Environmental Committee Meeting - March 14, 2019
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Environmental Committee Meeting - March 14, 2019
The Environmental Committee met on March 14, 2019, with committee members Moreno, Bree, Sherman, and the chair present. The meeting covered adoption of previous minutes, public comments on various environmental issues, and informational presentations on climate action, urban forestry, Clean SD program, and creek restoration. No formal votes were taken on substantive items.
Consent Calendar
- Approved committee actions from February 14, 2019, by a unanimous vote (motion by Sherman, second by Moreno).
Public Comments & Testimony
- Justin Daniel (president, California Native Plant Society San Diego chapter) and Frank Landis (conservation chair, CNPS) testified on the Fiesta Island Master Plan and its Programmatic Environmental Impact Report (PEIR). They raised concerns about inadequate protection for sensitive plants and animals, noting that rare plants require disturbance (e.g., from dog walkers) rather than fencing, and that the landscaping palette incorrectly includes Mexican fan palm as coastal sage scrub. They urged a better map of the preserve and use of the Bradley method for vegetation management.
- Ann Fage and Frank Landis also commented on urban forestry, advocating for increased tree planting to meet climate goals, separate irrigation zones for street trees, and continued watering during droughts. They noted the current 35% canopy goal may be unrealistic and recommended funding professional staff and contract dollars in the 2020 budget.
- Several other speakers addressed the Clean SD program, requesting more work in District 8 (Councilwoman Bree noted only 82 of 3,000 tons removed came from Chollas Creek in that district), and praised the program's effectiveness in the San Diego River area.
- A resident shared a positive experience with solar installation through Grid Alternatives, highlighting reduced greenhouse gas emissions and community benefits.
Discussion Items
- Climate Action Plan Update: Committee discussed progress toward mobility targets (biking, walking), vehicle miles traveled reduction, and costs. Staff noted annual reporting and a 2020 update will be prepared. Councilmember Sherman asked about user fees for bicycles and breakdown of vehicle types (electric vs. internal combustion).
- Urban Forestry and Tree Canopy: Informational item on tree benefits, current canopy cover, and need for funding and professional staff. Discussion included future climate adaptation, separate irrigation zones, and drought management.
- Chollas Creek Restoration: Presentation on channel improvements to reduce flooding, including creation of a tributary to allow water to return to the river. Councilmembers asked about maintenance and design. Staff clarified that the project aims to prevent habitable space damage during rare flood events.
- Clean SD Program: Report on trash removal (3,000 tons total, including 82 from Chollas Creek in D8). Councilmember Bree stressed need for more work in District 8. Councilmember Sherman praised public-private partnerships along the San Diego River.
- Vegetation Management: Staff noted the program replaces trees at a 2:1 ratio for safety/wildfire concerns, with community input on relocation.
Key Outcomes
- No formal actions were taken; all items were informational or public comment.
- The next scheduled meeting is Thursday, April 18, 2019, at 1:00 PM, with a focus on urban forestry and tree canopy.
- The committee will hear the Fiesta Island Master Plan in April/May 2019, with earlier resolution of plant and animal issues requested.
Meeting Transcript
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