Winter 2003 Watershed Newsletter, Cambria Land Trust
Content
Volume IV, Issue 1
Winter 2003
W ATERSHED
Happy 15th Anniversary to Local Land Conservation!
This year Greenspace is celebrating our 15th year of local land conservation. Many community members have been with us from the beginning, others have joined more recently. We hope you will forgive us for “tooting our own horn” in this issue, but we are proud of the accomplishments that, through the support of the community, we have made since our inception. That said, we hope you will enjoy a look at what Greenspace has been up to in the past 15 years!
Fifteen years ago, a few Cambria residents were concerned about the preservation of Santa Rosa Creek. They established and chartered Greenspace – The Cambria Land Trust as a local grassroots environmental group dedicated to the establishment of a conservation corridor along that creek. As the Central Coast has grown over the past 15 years, Greenspace has evolved and expanded its area of focus. Greenspace now embraces all of the area’s ecological systems and has stretched its geographical boundaries from the Monterey County line on the north to Villa Creek on the south. The Greenspace mission, revised in 1999 to reflect the changing needs of the area, states: The North Coast area of San Luis Obispo County is a national treasure. Greenspace will protect and enhance its ecological systems through land acquisition and management, public education and advocacy. Following are some of the ways Greenspace has worked to fulfill its mission for the citizens of Cambria.
Happy Anniversary (Cont’d on Page 3)
East Meets West
Greenspace partners with Cambria Historical Society
Last November, Greenspace held its First Annual Chinatown on Center Street, which celebrated the history of the Chinese culture that had thrived on the Center Street property over a hundred years ago. The day was filled with electricity as Chinese Lion Dancers blessed the historic Chinese Temple, world class Tai Chi martial artists demonstrated their incredible prowess, historians regaled the audience with tales of times past, vendors in the Chinatown Market Place offered incredible artwork, numerology, face painting and more, children had the opportunity to ride a horse around the property and everyone enjoyed a sumptuous Chinese barbeque. The day ended with the community dancing to the
Cal Poly Lion Dancer blesses the temple.
Take A Walk in the Woods
Tours of Cambria Pines-By-The-Sea Ranch return
The Third Annual Cambria Walk in the Woods is scheduled to begin in April. The walk will take place on Tracy and Ralph Covell’s Cambria Pines by the Sea Ranch (formerly the Cambria Coast Ranch). Most Cambrians or casual visitors to our Cambria Walk in the area have never had the opportuWoods Tour Dates nity to walk on this precious prop(By Reservation Only) erty. Thanks to The Nature ConApril 19 - 10 a.m servancy, the Covell’s, and funding April 19 - 2 p.m. from SafeTree and Greenspace, we April 20 - 10 a.m. have an opportunity to visit this May 3 - 10 a.m. wonderful property. May 3 - 2 p.m. We now are offering ten ‘walks’ May 10 - 10 a.m. on four weekends. In addition to May 11 - 10 a.m. the knowledge that Richard Hawley May 17 - 10 a.m. and Brad Seek share with the hikMay 18 - 10 a.m. ers on the tours, Greenspace has May 24 - 10 a.m. arranged additional experts to speak on a number of the tours. The guest
Cambria Walk in the Woods (Cont’d on Page 4)
East Meets West (Cont’d on Page 4)
Cambria Has More Forested Open Space
Recently Greenspace purchased two significant parcels of property. One is a beautiful forested parcel approximately 1/5 acre in size. It is located near the top of Pineridge at the corner of Ellis. The property was purchased through a bargain sale arrangement from Lynn and Galen Rathbun. Twelve families in the neighborhood banded together and helped Greenspace with the purchase. The acquisition project was turbo-charged by Greenspace board member Noel Schmidt and his wife Mary. They offered to match other donations, dollar for dollar with a $5,000 limit for cumulaNeighbors celebrate Pineridge Ellis acquisition tive dollars. With this generous gift the neighbors rallied and the acquisition was completed. We want to acknowledge the following neighbors for their assistance: Lucy Soyster, Nancy and Skip Moss, John and Mary Dingler, Jacqueline Kelly, Robert and Margaret Sullivan, Bobbie and Harold Monroe, Bill and Barbara Marks, Katie and Walter Sterling, Patricia and Michael Schimberg, Greg and Arlene Stone, and Lynn and Galen Rathbun. A Triangle of Funds to Purchase Critical Cultural Site The Archaeological Conservancy, a national organization based in New Mexico, the Martin Huyck family of Altadena, California, and GreenspaceThe Cambria Land Trust pooled our resources and purchased the second
Open Space (Cont’d on Page 5)
Help Us Save Center Street!
We are looking for some help with our Center Street property. Specifically we are asking members of the community if they would make a monthly, quarterly or yearly donation to help us pay the monthly mortgage on this incredible property. Our payment is $3,100 per month. Greenspace purchased this 1.6-acre parcel for $350,000. The appraised value when we purchased the property was $495,000. We began making payment on the property in 2000 and have reduced the principal we owe to $245,500. The terms of our installment contract are $3,100 or more per month at 7.0% interest. The note will be paid in 15 years or sooner. We are looking for 150 people to make a monthly pledge of $20 per month for 18 months or a donation of $360 for the 18-month period. Your donation is tax deductible and the money you donate to Greenspace will be used specifically for the Center Street mortgage payment. Greenspace is working on a business plan for the property that would generate a revenue stream of $800 to $1,200 per month. After startup costs are repaid, the revenue stream would apply to the payments. Additionally, the business plan would enable Greenspace to rent the property for events. Once we secure the Chinese building, the property will be open for public use when not rented. The first section of the Cross-Town Trail will be built by Greenspace and will traverse the back third of the property. The longer view is to reduce the debt to zero by the end of 2006. We will be aggressively pursuing grants and other funding sources to augment the pay down of this commuGreenspace Center Street property nity resource. One of the options is to sell the front 9,000 square feet of the 1.6-acre property (that is the reason you may have noticed the “For Sale” sign on the gate). However, the board of directors would prefer to complete the purchase of the entire parcel for public use and not sell the front 9,000 square feet. Keep in mind that if we do find the funding mechanism to purchase the property in its entirety before your commitment has ended, we will notify you and your obligation will end. Note that Greenspace can receive stocks, bonds or other negotiable instruments. Donations of these instruments into our stock and bond portfolio will reduce and perhaps eliminate capital gain taxes and provide you, your family or business with a tax donation too. For more details, please call the office. Thank you for considering our request. We have successfully purchased a number of properties in Cambria with community pledges. Please remember that Greenspace has furnished the community with pocket parks, trails and open space for 15 years with no taxes levied or government overhead. We look forward to you becoming a partner in this project and welcome your thoughts and questions. 2
Happy Anniversary (Cont’d from Page 1)
Forest Preserves and Pocket Parks Nearly $2 million of formerly developable property has been retired from development and set aside for the enjoyment of Cambria’s residents and visitors through our Forest Preserve and Pocket Park Program.
Archaeological Preservation Important aspects of Cambria’s history are being preserved through our acquisition of the Chinese Association Hall on Center Street and the continuing acquisition of the Chumash Village site on Wales Triangle.
Greenspace Reforestation and Inoculation Program Seedlings that are potentially resistant to pitch canker, a disease that has threatened to decimate Cambria’s Monterey pine forest, will be available to plant in the community this year.
Clean-Up and Monitoring Efforts Greenspace staff and volunteers continue to participate in an annual Creek Clean-Up Day, Coastal Clean-Up Day, water monitoring efforts and Snapshot Day.
Santa Rosa Creek/Steelhead With the creek’s preservation as the original mission of the organization, Greenspace continues to attempt to protect Santa Rosa Creek and its steelhead through educational efforts, advocacy against MtBE pollution and advocacy for higher creek levels.
Property Restoration Greenspace staff and volunteers are continually restoring forest preserves and pocket parks by various methods, including erosion control and planting programs. Community Workshops Workshops have been offered to the community on such diverse subjects as the Santa Rosa Creek watershed, saving the Arctic wilderness, IRS regulations for non-profit organizations and how to use the California Environmental Quality Act to protect the North Coast of San Luis Obispo County. Funding Property Maintenance Maintenance of our forest preserves and pocket parks is partially funded through our bench program, our name-apark program and our memorial tree grove program. Pocahontas Park Community Organic Garden The opportunity to “grow your own” is available at our organic garden. A limited number of individual plots have opened up for members of the community. Please call the Greenspace office.
3
Now is the Time for a Santa Rosa Creek Watershed Enhancement Plan
In 1993 Greenspace introduced the Santa Rosa Creek Enhancement Plan for the lower reach of the creek. The Plan addressed issues from the Pacific Ocean to Santa Lucia High School. A steering committee directed the Plan. Steering committee members included the Cambria Camber of Commerce, Trust for Public Land, State Coastal Conservancy, California Department of Parks and Recreation, San Luis Obispo County Parks and Recreation, San Luis Obispo Department of Planning and Building, California Department of Fish and Game, Cambria Community Services District, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, public member at large and Greenspace. Many of the recommendations in the Plan have been successfully realized. The high profile recommendations included the purchase Santa Rosa Creek of Rancho Pacifica (East Ranch) and the MidState Bank property. These two properties, now under public ownership, would protect the flood plain of Santa Rosa creek from development and subsequently provide the community with an alternative flood control project that protects the West Village from future flood events while giving the community valuable open space and passive recreational opportunities. It is important to realize that in 2003 Santa Rosa Creek has three federal and state protected species, whereas when the 1993 Plan was written it had one. It is also important to understand that the population of Cambria has grown from just over 4,000 people to now just under 7,000 people and our domestic water use has grown proportionately. The steelhead trout require a flow of water in Santa Rosa Creek in order to migrate from the ocean to spawning areas in the upper watershed and return in subsequent years. The trout’s offspring require water to sustain themselves over the few years they reside in the creek and then migrate to the ocean to begin the reproductive cycle again. In order to enhance opportunities for successful fish migration, an assessment of the entire watershed is needed. Some of the issues that this assessment would analyze include habitat type, stream bank stabilization projects, mid-stream sediment bar and willow removal, and opportunities to work with cooperating land owners to improve habitat on their properties. Greenspace is looking for people living in the Santa Rosa Creek watershed who share an interest in enhancing fishery habitat. Assessment of the fishery conditions in the watershed and developing a cooperative approach to watershed enhancement will improve water flow for agriculture users, other property owners and for wildlife. The possibility to obtain grant funding to begin a Santa Rosa Creek Enhancement Plan is available, but the process to be awarded the funds is extremely competitive. There is no better time than the present to begin this vital exercise in thoughtful and cooperative partnerships. This practical approach to watershed enhancement eliminates litigation and builds community stewardship and ethical standards. Water is a basic human right and is not a commodity.
HELP US SAVE THE NORTH COAST
and receive a subscription to the Greenspace Insider
Family-$30 Patron-$250 Contributing-$50 Sustaining-$500 Sponsoring-$100 Benefactor-$1,000
New Member
Membership Renewal
Enclosed is my $___________ donation (100% tax deductible) Name _________________________________________________ Address________________________________________________ City/State/Zip___________________________________________ GIFT MEMBERSHIP: I’d like to give a $_______ Gift Membership to: Name__________________________________________________ Address________________________________________________ City/State/Zip___________________________________________ PAYMENT Check enclosed VISA M/C
Card # _________________________________________________ Signature_______________________________________________ Send your tax-deductible donations to: GREENSPACE, P . O. Box 1505, Cambria, CA 93428 Cambria Walk in the Woods (Con’t from Page 1)
speakers will have expertise in forest genetics, botany and forest pathology. Greenspace is very fortunate to have developed partnerships with state and international experts on Monterey pines and looks forward to sharing this good fortune with local residents and with visitors to our community. People wishing to participate must RSVP with Greenspace, as space is limited to twenty people per tour. Each tour will last approximately 2 hours. When you RSVP, the Greenspace staff will let you know the location of the hike and, if driving to the event, where to park. Having a sturdy pair of walking shoes, a water bottle, hat and sunscreen is strongly suggested. In addition, wearing light colored, layered clothing is considered the prudent attire for the event. If you are interested in joining us on one of these scheduled “Cambria Walks in the Woods”, please call early to reserve your spot. We anticipate a high degree of interest in this activity and space will be in demand.
East Meets West (Con’t from Page 1)
Welcome to New Greenspace Board Member Ken Dunn!
sounds of a great band, Mind’s Eye. In a perfect marriage of two dedicated groups, this year Greenspace is partnering with the Cambria Historical Society to produce “East Meets West – The Cambria Heritage Celebration”. The event will combine the Cambria Historical Society’s Fifth Annual Heritage Day with Greenspace’s Second Annual Chinatown on Center Street. This exciting celebration will take place on Saturday, June 21st from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. There will be lots of entertainment, the Chinatown Market Place, wine tasting, a delicious “East Meets West” barbeque, a silent auction and many more surprises. The admission for the celebration will be $10.00 for adults, with children 12 and under free (if accompanied by an adult). The proceeds from the day will be used to help both organizations preserve and protect the East Village Historic District. For more information on this celebration of Cambria’s past, please contact the Greenspace office at 927-2866. 4
Seal of Approval
New Greenspace Board Member splits her time between open space and elephant seals
If anyone would like to know how to have a great retirement, new Greenspace Director Cheryl Geigle is the one to ask. Cheryl, and her husband Ray, moved to Cambria from Bakersfield a few years ago where Cheryl first worked in hospital administration and then as a fifth grade school teacher, and Ray was the Dean of Arts and Sciences at Cal StateUniversity, Bakersfield. Since moving here, Cheryl has been busier than ever in her new life. Cheryl began her relationship with Greenspace over a year ago when she began to volunteer in the office one day per week. The office staff is always happy to see her coming. Whether she is entering names into a huge database or folding letters for a bulk mailing, Cheryl always has a smile on her face. Then, at the end of last year, Greenspace was lucky enough to have her accept a nomination to the Board of Directors. But Greenspace isn’t the only thing on Cheryl’s agenda. She has been taking classes at Cuesta College and has become especially interested in geology. Cheryl works part time at Seekers Glass Gallery and also is a volunteer at The Learning Center. But one of her favorite pastimes involves great big mammals with huge noses! Cheryl has been a docent for the Friends of the Elephant Seals since 1999. As a docent, Cheryl spends one day per week on the shores north of Cambria with these massive creatures to educate the public about these incredible animals. The elephant seals winter along the beach above San Simeon and it is Cheryl’s job, along with the other docents, to protect both the visitors and the seals from disruptions that can occur from too close contact. The docents also count and categorize the number and sex of the seals for the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. The elephant seals spend their time hanging out at the beach and playing in the water. They usually don’t pay much attention to the twolegged beasts that are staring from the observation areas. Trouble comes when one of those human beasts decides they can’t see well enough from where they are and decide to join the elephant seals Elephant seal taking a break on their own turf. That is when Cheryl steps in, to protect both the seals and the people from an encounter that just couldn’t end well. With all of her interests and activities, Greenspace is lucky that Cheryl Geigle is taking the time to be one of the new members of our Board of Directors. She is a delight to work with and we look forward to a long relationship with her.
Freeing Our Fish
Greenspace working to remove barrier under Burton Drive Bridge
On a recent Santa Rosa Creek Walk, the idea to remove a barrier to fish passage was discussed. It was apparent that during times of low water flow steelhead and other fish could not migrate (depending what side of the barrier they were on) either upstream or downstream because of a massive concrete apron that spans the width of Santa Rosa Creek directly under the Burton Drive Bridge. Since Greenspace has collaborated with the California Conservation Corps on past projects, we thought that their creek expertise was needed. After discussion with the Corps, a plan was made on how to best remove the barrier. Greenspace used labor figures provided by the Corps and went to local excavation contractor, Tim Winsor, for his views. Thanks to Winsor and the Corps, a budget for the project was developed by Greenspace. The project will be presented to various agencies for permit requirements and for potential funding sources. If funded, the project is anticipated to take a week to complete. Greenspace will work with surrounding property owners, informing them of hours of operation and the Barrier under Burton Bridge benefits of the project to the community. Burton Drive will require flaggers during the removal phase of the barrier, as traffic will be regulated to one-lane for small periods of time as concrete is craned from the bridge to waiting trucks. Once the barrier is removed, steelhead trout and other fish residing in the Santa Rosa Creek Watershed will have unimpeded access to upstream and downstream reaches of the lower creek. This will help protect the fish from predators and other hazards that the barrier imposed. As part of our continued educational efforts in the watershed, Greenspace will provide interested members of the community and surrounding property owners a preview of the project. Watch the newspaper for details.
Open Space (Cont’d From Page 2)
piece of a seven parcel configuration that contains the most intact cultural site remaining in our area. Through a unique arrangement of cultural preservation and open space acquisition, the property was successfully purchased in December of 2002. Mr. Huyck donated the necessary funds to Greenspace for one half of the purchase price. Efforts to acquire the remaining parcels continue with cooperating owners. Mark Michel, President of The Archaeological Conservancy stated, “The partnership with Greenspace has worked very well and we anticipate future acquisitions throughout the nation using this partnership as a model.” The property is held in joint tenancy with The Archaeological Conservancy and Greenspace. 5
Thanks to our friends and volunteers, Greenspace can continue to work to preserve and protect the North Coast of San Luis Obispo County. We couldn’t do it without you!
Walt and Kate Sterling, Deborah Cox, Craig and Dorothy Loud of Loud Designs, Clyde Warren, Tim Windsor, Arla Stevens, Harry Farmer, Nancy Harris, Americorp, Parker Group, Jennifer and Harvey Smith of Harvey’s Honeyhuts, David Cahn, Rick and Marcia Bruce of the Village Wizard, Marcelle Bakula, Kathie Briles,Julie Coogan, Teela Dupond, Constance and Zdravko Baov, Cindy Gustafson, Cynthia Hawley, Jane & Doug Hay, Molly Lynch, Kathleen, Craig & Casey Marlo, Rhoda Miller, Earline & Lee Putnam, Lynn Rathbun, Gail Spiegel, Barbara Romley, Mary Schmidt, Lucy Soyster, Pat Van Rhyn, Wendy Weatherford, Dawn Dunlap, Michael Huynh and the Cal Poly Lion Dancers, Annie Lawrence of The Lettering Artist, Tom McDannold, John Parker, Li Yu and Norm Petradean of the Wushu Tai Chi Center, Paula Schroeder, Vivian Thompson, Gail Sewell of Chambers Gallery, Lissa McConnell of Exotic Nature, Harmony Sun of Natural Renaissance, Bill Mueller & Adina Burbank of Cambria Computer & Internet, Mike Rice, Frank and Gloria Badger, Ellis and Susan Bassetti of Green Valley Farms, Chris Bates, Lorin & Joy Carey, SLO Historical Society, Mind’s Eye, Larry Fiscalini, Marcie and Kurt Foeller, Victoria Green, John Mierswa, John Ruml and the Cambria Historical Society, Unity of SLO, Jim Webb and Karen & Kellie Wolfe.
Americorp Volunteers on Martin Luther King’s Birthday
Greenspace Board of Directors Wayne Attoe, President Jacque Kelly, Vice President Cathie Bates, Treasurer Doreen Deppler, Secretary Arthur Van Rhyn Jim Brownell Noel Schmidt Mary Webb Cheryl Geigle Ken Dunn Deborah Parker, Administrator
Richard Hawley, Executive Director
Special thanks to Craig Loud of Loud Design for his incredible help with The Watershed
Post Office Box 1505, Cambria, CA 93428 Telephone: 805-927-2866; Fax 805-927-7530 email: [email protected] www.GreenspaceCambria.org
Local Land Conservation Since 1988
Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Permit #37 Cambria, CA 93428
Winter 2003
W ATERSHED
Happy 15th Anniversary to Local Land Conservation!
This year Greenspace is celebrating our 15th year of local land conservation. Many community members have been with us from the beginning, others have joined more recently. We hope you will forgive us for “tooting our own horn” in this issue, but we are proud of the accomplishments that, through the support of the community, we have made since our inception. That said, we hope you will enjoy a look at what Greenspace has been up to in the past 15 years!
Fifteen years ago, a few Cambria residents were concerned about the preservation of Santa Rosa Creek. They established and chartered Greenspace – The Cambria Land Trust as a local grassroots environmental group dedicated to the establishment of a conservation corridor along that creek. As the Central Coast has grown over the past 15 years, Greenspace has evolved and expanded its area of focus. Greenspace now embraces all of the area’s ecological systems and has stretched its geographical boundaries from the Monterey County line on the north to Villa Creek on the south. The Greenspace mission, revised in 1999 to reflect the changing needs of the area, states: The North Coast area of San Luis Obispo County is a national treasure. Greenspace will protect and enhance its ecological systems through land acquisition and management, public education and advocacy. Following are some of the ways Greenspace has worked to fulfill its mission for the citizens of Cambria.
Happy Anniversary (Cont’d on Page 3)
East Meets West
Greenspace partners with Cambria Historical Society
Last November, Greenspace held its First Annual Chinatown on Center Street, which celebrated the history of the Chinese culture that had thrived on the Center Street property over a hundred years ago. The day was filled with electricity as Chinese Lion Dancers blessed the historic Chinese Temple, world class Tai Chi martial artists demonstrated their incredible prowess, historians regaled the audience with tales of times past, vendors in the Chinatown Market Place offered incredible artwork, numerology, face painting and more, children had the opportunity to ride a horse around the property and everyone enjoyed a sumptuous Chinese barbeque. The day ended with the community dancing to the
Cal Poly Lion Dancer blesses the temple.
Take A Walk in the Woods
Tours of Cambria Pines-By-The-Sea Ranch return
The Third Annual Cambria Walk in the Woods is scheduled to begin in April. The walk will take place on Tracy and Ralph Covell’s Cambria Pines by the Sea Ranch (formerly the Cambria Coast Ranch). Most Cambrians or casual visitors to our Cambria Walk in the area have never had the opportuWoods Tour Dates nity to walk on this precious prop(By Reservation Only) erty. Thanks to The Nature ConApril 19 - 10 a.m servancy, the Covell’s, and funding April 19 - 2 p.m. from SafeTree and Greenspace, we April 20 - 10 a.m. have an opportunity to visit this May 3 - 10 a.m. wonderful property. May 3 - 2 p.m. We now are offering ten ‘walks’ May 10 - 10 a.m. on four weekends. In addition to May 11 - 10 a.m. the knowledge that Richard Hawley May 17 - 10 a.m. and Brad Seek share with the hikMay 18 - 10 a.m. ers on the tours, Greenspace has May 24 - 10 a.m. arranged additional experts to speak on a number of the tours. The guest
Cambria Walk in the Woods (Cont’d on Page 4)
East Meets West (Cont’d on Page 4)
Cambria Has More Forested Open Space
Recently Greenspace purchased two significant parcels of property. One is a beautiful forested parcel approximately 1/5 acre in size. It is located near the top of Pineridge at the corner of Ellis. The property was purchased through a bargain sale arrangement from Lynn and Galen Rathbun. Twelve families in the neighborhood banded together and helped Greenspace with the purchase. The acquisition project was turbo-charged by Greenspace board member Noel Schmidt and his wife Mary. They offered to match other donations, dollar for dollar with a $5,000 limit for cumulaNeighbors celebrate Pineridge Ellis acquisition tive dollars. With this generous gift the neighbors rallied and the acquisition was completed. We want to acknowledge the following neighbors for their assistance: Lucy Soyster, Nancy and Skip Moss, John and Mary Dingler, Jacqueline Kelly, Robert and Margaret Sullivan, Bobbie and Harold Monroe, Bill and Barbara Marks, Katie and Walter Sterling, Patricia and Michael Schimberg, Greg and Arlene Stone, and Lynn and Galen Rathbun. A Triangle of Funds to Purchase Critical Cultural Site The Archaeological Conservancy, a national organization based in New Mexico, the Martin Huyck family of Altadena, California, and GreenspaceThe Cambria Land Trust pooled our resources and purchased the second
Open Space (Cont’d on Page 5)
Help Us Save Center Street!
We are looking for some help with our Center Street property. Specifically we are asking members of the community if they would make a monthly, quarterly or yearly donation to help us pay the monthly mortgage on this incredible property. Our payment is $3,100 per month. Greenspace purchased this 1.6-acre parcel for $350,000. The appraised value when we purchased the property was $495,000. We began making payment on the property in 2000 and have reduced the principal we owe to $245,500. The terms of our installment contract are $3,100 or more per month at 7.0% interest. The note will be paid in 15 years or sooner. We are looking for 150 people to make a monthly pledge of $20 per month for 18 months or a donation of $360 for the 18-month period. Your donation is tax deductible and the money you donate to Greenspace will be used specifically for the Center Street mortgage payment. Greenspace is working on a business plan for the property that would generate a revenue stream of $800 to $1,200 per month. After startup costs are repaid, the revenue stream would apply to the payments. Additionally, the business plan would enable Greenspace to rent the property for events. Once we secure the Chinese building, the property will be open for public use when not rented. The first section of the Cross-Town Trail will be built by Greenspace and will traverse the back third of the property. The longer view is to reduce the debt to zero by the end of 2006. We will be aggressively pursuing grants and other funding sources to augment the pay down of this commuGreenspace Center Street property nity resource. One of the options is to sell the front 9,000 square feet of the 1.6-acre property (that is the reason you may have noticed the “For Sale” sign on the gate). However, the board of directors would prefer to complete the purchase of the entire parcel for public use and not sell the front 9,000 square feet. Keep in mind that if we do find the funding mechanism to purchase the property in its entirety before your commitment has ended, we will notify you and your obligation will end. Note that Greenspace can receive stocks, bonds or other negotiable instruments. Donations of these instruments into our stock and bond portfolio will reduce and perhaps eliminate capital gain taxes and provide you, your family or business with a tax donation too. For more details, please call the office. Thank you for considering our request. We have successfully purchased a number of properties in Cambria with community pledges. Please remember that Greenspace has furnished the community with pocket parks, trails and open space for 15 years with no taxes levied or government overhead. We look forward to you becoming a partner in this project and welcome your thoughts and questions. 2
Happy Anniversary (Cont’d from Page 1)
Forest Preserves and Pocket Parks Nearly $2 million of formerly developable property has been retired from development and set aside for the enjoyment of Cambria’s residents and visitors through our Forest Preserve and Pocket Park Program.
Archaeological Preservation Important aspects of Cambria’s history are being preserved through our acquisition of the Chinese Association Hall on Center Street and the continuing acquisition of the Chumash Village site on Wales Triangle.
Greenspace Reforestation and Inoculation Program Seedlings that are potentially resistant to pitch canker, a disease that has threatened to decimate Cambria’s Monterey pine forest, will be available to plant in the community this year.
Clean-Up and Monitoring Efforts Greenspace staff and volunteers continue to participate in an annual Creek Clean-Up Day, Coastal Clean-Up Day, water monitoring efforts and Snapshot Day.
Santa Rosa Creek/Steelhead With the creek’s preservation as the original mission of the organization, Greenspace continues to attempt to protect Santa Rosa Creek and its steelhead through educational efforts, advocacy against MtBE pollution and advocacy for higher creek levels.
Property Restoration Greenspace staff and volunteers are continually restoring forest preserves and pocket parks by various methods, including erosion control and planting programs. Community Workshops Workshops have been offered to the community on such diverse subjects as the Santa Rosa Creek watershed, saving the Arctic wilderness, IRS regulations for non-profit organizations and how to use the California Environmental Quality Act to protect the North Coast of San Luis Obispo County. Funding Property Maintenance Maintenance of our forest preserves and pocket parks is partially funded through our bench program, our name-apark program and our memorial tree grove program. Pocahontas Park Community Organic Garden The opportunity to “grow your own” is available at our organic garden. A limited number of individual plots have opened up for members of the community. Please call the Greenspace office.
3
Now is the Time for a Santa Rosa Creek Watershed Enhancement Plan
In 1993 Greenspace introduced the Santa Rosa Creek Enhancement Plan for the lower reach of the creek. The Plan addressed issues from the Pacific Ocean to Santa Lucia High School. A steering committee directed the Plan. Steering committee members included the Cambria Camber of Commerce, Trust for Public Land, State Coastal Conservancy, California Department of Parks and Recreation, San Luis Obispo County Parks and Recreation, San Luis Obispo Department of Planning and Building, California Department of Fish and Game, Cambria Community Services District, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, public member at large and Greenspace. Many of the recommendations in the Plan have been successfully realized. The high profile recommendations included the purchase Santa Rosa Creek of Rancho Pacifica (East Ranch) and the MidState Bank property. These two properties, now under public ownership, would protect the flood plain of Santa Rosa creek from development and subsequently provide the community with an alternative flood control project that protects the West Village from future flood events while giving the community valuable open space and passive recreational opportunities. It is important to realize that in 2003 Santa Rosa Creek has three federal and state protected species, whereas when the 1993 Plan was written it had one. It is also important to understand that the population of Cambria has grown from just over 4,000 people to now just under 7,000 people and our domestic water use has grown proportionately. The steelhead trout require a flow of water in Santa Rosa Creek in order to migrate from the ocean to spawning areas in the upper watershed and return in subsequent years. The trout’s offspring require water to sustain themselves over the few years they reside in the creek and then migrate to the ocean to begin the reproductive cycle again. In order to enhance opportunities for successful fish migration, an assessment of the entire watershed is needed. Some of the issues that this assessment would analyze include habitat type, stream bank stabilization projects, mid-stream sediment bar and willow removal, and opportunities to work with cooperating land owners to improve habitat on their properties. Greenspace is looking for people living in the Santa Rosa Creek watershed who share an interest in enhancing fishery habitat. Assessment of the fishery conditions in the watershed and developing a cooperative approach to watershed enhancement will improve water flow for agriculture users, other property owners and for wildlife. The possibility to obtain grant funding to begin a Santa Rosa Creek Enhancement Plan is available, but the process to be awarded the funds is extremely competitive. There is no better time than the present to begin this vital exercise in thoughtful and cooperative partnerships. This practical approach to watershed enhancement eliminates litigation and builds community stewardship and ethical standards. Water is a basic human right and is not a commodity.
HELP US SAVE THE NORTH COAST
and receive a subscription to the Greenspace Insider
Family-$30 Patron-$250 Contributing-$50 Sustaining-$500 Sponsoring-$100 Benefactor-$1,000
New Member
Membership Renewal
Enclosed is my $___________ donation (100% tax deductible) Name _________________________________________________ Address________________________________________________ City/State/Zip___________________________________________ GIFT MEMBERSHIP: I’d like to give a $_______ Gift Membership to: Name__________________________________________________ Address________________________________________________ City/State/Zip___________________________________________ PAYMENT Check enclosed VISA M/C
Card # _________________________________________________ Signature_______________________________________________ Send your tax-deductible donations to: GREENSPACE, P . O. Box 1505, Cambria, CA 93428 Cambria Walk in the Woods (Con’t from Page 1)
speakers will have expertise in forest genetics, botany and forest pathology. Greenspace is very fortunate to have developed partnerships with state and international experts on Monterey pines and looks forward to sharing this good fortune with local residents and with visitors to our community. People wishing to participate must RSVP with Greenspace, as space is limited to twenty people per tour. Each tour will last approximately 2 hours. When you RSVP, the Greenspace staff will let you know the location of the hike and, if driving to the event, where to park. Having a sturdy pair of walking shoes, a water bottle, hat and sunscreen is strongly suggested. In addition, wearing light colored, layered clothing is considered the prudent attire for the event. If you are interested in joining us on one of these scheduled “Cambria Walks in the Woods”, please call early to reserve your spot. We anticipate a high degree of interest in this activity and space will be in demand.
East Meets West (Con’t from Page 1)
Welcome to New Greenspace Board Member Ken Dunn!
sounds of a great band, Mind’s Eye. In a perfect marriage of two dedicated groups, this year Greenspace is partnering with the Cambria Historical Society to produce “East Meets West – The Cambria Heritage Celebration”. The event will combine the Cambria Historical Society’s Fifth Annual Heritage Day with Greenspace’s Second Annual Chinatown on Center Street. This exciting celebration will take place on Saturday, June 21st from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. There will be lots of entertainment, the Chinatown Market Place, wine tasting, a delicious “East Meets West” barbeque, a silent auction and many more surprises. The admission for the celebration will be $10.00 for adults, with children 12 and under free (if accompanied by an adult). The proceeds from the day will be used to help both organizations preserve and protect the East Village Historic District. For more information on this celebration of Cambria’s past, please contact the Greenspace office at 927-2866. 4
Seal of Approval
New Greenspace Board Member splits her time between open space and elephant seals
If anyone would like to know how to have a great retirement, new Greenspace Director Cheryl Geigle is the one to ask. Cheryl, and her husband Ray, moved to Cambria from Bakersfield a few years ago where Cheryl first worked in hospital administration and then as a fifth grade school teacher, and Ray was the Dean of Arts and Sciences at Cal StateUniversity, Bakersfield. Since moving here, Cheryl has been busier than ever in her new life. Cheryl began her relationship with Greenspace over a year ago when she began to volunteer in the office one day per week. The office staff is always happy to see her coming. Whether she is entering names into a huge database or folding letters for a bulk mailing, Cheryl always has a smile on her face. Then, at the end of last year, Greenspace was lucky enough to have her accept a nomination to the Board of Directors. But Greenspace isn’t the only thing on Cheryl’s agenda. She has been taking classes at Cuesta College and has become especially interested in geology. Cheryl works part time at Seekers Glass Gallery and also is a volunteer at The Learning Center. But one of her favorite pastimes involves great big mammals with huge noses! Cheryl has been a docent for the Friends of the Elephant Seals since 1999. As a docent, Cheryl spends one day per week on the shores north of Cambria with these massive creatures to educate the public about these incredible animals. The elephant seals winter along the beach above San Simeon and it is Cheryl’s job, along with the other docents, to protect both the visitors and the seals from disruptions that can occur from too close contact. The docents also count and categorize the number and sex of the seals for the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. The elephant seals spend their time hanging out at the beach and playing in the water. They usually don’t pay much attention to the twolegged beasts that are staring from the observation areas. Trouble comes when one of those human beasts decides they can’t see well enough from where they are and decide to join the elephant seals Elephant seal taking a break on their own turf. That is when Cheryl steps in, to protect both the seals and the people from an encounter that just couldn’t end well. With all of her interests and activities, Greenspace is lucky that Cheryl Geigle is taking the time to be one of the new members of our Board of Directors. She is a delight to work with and we look forward to a long relationship with her.
Freeing Our Fish
Greenspace working to remove barrier under Burton Drive Bridge
On a recent Santa Rosa Creek Walk, the idea to remove a barrier to fish passage was discussed. It was apparent that during times of low water flow steelhead and other fish could not migrate (depending what side of the barrier they were on) either upstream or downstream because of a massive concrete apron that spans the width of Santa Rosa Creek directly under the Burton Drive Bridge. Since Greenspace has collaborated with the California Conservation Corps on past projects, we thought that their creek expertise was needed. After discussion with the Corps, a plan was made on how to best remove the barrier. Greenspace used labor figures provided by the Corps and went to local excavation contractor, Tim Winsor, for his views. Thanks to Winsor and the Corps, a budget for the project was developed by Greenspace. The project will be presented to various agencies for permit requirements and for potential funding sources. If funded, the project is anticipated to take a week to complete. Greenspace will work with surrounding property owners, informing them of hours of operation and the Barrier under Burton Bridge benefits of the project to the community. Burton Drive will require flaggers during the removal phase of the barrier, as traffic will be regulated to one-lane for small periods of time as concrete is craned from the bridge to waiting trucks. Once the barrier is removed, steelhead trout and other fish residing in the Santa Rosa Creek Watershed will have unimpeded access to upstream and downstream reaches of the lower creek. This will help protect the fish from predators and other hazards that the barrier imposed. As part of our continued educational efforts in the watershed, Greenspace will provide interested members of the community and surrounding property owners a preview of the project. Watch the newspaper for details.
Open Space (Cont’d From Page 2)
piece of a seven parcel configuration that contains the most intact cultural site remaining in our area. Through a unique arrangement of cultural preservation and open space acquisition, the property was successfully purchased in December of 2002. Mr. Huyck donated the necessary funds to Greenspace for one half of the purchase price. Efforts to acquire the remaining parcels continue with cooperating owners. Mark Michel, President of The Archaeological Conservancy stated, “The partnership with Greenspace has worked very well and we anticipate future acquisitions throughout the nation using this partnership as a model.” The property is held in joint tenancy with The Archaeological Conservancy and Greenspace. 5
Thanks to our friends and volunteers, Greenspace can continue to work to preserve and protect the North Coast of San Luis Obispo County. We couldn’t do it without you!
Walt and Kate Sterling, Deborah Cox, Craig and Dorothy Loud of Loud Designs, Clyde Warren, Tim Windsor, Arla Stevens, Harry Farmer, Nancy Harris, Americorp, Parker Group, Jennifer and Harvey Smith of Harvey’s Honeyhuts, David Cahn, Rick and Marcia Bruce of the Village Wizard, Marcelle Bakula, Kathie Briles,Julie Coogan, Teela Dupond, Constance and Zdravko Baov, Cindy Gustafson, Cynthia Hawley, Jane & Doug Hay, Molly Lynch, Kathleen, Craig & Casey Marlo, Rhoda Miller, Earline & Lee Putnam, Lynn Rathbun, Gail Spiegel, Barbara Romley, Mary Schmidt, Lucy Soyster, Pat Van Rhyn, Wendy Weatherford, Dawn Dunlap, Michael Huynh and the Cal Poly Lion Dancers, Annie Lawrence of The Lettering Artist, Tom McDannold, John Parker, Li Yu and Norm Petradean of the Wushu Tai Chi Center, Paula Schroeder, Vivian Thompson, Gail Sewell of Chambers Gallery, Lissa McConnell of Exotic Nature, Harmony Sun of Natural Renaissance, Bill Mueller & Adina Burbank of Cambria Computer & Internet, Mike Rice, Frank and Gloria Badger, Ellis and Susan Bassetti of Green Valley Farms, Chris Bates, Lorin & Joy Carey, SLO Historical Society, Mind’s Eye, Larry Fiscalini, Marcie and Kurt Foeller, Victoria Green, John Mierswa, John Ruml and the Cambria Historical Society, Unity of SLO, Jim Webb and Karen & Kellie Wolfe.
Americorp Volunteers on Martin Luther King’s Birthday
Greenspace Board of Directors Wayne Attoe, President Jacque Kelly, Vice President Cathie Bates, Treasurer Doreen Deppler, Secretary Arthur Van Rhyn Jim Brownell Noel Schmidt Mary Webb Cheryl Geigle Ken Dunn Deborah Parker, Administrator
Richard Hawley, Executive Director
Special thanks to Craig Loud of Loud Design for his incredible help with The Watershed
Post Office Box 1505, Cambria, CA 93428 Telephone: 805-927-2866; Fax 805-927-7530 email: [email protected] www.GreenspaceCambria.org
Local Land Conservation Since 1988
Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Permit #37 Cambria, CA 93428
