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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010/10/07 Additional Information 18/85/2818 14:89 8582788871 5 PAGE id I fO/7 ('0 \,('ntsk(, A J".-t; +lcnoJ: (vc~rmcJlch RECEIVED 'lQ OCT -5 r'!. .,tu CITYOFCHUlA VIS T l' CIty OlERlrSOFF!Ci" 82/82 ~OCAA . SAN D1EGO COUNTY APARTMENT ASSOCIATION S"= 1919 ~ .' -.... r;@~~~IA ^rlill:!~~ M10C1^1i'\rn ,I II I II II [' October 5, 2010 Mayor Cox and Council Members City of Chula Vista 276 Fourth Avenue Chula Vista, CA 91910 Ii Re: 10/7/2010 Council Workshop - Item 1 Climate Change Working Group Recomm~ndations on Climate Adaptation Strategies Dear Mayor Cox and Council Members: I am writing this letter on behalf of the 2,600 members of the Sa n Diego County Apartment Association (SDCAA), many of which own and lT1<mage properties In the City of Chula Vista, Today, I am writing to bring to your attention some concerns regarding the Climate Change Working Group's final recommendations on climate Adaptation Strategies, The SDCAA has some concern with regard to the proposals for new parking lot requirements, specifically the use of cool materials (Item 1 of the Summary) and the additional tree requirements (Item 2 of the Summary), Simply put, the costs of the cool material and the additional tree maintenance are unknown at this time, Members of the SDCAA hav!; expressed an interest in the use of cool paving however little information has been shared regarding the lifetime m.aintenance and replacement costs associated with the use of such materials, Additionally, with regard to Item 2, many members are concerned with the additional costs to maintain the hiRher number of trees but also the potential damage the trees may cause to the cool paving. With more information on those facts, our concerns may be alleviate>d, The SDCAA requests that the group investigate the costs associated with these requirements and share them with the> industry before the City formally adopts them as polley. Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the comprehensive proposal. We look forward to reviewing future revisions as well. [lest rega0 ~?,(~ Director of Public Affairs CC: Brendan Reed, Environmental Resource Manager 87BB Balboa Avenue, Suite B . San Diego, CA 92123 . Tel: B58.27B.8070 . Fax: 858,27B,B071 . www,sdtllc.(om . , ,,\., . ::~',:J~ TheSan Dl(:~go t ~~~t ) Foundation ~f A foundation fl,r your passion {0/'7/1O '\I'fCIHCS~f ; Add; +i ol?a.J ltL{;yfl1.a:twJ I (-fern I FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Anna-Marie Rooney, The San Diego Foundation 619-235-2300 Anna-Marie@sdfoundation.ora Heather Back, The San Diego Foundation 619-814-1350 cell: 619-994-2997 Heather@sdfoundation.org Scott Peters, The San Diego Foundation 858-354-7005 New poll shows voters overwhelmingly want the San Diego region to take a leadership role in California in reducing greenhouse gas emissions Survey by The San Diego Foundation finds that nearly eight in lO believe we can have a clean environment and a strong economy without having to choose one over the other SAN DIEGO (September 22, 2010) - The San Diego Foundation released a survey of San Diego County voters today which assessed their views, values and perspectives on the local impacts of climate change and the public's appetite for policies needed to address it. The survey results show that voters are concerned about the impacts of global warming.and'want thee San' Diego regionc to"take. a' statewide' leadership 'position in'" addressing it. This high level of support cuts across many demographic groups, including majorities of Republicans, Democrats, independents, moderates and TSDF News Release - Climate Change Research [September 22. 2010] Page 1 of 6 liberals, and voters of every level of education, ethnic background, age group and . . income level. When asked about two of California's landmark greenhouse gas emission reduction laws - AB 32 and SB 375 - San Diego voters demonstrated strong support for each, as well as for specific steps that might be taken to implement these laws. More broadly, three times as many voters believe that addressing global warming will create more rather than fewer jobs. By a large margin, voters share the opinion that we can have a strong economy and a healthy environment. "It is imperative that we take action today to preserve San Diego's clean water, forests, wildlife habitat, coastline and the San Diego region's spectacular natural beauty for future generations to enjoy," said The San Diego Foundation's president and CEO Bob Kelly. "The San Diego Foundation is committed to leading community and governmental dialogue on how cities, the County and regional transportation, water, and planning agencies can best address the impacts of climate change on the region." San Diego Port Commissioner Scott Peters is heading this effort with The Foundation, as Chair of its Climate Initiative. Over the past few years, The Foundation has collaborated with leading scientists, policy experts and regional leaders to invest in research that will inform this dialogue. A report published by the Foundation, "San Diego's Changing Climate: A Regional Wake Up Call," highlights a number of potential impacts from global warming to the San Diego region, including more frequent wildfires, threats to water quality and supplies, coastal area flooding, loss of natural areas, plants and animals, health impacts, such as asthma and heat- TSDF News Release - Climate Change Research [September 22, 2010] Page 2 of 6 ',1 related illness, and rising energy consumption due to warming temperatures. Scientists at Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO) worked closely with The Foundation in creating this report. "Effects of global climate change in the San Diego region will grow stronger in the future, including likely reductions in water supplies, increased wildfires and threats to human health. Our community will need an ongoing assessment, using the best science available, to evaluate these impacts so that we can better prepare for and adapt to them," said Dr. Dan Cayan, Climate Researcher with Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego. Since 2007, The Foundation has invested over $1.5 million in grants for research, technical expertise, and community efforts to advance the region's leadership in setting goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while decreasing local vulnerability to potential effects of global warming on the local economy and quality of life. More recently, The Foundation has been working with the University of San Diego, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, California State University San Marcos and The Steve Alexander Group, to develop a regional communications program on the impacts of global warming on regional quality of life. Funded by the National Science Foundation, this program will develop a practical blueprint for how best to engage and communicate with communities in a productive dialogue around the impacts of climate change on the region. "This survey will certainly help this communications program," said Scott Peters. "It shows that the people of our region want to make investments in more energy-efficient technology to create new, high-quality jobs and expand business opportunities here in San Diego County. We can put thousands of people to work TSDF News Release - Climate Change Research [September 22, 2010J Page 3 016 and create a strengthening economy while having a clean and healthy t environment. I' According to the survey: . Eight in 10 San Diego voters are concerned that global warming could reduce local water supplies and increase the risk of severe wildfires. . Seven in 10 are concerned about the loss of coastal lands and beaches as sea levels rise and erosion increases. A similar proportion of people are concerned about the threats to human health, including more cases of asthma and other respiratory diseases. . Many San Diegans - more than seven in 10 - believe that addressing global warming would create more jobs for people in the County. By a two-to-one margin, they agree with the principles of AB 32, the state law that requires California to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions back to 1990 levels by the year 2020. . Likewise, seven in 10 voters hold a favorable view of SB 375 and support its implementation by the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG). SB 375 requires SANDAG ~o develop a regional plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, promote shorter commutes and conserve open space and natural areas in San Diego County through a variety of methods, including focusing the building of new homes in areas near jobs and schools, reducing commutes and traffic and providing more transportation choices. TSDF News Release - Climate Change Research [September 22, 2010] Page 4 016 '\ "Nearly 260,000 adults and children in San Diego County are suffering from asthma, and high smog levels trigger more frequent and severe asthma attacks," said Jan Cortez, Executive Director of The American Lung Association in California- San Diego. "Using cleaner, renewable energy and offering more alternatives to driving as well as shortening commutes will help make families healthier." San Diego County voters also support key policies that would be implemented under these two laws: . Three quarters or more of voters support key provisions of AB 32, such as expanding the use of clean energy and clean technology, as well as requiring industrial plants, oil refineries and commercial facilities to reduce their emissions. . Many voters also prefer more compact and transit-friendly development, with a strong preference for expanding public transit over the expansion of roads and highways. "Any effort to protect our clean air and reduce pollution will require communities and local governments to work together throughout the region. This survey will help inform how we approach our work on these issues," said San Diego County Supervisor Ron Roberts, who also serves as a member of the California Air Resources Board. The Foundation has worked closely with Supervisor Roberts over the past year, given his role as member of the California Air Resources Board, which oversees programs to protect the region's air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming. TSDF News Release - Climate Change Research [September 22, 2010] Page 5 of 6 The San Diego Foundation's CEO Kelly expects the survey will serve as a tool " (' for policy makers and planners to better understand community opinions and enable all stakeholders to work together as local climate change policies are developed and implemented. About The San Dieao Foundation The San Diego Foundation is San Diego's leading resource for information about charitable giving and community needs. The Foundation encourages, supports and facilitates meaningful dialogue on issues affecting each of the region's communities, and works with philanthropists to develop creative solutions to meet critical community needs. Since its inception in 1975, The San Diego Foundation has helped public-spirited citizens find ways to address community problems. Funds managed now number in the thousands. Through them, donors support numerous organizations and serve a variety of extraordinary causes. Donors and funds all share a conunon purpose: to make San Diego a better place to live. work and play. The San Diego Fonndation's Climate Initiative is advancing our region's leadership in setting goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while decreasing our vulnerability to wildfires, diminishing water supplies, coastal flooding, threats to human health from poor air quality, and other impacts on our quality of life. With generous support from Bank of America, Qualcomm, and numerous individual donors, The Foundation is making investments in the community to strengthen the economy with more energy-efficient technology, infrastructure, and high-quality jobs, increase public awareness and support for local action to protect OUI region's clean air, water, and spectacular natural beauty for all generations. For more information on The San Diego Foundation's Climate Initiative, visit www.sdfoundation.orcr. ### TSDF News Release - Climate Change Research [September 22, 2010] Page6of6 (o(?(roVVDrr:<;ko( . : A c(cl' +i tn1.cJ \ rtf1).,-rnCLhQ)" I {~ i ! , I , I Pii.hh,.' Opini;jf} Research & Strarcgl' TO: The San Diego Foundation FR: David Metz & Curtis Below Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin, Metz and Associates RE: Key Findings from Recent Countywide Survey on Climate Change DATE: September 14,201 0 Fairbank, Maslin. Maullin, Metz & Associates (FM3) recently completed a survey of San Diego County voters assessing attitudes toward climate, change.' Specifically, the research was designed to determine the views, values and perspectives of County residents toward the local impacts of climate change and the public's appetite for the policies needed to address it. Additionally, it will serve as a tool for policy makers and planners to better understand community opinions and enable all stakeholders to work together as local climate change policies are developed and implemented.;; The survey results themselves show that San Diego County voters are concerned about global warming and want the San Diego region to take a leadership role in addressing the issue. Moreover, the results show that this high level of support cuts across many demographic groups. Not surprisingly, when asked conceptually about two of California's landmark greenhouse gas emission reduction laws - AB 32 and SB 375'" - San Diego voters demonstrated strong support for each, as well 'as for'speeific steps thacmiglil'be taken to implemenCeach. ' Mofebroadly. by'a large margin voters share the opinion that we do not need to choose between a strong economy and a healthy environment, a point underscored by the fact that three times as many voters believe that addressing global warming will create more jobs (47%) than will cause there to be fewer jobs (14%), Among the key specific findings of the survey are the following: 1425 Colorado .In'IlIff:. SI/;/e ISO ",'anla I\fonico. CA f)O.j()4 Phone: (3/0) 828-/183 Fax: (3JfJj -1530562 19t)l) Harrison ."'Iree! ,~lIilC /190 Oak/and (.'A 046}] f'hone (Jlfli 4519521 Fax: (110) 451 03,\'.j Page 2 . Voters overwhelmingly believe the San Diego region should take a leadership position in setting goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In total, 72 percent of voters surveyed agreed with the statement, "San Diego County should take a statewide leadership position in setting goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions;' including nearly half of all voters (48%) who agreed "strongly" (Figure 1). FIGURE 1 Support for San Diego County Taking a Leadership Role in Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions Would you agree or disagree wilh the fullowing statement. San DieJ;o County should take a statewide leadership position in sellhlg goal.'lfor reducing greenhouse gas emissions. . Strongly 13 Somewhat Total Agree 72% Total Disagree Don't Know 2% 0% 20% '" ,,% 80% The results further suggest that support for San Diego region taking a leadership role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions is shared by San Diegans of many different walks of life, notably including majorities of Republicans and moderates, but also including majorities of Democrats, independents, and liberals, and voters of every level of education, ethnic background, age group and income level. . San Diego voters are most concerned that global warming could reduce local water supplies and increase the risk of severe .wildfires. As shown in Figure 2 on the following page, majorities of voters were concerned about most potential impacts of global warming, but were particularly concerned about the "reduction of our water supply" (80% concerned) and the "increased risk of severe fires" (78% concerned). Additionally, though three in five (6] %) were concerned about "heat waves;' relative to the other impacts it was seen as the least worrisome potential outcome of global warmmg. . Page 3 FIGURE 2 Concerns about Different Potential Global Warming Impacts Potential Impact Total Concerned Reduction of our water suoolv 80% Increased risk of severe fires 78% Loss of coastal lands and beaches as sea levels rise and 71% erosion increases Threats to human health, including more cases of asthma and 7]% other respiratory diseases Higher costs to the public to deal with the impacts of global 70% wanl1ll1g Loss of native olants and animals 69% Decreased energv suoolv to meet energv needs 69% Loss of iobs 68% Heat waves 61% . Despite the weak economy, San Diego County voters don't believe we have to choose between strengthening the economy and having a clean and healthy environment. Given the choice between compcting arguments - that we can have a clean environment and strong economy without having to choose one over the other, or that a clean environment and strong economy are sometimes "in conflict" and we must choose one over the other San Diego voters, by a wide margin (77 to 18 percent), believe we can attain both goals simultaneously (Fignre 3). FIGURE 3 Attitudes toward the Environment and Economy We can have a clean environment and a strong economy at the same time without 77% having to choose one over the other. OR Sometimes a clean environment and a strong economy are in conflict and we must choose'one'over the other." Both/Neither/Don't Know 5% ~h ,,% ~% &0% 80% 100% . Many San Diego County voters believe addressing global warming would create more jobs for people in the County; few believe taking such actions would result in job losses. Only 14 percent of voters were of the opinion that San Diego County taking . Page 4 action to reduce global warming including expanding renewable energy and technology, and requiring pollution reductions - would result in fewer jobs (Figure 4). In comparison, three quarters of respondents (74%) thought that such policies would result in more jobs (47%), or would not affect the number of jobs (27%). FIGURE 4 Perceived Impact on Jobs from San Diego County Addressing Global Warming 47%; Total Morel Would Not Affect 74% More jobs Would not affect the number of jobs Fewer jobs Don't know 12% 0% '''' 40% 40% ,,% . By a two to one margin voters in San Diego County agree with the principles of AB 32. Voters in San Diego County were read a description of California's Global Warming Solutions Act (AB 32). and asked whether they favored or opposed the law. As shown in Figure 5, 62 percent of voters favored AB 32 while 29 percent opposed it (only 9% were unsure). Furthermore, 43 percent indicated they "strongly" favored AB 32, representing more than two in five San Diego County voters. FIGURE 5 Voters' Reactions to the Primary Goal of AB 32 To address global warming. do you/avor or oppose the state 111w that requires California to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions back /0 1990 levels by the year 2020? III Strongly Cl Somewhat Total Favor 62% Total Oppose Don't Know 0% 20% 40% 60% ,,% Page 5 These results were similar to a recent statewide survey conducted by the Public Policy Institute of California. in which 67 percent of California voters indicated they favored AB 32 and only 21 percent opposed the law. . Similarly, seven in ten voters hold a favorable view of SB 375 and support its implementation by SANDAG. Relative to support for AB 32, an even greater proportion of voters in San Diego County think highly of the County's implementation of SB 375. As shown in Figure 6, 70 percent of voters indicated they support SANDAG's implemcntation of SB 375, while only 23 percent were opposed to it. FIGURE 6 Voters' Reactions to the Primary Goal of SB 375 The Sun Diego Association (!fGovernments - or SANDAG is del'eloping a regional plan /0 reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air poUuaon: prOlIlOte shorter commutes, and conserve open space and natural areas in San Diego County throu?,h (/ variety a/methuds, inc!uding.tr.JCusing the building (~rnew homes in areas nearjohs and schuols, reducing commutes and !ruffie, und providing more transportation choices. Based on this description, would you favor or oppose SANDAG developing such a plan? Il!I Strongly o Somewhat Don't Know 70% Total Favor Total Oppose 0% 20% 40% ,,% 80% . San Diego County voters strongly support the key policies that would be implemented under these two laws. Survey respondents were given a list of some of the key steps that might be taken to implement AB 32 and were asked to indicate - on a scale from one to seven - whether they would support or oppose each provision: a rating of "seven" signified strong support, a rating of "one" strong opposition, and a "four" represented neutrality. As shown in Figure 7 on the following page, each provision was supported (as indicated by a rating of five. six or seven) by at least seven in ten voters. In fact, over 50 percent of voters expressed strong support (as indicated by a rating of seven) for "expanding the use of clean energy" (53%) and "making large polluters pay fees based on the amount they pollute" (52%). Page 6 FIGURE 7 Support for Potential Provisions to be Implemented Under AB 32 011 ute Proportion Rating Each Item 5-7 (Indicating Su ort 78% 77% 77% Provision 77% 75% 74% 71% residential and 71% Regarding SB 375, survey respondents were asked to indicate which should be the highest priority for future investments to improve transportation in San Diego County, "the expansion of roads and highways" or "the expansion of public transit, including buses and rail." As shown in Figure 8, a solid majority of voters prioritize expanding public transit - a likely component of any S8 375 regional plan - over expanding roads and highways. FIGURE 8 Voters' Preferences between Expanding Public Transit or Roads and Highways OR 55% The expansion of public transit, including buses and rail The expansion of roads and highways Both/Neither/Don't Know 0% '0% ,,% ,,% ,,% Page 7 Additionally, survey respondents were asked about another key component of implementing 58 375 - locating homes and jobs closer together and near transit (i.e. more compact and transit-friendly development). Nearly three-quarters of voters (73%) indicated they would support such development, with nearly one-half (46%) expressing strong support (Figure 9). FIGURE 9 Voters Support for More Compact and Transit-Friendly Development 1110uld you support or oppose locating more homes andjobs closer together and near transit in )'our cmnmuni~v, providing people with more choices to shorten commute tbnes and reduce poUufirm? m Strongly B Somewhat Don't Know 73% Total Support Total Oppose 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% Furthermore, the survey rcsults suggest that in addition to addressing climate change, San Diego County voters see many other important benefits of implementing SB 375. For example, at least two-thirds of voters indicated that protecting clean water, forests, wildlife habitat and San Diego's coastline; stimulating the economy through public transit investments; reducing water consumption; and reducing wildfire risks were all convincing reasons for the County to draft its 58 375 regional plan. Taken together, the survey results show that San Diego County voters recognize global warming is a significant issue and strongly desire the San Diego region to address the problem head-on for the benefit of their. environment, .their. economy, and .their quality. of life. Furthermore, voters bclieve that we can have a clean environment and strong economy without having to choose one over the other. In fact, nearly one-half (47%) believe that addressing global warming will create more jobs for people living in San Diego County. Overall, the opinions reflected in this survey suggest voters broadly support the policy goals of AI3 32 and 58 375 and want San Diego County to be a leader in setting standards for reductions in l2:rcenhollsc uas emissions and more compact, transit-friendly development. Page 8 I Methodolor!v: From August 10-18, 2010, FM3 completed 1,205 telephone interviews with registered voters in San Diego County. The margin of error for the full sample is +/- 3.1%: margins of en or for subgroups within the sample are higher. Due to rounding, not all percentages sum to 100%. ii This research was funded by The San Diego Foundation's Climate Initiative. ji, AS 32, also known as the California Global Warming Solutions Act, was passed by the California State Legislature in 2006 and requires California to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions back to 1990 levels by the year 2020. SB 375 was passed by the California State Legislature in 2008 and requires each metropolitan region to adopt a "sustainable community strategy" in its regional transportation plans to encourage compact development that aligns with regional greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets set by the California Air Resources Board.