El Monte Valley Rural Preservation Master Plan

El Monte Valley Rural Preservation Master Plan

Group 1 - Jason Bingham • Zach Bowers • Jonathan Harnish • Whitney Redfield • Erik Rowan • Tyler Sprague Group A - Melissa Butler • Cici Koenig • Flor Mota • Roger Ridlehoover • Edwin Shin LA 303 • Dr. Susan Mulley • Spring 2013 California State Polytechnic University, Pomona • Department of Landscape Architecture • June 14th, 2013

Executive Summary 2

EL MONTE VALLEY RURAL PRESERVATION MASTER PLAN

Executive Summary The initial phase of creating a vision plan for El Monte Valley entailed collecting an inventory of information and data concerning the Valley itself as well as the surrounding regional areas.

The purpose of this inventory is both to fully review and understand the biophysical and sociocultural aspects of the El Monte Valley, but also to assemble the informational, “raw material,” for planning and design phases.

The inventory collected relates to eleven main categories of information: Biophysical

1. Geomorphology

2. Topography

3. Climate

4. Hydrology

5. Soils

6. Vegetation

7. Wildlife Sociocultural

8. History

9. Demographics

10. Land Use

11. Policy

Program data gathered from stakeholders, users, and neighbors of the El Monte Valley helps inform design decisions.

Methods of program data collection were accomplished in three different ways:

1. In-Person Interviews 2. Informal “Walkabout” Interviews 3. Online Survey

From this data that was collected, a Program List & Compatibility Matrix was complied to further define best use.

A comprehensive analysis has been determined based on the inventory and program data that has been compiled.

The analysis has been broken down into four separate categories:

1.

2.

3.

4.

Landscape Units Capability & Suitability Opportunities Constraints

By focusing on these four categories, appropriate design elements can be drafted that best fits the needs of the people and El Monte Valley.

INVENTORY • PROGRAM • ANALYSIS • DESIGN

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Table of Contents 4

EL MONTE VALLEY RURAL PRESERVATION MASTER PLAN

Inventory

Program

Biophysical

8

Geomorphology Topography

10 18

Climate Hydrology

24 30

Soils

38

Vegetation Wildlife

44 50

Sociocultural

56

History

58

Demographics Land Use Policy

64 68 72

Elevation, Slope and Aspect

Historic Flow of San Diego River Current River Flow Water Availability Water Quality Agricultural Value Extractive Value Valley Fever

Multiple Species Conservation Program Wildlife Linkages Invasive Wildlife Species

Kumeyaay, Spanish & Mexican Eras Agriculture in El Monte Valley Fire

Land Use Policy Water and Environment Policy

In-Person Interviews

78

Informal “Walkabout” Interviews Surveys

84 88

Ennis Sand Mine Van Ommering Dairy Farm Helix Water District

Survey Money Results

Analysis Landscape Units Capability & Suitability Opportunities Constraints

94 98 102 106

Design Goal Issues & Objectives Description & Implications Individual Designs Significance

111 112 116 120 122

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DESIGN 6

EL MONTE VALLEY RURAL PRESERVATION MASTER PLAN

Summary The future of El Monte Valley and its inhabitants requires setting a specific and achievable goal as well as clearly defining the issues and objectives. These requirements can be addressed using the information gathered in the inventory, program and analysis sections.

Goal The goal of this vision plan is to retain the character of El Monte Valley while enhancing the local economy, habitat, and human health.

The vision plan has been broken down into these four categories:

1. Issues & Objectives 2. Master Plan Description & Implications 3. Individual Designs 4. Significance

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DESIGN 7

Issues & Objectives 8

EL MONTE VALLEY RURAL PRESERVATION MASTER PLAN

INVENTORY • PROGRAM • ANALYSIS •

DESIGN 9

Issues & Objectives

Issues & Objectives Character Rural areas are often threatened with unwanted development and caught in a delicate balancing act between the economy, the environment and culture. This presents a unique set of challenges for a place like the El Monte Valley.

Issues 1. Suburban and industrial development poses a threat to the integrity of the El Monte Valley’s rural character.

2. A large portion of El Monte Valley is subject to potential subdivision.

3. Traditional industrial and suburban development is incompatible with the peaceful, rural lifestyle that characterizes the El Monte Valley.

Objectives 1. Allows suitable rural-style development in contained areas, while maintaining open space, agriculture and sensitive ecological habitat.

2. Create spaces that can be used for community gatherings and event organizing.

3. Provide programs that incentivize rural preservation on the residential level.

4. Maintain a rural architectural style for all buildings and design elements.

5. Allow for limited development that minimizes disruption to the present character of the Valley.

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EL MONTE VALLEY RURAL PRESERVATION MASTER PLAN

Economy The El Monte Valley possesses a certain rural character that when exposed to increasing economic development may be lost forever. By encouraging economic growth that stays consistent with the current feel of the valley that rural character can be preserved.

Issues 1. The risk of encroaching residential development and potential sand mining operations threaten the rural character of the valley.

2. The road infrastructure within the valley is not adequate for increased vehicular traffic.

3. Biophysical characteristics of the valley, especially fire pose a potential threat to economic development.

Objectives 1. Encouraging smart growth in localized areas to promote economic development and ensure the character of the valley and environment.

2. Overhaul the existing road infrastructure to accommodate increasing vehicular and pedestrian traffic due to the new economic development.

3. Controlling the economic development as it integrates into the valley allows for planning and foresight to ensure that things like fire risk are minimized.

Part of maintaining the rural character of the El Monte Valley is through the preservation of its dynamic yet threatened habitat. Several contributing factors make this a challenge; however, addressing certain key issues can pave the way for an effective long-term habitat management system.

Issues 1. Invasive species such as tree tobacco and tamarisk have taken over areas of the valley preventing native species from flourishing.

2. Lead shot presents a viable danger to bird populations.

3. Wildfires are a significant threat to various kinds of habitat found in the valley.

4. Uncontrolled development also poses a threat to habitat within the valley.

Objectives 1. Restoring native habitat begins with the removal of invasive species which are preventing native plants from getting the resources they need to survive.

2. Effectively limiting the use of lead-based ammunition in the valley can greatly reduce the threat of lead shot in bird population.

3. Limit vegetation growth in areas classified as highly susceptible to wildfires and near development can curb the spread of fire and protect areas of high importance.

Health The health and well-being of El Monte Valley residents and visitors is a vital component of the future success of the area. If the valley is not seen as a safe and inviting environment any tourism and development will have difficulty taking hold.

Issues 1. Wildfires are risk to the residents of El Monte Valley.

2. Conditions are ideal for promoting valley fever.

3. Access is dangerous due to inferior road conditions.

Objectives 1. Wildfires are an unfortunate part of our landscape in Southern California and unless properly planned for can be detrimental to a community. To ensure a safe environment the valley needs a fire evacuation plan to implement in case of a wildfire.

2. A public awareness campaign explaining the dangers of valley fever and making known the symptoms and signs of the infection could better educate residents and visitors of the valley. If the information on valley fever is readily available symptoms can be identified and fewer cases will go untreated.

3. As the population of visitors and residents continues to grow the road infrastructure is less and less suitable for handling the increase of traffic. Improvements for the roads can aid in higher volumes and allow for safer travel throughout the valley.

4. Development must be carefully monitored to ensure that vital habitat is not being destroyed in the process.

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(Redfield 2013)

Habitat

DESIGN 11

Description & Implications 12

EL MONTE VALLEY RURAL PRESERVATION MASTER PLAN

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Description & Implications 14

Description & Implications Rural areas are often threatened by unwanted development and caught in a delicate balancing act between the economy, the environment and culture. This presents a unique set of challenges for a place like the El Monte Valley (EMV). The valley possesses a certain rural character that when exposed to increasing economic development may be lost forever. Rural character can be preserved by encouraging economic growth consistent with the current nature of the valley. Part of maintaining the rural character of the El Monte Valley is through the preservation of its dynamic yet threatened habitat.

Several contributing factors make this a challenge; however, addressing certain key issues can pave the way for an effective long-term habitat management system.

The health and well-being of El Monte Valley residents and visitors is also a vital component of the future success of the area. If the valley is not seen as a safe and inviting environment, then any tourism and development will have difficulty taking hold.

Sound rural development practices are essential to curbing the sort of suburban sprawl that the EMV is faced with.

The underlying issue in terms of rural development is the fact that a large portion of the valley is subject to potential subdivision. This is attributed to the fact that the EMV is unincorporated and does not have direct control over the planning, zoning and municipal tools and programs that are typically referred to and relied upon by incorporated towns and cities. To maintain rural character, it is important to develop a comprehensive Masterplan that captures the essence of stakeholders’ collective vision for the valley and also amends zoning districts and permitted land uses. Residents of the EMV may also want to form a committee to represent them on the San Diego County Planning Board, consider incorporating with a local municipality, or establish the EMV as an independent municipality. A transfer of development

EL MONTE VALLEY RURAL PRESERVATION MASTER PLAN

rights (TDR) program is another option, where the either the EMV, a local municipal partner, or the County of San Diego sets aside sensitive lands as “sending areas,” the owners of which can sell credits to developers who can use those credits to build more than originally allowed in a designated growth area. The EMV can also implement a purchase of development rights (PDR) program, where a governing body appraises the value of the development rights on a parcel and then purchases a conservation easement that either prohibits development or allows it at a lower density.

Economic development is another key component of successful placemaking in the EMV. Currently, all of the tax revenue in the EMV is being collected by the County of San Diego, rather than being used to benefit the valley. However, incorporation of the EMV would mean higher taxes for residents and limits on subdivision capabilities, which may compromise the future livelihoods of affected residents. To mitigate the negative effects associated with the EMV being unincorporated, a viable option may be to sign an intergovernmental agreement with towns in the region to share tax revenues from unincorporated commercial development. Also, San Diego County could abate taxes in the designated growth area (noted on the Masterplan) to incentivize the purchase of development credits from EMV residents by developers (SD County must be confident that development in the EMV will bring them a future financial return in tax revenue). A step further than that could be a scenario where SD County still provides tax relief for developers targeting the designated growth area, but the EMV/local partnering municipality collects taxes at the normal rate so that the money could be allocated to a PDR program, habitat creation or public improvements. Establishing an “agricultural workplace” zone is also another important aspect of the Masterplan, as it allows for economic

developmental activities associated with agritourism to take place within the EMV. Similarly, the designated growth area should be zoned to permit lodging and commercial uses to accommodate visitors interested in agritourism and nature tourism.

The integrity of the EMV’s natural areas is also a major component of preserving rural character. While the valley does currently provide prime ecological habitat for wildlife on the slopes, the floodplain has experienced disturbance due to development. It must be noted that while the steep slopes remain relatively pristine and intact, they are prone to erosion which leads to sedimentation in the river and the destruction of riparian habitat. Exotic invasive species also threaten the vitality of the valley’s ecosystematic processes. To deal with these issues, it is advised to develop a resource protection plan that maps areas to protect and determines boundaries for protection areas. Furthermore, the EMV should enact protective regulations such as restrictions from building on steep slopes and development setbacks from streams, wetlands, and waterbodies. In regard to the riverbed, the EMV River Park plan should be referred to so that riparian habitat can be restored and invasive species can be removed. It will also be beneficial to work with local land trusts to help secure conservation easements, provide technical assistance and explain to potential donors the process and the benefits they might realize from pursuing a conservation easement.

addition to the various ecological benefits of these projects, they are geared toward protecting the health, safety, welfare and morals of the public. For example, the Van Ommering constructed wetland is designed to mitigate the groundwater contamination that currently takes place and threatens the physical health of residents drinking well water. The campground at Hanson Pond is a place to relax, adventure and enjoy the natural beauty of the valley, and learn about the natural environment of Southern California. The new signage and statues define the entrance and reinforces a sense of place within the community’s otherwise loosely defined boundaries. The farmer’s market acts as common gathering grounds where people can socialize and buy locally sourced goods. The hiking trail system caters to diverse users and offers expansive views of the valley and surrounding mountains.

The planning and zoning recommendations coupled with the various individual designs provide a starting point and act as a resource that can be referred to by residents and associated organizations to give stakeholders of the EMV a level of control of their collective vision for their place.

(Redfield 2013)

All of the aforementioned techniques and approaches to rural Masterplanning are aligned with the overarching goal to enhance the human experience of the valley by preserving its rural character. The mental and physical well-being of those who reside in the valley, as well as those who visit, is the foundation of this Masterplan, which is reflected in more specific site designs. In

INVENTORY • PROGRAM • ANALYSIS •

DESIGN 15

Individual Designs 16

EL MONTE VALLEY RURAL PRESERVATION MASTER PLAN

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DESIGN 17

Significance 18

EL MONTE VALLEY RURAL PRESERVATION MASTER PLAN

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Significance

Significance Many rural communities across the United States find themselves struggling to maintain their rural character while strengthening their economies. As urban consumes rural places located on the fringes of metropolitan areas, those that reside in these places experience the deterioration of their agricultural lands, natural areas, open spaces and rural culture. The EMV is currently faced with a similar situation, as they explore opportunities to manage this growth while remaining fiscally and environmentally responsible as they look to the future. Developing growth management policies that align with the collective vision of the EMV as a community is, however, not an easy task.

Fortunately, guidelines for dealing with population growth and metropolitan sprawl have been developed as a result of the emerging rural smart growth movement.

Strategies like those discussed in this Masterplan have been implemented throughout the United States and have relevancy to the EMV’s situation. Unincorporated areas such as the EMV tend to have fewer financial, technical and staff resources than incorporated cities and most towns, and therefore experience more difficulty in organizing an effort to reach the level of the prosperity they seek.

The El Monte Valley is presented with an opportunity to organize as a community so that they may realize and outline a future for their place. Land use controls operate at the local level, and this Masterplan should be reffered to as a resource that can be referred to as a starting point for the EMV to evolve into the self-sustaining entity that they aspire to be. With planning and zoning controls that support their vision, the EMV can flourish and improve the quality of life for its residents, attract and support businesses, and provide new opportunities while protecting the way of life it cherishes.

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EL MONTE VALLEY RURAL PRESERVATION MASTER PLAN

(Redfield 2013) INVENTORY • PROGRAM • ANALYSIS •

DESIGN 21