STATE OF CALIFORNIA
State Coastal Conservancy
GRANT AGREEMENT
Grant - Rev 11/20
THIS AGREEMENT is entered into this day of , 2026 in the State of California, by and between:
and
.
Pursuant to Chapter 4.6 of Division 21 of the California Public Resources Code, the State Coastal Conservancy (“the Conservancy”) hereby grants to the City of Riverside (“the grantee”) a sum not to exceed $6,000,000.00 (six million dollars), subject to this agreement.
Continued on the following pages.
The provisions on the following pages constitute a part of this agreement.
This agreement has been executed by the parties as shown below.
STATE OF CALIFORNIA GRANTEE AGENCY GRANTEE (If other than an individual, state whether a corporation, partnership, etc.) State Coastal Conservancy City of Riverside
BY (Authorized Signature) BY (Authorized Signature)
PRINTED NAME AND TITLE OF PERSON SIGNING PRINTED NAME AND TITLE OF PERSON SIGNING Amy Hutzel, Executive Officer Pamela Galera, Director of Parks, Recreation, and Community Services ADDRESS & PHONE NUMBER ADDRESS & PHONE NUMBER 1515 Clay Street, 10th Floor
Oakland, CA 94612
Phone: (510) 286-1015
3900 Main Street
Riverside, CA 92522
Phone: (951) 826-2000
AMOUNT ENCUMBERED BY
THIS DOCUMENT
$ 6,000,000.00
PROGRAM/CATEGORY
Local Assistance
FUND TITLE/PROP NO.
Prop 4, Prop 84, and Prop 68 –
Santa Ana River
I certify that this
agreement is exempt
from Department of
General Services’
approval.
Erika Gomez
Procurement and
Contracts Manager
PRIOR AMOUNT
ENCUMBERED FOR THIS
AGREEMENT
FUND ITEM
CHAPTER STATUTE FISCALYEAR
$ -0-
3760-101-6093001(E) = $1,390,610.00
(B1105PJ)
3760-101-6051-00008(A) = $3,919,000.00
(B0422) Reap. by Ch. 22/23
3760-101-6088-0009 = $690,390.00
(B8192) Reap. by Ch. 35/24
104/25
06/20
43/22
2025
2020
2022
25/26
20/21
22/23
TOTAL AMOUNT
ENCUMBERED TO DATE PROJECT NAME
$ 6,000,000.00 Santa Ana River Martha McLean Anza Narrows Park Improvements Project
I hereby certify upon my own personal knowledge that budgeted funds are available for the period and purpose of the expenditu re stated above.
NAME AND SIGNATURE OF ACCOUNTING OFFICER DATE
AGREEMENT NUMBER AM. NO.
G25-095
TAXPAYERS FEDERAL EMPLOYER
IDENTIFICATION NO.
95-6000769
AGENCY
State Coastal Conservancy GRANTEE'S NAME
City of Riverside
City of Riverside
Grant Agreement No. G25-095
I. SCOPE OF AGREEMENT
The grantee shall use the funds granted under this agreement to complete the following project (“the project”) at Martha McLean Anza Narrows Park in the City of Riverside, Riverside County, as shown on the attached Exhibit 1.
The project consists of implementation of improvements at Martha McLean Anza Narrows Park. Improvements will enhance access, safety, and environmental resilience of the park and include new recreational amenities such as a playground, nature play area, exercise stations, swings overlooking the river, open meadows, shade structures, interpretive signs, a bandshell, and two new restroom buildings. The project will also construct habitat improvements to the park, including planting native and near-native plants, bioswales, planters, and landscaping. The project also includes construction of interpretive installations and art telling the history of the site, including indigenous perspectives.
The project also consists of installing a Santa Ana River Trail trailhead with parking, drinking water fountains, and a decomposed granite path.
The grantee shall carry out the project in accordance with this agreement. The grantee shall provide any funds beyond those granted under this agreement that are needed to complete the project.
II. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO CONSTRUCTION AND DISBURSEMENT The grantee shall not begin construction of the project and the Conservancy will not be obligated to disburse any funds unless and until the following conditions precedent have been met:
The City Council of the grantee has adopted a resolution designating positions whose incumbents are authorized to negotiate and execute this agreement and amendments to it on behalf of the grantee.
The Executive Officer of the Conservancy (“the Executive Officer”) has approved in writing:
a. A work program for the project, as provided in section V. WORK PROGRAM.
b. A plan for installation of signs and acknowledgment of Conservancy support, as provided in section VI. SIGNS AND ACKNOWLEDGMENT.
c. All contractors that the grantee intends to retain in connection with the project. The grantee must provide written evidence to the Conservancy that each contractor has complied with the bonding requirements described in section VII. BONDING.
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Grant Agreement No. G25-095
The grantee has provided to the Conservancy:
a. A statement identifying and confirming that it has obtained all permits and approvals necessary to the completion of the project under applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
b. Evidence the grantee has provided for required insurance coverage as described in section XVI. INSURANCE.
c. A complete project budget that identifies the estimated costs to complete the project and all sources of funding for the project.
III. TERM OF AGREEMENT
This agreement will take effect when signed by both parties and received in the offices of the Conservancy together with the resolution described in section II. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO CONSTRUCTION AND DISBURSEMENT. This agreement may be signed electronically using a process specified by the Conservancy.
The grantee shall complete all work by December 31, 2028 (“the completion date”).
The grantee shall deliver a final Request for Disbursement to the Conservancy no later than January 31, 2029.
This agreement terminates on March 31, 2049 (“the termination date”).
IV. AUTHORIZATION
The signature of the Executive Officer of the Conservancy on this agreement certifies that at its April 23, 2026 meeting, the Conservancy adopted the resolution included in the staff recommendation attached as Exhibit 2. This agreement is executed under that authorization.
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Grant Agreement No. G25-095
Standard Provisions
V. WORK PROGRAM
Before beginning construction, the grantee shall submit a detailed work program to the Executive Officer for review and written approval of its consistency with the purposes of this grant agreement. The work program must include:
1. Construction plans and specifications that have been certified by a licensed architect or registered engineer, or approved by the grantee’s Public Works Director.
2. A schedule of completion for the project specifically listing the date for completing each project component and showing how the project will be completed by the completion date.
3. A budget that identifies how the grantee will use the funds granted under this agreement, including the labor, materials, contractor, and indirect costs to be paid for with the funds granted under this agreement (“work program budget”).
If all or any part of the project to be funded under this agreement will be performed by third parties (“contractors”) under contract with the grantee, the grantee shall submit to the Executive Officer for review and approval the names and qualifications of the contractors.
The work program will have the same effect as if included in the text of this agreement.
However, the work program may be modified without amendment of this agreement upon the grantee’s submission of a modified work program and the Executive Officer’s written approval of it. If this agreement and the work program are inconsistent, this agreement will control.
The grantee shall construct the project in accordance with the approved work program.
VI. SIGNS AND ACKNOWLEDGMENT
A. Submittal of Signage & Acknowledgement Plan
Prior to beginning the project, the grantee shall submit, for review and written approval by the Executive Officer, a plan for acknowledging Conservancy support for the project through signs and other methods (“Signage & Acknowledgement Plan”).
B. Contents of Signage & Acknowledgement Plan
The Signage & Acknowledgement Plan must include all of the following:
1. Acknowledgement of the Conservancy’s support in the grantee’s project-related press releases, contacts with the media, and social media postings, and on its website.
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Grant Agreement No. G25-095
2. Installation of one or more signs that:
a. Identify the project;
b. Acknowledge Conservancy support;
c. Display the Conservancy’s logo consistent with specifications provided by the Conservancy;
d. Direct the public to the public access components of the project; e. Acknowledge funding from the California Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection, and Outdoor Access For All Act of 2018 (Proposition 68); and f. Acknowledge funding from the Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparedness, and Clean Air Bond Act of 2024 (Proposition 4).
3. Maintenance of the sign(s) for the duration of this agreement.
4. Locating the sign(s) where both visible to the public and protective of natural resources.
5. Installation and maintenance of Santa Ana River Trail emblems on the real property and on all other real property interests controlled, maintained or managed by the grantee that are deemed by the Conservancy to be existing segments of the Trail. The grantee shall determine emblem locations in consultation with the Conservancy.
The Signage and Acknowledgement Plan must describe all of the above plan elements in detail, including the number, design, placement, and wording of the sign(s), and sign maintenance activities and schedule.
If the project’s location, features, or other circumstances cause placement of signs or the sign specifications to be unsuitable, the Executive Officer may approve alternatives to signs, or to the sign specifications, that are more appropriate for the project while also acknowledging Conservancy funding.
C. Compliance with Signage and Acknowledgement Plan
Prior to completion of the project, the grantee shall install the sign(s) and provide the other methods of acknowledgment in accordance with the approved Signage and Acknowledgement Plan. The grantee shall comply with the approved Signage and Acknowledgement Plan for the duration of this agreement.
VII. BONDING
If the grantee intends to use any contractors on any portion of the project to be funded under this agreement, the grantee shall not begin construction until each contractor has furnished a performance bond in favor of the grantee in the following amounts: for faithful performance, one hundred percent (100%) of the contract value; and for labor and materials, one hundred percent (100%) of the contract value. This requirement does not apply to any contract for less than $250,000.
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Grant Agreement No. G25-095
Any bond furnished under this section must be executed by an admitted corporate surety insurer licensed in the State of California.
VIII. COSTS AND DISBURSEMENTS
When the Conservancy determines that all conditions in section II. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO CONSTRUCTION AND DISBURSEMENT have been fully met, the Conservancy shall disburse to the grantee a total amount not to exceed the amount granted under this agreement, in accordance with the work program and this section.
A. Timing of Disbursement
The Conservancy will disburse funds after the grantee has incurred costs and expenses, upon the grantee’s satisfactory progress under the approved work program, and upon the grantee’s submission of a “Request for Disbursement” form. The Conservancy will not disburse the final five percent or $100,000 of the funds granted under this agreement, whichever is lower, until the grantee has complied with section X. PROJECT COMPLETION and the Conservancy has accepted the project.
B. Payable Costs and Expenses
The Conservancy will only disburse funds for these costs and expenses incurred to carry out the project:
1. Grantee’s staff time, provided that hourly rates for grantee’s staff time billed to the Conservancy may not exceed the actual compensation paid by grantee to employees, which may include employee benefits. The grantee shall require its employees to keep records of their time spent on the project for purposes of documenting the employee time billed to the Conservancy.
2. Grantee’s travel and travel-related expenses, in accordance with the rates set forth in “SCC Travel Reimbursement Rates for Grants and Contracts,” as posted on the Conservancy’s website at scc.ca.gov.
3. Costs charged to the grantee by its contractors.
4. Other necessary direct costs that are reasonable in nature and amount, taking into account the nature of the project, its location, and other relevant factors.
5. The grantee’s indirect costs as identified in the work program budget.
Notwithstanding any other provision, after the grantee has satisfied the conditions precedent to commencement of the project set forth in section II. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO CONSTRUCTION AND DISBURSEMENT, the grantee may request reimbursement, and the Conservancy may reimburse grantee, for grantee’s costs to satisfy the conditions precedent.
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Grant Agreement No. G25-095
C. Requesting Disbursement
The grantee shall request disbursements by filing with the Conservancy a fully executed “Request for Disbursement” form (available from the Conservancy). The grantee shall include in the form its name and address, the number of this agreement, the date of the submission, the amount of the invoice, the period during which the work was actually done, and an itemized description, including time, materials, and expenses incurred of all work done for which disbursement is requested. The form must be limited to work done, including work by contractors, in one Conservancy fiscal year, which is July 1 through June 30 of the following year. Work that spans two Conservancy fiscal years must be separated into two Requests for Disbursement, one for each fiscal year. The form must also indicate cumulative expenditures to date, expenditures during the reporting period, and the unexpended balance of funds under the grant agreement.
An authorized representative of the grantee must sign the forms. Each form must be accompanied by:
All receipts and any other source documents for direct expenditures and costs that the grantee has incurred.
Invoices from contractors (showing work done in only one Conservancy fiscal year) and any receipts and any other source documents for costs incurred and expenditures by any such contractor, unless the Executive Officer makes a specific exemption in writing.
A progress report summarizing the current status of the project and the work for which the grantee is requesting disbursement.
The grantee shall submit Requests for Disbursement no more frequently than monthly but no less frequently than quarterly. The grantee’s failure to fully execute and submit one or more Requests for Disbursement with all supporting documents in accordance with this section will relieve the Conservancy of its obligation to disburse funds to the grantee until the grantee corrects all deficiencies.
IX. EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS AND ALLOCATION OF FUNDING AMONG
BUDGET ITEMS
No increase in the total amount of funds granted under this agreement will be valid unless set forth in a written amendment to this agreement. The grantee shall expend funds granted under this agreement consistent with the work program budget. Expenditure on items contained in the work program budget, other than indirect costs, may vary by as much as ten percent per item without prior approval by the Executive Officer. Any deviation that is greater than ten percent for a budget item or that affects indirect costs, requires written approval of the Executive Officer and a revised work program budget. The Conservancy may withhold payment for items that have City of Riverside
Grant Agreement No. G25-095
not received the required approval. Any increase in the funding for a budget item will mean a decrease in the funding for one or more other budget items unless there is a written amendment to this agreement.
X. PROJECT COMPLETION
Upon completion of the project, the grantee shall supply the Conservancy with evidence of completion by submitting a final report by the final Request for Disbursement date set forth in section III. TERM OF AGREEMENT that includes:
A report certifying completion of the project according to the approved work program, including photographs documenting project completion.
Documentation that signs are installed as required by section VI. SIGNS AND ACKNOWLEDGMENT.
A fully executed final “Request for Disbursement.” A “final Request for Disbursement” means a Request for Disbursement that includes all remaining amounts for which grantee is entitled to seek payment, pursuant to this agreement, including the final five percent or $100,000 of the funds granted under this agreement, whichever is lower.
A final inspection report by a licensed architect or registered engineer or the grantee’s Public Works Director, and a copy of “as built” drawings of the completed project.
The Conservancy shall determine whether the grantee has satisfactorily completed the project. If so, the Conservancy shall issue to the grantee a letter of acceptance of the project and disburse the remaining amounts for which grantee is entitled under this agreement. The project will be deemed complete as of the date of the letter.
XI. EARLY TERMINATION, SUSPENSION AND FAILURE TO PERFORM Before the project has commenced, either party may terminate this agreement for any reason by giving the other party seven days’ prior written notice.
Before the project is complete, the Conservancy may terminate this agreement for any reason by giving the grantee thirty days’ prior written notice. Before the project is complete, the Conservancy may suspend this agreement for any reason by giving the grantee seven days’ prior written notice. In either case, the grantee shall immediately stop work under the agreement and take all reasonable measures to prevent further costs to the Conservancy. The Conservancy shall be responsible for any reasonable and non-cancelable obligations incurred by the grantee in the performance of this agreement prior to the date of the notice to terminate or suspend, but only up to the undisbursed balance of funding authorized in this agreement. Any notice suspending work City of Riverside
Grant Agreement No. G25-095
under this agreement will remain in effect until further written notice from the Conservancy authorizes work to resume.
If the grantee fails to complete the project as required, or fails to fulfill any other obligations of this agreement prior to the termination date, the grantee will be liable for immediate repayment to the Conservancy of all amounts disbursed by the Conservancy under this agreement. The Conservancy may, at its sole discretion, consider extenuating circumstances and not require repayment for work partially completed. This paragraph does not limit any other remedies the Conservancy may have for breach of this agreement.
Before the project is complete, the grantee may terminate this agreement for any reason by giving the Conservancy thirty days’ prior written notice and repaying to the Conservancy all amounts disbursed by the Conservancy under this agreement. The Conservancy may, at its sole discretion, consider extenuating circumstances and allow early termination without repayment for work partially completed.
The parties expressly agree to waive, release and relinquish the recovery of any consequential damages that may arise out of the termination or suspension of this agreement under this section.
The grantee shall include in any agreement with any contractor retained for work under this agreement a provision that entitles the grantee to suspend or terminate the agreement with the contractor for any reason on written notice and on the same terms and conditions specified in this section.
XII. OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
The grantee shall use, manage, maintain and operate the project throughout the term of this agreement consistent with the purposes for which the Conservancy’s grant was made. The grantee assumes all operation and maintenance costs of these facilities and structures; the Conservancy is not responsible for any cost of maintenance, management, or operation. The grantee may be excused from its obligations for operation and maintenance during the term of this agreement only upon the written approval of the Executive Officer.
For purposes of this agreement, “operation costs” include direct costs incurred for material and labor needed for operations, utilities, insurance, and similar expenses. “Maintenance costs” include ordinary repairs and replacements of a recurring nature necessary to prolong the life of capital assets and basic structures, and the expenditure of funds necessary to replace or reconstruct capital assets or basic structures.
XIII. MITIGATION
Without the written permission of the Executive Officer, the grantee shall not use or allow the use for mitigation (in other words, to compensate for adverse changes to the environment elsewhere) of any portion of real property on which the Conservancy has funded construction. In City of Riverside
Grant Agreement No. G25-095
providing permission, the Executive Officer may require that all funds generated in connection with any authorized or allowable mitigation on the real property be remitted promptly to the Conservancy. As used in this section, mitigation includes, but is not limited to, any use of the property in connection with the sale, trade, transfer or other transaction involving carbon sequestration credit or carbon mitigation.
XIV. INSPECTION
Throughout the term of this agreement, the Conservancy has the right to inspect the project area to ascertain compliance with this agreement.
XV. INDEMNIFICATION AND HOLD HARMLESS
The grantee shall be responsible for, indemnify and hold harmless the Conservancy, its officers, agents, and employees from any and all liabilities, claims, demands, damages, or costs, including, without limitation, litigation costs and attorneys fees, resulting from or arising out of the willful or negligent acts or omissions of the grantee, its officers, agents, contractors, subcontractors, and employees, or in any way connected with or incident to this agreement, except for the active negligence of the Conservancy, its officers, agents, or employees. The duty of the grantee to indemnify and hold harmless includes the duty to defend as provided in Civil Code Section 2778. This agreement supersedes any right the grantee may have as a public entity to indemnity and contribution as provided in Gov. Code Sections 895 et seq.
The grantee waives any and all rights to any type of express or implied indemnity or right of contribution from the State, its officers, agents, or employees, for any liability resulting from, growing out of, or in any way connected with or incident to this agreement.
Nothing in this agreement is intended to create in the public or in any member of it rights as a third-party beneficiary under this agreement.
The obligations in this section XV. INDEMNIFICATION AND HOLD HARMLESS will survive termination of this agreement.
XVI. INSURANCE
The grantee shall procure and maintain insurance, as specified in this section, against claims for injuries to persons and damage to property that may arise from or in connection with any activities of the grantee or its agents, representatives, employees, volunteers, or contractors associated with the project undertaken pursuant to this agreement.
As an alternative, with the written approval of the Executive Officer, the grantee may satisfy the coverage requirement in whole or in part through: (a) its contractors’ procurement and City of Riverside
Grant Agreement No. G25-095
maintenance of insurance for work under this agreement, if the coverage otherwise fully satisfies the requirements of this section; or (b) the grantee’s participation in a “risk management” plan, self-insurance program or insurance pooling arrangement, or any combination of these, if consistent with the coverage required by this section.
The grantee shall maintain property insurance, if required below, throughout the term of this agreement. Any required errors and omissions liability insurance shall be maintained from the effective date through two calendar years after the completion date. The grantee shall maintain all other required insurance from the effective date through the completion date.
Minimum Scope of Insurance. Coverage shall be at least as broad as:
a. Insurance Services Office (“ISO”) Commercial General Liability coverage, occurrence basis (Form CG 00 01) or comparable.
b. Automobile Liability coverage: ISO Form Number CA 0001, Code 1 (any auto).
c. Workers’ Compensation insurance as required by the Labor Code of the State of California.
d. Property insurance covering the loss, damage, or destruction of the facilities or structures constructed under this agreement against fire and extended coverage perils. (Any proceeds of loss payable under this coverage must be used to replace, rebuild and/or repair the damaged portions of the facilities and structures constructed under this agreement.)
Minimum Limits of Insurance. The grantee shall maintain coverage limits no less than:
a. General Liability:
(Including operations,
products and completed
operations, as applicable)
$2,000,000 per occurrence for bodily injury,
personal injury and property damage.
b. Automobile Liability: $1,000,000 per accident for bodily injury and property damage.
c. Worker’s Compensation: Worker’s compensation as required by law. d. Property Insurance: 90 percent of full replacement cost of the facilities or structures.
Deductibles and Self-Insured Retentions. Any deductibles or self-insured retentions must be declared to and approved by the Executive Officer.
Waiver of Subrogation. The grantee hereby grants to the State of California, its officers, agents, employees, and volunteers, a waiver of any right to subrogation which any insurer of City of Riverside
Grant Agreement No. G25-095
the grantee may acquire against the State of California, its officers, agents, employees, and volunteers, by virtue of the payment of any loss under such insurance. Grantee agrees to obtain any endorsement that may be necessary to effect this waiver of subrogation, but this provision applies regardless of whether or not the grantee has received a waiver of subrogation endorsement from the insurer.
Acceptability of Insurers. Insurance shall be placed with insurers admitted to transact business in the State of California and having a current Best’s rating of “B+:VII” or better or, in the alternative, acceptable to the Conservancy and approved in writing by the Executive Officer.
Verification of Coverage. The grantee shall furnish the Conservancy with original certificates and amendatory endorsements, or copies of the applicable policy language, effecting coverage required by this clause. All certificates and endorsements are to be received and approved by the Executive Officer before work commences. The Conservancy may require, at any time, complete, certified copies of all required insurance policies, including endorsements affecting the coverage.
Contractors. The grantee shall require each contractor to provide and maintain coverage consistent with the requirements of this section. To the extent generally available, grantee shall also require each professional contractor to provide and maintain Errors and Omissions Liability insurance appropriate to the contractor’s profession and in a reasonable amount in light of the nature of the project.
Premiums and Assessments. The Conservancy is not responsible for premiums and assessments on any insurance policy.
XVII. AUDITS/ACCOUNTING/RECORDS
The grantee shall maintain financial accounts, documents, and records (collectively, “required records”) relating to this agreement, in accordance with the guidelines of “Generally Accepted Accounting Principles” (“GAAP”) published by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. The required records include, without limitation, evidence sufficient to reflect properly the amount, receipt, deposit, and disbursement of all funds related to the implementation of the project, and the use, management, operation and maintenance of the real property, time and effort reports, and supporting documents that permit tracing from the request for disbursement forms to the accounting records and to the supporting documentation.
The Conservancy or its agents may review, obtain, and copy all required records. The grantee shall provide the Conservancy, California State Auditor, Department of Finance, their officers, employees, and agents with any relevant information requested and with access to the grantee’s premises upon reasonable notice, during normal business hours, to interview employees and inspect and copy books, records, accounts, and other material that may be relevant to a matter City of Riverside
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under investigation for the purpose of determining compliance with this agreement and any applicable laws and regulations.
The grantee shall retain the required records for a minimum of three years following the later of final disbursement by the Conservancy, and the final year to which the particular records pertain.
The records will be subject to examination and audit by the Conservancy and the California State Auditor during the retention periods.
If the grantee retains any contractors to accomplish any of the work of this agreement, the grantee shall first enter into an agreement with each contractor requiring the contractor to meet the terms of this section and to make the terms applicable to all subcontractors.
The Conservancy may disallow all or part of the cost of any activity or action that it determines to be not in compliance with the requirements of this agreement.
XVIII. NONDISCRIMINATION
During the performance of this agreement, the grantee and its contractors shall not deny the agreement’s benefits to any person on the basis of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, or military and veteran status, nor shall they discriminate unlawfully against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, or military and veteran status. The grantee shall insure that the evaluation and treatment of employees and applicants for employment are free of such discrimination. The grantee and contractors shall comply with the provisions of the Fair Employment and Housing Act (Gov. Code §12900 et seq.), the regulations promulgated thereunder (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 2, §11000 et seq.), the provisions of Article 9.5, Chapter 1, Part 1, Division 3, Title 2 of the Government Code (Gov. Code §§11135-11139.5), and the regulations or standards adopted by the Conservancy to implement such article. The grantee shall permit access by representatives of the Civil Rights Department and the Conservancy upon reasonable notice at any time during the normal business hours, but in no case less than 24 hours’ notice, to such of its books, records, accounts, and all other sources of information and its facilities as said Department or the Conservancy shall require to ascertain compliance with this clause. The grantee and its contractors shall give written notice of their obligations under this clause to labor organizations with which they have a collective bargaining or other agreement. (See Cal. Code Regs., tit. 2, §11105.)
The grantee shall include the nondiscrimination and compliance provisions of this clause in all contracts to perform work under this agreement.
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XIX. AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT
By signing this agreement, grantee certifies that it is in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, (42 U.S.C., 12101 et seq.), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability, as well as all applicable regulations and guidelines issued pursuant to the ADA.
XX. PREVAILING WAGE
Work done under this grant agreement may be subject to the prevailing wage and other related requirements of the California Labor Code, Division 2, Part 7, Chapter 1, Sections 1720-1861.
If required by law to do so, the grantee shall pay prevailing wage to all persons employed in the performance of any part of the project and otherwise comply with all associated requirements and obligations.
This agreement is funded in whole or in part with funds from the “Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and Supply, Flood Control, River and Coastal Protection Bond Act of 2006” (“Proposition 84”). Section 75075 of the Public Resources Code imposes on a body awarding any contract for a public works project financed in any part with Proposition 84 funds responsibility for adoption and enforcement of a “labor compliance program” under Labor Code Section 1771.5(b). Regulations implementing Section 1771.5(b) include Title 8, California Code of Regulations, Division 1, Chapter 8, Subchapter 4.
The grantee is responsible for determining whether the project is subject to prevailing wage laws, and for complying with all labor laws applicable to the project. The grantee may also review the Conservancy publication, “Information on Prevailing Wage Laws for State Coastal Conservancy Grantees” (2023), available from the Conservancy on request; which provides general information and is not legal advice to the grantee on whether the grantee’s project is subject to prevailing wage laws.
XXI. DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE
The grantee’s signature on this agreement constitutes the certification required by Government Code Section 8355 (Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1990), which requires that all state grantees provide a drug-free workplace by doing all of the following:
Publishing a statement notifying employees that the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of a controlled substance is prohibited in the person’s or organization’s workplace and specifying actions that will be taken against employees for violations of the prohibition.
Establishing a drug-free awareness program to inform employees about all of the following:
a. The dangers of drug abuse in the workplace.
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b. The person’s or organization’s policy of maintaining a drug-free workplace. c. Any available drug counseling, rehabilitation, and employee assistance programs. d. The penalties that may be imposed upon employees for drug abuse violations.
Requiring that each employee engaged in the performance of the grant be given a copy of the drug-free workplace statement and that, as a condition of employment on the grant, the employee agrees to abide by the terms of the statement.
XXII. XXIV EXECUTIVE ORDER N-6-22 – RUSSIA SANCTIONS
On March 4, 2022, Governor Gavin Newsom issued Executive Order N-6-22 (the EO) regarding Economic Sanctions against Russia and Russian entities and individuals. “Economic Sanctions” refers to sanctions imposed by the U.S. government in response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine, as well as any sanctions imposed under state law. The EO directs state agencies to terminate contracts with, and to refrain from entering any new contracts with, individuals or entities that are determined to be a target of Economic Sanctions. Accordingly, should the Conservancy determine the grantee is a target of Economic Sanctions or is conducting prohibited transactions with sanctioned individuals or entities, that shall be grounds for termination of this agreement.
The Conservancy shall provide the grantee advance written notice of such termination, allowing the grantee at least 30 calendar days to provide a written response. Termination shall be at the sole discretion of the Conservancy.
XXIII. INDEPENDENT CAPACITY
The grantee, and the agents and employees of grantee, in the performance of this agreement, are acting in an independent capacity and not as officers, employees or agents of the State of California.
XXIV. ASSIGNMENT
Without the written consent of the Executive Officer, the grantee shall not assign this agreement in whole or in part.
XXV. TIMELINESS
Time is of the essence in this agreement.
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XXVI. AMENDMENT
Except as expressly provided in this agreement, no changes in this agreement will be valid unless made in writing and signed by the parties to the agreement. No oral understanding or agreement not incorporated in this agreement will be binding on any of the parties.
Exhibit 1: Project Location Map
Project Location
Exhibit 1: Project Location Map
COASTAL CONSERVANCY
Staff Recommendation
February 19, 2026
SANTA ANA RIVER
MARTHA MCLEAN ANZA NARROWS PARK IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT
Project No. 25-049-01
Project Manager: Rodrigo Garcia
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Authorization to disburse up to $6,000,000 to the City of Riverside to implement improvements at Martha McLean Anza Narrows Park in Riverside County and adoption of findings under the California Environmental Quality Act.
LOCATION: City of Riverside, Riverside County
EXHIBITS
Exhibit 1: Project Location Map
Exhibit 2: Project Photos
Exhibit 3: Project Letters
Exhibit 4: Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration
RESOLUTION AND FINDINGS
Staff recommends that the State Coastal Conservancy adopt the following resolution and findings.
Resolution:
The State Coastal Conservancy hereby authorizes a grant of an amount not to exceed six million dollars ($6,000,000) to the City of Riverside (“the grantee”) to implement improvements at Martha McLean Anza Narrows Park in Riverside County and adoption of findings under the California Environmental Quality Act.
Prior to commencement of the project, the grantee shall submit for the review and written approval of the Executive Officer of the Conservancy (Executive Officer) the following:
1. A detailed work program, schedule, and budget.
2. Names and qualifications of any contractors to be retained in carrying out the project.
Exhibit 2: Staff Recommendation
SANTA ANA RIVER GATEWAY AT MARTHA MCLEAN ANZA NARROWS PARK
3. A plan for acknowledgement of Conservancy funding.
4. Evidence that all permits and approvals required to implement the project have been obtained.
Findings:
Based on the accompanying staff recommendation and attached exhibits, the State Coastal Conservancy hereby finds that:
1. The proposed authorization is consistent with Chapter 4.6 of Division 21 of the Public Resources Code, regarding the Santa Ana River Conservancy Program.
2. The proposed project is consistent with the current Conservancy Project Selection Criteria.
3. The Conservancy has independently reviewed and considered the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration adopted by the City of Riverside on April 21, 2026 pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) and attached to the accompanying staff recommendation as Exhibit 4. The Conservancy finds that the proposed project as designed and mitigated avoids, reduces, or mitigates the potentially significant environmental effects to a less-than-significant level, and that there is no substantial evidence based on the record as a whole that the project will have a significant effect on the environment.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
PROJECT SUMMARY:
Staff recommends the Conservancy authorize a $6,000,000 grant to the City of Riverside to implement improvements at Martha McLean Anza Narrows Park (“the park”) to transform it into a welcoming gateway that reconnects the community to the Santa Ana River. The park is a
39.5-acre, city-owned park overlooking the Santa Ana River and adjacent to the Santa Ana River Trail. The project will implement the Riverside Gateway Project Master Plan previously funded by the Conservancy to expand equitable access to recreation, arts, culture, and nature.
Although Riverside’s northern edge fronts the Santa Ana River for 11 miles, residents remain largely disconnected from this natural resource. The park is developed but underutilized, with outdated amenities, no playground, and a restroom facility that has been vandalized beyond repair and is scheduled for demolition. The park is the only direct access to the river within Riverside, but it lacks clear trailhead signage, trail-support amenities, and safe, inviting features that encourage visitors to enjoy the river. Unauthorized vehicle access through the park into the river has damaged habitat, enabled encampments, increased wildfire risk, and discouraged community use of the park.
The project will address these needs through improvements that enhance access, safety, and environmental resilience to disadvantaged communities surrounding the park facing vulnerability to extreme heat. Planned improvements include new recreational amenities such as a playground, nature play area, exercise stations, swings overlooking the river, open meadows, and shade structures. A bandshell will also be constructed to provide affordable venues for arts and cultural events for residents and visitors. Two new restroom buildings will Exhibit 2: Staff Recommendation
SANTA ANA RIVER GATEWAY AT MARTHA MCLEAN ANZA NARROWS PARK
be constructed in a different, accessible location. Interpretive installations and art installed throughout the park will tell a complete and inclusive history of the site, elevating Indigenous perspectives. The park is a popular access point to get to and enjoy the river, but many people drive their vehicles into the riverbed. Habitat improvements include bioswales, planters, and landscaping features to infiltrate stormwater and block unauthorized vehicle access to the river allowing pedestrian access only. Existing turf will be replaced with native and near-native plants. The project also includes a clearly marked Santa Ana River Trail trailhead with parking, drinking water fountains, and a decomposed granite path to showcase the park as a trail gateway.
The project builds on extensive prior community outreach conducted through the Riverside Gateway Master Plan project, funded by the Conservancy, which brought together residents, businesses, agencies, and other stakeholders to articulate the needs of the community to reconnect Riverside with its river.
Site Description: Martha McLean Anza Narrows Park is a 39.5-acre developed but underutilized park owned and managed by the City of Riverside, located on a bluff overlooking the Santa Ana River and adjacent to the Santa Ana River Trail. The park currently supports a popular frisbee golf course that will be protected during renovations, as well as a volunteer-planted native plant garden. The park serves as a gateway to both the Santa Ana River and the Santa Ana River Trail and lies within 0.2 miles of a disadvantaged community, that is vulnerable to extreme heat.
Grant Applicant Qualifications: The City of Riverside Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Department (PRCSD) has more than 40 years of experience successfully completing similar grant-funded projects including the design grant funded by the Conservancy for this project and many others. Over the years, PRCSD has developed many new or renovated existing parks of similar size and scope including Doty-Trust Park and Ryan Bonaminio Park.
CONSISTENCY WITH CONSERVANCY’S PROJECT SELECTION CRITERIA:
The proposed project is consistent with the Conservancy’s Project Selection Criteria, last updated on September 23, 2021, in the following respects:
Selection Criteria
1. Extent to which the project helps the Conservancy accomplish the objectives in the Strategic Plan.
See the “Consistency with Conservancy’s Strategic Plan” section below.
2. Project is a good investment of state resources.
The project was developed by previous Conservancy investments including a planning grant to the City of Riverside for the Riverside Gateway Parks project. The project will ensure the Santa Ana River continues to serve as a recreational destination consistent with the goals of the 2018 Santa Ana River Parkway and Open Space Plan prepared by the Conservancy.
Exhibit 2: Staff Recommendation
SANTA ANA RIVER GATEWAY AT MARTHA MCLEAN ANZA NARROWS PARK
3. Project includes a serious effort to engage tribes. Examples of tribal engagement include good faith, documented efforts to work with tribes traditionally and culturally affiliated to the project area.
Community outreach for this project was conducted along with outreach for the Riverside Gateway Parks project, which included park master planning and environmental compliance work for eight park sites along the Santa Ana River. As part of this outreach, a meeting was held with the Museum of Riverside and two tribal members they work with, Blossom Maciel and Lorene Sisquoc, to get their feedback on the Riverside Gateway Parks master plans and to invite them to provide ideas for creating space in the park for cultural programming and display installations. Blossom Maciel is a member of the Fort Sill Chiricahua Apache Tribe and a descendant of the Mountain Cahuilla of Southern California. She teaches Native American basketry workshops and cultural presentations for children. Lorene Sisquoc is part of the Cahuilla tribe, and the curator/cultural traditions leader at Sherman Indian High School in Riverside. The Museum of Riverside and their tribal advisors expressed many ideas to help tell the story of Native Tribes in and around Riverside and the Santa Ana River.
The PRCSD also convened its first Intertribal Summit on September 30, 2025. Members of the Cahuilla, Luiseño, Serrano, Gabrielino/Tongva, and Kumeyaay tribes participated. This will be a regularly occurring meeting to explore collaborative opportunities at different parks in the City along the Santa Ana River including Martha McLean Anza Narrows Park.
4. Project benefits will be sustainable or resilient over the project lifespan.
The materials, products, and construction methods used for the proposed project will be typical for other parks managed by PRCSD, which are built to be sustainable and serve the community for several generations. The project includes selective removal of turf, planting of native and near-native plants and trees, upgraded irrigation and lighting equipment, and creating on-site water infiltration basins. Shade throughout will make the park more comfortable to use in Riverside’s hot summers. Due to the project location, the site is not vulnerable to sea-level rise.
5. Project delivers multiple benefits and significant positive impact.
The project will enhance the community’s quality of life by providing free or low-cost recreational, cultural, arts, and educational resources, while promoting equity and environmental justice for underserved communities within a half-mile radius. It will protect riparian habitat by restricting vehicle access to the river, increase drought resilience by replacing turf with native or near-native plants, and encourage active transportation through trail amenities that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Educational benefits include interpretive installations highlighting the Santa Ana River’s historical and cultural significance, including stories from local Tribes and historically excluded communities. Located in an existing developed park, the project will not cause displacement.
6. Project planned with meaningful community engagement and broad community support.
The project is one of eight sites in the Riverside Gateway Parks project, which included community outreach, master planning, and environmental analysis for park properties along the Santa Ana River in the City of Riverside. Outreach used virtual and in-person methods to gather input from residents with a half-mile of the sites and the broader community.
Exhibit 2: Staff Recommendation
SANTA ANA RIVER GATEWAY AT MARTHA MCLEAN ANZA NARROWS PARK
Engagement included five technical advisory committee meetings, three virtual workshops, presentations at neighborhood and City public meetings, and a project website with interactive tools, surveys and plan drafts. Additional outreach involved sidewalk decals, on-site signage, pop-up events, mailers, newspaper ads, social media, and local media interviews. The feedback received through all these different channels shaped the master plans.
PROJECT FINANCING
Coastal Conservancy $6,000,000
Project Total $6,000,000
The anticipated source of Conservancy funding for this project is from three different sources.
The first source is from a fiscal year 2025-2026 appropriation to the Conservancy from the “Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparedness, and Clean Air Bond Act of 2024,” also known as the 2024 Climate Bond or Proposition 4 (Public Resources Code (PRC), Sections 90000-95015). Proposition 4 allocates funds to the Conservancy for the Santa Ana River Conservancy Program for projects that protect and restore rivers, wetlands, streams, lakes, and watersheds, which includes actions to improve access to public open-space areas, or actions to allow the continued use and enjoyment of property or natural, cultural, and historic resources. (PRC Sections 91032(d); 90100(h)). Such projects must improve climate resilience, water supplies, or water quality, and at least 40 percent of the allocations under this section must benefit disadvantaged communities. The proposed project is consistent with this fund source because it will improve access to public open-space through improvements to the park to surrounding disadvantaged communities that are vulnerable to extreme heat. The project will also protect the water quality of the Santa Ana River by preventing unauthorized vehicular access to the river that could damage the ecosystem, and by constructing bioswales and landscaping that will filter stormwater.
The second source is from a fiscal year 2022-2023 appropriation to the Conservancy form the California Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection, and Outdoor Access for All Act of 2018 (Proposition 68, PRC Sections 80000-80173). Chapter 7 of Proposition 68 authorizes grants for projects consistent with the Conservancy’s Santa Ana River Conservancy Program (PRC Section 80100(a)(2)). The proposed project is consistent with the goals of the Santa Ana River Conservancy program as discussed in the Consistency with the Conservancy’s Enabling Legislation below. Section 80100(b) states that projects funded under this section must either serve a disadvantaged community or the entity receiving the award must provide a 20 percent match. Consistent with this section, this project will serve a disadvantaged community.
The third source is from a 2020-2021 appropriation from the Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and Supply, Flood Control, River, and Coastal Protection Bond Act of 2006 (Proposition 84, PRC Sections 75001-75130). PRC Section 75050 allocates funds for the protection and restoration of rivers, lakes and streams, their watersheds and associated land, water, and other natural resources, and PRC Section 75050(i) specifically allocates funds for projects to expand and improve the Santa Ana River Parkway. Consistent with this fund source, the proposed project will construct improvements to the Martha McLean Anza Narrows Park, a park located Exhibit 2: Staff Recommendation
SANTA ANA RIVER GATEWAY AT MARTHA MCLEAN ANZA NARROWS PARK
within the Santa Ana River Parkway for purposes of improving recreational opportunities, and to protect the river and park from unauthorized vehicle access and vandalism.
Unless specifically identified as “Required Match,” the other sources of funding and in-kind contributions described above are estimates. The Conservancy does not typically require matching funds or in-kind services, nor does it require documentation of expenditures from other funders or of in-kind services. Typical grant conditions require grantees to provide any funds needed to complete a project.
CONSISTENCY WITH CONSERVANCY’S ENABLING LEGISLATION:
The proposed project is consistent with Chapter 4.6 of Division 21 of the Public Resources Code, Sections 31170-31180 regarding the Santa Ana River Conservancy program.
Section 31173 states that the Conservancy may undertake projects and award grants to public agencies to help achieve the goals of the Santa Ana River Conservancy program, including recreation opportunities, open space, trails, protection and maintenance of the quality of the waters in the Santa Ana River for all beneficial uses. (Section 31173(a)). Santa Ana River Conservancy Program goals also include public access to, enjoyment of, and enhancement of recreational and educational experience on program lands in a manner consistent with the protection of land and natural resources and economic resources in the area (Section 31173(b)).
Section 31174(c) states that the Conservancy must give priority to river-related projects that create expanded opportunities for recreation, greening, aesthetic improvement, and wildlife habitat along the corridor of the river and in parts of the river channel that can be improved without infringing on water quality, water supply, and necessary flood control.
Consistent with these sections, the proposed project will build park improvements along a portion of the Santa Ana River for purposes of public access, recreation, greening and aesthetic improvement, and water quality improvement.
CONSISTENCY WITH CONSERVANCY’S 2023-2027 STRATEGIC PLAN:
Consistent with Goal 1.1 Commit Funding to Benefit Systemically Excluded Communities, the proposed project will provide free access to open space to surrounding communities that are vulnerable to extreme heat.
Consistent with Goal 2.5 Recreation Facilities & Amenities, the proposed project will build a park along the Santa Ana River to enhance recreational opportunities.
CEQA COMPLIANCE:
On April 21, 2026, the City of Riverside adopted the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS/MND) for the Martha McLean Anza Narrows Park and Jurupa Avenue Trailhead Master Plans. The proposed project is analyzed in the IS/MND. Staff concurs that there is no Exhibit 2: Staff Recommendation
SANTA ANA RIVER GATEWAY AT MARTHA MCLEAN ANZA NARROWS PARK
substantial evidence that the proposed project will have a significant effect on the environment.
The IS/MND identified potentially significant environmental effects in the areas of Biological Resources; Cultural Resources; Geology, Soils, and Paleontological Resources; Noise; Recreation; Tribal Cultural Resources; and Mandatory Findings of Significance. With the project’s incorporated mitigation measures, summarized below and available on Exhibit 4, these environmental effects will be less than significant.
Biological Resources
If development of the proposed project site occurs during the bird breeding season, the proposed project could directly affect nesting birds within the proposed project site. With implementation of MM-BIO-1, the proposed project would have a less-than-significant impact with mitigation incorporated for sensitive avian species. The proposed project would have no effect on other species or state or federal wetlands.
None of the vegetation communities are considered riparian habitat. Riversidean sage scrub and nonnative grassland are considered sensitive habitats by the Multuple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP). The Riversidean sage scrub and nonnative grassland are outside of MSHCP criteria areas and PQP Conserved Lands; therefore, impacts on these communities are considered mitigated through implementation of the MSHCP and its preserve system. Because the project is consistent with the MSHCP, impacts on sensitive vegetation communities are considered to be mitigated to below a level of significance.
No state or federal jurisdictional wetlands are within the proposed project site, and there would be no adverse effect on wetlands.
The proposed project would not substantially interfere with wildlife movement or corridors, or impede the sue of wildlife nursery sites. The proposed project would have no impact on wildlife movement.
The proposed project would not conflict with Riverside’s General Plan 2025 policies protecting biological resources, including those in the Open Space, Air Quality, Land Use, and Circulation and Community Mobility Elements. The City of Riverside does not have tree preservation policies applicable to the project. Therefore, the proposed project would not conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources and would have no impact.
The proposed project is within the limits of the MSHCP and complies with its requirements. The project would not conflict with any provisions of the MSHCP and is consistent with the plan. It is also within the plan area for the Upper Santa Ana River Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP), which is in development, but the site is not within the HCP Preserve System and does not contain sensitive natural habitats protected by the plan. Therefore, the proposed project would not conflict with adopted habitat conservation plans or natural community conservation plans and would have no impact.
Cultural Resources
Four previously recorded archaeological sites and two isolates were identified during the records search and updated in the pedestrian survey for the Martha McLean Anza Narrows Park Exhibit 2: Staff Recommendation
SANTA ANA RIVER GATEWAY AT MARTHA MCLEAN ANZA NARROWS PARK
site, except for the isolates whose artifacts were previously collected; no additional materials were found near their locations. All six resources were previously evaluated for California Registry of Historical Resources (CRHR) eligibility, with one site recommended as eligible, though its eligibility cannot be confirmed without subsurface testing; for the proposed project, it will be assumed eligible, and implementation of mitigation measure MM-CUL-1 through MM- CUL-5 will reduce construction-related impacts to less-than-significant levels. The remaining five resources were evaluated as not eligible and require no further consideration. Due to the site’s proximity to known archaeological resources, including Native American sites, the area is considered archaeologically sensitive, and MM-CUL-1 through MM-CUL-5 will mitigate potential impacts from unanticipated discoveries during subsurface disturbance to less-than-significant levels.
No pre-contact sites or cemeteries have been identified with the study area or a 0.5-mile radius, and cultural resources records, background research, and Native American consultation indicated no evidence of human remains in the area that would be affected by the proposed project. However, ground-disturbing activities could uncover previously unknown human remains, and implementation of MM-CUL-5 would reduce potential impacts to less-than- significant levels.
Geology, Soils, and Paleontological Resources
The project area has unknown sensitivity for prehistoric cultural resources. Construction activities involving ground disturbance, such as excavating, grading, and resurfacing, in a geologic unit that may contain significant fossils could impact paleontological resources at the proposed project site. The project would create a potentially significant impact on a paleontological resource, site, or unique geologic feature, but implementation of mitigation measure MM-PAL-1 would reduce these impacts to less-than-significant levels.
Noise
Construction and operation of the park could generate significant noise impacts from both construction vehicles and onsite project construction. With implementation of mitigation measures MM-NOI-1 and MM-NOI-2 the impacts would be reduced to a less-than-significant level.
Construction of the park could generate significant groundborne vibration impacts. With implementation of mitigation measures MM-NOI-1, MM-NOI-4, and MM-NOI-5 the impacts would be reduced to a less-than-significant level.
Recreation
The project proposes improving an existing park with recreational facilities. Environmental impacts from constructing these facilities are evaluated as part of the overall project, which does not require additional recreational facility construction or expansion. The project would promote use of recreational facilities, potentially extending the life of existing parks, while maintenance activities would prevent substantial deterioration. Therefore, environmental impacts from construction or expansion of recreational facilities would be less-than-significant.
Tribal Cultural Resources
Exhibit 2: Staff Recommendation
SANTA ANA RIVER GATEWAY AT MARTHA MCLEAN ANZA NARROWS PARK
The cultural resources records search and archaeological pedestrian survey did not identify any previously recorded cultural resources at the Martha McLean Anza Narrows Park site as Tribal Cultural Resources (TCRs), and tribal consultation has not identified TCRs or other Native American resources. The site contains a pre-contact milling station, which was recommended as eligible for the CRHR for this project only due to its potential for buried archaeological resources. Buried artifacts have been found in two locations within the park, and the site is considered archaeologically sensitive with potential for unidentified resources that may be TCRs. Nine tribes were contacted; three requested formal AB 52 notification, one deferred consultation, and five did not respond. The Native American Heritage Commission identified the overall project as positive for Sacred Lands and recommended contacting the Gabrieleño Band of Mission Indians – Kizh Nation. Excavation of undisturbed soil could uncover previously unidentified resources considered TCRs, resulting in significant impacts; implementation of mitigation measures MM-CUL-1 through MM-CUL-5 and MM-TCR-1 would reduce these impacts to less-than-significant levels.
No TCRs have been identified at the Martha McLean Anza Narrows Park site, but the proposed project could encounter pre-contact Native American archaeological resources that might be considered TCRs or contain elements of TCRs. The NAHC identified the overall project area as positive for Sacred Lands and recommended additional tribal consultation to delineate resource locations before construction. No tribes have identified TCRs or other resources at the site to date. Because ground-disturbing activities could cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a TCR if present, continued consultation and implementation of MM-CUL-1 through MM-CUL-5 and MM-TCR-1 would reduce these impacts to less-than-significant levels.
Mandatory Findings of Significance
If development at the Martha McLean Anza Narrows Park site occurs during the bird breeding season, the project could directly affect nesting birds, which would violate state and federal protections; however, implementation of MM-BIO-1 would ensure compliance and prevent significant impacts on sensitive avian species. The project also has potential to affect one historical resource and could encounter archaeological, tribal cultural, paleontological resources, or human remains during ground disturbance, but implementation of MM-CUL-1 through MM-CUL-5, MM-PAL-1, and MM-TCR-1 would reduce these impacts to less-than- significant levels. With incorporation of all mitigation measures, the project would not substantially degrade environmental quality, reduce wildlife habitat, threaten plant or animal communities, or eliminate important historical or prehistoric resources.
The proposed project would improve the existing Martha McLean Anza Narrows Park and develop a public park offering recreational uses. Public parks are common suburban uses that typically do not cause substantial adverse effects on human beings, and park and recreational facilities are generally considered beneficial for communities. Any environmental effects from the proposed project would be mitigated as noted in the IS.
With implementation of the project’s mitigation measures, environmental effects to Biological Resources; Cultural Resources; Geology, Soils, and Paleontological Resources; Noise; Recreation; Tribal Cultural Resources; and Mandatory Findings of Significance will be less than significant. Staff recommends that the Conservancy find that the project as mitigated avoids, Exhibit 2: Staff Recommendation
SANTA ANA RIVER GATEWAY AT MARTHA MCLEAN ANZA NARROWS PARK
reduces or mitigates the potentially significant environmental effects to a level of less-than- significant and that there is no substantial evidence that the project will have a significant effect on the environment.
Upon approval of the project, Conservancy staff will file a Notice of Determination.
Exhibit 2: Staff Recommendation