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Notice of Public Meeting San Diego River Conservancy A public meeting of the Governing Board of

The San Diego River Conservancy will be held Thursday,

March 8, 2018 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Meeting Location County of San Diego Administration Center (CAC)

1600 Pacific Highway, Room 302 San Diego, California 92101

Tele-Conference Locations

Natural Resources Agency 1416 Ninth Street, Room #1311 Sacramento, CA 95814

Department of Finance State Capitol, Room 1145 Sacramento, CA 95814

Contact: Wendell Taper (619) 645-3183

Meeting Agenda The Board may take agenda items out of order to accommodate speakers and to maintain a quorum, unless noted as time specific.

1. Roll Call

2. Approval of Minutes (ACTION)Consider approval of minutes for the January 11, 2018 meeting.

3. Public Comment (INFORMATIONAL)Any person may address the Governing Board at this time regarding any matter within theBoard’s authority. Presentations will be limited to three minutes for individuals and five minutesfor representatives of organizations. Submission of information in writing is encouraged. TheBoard is prohibited by law from taking any action on matters that are discussed that are not on

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the agenda; no adverse conclusions should be drawn by the Board’s not responding to such matters or public comments.

4. Chairperson’s and Governing Board Members’ Report(INFORMATIONAL/ACTION)

5. Deputy Attorney General Report (INFORMATIONAL/ ACTION)

6. Health and Safety Report (INFORMATIONAL/ ACTION)Presentation on San Diego River access and rescues

Presentation: John Sandmeyer, Marine Safety Lieutenant City of San Diego, Fire-Rescue Department

7. Riverwalk Golf Course (INFORMATIONAL)Overview of proposed redevelopment at Mission Valley’s Riverwalk Golf Course into a mixed-use development including housing, office space, a trolley station, and a river park. The SanDiego River flows through this property located at Mission Valley in the City of San Diego.

Presentation: Bhavesh Parikh, Development Director, Hines Richard Ledford, President of Ledford Enterprises

8. Effectiveness of Selected Trash Reduction Best Management Practices inPriority Land Use Areas in the San Diego River Watershed (INFORMATIONAL)Project update on 12 trash collecting devices placed in eastern San Diego county storm drainsto reduce trash buildup and improve water quality using Best Management Practices. Fundingfrom Proposition 1.

Presentation: Ruth de la Rosa, Land Use Environmental Planner III Watershed Protection Program, Dept. Public Works County of San Diego

Stephanie Gaines, Program Coordinator Watershed Protection Program, Dept. Public Works County of San Diego

9. City of Santee’s Water Quality, Habitat and Public Access Improvements atMast Park, Walker Preserve Habitat Restoration, and Stormwater Improvements (INFORMATIONAL) Status update on three projects for habitat restoration and water quality improvement along the San Diego River. One project will provide an improved drainage system at the eastern border of Mast Park which creates a treatment system for polluted runoff via

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bioswales, retention basin, and remove trash and other contaminants from stormwater runoff before it reaches the San Diego River. Funding from Proposition 1.

Presentation: Bill Maertz, Director of Community Services

10. Senate Bill 1367 (INFORMATIONAL)An overview of Senate Bill 1367 legislation that authorizes the San Diego River Conservancy tocreate the San Diego Rivers Watershed Consortium Program and advisory panels to helprestore and enhance three other nearby rivers – the Otay, the Sweetwater and the Tijuana –and their watersheds.

Presentation: Deanna Spehn, Policy Director, State Senator Toni Atkins

11. Executive Officer’s Report (INFORMATIONAL/ ACTION)The following topics may be included in the Executive Officer’s Report. The Board may takeaction regarding any of them:

• SDRC Work Plan 2017-2018• SDRWQCB SWPPP presentation by 5th and 6th grade students• Updating Gaps Analysis (City of Santee)• San Diego History Center project

12. Next MeetingThe next regularly scheduled Board meeting will be held May 10, 2018 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

13. AdjournmentAccessibility

If you require a disability related modification or accommodation to attend or participate in this meeting, including auxiliary aids or services, please call Wendell Taper at 619-645-3183 or Dustin Harrison 619-525-4094

State of California San Diego River Conservancy

Meeting of March 8, 2018

ITEM: 1

SUBJECT: ROLL CALL AND INTRODUCTIONS

State of California San Diego River Conservancy

Meeting of March 8, 2018

ITEM: 2

SUBJECT: APPROVAL OF MINUTES (ACTION) The Board will consider adoption of the January 11, 2018 public meeting minutes.

PURPOSE: The minutes of the Board Meeting are attached for review.

RECOMMENDATION: Approve minutes

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SAN DIEGO RIVER CONSERVANCY

Minutes of January 11, 2018 Public Meeting

(Draft Minutes for Approval on March 8, 2018)

CONSERVANCY Board Chair, Ben Clay called the January 11, 2018 meeting of the San Diego River Conservancy to order at approximately 1:00 p.m.

Item 1. Roll Call

Members Present Ben Clay, Chair Public at Large John Donnelly Wildlife Conservation Board (Via Phone) John Elliott Kumeyaay Diegueño Land Conservancy Robin Greene Department of Parks and Recreation Ruth Hayward Public at Large Dianne Jacob Supervisor, County of San Diego, Second District Brian Jones City of Santee (arrived 1:02pm) Joshua Nelson Department of Finance (Via Phone) Andrew Poat Public at Large (arrived 1:53pm) Scott Sherman Councilmember, City of San Diego, District 7 Deanna Spehn Speaker of the Assembly Gary Strawn San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board Jacqueline Wong-Hernandez Department of Finance (Via Phone)

Absent Brent Eidson Mayor, City of San Diego,Designee

Staff Members Present Julia Richards Executive Officer Wendell Taper Administrative Services Manager Dustin Harrison Environmental Scientist Hayley Peterson Deputy Attorney General

Item 2. Approval of Minutes

Ben Clay asked for a motion to approve the minutes.

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Scott Sherman moved for approval of the minutes for the November 9, 2017 meeting and Ruth Hayward seconded. Roll Call: Ayes: Ben Clay, Ruth Hayward, Robin Greene, Dianne Jacob, Deanna Spehn, Scott Sherman (6-0-0)

Item 3. Public Comment (INFORMATIONAL)

None.

Item 4. Chairperson’s and Governing Board Members’ Report (INFORMATIONAL)

Ben Clay invited Ann Haddad up. She served 11 years as the Conservancy’s Board member and was appointed by Governor Schwarzenegger. On behalf of the Conservancy, Ben thanked Ann for her service.

Ann Haddad thanked the Board. She mentioned it has been an honor to serve on this Board with all of the wonderful individuals and those who represent different coalitions and organizations that support the river. She is very grateful to Governors Schwarzenegger and Brown for the appoint and reappoint. She will treasure the present and thanked the Board for guidance and inspiration.

Deanna Spehn on behalf of Senator Atkins and former Senator Kehoe, it has been a pleasure having Ann on the Board. Her contributions were significant and the Board appreciates all the time and interest conserving and preserving the river.

Item 5. Deputy Attorney General Report (INFORMATIONAL/ ACTION)

Hayley Peterson said the Conservancy has four new members

Hayley Peterson swore in the new board members Brian Jones, John Elliott and Jacqueline Wong-Hernandez

John Elliott Stated in both the Kumeyaay native language and in English, Good morning, my name is Johnny ‘Eagle Spirit’ Elliott. He is from the Manzanita Band of the Mission Indians. He was raised at Viejas and as a tribal member and elected official he also swears to uphold his tribal constitution and the sovereignty of his people.

Ben Clay thanked John. That is the first time the Conservancy has heard the Kumeyaay language and thanked him for sharing that today. Ben also thanked the new Board Members.

Item 6. Health and Safety (INFORMATIONAL/ACTION)

Ben Clay gave an overview of the new health and safety item on the agenda. It will allow Conservancy partners in the field to respond to and inform the public about different issues. It will give the Conservancy the opportunity to learn of some of the concerns in the field from the sheriff, lifeguard and police department’s perspective. Ben introduced Bill Gore.

Bill Gore thanked the Board for the opportunity to speak. The law enforcement in San Diego County works cooperatively and collaboratively on crime problems. It’s not just with law enforcement, but working with community-based organizations and the citizens they serve. That’s what community policing is all about. He can’t think of an issue that demands that type of collaboration and cooperation more than some of the homeless issues – East Village, the canyons of east county, north county or in the riverbeds. This is a great opportunity that he welcomes to

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collaborate with the Conservancy. He brought his resident expert, Lieutenant Brian Nevins to talk about the sheriff’s perspective, what they are trying to accomplish and open it up for questions. Brian Nevins thanked the Board. In the past, the sheriff’s department was only known for law enforcement and arresting people. With the development of Health and Human Services Agency (HSSA) and Homeless Outreach Team (HOT) the sheriff’s department changed their thinking to more of an outreach and resources approach available 24/7 for homeless people. As a result, there is outreach with different departments within the County of San Diego. Currently the work in the riverbed in Lakeside and Santee areas targeted long-term encampments. The Department of Public Works gathered additional resources to tackle these problems. Working with private property owners and County entities, they were able to clean up these areas. Ben Clay perceives some of the challenges are working with private land owners. What can the Conservancy do to assist? Brian Nevins discussed the constant trespassing in Lakeside and how they approach the private land owners with a letter. Land owners that sign are willing to prosecute and it allows enforcement to enter private land and remove homeless encampments, which is a misdemeanor. Scott Sherman asked how close do you work with City of San Diego law enforcement? He knows breaking up one encampment leads to occupancy of other areas. Brian Nevins said they share the same HOT with El Cajon and the police department. For instance, Santee sees the same customers. The struggle is not to push the problem somewhere else. It’s a frustration with Lakeside’s River Park Conservancy. The homeless foot print is huge. Scott Sherman mentioned the City of San Diego offers to clean up the site first go-around. After that, it is private land owners’ responsibility. Bill Gore when working with the HOT they don’t want to be perceived as cops going down and arresting people. The HOT teams want to give people the services to relocate. If there are outstanding warrants then they will arrest. Scott Sherman thanked them for their difficult job. Dianne Jacob commented the Sheriff’s department has been doing a great job. The private assessments of the individuals’ needs are important. There is not enough assessments of individuals and keeping track of follow ups. These programs, partnerships and collaborations are essential. Thank you for leading this effort. Bill Gore wants the homeless to take advantage of these services. A handful of vouchers were handed out, but not one person accepted them. This partnership will collaborate for better ideas. Dianne Jacob noted the culvert she eluded to was a dangerous situation. Particularly with private property owners. In the Spring Valley area, as soon as its cleaned, land owners do not take responsibility to maintain the cleanup area. Gary Strawn has been volunteering at key places. It was noticeable how much less trash was in the San Diego River this year. Last year, the trees were lined top to bottom with trash. The amount of trash has reduced. Deanna Spehn asked Brian Nevins if he responds to complaints or regularly patrol the areas? Brian Nevins responded they address both. There was a grant they received that allowed over-time and outreach. Ben Clay introduced Lieutenant John Sandmeyer.

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John Sandmeyer introduced himself as team lead for San Diego River Swift Water Rescue Team. They have had much interest keeping the river clear of people during storm events. Last year, the increase in storms created many of the rescues - they’re real and there are many people out there. He is interested in an efficient and low impact project to create 7 emergency access along the river for health and safety purposes and thanked the Board for their support of this project. One event around 11pm there was so much flooding up to 14’ in a short amount of time. More water is causing a lot of flooding. Rescues occur in the River Walk Golf Course area, along Premier Inns and Sefton Field. He would like to show the Board where the rescues are located. The Swift Water Rescue Team supports CalFire, Pala, Encinitas and other swift water teams within the County. He showed pictures of some potential access areas. The pond east of Sefton is occupied by a lot of camps. He mentioned there were some improvements, but some areas were still filled with encampments, while others have been cleaned up. Being able to access these areas is important for rescues. CalFire can provide a strike team to remove brush. He appreciates the Conservancy’s support. Ben Clay agreed that it is imperative to create those access points for the first responders to rescue people without injury. Scott Sherman thanked the Lifeguard service for moving this forward. Access will be easier for the San Diego River Swift Water Rescue Team to access the water during storms. John Sandmeyer additionally mentioned they conducted water sampling and the results were good, levels were within threshold range. Ben Clay thanked both services. He asked Joshua Nelson if he had been sworn in. Hayley Peterson swore in Joshua Nelson. Item 7. San Diego State University Research Foundation’s Proposal (ACTION) Ben Clay expressed his appreciation to San Diego State University for providing a concept proposal to the Conservancy proposing testing for contaminants along the river. The Conservancy has a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with San Diego State University (SDSU) signed by Steven Weber to act as the research arm along the river. The first project was a monitoring system and today they are looking to find out what is in the San Diego River. Julia Richards gave a general overview of the information provided in the Staff Report and Resolution for the Board materials. SDSU professors and SDSU Research Foundation staff came up with a concept proposal for testing San Diego River’s soil and water for various contaminants. Total project cost is just over $500,000, asking $301,000 from the Conservancy and SDSU Research Foundation brings forth matching funds of $238,000. The project received support from local and state governments, San Diego City Councilmembers, SDSU President and non-profit groups. She introduced San Diego State University Research Foundation Julie Lambert, project manager. Julie Lambert described the project aims to increase preparedness in the San Diego River Watershed for potential contamination events. The team is headed by Dr. Natalie Mladenov who heads SDSU water quality lab. She is the water quality expert. Dr. Matthew Verbyla heads the SDSU safe water group and he will be the virus expert. Dr. Alicia Kinoshita is the Disturbance Hydrology Lab and hydrology expert. Also, Dr. Richard Gersberg heads the Division of Environmental Health at SDSU and will perform the analyses on sucralose and caffeine. Julie is from the Soil and

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Ecology Restoration Group (SERG), the project manager, and Tom Zink who heads the SERG is the field supervisor. Both lower and upper reaches of the San Diego River have been listed on EPA 303(d) which is a list of impaired waterbodies. Bench marks that are outlined in the Basin Plan are often exceeded, especially during storm events. This causes perpetual hazards to tourist and locals, including first responders. A chart from their Alvarado Creek Restoration project demonstrated how bacteria levels increase during a storm event. Bacteria levels stay high even after water recedes. The 2014 Integrated Report indicates that metals, fecal bacteria and nutrients account for over 50% of the contamination in San Diego waterbodies. Sources of contamination include: leaky sewer pipes, septic tanks, pets, birds and other warm-blooded animals, as well as homeless encampments. The San Diego River is home to several homeless encampments, some of which are fairly permanent fixtures. Data is not available for total human contribution to contaminants because traditional indicators poorly separate human contribution from other warm-blooded animals. Increasingly, other indicators are being used. For example, sucralose and caffeine are ubiquitous and persistent in the environment. A study reported that caffeine was found in over 50% of sampling locations. Also, viruses are increasingly being used as tracers of human fecal contamination. For example, the pepper mild mottle virus is harmless to humans, but infects peppers used in sauces that are consumed. Finding this virus in the environment indicates it is human source rather than other warm-blooded animals. This project will test for traditional fecal indicators, traditional water quality parameters like pH, conductivity, nutrients (nitrates and phosphates) as well as novel indicators such as sucralose, caffeine and enteric viruses. Soil and water will be sampled during dry weather and during storm events and tested before, during and after cleanup of homeless encampments. Several locations along the river from Santee to Ocean Beach and Alvarado Creek. Data will yield the spatial distribution of contaminants in water. A time series of contaminants during storm events. Leaching experiments will evaluate the potential of contaminants to go form soil to water. In total, 400 samples will analyze 20 parameters. To do all this, $301,000 is requested from the Conservancy. SDSU Research Foundation agreed to forego its overhead which would amount to $160,000. The Office of Graduate Affairs at SDSU is contributing $43,000. Also, $15,000 from Councilmember Scott Sherman and $5,000 from Councilmember Lori Zapf. Understanding anthropogenic factors is paramount in the prediction of future contamination events. This project can serve as a case study and help prevent future outbreaks. Professors are here to answer any questions you have. Ben Clay saluted SDSU President Sally Roush for her support. If this study performs, it can be used in rivers throughout California, including Tijuana River Valley. Julia is looking for more money to fund this study. Scott Sherman Asked if there is a way to determine animal versus human fecal contaminants? Can it be broken down to total sources tested? Matthew Verbyla responded the method is called microbial source tracking which are developed by collecting fecal samples from humans and animals doing specificity tests. For example, the pepper mottle mold virus shows up in human waste after being consumed and therefore serves as a human contamination indicator. Anything is possible with enough samples and resources. The primary concern they are focused on is human sources. Dianne Jacob mentioned this work is very important. She asked when is this study going to be done and how do you see the results being used? Natalie Mladenov responded this is a one-year study. The team plans to hit this season hard and sample during wet and dry cycles. The results will be confidential until they publish. In turn, those will be available to anyone in the

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scientific community. A report to policy makers and another scientific report will also be available. Five objectives will be reported once complete. Interim reporting of the objectives until the end of the study with an update this summer. Dianne Jacob Since this is a sizeable amount of money she expects to see reports and timeline with results. Dianne thanked them for their efforts.

Ben and Julia, SDSU Professors and the Resources Conservation District of Greater San Diego County attended a meeting that Dianne convened with the County folks. Dianne stated the County was also undergoing some testing. County Stormwater started a comprehensive study in stormdrains back in 2012 along the river. Then there was a surfer health study from 2013-2015 that was funded $3 million by the County and the City of San Diego. Then there was a follow up study 2016-2017 funded by the County and City of San Diego in the San Diego River area. The County will also be conducting wet weather testing in the river along Los Coches Creek in Lakeside and Eucalyptus Hills in the Winter of 2018. The County and the City are jointly funding an additional 3-year study at a cost of $2.5 million. That will run from 2018 – 2020. Her point in sharing this is it is important for us to coordinate the activities that are going on so we are not duplicating, no redundancy in what’s being studied, but we are adding value to what is being done. She strongly supports the recommendation that is before us. I think an additional direction could and should be that the Conservancy work along with Southern California Coastal Water Research Project (SCCWRP) SDSU, City and County to make sure collaborating and working together to move forward with various studies that are occurring in the river.

One thing discussed at the meeting is for the staff of each of these entities to meet on a somewhat regular basis. So again, there is coordination of efforts, and eliminating duplication. She wants to maximize the resources, the money that’s being used, and wants to get good results.

Hopefully the San Diego Regional Water Quality Board can facilitate this to applaud these efforts. As Scott said, so no fines are administered it’s not putative of what this is trying to accomplish. It seems simple; trying to find out what the contaminants in the river are, what the source is and then how to prevent it.

She moved the staff recommendation and, in addition, directed Conservancy staff to work with SDSU, SCCWRP, City of San Diego and County of San Diego to collaborate all testing that is conducted along the San Diego River Watershed and report back. Ruth Hayward asked if the SDSU professors are aware of all the studies Supervisor Jacob just enumerated and what types of scientific analyses they did taking their samples. Natalie Mladenov replied they are aware and have had meetings. The Southern California Coastal Water Research Project and San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board have been involved. SDSU wants to coordinate and not be redundant. They have analyses that haven’t been performed in those studies before. It will enrich understanding. Ruth Hayward reiterated SDSU’s techniques use sampling criteria that probably wasn’t done with the County’s study so far. Seems the previous studies mentioned had a lot of money. Any remarks about that? Natalie Mladenov although SDSU is employing novel techniques, they are not new methods, rather tried and true, but not always employed by US EPA – so its novel in that respect. Traditional techniques, fecal indicator bacteria, will be continued so there is continuity of information. Deanna Spehn asked as the County conducts their study, will the Conservancy have access to those results? Dianne Jacob responded at appropriate times the County will share their results. Ben Clay stated, the sense of the motion from Supervisor Jacob is for coordination between staff and to move forward.

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Gary Strawn added the Conservancy is enabling this process. The San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board is coordinating that data to make sure it is shared. This is a good example of coordination as it should be. Dianne Jacob asked if Gary can facilitate these efforts as to not get fined. Jointly this effort attempts to identify contaminants, identify those sources and prevent those sources from entering the river. Deanna Spehn seconded the motion. She thinks the most important thing is to have scientific basis for making future decisions by agencies. Knowing SDSU brings expertise to these studies is critical. Dianne Jacob reiterated, she moves the staff recommendation, in addition, directed the Conservancy staff to work with SDSU, SCCWRP, City of San Diego and County of San Diego to collaborate all testing along the San Diego River Watershed and report back on a regular basis. Deann Spehn asked Dianne if she meant by collaborate is “to share information.” Dianne Jacob confirmed. Dianne Jacob moved for approval of Resolution 18-01 and Deanna Spehn seconded. Roll Call: Ayes: Ben Clay, Ruth Hayward, Joshua Nelson, Jacqueline Wong-Hernandez, Robin Greene, Dianne Jacob, Deanna Spehn, Scott Sherman, John Elliott, Brian Jones Abstain: Andrew Poat (10-0-1) Item 8. The Conservancy’s Proposition 1 Grant Program (ACTION) Julia Richards updated the Board about the Proposition 1 grant program. A notice of funding availability was issued for Round 3 of Proposition 1 for approximately $1.2M. Concept Proposals are due May 11 and Full Applications due July 13. The Board will review those applications and decide if there are awards. The guidelines were updated and sent to Board Members as well as included in the Board Book. Updates were taken from other state agencies’ Proposition 1 grant program guidelines to be more consistent with other state agencies and provide a streamline process. She asked if there any questions about that material? Scott Sherman moved to approve the updated Proposition 1 grant guidelines and John Elliott seconded. Roll Call: Ayes: Ben Clay, Ruth Hayward, Joshua Nelson, Jacqueline Wong-Hernandez, Robin Greene, Dianne Jacob, Deanna Spehn, Scott Sherman, Andrew Poat, John Elliott, Brian Jones (10-0-0) Item 9. San Diego State University West Campus (INFORMATIONAL) Julia Richards Today Martin Flores and James Chatfield will provide a presentation to the Board on SDSU West Campus. Ben Clay mentioned the Conservancy allowed Soccer City an opportunity to present, now this is an opportunity SDSU can brief the Board as well. James Chatfield introduced himself as Senior Vice President for JMI Realty. He has been with JMI for 18 years, and was excited to work with SDSU and put together a site plan for the campus. He is here with Martin Flores from Carrier Johnson who leads the planning and landscaping.

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The design objectives are important to make a campus for SDSU and Aztec football. The mesa is packed and SDSU needs a place to grow. This makes sense for the region. The first objective is to create a great home for the campus and football and secondly the importance of integrating the site’s natural features. The history of the river originally flowed through present stadium site. The river was diverted and landscape changed to raise the floodplain where the stadium is situated. Now, flooding occurs around the field. The hardline and sea of asphalt is not a good site. The river currently does not flow naturally. Integration of the river with the site by addressing the hydrology and allowing the flow to do what it naturally does. This would be a site for the Aztecs, the campus, stadium, residential and retail. A great Riverpark with campus area is not good enough. It needs to be a place for people to interact with the river. Finger parks, and paseos will allow better access for pedestrians and make better for development. A desire to start with open space and fix the hydrology. Orient the entire project towards the river. Fields and active and passive parks total 47 acres, with communities and 1 acre preserved. Aquatic and recreational center at the southeast corner adjacent to the Riverpark. 75 acres are community park space, combined with paseos, open spaces and plazas. 89 acres of open space is more than 52% of the site. Fixing hydrology inspires thoughtful development. The major component, 3,500 seats for the stadium is also designed for a multi-purpose stadium. The footprint can expand to NFL whether there is a professional football team or not. Buildings such as hotel and residences are pedestrian friendly with open views. The north end of the stadium has a student section and tailgating section to hang out before the game. 1.6 million square feet of campus, 3 and 6 story buildings have subterranean parking. Friars Rd. is about 100 ft above grade so parking will not be visible underneath the campus. The public/ private partnerships are exciting for the region. Companies and campuses want to be collocated where technology and town are. The research campus will be upper division. Looking west along the trail, the campus integrates to the river with an amphitheater. It is meant as a bioretention. The far west side is 18-foot differential from Riverpark to upper campus. From 7ft to 18ft allows for great amphitheater. The trail is 20 ft wide with ample room. The Hub at the end of the campus is near the trolley station. 4,600 residential units with mid and high-rise buildings. Faculty, staff and upper division geared towards students and professors. Affordable housing will be onsite. The buildings oriented toward the Riverpark. Density grows away from river. A typical street scape has walk-ups, high-rises, tree lines and bike lanes throughout the project. The campus will address hydrology with great open spaces and parks. The Grantville and Mission Valley acreage deficiencies will be fulfilled by this project. It is a great plan that works for everyone and the larger community. It provides for the university’s growth. 61% of alumni still reside here, that’s 42,000 jobs – 12,000 direct and 30,000 indirect jobs, an important asset to the region. Scott Sherman since this is in his district, Scott mentioned it looks like his plan that he put together to develop without tax payer dollars. With the hydrology to prevent floods, will parklands be lowered, or will dirt be built up? James Chatfield responded a lot of dirt will be moved on site. Initially the pad for the stadium will be created and the stadium will fit in the bowl. The existing stadium will be taken down and spread out. The northeast corner will come down-contour to meet the river. Scott Sherman added the storm drain that runs by usually causes flooding. Hopefully it won’t flood again. What is the timeline for this project? The City of San Diego has a storm channel with a large sewer main, would that be disrupted? The open space that looks like soccer fields, will that also serve as parking? Is there a traffic study associated with this? Who pays for the park? Are signatures being collected or is this SDSU’s system? Can the state school system self-certify their permits?

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James Chatfield hoped the stadium is open for play in 2022. From there, it is market dependent. A phase-able project with a diversity of products on the residential side. Highrise, midrise and low rise. He confirmed the intramural fields will be similar to the rose bowl with a tailgate parking area when not in use. Fenton Parkway expansion and bridge is proposed. He thought it would be like a Home Owners Association. If the initiative passes, there will be an open and transparent process. Martin Flores introduced himself with Carrier Johnson and replied the infrastructure component is important. An upgrade and relocation will happen as development occurs. Dianne Jacob asked who would own the property. So, who builds the Riverpark? Tax revenues? James Chatfield San Diego State will own the property. He thinks the initiative reads the City of San Diego will own the park. It will be funded and owned by SDSU. The Friends [of SDSU] wrote the initiative in a manner SDSU would improve and maintain it. It would be funded through a joint agreement of the constituents. It will be market housing so it will pay fees and taxes. Ben Clay possessory interest tax. Dianne Jacob if the state owned the property there would not be any property taxes. So, there would not be any revenue. A residential development owned privately would be different in terms of tax revenue for the City or other entities. Has there been a financial analysis? She is interested in the financials. James Chatfield responded the financial team is still working on this. It was his understanding that everything would be a commercial project and pay taxes. Property tax versus development impact fees versus tax increment, there are a lot of buckets there and he didn’t want to get nailed. SDSU would own the land and pay taxes like any other. Brian Jones for the fans using the trolley, why is it preferred to walk through the project, rather than next to the trolley stop? James Chatfield responded for the experience. It enlivens the retail and the district. The stadium location needed to be located outside of existing position. Contours in northwest made most sense. The walk to a sporting event is part of the fun. 95,000 square feet of retail. Other proposals have 700,000 so it is community serving. Gary Strawn asked about the 20ft wide trails, what percent is permeable? Martin Flores all trails at lower basin will be permeable. At the upper end, both. It will handle the flows. Andrew Poat stated he was astonished that the previous development did not take the river into consideration. Allied Gardens seem to be developed haphazardly. This is a huge step forward. Ruth Hayward went to high school with the girls that owned the farm where the stadium is. The development will be oriented towards sports facility, commercial and residential. Nothing was said about lab or scientific facilities used for education. Any plans to demolish residential halls at Montezuma and put campus buildings in there? Any recent development from the fuel plumes from the storage tanks? James Chatfield it is a public/ private venture. Campus will contain upper division classes and they have been in contact with firms who want to collocate with SDSU. This project represents a 51% increase to size of what SDSU campus is now. He responded, the plume is 95% remediated. Gary Strawn added this area is in monitoring status. He has not heard any bad news in this area.

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Scott Sherman noted the City of San Diego has a liability agreement with tank owners that if future pollution is discovered, owners will clean it.

Ben Clay thanked the presenters for the status update.

Item 10. Executive Officer’s Report (INFORMATIONAL/ACTION)

Julia Richards provided a quick overview of the Conservancy’s Proposition 1 projects. Alvarado Creek has experienced flooding in the past, but after invasive removal water is flowing through this area without flooding. Helix High School and students are learning aquaponics and how to grow plants and fish together. This type of farming offers a great reduction in water use. Different plants were tested to see which ones propagated best and water quality was tested by the students. Educating the next generation about today’s crises is important. The San Diego River is a great way for students to learn about science and the environment.

Regarding the Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority symposium on homelessness, Julia attended with Resources Conservation District of Greater San Diego County’s Executive Director Sheryl Landrum. Over 100 leaders attended to discuss ways to collaborate and address homelessness. They have been working on this for 20 years.

There was a letter in the board materials from SANDAG regarding is regional bike plan. One of the community groups asked to change priorities on SANDAG’s list, but SANDAG did not agree.

Julia introduced Nikki McGinnis from the City of San Diego’s Public Utilities Department and thanked her for help with completing the 37 acres acquisition in El Monte Valley.

Item 11. Adjournment

Ben Clay thanked the presenters and the new Board members. He adjourned the meeting.

Meeting adjourned at 2:43 pm

State of California San Diego River Conservancy

Meeting of March 8, 2018

ITEM: 3 SUBJECT: PUBLIC COMMENT PURPOSE: Any person may address the Governing Board at this time

regarding any matter within the Board’s authority. Presentations will be limited to three minutes for individuals and five minutes for representatives of organizations. Submission of information in writing is encouraged. The Board is prohibited by law from taking any action on matters that are discussed that are not on the agenda; no adverse conclusions should be drawn by the Board’s not responding to such matters or public comments.

State of California San Diego River Conservancy

Meeting of March 8, 2018

ITEM:

SUBJECT:

PURPOSE:

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CHAIRPERSON’S AND GOVERNING BOARD MEMBERS’ REPORTS (INFORMATIONAL/ ACTION)

These items are for Board discussion only and the Board will take no formal action.

State of California San Diego River Conservancy

Meeting of March 8, 2018

ITEM:

SUBJECT:

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DEPUTY ATTORNEY GENERAL REPORT (INFORMATIONAL/ ACTION)

State of California San Diego River Conservancy

Meeting of March 8, 2018

ITEM:

SUBJECT:

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HEALTH AND SAFETY (INFORMATIONAL/ACTION) Presentation on San Diego River access and rescues

Presentation: John Sandmeyer, Marine Safety Lieutenant City of San Diego, Fire-Rescue Department

State of California San Diego River Conservancy

Meeting of March 8, 2018

ITEM:

SUBJECT:

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RIVERWALK GOLF COURSE (INFORMATIONAL) Overview of proposed redevelopment at Mission Valley’s Riverwalk Golf Course into a mixed-use development including housing, office space, a trolley station, and a river park. The San Diego River flows through this property located at Mission Valley in the City of San Diego.

Presentation: Bhavesh Parikh, Development Director, Hines Richard Ledford, President of Ledford Enterprises

State of California San Diego River Conservancy

Meeting of March 8, 2018

ITEM: 8

SUBJECT: EFFECTIVENESS OF SELECTED TRASH REDUCTION BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN PRIORITY LAND USE AREAS IN THE SAN DIEGO RIVER WATERSHED (INFORMATIONAL) Project update on 12 trash collecting devices placed in eastern San Diego County storm drains to reduce trash buildup and improve water quality using Best Management Practices. Funding from Proposition 1.

Presentation: Ruth de la Rosa, Land Use Environmental Planner III Watershed Protection Program, Dept. Public Works County of San Diego

Stephanie Gaines, Program Coordinator Watershed Protection Program, Dept. Public Works County of San Diego

State of California San Diego River Conservancy

Meeting of March 8, 2018 ITEM: 9 SUBJECT: CITY OF SANTEE’S WATER QUALITY, HABITAT AND

PUBLIC ACCESS IMPROVEMENTS AT MAST PARK, WALKER PRESERVE HABITAT RESTORATION, AND STORMWATER IMPROVEMENTS (INFORMATIONAL) Status update on three projects for habitat restoration and water quality improvement along the San Diego River. One project will provide an improved drainage system at the eastern border of Mast Park which creates a treatment system for polluted runoff via bioswales, retention basin, and remove trash and other contaminants from stormwater runoff before it reaches the San Diego River. Funding from Proposition 1. Presentation: Bill Maertz, Director of Community Services

State of California San Diego River Conservancy

Meeting of March 8, 2018

ITEM: 10

SUBJECT: SENATE BILL 1367 (INFORMATIONAL) An overview of Senate Bill 1367 legislation that authorizes the San Diego River Conservancy to create the San Diego Rivers Watershed Consortium Program and advisory panels to help restore and enhance three other nearby rivers – the Otay, the Sweetwater and the Tijuana – and their watersheds.

Presentation: Deanna Spehn, Policy Director, State Senator Toni Atkins

SB 1367 (Atkins), As Introduced – February 16, 2018 (2-26-2018)

SB 1367 – San Diego Rivers Watershed Consortium Program

IN BRIEF

SB 1367 authorizes the San Diego River Conservancy to initiate the San Diego Rivers Watershed Consortium Program to assist in restoring and enhancing three nearby rivers from their headlands to the Pacific Ocean - the Otay River, Sweetwater River and Tijuana River.

BACKGROUND

SB 1367 would authorize the San Diego River Conservancy to convene advisory panels made up of local cities, the county, public agencies and tribal governments to craft strategic plans for the Otay River, Sweetwater River and Tijuana River and assist in identifying and pursuing grant funding to restore and enhance natural, historical, cultural, educational and recreational resources along the rivers and enhance public access to the rivers.

THE ISSUE

There are currently 10 state conservancies in California authorized to acquire, manage, direct the management of, and conserve public lands.

In San Diego County, the San Diego River Conservancy was established by AB 2156 (Kehoe 2002). Six other rivers and their watersheds are within the County: San Dieguito, San Luis Rey and Santa Margarita to the north; and Otay, Sweetwater and Tijuana to the south. There are a total of 17 watersheds in the County.

The region is expected to grow in population from its current 3.3 million to 4 million people by 2050. Not all residents in the southern region of San Diego County have direct access to green space and public lands. Park poor communities are highly concentrated south of the San Diego River watershed.

One benefit of living in the San Diego region is year-round access to the outdoors and the ability to improve health and well-being of the general public by improving public access to public lands.

The watersheds of the Otay River, Sweetwater River and Tijuana River are extraordinary natural resources of statewide significance that are in need of conservation, restoration, protection of sensitive species, improved water quality and improved overall health of the ecosystems of the individual watersheds.

The Consortium will enable the state to bring together multiple stakeholders to assess the needs of each watershed’s ecosystem and collaborate on watershed-wide programs that conserve, restore and protect

natural, historical and cultural resources, wildlife, water quality and natural floodwater conveyance, and that enhance the overall health of each individual watershed for beneficial uses including recreation and education.

THE SOLUTION

SB 1367 requires the Conservancy to work collaboratively with local public jurisdictions and agencies to create 3 advisory panels that would meet at least twice per year, representing watersheds in the area. The state has an interest in working with organizations to protect, enhance and restore the natural, historical, cultural, educational and recreational resources in rivers and watersheds in the southern region of San Diego County.

Meetings of the 3 advisory panels will be open to the public and subject to the Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act. The Conservancy shall issue an annual report and a biannual report will be sent to the Legislature.

The San Diego Rivers Watershed Consortium Fund shall be established in the San Diego River Conservancy Fund.

The Conservancy shall not exercise the power of eminent domain; manage, regulate, or control the use of land owned or leased by another public agency, except as provided pursuant to a written agreement with that public agency; nor shall the Conservancy levy a tax or take any action that interferes with or prevents the planning and implementation of projects or programs contained in adopted local or community plans.

The Conservancy may undertake site improvements, provide for public access, restoration and rehabilitation, and undertake projects directly and award grants to public agencies, Native American Indian tribes, nonprofit organizations, and joint powers authorities to help achieve the intent of the program, including upgrading deteriorating facilities and constructing new facilities as needed for outdoor recreation, natural education and interpretation and resource protection.

Senator Toni G. Atkins, 39th Senate District

A Strategic Plan for each river and its watershed shall include:

• a system for prioritizing watershed-wide projectsthat create and expand opportunities to protect,enhance and restore the natural, historical,cultural, educational and recreational resourcesof the watershed;

• a summary of the policies and priorities for eachriver watershed;

• a list of underused existing public open spaces,trails and other facilities and ways to providetheir better public use and enjoyment; and

• a plan to implement the program consistent withall related general and specific plans and zoningregulations of the local and regionalmunicipalities within each watershed.

Members of the Otay River Watershed Panel shall include one representative from each of the following who is appointed for a 2-year term by the respective City Council or Board of Supervisors or appointing authority:

• Conservancy Board Member or his/her designee• California Department of Park & Recreation• City of Chula Vista• City of Imperial Beach• City of National City• City of San Diego• County of San Diego• Kumeyaay Diegueno Land Conservancy• San Diego Regional Water Quality Control

Board• San Diego Unified Port District• University or College in the San Diego area

Members of the Sweetwater River Watershed Panel shall include one representative from each of the following who is appointed for a 2-year term by the respective City Council or Board of Supervisors or appointing authority:

• Conservancy Board Member or his/her designee• California Department of Parks & Recreation• City of Chula Vista• City of La Mesa• City of Lemon Grove• City of San Diego• City of National City (will be added in future

amendment)• County of San Diego• Kumeyaay Diegueno Land Conservancy• San Diego Regional Water Quality Control

Board• San Diego Unified Port District• University or College in the San Diego area

Members of the Tijuana River Watershed Panel shall include one representative from each of the following who is appointed for a 2-year term by the respective City Council or Board of Supervisors or appointing authority:

• Conservancy Board Member or his/her designee• California Department of Parks & Recreation• City of Imperial Beach• City of San Diego• County of San Diego• Kumeyaay Diegueno Land Conservancy• San Diego Regional Water Quality Control

Board• San Diego Unified Port District• University or College in the San Diego area

SUPPORT

Resource Conservation District of Greater San Diego County

San Diego History Center Trust for Public Land

OPPOSITION

None to date

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Deanna Spehn, Policy Director State Senator Toni G. Atkins 39th State Senate District Office: 619-645-3133; Cell: 619-368-4477 1350 Front Street, Suite 4061 San Diego CA 92101

SENATE BILL No. 1367

Introduced by Senator Atkins

February 16, 2018

An act to amend Sections 32642 and 32643 of, and to add Chapter4.5 (commencing with Section 32659) to Division 22.9 of the PublicResources Code, relating to the San Diego River Conservancy.

legislative counsel’s digest

SB 1367, as introduced, Atkins. San Diego River Conservancy: SanDiego Rivers Watershed Consortium Program.

Existing law establishes the San Diego River Conservancy to acquireand direct the management of specified public lands in the San DiegoRiver area, as defined, and prescribes the management, powers, andduties of the conservancy. Existing law establishes the San Diego RiverConservancy Fund, and requires that moneys in the fund be available,upon appropriation, for the purposes of the conservancy.

This bill would require the conservancy to establish the San DiegoRivers Watershed Consortium Program to create advisory bodies towork cooperatively with local public agencies and other entities toidentify potential project funding, including grant funding, to be usedto restore and enhance natural, historical, cultural, educational, andrecreational resources along the San Diego River and its watersheds.The bill would require the conservancy, in administering the program,to create 3 advisory panels representing watersheds within the area,comprised of specified members, to offer advice, expertise, support,and service to the conservancy in those respective watershed areas. Thebill would create the San Diego Rivers Watershed Consortium ProgramAccount in the fund, and would authorize the conservancy, uponappropriation, to expend moneys from the account for purposes of theprogram.

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Vote: majority. Appropriation: no. Fiscal committee: yes.

State-mandated local program: no.

The people of the State of California do enact as follows:

line 1 SECTION 1. Section 32642 of the Public Resources Code is line 2 amended to read: line 3 32642. The conservancy may do any of the following to assist line 4 in the decisionmaking process for the purposes of this division: line 5 (a)  Establish advisory boards boards, panels, or committees. line 6 (b)  Engage in public outreach. line 7 SEC. 2. Section 32643 of the Public Resources Code is line 8 amended to read: line 9 32643. The conservancy may do any of the following to provide

line 10 necessary services: line 11 (a)  Select and hire private consultants or contractors. line 12 (b)  Enter into memorandums of understanding with state and line 13 local public agencies. agencies, and other entities and line 14 organizations. line 15 (c)  Enter into a joint powers agreement pursuant to the Joint line 16 Exercise of Powers Act, as described in Chapter 5 (commencing line 17 with Section 6500) of Division 7 of Title 1 of the Government line 18 Code. line 19 SEC. 3. Chapter 4.5 (commencing with Section 32659) is added line 20 to Division 22.9 of the Public Resources Code, to read: line 21 line 22 Chapter 4.5. San Diego Rivers Watershed Consortium

line 23 line 24 32659. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following: line 25 (a)  The San Diego Rivers Watershed Consortium Program will line 26 establish advisory panels for the designated watersheds of the line 27 Sweetwater River, Otay River, and part of the Tijuana River in line 28 southern San Diego County. line 29 (b)  The San Diego region is home to one of the fastest growing line 30 populations in the nation, which is expected to grow from its line 31 current 3,300,000 people to 4,000,000 people by 2050. line 32 (c)  Residents in the southern region of San Diego County do line 33 not all have direct access to green space and public lands. Park line 34 poor communities are highly concentrated south of the San Diego line 35 River watershed. One benefit of living in the San Diego region is

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line 1 year-round access to the outdoors and the ability to improve the line 2 health and well-being of the general public by improving public line 3 access to public lands. line 4 (d)  The watersheds of the Otay River, Sweetwater River, and line 5 Tijuana River are extraordinary natural resources of statewide line 6 significance that have been subject to intense development and line 7 are in need of conservation, restoration, protection, including line 8 protection of sensitive species, improved water quality, and line 9 improved overall health of the ecosystems of the individual

line 10 watersheds. line 11 (e)  The establishment of the program will enable the state to line 12 bring together multiple stakeholders to assess the needs of each line 13 watershed’s ecosystem and collaborate on watershedwide programs line 14 that conserve, restore, and protect natural, historical and cultural line 15 resources, wildlife, water quality, and natural floodwater line 16 conveyance, and that enhance the overall health of each watershed line 17 for beneficial uses, including public enjoyment of recreation and line 18 education. line 19 (f)  The state has an interest in working with organizations to line 20 protect, enhance, and restore the natural, historical, cultural, line 21 educational, and recreational resources in rivers and watersheds line 22 located in the southern region of the County of San Diego. line 23 (g)  The intent of the program is to protect and preserve the line 24 health of the watershed for each river within the consortium line 25 including streams, rivers, wetlands, estuaries, and the diverse line 26 natural habitats that are home to plants and animals and that line 27 provide educational and recreational opportunities for the public line 28 to steward the region’s globally unique and diverse plants and line 29 wildlife for future generations to enjoy. line 30 32659.1. The following terms have the following meanings: line 31 (a)  “Account” means the San Diego Rivers Watershed line 32 Consortium Account established in the San Diego River line 33 Conservancy Fund pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 32659.8. line 34 (b)  “Consortium watershed area” means lands located within line 35 the watersheds of the Sweetwater River, the Otay River, and parts line 36 of the Tijuana River, from the headwaters of each river to the line 37 Pacific Ocean. line 38 (c)  “Program” means the San Diego Rivers Watershed line 39 Consortium Program established pursuant to this chapter.

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line 1 32659.2. The conservancy shall establish the San Diego Rivers line 2 Watershed Consortium Program to create advisory bodies to work line 3 cooperatively with local public agencies and other entities to line 4 identify potential project funding, including grant funding, to be line 5 used to restore and enhance natural, historical, cultural, educational, line 6 and recreational resources along the San Diego River and its line 7 watersheds and to improve public access to public lands. line 8 32659.3. (a)  The conservancy shall create an advisory panel line 9 for each watershed to offer advice, expertise, support, or service

line 10 to each watershed without compensation in accordance with the line 11 following requirements: line 12 (1)  The conservancy shall solicit the names of persons to serve line 13 as members of each panel from organizations and entities line 14 representing watersheds in the consortium watershed area, and line 15 those persons shall be appointed to serve on the panel representing line 16 the area in which the organization or entity is located. line 17 (2)  The members of the advisory panels shall serve on a line 18 voluntary basis and without reimbursement from the conservancy. line 19 (3)  Each member of an advisory panel shall serve for a two-year line 20 term. line 21 (4)  A member’s service as a member of an advisory panel shall line 22 end at the time that person ceases to be employed by, or serve as line 23 a representative of, the appointing organization. line 24 (5)  Advisory panels shall meet at least twice each calendar year line 25 at one or more locations within the County of San Diego. line 26 (6)  Meetings of the advisory panels shall be open to the public line 27 and subject to the Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act (Article 9 line 28 (commencing with Section 11120) of Chapter 1 of Part 1 of line 29 Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code). line 30 (b)  In appointing members and facilitating the work of the line 31 advisory panels, the conservancy shall be subject to all laws, line 32 regulations, and general and specific plans of the legislative body line 33 of the city or county with geographic jurisdiction over the specified line 34 watershed areas. line 35 (c)  The conservancy shall prepare an annual report on the status line 36 of the meetings of the advisory panels, which shall be included in line 37 the executive officer of the conservancy’s report to the governing line 38 board. line 39 (d)  A summary of the program’s actions and activities shall also line 40 be included in the conservancy’s biannual report to the Legislature.

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line 1 32659.4. The conservancy shall establish the following advisory line 2 panels: line 3 (a)  The Sweetwater River Watershed Advisory Panel, comprised line 4 of the following members: line 5 (1)  A conservancy board member or his or her designee. line 6 (2)  A representative of the City of La Mesa, appointed by its line 7 city council. line 8 (3)  A representative of the City of Lemon Grove, appointed by line 9 its city council.

line 10 (4)  A representative of the City of Chula Vista, appointed by line 11 its city council. line 12 (5)  A representative of the City of San Diego, appointed by its line 13 city council. line 14 (6)  A representative of the County of San Diego, appointed by line 15 the Board of Supervisors of the San Diego County. line 16 (7)  A representative of the San Diego Regional Water Quality line 17 Control Board, appointed by that board. line 18 (8)  A representative of the Department of Parks and Recreation, line 19 appointed by the Director of Parks and Recreation. line 20 (9)  A representative of the Kumeyaay Diegueño Land line 21 Conservancy, appointed by the governing board of that line 22 conservancy. line 23 (10)  A representative of a university or college in the San Diego line 24 area, appointed by the president of the university or college. line 25 (11)  A representative of the San Diego Unified Port District, line 26 appointed by the governing board of the port district. line 27 (b)  The Otay River Watershed Advisory Panel, comprised of line 28 the following members: line 29 (1)  A conservancy board member or his or her designee. line 30 (2)  A representative of the City of Chula Vista, appointed by line 31 its city council. line 32 (3)  A representative of the City of Imperial Beach, appointed line 33 by its city council line 34 (4)  A representative of the City of National City, appointed by line 35 its city council. line 36 (5)  A representative of the City of San Diego, appointed by its line 37 city council. line 38 (6)  A representative of the County of San Diego, appointed by line 39 the Board of Supervisors of San Diego County.

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SB 1367— 5 —

line 1 (7)  A representative of the San Diego Regional Water Quality line 2 Control Board, appointed by that board. line 3 (8)  A representative of the Department of Parks and Recreation, line 4 appointed by the Director of Parks and Recreation. line 5 (9)  A representative of the Kumeyaay Diegueño Land line 6 Conservancy, appointed by that conservancy. line 7 (10)  A representative of a university or college in the San Diego line 8 area, appointed by the president of the university or college. line 9 (11)  A representative of the San Diego Unified Port District,

line 10 appointed by the governing board of the port district. line 11 (c)  The Tijuana River Watershed Advisory Panel, comprised line 12 of the following members: line 13 (1)  A conservancy board member, or his or her designee. line 14 (2)  A representative of the City of Imperial Beach, appointed line 15 by its city council. line 16 (3)  A representative of the City of San Diego, appointed by its line 17 city council. line 18 (4)  A representative of the County of San Diego, appointed by line 19 the Board of Supervisors of San Diego County. line 20 (5)  A representative of the San Diego Regional Water Quality line 21 Control Board, appointed by that board. line 22 (6)  A representative of the Department of Parks and Recreation, line 23 appointed by the Director of Parks and Recreation. line 24 (7)  A representative of the Kumeyaay Diegueño Land line 25 Conservancy, appointed by that conservancy. line 26 (8)  A representative of a university or college in the San Diego line 27 area, appointed by the president of the university or college. line 28 (9)  A representative of the San Diego Unified Port District, line 29 appointed by the governing board of the port district. line 30 32659.5. The advisory panels appointed pursuant to Section line 31 32659.4 shall each prepare a strategic plan containing all of the line 32 following: line 33 (a)  A system for prioritizing each designated river watershed line 34 that shall give priority to watershedwide projects that create and line 35 expand opportunities to protect, enhance, and restore the natural, line 36 historical, cultural, educational, and recreational resources of the line 37 watershed. line 38 (b)  A summary of the policies and priorities for each river line 39 watershed.

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line 1 (c)  A description of each watershed identifying underused, line 2 existing public open spaces, trails, and other facilities, and line 3 recommendations of ways to provide better public use and line 4 enjoyment in the designated areas. line 5 (d)  A plan for implementing the program in conformance with line 6 all related general and specific plans and zoning regulations of the line 7 local and regional municipalities within each watershed. line 8 32659.6. The conservancy may do all of the following in line 9 implementing the program:

line 10 (a)  Undertake site improvement projects. line 11 (b)  Provide for public access. line 12 (c)  Provide for restoration and rehabilitation. line 13 (d)  Undertake projects directly and award grants to public line 14 agencies, Native American Indian tribes, nonprofit organizations, line 15 and joint powers authorities to help achieve the intent of the line 16 program. line 17 (e)  Upgrade deteriorating facilities and construct new facilities line 18 as needed for outdoor recreation, natural education and line 19 interpretation, and resource protection. line 20 32659.7. Notwithstanding any other law, the conservancy shall line 21 not take any of the following actions: line 22 (a)  Exercise the power of eminent domain. line 23 (b)  Manage, regulate, or control the use of any land owned or line 24 leased by another public agency, except as provided pursuant to line 25 a written agreement with that public agency. line 26 (c)  Levy a tax. line 27 (d)  Take any action that interferes with, conflicts with, impedes, line 28 adversely impacts, or prevents the planning and implementation line 29 of projects and programs contained in adopted local or community line 30 plans. line 31 32659.8. (a)  The San Diego Rivers Watershed Consortium line 32 Program Account is hereby created in the San Diego River line 33 Conservancy Fund. Moneys in the account shall accrue interest line 34 and be available, upon appropriation by the Legislature, to the line 35 conservancy for expenditure for the purposes of this chapter. line 36 (b)  (1)  All funds received pursuant to this chapter shall be line 37 deposited in the account. line 38 (2)  The conservancy may apply for and accept grants, gifts, line 39 donations, subventions, rent, royalties, and other assistance from line 40 public and private sources on behalf of the program.

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SB 1367— 7 —

line 1 (3)  The conservancy may also accept goods or services line 2 contributed to it by a public agency, private entity, or person and, line 3 upon receipt, may use the goods or services, for program purposes. line 4 32659.9. The conservancy shall administer funds appropriated line 5 to it for the program and may expend those funds for grants, goods, line 6 services, control and removal of invasive species, capital line 7 improvements, support of the program’s operations, and to carry line 8 out the program’s intent and purpose.

O

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DepartmentofCivil,ConstructionandEnvironmentalEngineering 5500CampanileDrive,SanDiegoCA92182-1324CollegeofEngineering,SanDiegoStateUniversity Tel:619-594-0725Fax:619-594-8078

THECALIFORNIASTATEUNIVERSITY•

BAKERSFIELD • CHANNEL ISLANDS • CHICO • DOMINGUEZ HILLS • EAST BAY • FRESNO • FULLERTON • HUMBOLDT • LONG BEACH • LOS ANGELES MARITIME ACADEMY • MONTEREY BAY • NORTHRIDGE • POMONA • SACRAMENTO • SAN BERNARDINO • SAN DIEGO • SAN FRANCISCO • SAN JOSE • SAN LUIS

OBISPO • SAN MARCOS • SONOMA • STANISLAUS

February 28, 2018

Senator Toni Atkins California State Senate State Capitol, Room 4072 Sacramento, CA 95814

Dear Senator Atkins, My name is Natalie Mladenov, and I am an associate professor of Environmental Engineering at San Diego State University (SDSU). I am writing to voice my support of SB 1367, that will authorize the San Diego River Conservancy to initiate the San Diego Rivers Watershed Consortium Program to assist in restoring and enhancing the Otay River, Sweetwater River and Tijuana River. Having worked in the San Diego River watershed on research related to storm flows and contamination events, I think that it is essential to take a “consortium approach” with advisory panels, consisting of local cities, the county, public agencies and tribal governments to craft strategic plans for the Otay River, Sweetwater River and Tijuana River. The restoration efforts that have been undertaken in the San Diego River have improved flow and water quality, restored natural habitat and cultural resources, and increased the public’s perception of the river as an asset and amenity. In addition, Proposition 1 funding awarded to San Diego State University by the San Diego River Conservancy provided stimulating research and learning opportunities for SDSU students in Engineering, Public Health, and Geography, and allowed SDSU students to become a vital part of the community where they live. I see the Consortium Program and its ability to pursue grant funding as a vehicle to promote the same positive changes in San Diego’s other rivers. As an educator at San Diego State University who teaches and researches various environmental aspects of our region’s watersheds, I provide my strong support for this bill and the San Diego Rivers Watershed Consortium Program. Enabling the Conservancy to authorize this Consortium Progam will be of wide benefit to so many entities, including SDSU. Sincerely,

Natalie Mladenov Associate Professor of Environmental Engineering and William E. Leonhard, Jr. Chair Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering San Diego State University

March 2, 2018 Senator Toni Atkins California State Senate State Capitol, Room 4072 Sacramento, CA 95814 RE: Support of Senate Bill 1367 Dear Senator Atkins, The Trust for Public Land strongly supports Senate Bill (SB) 1367, which authorizes the San Diego River Conservancy to initiate the San Diego Rivers Watershed Consortium Program to assist in restoring and enhancing the Otay River, Sweetwater River, and Tijuana River watersheds. As a partner of the San Diego River Conservancy, The Trust for Public Land recognizes the great value the agency brings to the communities in the San Diego River watershed. The establishment of the San Diego Rivers Watershed Consortium Program would allow the agency to extend its expertise to advisory panels and ultimately bring needed guidance to activities supporting the natural, historical, cultural, educational and recreational resources in the Otay River, Sweetwater River, and Tijuana River watersheds. In 2012, the Conservancy, The Trust for Public Land, and other partners protected 107 acres along the San Diego River in the City of Santee. It is now the Walker Preserve, a multi-use trail and open space area embraced by the community and visitors to the San Diego region. We have confidence that the proposed modifications to the Conservancy’s authority would enable similar multi-benefit projects in the three southernmost watersheds in San Diego County which would greatly improve the quality of life for San Diegans and all Californians. The Trust for Public Land is a national non-profit organization that conserves land for people to enjoy as parks, gardens, and other natural places, ensuring livable communities for generations to come. Since 1972, TPL has worked with landowners, community groups, and agencies to complete more than 4,300 land conservation projects in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, protecting more than 3.5 million acres with a fair market value of $8.1 billion. Thank you for your consideration of SB 1367.

Sincerely,

Rico Mastrodonato Senior Government Relations Manager

cc: Julia Richards, Executive Officer, San Diego River Conservancy Rico Mastrodonato, Senior Government Relations Manager, The Trust for Public Land Virginia Lorne, Field Representative, The Trust for Public Land Deanna Spehn, Special Assistant to Assembly Speaker Atkins, sent via e-mail to deanna.spehn@sen.ca.gov

9300 Fanita Parkway Santee, CA 92071 T 619 448 3111 F 619 449 9469 www.padredam.org PO Box 719003 Santee, CA 92072-9003

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Douglas S. Wilson

Augie Scalzitti Bill Pommering

August A. Caires James Peasley

March 1, 2018 Senator Toni Atkins State Capitol, Room 4072 Sacramento, CA 95814 Re: Support for SB 1367 Dear Senator Atkins: On behalf of Padre Dam Municipal Water District, I am writing to express our support for SB 1367, your measure which would create a San Diego Rivers Watershed Consortium Program. The program proposed in SB 1367 would include the establishment of local advisory panels to help identify and address resource and recreational goals in the waters of the Otay, Sweetwater and Tijuana Rivers and their surrounding watersheds. The San Diego River Conservancy would be the entity to establish the San Diego Rivers Watershed Consortium Program. We believe this organization is well suited with proven leadership and expertise to successfully take on this role. The program’s vision to protect and preserve each watershed enrolled in the consortium, including streams, wetlands and other natural habitats, is very honorable and will also help to foster public stewardship of these natural lands for future generations. Healthy watersheds are an especially important piece of this program that will help to protect water quality, control erosion and provide healthy environmental habitats for wildlife and the public. For these reasons, Padre Dam is pleased to provide our support for SB 1367. Sincerely, Allen Carlisle CEO/General Manager

Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego CA 92182-1324 College of Engineering Tel: 619-594-0711 San Diego State University mverbyla@sdsu.edu verbyla.sdsu.edu

THE CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY • BAKERSFIELD • CHANNEL ISLANDS • CHICO • DOMINGUEZ HILLS • EAST BAY • FRESNO • FULLERTON • HUMBOLDT • LONG BEACH • LOS ANGELES

MARITIME ACADEMY • MONTEREY BAY • NORTHRIDGE • POMONA • SACRAMENTO • SAN BERNARDINO • SAN DIEGO • SAN FRANCISCO • SAN JOSE • SAN LUIS OBISPO • SAN MARCOS • SONOMA • STANISLAUS

February 23, 2018 Senator Toni Atkins State Capitol, Room 4072 Sacramento, CA 95814 Subject: Support for Senate Bill 1367 I am writing to express my support for Senate Bill 1367 which you introduced in Febreuary, entitled “An act to amend Sections 32642 and 32643 of, and to add Chapter 4.5 (commencing with Section 32659) to Division 22.9 of the Public Resources Code, relating to the San Diego River Conservancy.” This bill would establish the San Diego Rivers Watershed Consortium Program to create advisory bodies to work cooperatively with numerous stakeholders to help restore and enhance the natural, historical, cultural, educational, and recreational resources along the San Diego River and its watersheds. It would also lead to the creation of three advisory panels for the Otay, Sweetwater, and Tijuana River watersheds to assist those people working in those areas with planning recreation, public access, and restoration. With increasing populations and decreasing availability of freshwater resources, protecting the natural water bodies in Southern California is a fundamental part of ensuring a sustainable future for the residents of this region. Recent studies have documented the presence of human fecal contamination in the San Diego River and the Tijuana River, leading to increased illness among recreational water users in San Diego County (e.g. the “Surfer Study”11). The San Diego River Conservancy has been directly involved in efforts to provide a solution to this problem by partnering with San Diego State University, the California Water Board, and other local stakeholders, to complete targeted and applied research efforts that will help better understand the source and extent of the fecal contamination. The Tijuana River has very similar problems related to fecal contamination, and its preservation would benefit from the support of an advisory panel of local stakeholders. The Otay and Sweetwater Rivers would also benefit from the creation of an advisory panel. Because of this, I express my support for this Senate Bill and I appreciate your efforts to protect the natural water bodies of Southern California. Kindest Regards, Matthew E. Verbyla, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering San Diego State University 5500 Campanile Drive San Diego, CA 92182-1324 Phone: +1 619 594 0711 Fax: +1 619 594 8078 Email: mverbyla@sdsu.edu cc: Julia Richards, San Diego River Conservancy

1 Arnold, B.F., Schiff, K.C., Ercumen, A., Benjamin-Chung, J., Steele, J.A., Griffith, J.F., Steinberg, S.J., Smith, P., McGee, C.D., Wilson, R. and Nelsen, C., 2017. Acute illness among surfers after exposure to seawater in dry-and wet-weather conditions. American Journal of Epidemiology, 186(7), pp.866-875.

Resource Conservation District of Greater San Diego County 11769 Waterhill Rd., Lakeside, CA 92040

Phone: (619) 562-0096 Fax: (619) 562-4799 Website: www.rcdsandiego.org

Conserving Our Natural Resources

February 20, 2018

Senator Toni Atkins State Capitol, Room 4072 Sacramento, CA 95814 RE: Senate Bill 1367

Dear Senator Atkins: The Resource Conservation District of Greater San Diego County (RCD) supports the legislation being proposed that would modify the San Diego River Conservancy Act to add a new program called the San Diego Rivers Watershed Consortium. The Consortium would create Advisory Panels for the Otay, Sweetwater, and Tijuana River watersheds to assist people working in those areas with planning recreation, public access, and restoration, programs very similar to what the Conservancy is doing within the San Diego River watershed. Perhaps most importantly, it gives the Conservancy the ability to receive State monies for these areas and efficiently disperse them. As you are aware, the RCD is working with local, state, and Federal partners to protect, restore, and preserve San Diego’s natural resources; unfortunately, even while San Diego County contributes a large percentage of State funds, little comes back to our County. This Consortium would help San Diego attract the necessary funding to protect our watersheds and to help mitigate the issues that comes from their neglect. Another benefit to this partnership is the support it would give to the City of San Diego’s Climate Action Plan; with such a negative emphasis on our current excessive transportation, one of the Plan’s goals is to encourage more biking options along our waterways and adjoining parks. The Consortium would help us reach that goal. Please let us know if there is anything else we can do to help your effort. Best regards,

Sheryl Landrum, Executive Director RCD of Greater San Diego County and Vice President, Fire Safe Council of San Diego County

12108 Industry Road, Lakeside CA, 92040 Phone: 619-443-4770 w Fax: 619-443-4740 w www.lakesideriverpark.org

February 28, 2018

State Senator Toni G. Atkins

39th State Senate District 1350 Front Street, Suite 4061 San Diego CA 92101 Dear Senator Atkins, I am writing this letter in support of SB 1367 San Diego Rivers Watershed Consortium Program. We, in San Diego, are well aware of the issues facing the Tijuana, Sweetwater and Otay Rivers as well as the need for parks in the disadvantaged communities in south San Diego County. Because Lakeside’s River Park Conservancy is integrally involved with the restoration of the San Diego River and development of the San Diego River Park, we understand how important it is to have the assistance of the San Diego River Conservancy. As such we know first hand, the benefits that come from having the San Diego River Conservancy, a state agency working to advocate for this effort in Sacramento and support our efforts on the ground. This kind of support can only benefit these other watersheds. Sincerely,

Robin Rierdan Executive Director

NATIVE AMERICAN LAND CONSERVANCY TO ACQ!)IRE, PRESERVE. AND PROTECT OUR SACRED LAND

A 501C(3) NONPROFIT REGISTERED WITH STATE OF CALIFORNIA

"

P.O. BOX 3074. INDIO. CALIFORNIA 92202 T. (800) 670-6252 F. (760) 775-5137 WWW.NALC4ALL.ORG

March 1, 2018

Senator Toni AtkinsCalifornia State SenateState Capitol, Room 4072

Sacramento, CA 95814

RE: Support for Senate Bill 1367

Dear Senator Atkins:

The Native American Land Conservancy (NALC) supports Senate Bill 1367 which you introduced in February,

entitled "An act to amend Sections 32642 and 32643 of, and to add Chapter 4.5 (commencing with Section 32659)

to Division 22.9 of the Public Resources Code, relating to the San Diego River Conservancy."

The Native American Land Conservancy (NALC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization focusing on the traditional territory of tribes in present day Southern California. The Native American Land Conservancy protects and restores sacred sites, provides educational programming for Native American Youth and the general public, and conducts scientific studies on cultural, biological, and historical resources on sacred lands. The organization started in 1998 with leadership from an intertribal cultural group interested in protecting off-reservation sacred sites in the Southern California desert.

As we understand it, the bill would establish the San Diego Rivers Watershed Consortium Program. That program would establish local advisory panels for the Otay, Sweetwater, and Tijuana River watersheds to help identify and address natural and cultural resources of importance to the Kumeyaay Nation as well as the general public. From information we've obtained from our partner organization, the Kumeyaay Digueno Land Conservancy, the San Diego River Conservancy has demonstrated the ability to coordinate large programs and support tribal governments and state partners to work with local agencies, nonprofits and other stakeholders to identify funding sources for projects that improve watershed, natural resources and cultural resource protection.

Healthy watersheds are important for protecting water quality, controlling erosion, providing habitat for wildlife,

and improving the ecosystem that supports native plants important to many tribal nations. As an organization

that represents tribes based largely in the California desert, we understand the importance of water resources

and water resource management. Healthy watersheds support health rivers that in turn promotes a clean

coastline which is an essential element of our region..

As an inter-tribal consortium the Native American Land Conservancy provides strong support for this bill and the

San Diego Rivers Watershed Consortium Program. Enabling the San Diego River Conservancy to authorize this

Consortium Program will create a broad based community benefit for the entire region and our future generations. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Michael J. Madrigal, President

Soil Ecology and Restoration Group (SERG) College of Sciences

Biology Department

San Diego State University

5500 Campanile Drive

San Diego, CA 92120 Phone (619) 594-6623 Fax (619) 594-3483 e-mail: jlambert@mail.sdsu.edu February 19th, 2018 Senator Toni Atkins California State Senate State Capitol, Room 4072 Sacramento, CA 95814 Dear Senator Atkins, The Soil Ecology and Restoration Group (SERG) is writing to voice our support of SB 1367 that will modify the San Diego River Conservancy Act to add a new program called the San Diego Rivers Watershed Consortium. The Consortium would create Advisory Panels for the Otay, Sweetwater, and Tijuana River watersheds to assist those people working in those areas with planning recreation, public access, and restoration, programs very similar to what SDRC is doing within the San Diego River watershed. The Soil Ecology and Restoration Group is a non-profit organization under the San Diego State University Research Foundation. SERG is committed to restoring and preserving California’s sensitive vegetation communities for the benefit of the environment and the preservation of the ecosystem services it offers. The San Diego River Conservancy has been instrumental in the achievement of SERG’s mission and remains a highly valued partner. The Soil Ecology and Restoration Group is in strong support of SB 1367 as introduced on February 1, 2017.

Electronic signature

   

 BOARD  

   Ben  Cunningham  Chairperson  Tsi-­‐‑Akim  Maidu    Beverly  Ogle  Vice-­‐‑Chairperson  Tasmam  Kojom  Foundation    Lorena  Gorbet  Treasurer  Maidu  Cultural  Development  Group    Marvena  Harris  Secretary  Big  Meadows  Historic  Preservation    Association    Reina  Rogers  Board  member  Roundhouse  Council    Lupe  Luna  Board  member  Greenville  Rancheria    Melany  Johnson  Board  member  Susanville  Indian  Rancheria    Ricky  Prows  Board  member  Mountain  Maidu  Historical  Preservation  Association    Les  Hall  Board  member  United  Maidu  Nation        

STAFF      Kenneth  Holbrook  Executive  Director    Alisha  Wilson  Project  Manager    Shannon  Williams  Office  Manager    Misty  Salem  Administrative  Assistant    Mary  Adelzadeh  Contract  Projects  Advisor          

MAIDU SUMMIT CONSORTIUM P.O.  Box  682,  Chester,  CA    96020                    www.maidusummit.org                            530.258.2299                                info@maidusummit.org        

March  2,  2018   Senator Toni Atkins California State Senate State Capitol, Room 4072 Sacramento, CA 95814

RE: Support for Senate Bill 1367  Dear  Senator  Atkins:    The  Kumeyaay  Diegueño  Land  Conservancy   (KDLC)   supports  Senate  Bill  1367   which   you   introduced   in   February,   entitled   “An   act   to   amend  Sections  32642  and  32643  of,  and  to  add  Chapter  4.5  (commencing  with  Section  32659)  to  Division  22.9  of   the  Public  Resources  Code,  relating  to  the  San  Diego  River  Conservancy.”    The   bill   would   establish   the   San   Diego   Rivers   Watershed   Consortium  Program.    As  we  understand  it,  the  program  also  establishes  local  advisory  panels   for   the   Otay,   Sweetwater,   and   Tijuana   River   watersheds   to   help  identify  and  address  natural   and  cultural   resources  of   importance   to   the  Kumeyaay   Nation   as   well   as   the   general   public.   The   San   Diego   River  Conservancy  has  demonstrated  their  ability  to  coordinate  large  programs  and   support   tribal   governments   and   state   partners   to   work   with   local  agencies,  nonprofits   and  other   stakeholders   to   identify  potential   funding  sources   for   projects   that   improve   watershed,   natural   resources   and  cultural  resource  protection.      Healthy   watersheds   are   important   for   protecting   water   quality,  controlling   erosion,   providing   habitat   for   wildlife,   and   improving   the  ecosystem  that  supports  native  plants  important  to  the  Kumeyaay  Nation.  Healthy  watersheds   support   health   rivers   that   in   turn   promotes   a   clean  coastline  which  is  an  essential  element  of  our  region.    As   a   consortium   of   Kumeyaay   Nations,   the   Kumeyaay   Diegueño   Land  Conservancy  provides  strong  support  for  this  bill  and  the  San  Diego  Rivers  Watershed   Consortium   Program.   Enabling   the   San   Diego   River  Conservancy   to   authorize   this   Consortium   Program  will   create   a   broad-­‐‑based  community  benefit  for  the  entire  region  and  our  future  generations.  Thank  you.      Sincerely,        Kenneth  Holbrook  Executive  Director    

 

State of California San Diego River Conservancy

Meeting of March 8, 2018

ITEM: 11

SUBJECT: EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S REPORT (INFORMATIONAL/ ACTION) The following topics may be included in the Executive Officer’s Report. The Board may take action regarding any of them:

• SDRC Work Plan 2017-2018• SDRWQCB SWPPP presentation by 5th and 6th grade students• Updating Gaps Analysis (City of Santee)• San Diego History Center project

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SWPPP - for our campus

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School Districts designated in next, permit renewal.

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Internsat Work

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Collection Protocol

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Construction Supervision

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Completion

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We Are Shaping the Future

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Vice Chair Ruth Hayward and Executive Officer Julia Richards visited the Goodan Ranch with Carol Crafts from Friends of Goodan Ranch and Sycamore Canyon Open Space on January 30, 2018

View from Goodman Ranch Staging area

Going up to the olive grove

Dam located on property

State of California San Diego River Conservancy

Meeting of March 8, 2018 ITEM: 12 SUBJECT: NEXT MEETING

The next scheduled Board Meeting will be held Thursday, May 10, 2018 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

State of California San Diego River Conservancy

Meeting of March 8, 2018

ITEM: 13

SUBJECT: ADJOURNMENT