Greenhouse Gases and AB 32. Pacifica is currently addressing the issue of climate change in the General Plan Update. In late 2009 the City Council established a Climate Action Plan Task Force which will convene in early 2010. The task force will represent a broad cross section of Pacifica businesses and residents, non-governmental agencies, and community groups. The task force will work with planning department staff to recommend specific climate action plan measures that meet GHG reduction targets and goals Recommendations the Council approves will become the Climate Action Plan Element of the General Plan. The General Plan Update process entails ongoing public outreach and participation through the local media, City web site, and other sources.
Pacifica completed an ICLEI GHG inventory and is assessing the results of the inventory now. ICLEI found that the solid waste and water treatment facilities contributed almost two thirds of the GHG emissions from City operations.
Green Building. The City formed a Green Building Task Force in late 2007 to identify guidelines for green building projects in Pacifica. This task force has drafted a green building ordinance that is currently under final review.. Agencies with green building and energy efficiency programs have brochures, checklists and contact information available at city offices for building permit applicants and other interested members of the public.
Green Business. Pacifica has been participating in the San Mateo County Green Business Program for several years and planning department staff plays a liaison role between county program coordinators and Pacifica business owners who show an interest in becoming a qualified Green Business. The City Council has approved a styrofoam ban ordinance which applies to food establishments and municipal buildings.
Outreach and Community Education. The City works closely with local schools to further the environmental education of children on topics such as pollution prevention, habitat protection and ecology. The Parks Beaches and Recreation Department implemented summer programs and after school / day care programs with environmental education elements that have proven to be very successful. The City continues to work with local non-profits to help support and coordinate pollution prevention efforts, including beach and creek clean ups, beach plantings of native species, invasive species removal workshops and education and outreach.
Park, Beaches and Recreation Staff coordinates the annual bike to work day event and conducts outreach to educate citizens on the benefits of bicycle travel. Pacifica has actively participated in Bike to Work Day in collaboration with Peninsula Traffic Congestion Relief Alliance and 511.org. The Peninsula Traffic Congestion Relief Alliance has come to events in Pacifica to pass out gas cards, commuter info and incentives.
Water Conservation. A stormwater ordinance consistent with the newly adopted MRP (Municipal Regional Permit) is under review now and has the purpose of implementing federal and state NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System), Clean Water Act and Porter Cologne legislation locally with a specific focus on riparian corridors and protection of natural and constructed waterways and watersheds. Pacifica‘s Palmetto Streetscape project will include construction of a reclaimed water system for irrigation of plants and planter boxes. This infrastructure will be constructed when the San Francisco PUC and NCCWD reclaimed water project at the Sharp Park Golf Course is complete.
Pacifica is reviewing the BAWSCA outdoor landscape water efficiency ordinance currently to assess the most productive and streamlined manner to meet water conservation goals as described in the California Water Conservation in Landscaping Act City staff are working with North Coast County District staff to see that the steps taken regarding water conservation are consistent with the needs of the district and the rate payers.
Green Jobs. Through Golden Gate National Recreation Area Liaison Committee, Pacifica has supported the restoration of Mori Point, which will move into the final phase of construction. The plan includes building a boardwalk for additional protection of endangered species in the area of the Frog Ponds. This project has stimulated green employment opportunities locally and is funded via the Federal Stimulus program.
Other The City has been focused on preserving open space and sensitive habitat for many years. Public Projects including the San Pedro Creek Flood Control and Creek Mouth Restoration Project, Dune Habitat Restoration at Pacifica State Beach, Calera Creek Restoration and Police Station Wetlands Restoration all resulted in the betterment of endangered species habitat and helps to meet water pollution prevention goals.
As part of this effort, Pacifica works cooperatively with multiple regulatory agencies and grant agencies to develop a comprehensive trail system that caters to bicyclists, walkers, runners, skateboarders and is ADA compliant. The City continues to work on the trail master plan project which is focused on identifying gaps within the existing trail system and ensuring that the entire system is interconnected and also connects to other coastal trailheads.
