SMMC-MRCA 10/2/2013 to 8/25/2014

L.A. Parks News Blast, #1: Rare Earth News publisher falls asleep in front of TV, His readers miss news about all these big deals....

Dear Readers,
From October of 2013 until July 2014 I was swamped with work and could not churn out my supply of good hiking news for you. I'm back and here's all the news that piled up in my in-box, cut down to the basics with e-links so you can find out more info. If your email box fills up with all this, I apologize. From mine to yours.
....enjoy...Rex
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Taken from the agendas of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority for October 2013 to August 2014

MALIBU AND L.A. COUNTY PORTIONS OF SANTA MONICA MOUNTAINS:

SEVERAL LARGE PURCHASES:

416 ACRES IN DECKER CANYON:

acquisition of approximately 416 acres in Decker Canyon, APNs 4472-018-007, 4472-023-007 and 008, 4472-024-005, 007 and 008, 4473-004-002 and 003, west of Decker Canyon Road, incorporated and unincorporated Malibu area. [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Map] SMMC 11/4/2013; [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Map] SMMC 12/9/2013; [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Map] MRCA 11/6/2013; [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Map] MRCA 11/6/2013

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703 ACRE PUERCO CANYON PURCHASE (NEXT CANYON WEST OF PEPPERDINE):

Puerco Canyon Coastal Core Habitat properties, for the following 24 APNs: 4457-004-056 through 072, 4457-005-012, 015, 017, 027, 028; 4458-031-001 and 002, unincorporated Malibu area. [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Map]SMMC 4/28/2014; [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Map] MRCA 4/2/2014; accept grant funds from the Wildlife Conservation Board. [Staff Report] [Resolution] MRCA 4/2/2014; accept grant funds from the State Coastal Conservancy [Staff Report] [Resolution] MRCA 4/2/2014; [Staff Report] [Resolution] MRCA 4/2/2014

license or easement agreement for the use of APN 4457-005-911 by Earthship Productions, Inc. for ingress and egress over a portion of Puerco Canyon Motorway, unincorporated Los Angeles County. [Staff Report] [Resolution] MRCA 7/2/2014

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LIBERTY CANYON AND WILDLIFE BRIDGE OVER 101 FREEWAY:

development of a Caltrans Project Study Report and subsequent environmental review for wildlife crossing structures at the 101 freeway at Liberty Canyon, incorporated and unincorporated Agoura Hills area. [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Attachment 1] [Attachment 2] [Attachment 3] [Attachment 4] [Map 1] [Map 2] SMMC 2/24/2014; [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Map] MRCA 2/5/2014; [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Attachment] MRCA 2/5/2014

South of 101 freeway and west of Liberty Canyon road: amending resolution No. 08-29 to include APNs 2064-006-902 and 905, Liberty Canyon, City of Agoura Hills. [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Map] [Map 2] [Attachment 1] [Attachment 2] MRCA 2/5/2014

south side of the 101 freeway corridor, east of Liberty Canyon road: acceptance of fee simple or conservation easement interests on APNs 2064-005-011 (27.43 acres) and 2064-005-015 (2.62 acres),  and associated funding in cooperation with the City of Calabasas, unincorporated Los Angeles County. [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Map] MRCA 4/2/2014

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ZUMA CANYON:

acceptance of a 2.5 acre conservation easement from Los Angeles County over APNs 4471-004-903 and 4471-004-905, upper Zuma Canyon watershed, unincorporated Los Angeles County. [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Map] MRCA 8/6/2014

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RAMIREZ CANYON PURCHASES:

acquisition of APN 4465-004-045, approximately 56 acres in Ramirez Canyon, unincorporated Los Angeles County. [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Map] MRCA 11/6/2013; [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Map] MRCA 11/6/2013

grant funds for purchase of 48 acres in upper Ramirez canyon to Trust for Public Land; APN 4465-004-084; unincorporated Los Angeles County. Staff Report [Attachment 3] SMMC 7/28/2014

Consideration of resolution (a) decertifying those portions of the Final Environmental Impact Report for the previously approved Malibu Parks Public Access Enhancement Plan Public Works Plan relating to the Ramirez Canyon Park area, as defined, located in the City of Malibu and in unincorporated Los Angeles County, and (b) vacating those portions of the previously approved Malibu Parks Public Access Enhancement Plan Public Works Plan relating to the Ramirez Canyon Park area. [Staff Report] [Resolution] SMMC 12/9/2013;

[Staff Report] [Resolution] MRCA 12/4/2013

joint application with the City of Malibu for a coastal development permit for uses and programs at Ramirez Canyon Park. [Staff Report] [Resolution] SMMC 12/9/2013; [Staff Report] [Resolution] MRCA 12/4/2013

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ESCONDIDO CANYON:

acquisition of Stone properties, apn's 4465-004-053 and 4465-005-006 totaling 77.43 acres, Escondido Canyon, unincorporated Los Angeles County. [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Attachment 1] [Attachment 2] [Map 1] [Map 2] SMMC 3/24/2014; [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Map] MRCA 5/7/2014; [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Map] MRCA 5/7/2014; [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Map] SMMC 4/28/2014; [Staff Report] [Resolution] SMMC 4/28/2014

comment letter to the County of Los Angeles on the Notice of Preparation for “Escondido Falls” Malitex Residential Project (pm071073-[3]), 5700 block of northerly end of paved portion of Murphy Way, Escondido Canyon and Ramirez Canyon watersheds. [Attachment 1] [Attachment 2] [Map] [Resolution] [Comment Letter] SMMC 1/27/2014

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LECHUZA BEACH:

Project Planning and Design services for the Lechuza Beach Public Access Improvements Project, City of Malibu. [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Map ] MRCA 3/13/2014; [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Attachment 1] [Attachment 2] [Map] SMMC 3/24/2014

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WEST OF MALIBU:

donation of APN 694-0-181-500 totaling 33.96 acres in the Carlisle Creek watershed east of Sandstone Peak, unincorporated Ventura County. [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Map] MRCA 5/7/2014

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CITY OF CALABASAS:

comment letter to the City of Calabasas on proposed Broadway Trust Residence on 10 acres, 3121 and 3111 Old Topanga Canyon Road, Dry Creek Canyon watershed. [Attachment 1] [Attachment 2] [Attachment 3] [Attachment 4] [Map] [Comment Letter] [Resolution] SMMC 1/27/2014

comment letter to the City of Calabasas on the Notice of Preparation for the 77 acre Canyon Oaks Project, 4790 Las Virgenes Road, City of Calabasas. Proposal includes 138 houses, 8 condos and a hotel  [Comment Letter] [Resolution] [Attachment 1] [Attachment 2] [Map] SMMC 7/28/2014

acceptance of conservation easements over portions of APNS 2069-065-001, 002, and 003 totaling approximately 10.5 acres to preserve narrow wildlife corridor connecting Headwaters Corner Park and Stokes Canyon,   surrounding 3 new homes along Mulholland Highway, City of Calabasas. [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Attachment] [Attachment 2] [Map] MRCA 10/2/2013

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TOPANGA:

acquisition of 37 acre Steers parcel, APN 4434-008-007 AND 4434-001-004 in the Santa Maria and Garapito subwatersheds of northeastern Topanga Canyon, unincorporated Los Angeles County. [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Map] SMMC 8/25/2014;. [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Map] MRCA 7/2/2014

grant funds for purchase of 80 acres in Old Topanga Canyon to Mountains Restoration Trust’s Cold Creek to Old Topanga/Sisson Acquisition project; unincorporated Los Angeles County. [Staff Report] [Attachment 1] SMMC 7/28/2014

acquire approximately 6.28-acre parcel APN 4448-018-018 (1809 Tuna Canyon Road), adjacent Rocky Ledge, Topanga Canyon watershed, unincorporated County of Los Angeles. [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Attachment] [Map 1] [Map 2] SMMC 12/9/2013

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SADDLE PEAK, COLD CREEK, STOKES CANYON, DARK CANYON:

acceptance of a donation of an approximately 10 acre parcel (APN 4455-008-012) in the Cold Creek watershed, between Calabasas Peak and Mulholland Hwy, unincorporated Los Angeles County. [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Map] MRCA 12/4/2013

Knipe property: exchange of an approximately 1.2- acre area with an existing horse rink either in fee simple or easement and an easement for ingress and egress over a historic dirt road on APN 4456-013-904 for an approximately 13-acre fee simple portion of APN 4456-037-037, Piuma road, Dark Canyon watershed, unincorporated Los Angeles County. [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Map] [Map 2] MRCA 6/4/2014

acceptance of a donation of either fee simple or conservation easement interests in APN 4455-058-004 of approximately 12 acres, Stokes and Cold Creek Canyon watersheds east of King Gillette Ranch park, unincorporated Los Angeles County. [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Map] MRCA 6/4/2014

acceptance of an approximately 2.29-acre conservation easement dedication and processing funds over a portion of APN 4455-011-013 in Stokes Canyon, on Dry Canyon Cold Creek Road, unincorporated Los Angeles County. [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Map] MRCA 7/2/2014

granting easements to the County of Los Angeles for the construction, maintenance, and operation of culverts and drains over a portion of APN 4453-003-902, along Schueren Road, unincorporated Los Angeles County. [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Map] MRCA 11/6/2013

Carbon Canyon East Segment Property of the Coastal Slope Trail. [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Map] MRCA 5/7/2014

acquisition of an approximately 8-acre parcel (APN 4448-029-022) in Las Flores Canyon using Proposition A funds, unincorporated Los Angeles County. Negotiators: Joseph T. Edmiston; Celine Rickards; Michelle Hennesy, and Manon Hennesy. [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Map] MRCA 7/2/2014

Sweetwater Mesa: amendment to an open space easement over portions of APNs 4452-025-021, 023, 025, 027, and 028, located in the City of Malibu and unincorporated Los Angeles County. [Staff Report] [Resolution] MRCA 2/5/2014

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CITY OF MALIBU:

comment letter to the City of Malibu on the Notice of Availability of a Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Rancho Malibu Hotel Project (sch #2012051035), 4000 Malibu Canyon Road, Malibu. [Comment Letter] [Resolution] [Map 1] [Map 2] [Map 3] SMMC 11/4/2013

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NEAR MALIBU CREEK STATE PARK:

grant funds for purchase of 47 acres in Triunfo creek area, west of Bulldog motorway,  to Trust for Public Land’s Malibu Creek Watershed Phase II acquisition project; [Staff Report] Attachment 2 SMMC 7/28/2014

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ASSORTED GIVING UP OF DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS:

acceptance of the offers to dedicate scenic easements and/or open space easements associated with Coastal Development Permit Nos. 4-92-091 (Cold Canyon LP), 4-92-090 (Toberman), 5-89-1218 (Goeglein), 4-92-158 (Bennett), and 5-91-027 (Kelso), incorporated and unincorporated Malibu. [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Attachment] [Map] MRCA 10/2/2013

Consideration of resolution authorizing acceptance of the offers to dedicate scenic easements and/or open space easements associated with Coastal Development Permit Nos. 5-91-865 (Imhof), 4-01-123 (Kaplan), 5-90-755 (Harvest Corporation), 5-89-1064 (Assael), 5-90-065 (Lewis), 4-93-178 (Stroeber) and 5-90-368-A (Berger), incorporated and unincorporated Malibu. [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Map] MRCA 3/13/2014

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ASSORTED SANTA MONICA MOUNTAINS PLANNING DOCUMENTS:

comment letter to the County of Los Angeles on proposed Santa Monica Mountains Local Coastal Program. [Comment Letter] [Resolution] [Map] SMMC 1/27/2014

Planning for Malibu Coastal Access Public Works Plan and associated California Environmental Quality Act documents. [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Map] [Attachment] MRCA 10/2/2013

engineering work for the Malibu Coastal Access Public Works Plan. [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Map] MRCA 1/15/2014

landscape architect work for the Malibu Coastal Access Public Works Plan. [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Map] MRCA 2/5/2014

support letter to California Coastal Commission on Los Angeles County Local Implementation Plan No. LCP-4-LAC-14-0109-4 (Santa Monica Mountains Local Implementation Plan). [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Map] MRCA 7/2/2014

comment letter to County of Los Angeles on draft (a) General Plan, (b) Significant Ecological Areas Ordinance, (c) Hillside Management Area Ordinance, and (d) related documents. [Comment Letter] [Resolution] SMMC 6/2/2014

comment letter to Los Angeles County on the Draft Environmental Impact Report for Los Angeles County General Plan Update. [Comment Letter] [Resolution] SMMC 7/28/2014

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L.A. CITY PORTION OF SANTA MONICA MOUNTAINS:

FROM TOPANGA CANYON BLVD. TO CAHUENGA PASS: project planning and design for the Mulholland Drive Scenic Corridor in the upper Los Angeles River watershed, Santa Monica Mountains, City of Los Angeles. [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Attachment 1] [Attachment 2] [Attachment 3] [Map] SMMC 6/2/2014;  [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Map] MRCA 5/7/2014

EAST OF 405 FREEWAY: adopting Engineer’s Report, confirming the annual levy of maintenance assessment for fiscal year 2014-2015 and directing related actions for the Santa Monica Mountains Open Space Preservation Assessment District No. 1, Los Angeles. [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Attachment] MRCA 7/2/2014

WEST OF 405 FREEWAY: adopting Engineer’s Report, confirming the annual levy of maintenance assessment for fiscal year 2014-2015 and directing related actions for the Santa Monica Mountains Open Space Preservation Assessment District No. 2, Los Angeles. [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Attachment] MRCA 7/2/2014

STUDIO CITY: comment letter to the City of Los Angeles on the Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Harvard-Westlake School Parking Improvement Plan Project (sch #2013041033, env-2013-0150-eir), 3700-3701 N. Coldwater Canyon Avenue, [Comment Letter] [Resolution] [Attachment 1] [Attachment 2] [Attachment 3] [Attachment 4] [Attachment 5] [Attachment 6] [Attachment 7] SMMC 11/4/2013

STUDIO CITY: transfer of 1/3^rd of an acre,  (a portion of APN 2385-018-904) to adjacent property owner; Coldwater Canyon area. [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Map] MRCA 5/7/2014

STUDIO CITY: approximately 0.5-acres, acceptance of conservation easements over portions of APNs 2381-031-009 and 010 (8220 Mulholland Terrace), adjacent to National Park Service-owned Fryman Canyon Park, City of Los Angeles. [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Map 1] [Map 2] MRCA 3/13/2014

HOLLYWOOD HILLS: acceptance of conservation easements on APNs 2425-015-030, 031, 032, 033 and 034 on Multiview Drive in the Cahuenga Pass area, [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Map] MRCA 11/6/2013

HOLLYWOOD HILLS: assignment of right to purchase APN 5565-003-036 located at Laurel Canyon and Mulholland to the City of Los Angeles. [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Map] MRCA 1/15/2014

-- authorizing: (a) amendments to option agreement for Laurel Canyon and Mulholland properties; (b) contingent reduction of square footage of existing conservation easements on APNs 5565-003-040 and 041; (3) contingent granting of access easement over APN 5565-003-900, and (d) contingent sale of APN 5565-003-900, City of Los Angeles. Negotiators: Joseph T. Edmiston and Lawrence Lazar. Under consideration: price and terms. (This item may be heard in closed session pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8.) [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Map] MRCA 2/5/2014

SHERMAN OAKS: 1.6 acres, acquisition of apn 2274-018-014, Oak Forest Canyon wildlife corridor. [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Attachment] [Map 1] [Map 2] [Map 3] [Map 4] SMMC 11/4/2013

 [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Attachment] [Attachment 2] [Attachment 3] [Attachment 4] [Map] MRCA 10/2/2013

BRENTWOOD: Farivar/Canyonback Restoration project for damage to 0.9 acres of public parkland. [Staff Report]]MRCA 1/22/2014

BEL AIR: acceptance of conservation easements over portions of APN 4379-030-020 (14730 Mulholland Drive), approximately 3.96-acres combined, in Upper Stone Canyon, City of Los Angeles. [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Attachment] [Map] MRCA 4/2/2014

PACIFIC PALISADES: sale of an underground utility easement across APN 4416-002-903 to benefit APN 4416-002-015, and authorizing potential acceptance of conservation easements or deed restrictions on APNs 4416-002-015 and 4416-002-016, [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Attachment] [Map] MRCA 12/4/2013

Famed director sells Malibu ranch to parks dept.

State and L.A. County Pool Resources for Land Preservation

June 2014-- In May, the LA County Board of Supervisors voted to approve a $6 million allocation to assist in purchasing land in Malibu's Puerco Canyon, currently owned by film director James Cameron. This allocation augments dedicated state funding of $4.5 million from the Wildlife Conservation Board and $1.5 million from the California State Coastal Conservancy. State and county funds will go toward purchasing the 703-acre property in the Santa Monica Mountains.

This acquisition connects popular recreation trails from the neighboring 1,000-acre Corral Canyon Park and the 7,000 acre Malibu Creek State Park. The property will contribute to completing the new Coastal Slope Trail from Topanga State Park to Point Mugu State Park. Equally important will be the preservation of a rare chaparral ecosystem that supports native vegetation and wildlife, ranging from mountain lions to desert cottontails.

The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) will be the property caretaker working towards open space preservation and habitat and resource protection. MRCA will set a date for public access once the land purchase is finalized.

http://sd27.senate.ca.gov/sites/sd27.senate.ca.gov/files/outreach/sd27-201406-enewsletter.php 

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Mountains-Recreation-and-Conservation-Authority-Acquires-the-Largest-Remaining-Privately-Owned-Open-Space-in-the-Santa-Monica-Mo.html?soid=1107842220112&aid=C6k1L4fW388

$300 million for Bay open spaces

West SF Bay Measure AA Victorious as Voters say “Yes for Open Space” 

Final count: Historic open space measure wins with more than 67 percent of the vote

 

 

June 9, 2014....Palo Alto, Calif. – Measure AA, the Peninsula’s historic open space preservation measure, officially claimed victory today, winning more than 67 percent of the vote throughout the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, better known as “Midpen.” The measure needed 66.7 percent to pass.

 

Voter approval of Measure AA now authorizes Midpen to issue bonds of up to $300 million to add 200 miles of new trails, increase recreational access for residents of all ages and preserve and restore thousands of acres of open spaces, forests, watersheds and farmlands throughout the Midpen district, which stretches 550 square miles from Los Gatos and East Palo Alto to north of Half Moon Bay.

 

“Peninsula residents have just made an incredible investment in the future, preserving the beautiful open spaces that make this region so special,” said Walter Moore, president of the Peninsula Open Space Trust, which, along with the Sempervirens Fund, served as Measure AA’s chief sponsor. “It is terrific to live in a place that puts such a high value on protecting our scarce natural areas for future generations, and we’re incredibly grateful to this community’s strong support.”

The funding approved by Measure AA will support 25 key projects identified through an extensive public planning process as providing the broadest public benefits. An independent oversight committee will ensure that funds are spent as promised.

Support for Measure AA was widespread and included nearly all the elected officials, community groups, chambers of commerce and housing advocates on the peninsula, as well as more than a dozen local newspapers and media outlets. Representatives said overwhelming community support and help from committed volunteers brought this measure over the challenging two-thirds majority needed to pass.

"We want to thank the thousands who shaped the Vision Plan and supported Measure AA--those who visit the preserves and use the trails, conservationists, parents, educators, employers and many, many others, who voted for the health of our environment and the health of our community,” said Steve Abbors, Midpen General Manager, “Now it’s our turn, we're hitting the ground running, and we look forward to the day in the near future when we come together again to celebrate the completion of the first Measure AA-funded project."

 

For a complete list of the 25 top open space projects that will benefit from this measure, click here. For details about Midpen, visit www.openspace.org.

SMMC-MRCA 8/26/2013 to 9/23/2013

Developments and Park Purchases in the L.A. and Ventura County Mountains

From park agency agendas for July to September of 2013

SANTA MONICA MOUNTAINS:

comment letter to the City of Los Angeles on the Notice of Preparation of an Environmental Impact Report for the Harvard-Westlake School Parking Improvement Plan Project (env-2013-0150-eir), 3700-3701 N. Coldwater Canyon Avenue, Studio City. [Resolution] [Attachment 1] [Attachment 2] [Attachment 3] [Attachment 4] [Attachment 5] [Comment Letter] SMMC 9/23/2013

comment letter to the City of Los Angeles on Revised Mitigated Negative Declaration for the Curtis School Project (env-2009-836-mnd), 15871 and 15801 Mulholland Drive and 15800 and 15850 Mulholland Place, Encino.  [Resolution] [Attachment 1] [Attachment 2] [Attachment 3] [Attachment 4] [Attachment 5] [Attachment 6] [Attachment 7] [Attachment 8] [Attachment 9] [REVISED Comment Letter] SMMC 9/23/2013

establishment of a Mulholland Scenic Parkway Core Trail Fund and entering into agreements with the City of Los Angeles regarding said fund. [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Attachment] [Map] MRCA 9/4/2013

acceptance of 54.4 acre open space dedication in the Triunfo Canyon watershed associated with PM 071223, unincorporated Los Angeles County. [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Attachment 1] [Attachment 2] [Map] MRCA 9/4/2013

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SIMI VALLEY:

Consideration of resolution authorizing a comment letter to the City of Simi Valley regarding All Valley RV Storage project, cp-s-591-mod#1, Arroyo Simi and Alamos Canyon. [Comment Letter] [Resolution] [Attachment] [Map] SMMC 8/26/2013

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SIMI HILLS:

comment letter on NASA Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Proposed Demolition and Environmental Cleanup Activities at Santa Susana Field Laboratory, Ventura County. [ [Comment Letter] [Resolution] [Attachment] ] SMMC 9/23/2013

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SANTA SUSANA MOUNTAINS:

comment letter to United States Army Corps of Engineers regarding the proposed Hidden Creeks Residential Development Project (Application No. SPL-2013-00425-AOA) in Browns and Mormon Canyons, unincorporated County of Los Angeles. [Comment Letter] [Resolution] [Attachment 1] [Attachment 2] [Attachment 3] [Attachment 4] [Attachment 5] [Map 1] [Map 2] SMMC 9/23/2013

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LOS ANGELES RIVER:

Presentation by United States Army Corps of Engineers on the Los Angeles River Ecosystem Restoration Feasibility Study. [Staff Report] [ACE Presentation] SMMC 9/23/2013

Another Step in Completing L.A. Loop Trail

City Kicks in $$ for Major Link in L.A. Parks Loop

On Last Tuesday night (July 9th), Santa Clarita's city council OK'd $2.6 million out of a total price of $4.6 million for most of the former Las Lomas development site. The 302 acres is part of a 550 acre 5000 home proposal that was considered but then rejected by L.A.'s City Council 5 years ago. The land is the connector between the Angeles National Forest/San Gabriel Mountains and the Santa Susana Mountains. Along with the Simi Hills, Verdugo Mountains and Santa Monica Mountains, both large chunks and narrow corridors in these ranges have been assembled together into the Rim of the Valley Corridor park system over the last 40 years by parks agencies.

To complete this deal, another $2 million is being sought from the State and L.A. County parks funds.

Details from the Council agenda:
http://apps.santa-clarita.com/agendas/CouncilItemPrint.aspx?ID=6826

For past stories from our site:
http://rare-earth-news.blogspot.com/search?q=Las+Lomas

Maps of the Rim of the Valley parks:
http://www.modernhiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/RimValleyMap.jpg

http://www.nps.gov/pwro/rimofthevalley/studyarea.htm

applications to the CalTrans Environmental Enhancement Mitigation Program grant program for:

City of Santa Clarita’s 300 acre Gateway Ranch purchase project; [Resolution A] [Map A]

[Staff Report] SMMC 12/3/2012

(Parcel to be purchased is in blue--click on map to enlarge)

WCB 6/2013: State $ saves another 10,000 acres

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION BOARD Purchases

From meeting on June 4, 2013

SUMMARY:

4649 acres purchased in full

5048 acres of development rights retired

COST: $13.8 million

http://cdfgnews.wordpress.com/2013/06/06/wildlife-conservation-board-funds-environmental-improvement-and-acquisition-projects-8/

FULL AGENDA: https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=67524

MAPS: https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=68101

(BELOW: Royal Gorge)

Royal Gorge $3,010,000, Placer and Nevada Counties

grant to Truckee Donner Land Trust to acquire two parcels totaling 2,520± acres for the purposes of protecting alpine forests and meadows, … approximately 10 miles west of the City of Truckee, in the Donner Summit area

MORE INFO: http://www.tpl.org/news/press-releases/2012-press-releases/royal-gorge-protected.html

http://www.tdlandtrust.org/

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MORE PURCHASES:

Sardella Ranch Conservation Easement, $520,000, Tuolumne County

grant to the California Rangeland Trust to assist with the acquisition of a conservation easement over 523± acres located 7 miles southeast of the town of Sonora

San Diego County MSCP/HCPLA 2009 $578,750,  (Kemerko)

acquire 132± acres of land to protect core areas of habitat that will benefit threatened and endangered species, and secure key regional wildlife linkages located near the communities of Crest and Harbison Canyon in an unincorporated area of San Diego County.

Ten Mile River (Perry-Smith Ranch) $3,510,000, Mendocino County

grant to The Nature Conservancy to acquire a working forest conservation easement over 872± acres of native forest lands located adjacent to, and along the Ten Mile River, north of Inglenook on the Mendocino Coast.

Garden Bar Preserve $1,452,000, Nevada County

grant to the Bear Yuba Land Trust to acquire 652± acres along the Bear River, approximately 10 miles northwest of the City of Auburn

El Dorado Ranch $3,000,000, El Dorado and Amador Counties

grant to the American River Conservancy (ARC) to acquire in fee 1,059± acres fronting the Cosumnes River, located approximately 15 miles south of the City of Placerville

Wilmar Ranch, Diablo Range Oak Woodland $275,000, Conservation Easement

Monterey County

grant to California Rangeland Trust to acquire a conservation easement over 2,114± acres

Rancho Vierra Oak Woodland $660,000, Conservation Easement

Monterey County

grant to Big Sur Land Trust to assist with the acquisition of a conservation easement over 964± acres 6 miles northeast of the City of Salinas

Bufford Ranch Conservation Easement $570,000, Kern County

grant to the California Rangeland Trust to assist with the acquisition of a conservation easement over 575± acres located approximately 12 miles south of Lake Isabella

Arrastre Canyon $260,000, Los Angeles County

grant to The Nature Conservancy (TNC), acceptance of settlement funds from the U.S. Department of the Interior Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration Fund (aka ARCO funds), and a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Recovery Land Acquisition grant and the approval to subgrant the ARCO funds and grant funds to TNC to acquire 286± acres of land to protect habitat for threatened and endangered species, and maintain habitat connectivity within the upper Santa Clara River floodplain and watershed in Arrastre Canyon, a tributary to the Santa Clara River located just south of community of Acton

SMMC-MRCA 4/29 to 7/3/2013

Purchase of 56 acres in Malibu and 22 acres in Tujunga Canyon; plus lots of studies

Taken from agendas of the boards of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and the MRCA

MALIBU AND L.A. COUNTY PORTION OF SANTA MONICA MOUNTAINS:

56 acres-acquisition of apn 4465-004-045 and 4465-004-084 in the Ramirez Canyon watershed, unincorporated Los Angeles County. [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Map] [Attachment] SMMC 4/29/2013

project planning and design for the Escondido to Ramirez Canyon habitat and trail linkage project in the coastal watersheds of Santa Monica Bay, unincorporated Los Angeles County. [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Attachment 1] [Attachment 2] [Attachment 3] [Map] SMMC 4/29/2013

project planning and design for the Little Sycamore to Encinal Canyon Coastal Slope Trail zone project, in the coastal watersheds of Santa Monica Bay, unincorporated Los Angeles County. [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Attachment 1] [Attachment 2] [Attachment 3] [Map] SMMC 4/29/2013

project planning and design for the upper Malibu Canyon tributaries project in the coastal watersheds of Santa Monica Bay, unincorporated Los Angeles County and cities of Calabasas and Agoura Hills. [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Attachment 1] [Attachment 2] [Attachment 3] [Map] SMMC 4/29/2013

project planning and design for the upper Topanga watershed project in the coastal watersheds of Santa Monica Bay, unincorporated Los Angeles County. [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Attachment 1] [Attachment 2] [Attachment 3] [Map] SMMC 4/29/2013

comment letter to Los Angeles regarding proposed modification to recorded Tract Map No. 38931, Dark Canyon watershed, unincorporated Los Angeles County. [Attachment] [Staff Report] [Attachment 2] [Attachment 3] SMMC 4/29/2013

acquire approximately 6.28-acre parcel APN 4448-018-018 (1809 Tuna Canyon Road), adjacent to Rocky Ledge; [Staff Report] [Resolution] MRCA 7/3/2013 [Staff Report] [Resolution] MRCA 7/3/2013

[Staff Report] [Resolution] MRCA 7/3/2013 [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Attachment] [Map 1] [Map 2] [Map 3] SMMC 6/3/2013

Carbon Canyon riparian habitat mitigation project in the Carbon Canyon watershed, unincorporated Los Angeles County. [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Attachment] [Map] SMMC 6/3/2013

mitigation project in the Malibu Creek watershed. [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Attachment] SMMC 6/3/2013

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L.A. CITY PORTION OF SANTA MONICA MOUNTAINS:

project planning and design for the Mulholland Drive Scenic Corridor in the upper Los Angeles River watershed and coastal watersheds of Santa Monica Bay, Santa Monica Mountains, City of Los Angeles. [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Attachment 1] [Attachment 2] [Attachment 3] [Map] SMMC 4/29/2013

comment letter to the City of Los Angeles regarding a development proposal for 8145 Willow Glen Road, Case No. za 2013-0664(zaa), Laurel Canyon. [Resolution] [Attachment 1] [Attachment 2] [Attachment 3] [Attachment 4] [Attachment 5] [Comment Letter] [Map 1] [Map 2] SMMC 6/3/2013

regarding apn 5565-026-900, Willow Glen Road, and assigning rights to said acquisition to the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority, Laurel Canyon. [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Attachment 1] [Attachment 2] [Attachment 3] [Attachment 4] [Attachment 5] [Map 1] [Map 2] SMMC 6/3/2013

trail improvements and construction at Fryman Canyon. [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Map] [Attachment] SMMC 6/3/2013 [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Map] MRCA 5/29/2013

acquisition of APN 2274-018-014, approximately 1.6 acres, Sherman Oaks. [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Map] MRCA 6/5/2013

price and terms on APN 2292-010-032, Encino. [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Attachment 1] [Attachment 2] [Map] [Map 2] MRCA 6/5/2013

East of the 405-Santa Monica Mountains Open Space Preservation Assessment District No. 1, Los Angeles. [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Attachment] MRCA 6/5/2013

[Staff Report] [Resolution] [Attachment] MRCA 6/5/2013

West of the 405-Santa Monica Mountains Open Space Preservation Assessment District No. 2, Los Angeles. [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Attachment] MRCA 6/5/2013

[Staff Report] [Resolution] [Attachment] MRCA 6/5/2013

project planning and design of the Griffith Park to El Pueblo de Los Angeles State Historic Park Recreational Trail Corridor, City of Los Angeles. [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Attachment] [Map] SMMC 6/3/2013. [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Map] MRCA 5/1/2013

acceptance of a conservation easement over an approximately 0.13-acre portion of APN 5577-017-016 (6696 Lakeridge Road), Cahuenga Pass, City of Los Angeles. [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Attachment] [Attachment 2] MRCA 5/1/2013

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SAN GABRIEL AND VERDUGO MOUNTAINS AND SAN RAFAEL HILLS:

license agreement for the operation of a nursery on a portion of La Tuna Canyon Park, Verdugo Hills. [Staff Report] [Resolution] SMMC 4/29/2013

San Gabriel Mountains-Rim of the Valley Trail implementation and Angeles National Forest trail and habitat connections project in the upper Los Angeles River watershed. [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Attachment 1] [Attachment 2] [Attachment 3] [Map 1] [Map 2] [Map 3] SMMC 4/29/2013

project planning and design from the confluence of Tujunga Wash along the Pacoima Wash Recreational Greenway to the Angeles National Forest. [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Attachment] [Map] SMMC 6/3/2013

project planning and design grant for the upstream of Pacoima Wash Recreational Greenway to Angeles National Forest. [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Map] MRCA 5/1/2013

trail improvements and construction at Millard Canyon. [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Map] MRCA 5/29/2013

acquisition of APN 2552-001-008, approximately 22 acres, Big Tujunga Canyon, unincorporated Los Angeles County. Negotiators: Joseph T. Edmiston and David Thomas. Under consideration: price and terms. (This item may be heard in closed session pursuant to Section 54956.8 of the Government Code.) [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Map] MRCA 6/5/2013

trail improvements and construction at Millard Canyon. [Staff Report] SMMC 6/3/2013

project planning and design in the San Rafael Hills, Verdugo Mountains, and Northeast Los Angeles Open Space, including Arroyo Seco and Verdugo Wash. [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Attachment] [Map] SMMC 6/3/2013 [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Map] MRCA 5/1/2013

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SANTA SUSANA MOUNTAINS AND SIMI HILLS:

project planning and design for the Browns Canyon watershed project in the upper Los Angeles River watershed, Santa Susana Mountains, Chatsworth area. [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Attachment 1] [Attachment 2] [Attachment 3] [Map] SMMC 4/29/2013

project planning and design for the Alamos Canyon habitat and trail linkage project in the coastal watersheds of Santa Monica Bay, Calleguas Creek watershed, Santa Susana Mountains, Ventura County. [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Attachment 1] [Attachment 2] [Attachment 3] [Map] SMMC 4/29/2013

project planning and design for the Sage Ranch to Santa Susana Pass State Historic Park habitat linkage project in the upper Los Angeles River watershed and coastal watersheds of Santa Monica Bay, Simi Hills, unincorporated Ventura and Los Angeles counties. [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Attachment 1] [Attachment 2] [Attachment 3] [Map] SMMC 4/29/2013

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SANTA CLARITA VALLEY:

mitigation project in the Soledad Canyon watershed, unincorporated Los Angeles County. [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Attachment] SMMC 6/3/2013

---------------------------------

L.A. RIVER:

project planning and design in Los Angeles River Master Plan Reaches Five and Six. [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Attachment] SMMC 6/3/2013 [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Attachment] MRCA 5/1/2013

Consideration of resolution authorizing a grant of Proposition 50 funds to Community Conservation Solutions for the Los Angeles River Greenway project, Los Angeles. [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Attachment] SMMC 6/3/2013

Consideration of resolution authorizing entering into a lease agreement with an adjacent property owner for an unused portion of Marsh Park. [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Map] MRCA 5/1/2013

--------------------------

BALLONA CREEK AND BALDWIN HILLS:

project planning and design in the Ballona Creek and Ballona Wetlands area from Culver City to the Pacific Ocean, Santa Monica Bay Watershed. [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Attachment] [Map] SMMC 6/3/2013. [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Map] MRCA 5/1/2013

Park to Playa – Stocker Corridor project. [Staff Report] [Resolution] [Attachment] MRCA 5/1/2013

Presentation on the on-going Park to Playa Regional Trail project connecting the Baldwin Hills to the Pacific Ocean in the Santa Monica Bay Watershed. [Staff Report] [Presentation] MRCA 5/1/2013

Finally, the L.A. Sierra Club creates a blog....

Success Means Less Newsletters

When I got first got active to save open spaces back in 1985, we had no email, internet or blogs to distribute action alerts. It was all paper. So over the years I built up many piles and boxes and file cabinets full of research on saving the last natural areas in the L.A., Orange and Ventura County areas. I eventually joined the Sierra Club and served on its board for 5 years, collecting piles of the monthly Southern Sierran newspaper. Now they have gone totally electronic, not just to save paper but because they're low on funds. So the Southern Sierran is no longer sent out to all Club members anymore, except by special request.  Back in the day the Club spent around $200,000 a year on conservation campaigns and I mapped out all the natural areas left in these 3 counties and there were 12 large mostly natural areas that were threatened with development. Fast forward to today when 10 of those 12 natural areas are mostly preserved due to our work. So success has meant less work to do for environmental activists. And so even though fundraising is harder, this area is no longer being overrun with bulldozers except in a few spots.

Anyway, here are L.A./OC and Ventura stories from the last 2 years of the Southern Sierran which you might have missed:

SAN ONOFRE NUKE PLANT TO BE PERMANENTLY MOTH-BALLED

http://angeles2.sierraclub.org/news/blog/2013/06/failed_san_onofre_nuclear_plant_close_persistent_protest_pays

http://angeles2.sierraclub.org/news/blog/2013/04/tell_agencies_keep_san_onofre_shut_down

http://angeles2.sierraclub.org/news/blog/2012/12/12_reasons_shut_down_san_onofre_nuclear_power_plant

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JOSHUA TREE—EAGLE MOUNTAIN LANDFILL PROPOSAL ENDED

http://angeles2.sierraclub.org/news/blog/2013/05/landfill_near_joshua_tree_national_park_gets_trashed

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SAN GABRIEL NATIONAL RECREATION AREA PROPOSAL REFINED BY FEDS

http://angeles2.sierraclub.org/news/blog/2013/04/congress_gets_park_service_plan_constricted_san_gabriel_national_recreation_area

http://angeles2.sierraclub.org/blog/2012/02/sierra_club_took_vision_communities_color

http://angeles2.sierraclub.org/blog/2012/02/san_gabriels_extreme_makeover_bold_new_plan_iconic_range_would_create_new_national

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NORTH L.A. COUNTY: SANTA CLARITA'S WATER COMPANY BUYS NEWHALL'S LAND'S WATER COMPANY, AND OTHER DEVELOPMENT PLANS

http://angeles2.sierraclub.org/news/blog/2013/04/sierra_club_opposes_water_company_acquisition

http://angeles2.sierraclub.org/news/blog/2013/03/newhall_ranch_unending_quest_develop_santa_clara_river

http://angeles2.sierraclub.org/news/blog/2012/05/sierra_club_sues_save_santa_clara_river

http://angeles2.sierraclub.org/blog/2011/08/take_action_newhall_ranch

SANTA CLARITA VALLEY—CREST TO COAST TRAIL

http://angeles2.sierraclub.org/blog/2011/09/angeles_chapter_supports_crest_coast_trail

CEMEX MINE PROPOSAL EAST OF SANTA CLARITA

http://angeles2.sierraclub.org/blog/2011/03/mega_mine_threat_once_again

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SOUTH BAY TOXIC SITES TO BE CLEANED FINALLY

http://angeles2.sierraclub.org/news/blog/2013/03/epa_begins_groundwater_remediation_project_ddt_superfund_sites

STRAWBERRY PEAK TRAILS TO BE FIXED AFTER STATION FIRE

http://angeles2.sierraclub.org/news/blog/2013/01/trail_crew_works_reopen_fire_ravaged_strawberry_peak_trail

61% OF FULLERTON VOTERS REJECT COYOTE HILLS/CHEVRON'S HOUSING TRACT

http://angeles2.sierraclub.org/news/blog/2012/12/grass_roots_efforts_score_victory_fullerton_hills

L.A COUNTY PLANNING—SIGNIFICANT ENVIRONMENTAL AREAS

http://angeles2.sierraclub.org/news/blog/2012/11/greening_la_county

MONTEBELLO HILLS

http://angeles2.sierraclub.org/news/blog/2012/09/fire_exacerbates_housing_plan

http://angeles2.sierraclub.org/news/blog/2012/02/homes_and_oil_dont_mix_montebello_hills

http://angeles2.sierraclub.org/blog/2011/06/montebello_hills_task_force_exposes_pattern_oil_spills

CADIZ VALLEY—DESERT WATER GRAB

http://angeles2.sierraclub.org/news/blog/2012/07/big_water_grab_wont_die

GRIFFITH PARK

http://angeles2.sierraclub.org/news/blog/2012/05/proposed_ballfields_run_afoul_griffith_park_vision

FED APPEALS COURT TRASHES NATIONAL FOREST ADVENTURE PASSES

http://angeles2.sierraclub.org/news/blog/2012/05/forest_fees_put_hold

PALOS VERDES LANDFILL

http://angeles2.sierraclub.org/news/blog/2012/04/landfills_toxic_past_concerns_residents

L.A.'S RIM OF THE VALLEY PARKS SYSTEM MAY BE EXPANDED

http://angeles2.sierraclub.org/news/blog/2012/04/other_parkland_plan_rim_valley_corridor

ORMOND BEACH WETLANDS
http://angeles2.sierraclub.org/blog/2012/02/plan

L.A. RIVER'S NEWEST PARK

http://angeles2.sierraclub.org/blog/2011/05/railroad_yard_becomes_park

CHATSWORTH NATURE PRESERVE

http://angeles2.sierraclub.org/blog/2011/03/activists_persuade_dwp_open_chatsworth_earth_day

CHANDLER'S SAND AND GRAVEL—PALOS VERDES-HOUSING TRACT

http://angeles2.sierraclub.org/blog/2011/03/standoff_palos_verdes_peninsula

Politicians Consider changes to Calif's Main Environmental Law

CEQA Roundup - The Good, Bad & Potentially Bad: What business thinks of reform bills

6/7/2013, swiped from:
http://www.caeconomy.org/reporting/entry/ceqa-roundup-the-good-bad-potentially-bad-what-business-thinks-of-reform-bi 


Bills addressing legal uncertainty around the Ballona Wetlands decision received some resistance. (Photo Credit: stonebird/Flickr)

The CEQA reform debate was put largely aside this week as lawmakers work to finalize the state budget before next week's deadline. The short breather provided an opportunity for a post-mortem on the legislative process so far—with one analysis by a group of land use attorneys offering an early glimpse of where business interests, in particular, are likely to seek changes in the months ahead. (More on that below.)
What CEQA proposals are still moving
Of the more than two dozen CEQA bills introduced this winter, only five made it out of their house of origin last week, meaning they could still become law this year.
Perhaps the biggest surprises were the stumbles of the most comprehensive CEQA changes backed by environmentalists, Asm. Ammiano's AB 953 and Sen. Evans's SB 617. Both bills contained the same proposal to address lingering legal uncertainty surrounding the recent Ballona decision, a legal change that is popular with some Dems—but particularly unpopular with the state Chamber of Commerce, which tagged both bills as "job killers." It will be worth watching to see if the bill's legal language makes its way into one of the five CEQA bills still moving.
The Land Use & Development Law Report offers a helpful roundup of the CEQA changes that are still on the table. Their summary:
Active CEQA bills:

• SB 731, the "CEQA Modernization Act of 2013.″ (See CAeconomy's summary of what the bill does—and doesn't do.)
• AB 37, which would require lead agencies to prepare their records of proceedings at the same time they prepare environmental documents for certain projects
• AB 543, which would require translation of certain CEQA notices and CEQA document summaries if 25% of nearby residents are non-English-speaking
• AB 436 and AB 380, which would impose additional CEQA notice and filing requirements

CEQA bills that did not make the cut:

• SB 787, the same far-reaching and controversial CEQA reform proposal that first surfaced in August 2012
• Proposals for specialized divisions within superior courts to handle CEQA case
• Efforts to overturn recent appellate court decisions [including Ballona] holding that CEQA concerns the effects of projects on the environment—not effects of the environment on projects
• Three bills, or portions of those bills, that would have extended the 2011 Environmental Leadership Act's CEQA streamlining provisions to additional categories of projects

Where business may push back
Sen. Steinberg's SB 731, with its focus in streamlining the CEQA process for infill developments, remains the most comprehensive piece of reform legislation. As we pointed out last week, in spite of the unanimous support for the bill in the Senate, disagreements still exist over many of the bill's details.
While environmentalists haven't detailed their quibbles in the last few weeks, a group of land-use attorneys at the law firm Manatt, Phelps, & Phillips recently posted a critical analysis of the bill's provisions—offering a window into where business interests may seek changes in the months ahead.
The Manatt analysis divides the bill's proposals into four categories: Good, Bad, Potentially Bad, and Status Quo. The attorneys consider only one of the bill's provisions "good:" Steinberg's removal of "aesthetic" impacts from the CEQA process. As Manatt puts it, this "removes a subjective matter from environmental review, resulting in possible time/cost savings for qualifying projects.
Many of the other changes the bill would make—including Steinberg's proposals to set new thresholds for common urban environmental impacts like noise, traffic, and parking—are viewed by Manatt with a fair bit of skepticism.
These proposals seem likely to be the focus of debate—and amendments to tighten up language—now that the bill has moved to the Assembly:

• Setting new "thresholds" for common urban environmental impacts – Manatt's take: "Potentially Bad: Noise, traffic and parking are quintessential local issues. Statewide standards may result in local battles over the need for more specific local thresholds of significance, and the nature/scope of local thresholds."


• New requirements that draft CEQA findings be made public sooner – Manatt's take: "Bad: Additional noticing will result in increased processing costs for project proponents and could result in significant delay if revisions to findings and additional public review are necessary."


• Allowing administrative record to be prepared concurrently with the project (instead of at the end): Manatt's take: "Potentially Bad: Currently written such that only the applicant may make this request. May encourage CEQA litigation since administrative record will already be prepared (and paid for) at time of project approval."


• New annual report requirements to demonstrate mitigation of environmental impacts: Manatt's take: "Potentially Bad: Heightened local agency oversight of project implementation and ongoing CEQA compliance. Additional opportunities for CEQA lawsuits where report identifies deficiencies with implementation of mitigation measures. Additional annual costs to project proponents until satisfaction of all MMRP conditions."


• Prohibiting project opponents from performing last-minute "document dumps" to slow down CEQA review process: Manatt's take: "Status quo: While the legislation states that it intends to make changes to Section 21091, no changes to Section 21091 are actually proposed in SB 731 as currently drafted."