Our Laguna: Bates updates canyon conservancy

Fifth District Supervisor Pat Bates was preaching to the choir when she updated the Laguna Canyon Conservancy on county environmental projects and programs.

Bates, who is running unopposed for reelection for the first time in her 25-year political career, was the guest speaker at the final meeting of the conservancy before the Festival Season hiatus. She spoke on issues that are of major concern in Laguna.

“I have a number of environmental projects and programs that I’m excited to be able to share with you this evening, projects that you have been following for a number of years,” Bates said.

Bates touched on water quality, habitat improvement and environmental concerns. She opened with a report on the Aliso Creek restoration — a hotly debated topic in Laguna.

“I know a number of you have attended workshops and meetings and have provided valuable input so far,” Bates said. “An extensive report on the baseline conditions of the creek and its habitat is nearing completion by the Corps of Engineers.

“In addition to describing the current conditions of the creek and its habitat, this report also forecasts conditions over the next 50 years if no restoration is ever implemented.”

The draft of the report will be released this summer after completion of an internal review. Public meetings will be held and input sought.

“I also will continue to seek assistance from our Washington delegation for federal funding to restore this important South County resource,” Bates said.

WATER QUALITY/ CONSERVATION

Ocean water quality is threatened by the pollution that flows out of public storm drains and flood control channels. Bates said the county has implemented a program that places strict requirements on new development, and mandates public education, as well as monitoring water quality in storm drains, creeks and beaches and staffing a 24-hour hotline.

“It’s important to keep in mind that nearly all the pollution that travels through public-owned storm drains is not caused by cities, but rather by people living and working in our communities — all of us,” Bates said.

“We can only have clean water and a healthy environment by each of us ensuring our daily activities do not cause pollution.”

Bates said in addition to reducing pollution in our waters, reducing use is a priority, practically a mantra of Councilwoman Jane Egly and Laguna Beach County Water District General Manager Renae Hinchey.

The county organized a consortium of 13 cities and 12 water and wastewater agencies to develop an integrated water resources plan for South Orange County, which resulted in a $25 million state grant, Bates said.

The funds are earmarked for seven projects, three of them in Laguna: marine habitat protection for Heisler Park, completed last year; an advanced water treatment plant to be built by South Orange County Wastewater Authority here; and the Aliso Creek project.

Of special interest to conservancy members, a new program is being designed by county staff working with Laguna Greenbelt Inc. and others to monitor the health of the Laguna Lakes, replacing a program that ended last year.

The lakes, one of which was divided by the old alignment of Laguna Canyon Road, were restored to their natural state when the road was moved. Information gleaned from the new program will aid in better management of these valuable wetlands, including Barbara’s Lake, named for the late Barbara Stuart. Stuart was an early ally of Laguna environmental icon Jim Dilley and a major donor of funds to preserve open space.

“In the original concept for the lakes, a pre-treatment marsh to improve water quality flowing into Barbara’s Lake was envisioned but never constructed,” Bates said. “County staff will be working with the Laguna Canyon Foundation to obtain grant funding for this lake enhancement feature.”

Bates’ involvement with water quality and coastal issues includes chairing the Orange County Coastal Coalition, which meets the fourth Thursday of the month, usually at the Newport Beach Public Library. The public is invited to attend.

“You can contact my office if you are interested in receiving meeting notices,” Bates said.

HABITAT RESTORATION

Another county project that mirrors efforts in Laguna is the eradication of non-native plants.

More than 350 acres in the county are infested with non-natives, mostly arundo or giant cane, Bates said.

The county recently obtained regulatory permit applications needed for the removal work and is eager to work with any organization interested in participating.

SOLAR POWER

“The county is also active in increasing our solar energy efforts,” Bates said.

In an effort to help all of Orange County “go green,” the county has established a program called OC Sunergy. The county will partner with cities that offer the formation of special districts for the installation of permanently fixed, energy- systems.

Participating property owners would pay for their systems through an assessment on their property tax bill, which spreads out the cost.

Bates also arranged for Transportation Corridors Agency representative Valerie McFall to update the conservancy on the TCA Environmental Oversight Committee and for OC Watersheds Program Manager Maryanne Skorpanich to review Measure M2 funding for the protection of county beaches from transportation-generated pollution.

M2 money will also be used to acquire or restore core habitat areas. Properties under consideration for acquisition have been grouped, based on conservation priority and the top 19 have been toured. Appraisals and negotiations will be conducted to determine recommendations to the OCTA board by the Freeway Mitigations Oversight Committee, which Bates chairs.

Transportation issues are among Bates primary interests. She began her career in public service as a parent working for safer streets for school children. She was elected to the Laguna Niguel City Council and then to the state legislature. Bates successfully ran for 5th District supervisor in 2006.

Bates serves on the boards of the OCTA and TCA — in which Laguna has never participated due to its opposition to the San Joaquin Hills Corridor.

And she didn’t back down when asked about the proposal for a toll road running through Trestles, which she supported and the LCC opposed.

Bates concluded her prepared remarks with a commendation for David Horne and the Greater Laguna Coast Fire Safe Council for working so closely with me and my staff in the development of our brand new OC Parks’ Fire Watch Program.

“Mr. Horne has been operating a very successful Fire Watch volunteer group here in Laguna Beach for years and his input was extremely helpful as the County implemented a similar model for our regional and wilderness parks,” Bates said.

Q&A

Barbara Painter asked if anything could be done to make the Laguna Lakes more visible from the roadway. The short answer was no.

Bill Rihn wanted to know what was happening with the Aliso Beach concession stand/Sand Cafe, which could not get approval of its proposal to extend service out onto the sand. Bates said she was meeting with the concessionaire and hopes to get the stalemate resolved.

Gene Felder asked if the county employee benefits are fully funded.

“Don’t we wish,” Bates said.