San Francisco Boardsailing Association

May 2010 eNewsletter

SFBA Access Updates:

1. Coyote Point

a. Erosion study findings show no natural improvement is expected. County Master Plan for Coyote is complete, but funding remains uncertain. Since April, 2008, the upwind sandbag ramp has been rebuilt and repairs were made to the bottom edge of the downwind ramp… thanks to Mo Gunn and the efforts of the Parks Department -- in particular Ranger Steve's hard work and guidance-- and with the help of a small group of volunteers, For updates, see http://www.teamcoyote.net

b. Meeting with Developers of the former Drive-in Theatre Site on Monday, 10 May.

Mtg summary follows:

i. On Monday, May 10^th, SFBA Board Members Bill Robberson and Jim McGrath, Team Coyote lead Maureen Gunn (and an associate) and Jane from Boardsports met with Mr. Mark Farrar of the VanMark Group, developers of the Site which is immediately upwind to the West of Coyote Point, and Mr. Chuck Bennet and Mr. Cary Barringhaus of ESA, their wind modeling consultants.

ii. Because the project has not been formally proposed, this was a preliminary meeting for SFBA and Coyote Reps to learn more about the project proposal and its potential impacts, and for the VanMark Group and its consultant to review the wind models to-date and determine if their assumptions are in order.

iii. No formal project specifications were released for public consumption, however the proposed scope includes the following - An office development project of approximately 700,000 sq feet on the parcel immediately West of the Coyote launch, and 300,000 sq feet on the parcel adjacent and to the North, between the road and the water’s edge, also adjacent to the existing fishing pier. The project would raise the elevation of the site by approximately four feet, which would put the site at approximately fourteen (14) feet above mean sea level. This development would be used daily by approximately 2,500 to 3,500 people; it would include a parking garage extending three and a half levels above grade, or fifty (50) ft of its fifty-nine (59) foot height; and several buildings from five stories (70 ft) in height to seven or eight stories (115 ft) in height.

iv. During the meeting, we reviewed the wind model studies to-date, and the potential effects on windsurfing and kiting at the Coyote launches, both the school teaching location at the southwest corner adjacent to the power lines and the regular launch south and west of the swimming area. While the potential impacts remain a significant concern with wind directly out of the west, the west - north west impacts may be less significant for the regular launch, while most likely still disrupting wind at the on-water teaching locations. The project sponsor is familiar with the previous project concerns, and will be working with SFBA and Team Coyote to minimize and/or mitigate potential impacts.

v. Next steps include:

1. The City of Burlingame is hiring a consultant to develop the necessary Environmental Impact Report, per the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), to be funded by the developer. An EIR will be drafted and we will all have ample time to review and comment;

2. To assist the project sponsor in its wind modeling and the development of the EIR, and hopefully minimize or eliminate wind impacts, we (SFBA, Team Coyote and Boardsports) will be conducting and collecting on-water GIS tracks of both windsurfing and kiting at Coyote Pt. SFBA is purchasing GIS units for use at Coyote.. these units will be managed by Boardsports personnel. If you would like to participate in gathering on-water tracks of your session, see Jane at Boardsports to borrow one of our units, and if you have your own, please see Jane or Mo Gunn to submit your data to us. We have specific data needs, so see Jane prior to collecting your tracks.

3. Once the project and its review and evaluation schedule is formally announced, we will be distributing this information to all concerned and will facilitate the dialogue with the City and the developer. If you would like to be more involved, contact SFBA or Mo Gunn or Boardsports. If you are not a member of SFBA, now is the time to join; if you are a member and have not submitted your 2010 dues, please go online to SFBA.org and make your contribution. Help SFBA help you!

2. 3rd Ave

a. SFBA Board Members (Bill Robberson, Jim McGrath, David Nelson and David Lyon) and other interested boarders (Regis Bectarte, Ron Powers, Peter Grendler, J.R. Gloudemans and Jon Von) met with the Recreation Superintendent (Ms. Jennifer Clark - jclark@fostercity.org ) from the City of Foster City Parks and Recreation Department on February 18^th, 2010 regarding 3^rd Avenue launch erosion and remediation options. Jim McGrath reviewed the recent erosion study conclusions, and possible upwind and up-current influences/causes were explored. Others shared intelligence regarding beach history and previous characteristics. Near-term Remediation options were reviewed, including sand-replenishment/stabilization. Ms. Clark expressed strong concern and moral support for solutions and resolution.

b. Next steps focused on three items: 1) SFBA meeting with Mr. Bob Battalio, a coastal engineers from Phil Williams and Associates (PWA), with focus on causes and remediation options; then 2) a meeting with the head of the City of Foster City Parks and Recreation Department (Kevin) re concerns and options; and finally a meeting with other City of Foster City officials with a request for further City support. For more information, contact David Lyon at davidllyon@gmail.com .

c. On May 5^th, David Nelson made it known that mud and marsh-grass (spartina alten flora ..?) is overtaking a portion of the downwind kite launch at 3^rd Ave. Tom Gandesbery took this for action, and David Lyon, David Nelson and others have forwarded images of the issue. In response, it is SFBA’s understanding that the California Coastal Conservancy, which has been doing aerial monitoring of this grass around the Bay, has re-targeted this area for aerial spraying and eradication.

d. 3^rd Avenue Web Cam and Wx Station: Last year SFBA made a small contribution to the 3^rd Avenue Web Cam fund, and this year Jack Hodges of 3^rd Avenue fame has been instrumental in assisting SFBA with the specifications for purchase of a new Web Cam and software for Crissy Field.

3. Berkeley

a. Launch at H’s Lordships: The experienced kiteboarder’s injury in April while flying his kite as he walked up the riprap, highlighted the continuing need for an improved launch off H’s Lordships Restaurant. Tom Gandesbery reports that the new launch, which was designed some time ago and has been awaiting funding, will be paid-for by the CA Coastal Conservancy to the tune of $300,000. The bid for construction is due to go out in July of this year.

b. East Dock repair and replacements: The docks in the South Basin were repaired last year, and there has been significant pressure for a longer and wider dock to allow more users and better access to the deeper water at low tides. A wider dock would also allow sailing lessons to be staged with less disruption to daily recreational users. If you’d like to help with funding, please let us know, as the freeze in State bond funding has slowed down most recreational improvements throughout the State.

c. In more disturbing news, the Water Emergency Transportation Authority (WETA) proposes to build a new ferry terminal between the old fishing pier and H’s Lordships. The early plans would have used all of the existing parking along Seawall Drive and in the Lordships lot, as well as parking in other lots within the marina, and would have displaced windsurfing rigging areas and the proposed Bay Trail. WETA officials met with SFBA members in May of last year, with a revised plan that restored public parking, but not the windsurfing rigging areas or the Bay Trail.

WETA is now considering either leasing the parking from H’s Lordships, or building a 650 space parking garage. Their plans do not, as yet, incorporate either a revised location for the Bay Trail, runoff controls, or provide details about how the garage might affect winds in the South Basin. Details about how the operating ferries in this area might affect windsurfers was not addressed, nor were BCDC’s (San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission) plans or the policies protecting windsurfing in the City of Berkeley acknowledged in the draft EIR circulated in late 2008. In addition, no details were provided about mitigation for the proposed fill to construct terminal facilities and an upwind breakwater in the middle of a vital windsurfing and kiting area.

As a result of significant SFBA and BCDC pressure regarding these serious shortcomings, WETA will be preparing a new EIR. As events progress, we strongly encourage windsurfers and kiters to show up and show their concern regarding the placement of a redundant commuter terminal in one of our scarce Bayfront Parks. If you would like to be more involved, contact Jim McGrath at macmcgrath@comcast.net or Bill Robberson at billrobberson@sfba.org .

4. Pt. Isabel

a. SFBA has asked the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) to pursue a beach restoration project at Pt. Isabel to improve both windsurfing and kayak access. Access improvements such as a ramp were identified in the East Shore State Park Plan. SFBA asked Bob Battalio, the Coastal Engineer working on the Coyote Point beach restoration, if beach restoration would be feasible at Pt. Isabel. Bob prepared a conceptual plan that would provide better access than a ramp or stairs, and substantially better access than currently. EBRPD staff is very interested in the design. For more information or if you can put more traction or funding into the effort, please contact Jim McGrath at macmcgrath@comcast.net

5. Golden Gate Fields Race Track Beach Area (Albany)

a. For those of us familiar with the little beach behind the Golden Gate Fields Racetrack, it is a sweet spot. Let it be known that the group known as Bay Access and the East Bay Regional Parks District are both interested in its improvement, and it is an important link in creating additional SF Bay public access. For more information regarding the beach cleanup, contact Tom Gandesbery at tmgan@pacbell.net .

6. Alameda Crown Beach

a. SFBA funded the replacement of buoys and chain to mark the submerged towers off of Alameda. A big thank you to Boardsports for initiating the replacement effort, obtaining the materials and enlisting volunteers to affix the new buoys in place.

7. Bay Area Water Trail

a. Four years after legislation authorizing a Water Trail for San Francisco Bay, no new sites or existing sites have been designated as part of the trail nor have they received funding. Part of the difficulty is directly related to the freeze in bond projects last year, but the slow process and opposition to water access by some groups have further slowed this effort. Jim McGrath and Penny Wells of Bay Access met with the Coastal Conservancy in January to try to get the EIR completed and to get some funds disbursed on worthwhile projects more quickly. So far efforts have been limited mostly to volunteers and funding has not become available. For more information, contact Jim McGrath at macmcgrath@comcast.net .

8. Treasure Island

a. SFBA worked closely with City of San Francisco and U.S. Navy Officials at the beginning of last season, and thanks to their combined goodwill, the shoreline path was re-opened for launching access. Please note that hazmat remediation activities continue and the former parking lot nearest the ramp remains inaccessible; instead, windsurfers and kiters are permitted to park amongst the homes adjacent to the North East corner of the island and to walk through the opening in the fence for rigging and access. See the downloadable report at “SFBA.org”, which includes a map.

It is important that windsurfers and kiters not interfere with either remediation activities or local residents, and we request that everyone be courteous to residents and officials. Until the base is transferred to the City of San Francisco, we don’t have the same rights of access we do in other areas, and are grateful that the City and the Navy are tolerating our renewed use.

SFBA will be meeting with City officials again in mid-June, to confirm our existing access agreement, to request feedback on our role in the last year as Treasure Island windsurfing and kiting citizens, and to explore our role in supporting San Francisco’s island development while protecting and enhancing access over the near and long-term. For more information contact Bill Robberson at billrobberson@sfba.org .

9. Fort Baker

a. SF Bay launching access remains open at Fort Baker, and to-date no automobile-free days have or are planned to be put in place. However, please note that launching from the riprap here can be very hazardous, and although it is adjacent to the US Coast Guard Station Golden Gate, their proximity will not prevent you from being accidentally washed up on the rocks. This launch is for experts only!!

10. Larkspur (AKA San Quentin)

a. San Quentin was in the news last year, from controversy over their proposed expansion to reports that the Governor wanted to sell the site. One of the rumors circulating was that prison officials wanted to limit windsurfing access, and have improved a roadway across the parking lot. At a BCDC meeting last year, the question of access for windsurfing came up, and prison officials assured BCDC that they proposed no change in the existing access arrangement, but were opposed to any increase in access.

In addition, a local homeowners association (across the road) has indirectly threatened water access in its proposal for “shoreline improvements”, and again, BCDC has assured SFBA that launching access will remain.

Consultants, one a former SFBA Board Member, have been studying the area with regards to the Water Trail, and again, there have been no real threats to existing use of the launch area.

11. Crissy Field East Beach

a. Doyle Drive: For those of us who sail/kite and love Crissy Field, the Doyle Drive reconstruction and related “Traffic Calming” can cause significant traffic congestion along Mason Street, especially on weekends. SFBA receives regular updates from CALTRANS, and we will alert members should any unexpected or significant changes occur to their traffic routing plans.

b. Crissy Field Center temporary Facilities: The “temporary” Crissy Field Center at the east end of East Beach is complete and in full swing, including the café. SFBA is sponsoring the purchase of the new Web Cam, with 40x’s zoom… mounted on the top of the Center. It should be fully up and running soon; Watch for our announcement!

c. Windsurfing and Kiting Safety Day will take place at the St.Francis Yacht Club on Saturday, June 12^th, from 11:00 to 2:00 PM. It is part of San Francisco Bay Day, which begins with a swap meet at Crissy Field from 9:00 to 11:00, followed by Safety Day activities and lunch at the St Francis YC, followed by a 2:00 PM ebb at Crissy and the Windsurfing Magazine helicopter video-taping at every site in the Bay with pressure throughout the day… wind and Wx permitting; and closing with the free SFBA BBQ at Crissy beginning around 6:00 PM.

d. Any questions regarding Crissy Field or San Francisco Bay Day, contact Bill Robberson at billrobberson@sfba.gov .

12. Candlestick Point

a. The recent incident in which a windsurfer faced life-threatening health issues unrelated to her sport places great emphasis on the need to sail with a friend or buddy. Those who assisted her are to be acknowledged, and should everyone in need have that caliber of health professional immediately nearby. Thank you to all who assisted in this tragic incident.

b. Candlestick Point – Hunters Point Shipyard Phase II Development Plan: The project proposal calls for significant development adjacent to Candlestick Point State Recreation Area. It is our interpretation that the proposed development will not affect wind patterns or wind quality for Stick windsurfers. However, for those who sail Candlestick regularly, traffic patterns could be impacted significantly. The Final EIR for the project will be up before the San Francisco Planning Commission for approval on Thursday, June 3^rd, at San Francisco City Hall. Check the San Francisco Planning Commission calendar online for hearing times. All Candlestick windsurfers are encouraged to attend the Planning Commission hearing and make a statement regarding the importance of windsurfing at the Stick.

13. South Bay (Palo Alto Area)

a. Kiters and Stand-Up Paddle (SUP) users have begun pioneering new sites throughout the Bay in areas near where they live and work. Sites near Ravenswood, Cooley Landing, and other locations where the Bay Trail makes it possible to launch have all been pioneered. Local kiters have been invited to SFBA Board meetings to try to focus their energy on getting new kiting sites established. On February 18^th, 2010, SFBA Board Members (Bill Robberson, Jim McGrath, David Nelson and David Lyon) met with interested Peninsula and South Bay boarders (Regis Bectarte, Ron Powers, Peter Grendler, J.R. Gloudemans and Jon Von) to address Peninsula erosion issues and explore improved and new South Bay access.

b. Cooley Landing: This site in East Palo Alto, which can be very shallow at low tides, is a wonderful location and could be a great launch during the proper tide cycle. SFBA has been informed that kiters are not welcome, and would like to hear from more users before engaging more deeply in its enhancement as a launch site. For more information about SFBA engagement, contact David Lyon at davidllyon@gmail.com . For more general information about the site, see the Cooley Landing website www.cooleylanding.org ... It has past newsletters, which give more background information… or contact Ms. Lily Lee, Cooley Landing Project Manager at 650-853-3166 or llee@cityofepa.org .

c. Palo Alto Yacht Club and West Point Marina: For more information about these launch sites and present/future SFBA engagement, please contact David Lyon at davidllyon@gmail.com .

14. Corte Madera Marsh

a. A number of kiters have been using a site in Corte Madera Reserve, and it is SFBA’s understanding that last year they were asked by the Marin Audubon Society to stop using the site because of concerns over loss of vegetation and disturbance to the clapper rail. Currently, hand-launched boats are allowed in the Reserve under rules established by the CA Department of Fish and Game, trustees of the marsh. SFBA met with local residents and kiters to see if another site could be identified and improved to allow continued access with less impact. For more information, contact Jim McGrath at macmcgrath@comcast.net .

15. Napa/Carneros Region

a. Pond #8 (Milton Road): Earlier this year SFBA received a request for information regarding the possibility of establishing formal kite access to Pond #8, off of Milton Road in the Napa/Carneros region. Upon further investigation, SFBA has learned that the CA Department of Fish and Game have no intention of opening ponds to the East of the Napa River to kiters or windsurfers. However, ponds being reclaimed to the East of the river may have more possibilities for use.

For more information about an access site or a windsurfing / kiting issue or opportunity, or if you’d like to be more involved in SFBA, please contact Bill Robberson at president@sfba.org .