City Council Agenda Report
December 5, 2023
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: Jesus M. Gomez, City Manager
BY: Allan Perdomo, Director of Recreation & Park Services SUBJECT: ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 22-74 - SUPPORT OF THE FORMATION OF AND
INCLUSION IN THE LOWER SAN GABRIEL RIVER RECREATION AND PARK
DISTRICT
Background:
In October of 2021, California Senate Bill (SB) 268, sponsored by Senator Bob Archuleta, was signed into law authorizing the formation of the Lower San Gabriel River Recreation and Parks District (District). This District would be responsible for the coordination of park developments and activities along the San Gabriel River that exceed the boundaries of the individual cities.
The Lower San Gabriel River is largely defined by the Whittier Narrows Dam on the north and the Pacific Ocean in the City of Long Beach to the south. According to the CalEnviroScreen 4.0, many census tracts along the river are categorized as “disadvantaged communities” due to disproportionate exposure to poor air quality resulting from congested freeways such as the I- 605, I-5, SR-91, and the I-405. The San Gabriel River also features a Class-I bike path that connects to numerous points of interest, thereby, serving as a backbone to the regional active transportation network in Los Angeles County. Beyond its primary purpose as a flood protection and control channel, the Lower San Gabriel River offers an opportunity to introduce new parks and recreation space, revitalize natural habitats, promote new economic activity, and enhance the micro-mobility system.
Funding to enhance existing parks or to build new parks is typically made available through competitive grant programs at all levels of government. However, identifying a steady stream of resources to maintain and operate those parks in perpetuity is often the most pressing challenge.
For example, the State Water Bond (Proposition 1) provides funding for the revitalization of the Lower Los Angeles River watershed, including a $30 million direct allocation to the San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy (RMC), and a share of $100 million for urban creek restoration. These funds are strictly reserved for acquisition and development of
City Council December 5, 2023
Adopt Resolution In Support of Lower San Gabriel
River Recreation and Park District
Page No. 2
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7 facilities and cannot be used for operations or maintenance. Hence, the need to establish a long- term, unified funding strategy that benefits all cities throughout the San Gabriel River corridor.
SB 268 authorizes Los Angeles County cities along the Lower San Gabriel River to form a multi- jurisdictional Special Assessment District, the Lower San Gabriel River Recreation and Parks District, to:
1. Promote the development of open space and parks along the Lower San Gabriel River.
2. Identify funding and resources to promote the revitalization of the Lower San Gabriel River and open spaces along the river for the benefit and enjoyment of local communities.
3. Acquire, construct, improve, maintain, and operate parks and open space along the Lower San Gabriel River.
The City of Pico Rivera will serve as the lead city applicant for the formation of the District. To ensure due diligence while striving to gain overarching consensus, Pico Rivera, in partnership with the RMC, has been actively engaging and informing local city managers, public works directors, and parks directors, along the Lower San Gabriel River about the overall background, intent and purpose, and next steps associated with SB 268.
As of today the cities of Pico Rivera, Long Beach, Downey, and Whittier have executed support towards the creation of the district.
Fiscal Impact:
The creation of the Lower San Gabriel River and Park District has no fiscal impact on the cities operating budget and will not request any transfer of land taxes from the member cities. The district will leverage the power of the member cities to apply for federal, state and county grant.
Citizens Advised:
N/A
City Council December 5, 2023
Adopt Resolution In Support of Lower San Gabriel
River Recreation and Park District
Page No. 3
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7 Strategic Plan 2023 Implementation:
N/A
Recommended Action:
Staff recommends City Council adopt Resolution No. 22-74, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORWALK IN SUPPORT OF THE FORMATION OF AND INCLUSION IN THE “LOWER SAN GABRIEL RIVER RECREATION AND PARKS DISTRICT”.
Attachments:
1. Resolution No. 22-74
2. Senate Bill 268 – Final Bill Text