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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1990-07-31; City Council; 10741 Part 3; Arroyo La Costa Master Plan CommunityEXHIBIT 8 MINUTES May 16, 1990 PLANNING COMMISSION Page 3 COMMISSIONERS PUBLIC HEARINGS; 2) MPA 149(0) MP 88-1/GPA/LU 88-1/ZC 88-3/CT 88-3/PUD 88-4/ HDP 88-8/SDP 89-18/SUP 89-3/SUP 90-8/ROI 181/ EIR 86-2 ARROYO LA COSTA - Request for approval of a General Plan/Land Use Amendment, Zone Change, Master Plan Amendment, Master Plan, Tentative Tract Map, Planned Unit Development Permit, Hillside Development Permit, Special Use Permits, Site Development Plan, and Resolution of Intention and request for the certification of an Environmental Impact Report on property located east of El Camino Real, north of Olivenhain Road, and West of Rancho Santa Fe Road in the PC Zone and in Zone 12. Gary Wayne, Assistant Planning Director, advised Commissioners that final authority for this item would be the City Council and that the Planning Commission would be making a recommendation to the City Council. Several staff members will be making the presentation. Adrienne Landers, Senior Planner, reviewed the background of the request and stated that this project is a Master Plan for 1,076 single family homes in the southwest area of La Costa. The site is bounded on the west by El Camino Real, the south by Olivenhain Road, the east by Rancho Santa Fe Road. She stated that because of the complexity of issues involving this item, she would make a basic presentation of the major issues and let the developer discuss the specific design issues. When the zone plans for the La Costa area were being reviewed, the City entered into an agreement with the applicant. In return for the dedication of Alga Norte Park (35 acres), the applicant was allowed to concurrently process an EIR, Master Plan, and Tentative Map for the southwest area of the La Costa Master Plan. The result of that process is Arroyo La Costa. The EIR for the Master Plan began in 1988 and during the review period, a number of inconsistencies were discovered in the text. Some of the technical reports indicated that some of the impacts were not significant. However, the summaries in the EIR concluded that they were significant. At that time, the consultant was released from his contract and another firm, Ponseggi & Associates, Marilyn Ponseggi and Phil Henshaw, were hired to revise the document and make it legally defensible. The final EIR is much different than the draft because it has been revised to reflect comments made during the review period. Those revisions, including the final EIR, have been made available at the public library so that all of those commentors could review the changes that were made. The EIR addressed numerous areas of concern and determined that all but two of the issues could be mitigated to a level of insignificance. These two areas are noise and aesthetics. (The staff report erroneously stated air quality and aesthetics.) Although the EIR stated that noise and aesthetics are significant impacts, staff disagrees with this particular conclusion. The EIR stated that short-term construction impacts from noise could not be mitigated to a level of insignificance. However, staff believes that standard City measures such as hours of operation and requirements for mufflers on various construction equipment would reduce the impacts to a level of insignificance. This is standard procedure used throughout the City for all construction activity. As for aesthetics, the southwest area MINUTES May 16, 1990 PLANNING COMMISSION Page 4 COMMISSIONERS of the City has been designated for residential development ever since the area was annexed. The proposed project is an expected change in land use from rural to urban development. It is staff's opinion that this is not a significant impact and staff recommends that the Planning Commission find that all the environmental impacts have been reduced to insignificance. Therefore, no findings of overriding considerations are necessary. As directed by the City Council, the applicant was allowed to process a Master Plan for the southwest area. To do this, however, first required an amendment to withdraw the southwest area from the overall La Costa Master Plan. Using an overhead, Ms. Landers showed a map of the La Costa Master Plan and described each of the quadrants. The proposed amendment very simply: (1) eliminates all references to the southwest area; (2) removes all references to public facilities because these issues are addressed in the applicable Zone plans; and, (3) requires that future Master Plans as well as environmental review be done in the northwest and southeast prior to any future development occurring in these areas. This would ensure that when the areas come in for development, they will have a comprehensive plan addressing current City policies and ordinances. Projects that come in for review in the developed area will be regulated by current ordinances and policies that are in effect now or at that time. This is standard procedure which has been and still is being used. Ms. Landers showed a map of the existing and proposed General Plans and, for the benefit of the gallery, defined the RLM as allowing 0-4 du's/acre, the RM allowing 4-8 du's/acre, and the RMH allowing 8-15 du's/acre. She pointed out the open space areas and the proposed junior high and elementary school sites. She noted that in the proposed General Plan the RMH areas have been eliminated and redistributed to RM and RLM designations to allow for more compatible development with the existing single family homes around the project. The open space areas have been expanded and relocated to more properly preserve the environmental resources of the site. The previous plan did not preserve some of the sensitive plant species or the riparian area. Ms. Landers showed the proposed Tentative Map and Planned Unit Development (PUD). Implementation of the Master Plan is being done through one Tentative Map and one PUD permit. Staff reviewed both items and has determined that both actions are consistent with the Subdivision Ordinance, PUD Ordinance, and all other City ordinances and policies. Because there will be only one Tentative Map and one PUD permit, it means that if a change were proposed in any area, it would require an amendment to the entire Tentative Map and/or the entire PUD permit. Although the villages have alphabetical designations, they are still part of the one Tentative Map and a change to any one of the areas would possibly require a change to the entire map. Ms. Landers showed slides of the proposed project. During the slide presentation, she pointed out the 11.3 acre riparian area which would be impacted by Calle Barcelona and the desiltation basin. She noted that it would be recreated and enhanced in the northern central portion of the project which connects with Canada Canyon. She also pointed out the eucalyptus grove which would be removed and she stated that trees would be planted along Anillo Way to recreate the aesthetic feeling of the trees. Ms. Landers pointed out MINUTES May 16, 1990 PLANNING COMMISSION Page 5 COMMISSIONERS various other points, i.e. the SDG&E easement, school sites, passive recreation areas, and the trails which would ultimately link to the City-wide trail system. Ms. Landers stated that the residents of Rancho Ponderosa objected to the location of the junior high school site because of light impacts and the possibility that property values would be lowered. The applicant addressed the objection by providing a landscaped plan and meeting with the residents. The landscape plan includes a provision for an irrigation system and the applicant will maintain the landscaping for a one year period until the landscaping takes hold. The applicant's proposal seems to meet the satisfaction of most residents. Another issue which came up with the 40 ft. easement located along the northeastern portion of the property. This area is owned by the Fieldstone Company. As a condition of the Santa Fe Glens project (directly north) it was offered as an irrevocable offer of dedication; however, for some reason, the offer was never accepted by the City. Ms. Landers stated that the adjacent property owners are under the very strong feeling that this is an open space area which will remain free and clear of all structures forever. Staff is proposing that the 40 ft. easement remain in open space and that there would be landscaping but no structures except property line fences allowed in the easement area. The new homes in Arroyo La Costa would have an additional 15 ft. rear yard which would have to remain free and clear of any structures and the property would carry a deed restriction. Ms. Landers stated that there were some objections to Canada Canyon which currently exists as a developable area. During the EIR review and in response to nearby residents, the City and the applicant have agreed that the Canada Canyon area will become part of the Master Plan and receive a land use designation of open space. No structures will be permitted but she noted that a trail does terminate in the area with a small viewpoint. Gary Wayne, Assistant Planning Director, addressed affordable housing and stated that the staff report assumes affordable housing will be linked to the provision of multi-family units. It was originally thought that since the Master Plan is proposing detached single family housing in its entirety, it would be difficult and inappropriate to provide affordable housing in the Arroyo Master Plan area. Therefore, the staff report recommended that multi-family and affordable housing be deferred to other areas of development in the La Costa Master Plan, namely the northwest and the southeast. Upon further consideration, staff recognizes that the City's housing element is under review and is scheduled for completion in July 1991. Preliminary estimates from SANDAG indicate that a substantial obligation will be placed on Carlsbad to meet the needs of its citizens for low and moderate income housing. It is almost certain that new programs will be developed to meet this need and that new programs could possibly supply affordable single family housing. Staff feels, and the applicant agrees, that developers of new communities like Arroyo La Costa must provide for all economic segments of the community and share fairly in solving the problem of affordable housing. Therefore, staff is recommending that both the Master Plan and Tentative Map be conditioned to require the applicant to enter into an agreement with the City to provide the Master Plan's proportional share of the City's total obligation for MINUTES May 16, 1990 PLANNING COMMISSION Page 6 COMMISSIONERS low and moderate income housing. Or, as an alternative, to implement whatever programs are adopted by the City as part of its Housing Element update. Staff recommends this as a condition which must be met prior to filing the very first Final Map for the project. This condition would satisfy the requirements for providing affordable housing for the Arroyo Master Plan. Bob Wojcik, Principal Civil Engineer, discussed traffic circulation and stated that the development is required to install several improvements as follows: (1) widen El Camino Real to three northbound lanes from Olivenhain Road to Levante Street and provide a landscaped median on El Camino Real, (2) widen Olivenhain Road to an interim four lanes between El Camino Real and Rancho Santa Fe Road, and (3) the construction of Calle Barcelona to full secondary arterial standards from El Camino Real to Rancho Santa Fe Road. Internal street connections to existing developments are being required at El Bosque Avenue, Corte Carolina, Segovia Way, and Palenke Street. These connections are being required to improve circulation to the surrounding area, provide secondary access during emergency situations, and to comply with the City's cul-de-sac policy. In addition, other offsite traffic circulation improvements will be addressed and required with the Zone 12 Local Facility Management Plan to be discussed later. Ms. Landers concluded the staff presentation by stating that staff can recommend approval of the project, based on the findings and subject to the conditions contained in their report. Commissioner Schlehuber inquired about the requirement for affordable housing. If multi-family becomes necessary in the Arroyo La Costa project, he wanted to make sure that additional public hearings would be held. Mr. Wayne replied that any changes to the Master Plan, Tentative Map or PUD would require noticed public hearings. Commissioner Schlehuber inquired if the 40 ft. easement would be a private open space easement as opposed to a public easement where persons would be permitted to walk. Ms. Landers replied that he was correct. Commissioner Schlehuber inquired what would be allowed in the easement area. Ms. Landers replied that only landscaping and property line fencing (installed by the developer) would be allowed. No above-ground structures would be allowed. Chairman Schramm opened the public testimony and issued the invitation to speak. Doug Avis, Fieldstone Company, 6670 El Camino Real, Carlsbad, applicant, addressed the Commission and stated that, for the record, John Barone, Sr. Project Manager, has written a letter to Chairman Schramm dated May 16, 1990 regarding Fieldstone's concern about private maintenance of the public trail system proposed for Arroyo La Costa. A copy of this letter will be on file in the Planning Department. Mr. Avis introduced several representatives of the Fieldstone Company which were in attendance to answer questions. He went on to discuss the 5 year planning process of Arroyo La Costa and the piecemeal development of the La Costa area in general, due to several ownership changes. He feels that most of the problems voiced by the community deal with the MINUTES May 16, 1990 PLANNING COMMISSION Page 7 COMMISSIONERS piecemeal development and that they will be pleased with the project when it is completed. Fieldstone has conducted many community meetings in La Costa and has tried to respond to the majority of the objections which have been voiced. The three major requests which the community asked Fieldstone to address were: (1) relocate Calle Barcelona; (2) create large lot single family homes; and (3) traffic circulation connections between the proposed project and existing neighborhoods (yet unresolved). There was also a lot of concern that new construction might drive rattlesnakes into existing neighborhoods. Fieldstone will also try to respond to this concern. Mr. Avis conducted a slide presentation of the project and requested an opportunity for rebuttal at the conclusion of the public hearing. In response to questions by Commissioners, Mr. Avis commented as follows: The trails and swimming pool will be public but will be owned and maintained by the homeowners association rather than the City. In the event that liability insurance cannot be obtained at a reasonable cost, it may be necessary to make the trails and pool private, unless the City wants to take them over as part of a maintenance district. There is an existing approved Tentative Map for 789 units (including 126 apartments) on a portion of this area which could be finaled. The 40 ft. area is not actually an easement but, rather, an offer to dedicate which has never been accepted by the City. Fieldstone plans to build in all planning areas rather than sell them undeveloped, assuming economics remain normal. Production wood fences would be used in areas which are generally not visible, i.e. side yards, etc. Walls around portions of the villages will be used as separations and to create entrance statements. Improvements on Calle Barcelona will be done between Phases I and II, although it is a condition of Phase II. Secondary water will be used for landscaping when it becomes available. The grading between Quevada Circle and Rancho Santa Fe Road is for a sewer easement rather than a trail. Present plans project 5 ft. minimum side yard setbacks, 10 ft. between homes, with 17 ft. being the average. Prohibition of antennas will be covered in the CC&S's. They have met all of the grading requirements and have tried to be sensitive to this issue. They could accept a condition to prohibit stockpiling of equipment and excess dirt. MINUTES May 16, 1990 PLANNING COMMISSION Page 8 COMMISSIONERS They are in the process of securing a permit from the Fish and Game Department. Commissioner Holmes likes the overall architecture but feels the bridge is poorly designed because it does not blend with the architectural theme. He would also like to see provisions for lighting the tennis courts and pool. Chairman Schramm inquired if Fieldstone would consider a 20 ft. separation between two-story homes. Mr. Avis replied that because this project meets and exceeds the City standards, they would prefer to proceed as planned, since they have already made two design changes. However, if there is a particular area of concern, and the approval was conditioned, they would be willing to work on it, if it doesn't require a major redesign. John Barone, representing the Fieldstone Company, 5465 Morehouse Drive, San Diego, addressed the Commission and stated that the project has been in planning for a three year period and they have tried to be sensitive to community concerns. He feels this will be one of the best projects Fieldstone has ever built and one which Carlsbad can be proud of. In compliance with the growth management plan, he noted that Fieldstone would be improving a two mile stretch of Rancho Santa Fe road at a cost of $35 million. RECESS The Planning Commission recessed at 7:58 p.m. and reconvened at 8:13 p.m. Chairman Schramm noted for the record that letters opposing the Fieldstone project had been received from the following persons and are on file in the Planning Department: Debby Wright, 7966 Los Pinos Circle, Carlsbad (5/16/90) Laurie Reiner, 7722 Anillo Way, Carlsbad (5/15/90) Roy Gorman and Terry Watt of Gorman & Waltner, 1736 Franklin Street, Oakland, California, attorneys representing "Project Future" (5/16/90) Stephen R. Kissick, 7912 Las Nueces Place, Carlsbad, representing the Rancho Ponderosa Homeowners Association, requested permission to be the final speaker for a total of 20 minutes on behalf of the following persons: Heidi Buhl, 2610 Sombrosa Street, Carlsbad Norma Sayre, 7746 Las Mientes Dr., Carlsbad Virginia Darner, 7948 Las Mientes Dr., Carlsbad Jack Wencel, 7911 Las Nueces Place, Carlsbad Patricia L. Wencel, 7911 Las Nueces Place, Carlsbad Elizabeth Locton, 2602 La Duela Lane, Carlsbad Nancy Larkin, 7915 Arbusto Court, Carlsbad Gail Pizzino, 2422 La Plancha Lane, Carlsbad Peggy O'Shea, 2905 Sombrosa Street, Carlsbad Eric and Lucille Stephenson, 7917 Arbusto, Carlsbad Sid Lupu, 7833 Quebrada Circle, Carlsbad, addressed the Planning Commission and stated that his home is adjacent to the 40 ft. easement and a fence would block his view. He purchased his home with the idea that he would have a 40 ft. view. This is a problem for all of the homes that abutt the easement and he feels it should be mitigated. MINUTES May 16, 1990 PLANNING COMMISSION Page 9 COMMISSIONERS Patti Gaul, 3015 Quebrada Circle, Carlsbad, addressed the Planning Commission and stated that the 40 ft. easement is currently being used for access to Stagecoach Park. She thinks it is much safer for the children than what is being proposed by Fieldstone. Jim Shadoan, 7831 Quebrada Circle, Carlsbad, addressed the Planning Commission and stated that he first met with Fieldstone one year ago about the proposed project but was not told about their plans to use the 40 ft. easement until three weeks ago on April 24, 1990. He also inquired as to what kind of structures would be allowed in the easement. Steve Little, 3019 Quebrada Circle, Carlsbad, addressed the Planning Commission and stated that he is speaking on behalf of the remaining residents of Quebrada Circle and Segovia Way. All of the residents on these two streets would like to continue having access to Stagecoach Park via the 40 ft. easement. They feel this easement should be classified as open space and be part of the trail system. Commissioner Schlehuber inquired if the residents could accept an open rather than a solid wood fence. Mr. Little replied that no fence would be preferable. Alexa Pallas, 2927 Via Ipanema, Carlsbad, addressed the Planning Commission and stated that she finds many discrepancies between the EIR and what Mr. Avis has stated in his presentation, i.e. the EIR states there are 90 acres of open space while Mr. Avis stated there are 135 acres of open space. She is concerned about potential soil problems when they remove close to 4 million cubic yards of dirt because it will change the topography and could have an earthquake effect. She is also concerned about circulation due to the increased traffic of 18,500 ADT that was not addressed in the EIR. She feels the density being proposed is too much for the natural resources and that there should be absolutely no more than 500-600 single family homes in this area. She felt that runoff to the lagoon, especially with respect to sediment, would have a negative impact. Given Harrison, 7915 Roble Place, Carlsbad, addressed the Planning Commission and stated that she is very concerned about the safety of children traversing to the park. With the additional cars, many people will detour through established neighborhoods trying to avoid stop lights. He would like to see a. crash gate installed on El Bosque to protect the children. Commissioner Hall inquired if the crash gate would make it inconvenient to visit a neighbor a block away. He replied that it would not be a problem and he would be willing to take a longer route, if necessary, for the safety of the children. Ed Kenney, 2406 Latinada Court, Carlsbad, addressed the Planning Commission and stated that he doesn't want El Bosque connected because it will be unsafe for children. Hilbert Mercado, 2815 Sombrosa Court, Carlsbad, addressed the Planning Commission and stated that he doesn't want the new development to be accessed via existing neighborhoods. He likes the Arroyo La Costa project with its parks, schools, open space, etc. but, nonetheless, he is concerned about the safety of the children living in Rancho Ponderosa. There are many children catching buses in the area during the morning MINUTES May 16, 1990 PLANNING COMMISSION Page 10 COMMISSIONERS rush hour. He doesn't feel it is necessary to have any access from Rancho Ponderosa to the new subdivision. James Pierce, 7919 Arbusto Court, Carlsbad, addressed the Planning Commission and stated that this is a quality of life issue. He does not want a connection into Rancho Ponderosa. He likes his neighborhood the way it is and doesn't want the added traffic that a connection would cause. Karen Sherman 2120 Louetta Court, Carlsbad, addressed the Planning Commission on behalf of the residents of Monarch Hills and stated that the project, if approved, should be conditioned for a traffic light at Calle Barcelona and El Camino Real. Further, Mark Pettine recently called for a moratorium on new water hookups and Eric Larson concurred with a moratorium when we reach a Stage 4 water alert. We are now in a Stage 2 and Stage 4 is expected before year end. She feels the project should be tabled until the water situation can be researched and a supplemental EIR has been prepared. She would like to know if the railroad parcel proposed for residential development is contiguous to other railroad parcels. Dr. Harv Meskin, 2733 Levante Court, Carlsbad, addressed the Planning Commission and stated that he purchased his home with a view and was told that it would be preserved. He moved here because he wanted open space. He is also concerned about the water. The EIR did not address water, sewage, and trash. Joe Quinn, 2A05 El Bosque Avenue, Carlsbad, addressed the Planning Commission and presented a petition containing the signatures of 371 homeowners. The homeowners want to permanently close El Bosque Avenue to through traffic because the road is not wide enough to handle additional traffic from this project and the safety of the children is at stake. They already have problems with motorists speeding; if El Bosque is connected it will be much worse. Also, there is not enough water now and certainly not enough for another development. Robert J. Froststein, 2804 Corte Carolina, Carlsbad, addressed the Planning Commission and stated that he already lives on a raceway. When Santa Fe Ridge was developed, the circulation was very poorly planned. He would like to see Corte Carolina closed permanently. Bill Funke, 2814 Sombrosa Street, Carlsbad, addressed the Planning Commission and stated that he has four children whose safety is at risk. Many cars speed through the Santa Fe Ridge development; the police have clocked cars going 40 mph. He urged the Commission not to make a throughway on Corte Carolina. Susan L. Hartley, 3334 Cabo Way, Carlsbad, addressed the Planning Commission and stated that her home backs up onto Rancho Santa Fe Road. She is awakened many nights by traffic accidents and has to call 911 for help. Inez Yoder, 7738 Madrilena, Carlsbad, addressed the Planning Commission and stated that the City is getting bolder and bolder about ignoring public concerns. In the original EIR hearing, over 70 persons spoke in opposition to the EIR, yet no mention is made of it. The new EIR is an unwieldy document which contains many conflicting statements. She feels the conflicts should be resolved before approval is MINUTES May 16, 1990 PLANNING COMMISSION Page 11 COMMISSIONERS given. She noted that the 10 ft. wide trail is surfaced in blacktop; she would like to see the trail 5 ft. wide and left in a natural state with a gravel surface. Abbey Chamberlain, 7919 Arbusto Court, Carlsbad, addressed the Planning Commission and stated that she feels a crash gate should be installed on El Bosque and that a new exit should be cut onto Olivenhain Road which would allow right turns only. She doesn't see anything wrong with having several exits along a main thoroughfare. Further, she feels that Calle Barcelona should be completed before any homes are built. Commissioner Hall inquired if Ms. Chamberlain liked the way Encinitas has an over abundance of exits along El Camino Real. She replied that she has no problem with it; people have gotten used to it. Melinda Willett, 2404 La Tinada Court, Carlsbad, addressed the Planning Commission and stated that she has lived in La Costa for 14 years. She likes having the neighborhood insulated because the children are safe. People feel comfortable knowing that when people enter the neighborhood they usually have a need to be there. Jeff Nibler, 2904 Corte Jardin (Santa Fe Ridge), Carlsbad, addressed the Planning Commission and stated that he had attended the meeting held three weeks ago but has been unable to get a follow-up meeting with Mr. Avis. He is concerned about the home elevations. He would like to know if his view will be blocked by a 2-story home. He is concerned that it is so difficult to get simple information from Fieldstone. Mike Fenton, 2908 Corte Jardin, Carlsbad, addressed the Planning Commission and stated that his main concern is Rancho Santa Fe Road through Olivenhain because it is not even addressed in the EIR. With this development, the new San Diego State campus, and a La Costa high school in the future, this road will be overburdened. The EIR states that Olivenhain Road "should" be widened to handle the increased traffic. He feels the roads should be provided before the building begins. He requested that future meetings on this topic be held at Stagecoach so that more citizens can provide input. Jeff Stein, 2923 Via Ipanema, Carlsbad, addressed the Planning Commission and stated that he is on the Board at Santa Fe Ridge. The residents of Santa Fe Ridge are concerned about the Corte Carolina connection because of the effect it will have on Sombrosa. There have been many near misses at the intersection of Camino Alvara and Sombrosa because there is not even a stop sign there. Additional cars using Sombrosa will make the matter much worse. There needs to be more east-west corridors. Commissioner Erwin inquired how children will get to the schools if there are no roads which connect. Mr. Stein replied that it is a good question and he doesn't have a solution. He is also concerned about the timetable for new schools and noted that the Mision Estancia school just opened up and they are already using trailers because it is so overcrowded. R. Williams, 2921 Via Ipanema, Carlsbad, addressed the Planning Commission and stated that he has three children under 5 years of age. He has had experience living in Del MINUTES May 16, 1990 PLANNING COMMISSION Page 12 COMMISSIONERS Mar and people naturally take short cuts to avoid crowded intersections. He is concerned about the safety of his children. John Cotter, 7905 Corte Felipe, Carlsbad, addressed the Planning Commission and stated that he has taught school in Encinitas for 15 years. The schools have to be overcrowded for two years before the state will permit a new school to be built. He is concerned about the impact the new development will have on Rancho Santa Fe Road. He thinks Carlsbad and Encinitas need to work out a solution. Paul Zorner, 2939 Segovia, Carlsbad, addressed the Planning Commission and stated that his home backs up to the 40 ft. easement and he doesn't want to see a fenced open space. He thinks the new homes should be moved back from the easement and let the existing neighborhood remain as it is now. He would like to know how the proposed grading will affect drainage. Deborah Ainsley, 2415 El Bosque, Carlsbad, addressed the Planning Commission and stated that she is concerned about the traffic on El Bosque if it is connected. Since so many people have warned the Commission about the potential traffic problems, the City should be liable if a child gets killed. She lives on the corner of El Bosque and Los Pinos(?). Susan Johnston, Welte Court (Monarch Hills), Carlsbad, addressed the Planning Commission and stated that she is very concerned about connecting Plenke(?) which would open up onto Anillo. This area is already heavily impacted by people who use it as a short cut to La Costa Road. She is also concerned about the construction vehicles traveling on the street and thinks a crash gate would be appropriate. She would also like to see a walking or bike path for access to the schools. There is no homeowners association for Monarch Hills and she thinks new developments should be forced to have a homeowners association in place immediately upon occupancy. Fred Clarke, 7921 Arbusto Court, Carlsbad, addressed the Planning Commission and stated that his home backs up to the new development and he is not objecting to anything. He has lived in this area for 60 years and he thinks that development over the years has gone very well. He commends those who have spent so much time working out the problems. He is worried that if this development is not approved that the next one might not be as good. He does feel that El Bosque needs to be corrected. Janelie Butler, 2404 La Ponta Lane, Carlsbad, addressed the Planning Commission and stated that the homes in her neighborhood are so close you can hear word for word conversations now. Noise problems are severe and you can hear car doors slamming all around you. She and her husband have sacrificed to buy their home and plan to spend their retirement years there. They don't want to hear screaming kids all night and every day. She urged Commissioners to consider the impacts on existing neighborhoods. Steve Porter, 2404 El Bosque, Carlsbad, addressed the Planning Commission and stated that he would like to see access to El Bosque denied by way of a crash gate, if possible. He is concerned about safety of the children. He responded to Commissioner Erwin's comment regarding school MINUTES May 16, 1990 PLANNING COMMISSION Page 13 COMMISSIONERS access and stated that there is an open lot of La Plancha which might be used for access to the trail system. Erin Carlson, 2935 Segovia, Carlsbad, addressed the Planning Commission and stated that she disagrees with removal of the eucalyptus trees. She thinks that homes need to be maintained for animals that live there. She doesn't think a few new commercial shrubs can compensate for the loss of the eucalyptus. Dr. Jeffrey Owen, 7985 El Bosque, Carlsbad, addressed the Planning Commission and stated that his home backs up to the proposed development. His home will overlook the RV storage. He feels his intelligence has been insulted if he must be forced to accept RV storage as open space. He thinks RV storage should be located out of view of the homes. Gene Salternik, 2745 La Gran Via, Carlsbad, addressed the Planning Commission and stated that the project should be conditioned to preserve the biological resources named in the EIR. Replacement trees should be larger and not planted in clusters. He feels the canyon should be preserved in its natural state because it provides a water supply to the wildlife living in the area. The wildlife should be protected. He is concerned that the comments in Volume 5 of the original EIR are not included in the Final EIR. Stephen R. Kissick, 7912 Las Nueces Place, Carlsbad, representing the La Costa Homeowners Association and the Rancho Ponderosa Homeowners Association, addressed the Commission and stated that he is strongly in favor of homeowners associations for developments. He is especially concerned about the proposed day care center and does not feel it has been well thought out. He likes that it is controlled by the homeowners association but the commercial aspect of it may cause a liability problem since it is already difficult to obtain insurance coverage for common areas. He is happy that Fieldstone has attempted to mitigate their project regarding water but the reality is that existing neighborhoods don't want any high density (multi-family) in their area. He is concerned that the 80 comments regarding traffic and noise impacts in Volume 5 are missing. Small developments seldom cause a big dent but this is a large development and it could deplete basic services. Although considerable money was spent to revise the EIR in a three week time frame, he feels it will take much longer to really address the issues. He requested a continuance for 90 days so that the problems can be mitigated. Chairman Schramm inquired if circulation would be discussed in the Local Facilities Management Plan for Zone 12. Mr. Wayne replied that it would. Chairman Schramm announced to the gallery that Planning Commission meetings can only continue past 10:00 p.m. by a majority vote of the Commission. Motion was duly made, seconded, and failed to continue the meeting for an additional ten minutes in order to complete the public testimony. Erwin Hall Holmes Marcus McFadden Schlehuber Schramm MINUTES May 16, 1990 PLANNING COMMISSION Page 14 COMMISSIONERS Motion was duly made, seconded, and carried to continue this item to the June 6, 1990 meeting, at which time public testimony will only be permitted by persons who did not speak at this meeting; no re-noticing is required. 3) LFMP 12-LOCAL FACILITIES MANAGEMENT PLAN AMENDMENT FOR ZONE 12 - Request for approval of an amendment to Local Facilities Management Plan for Zone 12, analyzing requested land use changes. Motion was duly made, seconded, and carried to continue this item to the June 6, 1990 meeting. ADJOURNMENT: By proper motion, the meeting of May 16, 1990 was adjourned at 10:17 p.m. Respectfully submitted, V. MI CHAEL HOljjjMT LL TiK Planning Director BETTY BUCKNER Minutes Clerk MINUTES ARE ALSO TAPED AND KEPT ON FILE UNTIL THE MINUTES ARE APPROVED. Erwin Hall Holmes Marcus McFadden Schlehuber Schramm Erwin Hall Holmes Marcus McFadden Schlehuber Schramm Erwin Hall Holmes Marcus McFadden Schlehuber Schramm X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X MINUTES Meeting of: Time of Meeting: Date of Meeting: Place of Meeting: PLANNING COMMISSION 6:00 p.m. June 6, 1990 City Council Chambers COMMISSIONERS CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Schramm called the Meeting to order at 6:10 p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was led by Commissioner Holmes. ROLL CALL; Present - Chairman Schramm, Commissioners Erwin, Hall, Holmes, Marcus, McFadden, and Schlehuber Staff Members Present: Michael Holzmiller, Planning Director Gary Wayne, Assistant Planning Director Brian Hunter, Senior Planner, Growth Management Adrienne Landers, Senior Planner Christer Westman, Associate Planner Bobbie Hoder, Senior Management Analyst Ron Ball, Assistant City Attorney David Hauser, Assistant City Engineer Bob Wojcik, Principal Civil Engineer Steve Jantz, Associate Civil Engineer Robert Johnson, Traffic Engineer Also Present: Marilyn Ponseggi, Consultant Phil Henshaw, Consultant Marty Bouman, Transportation Planner PLANNING COMMISSION PROCEDURES; Chairman Schramm reviewed the Planning Commission procedures on the overhead for the benefit of the audience. COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE ON ITEMS NOT LISTED IN THE AGENDA; There were no comments from the audience. MINUTES: The Planning Commission approved the minutes of May 16, 1990 as presented. CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS; 1)EIR 86-2/MPA 1A9(0) MP 88-1/GPA/LU 88-1/ZC 88-3/CT 88-4/ HDP 88-8/SDP 89-18/SUP S 181 ARROYO LA COSTA - Request for approval of a General Plan/Land Use Amendment, Zone Change, Master Plan Amendment, Master Plan, Tentative Tract Map, Planned Unit Development Permit, Hillside Development Permit, Special Use Permits, Site Development Plan, and Resolution of Intention and request for the certification of an Environmental Impact Report on property located east of El Camino Real, north of Olivenhain Road, and West of Rancho Santa Fe Road in the PC Zone and in Zone 12. Gary Wayne, Assistant Planning Director, stated that this item is a request for approval of the Arroyo La Costa Master Erwin Hall Holmes Marcus McFadden Schlehuber Schramm MINUTES June 6, 1990 PLANNING COMMISSION Page 2 COMMISSIONERS Plan with related actions and entitlements. The master plan provides the policy planning and implementation mechanisms to allow for the construction of a planned community composed of 1,076 single family units and related recreational facilities that includes approximately 6 miles of trails, a recreation and daycare center. There will also be 135 acres of open space provided by the planned community, two school sites and a site reserved for a house of worship. The proposed project would also construct Calle Barcelona from El Camino Real to Rancho Santa Fe Road and provide the roadway improvements to Olivenhain Road (on the south) and El Camino Real. There is also a provision for a pedestrian bridge that would cross Calle Barcelona. The Planning Commission will consider as part of the request recommending to the City Council that all related environmental documentation was prepared in compliance with state and local regulations. Additionally, to approve the master plan as proposed, the Planning Commission will consider approval of a Master Plan Amendment to segment out the Arroyo La Costa area (the southwest portion) from the larger La Costa Master Plan. There is also a General Plan Amendment to redistribute higher density residential uses into medium residential and low residential areas, to establish the exact locations of two school sites, and to redefine the open space in the area. There will be a Zone Change to change the zoning of an R-l area to include it into the P-C zone and it would then be used for open space. There is also a subdivision of 1,222 lots, a Planned Unit Development that would provide for the construction of the 1,076 du's, and a Hillside Development Permit. There are a number of other actions related to this, i.e. two Special Use Permits, one because the area abuts El Camino Real which is a scenic corridor and it must comply with the scenic corridor standards, and the other for the improvements to be placed in the flood plain. The recreational and daycare center will require the approval of a Site Development Plan. The final action will be to approve a Resolution of Intent to change the zoning of the "railroad property" to become residential. Following this item, the Planning Commission will consider an amendment to the Local Facilities Management Plan for Zone 12 to make it consistent with actions taken on Arroyo La Costa. Staff has reviewed all of the requests and has determined that they are consistent with all plans, policies, and ordinances of the City and is recommending approval of the requested actions. The action of the Planning Commission will be to make a recommendation to the City Council, who will then make the final decision. Adrienne Landers, Senior Planner, reviewed the major areas of concern identified in the public comments made at the last public hearing, as follows: Through connections at El Bosque, Corte Carolina, and Palenque 40' Offer of Dedication for Open Space Easement Intensity of Development Overcrowding of Schools Impacts of the Junior High School on adjacent residents Amount of grading and change in topography Runoff to Batiquitos Lagoon MINUTES June 6, 1990 PLANNING COMMISSION Page 3 COMMISSIONERS Soil stability resulting in seismic activity Loss of habitat Loss of eucalyptus trees as visual resource and habitat Visibility of RV storage from Rancho Ponderosa Water and sewer availability Trail materials and width of trails Chairman Schramm stated that the public hearing was still open for persons with new issues who did not have the opportunity to speak at the last meeting. Two letters were entered into the record, one from Mel Brandeau, a postman, and the other from Cary Quayle dated June 3, 1990 which will be on file in the Planning Department. Jeff Pease, 7821 Estancia, Carlsbad, Director of North Coast Aquatics, addressed the Commission and stated that the public swimming facilities in Carlsbad are extremely overcrowded. He requested the Commission to accept Mr. Avis' commitment for a pool in Arroyo La Costa to ease the overcrowding and serve the residents of south Carlsbad. Commissioner Erwin inquired if Mr. Pease understood that Fieldstone is proposing a 25 meter pool at Arroyo La Costa and if he had been able to resolve the public use issue with Aviara about their 25 meter pool. Mr. Pease replied that no agreement had yet been reached regarding user groups being able to use the Aviara facility and he is aware that the Arroyo La Costa pool would be 25 meters. Seth Schulberg, 1713 Catalina, Carlsbad, speaking on behalf of the Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation (BLF), addressed the Commission and stated that this project is located in the lagoon watershed and the BLF does not believe the final EIR adequately addresses the sediment and runoff issues. The BLF is very concerned about the comment that the Draft EIR was incorrect and feels that the Arroyo La Costa project will significantly impact the lagoon due to the quantity of the runoff involved. He urged the Commission to require Arroyo La Costa to be redesigned to contain and treat urban runoff to the lagoon at the levels established by the Regional Water Quality Control Board. He presented a letter for the record dated June 5, 1990 from Marilyn Buck, President of BLF, which will be on file in the Planning Department. Eleanor Batterson, 7970 La Gacha Lane, Carlsbad, addressed the Commission and stated that she is concerned about the water shortage. She requested the Commission to require Fieldstone to use secondary water, rather than drinking water, to maintain the landscape in the Arroyo La Costa project. In addition, the Leucadia Water District has a sludge problem and many residents do not want the sludge dumped near them. She does not feel that additional housing should be built until the reservoirs are full and the sludge problem has been eliminated. Bryce Willett, 2404 La Tinada Court, Carlsbad, addressed the Commission and stated that he is an attorney specializing in insurance defense. He does not feel that Carlsbad should permit additional traffic on streets which are not designed or capable of carrying the additional traffic because there MINUTES June 6, 1990 PLANNING COMMISSION Page 4 COMMISSIONERS is a liability problem which will result in lawsuits if traffic accidents occur. His children already have a problem crossing the street to get to school and the park because of the excessive traffic and he does not want to see additional traffic permitted. He implored the Commission to put in a crash gate on El Bosque since it is a reasonable alternative. Debbie Wright, 7966 Los Pinos Circle, Carlsbad, addressed the Commission and stated that a staff member was in her neighborhood this afternoon measuring Los Pinos to verify the figures. Los Pinos Circle is 32 ft. wide and he stated that this does not meet today's standards. She would like to know how this deficiency can justify opening El Bosque. She submitted a letter for the record dated June 6, 1990 which will be on file in the Planning Department. Stephen R. Kissick, 7912 Las Nueces Place, Carlsbad, speaking on behalf of Chuck Batterson of the Rancho Ponderosa Homeowners Association, addressed the Commission and stated that residents have analyzed the EIR in terms of noise and traffic and feel there are significant impacts which have not been addressed in the Final EIR. He requested a 90 day continuance in order to complete an in-depth analysis of these impacts. Gail Sabo, 2940 Sombrosa, Carlsbad, addressed the Commission and stated that the San Diego Union mentioned that only through streets from Arroyo La Costa would connect to Santa Fe Ridge. She would like to see those streets loop off of Rancho Santa Fe Road rather than connecting those streets to Calle Barcelona. This design would discourage increased traffic flow onto existing streets. If this is not feasible, she urged Commissioners to install stop signs and crosswalks at busy intersections to discourage speeding and shortcutting. In addition, regarding the elementary school, she mentioned that Doug Avis had stated that new schools must open at capacity in order to receive state funding for building. She stated that this requirement does not apply to the La Costa Heights II Elementary School since Proposition B passed in April allowed a tax rate increase to be used for building schools. She urged that La Costa Heights II be built concurrently with the Arroyo La Costa Development to avoid further overcrowding of area schools which are already at capacity. She submitted a petition which is on file in the Planning Department. Doug Avis, 6670 El Camino Real, Carlsbad, representing Fieldstone, applicant, responded to the public comments as follows: Street Connections - Fieldstone will take no position on the street connection issue and will accept whatever decision is made. 40 ft. Easeaent - Fieldstone has attempted to maintain a 30 ft. minimum rear yard setback on the Arroyo La Costa side and a 30 ft. minimum distance between the lots in Arroyo La Costa and the lots in Santa Fe Glen. A trail system will be provided which is wider at the Rancho Santa Fe Road entrance. The trail system will also have pedestrian access points and be constructed of decomposed granite rather than asphalt. A proposed Open Space Condition was presented to staff and the Commission. MINUTES June 6, 1990 PLANNING COMMISSION Page 5 COMMISSIONERS Grading - There will be minimal grading due to the restrictive nature of the Carlsbad Grading Ordinance. Grading should not create an impact. Daycare - Fieldstone has made many calls regarding the insurance issue for the daycare facility. It appears that the cost for insurance will approximate $80 per year per student which is not extraordinary. Water Impacts - The landscape will be drought tolerant, native vegetation and will be maintained with moisture sensing devices to conserve water. Fieldstone can accept the new engineering conditions for use of secondary water. If water becomes an unresolvable problem, the growth management plan would allow the City to stop issuing building permits. RV Storage - Fieldstone has communicated with Dr. Jeffrey Owen regarding the RV storage and will continue to work with him to screen the site by using landscaping. Art - Mr. Avis volunteered to try to create some method for an art exhibit in the project. Pool - Fieldstone offered a condition to allow public use of the swimming pool until such time as the Alga Norte pool is constructed. An agreement will need to be drafted between Fieldstone and the City of Carlsbad. Pedestrian Bridge - Fieldstone offered a condition requiring architectural renderings of the pedestrian bridge to be approved by the Planning Director. Mr. Avis requested consideration be given to revisions of conditions in Resolution #3032, as follows: Condition /M5a.9. (pg 9), add the word "willing" homeowner. Condition /M5c.3. (pg 12-13), the design criteria to be reflected in the final map. Condition #81b. and c. (pg 19), the condition to be effective with the 300th unit rather than concurrent with Phase II. This would be a change of approximately 180 units. Condition #68 (pg 10), delete reference to all mitigation other than data recovery. Chairman Schramm requested staff to respond to the Open Space condition (40 ft. easement) as proposed by Fieldstone. Gary Wayne, Assistant Planning Director, stated that the proposed condition is one of the options which has been discussed over the past several weeks. It does, however, create a few problems from a planning standpoint which are not insurmountable. If the Commission feels this is the best option, staff can accept the condition. Chairman Schramm inquired if structures would be prohibited beyond 15 ft. Mr. Wayne replied he believes the condition is requesting a 30 ft. rear yard which would allow accessory structures. The original easement would be replaced with the new easement. In the few lots with less than a 40 ft. back yard, there would be a restriction at the rear 10 ft. of the property where structures would be prohibited. MINUTES June 6, 1990 PLANNING COMMISSION Page 6 COMMISSIONERS Chairman Schramm permitted those residents to speak who wished to comment on the Fieldstone proposal regarding the 40 ft. easement. Steve Little, 3019 Quebrada Circle, Carlsbad, addressed the Commission and stated that Fieldstone has gone out of their way to appease the homeowners. He thinks their proposal is very acceptable to the residents. He can accept the gravel walkway because it will discourage skate boarders and bicycles. He has no concern about robberies due to the walkway being located behind the homes and he can accept the pedestrian access points as proposed. Sid Lupu, 7833 Quebrada Circle, Carlsbad, addressed the Commission and stated that it has been a pleasure to work with Fieldstone. He feels that many times bureaucratic decisions are made which do not take into consideration the impacts to homeowners. To his knowledge, all the residents he has talked to can accept the Fieldstone proposal. Fences are no longer a problem and he is not concerned about crime because there has not been a problem for the 12-14 years that he has' lived there. He feels there is more of a problem with theft from open garages than there will be with the trail. Patti Gaul, 3015 Quebrada Circle, Carlsbad, addressed the Commission and stated that she feels the Fieldstone compromise is good. The main problem she had was safe access for the children to Stagecoach Park. She likes the decomposed granite. She feels that Fieldstone has been very fair. She doesn't perceive a possible robbery problem since there has not been one over the past 12 years. Jim Shadoan, 7831 Quebrada Circle, Carlsbad, addressed the Commission and stated that four people are representing the 40 residents who live in the area. He appreciates the fact that Fieldstone has cooperated wholeheartedly with the homeowners and the entire community of Santa Fe Glen will benefit from the proposed condition. Ron Ball, Assistant City Attorney, recommended that the proposed condition also contain a ninth item as follows: 9. The open space area shall be shown on the final map and a note placed on it to indicate the restrictions on the use of that area. He stated that a note on the map would guarantee enforceability and notice to future homeowners of the use restrictions regarding structures, i.e. no structures taller than 6 ft., etc. Gary Wayne, Assistant Planning Director, stated that Condition //I of the proposal could put the Planning Director in a position of having to approve variances for front yard setbacks. Commissioner Schlehuber inquired how many lots would be affected and could require an adjustment or variance. Gary Wayne replied that staff has not yet had an opportunity to measure all of the lots or to adequately review the proposal. Commissioner Marcus inquired if there would be a 6 ft. wall on each side of the easement area. Mr. Wayne replied that there are existing fences along the Santa Fe Glen side and his recollection is that many are solid. MINUTES June 6, 1990 PLANNING COMMISSION Page 7 COMMISSIONERS Commissioner Marcus is concerned about safety and would like to know what lights the path in the wintertime. She believes a solid fence along both sides will be unsafe. Mr. Wayne replied that there are no plans to light the easement. In response to questions by Commissioners, Doug Avis commented as follows: He hopes there will be no lots requiring a variance for front yard setbacks but, if any, he projects it to be in the 2-4 ft. range. The majority of the fences on the Santa Fe Glen side are wrought iron or chain link. Back yard lighting should be sufficient to illuminate the walkway. There will be no gates in the fencing along the Arroyo La Costa side; the fencing will probably be 6 ft. wood fences. There will be two open space trail heads without fencing. Commissioner McFadden can agree in concept but she feels that staff needs some time to look at the documents. She inquired if it would be better for staff to return at the next meeting with final documents. Michael Holzmiller, Planning Director, replied that, in his opinion, the condition should be changed to require a 20 ft. front yard setback. Chairman Schramm concurs with Mr. Holzmiller. Ron Ball, Assistant City Attorney, commented that if variances are required, certain findings must be made on a case-by-case basis. Commissioner Schlehuber referred to a memo dated June 6, 1990 from Bill Hofman, HPA, to Dee Landers which outlines the proposed condition for the swimming pool. He inquired if the proposed condition which does not contain a sunset clause is acceptable to Fieldstone as it is written. Mr. Avis replied to the affirmative. Commissioner McFadden noted several strike outs in the staff report regarding when the child care center would be constructed. She believes the child care center should be constructed during Phase II unless the Child Care Commission requests that it be delayed. Mr. Avis replied that Fieldstone would like the child care center to be completed at the end of Phase II, with construction during Phase II, because it is tied into the grading. Fieldstone could accept a condition that the child care center be completed prior to occupancy of the last unit in Phase II. Commissioner Erwin inquired if Fieldstone will comply with the new noise guidelines. Mr. Avis replied to the affirmative. Commissioner Erwin inquired if the trail access between the 6th and 7th house had been eliminated. Mr. Avis replied that Fieldstone and the residents had agreed to stagger access points in order to avoid a straight through path. Commissioner Erwin inquired if Mr. Avis had read the draft of his proposed water condition. Mr. Avis stated that he had MINUTES June 6, 1990 PLANNING COMMISSION Page 8 COMMISSIONERS read the draft and Fieldstone can accept the condition because it agrees with the current growth management plan. Commissioner Erwin inquired if Mr. Avis can accept the additional Engineering conditions. Mr. Avis replied to the affirmative. Commissioner McFadden is puzzled by Condition #66 (pg 10 of Attachment A) regarding tennis court lighting and inquired if Fieldstone plans to light the tennis courts. Mr. Avis replied that Condition //66 is problematic and there are no plans to light the tennis courts. Fieldstone can accept Condition #66 and the concept of not lighting the tennis courts. Commissioner McFadden inquired about the condition to plant more eucalyptus trees near Anillo. She would like to see more eucalyptus trees planted because they are drought tolerant. Fieldstone would be willing to plant additional eucalyptus trees if directed by staff. Commissioner McFadden inquired if Fieldstone plans to install grease traps to eliminate runoff to the lagoon. Mr. Avis replied that grease traps are a likely possibility and Fieldstone will do whatever is required to mitigate runoff. Commissioner Holmes asked Marty Bouman, Transportation Planning Consultant, how it had been decided to open El Bosque rather than another street. Mr. Bouman replied that the basic transportation planning which took place at the time Rancho Ponderosa was designed provided for a dead end on El Bosque with the full intent that it would continue to the west and north to serve future residential areas as they were developed. Without the connection at El Bosque, it would be a dead end street for 118 homes and would be in violation of the City's cul-de-sac policy. Opening El Bosque is good transportation planning. Commissioner Schlehuber inquired who the staff person was that spoke with Debbie Wright earlier in the day. Mr. Wojcik replied that the statement made to Ms. Wright was done in the context that that street would not have been built today with those dimensions. Marty Bouman added that under the current standard, no parking would be permitted on one side of a 32 ft. street. There being no other persons desiring to address the Commission on this topic, Chairman Schramm declared the public testimony closed and opened the item for discussion among the Commission members. Commissioner McFadden asked Mr. Bouman to comment on the crash gate concept proposed at the westerly end of El Bosque. Mr. Bouman replied that lock boxes, crash gates, card gates, and radio-controlled gates are not a true substitute for an open thoroughfare. While many of these gates have been constructed, there is always the possibility of a malfunction or that citizens wanting to pass through the gates might vandalize them. There have been lawsuits because of the time required to reach a critically ill patient, or because a gate malfunctioned. He stated that all emergencies do not involve an emergency or police vehicle. A telephone call from a school or hospital regarding a loved one being hurt or ill would also constitute an emergency even though they are not responded to by a public agency. Without the El Bosque connection, the distance to the schools, rec center, or day MINUTES June 6, 1990 PLANNING COMMISSION Page 9 COMMISSIONERS care center is approximately one mile out of direction causing at least a 10 minute delay. Commissioner McFadden inquired if an analysis was made of the local streets. Mr. Bouman replied that the EIR contained some limited information. The conclusion is that a 32 ft. street can easily carry 1,200 vehicles per day. A 40 ft. street is required for 5,000 vehicles. A 32 ft. street could also carry 5,000 vehicles but parking on one side would have to be eliminated. Commissioner Schlehuber asked Mr. Bouman to identify himself for the record. Mr. Bouman stated that he is a traffic consultant under contract to the City of Carlsbad. Commissioner Schlehuber inquired if Mr. Bouman had had an opportunity to read the letter from the postal employee which states that El Bosque has unusual circumstances. Mr. Bouman replied that he is not totally familiar with El Bosque, although there is a tendency for landscaping to create sight hazards. Commissioner Schlehuber inquired if, in Mr. Wojcik's opinion, there are any special circumstances. Mr. Wojcik replied that this street meets the City's sight distance requirements. He feels that a postal worker pulling in and out of traffic could have a problem which would not necessarily correspond to routine traffic flows. RECESS The Planning Commission recessed at 7:54 p.m. and reconvened at 8:08 p.m. In response to questions by Commissioners, Marilyn Ponseggi, Environmental Consultant, commented as follows: Batiquitos Lagoon Watershed - Several mitigation measures are stated on pages 137 and 176 to control runoff and sedimentation. The initial conclusion of the Draft EIR was in error. Runoff and sedimentation will not increase with this project. Pollution - There are no standards to be met; therefore, there is nothing to address. Water Quality - The last paragraph of page 143 states this is not a significant impact; therefore, it does not require mitigation. Noise - Noise impacts noted in the Draft EIR were not accurate. The draft was changed because it included impacts from other zones and a variety of unrelated projects as well as Arroyo La Costa. The Final EIR only addresses traffic and noise impacts related to Arroyo La Costa which were deemed to be insignificant. Biology - A new biologist was called in to evaluate the site. The six sensitive species identified in the Draft EIR were deemed to be insignificant. Mitigation measures were left in the Final EIR due to the difference of opinion of the two biologists. Light and Glare - The Draft EIR identified impacts but there was no substance as to how those were found. Nevertheless, mitigation measures are included to reduce glare, should it become a problem in the future. MINUTES June 6, 1990 CORRECTED PLANNING COMMISSION Page 10 COMMISSIONERS Air Quality - The Draft EIR was not supported by the technical data; therefore, the Final EIR was revised reflect correct conclusions that there will not be a significant impact from emissions. to David Hauser, Assistant City Engineer, commented on the permit from the EPA relative to water quality. There is no program in place at this time. The Regional Water Quality Board is the implementing agency for a program approved some time ago. However, the program which was approved only required cities with a population of 100,000 to comply. The Regional Water Quality Board is now recommending that all cities comply. Most project flows from Arroyo La Costa will go into permanent sedimentation basins which is the best approach. Commissioner Schlehuber commented about the statement from a homeowner who doesn't want the streets opened up until there is a better access to the freeways, i.e. Highway 680 to 1-15, or Olivenhain Road to 1-5. Mr. Bouman replied that Calle Barcelona can adequately distribute traffic to El Camino Real and Rancho Santa Fe Road. The Encinitas General Plan shows Rancho Santa Fe Road south as a two lane street, however it has the potential for traffic enhancement to accommodate high traffic volumes. Plans are already in place to widen Rancho Santa Fe Road north to San Marcos to six lanes. Commissioner Erwin asked Mr. Bouman about the projected ADTs, stating that Item XXII of the EIR showed 19,000 ADTs. Mr. Bouman replied that the ADTs referred to in this item are for the area beyond Zone 12. There is significant traffic generated from Encinitas. The ADTs should indicate 10 rather than 17 ADTs per project resident. Commissioner McFadden commented on Mr. Kissick's request for a 90 day continuance and inquired how long after Planning Commission approval of this item before it will go to the City Council. Michael Holzmiller, Planning Director, replied that it would be approximately six weeks. After discussion, it was decided to approve each item individually in concept and to note revisions for a particular item as it is approved. EIR 86-2 Motion was duly made, seconded, and carried to approve Resolution No. 3039 in concept, recommending approval of EIR 86-2 as outlined in the staff report; there are no changes other than the errata sheet circulated at the last meeting which is automatically included in the mitigation measures. For the record, Marilyn Ponseggi, Environmental Consultant, stated that Comments and Response to Comments are not listed in the table of contents but are included as a part of the EIK. MPA 149(0) Motion was duly made, seconded, and carried to approve Resolution No. 3049 in concept, recommending approval of the Mitigated Negative Declaration for MPA 149(0). This item includes the addition of Condition #1 which was previously omitted. Erwin Hall Holmes Marcus McFadden Schlehuber Schramm Erwin Hall Holmes Marcus McFadden Schlehuber Schramm MINUTES June 6, 1990 PLANNING COMMISSION Page 11 COMMISSIONERS Motion was duly made, seconded, and carried to approve Resolution No. 3028 in concept, recommending approval of Master Plan Amendment 149(0). For the record, Commissioner Erwin noted that, although amended, this document is out of date because many things in this Master Plan are no longer valid in this community. MP 88-1 Commissioner McFadden commented that she feels this product is too intense and creates a monotonous situation. She would like to see multi-family included within the interior villages. Commissioner Erwin concurs that lot coverage of 50% is intense. He inquired about liability and maintenance of the trail system which will be open to the public. Adrienne Landers, Senior Planner, replied that the developer will be responsible for maintenance of the trail system until such time as the City adopts a City-wide maintenance program. Motion was duly made, seconded, and carried to approve Resolution No. 3029 in concept, recommending approval of Master Plan 88-1. Condition #2 was added dealing with low and moderate income housing. GPA/LU 88-1 Commissioner McFadden inquired whether Finding //3 is now consistent with the comment made by Attorney Ball regarding the housing element. Michael Holzmiller, Planning Director, replied that Finding #3 should be changed to state that it doesn't impact the housing mix because the applicant is required to enter into an agreement with the City to provide the Master Plan's proportional share of the City's total obligation for low and moderate income housing units or to implement whatever programs are adopted by the City Council Housing Element review should that review be completed prior to approval of the first final map. Motion was duly made, seconded, and carried to approve Resolution No. 3030 in concept, recommending approval of GPA/LU 88-1, an amendment to the Land Use Element of the General Plan. The only change is to Finding #3 as stated by Michael Holzmiller. ZC 88-3 Motion was duly made, seconded, and carried to approve Resolution No. 3031 in concept, recommending approval of ZC 88-3, a zone change from R-l-7500 to Planned Community. There were no changes. Erwin Hall Holmes Marcus McFadden Schlehuber Schramm Erwin Hall Holmes Marcus McFadden Schlehuber Schramm Erwin Hall Holmes Marcus McFadden Schlehuber Schramm Erwin Hall Holmes Marcus McFadden Schlehuber Schramm x x X X X X X MINUTES June 6, 1990 PLANNING COMMISSION Page 12 COMMISSIONERS RECESS The Planning Commission recessed at 9:10 p.m. and reconvened at 9:18 p.m. CT 88-3 Motion was duly made, seconded, and carried to approve Resolution No. 3032 in concept, recommending approval of CT 88-3, a Tentative Tract Map for 1,076 single family dwellings. Changes would be to add the 8 engineering conditions reflected on separate page; contents of staff memo dated June 6, 1990; conditions on the trail study; a condition on the child care center to be completed concurrent with occupancy of the last lot in Phase II; a condition for Fieldstone to enter into negotiations with the City to designate potential sites for display of public art; delete the Condition #45.c.3. on page 13 the 40 ft. easement and replace it with the 8 conditions proposed by Fieldstone for the open space easement, eliminating the second sentence of item 1 and adding two additional conditions to place the open space area/restrictions on the final map and stipulate that trails for the 40 ft. easement area will be of decomposed granite; add the mitigation measures set forth in Attachment A dated May 16, 1990; revise Condition #66 of the mitigation measures to require lighting of the tennis courts consistent with Stagecoach Park. Commissioner Hall feels that there should be no barriers installed on any roads in this project and that all roads should remain open for effective circulation purposes. PUD 88-4 Chairman Schramm would like to see Site Development Plans (SDPs) for each phase of the Planned Unit Development prior to building permits being issued. Mr. Avis stated that Fieldstone could agree to providing a detailed diagram as long as it is not a continuation of the discretionary process. Commissioner McFadden also wants to see the SDPs Commissioner Schlehuber disagrees. but Commissioner Holmes does not feel that the applicant should be forced to provide this information at this late date. Ron Ball, Assistant City Attorney, commented that after the tentative map is approved, the Planning Commission has no other opportunity to make changes. Motion was duly made, seconded, and failed to approve Resolution No. 3033 in concept, recommending approval of PUD 88-3, a Planned Unit Development, with the change that the applicant be required to provide site development diagrams at the next meeting. Motion was duly made, seconded, and carried to approve Resolution No. 3033 in concept, recommending approval of PUD 88-3, a Planned Unit Development. No changes. Erwin Hall Holmes Marcus McFadden Schlehuber Schramm Erwin Hall Holmes Marcus McFadden Schlehuber Schramm Erwin Hall Holmes Marcus McFadden Schlehuber Schramm MINUTES June 6, 1990 PLANNING COMMISSION Page 13 COMMISSIONERS Chairman Schramm and Commissioner Erwin both feel that in the future, site development diagrams should be provided ahead of time so that this problem does not occur again. If the Commission will require this on all projects, Michael Holzmiller, Planning Director, would like to have a vote taken in order to provide direction to staff. Ron Ball, Assistant City Attorney, commented that staff could report at the next meeting whether this change would require policy or ordinance changes. HDP 88-8 Motion was duly made, seconded, and carried to approve Resolution No. 303A in concept, recommending approval of HDP 88-8, a Hillside Development Permit. No changes. SDP 89-18 Motion was duly made, seconded, and carried to approve Resolution No. 3035 in concept, recommending approval of Site Development Plan 89-18 with addition of the proposed conditions for public use of the swimming pool as proposed by Fieldstone, without a sunset clause. The conditions are outlined in HPA memo dated June 6, 1990 to Dee Landers. SUP 89-3 Commissioner Erwin inquired if there will be any encroachments to the flood plain other than the roadway. Mr. Wojcik replied to the affirmative. Motion was duly made, seconded, and carried to approve Resolution No. 3036 in concept, recommending approval of Special Use Permit 89-3. No changes. SUP 90-8 Motion was duly made, seconded, and carried to approve Resolution No. 3037 in concept, recommending approval of Special Use Permit 90-8. No changes. ROI 181 Motion was duly made, seconded, and carried to approve Resolution of Intent No. 181, in concept. No changes. Erwin Hall Holmes Marcus McFadden Schlehuber Schramm Erwin Hall Holmes Marcus McFadden Schlehuber Schramm Erwin Hall Holmes Marcus McFadden Schlehuber Schramm Erwin Hall Holmes Marcus McFadden Schlehuber Schramm Erwin Hall Holmes Marcus McFadden Schlehuber Schramm X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X MINUTES June 6, 1990 PLANNING COMMISSION Page 14 COMMISSIONERS MINUTE MOTION A Minute Motion was duly made, seconded, and failed to approve a condition prohibiting issuance of building permits unless the City Engineer determines that sufficient potable water supplies are available at the time of application for such building permits and will continue to be available for a reasonable period after occupancy; said note to be placed on the final map. 2) LFMP 12-LOCAL FACILITIES MANAGEMENT PLAN AMENDMENT FOR ZONE 12 3) CT 89-18/HDP 89-35/PUD 89-23/SUP 90-5 - RANCHO VERDE 4) SDP 89-11/PUD 89-12/HDP 89-32 - LA CORUNA 5) CT-89-30/PUD 89-14 - MASAPER I 6) CT 89-31/PUD 89-15 - MASADER II 7) COMMUNITY SERVICE FACILITIES Motion was duly made, seconded, and carried to continue the above agenda items 2-7 to the June 20, 1990 meeting. Chairman Schramm issued the invitation to speak for any person who will be unable to attend the meeting on June 20, 1990. No persons wished to speak. ADJOURNMENT: By proper motion, the meeting of June 6, 1990 was adjourned at 10:20 p.m. Respectfully submitted, MICHAEL HOLZMILLER Planning Director BETTY BUCKNER Minutes Clerk MINUTES ARE ALSO TAPED AND KEPT ON FILE UNTIL THE MINUTES ARE APPROVED. Erwin Hall Holmes Marcus McFadden Schlehuber Schramm Erwin Hall Holmes Marcus McFadden Schlehuber Schramm Erwin Hall Holmes Marcus McFadden Schlehuber Schramm x x X X X X X X X X X X X X MINUTES June 20, 1990 PLANNING COMMISSION Page 2 COMMISSIONERS Elaine Blackburn, Associate Planner (from the City of Dallas) CONSENT CALENDAR: Commissioner McFadden requested that Items 2) and 5) be pulled from the Consent Calendar for discussion. 1) EIR 86-2/MPA 149(0)/MP 8-1/GPA/LU 88-1/ZC 88-3/CT 88-37 PUD 88-4/HDP 88-8/SDP 89-18/SUP 89-3/SUP 90-8/ROI 181 - ARROYO LA COSTA - Adoption of Resolution Nos. 3039, 30A9, 3028, 3029, 3030, 3031, 3032, 3033, 3034, 3035, 3036, 3037 and ROI 181 recommending approval of a General Plan/Land Use Amendment, Zone change, Master Plan Amendment, Master Plan, Tentative Tract Map, Planned Unit Development Permit, Hillside Development Permit, Special Use Permits, Site Development Plan, and Resolution of Intention and request for the certification of an Environmental Impact Report on property located east of El Camino Real, north of Olivenhain Road, and west of Rancho Santa Fe Road in the PC Zone and in Zone 12. 3) CUP 268x1 - CITY OF CARLSBAD - Request for a five (5) year extension of a Conditional Use Permit allowing a fire station at the southwest corner of Batiquitos Lane and Buttercup Road. 4) CUP 169x1 - WESTBLUFF ASSOCIATES. LTD. - Request for a 10 year extension allowing the continued operation of a veterinary clinic located in the West Bluff Plaza Commercial Center at the northeast corner of Alga Road and El Camino Real in Local Facilities Management Zone 6. Gary Wayne, Assistant Planning Director, directed attention to staff memo dated June 20, 1990 regarding Item 1), Arroyo La Costa, which contained two revisions to Resolution No. 3032, i.e. Condition 14.c.3.h (page 13) and Condition 84f (page 20). Commissioner Hall commented that he would like the City Council to be aware of his feelings regarding traffic circulation, i.e. that streets joining communities should not be gated or blocked in any way. Commissioner Hall feels strongly that the streets must remain open in order for traffic to flow properly. Chairman Schramm and Commissioners Marcus, Holmes, and Schlehuber all concur with Commissioner Hall's statement. Commissioner McFadden commented that she feels the Arroyo La Costa project has caused a lot of needless confusion and misinformation for the staff, the Commission, and the public. She does not feel that processing multiple actions concurrently is in the best interest of the citizens of Carlsbad. Commissioner McFadden feels that larger actions should come forward first, followed by tentative maps, followed by Specific Use Permits. Chairman Schramm concurred. Motion was duly made, seconded, and carried to adopt Consent Calendar items 1), 3), and 4). Hall Holmes Marcus McFadden Schlehuber Schramm EXHIBIT 9 STAFF 11 JUNE, 1990 PLANNING COMMISSION CITY OF CARLSBAD RE: FIELDSTONE DEVELOPMENT, I attended the 6 June meeting of the Planning Commission. During his presentation, Doug Avis mentioned several household and landscaping details that he said would mitigate the demands of Arroyo La Costa on the failing water supplies of the City of Carlsbad. As we all know, water restrictions are becoming routine in California cities. With droughts and ever-increasing demands on distant water sources, water is now a limiting factor on new developments. Mr. Avis believes low-volume flush toilets in the houses, landscaping of indigenous plants, and water sensors to cut off automatic sprinklers spraying the open-area landscaping would minimize the water use of the 1,076 single-family homes planned for the Fieldstone development. These details may reduce water demand by a few thousand gallons a day. However, Mr. Avis failed to address the obvious: the new owners of every house in the development will have their own ideas of how to use water. A walk through the existing developments of Carlsbad would enlighten Mr. Avis and the Fieldstone planners. The vast majority of Carlsbad residents do not appreciate desert landscaping. Nor do they include cut-off switches in their automatic water systems. Most yards are planted in utter disregard of the natural desert conditions and watered automatically— despite rain or Santa Ana winds— to year-round lush green. And a good percentage of the houses have pools. Will the Fieldstone Company require desert landscaping in the CC&R's of the development? Will the City of Carlsbad demand desert land- scaping by law? Will the city prohibit pools? And if Carlsbad does write a desert landscaping law, what happens when the new residents point to the tropical landscaping of their neighbors? Will Carlsbad write a retroactive landscaping law to enforce the conservation of water by all residents? In the same edition of the Blade-Citizen which reported on the Fieldstone hearing, another article reported discussions between the San Diego Gas and Electric Company and the County of San Diego to develop a desalination plant to provide water to Carlsbad. Desalination is fantastically expensive. What if Fieldstone completes the Arroyo La Costa development and a water crisis prevents the occupancy of the homes? Will the houses stand empty until SDG&E provides desalinated water? At what cost? The bankruptcy of Fieldstone? Or the bankruptcy of Carlsbad? I believe the city should pay^e in all development until the state's water crisis is Thank you, ROBERT PAYNE POST OFFICE BfoX 3073 CARLSBAD CALIFORNIA 92009 PRESENTED TO: CARLSBAD PLANNING COMMISSION JUNE 6, 1990 On Thursday, May 24, 1990, there was an article in The San Diego Union in which Carlsbad City Planning Director, Michael Holzmiller, was interviewed. The article said, (and I quote) "Holzmiller said one of the key objections to the project involves a city plan to extend existing dead- end streets to connect established neighborhoods to Arroyo La Costa." (end quote) El Bosque Avenue in Rancho Ponderosa is one of those connections. We object to traffic circulating through our neighborhood to Olivenhain, Rancho Santa Fe, Encinitas, and other points south and east of us. Our streets may have been part of an original plan to circulate addi- tional traffic from new neighborhoods, but the facts are that our streets were not designed properly to handle such traffic. Our streets are narrow, winding, and hilly—all components of an accident waiting to happen. Mr. Holzmiller and other members of the Planning Dept. would lead you to believe that this circulation pattern must exist for safety reasons and that few people would actually use this route. Yet statements in the Response to Comments on the Arroyo La Costa Master Plan lead us to believe otherwise. And I quote from page 306: "the opening of El Bosque will pro- vide access for residents of Rancho Del Ponderosa to El Camino Real via Calle Barcelona." (end quote) After lh years of telling us that few people will use this access, this report tells us that it will be a convenience for all 418 homes in Rancho Ponderosa. And though the path from Calle Barcelona to Olivenhain Road has been described on page 306 as "a complicated route", we've seen our neighbors in Encinitas construct crash gates on several of their streets due to the large numbers of motorists who utilized the complicated routes through their neighborhoods. Rancho Ponderosa residents do not want our neighborhood to connect to Calle Barcelona. We do not want outside traffic circulating passed our homes and parks to points north and south of us. Regarding safety. A lot has been said about a Carlsbad City Code that requires two entrances to a community for emergency vehicles. Rancho Ponderosa has been well served by emergency personal via Olivenhain Road for 14 years. I venture to say that the new community of 118 homes proposed by Fieldstone will also be well served via Calle Barcelona. We are suggest- ing a variance to this code. This would not be the first time this Code would be waived in the City of Carlsbad. I give as one example the Casa De Oro homes off Rancho Santa Fe Road. Coincidently, their only access road is also Calle Barcelona. The most obvious danger to our safety is circulating traffic passed our homes, parks, and school bus stops. If this proposed circulation pattern is allowed, odds are that one or more of our families will experience a tragedy. Only then will Mr. Holzmiller, his staff, and other City Officials realize their error. Fieldstone's plan alleviates the piecemeal development that has created the problems we are discussing tonight. It is now the City Staff's job to incorporate this plan into the existing communities in such a way as will provide the safest environment for the long-time residents of South Carlsbad. Thank you. Debby Wright 7966 Los Pinos Circle Carlsbad, Ca. 92009 • fV^ **— REFERRED TO ONIHNAG; FOR XU<*< BATIQUITOS LAGOON FOUNDATION June 5, 1990 Ms. Adrienne Landers Senior Planner City of Carlsbad 2075 Las Palmas Drive Carlsbad, CA 92009 Dear Ms. Landers: RE: COMMENTS ON ARROYO LA COSTA MASTER PLAN FINAL EIR AND RESPONSE TO PUBLIC COMMENTS The Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation, having previously reviewed and commented on the Arroyo La Costa Draft EIR, submits the following comments pertaining to the adequacy of the Final EIR. Overall, the Foundation is disappointed that the general response to public comments provided in the Final EIR was to either refer the comments to the "decision-makers," or to conclude that the public comments addressed a subject beyond the scope of the EIR. Thus, although a substantial number of public comments were received, very few substantive changes were made to the Final EIR. The BLF does not believe the Final EIR adequately addresses the concerns posed by our comments directed toward Hydrology/Run-off. For example, one of the comments referred to the decision-makers pertains to the project's location within the confines of the Batiquitos Lagoon Watershed and the need for sensitive environmental planning. The BLF maintains that this project is in the lagoon watershed and the EIR must fully address lagoon impacts. As currently written it does not. Also, the authors indicate that consideration of the proposed Batiquitos Lagoon Enhancement Project is beyond the scope of the EIR. The BLF believes effective management of the lagoon requires careful consideration of the impacts of all development in the lagoon watershed, and their interrelationship with enhancement projects in the lagoon itself. Furthermore, while the Draft EIR identified significant water quality impacts, the Final EIR states that the Draft conclusion was erroneous. The Final EIR states there will be no significant water quality impacts. However, no data are provided to support this conclusion. The change seems to be based on the logic that rainwater will dilute the levels of hazardous pollutants flushing in to the lagoon. This logic is antiquated and incorrect. It is widely recognized that simply diluting pollution is not a reasonable solution. The harmful effect to the lagoon of urban run-off stems from the total quantity of chemicals entering the system, and not from the concentration of those chemicals in the runoff. The BLF strongly urges that the project be re-designed to contain and treat urban run-off from the project at levels established by the Regional Water Quality Control Board in their Ocean Plan. P.O. Box 3103 Carlsbad, CA 92008 June 5, 1990 Comments on Arroyo La Costa Master Plan Final EIR Page 2 The discussion of project alternatives was deficient in the Draft EIR and remains so in the Final EIR. Instead, the Final EIR states that project redesign is beyond the scope of the EIR, as is consideration of zoning changes. However, under CEQA requirements these options must be covered, including full consideration of the No Project Alternative. For example, a project redesign could reduce the magnitude of the predicted impacts by containing urban run-off. Thus the BLF maintains consideration of zoning changes are relevant. Finally, the BLF does not believe the Final EIR adequately addresses the concerns posed by comments directed toward cumulative impacts. In summary, the BLF feels that the project design is unresponsive to the special concerns posed by the site's proximity to Batiquitos Lagoon. Effective management of the lagoon requires an area wide approach to address the sediment and run-off problems currently threatening the lagoon. The Foundation strongly urges the Carlsbad Planning Department to require developers in the lagoon watershed to fully document and effectively mitigate environmental impacts associated with their projects. Sincerely, Marilyn H. Buck President GARY QUAYLE 2002 CIMA COURT CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA 92009 619-753-0218 / Planning Department City of Carlsbad 2075 Las Palmas Drive Carlsbad, Ca. 92009 June 3, 1990 Re: ARROYO DEL LA COSTA Planners: Thank you for extending the time for public input to this project. Instead of speaking at the next hearing, I write to make you aware of a few items to consider. As President of Monarch Homeowners Association at the time of the previous hearings, I twice called Fieldstone and asked that we be represented on the panel of community people they told the press was being formed. No one ever included anyone from our Association, whose homes border the project site. Significant changes were made with no community input. Traffic: it would be pure folly to allow any building at Arroyo La Costa before provision is made for traffic to circulate to freeways 15 to the east, and 5 to the west. The 680 connection must be in place. I personally prefer some connection from the new project to Anillo, as it is unrealistic to expect neighbors to exit to El Camino to visit each other. Provision needs to be included for senior housing as well as huge homes for the wealthy young professionals. Four-plexes or 2-4story condos with elevators would be good. The population is aging. Since the City now runs the water district, it is time to take the major steps to combine all of Carlsbad into one district for trash, water, and school systems. We in the south should not be paying other contractors directly when the City provides management and service to others. This would give uniformity of service and cost. My experience with Shapell on the approval and building of Monarch Villas leads me to ask you require as conditions of approval: 1. Any environmental mitigation and promises extended by developer to neighbor residents. 2. Legal construction hours be rigidly adhered to. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, Gary Quayle (.'* DONA 7 MEILACHLXVxfYA* £.• iw £.ii.Aiwf i s_ (619)436-4395 MCI: 297-0943 June 2, 1990 Mayor Bud Lewis and Council Members Carlsbad City Council Carlsbad City Hall 1200 Elm Ave. Carlsbad CA 92008 Dear Mayor Lewis: RE: The Fieldstone Project between Levante/Anillo and Olivenhain and El Camino/Santa Fe. We urge you to postpone approving and finalizing current plans for developing this property. We are dismayed that we have been given such short notice regarding the development of this project. The Fieldstone Company has had about 18 months and spent hundreds-of dollars to develop their studies. The results appear to be very slanted in Fieldstone's favor and significantly different from their original proposals. As citizens concerned with the impact of this development on the community, it is imperative that the City of Carlsbad give more time and thought to this project. Too many of their original proposals and premises have been amended by them and the amendments don't appear to jive with reality. Among them: o There WILL be increased traffic on small arterial streets which originally were exempt from their proposal, o There WILL be additional use of water, major roads major things was there was to be no traffic on Anillo and levante. Current plans have reversed that decision, o The concept of relying on homeowners to keep public walkways in good condition is not realistic; there has to be a compulsory homeowners fee which Fieldstone is not addressing, o The city seems to want to give away land to Fieldstone; the public beltway that surrounds the property. Why? o Fieldstone claims to have met with 1200 citizens during their studies, but noone seems able to come up with anyone who was involved in those studies...let alone 1200. Where are they? Who are they? When did they meet? Who did they represent? Page 2 - Meilach The development of this property will affect the wild life in the area...and these beings will have to seek shelter elsewhere ...snakes, rats, mice and coyotes will appear in our back yards. Fieldstone representatives don't seem to take this seriously. We urge you to direct the city planners to study the impact of the Fieldstone project in greater depth and with input from the citizens surrounding the project who are affected. We urge you to delay approval of Fieldstone"s plans until all conditions have been worked out to the satisfaction of those who are directly involved in its results. Cordially, Dona and Melvin Meilach CC: to Ann Kulchin, Mayor Pro Tern CC: Director, Department of City Planning CC: Ken Hodges, President, Monarch Homeowners Association Mayor Bud Lewis X Planning Com m i s s i on 1200 Elm St. Carlsbad, CA 9200% REFERRED TO CITY MANAGER FOR RESPONSE Ralph and Margaret Kessle 7781 FaIda Place C a r 1 s b a d , C a 9 2 0 0 9 June 1 , 1.990 D e a r Ma y or Lewis: As voters within your city, we want to protest plans by Fieldstone Development to build 1076 new homes in our area. Where will water come for all of these homes? Can our waste disposal handle this new load""' T r a f f i c o n L e v a n t e n ear A n i 11 o i s a 1 r e B. d y o u t of control, and these homes will add HUNDREDS of new cars on those roads. Our teen daughter is already afraid to cross Levante to get to her bus stop on Anillo, this added traffic will make it virtually impossible to cross Levante... What happened to our "40 feet greenbelt" rule'-' We believe this is a very bad idea. Please vote NO! ! Sincere! y, Dear Mayor Bud Lewis &. Carlsbad Planning Commission Members, 5/31/90 REFERRED TO CITY MANAGER FOR RESPONSE My name is Robert Rosati and my address is 774Q Palacio Dr. Carlsbad, "his letter is in regards to the Arroyo La Costa project. Thankyou for keeping public comment open on this issue until 6-6-90^* •/ attended trie last planning commission meeting without having taken the opportunity to review the proposed development and so did not speak oi$-; Having now reviewed the project and considering the comments at tne previous meeting I would like the following comments entered into the oublic record. At the last meeting much comment ceme from those concerned about having their existing streets turned into dangerous shortcuts from the new development to Rancho Santa Fe or Olivenhain Blvds; very little comment was directed to the shortcut connections that lead to El Camino Real via Anillo Way and Levante St. Background My home is located at the corner of Anillo Way and Palacio Dr. and has a school bus stop located opposite it on the south side of Anillo. Children crocs Anillo, from the north, at this corner and congregate on the south side from 7:15-7:30 am each morning. This occurs during the heart of the westbound rush hour on Anillo Way. The eastbound commute arrives at this intersection well after the children have been let off from school. Starting east of the proposed connection at Palenque, Anillo Way starts a fairly steep slope down the hill past Palenque, Palacio Dr. and finally ends at Levante. Most autos traveling westbound on Anillo already exceed 45 MPH when reaching Palacio Dr. ( I know, I have clocked them at 50). At this speed, I hove watched more than one car drift north at my corner, go up the handicap ramp and end up with 2 wheels on the north sidewalk before regaining control. THIS CONCERNS ME, GREATLY!! The eastbound traffic on Anillo from Levante.. however, rarely exceeds 35-40 MPH coming up the hill. The reduction in speed, from personal experience, is due to the eastbound connection from Levante curved and the hill quite steep where Anillo starts. Z Suggestions Given that the connection from Arroyo La Costa to Anillo will probably go *hr". ! would like to make some suggestions to help mitigate the excessive speed and saftey hazards that will certainly be worsened with increased westbound traffic on Anillo Way. 1 The intersection of Palenque and Anilio should be made a four way stop to limit speed and allow equal access for La Costa South, Spanish Village and sections G,H and P of Arroyo La Costa. The new owners of the 200+ homes in sections G,H & P will surely use this route to El Carnmo Real, avoiding the congestion past the new elementary school and the feeder connection to Calle Barcelona. 2. A stop sign should be placed at the intersection of Palacio and Anillo for the westbound traffic only. This should keep speeds down, maintain equal access as in 1. above and allow a safe passage for the children crossing for school pickup or that are visiting new friends in the new development. 3. Given that the construct on traffic will use this route no matter how it may be posted; institute measures ! and 2 above to maintain some level of safety prior to starting construction or heavy duty grading along this area. If the decision is made to proceed with Arroyo La Costa despite the projected water shortage and a host of other issues, then ! hope that staff can at least consider these minor existing facility adjustments to mitigate what I hope are not overstated concerns. Sincerely, Robert Rosati 7749 Palacio Dr., Carlsbad Ca 92009 458-7550 1440 Oak Dr. #G-3 Vista, CA 92034 May 23, 1990 Carlsbad Planning Commission 1200 Elm Street Carlsbad. CA 92008 Members; I am writing this letter o-f concern about the proposed access to Rancho Ponderosa via El Basque. The reason I am concerned is that I deliver mail there. El Bosque connects with Los Pinos circle wich is the most dangerous street I have ever delivered. This is due to the curves in the road. Since postal vehicles have to rely entirely on their mirrors it is nearly impossible to see cars approaching from behind. It is even worse when I have to pull around parked cars. I am asking you to please reconsider your proposal since it would surely increase traffic making it uisafe for me as well as the residents. I would be most happy to demonstrate this matter if need be. Sincerl ey Mel Brandow mas o L/n ' , . bike. f>*%- 7*^ J f s\ pl^as^nT and T^^5o m^c more ^as^nT an /•<d 31 WAS (d~ ive- ce\j\(jv.$ lfive- pce\j\(jv.$ planni^GI < i . JL J -J i r y n ^? -fc . dli" r^r- <^ncL ot-h<^ roo- b -/ "•IV 3V: -EPCX TELECOPIER 7S13 ; 5-1S-9Q H: eSn-M ; - 2405?; a M rt V — 1 iS — '3 "3 WED 11:05 G O R M £t M S= U ft l_ T M E R P . o GORMAN 8c WALTNER ATTORNEYS AT LAW 1 736 FRANKLIN STREET. EIGHTH FLOOR OAKLAND. CALIFORNIA 946 1 2 (415)465-4494 May 16 1990 By Facsimile Chairwoman Schranun and Members Planning Commission City of Carlsbad 2075 Las Palmas Drive Carlsbad, CA 92009-4859 Rei Comments on Proposed MPA 149(0)/MP 88-1/GPA/LU 88-1/zc 88-3/CT 88-3/PUD 88-4/HDP 88-8/SDP 89-18/SUP 90-8/ROI 181/EIR 86-2 ARROYO LA COSTA Dear Chairwoman Schramm and Commission Membersi As you are aware, this firm represents "Project Future", an organization formed for the purpose of protecting the special qualities of Carlsbad. The purpose of this letter is to apprise the Commission of our client's preliminary position regarding the above-titled proposed approvals for Arroyo La Costa. Our position is preliminary because our client received notice of the proposed actions for the first time on Friday May 11, and have not yet had the opportunity to obtain and review all of the relevant materials in detail. We would hope that the Commission would postpone final action on the proposed project to allow additional time for the public to review the materials. Our other concerns are briefly as followst 1. The City is in the process of updating the General Plan and the Housing Element component of the Plan. We believe that large projects such as Arroyo La Costa, should await the completion of the General Plan update as a matter of good planning. Modifications to the project related to the provision of housing should not be made independent of the comprehensive update of the Housing Element so as not to foreclose opportunities to provide housing consistent with the City's housing need. 3. A related concern is that the proposed project is being segmented from the larger La Costa Master Plan. According to the staff report, amendments are being proposed for this area of the Master Plan "because the PC'J BY: <ERCx TELECOPIER ~01O ; 5-16-9Q 11:QOHM ; - Z.-;3e?: M A 'r' — li=. — '30 U E D 11:06 GORMAN & W rt l_ T H E R P. Planning Commission City of Carlsbad May 16, 1990 Page 2 overall La Costa Master plan is 17 years old, [and] the document does not adequately address current environmental concerns nor does it comply with City standards and policies". Staff Report, March 23, 1990, page 3. As such, it would seem likely that the other undeveloped portions of the Master Plan Area will also be proposed for amendment. These amendments should be processed concurrently and analyzed together in a subsequent or supplemental EIR. As part of our review of the documents relevant to this proposed project we will be reviewing in more detail the City Attorney's recent response to our letters on the General Plan update and related matters. For the foregoing reasons, we respectfully request that the Planning Commission postpone its decision on the proposed project to allow additional time for public review and comment. Very truly yours, Roy Gorman Terry Watt cc Project Future Laurie Reiner 7722 Anillo day Carlsbad, CA 92009 May 15, 1990 Planning Commission City of Carlsbad 1200 Elm Ave. Carlsbad, CA 92008 Dear Commissioners, I just heard on May 15 that a public hearing will be held on May 16 regarding the proposed ARROYO LA COSTA residential development. Since I will be out of town all day and may not be returning to Carlsbad in time for this meeting, I would like my comments written to be retained and considered by the Planning Commission in regards to this project. I am a resident of Carlsbad and a homeowner in the La Costa area. Our neighborhood is very close to the northern boundary of this proposed development. I just received a copy of a map (see enclosure) for this project. This map does not clearly identify the names for the major roads and boundaries of Arroyo La Costa. I understand that one of the entrances to the proposed project is along Palenque St., and that the development will total "1316 houses." I hope that Levante St. is not one of the main thoroughfares to Arroyo La Costa. To me - 1316 residences (all single family, or????) translates into at least 1316 additional automobiles in this area. A more realistic count would be at least double that, or over 2000+ carsl Since we have been living here, my husband and I have both experi- enced and observed a great increase in the auto traffic in South Carlsbad, and especially in Encinitas (just down the road from us). Driving along El Camino to and from Interstate 5 (near Mira Costa College) has become a real "chore". Until the day comes (if at all) when we truly have a "mass transit" system that works and that we can all rely on for commuting to and from work/shopping, etci and we can rely less and less on our cars - it is absolutely "hellish" to get from point A to point B between South Carlsbad/La Costa and Encinitas. I'm not even going to mention points north or east (especially driving through San Marcos to get to our only link with Highway 78). Sharing Rancho Santa Fe Road with another 1316-2000+ cars is something I do not look forward to at all. Basically my concerns focus on the additional auto congestion in our area due to the increase in the number of vehicles on our roads as a result of high density residential development. I see a decrease in the quality of life ( which ironically the developers use to entice people to move to San Diego county). I ride my bicycle for fitness and relaxation and there are days when I dread being out there with all the cars and trucks - even if I'm in a bicyle lane. Many drivers do not know how to share the road with bicyle riders, and from what I have experienced - many would prefer if the bike riders disappear. I don't want to see the "quality of life" that we all cherish for ourselves, our families and future generations - to be exploited because someone has to "squeeze" in as many homes as possible on vacant land. I'd like to see Arroyo La Costa build fewer homes than proposed. If they're planning on another Garmel Mountain Ranch here in our own backyard - forget itl I get "ill" everytime I drive along 1-15 and pass that densely populated development. There's a lack of "open space" in South Carlsbad set aside for recreational use. It ; would be great to have a real park with bicycle trails, jogging trails, hiking trails (pedestrian paths), picnic areas, a community swimming complex, etc... The beach is not enough. Stagecoach Park is not enough. The nearest public swimming pool is 10 miles from where I live. If this project is approved as is - what is the City and the Developer planning to do to relieve the traffic congestion that will result? Also - Is North County Transit planning to expand their fleet/and or services in this area? Let's just say that I am in favor of preserving what is left of a decent quality of life in our county, city and community. I don't look forward to breathing smog and driving in "gridlock" every day. Is San Diego county going to become a suburb of Los Angeles? I am against high density residential developments such as Arroyo La Costa for the reasons stated. Didn't Earth Day teach us anything? Or- do we have to wait another 20 years before people start thinking about the environment again. I thank you in advance for your consideration. Sincerely,r\ s uriLaurie Reiner PALENQUE STREET is one of the entrances to our neighbor- hood for proposed Arroyo La Costa development. Complete development will total 1316 houses. * ^®3£&3?& /r^r:: v;-cv: *T^H^J^MWJ- •r£77c.-~:Y;v£'jfc ;,,;-v;.: **££fe$^ S^/trw^i^-il:-7:Y7i;v^":rT••*"> •**&&&?/''^pS^ftp^i; -r'.^..-- •-••- ;:lr^;.^^svi^j-il ! I ' I I I I i^f -•-.. ..<«.< •\"-~';'r-----f I --'.|0-.vx't>'* • yt&r '4i:?:t::i-rv<^.-.;v^ v^«• • • • • Y r • •;-:. , xkjVt&r^/J^r-' fi : : • i i • l IM ••-. •!.> • : : '. '.i LJh3^,' ^ . :^^- INDICATES ARROYO LA COSTA PROJECT AREA HOUNDARY S-jvls^v,- ;>««£*»».*,,,. U,,-!~*z$\ 4 m»s«; T — 3 a — "3 O MON 21: 3LQ rt l_ I O T H R . Q 1 , J &Ts&~&£e.x^»-— / rC&~'*dL. i/U^ft—^ •<o^ §2? < ooo O C rf 7j^ - ^ 1*^ oa-* O * f k' Bl** - hl,l.s ^ 3i\j*h» _«— » i i'1 S O rn June 14, 1990 Mayor Claude Lewis, CITY CLEP&'b urHut iTY OF CARLSBAD theThe homeowners of Santa Fe Ridge are concerned about dangerous traffic conditions that will arise in our neighborhood if the huge Arroyo La Costa development is connected to Corte Carolina. This proposed connection will considerably increase traffic flow on Sombrosa Street, which is the only access road for our development. For the new residents of Arroyo La Costa, Sombrosa Street will be a direct feed to Rancho Santa Fe Road and a shortcut for all southbound traffic. We believe this through traffic will also promote increased speeds on Sombrosa since it is downhill and gives the illusion of unobstructed vision because of the young landscaping in the adjoining front yards. The most serious safety consideration arises from the fact that our only community park lies midway on the Sombrosa hill. There are currently no stop signs or crosswalks for the many children who frequently use the park. Even with the present traffic on Sombrosa, there have been several close calls of children nearly being struck by careless drivers at the Avenida Theresa and Camino Alvaro intersections. For these reasons, we, the undersigned, request that a crash gate be placed at Corte Carolina to prevent any additional influx of traffic into Santa Fe Ridge. June 14, 1990 Mayor Claude Lewis, The homeowners of Santa Fe Ridge are concerned about the dangerous traffic conditions that will arise in our neighborhood if the huge Arroyo La Costa development is connected to Corte Carolina. This proposed connection will considerably increase traffic flow on Sombrosa Street, which is the only access road for our development. For the new residents of Arroyo La Costa, Sombrosa Street will be a direct feed to Rancho Santa Fe Road and a shortcut for all southbound traffic. We believe this through traffic will also promote increased speeds on Sombrosa since it is downhill and gives the illusion of unobstructed vision because of the young landscaping in the adjoining front yards. The most serious safety consideration arises from the fact that our only community park lies midway on the Sombrosa hill. There are currently no stop signs or crosswalks for the many children who frequently use the park. Even with the present traffic on Sombrosa, there have been several close calls of children nearly being struck by careless drivers at the Avenida Theresa and Camino Alvaro intersections. For these reasons, we, the undersigned, request that a crash gate be placed at Corte Carolina to prevent any additional influx of traffic into Santa Fe Ridge. June 14, 1990 Mayor Claude Lewis, The homeowners of Santa Fe Ridge are concerned about the dangerous traffic conditions that will arise in our neighborhood if the huge Arroyo La Costa development is connected to Corte Carolina. This proposed connection will considerably increase traffic flow on Sombrosa Street, which is the only access road for our development. For the new residents of Arroyo La Costa, Sombrosa Street will be a direct feed to Rancho Santa Fe Road and a shortcut for all southbound traffic. We believe this through traffic will also promote increased speeds on Sombrosa since it is downhill and gives the illusion of unobstructed vision because of the young landscaping in the adjoining front yards. The most serious safety consideration arises from the fact that our only community park lies midway on the Sombrosa hill. There are currently no stop signs or crosswalks for the many children who frequently use the park. Even with the present traffic on Sombrosa, there have been several close calls of children nearly being struck by careless drivers at the Avenida Theresa and Camino Alvaro intersections. For these reasons, we, the undersigned, request that a crash gate be placed at Corte Carolina to prevent any additional influx of traffic into Santa Fe Ridge. u< "T. 7- June 14, 1990 Mayor Claude Lewis, The homeowners of Santa Fe Ridge are concerned about the dangerous traffic conditions that will arise in our neighborhood if the huge Arroyo La Costa development is connected to Corte Carolina. This proposed connection will considerably increase traffic flow on Sombrosa Street, which is the only access road for our development. For the new residents of Arroyo La Costa, Sombrosa Street will be a direct feed to Rancho Santa Fe Road and a shortcut for all southbound traffic. We believe this through traffic will also promote increased speeds on Sombrosa since it is downhill and gives the illusion of unobstructed vision because of the young landscaping in the adjoining front yards. The most serious safety consideration arises from the fact that our only community park lies midway on the Sombrosa hill. There are currently no stop signs or crosswalks for the many children who frequently use the park. Even with the present traffic on Sombrosa, there have been several close calls of children nearly being struck by careless drivers at the Avenida Theresa and Camino Alvaro intersections. For these reasons, we, the undersigned, request that a crash gate be placed at Corte Carolina to prevent any additional influx of traffic into Santa Fe Ridge. 7%5 U/6U/^ ^anne H fehy incCfr Ob' 3KI ^<\s\ June 14, 1990 Mayor Claude Lewis, The homeowners of Santa Fe Ridge are concerned about the dangerous traffic conditions that will arise in our neighborhood if the huge Arroyo La Costa development is connected to Corte Carolina. This proposed connection will considerably increase traffic flow on Sombrosa Street, which is the only access road for our development. For the new residents of Arroyo La Costa, Sombrosa Street will be a direct feed to Rancho Santa Fe Road and a shortcut for all southbound traffic. We believe this through traffic will also promote increased speeds on Sombrosa since it is downhill and gives the illusion of unobstructed vision because of the young landscaping in the adjoining front yards. The most serious safety consideration arises from the fact that our only community park lies midway on the Sombrosa hill. There are currently no stop signs or crosswalks for the many children who frequently use the park. Even with the present traffic on Sombrosa, there have been several close calls of children nearly being struck by careless drivers at the Avenida Theresa and Camino Alvaro intersections. For these reasons, we, the undersigned, request that a crash gate be placed at Corte Carolina to prevent any additional influx of traffic into Santa Fe Ridge. June 14, 1990 Mayor Claude Lewis, The homeowners of Santa Fe Ridge are concerned about the dangerous traffic conditions that will arise in our neighborhood if the huge Arroyo La Costa development is connected to Corte Carolina. This proposed connection will considerably increase traffic flow on Sombrosa Street, which is the only access road for our development. For the new residents of Arroyo La Costa, Sombrosa Street will be a direct feed to Rancho Santa Fe Road and a shortcut for all southbound traffic. We believe this through traffic will also promote increased speeds on Sombrosa since it is downhill and gives the illusion of unobstructed vision because of the young landscaping in the adjoining front yards. The most serious safety consideration arises from the fact that our only community park lies midway on the Sombrosa hill. There are currently no stop signs or crosswalks for the many children who frequently use the park. Even with the present traffic on Sombrosa, there have been several close calls of children nearly being struck by careless drivers at the Avenida Theresa and Camino Alvaro intersections. For these reasons, we, the undersigned, request that a crash gate be placed at Corte Carolina to prevent any additional influx of traffic into Santa Fe Ridge. June 14, 1990 Mayor Claude Lewis, The homeowners of Santa Fe Ridge are concerned about the dangerous traffic conditions that will arise in our neighborhood if the huge Arroyo La Costa development is connected to Corte Carolina. This proposed connection will considerably increase traffic flow on Sombrosa Street, which is the only access road for our development. For the new residents of Arroyo La Costa, Sombrosa Street will be a direct feed to Rancho Santa Fe Road and a shortcut for all southbound traffic. We believe this through traffic will also promote increased speeds on Sombrosa since it is downhill and gives the illusion of unobstructed vision because of the young landscaping in the adjoining front yards. The most serious safety consideration arises from the fact that our only community park lies midway on the Sombrosa hill. There are currently no stop signs or crosswalks for the many children who frequently use the park. Even with the present traffic on Sombrosa, there have been several close calls of children nearly being struck by careless drivers at the Avenida Theresa and Camino Alvaro intersections. For these reasons, we, the undersigned, request that a crash gate be placed at Corte Carolina to prevent any additional influx of traffic into Santa Fe Ridge. u - darol Low II June 14, 1990 Mayor Claude Lewis, The homeowners of Santa Fe Ridge are concerned about the dangerous traffic conditions that will arise in our neighborhood if the huge Arroyo La Costa development is connected to Corte Carolina. This proposed connection will considerably increase traffic flow on Sombrosa Street, which is the only access road for our development. For the new residents of Arroyo La Costa, Sombrosa Street will be a direct feed to Rancho Santa Fe Road and a shortcut for all southbound traffic. We believe this through traffic will also promote increased speeds on Sombrosa since it is downhill and gives the illusion of unobstructed vision because of the young landscaping in the adjoining front yards. The most serious safety consideration arises from the fact that our only community park lies midway on the Sombrosa hill. There are currently no stop signs or crosswalks for the many children who frequently use the park. Even with the present traffic on Sombrosa, there have been several close calls of children nearly being struck by careless drivers at the Avenida Theresa and Camino Alvaro intersections. For these reasons, we, the undersigned, request that a crash gate be placed at Corte Carolina to prevent any additional influx of traffic into Santa Fe Ridge. iltfff-%je>*&e June 14, 1990 Mayor Claude Lewis, The homeowners of Santa Fe Ridge are concerned about the dangerous traffic conditions that will arise in our neighborhood if the huge Arroyo La Costa development is connected to Corte Carolina. This proposed connection will considerably increase traffic flow on Sombrosa Street, which is the only access road for our development. For the new residents of Arroyo La Costa, Sombrosa Street will be a direct feed to Rancho Santa Fe Road and a shortcut for all southbound traffic. We believe this through traffic will also promote increased speeds on Sombrosa since it is downhill and gives the illusion of unobstructed vision because of the young landscaping in the adjoining front yards. The most serious safety consideration arises from the fact that our only community park lies midway on the Sombrosa hill. There are currently no stop signs or crosswalks for the many children who frequently use the park. Even with the present traffic on Sombrosa, there have been several close calls of children nearly being struck by careless drivers at the Avenida Theresa and Camino Alvaro intersections. For these reasons, we, the undersigned, request that a crash gate be placed at Corte Carolina to prevent any additional influx of traffic into Santa Fe Ridge. June 14, 1990 Mayor Claude Lewis , The homeowners of Santa Fe Ridge are concerned about the dangerous traffic conditions that will arise in our neighborhood if the huge Arroyo La Costa development is connected to Corte Carolina. This proposed connection will considerably increase traffic flow on Sombrosa Street, which is the only access road for our development. For the new residents of Arroyo La Costa, Sombrosa Street will be a direct feed to Rancho Santa Fe Road and a shortcut for all southbound traffic. We believe this through traffic will also promote increased speeds on Sombrosa since it is downhill and gives the illusion of unobstructed vision because of the young landscaping in the adjoining front yards. The most serious safety consideration arises from the fact that our only community park lies midway on the Sombrosa hill. There are currently no stop signs or crosswalks for the many children who frequently use the park. Even with the present traffic on Sombrosa, there have been several close calls of children nearly being struck by careless drivers at the Avenida Theresa and Camino Alvaro intersections. For these reasons, we, the undersigned, request that a crash gate be placed at Corte Carolina to prevent any additional influx of traffic into Santa Fe Ridge. June 14, 1990 Mayor Claude Lewis , The homeowners of Santa Fe Ridge are concerned about the dangerous traffic conditions that will arise in our neighborhood if the huge Arroyo La Costa development is connected to Corte Carolina. This proposed connection will considerably increase traffic flow on Sombrosa Street, which is the only access road for our development. For the new residents of Arroyo La Costa, Sombrosa Street will be a direct feed to Rancho Santa Fe Road and a shortcut for all southbound traffic. We believe this through traffic will also promote increased speeds on Sombrosa since it is downhill and gives the illusion of unobstructed vision because of the young landscaping in the adjoining front yards. The most serious safety consideration arises from the fact that our only community park lies midway on the Sombrosa hill. There are currently no stop signs or crosswalks for the many children who frequently use the park. Even with the present traffic on Sombrosa, there have been several close calls of children nearly being struck by careless drivers at the Avenida Theresa and Camino Alvaro intersections . For these reasons, we, the undersigned, request that a crash gate be placed at Corte Carolina to prevent any additional influx of traffic into Santa Fe Ridge. , eft . Crf. t( Mpi'£{&njifY\A Cfrrl&tid eft- Ot t/ June 14, 1990 Mayor Claude Lewis, The homeowners of Santa Fe Ridge are concerned about the dangerous traffic conditions that will arise in our neighborhood if the huge Arroyo La Costa development is connected to Corte Carolina. This proposed connection will considerably increase traffic flow on Sombrosa Street, which is the only access road for our development. For the new residents of Arroyo La Costa, Sombrosa Street will be a direct feed to Rancho Santa Fe Road and a shortcut for all southbound traffic. We believe this through traffic will also promote increased speeds on Sombrosa since it is downhill and gives the illusion of unobstructed vision because of the young landscaping in the adjoining front yards. The most serious safety consideration arises from the fact that our only community park lies midway on the Sombrosa hill. There are currently no stop signs or crosswalks for the many children who frequently use the park. Even with the present traffic on Sombrosa, there have been several close calls of children nearly being struck by careless drivers at the Avenida Theresa and Camino Alvaro intersections. For these reasons, we, the undersigned, request that a crash gate be placed at Corte Carolina to prevent any additional influx of traffic into Santa Fe Ridge. Conner Carls I JL , < Pejro June 14, 1990 Mayor Claude Lewis, The homeowners of Santa Fe Ridge are concerned about the dangerous traffic conditions that will arise in our neighborhood if the huge Arroyo La Costa development is connected to Corte Carolina. This proposed connection will considerably increase traffic flow on Sombrosa Street, which is the only access road for our development. For the new residents of Arroyo La Costa, Sombrosa Street will be a direct feed to Rancho Santa Fe Road and a shortcut for all southbound traffic. We believe this through traffic will also promote increased speeds on Sombrosa since it is downhill and gives the illusion of unobstructed vision because of the young landscaping in the adjoining front yards. The most serious safety consideration arises from the fact that our only community park lies midway on the Sombrosa hill. There are currently no stop signs or crosswalks for the many children who frequently use the park. Even with the present traffic on Sombrosa, there have been several close calls of children nearly being struck by careless drivers at the Avenida Theresa and Camino Alvaro intersections. For these reasons, we, the undersigned, request that a crash gate be placed at Corte Carolina to prevent any additional influx of traffic into Santa Fe Ridge. June 14, 1990 Mayor Claude Lewis, The homeowners of Santa Fe Ridge are concerned about the dangerous traffic conditions that will arise in our neighborhood if the huge Arroyo La Costa development is connected to Corte Carolina. This proposed connection will considerably increase traffic flow on Sombrosa Street, which is the only access road for our development. For the new residents of Arroyo La Costa, Sombrosa Street will be a direct feed to Rancho Santa Fe Road and a shortcut for all southbound traffic. We believe this through traffic will also promote increased speeds on Sombrosa since it is downhill and gives the illusion of unobstructed vision because of the young landscaping in the adjoining front yards. The most serious safety consideration arises from the fact that our only community park lies midway on the Sombrosa hill. There are currently no stop signs or crosswalks for the many children who frequently use the park. Even with the present traffic on Sombrosa, there have been several close calls of children nearly being struck by careless drivers at the Avenida Theresa and Camino Alvaro intersections. For these reasons, we, the undersigned, request that a crash gate be placed at Corte Carolina to prevent any additional influx of traffic into Santa Fe Ridge. DF'^fiiif-i-i Michael A. Vaughan, President, ntCrfvED Rancho Ponderosa H.O.A 2611 Sombrosa Street Carlsbad, Ca. 92009 Mr. Claude A. Lewis, Mayor <£t 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive ^ ^ Carlsbad, Ca. 92008 £•* L» -^ r RE: Arroyo La Costa <^ <£, ^ -^>Dear Mr. Lewis, C <o 5i £ •£, ^I am writing to you as President and 12 year member of the&Raftcho Ponderosa Home Owners Association in regards to connecting streets within our association to the proposed Pieldstone project. Many of the home owners within our association are displeased with the proposed connection of El Bosgue and Sombrosa Street to the Fieldstone project. We have petitioned the planning commission with over 340 signatures to indicate this, however the commission is unwilling to compromise on this subject. We feel the planning commission has not fully investigated the proposed street connections for the following reasons: 1. While El Bosque is 40 feet wide, the main connector street to El Bosque , Los Pinos, is in fact narrower. All traffic on El Bosque must exit onto Los Pinos. LOS PINOS IS BELOW THE MINIMUM WIDTH ACCORDING TO CITY STANDARDS TO ACCEPT TRAFFIC FROM EL BOSQUE. INSTALLING NO PARKING SIGNS IS UNACCEPTABLE TO REMEDY THIS SITUATION. 2. We have received comments from the postal service that they may refuse to deliver mail on Los Pinos due to increased traffic. We are in the process of getting a written statement to this effect. Our concerns, which should also be the concerns of the city are as follows: A. Excessive vehicular traffic caused by shortcutting the signal at El Camino Real and Olivenhain. We fully expect this to occur as we do not believe the improvements to Olivenhain Street at the intersection of El Camino Real will be adequate. B. Vehicular traffic will also increase on Sombrosa, Amergosa, Los Mientes, Camino Alvaro, and Corte Carolina to gain access to El Bosque. Many blind intersections exist on these streets where stop signs will not necessarily help. C. We have over 600 children attending local schools. We are VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF OUR CHILDREN. TRAFFIC WILL ROUTED DIRECTLY BY BUS STOPS ON LESS THAN ADEQUATE STREETS. We suggest an alternate exit to the Fieldstone development 1/4 mile south of its entrance on El Camino Real. We further suggest a right turn only sign be posted at this proposed intersection to avoid the need of a traffic control signal. This proposed intersection, in our opinion, would impose on no other community and be a much safer alternative. In summery, Vehicular traffic congestion is an ever continuing problem in the South Carlsbad and North Encinitas area. Every Environmental Impact Report issued recently, whether it be for Willow Creek, Stage Coach Park developments, or other developments currently under construction in the community of Olivenhien, all indicate little or no impact to current traffic routes. All these little or no impact reports have added up to one big problem. Its about time someone started listening to the people who have to live in the area instead of relying on EIR'S. Let's not end up in a mess similar to North Encinitas. Let's work together to make South Carlsbad an enjoyable place to live. Sincerely Michael A. Vaughan President, Rancho Ponderosa H.O.A. CC: Ms. Ann Kulchin Mr. Eric Larson Mr. John J. Mamaux Mr. Mark V. Pettine City Clerks Office 2927 Via Ipanema La Costa, California 92009 July 29, 1990 o The Honorable Bud Lewis Mayor, City of Carlsbad 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive Carlsbad, Ca. 92008-1989 Dear Mayor Lewis: I am writing to you with several very serious concerns regarding the proposed Arroyo La Costa planned community of 1,076 single family residences and a recreation area, schools, possible church site and probable low income housing units. I will be at the Council hearing on July 31, but my concerns need to be detailed to you in this letter. I am asking that the Carlsbad City Council delay the approval of the proposed project and proposed tentative map that was recently approved by the Planning Commission in spite of the lack of majority support from surrounding communities. The approval of this project must be delayed because the following items were not adequately addressed by the Planning Commission, the latest Environmental Impact Report and the developer: 1. There is now and will continue to be lack of adequate infrastructure to support the additional demand for utility usage such as sewer and water requirements in addition to additional freeway access on and off ramps. 2. The development of this project will cause major destruction of plant and animal life including many plant types that are close enough to be on the endangered species list. The destruction o£s the coyote habitat and all the way down the food chain to the birds and field mice is significant. These animals and birds will get on the endangered species list due to developments such as this throughout Southern California. Enclosed for your review is a transcript from a program entitled "Life in the Balance" . The program was produced last fall by WQED of Pittsburgh in association with The National Academy of Sciences. Conservation biologist Michael Soule, a former San Diegan came to San Diego County to study the wholesale devastation that development throughout the County is doing to our native chaparral. I will quote from this transcript some of the key points: "...Some species in some habitats or ecosystems are critical or keystone species. And if one removes those species, then a whole subset of the community collapses or goes extinct. And we're seeing evidence in this stydy that if the coyote is taken out of the canyons, that the extinction rate of the birds goes sky high, and we lose a whole group of birds very quickly. So the coyotes turn out to be a very important strand in the web of life that is these canyons... In this delicate web, the creatures of the chaparral are bound together in unexpected ways. The coyote preys on raccoons, possums, foxes, and other animals that eat birds. Without the coyote to protect them, the birds soon vanish. When a canyon is too small, the coyote disappears and the life of the chaparral collapses. . .The species go extinct pretty much at a rate that the habitat disappears. The smaller the habitat, the faster local populations of birds and mammals disappear. And as the habitat is eroded by disturbance, the birds and Mayor Lewis Page 2 mammals disappear at the same rate that the disturbance occurs...in 100 years the chaparral and all its life will be gone." The EIR did not address the destruction of this ecosystem in terms of permanent removal of the majority of the several species of birds, plantlife and mammals that currently live on the land. No amount of "mitigation" can restore the original back to life, no matter what it is replaced with. We are talking about destruction of an ecosystem that is critical to the survival of the native chaparral. Since the intent is to destroy the chaparral, please do not talk about "mitigation" measures or that destruction is insignificant or significant. The Planning Commission did recognize that the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, but that the mitigation measures will reduce this effect to insignificant. I protest and oppose this line of reasoning for the reasons that were previously stated. Some of the plant and wildlife to be destroyed during the grading will be listed later in this letter. 3. We are currently in the fourth year of drought. No end appears to be in sight. If the water shortage continues, then stages III and IV are inevitable. Why, in view of the current water situation, did this project receive approval from the Planning Commission? The developer could get to the stage where final permits are to be pulled for the homes but water hookups may be denied to to mandatory water rationing or water allocation. If the developer has to suffer through water allocation, the impact financially on the entire development could be disastrous. Developments of this size, albeit financially rewarding, may not be reflective of the 1990's and as we enter the 21st century. I believe that as citizens not only of Carlsbad, but as residents of California, we have all expected that our natural resources would always be there to support our demand. The fact remains that the supply is limited and something is going to have to go. I realize that our growth management plan will allow over 55,000 residences to be built over the next several years, but Mayor Lewis, this assumes that we will have enough water to support the enormous demand that these new households will create in addition to existing households. 4. There is no doubt but that this proposed development will create a marked increase in noise, pollution, and congestion. This will happen because at least an additional 2000-5000 cars will be on the roads at build-out, congestion will increase, and there will be pollution created from those cars. To detail my concerns in items 1 and 4, I recognize that Rancho Santa Fe and Olivenhain Roads will be widened. This will not take care of the problem that exists today and will be a nightmare at build out. Namely, it is the routes people take to get on the freeways. Most of these North County residents are heading south to go to work. Many of them go down the hill (I live in the Santa Fe Ridge development), and down Manchester to get on the freeway 5 miles down the road. Manchester will stay a 2 lane road, as it winds though Olivenhain and Encinitas. It cannot handle the present traffic now, so how in the world is it going to take another 2,000-5,000 cars? Mayor Lewis, the additional infrastructure needs to go in before development commences, so that we don't experience these terrible freeway gridlocks. The Leucadia Boulevard freeway ramp is several years away. Until that is resolved, no additional development Mayor Lewis Page 3 should be approved no matter how attractive the new tax base is! El Camino Real, Olivenhain Road, Rancho Santa Fe Road and Manchester Road cannot take the traffic we have now. Widening some of these roads will not do one iota to get traffic safely onto the freeways! Since I live on top of Santa Fe Ridge, and paid premium dollars for the "view" and peace and quiet which is slowing diminishing, the din of Rancho Santa Fe Road, especially in the mornings is unbelievable. At build-out of this project, I will be surrounded by El Camino Real, the new Calle Barcelona, Rancho Santa Fe Road which will be widened, and Olivenhain Road which will be widened. The noise decibals will increase to significant amounts in spite of the EIR. Noise can be somewhat blocked, short of stopping development altogether, from buffers such as trees. The new development in Encinitas along Olivenhain Road has virtually no trees planted along the road. Dividend development, the developer for Santa Fe Ridge, was only required to plant one front yard tree and no trees along the roads. The development is really barren and was a result of very poor planning. I am hoping that the Council will ask for a reduced density of this project and will also require that the development is heavily buffered with trees such as oak and eucalyptus, native trees, that can mitigate somewhat this increased noise factor. In reference to item 2 regarding the destruction of wildlife and plant habitat, the following are items that are of great concern to me: 1. The beautiful eucalyptus grove on the northern portion of the site will be destroyed. This grove can be seen for miles around, and it is the home to hundreds of birds. Why in the world cannot this grove be retained? I recall that in the May 16 Planning Commission hearing that Adrienne Landers said that this grove was not significant. I vehemently protest the proposed removal of this grove. It is beautiful to behold and its destruction will cause the loss of the habitat of hundreds of birds some of which may be endangered. 2. The open space is referred as 136 acres. This is not truly open space but includes the recreation area which I do not feel is needed. Why in the world does this development need an RV storage lot, a swimming pool and a recreation center? The Pacific Ocean is under 2 miles away! This development is not in keeping with the theme of La Costa which I would define as peaceful] and tranquil elegance. The development will look very much like their development along Wandering Road in Encinitas. Is this what the city officials are seeking? I can tell you unequivocally that this is not what the residents are seeking. I spoke to Dale Mason of the County Water Authority and he said that reclaimed water must be used in open space areas. I would like to propose that the density of this project be reduced to under 450 homes, that there be no recreation areas, and that the open space be increased to 200 acres of true open space, that is land and trees that are left in its natural state. This would call for no destruction of riparian area. In this manner, there will be at least no watering requirements for open space since it would be left in its natural state. Mayor Lewis Page 4 3. There is currently 22 acres of riparian woodland. Some of this woodland will be destroyed in development. Every effort must be made to retain all of this woodland as the EIR notes that "riparian woodland is considered highly valuable wildlife habitat. A number of riparian-dependent bird species, including the endangered Least Bell's Vireo utilize this type of habitat." 4. The EIR also quotes .." The large size of the property also benefits wildlife greatly by buffering many species from the effect of surrounding development...This habitat includes the botanical category known as the inland sage scrub. Many of the birds of Coastal Scrub can also be found in chaparral. However, some species, such as the California Gnatcatcher, are almost completely restricted to Coastal Scrub. This habitat is becoming less and less common due to the development of the coastal slope...Grasslands are important bird habitats and are utilized by a diversity of species ranging from both diurnal and nocturnal raptors to granaivorous birds such as sparrows. Western Meadowlards and Grasshopper Sparrow breed in this habitat in coastal San Diego County and may breed on the site. Grasslands comprise the bulk of the site..Eucalyptus are utilized by hawks as perch sites and nesting areas. Red-shouldered Hawks, Red- tailed Hawaks and Black-shouldered Kites all use tall eucalyptus for nesting. The flowers of various species of eucalyptus produce large quantities of nectar and birds, such as hummingbirds, warblers, orioles and tanagers, frequently visit the blossoms". The report continues.... Common widely distributed species, such as the desert cottontail, black- tailed jackrabbit, California ground squirrel, botta pocket gopher, wood- rats carnivores, such as the coyote, gray fox, striped skunk and bobcat " The following species are either endangered or near the endangered list: "...adolphia californica occurs in the very northern part of the site where there are approximately 138 individuals..This species is listed as rare and endangered by the California Native Plant Society Del Mar Manzanita is scattered throughout the remaining chaparral on site....The number of plants is estimated at 180-200 in each area, with an on site total of about 600 plants. This taxon is listed by the California Native Plant Society as being considered for listing as rare and endangered but is not yet included. Nonetheless the plant is becoming increasingly rare and is considered here to be a rare and endangered species..." The EIR also lists the brodiaea orcuttii as a colony of about 20 plants in a meadow just north of Santa Fe Ridge, it may be in another place in the development and is a candidate for Federal listing and is listed as rare and endangered by the California Native Plant Society. The EIR further states that the loss of the open grasslands will destroy habitat for foraging birds such as raptors and migratory songbirds. The loss of 70% of the Del Mar Manzanita representing about 450 plants "represents a significant, adverse biological impact associated with the project." Further, "..the loss of about six acres of reparian habitat, which is considered rare in southern California and a highly valuable wildlife habitat, is considered a significant adverse biological impact." Mayor Lewis Page 5 In conclusion, Mayor Lewis, I am recommending that the Carlsbad City Council vote on July 31, 1990 to delay approval of the this development until the water issue, the destruction of habitat issue, the traffic issue, and the infrastructure issue are all carefully addressed. Increased congestion, loss of wildlife habitat, and the water shortage situation cannot be dismissed under the pretense of mitigation measures. Development in the 1990's is going to have to change to address the limited resources at hand. We cannot continue to support massive development that occured during the last 20 years. It is up to the city, county, state and federal governments to protect the rights of wildlife and our precious other natural resources so that we will have something to leave to future generations. Ultimately, it is up to the citizens of our communities to elect public officials that will preserve the integrity of our most valuable environment so that development, although necessary, is properly regulated and controlled. The future of our cities, our country and our planet is at stake. Oil spills in the pristine waters off Alaska, the burning of the planet's oxygen source, the rain forests, and the destruction of the chaparral are all intertwined. It is my sincere hope that the City Council will make decisions that will positively impact the quality of the lives of all who make their home here, both man and beast. Resident City of Carlsbad cc: John Mamaux, City of Carlsbad Councilman Mark Pettine, City of Carlsbad Councilman Eric Larson, City of Carlsbad Councilman Ann Kulchin, City of Carlsbad Councilwoman Adrienne Landers, Senior Planner, Carlsbad Planning Department Ramona Finnila, County of San Diego, Noise Control Board John Mac Donald, Supervior 5th District, County Board of Supervisors Ray Patchett, City Manager, City of Carlsbad Robert Frazee, Assemblyman 74th District, State of California Chuck Damm, Director, San Diego Coast District Office, California Coastal Commission Peter Bontadelli, State of California Department of Fish and Game Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation William A. Craven, Senator, State of California, 38th District Alan Cranston, Senator, U.S. Senate Pete Wilson, Senator, U.S. Senate Duf Fischer, Animal Protection Institute of America Sierra Club-San Diego Chapter Brian Erwin, Sierra Club Christine Stevens, President, Animal Welfare Institute United Humanitarians Transcript The Infinite Voyage "Life in the Balance" produced by WQED/Pittsburgh in association with The National Academy of Sciences with a grant from Digital Equipment Corporation The Infinite Voyage "Life in the Balance' NARRATOR: After 60 million years on earth, the rhinoceros is on the verge of extinction. [video) Northern White Rhino 1980-1,000 1988-20 Soon elephants may exist only in zoos or protected areas. /vifeo/ Elephants Killed Illegally In 1 Year 60,000 Half of all primate species are now rare or endan- gered. /video/ Mountain Gorillas In Existence 400 Despite heroic efforts, many of the world's wild creatures are doomed. The loss of species is now the same as when the great dinosaurs became extinct Will these creatures become the dinosaurs of our time? Today mankind is changing the entire face of Planet Earth. We are replacing the natural world with our own. {video] Human Population 1900 - 2 Billion 2000 - « Bullon We are destroying our environment at a frightening rate. [video] Airborne Pollutants Released Each Year - 5 Billion Tons We are tampering with the future course of evolution. ' Rainforest Destroyed Every Minute 150 Acres . And still we are amazed by the diversity of life. Of the millions of earth's creatures, no species is alone. Each is linked to the life that surrounds it Each holds a unique place in its environment We are learning that the only way to save species is to save the places where they live. But today much of the living world is poised on the threshold of extinction. On this fragile planet, life itself may hang in the balance. Preserved in the rocks of this barren valley near Pueblo, Colorado, is an intriguing chapter in the history of life on earth. A hundred million years ago this was the bottom of a vast inland sea. Today it is one of the richest graveyards in the world. Geologist Erie Kauffman has come here to find out what happens when life becomes t..Jnct. He is interested in a cataclysmic event that once destroyed two-thirds of all living things in the sea. The death of life is common throughout earth history. Layer by layer, the story unfolds of how long life went over the edge. ERLE KAUFFMAN: [chipping layer of rocks away from face of cliff] The mass extinction interval lies somewhere in the middle of that cliff. Well, let's clear this slope off here and let's look at some fresh rock. We'll need fresh rock for chemical sampling anyway. NARRATOR: Kauffman reads the layers like the pages of a book. ERLE KAUFFMAN: [to colleague Brad] See how dramatic that color change is? Thai's the beginning of this ocean chemistry event that we see. Below the color change right there in the rock. That'll be our reference point. Okay, so the second nail will then go 10 centimeters higher, right at the color change, right at that point. And that will define our first sampling interval. Okie doke, we'll do that this way. NARRATOR: To find out what happened to the creatures that lived here, he lakes one sample every thousand years-before, during and after the ERLE KAUFFMAN: [ai desk in laboratory, cracking open rock samples] Now this is the pre- extinction level, right? BRAD: And this is sample 18. ERLE KAUFFMAN: Sample 18, 10 centi- meters. Page I BRAD: Uh-huh...ecosystem will collapse around them very rapidly. NARRATOR: In his laboratory at the University of Colorado, Kauffman counts the number of fossils in each sample. BRAD: Then we begin to pick a few more fossils here. As you- can see, we have those Einocerimids again. ERLE KAUFFMAN: That's a good healthy bottom fauna. There are also juveniles of the same species. And we have an amanite, a slomohanades, inhere. NARRATOR: In the early samples, Kauffman would identify 350 species. But the next sample shows no signs of life BRAD: Looks like the dead zone. ERLE KAUFFMAN: Yeah, we should be in it, definitely. There's not one fossil on those surfaces in through there, so the extinction is virtually complete. And there's no disturbance whatsoever-no burrowing, no nothing. The bottom is dead. And this is interesting, because here's one fossil, one beastie. Looks very small, probably a clam of some sort. Otherwise there's not a fossil in the rock and it's totally undisturbed. NARRATOR: At first, species gradually declined. Then, suddenly, mysteriously, they disappeared. Kauffman now believes the fate of one species may be closely linked to the fate of another. ERLE KAUFFMAN: Species that comprise an ecosystem are not just separate species. But rather they're closely linked ecologically into a type of a strucluri.-ii..c food webs, into symbioscs. or obligate relationships between organisms. And considering this, then, a mass extinction is not just the loss of one species at a time, but the loss of species until some key species in the food chain or some key species or set of species in the ecological structure are affected. And when they go, the entire Page 2 NARRATOR: To look for the "key" species, Kauffman's samples are examined for other organisms. The first link in the oceanic food chain were creatures smaller than a grain of sand-called plankton. The plankton are painstakingly separated and classified. Before the extinction there were some 60 species. Then their numbers began to decline. When the plankton fell below a critical level, larger organisms began to disappear. With the food chain broken, the system collapsed. The balance was tipped, and life tumbled into extinction. Could this ancient pattern occur again? Erie Kauffman: ERLE KAUFFMAN: Our research shows us that mass extinctions are relatively common in the ancient record. They occur eveiy 26 to 30 million years in a roughly cyclic nature, perhaps triggered by extraterrestrial phenomena like comet and meteorite impacts. If that cyclicity holds, then we can expect the next natural mass extinction to occur 12 to 14 million years from now. But on the other hand, if we look at the modern world we see that the rate of species and diversity loss, and the destruction of habitats that is going on today, parallels in magnitude virtually all ancient mass extinctions that we know well. Except this mass extinction is not triggered by some extraterrestrial phenomena-and not even natural changes in the global environment It's triggered by man-man's destruction of habitat, man's destruction of the diversity of life on earth, man's pollution of the atmosphere. Man, in fact, may be regarded as a human meteorite, but one that is unpredictable in cyclic mass extinction theory. NARRATOR: Today man has the technology to change the world. Nature is disappearing, replaced with crops, stripped away for resources, paved over as cities expand. Human need and human waste are threatening the web of life. In 40 years the human population will double from 5 to 10 billion, but already our species is overrunning the planet. {lights of earth population centers viewed in video from satellite] A tapestry of lights track the human presence across the earth. The Sea of Japan is ablaze with the lights of a gigantic fishing fleet. Gas fires in the Middle East outline the oil rich Persian Gulf. Fires in Africa fuel the struggle against famine in the Third World. Forest fires in South America signal the end of an untouched wilderness. Less than a hundred years ago no city lights were visible from space. Now they glow like stars against the night sky. With the coming of the space age our view of earth took an epic turn. For the first time we saw a blue oasis-fragile anddelicate. Now, with satellite technology we can monitor the health of Planet Earth. At NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland, Compton Tucker draws from a vast library of satellite images to construct a unique map. This is a "Map of Life". It follows changes on the planet from one season to another. Over the past eight years, Tucker has observed subtle shifts in the earth's vegetation. ASTRONAUT: [voice over view of earth from spacecraft] Houston, Discovery. Well, we're looking down at you, Houston. Looks like it's real clear down there today. It's a pretty view. NARRATOR: October, 1988. The shuttle Discovery returns to space on a mission to photograph the earth. ASTRONAUT: Our environment is a very fragile thing, and I think that's something that we're very impressed by when we take photos and as we look out the windows. NARRATOR: As the astronauts fly across the Amazon they are stunned by what they see. ASTRONAUT: When you fly over South America you see these incredibly large fires, [seen in video display/ They must be 10 miles across. All over. Especially the Amazon Basin, where they're burning off the vegetation, and it just fills the whole continent with smoke. NARRATOR: Compton Tucker has been monitoring these fires since 1982. His images confirm that in one state of Brazil called Rondonia, the forest is being destroyed twice as fast as previously thought. Here 14,000 square miles have been burned in the last decade. The destruction was triggered when a single highway was cut through the forest. Now a network of roads, visible from space, has grown like the branches of a geometric tree. I in video] [video, ground traffic, tree-cutting, slash burning] In Rondonia, the opening of the forest frontier echoes the settlement of the American West. But with modem tools, homesteaders are transforming the wilderness with deadly efficiency. An ancient rainforest is becoming fields and pastures. If the trend continues, by the turn of the century 55,000 square miles of Rondonia will have gone up in smoke. For many years, environmental scientist Norman Myers has voiced his concern about the destruction of rain forests. COMPTON TUCKER: [to Myers, who has just entered his office] Hi, Norman. I have some images here from the Amazon basin. Rondonia, Mato Grosso, and Acre. NARRATOR: Compton Tucker has invited Myers to review his most recent findings. One image is particularly disturbing. NORMAN MYERS: [viewing satellite images of fires on video terminal] Quite a few fires there. It says 2,500. COMPTON TUCKER: Yes, now that's just an estimate. Say 2,500, perhaps plus or minus 3 or 4 hundred. Now, each point we see is 1 kilometer by 1 kilometer, and...wilhin that area we could have 2 or 3 smaller fires burning. NORMAN MYERS: Sure COMPTON TUCKER: So that's why we say that there are at least 2,500 fires actively burning at this particular time-at about 2:45 in the afternoon on the 9th of September of last year. NORMAN MYERS: In this area, an area just the size of Montana, those fires are causing the extinction of at least 1 plant species per week, and maybe 2 or 3-maybe more-animal species, mainly insects, per day. If NASA, with one of its space probes to Mars or somewhere, found even a single life form on one of those planets, it would make headline news. There'd be more probes sent off to have a look at this little thing, this extraordinary phenomenon. And yet here we are, evidence on this screen, that we're pushing species down the tubes on our own planet at a rate of several per week. It seems so ironic. NARRATOR: Extinction rates are imprecise. But Myers is alarmed by the trend. NORMAN MYERS: Now some people might say, "Well, if we lost several species yesterday, but the sun still came up this morning, and the newspapers came out on time and so on, does it really matter?" It does matter in the long run. It matters enormously, absolutely. The best way to think about it is through Paul Ehrlich's comparison of the airplane. Pretend you're getting on an airplane and you see a mechanic taking rivets out of the wing. And you say to him, "What are you doing that for?" And he says, "Well, we need them for another airplane. And it doesn't matter because every airplane has tens of thousands of rivets, so a few won't matter." Would you really get on that airplane? WoulrKi you say to yourself, how do we know when u lew becomes many, becomes too many? NARRATOR: What splendid creatures once lived here? We will never know. But one fact is known. There is no return from extinction. Page 4 The Many River in eastern Peru-a last great unspoiled wilderness. A pioneering group of Peruvian and American biologists led by Terry Erwin of the Smithonsian Institution has accepted an extraordinary challenge. They are here to inventory one of the richest concentrations of life on earth The project is called Biolat. For the next four weeks, a remote ranger station will be home. From this base, the group will identify and catalogue every plant and animal they can find. Their goal is to construct a detailed anatomy of a threatened ecosysiem-bcfore it disappears. TERRY ERVVTN: We're not talking about just the extinction of a few species. ...Under the present mode of deforestation we're talking about extinction of the evolutionary process. This process that here around us, in this surroundings, has taken 40 million years to develop-Biolat wants to address very quickly the, inventory of species, how these species fit together, so that we can make predictions on how to save this wonderful biological diversity for the future. NARRATOR: Three-quarters of all living things can be found in rain forests, most of them high in the treetops. The larger species are more familiar. They have long been exotic symbols of the Amazon jungle. These creatures represent only a fraction of forest life. Their existence depends on a less visible world-a world even more mysterious and complex. The dazzling array of plants and insects in a rain forest is testament to the creativity of life. Each species has evolved a unique strategy for survival. Katydids outwit their predators by mimicking leaves—one dead, one alive. Toxic chemicals in the spines of a caterpillar teach birds to leave it alone. Plants also use chemicals for protection. But a highly organized community of leaf cutter ants can strip a tree in a matter of hours. Each creature in his own way has found a home in the forest TERRY ERWIN: [to colleagues as they study a specimen in the forest] Look at those mandibles. And the spines on the thorax. And she spotted it just sitting on the edge of the tree, very close in. Okay, back to work. NARRATOR: To undertake a study of this fascinating world, Terry Erwin has devised a clever plan. The forest is divided into 100-yard plots. Prominent trees are identified and labeled. Their exact locations are entered into a computer and will become reference points within the plot. Maps are then generated to guide researchers in the field. Botanist Robin Bumham samples leaves from the forest floor. ROBIN BURNHAM: [gathering leaves] In this quadrat that you see here are the ones that I've collected from the same forest- same type of forest They include as many as SO species in a single half meter square quadrat. That's rather surprising to me that we can get 50 species of leaves in an area that small, because if you think of it, surrounding an area this small with 50 different species of trees is going to be pretty tight. And that's probably one of the indications of the high diversity of the forest that I'm working in. NARRATOR: Grace Servat, a Peruvian ornithologist, stretches nets across the corridors of the forest so low flying birds can be caught and identified. Piranhas inhabit the Manu. Still, biologists brave its backwaters. The river teems with life, but even in the tropics a fish is hard to catch. At sunset the forest comes alive with creatures of the night. Bats play a critical role in the life of the forest by dispersing seeds, and Don Wilson is concerned about their future. DON WILSON: [inspecting a bail Bats all over the world are having problems because of forest destruction, loss of habitat Places like this probably have a greater diversity of bats than just about anywhere in the world. You get a good look at those feet there. He uses those feet to scoop insects off of the surface of the water, probably. OLIVER FLINT: [observing insects/ That's a good one. Here's the second one tonight. And there's the first one of those I've seen on the trip. Where'd it go? NARRATOR: Oliver Bint has been collecting insects since his early teens. After 45 years, he's still excited by something new. OLIVER FLINT: [nighttime: Flint stands before floodlight-illuminated sheet observing hundreds of insects attracted to it] So that when I see something lhat looks new and different, not quite so common, I make a special grab for that one-if I can survive with all this stuff flying in my face all the time. One sort of tends to not breathe. NARRATOR: Terry Erwin prepares lo explore life in the treetops. He has designed a systematic way to investigate a realm that has long eluded biologists. Using the computer map, Erwin locales the trees in the plot laid out the day before. TERRY ERWIN: three right here. I think we can get two or NARRATOR: A specific tree is selected. Stakes are placed around its perimeter. Cone- shaped collecting trays are set in place. But the experiment must wait until the next morning when the air is still. Before dawn the trays are readied. At first light the experiment begins. A cloud of biodegradable insecticide is blown upward. A slight updraft along the mink carries it to the top of the canopy. The chemical is lethal to insects, but after two hours it is completely harmless. This single tree will produce an incredible 2,000 species of insects. Each species of tree has its own unique community. If there are thousands of different trees in the forest, the number of insects can slagger the imagination. VOICE: [as scientists collect dead insects] A lot of biomass dropped out this morning, huh?PagcS VOICE: There's two pounds of insects. NARRATOR: Now the difficult task of sorting and identification begins. It is already apparent they are seeing many new species for the first time. It has been estimated that 5 million species of aside in 1942 for training and maneuvers. Today Camp Pellillelon is me only major stretch of undeveloped I'uJ-slUlic m all QI southern California. Along the perimeter, only a lire break separates civilizauon irom -uu square miles ol natural habiiat called) c-haparralj It is home to a unique plants and animals inhabit the earth. But Terrv^|s.communiiv ol creatures who have come lo de Erwin has a new hypothesis. He believes there on one another. may be 10 times more species than previously thought We may be sharing the planet with 50 million other species. Some birds rely on the cover of vegetation lo jirotect them from predators. Other relationships are more subtle. Contrary to popular folklore, the [to colleague as rtgya^~roadrunner owes us survival to theft coyotef-tTERRY ERWIN: examine insectsl How many species of ants? NARRATOR: On a single tree in Peru 48 species of ants have been found-more than in all the British isles. In the rainforests, trees are islands of life. There are less than a thousand species in North America. But in Peru alone, 5,000 have been identified. Why does such enormous diversity exist in the tropics? Terry Erwin believes the rainforest is the cradle of life, a nursery where countless life forms unfold in new and wondrous ways. These creatures, distant from our own backyards, may seem alien and insignificant But each is a unique experiment, a prototype in the evolutionary process. ol ihe chaparral. Here, over millions of years, a delicate balance of iile has evolved. Now iT is threatened with cxtincuon. ' In San Diego, exploding land values and population pressure nave lell me chaparral in Iragmems, isolated pockets locked in a human gnd. Finger canyons slip awav Irom crowded mesa lops. Natural islands are surrounded by a sea of development Crowded hilltops have slopes too steep to develop. Conservation biologist Michael Souhi, of the University of Michigan, has come here to audv how wildlife is affected by this fragmentation. His attachment to ihe chaparral goes back to his San Diversity is the raw material from which new life Piey) childhood, but life in this canyon is not forms spring. Here there are hundreds of variations on a single Ihcme. Each is a specialist, one of 50 million moving parts working in harmony to create a living machine-lhc world in which we live. The exploration of its vast dimensions has just begun- yct will our journey come to an untimely end? It takes only a moment to cut down a tree. Southern Ca!ili.i:.ia. An endless visla of urban sprawl. Once the last American frontier, civilization has now piled up along its coast. Linncq oy a vast network of highways, a megalopolis strctcncs all die way IromCos Angcte-m Hie Mexican Border-cxcepl lor TT "inllds. \anh ol SJM LUiieu. me United Slates Marine Corp* base at Camp Pcn^llcton was set Page 6 what he remembers as a bov. MICHAEL SOULE: limiting and talking with group M canyon/ Hergs a native-California buckwheat But the patches ul il ale SO scattered. A lot ol the introduced weeds are just more aggressive than the nauve plants and outcompele Uiem lor ncni or !ur water. 11 you look down the canyon all you see arc tne introduced species! NARRATOR: New plants creep into canyons from homes and gardens above. Here, these silent jnvadcrs nave quicmy replaced the native species. Tjver Ihe past 4 years, boule has studied 37 isolated canvHIK Uf Ulfl'Lll'IU !,UU Jllll 1UV. MICHAEL SOL'LE: This is a medium-sized canyon, about 20 acres. It's relatively pristine. It's _ about 2u years old. fhe habitat's in very iiood _shape in terms of the vegetation. But already in this canyon we've witnessed the exu'nctions of two, major birds-lhc California quail and the roadmnnci .There's still raooits ncre. lucre's still quite a Jew native rodents and quite a few native chaparral birds. What we're seeing here is an effect of isolation. an~ effect of Iragmeniauon. This road right here is not very wide. But it's wide enough to prevent the 'rqovement oi these birds and mammals into the canyon once they have gone extinct in this canyon. NARRATOR: In a canvon, Ihe balance of life changes quickly. Soule wants lo find out if the rale of extinction is related to the size of the canyon. MICHAEL SOULE: [to group taking bird census] Oh. yeah. Mockingbird. Oh. there's a jay there, too. And a Bewick's wren. NARRATOR: In addition lo birds, Soule and his colleagues also count the rodeni population. MICHAEL SOULE: [examining captured rodent/ It's a young female. ~" • DOUG: It's a neotoma lepida. [he releases it] NARRATOR: An annual census of birds, plants, and mammals reveals how many species nave disappeared. DOUG: Ihandling a smaller rodent] Il's okay, it's okay. I'll let you go. I promise. NARRATOR: By comparing the number of different snccics over lime, Soule has discovered a critical link in the life of the chaparral. DOUG: Got four species-a harvest mouse., two species of wood rat, and one deer mouse. MICHAEL SOULE: Some species in some habitats or ecosystems are critical or keystone species. And it one removes Ihose species, then a whole subset of the community collapses or goes ex_iincl. And we're seeing evidence in this study that if the coyote is taken out of the canyons, that the extinction rate of the birds goes sky high, and : lose a \vimin prnnn of birds very quickly. So _e coyotes turn out to be a very important strand N^ in the web of life that is these canyons. /^ NARRATOR: In this delicate web, the creatures of the chaparral are pound togetner in unexpected ways. The coyote preys on raccoons, possums, foxes, and nihcr animals ihat eat birds. Without the coyote to protect them, the birds soon When a canyon is too small, the coyote disappears and the life of the chaparral collapse: MICHAEL SOULE: The species go extinct pretty much at a rate that the namiat oisappears. The smaller ihe habitat, the faster local populations of birds and mammals disappear. And as the habitat is eroded by disturbance, the birds and mammals disappear at the same rate that the disturbance occurs. NARRATOR: .Michael Soute has learned lhat_ jhe smaller the canvon, the faster life goes extinct. But in the end, no canyon is large jnough. He estimates that in 100 years the chaparral and all its . life will be gone, His conclusion is sobering. When a habitat is Iragmented. species become extinct It's only a mattef 01 lime. Wnal iS'happenmg to life in these canyons is Happening across the entire stirface_ofPlanet taruT Scientists have identified ecological "hot spots", regions where life is under attack. At this moment, on every continent, species are becoming extinct in numbers that rival the great catastrophes of the fossil record. As habitats shrink, the future of life hangs in the balance. A great foresl once stretched 2,000 miles from Mexico 10 Panama. Today in northwest Costa Rica, only two percent remains. Here is perhaps the most endangered ecosystem on earth: a tropical Page 7 dry forest. Unlike a rain forest, it changes from season to season, and its soil is fertile. Five- hundred years ago, Costa Rica's dry forest was larger than its neighboring rainforest But it was also more vulnerable. Early settlers found it easy to transform the dry forest into pasture and farmland. Today the fields are cut and burned to keep them clear. Herds of cattle graze peacefully amid the last fragments of the forest. Isolated patches are all that remain. Dan Janzcn first came to Costa Rica 25 years ago. Each year when he returned he saw his study areas disappear, and in 1985 he had a dream-to rescue an ecosystem from extinction. DAN JANZEN: (examining maps with volunteers] Okay, now the adventure you guys are gonna go on--if I can find it Okay. Now, this is the Pan American Highway going up here like this, right? That's the La Cruz. What you're gonna do is go across the road and- NARRATOR: With ihe aid of the Costa Rican government and Ihe local community, Janzen plans to re-grow 250 square miles of dry forest in what will someday become Guanacaste National Park. DAN JANZEN: The idea is to take these mahogany seedlings and put a mahogany population back into that piece of forest. So what you're gonna do, it's as if the seeds blew out there in die dry season-as they do-and then germinated nicely in the tree falls. So what you guys do is you literally take a bag, and you walk around and you look for a tree fall. You look for a place where Ihe sun's coming down and there's a piece of bare ground there and you just plant it like that. NARRATOR: U's easy to plant a tree. But the complexities of restoring a forest arc a far different challenge. How docs one come to know the thousands of species and the role each plays in the delicate balance of a tropical ecosystem? [video of Janzen handling mice/ Each day, volunteers collect mice for u study Janzcn started 9 Page 8 years ago. The ritual begins every morning after breakfast. First, the mouse is weighed. Tattoos identify him. Janzen knows this mouse well, as he knew his parents and grandparents before him. Mice thrive on seeds. {Janzen removes seeds from a mouse's cheek pouch] Too many mice can virtually stop the growth of a forest Tucked in his cheek pouch are seeds Janzen will later identify. DAN JANZEN: Which means it's the 1,208th mouse caught and marked in the plot since we began. NARRATOR: By documenting Ihe balance between mice and seeds, Janzen has found a way to monitor the health of the forest. The mouse is returned unhurt to the spot where he was found-to be caught again another day. Colorful and exotic, caterpillars are a paradox. They consume more vegetation than any other creature in the forest, but without them many plants would die. With the help of two Costa Rican assistants, Janzen is conducting a long-term experiment with caterpillars. He's studying some 3,000 different species to see what they eat For Ihe next 3 weeks this caterpillar will live in a bag until it becomes a moth. Janzen will then know how the caterpillar, plant, and moth are all linked together. Moths are important pollinators. Without them many forest plants would disappear. The dry forest is also a breeding ground for moths that pollinate plants hundreds of miles away in the rainforest Still, they have another role. DAN JANZEN: If you remove the moths from this forest, ihcre'd be quite a dramatic change because you'd lose major sets of pollinators. And perhaps even more obvious, immediately you'd lose major pieces of food for the bird community. There's a whole set of birds here who Iced only on the caterpillars of these moths, so lhat if you lost the moths you'd lose the birds. You sec, when we say biodiversity, it's more than a list of species. It's all the things they do to and with each other. And again, [with] plants, you can save an awful lot of species of plants in botanical gardens. But's that just saving the individual pieces. It's not saving any of the interactions. And the interactions are what biodiversity is. And so when I say that we want to keep this place together as an example of tropical dry forest biodiversity, I'm referring not to the list of species that's here. In fact, if I had to give up and allow the extinction of 10 percent of the species to save the the whole complex, I'd gladly dump the 10 percent of the species, because the species are only a little piece of the whole biodiversity picture. NARRATOR: After years of painstaking work, Dan Janzen has conceived a blueprint to link the fragments of a dry forest together. His plan is elegant and simple. If pastureland is left untouched, seeds borne on the wind will begin to take root. With new growth comes shade, and old residents return. Once the balance between animals and plants is restored, nature takes over and the forest begins to grow. DAN JANZEN: The dung was dropped here back in April or May, and the tree seedlings are now growing very, very well, {he moves to different area of the forest] Well, out here the grass and the young trees are still mixed together pretty well. And it has a very brushy and trashy look to it And there's obviously a lot of sun getting on the ground. But back here the trees, by accident, happen to be closer together so the shade is intense enough to have actually taken out virtually all of the grass. In here we're really far enough along so that it's the beginnings of a proper young forest, because the grass is gone now, there's not much fire hazard, and it's shady enough so animals will walk through here freely, defecate seeds. (There's) a lot of circulation of birds through the canopy of the trees; they defecate seeds. And gradually now this is well on its way to becoming a proper young piece of forest. Instead of being an old pasture wilh a few trees in it, now it's actually turned into an actual forest NARRATOR: To help the forest regenerate, nature needs a little nudge. Mahogany seedlings are planted in open pasture. Their shade will lure animals from the forest. Eventually a lost wilderness will return. DAN JANZEN: Humans for millions of years, literally, have had the behavior of instead of trying to live off of the wild world, you push it back and then put your own things in place. And those own things are things that are...com plants, or cows, or deer or whatever they happen to be. But they're something. Well, for millions of years humans have been relatively incompetent at this game. So they push nature back, and nature pushes back at them, and it's a balance. It's some kind of an equilibrium. Well, more rapidly in the last 1,000 years, and almost with lightning-like speed in the last 10 to 50 years, humans have won the game over the entire surface of the earth-i.e., they've acquired the technical ability to obliterate naiure-i.e., they've won. The problem is that humans are socially and genetically programmed to clean-to clean the field. Because always before, the minute you cleaned the field and you stopped cleaning it, boom!, back in came nature. Now there's no more nature. There's just the neighbor's field. And we're right at that stage right now where we have the option to wipe the enemy off the slate, or to keep the enemy there and recognize he really wasn't the enemy in a total sense-that he was something that was worthwhile keeping. That's the big choice for humans. The way I see it is that my job is just to keep some of the enemy around until humans reach the level of social sophistication so they as a group look and say, "Oh yeah, yes, we had to beat that enemy, but we didn't want to sweep him off the surface of the earth." NARRATOR: The web of life in the dry forest remains infinitely complex. For Dan Janzen a lifetime is not enough. It may be a thousand years before the forest returns. But slowly, imperceptibly, it is inching outward. For the first lime, an enure ecosystem is being rescued from the threshold of extinction. Page 9 There was a time when we thought we could live without the wild things. Now we marvel at the beauty of the natural world. No creature is too great or too small. Each has a unique genetic heritage-its link to the past and to the future. Each is an exquisite creation in its own right, yet pan of a living whole. But for the first time, the future of this web of life "is threatened by a single species. We are pushing our earthly companions towardV extinction a thousand times faster than at any time in history. Scientists sound the alarm, while their work may offer hope. ERLE KAIJFFMAN: The common pattern we see early in ancient mass extinctions is that they can be reversed. And so because we're in the early phases of our modem mass extinction, man finds himself in a very interesting role. He is not only the perpetrator and the potential savior of the global biota, but if mass extinction is allowed to go full swing, he may be one of the first victims. have not faced this challenge, because the problem wasn't there. And nn generation in th face this challenge, because if we dnn'i get 11} g oblem. they'll have nothing left except NARRATOR: Will we have the wisdom or the time to alter the patterns ol history'/ Or js ihisTie beginning of a long goodbye to the only home weknow? DAN JANZEN: You're programmed to want complexity. You're also programmed to eliminate it. Because for a long time you couldn't eliminate it. All you did was you kept trying. And that was the way you survived was by trying. Now all of a sudden you can. You win. You won. So now you're gonna have to reverse your own programming and say, okay, we're not gonna go out there and put the screw to the last guy on the battlefield. MICHAEL SOULE: If we don't change the way we live, not only will the rest of the species on the planet be in serious trouble, but we will be.too. TERRY ERWIN: If we have the information on which to base our decisions about the natural world, we can make the right decisions. And that s what I expect, in my eternal optimism, that we'regoing to do. NORMAN MYERS: There's never ever tccn a lime like thij. You see. all generations in the past Page 10 Written and Produced by: Joe Seamans Narrated by: Paul Shenar Narration Written by: Georgann Kane, Joe Seamans Edited by: Hyman Kaufman Associate Producer: Maureen Muldaur Film Research by: Maureen Muldaur, Steve Prime Unit Production Manager: Paula Lewis Production Coordinator: Lorene Requiro Director of Research: Oeane Rink Advisory Panel: Jay Savage. Richard Bmsca. David Ehrenfeld. and Richard While Project Administrator: Barbara Valentino Promotion: Pam Golden, Russ Mara. Jim Sweenie, and Ketchum Communications Coordinating Producer Georgann Kane Project Director Jeanne Paynter Executive in Charge: Linda K. Reavely Executive Producers: Gregory Andorfer, ThomasSkinner A Production of WQED/Piltsburgh©1989 QED Communications Inc. and The National Academy of Sciences All Rights Reserved In association with The National Academy of Sciences t Books Related to this Program 1. Biodiversity, E.O. Wilson, editor 4. In the Rainforest, Catherine CaufieldNational Academy Press Washington, D.C. 1988 2. Biophilia. Edward O. Wilson Harvard University Press Cambridge, MA 1984 3. Conservation Biology: The Science of Scarcity and Diversify Michael E. Soule, Editor Sinauer Associates, Inc. Sunderland, MA 1986 Organizations Whose Activities Are Related to this Program 4. Alfred A. Knopf New York, NY 1984 A Wealth of Wild Species: Storehouse for Human Welfare Norman Myers Westview Press Boulder, CO 1983 1. National Wildlife Federation 1412 16th Street, N.W. Washington, DC .20036 2. The Nature Conservancy 1800 North Kent Street Arlington, VA 22209 3. Organization for Tropical Studies P.O. Box DM Duke Station Durham, NC 27706 Wildlife Conservation International New York Zoological Society Bronx, NY 10460 World Wildlife Fund 1250 24th Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20037 ••• Transcripts of INFINITE VOYAGE Programs ••• New prices effective March, 1989: Single copy, S5.00 ea.. postpaid; 3-5 mixed copies, $4.00 each; 6 or more mixed copies, $3.00 each. Send payment to: PTV Publications, POBox 701, Kent, OH 44240. 1 - Unseen Worlds How science and technology are enabling us to see beyond our present spatial and temporal boundaries. (October, 1987) #102 - To the Ends of the Earth Secrets of unexplored regions of Earth are adding new dimensions to our knowledge of man and nature. (January, 1988) #103 - Fires of the Mind How scientific research is changing our ideas about the formation of neuronal pathways in the human brain and the process of learning. (April, 1988) (continued next page} Page 11 (continued from page 11) 4104 - The Geometry of Life What science is learning about how DNA-deoxyribonucleic jcid—dictates similarities and differences between living things. (June, 1988) #105 - The Search for Ancient Americans Small bands of hunters from the Siberian Peninsula crossed the Bering land bridge from Asia to become North America's first immigrants. How new evidence and new technology are helping us understand more about these people. (September, 1988) #106 - The New Dinosaurs This program examines new evidence that is changing our understanding about these prehistoric animals' evolutionary beginnings. (January, 1989) #107 - Biodiversity—"Life in the Balance" How scientists and researchers are trying to determine what mankind's ultimate fate will be through studying evolution, extinction and the impact of man on the diversity of life. (March, 1989) #108 - "Living with Disaster" Living in the natural world, mankind is subject to some risks that are all but unavoidable. This program looks at the causes and effects of nature's most powerful, destructive and paradoxical forces—volcanoes, earthquakes and storms—and how we cope with them. (June, 1989) Many of our transcript customers have asked about the availability j j of videocassettes of Infinite Voyage programs. The program producers have not yet completed their j I plans for the marketing of videocasseucs. If you're interested in purchasing videocasseues of programs I I from the series, send us your inquiry, along with a stamped, self-addressed envelope, and we'll be happy I ' to send you information about how to purchase videocassettes. j V X Pace 12