March 2009 California Today, PLanning and Conservation League Newsletter
Content
PLANNING AND CONSERVATION LEAGUE
PLANNING AND CONSERVATION LEAGUE FOUNDATION
CALIFORNIA TODAY
Newsletter of the Planning & Conservation League
March 2009
Volume 39, Number 1
See how the Bond Freeze Impacts Parks, pg. 3
Chino Hills State Park, Dr. Jeff Hansen
Left in the Dark: California's Neglected Communities
By: René Guerrero
For better or for worse, land use decisions have a In California, hundreds of unincorporated communities, significant impact on public health and the environment. commonly referred to as the urban fringe or rural The Planning and Conservation League (PCL) is educating enclaves, lack basic infrastructure for health, safety, water, decision makers about this important linkage and bringing transportation, and education. Millions of Californians about reform to our state’s policy to better ensure the live in these urban and rural unincorporated communities health and well being of California’s residents. where they suffer from severe unemployment, abject To promote local and statewide land use policies that poverty and need essential infrastructure such as streets, distribute the benefits of land use decisions and protect sidewalks, street lights, storm drains, parks, safe housing, human health and the environment, the League and the clean drinking water, and adequate sewer service. PCL Foundation have embarked on new programs. These There are more than 200 such communities in the include providing training throughout the state on how to San Joaquin Valley alone. Many of these communities use California laws to assess and prevent or mitigate the are politically isolated islands, surrounded by the city negative environmental and public health impacts from limits of medium to large-sized cities or located land use decisions. We will also work with affected in irregular settlements within a county’s jurisdiction. communities to create and support sustainability policies Often times, unincorporated communities compete that explicitly take into account environmental and public with other similar areas for political influence and health concerns. resources. While county governments dedicate their In order to ensure that all California communities are capacity to deliver state authorized programs and services, able to realize their full potential as healthy, livable, and they may neglect their governmental role to serve these economically viable places, PCL has joined PolicyLink, unincorporated communities. the California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation and the If you would like to learn more about how the Center on Race Poverty and the Environment to adopt collaboration is tackling this issue or to share your legislation. The legislation encourages investment in experiences of living in an unincorporated community, unincorporated communities and addresses the complex please contact René Guerrero, Program Manager for legal, financial and political barriers that contribute to Public Health and the Environment at 916-313-4508 regional inequity and infrastructure deficits within or by email at [email protected]. disadvantaged unincorporated communities. CALIFORNIA TODAY • Planning and Conservation League & PCL Foundation
Dear Friends,
CALIFORNIA TODAY (ISBN 0739-8042) is the quarterly newsletter of the PLANNING AND CONSERVATION LEAGUE AND THE PCL FOUNDATION
1107 Ninth Street, Suite 360, Sacramento, CA 95814 PHONE: 916-444-8726 FAX: 916-448-1789
E-MAIL ADDRESS: [email protected] WEB ADDRESS: http://www.pcl.org Membership to PCL is $35 a year and includes a subscription to CALIFORNIA TODAY. Periodicals postage paid at Sacramento, CA. POSTMASTER: Send address changes for CALIFORNIA TODAY to the PCL Office: 1107 Ninth Street, Suite 360, Sacramento, CA 95814
PCLF BOARD OF TRUSTEES
DAVID HIRSCH, Chairman RALPH B. PERRY III, Vice Chairman DANIEL S. FROST, Secretary-Treasurer COKE HALLOWELL, Trustee GERALD H. MERAL, Trustee
PCL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
BILL CENTER, President KEVIN JOHNSON, Senior Vice President LYNN SADLER, Senior Vice President SAGE SWEETWOOD, President Emeritus JOHN VAN DE KAMP, President Emeritus BILL LEIMBACH, Secretary-Treasurer
REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENTS
ELISABETH BROWN JAN CHATTEN-BROWN PHYLLIS FABER RICK HAWLEY FRAN LAYTON DOUG LINNEY DAVID MOGAVERO STEPHANIE PINCETL TERESA VILLEGAS TERRY WATT BILL YEATES
ORGANIZATIONAL BOARD MEMBERS
Big Sur Land Trust Breathe California, Sacramento-Emigrant Trails California Association of Local Conservation Corps California Oak Foundation California Trout Greenspace - The Cambria Land Trust Golden Gate Audubon Society The Laguna Greenbelt, Inc. Mono Lake Committee Mountain Lion Foundation Sierra Nevada Alliance Southern California Agricultural Land Foundation Train Riders Association of California The Trust for Public Land
PCL/PCL FOUNDATION STAFF
TRACI SHEEHAN, Executive Director TINA ANDOLINA, Legislative Director BARB BYRNE, Water Policy Assistant EVON CHAMBERS, Water Policy Assistant RENÉ GUERRERO, Project Manager - Legislative Advocate CHARLOTTE HODDE, Water Policy Specialist DR. MONICA HUNTER, Central Coast Water Project Manager MINDY McINTYRE, Water Program Manager JONAS MINTON, Senior Water Policy Advisor JONATHAN BERNSTEIN, Administrative Manager PAUL GILLIGAN, Sierra Nevada Americorp Member AMBER SCHMAELING, Membership & Development Coordinator MATT VANDER SLUIS, Global Warming Project Manager MELANIE SCHLOTTERBECK, Grants & Outreach Consultant
On February 7th, over 50 of our friends and supporters gathered for an evening reception to kick-off the annual Legislative Symposium. At that party we celebrated both PCL’s past and future. Our 44-year legacy as the “citizen lobbyist” for California’s environment in Sacramento is a story of one grassroots campaign after another linking local communities to decision makers in the State Capitol. For the event, we created a timeline and scrapbook of over four decades of acres saved, transit lines laid, species protected, partnerships born, and communities empowered to protect environmental equality and public health. This project is more than a reflection on the past; it’s a reminder of what we are capable of in the future. As such, it was a perfect kick-off to our annual Symposium. The message of this year’s event was clear - if we want to build momentum for real change in California, then we need many friends, old and new. And to provide effective leadership and a strong voice on critical issues, we need your leadership and your voice. As you already know, we currently face some pretty challenging questions and at the same time were are poised for some momentous opportunities. The economic crisis, California’s frozen bond funding, green jobs for our state, global warming, a green economy - these are issues that we all care about. That is why PCL is working to pull together a “league” of diverse interests from all around the state. New and old friends, activists and member groups will work on these issues. PCL also recently welcomed two new members to its Board of Directors: Esther Feldman and Michael Picker. While both are new to the PCL Board, their work has benefited both the environment and our organization. While working for PCL, Esther was instrumental in the writing, campaign and passage of the $776 million Parks and Wildlife Act (Prop. 70) led by PCL in 1988, the first major park bond to be placed on the state ballot through the citizen’s initiative process. Michael has 30 years of experience in policy development, local and state government administration, grassroots policy campaigns, coalition building, community organizing, non-profit management, and press relations. Welcome to Esther and Michael! Sincerely, Traci Sheehan Executive Director
Our Website Got a Face Lift - Check it Out!
Please visit our new and improved website at www.PCLFoundation.org. Our goal is to make information easily accessible and available to you! Please send any comments you may have to: [email protected].
California Affiliate National Wildlife Federation
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CALIFORNIA TODAY • Planning and Conservation League & PCL Foundation
Bond Freeze Impacts California Conservation Projects
By: Paul Gilligan
On December 17, 2008, the state shut down important conservation and restoration projects funded by California park bonds. Two months later the Legislature passed a revised budget, yet the bond-freeze continues. Across the state, environmental groups have been forced to let go of staff or close the doors completely. “It’s ironic in a time when stimulating the economy through ‘shovel ready’ green jobs is all the buzz, our legislators just ripped the green shovels out of ‘shovel happening’ projects,” said Joan Clayburgh, Executive Director of the Sierra Nevada
Map numbers correspond to counties. Each county includes the number of frozen projects and amount of funding halted (M = million). Note: each project is only listed once regardless of table or category.
Alliance, one of many organizations forced to make cuts. This map demonstrates the effect the bond freeze has had on environmental projects across the state supported by voter approved bond measures, Propositions 12, 13, 40, 50, and 84. Data for the tables below came from the California Department of Finance. The impact goes far beyond the short term as these projects and funding collectively improve air and water quality, land use decisions, wildlife survival, scenic regions, and an overall quality of life for all of us. Learn more at: http://StopWorkImpact.ning.com.
23 - Sacramento (73 - $52 M) 24 - El Dorado (83 - $25.7 M) 25 - Solano (43 - $20.6 M) 26 - Amador (15 - $2.4 M) 27 - Alpine (6 - $0.69 M) 28 - Marin (60 - $18.3 M) 29 - Contra Costa (62 - $29.8 M) 30 - San Joaquin (25 - $12.2 M) 31 - Calaveras (12 - $0.75 M) 32 - Tuolumne (15 - $12.3 M) 33 - San Francisco (49 - $27.7 M) 34 - San Mateo (45 - $17.6 M) 35 - Santa Cruz (48 - $41.2 M) 36 - Alameda (77 - $45.4 M) 37 - Santa Clara (57 - $24.5 M) 38 - Stanislaus (21 - $8.3 M) 39 - Merced (17 - $11.8 M) 40 - Mariposa (21 - $2.6 M) 41 - Mono (21 - $2.4 M) 42 - Monterey (63 - $30.5 M) 43 - San Benito (2 - $1.7 M) 44 - Fresno (84 - $32.4 M) 45 - Madera (18 - $11.8 M) 46 - Kings (5 - $1.7 M) 47 - Tulare (51 - $14.5 M) 48 - Inyo (13 - $1.9 M) 49 - San Luis Obispo (43 - $65.2 M) 50 - Kern (50 - $57.8 M) 51 - San Bernardino (50 - $30.8 M) 52 - Santa Barbara (51 - $23.4 M) 53 - Ventura (52 - $32.2 M) 54 - Los Angeles (546 - $280.4 M) 55 - Orange (110 - $70 M) 56 - Riverside (75 - $66.3 M) 57 - San Diego (162 - $91.4 M) 58 - Imperial (18 - $25.1 M) TOTAL: 2,806 projects 58 $1,483 M
PROJECT IMPACTS AND AMOUNT BY COUNTY
1 - Del Norte (26 - $12.1 M) 2 - Siskiyou (26 - $17.7 M) 3 - Modoc (18 - $3.9 M) 4 - Humboldt (58 - $25.8 M) 5 - Trinity (12 - $0.98 M) 6 - Shasta (37 - $10.3 M) 7 - Lassen (19 - $1.5 M) 8 - Tehama (33 - $27 M) 9 - Plumas (30 - $9.1 M) 10 - Mendocino (53 - $21 M) 11 - Glenn (16 - $5 M) 12 - Butte (35 - $15.4 M) 13 - Sierra (13 - $4.9 M) 14 - Lake (10 - $3.1 M) 15 - Colusa (13 - $1.6 M) 16 - Sutter (14 - $22.4 M) 17 - Yuba (7 - $0.38 M) 18 - Nevada (26 - $12.9 M) 19 - Placer (67 - $24.9 M) 20 - Sonoma (68 - $31.9 M) 21 - Napa (45 - $22.8 M) 22 - Yolo (37 - $15.1 M)
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3
4
5 8 10
6 9
7
13 12 11 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 27 26 25 31 32 28 30 29 33 36 40 38 34 37 39 45 35 44 42 43 46
41
47
48 51
MULTI-COUNTY PROJECTS
50 Central Coastal (5 - $11.4 M) 49 Coastal (23 - $16.7 M) Delta (19 - $45.3 M) 52 Inland Empire (6 - $8 M) 53 54 Northern California (8 - $2 M) Northern Coastal (14 - $10.2 M) Sacramento Valley (17 - $17.1 M) Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta (8 - $25.1 M) MISCELLANEOUS PROJECTS San Joaquin Valley (14 - $3.2 M) San Francisco Bay (45 - $74.9 M) Statewide (98 - $227.4 M) Sierra Nevada (60 - $12.3 M) Undetermined (114 - $273.6 M) Southern Coastal (34 - $63.8 M) TOTAL: 212 projects TOTAL: 253 projects $501 M $290.2 M
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56 57
GRAND TOTAL: 3,271 projects - $2,274 M
CALIFORNIA TODAY • Planning and Conservation League & PCL Foundation
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Symposium Energizes Audience Toward Sustainability
By: Matt Vander Sluis
The PCL and PCL Foundation’s 2009 Symposium on Saturday, February 7th was a tremendous success with a total attendance of over 300. The program was full of up-to-the-minute information on top environmental issues, including the state budget freeze, the federal recovery package, and the current water crisis. The Symposium featured 33 panelists and speakers, including state environmental agency leaders, environmental advocates, elected officials and business leaders. The event also featured three engaging keynote presentations and an awards banquet in the evening. To kick-off the Symposium, Senate President pro Tem Darrell Steinberg discussed the state’s economic crisis and outlined opportunities to address the educational, economic, and environmental needs of the state by incorporating green job training into middle and high school curricula.
Jakada Imani, Executive Director of the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights, laid out a compelling case for building a green workforce that can revitalize and sustain families, communities, and the environment. At the banquet, State Senator Fran Pavley shared recent successes in environmental legislation and her priorities for the 2009 legislative session. Key environmental leaders were recognized during an evening awards ceremony to celebrate their achievements. Descriptions and photos of each award winner are available on our website. Thanks to everyone who participated for making our 2009 Symposium a resounding success! We’ve posted the handouts and presentations on our website as well. Materials can be viewed at: www.PCL.org/events/2009proceedings.html
Some of the comments we received...
“It was an incredible opportunity to network and explore. We learned about developing an online community, managing a multi-faceted issue campaign, and heard from top experts in their fields. The symposium is truly an education on key environmental issues and building community coalitions.” “My favorite PCL conference of the last four I’ve attended!”
PCL Legislative Director Tina Andolina, Board Pre Center, Execu sident Bil Dir President pro Temtive rre ector Traci Sheehan with Senate l Da ll Steinberg after his keynote address.
“Loved the Tejon Ranch panel!” “Darrell Steinberg - provocative on budget.” “I liked hearing about the work of the awardees and hearing them speak - inspiring.”
Da n and PCL Board Cal Fire Chief Kate nsorga t the audience er Kevin Joh n kep e panel. Memb engaged with the wildfir
Activists, agency representatives, attorneys, planners, students, legislative staff and business leaders packed the general session room for exceptional keynotes.
Networking time during lun old friends and new frie ch allowed for nds to meet!
Thanks to Keith Wagner for providing all the event photos.
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CALIFORNIA TODAY • Planning and Conservation League & PCL Foundation
Thank You to Our Generous Sponsors
Oak Woodlands Sponsors ($5,000 - $9,999)
Waste Management • Pacific Gas & Electric
Joshua Tree Sponsors ($2,500 - $4,999)
Water for California • Chatten-Brown & Cartsens LLP
Other Sponsors (Below $500) California State Parks Foundation • Environmental Law Section of the California State Bar • GreenInfo Network • MTV Environmental Consulting • The Sierra Fund • Senator Pat Wiggins Acorn Sponsors ($125) Breathe California, Sacramento-Emigrant Trails • California Interfaith Power & Light • Clover Valley Foundation • Defenders of Wildlife • Ebbetts Pass Forest Watch • Friends of Harbors, Beaches and Parks • Friends of the Swainson’s Hawk • Mariposans For the Environment and Responsible Government • Revive the San Joaquin • San Diego River Park Foundation • San Joaquin Valley Leadership Forum • Save Mount Diablo • Sierra Nevada Alliance • Valley Land Alliance
California Poppy Sponsors ($1,000 - $2,499) Camp Lotus • Conservation Clarity • DMB Associates • East Bay Municipal Utility District • Laguna Greenbelt, Inc. • Linda and Byron Sher Family Fund • Metropolitan Water District • Phyllis Faber • Rossmann and Moore LLP • Shute Mihaly & Weinberger LLP Grasslands Sponsors ($500 - $999) Adams, Broadwell, Joseph & Cardozo • AFSCME Local 2428 • California Trout • Conservation Corps North Bay • Far Western Anthropological Research Group • Golden Gate Audubon • Holland and Knight • Inland Empire Utilities Agency • John Van de Kamp • Kenyon Yeates LLP • LA Conservation Corps • Marin Conservation League • National Parks Conservation Association • National Wildlife Federation • Robert Erickson • Tahoe Graphics • Terry Watt
Thanks Again!
Visit our website for more information on the Symposium including PowerPoints and handouts: www.PCL.org/events/2009proceedings.html
President Former PCL Board telegram, received a singing e for his balloons and a cak wife! birthday from his
Bob Stine discusses the Conservation and Land Use Agreement for Tejon Ranch during an MCLE session with Richard Taylor and PCL Board member Terry Watt.
Senator Pavley announ priorities and the enviro ces her nm challenges of 2009. ental
The ever-inspiring Jak Imani during his afternada oon keynote address.
Award winners Stephanie Taylor (Green L.A.), Miguel Luna, and Elva Yañez with certificates presented by Alana Yañez of Assemblymember de León’s office.
ry Patton in an PCL Board member Ga Margie Kay and discussion with animated rey County. Lisa Dobbins of Monte
CALIFORNIA TODAY • Planning and Conservation League & PCL Foundation
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California Approves Landmark Climate Plan, Flaws Remain
By: Matt Vander Sluis
In December, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) approved the Scoping Plan for AB 32, the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006. The approved plan lays out an ambitious array of actions to reduce California’s greenhouse gas emissions back to 1990 levels by 2020. Measures in the Plan include expansion of our renewable energy goals, cleaner cars, and greater energy efficiency in our homes and businesses. Many of these actions will bring other benefits to California, from cleaner air and water to cost savings and job creation. Before approving the Plan, CARB made several substantive improvements based upon recommendations from environmental organizations including the Planning and Conservation League. However, while the Board’s approval marks an important step forward in the fight against global warming, the Plan still stumbles in several areas. According to the Plan, polluting companies may reap windfall profits, while receiving financially valuable pollution allowances for free. At a time when our state is struggling to make sure bus drivers and teachers get paid, it doesn’t make sense to provide new subsidies to our worst polluters. We’re also disappointed that, despite a loud outcry from the environmental community, many local governments, health advocates, and progressive developers, the plan does not include a stronger commitment to
CanStockPhoto.com Sprawling land use patterns contribute significantly to global warming.
addressing California’s sprawling growth patterns. Recent studies have shown that better land use decisions in California could result in a reduction of greenhouse emissions on the order of 11-14 million metric tons (MMT) by 2020. Unfortunately, CARB board members chose a conservative 5 MMT target until a special committee explores the issue in greater detail in 2009. We’ll continue to work with CARB, the Legislature, and communities across California to make sure that we achieve our low carbon future in an effective, fair manner and that tomorrow’s land use patterns enable us to meet our emission reduction goals and build healthy, sustainable communities.
Directory for Sierra Complete
By: Melanie Schlotterbeck
131 Years Later... Change Needed
By: Tina Andolina
After months of work, the PCL Foundation is proud to announce the launch of the Sierra Nevada Grassroots Directory. The document explores issues prevalent in each of the 23 California and Nevada counties found in the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. The entire directory has been posted on the PCL Foundation website www.PCLFoundation.org. This online resources is a living document that will be regularly updated with new organizations. If we missed listing an organization, please let us know by sending an email to: [email protected].
In February, PCL co-sponsored a meeting to discuss the viability of calling a constitutional convention to re-examine how our state government operates. If this past year’s budget crisis has taught us anything, it is that the system is broken. Something must change. The question is how we accomplish that change. To kick off that discussion, PCL joined more than 300 others at a standing room only summit to explore the pros and cons of calling a constitutional convention. The last constitutional convention in California was held 131 years ago. A lot has changed since then. The overwhelming sentiment in the room, including from many business leaders and locally elected officials, was that a convention would offer the best hope to comprehensively reform state government to make it once again work for the people. Learn more at: www.BayAreaCouncil.org/takeaction_ccc.php
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CALIFORNIA TODAY • Planning and Conservation League & PCL Foundation
CanstockPhoto.com
California Natural Resource Funding in National Climate Bills
By: Matt Little, National Wildlife Federation
Barack Obama is in office and if you’re like me, you are pretty excited about the direction we’re headed. As you already know, the President is serious about global warming and the House and Senate have majorities more inclined to protect the environment. Despite the lagging economy, 2009 is the year when the United States must take action and show the world that we are leaders on global warming. According to scientists, this legislation must reduce carbon emissions 80% by 2050 to avoid the worst case scenario. We need to pass this legislation before the international community meets this fall to discuss a new treaty! This legislation will generate an unprecedented source of funding through the auctioning of pollution credits to industry, and there are many interests fighting for these funds. National Wildlife Federation is working to represent a small, but growing voice for wildlife
and natural resources that must “adapt” to our rapidly changing ecosystems. State wildlife managers, like California’s Department of Fish and Game, are working hard to figure out what projects must be prioritized in a changing climate, and they will need much more funding than currently provided. Nationwide, natural resources funding could exceed $100 billion, but only if constituents like you ask for it. We need your help. Please write or call your member of Congress and ask him or her to be a real leader and demand a global warming bill that gets at least 20% reductions by 2020, 80% reductions by 2050, and includes significant funding for natural resources. Senator Boxer and Congressman Waxman are especially important in this process, since they Chair the committees that will move these bills through Congress.
Also, if you represent an organization that has an interest in natural resources funding, please consider asking your group to join California’s “Teaming with Wildlife” Coalition. This group is quickly becoming the voice for natural resources funding to combat climate change, and they are looking for new members. Please visit: www.Teaming.com/action to join and read more, or contact Matt Vander Sluis, California’s non-profit contact for Teaming, at [email protected].
Members Contribute to the PCL History Project
By: Charlotte Hodde
At the PCL and PCL Foundation 2009 Symposium, Can you help us identify the individuals in this historic longtime environmental leaders went on the record PCL photo? If so, email your answer to [email protected]. about the Planning and Conservation League’s legacy. Through audio recordings, League members shared some of the significant landmarks that put PCL on the map of California’s history. One highlight included PCL’s initiative to preserve the Zero Emission Vehicle option before the California Air Resources Board that was later highlighted in the documentary “Who Killed the Electric Car?” Additionally, PCL sponsored the state’s first-ever volunteer signature gathering campaign to pass a $776 million park bond, Proposition 70. It was clear from these stories that since its beginning, PCL has attracted members because they see the League as a responsive, agile, and effective environmental force in the state. CALIFORNIA TODAY • Planning and Conservation League & PCL Foundation 7
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PLANNING AND CONSERVATION LEAGUE PLANNING AND CONSERVATION LEAGUE FOUNDATION
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VISIT US ON THE WEB: www.PCL.org or www.PCLFoundation.org
Remembering Jo Smith
By: Traci Sheehan
Dorothy Green Fellowship
By: Melanie Schlotterbeck
for generations to come
Thoughtful estate planning includes considering: • Your own financial future and retirement • Your family’s financial security • A safe and healthy environment for future generations To receive free information about how thoughtful estate planning can benefit you, your family and the environment, please call Traci Sheehan at 916-313-4511 or contact her by email at [email protected].
Long-time Planning and Conservation League (PCL) board member Dorothy Green died on October 13, 2008 of melanoma. She was a steadfast supporter of the League and always advocated for California’s wise water use and water policy. In her honor, the PCL Foundation has established the Dorothy Green Fellowship. The Fellow will conduct research and public outreach on California water issues. Our goal is to have our first Fellow begin in the Fall of 2009. The position will be available to a college student or recent graduate. We encourage you to provide a tax deductible gift to support this position. To make a donation online go to: www.PCLFoundation.org/donate or call 916-313-4517.
PLANNING AND CONSERVATION LEAGUE PLANNING AND CONSERVATION LEAGUE FOUNDATION
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Jo Smith was a loyal and active PCL member for many years. She will be remembered as a passionate environmentalist, naturalist, and advocate who cared deeply about the Sacramento community. Jo was active in many groups including the Audubon Society, the American River Parkway Foundation, Save the American River Association and the Sacramento Tree Foundation. She was the founding member of the Effie Yeaw Nature Center and co-founder of the Sacramento Urban Creeks Council. She was also a member of the League of Women Voters for over 50 years and served on its Board of Directors. “She had a critical mind and a critical eye, but she never spoke critically,” said Alta Tura, President of the Sacramento Urban Creeks Council.
Protecting all the unique gems of California, no matter how small
PLANNING AND CONSERVATION LEAGUE FOUNDATION
CALIFORNIA TODAY
Newsletter of the Planning & Conservation League
March 2009
Volume 39, Number 1
See how the Bond Freeze Impacts Parks, pg. 3
Chino Hills State Park, Dr. Jeff Hansen
Left in the Dark: California's Neglected Communities
By: René Guerrero
For better or for worse, land use decisions have a In California, hundreds of unincorporated communities, significant impact on public health and the environment. commonly referred to as the urban fringe or rural The Planning and Conservation League (PCL) is educating enclaves, lack basic infrastructure for health, safety, water, decision makers about this important linkage and bringing transportation, and education. Millions of Californians about reform to our state’s policy to better ensure the live in these urban and rural unincorporated communities health and well being of California’s residents. where they suffer from severe unemployment, abject To promote local and statewide land use policies that poverty and need essential infrastructure such as streets, distribute the benefits of land use decisions and protect sidewalks, street lights, storm drains, parks, safe housing, human health and the environment, the League and the clean drinking water, and adequate sewer service. PCL Foundation have embarked on new programs. These There are more than 200 such communities in the include providing training throughout the state on how to San Joaquin Valley alone. Many of these communities use California laws to assess and prevent or mitigate the are politically isolated islands, surrounded by the city negative environmental and public health impacts from limits of medium to large-sized cities or located land use decisions. We will also work with affected in irregular settlements within a county’s jurisdiction. communities to create and support sustainability policies Often times, unincorporated communities compete that explicitly take into account environmental and public with other similar areas for political influence and health concerns. resources. While county governments dedicate their In order to ensure that all California communities are capacity to deliver state authorized programs and services, able to realize their full potential as healthy, livable, and they may neglect their governmental role to serve these economically viable places, PCL has joined PolicyLink, unincorporated communities. the California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation and the If you would like to learn more about how the Center on Race Poverty and the Environment to adopt collaboration is tackling this issue or to share your legislation. The legislation encourages investment in experiences of living in an unincorporated community, unincorporated communities and addresses the complex please contact René Guerrero, Program Manager for legal, financial and political barriers that contribute to Public Health and the Environment at 916-313-4508 regional inequity and infrastructure deficits within or by email at [email protected]. disadvantaged unincorporated communities. CALIFORNIA TODAY • Planning and Conservation League & PCL Foundation
Dear Friends,
CALIFORNIA TODAY (ISBN 0739-8042) is the quarterly newsletter of the PLANNING AND CONSERVATION LEAGUE AND THE PCL FOUNDATION
1107 Ninth Street, Suite 360, Sacramento, CA 95814 PHONE: 916-444-8726 FAX: 916-448-1789
E-MAIL ADDRESS: [email protected] WEB ADDRESS: http://www.pcl.org Membership to PCL is $35 a year and includes a subscription to CALIFORNIA TODAY. Periodicals postage paid at Sacramento, CA. POSTMASTER: Send address changes for CALIFORNIA TODAY to the PCL Office: 1107 Ninth Street, Suite 360, Sacramento, CA 95814
PCLF BOARD OF TRUSTEES
DAVID HIRSCH, Chairman RALPH B. PERRY III, Vice Chairman DANIEL S. FROST, Secretary-Treasurer COKE HALLOWELL, Trustee GERALD H. MERAL, Trustee
PCL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
BILL CENTER, President KEVIN JOHNSON, Senior Vice President LYNN SADLER, Senior Vice President SAGE SWEETWOOD, President Emeritus JOHN VAN DE KAMP, President Emeritus BILL LEIMBACH, Secretary-Treasurer
REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENTS
ELISABETH BROWN JAN CHATTEN-BROWN PHYLLIS FABER RICK HAWLEY FRAN LAYTON DOUG LINNEY DAVID MOGAVERO STEPHANIE PINCETL TERESA VILLEGAS TERRY WATT BILL YEATES
ORGANIZATIONAL BOARD MEMBERS
Big Sur Land Trust Breathe California, Sacramento-Emigrant Trails California Association of Local Conservation Corps California Oak Foundation California Trout Greenspace - The Cambria Land Trust Golden Gate Audubon Society The Laguna Greenbelt, Inc. Mono Lake Committee Mountain Lion Foundation Sierra Nevada Alliance Southern California Agricultural Land Foundation Train Riders Association of California The Trust for Public Land
PCL/PCL FOUNDATION STAFF
TRACI SHEEHAN, Executive Director TINA ANDOLINA, Legislative Director BARB BYRNE, Water Policy Assistant EVON CHAMBERS, Water Policy Assistant RENÉ GUERRERO, Project Manager - Legislative Advocate CHARLOTTE HODDE, Water Policy Specialist DR. MONICA HUNTER, Central Coast Water Project Manager MINDY McINTYRE, Water Program Manager JONAS MINTON, Senior Water Policy Advisor JONATHAN BERNSTEIN, Administrative Manager PAUL GILLIGAN, Sierra Nevada Americorp Member AMBER SCHMAELING, Membership & Development Coordinator MATT VANDER SLUIS, Global Warming Project Manager MELANIE SCHLOTTERBECK, Grants & Outreach Consultant
On February 7th, over 50 of our friends and supporters gathered for an evening reception to kick-off the annual Legislative Symposium. At that party we celebrated both PCL’s past and future. Our 44-year legacy as the “citizen lobbyist” for California’s environment in Sacramento is a story of one grassroots campaign after another linking local communities to decision makers in the State Capitol. For the event, we created a timeline and scrapbook of over four decades of acres saved, transit lines laid, species protected, partnerships born, and communities empowered to protect environmental equality and public health. This project is more than a reflection on the past; it’s a reminder of what we are capable of in the future. As such, it was a perfect kick-off to our annual Symposium. The message of this year’s event was clear - if we want to build momentum for real change in California, then we need many friends, old and new. And to provide effective leadership and a strong voice on critical issues, we need your leadership and your voice. As you already know, we currently face some pretty challenging questions and at the same time were are poised for some momentous opportunities. The economic crisis, California’s frozen bond funding, green jobs for our state, global warming, a green economy - these are issues that we all care about. That is why PCL is working to pull together a “league” of diverse interests from all around the state. New and old friends, activists and member groups will work on these issues. PCL also recently welcomed two new members to its Board of Directors: Esther Feldman and Michael Picker. While both are new to the PCL Board, their work has benefited both the environment and our organization. While working for PCL, Esther was instrumental in the writing, campaign and passage of the $776 million Parks and Wildlife Act (Prop. 70) led by PCL in 1988, the first major park bond to be placed on the state ballot through the citizen’s initiative process. Michael has 30 years of experience in policy development, local and state government administration, grassroots policy campaigns, coalition building, community organizing, non-profit management, and press relations. Welcome to Esther and Michael! Sincerely, Traci Sheehan Executive Director
Our Website Got a Face Lift - Check it Out!
Please visit our new and improved website at www.PCLFoundation.org. Our goal is to make information easily accessible and available to you! Please send any comments you may have to: [email protected].
California Affiliate National Wildlife Federation
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CALIFORNIA TODAY • Planning and Conservation League & PCL Foundation
Bond Freeze Impacts California Conservation Projects
By: Paul Gilligan
On December 17, 2008, the state shut down important conservation and restoration projects funded by California park bonds. Two months later the Legislature passed a revised budget, yet the bond-freeze continues. Across the state, environmental groups have been forced to let go of staff or close the doors completely. “It’s ironic in a time when stimulating the economy through ‘shovel ready’ green jobs is all the buzz, our legislators just ripped the green shovels out of ‘shovel happening’ projects,” said Joan Clayburgh, Executive Director of the Sierra Nevada
Map numbers correspond to counties. Each county includes the number of frozen projects and amount of funding halted (M = million). Note: each project is only listed once regardless of table or category.
Alliance, one of many organizations forced to make cuts. This map demonstrates the effect the bond freeze has had on environmental projects across the state supported by voter approved bond measures, Propositions 12, 13, 40, 50, and 84. Data for the tables below came from the California Department of Finance. The impact goes far beyond the short term as these projects and funding collectively improve air and water quality, land use decisions, wildlife survival, scenic regions, and an overall quality of life for all of us. Learn more at: http://StopWorkImpact.ning.com.
23 - Sacramento (73 - $52 M) 24 - El Dorado (83 - $25.7 M) 25 - Solano (43 - $20.6 M) 26 - Amador (15 - $2.4 M) 27 - Alpine (6 - $0.69 M) 28 - Marin (60 - $18.3 M) 29 - Contra Costa (62 - $29.8 M) 30 - San Joaquin (25 - $12.2 M) 31 - Calaveras (12 - $0.75 M) 32 - Tuolumne (15 - $12.3 M) 33 - San Francisco (49 - $27.7 M) 34 - San Mateo (45 - $17.6 M) 35 - Santa Cruz (48 - $41.2 M) 36 - Alameda (77 - $45.4 M) 37 - Santa Clara (57 - $24.5 M) 38 - Stanislaus (21 - $8.3 M) 39 - Merced (17 - $11.8 M) 40 - Mariposa (21 - $2.6 M) 41 - Mono (21 - $2.4 M) 42 - Monterey (63 - $30.5 M) 43 - San Benito (2 - $1.7 M) 44 - Fresno (84 - $32.4 M) 45 - Madera (18 - $11.8 M) 46 - Kings (5 - $1.7 M) 47 - Tulare (51 - $14.5 M) 48 - Inyo (13 - $1.9 M) 49 - San Luis Obispo (43 - $65.2 M) 50 - Kern (50 - $57.8 M) 51 - San Bernardino (50 - $30.8 M) 52 - Santa Barbara (51 - $23.4 M) 53 - Ventura (52 - $32.2 M) 54 - Los Angeles (546 - $280.4 M) 55 - Orange (110 - $70 M) 56 - Riverside (75 - $66.3 M) 57 - San Diego (162 - $91.4 M) 58 - Imperial (18 - $25.1 M) TOTAL: 2,806 projects 58 $1,483 M
PROJECT IMPACTS AND AMOUNT BY COUNTY
1 - Del Norte (26 - $12.1 M) 2 - Siskiyou (26 - $17.7 M) 3 - Modoc (18 - $3.9 M) 4 - Humboldt (58 - $25.8 M) 5 - Trinity (12 - $0.98 M) 6 - Shasta (37 - $10.3 M) 7 - Lassen (19 - $1.5 M) 8 - Tehama (33 - $27 M) 9 - Plumas (30 - $9.1 M) 10 - Mendocino (53 - $21 M) 11 - Glenn (16 - $5 M) 12 - Butte (35 - $15.4 M) 13 - Sierra (13 - $4.9 M) 14 - Lake (10 - $3.1 M) 15 - Colusa (13 - $1.6 M) 16 - Sutter (14 - $22.4 M) 17 - Yuba (7 - $0.38 M) 18 - Nevada (26 - $12.9 M) 19 - Placer (67 - $24.9 M) 20 - Sonoma (68 - $31.9 M) 21 - Napa (45 - $22.8 M) 22 - Yolo (37 - $15.1 M)
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13 12 11 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 27 26 25 31 32 28 30 29 33 36 40 38 34 37 39 45 35 44 42 43 46
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48 51
MULTI-COUNTY PROJECTS
50 Central Coastal (5 - $11.4 M) 49 Coastal (23 - $16.7 M) Delta (19 - $45.3 M) 52 Inland Empire (6 - $8 M) 53 54 Northern California (8 - $2 M) Northern Coastal (14 - $10.2 M) Sacramento Valley (17 - $17.1 M) Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta (8 - $25.1 M) MISCELLANEOUS PROJECTS San Joaquin Valley (14 - $3.2 M) San Francisco Bay (45 - $74.9 M) Statewide (98 - $227.4 M) Sierra Nevada (60 - $12.3 M) Undetermined (114 - $273.6 M) Southern Coastal (34 - $63.8 M) TOTAL: 212 projects TOTAL: 253 projects $501 M $290.2 M
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56 57
GRAND TOTAL: 3,271 projects - $2,274 M
CALIFORNIA TODAY • Planning and Conservation League & PCL Foundation
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Symposium Energizes Audience Toward Sustainability
By: Matt Vander Sluis
The PCL and PCL Foundation’s 2009 Symposium on Saturday, February 7th was a tremendous success with a total attendance of over 300. The program was full of up-to-the-minute information on top environmental issues, including the state budget freeze, the federal recovery package, and the current water crisis. The Symposium featured 33 panelists and speakers, including state environmental agency leaders, environmental advocates, elected officials and business leaders. The event also featured three engaging keynote presentations and an awards banquet in the evening. To kick-off the Symposium, Senate President pro Tem Darrell Steinberg discussed the state’s economic crisis and outlined opportunities to address the educational, economic, and environmental needs of the state by incorporating green job training into middle and high school curricula.
Jakada Imani, Executive Director of the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights, laid out a compelling case for building a green workforce that can revitalize and sustain families, communities, and the environment. At the banquet, State Senator Fran Pavley shared recent successes in environmental legislation and her priorities for the 2009 legislative session. Key environmental leaders were recognized during an evening awards ceremony to celebrate their achievements. Descriptions and photos of each award winner are available on our website. Thanks to everyone who participated for making our 2009 Symposium a resounding success! We’ve posted the handouts and presentations on our website as well. Materials can be viewed at: www.PCL.org/events/2009proceedings.html
Some of the comments we received...
“It was an incredible opportunity to network and explore. We learned about developing an online community, managing a multi-faceted issue campaign, and heard from top experts in their fields. The symposium is truly an education on key environmental issues and building community coalitions.” “My favorite PCL conference of the last four I’ve attended!”
PCL Legislative Director Tina Andolina, Board Pre Center, Execu sident Bil Dir President pro Temtive rre ector Traci Sheehan with Senate l Da ll Steinberg after his keynote address.
“Loved the Tejon Ranch panel!” “Darrell Steinberg - provocative on budget.” “I liked hearing about the work of the awardees and hearing them speak - inspiring.”
Da n and PCL Board Cal Fire Chief Kate nsorga t the audience er Kevin Joh n kep e panel. Memb engaged with the wildfir
Activists, agency representatives, attorneys, planners, students, legislative staff and business leaders packed the general session room for exceptional keynotes.
Networking time during lun old friends and new frie ch allowed for nds to meet!
Thanks to Keith Wagner for providing all the event photos.
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CALIFORNIA TODAY • Planning and Conservation League & PCL Foundation
Thank You to Our Generous Sponsors
Oak Woodlands Sponsors ($5,000 - $9,999)
Waste Management • Pacific Gas & Electric
Joshua Tree Sponsors ($2,500 - $4,999)
Water for California • Chatten-Brown & Cartsens LLP
Other Sponsors (Below $500) California State Parks Foundation • Environmental Law Section of the California State Bar • GreenInfo Network • MTV Environmental Consulting • The Sierra Fund • Senator Pat Wiggins Acorn Sponsors ($125) Breathe California, Sacramento-Emigrant Trails • California Interfaith Power & Light • Clover Valley Foundation • Defenders of Wildlife • Ebbetts Pass Forest Watch • Friends of Harbors, Beaches and Parks • Friends of the Swainson’s Hawk • Mariposans For the Environment and Responsible Government • Revive the San Joaquin • San Diego River Park Foundation • San Joaquin Valley Leadership Forum • Save Mount Diablo • Sierra Nevada Alliance • Valley Land Alliance
California Poppy Sponsors ($1,000 - $2,499) Camp Lotus • Conservation Clarity • DMB Associates • East Bay Municipal Utility District • Laguna Greenbelt, Inc. • Linda and Byron Sher Family Fund • Metropolitan Water District • Phyllis Faber • Rossmann and Moore LLP • Shute Mihaly & Weinberger LLP Grasslands Sponsors ($500 - $999) Adams, Broadwell, Joseph & Cardozo • AFSCME Local 2428 • California Trout • Conservation Corps North Bay • Far Western Anthropological Research Group • Golden Gate Audubon • Holland and Knight • Inland Empire Utilities Agency • John Van de Kamp • Kenyon Yeates LLP • LA Conservation Corps • Marin Conservation League • National Parks Conservation Association • National Wildlife Federation • Robert Erickson • Tahoe Graphics • Terry Watt
Thanks Again!
Visit our website for more information on the Symposium including PowerPoints and handouts: www.PCL.org/events/2009proceedings.html
President Former PCL Board telegram, received a singing e for his balloons and a cak wife! birthday from his
Bob Stine discusses the Conservation and Land Use Agreement for Tejon Ranch during an MCLE session with Richard Taylor and PCL Board member Terry Watt.
Senator Pavley announ priorities and the enviro ces her nm challenges of 2009. ental
The ever-inspiring Jak Imani during his afternada oon keynote address.
Award winners Stephanie Taylor (Green L.A.), Miguel Luna, and Elva Yañez with certificates presented by Alana Yañez of Assemblymember de León’s office.
ry Patton in an PCL Board member Ga Margie Kay and discussion with animated rey County. Lisa Dobbins of Monte
CALIFORNIA TODAY • Planning and Conservation League & PCL Foundation
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California Approves Landmark Climate Plan, Flaws Remain
By: Matt Vander Sluis
In December, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) approved the Scoping Plan for AB 32, the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006. The approved plan lays out an ambitious array of actions to reduce California’s greenhouse gas emissions back to 1990 levels by 2020. Measures in the Plan include expansion of our renewable energy goals, cleaner cars, and greater energy efficiency in our homes and businesses. Many of these actions will bring other benefits to California, from cleaner air and water to cost savings and job creation. Before approving the Plan, CARB made several substantive improvements based upon recommendations from environmental organizations including the Planning and Conservation League. However, while the Board’s approval marks an important step forward in the fight against global warming, the Plan still stumbles in several areas. According to the Plan, polluting companies may reap windfall profits, while receiving financially valuable pollution allowances for free. At a time when our state is struggling to make sure bus drivers and teachers get paid, it doesn’t make sense to provide new subsidies to our worst polluters. We’re also disappointed that, despite a loud outcry from the environmental community, many local governments, health advocates, and progressive developers, the plan does not include a stronger commitment to
CanStockPhoto.com Sprawling land use patterns contribute significantly to global warming.
addressing California’s sprawling growth patterns. Recent studies have shown that better land use decisions in California could result in a reduction of greenhouse emissions on the order of 11-14 million metric tons (MMT) by 2020. Unfortunately, CARB board members chose a conservative 5 MMT target until a special committee explores the issue in greater detail in 2009. We’ll continue to work with CARB, the Legislature, and communities across California to make sure that we achieve our low carbon future in an effective, fair manner and that tomorrow’s land use patterns enable us to meet our emission reduction goals and build healthy, sustainable communities.
Directory for Sierra Complete
By: Melanie Schlotterbeck
131 Years Later... Change Needed
By: Tina Andolina
After months of work, the PCL Foundation is proud to announce the launch of the Sierra Nevada Grassroots Directory. The document explores issues prevalent in each of the 23 California and Nevada counties found in the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. The entire directory has been posted on the PCL Foundation website www.PCLFoundation.org. This online resources is a living document that will be regularly updated with new organizations. If we missed listing an organization, please let us know by sending an email to: [email protected].
In February, PCL co-sponsored a meeting to discuss the viability of calling a constitutional convention to re-examine how our state government operates. If this past year’s budget crisis has taught us anything, it is that the system is broken. Something must change. The question is how we accomplish that change. To kick off that discussion, PCL joined more than 300 others at a standing room only summit to explore the pros and cons of calling a constitutional convention. The last constitutional convention in California was held 131 years ago. A lot has changed since then. The overwhelming sentiment in the room, including from many business leaders and locally elected officials, was that a convention would offer the best hope to comprehensively reform state government to make it once again work for the people. Learn more at: www.BayAreaCouncil.org/takeaction_ccc.php
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CALIFORNIA TODAY • Planning and Conservation League & PCL Foundation
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California Natural Resource Funding in National Climate Bills
By: Matt Little, National Wildlife Federation
Barack Obama is in office and if you’re like me, you are pretty excited about the direction we’re headed. As you already know, the President is serious about global warming and the House and Senate have majorities more inclined to protect the environment. Despite the lagging economy, 2009 is the year when the United States must take action and show the world that we are leaders on global warming. According to scientists, this legislation must reduce carbon emissions 80% by 2050 to avoid the worst case scenario. We need to pass this legislation before the international community meets this fall to discuss a new treaty! This legislation will generate an unprecedented source of funding through the auctioning of pollution credits to industry, and there are many interests fighting for these funds. National Wildlife Federation is working to represent a small, but growing voice for wildlife
and natural resources that must “adapt” to our rapidly changing ecosystems. State wildlife managers, like California’s Department of Fish and Game, are working hard to figure out what projects must be prioritized in a changing climate, and they will need much more funding than currently provided. Nationwide, natural resources funding could exceed $100 billion, but only if constituents like you ask for it. We need your help. Please write or call your member of Congress and ask him or her to be a real leader and demand a global warming bill that gets at least 20% reductions by 2020, 80% reductions by 2050, and includes significant funding for natural resources. Senator Boxer and Congressman Waxman are especially important in this process, since they Chair the committees that will move these bills through Congress.
Also, if you represent an organization that has an interest in natural resources funding, please consider asking your group to join California’s “Teaming with Wildlife” Coalition. This group is quickly becoming the voice for natural resources funding to combat climate change, and they are looking for new members. Please visit: www.Teaming.com/action to join and read more, or contact Matt Vander Sluis, California’s non-profit contact for Teaming, at [email protected].
Members Contribute to the PCL History Project
By: Charlotte Hodde
At the PCL and PCL Foundation 2009 Symposium, Can you help us identify the individuals in this historic longtime environmental leaders went on the record PCL photo? If so, email your answer to [email protected]. about the Planning and Conservation League’s legacy. Through audio recordings, League members shared some of the significant landmarks that put PCL on the map of California’s history. One highlight included PCL’s initiative to preserve the Zero Emission Vehicle option before the California Air Resources Board that was later highlighted in the documentary “Who Killed the Electric Car?” Additionally, PCL sponsored the state’s first-ever volunteer signature gathering campaign to pass a $776 million park bond, Proposition 70. It was clear from these stories that since its beginning, PCL has attracted members because they see the League as a responsive, agile, and effective environmental force in the state. CALIFORNIA TODAY • Planning and Conservation League & PCL Foundation 7
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Remembering Jo Smith
By: Traci Sheehan
Dorothy Green Fellowship
By: Melanie Schlotterbeck
for generations to come
Thoughtful estate planning includes considering: • Your own financial future and retirement • Your family’s financial security • A safe and healthy environment for future generations To receive free information about how thoughtful estate planning can benefit you, your family and the environment, please call Traci Sheehan at 916-313-4511 or contact her by email at [email protected].
Long-time Planning and Conservation League (PCL) board member Dorothy Green died on October 13, 2008 of melanoma. She was a steadfast supporter of the League and always advocated for California’s wise water use and water policy. In her honor, the PCL Foundation has established the Dorothy Green Fellowship. The Fellow will conduct research and public outreach on California water issues. Our goal is to have our first Fellow begin in the Fall of 2009. The position will be available to a college student or recent graduate. We encourage you to provide a tax deductible gift to support this position. To make a donation online go to: www.PCLFoundation.org/donate or call 916-313-4517.
PLANNING AND CONSERVATION LEAGUE PLANNING AND CONSERVATION LEAGUE FOUNDATION
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Jo Smith was a loyal and active PCL member for many years. She will be remembered as a passionate environmentalist, naturalist, and advocate who cared deeply about the Sacramento community. Jo was active in many groups including the Audubon Society, the American River Parkway Foundation, Save the American River Association and the Sacramento Tree Foundation. She was the founding member of the Effie Yeaw Nature Center and co-founder of the Sacramento Urban Creeks Council. She was also a member of the League of Women Voters for over 50 years and served on its Board of Directors. “She had a critical mind and a critical eye, but she never spoke critically,” said Alta Tura, President of the Sacramento Urban Creeks Council.
Protecting all the unique gems of California, no matter how small
