Coastal Conservancy Public Meeting in Healdsburg – September 14

Meeting Notice

Douglas Bosco (Public Member), Chair
Marce Gutiérrez-Graudiņš (Public Member), Vice Chair
Joy Sterling (Public Member)
Jeremiah Hallisey (Public Member)
Wade Crowfoot, Secretary for Natural Resources; Bryan Cash and Jenn Eckerle (Designated)
Donne Brownsey, Coastal Commission Chair; Madeline Cavalieri (Designated)
Keely Bosler, Director, Department of Finance; Gayle Miller (Designated)

Senate Representatives
Benjamin Allen (District 26)
Josh Becker (District 13)
John Laird (District 17)

Assembly Representatives
Gregg Hart (District 37)
Christopher Ward (District 78)
Tina McKinnor (District 61)

Amy Hutzel, Executive Officer
Amy Roach, General Counsel

AGENDA

Agenda updated 9/8/2023 2:15 PM, Item 9 has been postponed. Agenda updated 9/11/2023 8:22 AM, Item 14 exhibit 3 has been posted and public comments have been added.

Agenda updated 9/01/2023 (after mailing hardcopy and posting online) as follows: Item 3L & Item 16 were revised to correct the recommended grant amounts.

Hybrid Meeting

DATE: September 14, 2023

TIME: 10:00 AM

LOCATION: Healdsburg City Council Chambers

401 Grove St

Healdsburg, CA 95448

*Live Spanish interpretation is provided during our Board Meetings on the Zoom teleconference.

*Se proporciona interpretación en español en vivo durante nuestras reuniones de la Junta en la teleconferencia de Zoom.

This meeting will be conducted in a hybrid virtual/in-person format. To maximize public safety while maintaining transparency, members of the public can choose to watch the webcast of the meeting or participate in the meeting via Zoom, by telephone, or in person at the location listed above. People attending in person will be required to adhere to the site’s health guidelines, which could include wearing masks, health screening, and social distancing.

Members of the public may watch an online webcast of the meeting or join the meeting by internet with Zoom or by telephone with the following steps:

Webcast (Watch Only): To watch the meeting and not provide verbal comments, please view the webcast at this site: https://cal-span.org. If you do not wish to provide verbal comments, we strongly recommend watching the webcast as this will free up space on the webinar for those who are providing verbal comments. If you intend to make verbal comments, please do not view the webcast, and then switch over to the Zoom webinar or phone to comment, as the webcast will have a time delay and you may miss the opportunity to comment.

Zoom (To Make Comments): In addition to in-person participation, remote participation is available to members of the public via Zoom webinar. To participate via Zoom, you must register for the Zoom Webinar at this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_L8eBfSrES_SAeQG94jEg1w After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Telephone (To Make Comments): Members of the public can offer verbal comments on agenda items by calling in via telephone. Zoom registration is required. Register for the Zoom Webinar at the link above and you will receive an email with a phone number to dial in by telephone. When the agenda item you want to speak on is being presented, press *9 to “raise your hand” and indicate your interest in making a comment. You will be called upon (using your phone number to identify you) and will be unmuted at the appropriate time.

More information on how to participate and comment verbally on an agenda item or during open public comment can be found here.

1. ROLL CALL

2. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES of the Conservancy’s June 01, 2023 public meeting.

3. CONSENT ITEMS

A. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $500,000 to augment the Conservancy funding previously authorized on May 5, 2022, for the purpose of contracting for services to prepare environmental review documents, a cultural and tribal resource survey, and a property appraisal for the Hollister Ranch Coastal Access Program, in Santa Barbara County.

Addendum: Public Comment

B. Consideration and authorization to disburse up to $200,000 to the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden to protect Chumash cultural resources and restore 2.25 acres of native habitat at Hammond’s Meadow County Open Space in southern Santa Barbara County, and adoption of findings under the California Environmental Quality Act.

C. Approve amendments to the State Coastal Conservancy’s conflict-of-interest code to reflect current agency job classifications and make other technical changes.

D. Consideration and possible authorization to enter into a Feasibility Cost Share Agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Santa Clara Valley Water District for a federal feasibility study for the Santa Clara County shoreline from Mountain View Slough/Permanente Creek in the City of Mountain View to Guadalupe River in the City of San Jose.

E. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $354,000 to augment the Conservancy grant of $2,087,500 previously authorized to the City of Riverside for (1) the acquisition of four acres at 5200 Tequesquite Avenue in the City of Riverside in Riverside County, and (2) the preparation of designs, engineering, and environmental documentation for nine projects along 4.7 miles of the Santa Ana River Parkway in the City of Riverside in Riverside County.

F. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $82,700 to Mendocino Land Trust to conduct environmental studies and prepare designs and permit applications for establishing 0.4 miles of new Coastal Trail across Saunders Landing, south of the City of Point Arena in Mendocino County.

G. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $180,000 to Kai Poma to conduct cultural and archeological resource studies and environmental surveys and to prepare a resource management plan for the Blues Beach property located in the community of Westport in Mendocino County.

H. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $500,000 to the City of Santa Cruz to assess the feasibility of using living shorelines, sand management techniques, and other nature-based solutions to address coastal hazards and advance climate adaptation planning along 3.2 miles of the Santa Cruz coastline, and to develop conceptual designs for one to three projects identified in the feasibility study.

I. Consideration and authorization to disburse up to $168,256 to the Redwood Parks Conservancy to construct the Sue-Meg State Park Rim Trail Project, consisting of a 262-foot trail realignment and the replacement of a temporary bridge with a 33-foot footbridge to reestablish California Coastal Trail continuity and increase accessibility in Sue-Meg State Park in Humboldt County.

J. Consideration and authorization to disburse up to $400,000 to Sonoma County on behalf of its Public Infrastructure Department to prepare designs, an environmental review document, and permit applications for the Geyserville Community Plaza Project, which consists of enhancing the 1.17-acre Park and Ride property in Geyserville, in Sonoma County.

K. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $308,200 to three nonprofit organizations and the University of California, Santa Barbara for four community-based natural resource restoration and enhancement projects on approximately 24 acres in coastal wetlands and along stream corridors in the Southern and Central California region as part of the 2023 Community Wetland Restoration Grant Program; and adoption of findings under the California Environmental Quality Act.

L. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $400,000 to augment the Conservancy grant previously authorized on May 27, 2021, up to a total of $460,000, to the California Department of Parks and Recreation to prepare plans, environmental review documents, and permit applications for two new restrooms in Garrapata State Park in Big Sur, Monterey County.

M. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $1,100,000 to TOGETHER Bay Area to support conservation planning in the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area and Santa Cruz by updating the Conservation Lands Network planning tool, including expanded partner engagement and data updates to support regional biodiversity and habitat resilience.

N. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $400,000 to the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy to acquire a 44.38-acre property that includes the Riverview trailhead and parking area to permanently protect and restore habitat and natural resources, preserve open space, and provide public access to the Ventura River Preserve, in unincorporated Ventura County.

O. Consideration and authorization to disburse up to $469,100 to Sonoma Land Trust to reduce wildfire risk and improve forest health through thinning, pile burning, and removing vegetation to prepare for prescribed burns at three preserves in Sonoma County, and adoption of findings under the California Environmental Quality Act.

4. EXECUTIVE OFFICER REPORT

A. Consideration and possible approval of the 2024 Conservancy meeting schedule.

Addendum: 2024 Conservancy meeting schedule – REVISED SCHEDULE, 9/14/2023

NORTH COAST

5. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $3,950,000 to The Wildlands Conservancy to acquire approximately 8,085 acres of the Lone Pine Ranch property at the confluence of the Eel River mainstem and Kekawaka Creek in Trinity County for the purposes of preserving and restoring fish and wildlife habitat, providing public access and recreation, and protecting open space and natural resources.

6. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $5,552,800 to Redwood Community Action Agency to restore 350 acres of coastal dune habitat along 4.5 miles of shoreline to increase sea level rise resiliency on the north spit of Humboldt Bay in Humboldt County, and adoption findings under the California Environmental Quality Act.

SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA

7. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $5,100,000 to the City and County of San Francisco, Recreation and Park Department, to construct the India Basin Waterfront Park Phase 2: 900 Innes Redevelopment project, consisting of the redevelopment of the 900 Innes property to be included in the India Basin Waterfront Park located in the City and County of San Francisco; and adoption of findings under CEQA.

8. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $1,781,600 to Literacy for Environmental Justice to implement the Heron’s Head Park Climate Resilience Project consisting of enhancing 9 acres of wetland adjacent upland habitat, providing job training to 40-60 local young adults, and hosting 15-20 stewardship days annually at Heron’s Head Park in the City and County of San Francisco.

Addendum: Letter of Support

9. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $2,375,000 for the Napa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District to acquire 56.8 acres of historic tidal marshland within the lower tidal reach of the Napa River in Napa County for purposes of protection and restoration of natural resources, including wildlife corridors and habitat, and wetland and water resources; and providing open space, public access, and recreational use compatible with natural resource protection. [POSTPONED]

10. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $8,990,000 to the City of Berkeley to implement Berkeley Marina improvements consisting of 1) maintenance dredging of the Berkeley Marina harbor and entrances; and 2) replacement of two failing dock systems (Docks D and E) in the City of Berkeley, Alameda County.

Addendum: Berkeley Marina Improvements – REVISED STAFF RECOMMENDATION, 9/14/2023

11. Consideration and authorization to disburse up to $4,351,500 to San Francisco State University to plan and design two, and implement one, sea level rise adaptation project, develop a workforce training program in nature-based climate resiliency, and develop a consortium of experts to advance nature-based adaptation projects in various Bay Area counties, including Marin, San Francisco, Solano, Alameda, San Mateo, and Santa Clara.

12. Consideration and authorization to disburse up to $1,188,000 to Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority to prepare a draft master plan, and conduct community engagement to inform the draft master plan, for approximately 1,550 acres of conserved lands in Coyote Valley, Santa Clara County.

13. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $3,428,460 to Ducks Unlimited to conduct outreach and planning and to prepare engineering designs and environmental compliance documentation for landscape-scale ecological restoration, flood protection, and public access on 6,000 acres in the Sonoma Creek Baylands in Sonoma County.

14. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $1,233,315 to the City of Oakland to complete planning and design for the approximately 0.6-mile off-street multi-use trail known as the 66th Ave BART to Bay Trail Project in Oakland, Alameda County.

CENTRAL COAST

15. Consideration and authorization to disburse up to $1,773,250 to the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) for tribal and community engagement and outreach, planning and design of coastal access improvements, removal of legacy oil infrastructure, and restoration of coastal habitats at the Ellwood Marine Terminal site on the UCSB campus in Santa Barbara County, and adoption of findings under the California Environmental Quality Act.

16. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $1,110,000 to the Coastal San Luis Resource Conservation District to prepare plans, permit applications, and environmental review documents for increased flooding resilience along lower Chorro Creek in the Morro Bay watershed in San Luis Obispo County.

17. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $2,000,000 to the California Department of Parks and Recreation to restore 5 acres of habitat in and around the Villa Creek Estuary, San Luis Obispo County.

18. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $1,570,000 to the California Rangeland Trust to acquire a conservation easement over the 1,014-acre Wong Asuncion Ranch in unincorporated Atascadero for natural resource conservation, habitat connectivity, protection of the Toro Creek watershed, and, to the extent compatible with resource conservation, sustainable grazing.

19. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $889,225 to the California Marine Sanctuary Foundation to establish the Monterey Bay Living Shorelines Program, which consists of developing a project prioritization framework, preparing three priority conceptual level plans, completing three ongoing living shoreline projects, developing a tool to monitor and assess effectiveness of living shoreline projects, conducting robust community engagement, and coordinating with State Parks to produce effective pathways for State Parks to integrate living shorelines into its resource management approaches in the Monterey Bay region.

SOUTH COAST

20. Consideration and possible authorization to disburse up to $2,141,205 to the City of Imperial Beach to conduct outreach and planning and to prepare designs, environmental compliance documents, and permit applications needed to retrofit a 1.2-mile segment of the Bayshore Bikeway into a multi-benefit community flood protection and ecosystem resilience corridor as part of the Bayshore Bikeway Resiliency Project in Imperial Beach, San Diego County.

21. Consideration and possible authorization to 1) disburse up to $31,852,000 to the Los Cerritos Wetlands Authority for the Southern Los Cerritos Wetlands Restoration Project, which consists of planning and permitting for restoration and for providing public access to 103.5 acres of wetlands in Seal Beach, construction of an initial phase of the restoration and public access improvements on a portion of the Project site, and management of the wetlands, and 2) adoption of findings under the California Environmental Quality Act.

Addendum: Support Letters

STATEWIDE

22. Consideration and authorization to disburse up to $968,900 to nonprofit organizations and public agencies for 16 projects that facilitate and enhance the public’s opportunities to explore the California coast. Participants are drawn from throughout the State and will visit coastal locations from Del Norte County south to San Diego County.

WILDFIRE RESILIENCE PROGRAM

23. Consideration and authorization to disburse up to $1,057,650 to the Resource Conservation District of Monterey County and the San Luis Obispo County Fire Safe Council for two additional wildfire resilience projects under the Conservancy’s Wildfire Resilience Program 2023-2024.

24. CONSERVANCY MEMBER COMMENTS

25. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS

Addendum: Public Comment

26. CLOSED SESSION

A. To confer regarding Ballona Wetlands Land Trust v. California Department of Fish and Wildlife, et al. (Environmental Science Associates, Real Party in Interest), Los Angeles County Superior Court, Case No. 22STCP03307. Session will be closed to the public pursuant to Government Code Section 11126(e)(2)(A).

B. To confer regarding Pappas, et al. v. State Coastal Conservancy, et al., Santa Barbara County Superior Court, Case No. 1417388. Session will be closed to the public pursuant to Government Code Section 11126(e)(2)(A).

C. To confer regarding Grassroots Coalition, et al. v. California State Coastal Conservancy, et al., Los Angeles County Superior Court, Case No. 21STCP02237. Session will be closed to the public pursuant to Government Code Section 11126(e)(2)(A).

D. To confer regarding Defend Ballona Wetlands, et al. v. California State Coastal Conservancy, et al., Los Angeles County Superior Court, Case No. 20STCV29911. Session will be closed to the public pursuant to Government Code Section 11126(e)(2)(A).

E. To confer regarding Lebolt v. City and County of San Francisco, et al., San Francisco County Superior Court Case No. CGC-19-581761. Session will be closed to the public pursuant to Government Code Section 11126(e)(2)(A).

F. To confer regarding City of Trinidad v. Tsurai Ancestral Society, et al., Humboldt County Superior Court Case No. DR180684. Session will be closed to the public pursuant to Government Code Section 11126(e)(2)(A).

Please note: If a closed session is needed, the Conservancy will reconvene in person and on the webcast and zoom webinar to make any reports required by Section 11125.2 of the Government Code.

27. ADJOURNMENT

CONSERVANCY TOUR INFORMATION

On Wednesday, September 13, the Conservancy will tour the sites listed below, as close as possible to the identified times, which might be affected by traffic. Members of the public are welcome to join the tour but must provide their own transportation. The tour will conclude at 3:45pm.

10:15 AM: Meet at Coleman Valley Rd parking area to commence the tour of Carrington Ranch. We will be joined by the Sonoma County Parks staff for a tour of the coastal trail and the campground area that is currently being planned. The parking area is located at [https://goo.gl/maps/h5njNPFVVuMq6qrm9].

11:30 AM: Drive 5 minutes to Gleason Beach, where we will have the opportunity to tour the site with the Sonoma County Parks staff. This site showcases a managed retreat area where Highway 1 was relocated significantly inland, and public access to the beach has been maintained. We will meet at the pullout on the south end of the construction area south of Scotty Creek. You can find the location here: [https://goo.gl/maps/whwpZuUQAHWzUFJ39].

12:45 PM: Lunch at Gleason Beach. Members of the public should bring their own lunch.

2:15 PM: Our next destination is Monte Rio, CA, where we will meet with the Sonoma County Parks staff to tour the shaded fuel break project and the Dutch Bill Greenway Acquisition. You can find the location here: [https://goo.gl/maps/MxheUebJ9iCUymgM8].

3:45 PM: Conclusion of tour.

Note: Agenda items may be taken out of sequence at the discretion of the Conservancy. At any time during the meeting, but prior to the adjournment of the open session of the meeting, the Conservancy may recess or adjourn to closed session to consider personnel matters, prices and terms of real estate transactions, and possible and pending litigation. Session will be closed to the public pursuant to attorney-client privilege and statutory authorization under Government Code Sections 11126(a), (c) (7), and (e).

Any person who has a disability and requires reasonable accommodation to participate in this public meeting should contact Taylor Samuelson no later than five days prior to meeting.

Questions about the meeting or agenda can be directed to Taylor Samuelson at

(510) 286-4182 or Taylor.Samuelson@scc.ca.gov or at the Conservancy:

1515 Clay Street, 10th Floor

Oakland, CA 94612

Coastal Conservancy Public Meeting in Healdsburg – September 14

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