From: Priscilla Rocco
To: CITY CLERK
Subject: Ecosystems and Human Folly
Date: Tuesday, December 5, 2023 11:21:29 AM
City Council,
In France in 1940, a teenager and his friends investigated a hole left by a toppled tree. They descended 50 feet into a cave, but they were actually stepping back in time. For on the walls and ceilings were paintings of horses, deer, and bulls created by Palaeolithic humans. Lascaux Cave was opened to the public in 1948. 1,200 visitors came daily and with each breath brought carbon dioxide, heat, humidity, and other contaminants. By 1955 the paintings were damaged, and soon the walls were infested with fungi and lichen. By 1963, it was closed. Before Lascaux was a World Heritage Site, scientists knew it was a treasure. What they didn't know was the damage people could do.
Which brings me to Fairview Park, where your kids can walk in the footsteps of the Acjachemen Nation. Seeing the same birds, animals, and plants. The archeological sites are there, but they've been covered by builder's rubble.
The paths are being torn up by teenagers on e-bikes. And the watershed to the vernal pools is being trampled by men flying planes. Fairview is the only park where vandalism is allowed. This is being documented in the update to the Fairview Park Master Plan.
November 8th, Travis Brooks, a restoration ecologist, described the hundreds of species of birds, butterflies, lizards, amphibians, snakes, and fairy shrimp Fairview Park supports. Aerial photos showed the damage over time. He explained what will be lost if restoration isn't approved and funded by the city council. But no council members attended. When the presentation focused on the vernal pools, a leader of the Harbor Soaring Society - who doesn't live in Costa Mesa - rose to his feet. Despite the fact that this small group's operations and much of their flying occurs in Newport Beach, he threatened to oust from office any member of our city council who votes to oust them from the park.
Why did six members of our council vote for HSS, and against the scientists at the California and U.S. Departments of Fish and Wildlife; a biologist they hired; the Fairview Park Steering Committee, they appointed; their Fairview Park Administrator; and the 800 members and experts of the Fairview Park Alliance?
Kids need to put down their devices and spend time in Nature. For their sake, take a tour with Travis Brooks, follow the restoration plans, and save this outdoor classroom. Assign park rangers while our treasures can still be saved. HSS can fly their planes in Newport Beach. Let the White-tailed Kite fly free in Fairview Park again.
Priscilla Rocco
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From: Jesse Scott
To: CITY CLERK
Subject: Public Comment
Date: Thursday, November 30, 2023 5:03:47 PM
Hi! I just wanted to ask about agenda item 6 on the Consent Calendar regarding police security cameras.
The filing states the police purchased new analog cameras in 2019, so it seems strange to me they are already in such poor condition they require replacement. Additionally, it was surprising to me to hear they purchased new analog cameras in 2019 at all, given that analog has been out of style for some time. I would just like to voice my concern about giving so much money to the police department given they (apparently) bought such poor quality items the first time, though I acknowledge if their system is failing they likely do need new cameras.
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From: [email protected]
To: CITY CLERK
Subject: FW: Consent Calendar Item 11 - Open Space Easement Deed and Agreement ("Rail Trail") with The Press Owner, LLC
Date: Tuesday, December 5, 2023 11:34:14 AM
Attachments: PXL_20231205_180723200.jpg
PXL_20231205_180815963.jpg
Hi,
I would like to pull this item from the Consent Calendar tonight. Thanks!
Cynthia McDonald
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, December 5, 2023 11:32 AM
To: 'SETHURAMAN, RAJA' <[email protected]> Cc: 'REYNOLDS, ARLIS' <[email protected]>; 'STEPHENS, JOHN' <[email protected]>; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected] Subject: Consent Calendar Item 11 - Open Space Easement Deed and Agreement ("Rail Trail") with The Press Owner, LLC
Hi Raja,
Congrats on bringing another important link to the master plan of bikeways to fruition! As we discussed many years ago, this trail could become an important link to Santa Ana’s Alton bike trail.
Hopefully, Santa Ana will pursue its end and convert to rest of the rail line up to the Alton trail to provide a much needed safe connection for both recreational and commuting cyclists.
There are a couple of items in the Easement Deed between The Press Owner, LLC and the City that concern me. It is not clear in the Easement Deed who will be responsible for locking/unlocking the gates to the trail. Will it be the City?
Also, as stated in the Easement Deed and as shown by the signage on the trail, the trail will be open dawn to dusk. Dusk today is at 4:44 p.m. Quitting time for many workers is 5:00 p.m., so while they may be able to use this safe trail to get to work, they may not be able to use it for the return trip.
Yes, I know it is one block, but one block of safe cycling is important and, as I mentioned above, it may be a critical link someday. If the trail closed at the end of civil twilight (approximately 45 minutes after dusk), that would allow workers to use the trail with sunlight for the ride home.
I’ve attached photos of the signage and the locks on the gate to help with understanding my concerns.
In addition, there is a typo in Section 6 of the Easement Deed. On the third to last line, the word “hall” should be “shall”.
Thanks!
Cynthia McDonald
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