08.n. De Anza TrailMEMORANDUM
TO: CITY COUNCIL
FROM: TERESA DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
BY: RYAN FOSTER, ASSOCIATE PLANNER &
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF SUPPORTING PROPERTY ACQUISITION BY
THE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS FOR THE DE ANZA TRAIL
DATE: JUNE 12,2012
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council submit a letter to the San Luis Obispo County
Board of Supervisors supporting the acquisition of land for future completion of the
multi-use Juan Batista de Anza Trail.
IMPACT ON FINANCIAL AND PERSONNEL RESOURCES:
There is no financial impact to the City; the property is proposed to be purchased with
San Luis Obispo County Park Facilities Funds, as recommended by the San Luis
Obispo County Parks Commission.
BACKGROUND:
Mr. Eric Meyer recently purchased two (2) properties in Edna Valley that he wishes to
sell to San Luis Obispo County, at cost, for the future completion of the planned multi-
use Juan Batista de Anza Trail (Attachment 1). These properties are approximately
sixty (60) feet wide and combined a mile long, running alorrg the west side of the Union
Pacific Railroad. Mr. Meyer has already secured support from a number of public
agencies and non-profit organizations and has asked the City for its support in this
matter (Attachment 2).
ANALYSIS OF ISSUES:
The de Anza Trail has been planned by the County of San Luis Obispo for over 30
years. The segment that connects San Luis Obispo and Pismo Beach could provide a
Class I bicycle and equestrian trail through Edna Valley and Price Canyon. This trail
could be linked to the City's bicycle network, providing a regional connection between
Arroyo Grande and San Luis Obispo.
Agenda Item 8.n.
Page 1
CITY COUNCIL
Juan Batista de Anza Trail
JUNE 12,2012
PAGE 2
ALTERNATIVES:
The following alternatives are presented for City Council consideration:
1. Submit a letter to the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors supporting
the acquisition of land from Mr. Meyer for future completion of the Juan Batista
de Anza Trail;
2. Do not submit a letter; or
3. Provide direction to staff.
ADVANTAGES:
Supporting the acquisition of property at this time could speed completion of the
segment of the de Anza trail between San Luis Obispo and Pismo Beach by several
years and provide a regional bicycle connection between the South County and San
Luis Obispo.
DISADVANTAGES:
Staff has not identified any disadvantages associated with the recommended action.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
No environmental review is required for this item.
PUBLIC NOTIFICATION AND COMMENTS:
The Agenda was posted in front of City Hall on Thursday, June 7, 2012. The Agenda
and report were posted on the City's website on Friday, June 8, 2012.
Attachments:
1. Letter from Mr. Eric Meyer
2. Letters of support from various public agencies and non-profit
organizations
Agenda Item 8.n.
Page 2
Ryan Foster
Associate Planner
City of Arroyo Grande
As regards the "juan Batista De Anza" multi use trail between San Luis Obispo
and Pismo Beach through Edna Valley and Price Canyon.
I am hoping to gain a letter of support from your council directed to the
County Board of Supervisors in favor of the BOS taking advantage of current
acquisition opportunities along this trail.
My name is Eric Meyer. I recently purchased a foreclosure home on a short section
of the old Pacific Coast narrow gauge Railway in Edna Valley and am in escrow on
the house on the neighboring narrow gauge railroad parcels. Together these
sections are 60 feet wide and approx. one mile long on the west side of the Union
Pacific Railroad between that railroad and Corral De Piedra Road north of Price
Canyon road. These parcels are in the National Park Service (NPS)corridor known
as the "Juan Batista de Anza Trail".
The Anza trail extends from Mexico, through Arizona, California and up to San
Francisco. In SLO county it will extend from San Miguel to Nipomo. SLO County is
already in the planning stages for several sections in the North County.
1 am working to get a right of way established for this trail in the south county.
To the SOUTH of my parcels:
Between the city of Pismo Beach's "Price Historic Park and the south end of
my parcels are only three owners!
1) "Plains Exploration Oil Company" in Price Canyon. (PXP Oil)
PXP Oil is currently applying to SLO County Planning and Public Works for an
additional expansion of their facility. Any EIR for that project will require
mitigations ... these mitigations might take the form of a bike path.
2) "Spanish Springs" (currently going through LAFCO for annexation to Pismo)
They have already granted a trail easement for this trail to the County of SLO. Any
development they do in Price Canyon will most likely require the installation and
ongoing maintenance of this trail over their land
3) Union Pacific Railroad" They own parcels on the east side of Pismo Creek not
near their tracks on the west side of the creek. They are not currently using nor
have they ever used their land on the East Side of Pismo Creek.
Agenda Item 8.n.
Page 3
ATTACHMENT 1
To the NORTH of my parcels:
Between my parcels and the City of San Luis Obispo are only three owners!
The farmer directly to the north of my parcels has verbally offered a trail easement
across his parcels ... but there are two other owners to get through [vacant farm
land) north of him. A trail across their land in this exact location has been part of
our county's general plan for decades and was first outlined on the Edna/Los
Ranchos specific Plan in 1986.
North of these farmers is an already existing class one bike path along the west side
of Los Ranchos Road [country club golf course) This Class one path continues up to
highway 227 [edna road) where it terminates at Crestmont Drive.
North of Crestmont drive the Cal Trans right of way is at least 100 feet wide on the
west side of highway 227 all the way up to Aero Vista Drive at the San Luis Obispo
County Airport.
From this point northward ... there is class 11 bike path infrastructure all the way up
to the "railroad safety trail" in San Luis Obispo. 'This Railroad Safety Trail continues
from Orcu tt... east of the Union Pacific Railroad all the way into downtown San Luis
Obispo.
Basically this means that if we want to build a class one bike path between SLO and
Pismo ... there are less than half a dozen owners between San Luis Obispo and Pismo
Beach to actually deal with and we may have leverage with one of the largest ... PXP
Oil.
I paid 120k for the foreclosure home on an acre of the old narrow gauge right of
way ... and am in escrow on the other home on several acres for 325k.
It is my intent to convince the county Board of Supervisors that these parcels should
be acquired by them at my cost for the eventual development of the section of this
trail between SLO and Pismo. I strongly believe that a county wide system of bike
paths will greatly benefit our region.
Several weeks ago the County Parks Commission voted unanimously to request that
the County Board of Supervisors use funds from their "Parks Facilities Fund" to
purchase these parcels from me. This decision has also been supported
unanimously by the County Trails Advisory Committee and the County Bicycle
Advisory Committee.
Agenda Item 8.n.
Page 4
Agencies I already have letters of support from:
San Luis Obispo County Parks Commission
San Luis Obispo County Bicycle Advisory Committee
San Luis Obispo County Trails Advisory Committee
San Luis Obispo City Council
City of Pismo Beach Parks and Recreation Committee
Bicycle Coalition of San Luis Obispo County
The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County
San Luis Obispo County Parks, Open Space and Trails Foundation
San Luis Obispo Bicycle Club
Heal SLO (healthy eating active living)
Action for Healthy Communities (a community collaboration of 43 agencies)
San Luis Obispo County Air Pollution Control District
San Luis Obispo County Association of Parks and Recreation Administrators
Central Coast Concerned Mountain Bikers
National Parks Service De Anza Trail
I am also on the agenda for Pismo Beach city council and expect a letter of support
I am asking you tonight to direct your mayor to sign a letter of support telling the
Board of Supervisors that you encourage them to use the Parks Facilities Funds that
have been authorized by their Parks Commission to purchase these parcels from me
at no profit to me.
Any other routing of the trail through Edna Valley will require easements from
dozens of owners as well as several bridges. The cost of one bridge will be higher
than purchasing this land. Utilizing this old narrow gauge right of way eliminates
any bridges ... and many easement acquisitions ... thus saving the county time and
money.
If the county Board of Supervisors can see the opportunity at hand ... I believe this
will speed up the eventual completion of an actual trail by decades. If the Board
decides NOT to spend the funds already authorized ... this trail will most likely be
delayed by decades.
Support from your Council will help the board see the regional support that this trail
has. Support from your Mayor will also show SLOCOG that the overall trail will get
the SLOCOG board votes it needs to acquire their help with funding.
Thank you for your consideration.
Eric Meyer
P.O. Box 16160
San Luis Obispo, CA
93406
frenchbicycles@gmail.com
Agenda Item 8.n.
Page 5
The Land Conservancv
OF SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY J
I1.O. Box 12106 SLO. CA 73406 (805) 544-9076 FAX (805) 544-5121
VISIT US ONLINE AT: WWW.LCSLO.ORG
April 25, 2012
San Luis Obispo County Parks Commission
County Government Center
San Luis Obispo, CA 93408
RE: Letter ofSupport for the southern portion of De Anza Troll
Dear Parks Commissioners:
I am writing to offer our support and encouragement of your thoughtful consideration of the southern
portion of De Anza Trail from Pismo Beach to San Luis Obispo through Price Canyon and Edna Valley.
This letter is made pursuant to authorization by our Board of Trustees at its April 10,2012 meeting.
Recently, we have been made aware of a time sensitive opportunity to secure approximately two miles
of the potential trail alignment by a private citizen, Mr. Eric Meyer, who appears ready and willing to
take steps towards acquiring the land on behalf of the County of San Luis Obispo for the benefit of the
general public. We understand that prior to taking title to said lands that the County must conduct
thorough due diligence inspections, as well as other standard procedural undertakings. At the same
time, such opportunities are rare, and oftentimes represqnt an important catalyst in the overall vision
and approach to long-term projects like regional trail systems.
Thank you again for your careful consideration and attention to this matter. Please feel free to call me
with any question you may have regarding our letter.
Sincerely yours,
Robert A. Hill
Executive Director
Cc: Mr. Curtis Black
Mr. Shaun Cooper
Mr. Eric Meyer
Agenda Item 8.n.
Page 6
ATTACHMENT 2
SAN LUIS OUISPO COUNTY A~SOCIAT-i.0~ OF
W,:MLIElll-D.r-f----.=~--.~~~"m,-.TT...----~--.. -yr.--*,----
]'ARK AND RECREATION ADMINIS.TRATORS
Dew Parks and Recreation Conunissioners:
As .strong advocates of our public parkland and trail systems, the San Luis Obispo County
Association of Park and Recreation AdminisIrators (members listed on p.2) write to express our
interest and advocacy for the success of the'Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail. We
respecthlly request your con side ratio^^ to appropriate resources for investigative efforts to
determine suitability of selected real estate parcels.for acquisition.
We believe parks and trails make .life better, and the network of trails within San Luis Obispo
County have supported our philosophy and have enabled and enhanced the lives of our residents
and visitors. Completion of the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Tl-ail would psovide
. educational and recreational opportunities, preserve important cultural and historic resources, and
would protect our key natural resources. This historic trail extends fiom Sonora Mexico to San
Francisco, and through agency collaboration the success of the project will greatly benefit current
and future generations. .
This is the right time to be investing in our County and State's hture parkland and trails network.
Land .opportunities can be.far and few behveen, especially, when the subject properties are within
the boundaries of the County's Park and Recreation Element. We acknowledge the uncertainty of a
fee reconveyence and the need for property research prior to full commitment. Allocating proper
resources to County staff to perform' due diligence would minimize public risk related to the
investment and fiuther public benefit by fiilfilling goals aqd objectives set in the County Park and
Recreation Element.
We strongly urge you to give this opportunity honest consideration and allocate resources to
investigate this possible real estate acquisition. Collectively, our efforts will make a significant
difference towards 'finishing the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail and preserving
historical resources.
%seDh M. Woods
~ecieation and Parks Director, City of Mol-ro Bay
SLOCAPRA, President
Agenda Item 8.n.
Page 7
San Luis Obispo County Association of Parks and Reu-efttion Adrninbtrqtors
(SLOCAPRA)
blernbers Or~anizations include:
Alan 'hncock College Recreation 0r1d Physical Education Depatment
California Polytechnic Recreation, Parks and Tourism Administration
Cunbria Community Services District
City of Arroyo Gronde Parks, Recreation and Maintenance Sentices
City of Atascadero Depaifrnent of Community Services
City of Groves Beach Parks and Recreation Department
City of Mono Bay Recrention and Parks Department
City of Paso Robles Library and Rec~eation Services
City of Pismo Beach Recreation Department
City of Snn Luis Obispo Parks and Recreation Department
County of San Luis Obispo Parks and Recreation
Cuesta college Recreation Department
Nipomo Area Recreation Association
San Luis Obispo County YMCA
Templeton Community Services Distkict
U. S. Forest Service, Santa Lucia Ranger District
Agenda Item 8.n.
Page 8
OFFICE OF THE CITY COUNCIL
990 Palm Slreel San Luis Obispo. CA 93401-3249 8 805D81-7119
April 25, 2012
San Luis Obispo County Parks Commission
Commissioners,
On the behalf of the City of San Luis Obispo, I am writing to offer the City's full endorsement of
the concept that SLO County Parks acquire the needed land that will someday become a multi-
modal trail between the Cities of San Luis Obispo and Pismo Beach over the route known as the
Juan Bautista de Anza Trail. This trail would ultimately provide a linear park between these
cities allowing for the promotion of alternative transportation and connectivity between regions
of Snn Luis Obispo County. The trail would promote a healthy outdoor lifestyle for county
residents, and provide a prime regional pedestrian and bike route that would also help promote
San Luis Obispo County tourism.
The creation of a trail between the Cities of San Luis Obispo and Pismo Beach is a priority in the
2010 San Luis Obispo County Public Works Bikeways Plan and the City of Pismo Beach
Bicycle Master Plan. The location of the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail is
specifically identified in the County Parks Element as traveling between the Cities of Pismo
Beach and San Luis Obispo through the Price Canyon and Edna Valley areas of the County. In
addition, the 200812009 San Luis Obispo County Grand Jury report titled "Great Paths, Galling
Gaps" encourages the County (recommendation Cl) to "set priorities that will lead to the
completion of one or more safe Class I and 11 bikeways that commuters can travel from their
home neighborhoods to work (or school) and back".
This trail, when complete, will be a significant amenity that will allow many residents to leave
their car at home and use the trail for both recreation and commuting.
Sincerely, a*+
Agenda Item 8.n.
Page 9
MEMBERS
P.chievemen! House
Adult Services Policy Council for Healthy Communities
Air Pollution Conbo! District A COMMUNITY COLLABORATION
Area Agency on 4ing April IS. 2012
ARTS Obispa
Atascadero Community LINK Cut-tis Black, Deputy Director - Pn1.k~ . -
Cuunly of S LO Gcnt.l.al Se~.\.iccs ;\zcncy Boys 8 Girls Club of South SLO County I OS7 Sal~ta Rosa Street
Children's Services Network Siin Luis Obispo. CA l)34(il
Community Adon Partnership of SLO
County Dear +lr. Black.
Community Health Centers
of the Cenbal Coast ACTION ftsr I-1eall.Iiy Co~iimiinitics fully supl>o~-ts the concep1 of SLO Chunly
CO~JNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO Parks providing Suunrls L;)r ~iccli~iri~ig [he needed land that \\.ill soliieda!: led to :I
Board of Supervisors multi-lnoclal trail hel\\.een thc cities of San Luis Ol~lspo i~nd Pismo Bench cll1er (hc
Planning Department
C'rtyrcounty Library ~.oute li110\\.11 3s tlic Juan Bautistn dc Anza Trail.
Probation Deprbnent
Department of Social Services
Heath Agency Linear parks SLICII as [his pro\.ide alteniative t~.anspo~tatio~i connectivity betliveen
County Office of Education regions ancl promote a healthy outdoor lifestyle hr cou~itj- residents. Regional
bicycle paths ancl \\:alking trails also help ~)ro~note our county as a tourist
Environmental Center destination. of San Luis Obispa
Festival Mozalc The timing for this zft'tilrt is right as:
First 5 Commission of SLO County tlir creation of a Class 01ie \v;~lking and biki~ig trail ~1) l'isliio Creck and
French Hospital Medical Center Price Callyon is tlic numhzr one PI-iority ol'1,lie Cily of l'ismo Bcacli
Bic\:cle R4aste1- Plan
Habital for Humanity 11ie crea(ion ofa trail bet\\.ec~i the cilies of SL.0 a~id Pismo Beach is at the
Long Term Care Cinbudsrnan scco~icl higl~cst priority on (he 70 11) upda(e to the SLO County Public
People's Self Help Housing Corp
Sim Vista Regional Medial Center
SLO Chamber of Commerce
SLO Child Care Planning Council
SLO Council of Governments
SLO County Community Foundation
SLO County Health Commission
SLO County HIV CARE Conswliurn
SLO County Medical Association
San Luis Obispo County YMCA
SLO Housing Authority
SLO Nonprofit Housirig Corporalion
SLO Symphony
works Bike\\.a!.s Plan, and
tlie location of tlic National Parks trail k~ic)\\li as ilic ..JLI~III Bautista tlc
Anza .1'13il" is dil.ectly clcscribed in 0111 colliity Parks Element as tra\.eliog
bet\\:een the cities of Pismo Beacli ancl San Luis Obispo l.lirough Plicc
Can~on aricl Edna \;alley.
In its niost recent folios on II~~lil!l: Co~~r~~rrrnip IJe~~c~lc~/)~~ierrr and ,\?rr~-lrr~.i~rg
Hctrl111.v /Iclrn~.iot:r, .ACTION 1'01. Heellthy Comniunities noted:
tlealthy co~iimu~ii ty dc~.eIopment crecites long-telni solutio~~s and is a
I)I.OC~SS to iliipro\;e tlie economic, social and CU~~LII-a1 conc'litions of
conimunitics,
Rcsicler~ts in SLO County have concerns about p~.escr\.i~igopen space, air
pollu~io~i. tratlic and other clivironniental and social issues atlccting their
qi~ali ty of li fe. -- a I Ile top fi\:t: recl.eatio11 opl)orti.unitics that residents \\':l~i(~il include bike
paths (57?&), hiking trails (541'o). ~l;ltul-al iireas (5 I '!In): pcu.ks (47'!4) i111d
senior centers (42'1.6).
~ransitions-~enta~ Health Assn Please sul~port the accluisition of land now tIi;~t ivill allo\v the millti-modal trail . -
United Way of SLO county bct\\:ecli SLO ;~nd Pis~iio Beclcli I~ccc~~nr: a reality in the fdturc.
Workforce Investment Board
P.O. Box 1580 San Luis Oblspo California 93406
Agenda Item 8.n.
Page 10
ACTION Sol- Healthy Con~muni~ics S~ecring Corn~i~i~~ce
Agenda Item 8.n.
Page 11
City of Pismo Beach
760 Mattie Road
Pismo Beach, California 93449
San Luis Obispo County April 13, 2012
Parks Commission
Board of Supervisors
Ron DeCarli, Executive Director Council of Governments
Curtis Black, Parks Deputy Director
San Luis Obispo, CAI 93420
Subject: Support for property purchase for future trail
Dear Sirs/Madams,
The City of Pismo Beach Parks, Recreation and Beautification Commission recently learned of
a purchase opportunity for over a mile of land 60 feet wide behind Edna and down into Price
Canyon. If purchased, this area can developed as a trail along and around Price Canyon Road
in the future. Beyond the area in question and towards Pismo Beach, the City is committed to
the Pismo Beach trail linkage into the entire trail system envisioned by San Luis Obispo County.
The available linkage will provide for alternative transportation connectivity between regions and
promotion of healthy lifestyles for county residents and visitors.
The Pismo Beach General Plan and Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan recognizes the value
of the area outside the City limits and assures trails in future Pismo Beach annexations.
Paramount is the creation of a Class I walking and biking trail up Pismo Creek and Price
Canyon. 'The County has also committed to trails in this area with the 2010 San Luis Obispo
County Bikeways.Plan. Further, the National Parks "Juan Batista de Anza trail" is noted in the
SLO County Parks Element traversing between Pismo Beach and San Luis Obispo through
Price Canyon and Edna Valley.
The purchase of the subject property is a winhnrin for all county residents and visitors. We urge
your Commission's support for this purchase and a recommendation to the Board of
Supervisors to assist in securing the currently available property.
City of Pismo Beach Parks, Recreation and Beautification Commission Chair
CC :
Kevin Rice, City Manager
Dwayne Chisam, Public Works Director
Jon Biggs, Community Development Director
Agenda Item 8.n.
Page 12
SLO COUI\I Air Pollution Control District apt San Luis Obispo County
April 26, 2012
San Luis Obispo County Parks Commission
San Luis Obispo County Parks
1087 Santa Rosa Street
San Luis Obispo. CA 93401
Subject: Letter of Support for Proposed Class 1 Bikeway / Multi-modal Juan Batista de Anza
Trail between San Luis Obispo and Pismo Beach
Dear Commissioners,
The San Luis Obispo (SLO) County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) supports the proposal
to strategically acquire parcels for the planned future development of the Class 1 Bikeway /
multi-modal Juan Batista de Anza Trail (Trail). SLO County's air quality is improved when our
cities, county, and agencies work together to help realize regional alternatives to vehicular
dependency.
The SLO County Clean Air Plan (CAP) promotes regional connectivity with transportation and
land use goals designed to reduce vehicular emissions. The CAP includes Bicycling and
Bikeway Enhancements strategies to effectively encourage a modal shift to bicycling and Land
Use Planning Strategies to encourage transportation systems that support alternative travel
modes. The development of the multi-modal Trail to connect San Luis Obispo and South
County communities would be a strong representation of these two CAP strategies. Cycling is.
a good alternative mode of transportation that helps to reduce vehicular emissions, which
accounts for approximately half of SLO County's air pollution. Further, development of the
Trail supports climate change legislative (AB32 and SB375) goals intended to secure
reductions in California greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from various sources including the
transportation sector.
Expanding trails and Class 1 bikeways like this future Trail would provide new safe route
options that will give people better opportunity to choose active human powered
transportation rather than vehicular transportation. This future trail would also provide a
healthy activity for families and friends to enjoy that minimizes vehicle emissions. Providing
such opportunities is an important component in the County's ability to achieve and maintain
ambient air quality standards.
355.72 1.5!: 12 EiP5.7ci iOCZ sloilcnn~~rirrg 3'33 Hab.:r:o Cour:. Sari Lws Obtspo. C4 C5JGl
Agenda Item 8.n.
Page 13
DeAnza Trail Support Letter
April 26, 20 72
Page 2 of 2
The APCD looks forward to working with your Commission and other interested agencies and parties to
ensure that this proposed section of the Trail, other sections, and other trails/bikeways are built as
quickly as possible so our area and residents can enjoy the resulting air quality benefits.
Aeron Arlin Genet
Manager, Planning & Outreach Division
cc: San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors
Curtis Black, Deputy Director, SLO County Parks
Ron De Carli, Director, SLOCOG
Agenda Item 8.n.
Page 14
April 26, 201 2
County of San Luis Obispo
Parks Commission
County Government Center, Room 207
San Luis Obispo, CA 93408
Re: De Anza Trail
Dear Parks Commissioners:
The San Luis Obispo County Bicycle Coalition strongly supports moving forward with the southern
portion of the San Juan Bautista de Anza Trail and encourages the County explore opportunities for
future purchase of parcels that will aid in the long-term completion of the trail.
With over 600 members countywide, our efforts to encourage people to bike and walk are motivated
directly by the wants and needs of local citizens who believe that access to active transportation is an
essential component of community wellbeing. Our mission is to transform the central coast into a safer
and more livable community by promoting biking and walking for everyday transportation and recreation.
Safety concerns represent the number one barrier to biking and walking throughout the United States.
While local education efforts have begun to increase the rate of people choosing active transportation,
thoughtful and directed infrastructure projects have a proven track record of success in improving safety
and increasing healthy behavior. The De Anza trail will provide an incredibly important bikeway
connection between Pismo Beach and San Luis Obispo that will serve both commuting and recreational
cyclists. City to city bike way connections are absolutely essential to reach people that currently travel by
car due to high traffic volumes and speeds along roadways with little to no space for riding a bike.
San Luis Obispo County has the opportunity to become the most well established segment along the
historical San Juan de Bautista de Anza route. It will draw people from around the world to the Central
Coast to connect with our incredible heritage, geography, and remind everyone that San Luis Obispo
County is the right active healthy destination for them. Your decision to support this project will have a
lasting impact on the health and safety of the people of San Luis Obispo County.
Once again, the San Luis Obispo County Bicycle Coalition strongly supports the San Luis Obispo
County's efforts to move towards the completion of this incredible project. Please do not hesitate to
contact us with questions or concerns. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Dan Rivoire, Executive Director
San Luis Obispo County Bicycle Coalition
dan@slobil(elane. org
805.547.2055
860 Pacifle Sl. Sulle 105 I San Luls Obispa CA 93101 1 (805) 517 2055 1 www,sloblkelane.org
Agenda Item 8.n.
Page 15
Trails Advisory Committee
April 25, 2012
Parks and Recreation Cornmission
County of San Luis Obispo
Subject: April 26"' Commission Meeting, Agenda Item 7,
Anza Trail parcels near Edna and Price Canyon
Dear Chairman Matliews and Comm~ssioners:
With the acquisition of lhe two parcels under consideration in the subject report,
the Anza Trail between the cities of San Luis Obispo and Pismo Beach
accommodating pedestrians, bicyclists and perhaps equestrians would be closer
to reality.
The Trails Advisory Committee (TAC) consisting of volunteers owes its existence
to the Parks and Recreation Commission with a special focus on trail advocacy
and hands-on participation. Our first task led to the County Trails Plan, approved
by the Board of Supervisors in November 1991. Not only is the Juan Bautista de
Anza National Historic Trail in the 1991 plan, the Anza Trail was carried forward
to the Parks and Recreation Element update in 2006.
TP.C is overwhelmed with enthusiasm to learn of Eric Meyer's initiative to secure
through the escrow process two parcels that are 60' wide and over one mile in
length along the Anza Trail corridor. His proposal to resell these lands at no
additional cost so the land could become part of the county's trail system is
exemplar.
TAC recommends the Co~nmission advise staff to explore the subject.
opportunity. TAC would like to comment on the possibility that there may be
funding sources besides Parks Public Facility Fees (PFF). Other funding
sources might be Quimby Fees, non-motorized transportation funds, grants for
historic or recreational trails, or grants from local non-profit organizations.
Sincerely,
Dorothy Jennings
Trails Advisory Committee, co-chair
cc: Curtis Black, Deputy Director of Parks
Larry laquinto, Parks Superintendent
TAC members
Mission Statement:
For the benefit of County residents and visitors, the County Trails Committee will advise
the Parks Commission and staff in the planning, and may assist in the construction, of a
public trail system on County parklands and easements for non-motorized users.
Agenda Item 8.n.
Page 16
:OALITION PARTNERS:
Arroyo Grande Comrriur~ily Hospirol
Boysurld Girls Club - Sot1111 Coulrty
Col Poly University
Art and Design l)eporrnient
Center for Sustoiriobility
Food Science Sr Numition Depornent
Kinesiology Depor.lrner11
Londscope Architech~re Depor.tnler11
STRIDE
CenCal Health
Centrol Coost -49 Nehuork
City of Son Luis Obispo
Porks ond Recreoh'on Departmen1
CommunihJ Action Porhersllip of
SLO Courrty, Irlc.
Dairy Council ofColi/or~nio
Diringer. Associates
Equilibrium Rtness
First 5 Commission ofSLO
French Hospitol Medical Cerrter
Juicfirl Creative Consulting
Kennedy Club Fitness
Lillian Lorsen Elementory School
Living the Run
Lucio Mar Un~fied School District
Netioorkfor o Healtlry Crrlijornia -
Gold Coost Region
North Courity Formers Market Associotion
Oceano Community Center
Paso Roblcs Librory 8 Recreoh'on Seruices
Ridesllore - Safe Rolrres to School Progrom
San Luis Sports meropy
Son Miguel Joint Unified School Disfrict
San Miguel Resource Connection
SLO Bicycle Coalition
SLO Council of Governments
SLO County Board of Supervisors
SLO Coirnty Conini~inity Four~dotior~
SLO County Health Comn~isn'on
SLO County Ofice oJEd~rcotion
SLO County Porks
SLO County Plo~lnirrg and Building
SLO County Public Health
SI,O Food Bonk Coalition
UC Cooperative Extension
TO: San Luis Obispo County Parks & Recreation Commission
FROM: HEAL-SLO - I-Iealthy Communities Work Group
RE: Consideration of Property for the Anza Trail, near Edna
HEAL-SLO is the SLO County obesity prevention coalition and its mlssion is to
increase healthy eating and regular physical activity among County residents through
policy, behavioral and environmental changes. In carrying out that m~ssion, a
subcommittee called the Healthy Communities Work Group provides responses to
County planning staff, &om a healthy community's perspective, on proposed land
development projects, ordinance and general plan amendments, and special projects.
The Healthy Communities work group has become aware of a request from a private
citizen, Eric Meyer, to fund the acquisition of land for a section of the Anza Trail,
near Edna. We are fully supportive of this property acquisition to provide alternative
transportation connectivity between regions of our county, and to promote a healthy
outdoor lifestyle for county residents.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), only
47% of adults 18 years of age and over met the Physical Activity Guidelines
for aerobic physical activity in 2009.
According to the American Heart Association, a 150-pound person expends
240 calories to 410 calorieshour whle riding a bike. Adding hills and rugged
terrain increases the bum. Even light to moderate levels of riding can reduce
the risk of disease, lower health care costs and improve quality of life.
The extended trail will also make it a more likely destination for someone
who wants to get outdoors and enjoy the magnificent beauty of our county. A
strong body of psychological research, supported by widespread anecdotal
evidence, confirms the hypothesis that direct contact with nature leads to
increased mental health and psychological development. Howard Frumkin,
director of the National Center for Environmental Health at the CDC, and
Richard Louv, author of the book, Last Child in the Woods: Saving our
Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder, conclude that "land conservation can
now be viewed as a public health strategy" (Frumlan & Louv, 2007).
Regional bicycle paths and walking trails also help promote our county as a
tourist destination. The San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce already
promotes San Luis Obispo as a biking destination, stating, "San Luis Obispo
has seemingly equal amounts of road and mountain biking attractions. The
landscape has a multitude of different trails and tours that will wear you out
long before you can wear them out."
Thank you for the opportunity to provide input on this proposed land acquisition. We
urge you to support the acquisition of land now, so that this multi-modal trail between
SLO and Pismo Beach will become a reality in the future.
cc: San Luis Obispo County Health Commjssion Agenda Item 8.n.
Page 17
April 17, 2012
San Luls Oblspo County Parks Commission
San Luis Obispo County Parks
1087 Santa Rosa Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93408
Letter of Support
Proposed Class I Bike Path from San Luis Obispo to Pismo Beach
through Edna Valley and Price Canyon.
The San Luis Obispo Bicycle Club fully supports the vision of creating a Class I bicycle
path from San Luis Obispo to Pismo Beach, via Edna Valley and Price Canyon. Class I
bike paths encourage bicycling for transportation and recreation and make our
communities healthier and more livable. This path will be used by residents and tourists
alike and will provide the essential infrastructure for the development of bike and tourist
related businesses and sewices and a linear park that will generate revenue for our
county.
Our members realize that a project like the creation of a San Luis Obispo to Pismo
Beach "de Anza" trail is a long-term commitment. It involves a great deal of planning,
the acquisition of property parcels and easements and, most important, securing
funding. We encourage the San Luis Obispo County Parks Commission to use park
funds to acquire the necessary properties and easements as they become available.
The San Luis Obispo Bicycle Club is committed to be an active partner in the effort to
develop this trail.
Robert Davis
President
San Luis Obispo Bicycle Club
David Abrecht
Bicycle Advocate
San Luis Obispo Bicycle Club
Agenda Item 8.n.
Page 18
Steven Ross, Outdoor Recreational Planner sent this email of support.
Kathy Longacre
3 ----- Forwarded Message ---- \ be;~
From: "Steve~i-Rcss@npc;.~ov'' <S~~VL~~~-~?~~~L:(.@I'IFJS.~J'C~\!>
To: Kathy Longacre <Itll50@;bcgiobal. neb P- . R--cp~.2:\ ;>;.-&5 1.. QcG*,&
Sent: Wed, April 25, 2012 9: 1557 AM
Subject: Re: Anza alignment 227lPrice Canyon
Hi Kathy,
Thanks for your interest in development of the Anza recreation trail in San
Luis Obispo County!
NPS supports the development of the Anza Trail segment through Price
Canyon. The route is consistent with the historic expedition route and is
also consistent with the County's plans for the Anza Trail. I don't know
if acquisition of these particular parcels is part of the County's plan,
but it seems like they might be ideal for this purpose.
I don't have time this week to write a formal letter, but I hope this will
suffice. Please keep me apprised of this issue.
Sincerely,
Steve
Steven D. Ross
Outdoor Recreation Planner
Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail
333 Bush Street, Suite 500
San Francisco, CA 94104-2828
(41 5) 623-2343 phone
(ti1 0) 506-22Oq cell
steve11.-ross@1?~?s.~ov
Kathy Longacre
<kll50@sbcglobal.
net> To
Steven Ross <steven-rcss@;~l-?.s.gov>,
041221201 2 10:27 Dorothy Jennings
AM edjennings@tcsn.net>
CC
Kelli Schonher
<kscho~iher@yrnail.cc)ni>, Eric Meyer
<frencl~bir,ilcles@g~nail.co~ii>, Bruce
Hilton <liilton.hruc.e.c@gmail.com>,
Kathy Longacre
~k1150@sbcy lobal.nd>
Subject
Anza alignment 227lPrice Canyon
[Quoted text hidden]
Agenda Item 8.n.
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Agenda Item 8.n.
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