Draft Combined 2022 General Plan Annual Progress Report — Gonzales City Council, August 21, 2023

1 Table of Contents.

1. Introduction. Page 2

2. Date of presentation/acceptance by the local legislative body (agenda item or resolution). Page 2

3. The date of the last update to the General Plan. Page 2

4. Measures associated with the implementation of the general plan with specific reference to an individual element. Page 2

5. Housing Element APR reporting requirements – Each jurisdiction is required to report certain housing information in accordance with state housing law (refer to Government Code Sections 65400, 65583, and 65584) and HCD's housing element guidelines (see https://www.hcd.ca.gov/communitydevelopment/annual-progress-reports.shtml or email [email protected] for more information). Page 76

6. The degree to which the General Plan complies with OPR’s General Plan Guidelines, including environmental justice considerations, collaborative planning with military lands and facilities, and consultation with Native American tribes. Page 77

7. Priorities for land use decision-making that have been established by the local legislative body (e.g., the passage of moratoria or emergency ordinances). Page 77

8. Goals, policies, objectives, standards, or other plan proposals that need to be added or were deleted, amended or otherwise adjusted. One or more lists of the following, including reference to the specific general plan element or policy, status (i.e., approved/denied, initiated/ongoing/completed, etc.), and a brief comment on how each advanced the implementation of the General Plan during the past year. Page 78 a. Planning activities initiated – These may include but are not limited to, master plans, specific plans, master environmental assessments, annexation studies, and other studies or plans.
b. General Plan amendments – These may include agency-driven as well as applicantdriven amendments. c. Major development applications processed.
2 1. Introduction.

This is a report due to the State of California on an annual basis. The last time the City of Gonzales submitted such a report to the State of California is unknown. These reports are meant to keep the Goals, Policies and Programs fresh with each City; that they look at them, implement them, and adjust them and add or remove them in a yearly engaged manner. General Plans are meant to be kept at the forefront in our city decision making.

Even though our community has had slow development, we still need to reflect because we can consider whether we need to liberalize or reduce governmental constraints that may be in the way of private investment. Gonzales has new development proposals on the small side: backyard ADUs, home additions, solar panel, etc. and we have big projects like the Rianda Family Trust moving forward with an $80 million cooler and packaging facility that has jobs and value added to the City and region, and we have the big specific plan interests, that continue with their efforts to improve hundreds of acres to the City’s east in the Sphere of Influence areas. What we don’t currently have are the 10-30 new unit subdivisions, or apartments, medium scale industrial uses or expansions, new hotels, standalone restaurants, nor do we have an abundance of undeveloped land. In fact, we have quite a few aging older structures in the Alta city frontage areas that are not contributing to our economy much at all.

The City should be crafting strategies to have these properties be re-invested in. We need mixed use urban-style development: Ground floor retail and services (tourist attractors) second story office spaces and third floor living areas. If we can light one or two of these investment fires, other existing businesses will clean up, shape up and join the party.

2. Date of presentation/acceptance by the local legislative body (agenda item or resolution).

City of Gonzales Resolutions 2011-02, and 2011-03 certified the Environmental Impact Report (SCH#2009121017) and adopted the Gonzales 2010 General Plan on January 18, 2011.

3. The date of the last update to the General Plan.

City of Gonzales Resolution 2018-35 analyzed the 2010 General Plan EIR in an Addendum to SCH#2009121017 and adopted the Health and Wellness Element on the 16th day of July 2018. This may also represent (in the Addendum to the City’s General Plan EIR), the last thorough review of General Plan Element Goals, Programs and mitigation measures as may have been necessary.

4. Measures associated with the implementation of the general plan with specific reference to an individual element.

This will be responded to in two parts. PART A will consist of progress of mitigation measures identified in the 2010 General Plan to mitigate known potential impacts. Upon the adoption of the innovative Health and Wellness Element in 2018 though, there were new Goals, Policies and Implementation Actions built into the City’s General Plan that have yet to be reported. PART B will address the 22 Goals, 62 Policies and 156 Implementing Actions of the General Plan’s Health and Wellness Element.
3 PART A
The best resource we have to clarify and report on this subject heading would be the Mitigation Monitoring Program (MMP) prepared for the City of Gonzales in December of 2010 by Coast Plans as an implementation component of the Gonzales 2010 General Plan Environmental Impact Report.

Impacts to General Plan Resource subjects and their mitigation measures and implementation measures were identified for the following resources:
• Agricultural Resources
• Aesthetics
• Transportation/Traffic
• Air Quality
• Greenhouse Gas Emissions
• Public Services
• Biological Resources
• Cultural Resources
• Hazards and Hazardous Materials
For this APR Exercise, staff will paste in the MMP Category and Program response (2010) and then update accordingly for the 2022 reporting year of this report.

AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES
Category Program Response
Impact Impact AG-2: The adoption of the Gonzales 2010 General Plan would provide the basis for development activity that would conflict with existing agricultural zoning or a Williamson Act contract Mitigation Measure Mitigation Measure AG-1: Collaboration with the County of Monterey.

Collaborate with the County of Monterey to establish an urban reserve area around Gonzales that corresponds entirely or partially to the Urban Growth Area and Urban Reserve Area established by the Gonzales 2010 General Plan.

Location Gonzales Planning Area
Monitoring/Reporting
Action
The City of Gonzales will reach an agreement with the County of Monterey on the amendment of the 2010 Monterey County General Plan establishing an Urban Reserve Area around the City of Gonzales 4 Effectiveness Criteria Establishment of an “Urban Reserve Area” by Monterey County that corresponds to “Urban Growth Area” and “Urban Reserve Area” established by the Gonzales 2010 General Plan.

Responsible Agency City of Gonzales
Cooperating Agencies County of Monterey
Timing Prior to application to LAFCO for Sphere of Influence amendment City Response 2022: In December 2011, the City entered into agreements with 4 property owners and development interests in the Urban Reserve Areas identified in the City’s 2010 General Plan to pay for, effectuate and prepare studies to LAFCO necessary to the application to LAFCo for Amendment to the City’s Sphere of Influence.

In 2014 LAFCo adopted a MOA Memorandum of Agreement between the County of Monterey and the City of Gonzales, establishing the parameters for City expansion to the east of the City and the protection of agricultural resources on the north, west and southern boundaries of the City. This MOA with the County of Monterey effectively gave shape to the Urban Reserve areas being designated to the east of the City, and negating the northern, western and southern areas illustrated in the 2010 General Plan.
5 AESTHETICS
Category Program Response
Impact Impact AES-1: The adoption of the Gonzales 2010 General Plan would provide the basis for development activity that could irreversibly degrade the visual character of this part of the Central Salinas Valley Mitigation Measure Mitigation Measure AES-1: Visual Screen for Permanent Agricultural Edge. The City shall require Specific Plans and development approvals, either of which include land adjacent to the “Permanent Agricultural Edge” east of Highway 101, (as depicted in the General Plan Land Use Diagram) to incorporate a naturalistic visual screen along the “Permanent Agricultural Edge” separating the Urban Growth Area from adjacent parts of the Planning Area that are not contained in the Urban Growth Area. Such a visual screen shall be designed to screen all uses approved as part of the Specific Plan or development approval from views outside the Urban Growth Area and shall be comprised of dense plantings of tall and large-canopy trees and other vegetation that are native to the Salinas Valley. The visual screen may be constructed in phases corresponding to construction phases, wherein the first section of the visual screen would be constructed to extend from its ultimate southwestern most point along the Specific Plan Area boundary to as far to the northeast as any development within the construction phase extends. The next phase would start where the first phase left off and again extend further northeast as far as any development extends, etc.

The trees and other vegetation chosen for the visual screen shall be sufficiently mature when planted to ensure that the visual screen will be effective within five (5) years of approval of the final subdivision map for the phase. The visual screen shall be maintained as a long-term feature of the Urban Growth Area.

Location Gonzales Planning Area
Monitoring/Reporting
Action
The City shall monitor the development of Specific Plans and other development approvals to ensure that they contain provisions sufficient to ensure the development of a visual screen consistent with this mitigation measure.
6 Category Program Response
Effectiveness Criteria Specific Plans (and development approvals) that contain plans for providing a visual screen as described in the mitigation measure and a capital improvement program sufficient to construct and maintain the screen.

Responsible Agency City of Gonzales
Cooperating Agencies State Department of Forestry
Timing Prior to final approval of any Specific Plan or other development approval
City Response for
2022
On May 15, 2023, the City Council of the City of Gonzales approved the Rianda Cooler Project on Gloria Road, presently within the City’s Sphere of Influence, but an application has now been made to LAFCo for incorporation into City limits along the City’s designated Permanent Agricultural Edge. The Initial Study that supported the City’s approval of the project and the application and discretionary action to request incorporation through LAFCo, included the following measure:
“The project site is located along the southern boundary of the SOI, which is defined by Gloria Road. Consequently, to lessen its visual impact, the applicant must implement mitigation measure AES-1 regarding visual screening. The applicant has submitted a Landscape Concept Plan (refer back to Figure 9, Landscaping Plan). The plan shows landscape plantings, including trees, planned along the project site frontage with Gloria Road. This plan is considered to meet the intent of mitigation measure AES-1.”
A Capital Improvement Plan has not been developed to date to maintain such a screen (when planted), as the City will be expecting such landscape screening materials to be installed on private properties and maintained by those property owners.
7 Impact Impact AES-2: The adoption of the Gonzales 2010 General Plan would provide the basis for development activity that would have new sources of night-time lighting that could result in light trespass, light pollution, and glare.

Mitigation Measure Mitigation Measure AES-2: Reflective Building Exteriors. The City shall prohibit building exteriors with large expanses of glass or other reflective material that could become a significant source of glare.

Location Gonzales Planning Area
Monitoring/Reporting
Action
The City shall monitor development approvals to ensure that no new construction is approved that includes building exteriors with large expanses of glass that could become a significant source of glare.

Effectiveness Criteria No new construction that includes building exteriors with large expanses of glass that could become a significant source of glare Responsible Agency City of Gonzales
Cooperating Agencies None
Timing Prior to final approval of any new development
City Response for 2022 The City has crafted conditions of approval that can be applied to development projects to conform to this mitigation measure, for example:

Exterior Lighting. Exterior lighting shall be designed to provide for operational and security requirements while minimizing adverse effects to other properties in the vicinity. Lighting fixtures shall be downcast and shielded and designed to reflect light away from the surrounding premises and public rights-of-way.

Photometric Light Study. The Applicant shall submit a Photometric Study for Onsite and Street Frontages as part of the Building Permit application.

Building Colors & Materials. At the time Building Plans are submitted, the Owner/Applicant shall submit for review and approval by the Director of Community Development the colors and materials of all buildings and structures to be constructed on the Project site. All buildings on the site shall be painted with base and trim colors that are harmonious and give the impression of a unified site. If applicable, roof materials and colors should also be coordinated.
8 Additionally, the City’s Industrial Design Guidelines discourages highly reflective surfaces at the ground story, and large blank unarticulated walls. Additional provisions address Lighting and Security, such as providing for security and safety, while not being overly bright and that all lighting should be shielded to confine light spread within the site boundaries. The Pape Materials Handling Facility (2017) in the industrial park was proposed, constructed and conditioned under these rule sets and guidelines. The Rianda Family Cooler Development approved by the City of Gonzales in May of 2023, but not yet annexed into the City nor constructed, was also reviewed in this context.

TRANSPORTATION/TRAFFIC
Category Program Response
Impact Impact TT-1: The adoption of the Gonzales 2010 General Plan would provide the basis for development activity that could conflict with established measures of effectiveness for the performance of the circulation system or conflict with an applicable congestion management plan.

Mitigation Measure Mitigation Measure TT-1: Interchange Improvements. The city shall work with TAMC and Caltrans to improve each of the three Gonzales Interchanges on a schedule that would ensure that the improvements are in place to maintain acceptable levels of service at the interchanges as new development occurs in the Urban Growth Area. For the Fifth Street Interchange, the City shall work with Caltrans to explore the feasibility of a non-standard design that would minimize requirements for additional right-of-way and disruption of existing development.

Location Gonzales Planning Area
Monitoring/Reporting
Action
The City shall monitor transportation improvement programs adopted by TAMC and the California Transportation Commission (CTC) to ensure that interchange improvements on Highway 101 take place in a timely manner consistent with this mitigation measure.

Effectiveness Criteria Adoption by TAMC and the CTC of transportation improvement programs that contain improvements for the Gonzales interchanges timed to ensure that level of service at these facilities is maintained at an acceptable level as new development occurs.
9 Responsible Agency City of Gonzales
Cooperating Agencies TAMC, California Transportation Commission , Caltrans Timing Immediately following action by TAMC and the CTC on their respective improvement programs
City Response for 2022 In 2010 the city engaged Mark Thomas & Company to prepare a Caltrans Project Study Report (PSR) for the US101/Gloria Road Interchange in 2011. The PSR was approved by Caltrans District 5 Director on July 6, 2011.

In 2015 the city engaged Omni Means to prepare an Intersection Control Evaluation (ICE) for the US101/Fifth Street Interchange. The ICE included several options for installing roundabouts at the on/off ramps. The ICE was completed in May 2016.

Conceptual Improvements for the three interchanges were developed as part of the Circulation Improvements Study for the city’s Sphere of Influence. This study was completed in February 2020.

As of July 2023, City Public Works staff is working with Caltrans District 5 Planning staff on executing a Cooperative Agreement for improvements to the US101/North Alta Street Interchange. 10 Mitigation Measure Mitigation Measure TT-2: Widen Fifth Street from Rincon to Highway 101. The city shall widen Fifth Street from Rincon Road to the Highway 101 southbound on-ramp from two lanes to four lanes or shall complete other improvements that will effectively maintain acceptable levels of service.

Location Gonzales Planning Area
Monitoring/Reporting
Action
The City shall monitor its capital improvement program to ensure that Fifth Street improvements are programmed in a timely manner consistent with this mitigation measure.

Effectiveness Criteria Improvements to Fifth Street completed in a timeframe that maintains acceptable levels of service along this corridor
Responsible Agency City of Gonzales
Cooperating Agencies Caltrans; TAMC
Timing Annually, at the time of adoption of the City’s Capital Improvement Program
City Response for 2022 This Mitigation Measure was addressed as part of the city engaging Omni Means to prepare an Intersection Control Evaluation (ICE) for the US101/Fifth Street Interchange. The ICE included several options for installing roundabouts at the on/off ramps. The ICE was completed in May 2016.
11 Mitigation Measure Mitigation Measure TT-3: Widen Fifth Street from Highway 101 to Fanoe Road/Herold Parkway. The City shall obtain offers of dedication of right of way as opportunities arise and shall subsequently widen Fifth Street from Highway 101 to Fanoe Road/Herold Parkway from four through lanes to six through lanes of traffic. These improvements shall be timed to ensure that the improvements are in place to maintain acceptable levels as new development occurs in the Urban Growth Area.

This study was completed in February 2020.
12 Mitigation Measure Mitigation Measure TT-4: Widen Fifth Street from Fanoe Road/Herold Parkway to Iverson Road. The city shall widen Fifth Street/Johnson Canyon Road from Fanoe Road/Herold Parkway to Iverson Road. The segment between Fanoe Road/Herold Parkway to “Arterial A” shall be widened from two lanes to six lanes, and this improvement shall be timed to ensure that the improvements are in place to maintain acceptable levels as new development occurs in the Urban Growth Area. The segment between “Arterial A” and Iverson Road shall be widened from two lanes to four lanes only after such time that the City amends the Gonzales 2010 General Plan to allow the development of the Urban Reserve Area east of Iverson Road.

This study was completed in February 2020.
13 Mitigation Measure Mitigation Measure TT-5: Synchronization of Signals along the Fifth Street/Johnson Canyon Road corridor. The city shall coordinate with Caltrans to integrate interchange improvements at Highway 101 and Fifth Street/Johnson Canyon Road with local improvements along the entire corridor from Rincon Road to Fanoe Road/Herold parkway, including the synchronization of traffic signals.

Location Gonzales Planning Area
Monitoring/Reporting
Action
The City shall report on its efforts to coordinate with Caltrans on interchange improvements that are affected by the City’s Fifth Street improvement program consistent with this mitigation measure.

Effectiveness Criteria Improvements to Fifth Street, including signalization, integrated with Caltrans improvements to the Fifth Street Interchange
Responsible Agency City of Gonzales
Cooperating Agencies Caltrans; TAMC
Timing Annually, at the time of adoption of the City’s Capital Improvement Program
City Response for 2022 Conceptual Improvements for Fifth Street, Johnson Canyon Road, Rincon Road, Fanoe Road, and Herold parkway were developed as part of the Circulation Improvements Study for the city’s Sphere of Influence. This study was completed in February 2020.
14 Mitigation Measure Mitigation Measure TT-6: Widen Associated Lane. The City shall widen Associated Lane to a four-lane arterial with limited access between Highway 101 and Fanoe Road. Between Fanoe Road and “Arterial A”, this facility shall be widened to a divided four-lane arterial. These improvements shall be timed to ensure that the improvements are in place to maintain acceptable levels as new development occurs in the Urban Growth Area.

Location Gonzales Planning Area
Monitoring/Reporting
Action
The City shall monitor its capital improvement program to ensure that Associated Lane improvements are programmed in a timely manner consistent with this mitigation measure.

Effectiveness Criteria Improvements to Associated Lane completed in a timeframe that maintains acceptable levels of service along this corridor Responsible Agency City of Gonzales
Cooperating Agencies Caltrans; TAMC
Timing Annually, at the time of adoption of the City’s Capital Improvement Program
City Response for 2022 Conceptual Improvements for Associated Lane between Highway 101 and Fanoe Road were developed as part of the Circulation Improvements Study for the city’s Sphere of Influence. This study was completed in February 2020. In 2022 the Vista Lucia Developer has prepared a preliminary design for widening Associated Lane and Fanoe Road. The city is coordinating with County of Monterey staff and Caltrans District 5 staff on the roadway layout.
15 Category Program Response
Mitigation Measure Mitigation Measure TT-7: Extend Associated Lane to Iverson Road. The city shall revise its Circulation Diagram to extend Associated Lane from “Arterial A” to Iverson Road as a four-lane facility. Such an improvement shall only be required at such a time that the City amends the Gonzales 2010 General Plan to allow development of the Urban Reserve Area east of Iverson Road. In the interim, sufficient right-of-way shall be set aside to build the future street extension.

Location Gonzales Planning Area
Monitoring/Reporting
Action
The City shall monitor the development of Specific Plans and other development approvals to ensure right-of-way is set aside for the eventual widening of Associated Lane consistent with this mitigation measure. The City shall also monitor its capital improvement program to ensure that these improvements are programmed in a timely manner consistent with this mitigation measure.

Effectiveness Criteria Provisions in relevant Specific Plans to set aside sufficient right-of -way for the eventual extension of Associated Lane to Iverson Road. Also, improvements to Associated Lane completed in a timeframe that maintains acceptable levels of service along this corridor Responsible Agency City of Gonzales
Cooperating Agencies None
Timing Prior to final approval of any Specific Plan or other development approval that would affect the Associated Lane corridor.

City Response for 2022 Conceptual Improvements to extend Associated Lane from “Arterial A” to Iverson Road as a four-lane facility were developed as part of the Circulation Improvements Study for the city’s Sphere of Influence.

This study was completed in February 2020. In 2022 the Vista Lucia Developer has prepared a preliminary design for widening Associated Lane and Fanoe Road. The city is coordinating with County of Monterey staff and Caltrans District 5 staff on the roadway layout. 16 Mitigation Measure Mitigation Measure TT-8: Widen Gloria Road and Design for Truck Use.

The City shall widen Gloria Road to a four-lane arterial between Highway 101 and “Arterial A”. The roadbed for the entire length of Gloria Road from Highway 101 to Iverson Road shall be constructed to handle large volumes of heavy truck traffic. These improvements shall be timed to ensure that the improvements are in place to maintain acceptable levels as new development occurs in the Urban Growth Area.

Location Gonzales Planning Area
Monitoring/Reporting
Action
The City shall monitor its capital improvement program to ensure that Gloria Road improvements are programmed in a timely manner consistent with this mitigation measure.

Effectiveness Criteria Improvements to Gloria Road completed in a timeframe that maintains acceptable levels of service along this corridor
Responsible Agency City of Gonzales
Cooperating Agencies Salinas Valley Solid Waste Authority Timing Annually, at the time of adoption of the City’s Capital Improvement Program
City Response for 2022 Conceptual Improvements to widen Gloria Road to a three-lane arterial between Highway 101 and “Arterial A were developed as part of the Circulation Improvements Study for the city’s Sphere of Influence. This study was completed in February 2020. The Rianda Cooler Project will widen Gloria Road along the project frontage. 17 Mitigation Measure Mitigation Measure TT-9: Design Iverson Lane for Truck Use. The City shall reconstruct the roadbed of Iverson Road from Gloria Road to Johnson Canyon Road to handle large volumes of heavy truck traffic.

These improvements shall be timed to replace road segments as they deteriorate from truck use and as adjacent properties are developed.

Location Gonzales Planning Area
Monitoring/Reporting
Action
The City shall monitor its capital improvement program to ensure that Iverson Road improvements are programmed in a timely manner consistent with this mitigation measure.

Effectiveness Criteria Improvements to Iverson Road completed in a timeframe that maintains acceptable levels of service along this corridor
Responsible Agency City of Gonzales
Cooperating Agencies Salinas Valley Solid Waste Authority Timing Annually, at the time of adoption of the City’s Capital Improvement Program
City Response for 2022 In 2020 the city, the County of Monterey and the Salinas Valley Solid Waste Authority participated in a $6M joint project that reconstructed Gloria Road, Iverson Road and a portion of Johnson Canyon Road.

Full Depth Reclamation was the construction approach and the completed project is a robust structural section to support the solid waste trucks and agriculture trucks and related vehicles. 18 Category Program Response
Mitigation Measure Mitigation Measure TT-10: Widen Fanoe Road. The City shall widen Fanoe Road/Herold Parkway from a two-lane to a four-lane arterial between Gloria Road and Associated Lane. These improvements shall be timed to ensure that the improvements are in place to maintain acceptable levels as new development occurs in the Urban Growth Area.

Location Gonzales Planning Area
Monitoring/Reporting
Action
The City shall monitor its capital improvement program to ensure that Fanoe Road/Herold Parkway improvements are programmed in a timely manner consistent with this mitigation measure.

Effectiveness Criteria Improvements to Fanoe Road/Herold Parkway completed in a timeframe that maintains acceptable levels of service along this corridor Responsible Agency City of Gonzales
Cooperating Agencies None
Timing Annually, at the time of adoption of the City’s Capital Improvement Program
City Response for 2022 Conceptual Improvements to widen Fanoe Road/Herold Parkway from a two-lane to a four-lane arterial between Gloria Road and Associated Lane were developed as part of the Circulation Improvements Study for the city’s Sphere of Influence. This study was completed in February 2020.
19 Mitigation Measure Mitigation Measure TT-11: Traffic Calming on “Arterial A.” The city shall work with Specific Plan preparers to refine operations by incorporating traffic calming measures and/or consider alternative alignments on “Arterial A” to discourage large volumes of through traffic on this street.

Location Gonzales Planning Area
Monitoring/Reporting
Action
The City shall monitor the development of Specific Plans and other development approvals to ensure that the design of Arterial “A” includes traffic-calming features to discourage large volumes of through traffic.

Effectiveness Criteria Provisions in relevant Specific Plans to ensure that the design of Arterial “A” includes traffic-calming features to discourage large volumes of through traffic.

Category Program Response
Cooperating Agencies None
Timing Prior to the final approval of any Specific Plan or other development approval that would affect the Arterial “A.”
City Response for 2022 Specific Plans will incorporate traffic calming measures and/or consider alternative alignments on “Arterial A” to discourage large volumes of traffic on this street.
20 Mitigation Measure Mitigation Measure TT-12: Update Traffic Impact Fees. The City shall update its existing traffic impact fee nexus study to accurately project the costs of circulation system improvements for the Gonzales 2010 General Plan area and shall equitably spread the costs and update its traffic impact fee schedule consistent with the requirements of state law.

Location Gonzales Planning Area
Monitoring/Reporting
Action
The City shall report on the update of its traffic impact fee program.

Effectiveness Criteria An updated traffic impact fee, supported by an updated nexus study, sufficient to fund circulation improvements for the Gonzales 2010 General Plan.

Responsible Agency City of Gonzales
Cooperating Agencies None
Timing Concurrent with the adoption of the first Specific Plan City Response for 2022 Cost Estimates were developed as part of the Circulation Improvements Study for the city’s Sphere of Influence. This study was completed in February 2020. The city adopted updated Impact Fees in June 2022.
21 Mitigation Measure Mitigation Measure TT-12.1: Landfill Truck Route. The City of Gonzales will implement the SVSWA/Gonzales Memorandum of Understanding as it addresses the SVSWA truck route to the Johnson Canyon Landfill.

Location Gonzales Planning Area
Monitoring/Reporting
Action
The City shall report on the status of the implementation of the SVSWA/Gonzales MOU.

Effectiveness Criteria A fully implemented MOU with SVSWA Responsible Agency City of Gonzales
Cooperating Agencies Salinas Valley Solid Waste Authority Timing Concurrent with the adoption of the any Specific Plan affecting the truck route to the Johnson Canyon Road Landfill.

City Response for 2022 In 2020 the city, the County of Monterey and the Salinas Valley Solid Waste Authority participated in a $6M joint project that reconstructed Gloria Road, Iverson Road and a portion of Johnson Canyon Road.

Full Depth Reclamation was the construction approach and the completed project is a robust structural section to support the solid waste trucks and agriculture trucks and related vehicles. 22 Mitigation Measure Mitigation Measure TT-13: Project-Level Traffic Analysis Required. The City shall require Specific Plans and development approvals to contain a project-level traffic analysis for all areas planned for urbanization under the Specific Plan or development approval. Such analysis shall evaluate the full range of operational, safety, emergency access, parking, and alternative-mode transportation issues. The analysis shall recommend measures to mitigate any significant impact that a specific project may have on transportation/traffic.

Location Gonzales Planning Area
Monitoring/Reporting
Action
The City shall monitor the development of Specific Plans and other development approvals to ensure that they include a project-level traffic analysis consistent with this mitigation measure.

Effectiveness Criteria Project-level traffic analysis is included in all Specific Plan and other development applications.

Responsible Agency City of Gonzales
Cooperating Agencies None
Timing Prior to final approval of any new development
City Response for 2022 The Environmental Studies for each development project shall include recommended measures to mitigate any significant impact that a specific project may have on transportation/traffic.
23 Mitigation Measure Mitigation Measure TT-14: Revise Circulation Diagram for Consistency with TAMC’s “2005 General Bikeways Plan.” The City shall amend the Circulation Diagram contained in the Gonzales 2010 General Plan Circulation Element to designate Alta Street and Gonzales River Road as bikeway facilities to achieve consistency with TAMC’s “2005 General Bikeway Plan.”
Location Gonzales Planning Area
Monitoring/Reporting
Action
The City shall report on the revision of its Circulation Diagram consistent with this mitigation measure.

Effectiveness Criteria Revised Circulation Diagram
Responsible Agency City of Gonzales
Cooperating Agencies TAMC
Timing Upon completion of the updated General Bikeways Plan by TAMC City Response for 2022 Following the City’s update of the Housing Element, and a subsequent revision to the General Plan and its exhibits, the City will update this diagram.
24 AIR QUALITY
Category Program Response
Mitigation Measure Mitigation Measure AQ-1: Toxic Air Contaminants. The City shall minimize local air quality impacts related to exposure of sensitive receptors to TACs by evaluating new development for proximity to TAC sources as recommended in the California Air Resources Board's "Air Quality and Land Use Handbook." If such evaluation leads to a determination that the potential for a significant impact exists, the City shall implement all feasible mitigation measures to reduce or eliminate the impact.

Location Gonzales Planning Area
Monitoring/Reporting
Action
The City shall monitor new Specific Plan applications and other development applications to ensure that they contain an evaluation of risks involving TAC’s.

Effectiveness Criteria No significant impacts related to TACs for new projects in the City Responsible Agency City of Gonzales
Cooperating Agencies Monterey Bay Unified Air Pollution Control District Timing Prior to the final approval of any Specific Plan or other development approval
City Response for 2022 No specific plans have been approved as of yet in the Sphere of Influence areas, but the EIR underway in support of the Vista Lucia Specific Plan addresses this issue in the Air Quality Section and includes information needed to evaluate potential impacts of the project related to criteria air emissions and toxic air contaminants (TACs).

Projected air emissions are quantified and compared to thresholds of significance to determine impact significance.

The EIR evaluates the proximity of sensitive receptors, and that operation of construction equipment would expose sensitive receptors to toxic air contaminants. Mitigation measures have been drafted that when implemented would reduce exposure of sensitive receptors to TACs by requiring cleaner engines and/or filters, by limiting idle 25 times, and by locating non-compliant equipment sufficiently distant that concentrations of TACs would be reduced to a less-thansignificant level.

After a hiatus of approximately 20 months, the EIR draft is underway again in July 2023 and expected to be completed and circulated for public review in late 2023, prior to action of the City of Gonzales on the Vista Lucia Specific Plan Project and its numerous companion documents, including an application to the Monterey County LAFCo for incorporation into the City.

Mitigation Measure Mitigation Measure AQ-2: Deed Restriction Notification of Strong Odor The City of Gonzales shall require that a deed restriction be recorded on all properties located within one (1) mile of either the animal feed lot or the Johnson Canyon Road Landfill (both of which are located east of Iverson Road) notifying the owner or the prospective property buyer of the potential for strong odors emanating from these facilities to adversely affect the property on which the deed restriction is recorded.

This measure may be modified and refined as part of the Specific Plan or other development approval process based on a detailed analysis by a qualified air quality expert and based on land use changes over time.

Location Gonzales Planning Area
26 Category Program Response
Monitoring/Reporting
Action
The City shall monitor new Specific Plan applications and other development applications to ensure that they contain deed restrictions consistent with this mitigation measure.

Effectiveness Criteria Deed restrictions for all specified properties Responsible Agency City of Gonzales
Cooperating Agencies None
Timing Prior to final approval of any Specific Plan or other development approval
City Response for 2022 While the use of the 523-acre FAT CITY animal feedlot east of the City of Gonzales in the County of Monterey unincorporated areas was discontinued in 2016, the Johnson Canyon Landfill remains in operation. To date, there has been no incorporation eastward or City of Gonzales development proposal within the one mile parameter of this mitigation measure to assure its implementation.
27 Mitigation Measure Mitigation Measure AQ-3: Working to Reduce Strong Odors. The City of Gonzales shall work in partnership with the MBUAPCD and the owners of operations that create significant odors in the planning area to reduce such odors using the most current operational and other techniques available. Such partnership shall be limited to voluntary efforts where exemptions to District Rule 402 apply.

Location Gonzales Planning Area
Monitoring/Reporting
Action
The City shall report on its efforts to reduce strong odors in the planning area.

Effectiveness Criteria Reduction in strong odors in the planning area Responsible Agency City of Gonzales
Cooperating Agencies Monterey Bay Unified Air Pollution Control District Timing Annually, as part of its review of General Plan implementation City Response for 2022 While the use of the 523 acre FAT CITY animal feed lot east of the City of Gonzales in County of Monterey unincorporated areas was discontinued in 2016, the Johnson Canyon Landfill remains in operation. To date, there has been no incorporation eastward or City of Gonzales development proposal within the one mile parameter of this mitigation measure to assure its implementation.
28 GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
Category Program Response
Mitigation Measure Mitigation Measure GHG-1: Citywide Climate Action Plan. The City shall complete work currently underway on, and then adopt, a citywide climate action plan with the objective of meeting a GHG emissions reduction trajectory consistent with State law (currently codified in Health and Safety Code 38500 et seq. (AB 32) and Executive Order S03-05). The City, in setting the trajectory, shall recognize the likelihood that Gonzales may bear a much larger percentage of growth than other more mature communities in the State and that an appropriate scaling of the State targets set forth in AB 32 and Executive Order S-03-05 would allow a citywide increase in GHG emissions as the City implements the Gonzales 2010 General Plan. This allowable increase in GHG emissions shall be tempered by appropriate measures to limit GHG emissions from new development on a per capita basis, while achieving actual reductions in such emissions from existing uses in the planning area. The limits to be established for per capita GHG emissions shall be indexed to realistic targets that are readily achievable using GHG Best Management Practices identified as part of the citywide climate action plan. Targets for reducing GHG emissions in existing development shall, at a minimum, be a 15 percent reduction from the baseline identified in the GHG inventory prepared by AMBAG (2009). GHG Best Management Practices shall include but not be limited to:
• Continuation of the Gonzales voluntary recycling program for multi-family, commercial, and industrial development
• Increased energy efficiency beyond Title 24
• Use of electrically powered landscape equipment and outdoor electrical outlets
• Installation of green roofs
• Installation of solar or tank-less water heaters
• Installation of solar panels
• Increased diversity and/or density of land use mix
• Provision of necessary infrastructure and treatment to allow use of graywater/ recycled water for outdoor irrigation.
• Installation of rainwater collection systems
• Provision of composting facilities at residential sites • Incorporation of all other measures in Figure 4.7.2 above that are identified as being appropriate for implementation in Gonzales.
29 Category Program Response
The City shall adopt a citywide climate action plan as outlined above as part of the Gonzales 2010 General Plan’s Sustainability Element prior to the adoption of any Specific Plan or development approval in the Urban Growth Area. The climate action plan shall contain:
• Targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions consistent with criteria set forth above in this mitigation measure,
• Enforceable measures to meet the established targets, • Provisions for monitoring and reporting on the effectiveness of the plan, and
• A mechanism for periodically revising the plan to maintain or improve its effectiveness.

The City shall establish a Climate Action Plan Technical Advisory Committee to guide development of the climate action plan, composed of Gonzales citizens, developers/landowners, City officials, and state and regional representatives as appropriate
Location Gonzales Planning Area
Monitoring/Reporting
Action
The City shall report on its efforts to adopt a citywide climate action plan
Effectiveness Criteria An adopted Climate Action Plan consistent with this mitigation measure Responsible Agency City of Gonzales
Cooperating Agencies Monterey Bay Unified Air Pollution Control District; AMBAG Timing Prior to the adoption of any Specific Plan
City Response for 2022 The City adopted a citywide Climate Action Plan in 2018, and prepared an Addendum based on the Supplemental Environmental Impact Report (February 2013) (SCH# 2009121017) to the Gonzales 2010 General Plan Sustainability Element. No Specific Plans have been adopted as of yet, and conformance to the Climate Action Plan will be a requisite to any environmental documentation and project review presented for determination to the City of Gonzales. 30 Mitigation Measure Mitigation Measure GHG-2: Implementation of GHG Best Management Practices. The City shall require Specific Plans and development approvals to contain a plan to implement GHG Best Management Practices, as outlined above, that would result in achieving the limits on GHG emissions adopted as part of the citywide climate action plan.

Effectiveness Criteria No significant impacts related to TACs for new projects in the City Responsible Agency City of Gonzales
Cooperating Agencies Monterey Bay Unified Air Pollution Control District Timing Prior to final approval of any Specific Plan or other development approval
City Response for 2022 The EIR under construction for the Vista Lucia Specific Plan addresses GHG’s and acknowledges that:
“Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15064(h)(3) and 15130(d), if a project is consistent with the requirements of an adopted plan, such as a climate action plan that is prepared consistent with CEQA Guidelines Section 15183.5(b), the lead agency may determine that the GHG impacts are less than significant with no further analysis required.

Plans that are prepared consistent with CEQA Guidelines Section 15183.5(b) are considered to be “qualified” for streamlining the review of GHG impacts of projects subject to the plan. If it is determined that a proposed project is not consistent with an adopted Climate Action Plan (CAP) or other plan for reducing GHGs, further analysis would be required to determine whether the impact is significant.

The CAP meets the requirements of CEQA Guidelines Section 15183.5(b) by quantifying GHG emissions from all sectors for years 2005, 2020, 2030, and 2050; defining emissions reduction targets; analyzing baseline and future emissions from all sectors; defining 31 specific measures to achieve the overall reduction targets; requiring periodic monitoring of plan progress; complying with CEQA; and having been adopted in a public process.

To ensure project consistency with CAP measure P-1.4, the following mitigation measure shall be implemented.

To ensure project consistency with Gonzales Climate Action Plan: 2018 Update GHG reduction measure P-1.3 regarding urban forests, applicants for individual tentative maps that include single-family homes shall demonstrate to the City that three trees will be planted for every single-family home proposed. The measure shall also be included as a contractor work specification. The requirement shall be verified by the Community Development Director prior to approval of each individual tentative map in which single-family homes are proposed.

With implementation of mitigation measure 6-3e in Section 6.0, Air Quality, and mitigation measure 10-1, the proposed project would be consistent with the CAP and its GHG impacts would be less-thansignificant.

Furthermore, if not explicit in the yet-to-be-completed Draft and Final Environmental Impact Report for the Vista Lucia Specific Plan, staff will present a condition of approval when the item comes before decision makers meeting the intent of this general plan mitigation measure to observe GHG Best Management Practices and will include a menu of practices that may be employed.
32 Mitigation Measure Mitigation Measure GHG-3: Timeframe to Adopt Green Building Code.

The City shall adopt the “California Green Building Standards (CALGreen) Code,” which becomes effective on January 1, 2011, by July 1, 2011.

Location Gonzales Planning Area
Monitoring/Reporting
Action
The City shall report on its efforts to adopt the Green Building Code.

Effectiveness Criteria Adoption of Green Building Code
Responsible Agency City of Gonzales
Cooperating Agencies None
Timing By July 1, 2011
City Response for 2022 On February 26, 2023, in Ordinance No. 2022-135, An Ordinance Of The City Of Gonzales Amending Portions Of Title 11 Of The Gonzales City Code Titled “Building Regulations” By Adoption And Referenced Amendments, included adoption of the 2022 California Green Building Standards Code, Title 24, Part 11.
33 PUBLIC SERVICES
Category Program Response
Mitigation Measure Mitigation Measure PS-1: Project-Level Public Facilities Impact Analysis Required. The City shall require a project-level analysis and report on public facilities impacts as part of Specific Plan and other major development plan review and approval. Such an analysis and report shall identify measures necessary to reduce any environmental effects of new construction of public facilities to a level of less than significant.

Location Gonzales Planning Area
Monitoring/Reporting
Action
The City shall monitor the development of Specific Plans and other development approvals to ensure that they include a project-level public facilities analysis consistent with this mitigation measure.

Effectiveness Criteria Project-level public facilities analysis is included in all Specific Plan and other development applications
Responsible Agency City of Gonzales
Cooperating Agencies None
Timing Prior to final approval of any new development
City Response for 2022 A project-level public facilities analysis has been required of the Vista Lucia Specific Plan (3,498 units) coming together. Such an analysis will lead to a financing mechanism to be incorporated into project approval to assure revenue neutrality to the existing city fabric and citizenry, and that the new developments creating new municipal public facilities demands will pay their own way for new municipal facilities and services and that they will have a sustainable revenue stream in keeping with the phasing of the specific plan and its eventual build-out.

The EIR will also engage in and provide mitigation (if necessary) for the physical effects of constructing new public facilities. 34 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
Category Program Response
Mitigation Measure Mitigation Measure BIO-1: Riparian Protection Ordinance. The City shall adopt a Riparian Protection Ordinance to ensure that development does not encroach on Gonzales Slough, or any “Waters of the United States” determined to be jurisdictional by the Army Corps of Engineers that may be located in the planning area. Such an ordinance shall establish required minimum setbacks from Gonzales Slough, wetlands, and other “Waters of the United States” and require Specific Plans and development applications to contain measures to ensure that all sensitive habitats are protected from the significant negative effects of encroaching development.

Location Gonzales Planning Area
Monitoring/Reporting
Action
The City shall report on its efforts to adopt a riparian protection ordinance consistent with this mitigation measure.

Effectiveness Criteria An adopted riparian protection ordinance Responsible Agency City of Gonzales
Cooperating Agencies California Department of Fish and game; US Army Corps of Engineers Timing Within one (1) year of adoption of Gonzales 2010 General Plan City Response for 2022 In Ordinance No. 202-127, the City of Gonzales Amended the Municipal Code Title 10, Chapter 10.28 – Strom Water Quality Management and Discharge Control. The purpose of that Ordinance is, “to protect and promote the health, safety, and general welfare of citizens, and protect and enhance the water quality of watercourses, water bodies, and wetlands in a manner pursuant to and consistent with the Federal Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. Section 1251 et seq.), the Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act (California Water Code Section 13000 et seq.) and State Water Resources Control Board Water Quality Order No. 2013-0001-DWQ (Order) and subsequent Orders by reducing pollutants in storm water discharges to the maximum extent 35 practicable and by prohibiting non-storm water discharges to the storm drain system. (Ord. 2015-83, 7-6-2015)”
Furthermore, in Chapter Section 10.28.140 that speaks to Minimum Performance Requirements. (A) Performance Requirement No. 1: Site Design and Runoff Reduction.

1. All regulated projects that create and/or replace greater than two thousand five hundred (2,500) square feet of impervious surface (collectively over the entire project site), including detached singlefamily home projects, are required to implement at least the following design strategies throughout the project site:
a. Limit disturbance to creeks and natural drainage features. c. Limit clearing and grading of native vegetation at the site to the minimum area needed to build the project, allow access, and provide fire protection.
d. Minimize impervious surfaces by concentrating improvements on the least-sensitive portions of the site, while leaving the remaining land in a natural undisturbed state.

Section 10.28.180 Watercourse Protection, speaks directly to the matter of riparian protection (meeting this mitigation measure of the General Plan to Protect the Slough
Every person owning property through which a watercourse passes shall keep and maintain that part of the watercourse within the property reasonably free of trash, debris and other obstacles that would pollute, contaminate or significantly retard the flow of water through the watercourse. In addition, the owner or lessee shall maintain existing privately owned structures within or adjacent to a watercourse, so that such structures will not become a hazard to the use, function or physical integrity of the watercourse. (Ord. 2015-83, 7-6-2015)
So, where the City may not have established minimum setbacks from the slough, the City has certainly put in place, “measures to ensure that all sensitive habitats are protected from the significant negative effects of encroaching development.”
36 CULTURAL RESOURCES
Category Program Response
Mitigation Measure Mitigation Measure CUL-1: Project-Level Cultural Analysis Required.

The City shall require Specific Plans and development applications to contain a project-level analysis of cultural resources for all areas planned for urbanization under the Specific Plan or development approval. Such an analysis shall evaluate the full range of cultural resources, including historical, archaeological, and paleontological resources, and buried human remains. The analysis shall recommend measures to mitigate any significant impact that a specific project may have on cultural resources.

Location Gonzales Planning Area
Monitoring/Reporting
Action
The City shall monitor the development of Specific Plans and other development approvals to ensure that they include a project-level cultural analysis consistent with this mitigation measure.

Effectiveness Criteria Project-level cultural analysis included in all Specific Plan and other development applications.

Responsible Agency City of Gonzales
Cooperating Agencies None
Timing Prior to final approval of any new development
City Response for 2022 Such studies have been required of the Vista Lucia Specific Plan EIR under preparation and the Rianda Family Partnership Cooler Project on Gloria Road.
37 Mitigation Measure Mitigation Measure CUL-2: Accidental Discovery of Cultural Resources.

The City shall require as a standard condition of project approval the following: “if any archaeological resources are discovered during grading or construction, all work shall be immediately halted and appropriate personnel, including a qualified Native American representative, shall be contacted and consulted. Based on these consultations, appropriate measures shall be taken to protect the discovered resources, and only after such measures have been implemented shall grading or construction continue.”
Location Gonzales Planning Area
Monitoring/Reporting
Action
The City shall monitor the development of Specific Plans and other development approvals to ensure that they include a condition of approval addressing the accidental discovery of cultural resources, consistent with this mitigation measure.

Effectiveness Criteria A standard condition of approval attached to all Specific Plan and other development application approvals addressing the accidental discovery of cultural resources
Responsible Agency City of Gonzales
Cooperating Agencies None
Timing Prior to final approval of any new development
City Response for 2022 A condition was placed on the Rianda Family Partnership Cooler Project on Gloria Road to this effect (in keeping with state law). 38 HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
Category Program Response
Mitigation Measure Mitigation Measure HAZ-1: Site-Specific Review of Potential Land Use Conflicts Involving the Location of New Schools. The City of Gonzales shall identify and evaluate potential land use conflicts between schools and industrial uses as part of a Specific Plan or other major development plan review and approval. Such review shall address California Public Resources Code §21151.8(a) regarding requirements for the proposed construction of an elementary or secondary school. Such review should also address the Monterey Bay Unified Air Pollution Control District’s Rule 402, Nuisances.

Location Gonzales Planning Area
Monitoring/Reporting
Action
The City shall monitor the development of Specific Plans and other development approvals to ensure that they include a site-specific review of land use conflicts involving new schools.

Effectiveness Criteria Site-specific review of land use conflicts involving new schools included in all Specific Plan and other development applications Responsible Agency City of Gonzales
Cooperating Agencies Gonzales Unified School District
Timing Prior to the final approval of any new development City Response for 2022 The Vista Lucia Specific Plan Development interests are fully engaged with the Gonzales Unified School District at the present time as they explore the particulars of a 12-acre school site offered to the district. The discussion has also involved the State Board of Education.

On August 8, 2023, the City Council of the City of Gonzales and the Gonzales Unified School District will be conducting a joint session to discuss the development of school(s) sites within the Vista Lucia Specific Plan areas to be incorporated into the City limits upon approval of LAFCo and the state Board of Equalization.
39 Mitigation Measure Mitigation Measure HAZ-2: Remediation Plan for Clean-Up of Fanoe Ranch. The City of Gonzales shall require a remediation plan for the clean-up of any contaminated areas of Fanoe Ranch as part of any Specific Plan that includes the ranch in its planning area. The remediation plan shall be coordinated with appropriate regional, state, and federal agencies.

Location Gonzales Planning Area
Monitoring/Reporting
Action
The City shall monitor the development of the Specific Plan for Fanoe Ranch to ensure that it includes a remediation plan for the clean-up of contaminated areas within the Specific Plan area.

Category Program Response
Effectiveness Criteria A remediation plan for the clean-up of contaminated areas within the Specific Plan area that includes Fanoe Ranch
Responsible Agency City of Gonzales
Cooperating Agencies
Timing Prior to final approval of the Specific Plan for the area including Fanoe Ranch
City Response for 2022 Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessment Fanoe Ranch Gonzales, California were completed and drawn from in the draft Analysis of Hazards and Hazardous Materials for the Vista Lucia Specific Plan Project. Additional resources to this matter were included in, “ Environmental Site Review and Current Conditions Assessment (McCloskey Consultants, Inc. 2021) (“current conditions assessment”).

The property did have a history that included pesticide and fertilizer use as well as fuel storage.

According to the Environmental Impact Report presently under construction in 2023, “Three hazardous materials conditions remain within the project site that have potential to cause significant environmental impacts on public health and safety and the environment:
1) concentrations of dioxin at the waste burn area north of the former dairy farm residences; 2) concentrations of lead and dieldrin at Debris Area 1; and 3) concentrations of cadmium and dioxin at Debris Area.

These three conditions must be remediated to lessen the potentially significant impacts. Implementation of the following mitigation measure would reduce the impact to less than significant.

Mitigation Measure (A requirement /Mitigation Measure to prepare a 40 remediation plan with targets and thresholds for success/completion). 11-2 The applicant shall retain a qualified professional to prepare a soil management plan. The plan shall provide guidelines for remediating: 1) concentrations of dioxin at the waste burn area north of the former dairy farm residences; 2) concentrations of lead and dieldrin at Debris Area 1; and 3) concentrations of cadmium and dioxin at Debris Area 2, as described in the 2004 Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessment Fanoe Ranch Gonzales, California and the 2021 Environmental Site Review and Current Conditions Assessment. The plan shall identify all safety protocols and permitting procedures required by applicable regulatory agencies to meet applicable environmental screening levels for the subject contaminants. The plan shall include a health and safety plan which specifies how workers and public safety and health shall be protected during remediation activities. The plan shall also specify how excavated materials are to be handled, stockpiled, and transported to the appropriate hazardous materials permitted waste disposal site, consistent with federal and state regulatory requirements.

The soil management plan shall be subject to review and approval of the City of Gonzales Public Works Director prior to the approval of tentative maps for the areas of the project site in which the subject hazardous environmental conditions are located. Evidence that remediation activities have been completed shall be provided to and reviewed by the Public Works Director prior to the issuance of a grading permit for the same subject areas of the project site.

Implementation of this mitigation measure would require that hazardous environmental conditions be remediated to regulatory screening levels to allow the subject contaminated sites to be acceptable for future development.
41 Mitigation Measure Mitigation Measure HAZ-3: Site-Specific Investigation of Potential Soil Contamination Required. The City of Gonzales shall require sitespecific investigations and reports on potential soil contamination as part of Specific Plan or other major development plan review and approval. Such an investigation and report shall include measures necessary to mitigate any environmental hazards to a less than significant level.

Location Gonzales Planning Area
Monitoring/Reporting
Action
The City shall monitor the development of Specific Plans and other development plans to ensure that they include a site-specific investigation of potential soil contamination consistent with this mitigation measure.

Effectiveness Criteria Site-specific investigation of potential soil contamination included as part of all Specific Plan and other development applications Responsible Agency City of Gonzales
Cooperating Agencies None
Timing Prior to the final approval of any new development City Response for 2022 See the response above for HAZ-2. Additionally, as the Rianda Family Partnership Gloria Road Cooler has progressed, a site-specific investigation of potential soil contamination was included in the Phase I Environmental Site Assessment for Gonzales Cooler Project 48.79-acre Agricultural Property study prepared by Advanced Environmental Concepts. Inc. for the property owner.
“The results of this investigation have identified no de minimis conditions, no recognized environmental conditions, no controlled recognized environmental conditions, and no historically recognized environmental conditions.” (Section 14.0 Findings and Conclusions. )
42 Mitigation Measure Mitigation Measure HAZ-4: Development in Areas of Very High Wildfire Potential. The City of Gonzales shall require site-specific investigations and reports on wildfire potential for any development east of Iverson Road, which is an area of very high wildfire potential. Such an investigation and report shall include measures necessary to mitigate any wildfire hazards, including the establishment of “fire safe” zones around habitable structures, to a less than significant level.

Location Gonzales Planning Area
Monitoring/Reporting
Action
The City shall monitor the development of Specific Plans and other development plans for areas east of Iverson Road to ensure that they include a site-specific investigation and report on wildfire potential consistent with this mitigation measure.

Effectiveness Criteria Site-specific investigation of wildfire potential included as part of all Specific Plan and other development applications for areas east of Iverson Road
Responsible Agency City of Gonzales
Cooperating Agencies California Department of Forestry
Timing Prior to final approval of any new development east of Iverson Road City Response for 2022 The City is not aware of any plans for development east of Iverson Road. 43 PART B
This section will address the 22 Goals, 62 Policies and 156 Implementing Actions of the General Plan’s Health and Wellness Element.

Goals, Policies and Actions of the Health and Wellness Element

1. Connected Neighborhoods and Commercial Corridors
• Goal HW-1: Improve health through connected neighborhoods and commercial corridors.

Policies
Policy HW-1.1 Equitable Access. Require neighborhood retail, services, and public facilities to be located within walking distance of residential areas to create safe and convenient circulation system.
• Implementing Action HW-1.1.1 – Accessible Amenities. To promote physical activity, reduce driving and increase walking, cycling and public transit:
✓ Increase opportunities for active transportation (walking and biking) and transit use. ✓ Encourage the development of neighborhood grocery stores that provide fresh produce and attract amenities that serve and attract pedestrians of all ages and abilities. • Implementing Action HW-1.1.2 – Connectivity. Improve accessibility and connectivity between neighborhoods and commercial areas by reducing gaps in sidewalk and bike lane networks, where possible.
• Implementing Action HW-1.1.3 – Bike and Pedestrian Events. Coordinate with the Monterey County Health Department, nonprofit organizations, and community groups to organize and support free and low-cost bike and pedestrian opportunities that create and promote healthier lifestyles by engaging residents in biking and walking. Consider adopting annual events such as: open streets events and organized community walks and runs.

City Response for 2022: No real opportunities for accessible amenities have presented themselves in our present physical city 2010 - 2023, but city staff is presently reviewing and giving shape to two new specific plans in our Sphere of Influence areas, where neighborhood oriented design, walkability and separation of biking is required in the design.

The City continues to support the 4-way partnership of the Gonzales Youth Council, TAMC, Gonzales High School and the City for the Safe Routes to School Program that includes bike and pedestrian considerations.
44 The AIDS Life-Cycle event comes through Gonzales once a year, and the City supports the Annual 5k Run put on by a local group during the 4th of July.

Policy HW-1.2 Development Coordination Coordinate City developments to provide accessibility to basic life needs that can improve the health, safety and welfare of residents. • Implementing Action HW-1.2.1 – Complete Streets. Consider proximity to community destinations and features that support community enhancement and connectivity such as transit locations, bike and pedestrian paths, and accessibility ramps. • Implementing Action HW-1.2.2 – Infrastructure Prioritization. Prioritize Complete Streets improvements and features that will advance community connectivity and neighborhood coordination and foster multiple dimensions of health. • Implementing Action HW-1.2.3 – Land-Use Coordination. Coordinate land-use planning and urban design with transit to increase efficiency, access, and mobility.

City Response for 2022: City staff is presently reviewing and giving shape to two new specific plans in our Sphere of Influence areas, where urban design with transit and complete streets design are being engaged.

Policy HW-1.3 – Child Care Friendly Developments. Encourage that child care be located strategically to support workforce and livable communities. • Implementation Action HW-1.3.1 – Child Care Needs Assessment. New developments having more than 50 housing units or 50,000 square feet of commercial or industrial space shall contribute to the preparation of a Child Care Facilities Needs Assessment.

The purpose is to assess new child care demand created by new residents and employees against available community resources to identify need and if need is significant, support the expansion of child care services.
• Implementation Action HW-1.3.2 – Social Inclusion. When feasible, coordinate with developers of large projects to include amenities like child care facilities, community spaces, green spaces, transit stops and shelters, etc. in new developments or proposals for mixed-use space prior to issuing and approving permits. • Implementing Action HW-1.3.3 – Inclusive Developments. Support the development of child care facilities and family child care homes. Review zoning regulations regarding home-based early childhood education facilities, when needed.

City Response 2022: While I do not see provisions yet in the Vista Lucia Specific plan drafts to date, the City can insist on such for consistency with the General Plan as necessary. While not a “Childcare Needs Assessment per se, I do see that the Puente Del Monte Specific Plan drafts do include citations from the Health and Wellness Element, 45 meaning that they are aware of the requirement to “include childcare and play facilities as part of their development projects (play areas, parks, etc.).” Policy HW-1.4 – Business Integration and Support. Encourage the establishment of neighborhood-centric businesses that promote and offer healthy activities, foods, goods, and services and contribute to job creation.
• Implementing Action HW-1.4.1. Business Development. Support the development of diverse businesses in neighborhoods to offer residents a variety of shopping options and an opportunity to contribute to the local economy.
• Implementing Action HW-1.4.2 – Creative Business Solutions. Support creative and innovative business ideas and solutions such as outdoor dining, street sales, and events in which food, goods and services can be provided and sold in a non-traditional manner by reducing or eliminating barriers and streamlining the permitting processes and issuing over the counter permits.

City Response 2022: While supportive of Business Development and Creative Business Solutions, there has been attrition and turnover in the leadership of the Community Development Department, and Covid-19 as well affecting the whole community. The department should be entering a stronger point of stability now with the new Community Development Director and City Manager. Following completion of the City’s 6th Cycle Housing Element update, much more attention can be dedicated to Business Development, and Creative Business Solutions by the Community Development Director.

2. Diverse Housing Options Available to All Levels of Affordability • Goal HW-2: Improve health through diverse housing options available to all levels of affordability.

Policies
Policy HW-2.1 Real Estate and Commercial Options. Encourage housing and commercial options through public and private partnerships that increase access, reduce cost, and promote healthy lifestyles.
• Implementing Action HW-2.1.1 – Mixed Use Projects. Explore ways to support and encourage neighborhood-based development, such as reduced or deferred fees and revised ordinance standards for mixed uses, where such uses are allowed. Consider the relationship between the amount of public benefit (such as reduced traffic, job creation and/or enhanced business viability) and proposed economic incentives. • Implementing Action HW-2.1.2 – Community Integration. Promote health and wellness by supporting Specific Plans and Downtown redevelopment that place affordable housing 46 units close to community and retail amenities such as parks, full service grocery stores, local public transit stops, and retail and public services.

City Response 2022: These implementing actions will have there best opportunities in the Sphere of Influence areas and the ”complete concept” neighborhood villages of the specific plans under development. While the City in early 2022 approved a two-story 15-unit hotel in our very small downtown on a vacant parcel, the property owner has not returned with construction permits. While a hotel would have been nice, the site may also lend itself very well to second and third story residential units. Staff continues to encourage development of the site.

Policy HW-2.2 Support Affordable Housing. Encourage and support projects that provide highquality housing, both rental and for-sale, for all levels of affordability. • Implementing Action HW-2.2.1 – Affordable Housing Permits. Coordinate with affordable housing developers to implement Housing Element policies and implement actions that prioritize the processing of residential development proposals and permit applications for affordable housing projects.
• Implementing Action HW-2.2.2 – Housing and Services. Work with the County, nonprofits and other social service agencies to link families to support services, including educational programming, child care and arts programming, etc. • Implementing Action HW-2.2.3 – Homelessness. Work with social service agencies, schools and all federal, state and neighboring communities to provide an integrated system of care for people experiencing homelessness.
• Implementing Action HW-2.2.4 – Management. Coordinate with landlords to provide strong, on-site management of multi-family complexes to ensure the maintenance of housing and neighborhood quality. Encourage on-site support services such as educational and arts programming and child care.

City Response 2022 – The City adopted an ordinance waiving impact fees for Accessory Dwelling units, hoping to incentivize their construction and capacity to provide housing infill. The city displays and provides brochures in the City Hall lobby in two languages guiding residents to county and non-profit housing services. While homelessness is rather rare in Gonzales, so many households are overcrowded with some living in substandard construction. The City is conscious of enforcing building codes in an equitable manner city-wide, yet many residents could be imminently close to homelessness if displaced. The city has been working diligently and encouragingly to increase the supply of new units in Gonzales, yet the City is not a home builder. City government will offer quick and expedited review of any housing proposal that we may receive, as housing is a paramount concern for the community. The City is hoping to 47 dilute the overcrowding and potential for imminent displacement and homelessness by increasing supply.

Policy HW-2.3 Housing for All. Encourage and support projects that integrate market-rate housing with mixed income units at the project level as well as at the neighborhood level. • Implementing Action HW-2.3.1 – Housing Supply. Coordinate with affordable housing developers to implement Housing Element policies and implementing actions designed to ensure that the supply of affordable rental housing is maintained and remains affordable on a long-term basis.
• Implementing Action HW-2.3.2 – Innovative Housing Solutions. During Housing Element update cycles, work to further remove barriers to, and create opportunities for, innovative/nontraditional housing that meets standard requirements and supports life cycle housing opportunities, including aging in place.

City Response 2022 – In 2022, the City entered into an agreement with CHISPA housing to purchase and transfer an available property on Alta Road for the purposes of providing senior housing. CHISPA entered into escrow to complete the purchase yet is still aggregating financial resources from many sources to determine whether the project will consist of apartments or stand alone or duplex-type units. Either way, a portion of the units are expected to remain age-restricted, providing a housing resource for local seniors. Additionally, the City’s General Plan and Community Design parameters require a broad spectrum of housing unit sizes and densities to target different levels of affordability, not just allowing market rate construction. Through integrated neighborhood design, providing attached multi-family units, the City intends to provide housing for extremely low, very low, low and moderate income earning households.

And presently, we are engaged in the construction of our 6th Cycle Housing Element update and through our housing strategy taking shape we are working to remove barriers to, and to create opportunities for, innovative / nontraditional housing that meets building and safety code requirements and supports life cycle housing opportunities, including aging in place.

Policy HW-2.4 Code Enforcement. Regularly review and update rental inspection procedures and ordinances. Consider provisions that protect tenant rights, so they are not penalized for reporting or living in a dwelling unit that does not meet health and safety standards. • Implementing Action HW-2.4.1. Equitable and Empathetic Enforcement. Ensure that code enforcement activities are carried out in an empathetic way. Consider reducing barriers to housing and work with housing organizations and other service providers to ensure that tenants having to leave their living situation do not end up homeless. 48 • Implementing Action HW-2.4.2 – Tenant Support. Encourage maintenance and upkeep of rental housing. Work with organizations that support tenant rights to mitigate discrimination and retaliation for tenants reporting unsafe conditions and dilapidated buildings.

City Response 2022- The City has compiled a collection of County, regional and nonprofit resources on flyers and handouts available in the lobby of the Community Development Counter. Front line staff is versed with these materials and shares information freely with those who ask for assistance.

3. Ample Open Spaces for Public Engagement
• Goal HW-3: Improve health through ample open spaces for public engagement.

Policies
Policy HW-3.1 Open and Public Spaces. Through private and public partnerships facilitate the creation, maintenance, and upgrade of public facilities and open spaces, and the development of activities to attract more public use.
• Implementing Action HW-3.1.1 – Maintenance and Upgrades. Regularly maintain, add and update the city’s outdoor and physical activity equipment through partnerships with agencies, organizations, and community groups. Consider embedding amenities throughout the community for easy access. Consider the addition of:
o ✓ Accessible basketball courts, tracks, parks and exercise equipment throughout town
o ✓ Signage that shows how to use equipment at parks, public facilities, and open spaces
o ✓ Track/distance markers around parks and open spaces • Implementing Action HW-3.1.2 – Live and Interactive Activities. Through collaborations provide interactive activities at the parks, such as music, dance and exercise classes.
• Implementing Action HW-3.1.3 – Repurpose Open, Green and Public Spaces.

Through existing and new collaborations, repurpose spaces for public use to promote health and community wellbeing.
• Implementing Action HW-3.1.4 – Ample shade and Seating. Provide ample shaded seating areas such as at bus stops, parks and other public spaces. • Implementing Action HW-3.1.5 – Urban Greenery. Maintain and plant urban greenery throughout the community to encourage active lifestyles and outdoor activity.
49 City Response 2022 – Central Park and others are well maintained and include such amenities described in these implementing actions. The City also supports local groups who program music or dance events in the park. The City has also considered opening the restricted access to the Gonzales slough that traverses town to potentially include a “green” walking trail, yet Covid and other civic priorities have pushed continued efforts to the future. The City is presently contemplating the removal of public trees that have died (to be replaced with new greenery).

4. Infrastructure and Services that Enhance Safety and Visibility • Goal HW-4: Improve health through infrastructure and services that enhance safety and visibility.

Policies
Policy HW-4.1 Active Transportation and Walkable Streets Design, build, and upgrade streets to promote and facilitate the use of active transportation to support and encourage active lifestyles. • Implementing Action HW-4.1.1 – Street Safety and Flow Promotion. Encourage investments in roundabouts, corner bulb-outs, traditional and lighted crosswalks, cross lights, and other features that slow traffic and increase road visibility to support pedestrian safety.
• Implementing Action HW-4.1.2 – Bike Infrastructure. Promote the use and maintenance of bike lanes and bike paths to facilitate bicycle use. • Implementing Action HW-4.1.3 – Walkability. Support projects that provide active, safe streets and spaces that are pedestrian friendly and well lit.

City Response 2022 – The city keeps a regular paint striping and hands-on engagement with the conditions of streets, street crossings – especially near our educational institutions.

Policy HW-4.2 Crime Prevention through Environmental Design. Encourage developers to incorporate building and site design techniques that reduce crime, such as utilizing Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) strategies. • Implementing Action HW-4.2.1 – Safety and Community Design. Train all city staff (police, fire, and planning) in “Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED)” and ensure the utilization of its principles in their review of new developments.
• Implementing Action HW-4.2.2 – Safety and Public Works Maintenance. Use CPTED assessments for public spaces to identify maintenance needs that effect safety. 50 • Implementing Action HW-4.2.3 – Safety and Resident Engagement. Promote neighborhood clean-ups, murals, zoning enforcement and other CPTED activities that promote neighborhood pride, safety, and sense of ownership.

City Response 2022 - Coming out of Covid, the City really didn’t have new development proposals to practice CPTED principles. Otherwise, the City makes a good effort at providing evening security focused lighting where needed. Additionally, the City encourages and participates in the Tri-Cities Recycling Program’s annual neighborhood clean-up days, and is also regularly engaged with zoning enforcement regarding vehicles parked on lawns, or being lived out of in residential neighborhoods.

Policy HW-4.3 Built Environment and Health. Promote an understanding of the connections between the built environment and the on-going health challenges in Gonzales and Monterey County.
• Implementing Action HW-4.3.1 – Safe and Attractive Built Environments. Encourage built environments that promote physical activity, and access to healthy foods while reducing pollution, and safety hazards by:
• ✓ Promoting the use of tools such as Health Impact Assessments, Development Application Health Checklist, or other tools deemed effective at evaluating impacts of development on the public’s health.
• ✓ Support the redevelopment, renovation and beautification of community destinations and public spaces. Consider improvement to visibility and safety hazards for foot traffic.
• Implementing Action HW-4.3.2 – Built Environment Assessment Tool. Consider the utilization of the Built Environment Assessment Tool and Manual as a survey and project exploration tool to ensure best possible community outcomes.

City Response for 2022 – A Community Health Impact Assessment was commissioned in 2020 and completed by the Health Department.

5. Enhance Government and Community Relations
• Goal HW-5: Proactive in the enhancement of government and community relations to enhance the quality of life for all Gonzales residents.

Policies
Policy HW-5.1 Improved Communications. Support the development of an ongoing effective communication strategy to help inform the public about upcoming events, and community engagement opportunities.
51 • Implementing Action HW-5.1.1 – Sharing Information. Utilize and deploy various communication mediums (social media, newsletters, website, etc.) to inform the community of upcoming events, civic opportunities, and as a way of receiving feedback, and connecting to the public.
• Implementing Action HW-5.1.2 – Public Engagement. Develop and explore ways to effectively and authentically engage the public in community planning processes, policy development and other opportunities.

City Response for 2022 – The city will soon be upgrading our computer servers, as well as the supporting software for our webpage and Facebook accounts. It is our intention, through the internet and appropriately timed and crafted press releases, to share information with the community on upcoming events, civic opportunities, etc.

Presently, the Community Development Department is hosting a bilingual on-line community survey regarding Housing Needs Assessments as we prepare our updated Housing Element. These surveys have also been presented in paper form at recent civic events such as the Dia Le Los Ninos and 4th of July Celebration.

Policy HW-5.2 Police Engagement. Encourage and support the Police Departments’ community outreach, and safety education efforts to promote active, safe, and welcoming public spaces for all.
• Implementing Action HW-5.2.1 – Community Conversations. Provide community adult residents and youth the opportunity to engage in developing positive relationships with law enforcement through programs like the Police Explorer program and community conversations around safety, violence prevention and crime reduction. • Implementing Action HW-5.2.2 – Community Conflict Prevention Initiatives. Support the cultivation of a partnership between the Gonzales Unified School District (GUSD) and the Gonzales Police Department to promote community development and civic engagement initiatives and opportunities that can help resolve youth conflicts before they become greater community concerns.

City Response for 2022 - The City of Gonzales Police Department has a robust Police Explorer Program that is a career-oriented program that provides youth the opportunity to explore a career in law enforcement by working side by side with law enforcement Officials while volunteering in their community.

The Gonzales Unified School District and Police Department collaborate and share funding for a Community Resource Officer, stationed at the Gonzales High School. The Gonzales School Resource Officer provides valuable resources to school staff members, fostering positive relationships with youth, developing strategies to resolve problems 52 affecting youth, and protecting all students, so that they can reach their fullest potentials.

Policy HW-5.3 Community Policing. Support approaches and policies that integrate violence prevention and crime reduction with public health and community policing. • Implementing Action HW-5.3.1 – Safety through Community Partnerships. Support and encourage law enforcement’s adoption of community policing strategies that are neighborhood-based and engage residents and youth in the improvement of safety, and crime reduction.
• Implementing Action HW-5.3.2 – Neighborhood and Business Watch Programs. Support and promote the development of neighborhood and business watch programs aimed at empowering neighbors and business owners to watch for and report any suspicious behavior.

City Response for 2022 – The Police Department is active in their outreach and programming with the community. From conducting tours of the department facility, safety presentations at local schools, to daytime and evening foot patrols of commercial areas and neighborhoods, the Gonzales Police Department is actively integrating violence prevention, crime reduction techniques and embellishing the public health through their community policing efforts. Additional activities include, “Coffee with a Cop,” a regular and engaged presence for National Night Out, and offering citizens to request a police “House Watch” when away from home for an extended period of time.

Policy HW-5.4 Community Capacity Building. Enlist and strengthen the community’s capacity to participate in local planning, governmental affairs, and policy decision-making to advance health equity.
• Implementing Action HW-5.4.1 – Civic Engagement and Education Opportunities.

Support public engagement by offering and encouraging learning opportunities through new and established partnerships with the school district, higher learning institutions, the County of Monterey, non-profit organizations and for-profit entities. • Implementing Action HW-5.4.2 – Capacity Building and Networking. Invest in the human capital by tapping into local expertise, lived experience, and other local community resources and assets by creating a space where people can come together to share knowledge, build trust, and connect with one another. • Implementing Action HW-5.4.3 – Arts and Culture. Utilize and promote arts and culture as a means of engaging community residents and building community capacity. 53 City Response for 2022 – The City continues its commitment to pursue these Civic Engagements, Community Capacity networks and culture building.

6. Improve Safety and Promote Community Health Through Partnerships • Goal HW-6: Proactive in improving safety and promoting community health through partnerships to enhance the quality of life for all Gonzales residents.

Policies
Policy HW-6.1 Violence Prevention. Enhance the capacity of public, private and non-profit partners to conduct activities that increase economic opportunities, reduce gang activity, and reduce recidivism through initiatives linked to education, community empowerment, job training and civic engagement for residents with the greatest need and risk. • Implementing Action HW-6.1.1 – Prevention Partnerships. Encourage the development of partnerships between residents, community-based organizations, churches, businesses, schools and City departments to develop opportunities for meaningful participation of youth that improve community safety.
• Implementing Action HW-6.1.2 – Safer Places. Promote safety and security through code enforcement and the use of Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) to provide adequate lighting, trim bushes and trees, remove graffiti, and support neighborhood watch groups.

City Response for 2022 – Same as above responses for HW-5.2, 5.3, and 5.4.

Policy HW-6.2 Community Profile. Encourage the distribution of countywide, citywide, and neighborhood-level health data and information to the public to promote and encourage neighborhood and community-level participation in health issues. • Implementing Action HW-6.2.1 – Community Report. Periodically commission a community profile/report to highlight community health issues and trends and find resolutions to common health concerns.
• Implementing Action HW-6.2.2 – Public Health Approach. Deploy a wraparound public health approach for prevalent community concerns. Consider the development of partnerships to address concern(s) and seek out services designed to address need.

City Response for 2022 – A Health Assessment was commissioned in 2019 and completed by the Health Department.

Policy HW-6.3 Partnership Development. Encourage the development of partnerships to enhance community opportunities.
54 • Implementing Action HW-6.3.1 – Non-traditional Partnerships. Encourage nontraditional partnerships among entities and institutions including local governments, non-profits and businesses to promote art, health and well-being, cultural programs, foster community identity, and enhance neighborhood pride. • Implementing Action HW-6.3.2 – Joint Use. Explore ways of utilizing existing public facilities (such as schools, community rooms, libraries, etc.) for public use and activities like child care, sports programing, etc. and advocate for the inclusion of early learning and youth-friendly spaces in both the planning of new facilities and in the expansion of existing facilities.

City Response for 2022 – The City continues to seek these partnerships and opportunities.

Policy HW-6.4 Drug, Alcohol, and Tobacco-Use Prevention. Develop partnerships with local agencies to aid in the reduction of tobacco, drug, and alcohol use. Collaborate in offering prevention education classes and opportunities for all ages to learn about potential hazards, especially underage youth.
• Implementing Action HW-6.4.1 – Regulation. Regulate smoke/tobacco and cannabisrelated businesses as well as alcohol permits to mitigate unintended consequences.

Establish specific and appropriate radius requirements to protect sensitive receptors (public places, parks, schools, and community gathering places, day care centers, head start and preschool facilities and senior residences).
• Implementing Action HW-6.4.2 – Assess Community Need. Regularly assess the need for and offer educational programs that educate youth and community about the related health impacts of the use of tobacco, alcohol, cannabis and other drug products. • Implementing Action HW-6.4.3 – Protection of Vulnerable Populations. Craft policies and ordinances that protect vulnerable populations such as children and seniors from harmful effects of exposure to second-hand smoke, drugs and alcohol.

City Response for 2022 – The City has adopted ordinances regarding both cannabis and tobacco distribution. Chapter 4.70 of the City Code addresses Tobacco Licensing. The City also prohibits Medical Marijuana dispensaries and has not engaged adult recreation cannabis distribution or processing within City limits.

7. Prevention through the Built Environment
• Goal HW-7: Proactive in prevention through the built environment to enhance the quality of life for all Gonzales residents.
55 Policies
Policy HW-7.1 Child and Youth-Friendly Construction Through collaborations, City policies and guidelines encourage the inclusion of child-friendly spaces in new residential, and nonresidential developments. • Implementing Action HW-7.1.1 – Child Care and Play Facilities. Coordinate with developers of large-scale residential projects to include child care and play facilities as part of their development projects (play areas, parks, etc.). • Implementing Action HW-7.1.2 – Growth and Expansion. Promote the inclusion of preschools in residential neighborhoods and expansion of early learning facilities as part of mixed-use neighborhoods.

City Response for 2022 – The City will continue to promote the inclusion of preschools in residential neighborhoods and expansion of early learning facilities as part of mixeduse neighborhoods. These conversations continue with our Specific Plan interests as well.

Policy HW-7.2 Library Services. Provide adequate library facilities to meet the diverse educational and informational needs of all residents and showcase libraries as a point of pride for the City.
• Implementing Action HW-7.2.1 – Service Expansion. Through joint-use opportunities and other creative ways, expand access to library services and learning material.

Consider non-traditional partnerships and methods that help to provide a further reach into the community.
• Implementing Action HW-7.2.2 – Culturally Diverse Services. Ensure public facilities carry a wide variety of learning material that is culturally diverse and is offered in a variety of languages and literacy levels.

City Response for 2022 – In the City’s programming for the new Community Center currently in the design and bidding processes, that City will build a space for library services, and the City and Monterey County Library system are in conversation and cooperative engagements, including partial funding.

8. Safe, Convenient Access To Healthy Foods For All Residents • Goal HW-8: Safe, convenient access to a healthy food for all residents Policies
Policy HW-8.1 Healthy Food for All. Ensure that all Gonzales residents have access to healthy and affordable foods.
56 • Implementing Action HW-8.1.1 – Healthy Food Access. Strive to ensure that all residents are within a short walking distance of sources of fresh and healthy foods (e.g., grocery stores, health corner stores, farmer’s markets, and community gardens). • Implementing Action HW-8.1.2 – Healthy Eating and Food Literacy. Support and promote healthy food options, nutrition education, and food literacy through local government services, health care organizations, non-profits, faith-based organizations, and private sector businesses.
• Implementing Action HW-8.1.3 – Food Assistance Program Enrollment. Increase resident participation in federal food programs. Make application and enrollment support available through City facilities and services. Federal programs include food stamps, WIC, and school lunch programs.
• Implementing Action HW-8.1.4 – Integration with Planning. Integrate sustainable food system issues, and where practical, quantitative goals and metrics, into planning processes, including the City’s General Plan, neighborhood plans, and other strategic and functional plans.

City Response for 2022 – During COVID, we supported numerous food distributions, and there are still some ongoing through the Salvation Army and local churches. The City also conducted food demonstrations through our Community Health Worker Program in partnership with the School District and Blue Zones.

Policy HW-8.2 Fresh Foods in Neighborhoods. Promote opportunities to obtain fresh foods in neighborhoods by encouraging the development of community gardens, fresh produce stands, farmer markets, mobile food vendors, and small businesses such as vegetable and fruit markets, butcher shops, and grocery markets.
• Implementing Action HW-8.2.1 – Barrier Reduction. Review and revise, when necessary, City regulations to provide a hospitable regulatory environment for: local foods operations including farmers’ markets; home, community, and school gardens; restaurants; on-site and industrial composting; and year-round food production, processing, aggregation, and distribution efforts; as well as mobile food vendors.

Consider license criteria and include flexibility to adjust to new business models that attract a wide range of local consumers.
• Implementing Action HW-8.2.2 – Healthy Food Venues. Work to reduce food deserts by attracting and retaining high quality grocery stores and other healthy food purveyors (full-service grocery stores, farmer’s markets, fruit and vegetable markets, and convenience stores, corner stores, or mobile food vendors). • Implementing Action HW-8.2.3 – Assess Sites for Urban Agriculture. Identify and inventory potential community garden sites on existing parks, public easements, right-of- 57 ways, and schoolyards, and develop a program to establish community gardens in appropriate locations. Prioritize neighborhoods underserved by healthy food sources. • Implementing Action HW-8.2.4 – Community Gardens. Support the development of community gardens embedded within neighborhoods. Work with residents to monitor their upkeep and ensure cleanliness. Establish guidelines and protocols for their lifespan.

Overcome barriers created by zoning, irrigation issues and liability insurance in relationship to use of vacant land, equipment, and volunteers for local food production and distribution.

City Response for 2022 - The City continues to seek these partnerships and opportunities. Additionally, Community Development staff anticipates contacting several local cities in Monterey County to glean their experience and lessons learned as we increase our efforts to establish urban agriculture, and community gardens and a regular Farmers’ Market.

Policy HW-8.3 Farmer’s Market. Develop partnerships to help bring a sustainable farmer’s market to the community that offers healthy and affordable foods. • Implementing Action HW-8.3.1 – Farmer’s Market Locations. Identify potential farmer’s market sites on public property, including parks, schools, and other institutions; on private property, including clinics and commercial centers; and, where feasible, on streets using temporary street closures. Work with potential partners to develop an ongoing community farmer’s market(s).
• Implementing Action HW-8.3.2 – Permits. Coordinate permit process for a local farmer’s market that offers healthy and affordable food options.

9. Healthy Eating Messages, Choices and Encouragement of Healthy Behaviors • Goal HW-9: Safe, convenient access to a greater range of healthy and affordable food options for all residents through healthy eating messages, choices and encouragement Policies
Policy HW-9.1 Health Promotion. Promote health and raise awareness about chronic disease prevention and the importance of healthy lifestyles.
58 • Implementing Action HW-9.1.1 – Signage. Promote health by posting health-related information and health awareness signs around town and in public and open spaces like public facilities and bus stops.
• Implementing Action HW-9.1.2 – Awareness Partnerships. Actively seek and promote private and public partnerships to disseminate wellness and safety messages. (e.g., MST, TAMC).
• Implementing Action HW-9.1.3 – Health and Wellness Classes. Partner with local organizations to offer workshops on health topics such as diabetes, nutrition, disaster preparedness, healthy eating, and cooking.

City Response for 2022 - Through a collaboration with the Blue Zones Project, we partnered up with multiple local organizations to host a Community Health Fair and showcased the movie “El Susto” , a documentary that discusses the accessibility of sugary sodas and Type 2 diabetes being the leading cause of death. Some of the Local Organizations included: Salinas Valley Health Mobile Clinic, Taylor Farms, Gonzales Fire Department, and Brighter Beginnings.

Policy HW-9.2 Healthy Nutrition through Partnerships. Promote and support nutrition and access to healthy foods through public and private partnerships, including with the local agricultural industry and school districts, to offer a variety of healthy and affordable foods through locally grown produce.
• Implementing Action HW-9.2.1 – Collaboration. Establish effective collaborations with healthy food vendors to support the coordination of practices, education, and policies intended to help increase access to affordable healthy foods and beverages. Consider community benefit opportunities that may come in the form of advancing and/or supporting community services such as schools/after school programs, child care centers, churches, non-profits, and community-based organizations. • Implementing Action HW-9.2.2 – Nutrition Network. Work with local agriculture companies and community entities to create a nutrition network that can support low cost nutrition programming such as salad bars in the schools, the recreation center, child care centers, and during city and school sponsored events.
• Implementing Action HW-9.2.3 – Healthy Foods Promotion. Work with local entities such as schools, employers, and other community establishments to support a culture of healthy food consumption. Consider the development of a recognition program to recognize those entities that develop policies or contribute to their employee’s health and well-being by offering healthy food options and encouraging healthy food consumption.

City Response for 2022 - With the help of our Community Health Workers and the partnership with the Blue Zones Project, we were able to conduct a series of Healthy 59 Cooking Demonstrations for parents and their children which encourages, both, healthy eating habits.

Policy HW-9.3 Sustainable Agriculture. Attract and retain food systems that can bring in both access and revenue into the community.
• Implementing Action HW-9.3.1 – Thriving Agriculture System. Promote programs and strategies, especially cooperative solutions that create better living conditions for farm laborers, including improved labor housing, living wages, affordable healthcare, and human services for workers and their families to continue benefiting from a thriving, local agriculture industry.

City Response for 2022 – In 2022, the Rianda Family Trust approached the City with a proposal to construct a new agricultural cooler packaging plant adjacent to the City limits on Gloria Road and eventually to be annexed to the City. The City has processed and pre-approved the project prior to LAFCo action on incorporation approximately early 2023. The plant will accommodate approximately 3 shifts of 150-250 persons providing employment opportunities.

Policy HW-9.4 Healthy Food Standards. Promote healthy food and beverage standards, and procurement policies that aid in community health and wellness. • Implementing Action HW-9.4.1 – Healthy Foods Criteria. Work with partners such as the school district and the Monterey County Health Department, among others to develop healthy food criteria to be applied during City and Government sponsored-events and to vending machine beverages and snacks sold on City-owned property. • Implementing Action HW-9.4.2 – Nutritional Services. Support the development and implementation of nutritional services and health and wellness policies across community sectors.
• Implementing Action HW-9.4.3 – Scholastic Partnerships. Support the Gonzales Unified School District in the development and implementation of health and wellness policies and initiatives.

City Response for 2022 - The City continues to seek these partnerships and opportunities.

10. Celebrate Healthy and Affordable Food Options
• Goal HW-9: Celebrate healthy and affordable food options for all residents. 60 Policies
Policy HW-10.1 Foods Festivals. Promote and support the creation and continuation of yearly events, festivals, and contests that publicize and celebrate local food products. • Implementing Action HW-10.1.1 – Foods Festivals Partnerships. Partner with local groups, agencies, and organizations to celebrate local food options through food festivals and other events.
• Implementing Action HW-10.1.2 – Healthy Access Committee. Work to establish a committee of volunteers that can help lead the planning and implementation of local food celebrations/events.

City Response for 2022 - The City continues to seek these partnerships and opportunities.

11. Develop Partnerships to Expand Opportunities
• Goal HW-11: Develop partnerships to expand opportunities, improve economic conditions, and reduce poverty.

Policies
Policy HW-11.1 Workforce Development. Support and expand employment and job training opportunities for residents to enter the workforce so that new and existing industries have access to a local, work-ready, and talented workforce.
• Implementing Action HW-11.1.1 – Employment Development. Develop strategies for populations that face barriers to employment including youth, agricultural workers, formerly incarcerated, and those with limited English proficiency. • Implementing Action HW-11.1.2 – Varied Career Paths. Emphasize technical and varied career paths within job development and local training opportunities. Encourage on-thejob training that supports skill development and career advancement. • Implementing Action HW-11.1.3 – Career Pathways. Promote efforts of local schools, colleges, trade schools, and non-profit organizations to promote career pathway alternatives to traditional higher education.

City Response for 2022 - The City constantly hosts Interns and the Summer GYC Fellowship in addition to other opportunities for workforce development. The City Council semi-regularly has joint sessions with the Gonzales Unified School District (GUSD), and City staff have participated in career days and mock interviews to 61 provide insight and mentorship to our youth. The GUSD is making great strides in bringing college level curriculum and opportunities to high school students.

Policy HW-11.2 Skill Enhancement. Promote expansion of academic and job skills-based educational opportunities for older adults, non-English speakers, formerly incarcerated, lowincome individuals, and veterans. • Implementing Action HW-11.2.1 – Public/Private Partnerships. Encourage expansion of public and private partnerships and philanthropic initiatives to provide jobs, training, and internships for youth and young adults.
• Implementing Action HW-11.2.2 – Financial Literacy. Promote financial stability and household resilience through programs and private/public collaborations that foster financial literacy in youth and adults, including budgeting, health coverage, savings, life insurance and emergency funds.

City Response for 2022 - The City continues to seek these partnerships and opportunities for skill enhancement and financial literacy.

12. Diverse Business Opportunities that Support Diverse Job Creation • Goal HW-12: Diverse business opportunities that support diverse job creation to expand opportunities, improve economic conditions, and reduce poverty.

Policies
Policy HW-12.1 Healthy Businesses. Encourage the opening of stores and industries that foster long-term economic growth, are socially conscious, and support community health by offering a healthy living wage.
• Implementing Action HW-12.1.1 – Business Recognition Program. Through a recognition program, support businesses and industry leaders that offer healthy livingwages, positive working conditions, benefits and paid sick leave. • Implementing Action 12.1.2 – Business Loan Program. Give priority for business loan grants to businesses that provide a living wage to their employees.

City Response for 2022 - The City continues to seek these partnerships and opportunities for Healthy Businesses.

Policy HW-12.2 Small Business Support. Support and promote the development and retention of small businesses by providing education, technical assistance and financial support including access to capital and microfinance loans.
62 • Implementing Action HW-12.2.1 – Promote Local Shops. Implement a “Support Small Business” strategy that recognizes specific day(s) as the day(s) to shop at local small businesses.
• Implementing Action HW-12.2.2 – Community Supported Businesses. Build a motivational communications strategy around local purchasing and work with local businesses to grow community enthusiasm. Use signage on windows and other means to create positive momentum, promote businesses, and encourage foot traffic. • Implementing Action HW-12.2.3 – Entrepreneurship. Promote business creation, retention, and entrepreneurship by providing education, technical assistance, and financial support to local businesses, including access to capital and microfinance loans. • Implementation Action HW-12.2.4 – Licensed Child Care Providers. Work with local institutions of higher education and the Child Care Resource & Referral agency to coordinate and expand professional development pathways for residents to become licensed child care providers and contribute to their upward mobility.

City Response for 2022 - The City continues to seek these partnerships and opportunities for Small Business Support, including working with local institutions to increase the supply of licensed child care providers. The City has retained since 2005 Angel Johnstone for marketing, underwriting and servicing and project administration for business support in the community, including CDBG Administration which includes Training, Employment and Contracting Opportunities for Business and lower- income persons.

Policy HW-12.3 Job Creation. Attract and retain a diverse mix of businesses and industries that can provide jobs for residents of all skills and education levels. • Implementing Action HW-12.3.1 – Training Programs. Partner with educational, civic, labor, and business institutions to provide job training programs that enable the unemployed, under-employed, or economically or socially disadvantaged residents to enter or move up in the labor force. Connect local businesses with educational institutions and organizations that offer training, recruitment programs and services to support and increase employment opportunities and compete in the regional economy. • Implementing Action HW-12.3.2 – Job Growth and Development. Support widespread access to diverse employment opportunities and increase job growth, particularly jobs that provide a living wage and healthcare benefits, by working with local businesses to advertise, promote and offer job training and employment opportunities to local residents through City website, media channels, and other means.

City Response for 2022 - The City continues to seek these partnerships and support opportunities for Job Creation.
63 Policy HW-12.4 Sustainable Agricultural Economy. Support job sourcing through the local agriculture industry and encourage economic self-sufficiency through the attainment of livingwage jobs. • Implementing Action HW-12.4.1 – Job Sourcing. Partner with the agricultural industry to identify available jobs and skills required to inform the public about opportunities, promote job mobility and advancement, and to attract new generations of agricultural workers who possess skills needed to respond to the changing industry environment. • Implementing Action HW-12.4.2 – Social Responsibility. Encourage businesses and industries to hire locally, when possible; participate in civic life; and play a positive role in the community.

City response for 2022 - The City continues to seek these partnerships and support opportunities for a Sustainable Agricultural Economy.

13. Sustainable Practices
• Goal HW-13: Incorporate sustainable practices in everyday operations and activities.

Policies
Policy HW-13.1 Volunteerism. Support community in developing neighborhood watch programs, park clubs, and other resident-led volunteer activities. • Implementing Action HW-13.1.1 – Friends of the Park Volunteer Club. Create a Friend’s of the Park Club to protect historic/cherished parks, natural resources, and landmarks. • Implementing Action HW-13.1.2 – Community Volunteers. Offer meaningful opportunities for the public to take a leadership role in creating healthier and more beautiful spaces in their community (e.g., park clean-ups, etc.).

City Response for 2022 - The City continues to seek these partnerships and support opportunities for Volunteerism.

Policy HW-13.2 Renewable Energy. Support projects that implement measures contained in the Gonzales Climate Action Plan that promote the generation, transmission, and use of a range of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind power, and waste energy to meet current and future demand, and encourage new development and redevelopment projects to generate a portion of their energy needs through renewable sources.
• Implementing Action HW-13.2.1 – Gonzales Grows Green (G3). Continue commitment to the Gonzales Grows Green (G3) Economic Sustainability Program. Consider the 64 formation of new partnerships and support innovations that prepare the City for future needs.
• Implementing Action HW-13.2.3 – Environmentally Friendly. Encourage existing businesses and industries to become increasingly environmentally progressive and continue making positive contributions to the community. • Implementing Action HW-13.2.4 – Emission Reduction. Work with organizations to encourage walkable communities and minimize the use of vehicles that produce harmful CO2 emissions.

City Response for 2022 - The City continues in its commitment to Grow Green. The City of Gonzales has committed to being a Sustainable Community. A "sustainable community" is one whose prospects for long-term health are good. Its residents and businesses do not deplete the resources that they depend on faster than those resources can be replenished.

The G3 mindset includes:
• Respect for basic rights and the recognition of basic responsibilities • Living within ecological carrying capacity
• Equal opportunities for individual development
• A diverse economic base
• A vibrant democracy with informed and involved residents • The protection of natural diversity
• Improving the standard of living
• Maximizing the use of people's abilities
• Minimizing the use of natural resources
Policy HW-13.3 Waste Reduction. Encourage and promote practices that recycle solid waste for reuse and ensure hazardous materials do not populate or integrate into the waste stream. • Implementing Action HW-13.3.2 – Messaging. Work to coordinate programs and messages about recycling that include outreach and education efforts.

City Response for 2022 - The City continues to seek these partnerships and support opportunities with Tri-Cities Disposal and Recycling Service, Inc. Additionally, October is when an annual City clean up and disposal event is scheduled that collects solid wastes and hazardous materials.
65 Through a Partnership with Tri-Cities we were able to offer Composting Bins to all community members in order to preserve a valuable resource that can be re-used to harvest crops.

Policy HW-13.4 Green Industries. Promote and encourage new, clean and green industries that provide well-paying jobs, generate revenue, and create other community and environmental benefits.
• Implementing Action HW-13.4.2 – Conservation and Increase of Tree Resources.

Actively preserve and increase the tree resources available for the enjoyment and health benefits of current and future Gonzales residents. Use zoning and building requirements to ensure that new City developments feature an abundance of trees. • Implementing Action HW-13.4.3 – Regulation Compliance. Together with regulatory agencies, actively work with local industries to ensure compliance with all applicable environmental regulations to limit pollution and protect the community from environmental hazards.

City Response for 2022 - The City continues to seek these partnerships with green industries to and support opportunities for conservation and increasing tree resources.

14. Maximize Use of Green and Open Spaces
• Goal HW-14: Maximize use of green and open spaces in everyday operations and activities.

Policies
Policy HW-14.1 Increase Access. Increase access to a variety of local recreational facilities, and green spaces.
• Implementing Action HW-14.1.1 – Sitting Areas. Provide adequate sitting areas at parks and other public places to promote public use of natural and open spaces. • Implementing Action HW-14.1.2 – Preservation and Restoration. Support projects that contribute to the preservation and restoration of the slough/wetland area among other natural resources in Gonzales and make them available for public use. • Implementing Action HW-14.1.3 – Creeks and Rivers. Support projects that help maintain the integrity of creeks and wetlands to protect existing open space, agricultural lands, and parks.

City Response 2022- Central Park and others are well maintained and include such amenities described in these implementing actions. The city has considered opening the restricted access to the Gonzales slough that traverses town to potentially include a 66 “green” walking trail, yet Covid and other civic priorities have pushed continued efforts to the future. The City is presently contemplating the removal of public trees that have died (to be replaced with new greenery).

Policy HW-14.2 Attractive City. Invest in City beautification projects to encourage outdoor activity, contribute to community connectedness, and improve wellness. • Implementing Action HW-14.2.1 – Green Spaces. Plan green, accessible spaces near buildings for increased mental well-being, improved cognition, reduced stress, and better healing.
• Implementing Action HW-14.2.2 – City Beatification. Work to beautify public environments by providing strategically placed garbage and recycling receptacles, public art, interactive activities, lights, and urban greenery such as tree canopies and landscaping.

City Response for 2022 - The City continues to seek beautification projects and to support green spaces.

15. Access to Healthcare Services for All
• Goal HW-15: Access to healthcare services for all residents Policies
Policy HW-15.1 Health for All. Through partnership with healthcare providers and partners such as the local clinics, private healthcare institutions and the County, foster the overall health and wellbeing of residents, particularly the most vulnerable. • Implementing Action HW-15.1.1 – Primary Care Access. Consider supporting things like free health screenings, free vaccine clinics, free health fairs, and the distribution of health-related materials that promote primary care.
• Implementing Action HW-15.1.2 – Healthy Community. Promote services that enable residents to meet their health care needs without having to leave town. Consider developing partnerships with health care providers and those that offer mobile or virtual health and oral clinics. Assess the impact of strategies like community health days, where the City encourages physical activity and health screenings, free of cost or at a minimal fee.
• Implementing Action HW-15.1.3 – Mental Health Services. Support the expansion of access to mental health services through partnerships with Monterey County Behavioral Health and other mental health service providers. Consider joint-use policies of Cityowned spaces to ease delivery of service. 67 • Implementing Action HW-15.1.4 – Public Health Collaborations. Collaborate with public agencies and nonprofits, among others to monitor the health and well-being of the residents of Gonzales on a basis deemed appropriate.

City Response for 2022 –

15.1.1 The City of Gonzales did a lot of this work during COVID. We supported the expansion of the Gonzales Medical Group by providing a facility, at low cost, with more square footage for the clinic so that they could provide more services and access to care for our most vulnerable community members.

15.1.2 We built partnerships with the Hartnell Nursing Program, our Gonzales Pharmacy, Monterey County Health Department and the Visting Nurses Association among others to be able to offer COVID-19 vaccine and testing clinics in the community during COVID.

We also partnered with the Gonzales School District and Blue Zones to provide healthy food demonstrations through our community health worker program. These demonstrations included the entire family unit.

15.1.3 The city in 2020 partnered with the school district to fund an additional LCSW position for the district. Mental Health has been an issue that the Gonzales Youth Council has also taken on. They conducted a study on it and deployed strategies to address mental health. The Community Health Workers also addressed mental health in their connections with community by sharing resources and connecting individuals with counseling organizations.

15.1.4 The City worked diligently throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, actively participating in vaccine distribution, conducting city-wide testing, and distributing thousands of informative flyers and brochures covering a range of vital health subjects.

Policy HW-15.2 Preventative Programming. Provide access to preventative programming, services, and education through partnerships with non-profits, County programs, local jurisdictions, and schools to support resident health.
• Implementing Action HW-15.2.1 – Health and Wellness Education. Support access to health and wellness education through partnerships with local, regional agencies, and other organizations.
• Implementing Action HW-15.2.2 – Access. Ensure access to a wide range of health care and mental health facilities that are transit accessible and pedestrian friendly.

City Response for 2022 – The language/strategies mentioned above can effectively address both of these actions. The services were conveniently provided within the local community, easily accessible to residents who could simply walk to avail themselves of them.
68 16. City as a Health Leader
• Goal HW-16: City as a Health Leader
Policies
Policy HW-16.1 Health Equity. Promote awareness and recognition of the role of the social determinants of health, and persistent health inequities. Assess and ensure the City’s policies, programs, and services affecting community health promote fairness, equity, and justice. • Implementing Action HW-16.1.1 – Vulnerable Populations. Ensure that new policies, services and programs work to improve the lives of those most vulnerable to poor health outcomes, including persons living in poverty, older adults, children, persons with disabilities, people of color and immigrants.
• Implementing Action HW-16.1.2 – Health and the Built Environment. Promote and encourage community understanding of the connections between the built environment and the on-going community health challenges.

City Response for 2022 – Same as above
Policy HW-16.2 HiAP Collaborations and Framework. Integrate a public health point of view into all City policies and implementation measures.
• Implementing Action HW-16.2.1 – Gonzales HiAP Taskforce. Collaborate with regional governments to create a HiAP taskforce to disseminate health and wellness messaging, goals and guidelines across various sectors within the City. Support consensus building among the groups to adopt congruent policies, or to support their current health and wellness policies with the goal of increasing community wellness. • Implementing Action HW-16.2.2 – Policy Health Impact Assessments (HIA’s). Consider the use of health impact assessments (HIA’s) or similar tools to evaluate how policies, program/project activities, and new development projects may impact community health. • Implementing Action HW-16.2.3 – HiAP Implementation. Directly and indirectly support and promote health and wellness initiatives, projects, policies, and programs that enhance community health outcomes.

City Response for 2022 – We have supported Blue Zones and a lot of other efforts to promote health and wellness including all the preventative work that was done during COVID with vaccines.

Policy HW-16.3 Internal Capacity Development. Strengthen the City’s internal capacity to support and implement health-related policies and programs. Partner with Monterey County Health Department, community-based organizations, foundations, and other regional agencies to 69 build capacity among City staff, boards and commissions and elected officials with regard to health and its relationship to the design of the built environment. • Implementing Action HW-16.3.1 – Health and Infrastructure. Train staff and volunteers to understand the nexus between health and the built environment. • Implementing Action HW-16.3.2 – Equity Training. Introduce health equity concepts into new staff training. Consider yearly staff training around the City’s Health in All Policies work and connecting actions.

City Response for 2022 –

16.3.1 – Directors received training on health equity practices and their nexus to housing by the County Civil Rights Office and the County Health Department in 2020

16.3.2 – Directors were introduced to Health Equity training. See above Policy HW-16.4 Healthy Employees. Encourage City staff and volunteers to be active in their health and wellbeing by facilitating their participation in health-related activities. • Implementing Action HW-16.4.1 – Employee Wellness. Support employee health by encouraging staff and City volunteers to engage in active lifestyles. • Implementing Action HW-16.4.2 – Support of Emergency Services. Through partnerships with local health organizations work to offer yearly health screenings for emergency staff and volunteer firefighters.

City Response for 2022 – The City acknowledges the importance of addressing this Policy and its associated actions. Recognizing the need to enhance the health and wellbeing of its employees and volunteers, the City is committed to actively working on these initiatives.

17. Early Childhood Education Childcare Services
• Goal HW-17: Enhance educational attainment and employment readiness through early childhood education childcare services.

Policies
Policy HW-17.1 Affordable and Quality Preschool and Head Start. Support the development of affordable and accessible, quality early child care, preschools, and Head Start programs to increase and promote early learning.
• Implementing Action HW-17.1.1 – Cross-Agency Work. Develop child-care facilities through collaborative work among multiple City and County agencies and initiatives (i.e., cradle to career initiatives), including Bright Beginnings, United Way, Bright Futures, Monterey County Child Care Planning Council, local child care providers, 70 transportation, Recreation Department, neighborhood groups, Chamber of Commerce, etc.
• Implementing Action HW-17.1.2 – City Child Care Subsidies. Coordinate with early childhood education partners to develop a subsidy program to support access to local quality child care.
• Implementing Action HW-17.1.3 – Recreation Support. Develop playgroups that support all stages of child development. Utilize existing partnerships of cradle to career initiatives to determine best practices of early childhood education delivered in playgroup models and find ways to incorporate them into group settings. • Implementing Action HW-17.1.4 – Public Facility Use. Intentionally use community space to partner with local agencies to host workshops for parents on building early literacy skills. Consider applying to First 5 Monterey County’s sponsorship program for all community events, for books, Kits for New Parents, and for the use of the Wheelie Mobile.

City Response for 2022 - The City continues to support cross-agency support to facilitate Affordable and Quality Preschool and Head Start programs.

Policy HW-17.2 Child Care System. Through partnerships work to develop a comprehensive, affordable, high quality child care delivery system.
• Implementation Action HW-17.2.1 – Child Care Task Force. Create a community-wide child care task force (or council) to study the development of child care programs, fill service gaps, increase program effectiveness, improve service accessibility, and maximize available resources.
• Implementation Action HW-17.2.2 – Child Care Master Plan. Create a joint public/private child care master plan that will coordinate a range of services for children and their families, in conjunction with local agencies, groups, and larger county initiatives.
• Implementing Action HW-17.2.3 – Needs Assessment. In collaboration with child care advocates prepare a child care nexus study to determine the extent of need for early childhood education programs within the community and expenses related to expansion of programs. Explore avenues to implement a systematic way to monitor and evaluate this on a periodic basis, developing mechanisms for gathering regular feedback from families on all aspects of programming and using those findings to inform ongoing improvements. • Implementing Action HW-17.2.4 – After-school and Summer Child Care. Collaborate with the Gonzales Unified School District and local child care providers to expand afterschool and summer child care activities to support the working parents and guardians.
71 City Response for 2022 - The City continues to support and welcome continuing engagement in support of an affordable, high quality child care delivery system.

Policy HW-17.3 Mindful Child Care Facilities. Encourage strategically located child care to support workforce and livable communities.
• Implementation Action HW-17.3.1 – Provision of Child Care. Encourage developers and larger commercial employers to support and/or provide child care. • Implementing Action HW-17.3.2 – Facility Development. Streamline processing and permit regulations, to the extent possible, to promote and support the development of child care facilities and family child care homes. Review zoning regulations and remove barriers to home-based early childhood education facilities. • Implementing Action HW-17.3.3 – Expansion of Learning Facilities. Promote mixed-use permits that will allow for inclusion of preschools in residential neighborhoods and expansion of early learning facilities as part of the City’s growth.

City Response for 2022 - The City continues to support and welcome continuing engagement in support of child care delivery systems. When the City engages rezoning soon to implement the 6th Cycle Housing Element, staff will be proposing to include preschools in residential neighborhoods and expansion of early learning facilities as part of the City’s growth.

18. Enrichment Programs
• Goal HW-18: Enhance educational attainment and employment readiness through enrichment programs.

Policies
Policy HW-18.1 Programming. Find ways to support and promote free or low-cost child and family enrichment programs, after-school supplemental education programs, and senior citizen friendly programing.
• Implementing Action HW-18.1.1 – Recreation Centers. Encourage programming at recreational centers to serve all phases of life (e.g., children, families and senior citizens).
• Implementing Action HW-18.1.2 – Family Strengthening. Provide families with practical ways to support their children, which build on content covered and instructional practices used within the classroom; family engagement supports, including resources on social-emotional development, extending learning into the home, and successful transitions into and out of pre-K to ensure that all children gain foundational language, cognitive and social emotional skills, including students with special needs and children whose primary language is not English.
72 • Implementing Action HW-18.1.3 – Family-Centric Messaging. Incorporate family strengthening messaging into Gonzales Way social marketing campaign and all City sponsored events.
• Implementing Action HW-18.1.4 – Year-Round Enrichment Programs. Continue collaboration with GUSD and public/private partnerships to maintain and enhance existing extended learning opportunities through after-school enrichment programs, summer boost programs, school breaks, and weekends for all children, especially low to moderate income families and English language learners.

City Response for 2022 - The City of Gonzales offers year-round programming to community members of all ages some of the activities include Adult co-ed softball, Adult Basketball League, Youth Soccer, Youth T-ball and Water Aerobics amongst others.

19. Adult Education and Skills Augmentation
• Goal HW-19: Enhance educational attainment and employment readiness through adult education and skills augmentation.

Policies
Policy HW-19.1 Capacity Development and Training Through partnerships and collaborations, support and facilitate the availability of training and skill development through school courses, colleges, trade schools, and other programs for adult learners within the city limits, when possible.
• Implementing Action HW-19.1.1 – Training. Support a variety of career pathways and traditional higher education alternatives for adults to encourage and support local job opportunities for skill development and social advancement. • Implementing Action HW-19.1.2 – Adult Education and Skill Augmentation. Promote the expansion of academic and skill-based training and educational opportunities for adults of all ages, non-native English speakers, low-income individuals, formerly incarcerated and veterans.
• Implementation Action HW-19.1.3 – Licensed Childcare Providers. Work with local institutions of higher education and the Child Care Resource & Referral Agency to coordinate and expand professional development pathways for residents to become licensed childcare providers.

City Response for 2022 - The Gonzales Community Health Workers underwent multiple skill-based training, some of which were offered in languages besides English. These trainings granted them the opportunity to be able to: conduct COVID tests, process MediCal enrollment, teach cooking demos and much more all while collaborating with local organizations in the community.
73 20. Growing Our Own
• Goal HW-20: Enhance youth leadership development and empowerment opportunities through growing our own.

Policies
Policy HW-20.1 Educational Opportunities. Work towards developing an education system that provides an opportunity for all residents by supporting early childhood education programs that equip all children with the foundation to become happy, healthy, and successful adults. • Implementing Action HW-20.1.1 – Alignment of Opportunities. Work to align educational opportunities with the Gonzales Way vision so that every child has the opportunity to be successful.
• Implementing Action HW-20.1.2 – Information Campaign. Promote significant benefits of quality early childhood education to community members, employers, businesses and developers through Gonzales Way social marketing campaigns.

City Response for 2022 – The City continues to support enhanced youth leadership development and empowerment opportunities like the GYC and Internships.

Policy HW-20.2 Capacity Development. Support the leadership and capacity development of local youth.
• Implementing Action HW-20.2.1 – Youth 21st Century. Invest in growing the Youth 21st Century Initiative. Commit to developing opportunities for youth engagement, leadership and capacity development. Strive to empower and support the Youth Advisors in their leadership role.
• Implementing Action HW-20.2.2 – Leadership and Capacity Building. Develop internship and volunteer opportunities that help increase human capital, optimize resources, and contribute to community health and economic opportunities for youth and young adults.

City Response for 2022 - The City of Gonzales continues to support the Youth Summer Fellowship; the three-week course allows students to have immersions with government and school leaders to better understand the way both parties work together. This opportunity is some of the students' first glance at a formal work experience as this is a paid opportunity.

Policy HW-20.3 Youth Programming. Expand programming for youth including before and after school care, sports and fitness, outdoor activity, excursions, and arts education. 74 • Implementing Action HW-20.3.1 – Affordable Recreation. Through collaboration and partnerships seek opportunities to expand free and low-cost recreation programs for youth and teens, including before and after-school care, sports and fitness, outdoor activities and excursions and arts and culture education. • Implementing Action HW-20.3.2 – Arts and Culture. Work towards developing a youthfriendly culture that allows for their engagement and participation in the arts, cultural activities, and in community service opportunities.

City Response for 2022 – While mainly programmed through the Gonzales Unified School District, the City continues to support Youth Programming.

Policy HW-20.4 Youth Engagement. Develop infrastructures that support the increase of youth participation in community events and programming from planning to implementation. • Implementing Action HW-20.4.1 – Youth Leaders. Support youth engagement in community events such as voting, youth activities, adult education, senior activities and family-oriented programs.
• Implementing Action HW-20.4.2 – Youth Voice. Continue to expand the intentional inclusion of youth in advisory and decision-making capacities through initiatives like the Youth 21st Century initiative and the youth council and commissioners.

City Response for 2022 - The City of Gonzales continues to support the Gonzales Youth Council and their expansion on projects of interest such as the Mental Health Project which was a collaboration with Cal State Monterey Bay. Another project includes the Community Center but the Teen Innovation Center in particular and the collaboration they have done with the Design/ Construction Team in order to provide their input on the project.

21. Family-Based Community Engagement Opportunities
• Goal HW-21: Foster community-wide, family-oriented social and emotional health and wellness services and support for all residents through family-based community engagement opportunities.

Policies
Policy HW-21.1 Programming. Actively pursue partnerships that help expand the capacity, increase access, and reduce the cost of summer and year-round programming, especially for new and low-income participants of all age groups and abilities. • Implementing Action HW-21.1.1 – Safe Routes to Schools Program. Support projects that help implement “Safe Routes to Schools” programs called for in the Circulation Element. Work with “Safe Routes to Schools” partners such as the GUSD, Monterey County Health Department, and nonprofit organizations to improve walking and biking 75 access and safety to schools and after school programs. Explore opportunities to create “walking school bus” programs where parents and other responsible adults can share the responsibility of escorting children to and from school by foot or bicycle. • Implementing Action HW-21.1.2 – Open Streets. Work with the community, non-profits, volunteers and Monterey County Health Department to institutionalize a local open streets event.

City Response for 2022 – The City continues to discuss the opportunity for open street events with partners and is continually seeking funding for it.

Policy HW-21.2 Community Connections. Promote physical and social interactions among residents to foster a sense of connectivity, civic engagement, and the utilization of safe, well-lit parks, and open spaces.
• Implementing Action HW-21.2.1 – Outdoor Spaces. Encourage and facilitate the use of outdoor dining/gathering spaces that promote mental and physical wellbeing. • Implementing Action HW-21.2.2 – Engaged Community. Encourage the use of open spaces by hosting City sponsored events and activities that include community from the planning phase through implementation.
• Implementing Action HW-21.2.3 – Joint-Use Agreements. Support projects that provide access to City and non-City open spaces and recreational facilities through joint-use agreements for community activities and groups in existing and newly developed facilities.

City Response for 2022 – The City of Gonzales will continue to foster Community Connections as opportunities present themselves.

22. Develop Community Capacity
• Goal HW-22: Foster community-wide, family-oriented social and emotional health and wellness services and support for all residents through development of community capacity.

Policies
Policy HW-22.1 Building Community Capacity. Collaborate with nontraditional partners such as planning and public health, among other disciplines, as well as community residents to strengthen community capacity and collectively advance health equity. • Implementing Action HW-22.1.1 – Community Grants. Promote and utilize the Community Grants program to support community capacity development and well-being through civic engagement and community led projects that support and contribute to the betterment of the community.
76 • Implementing Action HW-22.1.2 – Leadership Programs. Support and facilitate the expansion of community leadership and community capacity building programs, such as Poder Popular, enLACE, etc.

City Response for 2022 – The City of Gonzales will continue to foster Building Community Capacity as opportunities present themselves.

Policy HW-22.2 Service. Support opportunities for youth and older adults to engage in community service and volunteerism that contributes to community health and improvement. • Implementing Action HW-22.2.1 – Volunteerism. Partner with schools, non-profits, higher education institutions, the County, senior programs and local employers to encourage volunteerism and engagement in community service. • Implementing Action HW-22.2.2 – Civic Engagement. Support community health improvement programs/projects that support community well-being such as neighborhood beautification, civic engagement, safety and prevention, and others that support active living and healthy lifestyles.

City Response for 2022 – The City of Gonzales always is in support of service and citizens working together to make for a better City and living environment.

5. Housing Element APR reporting requirements – Each jurisdiction is required to report certain housing information in accordance with state housing law (refer to Government Code Sections 65400, 65583, and 65584) and HCD’s housing element guidelines (see https://www.hcd.ca.gov/communitydevelopment/annual-progress-reports.shtml or email [email protected] for more information).

City Response for 2022
Staff recently completed two outstanding Housing Element Annual Progress Reports (APRs) for the 2021 and 2022 reporting years, bringing the City of Gonzales current with the requirements for this reporting to the California Housing and Community Development Department. Too large to attach here, the reports can be reviewed on the City’s Website at https://gonzalesca.gov/services/community-development/housing. Prior years’ APRs may be requested through an email message or phone call to Taven M. Kinison Brown, Community Development Director. [email protected] 831-675-5000.

6. The degree to which the General Plan complies with OPR’s General Plan Guidelines, including environmental justice considerations, collaborative. planning with military lands and facilities, and with Native American tribes.

City Response for 2022
The City of Gonzales General Plan, adopted in 2010, and added to in 2015 with the Housing Element 5th Cycle, and in 2018 with the addition of an optional Health and Wellness Element, does not presently have Environmental Justice considerations, nor collaborative Planning 77 with military lands and facilities. The City did consult with Native American tribes with the 2018 GP update adding the Health and Wellness Element.

7. Priorities for land use decision-making that have been established by the local legislative body (e.g., the passage of moratoria or emergency ordinances). 2023 Housing - To fulfill a growing housing need the City Council has prioritized Housing as one of the City’s main goals for FY 23/24. This includes all levels of affordability.

Staff, under the Council’s direction, are currently working on five strategies to address local housing needs.
• Completion of the Housing Element - It is imperative that the City complete the 6th Cycle Housing Element in order to meet the state’s requirement and be eligible for future funding. • Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) - Staff is working on getting preapproved ADU plans ready and make them accessible to the community for a low fee to encourage production of additional housing units.
• Vista Lucia Specific Plan - Staff and consultants are working to get the project through the city and LAFCo approval processes and working on getting the land annexed to accommodate the project. An Approved project will provide for 3,498 units of mixed design and density targeted at the spectrum of income levels prevalent in the community, and market rate as well. The Specific Plan has been designed as two complete ‘villages” with associated commercial, institutional, and recreational components built in. A Draft EIR is expected for release in Winter of 2023. • Development of the 138-acre, D’Arrigo property internal to the City Limits east of Hwy 101. Presently, the City is assisting a known national-level developer with their due diligence efforts to potentially purchase the property and provide new housing, and potentially a school site within the community.
• CHISPA – Senior Housing project on Alta Street. Staff continues to be ready to assist and encourage CHISPA to proceed to find funding sources and to lay out a development plan for City review and approval.

8. Goals, policies, objectives, standards, or other plan proposals that need to be added or were deleted, amended or otherwise adjusted.

City Response for 2022- Nothing more to add to the extensive response provided in Number 5 above (80+ pages).
a. Planning activities initiated – These may include but are not limited to, master plans, specific plans, master environmental assessments, annexation studies, and other studies or plans.

City Response 2022 – The City continues to process and support facilitation of the Vista Lucia Specific Plan Project that includes 748 acres and the potential for 3,498 new residential units, commercial areas, schools, parks and recreational amenities for the spectrum of all income 78 groups presently in the community of Gonzales. A comprehensive environmental and fiscal evaluation is underway and continuing in the Sphere of Influence areas, include preparation of a Draft EIR, Development Agreement, Fiscal Analysis, Water Supply Assessment, wastewater capital improvement project, Affordable Housing program and information campaign.

A second Specific Plan, the Puente Del Monte Specific Plan proposes an additional 2,200 to 2,600 residential units in the City’s Sphere of Influence area, but the plan will need to be modified to account for the Agricultural Processing Plant Cooler described below that is within the original footprint and layout of the Puente Del Monte Specific Plan.

An additional annexation proposal is underway here in August of 2023 to provide for a 300,000+/- agricultural processing plant cooler that will provide three shifts of approximately 250 persons each. The City of Gonzales has already pre-approved of the ~$80 million project and its pre-zoning and a formal application has been made to the Monterey County LAFCo.

Recently, the last outstanding item to complete the LAFCo annexation application was a negotiated tax sharing agreement between the City of Gonzales and the County of Monterey.

Additionally, in April of 2023, the City formally adopted an Ordinance for Agricultural Mitigation, to protect agricultural lands adjacent to the City and to confirm the direction of the City’s comprehensive and well-planned urban expansion to the east of the City. This is in keeping with the negotiated Memorandum of Understanding undertaken with the County of Monterey and shepherded through the LAFCo.
b. General Plan amendments. – These may include agency-driven as well as applicantdriven amendments.

City Response 2022 – As described above in response to Questions 4 and 5, the City processed and adopted in 2018, an optional Health and Wellness Element to the 2010 City of Gonzales General Plan.

City of Gonzales Resolution 2018-35 analyzed the 2010 General Plan EIR in an Addendum to SCH#2009121017 and adopted the Health and Wellness Element on the 16th day of July 2018.

This represents the last thorough review of General Plan Element Goals, Programs and mitigation measures as may have been necessary.

Upon the adoption of the innovative Health and Wellness Element in 2018 though, there were new Goals, Policies and Implementation Actions built into the City’s General Plan that have yet to be reported. PART B in Section 5 above addresses the 22 Goals, 62 Policies and 156 Implementing Actions of the General Plan’s Health and Wellness Element. 79 c. Major development applications processed.

City Response 2022 - The Pape Materials Handling Facility in the City of Gonzales Agricultural Industrial Business Park was proposed, constructed and conditioned in 2017.

The City continues to advance the construction documents for the Industrial Wastewater (IW) System IW - Conveyance and Treatment Facility. Staff, city surveyor and real estate appraiser are finalizing the temporary and permanent easements needed for the pipeline contract. City staff is coordinating with the State Water Resources Control Board regarding the city’s State Revolving Fund loan application (most recent virtual meeting was 3/14/2023).

Once this million gallon a day facility is completed, the City will shift (reduce) use of the existing municipal facility by 1 million gallons a day, and then begin to reconstruct the City’s (mostly residential/non-industrial) municipal sewer plant, using as much available public monies as possible to reduce the burden on rate payers. Construction of these major capital projects will facilitate the coming developments in the urban-focused specific plan areas.

Gonzales City CouncilAugust 21, 2023

Gonzales City Council
August 21, 2023