Coastal balance
Last night, the City Council once again tackled the State beach sand issue and it looks like there might be some grounds for new hope.
Back in 1999, the City sought a permit to use heavy equipment to move sand back from the ends of the Pierpont Lanes -- the unique beach neighborhood that adjoins the State beach.
We were rebuffed by the Coastal Commission. In the years since, blowing sand has continued to pile up -- and now constantly spills over onto the adjoining public stairs, public streets and private yards.
As the sand has risen, so has the level of complaints from residents. They've lost patience with the City, the State and the Coastal Commission and have demanded that the City act. A handful of beachfront owners have even sued the City and the State, demanding taxpayers foot the bill for removing the sand from overtopping their back walls and fences. Since we don't own the beach, the City is obviously opposing their demand.
Looking for a solution to this increasingly contentious situation, the City consulted with Coastal Commission and State Beach staff to commission a "sand management plan" to deal with the problem. But instead of the groomed recreational beach that Pierpont residents have been clamoring for, the new plan called for the protection and encouragement of fenced off dunes with carefully reintroduced native plants. Guess who would pay for this eco-experiment on the State Beach? The adjoining property owners.
That made the plan dead on arrival. Not only were we asking the residents to accept a solution they opposed, we were asking them to finance it.
No wonder we had some heated meetings. But just about everyone has calmed down now, due to the thoughtful leadership of members of the City Council, leaders of the Pierpoint Community Council and some hard-working and patient City staff people who've all been willing to turn down the volume and look for win-wins.
No one is celebrating yet. But the Council was widely applauded for their actions last night. The Council reaffirmed our cooperative agreement with the State for lifeguards. The Council agreed to seek a permit for short-term relief to allow both the City and the adjoining property owners to move some of the sand back. The Council also agreed to partner with the Pierpont Community Council to work with the Coastal Commission and State Beach on a realistic beach management approach, recognizing that the costs will need to be shared instead of falling solely on either the government or private property owners. One additional source of funding was embraced by the Council -- enforcing our hotel tax on temporary house rentals in the Pierpoint area. Finally, the Council agreed on a stepped up level of sand removal covering the beach access stairs -- although it made clear that was subject to the tough upcoming budget process that may not make that feasible in the near future. Councilmember Neal Andrews dissented reluctantly on the last point, fearing that the contingent commitment was not fiscally responsible knowing what we know about the upcoming budget. His point -- and the response from his colleagues -- helped clarify that the level of maintenance we all want is not necessarily what the City can afford.
All in all, a big step forward. There is still a big gulf between the stance of the Coastal Commission, which is primarily focused on protecting sensitive dune habitat -- and the local neighbors who want a clean, safe and attractive playground for the multitude of visitors drawn to Ventura's coast. The City finds itself trying to find a realistic middle ground. As hard as that challenge will be, we've already come a long way. Continued dialogue and collaboration can help us all find the right balance.
Back in 1999, the City sought a permit to use heavy equipment to move sand back from the ends of the Pierpont Lanes -- the unique beach neighborhood that adjoins the State beach.
We were rebuffed by the Coastal Commission. In the years since, blowing sand has continued to pile up -- and now constantly spills over onto the adjoining public stairs, public streets and private yards.
As the sand has risen, so has the level of complaints from residents. They've lost patience with the City, the State and the Coastal Commission and have demanded that the City act. A handful of beachfront owners have even sued the City and the State, demanding taxpayers foot the bill for removing the sand from overtopping their back walls and fences. Since we don't own the beach, the City is obviously opposing their demand.
Looking for a solution to this increasingly contentious situation, the City consulted with Coastal Commission and State Beach staff to commission a "sand management plan" to deal with the problem. But instead of the groomed recreational beach that Pierpont residents have been clamoring for, the new plan called for the protection and encouragement of fenced off dunes with carefully reintroduced native plants. Guess who would pay for this eco-experiment on the State Beach? The adjoining property owners.
That made the plan dead on arrival. Not only were we asking the residents to accept a solution they opposed, we were asking them to finance it.
No wonder we had some heated meetings. But just about everyone has calmed down now, due to the thoughtful leadership of members of the City Council, leaders of the Pierpoint Community Council and some hard-working and patient City staff people who've all been willing to turn down the volume and look for win-wins.
No one is celebrating yet. But the Council was widely applauded for their actions last night. The Council reaffirmed our cooperative agreement with the State for lifeguards. The Council agreed to seek a permit for short-term relief to allow both the City and the adjoining property owners to move some of the sand back. The Council also agreed to partner with the Pierpont Community Council to work with the Coastal Commission and State Beach on a realistic beach management approach, recognizing that the costs will need to be shared instead of falling solely on either the government or private property owners. One additional source of funding was embraced by the Council -- enforcing our hotel tax on temporary house rentals in the Pierpoint area. Finally, the Council agreed on a stepped up level of sand removal covering the beach access stairs -- although it made clear that was subject to the tough upcoming budget process that may not make that feasible in the near future. Councilmember Neal Andrews dissented reluctantly on the last point, fearing that the contingent commitment was not fiscally responsible knowing what we know about the upcoming budget. His point -- and the response from his colleagues -- helped clarify that the level of maintenance we all want is not necessarily what the City can afford.
All in all, a big step forward. There is still a big gulf between the stance of the Coastal Commission, which is primarily focused on protecting sensitive dune habitat -- and the local neighbors who want a clean, safe and attractive playground for the multitude of visitors drawn to Ventura's coast. The City finds itself trying to find a realistic middle ground. As hard as that challenge will be, we've already come a long way. Continued dialogue and collaboration can help us all find the right balance.
posted by Rick Cole at
4:16 PM
2 Comments:
Boy, I have lived in Ventura for 15 years and between the Hillside protection, Camille's VCORD, Pierpoint, anti-Walmart, and anti-911 fees, the Council and City staff have the worst perfect storm brewing.
I feel for you guys. I think the City's intentions are right but I think a massive public education campaign on the realities of the situation is necessary. Somehow you need to get Ventura County Star Free press on board. They seem to be your worst critic. There must be some history of bad blood that needs to be cleansed.
Also, personaly, when I talk to people, they appreciate the efforts of the city on smart growth. However, after seeing VCORD get away with call others Gastapo or worse, who wants to stick their neck out? VCORD has been so divisive that it has hurt the City's effectiveness.
This are lots of issues to deal with and no end in sight. Citizens who are reading this, let's pull together again pro-actively.
Thoughtful post -- and a sobering one.
Six months ago, the three incumbents running for re-election won handily, despite various voices in the community raising the same concerns that are now getting so much play in the Star.
I agree that a two-way dialogue is vital. There is obviously a rising level of frustration. Part is the lousy economy. Part is how we handled the imposition of the 911 Fee. Part is the vitriol of various single-issue advocates recklessly pushing their viewpoint without any regard for balance. And you can fill in other factors . . .
But while things may not have been as rosy six months ago as they appeared on election day, neither are they so gloomy now. By quick and decisive action, the Council has ensured the City will finish in the black this year and is close to a balanced budget for next year. This Council continues to have a good record at finding common ground, admitting mistakes and moving forward.
This is an important time for voices of reason to speak up, to help find the balance on controversial issues. City Hall never has all the answers -- listening to the citizens (and not just the most vocal) is vital to a healthy democracy.
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