COASTAL CONSERVANCY. Staff Recommendation January 18, 2007 SAN DIEGO COUNTY BEACH ACCESS PROGRAM

Transcription

1 COASTAL CONSERVANCY Staff Recommendation January 18, 2007 SAN DIEGO COUNTY BEACH ACCESS PROGRAM File No Project Manager: Prentiss F. Williams RECOMMENDED ACTION: Authorization to disburse an amount not to exceed three hundred thirteen thousand dollars to Accessible San Diego to provide equipment and management services to facilitate beach access for persons with disabilities at three public beaches in San Diego County. LOCATION: Silver Strand State Beach, Coronado City Beach, and Oceanside City Beach, San Diego County (Exhibit 1) PROGRAM CATEGORY: Public Access EXHIBITS Exhibit 1: Project Location and Site Map Exhibit 2: Photos of Project Sites Exhibit 3: Photos of Power Beach Chairs in use Exhibit 4: Letters of Support RESOLUTION AND FINDINGS: Staff recommends that the State Coastal Conservancy adopt the following resolution pursuant to Sections et seq. of the Public Resources Code: The State Coastal Conservancy hereby authorizes the disbursement of an amount not to exceed three hundred thirteen hundred thousand dollars ($313,000) to Accessible San Diego to provide equipment and management services to facilitate beach access for persons with disabilities on three public beaches in San Diego County, subject to the following conditions: 1. Prior to the disbursement of any Conservancy funds, the Executive Officer of the Conservancy shall approve in writing a work plan, budget and project schedule, and any contractors and subcontractors to be employed in the project. 2. The grantee shall provide a signing plan for the project, to include appropriate acknowledgement of the Conservancy. Page 1 of 7

2 SAN DIEGO BEACH ACCESS PROGRAM Staff further recommends that the Conservancy adopt the following findings: Based on the accompanying staff report and attached exhibits, the State Coastal Conservancy hereby finds that: 1. The proposed project is consistent with the purposes and objectives of Chapter 9 of Division 21of the Public Resources Code. 2. The proposed project is consistent with the Conservancy s Project Guidelines and Selection Criteria adopted by the Conservancy on January 24, Accessible San Diego is a nonprofit organization existing under Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Service Code, whose purposes are consistent with Division 21 of the Public Resources Code. PROJECT SUMMARY: The project consists of a grant to the non-profit organization Accessible San Diego (ASD) to implement and manage a program that will provide beach access to persons with disabilities at three public beaches in San Diego County. ASD will work with the cities of Coronado and Oceanside and with the State Department of Recreation (DPR) to provide equipment and support services at Coronado City Beach, Oceanside City Beach, and Silver Strand State Beach (Exhibits 1 & 2). ASD was instrumental in the design and development of the first motorized beach wheelchair ever used on a public beach in California and has been operating beach accessibility programs for the last five years in the cities of San Diego and Imperial Beach. Using the proposed grant from the Coastal Conservancy, ASD would work with three other jurisdictions to establish accessibility programs at an additional three public beaches. Should these programs prove successful and feasible, ASD would seek to establish similar programs at beaches throughout San Diego County and beyond. The Beach Access Program is designed to expand beach accessibility to persons with varying degrees of mobility impairment. A major component of the program would be the provision of power beach chairs in each location. Power beach chairs are specially designed motorized wheelchairs with balloon tires which enable users to safely traverse the sandy beach independently (Exhibit 3). ASD would procure and provide three such chairs at each location and assist local city and state beach staff to make them available free of charge to persons with impaired mobility. ASD began the first Beach Access Program jointly with the City of San Diego at Mission Beach. The City recently expanded its power beach chair program to two other city beaches using a Coastal Conservancy grant. These programs are extremely popular because the motorized wheelchairs enable independent movement that is not possible with non-motorized beach wheelchairs, which must be pushed by another person. Page 2 of 7

3 SAN DIEGO BEACH ACCESS PROGRAM In addition to providing and maintaining the power beach chairs, ASD would work closely with city or DPR staff in each location to provide the following additional services to establish a Beach Access Program: Review conditions at each of the three locations to assess the adequacy of parking, paths of travel, public restrooms, and directional signage for persons with disabilities, and make recommendations for improvements Procure and maintain for the first year of the program s operation nine motorized beach chairs (three at each of the three beaches) as well as manual push beach chairs (which can be used in the water) Provide training for staff at each of the three locations to maintain equipment and operate the program Conduct a marketing campaign to publicize and promote the program to local residents and visitors through the internet, publications and events Conduct research to identify accessible beach equipment providers and work with local vendors to design build improved accessible beach equipment, including ramps and power beach chairs. After the first year of operation, it is expected that City staff and DPR staff will assume full responsibility for operating the Beach Access Program in each location with occasional input and assistance from Accessible San Diego. Site Description: Coronado, Oceanside and Silver Strand are all flat sandy beaches located in urban areas developed with visitor serving facilities such as parking lots, rest rooms and lifeguard stations, and are suitable for use by persons with disabilities. Project History: In 2000, the Coastal Conservancy provided funds to the Cities of San Diego and Imperial Beach to establish power beach chair programs. At that time all other beach wheelchairs needed a second person to push them through the sand. The introduction of the motorized beach chairs provided a great improvement by allowing freedom of movement on the beach to all persons with impaired mobility. ASD initiated the program in the City of San Diego at Mission Beach and worked with the City of San Diego to obtain the funding from the Coastal Conservancy. ASD employees have also operated the Mission Beach program since it began until 2005 when the program became a part of City Park and Recreation. In 2005, the Coastal Conservancy made another grant to the City of San Diego to expand its power beach chairs program to another three city beaches. PROJECT FINANCING: Coastal Conservancy $313,000 Total Project Cost $313,000 Page 3 of 7

4 SAN DIEGO BEACH ACCESS PROGRAM Funds would be provided from the Coastal Access Account and the Violation Remediation Account, both appropriated to the Coastal Conservancy for public access purposes in fiscal years 2005/06 and 2006/07. Pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 30620(c)(2), the Coastal Access Account may be used for grants to nonprofit organizations for the development, maintenance and operation of new or existing facilities that provide public access to the shoreline. The Violation Remediation Account is available for projects that will support the programs of the California Coastal Act (Public Resources Code Division 20). CONSISTENCY WITH CONSERVANCY'S ENABLING LEGISLATION: The proposed project would be undertaken pursuant to Chapter 9 of the Conservancy s enabling legislation, Division 21 of the Public Resources Code (Sections ), which establishes the Conservancy s role in implementing a system of public accessways to and along the State s coastline. Through the proposed authorization, the Conservancy would play a role in providing an important public coastal access opportunity for persons with disabilities. Consistent with Section 31400, the proposed project would provide funding to ASD to effectively guarantee the right of members of the public, including those with impaired mobility, to access and enjoy coastal resources. Consistent with Section , the proposed project would serve a need greater than the immediate local area. The beaches of San Diego County serve the residents from throughout the region, both coastal and inland areas, as well as visitors from throughout the State. Millions of people visit the ocean beaches of San Diego each year. Statistics compiled by Accessible San Diego indicate that the Mission Beach power beach chair program served close to 300 unduplicated clients in 2003 and over 200 in 2004, more than half of whom were from outside San Diego County. (ASD attributes the reduction in the number of clients served in 2004 to the fact that the chairs were under repair and out of service for more days in 2004 than in 2003.) Thus, the proposed accessibility improvements will benefit visitors from well beyond the local area. Consistent with Section , the amount of funding proposed has been reviewed in light of the total amount of funding available for coastal public accessway projects, the fiscal resources of the grantee, and the relative urgency of the project. Consistent with Section , the project would aid in the establishment of a system of public coastal access by removing barriers to certain segments of the public. CONSISTENCY WITH CONSERVANCY'S STRATEGIC PLAN GOAL(S) & OBJECTIVE(S): Consistent with Goal 2 Objective B of the Conservancy s Strategic Plan, the proposed project would increase public access opportunities for persons with physical disabilities by providing additional means of access to and along the ocean shoreline within the County of San Diego. Page 4 of 7

5 SAN DIEGO BEACH ACCESS PROGRAM CONSISTENCY WITH CONSERVANCY'S PROJECT SELECTION CRITERIA & GUIDELINES: The proposed project is consistent with the Conservancy's Project Selection Criteria and Guidelines adopted January 24, 2001, in the following respects: Required Criteria 1. Promotion of the Conservancy s statutory programs and purposes: See the Consistency with Conservancy s Enabling Legislation section above. 2. Consistency with purposes of the funding source: See the Project Financing section above. 3. Support of the public: The proposed project has the support of the Cities of Coronado and Oceanside, the County of San Diego and DPR (see Exhibit 4). 4. Location: The proposed project would be located within the coastal zone of San Diego County. 5. Need: ASD would use the funds to set up the Beach Access Program and train staff at each of the three beaches to operate the program and maintain equipment. The local governments and DPR, for which these services would be provided, are using available staff and funds to maintain and operate existing facilities and programs and have very limited resources left to initiate new programs and train staff. It is unlikely that these Beach Access Programs would be established in these three locations without the assistance of ASD and the Conservancy funds. In addition, ASD has experience in working with the disabled community and particular expertise in selecting the equipment needed to provide beach access to this group. 6. Greater-than-local interest: As discussed in the Consistency with Conservancy s Enabling Legislation section above, the proposed project would serve the needs of people from throughout the region and the state. Additional Criteria 11. Innovation: The power beach chair programs currently underway in the cities of San Diego and Imperial Beach are the only two such programs operating in the United States. Expanding this program to additional beaches in San Diego County would help to increase public awareness of the program and demonstrate its feasibility to other public agencies statewide. 12. Readiness: ASD has established relationships with beach staff in the cities of Coronado and Oceanside and with DPR and is in a position to initiate the Beach Access Program at all three beaches upon the Conservancy s authorization of grant funds. 13. Realization of prior Conservancy goals: See Project History above. 15. Cooperation: ASD will work closely with the cities of Coronado and Oceanside and with staff at Silver Strand State Beach to implement the Beach Access Program. Page 5 of 7

6 SAN DIEGO BEACH ACCESS PROGRAM CONSISTENCY WITH THE COASTAL CONSERVANCY S STANDARDS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ACCESSWAY LOCATION AND DEVELOPMENT: Standard No. 3 states in part, that Wheelchair access should be provided wherever possible. Consistent with this standard, the proposed project would increase accessibility to the sandy beach by people with physical disabilities. Conservancy funding of the proposed project is also consistent with Standard No. 13, which states that Accessways that accommodate or plan to accommodate those with mobility problems are the highest priority for State funding. CONSISTENCY WITH COASTAL ACT/LOCAL COASTAL PROGRAM POLICIES: The project is consistent with policies contained in the Local Coastal Programs and Land Use Plans of the Cities of Oceanside and Coronado. The City of Oceanside Local Coastal Program (LCP), amended and certified by the California Coastal Commission in 1992, includes the following objectives regarding Coastal Access and Recreation: I.C. II.C. Adequate access to and along the coast shall be provided and maintained The City shall provide and maintain a wide range of public recreation areas, beach support facilities, and visitor-serving facilities, commensurate with need. The City of Coronado LCP and Land Use Plan (LRP), certified by the Coastal Commission in 1983, includes the following policies regarding Shoreline Access: A.1. A.2. Preserve existing shoreline access over public lands. Where appropriate, provide and encourage additional shoreline access over public lands. Silver Strand State Beach is located in an area of unincorporated San Diego County for which there is no certified LCP or LUP. However, the project is consistent with policies of the Coastal Act, specifically Public Resources Code Section 30210, which provides that maximum access shall be provided for all of the people of California. As described above, the project is also consistent with the Standards and Recommendations for Accessway Location and Development, which were adopted jointly by the Coastal Commission and the Coastal Conservancy. COMPLIANCE WITH CEQA: The proposed project is categorically exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) because it would involve the placement of minor temporary structures (beach accessible wheelchairs, and possibly wheelchair ramps) on existing public beaches (14 California Code of Regulation, Section 15311). Page 6 of 7

7 SAN DIEGO BEACH ACCESS PROGRAM The proposed project is also categorically exempt from review under CEQA pursuant to 14 Cal. Code of Regulations Section 15301, the operation and maintenance of existing facilities involving only negligible expansion of use. The site assessments and recommendations would be exempt under CEQA pursuant to 14 CCR Section (feasibility and planning for future actions not yet adopted, approved or funded) and (information collection). Upon approval, staff will file a Notice of Exemption. Page 7 of 7

8 Exhibit 1: Project Location Oceanside City Beach Coronado City Beach and Silver Strand State Beach

9 Exhibit 1: Project Locations Detail

10 Exhibit 2: Photos of Project Site

11 Exhibit 2: Photos of Project Site

12 Exhibit 2: Photos of Project Site

13 Exhibit 2: Photos of Project Site

14 Exhibit 2: Photos of Project Site

15 Exhibit 2: Photos of Project Site

16 Exhibit 2: Photos of Project Site

17 Exhibit 2: Photos of Project Site

18 Exhibit 2: Photos of Project Site

19 Exhibit 2: Photos of Project Site

20 Exhibit 2: Photos of Power Beach Chairs in use

21 Exhibit 4: Letters of Support RENEE E. BAHL DIRECTOR <tcountp of ~an 1l\iego DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION Administrative Office: (858) Fax: (858) Reservations: (858) May 2, 2006 Prentiss F. Williams, Project Manager State Coastal Conservancy 1330 Broadway, 11th Floor Oakland, CA Dear Ms. Williams: We are writing this letter to you in support of the Multi-Year Access to Trails Project funding proposal in the amount of $75,000 developed by Accessible San Diego. This project will complement the County's Trails Program adopted by the Board of Supervisors in January 2005 which provides that "Accessibility awareness" will be incorporate into trail development and whenever possible, trail access and design will provide for a range of user capabilities. Trail opportunities in San Diego County are varied and showcase the diverse scenery of the many parks, open spaces, cultural resources, and wilderness areas. Our region is graced with nearly ideal weather for trail activities on most days of the year. County residents have access to a wide variety of trail opportunities from coastal boardwalks, to nature trails in city and county parks, to secluded trails up high mountain peaks and through remote desert lands. When integrated with features such as historic sites, commercial or residential areas, and parks, trails can improve the overall character of a community or the region. They provide community residents the opportunity to enjoy the diverse environments and the natural beauty of our County. Although not all trails can be fully accessible to those with disabilities, this project will enable the County to identify the trails that provide are most beneficial to users with disabilities. Thank you for your consideration of the foregoing. If you have any questions regarding this letter, please contact Trish Boaz, Chief of Resource Management at (858) Sincerely, RENEE E. BAHL Director cc: Trish Boaz, Chief of Resource Management '. ~< PARKSAND RECREATION COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO Where havingfun is natural RUFFIN ROAD, SUITE P.SAN DIEGO, CA 92123

22 Exhibit 4: Letters of Support State of California The Resources Agency Arnold Schwarzenegger, Governor DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION Silver Strand State Beach 5000 Hwy. 75 Coronado, CA Ruth Coleman, Director December 1, 2005 Wes Johnson Accessible San Diego Dear Wes: I am writing you this letter to inform you that the lifeguards at Silver Strand State Beach would like to participate in Accessible San Diego s power wheel chair program. Last year over 350,000 visitors recreated at Silver Strand State Beach. Among those visitors were a number of people with various physical disabilities. We were able to help many of them by providing manual beach wheelchairs. We currently have two chairs to help those who request them. There were others, though, who would have been better served with a power wheelchair. If your organization were able to help us by providing at least one power wheelchair, the lifeguards at Silver Strand would be able to assist more of the visitors who come to enjoy our park. As we discussed in our meeting on November 29, 2005, we have the facility to store the chair and if possible we could store two chairs. We also have the capability to charge the chair s electric battery. With proper training, my staff at Silver Strand is willing to perform the necessary and routine maintenance to keep the chair(s) in top running order. We look forward to being one of southern California s pilot programs, and the staff and I are happy for the opportunity to serve our visitors and work with your group. Sincerely, Michael T. Martino Michael T. Martino Lifeguard Supervisor Silver Strand State Beach

23 Exhibit 4: Letters of Support file:////coast/share/board Meeting Materials/Jan 07 Board Materials/Acces...bit 4/Beach Access Letters Oceanside Coronado Silver Strand 01207asdw.htm From: wes johnson Sent: Wednesday, December 07, :20 PM To: Prentiss Williams Cc: Nikki ASD Subject: Beach Access Letters Oceanside Coronado Silver Strand 01207asdw Attachments: Silver Strand Suport Letter.doc Greetings Prentiss Williams, Thank you for traveling all the way to San Diego to break bread and talk about the Beach Access Program. The Coastal Conservancy's consideration of funding a multi-year Beach Access Program to upgrade beaches for use by all persons including those with disabilities is greatly appreciated. This includes two letters of interest from Coronado and Oceanside and a third letter of interest from the Silver Strand State Beach is the attachment. This project is going to be a great win, win for all and the largest winners will be the 5 million persons with disabilities who live in California. I look forward to working with you on this great project and hearing from you soon. Please let me know if I can be of further assistance in this matter. Sincerely, Wes Johnson President Accessible San Diego (asd2@sbcglobal.net) Coronado Letter To: Wes Johnson President Accessible San Diego Date: August 4, 2005 Subject: Coronado Power Beach Chair Program The City of Coronado has 1.7 miles of coastal beaches and a large population of seniors, retirees, and persons with disabilities. It is our interest to work with Accessible San Diego to establish a Beach Access Program that includes: Power Beach Wheelchairs (3), expanding our tower to provide storage and office space, a walkway and ramp to provide access to the beach and lifeguard tower, more accessible public restrooms and a text telephone to provide communication for those with hearing disabilities. The City of Coronado will be responsible to operate and maintain the equipment for the program and participate in a training program provided by Accessible San Diego. We look forward to working with you and hope that this Beach Access Program can be implemented as soon as we move into our new facilities currently being planned. Sincerely, Sean J. Carey Lifeguard Captain file:////coast/share/board Meeting Materials/Jan 07 Board...ess Letters Oceanside Coronado Silver Strand 01207asdw.htm (1 of 2)12/20/2006 2:29:34 PM

24 Exhibit 4: Letters of Support file:////coast/share/board Meeting Materials/Jan 07 Board Materials/Acces...bit 4/Beach Access Letters Oceanside Coronado Silver Strand 01207asdw.htm City of Coronado office fax Oceanside Letter Ray Duncan wrote: Wes, The City of Oceanside has three Surf Chairs which we utilize almost daily. We have had them in service for some time, however often the users are unable to push the occupant across the sand. We would be delighted for the opportunity to be considered to receive Power Beach Wheelchairs for our beaches. We have a garage area to store them in and would be able to maintain them for safe use. Should you need more information, please do not hesitate to call me. Ray Duncan Lifeguard Manager Department of Harbor and Beaches 301 N. The Strand Oceanside, Ca Phone file:////coast/share/board Meeting Materials/Jan 07 Board...ess Letters Oceanside Coronado Silver Strand 01207asdw.htm (2 of 2)12/20/2006 2:29:34 PM