HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010 04-13 CC CDC ADJ AGENDA PKTi
AGENDA OF AN ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING -
NATIONAL CITY CITY COUNCIL/COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF NATIONAL CITY
JOINT MEETING WITH THE NATIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
CIVIC CENTER
1243 NATIONALCITY BOULEVARD
NATIONAL CITY, CALIFORNIA
TUESDAY, APRIL 13, 2010 - 6:00 P.M.
Open To The Public
Please complete a request to speak form prior to the commencement of the meeting and
submit it to the City Clerk.
It is the intention of your City Council and Community Development Commission (CDC) to be
receptive to your concerns in this community. Your participation in local government will assure
a responsible and efficient City of National City. We invite you to bring to the attention of the
City Manager/Executive Director any matter that you desire the City Council or Community
Development Commission Board to consider. We thank you for your presence and wish you to
know that we appreciate your involvement.
ROLL CALL
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by Mayor Ron Morrison
Public Oral Communications (Three -Minute Time Limit)
NOTE: Pursuant to state law, items requiring Council or Community Development Commission action must be
brought back on a subsequent Council or Community Development Commission Agenda unless they are of a
demonstrated emergency or urgent nature.
Upon request, this agenda can be made available in appropriate alternative formats to persons with a disability in
compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Please contact the City Clerk's Office at (619) 336-4228 to
request a disability -related modification or accommodation. Notification 24-hours prior to the meeting will enable
the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting.
Spanish audio interpretation is provided during Council and Community Development Commission
Meetings. Audio headphones are available in the lobby at the beginning of the meetings.
Audio interpretacion en espaiiol se proporciona durante sesiones del Consejo Municipal. Los audiofonos
estan disponibles en el pasillo al principio de la junta.
Council Requests That All Cell Phones
and Pagers Be Turned Off During City Council Meeting
COPIES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MEETING AGENDAS AND MINUTES MAY BE
OBTAINED THROUGH OUR WEBSITE AT www.nationalcityca.qov
CITY COUNCIL/COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION AGENDA
4-13-2010 - Page 2
JOINT MEETING WITH THE NATIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
1. Introduction and history between the National School District and the City
(Christopher Oram, Ed.D. and Chris Zapata).
2. Partnership presentation between the National School District and the City (Leslie
Deese and Cindy Frazee).
3. Finance presentation between the National School District and the City (Chris
Carson and Jeanette Ladrido).
4. Environmental/land use presentation between the National School District and the
City (Katie Filzenger and Brad Raulston).
5. General Plan Update
a. Education Element
b. Open Space and Agriculture Element
c. Conservation and Sustainability Element
• Green Policies
6. City Council and National School District Board discussion and direction
ADJOURNMENT
Next Regular City Council/CDC Meeting - Tuesday, April 20, 2010, 6:00 p.m.,
Council Chambers, Civic Center
Upon request, this agenda can be made available in appropriate alternative formats to persons with a
disability in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Please contact the City Clerk's Office at
336-4228 to request a disability -related modification or accommodation. Notification 24 hours prior to the
meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting.
Council Requests That All Cell Phones
and Pagers Be Turned Off During City Council Meeting
COPIES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MEETING AGENDAS AND MINUTES MAY
BE OBTAINED THROUGH OUR WEBSITE AT www.nationalcitvca.qov
JOINT MEETING WITH THE NATIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
1. Introduction and history between the National School District and the City
NO ATTACHMENT
2. Partnership presentation between the National School District and the City
NO ATTACHMENT
3. Finance presentation between the National School District and the City
NO ATTACHMENT
4. Environmental/land use presentation between the National School District
and the City - NO ATTACHMENT
JOINT MEETING WITH THE NATIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
5. General Plan Update
a. Education Element
b. Open Space and Agricultural Element
c. Conservation and Sustainability Element
• Green Policies
Part Three: General Plan Elements - Education f
Life Long Learning
- The voluntary,
self -motivated
pursuit of
knowledge for
personal or .
professional
reasons. Life long
learning
opportunities
come in many
forms ranging
from the informal
informational
plaque explaining
the habitat types
found along a
recreational trail
to a formal
classroom setting
at a community
college.
Education
A. Introduction
Schools are an important part of thy; National City
community. They educate our. children, host Peighborhood
events, and provide o en spice for play. National City's
public schools are adni nistered by the National City School
District. National City has aligned its neighborhood
boundaries with National Schoi,,,District's elementary school
attendance "boundaries so as to emphasize schools as
important fooa# points within 'neighborhoods. These
neighborhood: boundaries ,are also important in organizing
citizen participation, efforts bybecoming the basis for the
Neighborhood Action Plans, -presented in Part Five of this
General Plan.
The City of National City recognizes that improving
educational opporwnities for people of all ages is critical to
nhancing
quality of life and contributes to developing an
active and informed citizenry. It addresses day care, after
schoo(,;library, occupational training, and formal and informal
life long`' learning programs in addition to community
participation. Although school districts are separate political
jurisdictions from the City, the City's actions can have a
`profound impact on the ability of schools to provide a
;:'quality educational environment. Therefore, opportunities to
collaborate and partner with school districts are also
identified.
The education element is not a state -mandated element.
The authorization for this optional element is contained
within Section 65303 of the State of California Government
Code, which authorizes local jurisdictions to adopt additional
elements beyond the mandatory elements.
City of National City 3-1
Part Three: General Plan Elements - Educations
B. Existing Setting
EDUCATION STATISTICS
National City has historically lower educational achievement
levels than San Diego County and the nation in terms of
educational achievement. Table E-1 identifies that for the
population 25 years and over, a larger percentage of
National City residents did not complete high school as
compared to residents of San Diego County and the United
States. In addition, a much smaller percentage of National
City residents have earned a Bachelor's Degree or higher as
compared to residents of San Diego County and the United
States.
TABLEE--1
Comparison of Educational Achievement
United States, San Diego County, and National City
Highest Level of Education Achieved
United
States
San Diego
County
National
City
Less than 9th Grade :-:
-: 6.4%
`:_7.3%
20.4%
9th to 12th Grade, No Diploma
1 %
7.5%
13.7%
High School Diploma or GED
29 6%„..;
20.4%
26.2%
Some College, No Degree
20 1 %
22.9%
19.6%
Associate's Degree
7.4%
8.1%
7.0%
Bachelor's Deger'eie:
17.3%
21.1%
10.5%
Graduate or Professional Degree
10.1 %
12.7%
2.5%
Total
'' 100%
100%
1 00%
Source0.S Can's
Years end Over.
f06-2008 American Community Survey. Educational Attainment for the Population 25
SCHOOLS'
Tree school districts serve the planning area. Sweetwater
;;Union High School District operates Granger Junior High,
National City Middle School, Sweetwater High School, and
the National City Adult School. National School District
operates the ten public elementary schools:
• Rancho de la Nacion;
• El Toyon;
• Ira Harbison;
• Palmer Way;
• Central;
• Las Palmas;
• Lincoln Acres;
Adopted
3-2 National City General Plan
Part Three: General Plan Elements - Education
Charter School -
A public school
usually created or
organized by a
group of teachers,
parents and
community
leaders or a
community -based
organization, and
is usually
sponsored by an
existing local
public school
board or county
board of
education.
Specific goals and
operating
procedures for
the charter school
are detailed in an
agreement (or
"charter")
between the
sponsoring board
and charter
organizers. A
charter school is
generally exempt
from most laws
governing school
districts, except
where specifically
noted in the law.
(California
Department of
Education)
• John Otis;
• Kimball; and
• Olivewood.
The southeastern portion of the planning area is located in
the Chula Vista Elementary School District and is served by
Valley Vista School.
National City contains one charter school, Integrity Charter,
which is a K-7 school that operates with its own board of
directors independent of the National School District
board'.
The County Office of Education operates. the South Region
Community Day Schools, "which are juvenile court and
community schools that serve grades seven through 12 and
provide an alternativepublic education program.,
Southwestern Community College has a campus within
National City. Southwestern, offers more than 285 associate
degree and_ certificate options in addition to a host of
noncredit courses designed to enhance personal and
professional development2.
In addition to these public:, schools, the planning area
contains four private schools: San Diego Academy, the San
Diego;; Christian Learning Center, Faithful Ambassadors Bible
Baptist Academy, and Southport Christian Academy, all of
which serve grades','K"through 12. The Southport Christian
cademy also includes pre-K instruction.
Figure E-1 identifies the locations of all of these schools
within the planning area.
FAMILY; RESOURCE CENTERS
National City contains four Family Resource Centers (FRCs),
operated by the National City Collaborative (NCC) and one
operated by Southwestern Community College. These FRCs
offer free health and social services to families in need. The
locations of the Family Resource Centers are illustrated on
Figure E-2.
1 Integrity Charter School. (2010). About us. Retrieved February 17, 2010, from:
http://www.integritycharterschool.net/Integrity_Charter_School/About_Us.htrni
2 Southwestern College. (2005). About SWC. Retrieved February 17 2010, from
http://www.swccd.edu/2ndLevel/index.asp7L1=1
City of National City 3-3
Part Three: General Plan Elements - Educations
The FRCs sponsor workshops on educational opportunities,
career development, health, housing and other family issues.
They are "one -stop" service operations that provide over 13
programs and partner services from more than 17 different
funding streams. The goal is to provide the kind of services
the community needs most, and the FRCs encourage
residents and families to give back to the community.
The FRCs provide such services as:
• Prevention Services that bring information and education
to the community, including adult education, after -school
tutoring, Spanish literacy, health education classes, TB
testing, immunization clinics, assistance with forms, as
well as advocacy.
• Crisis Intervention is provided for immediate intervention
services and referrals to families referred by the schools,
from other agencies,; and to those who seek: help on their
own. These services include counseling, care
coordination, rental assistance, referrals for shelters, and
emergency food. The FRG also intercedes on behalf of
resident -families regarding -income maintenance and
' MediCal issues.
• Care Coordination:; is a; team effort that provides service
for long-term wellness, .resolution of multiple needs and
,;case management. Care Coordinators serve individuals,
families with: children in school, and others. They take
into account the priorities of the family, and together
with the assigned coordinator initiate a plan that
addresses all pertinent concerns3.
gRARY
;The National City Public Library serves the community via its
facility located at 1401 National City Boulevard. The
facility, built in August 2005, houses a collection of over
!00,516 books, 16,500 video materials, and 5,600 audio
materials. State-of-the-art technology is available through
Wi-Fi access and a network of 120 public computers
offering Internet and email access, Microsoft Office, various
software applications, and subscription databases.
The library also offers several programs for children, teens,
and adults:
3 National City Collaborative Family Resource Centers. (n.d.). About NCC/FRC. Retrieved February 18, 2010, from
http://www.nucri.org/ncc/about.cfm.
Adopted
3-4 National City General Plan
Part Three: General Plan Elements - Education
Children and Family Programs
• WOWmobile Literacy Program. Funded by First 5
Commission of San Diego, the WOWmobile visits
preschools, Head Starts, apartment complexes, and
family resource centers to provide literacy classes,
workshops, family activities, and resources to parents of
young children 0 to 5 years of age, supporting children's
learning, behavior, and heath, as well as teaching parents
the best ways to make their children school ready.
• Teeny Tots. Children are introduced to early literacy
skills through music, movement and socialization.
• Family Kid Kraft (Seasonal) Step-by-step craft projects
designed for the entire family.
• Book Bingo. Win a bingo game and win,a free book.
• Passport Pals. Each" week children explore a different
country around the world and learn about its culture,
food, music, and craft.
• Letters Club (summer): Kids write letters to friends,
family, and celebrities,
• Kid-2-Kid. Kids have fun -reading stories to other kids.
• Summer Reading Program," An incentive based reading
program to promote reading during summer vacation.
• Family Story Time. Stories are read in English and
Spanish to the entire family.
Science Lab. Offers hands on science experiments for
second through sixth graders.
Chocolate Reading Club. Kids earn chocolate incentives
While reading their favorite book.
Color Time Corner. Kids enjoy organized color time with
seasonal color; sheets.
Drawing Club: Kids build on their literacy skills through
drawing activities.
Teen Programs
•" The library offers monthly programs focusing on
encouraging teens to express themselves.
Adult Programs
• Literacy Services. Structured program designed to help
adults improve their reading and writing skills. Learners
learn at their own pace, assisted by dedicated Volunteer
Tutors and self-taught online programs.
• Basic Computer Classes: Mouse/Keyboard, Word, Email,
Internet Searching. Offered on a weekly basis to provide
adults with basic computer skills.
• Weekend movies. For the whole family.
• Adult Crafts. Adults "make and take" a different craft
each month.
City of National City 3-5
Part Three: General Plan Elements - Education
• Get Together Series Programs. Offers different topics of
interest such as art of longevity, easy Tai-Chi,
medication, acupuncture, herbal medicine vs.
pharmaceutical drugs, etc.
• Spanish Programs. General public interest topics such as
shared housing, tenant rights, relationship dynamics,
etc.; Entertainment programs such as Spanish
(translated or dubbed) movies.
LIFE LONG LEARNING
In addition to the educational services provided by the
library, National City offers:; a variety of life long learning
opportunities. The City's Community Services Department is
a gateway for providing ieople of all ages, with information
regarding a wide variety of topics such as family planning,
wildfires, tsunami threats, and mental health.
National City's senior center offers disaster preparedness
and San Diego 211 presenttions. Information on San Diego
211 helps educate people oh a, variety of services available
to them in their community from food programs to
affordable housiii. services.
The .National "City library„ southwestern College, and the
Adult School provide adults' and seniors with educational
opportunities on 'a., range oftopics and at different academic
levels. All of these facilities offer convenient times that
tend to work around the schedule of the learner (i.e.
afternoon: and night -classes).
CHILD CARE
Quality child care and pre-school programs are extremely
important in shaping a child's early development. In many
households with children, both parents are working, which
requires families to use before- and after -school care. For
families with children under five, daycare is provided through
private sector organizations or family day care facilities, or
public agencies, such as Head Start.
There are five Head Start centers in National City that serve
the role of a child care facility and of a preschool, depending
on the age of the child. The Head Start centers provide a
computer in each classroom and allow time for the children
to use the computer. This activity helps introduce computer
skills to children of Tower -income and qualifying families.
Adopted
3-6 National City General Plan
Part Three: General Plan Elements - Educations -
WINGS is an after -school program for school -aged children
(until 6 pm) created through a partnership with the City and
the National School District. Over half of the District's
children participate in academic and recreational activities in
this program.
The City's Community Services Department offers two
programs: Kids Club and Tiny Tots. Kids Club is held at El
Toyon, Kimball, and Camacho Recreational Centers. This
after school service is free to children and allows children up
to 6th grade to participate. Limier this program, 15-20
children participate in different sports throughout the school
year. Tiny Tots is held at El Toyon Recreational Center. This
program offers similar activities to preschoolers at an
affordable cost to Nationaf City residents:' The two sessions
offered during the dad provide service to approximately 40
children, ages four to five.
The National City Boys andGirl's Club is another leader in
providing after school programs for children ages six
through 18.. There are roughly 500 children that attend this
club during the, school year At the Boys & Girls Club,
children have' access. to games, aetivties, recreational uses,
academic help, and approximately.25 computers.
Ile YMCA Childcare Resource' Service center is also available
o tEe entire community. It provides referrals to child care
service and information related to child care in both English
and Spanish
h addition to these public child care programs, there are
approximately 25 private family dare care facilities within
National City.
OMMUNICATION & COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION
Much of the information regarding what is occurring within
the City is provided through the City's website. Although
children have access to computers at school, there can be
obstacles for children and adults to access computers at
home due to costs and a lack of computer literacy on behalf
of parents. For those who do not have a home computer or
Internet access, there are several free wi-fi hotspots in
National City, including the National City Library and
Southwestern College. Several eateries also provide free or
fee -based wi-fi to their customers.
Another way that information is disseminated to the
community is through Neighborhood Councils. As of the
City of National City 3-7
Part Three: General Plan Elements - Education
writing of this General Plan, the seven neighborhood councils
are: Northside, Central, Granger, Eastside, Sweetwater
Heights, Old Town, and Olivewood. At the Neighborhood
Council meetings, community members can voice their
thoughts and discuss issues pertaining to their
neighborhood area. In addition, community members can ask
the City Council and City Departments (i.e. Police, Code
Enforcement, and Community Services) to make
presentations about subjects of interest and relevance to
the group. Neighborhood Councils help to increase
community participation in community planning.
National City has also made: an attempt to involve youth in
City decision -making processes. Two high school students
sit in on City Council meetings as youth representatives to
the community. At .the meetings they can comment on
agenda and non agenda items ;brought forth to City Council;
however, they cannot ;vote and,. are not allowed to attend
closed session meetings. ;; . Sweetwater High School's
principal selects the students from a pool of applicants after
having conducted a reviewsof their academic merits and
leadership skd{s�
TELECOMMUNICATIO
Compared to tra"ditional types of infrastructure such as
roads:. and water lines, planning for high-tech
telecommunications infrastructure is a relatively recent
phenomenon. Providing and supporting evolutions in
e)ectronic infrastructure including cellular facilities, fiber
-optics systertrs, :and wireless capability will provide a vital
framework for job and commercial growth, educational
opportunities and quality of life issues in National City. Cox
Communications and AT&T provide cable, phone and cable
internef`to the residents of National City.
Citywide Goals and Policies
Goal E-1: High quality schools and educational facilities
that meet the needs of all ages and serve as neighborhood
centers.
Policy E-1.1: Coordinate with local school districts during
review of applicable discretionary approvals to provide
adequate school facilities, meet the needs generated by
Adopted
3-8 National City General Plan
Part Three: General Plan Elements - Education "-"` -
development, and avoid school overcrowding, to the extent
feasible.
Policy E-1.2: Provide information on projected population
growth and development patterns to school districts to help
facilitate adequate school facilities.
Policy E-1.3: Work closely with school districts to help
identify:
• New approaches to accommodate student
enrollments, including alternative campus locations
and education programs
• School sites for new construction, if needed.
• Sources of funding for the expansion and
rehabilitation of facilities as needed.
• Needs for extra curricular, recreation, youth
educational and`informat on service programs.
• Corporate sponsorships and mentoring opportunities
to supplement school' program funding.
• How ::, school districts can better serve the
hb neigohoods in which schools are located, through
such measures, as joint use agreements for shared
access to park, recreational, maintenance, and library
facilities, and coordirfating on the design of school
grounds arid fields.
Policy E-1.4: Require that proposed land uses adjacent to a
school site be planned in such as manner as to maximize
cornpatibUitX between the uses.
Policy E-1.5: Work with school districts to promote
educaton,.programs such as tutoring, occupational training,
mentoring` and school readiness for pre-school aged
hildren.
:Why is This Important?
Schools are institutions that hold a community together,
and the performance of an area's public schools is an
important factor in successful economic development
efforts. The quality of a community's schools plays a
significant role in one's decision regarding whether or not to
relocate or open a business in that community'.
Northway, Wally. (2007). Public schools' importance in economic development growing. Mississippi Business Journal,
Retrieved February 19, 2010, from http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_ga5277/is_200706/ai_n21244995/.
City of National City
3-9
Part Three: General Plan Elements - Education t
ACCESS TO HIGHER LEARNING
Goal E-2: Greater opportunities for the City's residents to
attend colleges and universities.
Policy E-2.1: Support the Compact for Success Program at
San Diego State University that guarantees admission to
qualifying Sweetwater Union High School District (SUHSD)
seniors.
Policy E-2.2: Assist the School District in disseminating
information regarding financial aid, grants, and scholarship
opportunities to high school students and the general public.
Policy E-2.3: Encourage the School District to establish
scholarships for National City students funded through
charitable donations.
Policy E-2.4: Encourage, schools to raise community
awareness .that further education or vocational training
beyond high-school allows for a competitive advantage in
the job market and can lead to higher salaries.
Policy E-2.5: Encourager the School District to identify
;programs that urge at -risk ,;Children and youth to stay in
school.
Why is this Important?
Educational training beyond a high school diploma opens up
more job Opportunities. However, too many individuals pass
tifvf ,the opportunity to attend college each year because
they assume that they have neither the time nor the money
or a degree program. Finding ways around these barriers
end pr[viding information regarding flexible enrollment
;policies, innovative course delivery methods, and generous
financial aid packages allow nearly anyone to attend college.
CITYWIDE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT
Goal E-3: Learning opportunities are integrated into
aspects of everyday life.
Policy E-3.1: Identify opportunities to use public spaces
such as City Hall, fire stations, parks, trails, plazas, and
recreational facilities as places to inform the public about
natural habitats, National City's history, cultural arts, water
and energy conservation methods, public health, career
Adopted 3-10 National City General Plan
Part Three: General Plan Elements - Educations
opportunities, and other issues through static displays or
events.
Policy E-3.2: Investigate partnership opportunities with or
facilitate the efforts of non-profit and community
organizations and higher learning institutions to develop
education -based facilities such as museums, science
centers, libraries, cultural institutions, and community
gardens.
Policy E-3.3: Increase access to wireless internet
connections, computers, and other forms of communication
technology.
Policy E-3.4: Notify the public about the availability of family
resource centers and other organizations that provide life
long learning opportunities.
Why is this Important?
Life long learning opportunities contribute to personal
fulfillment- and development, social inclusion, active
citizenship and, employment. They also play a role in brain
health and longevity by providing mental stimulation.
CAREER TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT
Goal E-4: Increased job training opportunities.
Policy E 4 1 Work =with the Sweetwater Union High School
"District and' Southwestern Community College to identify
the ,fop training needs of local businesses, industries, and
government agencies and to develop programs and classes
that meet those needs.
Policy E-4.2: Explore funding opportunities to provide job
;training.
Policy E-4.3: Work with the National City Chamber of
Commerce to encourage employers to expand on -the -job -
training opportunities for their workers.
Policy E-4.4: Work with the National City Chamber of
. Commerce to target and recruit desirable employers to
locate within National City.
City of National City 3-1 1
Part Three: General Plan Elements - Education 1
Why is this Important?
Employers look for qualified and skilled workers. Promoting
job training programs in National City can help residents find
well -paying jobs.
LIBRARY
Goal E-5: A library system consisting of facilities and
programs that meets the needs of all residents.
Policy E-5.1: During the review of discretionary projects,
ensure that library facilities meet the needs generated by
new development.
Policy E-5.2: Identify sources of funding for they expansion of
library facilities, as needed.
Policy E-5.3: Work closely ,with school libraries to identify
needs for •public outreach programs, the development and
expansion of extra -curricular ,recreation and education
programs, and the provision of state-of-the-art information
services.
Policy E-5.4: Require that proposed land uses adjacent to a
library be planned in such as manner as to maximize
compatibility between the uses.
Work to establish satellite library facilities at
the, community parks.
Policy°E-5.6: Work with Southwestern College, Sweetwater
High School, and the elementary schools that serve National
City to establish joint -use agreements for pubic access to
school library facilities.
Why is this Important?
Technology has become an important part of libraries and
our society in general. Leaming to use technology through
using an electronic library catalog or coming to libraries to
practice using various software programs or learning to
search online databases are of tremendous value, especially
for those who cannot afford computers or the connectivity
costs associated with the Internet.
Adopted 3-12 National City General Plan
Part Three: General Plan Elements - Educations
CHILD CARE
Goal E-6: The availability of affordable, safe child care for
National City's residents.
Policy E-6.1: Encourage child care centers near schools,
major transit hubs, and close to employment centers, to
reduce commute trips and improve air quality.
Policy E-6.2: Streamline application procedures for small and
large family day care centers.
Policy E-6.3: Assess child dare demand created by new
development against avrrilabie community resources to
determine child care facility needs.
Policy E-6.4: Encourage the use;; of public facilities for child
care services; including collaboration between schools and
parks, faith based institutions, community centers, and
senior centers.
Policy E-6.5: Provide child care services at City -sponsored
events, when feasible,-;
Policy E-6.6: Work With Family Resource Centers, the County
of: San Diego and other relevant government and non-
governmental organizations to:
r ' Encourage tile,: expansion of child care options for
low-income residents such as Head Start and Early
Head Start."
Provide information to parents regarding how to
choose quality care for their children.
Support adequate training for child caregivers.
Why is this Important?
Because many parents work or attend school, they rely on
child care facilities to watch their children. High -quality child
care and early education can build a strong foundation for
young children's healthy development. Ensuring high quality
child care for low-income families is especially important
because parents who are preoccupied with a daily struggle
to ensure that their children have enough to eat and are
safe from harm may not have the resources, information, or
time they need to provide the stimulating experiences that
foster optimal brain developments.
s Hawley, Theresa. (2000). Starting Smart: How early experiences affect brain development. Zero to Three and the
Ounce of Prevention Fund. Retrieved February 19, 2010, from
ht t p://www.zerotot h re e. org /sit e/ DocSe rve r/st artingsm art.pd f? d ocID=242 2.
City of National City 3-13
Part Three: General Plan Elements - Education
COMMUNICATION AND COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION
Goal E-7: A sense of pride and investment in National City
fostered through the meaningful participation of all
segments of the community in the decision -making
process.
Policy E-7.1: Coordinate with faith -based and other non-
profit organizations, schools, the business community, local
media outlets, FRCs, and libraries; to' improve public outreach
efforts.
Policy E-7.2: Utilize the latest forms, of technology and
communication methods' to convey .both general and
detailed information Jo the public and provide additional
opportunities for feedback through new technologies for the
public to better identify issues, submit comments, and
exchange dialogue.
Policy E-7.3: Organize Community Councils and
Neighborhood; .Action Committees for the purpose of
involving community members in City decision -making and
implementation protases.
Policy E-7.4: Encourage the involvement of community
members in identifying priorities for implementation
programs and capital improvement projects.
Policy E 7,5: Expand efforts to reach out to and provide
meaningful ` ; involvement opportunities for low-income,
minority, disabled, children and youth, senior, and other
traditionally underrepresented citizens in the public
participation process.
Policy E-7.6: Periodically review the effectiveness of the
;'procedures and strategies used to solicit public input.
Why is this Important?
Educational attainment is a powerful predictor of civic
engagement. The more education people have, the more
likely it is that they will participate in civic affairs6.
Democratic societies rely on the active and informed
participation of their citizens in order to make good
collective decisions and ensure that powerful minority
interests do not take control.
Ehrlich, Thomas. (n.d.). Civic Engagement. Retrieved February 19, 2010, from
http://measuringup.highereducation.org/2000/art icles/ThomasEhrlich.cfm#TPE.
Adopted 3-14 National City General Plan
Part Three: General Plan Elements - Education
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Goal E-8: Universal and easy access to state-of-the-art
internet services and modern telecommunications
technology.
Policy E-8.1: Encourage new development to be wired or
provided with other necessary infrastructure for state-of-
the-art telecommunications services:
Policy E-8.2: Provide flexibility within the Zoning Code to
encourage technology;, and home -based businesses.
Policy E-8.3: Promote, greater, product choices, improved
service quality, and/or reduced :,consumer costs for cable
television and internet•
services.
Policy E-8 4 Work with telecommunications infrastructure
operators to ensure that National_, City has state-of-the-art
internet and telecotrimvnication facilities, system upgrades,
features and coverages..,F
Whyis this important?
Providing for easy access to high-speed internet service,
exce[l`ent cellular `'coverage, and competitive cable service
will snake National City more attractive to business, learning
►stitut i>tas and new development and contribute to the
economic health of the community.
City of National City 3-15
N:DIEGO BAY'.
SAN DIEGO \
Natlapalhy Southern Boundary
F1
Legend
Schools
: SR - South Region Community pay x hmk
RN. RarCIt00010 Nocbn
'.0 - Integrity Chaser
El • E 'raven Elema,tary
IF, • to Harbison
PW - PaIMen Way
CE - Central Elementary
ND - National Schad District
G - Granger Lsbr High
LP - W s Paln-as
A 0neoln Aaes
JO • John A. Otis Elemenlay
NM - Notional Clty ' Acid.e
K - K moat
NA - Notional any Adult School
O - Clivewood
SH - lweelwala Nigh
SA -San Diego Academy
FA- Fail fNI Ambassador 00* Bop hst Academy
SC - Sort Diego Chhtlan Learning Censer
Base Lavers
•Nall0nal City Panning Nea Boundary
■u
` r National City Boundary
F way
�—•-�— Roods
----- RaihOM
Figure E-1
School Locations
0.25
0,5
Miles
uayserA..
VISTA
Naflonalhy Southern Boundary
Legend
Family Reso Center
Natana' City Cdlabaolrve
Southwestern Corrrrunity College
Bose Lovers
c"�Nalow:i City panning Mao Boundary
L- Notarul City Bound.<y
. R way'
.-.-- Roods
Railroad
Figure E-2
Family Resource Centers
•rttalt1,41,..1.1A
Part Three: General Plan Elements - Open Space It
Refer to the
Safety Element
for Open Space
related to Public
Health and Safety.
Refer to the
Safety and Land
Use Element for a
discussion of
military
installations.
Open Space and
Agriculture (OS)
A. Introduction
The Open Space Element.: consists. of plans and measures for
the preservation and conservation of open -space lands,
which can include open space. for the preservation of natural
resources;- the managed production of resources, including
agricultural lands;,; outdoor recreation (including areas of
historic and cultural value, areas suited for park and
recreation purposes, `access to beaches, rivers and streams,
and areas which serve as links between major recreation and
open -space reservations); ,open space for public health and
safety; open space in support of the mission of military
installations, and open space for Native American historical,
cultural, or sacred sites'.
Approximately, 5% of the planning area is dedicated to open
space, park, and agricultural uses. Only 2.3% of land within
the planning area remains vacant. Due to the highly
developed nature of the community, the City faces
significant challenges in the provision of additional open
space and recreational facilities.
Despite a lack of vacant land, opportunities exist within the
urban fabric of the community to provide new recreational
and open space areas. Possible solutions include: rooftop
gardens; closing or converting a limited number of
redundant streets for the purpose of creating pocket parks
and plazas; incorporating trail systems into utility corridors,
turning vacant parcels into neighborhood parks or
community gardens; and the enhancement of public street
right-of-ways for use as open space.
Gov. Code, § 65560; See also, State of California, Governor's Office of Planning and Research. (2003). General Plan
Guidelines.
City of National City 3-1
Part Three: General Plan Elements - Open Space
Open Space
Preserves -Areas
of environmental
significance and
beauty. The dual
purpose of
preserves is to
protect biological,
cultural, and
historical
resources and to
make these
resources
available for public
recreation
opportunities,
though typically
only contain
minimal
improvements.
The City has a desire to increase the production and
distribution of locally grown food within the community, as a
means to improve access to healthy food and the quality of
life for the city's residents. To emphasize the importance of
this concept in this urban environment, `Agriculture' is part
of the title of this Element and policies were included which
address agricultural resources. This Element examines
creative ways to increase open space and recreational areas
within the developed environment; presents mechanisms to
preserve remaining natural open spaceareas and valuable
cultural resources, and seeks solutions for integrating urban
agriculture within the community.
B. Existing Setting
OPEN SPACE PRESERVES
The planning area is almost completely developed with
predominantly urban land uses. Less than 3% of land within
the city remains vacant and nest have been disturbed from
their natural condition. Most' Cif the waterways in the city
have been channelized, or locetlif in underground pipes;
and, as a result, offer-itttle, scenic value or wildlife habitat.
However, the 'city -has a feuii'' open space preserves for
resource preservation, the managed production of
resources, and limited passive recreational/educational
purposes. These areas include Paradise Marsh, Bannister
Marsh, the U.S.S.Midway Museum mitigation parcel, and the
South Bay., Salt Lands. Additionally, scattered, isolated
'canyons supporting native vegetation remain within a few
locations within the planning area. Figure OS-1 illustrates the
location of Open Space Preserves.
Paradise Marsh is located where Paradise Creek flows into
Sweetwater River, between 1-5 and Bay Marina Way, south
of Bay Manna Drive. The marsh has limited public access
along its western and southern boundaries. There is
pedestrian/bicycle access on Bay Marina Way, which
includes an interpretive sign about the wetland habitat. The
Sweetwater River Bikeway (and pedestrian walkway) is
located along the Sweetwater River Flood Control Channel
and runs along the south side of Paradise Marsh to the
Marina.
Paradise Marsh is part of the San Diego Bay National Wildlife
Refuge (SDBNWR - Sweetwater Marsh Unit), which is
managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The SDBNWR
protects a rich diversity of endangered, threatened,
Adopted 3-2 National City General Plan
Part Three: General Plan Elements - Open Space
migratory, and native species and their habitats in the midst
of a highly urbanized coastal environment2. Paradise Marsh
supports salt marsh, freshwater marsh, salt -pan, channel
and mud flat habitats, which are valuable and sensitive
biological resources.3.
Bannister Marsh is located between 1-5 and Hoover Avenue,
south of West 30tr Street. This area, characterized by
Southern Coastal Salt Marsh, and has no public access.4.
The South Bay Salt Lands are part of the San Diego Bay
National Wildlife Refuge (South;. an, Diego Bay Unit) and lie
within the Unified Port of SanDiego Planning District 9. The
South Bay Salt Lands comprise theland and water areas at
the extreme southerly end':ofSan Diego; Bay. The lands are
generally comprised of wetlands, estuary,.add salt ponds5..
The salt ponds are currently in active salt production by a
commercial solar salt operation, which is permitted to
operate within the refuge;:,
_The USS Midway Museum Mitigation parcel lies between 1-5
and National City Boulevard between West 35th Street and
Sea Vale Street ,The site contains:portions of the former
alignment of the Sweetwater River and was purchased for
mitigation land, by XXXX in year XXXX.
BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
Although most of the planning area is fully developed with
residential, commercial, industrial, and military uses, various
natural areas are found scattered throughout the planning
area::, However, the majority of these have been altered from
their original state, including the channelization of many
watercourses. Natural and/or undeveloped areas present
within ;the planning area consist mainly of canyons,
undeveloped slopes, several drainages, a portion of the
Sweetwater River, Paradise Marsh, and Paradise Creek.
Habitat types that exist within the planning area are
described below.
Urban/Developed and Disturbed Habitat
Most of the planning area is fully developed with
infrastructure, residences, businesses, offices, hospitals,
schools, parks, industrial areas, landscaping, and other urban
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. (2006). San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Sweetwater Marsh and South San Diego
Bay Units, Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Impact Statement.
3 National City. (1988). Local Coastal Program Land Use Plan.
Scheidt. (2009). Biological Resources Report
5 San Diego Unified Port District. (January 2010). Port Master Plan.
City of National City 3-3
Part Three: General Plan Elements - Open Space
uses. All of these areas qualify as Urban/Developed (U/D)
habitat. Also included in this general category is Disturbed
Habitat (DH), which is mostly found within the planning area
in the form of undeveloped/vacant lots and other upland
areas that are unvegetated or support weedy, ruderal
vegetation. Areas of U/D and DH offer little to no biological
resource value, although some of the flat, unvegetated
areas of the planning area have the potential to support
seasonal wetlands or vernal pools.
_Southern Coastal Salt Marsh
The planning area supportsseveral areas of Southern
Coastal Salt Marsh (SCSM), 'ranging 'in: ;condition from very
disturbed/degraded to very, high value : This habitat -type is
restricted to the westem portion of the planning area, in
creeks and estuaries that are closely connected to the San
Diego Bay.
The largest, most significant area of SCSM within the
planning area is Paradise Marsh. The next largest area of
SCSM is fcuund in the old course of the Sweetwater River,
which is located _along the planning area's southern
boundary, to the south of West 35th Street, west of
planning area ;Boulevard, `and east of 1-5. This habitat type
also occurs within"`a slice of 'the Sweetwater River located
of Edgemere Drive and west of the junction of the 1-
805r-and the SR-54 freeways.
The eastern portion, of Paradise Creek, beginning at Kimball
lark and extending west to where the Creek is channelized
under 1-5 at 4th Street, also supports SCSM. Additional
SCSM` is present within a tributary to Paradise Marsh that is
located truth of West 30th Street, west of Hoover Avenue,
and east'of 1-5.
'Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub
Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub (DCSS) is found in several
discrete patches throughout the planning area. Several of
these patches appear to be restoration projects associated
with adjoining development. The remaining patches all
exhibit at least a minor degree of disturbance from edge
effects caused by the surrounding urbanization.
The largest, highest value area of DCSS is located at the
planning area's northeastern comer, south of the
intersection of East Plaza Blvd and Paradise Valley Road, in
association with a canyon that continues east into the City
Adopted 3-4 National City General Plan
Part Three: General Plan Elements - Open Space
of San Diego. Additional patches of DCSS are located on
slopes along Paradise Marsh, within the Paradise Creek
Educational Park, along the western edge of the planning
area Golf Course, and within several urban canyon areas
along the eastern boundary of the planning area.
Maritime Succulent Scrub
The planning area supports several areas dominated by
native vegetation that qualify as Maritime Succulent Scrub
(MSS). These are all remnant patches found on slopes that
were never graded during the development of the city.
Southern Arroyo Willow Riparian Forest
The planning area supports two areas of Mostly undisturbed
Southern Arroyo Widow Riparian Forest (SAWRF). The
largest and most significant of these areas is found in the
portion of the SweetwaterRiver located at the southeastern
corner of the city, immediately to the west and south of
Plaza Bonita. The other patch of SAWRF is located south of
Sweetwater ,Road, west of Calrnoor Street, and north and
east of Fuentes Court, in the form of a revegetation area for
the surrounding Bonita Creek residential development.
reshwater Marsh
Mostly intact Freshwater Marsh (FWM) vegetation is also
founds in two areas _of the planning area. The portion of the
.:Sweetwater River that supports SAWRF also supports
adjoining areas of`FWM. The second area of FWM is present
within a wetland restoration area for the Bella Bonita
residential development, located north of Sweetwater Road
and south and east of Via Romaya.
.Disturbed Freshwater Wetland
The planning area supports several small areas of Disturbed
Freshwater Wetland (DFWW). This habitat -type is classified
as "Disturbed" due to its strong non-native element and the
fact that the subject watercourses have undergone
extensive human manipulation.
Native Grassland
A single, disturbed, very small patch of Native Grassland
(NG) is found at the eastern boundary of the city on a
north -facing slope that is located north of Baker Place,
City of National City 3-5
Part Three: General Plan Elements - Open Space 7
northwest of the northern terminus of Calle Abajo, and
southwest of Ridgeway Drive.
Non-native Grassland
Many of the undeveloped portions of the planning area
qualify as Non-native Grassland (NNG). This habitat -type is
found in several urban canyons and vacant lots throughout
the city.
_Open Water
Many of the drainages in the planning area have been
channelized over the course of the development of the city.
Watercourses that have been channelized in concrete and
are unvegetated but that support runningor standing water
year-round qualify as Open Water (OW). These areas may be
salt, brackish, or freshwater, depending on their proximity to
the San Diego Bay. The larger areas of OW support aquatic
vegetation and wildlife. The most significant area of this
habitat -type is found within portions of the Sweetwater
River and the 7th Street Channel. All of the areas of SCSM
discussed above in the SCSM : section also support OW
components',;
Bay
The "planning area extends into the San Diego Bay for
approximately 1,600 to 3,600 feet. This portion qualifies as
,supporting Bay habitat, which consists of open salt water
�l abitat suppor;-ting marine species beneath the surface of
the bay.
_SaltpanfMudflats
he extreme southwestern corner of the planning area
;Supports Saltpan/Mudflats (S/M). These areas consist of the
modified margins of San Diego Bay where shallow tidal
influence has allowed evaporative salt production
(saltworks) to be established.
_Wetlands
The planning area supports jurisdictional wetlands regulated
by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), the California
Department of Fish and Game (CDFG), and/or the Regional
Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB). All of the following
habitat -types would fall under the jurisdiction of at least one
Adopted 3-6 National City General Plan
Part Three: General Plan Elements - Open Space
Urban Agriculture
- The growing,
processing,
and/or
distribution of
food through
intensive plant
cultivation in and
around cities.
(Community Food
Security Coalition,
North American
Urban Agriculture
Committee
(2003)
Community
Garden - A piece
of land gardened
collectively by a
group of people.
(American
Community
Garden
Association
(2007).
of these agencies: SCSM, SAWRF, FWM, DFWW, OW, Bay,
and Saltpan/Mudflats.
URBAN AGRICULTURE AND COMMUNITY GARDENS
The planning area is almost completely developed and does
not have any designated Prime or Unique Agricultural Land'.
Because the city has no large remaining open spaces for
agricultural uses, it must rely on urban agriculture to
increase local food production. Urban agriculture may be
integrated into the urban fabric in `'several ways, including,
but not limited to, the development of community gardens,
fruit -tree planting in the public right-of-way and the creation
of private gardens for personal food production.
Several examples of urban agriculture . exist within the
planning area, including the Stein Fan -illy , Farm, the
International Community Foundation (ICF) Center Garden,
and the Olivewood Garden (which was under construction, at
the time of this General Plan update).
The Stein Family Farm, located at 1808 F Avenue, is
operated by the National City Living History Farm Preserve,
Incorporated and owned by the city of National City. The
farm grows XXX crops for distribution to XXX.
The ICF Garden, an approximately 1.5-acre organic garden,
is located at 2505 N Avenue. The garden serves as a cross -
border resource to promote experiential learning. In 2008,
the produce grown was being donated to the UCSD Cancer
Center's Healing Foods Program.'. XXX crops are grown on
the site. Excess produce is sold to local restaurants and
businesses.
Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center, is a half -acre
parcel," which is located on "N" Avenue, adjacent to the
existing ICF garden. ICF's goal in developing the garden is to
connect and motivate students and families from diverse
backgrounds through organic gardening, environmental
stewardship, and nutrition education, empowering them to
be healthy and active citizens'. The Olivewood Garden is an
example of community garden, in that it will be cultivated
cooperatively by the public.
c State of California Department of Conservation (2006). Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program. Retrieved July
2009 at.ftp://ftp.consrv.ca.aov/pub/dlrp/FMMP/pdf/2006/.
Engstrand, Iris. (XXXX). New Life for an O/d House: A Community Legacy in National City." Retrieved April 1, 2010 at:
http://www.icf-xchange.org/icfdn/aboutusf inthenews/files/v 54-3e ngstra nd.pd f
a ICF. (2010). International Community Foundation Center Overview. Retrieved April 1, 2010 at:
http://www.icfdn.org/icfcenter/index.php
City of National City 3-7
Part Three: General Plan Elements - Open Space 11-11
Urban Forestry -
The planning,
establishment,
protection, and
management of
trees and
associated plants
individually, in
small groups, or
under forest
conditions, within
cities, their
suburbs, and
towns.
(Cooperative
Forestry
Assistance Act of
1978)
Parks - Open
Space Lands
whose primary
purpose is
recreation.
(Institute for
Local
Government)
There are numerous other sites within the community, which
present an opportunity to be developed with some form of
urban agriculture. The areas may include, but are not
limited to:
• Joe's Pocket Farm
• El Toyon Linear Farm
• City parks
• The National City Golf Course
• Street conversion areas / pocket parks
• School sites
• Vacant parcels
• Excess right-of-way
• Other city -owned property
• Private property
Figure OS-2 illustrates; both the existing sites that support
urban agriculture and highlights some of the key, publicly -
accessible opportunity areas for urban agriculture.
URBAN FORESTS
The State of California General Plan Guidelines advises that
the Open Space Element address preservation of plant
species and the management of forest resources to the
extent they are locally relevant. Although the planning area
doesnot contain a typical natural forest, it does contain an
urban forest. The urban forest includes the urban tree
canopy, which is the layer of leaves, branches, and stems of
trees that cover the ground when viewed from above9.. The
National City Public Works Department is responsible for
maintenance of street trees on city -owned property and
parks. The Planning Commission reviews requests for all
Street tree plantings and removals.
PARKS AND RECREATIONAL FACILmES
Park Definitions
Mini -Parks (2,500 square feet to Tess than 5 acres): A small
neighborhood park or plaza which may include: landscaping,
hardscaping, irrigation, walking paths, seating areas and
picnic tables, sand boxes/tot lots, playground equipment,
play court, sculpture/art, drinking fountains and trash
receptacles. Examples of mini -parks include Paradise Creek
9 Center for Watershed Protection and United States Forest Service. (2009). Watershed Forestry Resource Guide.
Retrieved July 2009 at.htto://www.forestsforwatersheds.org/urban-tree-canopy/
Adopted 3-8 National City General Plan
Part Three: General Plan Elements - Open Space t
Educational Park, Morgan Square, Sweetwater Heights Park,
and Butterfly Park. _
Neighborhood Parks (5 to 10 acres): Parks which should be
accessible by biking or walking to surrounding residents. A
neighborhood park permits all of the uses allowed in mini -
parks plus restroom buildings, recreation fields, courts and
rinks, water features, libraries, day care centers, community
centers, and parking and drive aisles. An example of a
neighborhood park is the Pepper Park and Boat Launch
facility.
Community Parks (1 5 acres or greater): Parks that are
larger in scale than neighborhood parks;and serve a broader
purpose. Community parks,,focus on community recreation,
including multi -purpose "sports fields, and preserving unique
landscapes and open spaces. -Community parks permit all of
the uses allowed in, neighborhood parks, plus"-�swimming
pools. Kimball, El royon, and Las Palmas Parks are
considered to be community' parks.
Service -Area Radii and Park Ratio;.
The City has identified service -area radii for parks, based on
typical standards used in other jurisdictions. Figure OS-5
depicts existing parks and their respective service areas
using the criteria below:
• V. mile for mini parks;
• /2 mile for neighborhood parks; and
One mile for community parks.
As illustrated on Figure OS-5, almost the entire City is within
the service area of a park facility.
Additionally, the City will strive to maintain a parkland ratio
of 4.75 acres per 1,000-person population.
Parks
National City has six public parks, one public plaza, and a
nine -hole public golf course, under its jurisdiction. Pepper
Park and the adjacent boat launch/aquatic center, operated
by the Unified Port District, along with a portion of the
County's Sweetwater Regional Park, also lie within the City
limits, but are not under the City's jurisdiction. In sum, there
are approximately 119 acres of parkland (excluding the golf
City of National City 3-9
Part Three: General Plan Elements - Open Space
course) located within the city limits10.. This equates to 1.9
acres of parkland per 1,000 residents. One additional park,
Lincoln Acres County Park, lies outside the city limits, but
within the planning area. Table OS-1, below, provides an
overview of all park facilities within and in the vicinity of the
planning area.
There are currently no joint -use agreements in effect
between National City and National School District to share
school facilities, playfields, or parking spaces.
TABLE OS-1
Existing Park and Recreation Facilit es
Parks/Recreational
Facilities
Acres
I Governed By
Amenities
City Park Facilities"
Kimball Park
12th Street and "D"
Avenue
21
National City
Park includes:. picnic areas,
playground equipment,
amphitheater, playing fields,
tennis courts, basketball
courts, skate park, library,
and Kimball Recreation
Center.
El Toyon Park
East 4th Street and
South "U" Avenue
23
National City
Park includes: picnic areas,
playground equipment,
horseshoe pit, playing fields,
football fields, tennis courts,
basketball courts, and El
Toyon Recreation Center.
Las Palmas Park
East 22nd and Newell
Streets
20
National City
Park includes: picnic areas,
playground equipment,
playing fields, tennis courts,
Luis Camacho Recreation
Center, and National City
Municipal Swimming Pool.
Paradise Creek
Educational Park
West 19t" Street and
Coolidge Avenue
2
-
National City
Park includes: salt marsh
wetland habitat educational
area, amphitheater, and a
boardwalk.
Sweetwater Heights
Park
Cagle Street at Bonita
Heights Lane
2
National City
Park includes: playground
equipment and basketball
courts.
Butterfly Park
Palm Avenue and East
2
National City
Park includes: grassy play
area.
i0 Park acreage is net roads, golf course, recreation centers.
"Used to calculate park ratio of 1.9 acres per 1,000 residents.
Adopted
3-10 National City General Plan
Part Three: General Plan Elements - Open Space
TABLE OS-1
Existing Park and Recreation Facilities
Parks/Recreational
Facilities
Acres
Governed By
Amenities
22"d Street (within the
golf course)
Morgan Square
The street conversion
on 9' Street between
National City Boulevard
and the alley to the
east.
0.2
National City
Passive gathering place.
Pepper Park / Boat
Launch/Aquatic Center
Goesno Place and
Tidelands Avenue
6.5
Unified Port of San Diego
Park includes: the National
City Aquatic and Education
Center, > picnic areas,
playground equipment, boat
launch ramp, and a lighted
fishing pier.
Sweetwater Regional
Park 3218 Summit
Meadow Road
Bonita, California
42
(within
the City)
County of San Diego
Park includes: picnic areas,
camp sites, equestrian camp
sites, covered pavilion with
kitchen, fishing nearby, and
mufti -use non -motorized
l "trails.
Other Recreational and Surrounding Facilities'.
Lincoln Acres County
Park
2717 Granger Ave.
0.47
County `of San Diego " ; Park includes: Lincoln Acres
Branch Library, a playground,
i and a basketball court.
National City Golf
Course 1439
Sweetwater Road
44
National City Public nine -hole golf course,
pro shop, and driving range.
Recreation Centers
The City operates and maintains several non -park
recreational facilities. Table OS-2, Recreational and
Community Centers, provides a summary of these facilities.
Indoor recreational opportunities include after school youth
programs, senior activities, and a community center with
events for all ages.72..
Recreational Trails
Recreational trails may be used for walking, bicycling,
horseback riding, rollerblading or other forms of mobile
recreation. There are no recreational trails maintained by
the City.
'2 National City.(2009) Retrieved July 2009 at.httu://www.ci.national-city.ca.us/.
City of National City 3-1 1
Part Three: General Plan Elements - Open Space
Refer to the
Circulation
Element for
Pedestrian
Circulation
Sweetwater Regional Park, located to the southwest of
National City and partially within the city limits is operated
by the County of San Diego. The Sweetwater Regional Park
contains 15 miles of non -motorized, multi -use trails,
including the Sweetwater Loop and River Trail, which runs
along the south side of National City beginning near Lincoln
Acres 13 (see Figure OS-3).
TABLE OS-2
Existing Recreational and Community Centers
Recreation and
Community Centers
Governed
By
Amenities/Activities
Camacho Recreation
Center
(Las Palmas Park)
1810 East 22"d
Street
National
City
Indoor gymnasium with basketball courts and ping pong
tables.
Casa de Salud
Recreation Center
1408 East Harding
Avenue
National
City
Senior center (bilingual) promotes activities for adults 55
years and older. For example: trips, games, art classes,
transportation program, recreational activities, and exercise
programs. Somelimitedmedical tests and legal services are
provided.
El Toyon Recreation
Center
(El Toyon Park)
2005 East 4th Street
National
City
Recreation rooms that provide after school programs for
youth between' the second and sixth grades.
Kimball Recreation
Center
(Kimball Park)
148 East. 12th
Avenue
National
City -.
Recreation rooms that provides after school programs for
,youth between the second and sixth grades.
Kimball Senior
Center
1221 "D" Avenue
` National
City ;,
Senior center promotes activities for adults 55 years and
older. For example: trips, games, art classes, transportation
program, recreational activities, and exercise programs.
Some limited medical tests and legal services are provided.
Martin Luther King
Community Center ;,
140 East 12th Street.
National;
City
Open for community use of all ages: children's activities,
social events, community kitchen, and meeting rooms.
Boys and Girls Clubs
of Greater San Diego
- National City
Branch
1430 'D" Avenue
: National
`.!City
Youth center promotes activities for underprivileged youths.
For example: daytime child care, transportation program,
summer day camps, and performing arts programs.
13 San Diego County Department of Parks and Recreation. (2010). Sweetwater Regional Park. Retrieved February 17,
2010 at http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/parks/Camping/sweetwater.html.
Adopted
3-12 National City General Plan
Part Three: General Plan Elements - Open Space
There are two California Recreational Trails that will run
within proximity to National City: the California Coastal Trail
and the California Riding and Hiking Trail14,"
The California Riding and Hiking Trail (CRHT) will connect to
National City via the Sweetwater Loop and River Trail. In
1945, The Califomia Riding and Hiking Trails Act was
adopted by the State Legislature identifying a State Loop
Trail that is to extend from Mexico to Oregon. The CRHT,
which is still under construction, will serve as the back bone
to the regional trails system in San Diego County.'. It will
connect National City to other state and regional trails, such
as the Pacific Crest Trail.
The California Coastal Trail runs adjacent to Interstate 5,
through National City and is accessible to its residents'?..
.CREEK AND COASTAL ACCESS
The majority of natural creeks that once flowed freely
through National City were channelized during the
urbanization and industrialization of the City78.. Public access
for creeks is now limited to an unchannelized section of Las
Palmas Creek within the National City Golf Course and
Paradise Creek Park, which , contains an unchannelized
section of Paradise Creek.
Coastal access for the public is restricted in sections of the
coastal zone that are controlled by the U.S. Navy, which
encompasses approximately two-thirds of National City's
bayfront19. The. remaining bayfront is controlled by the
Unified Port District and mainly has large scale marine
industrial land uses, which also limit public access°.. Pepper
Park (at the foot of Tidelands Avenue) and the Pier 32
Marina (at the foot of Bay Marina Drive) are under the
jurisdiction of the San Diego Unified Port District. Public
access, both pedestrian and boating, to the San Diego Bay
is provided at these locations.
14 California State Parks. (200'). California Recreational Trails Plan Trail Corridors. Retrieved July 2009 at
.http://www.parks.ca.gov/?oage id=25680
15 San Diego County. (2010). Retrieved February 15, 2010 at
h t t p: // www. s d c o u n ty. c a. g ov/ c n ty/bos/sup 2 /legislation / l e g 07 0 515 a. ht m I
16 San Diego County. (2010). Retrieved February 15, 2010 at
http://www.sdcounty. ca.gov/cnty/bos/sup2 /legislation/Ieg070515a.ht ml
17 County of San Diego. (2008). County of San Diego Regional Trail System. Retrieved July 2009 at
.htto•//www.co.san-diego.caus/parks/hikes.html.
t8 City of National City. (1988). Nation/ City Local Coastal Program Land Use Plan. Retrieved July 2009 at
fitto://www.ci.national-city.ca.us/index.aspx7nage-160
19 City of National City. (1988). National City Local Coastal Program Land Use P/an. Retrieved July 2009 at
.httn://www.ci.national-city.ca.us/index.aspx?oage=160.
20 City of National City. (1988). Nation/ City Local Coastal Program Land Use Plan. Retrieved July 2009 at
_http://www ci national-city.ca.us/index.asox?cage=160.
City of National City 3-13
Part Three: General Plan Elements - Open Space 11
Cultural Resources
-Buildings, sites,
structures, or
objects that may
have historical,
architectural,
archaeological,
cultural, or
scientific
importance.
CULTURAL AND PALEONTOLOGICAL RESOURCES
National City has a substantial number of cultural and
historic sites and buildings because of its long and storied
history. Most of National City's sites listed in the National
Register of Historic Places come from the City's early days
in the late 1800's when the community was still forming.
As part of the cultural resources investigation conducted in
conjunction with this General Plan,update, thirty cultural
resources were identified within the planning area. The
resources identified include 21 historical resources and nine
prehistoric resources. "Historical, ";Resources" under the
California Environmental Quality 'Act (CEQA) include
resources listed in, or determined eligible for listing in the
California Register of Historical Resources: and resources
included in local registers of historic resources.. Of the 21
historical resources, 19,are standing buildings or structures,
including 17 on Naval Station San Diego, and two are
railroad related facilities. In addition to these resources, the
City has designated 27 homes as locally significant. The
prehistoric resources identified within the planning area are
all archaeological sites and include: -six shell midden sites and
three surface scatters=-ofartifacts2'.
'Prehistoric Cultural Resources'
The earliest dates for human occupation within National City
date: to the Archaic Period (8,000 to 1,500 years ago). The
nine prehistoric sites recorded in the planning area are
almost all shell midden sites. These sites are found along the
watercourses such as Chollas Creek and Sweetwater River as
they approach the coast. The largest site is an Archaic
village site known as Las Choyas, originally recorded by
Malcolm Rogers in the 1930s and known to have existed as
late as AD 1790 on what is now the 32nd Street Naval
Station at the mouth of Chollas Creek.
Late Prehistoric Period (1,500 to 250 years ago) sites are
also present in National City. During this time period,
National City was part of the territory of the Kumeyaay.
The Kumeyaay and their relatives' territory extended from
the coast just south of Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico to
as far north as Agua Hedionda in present day Carlsbad,
California. Their territory extended eastward to the south
part of the Salton Sea and into the Sand Hills in Imperial
County. Possible prehistoric site types that would have
Z1 Tierra Environmental. Cultural Resources Report. Dec. 2009
Adopted 3-14 National City General Plan
Part Three: General Plan Elements - Open Space
been present in National City include habitation sites,
temporary camps, bedrock milling sites, lithic scatters and
others.
_Historical Resources
The historic period began in National City with the arrival of
the Spanish in 1769, although the Spanish were known to
the Native Americans living here prior to the establishment
of a permanent Spanish sett►ement. Father Junipero Serra
would have had to pass through. what is now National City
on his journey to San Diego (though no specific mention is
made of the area in the records of his,travels). Shortly after
the establishment of the San Diego Presidio and Mission San
Diego de Alcala in present day'`Old Town San Diego, National
City became part the grazing land referred;:to by the friars
as "La Purisima Concepcion". In 1796 .the land was
appropriated from the mission for use by the soldiers of the
Presidio San Diego for use as pasture land for cattle and
horses and was renamed El Rancho del Rey. The land
continued in this status, evert after Mexican independence
from Spam -Was achieved in 1821, until it was granted to
Don Juan (John); Forster in 1845 _as part of the 26,631
Rancho de la; NaciorThe land Was granted by Forster's
brother-in-lawsPio Pico who„ was.; governor of the state at the
time. Fortunately;; "for Forster the annexation of the area
after the U.S.-Mexico War of 1846-48 did not affect his title
to the land and he retained possession until 1856 when the
Rancho was sold to San Francisco bankers Francois Louis
Pioche:and J.B.Bayerque.
In .1868, the Rancho was purchased by the Kimball Brothers,
Frank,,;Warren and Levi, who would change the rancho into
what we ,now call National City. The Kimball's bought the
rancho for $30,000 and almost immediately began plans to
develop the land with the belief that National City could
exceed the growth and regional importance of San Diego. In
4881, the Santa Fe Railroad agreed to start a new line (the
California Southern) in National City, in exchange for 10,000
acres and additional land worth $100,000. The California
Southern would run north to Oceanside before turning east
and continuing through Riverside County before eventually
reaching Barstow in San Bernardino County in 1885. With
the development of the railroad, National City was on its
way and was incorporated in 1887.
Given this history, it is not surprising that National City has a
number of historic structures. There are four structures
located within the City that have been placed on the
National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and are also
City of National City 3-15
Part Three: General Plan Elements - Open Space
An "Action
Program"
consisting of
specific programs
to implement
Open Space
policies is
incorporated into
Part Four of this
General Plan.
considered significant by the State of California: the Granger
Music Hall (ca. 1896), Brick Row (ca. 1887 railroad
housing), the Santa Fe Rail Depot (1882), and St. Matthew's
Episcopal Church (1872), as illustrated on Figure OS-4.
Furthermore, the Santa Fe Rail Depot is a California
Historical Landmark (#1023). The State of California also
recognizes the Paradise Valley Hospital House (1880s) as a
California Point of Historical Interest. 22.
In addition to the resources identified` by the nation and the
state, the City has designated 27,historic buildings as locally
significant. These locally significant resources were
identified through a Historic"- Properties survey,
commissioned by the City in 1 , The survey, which
evaluated a total of 1,183 homes and buildings, also
identified 19 additional properties that, were potentially
eligible for the Natto_nal Register; 123 structures of local
significance (but havenot beep formally designated by the
City), and 32 structur`es.of potential local significance.
C. Open Space Plan"
In addition to the facilities identified in the Existing Setting,
the City plans to provide new recreational opportunities.
The City is planning :to implement 15 street conversions. A
street conversion'` will result in the closure (or partial
closure) of a redundant street that then can be used to
create a new public open space to serve as pocket park or
be developed as a community garden.
The City also; plans to create a new recreational trail along
Paradise Creek that will serve as both a pedestrian
connection and provide a new recreational opportunity for
.residents-; Existing and proposed open space, parks,
recreational facilities, trails, and historic sites are illustrated
.on the City's Open Space Plan, Figure OS-6. While this plan
identifies a specific action program, implementation
-: measures provided in Part Four may be adjusted over time
based on new information, changing circumstances, and
evaluation of their effectiveness, so long as they remain
consistent with the intent of this General Plan.
22 Tierra Environmental. (Dec. 2009). Cultural Resources Report.
Adopted 3-16 National City General Plan
Part Three: General Plan Elements - Open Space
D. Citywide Goals and Policies
.OPEN SPACE PRESERVES
Goal OS-1: Open space. areas that enhance the natural and
visual character of the community and protect sensitive
resources.
Policy OS-1.1: Protect and conserve the landforms and open
spaces that define the City's urban form, provide public
views/vistas, serve as core biological areas and wildlife
linkages, or are wetlands habitats.
Policy OS-1.2: Minimize or avoid impacts to, environmentally
sensitive lands by minimizing construction of infrastructure
or access roads into these areas.
Policy OS-1.3: Encourage the removal of invasive plant
species and the planting of native plants in and near open
space preserves to maintain the biological integrity of these
areas.
Policy OS-1.4 Appyy the appropriate land use and
development regulations to limit development of floodplains,
;sensitive biological' areas including wetlands, steep hillsides,
canyons, and coastal lands.
Why is this Important?'
Open space ;preserves enhance the visual and scenic
character of the urban landscape, contributing to the quality
of life pf City residents. Open space preserves also benefit
the environment by providing habitat for plants and animals,
and space for urban runoff to percolate into the soil, while
'also serving to decrease the effects of urban heat islands.
;;BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
Goal OS-2: The preservation of sensitive habitat areas,
including steep slopes, drainages, and wetlands for their
biological value and functioning of natural systems.
Policy OS-2.1: Preserve significant habitat and
environmentally sensitive areas, including hillsides, streams,
and marshes.
City of National City 3-17
Part Three: General Plan Elements - Open Space t
Policy OS-2.2: Preserve the ecological integrity of creek
corridors, canals, and drainage ditches that support riparian
resources by preserving native plants and, to the extent
feasible, removing invasive non-native plants.
Policy OS-2.3: Preserve and enhance wetland resources
including creeks, rivers, ponds, marshes, vernal pools, and
other seasonal wetlands to the extent feasible.
Policy OS-2.4: Encourage community volunteerism and
stewardship to help protect and rehabilitate the area's
natural resources.
Policy OS-2.5: Protect rivers, watersheds, and groundwater
as a resource for wildlife through flood control measures and
the use of stormwater infiltration best management
practices (BMPs) that protect groundwater quality.
Policy OS-2.6: Work with the: City of Chula Vista and other
responsible agencies to maintain and enhance the
Sweetwater River corridor?;;, as an environmental and
al:: recreationresource for the community.
Why is this Important' ;
Conservation ''and' protection of important biological
resources are integral to a healthy human population and
contribute to regional economic advantages such as quality
of life'.
1RBAN'AGRICULTURE AND COMMUNITY GARDENS
Goal OS-3: Urban agriculture thoughtfully integrated into
the urban fabric that serves as open space, fosters
community involvement, and provides a local food source.
Policy OS-3.1: Allow for community gardens as areas where
residents can plant and grow fruit and vegetables and
ornamental gardens that can be a source of pride and
beauty in the neighborhood.
Policy OS-3.2: Encourage the development of community
gardens in conjunction with school sites as an educational
resource.
Policy OS-3.3: Encourage the development of unused land
such as portions of parks and utility right of ways to be
converted to productive space for growing food.
Adopted 3-18 National City General Plan
Part Three: General Plan Elements - Open Space
1 1
Community
Supported
Agriculture
(CS4s) -
Sometimes
referred to as
'Subscription
Farms" because
the consumer
buys a
subscription from
a farmer for a set
price to receive
fresh produce on
a weekly or bi-
weekly basis
usually delivered
to your home or
business. (San
Diego County
Farm Bureau)
Policy OS-3.4: Support private and institutional gardens;
explore additional opportunities for partnerships and
collaboration.
Policy OS-3.5: Identify potentially feasible site locations for
urban agriculture„ including locations for street conversions,
and identify links between them.
Policy OS-3.6: Explore and encourage,' opportunities for roof-
top gardens, especially for large, flat roofed industrial,
commercial and institutional buildings.
Policy OS-3.7: Pursue available grantsand other funding
sources for urban agriculture and community gardens.
Policy OS-3.8: Maintain an on -going dialogue with the
community to ensure that its needs are being addressed by
urban agriculture endeavors.
Policy OS-3.9: Ensure that 'community gardens and other
urban agricultural resources are accessible to members of all
demographic -°groups within the, community, including
minorities, seniors, -Children and persons with disabilities.
Policy OS-3.1 O Promote the -operation of Farmer's Markets,
andFarm Stands.:
Policy OS-3.11: Explore opportunities for Community -
Supported Agriculture within the community.
Polley OS-3.12: Encourage the development of private
gard ns by residents and businesses.
Policy OS-3.13: Explore opportunities for the planting of
fruit trees and gardens in the public right-of-way, where
feasible.
Policy Policy OS-3.14: Encourage the use of best practices for
community farming and neighborhood gardening that
eliminates or reduces the use pesticides, herbicides,
chemical fertilizers, use of gas powered equipment, and
encourages composting.
Why is this Important?
Urban agriculture and community gardens can serve multiple
purposes within a community. First, community gardens can
contribute to better health within a community, as they can
increase access to healthy foods by lower -income residents,
City of National City 3-19
Part Three: General Plan Elements - Open Space
Heritage Trees -
trees that
because of their
age, size, type,
historical
association or
horticultural value
are of special
importance to the
City.
Landmark Trees -
Trees that are
unusual or have
very high
aesthetic quality
or being a species
of tree that rarely
occurs in the City.
who may lack the financial resources to purchase fresh or
organic produce. Also, lower -income areas may be
underserved by grocery chains or specialty foods markets
and have a disproportionately high concentration of
convenience stores or fast-food chains, which offer few
healthy food options. Gardening also offers benefits of
physical activity. Community gardens also can foster
community interaction by encouraging neighbors to
cooperate in the cultivation of fresh food and flowers and
offer educational opportunities by demonstrating
community stewardship and teaching the importance of
environmental sustainability.
Urban agriculture may assist in the revitalization of
abandoned or underutilized land anddevelopment of
community gardens may help reduce a community's carbon -
footprint. Locally produced food requires Mess packaging,
preservation, and transportation than foods not grown in
the community, thus reducing the consumption of natural
resources, energy use, and the emission of greenhouse
gases'. Additionally, community gardens can help reduce
the urban heat island effect, ;;lessen urban run-off, and
improve air quality. Sustainable food systems, especially
the incorporation of urban farming, can improve public
health and is -an importantcomponent when planning a
community"
URBAN FORESTS
Goal OS-4: A healthy and thriving urban forest that serves
as an environmental, economic, and aesthetic resource.
Policy OS-4.1: Require the planting of new trees in
conjunction with all city -initiated projects, where feasible
and manage and care for all publicly owned trees.
Policy OS-4.2: Ensure that new developments incorporate
street tree and parking lot plantings, where feasible, and
work in cooperation with residents and businesses to retain
healthy trees as part of the City's streetscape.
Policy OS-4.3: Require the retention of trees of significance
(such as heritage trees or landmark trees and groves) by
promoting stewardship of such trees and ensuring that the
design of development projects provides for the retention
23 Rees, William E. (1997). Why Urban Agriculture? Retrieved August 2009 at.httry//www cityfarmer org/rees html.
20. Hodgson, Kimberly (2009). Where Food Planning and Health Intersect: Welcome to the Next Big Trend. Planning.
75(8). 9.
Adopted ---
3-20 National City General Plan
Part Three: General Plan Elements - Open Space
of these trees wherever possible. Where removal of trees of
significance cannot be avoided, the City shall require tree
replacement or suitable mitigation. Where feasible,
sidewalks realignment may be considered to preserve
significant trees.
Policy OS-4.4: Continue to promote planting shade trees
with substantial canopies, and require, where feasible, site
design which uses trees to shade rooftops, parking facilities,
streets, and other facilities to minimize heat island effects,
while not precluding solar installations.
Policy OS-4.5: Develop and maintain standards for the
preservation and maintenance of the tree canopy, including
pruning and trimming of street trees to allow for pedestrian
and vehicular safety, while maintaining aesthetic value.
Policy OS-4.6: Promote the importance and benefits of trees
and of the urban forest through awareness, partnerships,
and efforts that educate residents on the best methods of
planting and maintaining trees.
Why is this Important?
Urban forests provide a number of social and environmental
benefits, both tangible and intangible. A healthy urban
forest can improve local air quality and human health, as
trees : absorb carbon dioxide and other pollutants and
replenish oxygen. Extensive tree canopies reduce the urban
heat island; effect, thereby (1) reducing the amount of heat
absorbed and need for air conditioning thus reducing energy
use and the emission of greenhouse gases, and (2) making
streets-,. and sidewalks more pleasant places to walk and
extending the life of street paving. Also, a healthy urban
forest can reduce stormwater runoff and assist in improving
-Water quality.
Other benefits of urban forests to City residents include:
increased traffic safety through the use of street trees;
economic development through an improved aesthetic
image of the City; increased property values and improved
overall qua►ity of Iife25..
25 Colorado Tree Coalition. (2009). Benefits of Trees in Urban Areas. Retrieved August 2009 at
httn•//www roloradntrees nrg/henefits_htrrti
City of National City 3-21
Part Three: General Plan Elements - Open Space
PARKS AND RECREATIONAL FACILrrIES
Goal OS-5: A diverse range of park and recreational
facilities, which are responsive to the needs of the
community.
Policy OS-5.1: To the extent feasible., distribute parks and
recreational facilities equally throughout National City's
neighborhoods.
Policy OS-5.2: Strive to meet`or exceed and maintain a park
to population ratio of 4.75 acres per 1,000 residents.
Policy OS-5.3: Encourage private development of recreation
facilities that complement and supplement the public
recreational system.
Policy OS-5.4: Require new residential development projects,
including mixed -use projects with residential components, to
provide adequate park/open space and/or pay an in -lieu fee
in order to help meet the City's park standards.
Policy OS-5.5:<_Develop standards for the design of park
facilities and landscaping, which enhance and preserve
natural site characteristics as appropriate, to minimize
maintenance demands.
Policy OS-5.6: Encourage the use of best management
practices to -:achieve long-term energy efficiency and water
and .resource conservation, including the incorporation of
xenscape, renewable energy sources, and green building
practices;f'or park improvements.
;Policy OS-5.7: Support the redevelopment of the National
City Golf Course with public recreational facilities, a
community garden, and other accessory or related public
uses.
Policy OS-5.8 Plan for the use of utility corridors, reclaimed
solid waste facilities, abandoned railroad rights of way, and
similar surplus lands as parks.
Policy OS-5.9 Work with local school districts to provide
joint use of school properties as neighborhood parks and
recreational centers.
Adopted 3-22 National City General Plan
Part Three: General Plan Elements - Open Space
Policy OS-5.10 Encourage involvement by the non-profit and
private sectors in acquisition, maintenance, and
development of recreational programs
Policy OS-5.11 Identify appropriate areas for street
conversions that would allow for the development of
neighborhood parks and gardens.
Policy OS-5.12 Provide and promote a variety of high quality
active and passive recreation programs that meet the needs
of and benefit the community.
Why is this Important?
Parks and other recreational facilities ,;can improve the
quality of life for residents of National City by providing an
outlet to strengthen the body and assist in maintaining
physical well-being: Additionally, parks provide; mental and
social benefits, including .visual relief from urban
development, passive recreational opportunities that refresh
the mind, .and provide opportunities for social interaction,
and healthy activities for youth Park lands also benefit the
environment 'by , providing space;; for urban runoff to
percolate into the soil, while also serving to decrease the
effects of urban heat --Wards_
COASTAL AND CREEK ACCESS
Goal OS-6: Improved access to coastal areas and
watercourses.
Policy,-;,OS-6.1: Work with the Port District in the
maintenance and improvement of access points to the
Sweetwater River and San Diego Bay.
":Policy OS-6.2: Evaluate opportunities to improve public
access to Paradise Creek and Las Palmas Creek.
Why is this Important?
Providing safe and convenient access to the City's water
resources, including the bayfront and creeks, increases the
potential for passive and active recreation opportunities and
enjoyment of these resources by City residents.
City of National City 3-23
Part Three: General Plan Elements - Open Space ti
RECREATIONAL TRAILS
Goal OS-7: A well -maintained system of recreational trails
and related facilities throughout the city that enhance and
connect open space lands, parks, and recreational
facilities.
Policy OS-7-1: Work with other. agencies including the
County of San Diego and the City of Chula Vista to allow for
the integration of the City's trails with other local, regional,
and state trail systems.
Policy OS-7.2: Encourage the creation of connected paseos
and trails between community activity areas and schools
and consider opportunities to enhance with kiosks and rest
stations.
Policy OS-7.3: Work with utility owners and operators to
promote the use of utility easements and corridors as trail
corridors, where, feasible.
Policy OS-7.4: Provide recreational pathways along creeks,
where feasible.;:
Why this Important?
Recreational trails,:, can provide additional recreational
opportun#ties withi►'`the community. The highly developed
`nature of Natifnal City poses significant constraints on the
development of new park and recreational facilities.
Recreational trails due to their linear nature potentially could
be integrated into the urban fabric where park facilities are
unviabl:e i.e., utility corridors, watercourses, and via
easements through developed sites.
_CULTURAL AND PALEONTOLOGICAL RESOURCES
Goal OS-8: The identification and preservation of the city's
historic, cultural, and paleontological resources.
Policy OS-8.1: Establish formal criteria to be used in the
identification of locally -significant historic structures.
Policy OS-8.2: Support the development of regulatory,
technical, and financial incentives and enforcement
programs to promote the maintenance, rehabilitation,
Adopted
3-24 National City General Plan
Part Three: General Plan Elements - Open Space
preservation, and interpretation of historic and cultural
resources.
Policy OS-8.3: Facilitate the maintenance and upkeep of
historic resources to avoid the need for major rehabilitation
and to reduce the risks of demolition, loss through fire or
neglect, or impacts from natural disasters.
Policy OS-8.4: Consult with property owners and land
developers early in the development review process to
minimize potential impacts to historic and cultural
resources.
Policy OS-8.5: Encourage the adaptive reuse of historic
resources when the original use of the resource is no longer
feasible.
Policy OS-8.6: Promote the ,preservation, rehabilitation,
restoration, and/or reconstruction, as appropriate, of
contextual elements (e.g., > structures, landscapes, street
lamps, street trees, signs) related to historic structures,
districts, or areas.
Policy OS 8 7: Support and encourage the accessibility of
important cultural resources to the public for educational,
religious, cultural, scientific, and other purposes, including
the establishment of museums and facilities accessible to
the public, where, such resources can be appropriately
studied, exhibited, curated, etc.
Policy 0S-8. Require monitoring for sub -surface cultural
and paleontological resources during grading and
construction activities for all development projects.
Policy OS-8.9: Engage in consultation with tribal
governments prior to making decisions, taking actions, or
:implementing programs that may impact Native American
cultural resources or sacred sites.
Why is this Important?
Cultural resources reflect the history of a community, from
descendants of the earliest Native Americans to later
explorers, settlers, and immigrants. Identification and
protection of these resources by the City is important to
maintaining a strong connection to the community's
heritage, thus enhancing a "sense place" with in the City's
neighborhoods and the community as a whole.
City of National City 3-25
Paradise Creek Marsh
Natlohal Clty Southern Boundary
Legend
— ,en Space Preserve
Base Lavers
Lr_.
.Na'bnd City Phoning Plea 8wntlory
L_ _• W iiorol Cly 9oorgory
Fr way
- ROOys
Railroad
Figure OS-1
Open Space Preserves
ItiMONSLCITY
Las Palmas Park
Paradiae,Creek Educaeaial Pads
SAN DIEGO '8
FI jt anal ylty Southern Boundary
Legend
Ex lsting_Qt_cm.Agrlculture Are9.i
,CF Goden
Oivewood Gorden
P% Stein Fcnvly Farm
Ogyortunity Neat
Proposed El ICYo, Linea, Farm
Proposed Joel Pocket Farm
was ON Pw
Las Palmas Park Emansia+
Ire xhods
Proposed 3M1eel Conversions
.Ba l_gyeg
1 ,National City Planning A,ea Bauncary
V!1St
LL
Cuy sound dry
-Fee av
----- Roods
RR 'Mac
Figure OS-2
Urban Agriculture
Opportunity Areas
PO
R
o3B
R
es
IOR
AY RESERVOIOR
Legend
Regional Trails
WliTanu Cop3Ic1Trci
Sweetwater Locp qtd RNeI Tral
Coleania Rising and Hik'ng Trai
Bose_l axes
..ur•
..r;tJplgnq City Banning Nec 8wndary
L__ Nolianbt City BOundaY
RObdf
- Railroad
Figure OS-3
Regional Trails
X-XX
I64
SAN DIEGO
Bd Matthew's Episeopal.Church
9'r+UMS
NattonaICity Southern Boundary
Legend
Notional Register of Historic Places -
u:� 131es
h'sE BAck Row
Granger MUtic Hall
• Sonia Fe Depot
® SI. Matthew's Eau opal Church
Bose Lavers
.am.
. Nation City Rlannhg Area Boundory
■ffw
L--� Notion CiN 9ocrdory
Reewoyr
Roads
Railroad
Figure OS-4
National Register of
Historic Places - Listed Sites
0 0.25 0.5
Miles
0.010.104
WITIONAL
SAN DIEGO
•
- � \
T Y / `.v 1 '/w Qo�
!I -Le Morgan Square t r ‘(
[ ` i
.
*(:Ki?mball,Park ,. I
e
( r Las,PalmasPark
Ar i a i Butterfly Park ti 1ecrL-"c (
* Paradise Creek Educational Park
s.
Sweetwater Regional Park
CHULA VISTA
SAN DIEGO
\ 105t1
Nattanal=Ctty Southern Boundary
Legend
ParkTvae
MinW ak
-'- Neighborhood Pak
• Community Pot
• Regional Pork
Service Radius
I M4niPn11/4 Mle SeMee RbdIJS
• Neijlbonood Pork l /2 MIe Service Radlw
Cernrnir4ty Pak I l.te Service Roaus
Base Lavers
�•er4f m National Gity Panning Neu eaday
L... Natq,ol CiH Paunchy
Fr way
---�-• Roads
od
Figure OS-5
Existing Parks and
Service Area Radii
•.*Earal9._
NATIO1141,i Co/
x-Xx
ELToyon Recreation Center
-Grerper.Muek Hell
St Matn , Epeccpal Church
Legend
-wr NotIo' L Register of Historic Places Llsteo Sites
▪ Ccostd Access Pants
® Recreation / Co rmpniry Confers
® Propose° Street Conversions
Colitpn,o Coastal trod
Pr0pp59C Porackse Creek 1rpi1
Sweetwater loop ma River Troll
Cper Space Preserve
® Paks
I. Pumas Pak Expansion
Base Lovers
`r National City Pksring Arta BOVMay
--� Notional City pound,/
Freeways
- Reads
Ralrpad
Figure OS-6
Open Space and
Recreation Plan
025
NATIONAlLclTy
o5
Mires
des
Part Three: General Plan Elements - Conservation 14107
or
Refer to the Land
Use Element for
Mineral resources,
and harbors and
coastal areas.
These also are
addressed in the
San Diego Unified
Port District Port
Master Plan, the
Local Coastal
Program and the
Harbor District
Specific Area Plan.
L.L.]
Sustainabil/ty -
Meeting the needs
of current
generations
without
compromising the
ability of future
,generations to
meet their own.
Carbon Footprint
- measure of the
impact our
activities have on
the environment,
and in particular
climate change. It
relates to the
amount of
greenhouse gases
produced in our
day-to-day lives
through burning
fossil fuels for
electricity,
heating and
transportation
etc. (Carbon
Footprint, 2010)
Conservation and
Sustainability (CS)
A. Introduction
4wsf
The Conservation Element addresses the conservation,
development and utilizatiqrr of natural resources including,
but not Limited to, water and, its hydraulic force, forests,
soils, rivers and,. other waters,- harbors, fisheries, wildlife,
minerals, and `other, atural resources. National City, being
almost completely dneveloped, does not contain most of
these natural resources, fisted above, with the exception of
;lted surface` and groundwater. Biological resources are
discussed in the Open Space Element, Soils are addressed in
the Safety Element, and both mineral resources and the
effects on military installations are addressed in the Land
e Eiernont of this General Plan.
Conservation Element addresses environmental issues
relatede to the conservation, development, and utilization of
natural <sources, such as water, but also the sustainability
cif the '`'City's water, sewer, and drainage infrastructure;
;:energy consumption; waste management; and carbon
:footprint.
Sustainable development encompasses established
principles of good planning and advocates a proactive
approach to future development. Because the City is
almost completely developed, reducing the City's energy
consumption and improving the sustainability of its
infrastructure will depend almost entirely on the retrofitting
and adaptation of existing systems. Goals and policies in
this element explore creative solutions for water and energy
conservation, water quality preservation, and reduction of
the City's carbon footprint.
City of National City 3-1
n
Part Three: General Plan Elements - Conservation l"+_
Greenhouse Gases
- Gases in the
atmosphere such
as carbon dioxide,
methane, and
nitrous oxide that
reduce the foss of
heat into space
and therefore
contribute to
rising global
temperatures.
Greenhouse
Effect - a
phenomenon in
which naturally -
occurring
atmospheric
gases help
regulate global
climate by
trapping solar
radiation within
the Earth's
atmosphere.
Existing Setting
CLIMATE CHANGE
Greenhouse Gases and Global Warming
Overwhelming evidence suggests that modern human
activity is artificially intensifying the greenhouse effect,
causing global average surface temperatures to rise. This
intensification is caused by activities that release carbon
dioxide and other greenhouse gases (GHGs) into the
atmosphere, most notably the burning of fossil fuels for
transportation, electricity, and heating.;1,, This intensification
is also caused by changes in land cover which affect the
absorption, scattering and emission of radiation within the
atmosphere and the Earth's surface.
Rising temperatures, along with a growing population, could
create a variety of challenges for the San Diego Region,
including longer and more intense heat waves, and in turn,
increasing energy consumption; extended drought
conditions With the, likelihood of longer and more severe fire
seasons; and;a potential,, increase in the formation of ground
level ozone. Ground-level.ozone the primary component of
smog and a severe respiratory irritant, can aggravate
asthma and cause other `respiratory problems, including
perrnanent lung damage2. An increase in ground -level ozone
also ' Could result in a heightened exposure risk to vector
born diseases, such as West Nile Virus. 3 However, at the
rrtie of'draftincg this General Plan current climate models do
riot' have the precision to determine what the quantitative
localized effects will be in National City for all resource
areas.3
Although climate change has global effects and global
causes, much of the effort to combat climate change will
'lave to come at the local level. Since many of the major
sources of GHG emissions are directly or indirectly controlled
through local policies, local governments have a strong role
to play in reducing GHG emissions within their boundaries.
Through proactive measures around sustainable land use
ICLEI. (2009). City of National City, 2005/2006 Green House Gas Emissions Inventory.
'Environment California Research and Policy Center. (2007). Hot and Smoggy,: The Ozone - Hot
Weather Connection in Eight California Cities. Retrieved March 23, 2010, at:
www.environmentcalifornia.org/reports/cl eon-air/clean-a ir-program-reports/hot-a ndsmoggy-the-ozone-hot-weather-
con n ect ion-i n-eight-Cal i f orn ia-cities.
a ICLEI. (2009). City of National City, 2005/2006 Green House Gas Emissions Inventory.
Adopted
3-2 National City General Plan
Part Three: General Plan Elements - Conservation W
Refer to Part 11 of
the General Plan
for a more
detailed
discussion of
Climate Change
regulation.
patterns, transportation demand management, energy
efficiency, green building, and waste diversion, local
governments can dramatically reduce emissions in their
communities'.
Regulatory Framework
A number of recent California State legislative acts have
significant implications for local government conservation
and sustainability planning:
Executive Order S-3-05 (2005) sets several GHG emission
reduction targets, including,'; reducing; GHG emissions to
1990 levels by 2020 and to 80% below 1990 levels by
2050. The Global Warming Solutions Act 02006 (AB 32),
implementing the Executive Order, requires that the state
return to 1990 GHG emission levels by 2020.
SB 375 (2008) revises the process of regional
transportation planning ,by metropolitan planning
organizations (MPOs), which are governed by elected
officials from -local jurisdictions. The statute calls on the Air
Resources Board (ARB), to establish regional transportation -
related GHG targets and • requires the MPO to develop a
regional "Sustainable Communities Strategy" (SCS) as part
of:Regional Transportation Plan (RTP). The RTP will contain
land use, housing' ,and transportation policies that will move
the region towards its GHG target. The statute stipulates
that;�transportation investments must be consistent with
the SCS: and provides CEQA streamlining for qualifying local
development 'projects. The San Diego Association of
Government's (SANDAG) 2011 RTP will be the first in the
state toimpiement SB 375.
focal GHG Generation
National City has taken the first step in reducing its carbon
footprint by working with Local Governments for
Sustainability (ICLEI) to inventory GHG emissions in the city.
The inventory provides estimates of GHG emissions in 2006,
for both National City's government operations and for the
National City community, as a wholes. The goal of the
inventory was to identify areas in which specific cuts and
° ICLEI. (2009). City of National City, 2005/2006 Green House Gas Emissions Inventory.
ICLEI. (2009). City of National City, 2005/2006 Green House Gas Emissions Inventory.
City of National City 3-3
Part Three: General Plan Elements - Conservation ta
CO2e -
Equivalent
Carbon Dioxide
GHGs, other than
carbon dioxide,
are commonly
converted to
carbon dioxide
equivalents which
take in account
differences in
their warming
influence on the
global climate
system due to
their different
radiative
properties and
lifetimes in the
atmosphere.
alterations can be made to lessen the carbon footprint of
the city.
In 2006, GHG emissions associated with National City's
governmental operations totaled 5,077 metric tons of COze.
Of the total emissions accounted for in this inventory,
emissions from employee commutes were the largest (32
percent). The buildings and facilities were the second
largest sector, accounting for 30 percent of emissions.6
In 2005, National City as a whole emitted approximately
535,436 metric tons of CO2e, or approximately 9.6 metric
tons per capita. The transportation sector was by far the
largest source of emissions, generating approximately
342,347 metric tons of CO2e, or 64 percent of total 2005
emissions. Transportation sector emissions` are the result of
diesel and gasoline combustion. in vehicles traveling on both
local roads and state. highways that pass through the
jurisdictional boundaries of National City. Electricity and
natural gas consumption within the commercial/industrial
sector, the second greatest ;source of 2005 emissions,
generated 141,062 metric tons CO2e, or 26 percent of the
total. Similarly, electricity and natural gas use in the City's
Residential Sector produced 35,096 metric tons CO2e, or
seven percent of total community emissions'.
National City's per capita CO2e emissions, at 9.6 metric
tons per year, are quite low compared to other communities
in the State and country. Most communities in the state
have per capita emissions ranging from 6 to 20 metric tons
per year, and communities in other states tend to have even
higher per capita emissions levels. National City's low per
capita 'emissions can be attributed to the mild climate
(which minimizes heating and air conditioning), proximity to
downtown San Diego and other employment centers in the
region (which minimizes trip making), and the relatively low
household income of the city's residents (which minimizes
trip making, waste, and resource use).
Regional and Local GHG Reduction Programs
The San Diego Regional Climate Protection Initiative,
established in 2009, is a joint effort between the San Diego
Foundation, ICLEI, and 10 local governments in San Diego
6 ICLEI. (2009). City of National City, 2005/2006 Green House Gas Emissions Inventory.
ICLEI. (2009). City of National City, 2005/Z006 Green House Gas Emissions Inventory.
Adopted
3-4 National City General Plan
is
Part Three: General Plan Elements - Conservation lio
County. In addition to performing GHG inventories for each
local jurisdiction, ICLEI is providing on -going training and
technical assistance to participating agencies. The Initiative
also includes the initiation and facilitation of a formal
regional network of local governments and key stakeholders
focused on climate protection initiatives, including both
mitigation and adaptation activities.
Also, the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG)
is developing a Climate Action Strategy(CAS) as part of a
multiyear partnership with the California Energy Commission.
A major focus of the strategy is to identify policy measures
that could help SANDAG reduce greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions from passenger cars and Iight-duty trucks and
comply with SB 375 in AO 2050 RTP update (to be adopted
in 2011). The CAS also will identify available policy
p " measures to helthe region integrate climate change
considerations into existing planning processes affecting our
transportation system, land use patterns, building stock,
and energy infrastructure 8'
As a result of the completion of: the City's GHG Emissions
Inventory in 2009,_-,the City has implemented several
strategies to; reduce its energy use and associated
emissions andis planning to advance its efforts in the
coming months: ,For example, the Public Works Department
has instituted changes in managing both its fleet and its
facilities that have'reduced emissions.
WATER
Demand
National City receives its water from the Sweetwater
Authority (SWA), a member agency of the San Diego
County Water Authority. SWA, which is a publicly -owned
water agency, provides water service to approximately
186,907 people in National City, Bonita and the western and
central portions of Chula Vista, California'. In 2007, SWA
updated its Master Plan. The Master Plan anticipates an
increase in the projected 2020 water demand. SWA
estimates that National City will grow at a faster rate in the
coming years due to densification of land use within the plan
area. The current 2007 Master Plan Update projects a
2030 maximum day demand of 37.84 million gallons per day
SANDAG. (2010). Climate Action Strategy Overview. Retrieved March 22, 2010, at:
htto://vvww.,sandaci.org/index asrOproiectid=33 7 &fu seaction=projects.detait.
9 Sweetwater Authority. (2010). Our Water. Retrieved February 9, 2010, at www.sweetwater.org.
City of National City 3-5
oft
Part Three: General Plan Elements - Conservation 1141
(mgd), and a maximum day production (supply) of 41.94
mgd.10
Supply
Drought is a continual problem in the Southern California
region, so a major focus for all water purveyors is supplying
clean, fresh water. Unlike other purveyors in the region,
70% of its potable water distributed by SWA comes from
local supplies, including the Sweetwater River Watershed,
Sweetwater River, the Sweetwater 'Alluvium and San Diego
Groundwater Formation. SWA owns and operates Loveland
Reservoir, Sweetwater Reservoir, deep freshwater wells and
brackish water wells. All of : this water is treated at the
Robert A. Perdue Water Treatment Plant in Spring Valley and
the Richard A. Reynolds Groundwater Desalination Facility in
Chula Vista prior to distribution to consumers.
The remainder of the water supply from SWA, about 30%, is
obtained from imported wager sources, purchased from the
San Diego County Water; Authority (SDCWA). It is
transported by massive aqueduct systems from the
Colorado River; 242 miles away, or the State Water Project,
which carries;; water about 700 miles' from the Sierra -Nevada
Mountains through the,--':'Sacramento-San Joaquin Bay Delta.
In emergency conditions, SWA customers can receive 100
percent of their "rater from this system."
To Meet future demand, SWA is pursuing the use of
desalinization and, toa lesser extent, water recycling, as
grouridater ,, resources and imported sources become
increasingly strained. The facilities which will provide the
source of supply for National City through 2030 include the
Perdue,; Plant, the Desalination Facility and the National City
Wells. The Perdue Plant has a maximum capacity is 30 mgd.
SWA belt the Desalination (Desal) Facility to produce 4 mgd
G:rith a future expansion to 8 mgd. The current plan is to
expand the capacity to 10 mgd using newly available
membrane technology with a higher output. Also, the
capacity of the National City Wells increased to
approximately 2 mgd from the previous 1.6 mgd. Overall
the water supply available in National City is projected to
increase from the current 36 mgd (30-Perdue, 2-N.C. Wells,
and 4-Desal), to 42 mgd, as a result of these projects (30-
10 Sweetwater Authority. (August 2008). Water Distribution System Master Plan Update.
71 Sweetwater Authority. (2010). Our Water. Retrieved February 9, 2010 at www.sweetwater.ord.
Adopted 3-6 National City General Plan
1
Part Three: General Plan Elements - Conservation %0
Groundwater -
Water that occurs
beneath the land
surface and fills
the pore spaces
of the alluvium,
soil, or rock
formation in which
it is situated. It
excludes soil
moisture, which
refers to water
held by capillary
action in the
upper unsaturated
zones of soil or
rock. (CA
Department of
Water Resources,
2010)
Perdue, 2-N.C. Wells, and 10-Desal), and is projected to
meet the 37.84 mgd maximum 2030 daily demand_'Z
Groundwater
SWA pumps groundwater from the San Diego Formation and
the Sweetwater Alluvium, which lie within the Sweetwater
Valley groundwater basin. Through its wells in National City,
the Authority obtains fresh water from the San Diego
Formation. The Authority extracts, brackish water from both
the alluvium of the Sweetwater River and from the San
Diego Formation and treats it at the Reynolds Groundwater
Desalination Facility in Chula Vista.13.
Groundwater sources'. are replenished througha process of
infiltration of the soil<by rainwater and runoff referred to as
"recharge". Due to the highly developed nature of the City,
groundwater recharge areas are limited. The largest areas
for groundwater recharge ,in;the City are the Sweetwater
River, Paradise Creek, Las Palmas Creek, Paradise Marsh,
Bannister Marsh, National City Goff Course, Las Palmas Park,
Kimball Park, El Toyon Park, Paradise Creek Park, Pepper
Park, Sweetwater Heights Park, school playgrounds,
recreational fields, ` and utility easements. Land use
;decisions affecting recharge areas can reduce the amount of
groundwater in storage and degrade the quality of that
groundwater.
Distribution
The City's water distribution system is illustrated on Figure
CS 1 `The, water system has been adequately updated since
its inception over 100 years ago. At the time of
preparation of this General Plan, the SWA is undertaking a
Large-scale upgrade to its infrastructure, focusing heavily on
::replacing much of its metal and cement/asbestos water
mains".
Water Conservation
The City has lower water usage rates than both the SWA
service area and San Diego County overall. Including
12 Sweetwater Authority.( August 2008). Water Distribution System Master Plan Update 2007.
73 Sweetwater Authority.(2010). Our Water. Retrieved February 9, 2010 at www.sweetwater.org.
14 Sweetwater Authority.( August 2008). Water Distribution System Master Plan Update 2007.
City of National City 3-7
Part Three: General Plan Elements - Conservation 1101
Water Recycling -
The treatment and
disinfection of
municipal
wastewater to
provide a water
supply suitable for
non -drinking
purposes (San
Diego County
Water Authority)
commercial, industrial and private use, in 2006, the City
averaged 110 gallons per capita per day, as compared to
122 gallons per capita per day for SWA as a whole, and 266
gallons per capita per day for San Diego County.15 (Per
capita daily water use was calculated by dividing total daily
water consumption for the San Diego County Water
Authority (SDCWA) member agencies by the applicable
agency's population.) This low per capita water usage can
be attributed to the mild climate as compared to interior
portions of the county, relatively small lot sizes, and the
relatively low household income of the city's residents, all of
which minimize landscaping and the prevalence of water -
intensive uses like private swimming pools.
SWA is actively engaging in a variety of water education and
conservation campaigns. As a member agency, the SWA is
working with the" SDCWA to promote the „•20 Gallon
Challenge, which is a call for.residents and businesses to
reduce the region's water use on average by 20 gallons per
person per day. SWA also provides a number of water
conservation tips, including information pertaining to native
plants, and efficient gardening . practices and irrigation
techniques on its webstte. Additionally, SWA offers free
water education to schools.within'its service area.16
Recycled water is increasingly used throughout the State to
fill -lakes, ponds, and ornamental fountains; to irrigate parks,
campgrounds, golf courses, freeway medians, community
greenbelts, school athletic fields, food crops, and nursery
stock; and to ,control dust at construction sites. Presently,
A does not, operate a recycled water ("purple pipe")
system within the City. However, SWA plans to begin
distributing 3,500 acre-feet annually, or 3.12 mgd, of
recycled `water for landscaping and industrial uses in 2015.'7
The recycled water would be purchased from the South Bay
'Water Recycling Plant, operated by the City of San Diego.
.The plant, which opened in May 2002, has a wastewater
':';'treatment capacity of 15 million gallons a day18.
15 Sweetwater Authority.( August 2008). Water Distribution System Master Plan Update 2007.
16 Sweetwater Authority. (2010). Retrieved February 9, 2010 at www.sweetwater.org.
" San Diego County Water Authority. (2007). Updated Urban Water management Plan. Retrieved February 22, Z010, at:
http://www.sdcwa.org/manage/pdf/2005UWMP/Sections_1-9.pdf
'B City of San Diego Public Utilities. (2010.) South Bay Water Reclamation Plant. Retrieved March 22, 2010, at
http://www.sandiego.gov/mwwd/facilities/southbay.shtml.
Adopted 3-8 National City General Plan
rs
Part Three: General Plan Elements - Conservation 1'J
WASTEWATER
The City wastewater division maintains approximately 97
miles of sanitary sewer main, which consists mostly of 6 and
8-inch lines and four pump stations79. The system is
illustrated on Figure CS-2.
Wastewater collected within National City is treated by the
City of San Diego at the Point Loma:; Wastewater Treatment
Plant (PLWTP) located at 1902 Gatcheli Road. The PLWTP
treats approximately 175 million;; gallons of wastewater per
clay generated in a 450 square Mile: area by more than 2.2
million residents. Located on a 40 acre:site on the bluffs of
Point Loma, the plant has a treatment , capacity of 240
million gallons per day ;(rngd). Treated effluent is discharged
to the ocean through the 4.5 mile long Ocean Outfall off
Point Loma20.
On May 2, 2006, the State"Water Resources Control Board
(SWRCB) adopted Order No..2006-0003, a General Waste
Discharge Requirement (WDR)': for all publicly owned sanitary
sewer collection systems in California with more than one
mile of sewer,. pipe The goal of Order No. 2006-0003 is to
provide a consistent, statewide approach for reducing
Sanitary Sewer Overflows '(SSOs). The Order requires all
sewer system operators 'to develop a Sewer System
Management Plan (SSMP).
National City has prepared a SSMP (April 2009), which
-serves as a;:guide for improvements to and expansion of the
CFty's sewer Sstem. It also establishes flow rates and
identifies potential problem areas. The SSMP reported an
Existingz:Average Dry Weather Flow of 4.22 million gallons
per day, which is anticipated to increase by 56%, reaching
6,57 rngd by 2029. Current pipes and infrastructure are
hot large enough to accommodate projected growth.
ENERGY
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has the
sole authority to regulate privately -owned public utilities in
California. Its power extends to all aspects of the location,
design, construction, maintenance, and operation of public
19 National City.(2010). Wastewater. Retrieved February 22, 2010, at http://www.ci.national-
crty.ca.us/index.aspx?page=231.
2° City of San Diego, Metropolitan Wastewater Department. (2010). Facilities. Retrieved February 26, 2010, at
http://www.sandiego.gov/mwwd/facifities/ptloma.shtml
City of National City 3-9
41s
Part Three: General Plan Elements - Conservation 1'41
Therms - A unit of
energy
measurement,
nominally 100,000
BTUs (British
thermal unit) or
the measurement
equal to the
amount of heat
energy required to
raise the
temperature of
one pound of
water one degree
Fahrenheit. (CA
public Utilities
Commission)
utility facilities. The CPUC has provisions for regulated
utilities to work closely with local governments and consider
their concerns.
The state also regulates energy. consumption under Title 24
of the California Code of Regulations. Title 24 provides
Building Energy Efficiency Standards for heating, cooling,
ventilation, water heating, lighting, and cool (reflective)
roofs in new residential and non-residential structures.
The primary public utility in the region is San Diego Gas and
Electric (SDG&E). SDG&E, operated by Sempra Energy, is an
investor -owner public utility; :Which 'provides energy service
to 3.3 million consumers through 1.3 million electric meters
and more than 800,000natural gas metersin San Diego and
southern Orange counties27. SDG&E's service area spans
4,100 square miles,`•.. The utility delivers both natural gas
and electricity throughout National City, as illustrated on
Figure CS-3
Natural Gas:.
Natural gas is delivered to customers in the City via a
network of gas pipelines that runs throughout the county.
•Natural gas is considered a "cleaner" fuel, as it emits less
GHGs, particulate' matter, and sulfur and nitrogen oxides
than coal, which is, generally used to create electricity.
Between 2007 and 2030, residential gas meters in SDG&E's
service;: area are forecasted to grow at an annual rate of
t 46%. By ' the year 2030, the residential meters are
expected to exceed 1.07 million meters. However, the
(weather normalized annual) average use per residential
:SDG&E customer is expected to fall from 399 therms per
customer in 2007 to 321 therms in 2030. This anticipated
*recline can be attributed to the expected energy savings
.from tightened building and appliance standards and CPUC-
?'authorized energy efficiency programs'.
Electricity
As of 2007, the residential electricity consumption in the
SDG&E service area was 7,500 GWh. Per capita residential
electricity demand is anticipated to level -off over the next
22 California Public Utilities Commission. (2008). California Gas Report. Retrieved February 23, 2010 at:
http://www.pge.com/pipeline/library/regulatory/cgr_index.shtml
Adopted 3-10 National City General Plan
1'
Part Three: General Plan Elements - Conservation 'o
Drainage - the
natural or artificial
removal of surface
or sub -surface
water from an
area.
decade (through 2018); however, overall residential
consumption is forecasted to increase to almost 9,000 GWh
by 2018. The increase can primarily be attributed to
population growth23. To meet demand, total energy
generation by SDG&E is expected to increase at an annual
average rate of 0.7 percent from 2008 to 203024. In the
coming years, sources of electricity are expected to become
more diverse as solar panels and wind farms begin to
provide more household power.
Renewable Energy/Energy Conservation
In 2009, SDG&E provided 10.5% o€::their retail electricity
sales from renewable power26 Natitirial: City has limited
control over natural gas or electricity delivery in the city.
However, the City, can attempt to -reduce energy
consumption within- City (units through —Ifiwiementing
conservation education -programs.
DRAINAGE AND WATER QUALITY'?;;:.
Hydrology/Drainage
National City ,lies .within parts of two watersheds: the
Sweetwater and the Pueblo. ;'These two watersheds, along
With, . the 0tay watershed, combine to form the San Diego
Bay„Watershed Management Area (WMA)26. The San Diego
BayWMA encompasses a 415 square mile area that extends
easterly from the San Diego Bay for more than 50 miles to
the Laguna Mountains. National City comprises only 1.53%
of the WMA27.
A city-wide drainage study was completed in December
989.26 The study describes the hydrologic and hydraulic
characteristics of the City and indicates areas within the
:City that require improved drainage facilities to better
accommodate runoff. Figure CS-4 identifies the existing
drainage infrastructure for National City.
23 California Energy Commission. (2007). Energy Consumption Date Management System. Retrieved February 26, 2010,
at: http://www.ecdms.energy.ca.gov/elecbyplan.aspx.
24 California Public Utilities Commission. (2008). California Gas Report. Retrieved February 23, 2010, at:
http://www.pge.com/pipeline/library/regulatory/cgr_index.shtml
25 California Public Utilities Commission (2010) California Renewabies Portfolio Standards (RPS). Retrieved April 5,
2010, at: http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/PUC/energy/Renewables/index.htm
z6 Project Cleanwater. (2010). San Diego County's Watersheds. Retrieved February 24, 2010, at:
http://www.projectcleanwater.org/html/watersheds.html
27 City of Chula Vista, et.al.(2008). San Diego Bay Watershed Urban Runoff Management Plan Document.
28 BSI Consultants, Inc. (1989). City of National City Citywide Drainage Study.
City of National City 3-1 1
ri
Part Three: General Plan Elements - Conservation 1'0
From a planning standpoint, the two most important
considerations in regard to drainage infrastructure are: 1)
ensuring adequate capacity to collect and carry stormwater
and thereby avoid flooding, and 2) working to reduce
pollutant loads in stormwater as part of regional efforts to
improve water quality in surface waters. The flood
protection aspects of stormwater control are addressed in
the Public Safety Element of this General Plan. Water
quality issues associated with stormwater are addressed
below.
Stormwater/Water Quality
In urban areas, rain that falls 'en roofs di .collects on paved
areas and does not infiltrate' --the soil, is often referred to as
"runoff." Stormwater runoff consists of rainwater, plus
anything the rairr carries along with it. Stormwater runoff
generally is carried through a system of gutters, pipes and
culverts. As runoff flows down a gutter or culvert, trash,
litter, silt, automotive chemicals (oils, grease, antifreeze and
fine dust from tire wear), animal wastes and many other
contaminant it picks up are washed into the storm drain
system, and ; ultimately, in turn, into the San Diego Bay.
The City wastewater division maintains approximately 45
Miles of closet#stormwater collection systems. Storm
drains are designed to carry only stormwater and are not
typically equipped with filters or cleaning systems.
Therefore, pollutect urban runoff moves directly into local
flood control channels and eventually into the ocean. Many
of :the pollutants found in this runoff are toxic to fish,
marine mammals and other aquatic life.
Urban outer runoff is a significant issue for the San Diego
Say and the County at large. The City has adopted its own
';Standard Urban Stormwater Mitigation Plan (SUSMP) as
required by the municipal storm water National Pollutant
Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit, issued to San
Diego County, the Port of San Diego, San Diego County
Regional Airport Authority, and 18 cities in the County by
the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board
(Regional Board) on January 24, 2007.29
A Watershed Urban Runoff Management Program (WURMP)
has been actively implemented in the San Diego Bay
29 National City. (2008). Standard Urban Stormwater Mitigation P/an.
Adopted
3-1 2 National City General Plan
Part Three: General Plan Elements - Conservation
Solid Waste- any
garbage or refuse,
sludge from a
wastewater or
water supply
treatment plant, or
air pollution control
facility and other
discarded material,
including so/id,
liquid, semi -solid,
or contained
gaseous material
resulting from
industrial,
commercial,
mining, and
agricultural
operations, and
from community
activities. (US
Environmental
Protection
Agency)
Diversion Rate -
the percentage of
all waste materials
that is not
processed in the
traditional manner
and is recycled,
composted or re-
used.
Refer to the Land
Use Element for
information
related to landfills.
Watershed Management Area (WMA) since January 2002.
The Port of San Diego, as the lead jurisdiction, has
collaborated with other jurisdictions within the San Diego
Bay Watershed Area, including National City, in the
preparation of the San Diego Bay WURMP document to
comply with the Municipal Stormwater Permit.
The Program uses Baseline Long -Term Effectiveness
Assessment (BLTEA) information every five years to
identify high -priority water quality problems associated with
a variety of runoff pollutants including, heavy metals,
dissolved minerals, organics, bit. and grease, sediments,
pesticides, nutrients, gross '' ;, pollutants, and
bacteria/pathogens. The. Program's 2007-2008 Annual
Report identifies bacteria ` and pathogens and dissolved
minerals as the highest priority pollutants to,;be addressed
within National Cfty's;; hydrologic areas. The; proximity of
National City's industrial zones to the bayfront and along
drainage courses will continue to pose particular challenges
to maintaining a high level of -water quality.
SOLID WASTE./ ECYCLING
Nearly every.humaT,1aotMty leaves behind some kind of
waste. Householdsscreate bidinary garbage, industrial and
nufacturing processes create solid and hazardous waste,
and construction-, activities leave behind large chunks of
debris- and inorganic materials. In 2006, U.S. residents,
businesses, and Institutions produced more than 251 million
tons of . nunieipat:solid waste, which is approximately 4.6
pounds of waste per person per day. In addition, American
industrial facilities generate and dispose of approximately
7.6 biiion.:tons of industrial solid waste each year3°
Cities generally measure their progress on waste reduction
;and re -use with a measurement called the "diversion rate".
The City's diversion rate, most recently calculated in 2006,
53%, which is about the statewide average. This level
also meets the 50% required rate under 2007's SB 101637.
3° EPA. (2010). Wastes. Retrieved February 24, 2010 at: http://www.epa.gov/osw/basicinfo.htm
'Cal Recycle. (2010). California Waste Stream Profiles. Retrieved February 24, 2010 at
http://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/Profiles/Juris/Ju rProfile2.asp?RG=C&JURID=3 33&JUR=National+City
City of National City 3-1 3
Part Three: General Plan Elements - Conservation EJ
B. City wide Goals and Policies
CLIMATE CHANGE
Goal CS-1: A reduced carbon footprint
Policy CS-1.1: Develop and adopt new or amended
regulations or programs that address:
• Sustainable and efficient ',land use patterns to reduce
vehicular trips and preserve open space;
• Improving energy efficiency, especially in the
transportation sector and buildings and appliances;
• Reducing the urban heat island effect through
sustainable design- and building practices, as well as
planting trees (consistent with habitat and water
conservation policies) for their many environmental
benefits, including natural carbon sequestration;
• Reducing -Waste by improving management and recycling
programs::;,
Policy CS-1.2:`Pursue"the development of "clean" or "green"
;hector industries' that benefit the environment and
economy.
olicy, CS-1.3: Encourage community involvement and
m4fttlprrtrate;partnerships to reduce and respond to global
.ming
Pohcy CS 1.4: Continue to evaluate and manage the City's
vehicle fleet and its facilities and its operations to reduce
missions.
Goal CS-2: A City prepared for the potential effects of
climate change including increased flooding, reduced water
supply, and greater energy demands
Policy CS-2.1: Work with the SWA to plan for adequate
water supply and emergency reserves.
Why is this important?
Global warming is a significant threat world-wide that could
have potentially significant impacts at the local level
Adopted
3-14 National City General Plan
Part Three: General Plan Elements - Conservation o'
Green Building -
the practice of
creating
structures and
using processes
that are
environmentally
responsible and
resource -efficient
throughout a
building's life -
cycle.
including increased flooding, reduced water supplies, greater
energy demands and implications on human health and
natural resources. Many of the major sources of GHG
emissions are directly or indirectly controlled through local
policies; therefore, local governments have a strong role to
play in reducing GHG emissions within their boundaries.
WATER
Goal CS-3: Adequate water supplies to meet projected
demand with minimal reliance on imported water sources.
Policy CS-3.1: Protect rivers, watersheds, reservoirs and
groundwater as a water supply source through flood control
measures and the use of stormwater best management
practices (BMPs) that'protect water quality.
Policy CS-3.2: Work with SWA to coordinate the demands of
new development within the capacity of the water system.
Policy CS-3.3: Ensure, that new development contributes its
"fair -share" toward required improvements to the water
supply and distribution system.
Poky CS-3.4: Promote the use of green building practices
in skew and existing development, including the use of
bioswales, tree wells, pervious materials for hardscape, and
er stormwater, management practices to increase
�undwater' infiltration.
Policy GS-3.,5: Work with SWA in promoting the use of
icisterfieSF, in barrels, etc., to augment the District's water
;supplies.
Goal CS-4: Lower per capita water demand and improved
water conservation efforts.
Policy CS-4.1: Promote the use of green building practices
and low impact development in new and existing
development to reduce the use of potable water.
Policy CS-4.2: Require landscaping for all new commercial
and industrial development to use drought tolerant plants
and no vegetative turf, unless recreation needs or other
area functions specifically require turf.
City of National City 3-15
Part Three: General Plan Elements - Conservation La
Policy CS-4.3: Work with the Sweetwater Authority to
establish a recycled water system in National City, where
appropriate, cost effective, safe, and environmentally
sustainable.
Policy CS-4.4: Continue to work with Sweetwater Authority
on water education and conservation campaigns.
Why is this important?
Southern California has been experiencing unprecedented
drought over the past decade. As fresh water supplies
become increasingly scarce, partially as a result of
development within the jurisdiction as described in the land
use element, local _ communities need-_:. to assist in
conservation efforts and help preserve the quality of local
water sources in order to maintain a clean, economical, and
adequate water supply for City, residents. Also, inadequate
water supplies and distribution systems can serve as
potential barriers to new development and economic
growth.
WASTEWATER.
Goal CS-5: Adequate, reliable and sustainable wastewater
facilities that collect, treat, and safely dispose of
wastewater, which are available to meet projected
demand.
Policy CS-5.1:`'Continue to work with the City of San Diego
Metropolitan Wastewater Department to ensure adequate
treatment- capacity is available to meet National City's
'projected treatment demands.
Policy CS-52: Coordinate land use planning and wastewater
; hfrastructure planning to provide for future development
and maintain adequate service levels.
Policy CS-5.3: Ensure that all development, including infill
projects pay their "fair -share" toward required upgrades to
existing sewer collection facilities.
Why is this important?
Wastewater collection and treatment capacity, if
inadequate, can serve as a substantial barrier to new
development and economic growth in the City. Also,
Adopted
3-16 National City General Plan
Part Three: General Plan Elements - Conservation 160
inadequate capacity can potentially result in system failures
and environmental effects.
ENERGY (ELECTRICITY AND NATURAL GAS)
Goal CS-6: Energy utilities sufficient to meet existing and
future demand, and facilities and maintenance practices
that are efficient and sensitive to the natural and urban
landscape.
Policy CS-6.1: Coordinate with SDG&E.to focus utility capital
investments and design projects to be sensitive to
neighborhood character.,,,
Policy CS-6.2: Encourage undergrounding of alt utility lines
associated with new .or redevelopment projects and work
with SDG&E to underground.; existing overhead tines, where
feasible.
Policy CS-6.3:; Work with SDG&E to ensure that energy
utilities are provided,, maintained, and operated in a manner
that protects residents and enhances the environment.
Policy CS-6.4: ` Incorporate public art with public utility
facilities, especially in urban areas.
Policy CS-6.5: En'sure utility projects and maintenance
activities minimize'` impacts to community streetscape
dements and"Street trees.
Policy; CS-6.6: Coordinate projects in the public right-of-way
::with alr applicable utility providers.
Goal CS-7: Lower per capita energy demands due to
conservation and reduced dependence on fossil fuels
through an increase in the use of alternative and
renewable energy sources.
Policy CS-7.1: Promote the use of green building practices in
new and existing development to maximize energy
efficiency and conservation.
City of National City 3-17
es
Part Three: General Plan Elements - Conservation" l
Policy CS-7.2: Encourage the use of building placement,
design and construction techniques that minimize energy
consumption.
Policy CS-7.3: Consistent with the California Public Utilities
Commission's California Long Term Energy Efficiency
Strategic Plan, require all new residential construction to be
designed for zero net energy use by 2020 and all new
commercial construction to be designed for zero net energy
use by 2030.
Policy CS-7.4: Explore programs to=:!encourage load shifting
to off peak hours and explore demand response solutions.
Policy CS-7.5: Promote `availability of a variety of tools and
services for implementing, energy conservation and
renewable energy generation, .:including financing districts,
energy auditing, and energy efficiency retrofit services to all
residents and business owners.
Policy CS 7,6: Promote the use:of cool roofs, green roofs,
south -facing roofs, solar panels, solar hot-water heaters,
and other green energy sources in conjunction with new
development and retrofits to existing structures.
Policy CS-7.7: Encourage :LEED certification for all new
commercial and industrial buildings in the city.
Why, is this important?
Energy consumption including the use of electricity and
natural gas by homes and businesses is a significant factor
contributing to global warming. Most energy today is still
generated :" from fossil fuels. Through instituting
conservation programs, and encouraging and assisting in the
development of renewable energy sources within the
community, and instituting green building practices, the City
can reduce its carbon footprint.
DRAINAGE AND WATER QUALITY
Goal CS-8: Healthy, well -functioning local watersheds,
water bodies, and groundwater resources that support
healthy aquatic ecosystems and are free from urban
pollutants.
Policy CS-8.1: Control sources of pollutants and improve and
maintain urban runoff water quality through storm water
Adopted
3-18 National City General Plan
Part Three: General Plan Elements - Conservation
protection measures consistent with the City's National
Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit.
Policy CS-8.2: Promote watershed awareness programs that
address the discharge of preventable contaminants into the
sanitary sewer system and support water quality educational
programs for City staff, community groups, and the public.
Policy CS-8.3: Encourage new development to explore
opportunities to filter, infiltrate, store and reuse or
evaporate stormwater runoff onsite.
Policy CS-8.4: Promote the use - Of green stormwater
management and low impact;(development practices in new
and existing development, including the use of green roofs,
landscape -based treatment measures, bioswales, tree wells,
pervious materials for hardseape, and other stormwater
management practices''; to reduce„water pollution.
Policy CS-8.5: Support of the reuse of stormwater runoff for
beneficial uses.
Why is this important?,
Our local water resources provide numerous beneficial uses
including drinking water, recreational opportunities, habitat
or ;a variety of land and marine species, industrial, military
and commercial uses, and as an attraction for tourism. As a
result of development, urban water runoff is one of the
leading causes of surface and groundwater pollution in
southern California.:' Because runoff comes from a variety of
'sources throtighout the community, it is important that the
City: take a comprehensive approach to managing water
quality.
SOLID WASTE/RECYCLING
Goal CS-9: Lower waste generation and a City-wide
diversion rate of 75%.
Policy CS-9.1: Promote the use of recycled materials,
including the reuse of existing building shells/elements, as
part of new construction or renovations.
Policy CS-9.2: Require all construction projects to recycle a
minimum of 75% of inert construction debris and 50% of all
remaining debris and to salvage, recycle, or reuse at least
50% of demolition materials, unless infeasible.
City of National City 3-19
A
Part Three: General Plan Elements - Conservation /641
Green Purchasing -
Purchasing goods
and services that
minimize impacts
on the
environment and
that are socially
just.
Policy CS-9.4: Educate residents and local businesses about
composting, the importance of recycling, and "green
purchasing."
Policy CS-9.5: Encourage residents to donate or dispose of
surplus furniture, old electronics, clothing and other
household items rather than disposing of such materials in
landfills.
Policy CS-9.6: Investigate and: ;:pursue opportunities to
increase the use of composting with the community.
Why is this important?
As the population of the region continues to increase,
landfill space will become increasingly scarce As landfills in
close proximity to urban areas, reach capacity, waste could
need to be hauled to'`more remote locations thus increasing
the cost of disposal to ;residents and businesses and
potentially expanding the carbon footprint of the City.
Adopted
3-20 National City General Plan
Legend
Proposed Master Plan
Pipeline Improvements -
Diameter in Inches
—6
—12
�--14
—16
• Proposed Booster Improvements
• Proposed Tank
n2 Central -Wheeler
Pressure Zone Conversion
r 16) Main Replacement Priority Number
Existing Water Mains
Diameter in Irchea
waft.- 1.9
10.1E
15-24
Major Facilities
V..7 PUMP STATION
• HYDRCPNEUMAT:C LANK
6 INTERCONNECTION
IC PRESSURE REDUCING VALVE
• RESERVOIR
i TANK
Pressure Zones
[Si O.D. Arnold
I D.D. Arnold Hydro
ji Quarter Sections
Freeways
Source: Sweetwater Authority Water Distribution System
Master Plot Update 2007
Figure CS-1
Water Distribution System
NTS
NATIOM
err
Legend
$ewer Infrastructure
Sever ucrho fly
eij Sower Meters
�Sewe R ping
Base Layers
Sam
iiribrt, Cho Panning Hen 9amd,
L... 1 NotbrcY C y H000day
Freeways
^^.., Roads
Souse'' City of National City
,Natior(otaeity Southern Boundary
Figure CS-2
Sewer System
A
Part Three: General Plan Elements - Conservation C./
Figure CS-3: Gas & Electric Substations and Transmission Lines:
To Be Inserted Here
Adopted------ 3-23
National City General Plan
NcttTonaity Southern Boundary
Legend
Drainage Infrastructure
a Slam Drdn Structures
—• Slam Drain Piping
Storm Drain Basins
Base Layer
I Nolbrd Clty Plonning alea Brantley
■�A
W Igna City Boundary
! F way
--g+m Ronds
^^^-•_ ROilrocd
SoufCe: City of National City
Figure CS-4
Drainage Facilities
TaTIONALCITY