Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutSS2 - Ficker Plan for a New City HallAgenda Item No. SS2 July 11, 2006 THE FICKER GROUP CONSULTING • PLANNING WILLIAM P. PICKER, AIA • NCARB URBAN PLANNING ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING ARCHITECTURE ADVOCACY PLAN . FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A NEW CITY HALL FOR THE CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH LOCATION: Avocado Avenue SITE: Bounded by Avocado Avenue and MacArthur Blvd. to the west and east, the Central Library to the south and continuation of Farrallon Avenue bounding the north edge of the site. Open space and natural park to remain from Farrallon Avenue to San Miguel Drive. Planning Summary 1.1 The following is intended as a summary and general overview and reasons for this advocacy plan: 1.2 There has been adequate and detailed analysis done to establish the credibility of this plan reflecting the physical opportunities as well as the financial opportunities and functional opportunities. j } 2. Location 0- A. The City of Newport Beach "Reference Grid" graphically illustrates the convenience of this proposed location. B. Other endorsements for this location might be that thoughtful studies placed our main library and police headquarters in the Newport Center area and certainly substantial thought was given by knowledgeable people in business and visitor serving when the Chamber of Commerce selected their location. 3. General Philosophy and Considerations A. This plan is intended to respect many strong feelings related to the natural environment of the existing site. It is sincerely hoped that people in the community of perhaps diverging opinions of development and natural open spaces, might have an opportunity to demonstrate a cooperation for mutual benefit. The proposed architecture and type of development might provide a hallmark opportunity to illustrate with natural landscaping what might be accomplished by cooperation. Some of this type of thought has been included in areas like the "Reserve" in Palm Springs where landscaping within developments has been left in the natural desert context and these have been very successful. 417 THIRTIETH STREET • NEWPORT BEACH, CA 92663 + PHONE (949) 675 -9628 • FAX (949) 675 -9638 Advocacy Plan April 26, 2006 Page 2 of 5 B. If the location and general philosophy of a city hall is, in fact, put to a vote with various options and locations, perhaps for the reasons stated in the following narrative, this advocacy plan might well provide the opportunity to serve the general population and reflect the general electorates view of our city, its civic center, and financial commitment. C. This plan provides a better opportunity for more people to enjoy the natural environment and setting and, as a matter of fact, places a substantial number of people in the environment daily. The convenience of the site to the general population, the good road access, etc., is obvious. D. There are certainly concerns for people in Harbor View Hills with any development that takes place below MacArthur Blvd., and this has been carefully respected. There is a view plane established over all of this property and the entire project is below that view plane. The project is 1 -2 ft. below the view plane at the southwest comer. It is approximately 4 ft. below the view plane at the southeast corner. It is 13 ft. below the view plane at the northeast corner and approximately 12 ft. below the view plane at the northwest corner. E. The grading of the site retains the berm, which is approximately the view plane all along MacArthur, and would not change any of the visual grading, planting, etc., as seen from MacArthur Boulevard or Harbor View Hills. Grading is an obvious question to everyone. Grading for this project, as indicated, would require the removal of approximately 150,000 cubic yards, including the yardage removed for the parking structure. A person mentioned that the central library has some problems with water in the basement, that there is an "underground river." This is highly unlikely because usually water in a basement is due to a construction or design error, and not necessarily serious water concerns. In a downhill area with steep, surrounding ground you would expect water to accumulate around the walls of a basement at the library area. Actually removing a great deal of soil from this site might substantially help that situation. But with regard to the city hall, a basement would not be recommended because of its expense and waterproofing, and for major storage, which would be all the basement would really provide. There could be much less expensive facilities provided in an industrial area. 4. Architecture and Image A. It is the opinion of the preparer of this advocacy plan that the City of Newport Beach does not need an "image building." The Town Hall, which in early history, identified the city, is no longer necessary, and certainly a city like Newport Beach, with its world -class recreational harbor and its natural assets and quality of development need not be identified by its "city hall." 417 THIRTIETH STREET • NEWPORT BEACH, CA 92663 • PHONE (949) 675 -9628 • FAX (949) 675 -9638 Advocacy Plan April 26, 2006 Page 3 of 5 B. We are not trying to renew a city, such as Bilbao in Spain with its dramatic building. Trying to create forms of yachts or sails, etc., in a building could not possibly compete with the natural visual assets of this community. C. It would seem that perhaps we might take a page from the Irvine headquarters development and expand on it. Bill Pereira, who was the planner for The Irvine Company and the UCI campus, and certainly an internationally recognized architect, conceived the buildings illustrated in this report as being very simple and reasonably cost buildings and dramatically enhanced them with Tom Van Sant intaglios on the natural concrete walls. Tom Van Sant is an internationally known sculptor that the City has employed, to provide intaglios in natural concrete aggregate walls that can, better than almost any other fashion, memorialize the history of Newport Beach. Some of the other intaglios can be seen in the Bank of Newport building at Avocado and Coast Highway, showing the Dory fisherman, etc. This can be a tasteful expression of architecture and combining art without being "comy." 5. Plan and Building Configuration A. This plan illustrates a single floor city hall of approximately 68,000 sq. ft. j with a parking structure between ttfie main uUng anafFie I ra�220 cars. It also illustrates a ground level open parking of approximately 70- 81�rs. It is the opinion of this advocacy plan that a single story building has many advantages: Dramatic cost advantages over a two -story building due to simple structural considerations, no elevators, stairs, etc. 2. Easy to reconfigure, change or reconfigure services such as air conditioning, etc. 3. Opportunity for skylights or atriums within the building. 4. Multiple and easy access to the building; pleasant opportunities to walk outside of the building and enjoy the environment. 5. Low maintenance. 6. Easy communication for planning, etc., to make all departments more accessible to each other. 417 THIRTIETH STREET • NEWPORT BEACH, CA 92663 • PHONE (949) 675 -9628 • FAX (949) 675 -9638 S Advocacy Plan April 26, 2006 Page 4 of 5 6. Costs The following is intended as a "magnitude" of cost but is based on knowledgeable construction cost information. Grading 157,000 cy @ 15.00lyd. 2 „000,000.00 Onsite Improvements Paving 140,000.00 Curb & Gutters 41,000.00 Lights - and Enhanced Paving 72,000.00 Retaining Wall 300,000.00 Landscape (Natural Restoration) 500,000.00 Parking Structure 3,300,000.00. 220 cars Building Shell 68,000 SF 11,800,000.00 Interior Improvements 68,000 SF 4,080,000.00 Furniture and Fixtures 2,700.000.00 Total 25,033,000.00 Fee 2,500,000.00 TOTAL $27133.000.00 417 THIRTIETH STREET* NEWPORT BEACH, CA 92663 • PHONE (949) 6759628 • FAX (949) 6759638 Advocacy Plan April 26, 2006 Page 5 of 5 Conclusion The above represents an unusual opportunity. Obviously, in this proposal it is not intended to reflect the final economic analysis because this can be better done by others evaluating the alternatives to other developments. But the opportunities are obvious. And they are: A. The city owns the proposed site for this development. B. It would be far less expensive to develop than the existing site, physically. C. The existing site could be sold to almost cover the cost of this new facility. D. It would mean one simple move for all of the city hall divisions, and perhaps even because of the budget, provide better facilities, newer, more modern furniture, computer systems, etc., to modernize outdated systems of present departments. E. Finally, perhaps a new city hall of higher quality, easy to configure in the future. 417 THIRTIETH STREET • NEWPORT BEACH, CA 92663 • PHONE (949) 675 -9628 • FAX (949) 675 -9638 0-1 ap" QO to � 4 cLU o I.— VLi 0 Ir x }1T JY ul LL. 0 ......... .. lij w LL NO - ---tt nj P 4 0-1 ap" QO to � 4 cLU o I.— VLi 0 Ir x }1T JY ul LL. 0 lij w LL - ---tt J, 1�1: VLi - ---tt nj P 4 ml - - - - - - - - - - - - ---tt 0 0 • Z\ N n or, „ I Mils LOCATION CITY HALL CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH ADVOCACY PLAN - MAY 1, 2996 WILLIAM P. FICKER AIA • NCARB `J • ELEV. 187 ROOF ELEV.. 180 j -CO.M..WALLS ELEV. 160 SECTION - A SCALE 0 25 00 SECTIONS 3 CITY HALL CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH ADVOCACY PLAN - MAY 1, 2006 WILLIAM P. FICKER AIA • NCARB o' plow- J r -- MACARTHUR BERM ELEVATIONS - AVOCADO AVE. SCALE 0 60 100 - -200 SCHEMATIC ELEVATION /ARCHITECTURE CITY HALL CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH ADVOCACY PLAN - MAY 1, 2006 WILLIAM P. FICKER AIA 9 NCARB E �i y< D O f aLu P o CE a� �E E NS .9� AT ISSUE p&#*6f-eN Beach city hall on Avocado Avenue; the City Council on Tuesday night was scheduled to decide on whether to build at the present location. BIB Pickers ,city JOB site proposal salves one huge issue with the edsdng peWnsula location. Aweas to the eds, mg site has hordble uafficissme anan h apnng-thraugh -fell day. Add the Iogis. dcs of rebuilding the area has con. - riming in provide city services and you P 'have a na- bummer Tian the orating site into a park and you provide some .' needed recreation space as mg, I vote to mplOm Bill Pickers proposed. BOB TYLER �Newpmt Beach - In 1938 when my father, Jar Barrett came out from Chicago to build the i- Prado Dam, can family moved to New ' Pon ' Beach. Dad was one of the bmOf the City responsible for the War build- ing 1. . of the arty Hell afters god War 11 Go father changed or ms good emnd Gov. Para Warmth t woe dawn Ware Sacrameno to dedicc ate Tres aye dertd new building. Ti- Warrant Bayed with Warren was Bitting out an the patio one ae. bead a husk gong a broad- one amommnee on a loud-' speaker for all to woe m the City that ditemoo n ceremony. m hie speech that d sf stock Mati the governor old that rids hock reminded him cribs amen crier in wlaniad days aroom: "Come am; came elh" Bveryam was w proud afore City Bell located over by the then fast- n_ Roble, min Iedo shopping area with Ri,Marke t. nine wwemede new city halt. It is m y opinion that the cily+a ' reeds have changed as well as the doe. and homdmdes of the city. Bin pickers i..,' city a De proiged o the June h issue ` se the Dally amassing melees much more Ff sense o powering the by o needs :. rhea the plan per[ forward di by ore City na need for demon. The term, area o mg would have anon ingitanoutatandingt Beach city functions, � and entertaining out. lea And what a great s host the sponeore and Newport Beach to Bm We cauld never haw benefits at the old lace Tb me, . it makes n placing a city hall whet BY drive, enter, park congested and acces have to mo maze has these READERS RESPOND "RECEiVVrD AFTER AGENDA PR 11.4'ED:° It 7 -(I -D( ,'' more sense a •°+°'m° ams°r°w.'"' ®�erwnee�r.' Pie can me- r i W �• aye on un- strum: Wg l i- tF -5f kT.'tIBPb gt �e ublic could more pm- The proposed site under architect Bill Fickers plan for the new city hall on Avocado Avenue. atuscon, nes mme amen "DIM Provide extra p boo city 1 am a member Newport Beach's placed somewhere. sickens idea to me the vicare land just above tae hbmat u la Val ge bulldogs, ear Hda Village at tae tax - pads, beaches and recreation commis- re payers expense an mach Ito located slat wire Debra Allen. shop, in Altlmgh m did pickers design mcorpofam Van Out Patronize her Bowers ex- i Newport .urn Newport Beach for everyone au use, everyone, view it would and what a xhe Seri's sculptures of am city's p she has beeop open is have 1 hope the Newport Beach City Nest enrage would cal co cern eewould e veish, arro- the wishes and fiscal concerns of rest- Comalgives this serious t esquat Blasting to The gib to Newport Beach dents. h. The Daily Pilo[ has dam a greets I picker az a also land E GRAVEUNE WAYNeport Beach Newport Beach Ins o letting the purple know dose fa a rated amhi[eR and the warmer of the is a d ar t e ' 'choice 19MAreedcas Oupwith Intrepid Picker To me, it is the Intelligent choice. has alxa}s had clients, resident, and 1 very much support the idea that the new city hall should be located mar the Jan Vmdersloot has contributed taxpayer views at the top of her Gat The greatly to thecity of Newport Beach and words "aver my dead body' and °cam -'even 'its hbmry: lhere's plenty of mom there forapadcHthe gmem wantit. We residents with Ids gWdmm o mane' piously of bate," I mason, have been twining Open space. How much I apim, our m her way both on land and see have aheady added ebr parks o the IaEt three year,, ChM halfof them amrft even cote his support with sating Crystal with Bale affect in his many aawm- Cole I am functions in being m P Bshments. 6 reed, and some of them aresd6 in the Bve az Ba ' yw ew tried tope the Bade Bay r building have anonymous dowre Vanderslooa tried to prevent At. can- for bull dins park P v the and u equally Y discussion stage 1 cant in business how the Irvoe C, cur sea o bmoem H i ' [ ss not selling Y g of the nstl Cnmmlandreshlwuse anonymous enviranmentagss seeing of the Coastal Commisson's resMctiom went o pickers Plan, it might be wise anyproperty.It seems to me dm that is of the. company's it and was successful in cutting the main. to count both aides' chips. It seems berofaparlmenturmebuilt .when erMmnneental issues am in- part job and what bas been doing consistently— rot just oNewport but also inWine and Ths- I would Meto ask him to consider the solved, mrpayer money logic and raga- do importance of the me of the city-owned tied.. are the window, Hanover, a fee JOHN LOESEL land at Avocado Avenue and IsarAidim city ball with nmer environmental ef- Newport Beach Boulevard. Time- quanem of the prop- fact impact sounds like a good deal to ogres, as any would be a nehnal environment ovesdgaze I've knmvn Bill picker or a number of set to the pack much bke the ore adjacent to Bay- Dan, m have council elections o years. Hoe a real quality act and has e city hell view I�ndmg. The remainder of the Noveome{f ,thing but the cityk best omrest az •ntswho ty I. the prapetty would be used to benefit the residents of Newport Beach a new TOM TOBIN hemrc l've also been expmedto Jan Van - >e Paul,- m ctty hall cervltM the needs of our city Baoea dersdoot and lcerr Wall thm-gh the - yeats,aM I rear Wythinkan the oppo- onone and peoble Ithiulc Blll picdws hasa site end Of the spectrum about those greaa,a %aBde- - MARYBARRETTBLAKE fmamvvc hagmN b.Vm ty ewpou Beach.We two. Pace and NewpbnBeach kvow tae current City HOD has to be re Flclwts Plants, by far, the mast logical Plan I. have seen in the last couple of years. l hope the goad residents of the city consider the property on Avocado Avenue a mformrlowtion and one that I. aowst awash when it woes to the expense cracking the misting City Hall. It makes too much serves, ERICGODFREY Newport Beach 1 am totally o favor of Bib Pickers proposal, In spite of the opposition of the park advocate Jan Vandersloat and a It is a great idea. HOMERLONG Newport Beach 1 agree with Bill picker completely I know him well He is a very talented man and has done work or my tym- pany And 1 Brink he has a very good idea. 1haz'e a much baton uu for the site. 1 cant anagirre cozying up to bro or- thm Boulevard or any kind of otimme picnie DOROTHY DOAN Newport Beach 1 Chen dead against it. m act 1 though, 1 heard the council once vote to keep the city bell right where it is and we the area or a park I dont wish to see those derim ch ea that refehw , thnm wry TOMMOBLSON Nevport Be.ch t. t x Stop Polluting Our Newport P.O. Box 102 Balboa Island, California 92662 July 11, 2006 Mayor Don Webb City of Newport Beach 3300 Newport Boulevard Newport Beach, CA 92658 Subject: Support for Newport Center Park Dear Mayor Webb, The SPON Steering Committee met on July 5, 2006 to discuss the proposal to locate City Hall at the Newport Center Park site adjacent to the Central Library. SPON recognizes that finding an appropriate site for City Hall requires consideration of as many feasible options as possible. However, SPON does not agree that placing City Hall at the Newport Center Park site is an appropriate option. SPON has consistently supported use of the site in accordance with the CIOSA Agreement in which the only permitted use on the site is open space. SPON's record on this matter is documented with letters dated August 20, 1998 and June 14, 2000, endorsing the use of the site as a passive open space park and not for senior housing or an arts and cultural center. Reasons for SPON's long - standing support for passive park use include the ability of the public to enjoy incomparable views of the Pacific Ocean and coastline, the presence of important coastal sage scrub, vernal pools and other biotic resources on the site, and because this area of the City is deficient in park space. Significant public support and momentum to use the site for park purposes is demonstrated by the offer of private funding to construct the park. SPON appreciates your consideration of our input in the widespread debate on the City Hall site selection issue. We hope you will agree that the Newport Center Park site is worthy of retaining for open space purposes in accordance with past City Council actions and agreements. Sincerely, f� V ( V Brent Cooper SPON Presiding Officer cc: City Council Members City Manager Bludau Assistant City Manager Kiff Assistant City Manger Wood c� 4M -<n Q M s M O �x THE FICKER GROUP CONSULTING ® PLANNING URBAN PLANNING ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING WILLIAM P. FICKER, AIA • NCARB ARCHITECTURE UPDATE July 6, 2006 ADVOCACY PLAN FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A NEW CITY HALL FOR THE CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH LOCATION: Avocado Avenue SITE: Bounded by Avocado Avenue and MacArthur Blvd. to the west and east, the Central Library to the south and continuation of Farrallon Avenue bounding the north edge of the site. Open space and natural park to remain from Farrallon Avenue to San Miguel Drive. Introduction This update is intended to be brief. Since the City Council has had my correspondence from October and December and the submittal of this Advocacy Plan dated May 1, 1 will attempt not to repeat the issues in those documents. 1.1 This document is intended to respond to many questions and recommendations made to me through discussions of the project. 1.2 Primarily, my efforts have been to determine what issues would be the most important ones to mitigate if, in fact, the site I propose is the best for the City Hall. 1.3 Obviously, questions and recommendations prompted me to do a more careful analysis of the Avocado site north of the library as well as the proposed City Hall planning. 1.4 Based on the above analysis to this date, I am recommending a plan which I believe provides the greatest opportunity for cooperation. 1.5 Although it would be impossible in any city on any subject to satisfy everyone's concern, I do believe that everyone's concern must be heard. 1.6 In all of my correspondence I have voiced the opinion that people of good faith and trust will ultimately come together in the best interest of the city, although the result might differ slightly from their preference. I believe this is the most important single issue the city will face and although there are many agreements, etc., that have been discussed with regard to the Avocado parcel, if it is in the best interest of all parties, even if there is a contract, certainly the parties can agree to modify almost any kind of contract and, in my opinion, not breach their own integrity or compromise their future goals, principles or .religion." 417 THIRTIETH STREET • NEWPORT BEACH, CA 92663 • PHONE (949) 675 -9628 • FAX (949) 675 -9638 Advocacy Plan Update July 6, 2006 Page 2 of 5 2.0 Analysis of the Present City Hall Site Plan and Narratives, Space Planning, Etc. 2.1 Although preliminary plans have been done, I was astounded to observe the following: A. I was unable to find any indication or report with regard to operations, workflow, upgrading of systems or any reference to personnel to coordinate the processes necessary for efficient performance, particularly in the Planning, Public Works and Building Department. B. No consideration in the planning for personnel work schedules, etc. C. No reference to improvement of technology as it affects storage and work functions. 2.2 The City Hall plan is based on a swap of land and an easement that the shopping center has for truck exit onto 32nd Street. This "area" swap seems to check out; however, the most incredible observation is that the signalized intersection at Finley St. is dedicated solely as an entrance to the shopping center except for the trash truck access for the City Hall! 2.3 The City Hall and parking structure seem to be jammed on an inadequate site. The new fire station is jammed into a corner of that site (.8A) and appears to be inadequate in its access and certainly will not provide pleasant living quarters and open space for the staff. 2.4 There is a one -lane in to the City Hall parking structure from 32nd Street and two lanes out, one with right turn to Newport Blvd. only and one lane for right or left turn. 2.5 Crucial to planning, the City Council had approved a Hogle Ireland study to analyze the workflow and personnel schedules, etc. However, the date for completion of this study has now been extended to August. 3. Review of the Proposed Park Plan on Avocado 3.1 1 was equally astounded by observing this plan. There has been an indication that this plan is ready to build just as the indication that the City Hall plan is ready to build. It is difficult to differentiate between the inadequacies of both plans. 3.2 The plan shows a parking lot behind the library. Parking lots and streets and roads, etc., have certain design constraints, generally parking lots are sloped so that you can get in and out of cars, both for comfort and normal use and particularly for the handicapped. The grades shown on this plan do not provide any access to the park above. The nearest "level" spot that can be reached is at an elevation of approximately elevation 170. This will be 30 -35 ft. above the parking lot or approximately the level of the floor of a four -story building. To the highest point of the lot elevation 195 ft. would be the level of the floor of a six -story building. 417 THIRTIETH STREET • NEWPORT BEACH, CA 92663 • PHONE (949) 675 -9628 • FAX (949) 675 -9638 Advocacy Plan Update July 6, 2006 Page 3 of 5 3.3 Any park, if it is intended to serve the people, must have handicap access. This access can only be provided by putting automobile access in from Farallon Street, and even this will be difficult to get up to view heights. A. My original sketches of a City Hall site showed access and a parking lot in that area because a park of this size and access requirements, etc., indicated that even if a City Hall was not built on this site the approximation of what I have shown for road access and parking is valid for the park. It is not even necessarily needed for the City Hall. B. The Park Plan as shown would require removal of (estimated) 37,000 cubic yards of dirt. Access to parking and the parking lot at an average elevation of 180 would require removal of 18,000 cubic yards. Total 55.000 cubic yards. 4. Answers to some questions. 4.1 What about building on park sites or open space? Answer: First of all, this would be a building that would not usurp, by any means, the entire site. It would be a "city hall on the green." The access from Farallon and the parking is something that would be required for the park use anyway. The City Hall also provides parking for the library and other functions as described in the more full report. There are many examples of building on public property. A recent example, of course, is the laboratory building on the old Shellmaker property and the Muth Center. These serve many functions such as classrooms, laboratories, etc. There are also recreation centers such as the rowing center, etc., made up of structures and they are buildings and they are used for other than open space park sites. 4.2 The view plane. Answer: This building is totally below the view plane as described previously 4.3 Water Intrusion Answer: This is strictly a red herring. There would be no professional suspicion of having any water problems or any building construction problems. The building would have no basement. Being on the top of a hill, it is unlikely that there would be any water problems. There is no water seeping out on Avocado St. or MacArthur Blvd., etc. Any water problems that the library might have would almost surely would be assigned to improper waterproofing and drainage system around the building. Even basements are built in water tables all over Newport Beach. There must not have been any concern about water tables when the library was built; otherwise, it surely would have been stopped or some major adjustments made. Obviously, borings, etc., did not indicate that a building should not be built at that site. 417 THIRTIETH STREET • NEWPORT BEACH, CA 92663 . PHONE (949) 675 -9628 • FAX (949) 675 -9638 Advocacy Plan Update July 6, 2006 Page 4 of 5 4.4 Costs Answer: It should be obvious that there is an opportunity for great cost savings just due to the simplicity of construction. Having an open site rather than an extremely tight site on which to build, delivery of materials, parking for construction crews and, of course, a huge benefit by having only one move and perhaps most importantly, not imposing inconvenience to the customer and the staff imposed by two moves. 4.5 What about trading or buying other property? Answer: This is answered partially in the proposal to trade for the existing City Hall property and I hope that this is considered a "mitigation." The City should be developing a fund for mitigation of this type and purchase of other property. Perhaps if this proposed mitigation can be accomplished, it will bring the community together to provide funds for acquisition of more open space and parks, if desired. 4.6 Architecture and Planning Answer: Any expression on my part about architecture was merely to establish a philosophy that Newport Beach need not build a monument. It should be tasteful and should express the intellectual and cultural capital of our community. There was a comment the Council that this single floor plan would be excessively long and would be something like a K -Mart; however, perhaps there was a misreading of the plan because upon checking the proposed City Hall plans at the existing site, it appears that the building proposed for the Avocado site is only 24 ft. longer. This provides even more validity for a single floor because those riding their Segways in the building proposed will not have to take their Segways upstairs but can use them on a single floor. 5. Suggestions 5.1 There have been suggestions from a couple of architects with regard to perhaps turf on the roof of the City Hall or higher areas of the City Hall, etc., to provide some better views for visitors or for employee lunch break rooms, etc. These can all be accommodated and stay well within sight plane so there will be no intrusion into the sight plane where the hillside homes above this site would experience any view intrusion. 6. Proposal 6.1 The plan submitted herewith expresses graphically the opportunities that might be achieved by developing the existing City Hall as an urban park site. It does several things, A. In its accomplishment, it would open up an area without demolishing any trees. B. It would provide a far better fire station site with optional accesses and proper yard work spaces and open spaces around the fire department. 417 THIRTIETH STREET • NEWPORT BEACH, CA 92663 • PHONE (949) 675 -9628 • FAX (949) 675 -9638 Advocacy Plan Update July 6, 2006 Page 5 of 5 C. The corner site at Oporto and 32nd St. could be used for parking, but this is a planning detail. D. This urban park would preserve the Council building as a community hall, much needed in the entire Peninsula and West Newport/Lido area. The existing lobby and tower could be preserved to memorialize the City Hall location and additional walks and some additional paving surrounding it could be added with trellises and perhaps something like a Peet's Coffee Shop where people from the surrounding area could, in fact, enjoy some green open space. It is almost guaranteed that this open space would be highly used. E. This park could be a vital space for art walks, etc. There was no attempt to analyze how much parking should be used for such an urban park site. That would be addressed in more detailed planning, obviously, as would the statements above. 7. Conclusions If the above proposal is embraced, it might be a best example that the City could ever set for cooperation and where everybody benefits. Certainly the Avocado site could provide views (perhaps not as good as the view from the top of the site presently) but many, many more people could participate in that view and the enjoyment of the park, especially employees and visitors, and when we speak of a view of our city and the ocean, how wonderful it would be for all those visiting the City Hall daily as well as visitors from out of town to see "Newport Beach from the City Hall," unlike the existing site where you see the "City Hall from Newport Blvd." 7.2 The money spent to date should not be considered wasted. It is often frugal to spend money to find out what "not to do." 417 THIRTIETH STREET • NEWPORT BEACH, CA 92663 • PHONE (949) 675 -9628 • FAX (949) 675 -9638 s 7ru� a I. � x 4e 7 s Parking Structure y ONE LANE IN ke' 4 M Nfi pryp� t A' i :- m N 4. i7 t jk 7 J� a, r x z •. to •� Im Mil0 VOCAADO U � * N -IT Y c r ASjf "af � yY Tim- IT Y E pr "� mA Al a CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Newport Center Park CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Newport Center Park �n CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Newport Center Park its rumor .. •::.a CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Newport Center Park f� "Cut off„ lamps CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Newport Center Part CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Newport Center Park ' l �l l ry l �'Ie �6 i 'T�ir. ,�y �jY ar •x 1 Sl s m �Y CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Newport Center Park Perspective view looking from Amphitheater. x A , CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Newport Center Park CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Newport Center Park ''777 s �. i! l� CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Newport Center Park u. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Newport Center Park i � / - '`' Rana Creek's Living Architecture division is a fully integrated design- and -build operation rooted in ecological design criteria. Under the visionary leadership of ecologist and technical consultant Paul Kephart, Rana Creek is collaborating with prominent design teams on impressive examples of living architecture throughout North America, Baths at Esalen Institute Big Sur, California Architect — Mickey Muennig Esalen Institute's "living roof" blends seamlessly into the coastal environment and celebrates Big Sur's abundance of natural scenery As lead consultant for the "Baths" garden roof, Paul Kephart created a habitat for the rare species, 'Smith's Blue Butterfly." Ln The California Academy of Sciences CU at Golden Gate Park C San Francisco, California Architect —Renzo Piano Building Workshop U N Architect—Chong & Partners Architecture Landscape Architect —SWA Group 0 > Covered by more than two and a half acres of indige- av nous plants, the Academy installation will seem as If, ruin architect Renzo Piano's words, "they were lifting up Q a piece of the park and putting a building under it" In ru partnership with the Academy's design affiliates, Paul 'E Kephart is testing plant performance and soil sta- 0 bifization through experimental 'roof top' models. Models will assist in providing irrigation and drainage Lj specifications The results of this ambitious undertak ing will provide ideal plant and soil materials for a roof and ground plane landscaped environment. Gap Inc. Headquarters San Bruno, California Landscape Architect — William McDonough The Gap Headquarters project was the first large - scale living roof project developed in a Mediterra- nean climate. Architect William McDonough's integration of natural grasses onto multiple roof planes became an award - wining project. As a techni- cal consultant for the project, Rana Creek provided guidelines for successful establishment of plants, soil specifications and management guidelines for long -term green roof maintenance. y 2 rD QJ C 4 rD LP T The UCLA Film Library ru Los Angeles, California Landscape Architect-SWA Group E Before development transformed the landscape with lush lawns and tropical palm trees, Southern California was essentially a high desert along the U coast. Faithful to Los Angeles' and climate, the UCLA Film Library roof will feature a native plantscape. By establishing materials such as gravel and succulent plants, the roof will be both fire safe and drought tolerant while also serving as an enjoyable, authentic tribute to the region's ecology. Rana Creek's technical support to the SWA Group includes a plant list as well as soil, drainage, and irrigation maintenance specifications. Stanford Medical Center (n Palo Alto, California '+ >y Landscape Architect-Peter Walker T & Partners o >Z Stanford Medical Center's natural grass "living roof" creates a serene meadow setting and evokes a eD rz soothing "sense of place' for patients, staff and visi- o tors alike. Rana Creek provided technical assistance for plant specification, soil type and composition as C-) well as "contract grown' plant material from the 7 Rana Creek Plant Material Center. rn e� r The Vancouver Convention Center C p Vancouver, Canada o � Proposed Design Concept 3 Architect— Musson Cattett Mackey Partnership 0 0 Landscape Architect—PWL Partnership < a t rp The Northwest has a genuine appreciation for clean n r' O watersheds and pristine air quality. Paul Kephart's ® proposed design for the Vancouver project integrates eD a watershed management system into the roof and rte_+. adjacent ground plane. The proposed system would 0 capture, store, filter and reuse water and flush clean C7 excess water into the local bay. 3 r+ rD A biologist by training and self- proclaimed `restoration ecologist,' Kephart has fashioned a calling that in the United States didn't exist a decade ago. He makes roofs come to life." JOHN KING, SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE Paul Kephart sees thriving habitats where others see only shingles, tar and gravel. As the founder of Rana Creek he's established himself as the leading ecologist and technical design consultant in the field of living architecture With over zo years of varied consulting experience, Paul understands natural processes, sustainability, and how they apply to the developed landscape Through botanical surveying, biological assessment, project mitigation, land stewardship programs, and land management planning he restores the natural interaction of plant, animal, and insect life that is often erased by manmade structures I � C a- � owl s 1,im aF ='Y � Oo kR NO- ,h Al {' +e P � a9 iry el s v rtai�k absssri5 b t f 'T � 4 t , r y r y 11 k?s M+4 4 S C So v = v 4;. cv = n Be.v SG l-) M t I? S. IIE Costindexes Construction Cost Index The annual escalation rate of the CCI in July slipped from 4.2% a year ago to $, 'c IY 4.0% this July. JULY 2006 %CHG %CHG 20- CIIY:1913 =100 INDEXVALUE MONTH YEAR lYJN5TR11C7I0N COS! _7721.34 _ _ +0.3_ ----+4.0 COMMONLABOR 161 60.1 +3.8 WAGE VHFL 30.52 40.1 +3.8 Building Cost Index Materials Cost Index The annual escalation rate of the BCI A 1.8% rebound In steel prices more rose from 3.5 to 3.8%this month, based 6-0 mostly on the 0.9% increase in the MCI. and lumber prices. JULY 2005 %CHG %CHG. 20- CITY:1913 =100 INDEXVALUE MONTH YEAR BUILDING COS! 4356.06 +0.4 +38 SIGLLED LAGOR __ 7218.35._ +0.1 +32 WAGE NHfl. 40.06 +0.1 +3.2 Asphalt, Cement, Aggregate, Concrete, Brick, Block, Lime ASPHALT - ...__?ate _ ___u', b_ gga.�a _, ez(.ar - 191.61 +25].02__ +218.]9 216.80 330.00 - _._.__._ -_ __.__. _______..., ion RAPID SET ton 225.00 - 214A9 _ 375:96_ - - 265.10 +230.00 +20234 .168.70 +306.00 SET -.. -_ __- ._._____ _- _- ____.__- - _.._- ___- __.,- __-___-_.... Jon 227.00 - 226.54 375.96 19575 - 766 to i9M 7A .7no 9a Ras an nnann I I-. a9n IbUMU 19P.bu - 191.00 185.00 26250 268.00 191.22 186.00 164.00 - + or- deroles once Im ken "lien since prenonempttttnd available. Mondlly nmlkd puolelbns by INS fiehl ttpeaers June 23, MAI pucks as end paces Bickel 9pm a silglee kkCO. OUOks a2 delikeretl prices OF MNana aM mckeomyceeenl Moline block and ready -mk cancmle.Mcm(erginyd. crusbedvene an! sardine FOB plant ONU pnceeanqudW FOBCIIy unhanded. Some pncesmayhnckdekxes rGin Aloorpmmptile, ant dp Fpaner poll. not soeci icog0 s iKinde 2pidsd kmdelon. CRS2; sloursd emuldon, CM H; grovel, waabeu; case course, I down k dmL ummeAed; Mncele course, (continued on p.261 ­ lily 4 9Ann . CYY - on Materials Cost Index A 1.8% rebound In steel prices more . than offset small declines In cement and lumber prices. JULY 2006 %CHG. %CHG 20- CIIY:1913 =100 INDEXVAL.UE MONTH YEAR MATFAIALS _____ 2607_48 +0.9+4.9 CEMEM§RON____ _ _ 92.x_ _ __. ,7______ -- MMBER$WBF 509.60 -0.3 55 Asphalt, Cement, Aggregate, Concrete, Brick, Block, Lime ASPHALT - ...__?ate _ ___u', b_ gga.�a _, ez(.ar - 191.61 +25].02__ +218.]9 216.80 330.00 - _._.__._ -_ __.__. _______..., ion RAPID SET ton 225.00 - 214A9 _ 375:96_ - - 265.10 +230.00 +20234 .168.70 +306.00 SET -.. -_ __- ._._____ _- _- ____.__- - _.._- ___- __.,- __-___-_.... Jon 227.00 - 226.54 375.96 19575 - 766 to i9M 7A .7no 9a Ras an nnann I I-. a9n IbUMU 19P.bu - 191.00 185.00 26250 268.00 191.22 186.00 164.00 - + or- deroles once Im ken "lien since prenonempttttnd available. Mondlly nmlkd puolelbns by INS fiehl ttpeaers June 23, MAI pucks as end paces Bickel 9pm a silglee kkCO. OUOks a2 delikeretl prices OF MNana aM mckeomyceeenl Moline block and ready -mk cancmle.Mcm(erginyd. crusbedvene an! sardine FOB plant ONU pnceeanqudW FOBCIIy unhanded. Some pncesmayhnckdekxes rGin Aloorpmmptile, ant dp Fpaner poll. not soeci icog0 s iKinde 2pidsd kmdelon. CRS2; sloursd emuldon, CM H; grovel, waabeu; case course, I down k dmL ummeAed; Mncele course, (continued on p.261 ­ lily 4 9Ann . CYY - on Index Review CONSTRUCTION COST BUILDING COST SIOLLEDWAGES COMMON WAGES BASE YEAR 1913 1967 1913 1967 1913 1967 1913 1967 2005 MARCH 7308]5 680.41 I 4126.90 610.86 692553 694.18 15289.87 749.70 APRIL 7355.38 684.75 1 4167.53 616.87 692553 694.18 15305.66 750.47 MAY 7398.03 688.72 1 418897 620.09 i 6971.74 691161 I 1540653 755.47 JUNE 7414.97 690.30 j 4194.65 620.86 I 6981.97 699.79 15446.97 757.40 .JULY 7421.57 690.92 j 4196.67 62121 i 6997.06 701.35 15474.08 758.73 AUGUST 7478.51 696.22 4209.70 623.11 7064.50 708.11 15657.50 767.72 SEPTEMBER 7540.38r 701.98r 4241.56! 627.83! 7156.97! 717.38! 15828.82! 776.12! OCTOBER 7562.50 704.09', 4265.34 631.35 716396 718.08 15831.95 776.25 NUVEMBER 7629.95 710.32 4311.94 638.24 7199.13 721.60 ! 15921.45 780.66 DECEMBER 7646.87 711.89 I 4328.85 640.75 7199.13 721.60 15921.45 780.66 2005 AVERAGE 744598 693.19 I 4205.03 622.42 I 7035.20 705.17 1 15554.91 762.69 2006 JANUARY 7660.29 713.14 I 4334.84 641.63 i 7200.63 721.75 1 15942.50 781.70 FEBRUARY 7688.90 715.80 4337.39 64201 7207.06 722M ! 16017.50 785.37 MARCH 7691.72 716.07 4330.31 640.96 7208.74 722.57 16045.26 786.74 APRIL 7695.40 716.41 4335.46 641.73 721264 722.96 16045.26 786.74 MAY 7690.72 71597 4330.78 641.03 7212.64 72296 16045.26 786.74 JUNE 7699.59 716.80 4339.65 642.35 7212.64 722.96 1 16045.26 786.74 JULY 7721.34 718.82 ! 4356.06 644.78 7218.35 72353 I 16065.00 787.70 Asphalt, Cement, Aggregate, Concrete, Brick, Block, Lime ASPHALT - ...__?ate _ ___u', b_ gga.�a _, ez(.ar - 191.61 +25].02__ +218.]9 216.80 330.00 - _._.__._ -_ __.__. _______..., ion RAPID SET ton 225.00 - 214A9 _ 375:96_ - - 265.10 +230.00 +20234 .168.70 +306.00 SET -.. -_ __- ._._____ _- _- ____.__- - _.._- ___- __.,- __-___-_.... Jon 227.00 - 226.54 375.96 19575 - 766 to i9M 7A .7no 9a Ras an nnann I I-. a9n IbUMU 19P.bu - 191.00 185.00 26250 268.00 191.22 186.00 164.00 - + or- deroles once Im ken "lien since prenonempttttnd available. Mondlly nmlkd puolelbns by INS fiehl ttpeaers June 23, MAI pucks as end paces Bickel 9pm a silglee kkCO. OUOks a2 delikeretl prices OF MNana aM mckeomyceeenl Moline block and ready -mk cancmle.Mcm(erginyd. crusbedvene an! sardine FOB plant ONU pnceeanqudW FOBCIIy unhanded. Some pncesmayhnckdekxes rGin Aloorpmmptile, ant dp Fpaner poll. not soeci icog0 s iKinde 2pidsd kmdelon. CRS2; sloursd emuldon, CM H; grovel, waabeu; case course, I down k dmL ummeAed; Mncele course, (continued on p.261 ­ lily 4 9Ann . CYY - on NJ EW- P1 OR, T- C P A FZK � lk/ He I f:==TV -Ft. O-PPORTUNITIES ge CONSTRAIN75 VIEWS N ATIV r (;wso, M. COASTAL. SAGE- SCRU3 IIIIIIIIII ORNAMEN-ML LANDSChPF Not 5F Office: 337,261 sgft Museum: 31,208 sq ft. Fire Station: 13,481 sgft_ Police Station: 48,000 sgft. Auto Dealer: 2.14 acres25,000 sqA Retail: 1,760 sgft. 12. Corporate Plea West. This site is bounded by Newport Center Drive, East Coast Highway, the Newport Beach Country Club and the Balboa Bay Tennis Club. The site is designated for Administrative, Professional, and Financial Commercial land use. The site is allocated 115,000 sqA 13. Balboa Bay Tmnfs.Club. This site is bounded by Corporate Plap West, the Newport BeachTennis Club and the Granville Apartments. The site is designated for Recrea- tional and Environmental Open Space and is allocated 24 tennis courts. 14. Newport Beach Country Club. This site is designated for Recreational and Environ- mental Open Space to allow the continuation of the 13152 acre facility. 15. Aml v's Nursery. This site is located on East Coast Highway and is designated for Retail and Service Commercial land use. The maximum allowed development is 5,000 sq ft. for retail commercial land use only. 16. Ma Point. This site is bounded by East Coast Highway, Jamboree Road, Sea Wand and the Newport Beach Country Club. The site is designated for Multi- Family Residential land use and is allocated 228 dwelling units. 2096 of the units shall be affordable, with the affordability standards and term determined at the time of Project -67- of regional retail may be added upon commitment of the Bayview Landing site & senior citizen housing.[GPA94 -2(B)] No office development is allowed in Fashic Island. 19. Idewpon Village. This area is bounded by San Joaquin I -fills Road, MacArtht Boulevard, East Coast Highway and Avocado Avenue. 0 Ten acres at Coast Highway and MacArthur Boulevard is designated fc Governmental, Educational and Institutional Facilities for museum use with a maximum allowed development of 100,000 sq.ft. B. Four acres of the Newport Village area is shown for Recreational and Environ- mental Open Space for neighborhood park use. The precise location of the park site has not been established, but will be determined when plans are submitted for off -site development that was transferred as part of the Library Exchange Agreement. The property owner shall provide the City with an irrevocable offer of dedica- tion of four acres of the site in consideration for the conversion of previous residential entitlement to office use. The offer to dedicate the four -acre parcel may be modified to require dedication of another site within the City subject to the consent of the property owner and the City. The irrevocable offer to dedicate the four -acre parcel shall be provided within sixty (60) days after a written request from the City to the property owner. The irrevocable offer shall not obligate the property owner to dedicate the property prior to issuance of permits for the office development that was transferred off -site, or the execu- tion of a development agreement which vests the property owner's rights to construct the allowable development. C. Approximately 2.5 acres at the comer of San Joaquin Hills Road and Mac- Arthur Boulevard is designated for Governmental, Educational and Institu- tional Facilities, for use as the Orange County Transit District transfer facility. Storage of buses overnight and routine maintenance of vehicles is not allowed on this site. D. A four -acre portion of the Newport Village site was previously shown for Administrative, Professional and Financial Commercial Uses with an alternate of Government, Educational, Institutional Facilities to allow for the possible relocation of the City library from Civic Plaza. As part of the Library Exchange Agreement, GPA 91 -1(C) and Amendment No. 746 were approved designating this four -acre site for a 65,000 sq.ft. library, and deleting all previous entitle- ments. E. The balance of the site, which was previously designated for Administrative, Professional and Financial Commercial land use, was redesignated for Recrea- tional and Environmental Open space as part of the Library Exchange Agree- EM ` "JAW--25 -1999 1100 CITY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE 714 644 3139 P.02i02 meat and Amendment No. 746. All development entitlements for this property were transferred to other areas of Newport Center as part of that agreement_ FSTIMATEn GROWTH FOR STATISTICAL AREA 1A Reddeatial (in dds) Commercial (m sq it) EmAn Gen.Plan Projected Usting Gen.Plan Projected =7 Projection Growth 1/1/87 Projectioa Growth Big Canyon (Statistical Area L2) Big Canyon is bounded by San Joaquin Hills Road„ Jamboree Road, Ford Road and MacArthur Boulevard. The area is identified as the Big Canyon Planned Community. The areas are numbered as on Planned Community Text map. (see Map 4) 1. *CmryonArea L This area is designated for Single Family Attached development and is allocated 83 dwelt units, which reflects the existing land use. 2. Big CrmyonArea 2 This area is designated for Single Family Attached development and is allocated 17 dwelling units, which reflects the existing land use. 3. Big Carryon Area 3. This area is designated for Single Family Attached development and is ailocated 12 dwelling units, which reflects the existing land use. -69- TOTAL P.02 1. Block Q -0- 41- -0- 246.146 432,31 186,174 2. Block 200 -0- 4 -0- 196,545 196,545 -0- 3. Block MO 4 4- 40• 207,781 207,791 4l- 4. Block 3M 4 -0• 4 18D,408 134,908 4,5W 5. Block 4W -0- 4 4 440,118 440,118 4 6. Block 500 40- -0- 4)- 377,170 377,170 7. Block 60D 4)- -06 D• 1,294,834 1,294,134 41- 9. Block 700 -0- 40- -06 327,671 327,671 4 9. Block 800 -0- 245 245 253,994 253,994 -0- 10. Block 900 67 67 4 616,630 624630 6.0M 11. ChicPlara 4 4)- -0- 365,160 456,710 91,550 12. Corporate Plaza west -0- -o- 4)- 15,000 115,000 100,000 13. Tennis Club 40- 40- 4 -0- -0- -0- 14.NB Country Club -0- -0- -0• -0- -0. 4)- 15. Amtmg'a -0• 41- -0- 3,960 5,09D 1,04D %^ 16. Villa Point -0- 228 229 -0• 40- -0- 17. Stn Island 132 132 -0- -0- 4 4l- 18. Fuhion Island 4 -0- -0- 1,603,850 1,63.3,850 30,000 19. Newport VOlage 4 40- 40- 650 165,E 164,= TOM 199 672 473 4069,207 4652,821 54614 Population 394 1,331 937 (Revised 12194) Big Canyon (Statistical Area L2) Big Canyon is bounded by San Joaquin Hills Road„ Jamboree Road, Ford Road and MacArthur Boulevard. The area is identified as the Big Canyon Planned Community. The areas are numbered as on Planned Community Text map. (see Map 4) 1. *CmryonArea L This area is designated for Single Family Attached development and is allocated 83 dwelt units, which reflects the existing land use. 2. Big CrmyonArea 2 This area is designated for Single Family Attached development and is allocated 17 dwelling units, which reflects the existing land use. 3. Big Carryon Area 3. This area is designated for Single Family Attached development and is ailocated 12 dwelling units, which reflects the existing land use. -69- TOTAL P.02 January 25, 1999 AGENDA ITEM NO. 3 CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH OFFICE OF THE CITY ATTORNEY January 25, 1999 TO: Mayor and Members of the City Council FROM: Robert H. Burnham, City Attorney RE: OFFERS OF DEDICATE NEWPORT VILLAGE BAYVIEW LANDING The Irvine Company has submitted offers to dedicate the Newport Village and Bayview Landing parcels (Offers). These Offers are required by CIOSA and were referenced in the Resolutions that accompanied the Public Works' staff report dated January 11, 1999. We expect soon to receive offers to dedicate Newporter Knoll and Newporter North (the area around Harbor Cove). Recommendation: We recommend the adoption of the Resolutions accepting the Offers as referenced with Public Works' staff report dated January 11, 1999. H. Burnham, City Attachments F:\users\cat\shared\CCmemo\OffersofNV-BV.doc F. A reservation of any and all natural oil, oil rights, minerals, mineral rights, natural gas rights and other hydrocarbons by whatsoever name known, geothermal steam and all products derived from any of the foregoing, that may be within or under the Property, together with the perpetual right of drilling, mining, exploring and operating therefor and storing in and removing the same from the Property or any other land, including the right to whipstock or directionally drill and mine from lands other than the Property, oil or gas wells, tunnels and shafts into; through or across the subsurface of the Property and to bottom such whipstocked or directionally drilled wells, tunnels and shafts under and beneath or beyond the exterior limits thereof, and to redrill, retunnel, equip, maintain, repair, deepen and operate any such wells or mines; but without, however, the right to drill, mine, store, explore or operate through the surface or the upper 500 feet of the subsurface of the Property; G. A reservation of easements as needed for installation of utilities required to serve development on other properties of OFFEROR, to perform habitat mitigation in or adjacent to environmentally sensitive habitat areas to mitigate for development impacts on development parcels, for public rights -of -way, and for temporary construction access and staging; and H. The following covenants (the "Covenants): (1) that the Property will be used only for open space purposes; (2) that the OFFEROR will have the right to review and comment on all future improvement plans for the Property; (3) that the CITY will not require the OFFEROR to provide, directly or indirectly, any parking facilities for use of the Property; (4) that the CITY will maintain the Property in a safe condition; and (5) that the CITY will not abandon the Property nor transfer it or any portion of it to a third party without OFFEROR's prior written consent, which consent will not be withheld if the transfer is to another public entity for open space or park purposes. 3 MATTERS RELATED TO COVENANTS A. Amendment. The Covenants may be amended by mutual agreement of OFFEROR and CITY. Any amendment must be recorded in the Recorder's Office, County of Orange, California. 022 /WP51 /RKB /TTC /C10SA0FR.NV - 3 EXHIBIT OE' CIRCULATION IMPROVEMENT AND OPEN SPACE AGREEMENT OPEN SPACE DEDICATION DATE: 11/24/92 (1) Open Space to be dedicated upon Effective Date of Agreement. (2) Open Space to be dedicated upon issuance of first building permit. (3) Open Space shall be offered for dedication upon issuance of last building permit of all projects contained in this Agreement. The Company may elect to waive this condition. (4) Open Space area to be dedicated upon issuance of first building ;permits for both Upper Castaways and Newporter North. OPEN SPACE I # PROPERTY ACRES TO BE TIMING OF I DEDICATED L4) DEDICATION 1. SAN DIEGO CREEK SOUTH 1 2.4 (3) 2. SAN DIEGO CREEK NORTH I 8.6 (3) 3. JAMBOREE /MAC ARTHUR 4.7 (3) I 4. UPPER CASTAWAYS 30.6 (2) 5. i BAY VIEW LANDING 11.1 (�) 6. NEWPORTER NORTH I 47.2 (2) 7. i BLOCK 800 —0— N/A 8. CORPORATE PLAZA WEST I —0— N/A 9. FREEWAY RESERVATION North Area i 17.3 (2) i South Area —0— N/A 10. NEWPORTER KNOLL 12.0 (1) 11. NEWPORTER RESORT i —0— N/A 12. i NEWPORT VILLAGE 12.8 (4) I from library to San Miguel) i_ TOTAL 146.7 (1) Open Space to be dedicated upon Effective Date of Agreement. (2) Open Space to be dedicated upon issuance of first building permit. (3) Open Space shall be offered for dedication upon issuance of last building permit of all projects contained in this Agreement. The Company may elect to waive this condition. (4) Open Space area to be dedicated upon issuance of first building ;permits for both Upper Castaways and Newporter North. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH 1 PLANNING DEPARTMENT sfi 3300 NEWPORT BOULEVARD NEWPORT BEACH, CA 92658 (949) 644 -3200; FAX (949) 644 -3250 Hearine Date: Aeenda Item No.: Staff Person: REPORT TO THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL May 22, 2001 25 Patricia L. Temple 644 -3228 SUBJECT: Entitlement Status of the Newport Village Site ACTION: 1) Adopt Resolution No. 2001- initiating General Plan Amendment 2001 -2, for the Newport Village Site; and 2) Adopt Resolution No. 2001- , initiating an amendment to the Newport Village Planned Community District Regulations; and 3) Direct staff to return to Council with plans, specifications and a budget amendment for the improvement of a park on the Newport Village site. The approximate 12 acre site bounded by the Newport Beach Central Library, MacArthur Boulevard, San Miguel Drive and Avocado Avenue is commonly referred to as the Newport Village Site. Councilmember Bromberg requested a report on the entitlement status of this site, expressing an interest in assuring its use for open space. The Land Use Element Map designates. the site as Administrative, Professional and Financial Commercial (the City's commercial office category). However, the text of the Element does indicate that there is no development allocation for the site, and also references the fact that the zoning for the site is Open Space, as established by a Planned Community Text amendment approved as part of the Library Exchange Agreement (Development Agreement No. 4). The zoning document sets forth the permitted uses as open space and parks. The site's ultimate use and ownership was also addressed as part of the Circulation Improvement and Open Space Agreement ( CIOSA), where it was one of several sites identified for dedication to the City. ,An irrevocable offer of dedication was made by The Irvine Company, which has been accepted by the City, with limits on the use of the site for parks and open space. The fact that the mapped land use designation was never changed to reflect the use limitations of the site imposed as part of the Library Exchange Agreement and CIOSA is a confusing factor to persons using the Land Use Element. It is, therefore, appropriate for this designation to be changed to be consistent the site's zoning designation. Additionally, the land use limitations in the PC Text are very vague and general, and do not address such issues as whether library support parking is permitted, or what proportion of the site (if any) should be used for active or passive park uses, or preserved as environmental open space. In order to resolve these issues, staff recommends that General Plan and Zoning amendments be initiated to clean up and add greater specificity to these documents. Additionally, in order to implement the intent of these land use limitations, it is also recommended that the City commence the planning and design of the site, in order to ultimately budget for and construct park improvements on the site. Submitted by: SHARON Z. WOOD Assistant City Manager Attachments: Prepared MAPLE Planning � ' /Lett 1. Draft Resolution for initiation of a General Plan Amendment 2. Draft Resolution for initiation of an amendment to the Newport Village Planned Community Text Page 2 Resolution No. 2001- A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH INITIATING AN AMENDMENT TO THE LAND USE ELEMENT OF THE NEWPORT BEACH GENERAL PLAN TO DESIGNATE THE NEWPORT VILLAGE SITE AS RECREATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL OPEN SPACE (GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT 2001 -2) WHEREAS, the City is the owner through dedication of the site northerly of the Newport Beach Central Library know as Newport Village; and WHEREAS, the City Council desires to establish a clear understanding for the City and its residents as to the ultimate and long term use of the property; and WHEREAS, the City Council has the authority to initiate amendments to the City's General Plan as set forth in City Council Policy K -1. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council does hereby initiate an amendment to the General PIan Land Use Element to designate the Newport Village site for Recreational and Environmental Open Space use. ADOPTED this day of May, 2001. MAYOR ATTEST: Lavonne Harkless, City Clerk CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH RECREATIONAND OPEN SPACE ELEMENT 4 1 CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH RECREATIONAND OPEN SPACE ELEMENT RECREA TION A ND OPEN SPA CE EL EMENT 3. OBJECTIVESAND POLICIES • y Service Area 9 - Newport Center - An I1 -acre deficiency of parkland currently exists. Additional facilities may be provided in or near the service area. Service Area 11- Newport Coast - This area is deficient in public facilities, but exceeds the City park ratio standard if its extensive private facilities are counted. If ultimately annexed by the City, it must be determined whether these facilities are to remain private or are transferred to the City for public use. IMPLEMENTATION: Action - Adopt Recreation and Open Space Element and Plan. Responsible Department - Community Services, Planning. Schedule - As financially feasible, determined via capital improvement program process. POLICY 2.2 - FISCAL EFFICIENCY: Require parkland acquisitions to be fiscally efficient and beneficial to the needs of the community. IMPLEMENTATION. Action - Prepare a fiscal analysis, including ongoing maintenance costs and long term renovation needs, for all proposed park facilities prior to approval. Responsible Department - General Services and Community Services. Schedule - As needed. POLICY 2.3 - NEEDS ASSESSMENT: Ensure that development and improvement plans for park and recreational facilities are consistent with changing community needs. IMPLEMENTATION: Action - Identify community recreational facility and program needs through periodic community outreach efforts such as community surveys, public meetings /workshops and/or liaison with user groups. Review Recreation and Open Space Element and Plan and amend, if necessary, to ensure that identified needs are reflected in the document. When specific park projects or major renovations are proposed, make a special effort to obtain input on design and facilities from surrounding residents and user groups such as sports leagues. Responsible Department - Community Services. Schedule - Conduct needs assessment approximately every five years, consistent with Recreation and Open Space Element/Plan update schedule. For specific park projects, hold well - publicized community meetings and/or solicit feedback via mailouts. 3 -5 u� (Item 6) November 10, 2005 RECREATION Ft SENIOR SERVICES DEPARTMENT TO: Parks, Beaches Et Recreation Commission FROM: Marie Knight, Director SUBJECT: General Plan Update Attached for the Commissions review and input is the draft Recreation Element for the General Plan Update. The Element contains a series of goals and policies that provide the City with long term guidance in relation to each of the topic areas. Staff has been working with our consultant on this draft which includes several revisions to our current element such as: adding the priorities for park development that were identified by the Commission and Council a few years back, taking out those areas that pertain to natural resources, coastal access, marine issues, and environmental protection and placing them in their own element, and making sure that we have identified any trends that may affect us in the coming years such as the expansion of school based sports programs which will affect our use of facilities in the coming years. Also included for the Commissions reference is the current Open Space Element of the General Plan. The Commission is asked to provide input on any recommended changes or additions to this draft. RECREA TION AND OPEN SPA CE ELEMENT 2. NEEDS PARKLAND ACREAGE NEEDS The following table is a summary of existing park and recreation acreage plus acreage needed to meet the City's standard of five acres per 1000 residents -- both as of June 1998 and at projected City buildout in 2010 (service area boundaries are shown in Figure 1 -1): Heights : tseacn EXISTING PARK ACREAGE: JUNE 1998 Park Park Active Combined 0 Service Area Acres Acres Beach Park/ Deficit { -) Island Needed Existing Recreation Beach Excess ( +), 31.3 71.0 0 Acreage Acreage 13.9 1: West 64.7 9.1 34 43.1 -21.6 Newport 9: Newport I 10.9 4.0 0 2: Balboa I 25.5 6.5 44 50.5 +25.0 Peninsula 44.4 23.9 11.4 35.3 del Mar 3: Newport I 64.3 50.2 0 50.2 -14.1 Hts. eta] 0 51.9 4: Santa Ana 3.2 2.0 0 2.0 -1.2 Heights : tseacn <mxcesslN Acreage; 5: Lower Bay I 17.3 0.1 0 0.1 6: Balboa ( 17.9 0.3 1 1.3 Island 7: Eastbluff I 31.3 71.0 0 71.0 8: Big I 13.9 0 0 0 Canyon 9: Newport I 10.9 4.0 0 4.0 Center 10: Corona I 44.4 23.9 11.4 35.3 del Mar 11: Harbor 1 54.6 51.9 0 51.9 -17.2 -16.6 +39.7 -13.9 -6.9 NQea : tseacn <mxcesslN Acreage; *i . 70.9 43.1 -27.8 27.9 50.5 +22.6 69.7 50.2 -19.5 3.2 2.0 23.1 0.1 19.6 1.3 35.7 71.0 16.5 0 11.1 4.0 -9.1 I 48.6 35.3 -2.7 63.8 51.9 -1.2 -23.0 -18.3 +35.3 -16.5 -7.1 -13.3 -11.9 School 3.3 37.8 0 0 0 22.8 0 0 0 Totals 1 348' 219 90` 309 -39 1 405- 309 -96-- 68.5 12: 1 Newport Coast Private Park Area: 58.1 ac. 1 50 58.1 +8.1 * Including the annexed Bonita Canyon area. ** Deficitlexcess acreage if no additional parks are built. 69,600 x 5 ac. per thousand = 348 ac. 2Includes beach area where active recreation takes place -- i.e. typically within 100 feet of the water. In addition, there are 174 acres of passive beach open space, 136 acres of open space land in the Upper Bay Ecological reserve and an undetermined amount of water open space in the Upper Bay and Newport Harbor. 381,000 (estimated 2010 pop.) x 5 ac. per thousand = 405 ac. (including Bonita Canyon but excluding potential The above Citywide totals do not include parkland in future annexation areas, such as the Newport Coast, because such areas are not presently in the City. Existing and projected parkland needs were derived from the Inventory of Existing Facilities and Population by Service Area tables in the Technical Appendix. The acreage results in the above table are addressed later in this chapter under Citywide Needs and Service Area Needs. 2 -3 Study Session Item # s4 DATE: February 5, 1999 TO: Mayor Dennis O'Neil and Members of the City Council FR: Tom Thomson RE: Newport Village Newport Village permitted use includes 1.) open space or 2.) low income rental housing under an existing state program. The general plan of Newport Beach shows this parcel to be dedicated to open space. Any other use would require an amendment to the general plan. Such an amendment has been initiated, but it has not been pursued. The CIOSA designation is open space. I propose we create a Newport Central Park. A possible configuration is • attached for your review. The subject area encompasses 12.8 acres from San Miguel south to the library. We could have dedicated open sp[ace from San miguel south approximately 750 feet to a meandering line but at no point exceeding 800 feet. This could preserve preciosu ecolgical habitats. The bluff top view park area would begin roughly adjacent to Farallon Drive southward approximately 560 feet. It could be park - like, with turf grass but absent any further enhancements or improvements. It will be mowed, edged and cared for as we are . accustomed to having our parkways maintained. According to General Services Director Dave Neiderhaus, the city's contract for maintaining parks and open space runs $180 per month per acre, which includes mowing, edging, use of appropriate pesticides and herbicides, and fertilization. The park area measures 560 feet in length and 105 feet wide (58,800 square feet or 1.34 acres), not including the already existing side slopes which can remain. The area below the grassy park could be an additional passive strip as buffer/ • preserve to a new slope located approximately 120 feet from the library. Approximately 80 -120 new - parking -spaces .. - coa- ld --be - created behind the library depending upon configuration, etc. The buffer would use the same angle as the existing slope that runs down to the new parking lot north of the library. These parking spaces could be available to those utilizing the library or the open space /park. NOTE: It is anticipated that the view park area will follow the existing contours of the bluff used for picnics, watching the sun set and, moreover, allowing citizens to enjoy the quality of life in Newport Beach in a setting that augments Inspiration Point in Corona del Mar. However, no organized activity of any kind would be allowed. No weddings, parties or any function will be allowed. It is meant as a view park only for the citizens of Newport Beach. A future option that might be considered is a Greco -Roman stone seating area in the shape of a 1/4 amphitheater built into the slope. No portion of this natural stone -like replication of a Greek lecture pit would exceed the height of the natural berm. There would be no amplification of sound, in fact, no sound capability, no lights, no power, much like a true Greek or Roman ruin, it would serve as a quiet reading spot for all ages. This area could be accessed from the library through the existing door in the public area. I feel this plan would be an asset to the citizens of Newport Beach for generations to come. I look forward to hearing your .comments and suggestions in regard to the above. Respectfully submitted, Tom Thomson. (Dictated but not read by Tom Thomson) 11 6 -15 -2000 9 :04AM 06/15/'000 05:43 . FROM GENERAL SERVICES 949 650 0747 9497210450 EUGENIO 45UP.T0 p,0. BOX 102 BALBOA ISLAND, CALIFORNIA 92662 p. June 14; 2000 r LaDonns Klenitz Community Scr%ices DirectorrCitp Librariut City ofNewpon Beach 3500 Newport Blvd. Newport Bcachr CA 92663 Re Request for park Developmett at the I Z. S acre site north of the Central )abrw PAGE 01 Dear its. JC cnttz, SPON is a :6 year old CoCUttunit organ zatio +which has had a long intereri in park and open space Mattet•s in 'he City of Nett .ort Beach V Stq�riz 6 Coramirtee voted unanimously to support a Masi" opeo On N1av 160 20004 -h. SPO, br emending from the library to San Nltgud sad bvrdatcd by 6, -pace park at the site above the li, aty, s ace by 'he MacArthur and Avocado. This t ?1.5 am sit��L odds desi�tedhas Recreeatiot al, acid Irvin Company as part of he CIPSA Agr art of the Library been con3idored for park purposes, but it has not Ya Environmental Open Space in thLBnd Use l lament otthc CRSietal a6 Exchange Agreement in 1991. It , s long been formally desigtated as a pack- AccordinglY, SPON requests Thai the City create a passive open space park than iT and :alsoshase has scene of the most ntagnifecent views available from public ptopetty in aaaive view, and site for a many environmentally sensitive aanaal resources. It makes ano foR Beach is petpetuitY. nature oriented Dark. for all 70,000 Plus Asks deficit int this p� of the City. of the This request would also help anti* P Besc;ies, and SPON teyuesls that tris park dej olopmrnt recucst be forwarded to the Parks, Recreation Commission £or ,ts c6rrsiderauon at the J'-AY, 2000• PBR Commission meeting Thank You for your help . sinwely, c July 23, 1998 ",layer and Members of C-0/ Council City Of Newport Beach 3300 Newport Boulevara PO Box 1768 Newport Beach, CA 92658 Dear Mayor and Members of City Council; This lettmr will serve as reinforcement of the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Corr,mission's unanimous approval in keeping the parcel -of land known as 1,V0NA0, MIZVe north of the library dedicated as open space. It �s our belief that retaining this property with its sperm acuiar gateway view and the sort scape It allows in the middle of a business environment is a much greater asset to the City of Newport Beach than the development that is currently being considered by the City. At the September 6, 1994 meeting of the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission, this parcel of land was added to the Recreation and Open Element and listed as open space. Thank you in advance for your consideration or this correspondence. Respectfully, �-.c. +_Pat Seek, Chair Parks; Beaches and Recreation Commission cc:: Kevin Mwephy, C;ty Manager TOTAL P,01 ................. .. .... . .. I t ' f Robert A. Hamilton March 9,1998 Jan Vandersloot Stop Polluting Our Newport 2221 East 16'b Street Newport Beach, CA 92663 SUBJECT: LETTER REPORT, INITIAL BIOLOGICAL SURVEY DEDICATED OPEN SPACE PARCEL AT NEWPORT FASHION ISLAND Dear Jan, On behalf of the citizens' group Stop Polluting Our Newport (SPON), you requested that I complete an initial biological survey on a parcel covering approximately 12 acres in the City of Newport Beach (City). You indicated to me that this parcel is presently dedicated to the City as natural open space, and that SPON intends to participate in the City's planning process regarding proposed construction of residential housing on this parcel. This letter report presents the methods, results, and conclusions of my initial biological survey. METHODS On 7 March 1997, I inspected an open space parcel covering approximately 12 acres near Fashion Island Newport Center. The site is rectangular, and bounded on the east by MacArthur Boulevard, on the north by San Miguel Drive, on the west by Avocado Avenue, and on the south by the Newport Beach Public Library. Goals of my survey included (1) characterizing the site's plant communities, including their dominant species plant and overall condition, and (2) identifying plant and animal species present on the site, including sensitive species. I inspected the entire site and made note of each vertebrate wildlife species that I detected. I recorded the plant species characteristic of each plant community, but did not attempt to assemble a complete list of plant species present on the site. Observations of sensitive species are discussed, but analysis of sensitive species potentially present on the site was beyond the scope of this preliminary study. Survey Summary Survey Date Time Start Conditions End Conditions 7 March 1998 0800 -1130 clear; sunny; still; —70 °F clear; sunny; still; -78 °F _P.O. Box 961 20611 %z Sycamore Drive Rabuco Canyon, CA 92678 (714)459- 2875:(Phone1Fax) -.' robbham @flash.net �i Robert A. Hamilton, Consulting Biologist RESULTS Plant Communities The project site consists of a grassy mesa bordered on the south.by a native coastal sage scrub restoration effort, on the east and west by road edges and associated ornamental plantings (in places), and on the north by native coastal sage scrub and two drainages supporting cat -tail marsh vegetation. The following paragraphs discuss these communities, and their characteristic species, in greater detail. Annual Grassland/Seasonal Wetlands The mesa, which accounts for approximately half of this parcel, is vegetated primarily with non- native grasses and forbs, interspersed with native forbs and sub- shrubs. Considering the site's location and the species composition, it is likely that the entire mesa was mechanically disturbed in the past. Dominant and locally prevalent non- native species include brome grasses (Bromus diandrus, B. mollis, B. madritensis ssp. rubus), Slender Wild Oats (Avena barbata), storksbills (Erodium spp.), Bermuda - Buttercup (Oxalis pes- caprae), Black Mustard (Brassica nigra), and peppergrass (Lepidium sp.); native species well represented in the site's annual grasslands include Cudweed Aster (Lessingia filaginifolia), fiddleneck (Amsinckia sp.), Big Gumplant (Grindelia camporum), Telegraph Weed (Heterotheca grandii fora), and Deer Weed (Lotus scoparius). Two seasonal ponds exist within the site's annual grasslands. The larger of the ponds is at the mesa's northeast corner and covers approximately 0.2 acre. This pond contained water to a maximum depth of approximately six inches during the site survey, and supported at least three species adapted to wetland conditions: spike -rush (Eleocharis sp.), Curly Dock (Rumex crispus), and Mulefat (Baccharis salicifolia). The second.pond is found along the western edge of the mesa, near the intersection of Avocado and Farallon, and covers approximately 0.1 acre. This pond contained water to a maximum depth of approximately eight inches during the site visit, and supported at least two species adapted to wetiand conditions: Curly Dock and Mulefat. Additional plant species were present in these seasonal ponds, but were not mature enough to be identified during the site survey. Finally, a seasonally wet swale runs east and west near the southern edge of the mesa; 1 did not observe surface water within this swale, but the swale supports African Umbrella -Sedge (Cyperus alternifolius), a species adapted to wetland conditions'. Cat -tail Marsh Cat -tail marshes are found in two perennial drainages that are fed by urban runoff in the northern portion of the site. The site's principal drainage runs east and west, and supports a fairly extensive stand of emergent vegetation, mostly cat -tails (Typha sp.). Also present here are numerous large specimens of Pampas Grass (Cortaderia jubata) and some shrubby Arroyo Willows (Salix lasiolepis). Approximately half of the emergent vegetation was recently removed from this drainage (i.e., within the past week) and stacked near its western terminus. To the north is a north -south trending tributary to the principal drainage; this drainage supports a stringer of cat - tails. Together, these cat- tail marshes appear to cover between 0.5 and 1.0 acre. 'Identification made by botanist David Bramlet. Robert A. Hamilton, Consulting Biologist Coastal Sage Scrub Native coastal sage scrub covers much of the northern half of the site. This community is dominated by California Sagebrush (Artemisia californica) and California Sunflower (Encelia californica), with smaller amounts of Deer Weed, California Buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum), Saw - toothed Goldenbush (Hazardia squarrosa), Coastal Prickly -Pear (Opuntia littoralis), Lemonade Berry (Rhus integrifolia), Coyote Brush (Baccharis pilularis), and California. Wishbone Bush (Mirabilis californica). These native shrubs provide approximately 80 to 100 percent cover in most areas, but are being encroached'upon by invasive exotic species, particularly Hottentot -Fig (Carpobrotus edulis) and Myoporum (Myoporum laetum). The cut -slope at the southern edge of the mesa (behind the Newport Beach Public Library building) is being restored to a coastal sage scrub community comprised mainly of Black Sage (Salvia mellifera), California Sagebrush, California Sunflower, Ashy- leaved Buckwheat (Eriogonum cinereum), and Buff Monkeyflower (Mimulus aurantiacus). Scattered specimens of ceanothus (Ceanothus sp.) are also present. This habitat is perhaps a year or two from reaching full maturity, as the plants are now mostly two to three feet tall. Ornamental Plantings Manufactured slopes along Avocado avenue and MacArthur Boulevard have been planted with non -native ornamental groundcovers, including acacias (Acacia spp.), African Daisy (Dimorphotheca sp.), and Sweet - Alyssum (Lobularia.maritima). Sweet- Alyssum, known to be an invasive exotic weed in southern California and elsewhere, is expanding somewhat into openings in the adjacent coastal sage scrub community, Wildlife This section discusses only vertebrate wildlife species observed during the site visit; it was beyond the scope of this preliminary survey to attempt to identify species with potential to occur on the site. Reptiles Two reptile species were observed: Side- blotched Lizard (Uta stansburiana) and Western Skink (Eatmeces skiltonianus). "714 Of the 24 bird species observed during the site survey, most are common native residents such as the Red - tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis); Anna's Hummingbird (Calypte anna), American.Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos), Black Phoebe (Sayornis nigricans); House Finch (Carpodacus mexicanus), and Lesser Goldfinch (Carduelis psaltria): Winter visitors observed on the site include Common Snipe (Gallinago gallinago)', Hermit Thrush (Catharus guttatus); Orange- crowned Warbler (Vermivora celata), Yellow - rumped Warbler (Dendroica coronala), and White- crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys). One pair of Coastal California Gnatcatchers (Polioptila californica californica), a federally threatened species, was observed in coastal sage scrub habitat located in the northeast portion of the site (see attached map). .l followed the male for'over an hour and could see that this bird was definitely not banded. I obtained Only brief views of the secretive female, but 'I believe that this bird was 1 Observed in cat -tail marsh habitat. Robert A. Hamilton, Consulting Biologist unbanded, as well. I did note that the female was carrying nesting material. The male gave a variety of calls and scolds typical of the species; at one point, the male and female maintained communication through paired (occasionally tripled) House Finch -like calls: "jrry? jrry. I suspected that a second male California Gnatcatcher may have been present, but I could not determine this conclusively. At one point the paired male responded very aggressively to another bird that remained invisible to me, snapping his bill and scolding repeatedly Mammals Two common native mammal species were detected during the field surveys: California Ground Squirrel (Spermophilus beecheyi) and Audubon Cottontail (Sylvilagus auditbonit). Tracks of a canid, possibly a Coyote (Canis latrans), were observed along a path on the mesa. DISCUSSION This open space parcel shows evidence of past disturbance, and its isolation from larger natural open spaces reduces its conservation value for native plants and animals. Nonetheless, the site, presently supports a pair of threatened California Gnatcatchers, and its wetland and coastal sage scrub habitats are protected by state and federal resource protection laws. The presence of a Red - tailed Hawk on the site in early March suggests that this species nests in the project vicinity and is likely to utilize the site during the breeding season. Thus, loss of this open space area would likely represent a loss of foraging habitat for nesting raptors. If the City is considering development of this parcel, I would offer the following recommendations: • Retain a competent, experienced biologist to conduct a full biological assessment of the parcel. This should include mapping and quantification of the site's plant communities, analysis of the potential for additional sensitive plant and animal species to occur on this parcel, and any appropriate focused surveys. For example; the site's seasonal ponds should be sampled for fairy shrimps and .rare plants ;. although none were observed during the initial site.. survey, these species are typically difficult to detect except through a series of directed surveys over a period of several weeks. • Consult with the County of Orange and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to ensure that loss of occupied California Gnatcatcher habitat is handled properly with respect to the Natural Communities Conservation Plan (NCCP) for Central and Coastal Orange County. Rather than completing a full set of six to nine California Gnatcatcher surveys, it may be possible to identify coastal sage scrub on the site as occupied by nesting gnateatchers, based on the results of this study and perhaps one or two additional follow -up surveys. • Delineate jurisdictional wetlands and consult with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers regarding potential impacts to cat -tail marsh habitat, seasonal ponds, and /or a seasonal swale. • Consult with the California Department of Fish & Game regarding potential impacts to streambeds with defined bed and banks. If a land -swap is considered involving other. undeveloped parcels wi thin the City presently zoned for development, it would seem appropriate for such land to be of equal area to the subject parcel, and to support coastal sage scrub occupied by California Gnatcatchers. If land to be swapped for V. Robert A. Hamilton, Consulting Biologist the subject parcel does not support native plant communities, then restoration with appropriate, locally native species, should be required. CONCLUSION Thank you for the opportunity to participate in the planning process for this interesting piece of land. If you have any questions regarding this report, or wish to further discuss any issues, please call me at (714) 459 -2875 or send e-mail to,robbharn@flash.net. Sincerely, Robert A. Hamilton Consulting Biologist Attachments: Map Showing Location of California Gnatcatcher Nesting Pair List of Wildlife Species Observed 5 Robert A. Hamilton, Consulting Biologist WILDLIFE SPECIES OBSERVED DEDICATED OPEN SPACE PARCEL AT NEWPORT FASHION ISLAND The following vertebrates were noted in the study area during the current study, Presence may be noted if a species is seen or heard, or identified by the presence of tracks, scat or other signs. *Introduced species AVES BIRDS Accipitridae Hawks Buteo lineatus Red - shouldered Hawk Buteo jamaicensis Red - tailed Hawk Scolopacidae Sandpipers Gallinago gallinago Common Snipe Columbidae Pigeons, Doves Zenaida macroura Mourning Dove Trochilidae Hummingbirds Calypte anna Anna's Hummingbird Selasphorus Basin Allen's Hummingbird Tyrannidae Tyrant Flycatchers Sayornis nigricans Black Phoebe Corvidae Jays, Crows Corvus brachyrhynchos American Crow Corvus corax Common Raven Monarchidae Monarch Flycatchers Catharus guttatus Hermit Thrush Aegithalidae Bushtits Psaltriparus miniinus Bushtit Troglodytidae Wrens Thryomanes bewickii Bewick's Wren Cistothorus palustris Marsh Wren SyIviidae Old World Warblers, Gnatcatchers Polioptila californica California Gnatcatcher Regulidae Kinglets, Gnatcatchers, Thrushes, Babblers Regulus calendula Ruby- crowned Kinglet Parulidae Wood Warblers Vermivora celata Orange- crowned Warbler Dendroica coronata Yellow- rumped Warbler Geothlypis trichas Common Yellowthroat Robert A. Hamilton, Consulting Biologist Emberizidae Sparrows and Buntings Melospiza- melodia Song Sparrow Melospiza lincolnii Lincoln's Sparrow Zonotrichia leucophrys White- crowned Sparrow Fringillidae Finches Carpodacus mexicanus House Finch Carduelis psaltria Lesser Goldfinch Passeridae Old World Sparrows * Passer domesticus House Sparrow MAMMALIA MAMMALS Leporidae Hares, Rabbits Sylvilagus audubonii Audubon Cottontail Sciuridae Squirrels Spermophilus beecheyi California Ground Squirrel Taxonomy and nomenclature follow Stebbins (1966)', American Ornithologists' Union (1983) and Ingles (1965)3. 'Stebbins, R.C. 1966. A Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians. Houghton Mifflin, Boston. 'American Ornithologists' Union. 1983. Check -list of Norfh American Birds, sixth edition. Washington, D.C. and supplements through the 41" (1997). 3Ingles, L.G. 1965. Mammals of the Pacific States. Stanford University Press. Robert A. Hamilton July 16, 1998 Stop Polluting Our Newport (SPON) P.O. Box 102 Balboa Island, CA 92662 SUBJECT: FOLLOW -UP REPORT, INITIAL BIOLOGICAL SURVEY - DEDICATED OPEN SPACE PARCEL AT NEWPORT FASHION ISLAND NEWPORT VILLAGE SITE Dear SPON, In a letter report dated 26 March 1998, I provided the methods and results of an initial biological survey of the 12 -acre "Newport Village" project site, located in the City of Newport Beach (City). Subsequently, SPON requested that botanist David Bramlet and I complete follow -up biological surveys on this site. The purpose of these follow -up surveys was to search for additional plant and wildlife species present on the site, and to further observe a pair of Coastal California Gnatcatchers (Polioptila californica cal fornica) previously observed on the site, This follow -up report presents the methods, results, and conclusions of my two biological surveys, and incorporates results of Mr. Bramlet's 1998 botanical survey. METHODS I completed field visits on 7 March and 2 June 1998, and David Bramlet inspected the site on 25 May 1998. Goals of our surveys included (1) characterizing the site's plant communities, including their dominant species plant and overall condition; and (2) identifying plant and animal species present on the site, including sensitive species. We inspected the entire site and made note of each plant and vertebrate wildlife species detected. Observations of sensitive species are discussed, but analysis of sensitive species potentially present on the site is beyond the scope of this preliminary study. c SURVEY SUMMARY Date Personnel Time Conditions 7 March 1998 Robert Hamilton 0800 -1130 clear; surely; still; —70 - 78 °F 25 May 1998 David Bran-let 0900-1100 not noted 2 June 1998 Robert Hamilton 1200 -1300 clear; sunny; wind -8 mph SW; -75 °F mss' PO. Box 961 —�— 20611 %2 Sycamore Drive —,— Trabuco Casvon, CA 92678 y (714) 459 -2875 (Phone /Fax) robbham @flash.net Robert A. Hamilton, Consulting Biologist RESULTS Plant Communities The project site consists of a grassy mesa bordered on the south by a native coastal sage scrub restoration effort, on the east and west by road edges and associated ornamental plantings (in places), and on the north by native coastal sage scrub and two drainages supporting cat -tail marsh vegetation. A total of 42 native and 61 non - native species were detected on the site during the field surveys. The following paragraphs discuss these communities, and their characteristic species, in greater detail. ANNUAL GRASSLAND & SEASONAL WETLANDS The mesa, which accounts for approximately half of this parcel, is vegetated primarily with non- native grasses and forbs, interspersed with native forbs and sub - shrubs. Considering the site's location and the species composition, it is likely that the entire mesa was mechanically disturbed in the past. Dominant and locally prevalent non -native species include brome grasses (Bronius diandrus, B. mollis, B. madritensis ssp. rebus), wild oats (Avena spp.), filarees (Erodiuni spp.), Bermuda- Buttercup (Oxalis pes- caprae), and Black Mustard (Brassica nigra); native species well represented in the site's annual grasslands include Cudweed Aster (Lessingia filaginifolia), Sand Peppergrass (Lepidium lasiocarpum), Rigid Fiddleneck (Amsinckia menziesii), Big Gumplant (Grindelia camporum), Telegraph Weed (Heterotheca grandiflora), and Deer Weed (Lotus scoparius). Vernal Barley (Hordeum intercedens), a sensitive species, occurs in bare loamy -clay areas on the mesa. Two seasonal ponds exist within the site's annual grasslands. The larger of the ponds is at the mesa's northeast corner and covers approximately 0.2 acre. This pond contained water to a maximum depth of approximately six inches during the 7 March 1998 site survey, but had dried by 25 May. The second pond is found along the western edge of the mesa, near the intersection of Avocado and Farallon, and covers approximately 0.1 acre. This pond contained water to a maximum depth of approximately eightinches during the 7March 1998 site visit, but this pool also had dried by 25 May. These seasonal ponds support a variety of native and non - native plant species adapted to wetland conditions, including Pale Spike -Rush (E,leocharis palustris), Woolly Marbles (Psilocarphus brevissimus), Vernal Barley, Toad Rush Uuncus bufonius), Curly Dock (Rumex crispus), and Mulefat (Baccharis salicifolia). Finally, a seasonally wet swale runs east and west near the southern edge of the mesa; we did not observe surface water within this swale, but the swale supports African Umbrella -Sedge (Cyperus alternifolius), a species adapted to wetland conditions. CAT -TAIL MARSH Cat -tail marshes are found in two perennial drainages that are fed by urban runoff in the northern portion of the site. The site's principal drainage runs east and west, and supports a fairly extensive stand of emergent vegetation, mostly Slender Cat -tail (Typha angustifolia). Also present here are numerous large specimens of Pampas Grass (Cortaderia se'lloana) and some shrubbyArroyo Willows (Salix lasiolepis). Approximately half of the emergent vegetation was removed from this drainage 2 Robert A. Hamilton, Consulting Biologist in February 1998 and stacked near its western terminus. To the north is a north -south trending tributary to the principal drainage; this drainage supports a stringer of cat - tails. Together, these cat- tail marshes appear to cover between 0.5 and 1.0 acre. COASTAL SAGE SCRUB Native coastal sage scrub covers much of the northern half of the site. This community is dominated by California Sagebrush (Artemisia californica) and California Sunflower (Encelia californica), with smaller amounts of Deer Weed, California Buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum), Saw - toothed Goldenbush (Hazardia squarrosa), Coastal Prickly -Pear (Opuntia littoralis), Lemonade Berry (Rhus integrifolia), Coyote Brush (Baccharis pilularis), and California Wishbone Bush (Mirabilis californica). These native shrubs provide approximately 80 to 100 percent cover in most areas, but are being encroached upon by invasive exotic species, particularly Hottentot -Fig (Carpobrotus eduhs) and Myoporum (Myoporum laetum). The cut -slope at the southern edge of the mesa (behind the Newport Beach Public Library building) is being restored to a coastal sage scrub community comprised mainly of Black Sage (Salvia mellifera), California Sagebrush, California Sunflower, Island Buckwheat (Eriogonum grande), Interior Flat- topped Buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum var. foliolosum), and Buff Monkeyflower (Mimulus aurantiacus). Scattered specimens of ceanothus ( Ceanothus sp.) are also present. This habitat is perhaps a year or two from reaching full maturity, as the plants are now mostly two to three feet tall. ORNAMENTAL PLANTINGS Manufactured slopes along Avocado Avenue and MacArthur Boulevard have been planted with non -native ornamental groundcover, including Golden Wattle (Acacia pycantha), African Daisy (Dimorphotheca sinuata), and Sweet - Alyssum (Lobularia maritima). Sweet - Alyssum, known to be an invasive exotic weed in southern California and elsewhere, is expanding somewhat into openings in the adjacent coastal sage scrub community. Wildlife This section discusses only vertebrate wildlife species observed during the site visits; itwas beyond the scope of this preliminary survey to attempt to identify species with potential to occur on the site. REPTILES Two reptile species were observed: Side - blotched Lizard (Llta stansburiana) and Western Skink (Eumeces skiltonianus). Robert A. Hamilton, Consulting Biologist BIRDS Of the 26 native and one non -native bird species detected during the site surveys, most are common residents such as the Red - tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis), Anna's Hummingbird (Catypte anna), American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos), Black Phoebe (Sayornis nigricans), House Finch (Carpodacus mexicanus), and Lesser Goldfinch (Carduetis psaltria). Winter visitors observed on the site include the Common Snipe (Gallinago gallinago)', Hermit Thrush (Catharus guttatus), Orange - crowned Warbler (Vermivora celata), Yellow - rumped Warbler (Dendroica coronata), and White - crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys). On 7 March and 2 June 1998, a pair of federally threatened Coastal California Gnatcatchers (Polioptila californica californica) was observed in coastal sage scrub habitat located in the northeast portion of the site; these sightings are described subsequently, in the Sensitive Species section. MAMMALS Two common native mammal species were detected during the field surveys: California Ground Squirrel (Spermophilus beecheyi) and Audubon Cottontail (Sylvilagus audubonit). Tracks of a canid, possibly a Coyote (Canis latrans), were observed along a path on the mesa. SENSITIVE SPECIES Sensitive species are plants and animals that are endangered or rare, as those terms are used by CEQA and its Guidelines, or are of current local, regional or state concern. This section lists and briefly discusses the status of each sensitive species that may occur on the site; for bird species, potential for occurrence excludes migrants and rare winter visitors. Legal protection for sensitive species varies widely, from the relatively comprehensive protection extended to listed threatened and endangered species to no legal status at present. The California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), local agencies, and special interest groups such as the California Native Plant Society (CLAPS) publishwatch lists of declining species; some of these lists describe the general nature and perceived severity of the decline. In addition, recently published findings and preliminary results of ongoing research provide a basis for consideration of unlisted species. Finally, species that are not rare or threatened statewide or regionally, but whose local populations are sparse, rapidly dwindling or otherwise unstable, may be considered to be of "local interest." The following paragraphs discuss two sensitive plant species and one sensitive wildlife species detected during the course of the site surveys. Several additional sensitive species potentially occur on the site, but analysis of these species is beyond the scope of this preliminary study. ' Observed in cat -tail marsh habitat. ri Robert A. Hamilton, Consulting Biologist Coulter's Saltbush Wriplex coulteri) Coulter's Saltbush is placed on California Native Plant Society (CNPS) List 1B, which includes species considered by CNPS to be rare or endangered in California and elsewhere. This low, spreading perennial saltbush species is known to occurin coastal bluff and grassland habitats with some alkalinity. Red stems and opposite leaves distinguish Coulter's Saltbush from the more common, introduced Australian Saltbush. This species is distributed from Los Angeles County, east to San Bernardino County and south to Baja California. It is most commonly found on the Channel Islands. In Orange County this species has been recorded from Laguna Beach, Pelican Hill, Signal Hill, Trabuco Canyon and Cristianitos Canyon. On 25 May 1998, David Bramlet detected one specimen of Coulter's Saltbush on a bare, eroding slope in the southeast portion of the mesa, growing with Vernal Barley and the introduced Australian Saltbush (Atriplex semibaccata). Vernal Barley (Hordeum intercedens) This annual grass is placed on CNPS List 3, a review list of plants suggested by CNPS for consideration as endangered but about which more information is needed. This species was recently added to this review list due to the continued declines in preferred habitat, the limited collections, and general lack of knowledge related to the difficulty of identifying this grass. Vernal Barley is known from scattered collections throughout a range that extends from San Francisco to Kern County, extending south into Baja California and onto the Channel Islands. In southern California, Vernal Barley is generally known from Riverside County, where it occurs on the Santa Rosa Plateau and in alkali sink grasslands along the San Jacinto River and west of Hemet. In San Diego, Vernal Barley is found adjacent to vernal pools on Otay Mesa, extending northward to Camp Pendleton. This species was only recently recorded in Orange County, where it has been recorded at vernal pools in Costa Mesa (Fairview Park) and clay soil habitats at the U.C. Irvine Ecological Reserve, near Quail Hill (Irvine), and at several locales near the county's southern border. On 25 May 1998, David Bran-let detected limited numbers of Vernal Barley (fewer than 100 plants) in bare loamy -clay areas on the mesa, and in the site's seasonally wet ponds. Coastal California Gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica) The Coastal California Gnatcatcher is a federally threatened bird species that is considered a Califomia Species of Special Concern. This species formerly occupied coastal sage scrub and coastal bluff scrub communities from Ventura County south to northwestern Baja California. It is now absent from much of its former range. In Orange County, Coastal California Gnatcatchers occupy coastal sage scrub and similar native associations on gentle to moderate slopes south and east of the Santa Ana River. The major populations are located near the coast, in the Fullerton Hills, on the coastal slope of Loma Ridge and in the southern foothills. 5 Robert A. Hamilton, Consulting Biologist On 7 March 1998, I observed a pair of Coastal California Gnatcatchers in coastal sage scrub habitat located in the northeast portion of the site (see attached map). I followed the male for over an hour, and during brief views of the secretive female, I could see that she was carrying nesting material. On 2 June 1998, I observed this pair again for approximately 10 minutes, and did not detect any juveniles. DISCUSSION Although this open space parcel is physically isolated from larger open space areas and shows evidence of past disturbance, it retains a mosaic of habitats that includes seasonal and perennial wetlands, coastal sage scrub and grasslands. The site's wetland and coastal sage scrub communities are subject to specific state and federal resource protection laws. The site's plant communities provide habitat for a variety of native plants, reptiles, birds and mammals. In particular, the presence of two biologically sensitive plant species, and attempted nesting by a pair of Coastal California Gnatcatchers attests to the site's value as natural open space. The presence of a Red - tailed Hawk on the site in early March suggests that this species nests in the project vicinity and is likely to utilize the site during the breeding season. Thus, loss of this open space area would likely represent a loss of foraging habitat for nesting raptors. If the Cityis considering development of this parcel, Iwould offer the following recommendations: Retain a competent, experienced biologist to conduct a full biological assessment of the parcel. This should include mapping and quantifying the site's plant communities, analysis of the potential for additional sensitive plant and animal species to occur on this parcel, and any appropriate focused surveys. For example, the site's seasonal ponds should be sampled for fairy shrimps and rare plants; although none were observed during the site surveys, these species are typically difficult to detect except through a series of directed surveys over a period of several weeks. Consult with the County of Orange and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to ensure that loss of occupied California Gnatcatcher habitat is handled properly with respect to the Natural Communities Conservation Plan (NCCP) for Central and Coastal Orange County. Rather than completing a full set of six to nine California Gnatcatcher surveys, it may be possible to identify coastal sage scrub on the site as occupied by nesting gnatcatchers, based on the results of this survey and perhaps one or two additional follow -up surveys. Delineate jurisdictional wetlands and consult with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers regarding potential impacts to cat -tail marsh habitat, seasonal ponds, and /or a seasonal swale. Consultwith the California Department of Fish & Game regarding potential impacts to streambeds with defined bed and banks. If the City considers swapping this land for one or more parcels located elsewhere in the City, it would seem appropriate for such land to 1) presently be zoned for development (not open space), . Robert A. Hamilton, Cons:dting Biologist 2) be of equal area to the subject parcel, and 3) support wetlands, sensitive plant species, and coastal sage scrub occupied by nesting California Gnatcatchers. If any land considered for swapping for the subject parcel includes degraded plant communities, then restoration with appropriate, locally native species should be required prior to removal of habitat from the subject parcel. CONCLUSION Thank you for the opportunity to participate in the planning process for this interesting piece of land. If you have any questions regarding this report, or wish to further discuss any issues, please call me at (949) 459 -2895 or send e-mail to robbham@flash.net. Sincerely, Robert A. Hamilton Consulting Biologist Attachments: Map Showing Location of California Gnatcatcher Nesting Pair Appendix A - Plant Species Observed Appendix B - Wildlife Species Observed 7 Robert A. Hamilton, Consulting Biologist APPENDIX A PLANT SPECIES OBSERVED DEDICATED OPEN SPACE PARCEL AT NEWPORT FASHION ISLAND The following plant species were detected on the project site during the current study. * Introduced species ANTHOPHYTA: DICOTYLEDONES DICOT FLOWERING PLANTS Aizoaceae Carpet -Weed Family * Carpobrotus edulis Hottentot -Fig Mesembryanthemum nodiflorum Small- flowered Ice Plant Amaranthaceae Amaranth Family * Atnaranthus albus Tumbling Pigweed Apiaceae Carrot Family Daucus pusillus Rattlesnake Weed * Foeniculuni vulgare Sweet Fennel Asteraceae Sunflower Family Artemisia californica California Sagebrush Baccharis pilularis ssp. consanguinea Coyote Brush Baccharis salicifiblia Mulefat * Carduus pycnocephalus Italian Thistle * Centaurea melitensis Tocalote " Chrysanthemum coronatum Garland Chrysanthemum Conyza canadensis Common Horseweed * Cotula coronopifolia African Brass - Buttons • Dimorphotheca sinuata African Daisy Encelia californica California Encelia Filago californica California Filago • Filago gallica Narrow - leaved Filago * Gazania linearis Gazania Gnaphalium beneolens Fragrant Everlasting Grindelia camporum Big Gumplant * Hedypnois cretica Crete Hedypnois Hemizonia fasciculata Fascicled Tarweed Heterotheca grandiflora Telegraph Weed * Hypochoeris glabra Smooth Cat's Ear Isocoma ntenziesii Coastal Goldenbush Lessingia filagintfolia Cudweed Aster Psilocarphus brevissimus Woolly Marbles Sonchus aspen Prickly Sow- Thistle * Sonchus oleraceus Common Sow = Thistle Stephanomeria virgata Tall Stephanomeria Robert A. Hamilton, Consulting Biologist Boraginaceae Borage Family Amsinckia menziesii Rigid Fiddleneck Heliotropium curassavicum ssp. oculatum Salt Heliotrope Brassicaceae * Brassica nigra * Coronopus didymus * Hirschfeldia incana Lepidium lasiocarpum * Lobularia maritima * Raphanus sattvus Cactaceae Opuntia littoralis Capparaceae Isomeris arborea Caryophyllaceae * Polycarpon tetraphyllum * Spergula arvensis Spergularia marina Chenopodiaceae Atriplex coulteri • Atriplex semibaccata • Chenopodium murale * Salsola tragus Convolvulaceae Calystegia macrostegia ssp.intermedia * Convolvulus arvensis Crassulaceae Crassula connata Cucurbitaceae Cucurbita foetidissima Marah macrocarpus Euphorbiaceae Chamaesyce serpyllifolia Eremocarpus setiger Fabaceae * Acacia pycantha Lotus hamatus Lotus scoparius Lotus unifoliolatus Lupinus bicolor Mustard Family Black Mustard Lesser Wart -Cress Shortpod Mustard Sand Peppergrass Sweet- Alyssum Wild Radish Cactus Family Coastal Prickly -Pear Caper Family Bladderpod Pink Family Four - leaved Polycarp Corn Spurrey Salt Marsh Sand Spurry Goosefoot Family Coulter's Saltbush Australian Saltbush Nettle- leaved Goosefoot Russian - Thistle Morning -glory Family Short -lobed Morning -Glory Field Bindweed Stonecrop Family Pigmy Sand Weed Gourd Family Coyote Gourd Wild Cucumber Spurge Family Thyme- leaved Spurge Doveweed Pea Family Golden Wattle San Diego Lotus Coastal Deerweed Spanish Lotus Bicolored Lupine A -2 • Medicago polymorpha var. polymorpha • Melilotus indica Geraniaceae * Erodium botrys * Erodium cicutarium Lamiaceae Salvia mellifera Lythraceae * Lythrum hyssopifolium Myoporaceae * Myoporum laetum Myrtaceae * Eucalyptus camaldulensis Onagraceae * Oenothera sp. Oxalidaceae * Oxalis pes- caprae Plantaginaceae * Plantago coronopus * Plantago erecta ssp. californica Plumbaginaceae * Limoniaum perezii Robert A. Hamilton, Consulting Biologist Bur - Clover Yellow Sweetclover Geranium Family Long- beaked Filaree Red - stemmed Filaree Mint Family Black Sage Loosestrife Family Grass Poly Myoporum Family Myoporum Myrtle Family River Red Gum Evening- Primrose Family Evening - Primrose (planted) Wood - sorrel Family Bermuda- Buttercup Plantain Family Cut -leaf Plantain California Plantain Leadwort Family Perez's Sea - Lavender (planted) Polygonaceae Buckwheat Family * Eriogonum grande Island Buckwheat (planted) Eriogonum fasciculatum var. foliolosum Interior Flat- topped Buckwheat * Polygonum arenastrum Yard Knotweed * Rumex crispus Curly Dock Primulaceae Primrose Family * Anagallis arvensis Scarlet Pimpernel .Rhamnaceae Buckthorn Family Ceanothus sp. ceanothus (planted) Salicaceae Willow Family Salix lasiolepis Arroyo Willow Scrophulariaceae Figwort Family Mimulus aurantiacus Bush Monkeyflower A -3 Solanaceae * Nicotiana glauca Solanum americanum Robert A. Hamilton, Consulting Biologist Nightshade Family Tree Tobacco Small- flowered Nightshade ANGIOSPERMAE: MONOCOTYLEDONAE MONOCOT FLOWERING PLANTS Cyperaceae Sedge Family * Cypenls alternifolius African Umbrella -Sedge Cyperus eragrostis Tall Umbrella -Sedge Eleocharis palustris Pale Spike -Rush Juncaceae Rush Family Juncus bufonius Toad Rush Poaceae Grass Family • Avena barbata Slender Wild Oat • Avena fatua Common Wild Oat • Brachypodium distachyon Purple False Brome • Bromus diandrus Common Ripgut Grass * Bromus hordeaceus Soft Chess * Bromus madritensis ssp. rnbens Foxtail Chess * Cortaderia selloana Selloa Pampas Grass * Cynodon dactylon Bermuda Grass Hordeum intercedens Vernal Barley * Hordeum murinum ssp. leporinum Hare Barley Nassella sp. Needlegrass * Paspalum dilatatum Dallis Grass * Poa annua Annual Bluegrass * Polypogon monspeliensis Rabbitfoot Grass * Schismus barbatus Mediterranean Schismus * Setaria pumila Yellow Bristle grass * Vulpia myuros Foxtail Fescue Typhaceae Cat -tail Family Typha dontingensis Slender Cat -Tail Taxonomy and scientific nomenclature follows Hickman (1993)1; common names primarily follow Roberts (1998)2. 'Hickman, J. C. 1993. The Jepson Manual: Higher Plants of California. University of California Press. Berkeley and Los Angeles. 2Roberts, F. M. Jr. 1998. A Checklist of the Vascular Plants of Orange County, California, Second Edition. F. M. Roberts Publications, Encinitas. GW1! Robert A. Hamilton, Consulting Biologist Troglodytidae Wrens Thryomanes bewickii Bewick's Wren Cistothorus palushis Marsh Wren Sylviidae Old World Warblers, Gnatcatchers Polioptila californica California Gnatcatcher Regulidae Kinglets, Gnatcatchers, Thrushes, Babblers Regulus calendula Ruby - crowned Kinglet Mimidae Thrashers Mimus polyglottos Northern Mockingbird Parulidae Wood Warblers Vermivora celata Orange- crowned Warbler Dendroica coronata Yellow - rumped Warbler Geothlypis trichas Common Yellowthroat Emberizidae Sparrows and Buntings Pipilo crissalis California Towhee McIospiza melodia Song Sparrow Melospiza lincolnii Lincoln's Sparrow Zonotrichia leucophrys White - crowned Sparrow Fringillidae Finches Carpodacus mexicanus House Finch Carduelis psaltria Lesser Goldfinch Passeridae Old World Sparrows Passer domesticus House Sparrow MAMMALIA MAMMALS Leporidae Hares, Rabbits Sylvilagus audubonii Audubon Cottontail Sciuridae Squirrels Spermophilus beecheyi California Ground Squirrel Taxonomy and nomenclature follow Stebbins (1966)x, American Ornithologists' Union (1983)2 and Ingles (1965)3: 'Stebbins, R.C. 1966. A Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians. Houghton Mifflin, Boston. 2American Ornithologists' Union. 1983. Check -list of North American Birds, sixth edition. Washington, D.C. and supplements through the 418'(1997). 'Ingles, L.G. 1965. Mammdis of the Pacific States. Stanford University Press. B -2 p C arr,( " <ti..<,r, narn m"��' Woolly Marbles sdenlific name Psilocarphus brevissimus far -n €y Asteraceae (sunflower) hahilat vernal pools fZe plant up to 4 inches tall, each "marble" 1 to 2 cm across fun farts Each fuzzy "marble" contains both leaves and flowers. yes cription Member of the sunflower family. Each flowedlead is made up of 20 or more disk flowers. These are well hidden in the cob- webby fuzz. The plants are pale green. http://www.sacsplash.org/plan-Ls/Psibre.htm 7/2/2006 Mather Field Vemal Pools - Woolly Marbles Page 2 of 2 is later in the season when the leaves curl up. life cycle Woolly Marbles are annual plants. They germinate as the vernal ecavocjy Woolly Marbles are endernic: to vernal pools. Endemic means they cannot grow in other environments because they are either too dry or too wet. The plants do not release their seeds until the rains come in the fall. This prevents them from blowing away into unsuitable habitats. Woolly Marbles are able to grow in vernal pools long after many other vernal pool plants have dried up. Their fuzz keeps the dry air from touching plant and stealing its moisture. invest;gatE. The individual flowers are very well hidden in the cob -webby fuzz of the plant. See if you can find the disk flowers in the Woolly Marbles by using your hand lens. GIs http:// www. saesplash.org/plants /psibre.htm 7/2/2006