This year, I had the pleasure of leading Team Greenbelt Alliance on the California Climate Ride—an epic five-day, 320-mile charitable bike ride from Eureka to San Francisco. The goal: to raise awareness of and funds for bike advocacy, sustainabilityCommunity use of natural resources in a way that does not jeopardize the ability of future generations to live and prosper., and renewable energy to help combat climate change. The team: Adam Garcia, Amie Fleming, David Marsland, Heidi Stowell-Nichols, Jennifer Robb, Nancy Fleming, Robby King, Trafton Bean, and yours truly, Team Captain Anna Gore. This is our story…

Heading to Fortuna

Excited to hit the road!

Bright and early on the morning of May 18, hundreds of cyclists, including Team Greenbelt Alliance, gathered in the Presidio of San Francisco and boarded double-decker buses that would transport us to Fortuna, the starting point of Climate Ride 2013! A grand sense of camaraderie and enthusiasm was palpable before we even left—I was definitely excited to get going!

Along the way, we stopped for lunch at the Solar Living Institute and before we knew it, we were in Fortuna. Dinner was at the Eel River Brewing Company, where we were welcomed by Caeli, Blake, and Geraldine of Climate Ride as we carbo-loaded (beer is a carb, right?) in preparation for Day 1.

We got to know many of our fellow riders before heading to sleep in our warm tents on a very cold night.

Day 1: 320 Miles to San Francisco

A long ways to go…

Fueling up on blueberries, granola, eggs, and toast, we finally hopped on our bikes and hit the road—only 320 miles to San Francisco (yikes)!

The agenda for Day 1: A 61.4-mile ride to Richardson Grove. We rode through the Avenue of the Giants, where we were awed and humbled by the ancient redwoods that towered over us. We rode through logging towns that reminded of our past and affirmed the importance of a sustainable future. We rode through valleys along the Eel River in the hot, dry California sun, taking it all in as we pedaled along.

Our campsite for the night was nestled between redwoods where the air was fresh and the ground soft. Hungry riders dined in a communal area where we shared our adventures from the road. As the day wound down, we were treated to the first of Climate Ride’s evening speaker series: Talks from B the Change, 1% for the planet, Windustry, and Marine Applied Research and Exploration were both enlightening and inspiring.

Day 2: Feelin’ Beach-y

Jennifer (left) and I enjoying the ocean view

Team Greenbelt Alliance rode together for most of the day, and it was nice to have the support as Climate Riders of days past had warned us of this day. Day 2′s route would introduce us to the notorious Leggett Hill—a long 5.5-mile climb followed by a steep descent followed by another evil 3-mile climb, all within the first half of the ride, made for some tired riders.

All that work paid off with the day’s final descent. Coasting down the hills to our first view of the rocky California coastline in all its Instagram-able glory was an image that I’ll never forget. We took a long lunch at the beach and hugged the Pacific for the rest of the ride, feeling spoiled by the sublime backdrop and cool ocean mist on a perfect day.

Day 3: Century Day

100 miles of this gorgeousness

One hundred miles in one day called for an early start: We were up by 4:30, eating breakfast by 5:30, and strapped into our bikes by 6:30 a.m. With five out of our nine team members riding their first century, it was going to be a glorious day!

The sky was clear, the wind was at our backs, and the ride was epic. We rode down HighwayHigh-speed, high-capacity, limited-access transportation facility serving regional and county-wide travel. Highways may cross at a different grade level. 1 for most of the day—through valleys, along the coast, up and down hills dotted with sheep and cows. Long story short, 100 miles later, we rolled into camp, where a cheering section of fellow Climate Riders greeted us with high-fives.

That night, we celebrated our accomplishment with a yummy pasta dinner, salty potatoes (for potassium), and most importantly, New Belgium beer. Spirits were high all evening as we were serenaded by talks from some of our Bay Area buddies, including the East Bay Bicycle Coalition, the Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition, and TransForm.

Day 4: Wind, Lots of Wind

Taking a break to pose with this fence

Our ride was scheduled to be an easy one compared to the century day. With a mere 59.7 miles between our campsite at Duncan Mills and our destination, the Olema Campground, Day 4 was supposed to be a leisurely ride that took us by wineries, apple orchards, and cow pastures. Supposed to. The wind had other ideas.

The first half of the day was actually quite lovely. We stopped at Moshin Vineyards for a wine tasting and then had a pleasant picnic for lunch. Then came 22 miles of riding into a headwind so strong we often wondered if our pedaling was actually getting us anywhere. We paused for a photo op with the golden California hills, and a break from the gusts, before descending into Tomales. The remaining 15 miles to camp were probably the most difficult of the day. Good thing we could at least stop for some oysters on the final stretch to our camp.

The evening saw Greenbelt Alliance cameos from Hillary Aiken, Amy Henson, and Executive Director Jeremy Madsen! They joined us for dinner, and afterwards, Jeremy spoke to a captivated audience of Climate Riders about Greenbelt Alliance’s work in protecting the things that make the Bay Area such an amazing place.

Day 5: The Finale

San Francisco, here we come! Our last day of riding was no joke: 41.6 miles plus 2,257 feet of elevation. Let’s do this thing!

Adam finishing strong!

Our route hugged the coast through Marin County, cut inland to Sausalito, then climbed to the Golden Gate Bridge. We met up with the rest of the Climate Ride at Sports Basement in the Presidio and set out for the finale at San Francisco City Hall. Filling up an entire lane of traffic for most of the way, we approached City Hall as a chorus of “Climate Ride” rang out from all directions. Hooray, we’d made it! And now, the celebration would begin with the Climate Ride Bike Rally…

Melanie Nutter, of the San Francisco Department of the Environment, and Paul Hawken, author of four national bestsellers, spoke to the crowd about the importance of what we’d accomplished. As part of Climate Ride 2013, we brought in huge amounts of money for environmental organizations across the country, raised awareness around climate change issues, and showed the world our overwhelming passion for this important cause—all the while having a great time doing it (and getting a serious five-day workout)!

Such an awesome and passionate group of people

With nine members, Team Greenbelt Alliance was one of the largest on Climate Ride. Together, we trained hard, raised some serious dough for a great cause (over $26,500 raised!!!), made a lot of new friends, and successfully rocked an epic 320-mile monster of a bike ride. Check out our photos from the ride!

Here’s looking forward to our next challenge: Team Greenbelt Alliance is heading east to participate in the NYC-DC ride this September! Or you can join us on California Climate Ride 2014! If you’re interested, feel free to shoot Amie Fleming an email.

As for me, I’m off to work for the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition. I had an awesome time captaining this year’s team—THANK YOU for all your support along the way. Go Greenbelt!

Happy pedaling,

Anna Gore
Team Captain

Thanks for the memories, Team Greenbelt Alliance!

The post My Climate Ride 2013 Diary appeared first on Greenbelt Alliance.

Greenbelt Alliance’s Development Department seeks an extremely detail-oriented, efficient, and organized individual to support the department’s data entry needs. The Database Assistant position is part-time (2 days per week) and is based in our downtown San Francisco office. The Database Assistant will join a four-person, motivated, results driven, and data-oriented fundraising team.

Reports to:  Development Director
Works closely with:  Development Coordinator
Status:  Non-Exempt

Primary Responsibilities:

• Manage all donation data entries and acknowledgements
• Create contact records
• Update mailing list preferences
• Track event attendance records
• Perform duplicate management
• Other data-related and administrative tasks as needed

Required Experience and Skills:

• Extremely detail-oriented and efficient
• Dedicated to accuracy of data and data collection
• Comfortable with database navigation and complex data
• Talented with Microsoft Excel
• Quick learner; able to pick up new computer programs rapidly

Preferred Experience:

• Ample experience with Salesforce.com or a similar database
• Knowledge and familiarity with Demand Tools, Data Loader, and Conga Composer

Greenbelt Alliance Overview:

With a committed staff of 20, Greenbelt Alliance has a strong team spirit and sense of fun. We are headquartered in San Francisco, with offices in San Jose, Santa Rosa, and Walnut Creek.

Greenbelt Alliance is the champion of the places that make the Bay Area special. We defend the Bay Area’s natural and agricultural landscape from development – the hills that offer stunning views, the valleys and streams that provide clean water, the farms and ranches that give us fresh, local food. We help create great cities and neighborhoods – healthy places where people can walk and bike, communities with parks and shops, transportation options, and homes that are affordable. Together these amazing places drive the Bay Area’s economic vitality and quality of lifeQuality of life is not a tangible thing, and so cannot be measured directly. It consists of both physical and psychological components. The physical includes such aspects as health, diet, and protection against pain and disease. The psychological includes stress, worry, pleasure, and other positive or negative emotional states..

Greenbelt Alliance’s long-term vision is to fully protect the Bay Area’s three million-acrea unit of area used in land measurement and equal to 43,560 square feet. This is approximately equivalent to 4,840 square yards, 160 square rods, 0.405 hectares, and 4,047 square meters. greenbelt, direct all new development into already urbanized areas, and accomplish both in a way that equitably benefits all Bay Area residents. The Development Team works to engage and connect supporters with Greenbelt Alliance’s inspiring work from Santa Rosa to Walnut Creek to Morgan Hill.

Compensation:

Salary DOE, part-time, based in Greenbelt Alliance’s San Francisco office, located near bustling Union Square, easily accessed by BART and MUNI.

Application Deadline:

Please submit your application by Friday, June 21, 2013. Ideal start date is late June, early July.

To Apply:

Please send a cover letter, resume, salary history, and your availability to jobs at greenbelt dot org. Please include “Database Assistant” and your name in the subject line. Incomplete applications will not be considered.  No phone calls please. Greenbelt Alliance values a diverse workforce and is an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to engaging the skills and leadership of people of color, LGBT persons, and other people with diverse backgrounds. People with these or other backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

To learn more about Greenbelt Alliance’s work, visit www.greenbelt.org

The post JOB POSTING: Database Assistant, Part-Time appeared first on Greenbelt Alliance.

The East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) staff led members of the Alameda County Local Agency Formation CommissionA five- or seven-member commission within each county that reviews and evaluates all proposals for formation of special districts, incorporation of cities, annexation to special districts or cities, consolidation of districts, and merger of districts with cities. Each county's LAFCOA five- or seven-member commission within each county that reviews and evaluates all proposals for formation of special districts, incorporation of cities, annexation to special districts or cities, consolidation of districts, and merger of districts with cities. Each county's LAFCO is empowered to approve, disapprove, or conditionally approve such proposals. The five LAFCO members generally include two county supervisors, two city councilA city's legislative body. The popularly elected city council is responsible for enacting ordinances, imposing taxes, making appropriations, establish¬ing city policy, and hiring some city officials. The council adopts the general planA statement of policies, including text and diagrams setting forth objectives, principles, standards and plan proposals, for the long-term future physical development of the city or county. The general plan is a legal document required of each local jurisdiction by the State of California Government Code section 653o1 and adopted by the city council or board of supervi¬sors. In California, the general plan has seven mandatory elements (circulation, conservation, housing, land use, noise, open space, safety and seismic safety) and may include any number of optional elements (such as air quality, economic development, hazardous waste, and parks and recreation). The general plan may also be called a city plan, compre¬hensive plan, or master plan., zoningThe division of a city or county by legislative regulations into areas, or zones, which specify allowable uses for real property and size restrictions for buildings within these areas; a program that implements policies of the general plan., and subdivisionThe division of a tract of land into defined lots, either improved or unimproved, which can be separately sold or leased, and which can be altered or developed. ordinance. members, and one member representing the general public. Some LAFCOs include two representatives of special districts. is empowered to approve, disapprove, or conditionally approve such proposals. The five LAFCOA five- or seven-member commission within each county that reviews and evaluates all proposals for formation of special districts, incorporation of cities, annexation to special districts or cities, consolidation of districts, and merger of districts with cities. Each county's LAFCO is empowered to approve, disapprove, or conditionally approve such proposals. The five LAFCO members generally include two county supervisors, two city councilA city's legislative body. The popularly elected city council is responsible for enacting ordinances, imposing taxes, making appropriations, establish¬ing city policy, and hiring some city officials. The council adopts the general planA statement of policies, including text and diagrams setting forth objectives, principles, standards and plan proposals, for the long-term future physical development of the city or county. The general plan is a legal document required of each local jurisdiction by the State of California Government Code section 653o1 and adopted by the city council or board of supervi¬sors. In California, the general plan has seven mandatory elements (circulation, conservation, housing, land use, noise, open space, safety and seismic safety) and may include any number of optional elements (such as air quality, economic development, hazardous waste, and parks and recreation). The general plan may also be called a city plan, compre¬hensive plan, or master plan., zoningThe division of a city or county by legislative regulations into areas, or zones, which specify allowable uses for real property and size restrictions for buildings within these areas; a program that implements policies of the general plan., and subdivisionThe division of a tract of land into defined lots, either improved or unimproved, which can be separately sold or leased, and which can be altered or developed. ordinance. members, and one member representing the general public. Some LAFCOs include two representatives of special districts. members generally include two county supervisors, two city councilA city's legislative body. The popularly elected city council is responsible for enacting ordinances, imposing taxes, making appropriations, establish¬ing city policy, and hiring some city officials. The council adopts the general planA statement of policies, including text and diagrams setting forth objectives, principles, standards and plan proposals, for the long-term future physical development of the city or county. The general plan is a legal document required of each local jurisdiction by the State of California Government Code section 653o1 and adopted by the city council or board of supervi¬sors. In California, the general plan has seven mandatory elements (circulation, conservation, housing, land use, noise, open space, safety and seismic safety) and may include any number of optional elements (such as air quality, economic development, hazardous waste, and parks and recreation). The general plan may also be called a city plan, compre¬hensive plan, or master plan., zoningThe division of a city or county by legislative regulations into areas, or zones, which specify allowable uses for real property and size restrictions for buildings within these areas; a program that implements policies of the general plan., and subdivisionThe division of a tract of land into defined lots, either improved or unimproved, which can be separately sold or leased, and which can be altered or developed. ordinance. members, and one member representing the general public. Some LAFCOs include two representatives of special districts. (LAFCOA five- or seven-member commission within each county that reviews and evaluates all proposals for formation of special districts, incorporation of cities, annexation to special districts or cities, consolidation of districts, and merger of districts with cities. Each county's LAFCO is empowered to approve, disapprove, or conditionally approve such proposals. The five LAFCO members generally include two county supervisors, two city councilA city's legislative body. The popularly elected city council is responsible for enacting ordinances, imposing taxes, making appropriations, establish¬ing city policy, and hiring some city officials. The council adopts the general planA statement of policies, including text and diagrams setting forth objectives, principles, standards and plan proposals, for the long-term future physical development of the city or county. The general plan is a legal document required of each local jurisdiction by the State of California Government Code section 653o1 and adopted by the city council or board of supervi¬sors. In California, the general plan has seven mandatory elements (circulation, conservation, housing, land use, noise, open space, safety and seismic safety) and may include any number of optional elements (such as air quality, economic development, hazardous waste, and parks and recreation). The general plan may also be called a city plan, compre¬hensive plan, or master plan., zoningThe division of a city or county by legislative regulations into areas, or zones, which specify allowable uses for real property and size restrictions for buildings within these areas; a program that implements policies of the general plan., and subdivisionThe division of a tract of land into defined lots, either improved or unimproved, which can be separately sold or leased, and which can be altered or developed. ordinance. members, and one member representing the general public. Some LAFCOs include two representatives of special districts.) on a tour of its future Doolan Canyon park.

LAFCOA five- or seven-member commission within each county that reviews and evaluates all proposals for formation of special districts, incorporation of cities, annexation to special districts or cities, consolidation of districts, and merger of districts with cities. Each county's LAFCO is empowered to approve, disapprove, or conditionally approve such proposals. The five LAFCO members generally include two county supervisors, two city councilA city's legislative body. The popularly elected city council is responsible for enacting ordinances, imposing taxes, making appropriations, establish¬ing city policy, and hiring some city officials. The council adopts the general planA statement of policies, including text and diagrams setting forth objectives, principles, standards and plan proposals, for the long-term future physical development of the city or county. The general plan is a legal document required of each local jurisdiction by the State of California Government Code section 653o1 and adopted by the city council or board of supervi¬sors. In California, the general plan has seven mandatory elements (circulation, conservation, housing, land use, noise, open space, safety and seismic safety) and may include any number of optional elements (such as air quality, economic development, hazardous waste, and parks and recreation). The general plan may also be called a city plan, compre¬hensive plan, or master plan., zoningThe division of a city or county by legislative regulations into areas, or zones, which specify allowable uses for real property and size restrictions for buildings within these areas; a program that implements policies of the general plan., and subdivisionThe division of a tract of land into defined lots, either improved or unimproved, which can be separately sold or leased, and which can be altered or developed. ordinance. members, and one member representing the general public. Some LAFCOs include two representatives of special districts. members took the tour of the 640-acrea unit of area used in land measurement and equal to 43,560 square feet. This is approximately equivalent to 4,840 square yards, 160 square rods, 0.405 hectares, and 4,047 square meters. site May 13, riding up hills in EBRPD 4×4′s. Since so many LAFCOA five- or seven-member commission within each county that reviews and evaluates all proposals for formation of special districts, incorporation of cities, annexation to special districts or cities, consolidation of districts, and merger of districts with cities. Each county's LAFCO is empowered to approve, disapprove, or conditionally approve such proposals. The five LAFCO members generally include two county supervisors, two city councilA city's legislative body. The popularly elected city council is responsible for enacting ordinances, imposing taxes, making appropriations, establish¬ing city policy, and hiring some city officials. The council adopts the general planA statement of policies, including text and diagrams setting forth objectives, principles, standards and plan proposals, for the long-term future physical development of the city or county. The general plan is a legal document required of each local jurisdiction by the State of California Government Code section 653o1 and adopted by the city council or board of supervi¬sors. In California, the general plan has seven mandatory elements (circulation, conservation, housing, land use, noise, open space, safety and seismic safety) and may include any number of optional elements (such as air quality, economic development, hazardous waste, and parks and recreation). The general plan may also be called a city plan, compre¬hensive plan, or master plan., zoningThe division of a city or county by legislative regulations into areas, or zones, which specify allowable uses for real property and size restrictions for buildings within these areas; a program that implements policies of the general plan., and subdivisionThe division of a tract of land into defined lots, either improved or unimproved, which can be separately sold or leased, and which can be altered or developed. ordinance. members, and one member representing the general public. Some LAFCOs include two representatives of special districts. members attended, there was a quorum. To follow Brown Act requirements, the meeting was officially opened and closed after the hill ride. No business was discussed.

EBRPD’s goal was to show off a gem of a future park, and to familiarize LAFCOA five- or seven-member commission within each county that reviews and evaluates all proposals for formation of special districts, incorporation of cities, annexation to special districts or cities, consolidation of districts, and merger of districts with cities. Each county's LAFCO is empowered to approve, disapprove, or conditionally approve such proposals. The five LAFCO members generally include two county supervisors, two city councilA city's legislative body. The popularly elected city council is responsible for enacting ordinances, imposing taxes, making appropriations, establish¬ing city policy, and hiring some city officials. The council adopts the general planA statement of policies, including text and diagrams setting forth objectives, principles, standards and plan proposals, for the long-term future physical development of the city or county. The general plan is a legal document required of each local jurisdiction by the State of California Government Code section 653o1 and adopted by the city council or board of supervi¬sors. In California, the general plan has seven mandatory elements (circulation, conservation, housing, land use, noise, open space, safety and seismic safety) and may include any number of optional elements (such as air quality, economic development, hazardous waste, and parks and recreation). The general plan may also be called a city plan, compre¬hensive plan, or master plan., zoningThe division of a city or county by legislative regulations into areas, or zones, which specify allowable uses for real property and size restrictions for buildings within these areas; a program that implements policies of the general plan., and subdivisionThe division of a tract of land into defined lots, either improved or unimproved, which can be separately sold or leased, and which can be altered or developed. ordinance. members, and one member representing the general public. Some LAFCOs include two representatives of special districts. members with a key need: access. LAFCOA five- or seven-member commission within each county that reviews and evaluates all proposals for formation of special districts, incorporation of cities, annexation to special districts or cities, consolidation of districts, and merger of districts with cities. Each county's LAFCO is empowered to approve, disapprove, or conditionally approve such proposals. The five LAFCO members generally include two county supervisors, two city councilA city's legislative body. The popularly elected city council is responsible for enacting ordinances, imposing taxes, making appropriations, establish¬ing city policy, and hiring some city officials. The council adopts the general planA statement of policies, including text and diagrams setting forth objectives, principles, standards and plan proposals, for the long-term future physical development of the city or county. The general plan is a legal document required of each local jurisdiction by the State of California Government Code section 653o1 and adopted by the city council or board of supervi¬sors. In California, the general plan has seven mandatory elements (circulation, conservation, housing, land use, noise, open space, safety and seismic safety) and may include any number of optional elements (such as air quality, economic development, hazardous waste, and parks and recreation). The general plan may also be called a city plan, compre¬hensive plan, or master plan., zoningThe division of a city or county by legislative regulations into areas, or zones, which specify allowable uses for real property and size restrictions for buildings within these areas; a program that implements policies of the general plan., and subdivisionThe division of a tract of land into defined lots, either improved or unimproved, which can be separately sold or leased, and which can be altered or developed. ordinance. members, and one member representing the general public. Some LAFCOs include two representatives of special districts. deals with services to new areas of development, including infrastructureA general term for public (and quasi-public) services and facilities, such as sewage-disposal systems, water-supply systems, other utility systems, and roads.

Doolan Canyon is situated between Livermore and Dublin.

So farThe gross floor area permitted on a site divided by the total net area of the site, expressed in decimals to one or two places. For example, on a site with 10,000 net square feet of land area, a floor area ratio of 1.0 will allow a maximum of 10,000 gross sq. ft. of building floor area to be built. 0n the same site, an FAR of 1.5 would allow 15,000 sq. ft. of floor area; an FAR of 2.0 would allow 20,000 sq. ft.; and an FAR of 0.5 would allow only 5,000 sq. ft. Also commonly used in zoningThe division of a city or county by legislative regulations into areas, or zones, which specify allowable uses for real property and size restrictions for buildings within these areas; a program that implements policies of the general plan., FARs are typically applied on a parcelA lot, or contiguous group of lots, in single ownership or under single control, usually considered a unit for purposes of development.-by-parcelA lot, or contiguous group of lots, in single ownership or under single control, usually considered a unit for purposes of development. basis as opposed to an average FAR for an entire land useThe occupation or utilization of land or water area for any human activity or any purpose defined in the general planA statement of policies, including text and diagrams setting forth objectives, principles, standards and plan proposals, for the long-term future physical development of the city or county. The general plan is a legal document required of each local jurisdiction by the State of California Government Code section 653o1 and adopted by the city council or board of supervi¬sors. In California, the general plan has seven mandatory elements (circulation, conservation, housing, land use, noise, open space, safety and seismic safety) and may include any number of optional elements (such as air quality, economic development, hazardous waste, and parks and recreation). The general plan may also be called a city plan, compre¬hensive plan, or master plan.. or zoningThe division of a city or county by legislative regulations into areas, or zones, which specify allowable uses for real property and size restrictions for buildings within these areas; a program that implements policies of the general plan. district. the only access to the park is by Doolan Canyon Road, which travels north from North Canyons Parkway on the north side of Livermore, and terminates at the park site.

The area south of the park became controversial when Pacific Union proposed a 1900-unit senior community there. The land is outside of the planning sphere of influenceA planning areaThe planning area is the land area addressed by the general planA statement of policies, including text and diagrams setting forth objectives, principles, standards and plan proposals, for the long-term future physical development of the city or county. The general plan is a legal document required of each local jurisdiction by the State of California Government Code section 653o1 and adopted by the city council or board of supervi¬sors. In California, the general plan has seven mandatory elements (circulation, conservation, housing, land use, noise, open space, safety and seismic safety) and may include any number of optional elements (such as air quality, economic development, hazardous waste, and parks and recreation). The general plan may also be called a city plan, compre¬hensive plan, or master plan.. For a city, the planning area boundary typically coincides with the sphere of influence that encompasses land both within the city limits and potentially annexable land. usually larger than, although sometimes contiguous with, a city’s municipal limits. Sheres of influence are assigned by each county’s local agency formation commission (lafco) and typically indicate the probable ultimate physical boundaries and service area of a city. of both Livermore and Dublin. Livermore was assigned the sphere of influenceA planning areaThe planning area is the land area addressed by the general planA statement of policies, including text and diagrams setting forth objectives, principles, standards and plan proposals, for the long-term future physical development of the city or county. The general plan is a legal document required of each local jurisdiction by the State of California Government Code section 653o1 and adopted by the city council or board of supervi¬sors. In California, the general plan has seven mandatory elements (circulation, conservation, housing, land use, noise, open space, safety and seismic safety) and may include any number of optional elements (such as air quality, economic development, hazardous waste, and parks and recreation). The general plan may also be called a city plan, compre¬hensive plan, or master plan.. For a city, the planning area boundary typically coincides with the sphere of influence that encompasses land both within the city limits and potentially annexable land. usually larger than, although sometimes contiguous with, a city’s municipal limits. Sheres of influence are assigned by each county’s local agency formation commission (lafco) and typically indicate the probable ultimate physical boundaries and service area of a city. before county voters passed Measure D, but lost it afterward. Currently, the county makes decisions regarding the area, which is outside the urban growth boundaryAn urban growth boundary defines where development should and should not happen. The line circumscribes an entire urbanized area and is used by local governments to guide land-use decisions. of both the county and Livermore. If development were to take place, it would occur as part of Dublin.

Both Livermore and Dublin applied to LAFCOA five- or seven-member commission within each county that reviews and evaluates all proposals for formation of special districts, incorporation of cities, annexation to special districts or cities, consolidation of districts, and merger of districts with cities. Each county's LAFCO is empowered to approve, disapprove, or conditionally approve such proposals. The five LAFCO members generally include two county supervisors, two city councilA city's legislative body. The popularly elected city council is responsible for enacting ordinances, imposing taxes, making appropriations, establish¬ing city policy, and hiring some city officials. The council adopts the general planA statement of policies, including text and diagrams setting forth objectives, principles, standards and plan proposals, for the long-term future physical development of the city or county. The general plan is a legal document required of each local jurisdiction by the State of California Government Code section 653o1 and adopted by the city council or board of supervi¬sors. In California, the general plan has seven mandatory elements (circulation, conservation, housing, land use, noise, open space, safety and seismic safety) and may include any number of optional elements (such as air quality, economic development, hazardous waste, and parks and recreation). The general plan may also be called a city plan, compre¬hensive plan, or master plan., zoningThe division of a city or county by legislative regulations into areas, or zones, which specify allowable uses for real property and size restrictions for buildings within these areas; a program that implements policies of the general plan., and subdivisionThe division of a tract of land into defined lots, either improved or unimproved, which can be separately sold or leased, and which can be altered or developed. ordinance. members, and one member representing the general public. Some LAFCOs include two representatives of special districts. for sphere of influenceA planning areaThe planning area is the land area addressed by the general planA statement of policies, including text and diagrams setting forth objectives, principles, standards and plan proposals, for the long-term future physical development of the city or county. The general plan is a legal document required of each local jurisdiction by the State of California Government Code section 653o1 and adopted by the city council or board of supervi¬sors. In California, the general plan has seven mandatory elements (circulation, conservation, housing, land use, noise, open space, safety and seismic safety) and may include any number of optional elements (such as air quality, economic development, hazardous waste, and parks and recreation). The general plan may also be called a city plan, compre¬hensive plan, or master plan.. For a city, the planning area boundary typically coincides with the sphere of influence that encompasses land both within the city limits and potentially annexable land. usually larger than, although sometimes contiguous with, a city’s municipal limits. Sheres of influence are assigned by each county’s local agency formation commission (lafco) and typically indicate the probable ultimate physical boundaries and service area of a city. designation in 2010.

LAFCOA five- or seven-member commission within each county that reviews and evaluates all proposals for formation of special districts, incorporation of cities, annexation to special districts or cities, consolidation of districts, and merger of districts with cities. Each county's LAFCO is empowered to approve, disapprove, or conditionally approve such proposals. The five LAFCO members generally include two county supervisors, two city councilA city's legislative body. The popularly elected city council is responsible for enacting ordinances, imposing taxes, making appropriations, establish¬ing city policy, and hiring some city officials. The council adopts the general planA statement of policies, including text and diagrams setting forth objectives, principles, standards and plan proposals, for the long-term future physical development of the city or county. The general plan is a legal document required of each local jurisdiction by the State of California Government Code section 653o1 and adopted by the city council or board of supervi¬sors. In California, the general plan has seven mandatory elements (circulation, conservation, housing, land use, noise, open space, safety and seismic safety) and may include any number of optional elements (such as air quality, economic development, hazardous waste, and parks and recreation). The general plan may also be called a city plan, compre¬hensive plan, or master plan., zoningThe division of a city or county by legislative regulations into areas, or zones, which specify allowable uses for real property and size restrictions for buildings within these areas; a program that implements policies of the general plan., and subdivisionThe division of a tract of land into defined lots, either improved or unimproved, which can be separately sold or leased, and which can be altered or developed. ordinance. members, and one member representing the general public. Some LAFCOs include two representatives of special districts. told the cities to conduct talks and work out a solution within 90 days. That deadline passed. The cities are still talking. However, Dublin has authorized a study of the area, which would include its growth potential.

Dublin mayor Tim Sbranti, a LAFCOA five- or seven-member commission within each county that reviews and evaluates all proposals for formation of special districts, incorporation of cities, annexation to special districts or cities, consolidation of districts, and merger of districts with cities. Each county's LAFCO is empowered to approve, disapprove, or conditionally approve such proposals. The five LAFCO members generally include two county supervisors, two city councilA city's legislative body. The popularly elected city council is responsible for enacting ordinances, imposing taxes, making appropriations, establish¬ing city policy, and hiring some city officials. The council adopts the general planA statement of policies, including text and diagrams setting forth objectives, principles, standards and plan proposals, for the long-term future physical development of the city or county. The general plan is a legal document required of each local jurisdiction by the State of California Government Code section 653o1 and adopted by the city council or board of supervi¬sors. In California, the general plan has seven mandatory elements (circulation, conservation, housing, land use, noise, open space, safety and seismic safety) and may include any number of optional elements (such as air quality, economic development, hazardous waste, and parks and recreation). The general plan may also be called a city plan, compre¬hensive plan, or master plan., zoningThe division of a city or county by legislative regulations into areas, or zones, which specify allowable uses for real property and size restrictions for buildings within these areas; a program that implements policies of the general plan., and subdivisionThe division of a tract of land into defined lots, either improved or unimproved, which can be separately sold or leased, and which can be altered or developed. ordinance. members, and one member representing the general public. Some LAFCOs include two representatives of special districts. member, told The Independent that no discussion regarding the sphere of influenceA planning areaThe planning area is the land area addressed by the general planA statement of policies, including text and diagrams setting forth objectives, principles, standards and plan proposals, for the long-term future physical development of the city or county. The general plan is a legal document required of each local jurisdiction by the State of California Government Code section 653o1 and adopted by the city council or board of supervi¬sors. In California, the general plan has seven mandatory elements (circulation, conservation, housing, land use, noise, open space, safety and seismic safety) and may include any number of optional elements (such as air quality, economic development, hazardous waste, and parks and recreation). The general plan may also be called a city plan, compre¬hensive plan, or master plan.. For a city, the planning area boundary typically coincides with the sphere of influence that encompasses land both within the city limits and potentially annexable land. usually larger than, although sometimes contiguous with, a city’s municipal limits. Sheres of influence are assigned by each county’s local agency formation commission (lafco) and typically indicate the probable ultimate physical boundaries and service area of a city. took place during the tour of the park site. Instead, the focus was on EBRPD’s desire to provide more access to its Doolan Canyon property, as well as connectivity to other EBRPD parks.

Sierra Club representative Dick Schneider said that EBRPD wants to build trails and non-motorized roads so that all district lands are connected.

Sbranti said that ideally trails could bring access from the Moller Ranch’s recently approved development in Dublin and the Contra Costa area north of Moller Ranch. That might even happen before plans could be firmed up for access to the park from Doolan Canyon Road, said Sbranti.

“The Doolan Canyon park site is an island with no access points. LAFCOA five- or seven-member commission within each county that reviews and evaluates all proposals for formation of special districts, incorporation of cities, annexation to special districts or cities, consolidation of districts, and merger of districts with cities. Each county's LAFCO is empowered to approve, disapprove, or conditionally approve such proposals. The five LAFCO members generally include two county supervisors, two city councilA city's legislative body. The popularly elected city council is responsible for enacting ordinances, imposing taxes, making appropriations, establish¬ing city policy, and hiring some city officials. The council adopts the general planA statement of policies, including text and diagrams setting forth objectives, principles, standards and plan proposals, for the long-term future physical development of the city or county. The general plan is a legal document required of each local jurisdiction by the State of California Government Code section 653o1 and adopted by the city council or board of supervi¬sors. In California, the general plan has seven mandatory elements (circulation, conservation, housing, land use, noise, open space, safety and seismic safety) and may include any number of optional elements (such as air quality, economic development, hazardous waste, and parks and recreation). The general plan may also be called a city plan, compre¬hensive plan, or master plan., zoningThe division of a city or county by legislative regulations into areas, or zones, which specify allowable uses for real property and size restrictions for buildings within these areas; a program that implements policies of the general plan., and subdivisionThe division of a tract of land into defined lots, either improved or unimproved, which can be separately sold or leased, and which can be altered or developed. ordinance. members, and one member representing the general public. Some LAFCOs include two representatives of special districts. wanted to impress on Livermore and Dublin the potential opportunities to connect to it. (EBRPD) could do something remarkable. It could initiate a much bigger park,” said Sbranti.

Sbranti was referring to the potential for as much as 1600 acres more north of Doolan Canyon, because developer Braddock and Logan has expressed interest in seeing their land used for park space. However, that option is still in the talking stage.
Dublin councilmember David Haubert, a former representative of the public on LAFCOA five- or seven-member commission within each county that reviews and evaluates all proposals for formation of special districts, incorporation of cities, annexation to special districts or cities, consolidation of districts, and merger of districts with cities. Each county's LAFCO is empowered to approve, disapprove, or conditionally approve such proposals. The five LAFCO members generally include two county supervisors, two city councilA city's legislative body. The popularly elected city council is responsible for enacting ordinances, imposing taxes, making appropriations, establish¬ing city policy, and hiring some city officials. The council adopts the general planA statement of policies, including text and diagrams setting forth objectives, principles, standards and plan proposals, for the long-term future physical development of the city or county. The general plan is a legal document required of each local jurisdiction by the State of California Government Code section 653o1 and adopted by the city council or board of supervi¬sors. In California, the general plan has seven mandatory elements (circulation, conservation, housing, land use, noise, open space, safety and seismic safety) and may include any number of optional elements (such as air quality, economic development, hazardous waste, and parks and recreation). The general plan may also be called a city plan, compre¬hensive plan, or master plan., zoningThe division of a city or county by legislative regulations into areas, or zones, which specify allowable uses for real property and size restrictions for buildings within these areas; a program that implements policies of the general plan., and subdivisionThe division of a tract of land into defined lots, either improved or unimproved, which can be separately sold or leased, and which can be altered or developed. ordinance. members, and one member representing the general public. Some LAFCOs include two representatives of special districts., and Mayor John Marchand, a LAFCOA five- or seven-member commission within each county that reviews and evaluates all proposals for formation of special districts, incorporation of cities, annexation to special districts or cities, consolidation of districts, and merger of districts with cities. Each county's LAFCO is empowered to approve, disapprove, or conditionally approve such proposals. The five LAFCO members generally include two county supervisors, two city councilA city's legislative body. The popularly elected city council is responsible for enacting ordinances, imposing taxes, making appropriations, establish¬ing city policy, and hiring some city officials. The council adopts the general planA statement of policies, including text and diagrams setting forth objectives, principles, standards and plan proposals, for the long-term future physical development of the city or county. The general plan is a legal document required of each local jurisdiction by the State of California Government Code section 653o1 and adopted by the city council or board of supervi¬sors. In California, the general plan has seven mandatory elements (circulation, conservation, housing, land use, noise, open space, safety and seismic safety) and may include any number of optional elements (such as air quality, economic development, hazardous waste, and parks and recreation). The general plan may also be called a city plan, compre¬hensive plan, or master plan., zoningThe division of a city or county by legislative regulations into areas, or zones, which specify allowable uses for real property and size restrictions for buildings within these areas; a program that implements policies of the general plan., and subdivisionThe division of a tract of land into defined lots, either improved or unimproved, which can be separately sold or leased, and which can be altered or developed. ordinance. members, and one member representing the general public. Some LAFCOs include two representatives of special districts. member, were also on the tour as were Livermore Councilmember Laureen Turner, EBRPD director Ayn Wieskamp of Livermore, and Dublin planning commissioner Morgan King.

Others attending included representatives of Pacific Union, the developer proposing the senior housing, the Greenbelt Alliance, and Friends of Livermore.

Marchand described Doolan Canyon as “absolutely spectacular.” He said that he used a picture of the lake on the property on his mayoral campaign brochure. “The park is only five minutes from Costco (on North Canyons Parkway), and it’s a wilderness area,” said Marchand.

Sbranti said that talks between Dublin and Livermore are going well. “I have a great relationship with Marchand. The staffs are in contact,” he said.

The post Tour Acquaints Officials with Doolan Canyon Potential appeared first on Greenbelt Alliance.

The City recently began environmental review of the Seeno’s Montreux project—a 174-acrea unit of area used in land measurement and equal to 43,560 square feet. This is approximately equivalent to 4,840 square yards, 160 square rods, 0.405 hectares, and 4,047 square meters. subdivisionThe division of a tract of land into defined lots, either improved or unimproved, which can be separately sold or leased, and which can be altered or developed. in the hills south of town, just west of Kirker Pass Road. If approved, the project would flatten the steep terrain to build 356 housing units, removing more than 75 vertical feet from the slopes and dumping at least 85 feet of earth into the valleys.

To service the Montreux subdivisionThe division of a tract of land into defined lots, either improved or unimproved, which can be separately sold or leased, and which can be altered or developed. and an approved-but-unbuilt Seeno project called Sky Ranch II, Pittsburg wants to build a new road through the hills beyond the southern border of the city. The City recently released the draft environmental impactThe effect of any direct human actions or the indirect repercussions of human actions on existing physical, social, or economic conditions. reportA report required of general plans by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and which assesses all the environmental characteristics of an area and determines what effects or impacts will result if the area is altered or disturbed by a proposed action. It must assess potential adverse impacts upon the environment, measures that may avoid or reduce these impacts (mitigation measures), and alternatives to the plan. (See California Environmental Quality Act.) An EIRA report required of general plans by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and which assesses all the environmental characteristics of an area and determines what effects or impacts will result if the area is altered or disturbed by a proposed action. It must assess potential adverse impacts upon the environment, measures that may avoid or reduce these impacts (mitigation measures), and alternatives to the plan. (See California Environmental Quality Act.) An EIR is also conducted for proposed projects. is also conducted for proposed projects. for the 1.7-mile James Donlon Extension that runs across the Thomas Ranch property from Kirker Pass Road in the west to James Donlon Boulevard in the east.

This road project would be laughable if it weren’t so scary. The proposal cuts across steep hillsides and ravines (imagine Colorado’s Royal Gorge Bridge or the Hoover Dam bridge), slices through soils with a history of landslides, and eviscerates sweeping views of regional treasures like Black Diamond Mines and Solano’s Montezuma Hills. Though we have yet to see a believable cost estimate, we know it would drain funds that are needed to support Pittsburg’s struggling downtown, something that is desperately needed to pull more residents out of poverty.

Greenbelt Alliance, along with Save Mount Diablo and others, have warned the city about the devastating effects that these projects would have on the natural environment and taxpayers’ pocketbooks. Please join us in submitting your comments about these projects by May 29.

Photo courtesy of U.S. Army Corps Engineers Digital Visual Library

The post Pittsburg on the road to more sprawl appeared first on Greenbelt Alliance.

On Saturday morning, we’ll board a bus to Eureka to kick off the 2013 California Climate Ride. Our team will join over 150 other cyclists riding to raise money for environmental organizations throughout the land. Greenbelt Alliance is proud to be a beneficiary organization of Climate Ride and we’re thrilled to have such an awesome team of passionate supporters.

Meet our team and sponsor their efforts here.

Climate Ride is a five-day, 320-mile charitable bike ride from Eureka to San Francisco. The purpose is to raise awareness of and funds for bike advocacy, sustainabilityCommunity use of natural resources in a way that does not jeopardize the ability of future generations to live and prosper., and renewable energy to help combat climate change.

Our team has been training, fundraising, and promoting Greenbelt Alliance’s mission for the past three months. From bake sales to practice rides throughout the Bay Area, we’ve been working hard and having a lot of fun doing it!

From May 18 through May 23, follow our progress on Climate Ride daily right here on our blog, via our Twitter, and on Facebook. We’ll be riding 60–100 miles per day, meeting other environment-loving Climate Riders, and camping under the stars—not a bad week in the office.

Meet us at San Francisco City Hall at high noon on Thursday, May 23 as we roll through the finish line—there will be a huge rally and plenty of high-fives to be had!

If you’re feeling inspired, we’d love to have you ride with us this September from New York to D.C. or next year for California Climate Ride 2014. Happy pedaling!

The post Team Greenbelt Alliance is ready to rock Climate Ride 2013! appeared first on Greenbelt Alliance.

The last of the Plan Bay Area public meetings happened on Wednesday, May 1 and the formal public comment period closed on May 16 (Greenbelt Alliance’s comments). We’ll update you with what’s next, but first, here are a few highlights from the comment period:

In the Media

• Our Executive Director Jeremy Madsen authored an opinion piece for the San Francisco Chronicle on how Plan Bay Area helps meet shifting demand for homes in the region:

  In today’s Bay Area, the old model of a single-family home with a fenced yard and a long commute is neither affordable nor practical for everyone. By working together, planners and communities throughout the Bay Area can make sure that all have access to the lifestyle they want, at a price they can afford.

• The San Jose Mercury News published an opinion piece by Michael Hirahara of Brocade that offers: “From a business perspective, the No. 1 public policy concern is affordable homes for employees.”

• Greenbelt Alliance was also quoted extensively on KQED’s morning news segment:

  The plan also seeks to minimize sprawlThe process in which the spread of development across the landscape far outpaces population growth. The landscape sprawl creates has four characteristics: a population that is widely dispersed in low-density development; rigid separation of uses, so that homes, commerce and workplaces are segregated from one another; a network of roads laid out to separate land into huge blocks and offering poor access; and a lack of well-defined, thriving activity centers, such as downtowns and town centers. Most of the other features usually associated with sprawl – a lack of transportation choices, relative uniformity of housing options, and difficulty walking from place to place – result from these conditions. by keeping future growth within existing urban boundaries. “That’s a huge statement,” says Stephanie Reyes of the Greenbelt Alliance. “No other region comes even close to achieving that level of in-fill development and open spaceAny parcelA lot, or contiguous group of lots, in single ownership or under single control, usually considered a unit for purposes of development. or area of land or water that is essentially unimproved and devoted to an open space use for the purposes of (1) the preservation of natural resources, (2) the managed production of resources, (3) outdoor recreation, or (4) public health and safety. protection.”

Comments from the Plan Bay Area public meetings

• Ginny Doyle of Sonoma said, “We need cleaner air for my 87-year old mom and 2-year old grandson.”

• Sharon Cornu of Alameda pointed out that most Plan Bay Area comments call for more affordable housingHousing that can be purchased or rented by a household with moderate, low, or very low income, based on a household's ability to make monthly payments necessary to obtain housing. Housing is considered affordable when a household pays less than 30 percent of its gross monthly income (GMI) for housing, including utilities. and support the Equity Environment and Jobs alternative.

• Clarrissa Cabansagan of Santa Clara grew up in the area and wants her friends who have to double and triple up in apartments to be able to afford a home.

• Gail Raabe of San Mateo wants Plan Bay Area to do more to invest in open spaceAny parcelA lot, or contiguous group of lots, in single ownership or under single control, usually considered a unit for purposes of development. or area of land or water that is essentially unimproved and devoted to an open space use for the purposes of (1) the preservation of natural resources, (2) the managed production of resources, (3) outdoor recreation, or (4) public health and safety..

• Linda Best of Contra Costa notes that the lack of adequate housing is a real constraint to economic vitality.

• Jack Swearington of Sonoma says he’s looking forward to the SMART train coming and will ride it: “I’m 73 and if the bike path were there now, I’d ride it tomorrow from Larkspur to Cloverdale.”

Thank you to everybody who came out to the public meetings to speak their mind!

Now that the public comment period is over, MTC and ABAG staff will summarize the public’s comments and produce options for how to incorporate the feedback into the final plan. These will be presented to MTC and ABAG board committees on June 14. Based on that meeting, the staff will create the final plan.

The joint MTC and ABAG boards will adopt the final Plan Bay Area on Thursday evening, July 18 in Oakland. Assuming the final plan looks good for a sustainable and equitable future, we’ll need all hands on deck that evening to urge our elected leaders to adopt this strong plan for the region. Please save the date and join us in Oakland for the final chapter of the Plan Bay Area saga!

The post Plan Bay Area comment period ends—final plan July 18 appeared first on Greenbelt Alliance.

As a Policy Intern, Beth had spent nearly a year expertly helping out with Greenbelt Alliance’s Homes for All Initiative research. Unfortunately for us, Beth has wrapped up her internship and will be moving on to United Way, where she will be coordinating their youth summer internship program. She will be starting graduate studies for urban planningControls by central or local government over the use of land. Land-use planning is used to keep activities causing harmful externalities, such as noise or visual intrusion, away from places where they are believed to be particularly harmful. at San Jose State University this fall. Way to go, Beth!

Prior to living in San Francisco, Beth was born and raised in New York, receiving her B.S. at Cornell University. She has also spent six months in Masindi, Uganda working to improve perceptions of primates and other wildlife in the area. In her free time, Beth fancies YA fiction and a good helping of Humphry Slocombe’s “Special Breakfast” ice cream.

Thank you for all your hard work, Beth—we will miss you bunches!

The post Volunteer of the Month: Beth Martin appeared first on Greenbelt Alliance.

Among numerous violations of local laws and policies, New Farm would have broken voter-approved urban limit lines by allowing major development and urban utilities outside of these boundaries. If the project had gone forward, it would have opened the floodgates to development on protected lands across Contra Costa County and throughout the Bay Area.

Greenbelt Alliance was part of an active coalition—that included residents from Danville and San Ramon, Save Mount Diablo, the Sierra Club, and the California Native Plant Society—who successfully opposed the New Farm proposal. Thank you to everybody that helped along the way!

While New Farm is dead, there is reason to remain deeply concerned about the future of Tassajara Valley.

In late February when the developers officially pulled the plug on New Farm, they submitted a new proposal that they’re calling “Tassajara Parks” for development on a portion of the same site. This new proposal claims to contain development within the urban limit lineA boundary, sometimes parcelA lot, or contiguous group of lots, in single ownership or under single control, usually considered a unit for purposes of development.-specific, located to mark the outer limit beyond which urban development will not be allowed. It has the aim of discouraging urban sprawlThe process in which the spread of development across the landscape far outpaces population growth. The landscape sprawl creates has four characteristics: a population that is widely dispersed in low-density development; rigid separation of uses, so that homes, commerce and workplaces are segregated from one another; a network of roads laid out to separate land into huge blocks and offering poor access; and a lack of well-defined, thriving activity centers, such as downtowns and town centers. Most of the other features usually associated with sprawl – a lack of transportation choices, relative uniformity of housing options, and difficulty walking from place to place – result from these conditions.Haphazard growth or outward extension of a city resulting from uncontrolled or poorly managed development. by containing urban development during a specified period, and its location may be modified over time., using a “30-acrea unit of area used in land measurement and equal to 43,560 square feet. This is approximately equivalent to 4,840 square yards, 160 square rods, 0.405 hectares, and 4,047 square meters. adjustment” to move the limit line from its current location at the eastern edge of Blackhawk onto a portion of the project site. The developers would then build 158 housing units inside the “adjusted” line. Most of the remaining 700 acres is being proposed as open spaceAny parcelA lot, or contiguous group of lots, in single ownership or under single control, usually considered a unit for purposes of development. or area of land or water that is essentially unimproved and devoted to an open space use for the purposes of (1) the preservation of natural resources, (2) the managed production of resources, (3) outdoor recreation, or (4) public health and safety. with much of it donated to the East Bay Regional Park District.

The proposal deserves to be eyed with deep distrust. As the Contra Costa Times Editorial Board points out, the initial project description raises significant concerns about potential legal violations of the urban limit lineA boundary, sometimes parcelA lot, or contiguous group of lots, in single ownership or under single control, usually considered a unit for purposes of development.-specific, located to mark the outer limit beyond which urban development will not be allowed. It has the aim of discouraging urban sprawlThe process in which the spread of development across the landscape far outpaces population growth. The landscape sprawl creates has four characteristics: a population that is widely dispersed in low-density development; rigid separation of uses, so that homes, commerce and workplaces are segregated from one another; a network of roads laid out to separate land into huge blocks and offering poor access; and a lack of well-defined, thriving activity centers, such as downtowns and town centers. Most of the other features usually associated with sprawl – a lack of transportation choices, relative uniformity of housing options, and difficulty walking from place to place – result from these conditions.Haphazard growth or outward extension of a city resulting from uncontrolled or poorly managed development. by containing urban development during a specified period, and its location may be modified over time.. It also threatens to do major damage to drinking water supplies, sensitive wildlife habitat, and the area’s agricultural economy.

The Bay Area is an amazing place to live, but it can be even better. We need to continue protecting our open spaces while encouraging development of lively, walkable neighborhoods with easy access to jobs, services, and transit. If this new proposal breaks long-standing open spaceAny parcelA lot, or contiguous group of lots, in single ownership or under single control, usually considered a unit for purposes of development. or area of land or water that is essentially unimproved and devoted to an open space use for the purposes of (1) the preservation of natural resources, (2) the managed production of resources, (3) outdoor recreation, or (4) public health and safety. protection policies, expect to see voters across the county stand up to defend our shared conservation legacy.

The post WIN: New Farm project withdrawn, new proposal needs scrutiny appeared first on Greenbelt Alliance.

Everyone knows someone in the Bay Area who has been abruptly laid off, and tried to find another job in a competitive environment. Many families are one paycheck away from disaster, and that’s what happened to Julie and her children. After a year of job searching and unemployment they could no longer afford the in-law unit they were renting, and became homeless.

–  Excerpt from HEART of San Mateo County

This May, Bay Area counties are celebrating Affordable HousingHousing that can be purchased or rented by a household with moderate, low, or very low income, based on a household's ability to make monthly payments necessary to obtain housing. Housing is considered affordable when a household pays less than 30 percent of its gross monthly income (GMI) for housing, including utilities. Week with tours of new developments, first-time homebuyer workshops, and panel discussions on funding solutions for the dearth of affordable homes in the region. In San Mateo and Santa Clara counties, this is an opportunity to draw attention to the cold hard truth that in the shadows of the successes of Google, Facebook, and Apple, there is another reality playing out—families living in poverty who are forced to crowd into tiny apartments, sleep in their cars, work multiple jobs, or leave the area for good.

The Bay Area is losing one of the things that makes this such a great place to live: our diverse workforce.

Julie and her family “won the lottery” to be able to rent a 3-bedroom apartment at 636 El Camino Real. MidPen Housing developed these new affordable homes for families in South San Francisco and showcased the finished project on May 10. Over 2,000 people applied for 108 units, and Julie still can’t believe her family was chosen. But she worries for the other families who are still searching for a safe, affordable place to live. (Watch the story of Julie and 636 El Camino Real)

Silicon Valley is adding jobs faster than it has in over a decade, but not homes. As new engineers, programmers, and scientists fill positions, other jobs are created in the process—jobs like gardeners, preschool teachers, baristas, and nurses. In fact, two-thirds of the jobs coming to Silicon Valley pay less than $50,000. Yet rents for 1-bedroom apartments near transit cost upwards of $1,800/month. In Mountain View, a 540-square foot studio at the new San Antonio complex on El Camino Real rents for $2,570/month. How many teachers do you know can afford that?

Seven reasons to be hopeful

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the enormity and severity of the crisis before us, but many smart, dedicated people are working on solutions. Here are seven reasons to feel optimistic:

1. SB 391 – Also known as the California Homes and Jobs Act, this bill has broad support from business, labor, environmental, and development groups. It establishes an ongoing funding stream for building 10,000 affordable homes each year, creating approximately 29,000 jobs annually as a result.
2. AB 1229 – This bill would re-authorize cities and counties to adopt ordinances with inclusionary rental housing requirements for lower income households. AB 1229 overturns the 2009 Palmer/Sixth Street Properties L.P. v. City of Los Angeles appellate court decision. (Find out more)
   
3. AB 431 – Greenbelt Alliance co-sponsors this bill, which seeks to cover the funding shortfall for sustainable communities. It does so by allowing transportation planning agencies to place a measure before voters in multiple counties to fund transportation, affordable homes, parks, and open spaceAny parcelA lot, or contiguous group of lots, in single ownership or under single control, usually considered a unit for purposes of development. or area of land or water that is essentially unimproved and devoted to an open space use for the purposes of (1) the preservation of natural resources, (2) the managed production of resources, (3) outdoor recreation, or (4) public health and safety.. (Find out more)
4. RDA Boomerang Funds – Foster City, San Mateo, and the County of San Mateo have taken the bold step of re-allocating funds formerly meant for redevelopmentThe renewal and improvement of older commercialA land use classification that permits facilities for the buying and selling of commodities and services. and residentialLand designated in the city or county general plan and zoning ordinance for buildings consisting only of dwelling units. May be improved, vacant, or unimproved. areas through actions or programs that encourage and facilitate private and public investment. This investment can include activities and programs designed to improve neighborhoods; strengthen existing businesses; encourage quality renovation and new construction; enhance public spaces and pedestrian amenities; ensure safe, efficient, and convenient traffic flow; attract new businesses; and contribute to the social and economic vitality of the area. agencies towards the creation of more low and moderate income homes. Momentum is building for Santa Clara County and other jurisdictions to follow suit. (Find out more)
5. Google – The latest investor in low-income housing tax credits, Google has been instrumental in getting several affordable housingHousing that can be purchased or rented by a household with moderate, low, or very low income, based on a household's ability to make monthly payments necessary to obtain housing. Housing is considered affordable when a household pays less than 30 percent of its gross monthly income (GMI) for housing, including utilities. projects off the ground, such as Fair Oaks Plaza—a 124-unit senior housing development in Sunnyvale. (Find out more)
6. The Housing Endowment and Regional Trust of San Mateo County (HEART) – Locally, HEART raises funds from public and private sources to meet critical housing needs. They have invested $8.8 million to fund over 800 affordable homes, including the Village at the Crossing in San Bruno.
7. New affordable housingHousing that can be purchased or rented by a household with moderate, low, or very low income, based on a household's ability to make monthly payments necessary to obtain housing. Housing is considered affordable when a household pays less than 30 percent of its gross monthly income (GMI) for housing, including utilities. projects have recently been completed or are breaking ground, including ROEM’s Franklin Street Family Apartments in Mountain View, Habitat for Humanity’s project at 7555 Mission Street in Daly City, and MidPen Housing’s award-winning development in South San Francisco.

Silicon Valley is leading the economic recovery in California and in many ways, the nation. As new jobs are created and high-rise condos are built in desirable locations near transit, it’s critical that we do our best as a region to ensure we are not leaving anyone behind. A thriving Bay Area depends on those who live and work here having access to safe, attractive, affordable homes. That means everyone—teachers, engineers, paramedics, social workers, students, and on and on. Affordable HousingHousing that can be purchased or rented by a household with moderate, low, or very low income, based on a household's ability to make monthly payments necessary to obtain housing. Housing is considered affordable when a household pays less than 30 percent of its gross monthly income (GMI) for housing, including utilities. Week reminds us that we have some way to go, but that there are solutions on the table. So let’s work together to make things better.

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Since his retirement in 2003, Don—the former Principal Planner for Santa Clara County—has served as a community advisor and educator, helping communities across the Bay Area prepare for changes that will impactThe effect of any direct human actions or the indirect repercussions of human actions on existing physical, social, or economic conditions. our lives and those of future generations.

At the event, Don spoke about the challenges our cities and towns face in meeting the needs of our growing senior population and how to remain economically attractive to a younger workforce. He also made a compelling case for the role that well-planned development can play in tackling these challenges by making certain parts of our communities more “livable, urban, and green.”

These ideas make sense for many places around the Bay Area, including Walnut Creek, where the city is preparing a long-term plan for “West Downtown.”

Interested in exploring how to put these ideas into action? Check out this panel discussion hosted by St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and others:

What: Planning for an Inclusive Walnut Creek: The West Downtown Specific PlanA plan addressing land use distribution, open space availability, infrastructureA general term for public (and quasi-public) services and facilities, such as sewage-disposal systems, water-supply systems, other utility systems, and roads. and infrastructureA general term for public (and quasi-public) services and facilities, such as sewage-disposal systems, water-supply systems, other utility systems, and roads. financing for a portion of the community. Specific plans put the provisions of the local general planA statement of policies, including text and diagrams setting forth objectives, principles, standards and plan proposals, for the long-term future physical development of the city or county. The general plan is a legal document required of each local jurisdiction by the State of California Government Code section 653o1 and adopted by the city council or board of supervi¬sors. In California, the general plan has seven mandatory elements (circulation, conservation, housing, land use, noise, open space, safety and seismic safety) and may include any number of optional elements (such as air quality, economic development, hazardous waste, and parks and recreation). The general plan may also be called a city plan, compre¬hensive plan, or master plan. into action.
When: Tuesday, May 13, 7 – 9 p.m.
Where: Mt. Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church, 55 Eckley Lane, Walnut Creek

If you have any questions or would like to get involved in our work in Walnut Creek, email Matt Vander Sluis.

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