May 2019 Advocacy Minutes

 

Advocacy Meeting

May 6, 2019  6:00 - 8:00 p.m. 

Trek Superstore, 1617 Capalina Rd, San Marcos, California 92069

Ben Stone - Advocacy Committee Chairperson

 

  1. Welcome and Introductions 

  2. Questions or comments? 

  3. Guests:  

    1. The Escondido Creek Conservancy - Ann Van Leer

The Conservancy is 17 years old yet only 5 to 6 years ago was the first time land was purchased. Currently owns 2500-3000 acres.

Prop 68 allows organizations  (such as SDMBA?) to purchase land with grant money. Approximately 60M over 27 years has been granted (much of it for the conservancy).

    1. San Dieguito River Park - Ranger David Hekel

MTB patrol has decreased in size and he’s looking for new ambassadors. The recent barb wire incident(s) were clearly with malice. Please report any and ALL incidents such as these. Potential trailwork for next winter: Bernardo Mountain. 

    1. CNLM La Costa - Sarah Godfrey 

  2. Mountain Meadow County Purchase with TECC (Ben)

Ben reminded us the County is open to our feedback!

  1. Forest Service Projects (Ben)

Mt. Laguna realignment -some trail will be moved up onto the mountain and out of the boggy area down below. Orosco Ridge has had a slow down with the project due to the hiring of a new forest supervisor. It looks like we’ll have to go to a higher level of the environmental document in order to move forward. We’re encouraging all to write an email to the new supervisor showing your interest and support. 

 

  1. County Bike Parks North, South and East update (Ben)

Supervisor in south county, Greg Cox, really wanted to see a bike park there, that’s why the project moved along so quickly.East and north county have potential parks in the in the forecast. San Marcos pump track - stay tuned. There’s an opportunity here. If anyone has contacts/alliances within the local governments, please write to them to ask for their support. 

  1. San Luis Rey Active Rec Parks (Ben)

The San Luis Trail is another location where we’re looking to put a bike park. 

  1. Lusardi/Black Mountain/Black Widow update (Matt Bartelt) 

Work on Black mtn. Has been going on for 2 years. The flow trail, Black Widow, is the most recent trail under construction. Rains have helped with the work this winter, but it’s taken quite a bit longer than planned due to rock we had haul up the mountain (for the corners). Lusardi: we’re taking it from a one and a half mile climb to a 3.5 mile climb to greatly reduce the grade. The back side where service roads are need a Master Plan to include berm turns vs. the straight up and down trail (road) which currently exists. This was the first public land where an excavator operated by SDMBA staff was used to build trail.

  1. San Marcos Trail Issues and bike parks (Nick and Ben)

There was a meeting held to discuss what bike parks are all about, then the city discovered the large dirt jumps high schoolers had built. This led to support by the city for bike parks. La Mirre Park which is tucked behind the University in San Marcos is a 34 acre parcel owned by the city. It is earmarked for parks and recreation but it’s not conducive for this use so the city is very interested in looking into a bike park there. We encourage all to stay engaged or get engaged with this issue as we try to find opportunity with this property. 

Trails in San Marcos have issues with trail standards. The city hasn’t had a trail master plan since the 90’s. They’re in the final stages of a new plan. None of it is single track though. Trail standards for the city are exact standards as opposed to best practice standards in other cities. There is a need to get standards modified to include single track. Please attend city council meetings to show your support! Another difficult issue is the number of and very mixed ownership of the land. Much is owned by HOA’s. We need to find someone in the local area who is willing to take the lead here. P Mountain is even more mixed ownership. Need to get in front of developers!  Marian Mountain may be on the docket. TAC (Trails Access Committee) just lost supervising ranger but will ressurect this in a month or two. If you’re interested, this is a great opportunity. Randy Walton, a councilman is very supportive of recreational activities. 

 

  1. La Costa Long Term Trail Work (Ben)

Ben has complete list of all those interested in trail work here. Much work is needed. 

  1. Daley Ranch Trail Work (Scott and Ben)

Scott has approached new ranger who is very willing to work with us. Scott has taken inventory of the work needed to be done. Starting small and developing relationships -

  1. CDFW issues/update at CHER (Ben)

Letter of support has been received from two county supervisors as a direct result from hearing from many of us. We have several politicians supporting an equitable decision. Potential solutions are to go to fish and game to add cycling as an allowed use. To Ben’s understanding, the only designated trails are dirt roads. There is no formal management plan for this property and hasn’t been for many years. If we have universal support from local government, there’s potential for trail access. Crestridge ecological reserve is a the only precedent for this type of trail access.

 

    Attendees :34

 

 



 

Old Business 

  1. Tecolote Trails plan - (Evan) - (In progress 2019)

  2. Sycamore Goodan Ranch 2019 (Ben Stone)

  3. Fanita Ranch Trails Plan (Ben Stone) (Unknown)

  4. Castlerock project date June 2016 grading has begun (Ben)

  5. Sweetwater Summit Bike Park (2019)

  6. Otay Valley Regional Park +Bike Park - (Jose) 

  7. Tijuana River Valley (Jose)

  8. Palm Canyon Update (in Progress)

  9. Village 13 Projected Date (2019)

  10. Mission Trails Master Plan (Summer 2019)

 

Next meeting: September 9, 2019  (going to quarterly schedule)

4499 Ruffin Road (second floor)

 

-Upcoming events and volunteer opportunities

*5/11 River Kid Days - Bike Skills course with Sprockids 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 

5/16  Bike To Work Day PitStop at SportRx  6 - 9 a.m. 

5/19 SDMBA Member Day at Sky Park at Santa’s Village

5/24 Fundraiser at Iron Pig Alehouse with Rouleur Brewing in Pacific Beach 7 p.m. 

*6/1  San Marcos Trails Day - Kids’ Bike Skills course

6/9  San Dieguito River Park 30th Anniversary Fair 

 

Contact volunteer@sdmba.com (Karen St. Germain)

Liaisons needed: NICA Team Liaison