The Marin State Parks Association and its subgroups, Friends of China Camp and The Olompali People, want to keep two state parks open in Marin by raising money and developing an operations plan.

The group is hoping to take advantage of AB 42, legislation signed into law and authored by Assemblyman Jared Huffman, D-San Rafael. Huffman’s bill authorizes the state Department of Parks and Recreation to enter into agreements with nonprofit organizations to operate state parks that would have otherwise been closed.

“We are making progress,” said Kentfield resident Ernest Chung, chairman of Friends of China Camp.

The group has raised $100,000 over the past few months. It will need another $240,000 to operate China Camp, while $50,000 will be needed to run Olompali for a year. China Camp is near San Rafael and Olompali north of Novato.

“The community has really stepped forward,” Chung said, noting association membership has grown from 25 to 300 during its campaign. “We are cautiously optimistic.”

The Marin State Parks Association’s letter of intent — sent last week — went to Danita Rodriguez, superintendent of Marin’s state parks. Rodriguez reviewed the letter and sent it to headquarters in Sacramento with her stamp of approval.
The next step will be for the association to submit a proposal on how the parks would be operated.

“We are very encouraged,” Rodriguez said, adding the nonprofit would pay state parks workers to operate the locations. “But it still will be a task. There will have to be more fundraising, but we are working with them and supporting them to help make them successful.”

In Marin, four of six state parks have been faced with closure. In addition to China Camp and Olompali, Samuel P. Taylor and Tomales Bay state parks have been targeted to shut down July 1 as part of a $22 million cut to the state budget. Angel Island and Mount Tamalpais state parks were spared.

Recent deals with federal officials — which operate adjacent lands — will keep Samuel P. Taylor and Tomales Bay state parks open, but there are no such deals yet or China Camp and Olompali.

Of California’s 278 state parks, 70 are slated to be closed this summer. Huffman was pleased to see his bill is being used locally.

“This is how it was envisioned and it’s exciting that community groups are using this, not only in Marin but around the state,” said Huffman, who knew of 15 other similar efforts. “China Camp and Olompali are making great progress, but it’s not quite there yet. There is more work to be done. It’s not ‘mission accomplished.’

Source: Marin IJ

City of San Rafael Planning Commission has postponed the Merits of the Project public hearing. New dates are TENTATIVELY April 24 or May 15th. Please attend and show your support for the Gallinas Watershed.

The hearing was rescheduled due to new safety regulations that might prohibit the soccer fields near the airport. The Division of Aeronautics for the California Department of Transportation has sent a letter to San Rafael advising them that recreational usages are prohibited near airport runways, according to the recently revised (2011) guidelines in the Airport Safety Handbook.

The safety issues of locating playing children so near an active runway where planes still fly using leaded gas have been addressed before by concerned parents and residents and airplane pilots. It is very encouraging to see a state official make this point to San Rafael officials, who have been inclined to shrug off this issue, along with the threats posed to endangered species, significant increases to ambient noise, and the poor planning of allowing additional infrastructure on property so near the bay with sea levels rising. Such a low-lying area that is in the direct path of sea level rise would require the community’s resources to continue repairing and rebuilding and maintaining the county owned levees that protect one third of this private development far into the future, while other local infrastructure needs lose out.

Updates from Mary Hanley:

March 13, 2012:
GREAT line-up of speakers during the County Board of Supervisors “open mic” period. The BOS heard a wide variety of compelling comments on why they should reconsider a previous request from Supervisor Adams to intervene on the Airport Soccer Complex. To do so, the BOS must agree to put the Project on their agenda for discussion. Although the BOS was presented with a LONG list of legitimate reasons to weigh in on this project, we have only heard ONE reason, so far, why they wouldn’t. “Just not interested.” Very sad. But we are still trying and could use your help.

Please contact the BOS and ask them to reconsider their previous decision and weigh in on the Airport Soccer project:

BOS@marincounty.org
sadams@marincounty.org
jarnold@marincounty.org
skinsey@marincounty.org
ksears@marincounty.org
krice@marincounty.org

March 14, 2012
Meeting with Sierra Club Marin at their Board meeting. Gave them a quick update/overview of the project. We’re lucky to add them to our list of supporters.
Letter from Sierra Club Marin to City of San Rafael

Sherriff Endorement

The Airport Project just received a “glowing endorsement” from a most surprising source, Marin County’s Number 1 Public Safety Officer, Sheriff Bob Doyle. Shockingly, the Sheriff makes no mention of the hazards or the close proximity to the Airport’s runway, and even condones the sale of alcohol among minors, because he knows the bartenders? In order to give him the benefit of the doubt, the Sheriff was forwarded a copy of the NEW Caltrans Aviation Division “letter of warnings” (attached) and asked if he would reconsider his comments. The Sheriff said “No.” I find this to be most disturbing and disappointing.

In my book, ANY comment letter from the desk of the Sheriff is automatically received with one of great respect and consideration. Not so much this time.

But please, judge for yourself: Letter from Sherriff to San Rafael Mayor
Drop him an email (rdoyle@marinsheriff.org) and politely ask him to reconsider his position on this project. Thank you!

We got some good media/PR recently thanks to Robert Dobrin. Check out the NEW article in The Patch. Don’t be shy about posting a comment about YOUR concerns. This is a great opportunity to voice your opinion. We need to educate the public that this project is much more than “providing fields for kids.” If you’re reading this, I know you have your own reasons, so now is the time to share them. Thanks!

What is the Airport Sports Complex?

The 2.5 acre San Rafael aiport project is a proposed two-story, Walmart-size indoor and outdoor sports complex.

This would bring noise and light pollution, toxic runoff, increased traffic and excessive disturbance to the marsh and creek next door. This project belongs nearer to transportation and far from fragile wetlands.

What can you do?

Tell San Rafael leaders that this facility should be located elsewhere!
Note: please add your own points to the letter. This makes a MUCH bigger impact on officials (letter sponsored by Center for Biological Diversity).

Write a letter!
Click here to contact City of San Rafael

Keep San Rafael Clean

Join the Gallinas Watershed Council on the morning of Saturday April 21 for a volunteer cleanup activity in celebration of Earth Day.

Who: Everyone is invited to join us! All ages welcome! Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
What: Cleanup Activity for all ages. Volunteers should wear long pants and sturdy shoes, wear layered long sleeves.  Bring work gloves, a sun hat, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle.
Why: To celebrate Earth Day and to help keep Galllinas Watershed clean
Where: Meet at the end of Merrydale Road near Public Storage (380 Merrydale Road).  Please park along Merrydale – check signs for areas with parking restrictions.  We’ll be focusing on the area of Gallinas Creek from Highway 101 west to Los Ranchitos.
When: Saturday, April 21, 9am – Noon

Interested?  Sign up here to volunteer. Include “Earth Day Cleanup” in your message and let us know how many folks will be coming with you.  Ok to show up on the day of the event without registering unless you have a big group! All volunteers must sign in on the day of the event

Dredging, flooding, removing the concrete channel down Freitas, steelhead salmon recovery and more were covered.

Many residents attended to add ideas for what could enhance our area and to get their questions answered regarding the watershed planning process. Results of our recent GWC Watershed Survey were also presented by Diana Connolly.

This special SVNA meeting was held at the Korean Presbyterian Church, 635 Adrian Way in Santa Venetia

Please visit the Marin Watersheds website for updates and more information.

The Gallinas Creek watershed in Marin County is home to one of the largest populations of federally endangered California clapper rails in the north bay.

Nestled between historic China Camp State Park and the Hamilton Field restoration site, the watershed is also home to the salt marsh harvest mouse, black rail and steelhead trout.

The 2.5 acre San Rafael aiport project, a proposed two-story, Walmart-size indoor and outdoor sports complex, would bring light and noise pollution, toxic runoff, increased traffic and excessive disturbance to the marsh and creek. It belongs nearer to transportation and far from fragile wetlands.

Watch simulation video of proposed facility.

What can you do?

Tell San Rafael leaders that this facility should be located elsewhere! (Sponsored by Center for Biological Diversity)

Write a letter!
Click here to contact City of San Rafael

Attend a public meeting!

City of San Rafael Planning Commission has scheduled the Merits of the Project meeting for March 27, 2012. Please attend and show your support for the Gallinas Watershed.

GWC wants you to see this short video that delivers a vital message.

Inspired by the Natural Capital Project, this video explains global biodiversity loss and how it impacts us financially, socially, and ecologically,

Here are some important documents for the San Rafael Airport development.

Click on the following PDF links:

San Rafael Airport Recreation Facility Final FEIR Errata Jan 12, 2012

Planning Commission Review of SR Airport FEIR for Jan 24 2012

Planning Commission Resolution recommending FIER Certification Jan 24 2012

Watershed Approach Survey Result

Our survey was a big success, with over 428 people visiting the site, 303 of whom identified Gallinas Creek as their watershed. 82% of those surveyed were in favor of a watershed approach to managing watershed issues such as stormwater and flooding.

Read the summary of our survey by clicking on this PDF link:

GWC Watershed Survey Summary (PDF)

The survey was also featured on the front page of the Marin IJ on Nov. 12, 2011. If you took the survey – thank you! Your voice has been heard, and our survey results have been submitted to the County!

Many of you had questions so here are some answers!

TIMELINE/PROCESS:

Q: What progress has been made so far?  What is the timeline for the master watershed plan?

A: The Timeline is still being developed by Liz Lewis, Marin County DPW’s Principal Planner for the Watershed. We will have more info at our meeting on Wednesday, Feb 29 at the Korean Presbyterian Church, 7 -9 pm when Liz Lewis will present the Draft Watershed plan for Gallinas Creek. Also, the County website for our watershed is a good source of information.

VOLUNTEERING

A: Yes you can volunteer! There are many ways to contribute! Visit our website to view a list of certain jobs we can REALLY use help with. Everyone is welcome to attend our monthly board meetings. Those who have signed up also receive our monthly announcement on projects going on that we can use help with.

THE DITCH

Q: I’m sorry the Las Gallinas creek is a concrete ditch, but I have seen it filled to capacity near Scotties Market.  Try to restore that section and you will either flood out houses or see the banks washed away.

Q: This is a misguided approach.  The cement channel was put in TO PREVENT flooding and make the water go where it is suppose to.  That’s the whole problem with the Ross Valley.  WATER does not flow properly down dirt channels

A: The initial hydrology study commissioned by the Santa Margarita HOA et al shows that restoration can be done without causing flooding. A good restoration can actually alleviate flooding by giving the creek room to spread out. The Ditch was constructed to maximize building space and push water off the landscape as fast as possible. This causes flooding to downstream neighborhoods. Engineering that is creek sensitive shows that bank stabilization with trees and vegetation is more resilient and stronger than rip rap or concrete. Certainly no one wants to see erosion or flooding in any part of the watershed; that’s why a coordinated plan, based on science, is so necessary.

AIRPORT:

Q: Because of the trash and pollution that it would cause to the Gallinas Creek, is the council fighting the development proposed at the Smith Ranch Airport?

A: Sea Level Rise due to climate change will adversely impact already existing infrastructure in the coming years and cost residents more and more to maintain and protect. We think it is irresponsible to put more infrastructure into an area that is behind a levee, below sea level. The proposal will also negatively affect the endangered Clapper Rail and other species but light and noise pollution as well as the increased trash and predators (rats) that come with human habitation. We support soccer facilities closer to the public they will serve.

DREDGING:

Q: Dredging is of utmost importance.  Without dredging the excessive alluvial soil, the creeks will vanish! Is dredging the creek a viable financial option in the near future? When will we redredge?? We have been paying in to a fund for 20 years to maintain a dredged Gallinas Creek.  Because of heavy runoff from Terra Linda, our creek is almost fully silted in.  This is unacceptable, yet local agencies are dragging their heels and year after year nothing gets done.

A: Dredging will certainly be one of the issues being addressed in the country watershed plan for our area. She can answer questions at the upcoming SVNA Watershed meeting on Feb. 29.

Q: This survey monkey is flawed because someone could answer 70 surveys the exact same way…skewing the accurate results.

A: We were able to collect and use IP addresses to remove duplicate answers.

Comment: Salmon were never as high up as Safeway on Freitas Parkway!

A. Steelhead, a type of salmon, were historically seen as high up in the watershed as Scotty’s Market. Gallinas Creek was a spawning ground for them. The Freitas brothers reported swimming in the creek during the summer, so large pools existed then, before the ditch went in.

The Gallinas Creek Watershed Survey results are in!

Our poll represents a strong beginning for a watershed plan in our area.

The data we collected is being sent to Marin County Watershed Program and City of San Rafael and other related agencies.

We will be posting more survey results on our website soon, including statistics on the information we collected.

WATERSHED SURVEY WINNERS

We’re pleased to announce the following survey participant winners!

H.M. of Santa Venetia won the 3 day/2 night stay for 7 people in a Sea Ranch Home generously donated by Carolyn Lenert.

Andy Falk won the personal 2 hour Canoe Tour of Gallinas Creek, a trip valued at $125.

Jeanette Lee won the $50 gift certificate to Chalet Basque generously donated by Chalet Basque.

Laurette Rogers won the $50 gift certificate Gaspare’s Restaurant donated by Gaspare’s Pizza.

THANK YOU to all our very special donors!

SURVEY KUDOS

Here are some of the kind words we received from our survey:

• Did not know this organization existed–nice to know
• Good work so far in raising the awareness of this issue
• I greatly support what you’re doing
• Thanks for all you do on behalf of your community and local environment!!

YOUR QUESTIONS… OUR ANSWERS!

Our survey provided us some great comments and questions. We’ll be compiling them to post on our website. Relevant agency heads will be asked to answer specific questions and offer their official stance on issues.

Question: What do you mean by “council” – what form of organization is GWC, and under what jurisdiction?
Answer: GWC is a fiscally sponsored nonprofit project of MarinLink. Next year we will become our own 501c3 non-profit corporation. Our board and members are all volunteers, all live in this area, and all love and appreciate the Gallinas Watershed and Creek, headlands to marsh. By “Council”, we mean that while we all have titles and duties, we are not hierarchical; everyone has an equal voice. We are a group much like other “Friends of” Creek Groups you may be familiar with. We’re still growing and there is a place at the table for YOU.

The topic of discussion is the FEIR for the San Rafael Airport Development.

Thank you to everyone who attended and gave public input.