Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-10-08; City Council Legislative Subcommittee; ; California Department of Parks and Recreation UpdateMeeting Date: Oct. 8, 2024 To: Legislative Subcommittee From: Jason Haber, Intergovernmental Affairs Director Staff Contact: Jason Haber, Intergovernmental Affairs Director jason.haber@carlsbadca.gov, 442-339-2958 Subject: California Department of Parks and Recreation Update District: All Recommended Action Receive an update from the California Department of Parks and Recreation (California State Parks) regarding the department’s operations in Carlsbad and the San Diego Coast District and provide feedback. Discussion The mission of California State Parks is to provide for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation. California State Parks’ San Diego Coast District manages 13 parks from Carlsbad State Beach to the extreme southwest corner of the continental United States at Border Field State Park. Some of the most visited parks in the system are included in these urban areas. Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, the home of the original Mexican pueblo of San Diego, and Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, the home of the endangered Torrey Pine, both enjoy hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. The district’s North Sector Office manages operations at Carlsbad State Beach (Tamarack Ave.) and South Carlsbad State Beach (Poinsettia Ln.) in Carlsbad. Descriptions and maps of the San Diego Coast State Parks be found on the department’s website (www.parks.ca.gov) and in the brochures in Exhibits 1 and 2. A representative of the California Department of Parks and Recreation will present an update and discuss the department’s operations in Carlsbad and the San Diego Coast District, including current beach sand retention and replenishment efforts, campground and coastal bluff management, and ongoing collaborations with the City of Carlsbad. Next Steps None. LEGISLATIVE SUBCOMMITTEE Oct. 8, 2024 Item #3 Page 1 of 9 Our Mission The mission of California State Parks is to provide for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation. This southernmost part of the Golden State, with its warm beaches, sculpted bluffs and historic adobe buildings, has been a mecca for individuals seeking a better life. Today, more than ever, it is the destination of millions who pursue the modern equivalent of the “California Dream.” San Diego Coast State Parks 4477 Pacific Highway San Diego, CA 92110 (619) 688-3260 © 2002 California State Parks (Rev. 2009)Printed on Recycled Paper www.parks.ca.gov CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS P. O. Box 942896 Sacramento, CA 94296-0001 For information call: (800) 777-0369 (916) 653-6995, outside the U.S. 711, TTY relay service Discover the many states of California.TM California State Parks does not discriminate against individuals with disabilities. Prior to arrival, visitors with disabilities who need assistance should contact the park at (619) 688-3260. To receive this publication in an alternate format, contact: San Diego Coast State Parks Cover photo courtesy of Susan Myrland. Ex h i b i t 1 Oc t . 8 , 2 0 2 4 It e m # 3 P a g e 2 o f 9 C San Diego’s early history comes alive at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, located in the heart of the city, and at San Pasqual Battlefield State Historic Park, near San Diego’s famed Wild Animal Park in the north county. Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, the home of rare and endangered Torrey pines, lies thirty miles north of the Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve and the international border. The Research Reserve provides protection for a designated “wetland of national importance” and offers an educational facility for students and visitors. San Diego Coast state parks provide visitors with three areas for camping and many day-use beaches. South Carlsbad and San Elijo State Beaches in the north county have full-service campgrounds with all the amenities except hookups, and Silver Strand State Beach in the south county T he San Diego Coast is world famous for its mild year-round climate. This fifty- mile stretch of coastline, from the U.S. Marine Corps base at Camp Pendleton to the Mexican border, contains some of California’s most interesting and rare examples of natural and cultural heritage. provides beach-level camping between the communities of Coronado and Imperial Beach. Day-use beach access is available from Carlsbad State Beach to Border Field State Park. Early California history, recreational opportunities and natural wonders await you in San Diego Coast state parks. OLD TOwN SAN DIEgO STATE HISTORIC PARK Explore the rich heritage of California by touring the unique museum exhibits and shops in the historic adobe buildings of Old Town San Diego. Today’s Old Town bustles with activity while preserving the essence of one of California’s earliest settlements. On May 15, 1769, an overland party of Spanish soldiers, priests and explorers led by Captain Gaspar de Portolá and Franciscan Father Junípero Serra, arrived in what is today San Diego. They built a chapel dedicated to Saint Diego and a fort on what is now Presidio Hill just to the east of present-day Old Town. As time passed, the town built up around a typical Spanish plaza, and the first San Diego community was born. Since 1769 it has known the rule of Spain, Mexico and the United States. Today the historic park reflects the cultural elements of its exciting and romantic past. Guided tours are available. For more information, call (619) 220-5422. Bandini House in Old Town San Diego Painting of early San Diego by Lt. William H. Emory, 1846 Father Junípero Serra Oc t . 8 , 2 0 2 4 It e m # 3 P a g e 3 o f 9 A seawall promenade stretches from Pine Street to Tamarack Avenue and offers views of Agua Hedionda Lagoon. From the walkway, visitors may watch marbled godwits and whimbrels troll the beach and gulls, cormorants and pelicans fly over the waves. Marine mammals such as dolphins, sea lions and harbor seals splash offshore. Carlsbad State Beach is accessed via Tamarack Avenue, off Interstate 5. For more information, call (760) 438-3143. SOuTH CARLSBAD STATE BEACH facilities and requires a parking fee. Visitors enjoy swimming, board and body surfing, and scuba diving. This narrow beach has historically been described as “cobble beach.” Sand periodically buries the natural seawall of cobblestones for long periods of time. But changing weather and water currents, along with the nearby dredging of Agua Hedionda Lagoon, affect the beach composition. The park has 220 campsites and two day-use areas. Ponto Day-Use Area, south of the campground, has restroom South Carlsbad State Beach is reached by exiting Interstate 5 at Palomar Airport Road in the City of Carlsbad and heading south along the Pacific Coast Highway (Carlsbad Blvd). For more information, call (760) 438-3143. SAN ELIjO AND CARDIFF STATE BEACHES Although San Elijo and Cardiff are separate state park units, they adjoin and can be enjoyed as one. San Elijo State Beach, with two miles of coastline, is mainly a campground, but SAN PASquAL BATTLEFIELD STATE HISTORIC PARK An award-winning visitor center interprets the Mexican War, as well as the history of the San Pasqual Indians and the development of San Pasqual Valley. On a cold, wet December 6, 1846, in the valley known as San Pasqual, United States General Stephen Watts Kearny and his soldiers met 80 armed Mexican Californios under the leadership of Andrés Pico in a battle for the sovereignty of California. The Battle of San Pasqual was the bloodiest battle fought in California during the Mexican War. For more park information, call (760) 737-2201. CARLSBAD STATE BEACH Carlsbad State Beach is one of San Diego’s most popular beaches. The Tamarack Avenue area is a favorite surf spot. The reef provides gentle waves, perfect for long and short board surfing. Certain areas are set aside for swimming only.San Elijo State Beach Cardiff State Beach Whimbrel Oc t . 8 , 2 0 2 4 It e m # 3 P a g e 4 o f 9 includes a small day-use lot. Reservations are necessary for the 171 campsites, which fill quickly for holidays and the summer season. Cardiff State Beach is located south of San Elijo Creek. Developed day-use facilities with outdoor showers and modern restrooms are available. Day-use fees are collected at each beach. “Pipes,” “Turtles,” “Cardiff Reef,” “Georges,” and “Seaside” are major surfing attractions in these state parks. Swimming and scuba diving are also popular activities. Inshore holes and strong rip currents can be dangerous. Contact a lifeguard for suggestions about safe swimming areas. Located in the city of Encinitas, the parks are reachable from Interstate 5 by exiting to the west on Birmingham or Manchester and following the signs to entrances from the Pacific Coast Highway. For more information, call (760) 753-5091. TORREy PINES STATE NATuRAL RESERvE AND STATE BEACH presents the detailed story of the Torrey pines. Beautiful Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve and State Beach are located between the cities of Del Mar and San Diego. From Interstate 5, exit west on Carmel Valley Road, go one mile, then go 3/4 mile south on the Pacific Coast Highway. For more information, call (858) 755-2063, or visit www.parks. ca.gov/torreypines. Parking and restrooms are provided at the beach and trailhead. A visitor center SILvER STRAND STATE BEACH Silver Strand State Beach lies along a seven-mile isthmus to Coronado Island in San Diego Bay. For day-use visitors, ample parking along the ocean front allows easy access to both the ocean and bay front beaches. There are dressing rooms, showers and restroom facilities close by, and picnic tables are available for small and large groups. A concession stand is open during the summer season, providing snacks, cold drinks and surf rental equipment. If you have a self-contained camping vehicle, you can stay the evening and enjoy the sunset, relax with friends around a campfire, and catch the morning sunrise over the mountains. Beachside spectacular views of America’s rarest pine tree, which grows along these dramatic ocean cliffs. Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is a jewel of the California State Park System. Named for the native pines growing on the bluffs, this park has natural splendor that is truly memorable. Seven miles of hiking trails offer Torrey Pines State Beach, along the Pacific Coast Highway, is framed by impressive bluffs to the north and south and the Los Peñasquitos Marsh Natural Preserve, which runs through this eye-catching wonder. Stretching for five miles, the beach provides a great venue for walking, running, photography, or just enjoying the ocean and shore. Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve Torrey pine Oc t . 8 , 2 0 2 4 It e m # 3 P a g e 5 o f 9 hazardous conditions such as inshore holes, rip currents, and the lack of lifeguard service. The park provides restrooms, picnic areas, horse corrals and scenic views across the beach and estuary. For more information, call (619) 575-3613. TIjuANA RIvER NATIONAL ESTuARINE RESEARCH RESERvE The Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve is one of only 24 wetlands in the United States that has been designated by the International Ramsar Committee as a “wetland of international importance.” Estuaries provide food and nesting areas for many creatures, especially shorebirds. At least 370 bird species have been seen here. All of the plants and animals in this park are protected—some are threatened or endangered. With your help, the estuary will be preserved forever. A visitor center at 301 Caspian Way, Imperial Beach, has exhibits and activities to explain the resources of the estuary. For more information, call (619) 575-3613 or visit www.parks.ca.gov/tijuanaestuary. PLEASE REmEmBER • Dogs are not allowed on most beaches because they often disturb wildlife, especially birds. Where dogs are allowed, they must be kept on a six-foot leash at all times. RV campsites may be reserved by calling (800) 444-7275 or visiting www.parks.ca.gov. Silver Strand Natural Preserve, located on the south side of the entrance to Silver Strand State Beach, contains a unique coastal strand plant community that was once found throughout the southern California coast and is now rare. Nesting sites for the California least tern and Western snowy plover are also found here. Call (619) 435-5184 for information. BORDER FIELD STATE PARK Located within the Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve, Border Field State Park is in the very southwestern corner of the United States, 15 miles south of San Diego. Visitors enjoy fishing, beach-walking, hiking, horseback riding and birdwatching. Swimming and wading are not recommended due to Silver Strand State Beach California least tern • California State Parks along the San Diego Coast are located in and near urban areas. Lock your car and keep valuables with you. Report all crimes and emergencies to rangers, lifeguards or 911. • Please do not feed wildlife. Human food may be harmful and may encourage aggressive behavior. Store food securely in campground lockers or vehicles. ACCESSIBLE FEATuRES Accessibility is continually improving. For updates, call the parks or visit http://access.parks.ca.gov. Border Field State Park Tijuana Estuary Endangered Western snowy plover Oc t . 8 , 2 0 2 4 It e m # 3 P a g e 6 o f 9 T he staff and volunteers of the San Diego Coast state parks are dedicated to providing you with a quality park experience—safe recreation, an understanding of the rich cultural heritage of California, and an appreciation of our natural wonders. Please contact a staff member or volunteer with your questions or comments. Oct. 8, 2024Item #3 Page 7 of 9 OCE~NSIDE C;,. South Carlsbad State Beach LEUGA_\\. Leucadia State Beach 0 (operated by the City of Encinitas) Moonlight State Beach e:,. (operated by the City of Encinitas)u V. '\\ ,, C;,. San Elijo State Beach e:,. Torrey Pines State Beach Los Peiiasquitos Marsh Natural Preserve C;,. Torrey Pines State Reserve ~ 9- 10 20 30 40 Miles <> n 15 30 45 60 Kilometers C2009Callfoml8Stat8Patks Map by Eureka Calfl:Jg,aphy, Berl<eley, CA e· .,. e· <> 0 n ~ ? ~ -c!!)--- 0 MIRAMARO San Pasqual Battlefield State ·a~ N ♦ S5 a- POWAY ii ~~~ .Afp '" ~./ ~ c'/.tJi, ~ ,JL~~cAJoNj Silver Strand Natural Preserve Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve C;,. Border Field State Park ~S~Ri N\:\ MEX\CO South Carlsbad State Beach 7201 Carlsbad Blvd. • Carlsbad, CA 92008 • (760) 438-3143 INLAND CAMPSITES $50 OCEAN CAMPSITES $70 INLAND HOOKUPS $75 OCEAN SINGLE HOOKUPS $95 OCEAN DOUBLE HOOKUPS $140 PELICAN POINT GROUP SITE $650 This popular bluff-top campground is located 3 miles south of Carlsbad, 50 miles north of San Diego. Stairs lead to the beach. For more information, visit the California State Parks website at www.parks.ca.gov/southcarlsbad. PARK FEES are due and payable upon entry into the park. Use the self-registration system if the entrance station is closed. OCCUPANCY: Only eight people and three licensed vehicles per site. No camping equipment in the planted areas, please. SEASONAL STAY LIMITS: During the peak season (March–November), campers and their equipment are limited to seven consecutive nights and must vacate the park for 48 hours before they may return for additional nights. During the nonpeak season (December– February), campers and their equipment are limited to 14 consecutive nights and must vacate the park for 48 hours before they may return for additional nights. The maximum stay is 30 days per year. VEHICLE PARKING: One vehicle fee is included with the reservation; second and third vehicles are an additional $15 upon entry. Vehicles must be parked within an assigned campsite—not on the roadway, in the planted area, or beyond the campsite number. HOOKUP SITES: Hookups include power, water, and sewage. Double hookup sites may have two RVs or two trailers on a site, and are not to exceed four licensed vehicles per site. PELICAN POINT GROUP CAMPSITE: This site will accomodate up to 40 people and 10 vehicles. Up to two vehicles may park at the site, all others must park in the parking lot. CHECK-OUT TIME is noon. Please leave site clean and on time. Check-in time is 2 p.m. THE CAMP STORE has a bluff-top restaurant serving beer and wine, features a general store for basic supplies such as ice and firewood, and offers a beach rental program for items such as surfboards and bodyboards. CAMPING RESERVATIONS: You may make camping reservations by calling (800) 444-7275 (TTY 800-274-7275). To make online reservations, visit our website at www.parks.ca.gov/southcarlsbad. ALTERNATE FORMAT: If you need this publication in an alternate format, contact interp@parks.ca.gov. SPEED LIMIT: The speed limit is 15 mph. Use good judgment. Children are at play. PETS/DOGS: Must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet and be under owner control at all times. Except for service animals, dogs are not permitted on the beach. Pets/dogs must be confined to a vehicle or tent at night. Noisy/vicious animals are not allowed. Please clean up after your animal. FIRE: Fires are allowed only in established fire rings. No wood fire allowed on beach. Only propane and butane fires allowed on beach, with 6 inch clearance from sand. Do not leave campfires unattended. PLANTS: All plants are protected. Do not cut or attach items to plants. Do not damage berm or place equipment in plant area between campsites. GENERATORS: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. only! QUIET HOURS are from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. To ensure an enjoyable experience for everyone, please do not disturb other campers, regardless of the time of day or night. NOISE: Radios and other sound-producing devices must not be audible beyond your immediate campsite, regardless of the time of day or night. VISITORS: Nonregistered guests must exit by 10 p.m. (quiet hours). CURFEW: All visitors under the age of 18 must be in their campsites between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. Nonregistered guests must not be present in the campgrounds between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. ALCOHOL and glass containers are NOT allowed on the beach or beyond your campsite. TRUCKS: Passengers may not ride in the beds of pick- up trucks (including those with camper shells). California Vehicle Code (CVC) laws apply. THEFT WARNING: Keep your vehicles locked and your valuables out of sight. Report any suspicious activity to the park staff. BICYCLES: Allowed only on paved roads. Bicycle riders under age 18 must wear a helmet. Bicycles ridden after dark must have a light. Please ride safely. MOTORIZED SCOOTERS: Operators must have a driver’s license or permit to operate. Helmets are required (CVC 21235). MOTORHOMES AND TRAILERS are limited to 35 feet. INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS: Ask staff about an upcoming program schedule. GARBAGE: Household garbage only. Please take your large items (chairs, carpet, boxes, etc.) home. SUBSTANCES such as Ajax, Comet, and diatomaceous earth may NOT be scattered on the ground. These items poison nearby plant and marine life, and can be harmful to humans. RECYCLE: Recycle bins are provided for your aluminum cans and plastic bottles. SQUIRRELS/WILDLIFE: Do not feed wildlife to avoid disease, overpopulation, and property damage. ACCESSIBLE PARKING : All vehicles registered in the campground must park within campsite limits. Please leave accessible parking spots available. ACCESSIBLE CAMPSITES are 16, 77, 87, 97, 108, 119, 126, 134, 148, 153, 184, 216, and 219. Prior to arrival, visitors with disabilities who need assistance should contact the entrance kiosk at (760) 438-3143. BEACH WHEELCHAIRS are available to visitors at no cost. Check out a wheelchair with a photo ID at the campground entrance kiosk. The wheelchair is located in the South Ponto Day-Use lot. CAMPFIRE CENTER: The South Carlsbad campfire center is available for group events. Restrictions and a fee apply. For event applications and information, email Campfire.Reservations@parks.ca.gov. LIFEGUARDS: In addition to mobile lifeguards, summer towers are staffed 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; in spring and fall there is limited tower staffing; and in winter, towers are not staffed. Ask about current conditions/beach safety before you swim! BE SAFE AT THE BEACH: The ocean can be dangerous at any time of the year and in any location. Every year people drown because they do not understand the dangers posed by the massive power and strength of ocean waters. Learn to swim (before you go) and never swim alone! Do not turn your back to the ocean.Ex h i b i t 2 Oc t . 8 , 2 0 2 4 It e m # 3 P a g e 8 o f 9 G07Jz ~~~~ ~~.- 6 6 & t To Los Angel VLGQl,<>•uc; _e, ~ South Carlsbad State Beach Leucadia State Beach ■ (Operated by City of Encintas) Moonlight State Beach ■ {Operated by City of Encintas) p<1c✓;t;• ~(' ~ c,~¢ To San Diego ~' 7j fl 0foe1 Mar South Carlsbad State Beach Campground 73 Entrance Kiosk Day-Use Parking (100 yards) PACIFIC OCEAN Highway 101 (Carlsbad Blvd.) North End Sites 1-130 OCEAN DOUBLE HOOKUP INLAND NONHOOKUP OCEAN NONHOOKUP INLAND HOOKUP Ramp PACIFIC OCEAN South End Sites 131-223 PACIFIC OCEAN 22 3 20 6 20 5 20 4 20 3 20 2 20 1 20 0 19 9 19 8 19 7 19 6 19 5 19 4 19 3 19 2 19 1 19 0 18 9 18 8 18 7 18 6 18 5 18 4 18 3 18 2 18 1 18 0 17 9 17 8 17 7 17 6 17 5 17 4 17 3 17 2 17 1 17 0 16 9 16 7 16 8 16 6 16 5 16 4 16 3 16 2 16 1 16 0 15 9 15 8 15 7 15 6 14 9 15 0 15 1 14 8 15 2 15 3 15 4 15 5 22 2 22 1 22 0 21 9 21 8 21 7 21 6 21 5 21 4 21 3 21 2 21 1 21 0 20 9 20 8 20 7 13 2 13 3 13 4 13 5 13 6 13 7 13 8 13 9 14 0 14 1 14 2 14 3 14 4 14 5 14 6 14 7 13 1 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 8586 87 88 8990919293949596 97 989910 0 10 2 10 1 10 3 10 4 10 5 10 6 10 7 10 8 10 9 11 0 11 1 11 2 11 3 11 4 11 5 11 6 11 7 11 8 11 9 12 0 12 1 1 12 2 12 3 12 4 12 5 12 6 12 7 12 8 12 9 13 0 23456789101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051535254555657585960616263646567666870717269 27 26 23 2425 CH CHCH CHCH CHCH Maps not to scale Your Site # _____________ © 2009 California State Parks (Rev. 2022) Oc t . 8 , 2 0 2 4 It e m # 3 P a g e 9 o f 9 • A A A ' \ ' ' ' A ' '------.... , ♦IT tliO Otlt ♦Ii ♦ITO O ♦IT . ' /' ,, ♦ .;Ji .;Ji .;Ji .;Ji ., ., .;Ji .;Ji .;Ji .;Ji u .;Ji ., ., ., ., ; , - - -.! - -- -·- - - -·- -·- - - - - - - - - - -·--~ -! -.!. - - - - - - -~ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- 0 <51. t~ Ii L ~ ~ ® < A tit tltO tit ' .... .;Ji .;Ji .;Ji .;Ji .... . . . . ------------------------------~--~------------------~-----~----le=='!!~ I O O I 1 • • • • = <51. ♦It L 0 ~ ~ ~ ® ~ < LEGEND ® Accessible Campsite <51. Accessible Feature ~ Campfire Center .A. Campground A.A Campground: Group CH Camp Host Site t~ Campsite Office ; Laundry ~ Lifeguard Tower " Lookout Point fi) No Dogs Allowed tit Restrooms liiiiiliiiiil Road u RV Sanitation Station Stairs " Store -Walk-In Gate .;Ji Water Faucets •