General Plan - Part II (Ch. 4 - Ch. 5)

Chapter 4

4.0 Resource Protection and Preservation 4.1

Summary

Lake Elsinore’s natural resources and open space are important to the heritage, character, and overall quality of life of the community. This element of the General Plan addresses resource protection and preservation issues, related to biological resources, open space, water resources, cultural and paleontological resources, and aesthetic resources within the City and the Sphere of Influence (SOI).

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“Nineteen plants and thirty-six animals within the City and/or the SOI’s habitats are accorded the ‘special status’ designation.”

Biological Resources

Biological resources include natural biotic habitats (vegetative communities and corresponding wildlife habitats) and associated flora and fauna. There are sixteen (16) distinct biotic habitats plus agriculture and developed lands that occur in the City and/or the SOI. Several of the habitats are considered “sensitive” or “special status” because they are Coastal Sage Scrub unique, have a relatively limited distribution in the region, or have a high wildlife value as defined by federal, state, and local government conservation programs. Each of these habitats provides cover, food, and water necessary to meet biological requirements of a variety of animal species. Nineteen (19) plants and thirty-six (36) animals within the City and/or the SOI’s habitats are accorded the “special status” designation. However, only a few of these animals are on the Federal Endangered Species Act List as threatened or endangered. Wetland features within the City and/or the SOI include coastal and valley freshwater marsh, lacustrine ecosystems, and vernal pools.

Lake Elsinore is the permanent and seasonal home to a wide variety of birds and serves an important role as a way station on the Pacific flyway for hordes of migrating waterfowl traveling from Alaska to South America. A short list of resident and often nesting birds include great blue herons, great egrets, night herons, osprey, white-tailed kites, western grebes, terns, gulls, black-necked stilts, avocets, killdeer, and plovers. In addition, about 50 North American white pelicans appear to reside at Lake Elsinore year-round and a number of white-faced Ibis have been regularly spotted around the lake within recent years, both species of special concern to the state. The heron nesting sites adjacent to Lake Elsinore are an integral part of the lake’s

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Chapter 4 natural heritage and aquatic ecosystem. Although these herons are not on the endangered or threaten species list, they are, nevertheless, locally important wildlife resources.

In 2004, the City adopted the Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan, a comprehensive, multi-jurisdictional effort that focuses on conservation of 146 species and their associated habitats within western Riverside County. The MSHCP serves as a Habitat Conservation Plan pursuant to Section 10(a)(1)(B) of the federal Endangered Species Act of 1973, as well as a Natural Communities Conservation Plan (NCCP) under the NCCP Act of 2001. The MSHCP is used to allow the participating jurisdictions (i.e., the County of Riverside, City of Lake Elsinore, and the other 14 participating cities) to authorize “take” of plants and wildlife species identified within the plan area for private projects and public works projects within the MSHCP areas. Under the MSHCP, the wildlife agencies will grant take authorization for otherwise lawful actions in exchange for the assembly and management as coordination of the MSHCP Conservation Areas.

One of the conditions of the incidental take permits associated with the MSHCP is that the City and other plan participants must assemble a reserve system of approximately 500,000 acres to connect current and future conserved lands. Approximately 3,500 acres in the City and the SOI are part of the existing reserve system within the MSHCP. The City’s conservation target under the MSHCP is to add between 4,830 and 7,870 acres to the MSHCP over the next 25 years. This conservation target is to be balanced to ensure that the City remains in an economically competitive relationship with other Cities in terms of commercial and industrial development as well as providing sufficient residential inventory to comply with regional housing requirements.

The General Plan recognizes the need to balance growth with the conservation and enhancement of the area’s natural resources as development can impact resources such as water quality and associated watersheds. The goals and policies in this section are designed to enhance and preserve the City’s existing natural resources while balancing the City’s other imperatives for balanced economic growth.

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Biological Resources Baselines

Existing and Proposed Conservation Areas of the MSHCP The City of Lake Elsinore is focusing its conservation efforts on adding lands to existing core reserves and linkages within and adjacent to the Elsinore Area Plan.

According to data available at the time this General Plan Update was prepared, approximately 3,500 acres in the City and SOI are part of the existing reserve system within the MSHCP. The City’s goal is to add between 4,830 acres and 7,870 acres to the reserve system within the City over a 25-year period. As of the

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Sign identifying one of the City's many habitat conservation areas.

Chapter 4 2004 annual report, 868 acres were conserved. Since February 2000, a total of 2,190 acres has been conserved, which is 34% of the middle range of the target conservation. Under the MSHCP and its permits, the City reviews proposed land uses in the “criteria area” to determine if they are consistent with the MSHCP’s conservation goals and if the uses will contribute to assembling the reserves. The MSHCP in the City of Lake Elsinore is addressed in open space and conservation policies in the General Plan. There also are MSHCP survey, habitat evaluation, and mitigation fee requirements that apply to projects in the City, which are administered through the Community Development Department.

Existing Biological Resources The City and SOI are located in the Elsinore Valley, which is bounded on the west by the east flank of the rugged Santa Ana Mountains and rises into hills to the east. MSHCP maps, and Table 4-1, indicate that approximately 13,000 acres of the total area are developed lands or have exotic vegetation, and approximately 600 acres are agricultural lands. The remainder of the MSHCP-designated area is natural vegetation communities, primarily chaparral and Riversidian sage scrub. Table 4-1 indicates the natural community types. Each type and its associated species are described in more detail in the sections below. Designated and proposed conservation areas within the City and SOI are identified and described.

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Natural Communities

There are sixteen (16) natural communities, plus agricultural and developed lands, that occur in the City and its SOI as shown in Table 4-1. Several of the natural communities are considered “sensitive” or “special status” habitats because they are unique, have relatively limited distribution in the region, or have high wildlife value as defined by federal, state, and local government conservation programs. Many are, or correspond to, vegetation series and associations identified in the California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) as “rare.” Such communities within the City and its SOI include: z

Riversidian sage scrub

z

Riversidian alluvial fan sage scrub

z

Diegan coastal sage scrub

z

Dense Englemann oak woodland

z

Coast live oak woodland

z

Southern willow scrub

z

Southern cottonwood-willow riparian forest

z

Southern sycamore-alder riparian forest

z

Coastal and valley freshwater marsh, and

z

Vernal pools.

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Chapter 4 Table 4-1.

Natural Communities in the City and SOI

Type

City

SOI

Total

Nonnative Grassland

5,533

1,938

7,471

6,453

4,454

10,907

Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub

24

713

737

Riversidian Alluvial Fan Sage Scrub*

43

274

317

214

4

218

2,824

10,562

13,386

Coast Live Oak Woodland*

61

397

458

Dense Engelmann Oak Woodland*

0

5

5

Oak Woodland

5

57

62

Riparian Forest

56

42

98

Riparian Scrub

183

153

336

0

22

22

27

47

74

32

0

32

2,373

57

2,422

--

--

--

Field Croplands

88

291

379

Grove/Orchard

26

198

224

Residential/Urban/Exotic

6,876

6,080

12,956

TOTAL

24,818

25,294

50,104

Coastal Sage Scrub Riversidian Sage Scrub*

Chaparral Chamise Chaparral Chaparral Woodlands

Riparian

Southern Cottonwood/Willow Riparian* Southern Willow Scrub* Marsh Coastal and Valley Freshwater Marsh Open Water/Reservoir/Pond Vernal Pools* ** Agricultural Lands

Notes * Considered to be a special-status/sensitive habitat because it is unique, has relatively limited distribution in the region, has high wildlife value, and/or is directly or indirectly protected federal, state, or local regulations and policies. ** Individual vernal pools and vernal pool complexes were not mapped in the MSHCP or for the City General Plan but are known to occur in the City and SOI. Source: GIS database for MSHCP (July 2003).

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Chapter 4 Nonnative Grassland Nonnative grasslands are characterized by a dense to sparse cover of annual grasses with flowering culms (stems) 0.2 to 1.5 meters high. They are often associated with numerous species of showy-flowered native wildflowers, especially in years of favorable rainfall.

Flowering occurs with the onset of the late-fall rains, and growth, flowering, and seed-set occur from winter through spring. With a few exceptions, the plants are dead through the summerfall dry season, persisting as seeds. Nonnative grasslands occur on fine-textured soils that are moist during the winter rainy season and very dry during summer and fall. Adjacent communities may include oak woodland on moister, better-drained soils.

Composed almost entirely of annual grasses and other herbaceous annuals, this community is dominant over a large area immediately southwest of Lake Elsinore but existing also as a mosaic interspersed with coastal sage scrub communities. Plants typical of this community include several species of brome (Bromus spp.), wild oat (Avena spp.), filaree (Erodium spp.), schismus (Schismus spp.), fescue (Vulpia spp.), and a variety of wildflowers such as California poppy (Eschscholtzia californica), phacelia (Phacelia spp.), and goldfields (Lasthenia californica).

Coastal Sage Scrub Coastal sage scrub is characterized by low shrubs and an absence of trees. Shrubs include either pure stands or mixtures of coarse, deciduous species that drop their leaves in response to periodic drought conditions. Coastal sage scrub occurs primarily below 914 meters (3,000 feet) above mean sea level on western slopes of mountains; on steep, south-facing, wind-exposed slopes; and in areas where the marine layer penetrates inland to foothills and canyons. Soils are typically well drained and relatively shallow. Shrubs are more widely spaced than in chaparral and do not have the characteristic rigidity or thick drought-resistant leaves of those in chaparral. Remaining dormant throughout the dry season, plants either drop their leaves or produce smaller leaves on secondary shoots, which reduces water loss. Root systems are generally shallow, and some shrubs store water in succulent leaves and stems. Other plants produce aromatic oils from the surfaces of leaves, making them less appealing to grazing animals and reducing water loss but at the cost of increased flammability during the fire season.

Typical species in this community include California sagebrush (Artemisia californica), longstemmed buckwheat (E. elongatum), California buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum), white sage (Salvia apiana), black sage (Salvia mellifera), bush monkeyflower (Mimulus longiflorus), brittlebush (Encelia farinosa), California bush sunflower (Encelia californica), coast goldenbush (Isocoma menziesii), laurel sumac (Malosma laurina), deerweed (Lotus scoparius), golden yarrow (Eriophyllum confertiflorum), coast prickly pear (Opuntia littoralis), and lupines (Lupinus spp.).

Riversidian Sage Scrub Riversidian sage scrub typically is a fairly open vegetation community, with at least 20 percent cover by California sagebrush, California buckwheat, and Spanish brome (Bromus madritensis).

See description of coastal sage scrub above for additional details about plant species composition. In the City and SOI, this community occurs in many locations, often on hills and

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Chapter 4 slopes adjacent to developed areas. In many locations, the herb layer of the Riversidian sage scrub is dominated by nonnative invasive forbs and grasses, which reduces the quality of these areas as potential habitat for various species.

Riversidian sage scrub is considered a special-status or sensitive habitat.

Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub Similar to Riversidian sage scrub, this community is found where moisture is more abundant.

Dominant species are California sagebrush, California buckwheat, laurel sumac, lemonade berry (Rhus integrifolia), and white sage. This community occurs only in small patches within the existing City limits; substantially more acres of this type occur in the SOI than in the City.

Riversidian Alluvial Fan Sage Scrub Riversidian alluvial fan sage scrub grows on sandy, rocky alluvial soils deposited by streams that experience periodic flooding. The soils in these areas are well drained to excessively drained and have low water-holding capacity and low fertility. Vegetation consists of droughtdeciduous subshrubs and large evergreen woody shrubs adapted to these soil characteristics and capable of survival, or rapid recruitment, after intense periodic flooding and erosion.

Pioneer, intermediate, and mature stages of the alluvial fan sage scrub plant community are often distinguished. The pioneer stage has sparse vegetation and low plant diversity. The intermediate stage is characterized by dense vegetation dominated by subshrubs. The mature stage has dense, full-grown subshrubs, along with evergreen woody shrubs. Scale-broom is a shrub species found most often on alluvial soils associated with drainages. Other common shrub species of this vegetation community are often characteristic species of either Riversidian sage scrub or chaparral communities. These common subshrub species include coastal sagebrush, California buckwheat, chamise, brittlebush (Encelia farinosa), hairy yerba santa (Eriodictyon trichocalyx), sugarbush, birch-leaved mountain mahogany, and deerweed (Lotus scoparius).

Small patches of this community are present in the City in washes where the soil has been deposited and periodically scoured by flowing water from slopes above. Soils tend to be sandy and porous. Substantially more acres of this community occur in the SOI than in the City.

Riversidian alluvial fan sage scrub is considered a special-status/sensitive habitat.

Chaparral Chaparral is widely distributed on dry slopes and ridges at low and mid-elevations. It typically consists of shrubs with tough, broad leaves, although species composition may vary considerably with many different subtypes. This community also is highly adapted to periodic natural fires.

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Chapter 4 Chamise chaparral, which is the most common chaparral type in Riverside County, is dominated by chamise (Adenostoma fasciculatum). Southern mixed chaparral often occurs adjacent to Riversidian sage scrub and chamise chaparral but generally on sites with more moisture. Common chaparral shrubs include toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia), chamise, several California lilacs (Ceanothus megacarpus, C. crassifolius, C. cuneatus, and C. spinosus), birch-leaved mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus betuloides), manzanita (Arctostaphylos spp.), and scrub oak (Quercus berberdifolia).

Generally taller and denser than sage scrub communities, this community is found in the City primarily on the eastern slopes of the Santa Ana Mountains. It is more broadly distributed in the SOI.

Oak Woodland Oak woodland varies from open savannas with grassy understories to fairly dense woodlands with shrubby understories. This community typically integrates with both nonnative grassland and riparian woodland. Annual rainfall is generally between 38 and 64 centimeters (15 and 25 inches), and intermittent streams may be present. The dominant trees in the Riverside area are coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia), with smaller amounts of Engelmann oak (Quercus engelmannii), black walnut (Juglans californica), western sycamore (Platanus racemosa), toyon, and blue elderberry (Sambucus mexicana). Smaller trees and shrubs along with herbaceous plants and grasses that form the vegetative understory include sugar bush (Rhus ovata), squawbush (Rhus trilobata), poison–oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum), coastal wood fern (Dryopteris arguta), and bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinium).

Within the City and SOI this community is typically located near intermittent stream courses and is known to occur in the canyons on the east face of the Santa Ana Mountains.

Coast Live Oak Woodland Coast live oak woodlands vary from closed-canopy stands of coast live oak to mixtures with conifers and broadleaf trees to open savannas. The shrub layer is poorly developed but may include toyon, laurel sumac, or blue elderberry. The herb component is typically continuous and dominated by rip-gut brome (Bromus diandrus) and several other introduced species. This community typically occurs on north-facing slopes and shaded ravines.

Coast live oak woodland is considered a special-status/sensitive habitat. It occurs in both the City and SOI, with substantially more acres in the SOI than in the City.

Dense Englemann Oak Woodland Dense Englemann oak woodland is a climax woodland dominated by Englemann oak (Quercus englemannii), with coast live oak as an additional significant constituent. The understory is composed of typical grassland species. Canopy cover is dense. This vegetation community appears on moderately moist sites, especially in steep canyons. Dense Englemann oak

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Chapter 4 woodlands are known to occur southeast of Lake Mathews between Galivan Road and Lake Mathews Drive.

Dense Englemann oak woodland is considered a special-status/sensitive habitat. It occurs in the SOI but not within the City boundaries.

Riparian Forest, Woodland, and Scrub Riparian forests and woodlands are dependent on the presence of or proximity to nonseasonal water sources. The water may be surface water or shallow groundwater. Riparian woodlands may measure a few meters in width to much broader, depending on water flow. Where nonseasonal streams flow out of the mountains and onto flatter grasslands, the riparian woodland community may be a relatively broad one, but in the higher elevations where water flows down a narrow passageway often confined by steep hillsides, this community may be very narrow. Riparian woodland may also occupy areas surrounding human-made lakes and reservoirs. Typical species of this community include willows (Salix spp.), western sycamore, black walnut, Fremont and black cottonwood (Populus fremontii and P. trichocarpa), white alder (Alnus rhombifolia), coast live oak, mule fat (Baccharis salicifolia), and smaller plants such as poison-oak, California blackberry, horsetails (Equisetum spp.), and scarlet and creek monkeyflower (Mimulus cardinalis and M. guttatus).

Riparian scrub is characterized as a scrubby streamside thicket, dominated by any of several willows, mule fat, or a mix of these. Vegetation may vary from open to impenetrable. Willows typically occur on relatively fine-grained sand and gravel bars that are close to river channels and/or groundwater. Coarser substrate soils or areas where there is relatively great depth to the water table favors dominance by mule fat. This early successional community may precede any of several riparian woodland or forest types absent severe flooding disturbance.

Riparian forest and scrub communities occur along streambeds in the City and SOI and along the shore of Lake Elsinore. Types include southern willow scrub, composed of relatively small willows and mulefat; southern cottonwood – willow riparian forest, with taller willows and cottonwoods; and southern sycamore – alder riparian woodland, composed of western sycamore, white alder, and often lower densities of willows, cottonwoods, or oaks. In general, all riparian communities are considered to be special-status/sensitive habitats.

Southern Willow Scrub Southern willow scrub is distinguished by dense, broadleaved, winter-deciduous riparian thickets dominated by several willow species, including black willow, sandbar willow, red willow (Salix laevigata), and arroyo willow, with scattered Fremont cottonwood and western sycamore. Most stands are too dense to allow much understory development. Typical soils include loose, sandy, or fine gravelly alluvium deposited near stream channels during flood flows. This community requires repeated flooding to prevent succession to southern cottonwood – sycamore riparian forest. It occurs in both the City and SOI and is considered a special-status/sensitive habitat.

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Chapter 4 Southern Cottonwood – Willow Riparian Forest Southern cottonwoods are dominated by Fremont cottonwood, black cottonwood, and several tree willows.

Understories consist of shrubby willows. The dominant species require moist, bare mineral soil. Sub-irrigated and frequently overflowed lands along rivers and streams provide the necessary conditions for germination and establishment.

Other typical plant species include California mugwort, mule fat, wild cucumber (Marah macrocarpus), western sycamore, Goodding’s black willow (Salix gooddingii), sandbar willow (Salix exigua), yellow shining willow (Salix lasiandra), arroyo willow (Salix lasiolepis), and stinging nettle (Urtica dioica). It occurs in the SOI and is considered to be a specialstatus/sensitive habitat.

Southern Sycamore—Alder Riparian Woodland

Gunnerson Pond

Southern sycamore – alder riparian woodland is a tall, open, broadleaved, winter-deciduous streamside woodland dominated by western sycamore and white alder. These stands seldom form closed canopy forests and may appear as trees scattered in a shrubby thicket of hard drought-resistant evergreens and deciduous species. Soils consist of very rocky streambeds subject to seasonally high-intensity flooding. White alder increases in abundance on more perennial streams, while western sycamore favors more intermittent hydrographs. Other common forms of vegetation include California mugwort, coast live oak, horsetail, smilo grass (Piptatherum miiaceum), California blackberry, poison-oak, blue elderberry, and stinging nettle (Urtica dioica). This woodland is considered to be a special-status/sensitive habitat.

Marsh Marsh communities are dominated by perennial, emergent flowering plants (monocots) generally up to 4 to 5 meters tall. Vegetation often forms completely closed canopies. Bulrush (Scirpus spp.) and cattail (Typha spp.) species dominate. Marsh communities are found on sites permanently inundated by fresh water and lacking significant current. Conditions of prolonged saturation permit accumulation of deep, peaty soils in this community.

Coastal and Valley Freshwater Marsh This community is generally found in areas with slow-moving or ponded water where shallow topography is subject to prolonged saturation. One of these areas is northeast of Lake Elsinore, around a small lake that was created several years ago. It is recognized by the presence of plants that grow up through shallow water, such as cattail, bullrush, and sedge. This community occurs in the City but not the SOI and is considered a special-status/sensitive habitat.

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Chapter 4 Open Water/Reservoir/Pond Open water/reservoir/pond areas are called lacustrine ecosystems and are characterized by inland depressions or dammed riverine channels containing standing water, including both near-shore (limnetic) and deepwater habitats (littoral). Usually, to meet this classification, each area must exceed 20 acres (8 hectares) and be deeper than 6.6 feet (2 meters). The lower San Jacinto River, Lake Elsinore, and several Rare White Pelicans in the Back Basin. other ponds and creeks within the study area provide open water habitat relatively free of vegetation that supports fish, amphibians, and waterfowl. Among the warmwater fishery species that provide recreational fishing in Lake Elsinore are largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie. Recent efforts to improve the water quality in Lake Elsinore have included the harvesting of carp in order to restructure the fishery composition and the installation of a series of axial flow pumps designed to increase vertical water circulation, thereby maintaining higher levels of dissolved oxygen in the water. These areas are subject to a wide range of regulations and, depending on site-specific conditions, typically are considered to be a special-status/sensitive habitat.

Vernal Pools Vernal pools are seasonal wetlands that form in localized depressions with subsurface hardpans, allowing ponded rainwater to remain above the surface into the dry season. These seasonal wetlands create a moist environment to which a specialized group of plant species has adapted. Species composition varies among pools and among years. However, common species in vernal pools in or near the project area include woolly marbles (Psilocarphus brevissimus), toad rush (Juncus bufonius), spike rush (Eleocharis species), wire-stem popcorn flower (Plagiobothrys leptocladus), Mexican speedwell (Veronica peregrina ssp. xalapensis), annual hairgrass (Deschampsia danthonioides), alkali pepper-grass (Lepidium dictyotum), and water pygmy weed (Crassula aquatica); many special-status species are also present.

Agricultural Lands Limited areas of groves, orchards, and cropland persist in the study area. These lands have little value as habitat for wildlife other than those species highly adapted to disturbance.

Residential/Urban/Exotic A substantial portion of the area within the Lake Elsinore SOI has been developed. Remaining natural resources in this area are now limited to ornamental trees and garden shrubs that may provide some habitat for nesting birds.

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Chapter 4 4.2.3

Special-Status Species

Plants and animals are identified as being “special status” species if they are listed or proposed for listing under federal or state law; identified as “sensitive,” “a species of concern,” or “a species of special concern” on lists maintained by federal or state agencies; or are on the list of biologically endangered and rare plant species maintained by the California Native Plant Society. Table 4-2 identifies the special-status species that are known to occur or have a reasonable potential for occurrence in the City and its SOI.

Table 4-2.

Special-Status Species that Occur or Potentially Occur in the City and/or SOI

Species Common/ Scientific Name

Status1

Habitat Affinities

Chaparral sand-verbena Abronia villosa var. aurita)

Federal: None State: None CNPS: 1B

Exposed sites with sandy soils, especially washes and dunes, in chaparral, sage scrub, and alluvial scrub.

California orcutt grass Orcuttia californica

Federal: E State: E CNPS: 1B

Vernal pools, alkaline soils, and southern basaltic claypan.

Coulter’s goldfields Lasthenia glabrata ssp. Coulteri

Federal: None State: None CNPS: 1B

Coastal salt marshes, playas, valley and foothill grassland, vernal pools. Alkaline soils in playas, sinks, and grasslands 1–1,400 meters in elevation.

Davidson’s saltscale Atriplex serenans var. davidsonii

Federal: None State: None CNPS: 1B

Alkali vernal pools, alkali annual grasslands, alkali playa, and alkali scrub components of alkali vernal plains.

Hammitt’s clay-cress Sibaropsis hammittii

Federal: None State: None CNPS: 1B

Chaparral and valley and foothill grassland at elevations of 700 to 1,100 meters.

Intermediate mariposa lily Calochortus weedii var. intermedius

Federal: None State: None CNPS: 1B

Rocky hill and valley landscapes with chaparral, sage scrub, or grasslands.

Little mousetail Myosurus minimus ssp. Apus

Federal: None State: None CNPS: 3

Vernal pools and poorly drained spots in moist grasslands, generally under alkaline conditions.

Long-spined spineflower Chorizanthe polygonoides var. longispina

Federal: None State: None CNPS: 1B

Chaparral, coastal scrub, meadows, valley and foothill grassland; gabbroic clay; 30–1,450 meters in elevation.

Many-stemmed dudleya Dudleya multicaulis

Federal: None State: None CNPS: 1B

Chaparral, coastal scrub, valley and foothill grassland; in heavy, often clayey soils or grassy slopes; 0–790 meters in elevation.

Plants

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Chapter 4 Species Common/ Scientific Name

Status1

Habitat Affinities

Munz’s onion Allium munzii

Federal: E State: T CNPS: 1B

Chaparral, coastal scrub, cismontane woodland, pinyon-juniper woodland, valley and foothill grassland; only in Riverside County; heavy clay soils; grows in grasslands and openings within shrublands or woodlands; 300–1,035 meters in elevation.

Palmer’s grapplinghook Harpagonella palmeri

Federal: None State: None CNPS: 4

Chaparral, coastal sage scrub, grasslands; clay soils.

Parry’s spineflower Chorizanthe parryi var. parryi

Federal: None State: None CNPS: 1B

Coastal scrub, chaparral; dry slopes and flats; sometimes at interface of two vegetation types, such as chaparral and oak woodland; dry, sandy soils; 40–1,705 meters in elevation.

Robinson’s pepper-grass Lepidium virginicum var. robinsonii

Federal: None State: None CNPS: 1B

Chaparral, coastal scrub; dry soils, shrubland; 1–945 meters in elevation.

Round-leaved filaree Erodium macrophyllum

Federal: None State: None CNPS: 2

Cismontane woodland, valley and foothill grassland; clay soils; 15–1,200 meters in elevation.

San Diego ambrosia Ambrosia pumila

Federal: E State: None CNPS: 1B

Chaparral, coastal scrub, valley and foothill grassland, vernal pools; in the U.S., known only from San Diego and Riverside Counties; sandy loam or clay soil; in valleys, persists where disturbance has been superficial; 20– 415 meters in elevation.

San Jacinto Valley crownscale Atriples coronata var. notatior

Federal: E State: None CNPS: 1B

Floodplains (seasonal wetlands) dominated by alkali scrub, alkali playas, vernal pools, and, to a lesser extent, alkali grasslands.

Slender-horned spineflower Dodecahema leptoceras

Federal: E State: E CNPS: 1B

Chaparral, coastal scrub (alluvial fan sage scrub), flood deposited terraces, and washes.

Small-flowered microseris Microseris douglasii var. platycarpha

Federal: None State: None CNPS: 4

Clay soils in association with native grasslands or vernal pools.

Smooth tarplant Centromadia pungens ssp. Laevis

Federal: None State: None CNPS: 1B

Valley and foothill grassland, chenopod scrub, meadows, playas, riparian woodland, alkali meadow, alkali scrub; also in disturbed places; 0–480 meters in elevation.

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Chapter 4 Species Common/ Scientific Name

Status1

Habitat Affinities

Riverside fairy shrimp Streptocephalus woottoni

Federal: E State: None

Areas of tectonic swales/earth slump basins in grassland and coastal sage scrub. Inhabit seasonally astatic pools filled by winter/spring rains. Hatch in warm water later in the season.

Quino checkerspot butterfly Euphydryas editha quino

Federal: E State: None

Open areas in grasslands, forb lands, coastal sage scrub, and chaparral, usually with low disturbance and a well-developed biological soil crust. Primary larval host plant is Plantago erecta.

Federal: SOC State: SSC

Grassland, coastal sage scrub, and other habitats with open sandy gravel soils. Breeds in vernal pools and temporary ponds/pools associated with river bottoms and floodplains. Primarily a species of the lowlands, frequenting washes, floodplains of rivers, alluvial fans, and alkali flats.

Coast (San Diego) horned lizard Phrynosoma coronatum (blainvillei)

Federal: None State: SSC

Open or sparse scrub and chaparral communities. This species prefers loose, friable soil for burrowing.

Orangethroat whiptail Cnemidophorus hyperythrus

Federal: None State: SSC

Chaparral, sage scrub, and open edges of riparian areas; specialist to some degree on native termites.

Coastal western whiptail Aspidoscelis tigris stejnegeri

Federal: SOC State: None

Found in deserts and semiarid areas with sparse vegetation and open areas. Also found in woodland and riparian areas. Ground may be firm soil, sandy, or rocky.

Northern red-diamond rattlesnake Crotalus ruber ruber

Federal: None State: SSC

Chaparral, woodland, grassland, and desert areas. Occurs in rocky areas and dense vegetation. Needs rodent burrows, cracks in rocks, or surface cover objects.

Western pond turtle Clemmys marmorata pallida

Federal: None State: SSC

Ponds, small lakes, perennial pools in drainages, marshes, slow-moving, sometimes brackish water.

Federal: SOC State: None

Freshwater marshes and vegetated borders of ponds and lakes.

Invertebrates

Amphibians Western spadefoot Spea hammondii

Reptiles

Birds American bittern Botaurus lentiginosus

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Chapter 4 Species Common/ Scientific Name

Status1

Habitat Affinities

Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus

Federal: T State: E

Open areas, forest edges, and mountains near large lakes and rivers. Requires tall trees for nesting. Three known nest efforts in or near western Riverside County but not within the project area in the last 10 years.

Bell’s sage sparrow Amphispiza belli belli

Federal: SOC State: SSC

Extensive patches of chaparral less than about 2 meters in height and sage scrub shaded and relatively open at the ground layer.

Black-crowned night-heron Nycticorax nycticorax

Federal: None State: None

Many types of wetlands.

Burrowing owl Speotyto cunicularia

Federal: SOC State: SSC

Requires fairly large expanses of relatively open, level, or hummocky terrain, including grasslands, agricultural fields, dairies, flood channels, and occasionally undisturbed areas of golf courses or airports.

Cactus wren Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus

Federal: None State: SSC

Coastal sage scrub with thickets, patches, or tracts of large branching cacti, thorny shrubs, and small trees.

Coastal California gnatcatcher Polioptila californica californica

Federal: T State: SSC

Obligate resident of several distinct subassociations of the coastal sage scrub community.

Cooper’s hawk Accipiter cooperii

Federal: None State: SSC

Mature forest, open woodlands, parks, and residential areas.

Double-crested cormorant Phalacrocorax auritus

Federal: None State: None

Occupies diverse aquatic habitats in all seasons. Diet is primarily fishes. Tolerates only minimal disturbance at nesting colonies.

Downy woodpecker Picoides pubescens

Federal: None State: None

Nests in extensive lowland riparian woodland and forest; will forage in many adjacent habitats.

Least Bell’s vireo Vireo bellii pusillus

Federal: E State: E

Riparian habitat with some tree layer and a dense understory, often of young willows but sometimes mule fat, blue elderberry, California rose, desert wild grape, and a variety of other shrubby species.

Loggerhead shrike Lanius ludovicianus

Federal: SOC State: SSC

Open areas (e.g., grassland, rangeland, fallow agricultural fields), especially where there are scattered large shrubs, trees, or other suitable perches at moderate height.

Northern harrier Circus cyaneus

Federal: None State: SSC

Coastal lowlands, marshes, mesic grasslands, and agricultural fields. Probably extirpated locally as a breeder.

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Chapter 4 Species Common/ Scientific Name

Status1

Habitat Affinities

Osprey Pandion haliaetus

Federal: None State: SSC

Large water bodies supporting fish with surrounding or nearby suitable nest sites.

Peregrine falcon Falco peregrinus

Federal: E/delisted State: E, P

Open areas, mud flats with waterfowl, shorebirds. Not currently believed to breed in Riverside County.

Southern California rufouscrowned sparrow Aimophila ruficeps canescens

Federal: None State: SSC

Rocky slopes, especially where a relatively open shrub cover dominated by California sagebrush is interspersed with grassy areas.

Southwestern willow flycatcher Empidonax traillii extimus

Federal: E State: E

Riparian woodlands along rivers and streams, with mature dense stands of willows, cottonwoods, and sometimes alders.

Requires some inundation or soil saturation in riparian areas at least through May.

Tree swallow Tachycineta bicolor

Federal: None State: None

During winter and migration, found in open areas, grasslands, meadows, brushlands, and near water sources.

Tricolor blackbird Agelaius tricolor

Federal: SOC State: SSC

Freshwater marshes. Suitable breeding habitat includes cattails and bulrushes as well as nonnative thistles and mustards.

White-faced ibis Plegadis chihi

Federal: None State: SSC

Nests in large, shallow marshes with islands of emergent vegetation. Forages in a wide variety of marsh and mudflat habitats.

White-tailed kite Elanus leucurus

Federal: None State: P

Nests in riparian woodland edges, pasture lands and savannah, oaks, and sycamores.

Forages in open areas with short grass and/or forbs.

Yellow-breasted chat Icteria virens

Federal: None State: SSC

Nests and forages in dense, low riparian growth, including edges of woods, fencerows, dense thickets, and brambles in low, wet places near streams, pond edges, or swamps and in old overgrown clearings and fields.

Yellow warbler Icteria virens

Federal: None State: SSC

Nests in mature riparian forest and woodland, foraging largely in the upperstory; more common as a spring and fall migrant in varied habitats.

Federal: None State: None

Variety of habitats, including conifer, oak, riparian, pinyon-juniper forest, chaparral; dependent on extensive open space and connectivity, with rabbits a central part of the diet.

Mammals Bobcat Lynx rufus

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Chapter 4 Species Common/ Scientific Name

Status1

Habitat Affinities

Mountain lion Puma concolor

Federal: None State: None

Variety of habitats; requires very large tracts of land with low levels of human disturbance and development.

Northwestern San Diego pocket mouse Chaetodipus fallax fallax

Federal: None State: SSC

Coastal scrub, chamise-redshank chaparral, mixed chaparral, sagebrush, desert wash, desert scrub, desert succulent shrub, pinyon juniper, and annual grassland in sandy herbaceous areas, usually in association with rocks or coarse gravel.

San Diego black-tailed jackrabbit Lepus californicus bennettii

Federal: None State: SSC

Arid regions supporting short-grass habitats such as annual grassland, often adjacent to or mixed with Riversidian sage, scrub, alluvial fan scrub, Great Basin sagebrush, chaparral, disturbed habitat, or agriculture.

Stephens’ kangaroo rat Dipodomys stephensi

Federal: E State: T

Inhabits annual grassland with sparse perennial vegetation and open sage scrub in the San Jacinto Valley and adjacent areas of western Riverside County and northwestern San Diego County.

1

Indicates federal and state listing status as of January 2005 and CNPS list for plants.

Codes and Abbreviations C: Candidate CNPS: California Native Plant Society 1B: Rare and endangered in California and throughout its range 2: Rare and endangered in California but more common elsewhere 4: Limited distribution P: Fully Protected species identified in the California Fish and Game Code SOC: Species of Concern SSC: California Department of Fish and Game Species of Special Concern T: Threatened

4.2.4

Existing and Proposed Conservation Areas

The City is a participating agency in the MSHCP and as such is working with Riverside County, other cities in the region, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), California Department of Fish and Game (DFG), California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), California State Parks, U.S. Forest Service, and U.S. Bureau of Land Management to complete the MSHCP Conservation Area over a 75-year period. Specifically, the City is focusing on adding lands to existing core reserves and linkages within and adjacent to the Elsinore Area Plan, public and quasi-public lands that are part of the existing MSHCP conservation area; and the criteria area in and adjacent to the City and SOI is noted in Figure 4.1. MSHCP maps indicate approximately

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Chapter 4 3,500 acres in the City and SOI are part of the existing MSHCP conservation area. The MSHCP criteria area depicted and discussed within the maps and text published grids of ¼ acres descriptor “cells” allow the City to focus and distribute the conservation effort between land owner development interests and permanent conservation based on the City Council’s independent land use authority. Development would be allowed in areas designated as MSHCP conservation areas through the City’s LEAP program based on tradeoffs for conservation acreage dedication or acquisitions pursuant to the MSHCP program.

4.2.5 Goal 1

Biological Resources Goals and Policies Identify and conserve important biological habitats where feasible while balancing the economic growth and private property right interests of the City, its residents, and landowners.

Policies 1.1

The City shall continue to participate in the Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan, the LEAPS program, and the Implementing Agreement; and coordinate with other participating jurisdictions, agencies, and property owners to strategically assemble conservation acreage.

1.2

Develop conservation and land use planning strategies that facilitate attainment of the requirement within the City’s incorporated limits for purposes of the MSHCP focusing on quality conservation while observing an attainable acreage number given the conservation range.

1.3

Encourage the installation of barrier fencing or other buffers between MSHCP Conservation Areas and proposed public and private land uses that may be incompatible with the Conservation Areas in order to minimize illegal/unauthorized public access, domestic animal predation, or dumping in the Conservation Areas.

1.4

Grading plans that entail slope modification extending into MSHCP Conservation Areas shall be conditioned to provide slope mitigation including re-vegetation with a native plant mixture.

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Chapter 4

1.5

Each July the City shall review its Land Use Plan (Figure 2.1 of Chapter 2) in relation to the City’s MSHCP Conservation Area mapping to assess the City’s land use development is occurring in an orderly and balanced manner. The City shall utilize the results of the annual Land Use Plan review to develop the City’s Conceptual Reserve Design in accordance with Section 3.2.3 of the MSHCP as amended, and may rely upon the flexibility permitted by the MSHCP in conducting the Reserve Assembly Accounting set for in Section 6.7 of the MSHCP.

1.6

Encourage revegetation with native plants compatible with natural surrounding habitat.

1.7

The City shall coordinate with the Regional Conservation Authority to have that agency acquire native habitat areas as permanent open space.

1.8

The City shall coordinate with the Regional Conservation Authority regarding any updates or revisions to the City’s General Plan.

1.9

The City shall establish a plan for a trail network intended for active or passive use within public open space areas and traversing around and through MSHCP Conservation areas where compatible with guidelines set forth in the MSHCP and City Council MSHCP policies.

1.10 The City shall require all new trails, trailheads, conservation signage, interpretive centers, and maintenance facilities established within MSHCP Conservation areas to follow the Guidelines for the Siting and Design of Trails and Facilities, as set forth in Section 7.4.2 of the MSHCP. 1.11 The City shall consult with the Regional Conservation Authority (RCA) and adjacent jurisdictions to ensure proper adherence to MSHCP guidelines and to allow for a maximum level of regional interconnection of trails systems. The City shall modify or add to the regional interconnections and linkages based on new biological analysis.

Goal 2

Protect sensitive plant and wildlife species residing or occurring within the City.

Policies 2.1

Require biological resources analyses of proposed projects to include discussion of potential impacts to any plant or wildlife species that is officially listed as threatened or endangered by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and/or the California Department of Fish and Game but not covered by the MSHCP.

2.2

Development in and/or modification of areas containing riparian habitat of high functions and values or corridors of 80% or more of natural native habitat that link larger patches of natural native habitat containing 80% or more native plant species shall be discouraged.

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Chapter 4 Further, development in areas described for conservation, including areas planned for riparian/riverine restoration included in the MSHCP, shall also be discouraged. A policy that defines riparian/riverine habitat and standard avoidance criteria to riparian/riverine habitat affected by nonnative, invasive plant species shall be drafted.

2.3

The City shall pursue funding opportunities for and develop a Native Tree Planting and Maintenance Program that presents guidelines for selecting and locating trees to support wildlife, improve air and water quality, and reduce energy consumption.

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Chapter 4

4.3

Open Space

4.3.1

Introduction

“Additional open space areas outside of the MSHCP will also be needed to achieve a healthy balance between urban areas and the natural environment.”

Much of the City encompasses areas with steep slopes and high elevations that are not capable of being readily developed without unique, sensitive, and special land planning design. As a result, many of these areas have remained vacant. As the City’s vision evolves, related development interests and land values have increased significantly, and many of the vacant lands are designated for development because of the City’s increasing land values and increased commercial and residential interest. Open space on lands that contain endangered species and related habitat may be designated for permanent preservation under the MSHCP during the project review process, subject to the City’s LEAP program. Additional open space areas outside of the MSHCP will also be needed to achieve a healthy balance between urban areas and the natural environment.

Direct public access is currently not widely available to many of the City’s open space areas and may likely be restricted out of the MSHCP conservation area within the City and SOI. Residents desire protection of these unique resources while also making the open space resources more accessible to the public. The policies in this section are intended to protect open space areas while also making them more accessible to the public for visual and recreational opportunities.

4.3.2

Open Space Baselines

The existing General Plan Land Use designations exhibited in 2.1 show areas designated as existing open space within the City. Open space on land that contains endangered species and related habitat may be designated for permanent preservation under the MSHCP. Land on steep slopes is sometimes difficult and costly to develop and therefore will also likely remain as permanent open space until land values and design standards allow development. Land currently within the floodplain of local drainages, including Lake Elsinore and Temescal Creek, have been left vacant currently in order to avoid flooding and have been delineated accordingly as Open Space. Figure 4.2 illustrates vacant land inventory in 2006.

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Chapter 4

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Chapter 4 4.3.3 Goal 3

Open Space Goals and Policies Provide an open space layout within the City that will enhance the recreational and visual experiences of all City residents and visitors.

A View of the City from the West

Policies 3.1

Maximize the MSHCP conservation areas and other open space that is available for public use.

3.2

The City shall encourage the preservation of watercourses, canyons, ridgelines, and rock outcroppings.

3.3

The City shall ensure that passive and active open space uses are incorporated into the development of specific plan areas in accordance with existing ordinances.

3.4

Encourage open space easement dedication in undisturbed and/or re-vegetated areas on private property, regardless of its MSHCP designation.

3.5

Prevent development on steep slopes of greater than 35% incline occurring in public or private property.

3.6

Encourage dedication of open space easements in areas containing steep slopes.

4.4

Water Resources

4.4.1

Introduction

The City lies in an arid region where water is a limited resource. Fortunately, the City contains a wealth of raw and nonpotable reclaimed water resources, such as Lake Elsinore, the San Jacinto River, and the Temescal Wash and treated water plants, as depicted in Figure 4.3, Hydrologic Resources. As such, it is important that all water resources be protected and conserved while enhancing their overall quality as the City increasingly becomes more urbanized.

Lake Elsinore, which currently contains 3,412 surface acres of water and encompasses many lake-oriented recreational facilities, is the City’s largest and most significant water resource.

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Chapter 4 However, Lake Elsinore varies widely in size in response to hydrologic conditions, ranging from 6,000 acres in very wet years to portions of a dry lakebed in drought years.

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Chapter 4 Efforts to stabilize the lake level to a satisfactory level should be supported so that the area surrounding the lake can be increasingly developed with water-oriented recreational opportunities that the City’s residents can enjoy. The policies in this section are intended to conserve and improve water resources.

4.4.2

Water Resources Baselines

The following discussion addresses the existing surface and groundwater hydrology, drainage, water quality, and potential flooding conditions extant within the City.

Hydrology The study area has a typical Mediterranean climate with wet, cool winters, and warm, dry summers. Most of the rainfall occurs between November and April, with an average annual rainfall of 13.7 inches.

Surface Water The primary surface water features within the project area are Lake Elsinore, the San Jacinto River, and Temescal Wash (see Figure 4.3). Railroad Canyon Reservoir releases flows to the San Jacinto River. The San Jacinto River flows into Lake Elsinore, which in turn flows into Temescal Wash during periods of high lake levels. As shown in Figure 4.3, the drainage patterns within the City and SOI can be divided into three basins, including the Temescal area, Lake Elsinore, and Santa Margarita.

Lake Elsinore is natural in origin and measures approximately 5 miles long by 2 miles wide. In an effort to maintain a more constant lake level, a levee was constructed across the lake in 1995 to reduce the size of the water surface and minimize evaporation. The levee also provides flood protection up to an elevation of 1,262 feet for the southern end of the lake, an area known as the Back Basin (see Figure 4.3).

Lake Elsinore is fed by three (3) primary sources of water: runoff from local tributaries, direct precipitation inputs to the lake surface, and inflows from the San Jacinto River. The percentage of the total input for each of these sources is 8%, 20%, and 72%, respectively, indicating that the San Jacinto River is by far the largest source of water reaching Lake Elsinore. Little groundwater interaction is expected because the lake lies on a relatively impermeable layer of clay soil.

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Chapter 4 Groundwater Elsinore Groundwater Basin General Setting The Elsinore groundwater basin is supplied primarily by infiltration of precipitation in the surrounding watershed. Other sources of inflow include infiltration along the San Jacinto River channel upstream of Lake Elsinore and agricultural and residential return flows. Municipal pumping for potable water is the only major outflow from the Elsinore groundwater basin.

Some additional groundwater pumping is performed as necessary to help maintain the elevation of Lake Elsinore at 1,242.4 feet above mean sea level.

Depth to Water Table and Groundwater Gradient The depth to groundwater varies considerably across the project area, ranging from approximately 50–60 feet in the northern portion of the basin to approximately 400–500 feet in the southern portion. The groundwater gradient naturally follows this variation in depth, flowing from the northwest to the southeast underneath Lake Elsinore. Two faults, Glen Ivy North and Rome Hill, appear to partially block groundwater flow. The average groundwater gradient is approximately 0.016 in the middle of the basin, based on somewhat limited data. This steep gradient is due to the considerable level of groundwater pumping in the Back Basin.

Early morning fog at the lake.

Groundwater Overdraft

The Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District (EVMWD) Groundwater Management Plan includes a groundwater budget analysis of the Elsinore basin for the period 1990 to 2000. The results of the analysis indicate that the basin experiences an average annual deficit of approximately 1,800 acre-feet per year over the 11-year period studied. Eight of the 11 years analyzed had a deficit, while the remaining 3 years without a deficit corresponded to aboveaverage annual precipitation totals. In addition, water levels in wells in the southern portion of the basin dropped more than 200 feet in the same time period, providing further evidence of a groundwater overdraft condition. Continuing overdraft may lead to ground subsidence as soils compact over long periods of time, although no clear evidence of subsidence has currently been identified around Lake Elsinore.

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Chapter 4 Flooding Flood information from the 1990 General Plan was researched and found to still be applicable. Following this summary is an update of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) flood mapping information based on a review of the latest maps.

Regional flood control planning and facilities construction are within the jurisdiction of the Riverside County Flood San Jacinto River Bank Full Discharge Control District.

The district is also responsible for the maintenance and operation of flood control facilities, including debris dams, storm channels, and storm drains.

The district’s facilities may be characterized as the “backbone” system of flood control for the region. The City of Lake Elsinore also owns and maintains certain flood control facilities in the City that are generally constructed as part of the drainage plans for individual projects. The City ensures that the construction of these facilities is consistent with the master plans of the Riverside County Flood Control District.

FEMA prepared a study in 1980 and revised it in 1987 that identified the following flooding sources in the City: Arroyo del Toro, Channel H, Elsinore Spillway Channel, Lake Elsinore, Leach Canyon Channel, Lime Street Channel, McVicker Canyon, Ortega Wash, Ortega Channel, Rice Canyon, San Jacinto River, Stovepipe Canyon Creek, Temescal Wash, Wash G, Wash I, and Wasson Canyon Creek. The location of some of these sources is presented in Figure 4.3.

The San Jacinto River is the major watercourse within the City. Runoff during a 100-year flood is contained within the riverbed upstream of Interstate 15. Below that point, 100-year flows presently cause flooding over portions of Railroad Canyon Road. In addition, San Jacinto River inflows to Lake Elsinore cause the lake to rise substantially to an elevation of 1,267 feet, inundating inhabited portions of the lakeshore along the southwest and west sides of the lake.

Flooding is exacerbated by the low capacity and high elevation of the Temescal Wash outlet (1,260 feet).

Temescal Wash is a gradually sloped earth ditch with limited capacity. The channel has experienced substantial encroachment from residential and commercial development. The 1980 flood caused the condemnation of more than 100 homes and property damage to residential, commercial and industrial uses in the downtown area. Total damages cost approximately $34 million.

Flooding also occurs from the flow of Wasson Canyon Creek as water flows over Camino del Norte and spreads out due to an irregular flow line and lack of any defined channel banks.

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Chapter 4 Backwater forms behind the railway bridge and extends upstream past the Collier Avenue weir crossing at depths of nearly six (6) feet.

Sheet flow is a flood hazard that exists in developed areas below the mouths of Leach Canyon, McVicker Canyon, and Rice Canyon. Fully improved, 100-year design channels have been constructed for Leach Canyon and other washes. However, these facilities do not provide adequate upstream control at the mouth of the canyons. As a result, only the channels pick up a portion of the floodwaters, and the remaining runoff is in the form of sheet flooding toward the lake, with depths of more than one (1) foot.

Flooding from Rice Canyon results from the failure of an earth berm located at the mouth of the canyon. Failure of the dike allows expansive sheet flooding in a southwest direction into Lake Elsinore, at depths of less than 1 foot. Flooding generated in McVicker Canyon results in sheet flow on the alluvial fan below the mouth of the canyon. In the lower reach, these flows combine with those of Leach and Rice Canyon to create an expansive area of shallow sheet flooding on the western side of the lake. The potential of floodwaters carrying debris was determined to be high by FEMA for Channel H, Leach Canyon, Lime Street Channel, Ortega Channel, and Rice Canyon.

Flooding problems also exist in the Sedco Hills area, east of Mission Trail. Sheet flooding at low levels during rainy periods occurs in many areas of Sedco Hills, washing out streets and flooding property.

Inundation of property and the potential loss of Dusk at Lake Elsinore life due to failure of the Railroad Canyon Dam is a hazard in the Railroad Canyon Road area and the eastern floodplain of the lake. Railroad Canyon Reservoir is located in the Canyon Lake Hills development northeast of the City. The reservoir, constructed in 1927, captures waters of the San Jacinto River, which is the primary drainage course of the San Jacinto Mountains. The capacity of the reservoir is approximately 12,000 acre-feet. The Railroad Canyon Dam is a concrete arch dam. The City’s subdivision code requires that the boundaries of the inundation hazard area be identified and noted on all final maps prior to approval.

Figure 4.3 shows the current FEMA 100-year floodplain within the City and SOI. As shown in Figure 4.3, the floodplain for Lake Elsinore extends into some areas that are currently developed with urban uses. The floodplain for Temescal Wash, McVicker Canyon, and the Ortega Channel also extends into areas characterized by development.

The Riverside County General Plan contains information on potential flooding and dam inundation. According to the Elsinore Area Plan, the Temescal Wash, Murrieta Creek, and the

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Chapter 4 San Jacinto River, as well as Lake Elsinore, pose significant flood hazards. Dam failure of the Railroad Canyon Dam at Canyon Lake would cause flooding in the plan area.

The flood hazard areas identified in the Elsinore Area Plan are covered by the 100-year floodplain information shown in Figure 4.3. The information on flood hazards discussed in the Elsinore Area Plan for the 100-year floodplain do not extend beyond the updated 100-year FEMA floodplain boundaries shown in Figure 4.3.

The Elsinore Area Plan also refers to the inundation potential associated with a failure of Railroad Canyon Dam at Canyon Lake. The Elsinore Area Plan shows dam hazard zones that would occur with failure of the Railroad Canyon Dam. Review of the Elsinore Area Plan finds that inundation associated with dam hazard zones would not extend beyond the 100-year floodplain shown in Figure 4.3 of this document. The extent of the High Dam Hazard Zone in the Elsinore Area Plan actually corresponds with the boundary of the 100-year floodplain for both Lake Elsinore and San Jacinto River shown in Figure 4.3.

The benefits of the Lake Elsinore Management Project include conserved water during dry years by reducing evaporation loss and implementing a well system, reduced flood damage, improved water quality by allowing more frequent discharges, improved recreational lake use, and enhanced fish and wildlife habitat. Most of the projects were completed by the early 1990s, but certain components, such as lake replenishment, are ongoing.

Surface Water Quality Surface water quality is strongly influenced by local land uses. Pollutant sources in the Lake Elsinore area are historically caused by agricultural uses that involve chemicals and fertilizers.

State Water Resources Control Board Impaired Water Bodies The State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), in compliance with Clean Water Act Section 303(d), has prepared a list of impaired View of Lake Elsinore’s Back Basin Levee water bodies in the State of California (SWRCB 2004). The list includes a priority schedule for the development of total maximum daily loads for each contaminant, or stressor, affecting the water body. On July 25, 2003, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) gave final approval to California's 2002 Section 303(d) List of Water Quality Limited Segments. z

Within the City of Lake Elsinore, Lake Elsinore is listed as an impaired water body as a part of the SWRCB 303 (d) listing.

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Chapter 4 Lake Elsinore and San Jacinto Watersheds Authority and the Lake Elsinore Stabilization and Enhancement Project As part of the Safe Drinking Water, Clean Water, Watershed Protection, and Flood Protection Bond Act of 2000 funding (also know as Proposition 13), the Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority (SAWPA) was named as one of the members of a newly formed Joint Powers Authority (JPA) called the Lake Elsinore and San Jacinto Watersheds Authority (LESJWA).

Members of LESJWA include Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District, the City of Lake Elsinore, County of Riverside, the City of Canyon Lake, and SAWPA. The LESJWA is the lead agency for the Lake Elsinore Stabilization and Enhancement Project.

The enhancement project is necessary because the lake is a “…eutrophic natural reservoir that exhibits algal blooms, low water clarity, large variations in water level elevation and dissolved oxygen content, fish kills, and high nutrient conditions.”

A total of $15 million was identified in Proposition 13 for LESJWA to implement projects to address goals in the watersheds. SAWPA’s role includes providing representation on the LESJWA board and administration of the agency. The administrative functions include facilitation of financing projects and programs, including Proposition 13 funds and EPA grant funds as well as unidentified federal and state financing; administrative support, including management, accounting, and clerical services; and project management as requested by the new JPA. In addition to the Lake Elsinore Stabilization and Enhancement project, the LESJWA has implemented other projects to improve water quality in the lake. In 2004, recycled water was added to the lake, lake mixing facilities were constructed, striped bass were added, and carp were removed from the lake.

4.4.3 Goal 4

Water Resources Goals and Policies Identify, protect, and conserve water resources to ensure sufficient water supply for the City.

Policies 4.1

Coordinate with the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District and the State Water Resources Control Board Watershed Management Initiative to support lake stabilization and water quality improvement programs to provide sufficient water to stabilize Lake Elsinore.

4.2

Expand use of reclaimed water for irrigation of schools, parks, golf courses, publicly landscaped areas, and other feasible applications of reclaimed water from the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District.

4.3

Work with appropriate agencies to encourage groundwater recharge facilities along flood control channels and creeks.

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Chapter 4 4.4

Route storm water flows through the storm water drainage system to on-site detention to improve the water quality of surface water runoff discharged to the lake.

4.5

Require new developments to incorporate water conservation measures, such as modifications in plumbing, fixtures, or water supply operating procedures, into project design.

4.6

Encourage landscaping and irrigation that is planned with consideration of water conservation, through the use of non-invasive, drought-tolerant species, and low water irrigation systems.

Goal 5

Improve water quality and ensure the water supply is not degraded as a result of urbanization of the City.

Policies 5.1

Provide or require phosphorus removal for all tertiary effluent proposed to be discharged into Lake Elsinore.

5.2

Develop clean water systems to reduce pollutants being discharged into the drainage system to the maximum extent feasible and meet required federal national Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) standards.

5.3

Assist private developers seeking NPDES permits by serving as co-permitee.

5.4

Provide public education and awareness to reduce pollutant discharges into the drainage system.

5.5

Require Best Management Practices and design guidelines for all development in order to meet the Federal NPDES permit requirements.

5.6

The City shall continue to work with the water agencies to improve groundwater quality to reduce and treat degraded water and storm water associated with urban land uses.

5.7

The City shall create and implement a Shoreline Buffer Zone below a mean sea level of 1,255 feet (National Geodetic Vertical Datum, 29’).

5.8

The City shall consider adopting the 1998 North American Vertical Datum to be consistent with the national standard for mean sea level, which would increase the measurement of the mean sea level for Lake Elsinore by approximately 2.4 feet.

View of the lake

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Chapter 4 Goal 6

Conserve natural resources such as water and open space to minimize energy used and greenhouse gas emissions and to preserve and promote the ability of such resources to remove carbon from the atmosphere.

Policies 6.1

The City will adopt and implement a comprehensive strategy to increase water conservation and the use of recycled water.

6.2

The City will ensure that building standards and permit approval processes promote and support water conservation.

6.3

The City will establish programs and policies to ensure landscaping and forests are installed and managed to optimize their climate benefits.

4.5

Cultural Resources and Paleontological Resources

4.5.1

Introduction

Prior to the era of the Spanish colonization in the late 18th century, the geographic area of the City and the SOI was inhabited by the Luiseño Indians and possibly other Native Americans.

The term Luiseño has been used to refer to the Takic-speaking people associated with the Mission San Luis Rey that was developed by the Spaniards.

With the independence of Mexico in the early 19th century, the mission period came to an end, and it became common practice for large land grants to be issued to those friendly with the Nationalistic Mexican cause. The Mexican period soon ended with the Treaty of GuadalupeHidalgo in 1848, which ceded much of the southwest to the United States, including all the lands around La Laguna, the City’s historic name, derived from the Spanish name Laguna Grande. In 1858, Augustin Machado acquired La Laguna, renamed it Rancho La Laguna, and became the first landowner to call the lakeshore home since the Indians.

Franklin Heald then purchased Rancho La Laguna and founded the town of Elsinore in 1883, which was named after the famous lake side City of Helsingnor from Shakespeare’s Hamlet.

With the construction of the Atchison, Topeka, & Santa Fe Railroad and the discovery of mineral ores in the late 19th century, immigration began to increase significantly to the lake area. Many people also visited the newly created town of Elsinore looking for recreational opportunities, which helped to stimulate its tourist industry. In 1972, by popular vote, the area incorporated and officially became known as the City of Lake Elsinore.

As a result of its historical evolution, the City encompasses significant prehistoric and historical archaeological sites in addition to a rich record of fossil life. The policies in this section are intended to promote and preserve the City’s existing cultural and paleontological resources. In

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Chapter 4 addition, each of the 16 district plans contains goals and policies regarding historical sites and buildings within its specific boundary.

4.5.2

Cultural and Paleontological Resource Baselines

Prehistoric and Historic Archaeology The record search indicated that 157 prehistoric and historical archaeological sites have been previously recorded in the City of Lake Elsinore. Of these 157 sites, eight have been evaluated for eligibility to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). Of those evaluated for eligibility, two prehistoric archaeological sites (CA-RIV-1022 and CA-RIV-2798) have been determined eligible for listing in the NRHP. CA-RIV-1022 is described as a rock shelter and CA-RIV-2798 is recorded as a prehistoric village site. The remaining six sites that have been evaluated have been determined ineligible for listing in the NRHP. Archival research was conducted at the Lake Elsinore Historical Society; the University of California, Irvine; and the research library at Jones & Stokes. This research was conducted in an effort to determine the prehistoric, ethnographic, and historic contexts for the City of Lake Elsinore. The City shall consider adopting the 1988 North American Vertical Datum of 1242.2.

Prehistoric Context A distinct cultural sequence has yet to be specifically defined for Lake Elsinore. Traditionally, this area has been incorporated within discussion of Luiseño ethnographic traits, and previous descriptions depended upon the similarity of the limited assemblages with those from the more extensively studied Pauma Valley sites (Hampson et al.1992). A discussion of Moratto’s (1984) Southern Coast Region (San Diego) sequence is based on these comparisons and included here.

In addition, in response to ethnographic references to shared use of this territory by groups to the east of the Luiseño, particularly the Cahuilla, Moratto’s (1984) Desert Region (Colorado River) sequence is also discussed.

4.5.3

Southern Coast Region, San Diego Sequence

San Dieguito (Beginning ca. – 5500 B.P.) This period reflects a generalized hunting tradition distinct from the Desert Tradition.

California units of the San Dieguito Complex include the C.W. Harris site (San Diego County), Playa I and II (San Bernardino County), Lake Mojave, Death Valley I, Panamint Basin, Mono Lake, and Owens Lake assemblages characterized by leaf-shaped knives and points, Lake Mojave and Silver Lake points, scrapers, engraving tools, and crescents.

La Jolla Complex (5500 – 1000 B.P.) The origin of the La Jolla Complex began sometime before 7,500 years ago with the arrival on the coast of a gathering people from the interior desert. The reason for the migration may have

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Chapter 4 been that the California deserts became increasingly unfavorable for human habitation. The La Jolla Complex is recognized by millingstone assemblages in shell middens, often in the vicinity of sloughs and lagoons. Characteristic of this assemblage are millingstones, unshaped manos, a large amount of flaked cobble tools, and a few Pinto-like projectile points. Burials tend to be flexed, heads to the north, under stone cairns. Some writers interpret this period as having three distinct phases that reflect developmental changes: La Jolla I (5500–3500 B.P.) identified by flexed burials, the first appearance of millingstones, and percussion-flaked scrapers; La Jolla II (3500–2000 B.C.) with true cemeteries, ground-stone discoidals, and several types of projectile points in addition to the Phase I inventory; and La Jolla III (2000–1000 B.C.) showing Yuman cultural influence from the east.

Pauma Complex (5500 – 1000 B.P.) In 1958, D.L. True identified a complex similar to both La Jolla and San Dieguito in an area west of Escondido in the Peninsular Ranges of Northern San Diego County (30 to 35 miles southsoutheast of Lake Elsinore). An examination of nearly 25 sites revealed San Dieguito-like flaked-stone crescents and leaf-shaped points or knives associated with the La Jollan millingstones, core scrapers, and stone discoidals. The name Pauma Complex was assigned to these materials after the Pauma Valley where some of the sites were located. As a result of additional surveys and further analysis of artifacts, True recognized that the Pauma Complex as originally defined may have been a conglomeration of the San-Dieguito-like materials, millingstone elements, and assemblages with millingstone artifacts unlike those typical of the La Jolla Complex.

San Luis Rey Complex I-II (A.D. 1400 – 1750) Initially attributed to the ancestors of the Diegueño, studies have determined the complex as almost certainly representing the forebears of the Luiseño. Diagnostic features for San Luis Rey I include cremations, bedrock mortars, milling stones, triangular arrow points, bone awls, and stone and shell ornaments. In addition to those items, San Luis Rey II components include pottery vessels, cremation urns, red and black pictographs, and such non-aboriginal items such as metal knives and glass beads.

4.5.4

Desert Region – Colorado River Sequence

Paleo-Indian Period (ca. 12,000 – 7000 B.P.) The earliest humans to occupy North America are believed to have been highly mobile hunters and gatherers. Rogers (1966) assigned the Paleo-Indian sites within the Colorado Desert to the San Dieguito Culture. Moratto (1984:92) notes that San Dieguito artifact assemblages are similar to those of Lake Mojave and other Paleo-Indian cultures in Southern California. Moratto goes on to suggest that assemblages of this early era be divided into a Fluted Point tradition (12,000– 10,000 B.P.) and, following Bedwell (1970), a Western Pluvial Lakes Tradition (10,000–7000 B.P.).

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Chapter 4 Pinto Period (ca. 7000 – 4000 B.P.) The Pinto Period is marked by the gradual transition from pluvial to arid conditions during the terminal Pleistocene-Early Holocene. Pinto Period sites are associated with the margins of pluvial lakes and with now-extinct springs. Pinto-series projectile points, crudely made stemmed or basally notched dart points, are the most distinctive artifact type of the Pinto Period. Other artifacts found at Pinto Period sites include large leaf-shaped knives, thick, split cobble choppers and scrapers, scraper-planes, and small milling slabs and manos.

Throughout most of the California desert region, sites containing elements of the Pinto Basin Complex are small and are usually limited to surface deposits, suggestive of temporary and perhaps seasonal occupation by small groups of people. Environmental conditions during the Pinto Period of the Early Holocene were characterized by increasing aridity. However, at least one period of increased moisture, from approximately 6,500 to 5,500 years ago, resulted in the return of pluvial lake conditions. Warren (1984:414) postulates that human occupation of the Southern California deserts during the periods from approximately 7,000 to 6,500 years ago and from 5,500 to 4,000 years ago may have been limited because of the arid conditions. It is also suggested that the Pinto Period populations withdrew to the desert margins and oases during these arid periods, leaving large portions of the California deserts unoccupied for many centuries.

Gypsum Period (ca. 4000 – 1500 B.P.) The Gypsum Period is one of cultural intensification in the deserts of Southern California. The beginning of the Gypsum Period coincides with the Little Pluvial, a period of increased effective moisture in the region, wherein the ameliorated climate allowed for more extensive occupation of the desert regions. In addition, periods of drought within this era seem to have resulted in human adaptations to more arid conditions rather than a retreat from the deserts. Diagnostic projectile points of this period include Humbolt, Gypsum, and Elko-series dart points (Warren 1984). Late in the Gypsum Period, Rose Spring arrow points appear in the archaeological record, reflecting the spread of the bow and arrow technology from the Great Basin and Colorado River region. Other artifact types characteristic of this period include leaf-shaped arrow points, rectangular-based knives, flake scrapers, T-shaped drills, milling slabs and manos, as well as core/cobble tools assemblages such as scraper planes, large choppers, and hammerstones (Warren 1984). In addition to the introduction of the bow and arrow, another technological innovation introduced during this period was the mortar and pestle for processing hard seeds, such as those derived from the mesquite pod. Trade relationships with the Pacific Coast are indicated by the presence of shell ornaments at several Gypsum Period sites.

In addition to diagnostic projectile points, Gypsum Period sites include leaf-shaped points, rectangular-based knives, flake scrapers, T-shaped drills, and occasionally, large scraper planes, choppers, and hammerstones (Moratto 1984:416). Manos and milling stones are common; the mortar and pestle also were introduced during this period. Other artifacts include shaft

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Chapter 4 smoothers, incised slate and sandstone tablets and pendants, bone awls, Olivella shell beads, and Haliotis beads and ornaments.

Saratoga Springs Period (ca. A.D. 500 – 1200) This period is, in large part, a continuation of the developments begun during the Gypsum Period, such as an increasing adaptation to the desert environment and an increase in trade relations (Warren 1984).

Regional environmental conditions became much wetter, a development known as the Little Pluvial. Variations in regional cultural adaptations during the Saratoga Springs Period also become apparent.

The Saratoga Springs Period is characterized by cultural diversification, with strong regional developments. Turquoise mining and long-distance trade networks appear to have attracted both the Anasazi and Hakataya peoples into the California deserts from the east and southeast, respectively. Trade with the California coastal populations also appears to have been important in the Antelope Valley region and stimulated the development of large, complex villages. In the northwestern Mojave Desert, however, the basic pattern established during the Gypsum Period changed little during the Saratoga Springs Period. Toward the end of the Saratoga Springs Period, the Hakataya apparently moved far enough north to gain control of the turquoise mines in the central Mojave Desert, thus replacing the Anasazi occupation of the eastern California desert.

Developments during the Saratoga Springs Period in the southern cultural sphere include the gradual introduction of pottery, Cottonwood-series arrow points, and Desert Side-notched arrow points late in the period. Trade with the Pacific and Gulf coastal populations appears to have been extensive and was likely the driving force that led to the gradual expansion of Hatakaya cultural traits further west into the deserts and later into the mountains of the Peninsular Range as well as into the inland valleys and coastal regions of Southern California.

Lake Cahuilla is believed to have formed around A.D. 500 and was the focus of cultural activities such as exploitation of fish, waterfowl, and wetland resources during this period.

Shoshonean Period (ca. A.D. 1200 – 1800s) During the Shoshonean Period, sometimes referred to as the Proto-Historic Period, there appears to have been a continuation of the technological developments from the earlier Saratoga Springs Period. Regional developments, however, indicate the formation of distinct ethnographic groups become clearer during the Shoshonean Period. Two major events affect the archaeological record of this period. The final desiccation of Lake Cahuilla, which had occurred by approximately A.D. 1640, resulted in a population shift away from the lakebed into the Peninsular Ranges to the west, including the Lake Elsinore area and the Colorado River regions to the east. Subsequently, Spanish exploration and establishment of the mission system during the late 1700s mark the end of prehistoric lifeways.

Brown and buff ware pottery, first appearing on the lower Colorado River at about A.D. 800, started to diffuse across the Southern California desert regions by about A.D. 900 (Moratto

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Chapter 4 1984). Associated with the diffusion of this pottery were desert side-notched and cottonwood triangular projectile points dating to about A.D. 1150–1200, suggesting a continued spread of Hakataya influences. Large, complex housepit village sites were established along the headwaters of the Mojave River and were somewhat similar to those reported in Antelope Valley. Although both of these areas appear to have participated in extensive trade between the desert and the coast, the lack of buff and brown ware pottery at the Antelope Valley sites suggests that these people were minimally influenced by the Hakataya developments along the Mojave River (Moratto 1984). The Hakataya influence throughout the Colorado and Mojave deserts is evidenced by desert side-notched and cottonwood triangular projectile points and buff and brown ware pottery. During this period Lake Cahuilla began to recede, and the extensive Hakataya populations occupying its shores began moving westward into areas such as Anza-Borrego, Coyote Canyon, the Upper Coachella Valley, the Little San Bernardino Mountains, the San Jacinto Valley, and Perris Plain.

4.5.5

Ethnographic Setting

The ethnographic territory of the Luiseño Indians is within the geographic boundary of the City of Lake Elsinore’s SOI. The term Luiseño is derived from the Mission San Luis Rey and has been used in Southern California to refer to those Takic-speaking people associated with the mission.

Luiseño territory comprised a total of 1,500 square miles of Southern California. Luiseño territory included most of the drainage of the San Luis Rey River and that of the Santa Margarita River (Bean and Shipek 1978). Along the coast it extended from Agua Hedionda Creek on the south to Aliso Creek on the northwest.

The boundary extended inland to Santiago Peak, then across to the eastern side of the Elsinore Valley, then southward to the east of Palomar Mountain, then around the southern slope above the San Jose Valley. From there the boundary turned west and returned to the sea along the Agua Hedionda Creek.

Villages were located in diverse ecological zones typically located along valley bottoms, streams, or coastal strands near mountain ranges. Each village area contained many named places associated with food products, raw materials, or sacred beings, and each place was owned by an individual, family, the chief, or by the group collectively (Bean and Shipek 1978).

The village of Paiahche is ethnographically documented immediately north of the lake (Kroeber 1925). The Luiseño knew Lake Elsinore as Paahashnan. The area around and including the Elsinore hot springs was known to the Luiseño as ‘Atengvo (meaning “hot springs”). The hot springs also figure prominently in the local creation myth. The location, Itengvu Wumowmu, is named in a song about the death of Wiyot, a religious leader who led the people in their migration from the north (Du Bois 1908; Harrington 1978 in Grenda et al. 1997).

Houses were primarily conical and partially subterranean, thatched structures of locally accessible materials, including reeds, brush, or bark. Round, semi-subterranean, earth-covered sweathouses were important for a variety of rituals.

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Chapter 4 The principal game included deer, rabbit, jackrabbit, woodrat, mice and ground squirrels, antelope, and valley and mountain quail and other birds. Trout and other fish were caught in mountain streams. Acorns were the most important single food source, and villages seem to have been located near water resources necessary for the leaching of acorns. Grass seeds were the next most abundant food source (Bean and Shipek 1978). Seeds were parched, ground, and cooked as a mush in various combinations. Additional food sources included various greens, cactus pods, yucca buds, and bulbs, roots, and tubers.

Tools for food acquisition, storage, and preparation included an inventory made from widely available materials. Hunting tools included shoulder-height bows with fire-hardened wood or stone-tipped arrows, curved throwing sticks, rabbit nets, slings, and traps. Seeds were ground with handstones on shallow unshaped basin metates. The same granites were made into shaped or unshaped mortars and pestles for pounding acorns or small game (Bean and Shipek 1978). Coiled and twined baskets were used in food gathering, preparation, storage, and serving. Food was cooked in wide-mouthed clay jars over fireplaces or in earth ovens wrapped with clay or leaves. Other utensils for food preparation included wooden food paddles, brushes, tongs, tweezers, steatite bowls, and wooden digging sticks (Bean and Shipek 1978).

While the literature recognizes Lake Elsinore as a part of Luiseño linguistic territory, references are also made to possible previous occupation by the Juaneno based on their place names and creation myths and overlapping use or influence by adjacent groups, including the Gabrielino, Serrano, and Cahuilla (Hampson 1992).

4.5.6

Historic Context

The information contained below is a summary statement from Tom Hudson’s: Lake Elsinore Valley, Its Story 1776–1977, and General History of Southern California.

Spanish Period Beginning in 1769, the Spanish set up missions throughout the area called Alta California. Most of the missions failed to have an impact beyond their respective region. The San Luis Rey Mission, however, extended its influence into the surrounding regions and used the lands for grazing cattle and other animals. Then in 1818, Leandro Serrano settled in what the Spaniards were calling Laguna Grande. He was the first non-Indian to settle what was to become Riverside County, with his settlement just north of Glen Ivy Hot Springs. Throughout the Spanish Period, this lone settlement was the only region in Riverside County that continued to grow. Mexican independence, however, in 1822 changed the makeup of Laguna Grande, Riverside, and all of Alta California.

Mexican Period Mexican independence and the Secularization Act of 1833 led to population increases and disastrous consequences for the Luiseño tribes. Many of the local Indians became accustomed to the mission way of life and were not prepared for the aftermath. It became common practice

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Chapter 4 for large land grants to be issued to those friendly to the Mexican cause. As the land grants were developed, local tribes were presurred to relocate or to become laborers and workers on the ranches. The comisionados, who were placed in charge of the land transfer, took advantage of the situation and became the powerful land holding class known as the rancheros.

Early American Period: La Laguna The treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo was signed in 1848, ending the Mexican-American War and marking the end of the Mexican Period in California. The treaty ceded much of the southwest to the United States, including all the Example of an historical building that no longer lands around La Laguna and the rest of exists in downtown Lake Elsinore.

Southern California. The City of Lake Elsinore’s historic name, La Laguna, is derived from Laguna Grande, the name the Spanish gave the lake and used in the early 1800s. The historic roots of the La Laguna/Laguna Grande influenced the name given to Rancho La Laguna, land granted to Julian Manriquez in early 1844. For the nonIndian occupants, the beginning of the American Period can be called a golden era for the region, with the announcement of the discovery of gold shortly after the war.

Before the outbreak of war between Mexico and the United States, Julian Manriquez received a sizable land grant in 1844 that included the lands of La Laguna. Battle was waged over the land from 1846 to 1848. Then, in 1850, California became the 31st state in the Union. Soon thereafter, in 1851, Julian Manriquez sold the land to Abel Sterns, who was Massachusetts-born and the largest landholder in all of Southern California. In 1858, Augustin Machado acquired the land and named it Rancho La Laguna. He was the first landowner since the Indians to call the lake home, and he immediately began construction of a seven-room adobe, which immediately became a local landmark. Machado’s adobe was the first stop for the postal service in the area surrounding La Laguna. From its inception, La Laguna became an important crossroads for the stagecoach, the railroad, prospectors, recreation seekers, and all travelers alike.

4.5.7

Founding of the Town

The years between the Civil War and the coming of the railroad saw only gradual progress.

Instead, it saw the death of Augustin Machado and the rise of his son, Juan Bernardo Machado, who became known as the legendary Don Juan. Franklin Heald purchased Rancho La Laguna in 1883. He then founded the town of Elsinore, which was named after the famed city of Elsinore from Shakespeare’s Hamlet. It was not until December of 1972 that, by popular vote, Elsinore City formally acknowledged the importance of the lake and became officially known as the City of Lake Elsinore.

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Chapter 4 In 1884, George Irish bought the remainder of Don Juan Machado’s estate, thus ending the Machado family’s reign over the valley. Shortly after its inception, and because of its rapid growth, the town of Lake Elsinore became a full-fledged city on April 9, 1888, located in what was then San Diego County. In 1893, Lake Elsinore joined the new county of Riverside, encompassing lands that were formerly part of San Diego and San Bernardino Counties.

Throughout this time period, the City continued to expand, and developers continued to construct buildings, some of which still stand today. In 1884, Wilson Heald, Franklin’s father, built a two-story home on the corner of what is now Grand and Riverside. Lake Elsinore also built its first post office and schoolhouse in the same year.

In early 1887, one of Heald’s major accomplishments was the construction of a bathhouse over the ancient hot springs of the Pai-ah-che, known as the Crescent. Also completed in the same year was a two-story meeting hall dedicated to Elsinore’s chapter of the Grand Army of the Republic. This building is located at the northeast corner of Main and Franklin. Also built that year was the Consolidated Bank, later used as a schoolhouse and then a hotel, the Ambassador Hotel, which was the tallest building in all of Lake Elsinore. It is presently vacant.

In 1887, the Lakedale Hotel was completed, which later became the Lake View Inn. This building no longer stands; however, it symbolizes the transformation of Lake Elsinore from a tranquil lakeside village to a vibrant resort town.

4.5.8

Transportation

The development of La Laguna followed similar patterns as the rest of California. The advent of rapid transportation brought many new peoples to the Pacific and the lake area. The motivations behind the new wave of immigration was both recreation and gold, which brought many well-to-do men and women to the shores of the lake and prospectors into the vicinity of La Laguna.

The transcontinental railroad opened the floodgates to settlement all along the Pacific, including the inland interiors. Its completion in 1869 opened the way for land speculators, miners, developers, farmers, and vacationers to swarm into California. The rail opened up the region to a larger population boom. The first colony in the area surrounding La Laguna sprang up in what is modern-day Riverside.

The Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad was completed by the early 1880s, bringing the newly created City a lifeline to the outside world. In the history of California, those towns that were blessed with rail lines thrived; those without a rail line often suffered. The Elsinore station, later called Elsinore Junction, was located near the intersection of Railroad Canyon Road and Mission Trail. The original building was moved sometime in the past to either the City of Alessandro or Arlington but has since been destroyed, possibly by fire. The historic train depot that is currently in the City of Lake Elsinore was moved from the City of Arlington where it was originally constructed.

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Chapter 4 As it did in the rest of California served by railroads, the rail line brought new life to the area.

The completion of the railroad began the process of growth and urbanization for Lake Elsinore.

The City and its surrounding region experienced a large influx in population, due in part to the pursuit of gold. Once these people settled, they learned of the splendors along the shores of the lake. Many began to settle and vacation in the valley, and development grew to accommodate the demands of vacationers seeking relaxation and recreation.

Signaling the transition away from the railroad toward more modern means of transportation, W. Leonard Bonney and Miss Margaret Stahl were the first to fly over Lake Elsinore in 1913.

Soon after, to celebrate the Fourth of July, Harry Holmes flew and landed Glenn L. Martin’s hydroplane in the lake. Then, in 1914, five automobiles succeeded in driving the 17-mile course around the lake.

Finally, in 1932, the Ortega Highway was opened to the public, continuing the influx of people to the city. Around this time, an airport was built, bringing many enthusiasts to hang glide and sky dive. As transportation progressed, it brought more people and new ideas to the heart of Lake Elsinore. The development of a strong middle class and ownership of a family automobile in the post World War II era expanded recreational potential in Lake Elsinore.

4.5.9

Mining

The gold rush and the advancing railroads brought more people to California. Lake Elsinore and the surrounding area were no exception, with its mining of tin ore, coal, clay, and some gold.

In the late 19th century, the town experienced a boom because of gold mining between the towns of Elsinore and Perris. The most prosperous mine was Good Hope Mine, the discovery of which has been credited to Juan B. Castillo and Madison Chaney or possibly a Frenchman by the name of Mache. This mine produced more than $2 million worth of gold (over $20 million in current dollars) during its working years. At its height, it used coal extracted from the Terra Cotta mines to process the gold. The coal mines, which were discovered in 1883 by Madison Chaney and his wife, Esther, were also used to fire kilns and heat homes. The region surrounding Alberhill was also known for its coal mining. Coal was also mined in the Warm Springs Valley. The coal mine provided employment but also gave Lake Elsinore a degree of energy self-sufficiency.

Mining of asbestos also began during the 1880s. John D. Huff, owned and operated the Asbestos Company and founded the coal and clay mines near the town of Terra Cotta. The clay mine at Terra Cotta was in operation until the 1940s when the Alberhill mine became the sole operating clay mine in the region. The clay extracted from these mines was of such high quality that it won a gold medal at the prestigious Panama-California Exposition at San Diego in 1916.

The Pacific Clay Brick Products Company is the present owner of the Alberhill commercial area.

Within its grounds is the Alberhill School, which served the area from 1912 until it was abandoned in 1964.

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Chapter 4 Rail transportation opened up the Lake Elsinore region to prospectors, miners, and investors who took advantage of the untapped reserves to expand their personal wealth to influence the City. Lake Elsinore became the main center for mining and transportation in the region. Many additional spurs were built to improve the connection of Lake Elsinore to its surrounding mines. The rails injected new life into the valley and kept a steady stream of prospectors, settlers, and vacation seekers flowing to the shores of Lake Elsinore. When the mines played out, the tourists and vacationers continued to provide a source of economic opportunity.

4.5.10

Recreation

Many people visited the newly created City of Lake Elsinore, looking for recreation along the shores of the pristine lake. The move toward creating a resort town began shortly after the town’s inception. The rail brought ranchers and prospectors to the City in 1883, and then in 1887 the City’s first hotel was completed. Most lakes in southern California, all of which were man made, were somewhat remote. Lake Elsinore sat on a major rail line and highway. This move toward becoming a resort town continued into the 20th century when the Laguna Vista Club House was completed, the first lakefront resort. In 1923, the Mount Elsinore Country Club opened to great fanfare. Lake Elsinore attracted many Hollywood stars, such as Will Rogers, to its famous bathhouse and pristine waters with proximity to major cities and rails.

The earliest attraction of Lake Elsinore was its legendary bathhouse, known as the Crescent. At one point it was proclaimed the finest bathhouse in all of California, and more important, it still stands as of 2007. It is now known as the Chimes, located at 201 W. Graham Avenue, and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

In 1884, Henry Lillie built a yacht, the Marguerita, to ferry passengers across the lake. The steamship, the Lady Elsinore, carried passengers on lake cruises, which occasionally featured bands.

In 1926, the Clevelin Reality Corporation attempted to revitalize the tourist industry by building a double-deck pier. It included a dance club and several games. In 1927, the Aloha Yacht Club sponsored the largest gathering of speedboats on the lake, which was a great success. The following year the lake held the National Speed Boat Race, which garnered nine world records.

Another bathhouse, known as the Briner Bathhouse, was completed at the corner of Sumner and Riley in 1928. Later that same year, Hunter’s Elsinore Sanitarium opened, bringing health seekers to Elsinore for many years. In 1930, construction was under way for a new bathhouse at Pachanga Hot Springs. Even during the lean years of the depression, Lake Elsinore still attracted a large number of visitors to the surroundings of the lake. The most unique construction of the 1930s was the Clevelin Realty Corporation’s “ship pier” on the south side of the lake. It was capable of allowing small ships to dock within it. Also, it was mounted on tracks to allow for easy repairs.

Mirroring the immense popularity of baseball in the 1900s, Local high school teams played against teams from southern California, winning several district championships. The Los

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Chapter 4 Angeles Angels played in the ballpark east of Main Street during spring season of 1916. The Sacramento Solons and the Hollywood Stars both trained in the valley on a newly constructed field on Poe Street in 1940 and 1941, respectively. Today, the Lake Elsinore Storm have one of the largest fan bases in minor league baseball. The Storm logo is the best selling minor league logo and helps brand the City as a professional-level community.

4.5.11

The City of Lake Elsinore

Lake Elsinore began as a small town with the emergence of the railroad around 1883. It soon began to grow with the completion of its first post office and schoolhouse in 1884. In 1893, the town became officially recognized as a city in the same year as the establishment of the Cleveland National Forest. The original City Hall was completed on July 7, 1934; the original building no longer exists.

During the boom years of the 1920s the city of Lake Elsinore saw a great deal of development.

This time period saw the building of the Masonic Temple in 1923 at East Graham Avenue, and the building of the Methodist church at Main and Heald, in the same year. This Church is still in use. In 1925, the Elsinore Woman’s Club built a meeting place at the corner of Graham and Lowell. The Elsinore Theatre on South Main, built in 1925 replaced the Star theatre, built c.1908, and has been the Franklin Store since 1938. Another interesting structure built in 1929 and located on the hills east of the lake is “Aimee’s Castle” that was the home of noted evangelist, Aimee Semple McPherson. It is also important to note that in 1924 the valley’s first telephone services were installed. The Great Depression limited expansion, except for the completion of a new post office in 1932.

4.5.12

Agriculture

Early settlers in the valley subsisted on ranching and farming. Even at the height of its tourist season, the region was still in peak production. The farmers in the area grew olives, grapes, apricots, and other produce.

The farmers in the area produced at such high levels that to handle their needs, the Lakeland Ranch, owned by C. H. Albers, built one of the largest canning facilities in the state. He was the owner of “Albers’ Folly” canned olives. In 1916, Elsinore olive oil took gold at the PanamaCalifornia Exposition in San Diego. Later, apricots became the boom crop. These crops sustained the valley during the worst years of the Depression and helped it flourish during its tourist peak. The eucalyptus trees, palm trees, and pepper trees that shade the walkway and line the shores and streets have been there for generations and keep the land connected to its past.

4.5.13

Prehistoric Archaeological Sites

As identified in the record search, Lake Elsinore has an extensive use history from the prehistoric era to modern times. The record search resulted in the identification of 132 prehistoric and historical archaeological sites within the project area. Two of the previously

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Chapter 4 identified prehistoric sites, CA-RIV-1022 and CA-RIV-2798, have been determined eligible for listing in the NRHP. Additional previously identified prehistoric archaeological sites include: villages, rock shelters, habitation sites, lithic scatters, and milling slicks. Isolated artifacts have also been identified within the project area, as seen in Figure 4.4; however, given the limited amount of data typically derived from artifacts without associated features or assemblages, they have not been included in the discussion of previously identified sites in Table 4-3.

These previously identified archaeological sites can provide assistance in determining areas of known sensitivity for prehistoric archaeological resources. The site definitions provided in Table 4-3 are based on the information provided in the record search and are to be used as a general guideline to understanding the nature of prehistoric archaeological sites in the region.

In addition, the identification of known areas of sensitivity does not preclude the possibility of locating additional prehistoric sites in other portions of the City and SOI.

Table 4-3.

Previously Identified Prehistoric Archaeological Sites within the SOI

Site Types

Site Definitions and Locations

Village sites

Sites that exhibit a level of sustained residency with resources suitable for sustaining long-term or seasonal habitation. Typically located along watercourses (such as the San Jacinto River and its tributaries or near Lake Elsinore). Associated artifact assemblages may include (but are not limited to) bedrock outcrops, lithic artifacts, groundstone, shell, animal bone, fire-affected rock, ceramics, pictographs and petroglyphs, house rings, and evidence of funerary practices.

Rock shelters

Typically located in higher elevations in areas that sustain habitable rock overhangs that can support brief habitation episodes or be utilized for ceremonial purposes.

Associated artifacts can include (but are not limited to) pictographs and petroglyphs, fire-affected rock, lithic artifacts, midden soil, animal bone, bedrock milling features, ceramics.

Habitation sites

Temporary camps or transition areas that exploit an immediate or seasonal resource. Usually located near watercourses such as the San Jacinto River and its tributaries. Associated artifact assemblages may include (but are not limited to) ground stone, lithic debitage, and bedrock milling features.

Lithic scatters

Flaking stations that may indicate possible opportunistic quarrying activities or tool reduction stations. Clusters can be identified in isolation or in association with other site types and are not restricted in geographic location.

Bedrock Milling Features

Grinding stations typically located along watercourses (such as the San Jacinto River and its tributaries) near exposed bedrock outcrops (typically granite or granodiorite) with suitable resources in the area for processing.

Isolates

Not included in the study group

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Sphere of Influence City Boundary Village Sites Rock Shelters Lithic Scatters Habitation sites Bedrock Milling Features Water Bodies Sources: City of Lake Elsinore, County of Riverside

´

0

1.25

2.5 Miles

Identified Cultural Resource Areas Figure 4.4

Chapter 4 4.5.14

Historical Archaeological Sites

The previously identified historical archaeological sites represent a range of activities including: mining, transportation, recreation, and ranching/homesteading and are represented throughout the City and SOI. The number of previously identified historical archaeological sites is much smaller than prehistoric sites making it more difficult to determine areas of known or established sensitivity. It is possible, however, to make informed deductions about the types of resources likely to be encountered in future projects based on the previously identified sites in combination with the documented history of the area.

For example, historical archaeological sites associated with recreation activities tend to be concentrated around, or within the immediate vicinity of Lake Elsinore. In addition, the lake itself has been previously recorded as a cultural resource (p33-11009). A majority of the previously recorded mining sites have been identified in the northeastern portion of the study area. These include sites that are representative of extractive operations focused on the acquisition of gold, granite, and limestone. This includes the Good Hope Mine Site (33-3352), the most prosperous gold mine in the region in the 19th century. Early transportation into the area is currently represented through previously recorded segments of the Santa Fe Railroad (CA-RIV-3832H) and associated features. It is also possible that early roads might be eventually added to the existing list of transportation related cultural resources. Ranching and homesteading sites consist of a variety of material culture remains including (but not limited to) building foundations, fence lines, rock walls, orchards and agricultural fields, landscaping elements, and outbuildings. These sites are distributed throughout the City and SOI.

4.5.15

Paleontological Resources

County of Riverside To ensure that appropriate protection is afforded to the County’s rich and extensive record of fossil life, a Countywide inventory for paleontological sensitivity has been conducted. The resulting map evaluates all land within the County as having high, low, or undetermined sensitivity for paleontological resources, consistent with guidelines published by the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology (Society of Vertebrate Paleontology Conformable Impact Mitigation Guidelines Committee 1995), which represent the industry standard for protection of paleontological resources. It serves as a general guide for environmental review of development proposals and identification of appropriate strategies for avoidance and mitigation of paleontological impacts.

The County’s paleontological resources sensitivity mapping shows areas of high paleontological sensitivity in Quaternary deposits north of Lake Elsinore along the west side of the I-15 corridor. Quaternary units of the valley floor immediately surrounding Lake Elsinore are of undetermined paleontological sensitivity, as are the fan deposits flanking the Santa Ana Mountains rangefront south of the lake; Mesozoic metasedimentary rocks northwest of the Lake; and Tertiary and Quaternary sedimentary rocks, and Mesozoic metasediments east of the Lake. Most of the valley floor south of Lake Elsinore, and the plutonic highlands to the west

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Chapter 4 and east of the valley, are considered to have low paleontological sensitivity, as seen in Figure 4.5.

City of Lake Elsinore The City of Lake Elsinore has identified geologic units that are known to contain important paleontological resources in the Alberhill Ranch area in the northeast portion of the SOI. In this area, the Silverado Formation of Paleocene age (approximately 66–55 million years old) is locally highly sensitive for invertebrate and plant material. The fossil plants from this unit have been studied for more than half a century and are therefore considered to be particularly significant.

4.5.16 Goal 7

Cultural Resources Goals and Policies Preserve and promote the cultural heritage of the City and surrounding region for the education and enjoyment of all City residents and visitors, as well as for the advancement of historical and archeological knowledge.

Policies 7.1 Prevent the loss or compromise of significant archeological, historical, and other cultural resources located within the City.

7.2 Require professionally prepared archaeological reports be completed by a certified archeologist. The report shall include a literature search and a site survey for any project located within a potential sensitive area as defined by the City archaeological sensitivity map or areas identified by the local Native American tribes.

7.3 The City shall consult with the Native American tribes for projects identified under SB 18 (Traditional Tribal Cultural Places).

7.4 When significant archeological sites or artifacts are discovered on a site, coordination with professional archeologists, relevant state agencies, and concerned Native American tribes regarding preservation of sites or professional retrieval and preservation of artifacts prior to development of the site shall be required.

7.5 If archeological excavations are recommended on a project site, the City shall require that all such investigations include Native American consultation, which shall occur prior to project approval.

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Source: Riverside County Integrated Project

Paleontological Resources Figure 4.5

Chapter 4 Goal 8

Assure the recognition of the City’s heritage through preservation of the City’s significant historical sites and structures.

Policies 8.1 Require a professional, qualified historian to conduct a literature search and/or survey for any project that entails demolition or modification of an existing structure that may be of historical value in relation to the City’s cultural heritage.

8.2 Apply the General Plan “Historic Elsinore Design Standards” to the Lake Elsinore historic district, as defined in the City zoning ordinance.

8.3 Create and periodically update a historic register of structures and other landmarks valuable to the cultural heritage to the City.

8.4 Encourage the rehabilitation and upkeep of structures identified as valuable to the City’s significant architectural, historical, and cultural buildings and listed in the City’s historic register.

8.5 Consider acquisition of identified historical buildings for public uses.

8.6 Where historic structures that do not possess a meaningful association with the immediate surroundings are identified within the City, the City shall consider allowing relocation of the structure to its delineated historic district.

Goal 9

Preserve paleontological resources occurring within the City.

Policies 9.1 Assure that adequate review of subsurface paleontological sensitivity is conducted prior to ground disturbance.

9.2 Apply the paleontological sensitivity mapping delineated in the Riverside County Integrated Project. Paleontological Resources, to proposed development projects within the City.

9.3 For development in areas delineated as “High” or “Undetermined” potential sensitivity for paleontological resources, require the project applicant to hire a certified paleontologist, who must perform a literature search and/or survey and apply the relevant treatment for the site as recommended by the Society for Vertebrate Paleontology.

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Chapter 4 4.6

Aesthetics

4.6.1

Introduction

The City has a wide range of topographis features that range form the flatter valley areas where the lake is located to the sharp rise of the Santa Ana Mountains and Cleveland Nation Forest beyond which is located directly west of the lake. There are a variety of rolling hill areas within the City’s 33 acre boundary mainly to the north and east of the lake. The visual character of the area is dominated by the lake itself. The City’s scenic resources include the the Santa Ana Mountains with it’s rugged hills and ridgelines, rocky outcroppings, streams, and vacant lands with native vegetation. There are several buildings of historical and cultural significance, a variety of park lands, and trails that are also considered significant scenic resources. As the City continues to urbanize, it will be important to maintain a healthy balance between the natural and man made environment. The goals and policies in this section are intended to protect and enhance the area’s rich array of aesthetic resources.

4.6.2

Aesthetics Baselines

Visual Character The 38 square mile city of approximately 38,000 people and a 3,000-acre natural lake make up Lake Elsinore. Trees and scrub bushes surround the lake and nearby mountains and hillsides, hiding patches of development.

Older buildings including housing, commercial buildings, and retail uses are scattered around the lake. Southeast of the lake, large areas of undeveloped land are interspersed with older housing, multi-family and additional commerical uses. A Golf Course has recently been completed and is in use.

The topography of the area accentuates the beauty of the lake.

Effect on viewshed of new home construction in hillsides.

Relative to other cities in Southern California, the City of Lake Elsinore is non-urban. The central portion of the city is known as Historic Lake Elsinore. It has been a focal point of the City since its incorpoartion in 1888. Many community events are held is the area annual. As the city grew, development patterns spread up the valley towards the north and east. Development within the current City boundaries has some limitations due to various topographical barriers of the Santa Ana Mountains to the west and rolling hills to the north and east of the lake and throughout the City

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Chapter 4 Scenic Resources Scenic resources within and surrounding the City of Lake Elsinore include the lake, Cleveland National Forest, rugged hills, mountains, ridgelines, rocky outcroppings, streams, vacant land with native vegetation, buildings of historical and cultural significance such as the cultural center, bathhouse and military academy, parks, and trails. Examples of these scenic resources can be seen in photos listed as Figures 4.6a-d.

Sensitive Viewer Groups Sensitive viewer groups for the City of Lake Elsinore include, but are not limited to, city residents, unincorporated county residents, people who live in other cities but work in Lake Elsinore, tourists, commuters, and motorists on I-15 or Highway 74. Public vantage points for the various viewer groups include the highways, recreational facilities around the lake as well as within the center of lake, and hang gliders, small planes, and others from the sky. Private vantage points include views from individual residences.

Viewsheds Viewsheds or landscaped viewshed units of scenic vistas include the lake, urban areas around the lake, and the rugged vacant hills in the northern and eastern portion of the City. For purposes of discussion, 15 landscape viewshed units have been identified in the Lake Elsinore area as seen in Figure 4.7. Each of these areas have distinct viewsheds defined by man-made structures and physiographical features such as landform, water, or cultural features.

The following is a brief summary of each of the Landscaped Viewshed Units from Figure 4.7: 1. Mainly vacant land with steep hillsides interspersed with development. Unit is both within the City and SOI. 2. Partially graded land due to mineral extraction. Unit is half in the City and half in the SOI. 3. Mainly developed with residential, commercial, and recreational land uses.

4. Steep slopes mainly outside City boundaries, but within the SOI. Includes portions of the Cleveland National Forest. This unit is mainly undeveloped, but has patches of residential, commercial, and recreational development.

5. Rolling hillsides characterize this unit. It is mainly residential with limited commercial use.

6. Unit is adjacent to the lake with a mix of residential, commercial, and public facilities.

This unit is also the location of historic downtown Lake Elsinore.

7. Mainly within City boundaries, the unit is characterized by varying topography and rural development.

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Chapter 4 8. Majority of this unit is outside City boundaries, but within the SOI. Area is developed with intermittent residential and commercial uses.

9. Unit is outside of the City, but within SOI. Residential community located along I-15.

10. Located outside the City and on the edge of the SOI. Characterized by rolling hills and limited residential development.

11. Located in the center of the SOI. Mainly developed with residential and commercial uses. Contains a public high school.

12. Location of the future Lake Elsinore Outlet stores. Large portion to the east is vacant for future expansion.

13. Mainly manufacturing land use located along I-15. Relatively flat topography. Includes current location for the existing Lake Elsinore Outlet Mall.

14. This unit includes Lake Elsinore and surrounding floodplain.

15. Characterized by steep slopes and limited development due to small lots and inadequate utilities. Also known as Country Club Heights.

Figure 4.8 demonstrates the areas within the City of Lake Elsinore, SOI, and outlying areas where views of the lake are visible, and areas where the lake cannot be seen. If an individual is standing in an area that is marked as green on the map, they can see the lake. If they are standing in an area that is red, they cannot see the lake. For example, as a motorist drives on I15, the map demonstrates that views of the lake will be sporadic, with visibility of the lake better along the southern portion of I-15 and worse in the north.

Vantage Points The visual character of the City is dominated by Lake Elsinore, which is the largest natural lake in Southern California. Due to the importance of the lake, scenic resources were addressed by identifying key public vantage points of the lake throughout the City. Sites chosen included the view of the lake from I-15, Highway 74, the Lake Elsinore Recreation Area and Campground, the baseball stadium, and the boat launch on the eastern edge of the lake. These points were chosen because they are key public vantage points that can be accessed by every viewer group.

Figure 4.8 shows where the vantage points are located, and Figure 4.9 displays photos of each of the locations. The following is a description of each vantage point.

With the city’s proximity to I-15, the lake can be seen as commuters pass by the city. A full view of the lake appears in the distance, sitting in a valley surrounded by mountains and hills (Vantage Point 1 – Northbound I-15). Most travelers on the I-15 are passing through at high speeds making it difficult to enjoy views of the lake. While the view of the lake is pleasant, travelers are focused on driving and not on the visual quality of the lake and surrounding city.

Without pulling off the freeway, the lake is only visible to north and southbound motorists for a short period. From other public vantage points, viewers have prolonged viewing times of the lake, either due to slower speed limits on roadways, or because the viewer is not traveling and has time to stop and enjoy the view.

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Rock Outcrop and Lake Elsinore from Lookout Roadhouse

View of Gorgonio Mountain from the Cleveland National Forest (Country Club Heights in Foreground)

Scenic Resources Photo Figure 4.6d

Campground and Beach at North End of Lake Elsinore

View of the Lake, Santa Ana Mountains, and Cleveland National Forest from Whiskers

Scenic Resources Photo Figure 4.6c

Oblique Aerial View of the Southern End of the Lake, Wildlife Refuge, and Santa Ana Mountains

White Pelicans and Waterfowl on Lake Elsinore with Open Space in the Background

Scenic Resources Photo Figure 4.6b

Panoramic Photograph of Lake Elsinore and the Santa Ana Mountains from Country Club Heights

Panoramic Photograph of Open Space and the Cleveland National Forest from South End of Lake

Scenic Resources Photo Figure 4.6a

1

9 10 2 12

11

13 3

7

8

15

6 5

4

14

Sphere of Influence City Boundary

Sources: City of Lake Elsinore, County of Riverside

´

0

1.5

3 Miles

Landscape Viewshed Units Figure 4.7

6 3

!

A

!

A 5

1

!

A

!

A 4 !

A

2

!

A

!

A

Vantage Points Sphere of Influence City Boundary

Lake Viewshed Not Visible Visible

Sources: City of Lake Elsinore, County of Riverside

´

0

1.5

3 Miles

Viewshed and Vantage Points Figure 4.8

Vantage Point 1 - Northbound I-15

Vantage Point 3 - Campground

Vantage Point 4 - Ballpark

Vantage Point 5 - Beach

Vantage Point 6 - Aloha Pier Look-out

Vantage Point 2 - Lookout Roadhouse (day & night view)

Scenic Resources Photo Figure 4.9

Chapter 4 From SR 74, there are several vantage points where sightseers and residents can stop and enjoy the view of the lake. Ortega Highway traverses up and over the Santa Ana Mountains. As the highway switchbacks through the mountains, the view of the lake becomes more impressive as travelers enjoy an aerial view of the entire lake and surrounding rugged topography (Vantage Point 2 – Lookout Roadhouse). From the high viewpoint the lake fills the view. As seen from Figure 4.9, the surrounding hills and distant mountains act as a backdrop for displaying the lake.

Looking down from Ortega Highway, a development of newer homes with red roofs stands out on the southeast side of the lake creating a visual distraction. Towards the west, the topography gets steep very quickly. There are very few shrubs and trees on the hillside that obstruct views of the lake from the roadway. Rocky outcroppings at the vantage point provide additional visual interest.

Another key public vantage point is from the Lake Elsinore Recreation Area that includes a campground, boat launch and swimming area. It is located adjacent to the water on the northwestern edge of the lake. The view of the lake fills up the southern sightline of the viewer as seen in Figure 4.9 (Vanatage Point 3 - Campground). In the summer of 2005, several dozen palm trees were viewed submerged in the water from distances of 15 to 50 feet from the shore, an indicator of the current high water level.

Mountains to the west can be seen from the recreation area as well as new homes sited along the edge of the mountains. Development around the lake is nearly hidden from view by trees surrounding the water’s edge. Trees also nearly hide the hills to the east, but houses on tops of the hills are partially visible between the foliage. The aesthetic quality of the water in the lake is not inviting from close range due to floating vegetation that contributes to the water’s murky appearance.

The baseball stadium is located close to the water in the southeastern part of the city. From this vantage point (Vanage Point 4 - Ballpark), an inlet of the lake created by the levee is visible. A distant view of the lake is available from just outside the stadium, but does not dominate the landscape due to the distance from the lake. Most of the views across from the ballpark are of dry, brown grasses and scattered trees, a portion of which has been set-aside as a wildlife habitat area. From this vantage point, a newer housing development can be seen on the hills located to the west of the freeway. Older homes, small buildings and a newer housing development can be seen immediately across the lake to the north. Trees and heavy vegetation make it difficult to see any development clearly. A wide dirt trail available for pedestrians to walk to the edge of the lake is visible from the stadium.

A second boat launch and day-use public recreation area is located on the eastern edge of the lake. The lake can be seen from north to south with the Santa Ana Mountains forming a backdrop at this vantage point. The lake fills up a large portion of the viewpoint, making it the dominant feature. Residential developments can be seen towards the west of the lake from the boat launch. Unobstructed views of the residential development on the north end of the lake are clearly visible from the boat launch. As of the summer of 2005, the visual character of land that

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Chapter 4 has been recently graded contrasts with the forest green shrubs and trees surrounding the new project. Other development to the east of the boat launch is visible, but partially obscured by trees.

The area immediately surrounding the boat launch is covered by dark sand and a short distance to the north there is a small patch of grass and recreation-oriented facilities. Large shade trees on the grassy patch provide relief from the sun for visitors. The area is characterized by more recreational activities and facilities than other vantage points including a beach with an established swimming area, rest rooms, visitor parking lot, and boat launch (Vanatage Point 5Beach) .

The Vantage Point 6 – Aloha Pier Look-out identifies where the once famous landmark, the Aloha Pier, stood. The pier was constructed in 1927 by the Clevelin Realty Corporation a prime development company of the area. The pier became the scene for many festivities during it’s heyday by providing a dance floor were orchestras would perform on weekends and holidays.

The pier also served as the starting point for many speed boat races including some recordbreaking events. The famous landmark was dismantled by it’s owner in 1950.

Sources of Light and Glare Appendix G of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines contains the Initial Study Environmental Checklist form that includes questions relating to aesthetics. One of the aesthetic issues addresses whether the “project” will create a new source of substantial light or glare that would adversely affect the day or nighttime views of the area. Light and glare impacts to the Palomar Mountain Observatory are of concern.

Based on data provide by Palomar Observatory, areas of light pollution impacts have been identified through a “ring analysis” as seen in Figure 4.10. Primary impacts to the observatory’s ability to study in dark sky’s fall within a 30-mile radius, while secondary impacts are up to 45 miles. Mitigation for dark sky within these areas will require the development of light pollution standards for individual projects.

In assessing current conditions, light and glare from existing development is minimal. Light and glare during the day and night is created from various residential, commercial, and industrial uses throughout the city. Examples of these sources include street lamps, accent and security lighting on buildings, parking lot lighting, and vehicle headlights at night. Substantial sources of night lighting include the existing ballpark and public parks. Alliance Skate Park of Lake Elsinore located in McVicker Park is open until 9 pm most evenings and other public parks are open until 10 pm for recreation purposes. Sources of glare during the day result primarily from parked cars located in large parking lots and from sunlight reflected off of window glazing on buildings.

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City of Lake Elsinore

!

A Mount Palomar Observatory

Sphere of Influence City Boundary 30 Mile Radius 45 Mile Radius

Sources: City of Lake Elsinore, ESRI

City of Lake Elsinore Palomar Lighting Impact Analysis Areas Figure 4.10

Chapter 4 4.6.3 Goal 10

Aesthetics Goals and Policies Provide and maintain a natural and built environment that is visually pleasing to City residents and visitors.

Policies 10.1 Require a dark sky analysis and mitigation of projects proposing extensive night time lighting within the “Ring Analysis” area for impacts to Mt. Palomar Observatory.

10.2 Preserve the City’s non-urban visual character, in particular the surrounding hillsides, which topographically define the lake region.

10.3 For new developments and redevelopment, encourage the maintenance and incorporation of existing mature trees and other substantial vegetation on the site, whether naturallyoccurring or planted, into the landscape design.

10.4 Maintain and improve the quality of existing landscaping in parkways, parks, civic facilities, rights-of-ways, and other public open areas.

10.5 Where appropriate, encourage new planting of native and/or non-invasive ornamental plants to enhance the scenic setting of public and private lands.

10.6 Require that Tentative Maps for developments featuring more than five units include guidelines for architectural, landscape, and streetscape design that preserve and foster the City’s non-urban, semi-rural character.

Goal 11

Preserve valued public views throughout the City.

Policies 11.1 Discourage development that blocks or substantially alters public views of Lake Elsinore and local ridgelines.

11.2 Encourage the dedication of open space in hillside development proposals to preserve and enhance view opportunities from transportation corridors and surrounding development.

11.3 Encourage new development and redevelopment to incorporate views of Lake Elsinore from roadways and other public spaces that provide residents and tourists with scenic vistas to the water, marinas, and lakeshore activities.

11.4 Establish a series of community gateways for individual communities to promote the visual character of the area.

11.5 Establish a listing of important landmarks (either natural or manmade) that represent the visual character of the area and develop a program of signage.

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Chapter 4 11.6 Consider applying to Caltrans for official designation of I-15 and SR-74 as state scenic highways.

11.7 Consider petitioning Caltrans to allow the City to take control of portions of the SR-74 corridor, which would give the City a greater level of control over signage and landscaping in order to enhance and preserve the corridor’s aesthetic setting.

Goal 12

Minimize activities, development, and landform modification that could distract viewers from the City’s visual character.

Policies 12.1 Discourage extractive activity from being conducted in highly visible areas and require reclamation of these mining areas. If such uses must occur in visible areas, the City shall require extensive visual screening with landscaping and/or fencing.

12.2 Discourage extractive uses or development that entails excessive light and glare visible from private and public viewpoints.

12.3 Require grading plans for any hillside development to include specifications for revegetation and new planting to minimize hillside scarring.

4.7

Sustainable Environment

4.7.1

Introduction

As Lake Elsinore grows, so does the need to create and utilize additional strategies to counter the adverse impacts of global warming and climate change. The built environment represents a major opportunity for the City, along with local designers, engineers, developers, builders, lenders, appraisers, and other sectors of the building trades, to address local and global environmental adverse effects. Promoting “green building” and energy and resource efficient building practices is one such strategy.

Green building practices provide the framework and tools to build in an efficient, healthy, and ecologically responsible manner. Encouraging green building practices is in the public’s interest because these techniques: z

Promote Lake Elsinore’s energy, land use, environmental, and growth-management policies.

z

Conserve energy, water, and other natural resources.

z

Strengthen established goals related to increased density, mixed-use, and transit-oriented development, storm water

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Chapter 4 and erosion control, and increased bicycle and pedestrian access.

4.7.2 Goal 13

z

Save building owners and tenants money through increased operation and maintenance efficiencies.

z

Improve indoor air quality and the health, well being, and productivity of occupants.

z

Help reduce development.

z

Minimize significant local ecological effects on habitat, air, soil, and water through efficient site and building design, sustainable construction practices, and low impact building materials and operational practices.

z

Keep money in the local economy and create new local industries and jobs thereby reducing the dependence on automobiles and fossil fuels.

public

infrastructure

costs

related

to

Greenhouse Gas Reduction Planning Goals and Policies Reduce greenhouse gas emissions from all activities within the City boundaries to support the State’s efforts under AB-32 and to mitigate the impact of climate change on the City, State, and world.

Policies 13.1 By 2020, the City will reduce greenhouse gas emissions from within its boundaries to a level 30% less than the level that would otherwise occur if all activities continued under a “business as usual� scenario.

13.2 The City will establish greenhouse gas emissions inventories including emissions from all sectors within the City, using methods approved by, or consistent with guidance from, the ARB; the City will update inventories every 4 years to incorporate improved methods, better data, and more accurate tools and methods, and to assess progress.

13.3 The City will adopt a Climate Action Plan to reduce or encourage reductions in greenhouse gas emissions from all sectors within the City.

13.4 The City will ensure that its local Climate Action, Land Use, Housing, and Transportation Plans are aligned with, support, and enhance any regional plans that have been developed consistent with state guidance to achieve reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

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Chapter 4 Goal 14

Reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the generation of electricity by reducing electricity use through increased efficiency.

Policies 14.1 The City will establish green building requirements and standards for new development and redevelopment projects, and will work to provide incentives for green building practices and remove barriers that impede their use.

14.2 The City will establish policies and standards to increase energy efficiency at new developments.

14.3 The City will establish policies and standards to reduce exterior heat gain and heat island effects.

14.4 The City will pursue policies and programs to improve energy efficiency of existing buildings.

Goal 15

Reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with electrical generation by promoting and supporting the generation and use of alternative energy.

Policies 15.1 The City will establish policies and programs that facilitate the siting of new renewable energy generation.

15.2 The City will promote and require renewable energy generation, and co-generation projects where feasible and appropriate.

15.3 The City will promote, support, and require, as appropriate, the development of solar energy.

15.4 The City will pursue and provide economic incentives and creative financing for renewable energy projects, as well as other support for community members or developers seeking funding for such projects.

15.5 The City will implement measures to support the purchase and use of renewable and alternative energy.

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Chapter 4 Goal 16

Reduce greenhouse gas emissions from municipal facilities and operations, and by purchasing goods and services that embody or create fewer greenhouse gas emissions.

Policies 16.1 To the extent financially feasible, the City will enhance the energy efficiency of its facilities.

16.2 The City will work toward improving efficiency at municipal systems and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from vehicle and equipment engines.

16.3 The City will encourage the reduction in employee vehicle trips and to mitigate emissions impacts from municipal travel.

16.4 The City will enhance renewable energy generation, and implement programs for load management and demand response.

16.5 The City will manage its stock of vegetation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

16.6 To the greatest extent available, the City will use its purchasing power to promote reductions in greenhouse gas emissions by the suppliers of its goods and services.

Goal 17

Increase public awareness of climate change and climate protection challenges, and support community reductions of greenhouse gas emissions through coordinated, creative public education and outreach, and recognition of achievements.

Policies 17.1 The City will prepare a pamphlet publicizing the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and steps community members can take to reduce their individual impacts.

17.2 The City will work with local businesses and energy providers on specific, targeted outreach campaigns and incentive programs.

17.3 The City will participate in regional events and workshops to promote greenhouse gas reducing activities.

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5.0 Administration & Implementation 5.1

Introduction

The effectiveness of the General Plan ultimately depends on how it is implemented and maintained over time. State law requires that most actions of local governments affecting the physical environment be consistent with its General Plan.

This chapter provides implementation programs for each goal within the updated General Plan.

5.2

Community Form

5.2.1

Land Use

Goal 1

Create a diverse and integrated mix of residential, commercial, industrial, recreational, public and open space land uses.

Implementation Program: The City shall annually review the land use map with the approved development projects and General Plan amendments to ensure an orderly land use pattern. In addition, mixed use designations have been applied specifically to allow for affordable housing. Mixed use projects should be targeted in the Historic and Ballpark Districts as well as other areas where services are within walking distance. Finally, the Zoning Ordinance should be updated to provide consistency between zoning regulations and General Plan land use designations.

Agency/Department:

Goal 2

Community Development Department

Establish and maintain a City whose role is a year-round recreation destination.

Implementation Program: The City shall support and promote development projects and community activities that encourage recreational use around the lake and maintain opportunities for tourist-oriented recreation within the City limits.

Agency/Department:

Community Development Department Lake and Aquatic Resources Department Parks and Recreation Department City Manager

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Goal 3

Establish a development pattern that preserves aesthetics and enhances the environmental resources of the City.

Implementation Program: The City shall require biological and visual studies on development projects in open space areas (natural settings) to define sensitive resources—including native vegetation, wildlife habitats, and steep slopes—through the CEQA process and mitigate potential impacts through designation of open space. When appropriate, development projects within the MSHCP Cell areas will not require extensive biology when the MSHCP EIR/EIS can be utilized.

Agency/Department:

Goal 4

Community Development Department

Promote development of infrastructure and services that support existing and future land uses.

Implementation Program: The City shall require that all new development provide appropriate public services and circulation infrastructure with construction or pay a “fair share” fee as determined by the City of Lake Elsinore or other service provider.

Agency/Department:

Goal 5

Public Works Department

Develop a viable downtown area that preserves potentially significant historical structures and provides civic and cultural opportunities as well as a destination for shopping, meeting, and gathering for both tourists and residents.

Implementation Program: The City shall actively support through the approval of development projects and redevelopment plans the implementation of the goals and policies of the Historic District Plan and the Downtown Master Plan for land use, urban design, historic preservation, and the policies in the Main Street Overlay/Special Treatment Area to facilitate redevelopment and promote a healthy urban environment.

Agency/Department:

Goal 6

Community Development Department Redevelopment Agency

Promote land use strategies that decrease reliance on automobile use, increase the use of alternative modes of transportation, maximize efficiency of urban services provisions and reduce emissions of greenhouse gas emissions.

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Implementation Program: The City shall guide urban development to occur only where urban public facilities and services exist or can be reasonably made available. The improvement and expansion of one urban public facility or service should not stimulate development that significantly precedes the City’s, or other affected jurisdiction’s ability to provide all other necessary urban public facilities and services at adequate levels. The City shall adopt an urban-rural transition zone along the urban service line to ensure that land uses within the City are compatible with adjacent open space and agricultural uses. To the extent that they exist, the City shall remove barriers to the development of accessory dwelling units in existing residential neighborhoods inside urban service lines.

Agency/Department:

Goal 7

Community Development Department

Promote infill, mixed-use, and higher density development, and provide incentives to support the creation of affordable housing in mixed use zones.

Implementation Program: The City will encourage both residential and commercial mixed use projects in the Historic and Ballpark districts, as well as other areas, where services are within walking distance.

The City will identify sites suitable for mixed-use development within an exiting urban service line and will establish appropriate site-specific standards to accommodate the mixed uses. Sitespecific standards could include: increasing allowable building height or allowing height limit bonuses; allowing flexibility in applying development standards (such as FAR1 and lot coverage) based on the location, type, and size of the units, and the design of the development; allowing the residential component to be additive rather than within the established FAR for that zone, and eliminating maximum density requirements for residential uses in mixed use zones; allowing reduced and shared parking based on the use mix, and establishing parking maximums where sites are located within 0.25 miles of a public transit stop; allowing for tandem parking, shared parking and off-site parking leases; requiring all property owners in mixed-use areas to unbundled parking from commercial and residential leases; creating parking benefit districts, which invest meter revenues in pedestrian infrastructure and other public amenities; establishing performance pricing of street parking, so that it is expensive enough to promote frequent turnover and keep 15 percent of spaces empty at all times.

The City will seek funding to prepare specific plans and related environmental documents to facilitate mixed-use development at selected sites, and to allow these areas to serve as receiver sites for transfer of development rights away from environmentally sensitive lands and rural areas outside established urban growth boundaries.

1

FAR is Floor Area Ratio

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The City will enable prototype mixed-use structures for use in neighborhood center zones that can be adapted to new uses over time with minimal internal remodeling.

The City will identify and facilitate the inclusion of complementary land uses not already present in local zoning districts, such as supermarkets, parks and recreational fields, schools in neighborhoods, and residential uses in business districts, to reduce the vehicle miles traveled and promote bicycling and walking to these uses.

EMPHASIS OF DEVELOPMENT COMMERCIAL

OFFICE

RESIDENTIAL

USE Retail

50-70%

10-30%

10-30%

Office

0-20%

50-70%

0-30%

Residential

20-40%

0-30%

50-80%

Public

10-30%

10-30%

10-30%

The City will work with employers developing larger projects to ensure local housing opportunities for their employees, and engage employers to find ways to provide housing assistance as part of their employee benefits packages; major projects in mixed-use areas should include work-force housing where feasible.

The City will revise zoning ordinance(s) to allow local-serving businesses, such as childcare centers, restaurants, banks, family medical offices, drug stores, and other similar services near employment centers to minimize midday vehicle use.

The City will develop form-based community design standards to be applied to development projects and land use plans, using a comprehensive community outreach, for areas designated mixed-use.

Mix affordable housing units with market rate units as opposed to building segregated affordable housing developments.

Agency/Department:

Community Development Department Redevelopment Agency

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Goal 8

Promote greater linkage between land uses and transit, as well as other modes of transportation.

Implementation Program: The City will identify transit centers appropriate for mixed-use development, and will promote transit-oriented, mixed use development within these targeted areas, including: amending the Zoning Code to encourage mixed-use development within one-half mile of intermodal hubs and future rail stations; to offer flexible standards for affordable housing; and to establish minimum residential densities and non-residential FAR; rezoning commercial properties to residential and/or mixed-use where appropriate; providing expanded zoning for multi-family housing; providing maximum parking standards and flexible building height limitations; providing density bonus programs; establishing guidelines for private and public spaces; providing incentives for redevelopment of underutilized areas, such as surface parking lots; establishing a minimum pedestrian and bicycle connectivity standard; creating parking benefit districts, which invest meter revenues in pedestrian infrastructure and other public amenities; establishing performance pricing of street parking, so that it is expensive enough to promote frequent turnover and keep 15 percent of spaces empty at all times; discouraging auto-oriented development.

City will study how to go about locating medium-high density development near activity centers that can be served efficiently by public transit and alternative transportation modes; locating medium-high density development near streets served by public transit whenever feasible; and linking neighborhoods to bus stops by continuous sidewalks or pedestrian paths.

Agency/Department:

Goal 9

Community Development Department Redevelopment Agency Public Works Department

Promote development and preservation of neighborhood characteristics that encourage walking and bicycle riding in lieu of automobile-based travel.

Implementation Program: The City will encourage the following activities in furtherance of mixed use development: Designing or maintaining neighborhoods where the neighborhood center can be reached in approximately five minutes of walking; increasing housing densities from the perimeter to the center of the neighborhood; directing retail, commercial, and office space to the center of the neighborhood; encouraging pedestrian-only streets and/or plazas within developments, and destinations that may be reached conveniently by public transportation, walking, or bicycling; allowing flexible parking strategies in neighborhood activity centers to foster a pedestrianoriented streetscape; providing continuous sidewalks with shade trees and landscape strips to separate pedestrians from traffic; encouraging neighborhood parks and recreational centers

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near concentrations of residential areas (preferably within one quarter mile) and include pedestrian walkways and bicycle paths that encourage non-motorized travel.

The following implementing measures represent some of the activities the City can engage in to ensure pedestrian access: ensuring new development that provides pedestrian connections in as many locations as possible to adjacent development, arterial streets, thoroughfares; ensuring a balanced mix of housing, workplaces, shopping, recreational opportunities, and institutional uses, including mixed-use structures; locating schools in neighborhoods, within safe and easing walking distances of residences served; for new development, primary entrances shall be pedestrian entrances, with automobile entrances and parking located to the rear; support development where automobile access to buildings does not impede pedestrian access, by consolidating driveways between buildings or developing alley access; street parking provided shall be utilized as a buffer between sidewalk pedestrian traffic and the automobile portion of the roadway; establish pedestrian and bicycle connectivity standards for new development, with block sizes between 1 and 2 acres; for existing areas that do not meet established connectivity standards, prioritize the physical development of pedestrian connectors; prioritizing grade-separated bicycle/pedestrian crossings where appropriate to enhance connectivity or overcome barriers such as freeways, railways and waterways.

The City will study the feasibility of providing desired land uses by scaling developer fees based on desired criteria, for example: increasing or reducing fees proportionally with distance from the city center or preferred transit sites; increasing or reducing fees based on the degree to which mixed uses are incorporated into the project; reducing fees for creative re-use of brownfield sites; increasing fees for the use of greenfield sites.

The City will provide fast-track permitting and reductions in processing fees for desired projects. The City will research and implement a program of incentives for development projects that are fully consistent with the Sustainable Communities Strategy/Regional Plan.

The City will give preference for infrastructure improvements that support or enhance desired land uses and projects.

The City will reduce heat gain from pavement and other hardscaping, for example: reduce street rights-of-way and pavement widths to pre-World War II widths (typically 22 to 34 feet for local streets, and 30 to 35 feet for collector streets, curb to curb), unless landscape medians or parkway strips are allowed in the center of roadways; reinstate the use of parkway strips to allow shading of streets by trees; include shade trees on south- and west-facing sides of structures; include low-water landscaping in place of hardscaping around transportation infrastructure and in parking areas; install cool roofs, green roofs, and use cool paving for pathways, parking, and other roadway surfaces; establish standards that provide for pervious pavement options; remove obstacles to xeriscaping, edible landscaping and low-water landscaping.

Agency/Department:

Community Development Department Redevelopment Agency

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Public Works Department

5.2.2 Goal 10

Circulation Provide a transportation network for the circulation of people and goods throughout the City of Lake Elsinore.

Implementation Program: The City shall require the implementation of the Circulation Element on both an individual project basis and with a citywide program. The citywide program should focus on the existing street network and intersection deficiency areas.

The City shall implement access management policies and requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) during roadway improvements.

The City shall ensure that new development pays a fair share of costs to provide local and regional transportation improvements and participate in Development Impact Fee programs (e.g., TUMF, DIF, Drainage Fees) and other applicable fee programs and benefit assessment districts.

The City shall provide dedicated left- and right-turn lanes at major intersections and higher classification roadways as appropriate.

Agency/Department:

Goal 11

Public Works Department

Provide a regional transportation network that efficiently moves people and goods through, to, and from the City of Lake Elsinore.

Implementation Program: The City shall work with the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) and the Riverside Transit Agency (RTA) to implement the regional transportation strategies.

Agency/Department:

Public Works Department Community Development Department

Goal 12

Strive to maintain a Level of Service “D” or better at intersections within the City and a Level of Service “E” within the Main Street Overlay area and the Ballpark District.

Implementation Program: The City shall utilize the development review process and the California Environmental Quality Action (CEQA) process to prepare traffic studies and associated mitigation measures to ensure a

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Level of Service “D” or better within the City and a Level of Service “E” within the Main Street Overlay and the Ballpark District.

Agency/Department:

Goal 13

Public Works Department

Optimize the efficiency and safety of the transportation system within the City of Lake Elsinore.

Implementation Program: The City shall annually review the efficiency performance and safety issues associated with the implementation of the policies and roadway network identified in the Community Form Chapter 2, Circulation Element section. This review will require a report to the City Council.

Agency/Department:

Goal 14

Public Works Department

Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by reducing vehicle miles traveled and by increasing or encouraging the use of alternative fuels and transportation technologies.

Implementation Program: The City shall give priority to transportation projects that will contribute to a reduction in vehicle miles traveled per capita, while maintaining economic vitality and sustainability.

The City will include sidewalks, separated sidewalks whenever possible, on both sides of all new street improvement projects, except where there are sever topographic or natural resource constraints.

The City will work toward its goal of system interconnectivity by doing the following: ensure transportation centers are multi-modal to allow transportation modes to intersect; provide adequate and affordable public transportation choices, including expanded bus routs and service, as well as other transit choices such as shuttles, light rail, and rail; to the extent feasible, extend service and hours of operation to underserved arterials and population centers or destinations such as colleges; focus transit resources on high-volume corridors and highboarding destinations such as colleges, employment centers and regional destinations; coordinate schedules and route across service lines with neighboring transit authorities; support programs to provide “station cars” for short trips to and from transit nodes (e.g., neighborhood electric vehicles); study the feasibility of providing free transit to areas with residential densities of 15 dwelling units per acre or more, including options such as removing service from less dense, underutilized areas to do so; employ transit-preferential measures, such as signal priority and bypass lanes. Where compatible with adjacent land use designations, right-of-way acquisition or parking removal may occur to accommodate transit-preferential measures or improve access to transit. The use of access management should be considered where needed to reduce conflicts between transit vehicles and other vehicles; provide safe and convenient access for pedestrians and bicyclists to, across, and along major transit priority streets; use park-

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and-ride facilities to access transit stations only at ends of regional transitways or where adequate feeder bus service is not feasible.

The City will work toward upgrading and maintaining its transit system by doing the following: ensure transit stops and bus lanes are safe, convenient, clean and efficient; ensure transit stops have clearly marked street-level designation, and are accessible; ensure transit stops are safe, sheltered, benches are clean, and lighting is adequate; place transit stations along transit corridors within mixed-use or transit-oriented development areas at intervals of three to four blocks, or no less than one-half mile.

The City will work toward improving customer service for alternative modes of transportation by: researching the existence of a Regional Pass system to reduce the number of different passes and tickets required of system users; encourage “Smart Bus” technology, using GPS and electronic displays at transit stops to provide customers with “real-time” arrival and departure time information (and to allow the system operator to respond more quickly and effectively to disruptions in service); investigate the feasibility of an on-line trip planning program.

Before funding transportation improvements that increase roadway capacity and VMT, evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of funding projects that support alternative modes of transportation and reduce VMT, including transit, and bicycle and pedestrian access.

Agency/Department:

Goal 15

Public Works Department Community Development Department

Maximize traffic safety throughout the City.

Implementation Program: The City shall implement all goals and policies within the Community Form Chapter 2, Circulation Element section to ensure traffic safety is achieved.

Agency/Department:

Goal 16

Public Works Department Community Development Department

Implement traffic and roadway management strategies to improve mobility and efficiency, and reduce associated emissions.

Implementation Program: The City will expand signal timing programs where emissions reduction benefits can be demonstrated, including maintenance of the synchronization system, and will coordinate with adjoining jurisdictions as needed to optimize transit operation while maintaining a free flow of traffic. The City will encourage the construction of high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes or similar mechanisms whenever necessary to relieve congestion and reduce emissions. The City

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will establish ordinances or land use permit conditions limiting the hours when deliveries can be made to off-peak hours in high traffic areas.

The City will promote ride sharing programs, such as: designate a certain percentage of parking spaces for ride-sharing vehicles; designate adequate passenger loading, unloading, and waiting areas for ride-sharing vehicles; provide a web site or message board for coordinating shared rides; encourage private, for-profit community car-sharing, including parking spaces for car share vehicles at convenient locations accessible by public transit; hire or designate a rideshare coordinator to develop and implement ridesharing programs.

The City will support voluntary, employer-based trip reduction programs, such as: provide assistance to regional and local ridesharing organizations; advocate for legislation to maintain and expand incentives for employer ridesharing programs; require the development of Transportation Management Associations for large employers and commercial/industrial complexes; provide public recognition of effective programs through awards, top ten lists, and other mechanisms.

The City will implement a City wide “guaranteed ride home� program for those who commute by public transit, ride-sharing, or other modes of transportation, and encourage employers to subscribe to or support the program.

The City will encourage and utilize shuttles to serve neighborhoods, employment centers and major destinations.

The City will create a free or low-cost local area shuttle system that includes affixed route to popular tourist destinations or shopping and business centers; The City will work with existing shuttle service providers to coordinate their services.

The City will facilitate employment opportunities that minimize the need for private vehicle trips, including: amend zoning ordinances and the Development Code to include live/work sites and satellite work centers in appropriate locations; encourage telecommuting options with new and existing employers, through project review and incentives, as appropriate.

Advocate for a regional, market-based system to price or charge for auto trips during peak hours.

Agency/Department:

City Manager Community Development Department Public Works Department

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Goal 17

Support bicycle use as a mode of transportation by enhancing infrastructure to accommodate bicycles and riders and providing incentives.

Implementation Program: The City will establish standards for new development and redevelopment projects to support bicycle use, including: amending the Zoning Code to include standards for safe pedestrian and bicyclist accommodations (including: “Complete Streets” policies that foster equal access by all users in the roadway design, bicycle and pedestrian access internally and in connection to other areas through easements, safe access to public transportation and other non-motorized uses through construction of dedicated paths, safe road crossings at major intersections, especially for school children and seniors, adequate, convenient and secure bike parking at public and private facilities and destinations in all urban areas, street standards will include provisions for bicycle parking within the public right of way); require new development and redevelopment projects to include bicycle facilities, as appropriate with the new land use (including: construction of weatherproof bicycle facilities where feasible, and at a minimum, bicycle racks or covered, secure parking near the building entrances, provision and maintenance of changing rooms, lockers, and showers at large employers or employment centers).

The City will discourage projects that impede bicycle and pedestrian access, such as large parking areas that cannot be safely crossed by non-motorized vehicles, and developments that block through access on existing or potential bicycle and pedestrian routes. Instead, the City will encourage the development of bicycle stations at intermodal hubs, with attended or “valet” bicycle parking, and other amenities such as bicycle rental and repair, and changing areas with lockers and showers.

The City will conduct a connectivity analysis of the existing bikeway network to identify gaps, and prioritize bikeway development where gaps exist. To fund the bikeway development, the City will apply for regional, State, and federal grants for bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure projects; establish development exactions and impact fees to fund bicycle and pedestrian facilities; use existing revenues, such as state gas tax subventions, sales tax funds, and general fund monies for projects to enhance bicycle use and walking for transportation.

Agency/Department:

Goal 18

Public Works Department Community Development

Establish parking policies and requirements that capture the true cost of private vehicle use and support alternative modes of transportation.

Implementation Program: The City will encourage the reduction of available parking spaces for private vehicles while increasing parking spaces for shared vehicles, bicycles, and other alternative modes of

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transportation. The City will “unbundle� parking (require that parking is paid for separately and is not included in the base rent for residential and commercial space) and will encourage use of parking pricing to discourage private vehicle use, especially at peak times. The City will evaluate whether to create parking benefit districts, which invest meter revenues in pedestrian infrastructure and other public amenities and whether to establish performance pricing of street parking, so that it is expensive enough to promote frequent turnover and keep 15 percent of spaces empty at all times. The City will encourage shared parking programs in mixed-use and transit-oriented development areas.

The City will promote the use of peripheral parking by increasing on-site parking rates and offering reduced rates for peripheral parking, encouraging special event center operators to advertise and offer discounted transit passes with event tickets, encouraging special event center operators to advertise and offer discount parking incentives to carpooling patrons, with four or more persons per vehicle for on-site parking; promote the use of bicycles by providing space for the operation of valet bicycle parking service.

Agency/Department:

Goal 19

Public Works Department Community Development

Support and promote the use of low- and zero- emission vehicles, and alternative fuels, and other measures to directly reduce emissions from motor vehicles.

Implementation Program: The City will work toward developing the necessary infrastructure to encourage the use of zero-emission vehicles and clean alternative fuels, such as development of electric vehicle charging facilities and conveniently located alternative fueling stations; encourage new construction to include vehicle access to properly wired outdoor receptacles to accommodate ZEV and/or plug in electric hybrids (PHEV); encourage transportation fleet standards to achieve the lowest emissions possible, using a mix of alternate fuels, PZEV or better fleet mixes; and establish incentives, as appropriate, to taxicab owners to use alternative fuel or gas-electric hybrid vehicles.

Agency/Department:

Public Works Department

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5.2.3

Community Development Growth Management

Goal 20

Maintain orderly efficiency patterns of growth that enhance the quality of life for the residents of Lake Elsinore.

Implementation Program: As part of the project review and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) process, the City shall evaluate growth impacts from individual and cumulative projects to determine their effect on quality of life issues within the City.

Agency/Department:

Goal 21

Community Development Department

Promote collaborative support of state, regional, and local growth management efforts and private sector developers.

Implementation Program: The City shall utilize the development review process including implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and participate in state, regional, and local programs.

Agency/Department:

5.2.4 Goal 22

Community Development Department

Parks and Recreation Maintain an adequate quantity, quality, type, and distribution of parks and recreational facilities throughout the City that serve the current and future needs of residents and visitors.

Implementation Program: The City staff shall utilize the development review process to examine existing and future needs for park facilities to ensure that adequate quantity, quality, type, and distribution of parks are provided.

Agency/Department:

Goal 23

Community Development Department Parks and Recreation Department

Establish a primary trail network for equestrians and hikers.

Implementation Program: The City shall prepare and adopt a systematic Trails Master Plan.

Agency/Department:

Community Development Department Parks and Recreation Department

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5.2.5 Goal 24

Historic Preservation Encourage the preservation, protection, and restoration of historical and cultural resources.

Implementation Program: The City shall develop a Historic Preservation action plan based on the existing lists identified in the General Plan. The action plan will provide programs for the ultimate preservation, enhancement, or maintenance of key historic or cultural sites in the City.

Agency/Department:

Goal 25

Community Development Department

Support state-of-the-art research designs and approaches to archeological and cultural investigations.

analytical resource

Implementation Program: The City shall require, through the CEQA process, that state-of-the-art and best-available research designs and approaches are used in archeological and cultural resource investigations.

Agency/Department:

Community Development Department

5.3

Public Safety and Welfare:

5.3.1

Air Quality

Goal 1

Continue to coordinate with the Air Quality Management District and the City’s Building Department to reduce the amount of fugitive dust that is emitted into the atmosphere from unpaved areas, parking lots, and construction sites.

Implementation Program: The City shall continue to condition projects to comply with the South Coast Air Quality Management District Rules and Regulations.

Agency/Department:

Community Development Department

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Goal 2

Work with regional and state governments to develop effective mitigation measures to improve air quality.

Implementation Program: The City shall coordinate with the South Coast Air Quality Management District regarding effective methods for improving local air quality.

Agency/Department:

5.3.2 Goal 3

Community Development Department

Hazards/Hazardous Materials Reduce the level of risk associated with the use, transport, treatment, and disposal of hazardous materials to protect the community’s safety, health, and natural resources.

Implementation Program: The City shall assess new development and reuse projects for potential hazards, and require feasible mitigation for such impacts to reduce the risk to the community from hazards related to the use, transport, treatment, and disposal of hazardous materials.

Agency/Department:

Goal 4

Community Development Department

Adhere to an integrated approach that minimizes the threat of wildland fires, to protect life and property using pre-fire management, suppression, and post-fire management.

Implementation Program: The City shall assess new development and reuse projects for potential hazards, and require feasible mitigation for such impacts to reduce the risk to the community from hazards related to wild land fires. The City shall work with the California Department of Forestry and Fire to implement public fire hazard education and prevention programs and to identify fire prevention and mitigation measures for wildland fire hazard areas.

Agency/Department:

Goal 5

Community Development Department

Minimize the risk of injury to residents and visitors and of property damage due to flooding.

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Implementation Program: The City shall assess new development and reuse projects for potential hazards, and require feasible mitigation for such impacts to reduce the risk to the community from hazards related to flooding. The City shall review development proposals for projects within FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas for consistency with City flood damage prevention, floodplain management regulations, and FEMA requirements.

Agency/Department:

Goal 6

Public Works Department

Minimize risk of loss of life, injury, property damage, and economic and social displacement due to seismic and geological hazards resulting from earthquakes and geological constraints.

Implementation Program: The City shall assess new development and reuse projects for potential hazards, and require feasible mitigation for such impacts to reduce the risk to the community from hazards related to geologic conditions and seismic activity.

Agency/Department:

5.3.3 Goal 7

Public Works Department

Noise Maintain an environment for all City residents and visitors that is free of unhealthy, obtrusive, or otherwise excessive noise conditions.

Implementation Program: The City shall review development proposals to ensure that the noise standards and compatibility criteria are met. The City shall require mitigation measures, where necessary, to reduce noise levels to meet the noise standards and compatibility criteria.

Agency/Department:

5.3.4 Goal 8

Community Development Department

Trash and Recycling Reduce greenhouse gas emissions waste through improved management of waste handling and reductions in waste generation.

Implementation Program:

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The City will establish methane recovery at all wastewater and solid waste treatment facilities.

The City will implement waste-to-energy projects where characteristics meet criteria for effective energy generation. The City will utilize best management practices at all waste handling facilities. The City will strive to achieve a solid waste diversion of 75% of the waste stream by 2020. The City will expand jurisdiction-wide waste diversion services to include, for example, single stream curbside recycling, and curbside recycling of food and greenwaste.

The City will revise its Construction and Demolition Waste Management regulations contained in Chapter 14.12 of the Lake Elsinore Municipal Code to require building projects to recycle or reuse a minimum percentage of unused or leftover building materials, including: require all new development and major rehabilitation projects (additions of 25,000 square feet commercial or 100,000 square feet industrial) to recycle or salvage XX% of non-hazardous construction and demolition debris (excluding excavated soil and land-clearing debris); require preparation of a construction waste management plan identifying materials to be diverted from disposal, and how material will be stored and handled; establish clear and consistent guidelines for calculation methods, recordkeeping, and reporting to document compliance with the plan; establish clear and consistent guidelines for how and when used construction materials can be used in new or remodel construction.

The City will continue to promote and utilize its reuse/recycling center where furniture, appliances, building materials, and other useful, non-hazardous items may be dropped off or purchased for a nominal fee. The City will promote and expand recycling programs, purchasing policies, and employee education to reduce the amount of waste produced. The City will coordinate with other agencies in its region to develop and implement effective waste management strategies and waste-to-energy technologies.

Agency/Department:

5.3.5 Goal 9

Public Works Department

Community Facilities and Services Maintain a water and wastewater infrastructure system that supports development in the planning area.

Implementation Program: The City shall use the development review process to require water and wastewater studies that identify infrastructure needs and impose requirements to ensure that adequate facilities and services are maintained.

Agency/Department:

Community Development Department Public Works Department

Goal 10

Ensure that water, wastewater, and sewer facilities support existing and future land uses.

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Implementation Program: The City staff shall work closely with Special Districts and School Districts to ensure that adequate public facilities and programs are available on a project-by-project basis.

Agency/Department:

Goal 11

Public Works Department

Encourage the City’s franchise trash hauler(s) to provide and expand service for the collection, storage, transportation, recovery, and disposal of solid waste to meet the needs of the City.

Implementation Program: The City shall use the development review and CEQA processes to review and evaluate development projects to ensure adequate provision of solid waste facilities.

Agency/Department:

Goal 12

Public Works Department

Ensure that adequate electrical, natural gas, and telecommunications systems are provided to meet the demand of new and existing development.

Implementation Program: The City shall use the development review and CEQA processes to review and evaluate development projects to ensure adequate utilities are available to new and existing development.

Agency/Department:

Goal 13

Community Development Department

Encourage all school districts serving Lake Elsinore to provide school facilities are adequate to serve all students.

Implementation Program: The City shall use the development review and CEQA processes to inform school districts serving Lake Elsinore of all new development and request their participation in decisions related to existing and new school facilities.

Agency/Department:

Goal 14

Community Development Department

Encourage the County of Riverside’s County/City Public Library System to provide adequate library facilities.

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Implementation Program: The City shall use the development review process to assess impacts and mitigation to the library system to ensure adequate facilities are provided.

Agency/Department:

Goal 15

Community Development Department

Provide high quality animal control services to ensure timely response and effective control to protect both citizens and animals.

Implementation Program: The City shall develop a coordination program with the County of Riverside Office of Animal Control and Sherriff’s Office to ensure effective and timely animal control.

Agency/Department:

Goal 16

City Manager

Encourage the pursuit of state of the art information technology.

Implementation Program: The City shall pursue opportunities for implementation of state-of-the-art information technology for all city services and incorporate provision of any necessary facilities/systems into the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).

Agency/Department:

Goal 17

City Manager

Provide efficient and effective public safety services for the community.

Implementation Program: As part of the annual review of the General Plan, City staff shall evaluate both fire and police department response time achievements and staffing ratios.

Agency/Department:

City Manager

5.4

Resource Preservation and Preservation

5.4.1

Biological Resources

Goal 1

Identify and conserve important biological habitats where feasible while balancing the economic growth and private

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property right interests of the City, its residents, and landowners.

Implementation Program: The City shall implement all policies of the Resource Protection and Preservation Chapter of the General Plan. The City will also use the Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP) and CEQA processes to identify and conserve important biological habitats while balancing economic growth and property rights.

Agency/Department:

Goal 2

Community Development Department

Protect sensitive plant and wildlife species residing or occurring within the City.

Implementation Program: The City shall continue to implement the Western Riverside County MSHCP. Agency/Department:

5.4.2 Goal 3

Community Development Department

Open Space Provide an open space layout within the City that will enhance the recreational and visual experiences of all City residents and visitors.

Implementation Program: The City shall preserve the natural open space character and public access through the development of effective land development regulations. These regulations may include limiting grading of natural landforms, regulating setbacks, requiring vegetation, conserving mature trees, and limiting or transferring the intensity of development in and to certain areas.

Agency/Department:

5.4.3 Goal 4

Community Development Department

Water Resources Identify, protect, and conserve water resources to ensure sufficient water supply for the City.

Implementation Program:

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The City shall maintain surface water quality, the supply and quality of groundwater, and the quality of lakes and streams. The City shall require the use of water conservation measures in development projects through the City’s adopted Uniform Building Code to reduce water consumption. Such measures may include, but are not limited to: the use of plumbing fixtures that reduce water use; low-flow toilets; drip irrigation systems and xeriscape landscaping that maximizes use of drought-tolerant plant species. The City shall also comply with the provisions of the Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) pursuant to NPDES permits.

Agency/Department:

Goal 5

Community Development Department Public Works Department

Improve water quality and ensure the water supply is not degraded as a result of urbanization of the City.

Implementation Program: The City shall require all development projects to implement best management practices as required by NPDES permits in regards to water resources.

Agency/Department:

Goal 6

Community Development Department Public Works Department

Conserve natural resources such as water and open space to minimize energy used and greenhouse gas emissions and to preserve and promote the ability of such resources to remove carbon from the atmosphere.

Implementation Program: The City will reduce per capita water consumption by X% by 2020. The City will establish a water conservation plan that may include such policies and actions as: restrictions on time of use for landscape watering, and other demand management strategies; performance standards for irrigation equipment and water fixtures; requirements that increased demand from new construction be offset with reductions so that there is no net increase in water use.

The City will establish programs and policies to increase the use of recycled water, for example: create an inventory of non-potable water uses within the jurisdiction that could be served with recycled water; produce and promote the use of recycled water for agricultural, industrial, and irrigation purposes, including grey water systems for residential irrigation; produce and promote the use of treated, recycled water for potable uses where greenhouse gas emissions from producing such water are lower than from other potable sources.

The City will coordinate with regional agencies regarding public education and outreach to promote water conservation, and will highlight specific water-wasting activities to discourage,

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such as the watering of non-vegetated surfaces and using water to clean sidewalks and driveways.

The City will establish building design guidelines and criteria to promote water-efficient building design, including minimizing the amount of non-roof impervious surfaces around the building(s).

The City will establish menus and check-lists for developers and contractors to ensure waterefficient infrastructure and technology are used in new construction including low-flow toilets and shower heads, moisture-sensing irrigation, and other such advances.

The City will establish criteria and standards to permit the safe and effective use of gray water (on-site water recycling), and will review and appropriately revise, without compromising health and safety, other building code requirements that might prevent the use of such systems.

Budget permitting, the City will install water-efficient landscapes and irrigation, including: planting drought-tolerant and native species, and covering exposed dirt with moistureretaining mulch; installing water-efficient irrigation systems and devices, including advanced technology such as moisture-sensing irrigation controls; installing edible landscapes that provide local food.

The City will promote the planting of shade trees and will establish shade tree guidelines and specifications, including: recommendations for tree planting based on the land use (residential, commercial, parking lots, etc.); recommendations for tree types based on species size, branching patterns, whether deciduous or evergreen, whether roots are invasive, etc; recommendations for placement, including distance from structures, density of planting, and orientation relative to structures and the sun.

The City will develop an Urban Forestry Program to consolidate policies and ordinances regarding tree planting, maintenance, and removal, including: establish a tree-planting target and schedule to support the goals of the California Climate Action Team to plant 5 million trees in urban areas by 2020; establish guidelines for tree planting, including criteria for selecting deciduous or evergreen trees low-VOC-producing trees, and emphasizing the use of droughttolerant native trees and vegetation.

Agency/Department:

5.4.4

Community Development Department Public Works Department

Cultural Resources

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Goal 7

Preserve and promote the cultural heritage of the City and surrounding region for the education and enjoyment of all City residents and visitors, as well as for the advancement of historical and archeological knowledge.

Implementation Program: The City shall consider adopting an ordinance to address preservation of other historic resources. The City shall also encourage owners of local sites to apply for recognition in the State Historic Resources Inventory, as Riverside County Landmarks, as State Points of Historic Interest, as State Landmarks, and as sites on the National Register of Historic Places. The City shall require coordination with applicable Native American Tribes on all Native America archeological sites.

Agency/Department:

Goal 8

Community Development Department

Assure the recognition of the City’s heritage through preservation of the City’s significant historical sites and structures.

Implementation Program: The City shall create a historic register of structures and other landmarks that are valuable to the cultural heritage of the City.

Agency/Department:

Goal 9

Community Development Department

Preserve paleontological resources occurring within the City.

Implementation Program: The City shall use the development and environmental review processes to ensure that appropriate archaeological and paleontological surveying and documentation of findings is provided prior to project approval, and require monitoring of new developments and reporting to the City on completion of mitigation and resource protection measures.

Agency/Department:

5.4.5 Goal 10

Community Development Department

Visual Resources Provide and maintain a natural and built environment that is visually pleasing to City residents and visitors.

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Implementation Program: The City shall consider new design criteria that include landscape standards that provide open space buffers and other appropriate transitions between lower density, single-family neighborhoods and higher density development, as well as standards for the provision of community gathering spaces within private development.

Through the Specific Plan process and Development/Impact fees, the City shall require development projects to provide for pedestrian amenities in concordance with the adopted Streetscape Improvement Program as applicable to the individual project.

The City shall also establish a program to acquire, or permanently protect, critical hillside areas from development, including critical escarpment and major hillside areas on the west and south edges of the City. This should include working with the County of Riverside to protect surrounding hillside areas from inappropriate grading and development.

Agency/Department:

Goal 11

Community Development Department

Preserve valued public views throughout the City.

Implementation Program: The City shall use the CEQA process to preserve and avoid impacts on public views throughout the City.

Agency/Department:

Goal 12

Community Development Department

Minimize activities, development, and landform modification that could distract viewers from the City’s visual character.

Implementation Program: The City shall use the CEQA process to minimize significant landform alterations that could detract from the visual character of the City. Key areas of visual character include surrounding hillsides, lake views, and the Historic District.

Agency/Department:

5.4.6 Goal 13

Community Development Department

Sustainable Environment Reduce greenhouse gas emissions from all activities within the City boundaries to support the State’s efforts under AB 32 and to mitigate the impact of climate change on the City, State and world.

Implementation Program:

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The City will establish a baseline inventory of greenhouse gas emissions including municipal emissions, and emissions from all business sectors and the community.

The City will establish a Climate Action Plan which will: 1.

Include measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from municipal activities by at least 15% by 2020 compared to the baseline municipal emissions inventory (including any reductions required by ARB under AB 32).

2.

Include measures to incentivize and support reductions in greenhouse gas emissions from business activities, and which will seek to reduce emissions by at least 15% by 2020 compared to the baseline business emissions inventory (including any reductions required by ARB under AB-32).

3.

Include measures to incentivize and support reductions in GREENHOUSE GAS emissions from community activities, and which will seek to reduce emissions by at least 15% by 2020 compared to the baseline community emissions inventory (including any reductions required by ARB under AB-32).

The City will participate in the Sustainable Communities Strategy/Regional Blueprint Planning effort and will ensure that local plans are consistent with the Regional Plan.

Agency/Department:

Goal 14

Community Development Department

Reduce greenhouse gas emissions form the generation of electricity by reducing electricity use through increased efficiency.

Implementation Program: The City will adopt a Green Building Ordinance that requires new development and redevelopment projects for both residential and commercial buildings to incorporate sufficient green building methods and techniques to qualify for the equivalent of a current LEED Certified rating, GreenPoints, or equivalent rating system.

The City will allow increased height limits and/or flexibility in other standards for projects that incorporate energy efficient green building practices.

The City will identify and remove regulatory or procedural barriers to implementing green building practices within its jurisdiction, such as updating codes, guidelines, and zoning, and will ensure that all plan review and building inspection staff are trained in green building materials, practices, and techniques.

The City will support the use of green building practices by undertaking to do such things as: providing information, marketing, training, and technical assistance about green building

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practices; establishing guidelines for green building practices in residential and commercial development; providing financial incentives, including reduction in development fees, administrative fees, and expedited permit processing for projects that use green building practices.

The City will adopt energy efficiency performance standards for buildings that achieve a greater reduction in energy and water use than otherwise required by state law, such as: standards for the installation of “cool roofs�; performance standards for heat transfer across the building envelope that result in increased insulation and the use of low-emissive windows; requirements to install high-efficiency plumbing fixtures and tankless water heaters; performance standards that specify high-efficiency space heating and cooling systems; requirements for improved overall efficiency of lighting systems; requirements for the use of Energy StarŽ appliances and fixtures in discretionary new development; new lots shall be arranged and oriented to maximize effective use of passive solar energy.

Affordable housing development shall incorporate energy efficient design and features to the maximum extent feasible.

The City will target local funds, including redevelopment and community development block grant resources, to assist affordable housing developers in meeting the energy efficiency requirements.

The City will establish outdoor lighting standards in the Zoning Ordinance, including: requirements that all outdoor lighting fixtures be energy efficient (such as: full cut-off light fixtures at parking lots and on buildings, photocells or astronomical time switches on all permanently installed exterior lighting, directional and shielded LED lights for exterior lighting, and install exterior and security lights with motion detectors); requirements that light levels in all new development, parking lots, and street lighting not exceed state standards; requirements that lighting at the urban-rural boundary be designed to provide one-half the light standard for urban areas; prohibition against continuous all-night outdoor lighting in sports stadiums, construction sites, and rural areas unless required for security reasons.

The City will establish or enhance local ordinances that prohibit solid fuel wood-burning devices in mixed-use high-density development and restrict the installation of wood-burning appliances in new or redeveloped single family residential properties to those that burn pellets, natural gas, or propane, or at a minimum,. EPA certified wood-burning units.

The City will establish standards for new development and for large redevelopment or rehabilitation (for example, additions of more than 25,000 square feet commercial or 100,000 square feet industrial), to reduce exterior heat gain for 50% of non-roof impervious site landscape (roads, sidewalks, courtyards, parking lots, and driveways), including: achieving 50% paved surface shading with vegetation within 5 years, in consultation with City arborist; use of paving materials with a Solar Reflective Index (SRI) of at least 29, or open grid paving

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systems; covered parking (underground, beneath decking or roofs, or beneath a building), where any roof-covered parking uses roofing material with SRI of at least 29.

The City will adopt a Heat Island Mitigation Plan that requires cool roofs, cool pavements, and strategically placed shade trees, and will actively inspect and enforce state requirements for cool roofs on non-residential re-roofing projects.

The City will pursue incentives, grants, and creative financing for projects that improve energy efficiency, including, for example, the option for property owners to pay for such improvements through long-term assessments on their property tax bills.

The City will coordinate with regional agencies outreach efforts to promote energy efficiency and conservation in the community.

Agency/Department:

Goal 15

Community Development Department

Reduce greenhouse gas emission associated with electrical generation by promoting and supporting the generation and use of alternative energy.

Implementation Program: The City will identify possible sites for production of renewable energy (such as solar, wind, small hydro, and biogas), as compatible with surrounding uses, and will protect and promote that use, including: designate suitable sites to prioritize their development for renewable energy generation; evaluate potential land use, environmental, economic, and other constraints on that use, and mitigate such constraints, as feasible; adopt measures to protect the renewable energy use of the sites and their resources, such as utility easements, rights-of-way, and land set-asides.

The City will identify and remove or otherwise address barriers to renewable energy production, including: review and revise building and development codes, design guidelines, and zoning ordinances to remove such barriers; work with related agencies, such as fire, water, health and others that may have policies or requirements that adversely impact the development or use of renewable energy technologies; develop protocols for safe storage of renewable and alternative energy products with the potential to leak, ignite or explode, such as biodiesel, hydrogen, and/or compressed air.

The City will allow renewable energy projects in areas zoned for open space, where consistent with the Open Space element, and other uses and values.

The City will require that new office/retail/commercial or industrial development, or major rehabilitation (e.g., additions of 25,000 square feet commercial, or 100,000 square feet industrial) incorporate renewable energy generation either on- or off-site to provide 15% or more of the project’s energy needs.

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The City will promote and encourage co-generation projects for commercial and industrial facilities, provided they meet all applicable air quality standards and provide a net reduction in GREENHOUSE GAS emissions associated with energy production.

The City will promote and support green utilities, and will evaluate the creation of a locally or regionally owned green utility, perhaps in coordination with other regional strategies.

The City will require that, where feasible, all new buildings be constructed to allow for easy, cost-effective installation of solar energy systems in the future, using “solar-ready” features as: designing the building to include optimal roof orientation (between 20 to 55 degrees from the horizontal), with sufficient south-sloped roof surface; clear access without obstructions (chimneys, heating and plumbing vents, etc.) on the south sloped roof; designing the roof framing to support the addition of solar panels; installation of electrical conduit to accept solar electric system wiring; installation of plumbing to support a solar hot water system and provision of space for a solar hot water storage tank.

The City will require that residential projects of 6 units or more participate in the California Energy Commission’s New Solar Homes Partnership, which provides rebates to developers who offer solar power in at least 50% of new units, or a program with similar provisions.

The City will require that any building constructed in whole or in part with City funds incorporate passive solar design features, such as daylighting and passive solar heating, where feasible.

The City will protect active and passive solar design elements and systems from shading by neighboring structures and trees, as consistent with existing tree shading requirements including The Solar Shade Control Act (Gov. Code §§ 25980 et seq.) as amended from time to time.

The City will provide, where possible, grants, rebates, and incentives for renewable energy projects, including reduced fees and expedited permit processing.

The City will provide, where feasible, creative financing for renewable energy projects, including subsidized or other low-interest loans, and the option to pay for system installation through long-term assessments on individual property tax bills.

The City will pursue partnerships with other governmental entities and with private companies and utilities to establish incentive programs for renewable energy.

The City will establish and maintain a clearinghouse of information on available funding alternatives for renewable energy projects, rates of return, and other information to support developers and community members interested in pursuing renewable energy projects.

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The City will establish targets for the purchase of renewable energy, in excess of the state Renewable Portfolio Standards, using such mechanisms as green tags or renewable energy certificates.

The City will evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of using Community Choice Aggregation as a model for providing renewable energy to meet the community’s electricity needs, including potential partnerships with other jurisdictions.

Agency/Department:

Community Development Department

Public Works Department

Goal 16

Reduce greenhouse gas emissions from municipal facilities and operations, and by purchasing goods and services that embody or create fewer greenhouse gas emissions.

Implementation Program: The City will prepare and implement a comprehensive plan to improve energy efficiency of municipal facilities, which may include: conduct energy audits for all municipal facilities; retrofit facilities for energy efficiency where feasible and when remodeling or replacing components, including increased insulation, installing green or reflective roofs and lowemissive window glass; implement an energy tracking and management system; install energyefficient exit signs, street signs, and traffic lighting; install energy-efficient lighting retrofits and occupancy sensors, and institute a “lights out at night” policy; retrofit heating and cooling systems to optimize efficiency (e.g., replace chillers, boilers, fans, pumps, belts, etc.); install Energy Star® appliances and energy-efficient vending machines; improve efficiency of water pumping and use at municipal facilities, including a schedule to replace or retrofit system components with high-efficiency units (i.e., ultra-low-flow toilets, fixtures, etc.); provide chilled, filtered water at water fountains and taps in lieu of bottled water; install a central irrigation control system and time its operation for off-peak use; adopt an accelerated replacement schedule for energy inefficient systems and components.

The City will require that any newly constructed, purchased, or leased municipal space meet minimum standards as appropriate, such as: requirements for new commercial buildings to meet LEED criteria established by the U.S. Green Building Council; requirements for new residential buildings to meet criteria of the Energy Star® New Homes Program established by U.S. EPA; incorporation of passive solar design features in new buildings, including daylighting and passive solar heating; retrofitting of existing buildings to meet standards under Title 24 of the California Building Energy Code, or to achieve a higher performance standard as established by the City; retrofitting of existing buildings to decrease heat gain from non-roof impervious surfaces with cool paving, landscaping, and other techniques.

The City will ensure that staff receives appropriate training and support to implement objectives and policies to reduce GREENHOUSE GAS emissions, including: provide energy efficiency training to design, engineering, building operations, and maintenance staff; provide

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information on energy use and management, including data from the tracking and management system, to managers and others making decisions that influence energy use; provide energy design review services to departments undertaking new construction or renovation projects, to facilitate compliance with LEED standards.

The City will establish a replacement policy and schedule to replace fleet vehicles and equipment with the most fuel-efficient vehicles practical, including gasoline hybrid and alternative fuel or electric models.

Install outdoor electrical outlets on buildings to support the use of electric lawn and garden equipment, and other tools that would otherwise be run with small gas engines or portable generators.

The City will encourage reduce vehicle trips by employees, by, for example: providing incentives and infrastructure for vanpooling and carpooling, such as pool vehicles, preferred parking, and a website or bulletin board to facilitate ride-sharing; if financially feasible, providing subsidized passes for mass transit; offering compressed work hours, off-peak work hours, and telecommuting, where appropriate; offer a guaranteed ride home for employees who use alternative modes of transportation to commute.

The City will promote and support the use of bicycles as transportation, by, for example: providing bicycle stations where secure, covered parking, changing areas with storage lockers and showers, as well as a central facility where minor repairs can be made; providing bicycles, including electric bikes, for employees to use for short trips during business hours; consider implementing a police-on-bicycles program; providing a bicycle safety program, and information about safe routes to work.

The City will study and implement, if feasible, a Parking Management Program to discourage private vehicle use, including: encouraging carpools and vanpools with preferential parking and a reduced parking fee; institute a parking cash-out program; renegotiate employee contracts, where possible, to eliminate parking subsidies; install on-street parking meters with fee structures designed to discourage private vehicle use; establish a parking fee for all singleoccupant vehicles.

Municipal employment and service facilities shall be located on major transit corridors, unless their use is plainly incompatible with other uses located along major transit corridors.

The City will design and implement peak load management and demand response programs for water pollution control, supply and treatment, and distribution, including interface with existing automated systems for building energy management and SCADA systems.

The City will install renewable energy systems at its facilities where feasible, including: solar collection systems on municipal roofs; solar water heating for municipal pools; waste-to-energy systems at waste handling operations.

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The City will conduct a comprehensive inventory and analysis of the urban forest, and coordinate tree maintenance responsibilities with all responsible departments, consistent with best management practices.

The City will evaluate existing landscaping and options to convert reflective and impervious surfaces to landscaping, and will install or replace vegetation with drought-tolerant, lowmaintenance native species or edible landscaping that can also provide shade and reduce heatisland effects.

The City will adopt purchasing practices and standards to support reductions in GREENHOUSE GAS emissions, including preferences for energy-efficient office equipment, and the use of recycled materials and manufacturers that have implemented green management practices. The City will establish bidding standards and contracting practices that encourage GREENHOUSE GAS emissions reductions, including preferences or points for the use of low or zero emission vehicles and equipment, recycled materials, and provider implementation of other green management practices.

Agency/Department:

Community Development Department Public Works Department City Manager

Goal 17

Increase public awareness of climate change and climate protection challenges, and support community reductions of greenhouse gas emissions through coordinated, creative public education and outreach, and recognition of achievements.

Implementation Program: The City will use a variety of available media and methods to promote climate awareness and greenhouse gas reduction, such as: TV and radio spots with local celebrities and community leaders; advertising “Green Tips� in the local paper; collaborating with utilities, business associations, civic groups, and non-profits to place tips and articles in billing materials or newsletters; designing and maintaining an interactive Climate Protection website and collaborating with other organizations to link to the website.

The City will coordinate with other agencies and outreach efforts to align messages on topics such as: energy efficiency and conservation, and green energy; trip reduction, public transit, carpooling, vanpooling, and alternative modes of transportation; green building and energyefficient design; waste reduction, recycling, and composting; water conservation and waterefficient design and products; the benefits of buying local, and information about locally grown, prepared, and manufactured goods and local services.

The City will collaborate with local energy suppliers and distributors to establish energy conservation programs, Energy StarÂŽ appliance change-out programs, rebates, vouchers, and

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other incentives to install energy-efficient technology and products and to cooperate on advertising.

The City will work with local community groups and downtown business associations to organize and publicize walking tours and bicycle events, and to encourage pedestrian and bicycle modes of transportation The City will encourage participation in regional workshops on waste reduction activities for the home or business, such as backyard composting, or office paper recycling, and will schedule recycling drop-off events and neighborhood chipping/mulching days.

The City will encourage participation in workshops on water conservation activities, such as selecting and planting drought-tolerant, native plants in landscaping, and installing advanced irrigation systems.

Agency/Department:

City Manager Community Development Department

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