CITY OF PACIFICA
COUNCIL AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT
2/27/2023
1 SUBJECT:
Letter of sponsorship for Assembly Bill 612 (AB 612), introduced by Assemblymember Marc Berman with principal co-author Senator Josh Becker, to authorize the purchase of excess Caltrans property in the Pedro Point neighborhood for state parks purposes.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Authorize the Mayor to send a letter of sponsorship on behalf of the City Council for AB 612 related to the purchase of excess Caltrans property for State Parks purposes in the Pedro Point neighborhood.
STAFF CONTACT:
Kevin Woodhouse, City Manager
(650) 738-7409
[email protected]
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION:
In late 2022, City staff in the Planning and Public Works Departments engaged with State of California staff at the Coastal Conservancy, Coastal Commission, and Department of Transportation (“Caltrans”) to discuss a potential ownership transfer of a parcel of State-owned property sometimes known as the “Disney Lot” (“Parcel”). The approximately 15,121-square foot Parcel is located at the southeast corner of the Pedro Point Shopping Center, and is identified by Caltrans Director Deed No. DD-028801-01-0 (Attachment A). The Property was previously used for staging of construction equipment by Caltrans and others.
Caltrans has determined the Parcel is no longer needed for its operations and approached the City about potential acquisition. Initially, Caltrans proposed a market rate purchase by the City at an appraised value of $680,445. City staff did not identify available funds to pursue the purchase at that price and requested Caltrans to delay the property sale while the City pursued funding opportunities. However, Coastal Conservancy staff more recently advised the City that due to the site’s location within the Coastal Zone, Article XIX, Section 10 of the California Constitution could enable the sale of the Parcel for its original acquisition price, $56,680, provided its ongoing use would be for recreational purposes. A transfer under the California Constitution requires legislation to be passed by the Legislature to authorize the transfer.
Upon learning of the potential for a less costly acquisition of the Parcel, City staff approached the staff to Assemblymember Marc Berman and Senator Josh Becker. Both legislators expressed support for the Parcel acquisition, and on February 9, 2023, Assemblymember Berman introduced Assembly Bill 612 (AB 612) with Senator Becker as a principal co-author (Attachment B). If ultimately passed by the Legislature and signed by Governor Newsom, AB 612 would provide for transfer of the Parcel from Caltrans to the California Department of Parks and Recreation for inclusion in the management of Pacifica State Beach for park purposes that are consistent with the City of Pacifica Certified Local Coastal Program. AB 612 would allow for Pacifica City Council 2
February 27, 2023
a future change of ownership of the Parcel to a local agency (e.g., the City) for purposes consistent with trailhead parking adjacent to the California Coastal Trail (CCT). Coastal Conservancy staff have indicated the agency may have funds to pay for the Parcel as part of the transfer to State Parks and Recreation.
The Parcel has significant potential for long-term public recreational use. It is located immediately adjacent to an approximately 2,000-foot gap in the CCT between the southern end of Pacifica State Beach and publicly-owned lands in the Pedro Point Headlands to the south.
The City, in partnership with other public agencies, plans to make improvements to close this gap in the CCT. The California Coastal Conservancy completed a feasibility study in 2019-2020 and found the Parcel to be an ideal location for CCT trailhead parking. Furthermore, on fair weather days, the Pacifica State Beach parking lots at the north end of the CCT gap become full and parking frequently spills over into nearby residential streets, causing adverse impacts on the Pedro Point neighborhood. The availability of the Parcel for transfer from Caltrans presents an opportunity to support development of additional Pacifica State Beach parking in the near term and a CCT trailhead parking lot over a longer term once improvements are made to eliminate the CCT trail gap.
While the City has not yet created a project to improve the Parcel for trailhead and beach parking purposes, Caltrans’ desire to dispose of the excess property as soon as possible presents a time-sensitive opportunity to retain the Parcel in appropriate public ownership for long-term publicly beneficial purposes with support from Assemblymember Berman and Senator Becker. The acquisition and future use as CCT trailhead parking would also support prior state expenditures of $304,535 awarded to the City of Pacifica through the Habitat Conservation Fund grant to partially fund the acquisition of five acres in the Pedro Point Headlands (the “Colt Property”) for the future CCT alignment. The parcel acquired with HCF funds is located approximately 300 feet south of the Parcel.
AB 612 would enable acquisition of the Parcel at no immediate cost to the City. Retaining the Parcel in public ownership would prevent a Caltrans sale to a private party which could preclude the beneficial use for beach and CCT trailhead parking. Therefore, the City Manager recommends authorizing the Mayor to send a letter of sponsorship on behalf of the City Council for AB 612 (Attachment C).
ALTERNATIVE ACTION:
Do not send a letter of sponsorship.
RELATION TO CITY COUNCIL GOALS AND WORK PLAN:
Acquisition of the Parcel as provided by AB 612 would be consistent with the following Fiscal Year 2022-2023 City Council goals:
• “Fiscal Sustainability” includes investing in economic development to increase revenues, funding a reserve/emergency fund, and being well prepared for grant opportunities. • “A Healthy and Compassionate Community” includes addressing affordable housing and mental health services, exploring and implementing strategies that relate to homelessness, and supporting community services for all ages.
• “Environmental Sustainability” includes stewardship of parks, urban forests and open space, preserving hillsides and beaches, and adaptation to climate change.
Pacifica City Council 3
February 27, 2023
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact as a result of the recommended action.
ORIGINATED BY:
Planning Department
ATTACHMENT LIST:
Attachment A - Vicinity Map (PNG)
Attachment B - Text of Assembly Bill 612 (AB 612) (PDF) Attachment C - Draft Letter of Sponsorship (DOCX)