Blog Posts

Crissy Field Web Cam Upgrade!

7/16/2018

Did you suffer last week without the Crissy Cam?  So did we, and it reminded us that it is time for an upgrade to the old technology!

The San Francisco Board Sailing Association (SFBA), along with generous sponsors, has supported the Crissy Field Web Cam at East Beach for over twenty years. Maintenance and housing of the camera has been the result of a positive partnership with the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy. This camera is a valuable tool to sailors, law enforcement, the Coast Guard, and other federal agencies, in addition to daily water users who check it many times a day!

The time has come for a complete upgrade of hardware and software. This will result in a huge increase in performance, usability, and reliability.

The SFBA has identified a reliable vendor who has been approved by the Parks Conservancy to assist with the new install. The $4120 cost for this upgrade will include the camera itself, updated software, and installation costs:

$2500: New camera -- the Axis Q6055 (HD 1080p and 32Xs zoom) PTZ camera
$1500: Software and installation costs
$ 120: fundraiser expense

We have set up a gofundme campaign here: https://www.gofundme.com/crissy-webcam-upgrade
please visit and donate.

Thank you for your support!
San Francisco Board Sailing Association

P.S. – Join the SFBA!!!! How often do YOU check the Crissy Webcam?! The Crissy Webcam is brought to you by the San Francisco Boardsailing Association (SFBA), a volunteer, non-profit organization dedicated to boardsailing access and safety. Now would be a great time to join or renew your SFBA membership!  http://www.sfba.org/membership.html

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410 Airport Blvd - Burlingame park - state land commission letter

7/15/2018

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SFBA and other SME are working to prepare a letter to California State Lands Commission to provide feedback on conceptual designs and plans for 410 Airport Blvd. our goal is to ensure kite-boarding is considered and accommodated for.

We have a deadline of July 23rd and will keep the community posted.

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San Mateo County Supervisor Visits 3rd Avenue to learn about Kiteboarding and consider our Erosion Problem

7/15/2018

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On July 6th, 2018 we were happy to welcome Supervisor David Pine and his respected team: Michael Barber and Samuel Hosmer, and also with them Jennifer Liu of Foster City Park Planning.

Our respected Site Stewards - Mandi Browning, Robert Tillman and Tony Parsons were there to greet the team and show the sport.

Mr Ben Botkin our trusted ally in ABAG ran the meeting very efficiently and ensured all aspects are discussed. The results, in the words of Micheal Barber:

"Thank you for the excellent presentation and tour of the kite surfing site last Friday. I was already very excited by the potential of the site based on my first visit in March. That enthusiasm is now shared by Supervisor Pine, along with Hilary and Marcus, from the San Mateo County Office of Sustainability.

At this point in time, we will need to strategist internally and discuss in more detail with Jennifer and other staff in the city of Foster City. As we discussed during the tour, we will need to identify who would be the lead agency for this project going forward. This will take a few weeks. We will circle back with you as soon as we have more information to share with you."

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Toll plaza/Royce Beach/ Radio beach/ Gateway park final EIR released

7/14/2018

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The SFBA has been working with Metropolitan Transportation Commission, and its consultancy firm, ICF, to ensure that Kiteboarding is accommodated for and considered in the EIR regarding the Toll Plaza area.

The Final EIR was released by MTC in early July 2018 and can be found on the MTC web site: https://mtc.ca.gov/our-work/plans-projects/recreation-open-space/gateway-park

We would like to point you to several additions and changes that we were able to achieve in the FEIR and Responses to Comments

Vol. 1: Response to Comments
- Chapter 3, Master Response No. 1 concerns Kiteboarding
- Chapter 3, Individual responses includes responses to each comment letter, but most of the responses on kiteboarding refer back to the Master Response.
Vol. 2: Revised Draft EIR
- Chapter 2
  - “Passive Recreation” Page 2-1: Footnote shows new definition of “passive” recreation which now includes kiteboarding among other non-motorized activity.
  - Existing Setting: Page 2-2 – added mention of frequent use of Radio Beach by kiteboarders
  - Fence: Table 2-1, pg. 2-17 changed to limit fencing to 4 feet and non-mesh, clarified fence is east of Radio Beach (e.g. along the access road - see Figure 2-5 on P. 2-16)
  - Radio Beach, Section 2.5.4, p. 2-25 – added description of existing activity, and clarified informal parking to continue as at present.
  - Fencing: P. 2-27, Section 2.5.4.3 – changed to note location east of Radio Beach, 4 foot limit, not use chain or mesh, and coordination with kiteboarders for final design
- Section 3.9, Recreation
  - Existing Setting, P. 3.9-13, Section 3.9.2.3 – Addition of existing setting about kiteboarding at Radio Beach.
  - Impact LU-3, P. 3.9-28: Addition of new language about kiteboarding continuing, continuing existing parking opportunity, and design of fencing to minimize potential conflicts with kiteboarding.

ICF mentioned to us that there is no comment period or formal public review period for Final EIRs under CEQA. That said, a public lead agency is required to consider any comments submitted prior to certification of the EIR. The current plan is for the BATA Board to consider certification of the EIR on July 25th at their 10:00 am meeting at MTC in San Francisco. The BATA Oversight Committee will also meet on July 11th, at 9:30 a.m. at MTC to consider the project and the EIR and make recommendations to the BATA Board.

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Albany Bulb/ Race Track Beach update status

7/14/2018

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Construction may start in August. The beach area should partially re-open by the end of this year. The new parking lot and “open area” will remain a construction zone for the Bay Trail work which will continue into fall of 2019. The beach, new restrooms and overlook will all be accessible during this period."

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Gateway Park (AKA Royce Beach, AKA Radio Beach, AKA Toll Plaza) EIR Submissions

4/8/2018

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SFBA would like to thank everyone who submitted letters to Peter Lee, Assistant Director, Bay Area Toll Authority, regarding our kiting community’s usage of Royce’s Beach and our need to protect and enhance access there.

As you may recall, the The Bay Area Toll Authority (BATA) has issued a draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for Gateway Park, which includes Royce Beach, called Radio Beach in the report (known to us BoardSailors as "Royces Beach" or "Toll Plaza").

While parts of the EIR call for allowing existing uses—"Radio Beach would remain accessible to the public as under current conditions.”, the EIR designates the site for passive recreation. We cannot imagine any form of recreation more active than kiteboarding.

Further, the EIR calls for fencing of the area to the east of the beach, and identifies a need for only five (5) parking spaces. Because these proposed infrastructure changes would make it very difficult to use Royce Beach for kiteboarding, SFBA is working with Toll Authority representatives to amend their plan.

As the Environmental Review and planning process progresses, SFBA will keep the Boardsailing community updated!

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Identification of Boardsailing Sites for addition to the Bay Water Trail

4/8/2018

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SFBA Board would like to thank the many people who took the time to submit information about various kiteboarding and windsurfing sites to be used for the Bay Water Trail program. There have been 14 submissions so far and these will be used as we work with ABAG to augment the water trail with our favorite spots

The San Francisco Bay Area Water Trail is a growing network of boat launching and landing sites, or “trailheads,” around the San Francisco Bay. The Water Trail’s network of sites encourages awareness of facilities, programs, rental concessions, and other information to help non-motorized small boaters and boardsailers have safe enjoyable days on the Bay.

The Water Trail Project Management Team has representation from four state and regional agencies with mandates to act in the public interest for the entire San Francisco Bay Area: State Coastal Conservancy (Lead Agency); Bay Conservation and Development Commission; Association of Bay Area Governments / Metropolitan Transportation Commission; and, California State Parks, Division of Boating and Waterways.

See more at http://sfbaywatertrail.org/

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SB-1247 Vessels: machinery: mechanically propelled vessel

4/7/2018

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The SFBA had been working with other user groups on getting this California Senate Bill amended to exclude wording that would have swept up non-powered sailing into criminal law concerning powered watercraft.

Proposed Senate bill has now been amended to exclude non powered watercraft.

Here is the amended legislation for California Senate Bill 1247 dated April 2, 2018

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=201720180SB1247

This legislation will close some loop holes that only really applies to the Sheriffs jurisdiction on inland lakes regarding water skiing, wake Boarding behind power boats. And Jet Skies.

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SFBA Access Update for Feb 2018

3/7/2018

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Dear Community
As you may know SFBA members are always vigilant to identify any potential issues that may be a concern for Kiteboarders or Windsurfers and are quick to take action. Here is a quick update on some of the related issues we are working on:

Issue: Corte Madera Marsh kite boarding access

Problem Description
Golden gate Bridge District which owns the land and then deed it to the State department of fish and
wildlife. The Audubon Society at the March 2017 Corte Madera town council meeting stated that they
are fine with no pedestrian access. The kite-boarders and most dog walkers are using unauthorized
public access not included in the existing City of Corte Madera pedestrian access easement. The Area
north of the northern drainage channel is already state fish and wildlife land that is off limits. The Corte
Madera town easement allocation as it is, does not work for kite boarders. But after the levee is
breached, it will naturally keep more people out. I hope we can continue to use the northern levee/dike
to get to the water from Industrial drive.
What SFBA is doing about this
SFBA is working with Ben Botkin- water trail planner, Association of Bay area governments/
Metropolitan transportation commission to maintain and enhance kite- boarder access at this location.
The SFBA mapped and described how the kite boarders are using this area, parking, trail path to water,
for a future EIR scoping period.

Issue: Rod and Gun Public Bathrooms

Problem Description
The City made an application to remove the public bathroom
What SFBA is doing about this
SFBA contacted Public Works Engineer to inform and remind him that his application was denied by
BCDC and ensure intentions are followed. Got response back that Board Sailors will be considered in
the relocation of the bathroom

Issue: Brick Yard in San Rafael – Land ownership concern

Problem Description
Not clear who the land belongs to and if people are allowed to kite-board
What SFBA is doing about this
SFBA located land owner and understanding is as long as kiters are behaving ok. No problem. Message
is to stay respectfulIssue: Upper Third Ave Launch Erosion

Issue: Upper Third Ave Launch Erosion

Problem Description
Third Ave in Foster City, upper launch beach is quickly eroding and soon will not be able to host kites.
What SFBA is doing about this
SFBA is working closely with one of the best coastal engineering firms in California on a conceptual design to rehabilitate the Third Ave beach area for both natural resource protection and existing recreational uses. The conceptual project, which is in very early stages of discussion with authorities, would create a living shoreline along the City of Foster City and County of San Mateo coastline, which should provide resiliency from sea level rise; restore, enhance and protect wetland/wildlife habitat; and rehabilitate the water contact recreational uses (e.g., Kite staging and launch) lost to erosion over the last 15 years.

Issue: Construction in Berkeley threatens sailing season

Problem Description
After many years, Berkeley started construction of improvements in the South Basin in Berkeley
Marina. Those improvements would relocate and improve the rigging area, pave the parking lot, and
provide a bathroom. But construction has lagged, with completion of all improvements not likely until
April or May. The City did not include a rigging area and pathway to the dock that it had promised in
meetings with windsurfers, and allowed the contractor to use a portion of the western parking lot, so
only about 40 parking spaces are available for all users.
What SFBA is doing about this
SFBA is working with local windsurfers to meet with the City and secure a temporary rigging area and
pathway to the docks.
What you can do to help
Attend the upcoming meeting of the Parks and Waterfront Commission on February 14, 2018, at the
Frances Albrier Center at 7:00 p.m. and express your concerns for access.
https://www.mapquest.com/us/california/frances-albrier-community-center-372190745

Issue: Park plan for Gateway Park

Problem Description
After completion of construction of the Bay Bridge, Caltrans and the East Bay Regional Park District
have issued a draft EIR for development of a park at the base of the Bay Bridge. However, it is not
clear whether the Park Plan, developed in 2012, provides protection for the kite boarding that goes on
at Radio Beach, known to kiteboarders as Royce Beach. Provision of a kayak launch from the sandy
beach was specifically rejected for habitat reasons.
What SFBA is doing about this
SFBA is working with the Bay Water Trail staff and Bay Access, the group that sponsored the Water
Trail legislation to clarify conflicting information in the document and make sure that e area and
pathway to the docks.
What you can do to help
Review copies of the EIR, available at this site: https://mtc.ca.gov/gateway-park If you have
kited from the site, or learned, comment by March 15 about the need to preserve this important
kiteboarding site.

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Message for 3rd Ave kiters

3/5/2018

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SFBA is working closely with one of the best coastal engineering firms in California on a conceptual design to rehabilitate the Third Ave beach area for both natural resource protection and existing recreational uses. The conceptual project, which is in very early stages of discussion with authorities, would create a living shoreline along the City of Foster City and County of San Mateo coastline, which should provide resiliency from sea level rise; restore, enhance and protect wetland/wildlife habitat; and rehabilitate the water contact recreational uses (e.g., Kite staging and launch) lost to erosion over the last 15 years.

SFBA has been protecting and enhancing Boardsailing access for over 30 years, and does not condone or encourage short term actions which may be in violation of existing coastal protection laws. At the same time, given present concerns about the highly eroded and small launch area immediately adjacent to the levee revetment (rocks) and the risks it creates, SFBA encourages the kiting community to submit sound ‘safety’ design ideas for consideration in the near future. SFBA will work with local and State authorities to address the safety issues and potential solutions, and facilitate potential solutions as quickly as possible.

We are all responsible to each other, and when launching at Third Ave kiters need to take consideration the slippery footing on wet clay and close proximity of downwind hard obstacles (rock wall) when launching at Third Ave. There have been kite launch mishaps that have resulted in serious injuries at this and other sites. It is requested that kiters use care when launching each other, and speak with other kiters that they see taking risks they may not be aware of, and not using known safe techniques. Being a steward of a site means to be willing to take time to watch what is going on and to speak up when you see things that could be safer, and where improvements could result in a lower risk of a sketchy launch and possible loss of control.

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Forward>>

Crissy Field Web Cam Upgrade!

410 Airport Blvd - Burlingame park - state land commission letter

San Mateo County Supervisor Visits 3rd Avenue to learn about Kiteboarding and consider our Erosion Problem

Toll plaza/Royce Beach/ Radio beach/ Gateway park final EIR released

Albany Bulb/ Race Track Beach update status

Gateway Park (AKA Royce Beach, AKA Radio Beach, AKA Toll Plaza) EIR Submissions

Identification of Boardsailing Sites for addition to the Bay Water Trail

SB-1247 Vessels: machinery: mechanically propelled vessel

SFBA Access Update for Feb 2018

Issue: Corte Madera Marsh kite boarding access

Issue: Rod and Gun Public Bathrooms

Issue: Brick Yard in San Rafael – Land ownership concern

Issue: Upper Third Ave Launch Erosion

Issue: Construction in Berkeley threatens sailing season

Issue: Park plan for Gateway Park

Message for 3rd Ave kiters

Authors

Archives

Categories

​Issue: Corte Madera Marsh kite boarding access

​Issue: Rod and Gun Public Bathrooms

​Issue: Brick Yard in San Rafael – Land ownership concern

​Issue: Upper Third Ave Launch Erosion

​Issue: Construction in Berkeley threatens sailing season

​Issue: Park plan for Gateway Park

Authors

Archives

Categories

Issue: Corte Madera Marsh kite boarding access

Issue: Rod and Gun Public Bathrooms

Issue: Brick Yard in San Rafael – Land ownership concern

Issue: Upper Third Ave Launch Erosion

Issue: Construction in Berkeley threatens sailing season

Issue: Park plan for Gateway Park