 7 A c r e s
M c D o n a l d R a n c h1,1 3 0 A c r e s
D r i s c o l l R a n c h3,6 8 1 A c r e s
To t o R a n c h952 A c r e s
Tu n i t a s C r e e k707 A c r e s
O c t o b e r F a r m270 A c r e s
L o b i t o s R i d g e / E l k u s U p l a n d s811 A c r e s
L o b i t o s R o w C r o p s7 A c r e s
B l u e B r u s h260 A c r e s
M a d o n n a C r e e k24 A c r e s
S a r e2 A c r e s
Miramontes RidgeOpen Space Pre se rv e
PulgasRidge
Purisima CreekRedwoods
El Corte deMadera Creek
Teague Hill
La Honda Cree k
Thornewood
Windy Hill
RussianRidge
CoalCreek LosTrancos
SkylineRidgeApple O r c h a r d292 A c r e s
A l p i n e R a n c h354 A c r e s
R i g g s40 A c r e s
Mi dp e n i n su l a Re gi on a lOpen S p a c e D i s tr ic t
C o a s t a l A g r i c u l t u r e a n d G ra z i n g P r o p e r t i e s
Sep tem ber, 2015
Path: G:\Projects\a_Districtwide\CoastalAg_and_GrazingLands\CoastalAg_and_GrazingLands_Poster_Vert24x36_20150928.mxd
Created By: jhawk
0 21Miles
I
(M R OS D )
M a n a g e m e n t A g r e e m e n t
N o n M R O S D C o n s e r v a t i o n o r A g r i c u l t u r a l E a s e m e n t
M R O S D C o n s e r v a t i o nor A g r i c u l t u r a l E a s e m e n t
M R O S D P r e s e r v e s
P r i v a t e P r o p e r t y
While the District strive s t o u se t he best availab le digit al d at a, this data does not rep resent a legal survey an d is mer ely a graphic illustration of geograp hic featur es.
Wa t e r s h e d L a n d
O t h e r P r o t e c t e d O p e n S p a c eor P a r k L a n d s A g r i c u l t u r a l C r o p
C h r i s t m a s Tr e e F a r m
C u r r e n t G r a z i n g
M R O S D B o u n d a r y
M i d p e n i n s u l a R e g i o n a l O p e n S p a c e D i s t r i c t
Pescadero Creek County Park
CloverdaleRanch Butano State Park
Foothills Park(City of Palo Alto)
Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve
California WaterService Company
Wunderlich County Park
Crystal S prings Watershed(City & Co. of SF)
Huddart County Park
Johnston Ranch(POST)
Burleigh H Murray Ranch State Park
Hidden Villa
Audubon Society
S.M. Co. Community College
Filoli Center
RedgateRanch
Pomponio State Beach
San GregorioState Beach
Diamond H Ranch
Djerassi Resident Artists
Sam McDonald Park(S.M. Co.)
Memorial Park(S.M. Co.)
Purisima Farms
SF Youth Authority
Portola Redwoods State Park
Pescadero State Beach
State Wildlife Refuge
ArastraderoPreserve
Edgewood Park
GGNRA
SAN MATEO COUNTY
C o u n t y B o u n d a r y
Don EdwardsNationalWildlife Refuge
SANTA CLARA COUNTY
P u risimaCreek
L o bitasCreek
TunitasCreek
SanGregorioCreek
PomponioCreek
P esc a d ero C reek
B uta n o C reek
El
Cortede
Madera
Creek
Pilarcito s Creek
SanFrancisquitoCreek
Corte
Madera
Creek
Incerpi Property
FolgerRanch
Sears Ranch
KennelResidence SmithHouse
Monte BelloResidence
For mer Dry er Ranch
Former Bechte l Residence
Grazing Preserve Acreage
Blue Brush Purisima Creek Redwoods 260
Lobitos Ridge Purisima Creek Redwoods 340
Elkus Uplands Purisima Creek Redwoods 471.16
October Farm Purisima Creek Redwoods 270
Tunitas Creek Tunitas Creek 707.48
Toto Tunitas Creek 952.49
Driscoll La Honda Creek 3681
Apple Orchard La Honda Creek 292
Mindego Ranch Russian Ridge 1037
Big Dipper/Silva Skyline Ridge 904
McDonald Ranch La Honda Creek 1130
Total 10045.13
Agriculture-Row Crops Preserve Acreage
Madonna Creek Ranch Miramontes Ridge 24
Lobitos Ridge Purisima Creek Redwoods 7
Sare(Tree Farm)Mirimontes Ridge 2
Total 33
San Mateo County Coastside Protection Area Grazing and Agriculture on District Lands
Exhibt B-2
From:Maria Soria
To:Maria Soria
Subject:Agenda Questions for the Board Retreat - 10/22/2015
Date:Friday, October 16, 2015 3:54:50 PM
Attachments:Detailed Agenda.pdf
Dear Board,
Please see responses below to Director Riffle’s questions as a member of the Ad-Hoc
Committee who helped plan the upcoming Board Retreat .
1. - Please include a list of staff attendees; it would be good to know who will be
there
Response: A list of Attendees has been added to the Agenda. Note that this first
retreat is focused on high-level policy discussion, so no department managers
will be in attendance – Steve, Kevin, Ana, and Sheryl will be present to address
questions and
support the discussion; the second Board retreat on November 17 will be
focused on priorities/projects – department managers will be present at this
meeting to help answer more detailed project questions.
- Steve should acknowledge the ad hoc committee (our Board always likes to
know when/how other Board members were involved) –
Response: Steve will acknowledge the ad hoc committee as part of his opening
remarks.
- Do we adjourn at 3:00 or 3:30? -
Response: We adjourn at 3:30 PM; end time has been added to the Agenda.
- We had discussed the topic of “higher intensity public use” (see attached
message) as a possible topic. Can we make time for this? I think it is a timely
and very important topic.
Response: Item has been added to the Agenda and given approximately 30
minutes to discuss. This topic has been framed as follows:
Higher Intensity Public Uses
§ Should the District clarify/adjust its position and policies concerning high
public use areas (i.e., picnic tables, shelters, special facilities, etc.)
§ Consider in light of recent discussions/approvals regarding Mt. Um
Summit, Bear Creek Redwoods parking at Alma College and La Honda
Driscoll Event Center
2. Diversity
- I continue to maintain there are two aspects to this topic: our public and our
staff/Board. Is this what you have in mind?
- Should we provide a list of questions the Board should consider in advance?
- The Diversity Program document is very well done. My concern, though, is
again the first bullet: we seem to conflate the two in our discussions and
decisions. I think we should have two separate (but related) discussions on this
topic.
Response: Agenda has been modified as such:
Diversity Outreach, Awareness, and Integration
§ Where should we focus? Options include:
- Diversity awareness/sensitivity training ---- Awareness
- Outreach to diverse/non-traditional leaders (e.g. City of EPA
Council, Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley, Asian Americans
for Community Involvement, El Concilio of San Mateo County,
Silicon Valley Leadership Group, Women’s Leadership Network) -
--- Outreach
- Partnerships with new/non-traditional organizations (e.g. health-
based, at-risk youth, family-focused) --- Outreach and Integration
- Increased recruitment efforts to diverse communities
(docent/volunteer programs, internships/employment, Bond
Oversight Committee, future Board vacancies) ---- Integration
§ Diversity Policy
- Does the Board feel that it is important to establish a policy on
diversity?
- Refer the Diversity Policy to staff/committee for drafting? If so,
what overarching principles should be included?
3. Board’s Role
- I think the Board Outreach document is well done.
- My only concern (I will raise this at the meeting) that we seem to be
attending/talking to mostly our traditional audiences and partners. Shouldn’t we
be making a more concerted effort to be speaking to more new groups like
community organizations
focused on youth and family, health-oriented partners, and working with youth-
oriented environmental education providers?
Comment noted. Similar questions will be included in the Agenda for the Board
(see above). Also, please see Diversity Outreach Memo page 2, Partnerships
section that describes potential options for establishing new, non-traditional
partnerships.
- A topic I’d like the Board to consider is expectation and metrics for Board
Maria Soria Executive Assistant msoria@openspace.org
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
330 Distel Circle, Los Altos, CA 94022
P: (650) 691-1200 - F: (650) 691-0485
member participation in these activities; Speaking as someone who probably will
score relatively low due to the demands of my day job, I’d like to set a goal for
myself to make more time and to acknowledge other Board members who score
high.
Response: Agenda has been modified as follows:
Board’s Role in the new MROSD
§ Should the Board take a more active role in connecting with community
leaders? Focus on connecting to new, diverse, non-traditional leaders?
§ Should the Board set expectations on the level of outreach and
participation?
§ What resources, training would be needed to assist the Board? (e.g. talking
points, Powerpoint slide presentations, Q&As)
- Another topic is Board skill development – presentations, handling difficult
questions, ability to give the “elevator pitch”, etc.
Response: See above
- Should we consider a regular 2 year survey of our constituents to see how we
are doing? We seem to do this when we want something (MAA), but we don’t
seem as interested when we don’t have a specific need. This would be different
than the visitor
usage survey (or could be combined with it).\
Response: This item is a bit different from the topics on the Agenda. Perhaps
this can be raised as a question to determine if there is interest from the Board to add to
a future Agenda?
4. Informational Memos
- Both documents are excellent. I am looking forward to the discussion.
Comment noted
Strategic Plan Workshop
October 22, 2015
AGENDA
Attendees
Directors: Jed Cyr, Nonette Hanko, Cecily Harris, Larry Hassett, Yoriko Kishimoto, Curt Riffle
and Pete Siemens
Staff: General Manager Steve Abbors, Assistant General Manager Ana Ruiz, Assistant
General Manager Kevin Woodhouse, General Counsel Sheryl Schaffner, and District
Clerk Jennifer Woodworth
9:30 Call to Order
Opening Remarks from Steve
9:40 Diversity Outreach, Awareness, and Integration (refer to Diversity Outreach Memo)
Where should we focus? Options include:
- Diversity awareness/sensitivity training ---- Awareness
- Outreach to diverse/non-traditional leaders (e.g. City of EPA Council,
Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley, Asian Americans for Community
Involvement, El Concilio of San Mateo County, Silicon Valley
Leadership Group, Women’s Leadership Network) ---- Outreach
- Partnerships with new/non-traditional organizations (e.g. health-based,
at-risk youth, family-focused) --- Outreach and Integration
- Increased recruitment efforts to diverse communities (docent/volunteer
programs, internships/employment, Bond Oversight Committee, future
Board vacancies) ---- Integration
Diversity Policy
- Does the Board feel that it is important to establish a policy on diversity?
- Refer the Diversity Policy to staff/committee for drafting? If so, what
overarching principles should be included?
10:10 Board’s Role in the new MROSD (refer to Board Outreach Opportunities memo)
Should the Board take a more active role in connecting with community
leaders? Focus on connecting to new, diverse, non-traditional leaders?
Should the Board set expectations on the level of outreach and participation?
What resources, training would be needed to assist the Board? (e.g. talking
points, Powerpoint slide presentations, Q&As)
10:40 Field Questions on Informational Memos
District Work on San Mateo Coast
District Response to the Drought
11:00 Higher Intensity Public Uses
Should the District clarify/adjust its position and policies concerning high
public use areas (i.e., picnic tables, shelters, special facilities, etc.)?
2
Consider in light of recent Board discussions/approvals regarding Mt. Um
Summit, Bear Creek Redwoods parking at Alma College and La Honda
Driscoll Event Center
11:30 Environmental Scan
12:15 Lunch
12:40 Updates to Strategic Plan
3:00 Closing Remarks/Confirmation on Items to add to a future Board Retreat Agenda
3:30 Adjourn