PLANNING AND CONSERVATION LEAGUE

PLANNING AND CONSERVATION LEAGUE FOUNDATION

CALIFORNIA TODAY
Newsletter of the Planning & Conservation League

December 2010

Volume 40, Number 4

Melanie Schlotterbeck

Celebrating Our Champions & Victories, pg. 6

CEQA Stands Strong -- No Exemptions This Year

By: Jena Price

While the Planning and Conservation League is elated by CEQA rollbacks, not only did the Governors 125 project the signing of some hard fought, well deserved, environmental exemptions never get a chance to see the light of day, an bills this legislative session, the true victory lies in those exemption for big-box Wal-Mart-type stores and another Los initiatives that were not introduced or passed. Although there Angeles stadium also never managed to find support in the were numerous opportunities to override the regulations set out Legislature. in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), we are Most notable however, largely due to the severe public and happy to announce that not a single major CEQA exemption environmental health effects it would have had, is the was granted making it a successful legislative year for the suppression of a Chevron refinery exemption. environment and those who work so hard to defend it. The Richmond Chevron refinery, the single largest source Considered Californias premier environmental law, over the of greenhouse gas pollution in California, expressed interest in last 40 years CEQA has resulted in the environmental review of bypassing CEQA so it could start expanding the refinery to thousands of potentially hazardous projects; and, while allow for additional production of crude oil without filing a Californias population has more than doubled since CEQAs sufficient Environmental Impact Report (EIR). This last creation, we are a cleaner, less polluted state because of this law. minute pitch for an exemption came after both trial and This, however, has not slowed the number of bills containing appellate courts rejected Chevrons petition for expansion proposed CEQA exemptions. Since last years legislative CEQA agreeing that the EIR was deficient. These rulings were largely exemption for a massive NFL stadium in the City of Industry, based on the oil giants refusal to disclose to the residents of even the Governor has tried his hand at proposing exemptions. Richmond the same information about its refinery project that it In his case, however, he suggested not just one exemption, but disclosed to its potential Wall Street investors - how hazardous proposed allowing 125 major development projects to skirt the its expansion truly would be to residents. The Richmond CEQA review process. Had this dangerous proposal passed it Chevron plant is located close to elementary schools, a park, and would have eliminated any means for local residents or decision a public pool; plant expansion would have placed residents in makers to hold developers accountable for the health and harms way. environmental impacts of their proposed projects. With this legislative session over, it is time to celebrate and Thanks to a coalition of community groups, conservation to turn our attention to next year to ensure that once again, we organizations, housing advocates, locally elected officials, and can uphold the law created to guarantee future generations a businesses who came together to prevent additional major cleaner and healthier California. CALIFORNIA TODAY Planning and Conservation League & PCL Foundation

Dear Friends,
CALIFORNIA TODAY (ISBN 0739-8042) is the quarterly newsletter of the PLANNING AND CONSERVATION LEAGUE AND THE PCL FOUNDATION
1107 Ninth Street, Suite 360, Sacramento, CA 95814 PHONE: 916-444-8726 FAX: 916-448-1789

E-MAIL ADDRESS: pclmail@pcl.org WEB ADDRESS: http://www.pcl.org Membership to PCL is $35 a year and includes a subscription to CALIFORNIA TODAY. Periodicals postage paid at Sacramento, CA and at other additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes for CALIFORNIA TODAY to the PCL Office: 1107 Ninth Street, Suite 360, Sacramento, CA 95814

PCLF BOARD OF TRUSTEES

DAVID HIRSCH, Chairman RALPH B. PERRY III, Vice Chairman DANIEL S. FROST, Secretary-Treasurer COKE HALLOWELL, Trustee GERALD H. MERAL, Trustee

PCL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

BILL CENTER, President KEVIN JOHNSON, Senior Vice President VACANT, Secretary-Treasurer SAGE SWEETWOOD, President Emeritus JOHN VAN DE KAMP, President Emeritus

REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENTS

ELISABETH BROWN JAN CHATTEN-BROWN PHYLLIS FABER RICK HAWLEY FRAN LAYTON DOUG LINNEY DAVID MOGAVERO STEPHANIE PINCETL TERESA VILLEGAS TERRY WATT BILL YEATES

ORGANIZATIONAL BOARD MEMBERS

Big Sur Land Trust Breathe California, Sacramento-Emigrant Trails California Association of Local Conservation Corps California Wildlife Foundation / California Oaks California Trout Greenspace - The Cambria Land Trust Golden Gate Audubon Society The Laguna Greenbelt, Inc. Mono Lake Committee Mountain Lion Foundation Sierra Nevada Alliance Southern California Agricultural Land Foundation Train Riders Association of California The Trust for Public Land

PCL/PCL FOUNDATION STAFF

TRACI SHEEHAN, Executive Director TINA ANDOLINA, Legislative Director EVON CHAMBERS, Water Policy Assistant DR. MONICA HUNTER, Central Coast Water Project Manager JONAS MINTON, Senior Water Policy Advisor JONATHAN BERNSTEIN, Administrative Manager MIGUEL LUNA, Water Policy Consultant DAVID MAURIER, Water Policy Analyst JENA PRICE, Global Warming Program Coordinator MATT RAYMOND, Membership & Development Coordinator MELANIE SCHLOTTERBECK, Grants & Outreach Consultant

We now know that Californians have elected Jerry Brown as Governor. But it is a challenging time to govern in our state, to say the least. The global financial crisis, Californias budget shortfalls, and declining state revenues make for a tough financial climate. But in that climate we also find a huge opportunity to green our economy and find cost-effective solutions to decades-old issues. Come next January, there will be a few issues front and center on the next Governors plate. First, Governor Brown will need to finally come to terms with how we do business on water. In the wake of an unpopular and environmentally destructive water bond, Californians want cost-effective and common sense solutions, they do no want business as usual. Thats why we will need to look at innovative solutions that can be implemented immediately. Water recycling, water neutral development, and sustainable funding for water programs are models that can be utilized immediately. To learn more about our 8 Affordable Water Solutions, visit the Publications section of our website: www.PCL.org. Second, we have sun and wind, and with these we could have new renewable energy technology. The next Governor will need to answer how to expedite the renewables market while protecting critical habitat and wildlands. After the end of the 2009-2010 legislative session failed to produce a bill increasing our renewable standard from 20 to 33 percent, Governor Schwarzenegger issued an Executive Order doing just that. Governor Brown will need to find that delicate balance between siting renewable facilities and protecting wildlands by ensuring a thoughtful and open permitting process. One of our Symposium sessions will focus on energy siting -learn more on page 4 of this issue. Finally, California is leading the way nationally in the fight against global warming. We have the right frameworks in place to move our state toward a cleaner, more climate friendly environment. However, how we grow and develop as we buck the effects of this recession will likely determine whether or not we emerge into a greener future, or stagnate into 20th century practices. We are excited to confront these challenges right along side the next Governor and to work with this new legislature to develop creative solutions that will move us in the right direction. Sincerely, Traci Sheehan Executive Director

California Affiliate National Wildlife Federation

CALIFORNIA TODAY Planning and Conservation League & PCL Foundation

2010 Legislative Wrap Up

By: Tina Andolina

In 2010 the League spearheaded include the many significant policy efforts to pass three significant reforms that never made it out of the pieces of legislation, and with Legislature which sought to protect everything said and done, we had our states air and water quality and What is SB 375? It is a 2008 bill that promotes two signed bills and one vetoed. reduce our level of toxic exposure. community integration so that Governor Schwarzenegger These measures were signed: signed SB 918 (Pavley) which directs SB 51 (Ducheny) - Establishes the transportation pollution and energy wastage is reduced. the State Department of Public Salton Sea Restoration Council. Health to develop criteria for safely SB 346 (Kehoe) - Phases out copper using recycled water to supplement from automobile brakes. What does SB 375 do? groundwater basins and reservoirs. SB 1365 (Corbett) - Allows the It sets emission reduction targets to The legislation offers a unique Department of Toxic Substances to be achieved by encouraging urban solution to Californias water crisis. test for lead and to enforce the planning that reduces vehicle miles It enables millions of acre-feet of federal Consumer Product Safety traveled. water to be cost-effectively reused Improvement Act. every year rather than simply AB 1963 (Nava) - Improves the discharged into the ocean. He also Department of Pesticide Regulations What is the time frame? signed SB 1124 (Negrete McLeod), pesticide poisoning prevention program. Targets are set for 2020 and 2035 in which ensures that San Bernardino AB 2289 (Eng) - Enacts critical the 18 metropolitan districts. County fulfills its obligation to updates to Californias Smog Check protect lands it purchased with program. Which district has the most Proposition 70 (state bond funds), AB 2398 (J. Perez) - Increases the which passed in 1988. states recycled content requirement ambitious targets? However, he vetoed AB 499 for carpet bought by the state, and Sacramento is required to reduce its (Hill), which was a common sense requires carpet manufacturers to vehicle emissions by 16% by 2035. measure with no recorded opposition prepare a carpet stewardship plan to that simply made clarifying meet the recycling targets. What does this mean per amendments to the California These measures were vetoed: Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) SB 1433 (Leno) - Would have adjusted person? to ensure that all parties with a penalty ceilings for air pollution It is 3.6 pounds reduced per person per weekday (weekends not included direct interest in a CEQA case are violations to account for inflation. aware of a pending lawsuit and AB 301 (Fuentes) - Would have in the calculation). parties with no direct link to the case required businesses licensed to bottle are not unnecessarily dragged into or sell water to report annually on How much less is this litigation. This veto was very the volume and sources of the water per week? disappointing considering how vocal they bottle and sell. the Governor has been on CEQA. AB 737 (Chesbro) - Would have This equates to just 3.7 miles less Here he missed an easy opportunity required all commercial waste per person per weekday. to close a glaring loophole that has generators to establish recycling made CEQA litigation more costly programs. What are other and time consuming. PCL will push AB 1405 (De Len/M. Perez) for this measure next session. Would have established a Community reduction strategies? By the numbers, environmental Benefits Fund to direct a portion of Increasing public transport, pricing bills that made it to the Governors revenues from AB 32 implementation options (fuel, fees, and parking), desk faired pretty well, though, some to help Californians who are least able reducing single occupant vehicles. top priority bills were vetoed. to confront the expected impacts of However, this list of bills does not the climate crisis at the local level. CALIFORNIA TODAY Planning and Conservation League & PCL Foundation 3

Fast Facts

2011 Symposium Finally in Sight

By: Melanie Schlotterbeck

Though still several months away, the 2011 Symposium is already shaping up to be an incredible event. With key legislators and elected officials, agency representatives, and experts from the business, legal, and non-profit sectors -- our line up of speakers is unparalled. This is an event you wont want to miss! Focusing in on what the next ten years will look like in terms of our environment and quality of life, the

League and Foundations annual event theme is California 2020: A Vision for the Next Decade. Our sessions include relevant and timely information on water, land use, transportation, and more. We hope you are able to join us and through our partnership and coordinated action we can set the stage for Californias environmental future! A few session highlights are listed below.

Symposium Details Date: Saturday, January 29, 2011 Time: 9 AM - 5 PM Venue: Sheraton Grand 1230 J Street Downtown Sacramento

CLE Session

Policy Panel

How To... Workshop

The science and economics of wisely choosing and responsibly building upon sites for utility scale energy facilities has evolved rapidly in recent years. As technologies and related energy conversion efficiencies have continued to advance, project proponents have gained important experience in working with environmental laws and the multiple levels of government bodies that enforce them. As environmental groups continue to race to keep up with unprecedented numbers of project applications, federal, state, and local representatives are striving to balance the needs for renewable energy with the need to protect site specif ic and regional environmental and natural resources. Come hear a lively discussion between industry, government, and environmental organizations regarding important lessons learned and their respective predictions for the future of siting decisions. Julia Blunden, SunPower Corp. Chair Karen Douglas, CA Energy Commission Kevin Hunting, CA Dept. of Fish and Game Kim Delfino, Defenders of Wildlife

PERSPECTIVES ON ENERGY SITING

WHAT IS NEXT FOR CALIFORNIA WATER?

California is in the third year of a drought and scientists predict less rainfall, decreased snowpack, and drier conditions in the future. California residents have been scaling back water use as less water is available from the Colorado River and the Sacramento-San Joaquin Bay Delta. However, the Delta ecosystem is still on the verge of collapsing and population growth is expected to increase demand on our already over-tapped water supply. For the past several years the California Legislature has taken up policies to address this crisis. In 2009, a package of bills was passed dealing with the Delta, water conservation, groundwater, illegal diversions, and several other water reforms. This panel will focus on how these polices have been implemented, what action steps are still needed to alleviate the water crisis, including increased water conservation, improved water recycling, and low impact developments, among other solutions. Chair Phil Isenberg, Delta Stewardship Council Assemblymember Jared Huffman Senator Lois Wolk
Panel sponsored by The Rose Foundation and the East Bay Municipal Utility District

Ever wonder if you have what it takes to enter the world of politics? Whether you want to be active in your community or become a Commissioner, you will learn what personal and professional background and community history you need to run for office. Discover the skill sets that also help get candidates elected from listening skills, to coalition building, and odd-couple alliances. Discover when to start thinking about running, how to begin a campaign, decide on your platform, and how to advance it publicly. Also find out from whom you should request an endorsement and who should be on your campaign committee. Participants will learn how to set the stage for a successful political run at the local or regional level, understand the ins and outs of political life, and get the low down on timing. Supervisor Steve Wilensky, Calaveras County

HOW TO... POSITION YOURSELF TO RUN FOR OFFICE

Download the agenda at: www.PCL.org

CM I 1.25 I Law CLE

CM I 1.25

CALIFORNIA TODAY Planning and Conservation League & PCL Foundation

CLE & CM Credit

AICP members can earn Certification Maintenance (CM) credits for many activities at this event. When CM credits are available they are noted at the end of an activity description. More information about AICPs CM program can be found at: www.planning.org/cm. PCL and PCLF certify that 3.75 CLE hours have been approved for this activity by the State Bar of California. These credits include three legal panels. When the keynote is confirmed, we hope to request an additional 0.75 credits.

Conference fee covers a continental breakfast, lunch, refreshments, and all Symposium materials. Fees are as follows: After Dec. 31 Before Dec. 31 PCL Member (code required)* $100 $130 $150 Government Rate (code required)** $120 Non-Member $140 $160 CLE $250 $275 Student $50 $65
* Member code printed above mailing label. ** Registrant must call PCL for government code at 916-313-4517.

Registration Form
Name Organization Address

Award Winners
PCL and PCLF will celebrate and pay tribute to the work of some special environmental heroes of 2010 during an Awards Luncheon at the Symposium: Assemblymember Mike Feuer Senator Alan Lowenthal Legislators of the Year Doug Carstens Carla Bard Award for Individual Achievement California State Parks Foundation David Gaines Award for Non-Profit Work Lynne Plambeck Dorothy Green Water Policy Advocate of the Year

City, State Zip Phone Email

Savory Chicken Dish Seasonal Vegetarian Dish Seasonal Vegan Dish CLE CM

Meal Selection:

Room Block at The Citizen Hotel

If you are traveling from out of town and need a nice place to stay, please reserve your room at The Citizen Hotel. Be sure to mention the Reference Code (PCL) when calling to make your reservation. All reservations must be made by Friday, January 7, 2011 to receive the discounted rate. Reservations Details: Price Per Night: $99 plus taxes and incidentals Room Types: Single or Double Reservations: Guests make their own arrangements and pay room, tax, and incidentals. Toll Free Reservation number: 866-949-0777, mention the PCL Room Block.

Registration Option:

Is it ok to list you in the conference program with all your contact information? Yes No Payment Options: Member Code: ____________
(printed above the mailing label)

Amount: $________

1. Credit Card: register online at: www.PCL.org or fill out this form and fax it to: 916-448-1789. Credit Card # (Visa/MC) Exp. Date

Early Sponsors
Thanks to our early event sponsors: Rossmann and Moore LLP Mogavero Notestine Associates The Rose Foundation Linda and Byron Sher Kevin K. Johnson, A Public Law Corporation East Bay Municipal Utility District John Van de Kamp Vern Goehring Community Conservancy Solutions California American Water Marin Conservation League Conservation Clarity Peter and Carole Clum National Wildlife Federation Robert Erickson Friends, Artists, and Neighbors of Elkhorn Slough r / r Become a sponsor of this event at: www.PCL.org/sponsorship

2. Check - make payable to PCL and mail with form to: Planning and Conservation League Attention: Registration Coordinator 1107 9th Street, Suite 360 Sacramento CA 95814
E-Newsletters: As part of registering for the Symposium you will be N subscribed to our free, weekly e-newsletter, the PCL Insider. Know that you may remove your name from our list at any time by following the unsubscribe link provided in the newsletter. Photographs & Videos: Please be aware that PCL and PCLF will be taking photographs of the event, which will be used in our publications and on the web. We may possibly record videos of the event as well.

CALIFORNIA TODAY Planning and Conservation League & PCL Foundation

Southern California CEQA House Party

By: Melanie Schlotterbeck

With the gorgeous Pacific Ocean as the backdrop and a pleasant sunny Southern California day, the League set out to celebrate. Forty-two people gathered to join us in the festivities. Why celebrate? In 2009, the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) saw disturbing legislative exemptions from the requirements of this important law. In 2010, more egregious exemptions were proposed. Thankfully, with a lot of elbow grease, grassroots organizing, and a clear strategy, together we were able to outright stop newly proposed CEQA exemptions. The final victory came when the state budget did not include any CEQA exemptions or backroom deals that would have skirted environmental protections. It isnt all that often that we get to celebrate major victories. But a CEQA-free budget and putting the kabosh on proposed exemptions meant we needed to take a minute to bask in the glory of our success! We celebrated our hard work and successful efforts. We celebrated our friends and steadfast and supportive Legislators. We celebrated the

beautiful California landscape. And we celebrated our 45th birthday! Thank you to our gracious hosts, Jack Brown and Jan Chatten-Brown (a PCL Vice President) for opening their beautiful home in Pacific Palisades to the League. Also, we acknowledge the donation of wine from Barefoot Winery to help with the celebrations. We hope to make these regular events, but we need your help to continue our successes! Lets provide constant pressure and let our leaders know that our environmental laws must remain strong. To have your organization become a CEQA Champion and fight bad CEQA bills, email the Leagues Executive Director, Traci Sheehan at TSheehan@pcl.org. With a successful 2010 behind us, we now look forward to 2011, knowing that we have a strong coalition and success on our side. Together we can make a difference and we did make a difference. Kudos to all of our partners, friends, and organizations.

CEQA Workshops Available

In mid-October, the League hosted a CEQA workshop in San Francisco. We had a great turn out, with activists and advocates from all over the region. If your organization would like to sponsor a CEQA workshop in your area, let us know. These workshops help educate the public about their role in the environmental review process. The more folks we educate, the more we can do to improve how our cities evolve and grow. Get the details about our workshop, agenda, and our fee for service by contacting the Workshop Coordinator, Melanie Schlotterbeck, at MSchlotterbeck@pcl.org.

Its our birthday! We celebrated with cake and other goodies!

Assembly member Mike Feuer outlines how the exemptions happened and how we can protect CEQA in the future. PCLs Tina Andolina talks about the CEQA-free budget and how the grassroots organizing was critical to our success! Senator Fran Pavley relays the importance of remaining involved and ready. All photos taken by: Melanie Schlotterbeck

CALIFORNIA TODAY Planning and Conservation League & PCL Foundation

2010 Coast and Ocean Regional Roundtables

By: Dr. Monica Hunter

Over 80 participants joined PCLFs third annual Coast and Ocean Regional Roundtables (CORRT) held in San Luis Obispo, Monterey, and Santa Cruz in fall 2010. Assembly member Bill Monning (Santa Cruz/Monterey) gave opening remarks at two meetings, noting the importance of the CORRT forum for identifying and implementing collaborative community-based solutions to achieve sustainable communities. This years program series, funded by the Campbell Foundation, identified local efforts related to three issues of statewide importance. The series presented Models for Action to showcase Central Coast work that directly supports statewide goals for better management of coastal and marine resources. Presentations included a marine debris project, recent studies conducted by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute and other research institutes linking stormwater runoff with occurrences of harmful algal blooms and impacts to the marine ecosystem, and, efforts to conduct collaborative and technical support for implementation of Low Impact Development in coastal watersheds to reduce runoff and increase groundwater recharge.

Following the California and the World Oceans Conference model, PCLF brings local scientists and resource managers together with community groups to consider management challenges for coastal and marine resources. In previous years, CORRT participants have explored the formation of Land to Sea Advisory groups. This year the marine debris project is being considered by groups in San Luis Obispo. A full report of CORRTs 2010 work will be available in January of 2011.

As required by the United States Post Office, every year we need to publish our Statement of Circulation.

CALIFORNIA TODAY Planning and Conservation League & PCL Foundation

Marti Johnson

PLANNING AND CONSERVATION LEAGUE PLANNING AND CONSERVATION LEAGUE FOUNDATION

1107 9TH STREET, SUITE 360 SACRAMENTO, CA 95814

Forest Stewardship Council certified paper containing 50% recycled fiber with 25% post consumer waste, elemental chlorine free and printed with vegetable ink.

VISIT US ON THE WEB: www.PCL.org or www.PCLFoundation.org

PCL History Project

By: Evon Chambers

Leagues Water Plan on Tour

By: Evon Chambers

The photo featured in the last edition of Cal Today received the most responses of any photo to date. It was taken at PCLs 25th anniversary dinner at the Fairmount Hotel in San Francisco in 1990. The candid photo features former PCL Executive Director, and now radio commentator, Bill Press. Moving to the right is former California Governor and U.S. Senator Pete Wilson. By Wilsons side is his long time political aide, the late Otto Bos. Next to Mr. Bos is former PCL Executive Director Gary Patton and behind Gary is then PCL Executive Director Jerry Meral. Seated at the table, at the lower right-hand corner is former 1st District Court of Appeal Justice Bill Newsom. Sitting next to him is then PCL President Mike Remy with his wife Trudy. Can you help us identify this picture? Please send responses to Evon Chambers at: EChambers@pcl.org.

Last March PCL released a plan which identifies eight water priorities that will help California protect and improve our water supply reliability while being as fiscally and environmentally friendly as possible. Since then, we have been successful in passing legislation to develop public health standards for recycled water, aided the state in adoption of Delta Flow Criteria, worked on the federal level in the advocacy of converting toxic drainage impaired lands in the San Joaquin Valley to solar generation, and now we are touring the state to educate folks about Water Neutral Development. Water issues have come to the forefront of the agendas of unconventional stakeholders, including economists, businesses, local governments and planners. As a result, PCL has been invited to many of their annual meetings and conferences to educate members on short-term actions agencies can pursue to revitalize and sustain California into the future. Keep your eyes peeled, we may be coming to a conference near you. Download your copy of the 8 Affordable Water Strategies from the Publications section of the Leagues website: www.PCL.org.