Meeting Date: Oct. 8, 2024
To: Legislative Subcommittee
From: Jason Haber, Intergovernmental Affairs Director
Staff Contact: Jason Haber, Intergovernmental Affairs Director [email protected], 442-339-2958
Subject: California Department of Parks and Recreation Update District: All
Recommen
ded 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 extr
eme 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 Sout
h 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 Depar tment 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.
Exhibit 1
Oct. 8, 2024
Item #3 Page 2 of 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
Oct. 8, 2024
Item #3 Page 3 of 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 P
ARK
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 V
alley.
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
A
venue 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
Oct. 8, 2024
Item #3 Page 4 of 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 ST
ATE 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
Oct. 8, 2024
Item #3 Page 5 of 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
Cas
pian 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
Oct. 8, 2024
Item #3 Page 6 of 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, 2024
Item #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
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n 15 30 45 60 Kilometers
C 2009Callfoml8 Stat8 Patks
Map by Eureka Calfl:Jg,aphy, Berl<eley, CA
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Estuarine Research Reserve
C;,. Border Field State Park
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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 [email protected].
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 [email protected].
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.
Exhibit 2
Oct. 8, 2024
Item #3 Page 8 of 9
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South Carlsbad
State Beach
Leucadia State Beach ■
(Operated by City of Encintas)
Moonlight State Beach ■
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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
P ACIFIC OCEAN
South End Sites 131-223
PACIFIC OCEAN
223 206 205204203202201200199198197196195194193192191190189188187186185184183 182181180 179178177176175174173172171170169 167168 166165 164163162161160159158157156 149150151148 152 153154155
222221220219218217216215214213212211210209208207
132133134135 136137138139140141142143144145146147131
74 75
76 77
78 79
80 81
82 83
84 85
86 87
88 89
90 91
92 93
94 95
96 97
98 99
100
102
101
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
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125
126
127
128
129
130
2 3
4 5
6 7
8 9
10 11
12 13
14 15
16 17
18 19
20 21
22 23
24 25
26 27
28 29
30 31
32 33
34 35
36 37
38 39
40 41
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44 45
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50 51
53 52
54 55
56 57
58 59
60 61
62 63
64 65
67 66
68 70
71 72
69 27
26 23
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CH CHCH
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Maps not to scale
Your Site # _____________
© 2009 California State Parks (Rev. 2022)
Oct. 8, 2024
Item #3 Page 9 of 9
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