Brian Marvin, Chair 2nd District Karen Collins, Vice-Chair 1st District Vacant Youth Commissioner Spencer Jones, Youth Commissioner Vacant 3rd District Bill Trowbridge, 4th District Herman Hernandez, 5th District

Sonoma County Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission

Meeting Agenda

Monday, September 27, 2021, 5:00-7:00pm

In accordance with Executive Orders N-25-20 and N25-29 the September 27, 2021 Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission meeting will be held virtually.

The September 27, 2021 Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission will be facilitated virtually through Zoom.

• When: Monday, September 27, 2021 5:00 pm to 7:00pm

• Participate by computer or smartphone application: Go to:

https://sonomacounty.zoom.us/j/96615993806?pwd=NVFsaUd1T05EcGxqTjVFVmdFZG4wUT09 Passcode: 648547

• Participate by phone: Dial US: +1 669 900 9128 or +1 346 248 7799 Webinar ID: 966 1599 3806 Passcode: 648547

Public Comment during the Meeting: You may email public comment to Parkspublicmeetings@sonoma-county.org. All emailed public comments will be forwarded to all Commissioners and read during the meeting for the benefit of the public. Please include your name and the relevant agenda item number to which your comment refers. In addition, if you have joined as a member of the public through the Zoom app, or by calling in, there will be specific points throughout the meeting during which live public comment may be made via Zoom and phone.

Disabled Accommodation: If you have a disability which requires an accommodation, an alternative format, or requires another person to assist you while attending this meeting, please contact Regional Parks at (707) 565-2041 at least 48 hours in advance to ensure arrangements for accommodation, or e-mail us at Parkspublicmeetings@sonoma-county.org at least 2 working days before the meeting.

Agenda

1. Welcome & Land Acknowledgement – Bert Whitaker, Director of Regional Parks

2. Call to Order & Duties of the Commission – Commission Chair1. To act in an advisory capacity to the Board of Supervisors in promoting, aiding and

encouraging public recreation, including the development of recreation, park and open space facilities;

2. To act in an advisory capacity to Regional Parks Director in the maintenance, development and operation of recreation areas and facilities serving the residents of the county;

3. To establish general procedures to carry out the purpose of the advisory commission.

3. Approval of the Minutes - of the May 24, 2021 meeting of the Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission

4. Comments from the Public – Public may address the Commission on matters that are not on the agendaMembers of the public wishing to suggest an item for a future Commission agenda may do so during this public comment period. The Ralph M. Brown Act (the State local agency open meeting law) prohibits the Commission from acting on any matter that is not on theagenda. Speakers are limited to three minutes each; the Commission Chair may adjust the time limit in light of the number of anticipated speakers.

5. Commissioner Reports

6. Director’s Report - Bert Whitaker, Regional Parks Director

7. Recognition and Gratitude: Pam Stafford and Megan Chang –Bert Whitaker, Regional Parks Director

8. Community Engagement Youth Initiative– Sandi Funke, Park Program Manager

9. E-Bike Policy– Melanie Parker, Regional Parks Deputy Director

10. AdjournmentMaterials related to an item on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission agenda are available for public inspection (after distribution of the agenda packet) by contactingParkspublicmeetings@sonoma-county.org .

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Sonoma County Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission

DATE: Monday, May 24, 2021 PLACE: Virtual Zoom Meeting

1. Welcome & Land Acknowledgement Statement

The meeting started at 5:01pm.

Sonoma Regional Parks Director Bert Whitaker introduced the Land Acknowledgement State-ment, which will be read at all Regional Parks public meetings. He noted that the Statementwas developed by a collaboration between Sonoma Tribes and Regional Parks, with RegionalParks Community Engagement Manager Bethany Facendini and the Sonoma County Office ofEquity. Director Whitaker read the Land Acknowledgement Statement in its entirety:

“The County of Sonoma recognizes that we are on the ancestral lands of the Coast Miwok,Pomo, and Wappo who are the original caretakers of this area. We respectfully acknowledgethe Indigenous peoples who have been stewarding and maintaining relationship on this landas knowledge keepers for millennia. The County of Sonoma is dedicated to understandingand educating the public about historical and ongoing connections between land conservationand social inequities. This includes the histories of genocide, forced removal and displace-ment, and broken promises with Indigenous peoples as a part of American history. Indige-nous people are not just in our histories. We strive to optimize Indigenous voices to sharetheir own history, as to not perpetuate another form of being silenced. While recognizing thepast, we honor the resiliency of Native people still in their ancestral territories in relationshipwith their land and culture.This acknowledgement does not take the place of authentic relationships with Indigenouscommunities, but serves as a gesture in respect to the land we are on.”

Director Whitaker also read aloud the children’s version of the Land AcknowledgementStatement:

“Regional Parks are on the lands of the Coast Miwok, Pomo, and Wappo. They are the firstpeople in this area. Indigenous people have been taking care of the land, and practicing theirculture here for thousands of years. We want to help others understand the difficult historyand current hardships Native people face. They are strong people. We also want Indigenous

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people to be able to share their own story. It is important to know that they are still here to-day.”

2. Call to Order Commissioners Present: Megan Chang, Karen Collins, Herman Hernandez, Spencer Jones, Brian Marvin, Pam Stafford, Director Bert Whitaker and Deputy Director Melanie Parker Absent: William Trowbridge Chairman Brian Marvin read the duties of the Commission and took roll of the commissioners present. Chairman Marvin noted that an entire agenda packet is available to the public on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission website.

3. Approval of the minutes of the March 29, 2021 meeting of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Chairman Marvin requested that all present mute their microphones unless speaking. Commis-sioner Hernandez abstained from voting as he was not present on March 29, 2021. VOTED to approve the minutes of March 29, 2021 as follows: MOTION: Commissioner Stafford AYES: 5 ABSTAIN: 1 SECOND: Commissioner Collins ABSENT: 1 VACANT: 0

4. Comments from the Public – Public may address the Commission on matters that are not on the agenda. Members of the public wishing to suggest an item for a future Commission agenda may do so during this Public comment period. The Ralph M. Brown Act (the State local agency open meeting law) prohibits the Commission from acting on any matter that is not on the agenda. Speakers are limited to three minutes each, however, the Commission Chair may adjust the time limit in light of the number of anticipated speakers. Jennifer stated that one of the topics she would like to see in this meeting pertains to the wa-ter crisis in Sonoma County. She noted that, in conjunction with the last meeting of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission where grazing was the focus of one presentation, cows at North Sonoma Mountain have been removed due to the lack of water in that area. She would like to see this taken up at a future meeting. James Casciani stated that the Regional Parks should be vested in building fire roads and covered and disking firebreaks, given the new period of threat facing the County. He added that this should be in addition to eliminating campfires and camping which typically involves igniting fires in high-risk areas.

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5. Commissioner Reports

Commissioner Collins thanked Director Whitaker for his recent presentation in the Sonoma Valley on Regional Parks Department’s work there. Chairman Marvin reported that the expansion of Helen Putnam Park continues to be a big issue in his district, including the Kelly Creek Expansion. He observed that informal feedback from Westbridge neighbors about the park expansion was without complaint about the expansion. He noted that drought and wildfire are increasing concerns and cause for monitoring in his district. Chairman Marvin also observed that Regional Parks’ social media had great content, including interpretive, informative and creative material. He concluded by noting that public advocacy at Ragle Ranch has been strong for volleyball. Commissioner Stafford stated she had no additional report. Commissioner Hernandez noted that dams in West County are in development. He added that water levels continue to be very low, and extra precautions are being taken in light of dam development. He stated additionally that the tourism board projected high numbers of tourists this year and garbage collection and disposal is a resulting concern. Fire concerns are also a great concern, and property owners are trying collaborate and strategize as fire season approaches. Commissioner Chang reported that she has heard from her peers that they have been utilizing the parks a lot. She noted particular enthusiasm for the Hood Mountain expansion. Commission Jones stated that he has been monitoring Regional Parks social media and was very excited about the reopening of Foothill.

6. Director’s Report Director Whitaker stated that the Regional Parks Department budget was recently released for the 2022 fiscal year. He noted that the public demand for parks facilities or trails and campgrounds have been more popular than ever. He said the agency is focused on deferred maintenance in aging facilities while experiencing a simultaneous expansion of the parks system. Below are additional updates provided by Director Whitaker:

• Regional Parks continues to prepare for extreme drought and wildfire emergencies in the County.

• Two new parks were approved by the Board of Supervisors on May 11, 2021: Calabazas Creek in the Sonoma Valley and Wright Hill close to Sonoma State Park on the Coast. Both will open in park previews to the public this year.

• Also on May 11, 2021, the Larson Park Master Plan was approved and adopted by the Board of Supervisors. This Plan will enable grant opportunities to redevelop that park.

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• Additionally on May 11, 2021, the Board of Supervisors awarded dedicated funding through proposition 68, the State Parks Bond, which was approved in 2018. A piece of it will be dedicated to Taylor Mountain, Guerneville River Park, Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Beach, Tolay, and re-development at Maxwell Farms.

• Regional Parks honored the legacy of Jeff Bodwin at Andy’s Unity Park. Jeff, who passed away about a year ago from cancer, was instrumental to the success of that park, the community and especially the garden, which has been additionally coordinated by Land Pass.

• The Fitzsimmons acquisition at Hood Mountain is a major development. Kudos to Sonoma Land Trust for protecting this land and raising over a million dollars to provide not only protection for this land, but also park access and recreation for the future.

• The Healdsburg Beach Master Plan is under development. It is exciting to see a facility originally developed in the 1970s, modernize and increase its amenities such that the park has more uses year round.

• Director Whitaker has examined the Russian River Parks for possibilities of vegetation projects in light of drought conditions and Coastal Conservancy’s work around the County. He noted that typically, a summer dam is in place to enable summer recreation at the river, but that has not been possible this year due to drought conditions. A major project also enabled by the Coastal Conservancy is for fuel break work around Shiloh Regional Park, which was impacted by the Kincaid and Tubbs fires. The grant will enable the entirety of the park to be remediated with the fuel break work.

• A new fencing project along the Copper Creek Expansion at Taylor Mountain Regional Park is also in grant proposals in order for that area to be appropriately and seasonally grazed.

• While the river dam will not be raised this year due to very low water flow and continued drought conditions, Regional Parks staff is working hard to open the Laguna at Spring Lake this coming July. This is an important effort to serve as a low cost and equitable option for cooling off for many families in the community. The waterpark will be returning in the summer of 2022.

• With a 20% reduction in irrigation at this time, sports fields and irrigated areas are impacted. No one should see a clean Parks vehicle driving around town, as nothing is getting washed. Regional Parks is trying to decrease water usage to the maximum possible.

• Deputy Director Parker and Director Whitaker recently gave a presentation about Regional Parks developments to donors of the Parks Foundation. The Parks Foundation keeps many aspects of Regional Parks afloat and their contribution is critical to the success of Sonoma’s parklands.

Chairman Marvin asked Director Whitaker to relate his television appearance on the show “Open Roads”. Director Whitaker responded that this was the second occasion he had joined the show, and this time he joined Caryl Hart, interim Director of the Agriculture and Open Space District. Director Whitaker noted that the day was beautiful and a great opportunity to show the new lands acquired for the public to use.

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Commissioner Stafford asked if the next Commission meeting would be conducted in live format. Director Whitaker responded that while he does not know, the Board of Supervisors holds a virtual public meeting with a more limited human interaction, and other departments including Parks are awaiting guidance on how to proceed. He noted that a virtual format removes some barriers for the public, but other things are also lost from not being together in person as a group.

7. Ragle Ranch Regional Park Volleyball Court Expansion – David Robinson, Park

Manager Sonoma County Regional Parks Manager David Robinson discussed the Regal Ranch Expansion Project for Volleyball Courts. He noted that it has been five years in the making. He stated that the project is significantly volunteer-driven. The project was delayed by COVID but now is back on track. Parks Manager Robinsons noted that public responses to the project have been very positive, with 130 people weighing in to support the project. He stated that the focus is to build two new courts which will greatly alleviate come of the tight space that volleyball players currently experience. He noted that the current proposal also includes repairs to existing volleyball courts. Commissioner Hernandez noted that he read some of the comments from community supporters, and was impressed by the great support from all over Sonoma County. He noted that having more courts enabled various levels of games. He expressed his strong support for moving the project forward. Commissioner Stafford stated that there is no downside to the project and no negativity regarding it. She stated how remarkably positive the proposal is. Director Whitaker stated that support for the project has been tireless with strong community input and volunteer work for years. He add that support in the county has been unanimous and how important it is to celebrate the volunteers that made it possible. Chairman Marvin asked for any public on this agenda item. Eric Smith stated that the volleyball community in Sonoma County is similar to a family with kids, men and women all competing. He recalled Olympic volleyball players have played at Ragle, as well as amputated veterans and toddlers. He stated that all of this aligns with the mission and goals of Regional Parks. He noted that volleyball is low cost and accessible, requiring only a pair of shorts and a ball. He explained that part of the hope of this expansion is to give access to a bigger part of the community. Eric Floch commented that he has been playing at Ragle for over 10 years, and the problem is there are more people that want to play than there is court space. He said that two more courts could not be welcomed more in the community. F. Maguire commented that he would like the community to grow and to see all different levels of play supported. He thanked Walter for coming up with the plans for this project.

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Matt commented that people from the entire county arrive at Ragle to play volleyball. He noted that tournaments are regularly held there but most people come for the love of the game. He said that in the future people will look back and note that Ragle was a real hub of volleyball. Sharon and Alan Ziff said they have been playing at Ragle for over twenty-five years. He said he is a volunteer coordinator at the Park. He complimented Regional Parks’ maintenance supervisor for doing a tremendous and thanked Sonoma State and the Junior College in this effort. He said he believes he started the first petition over eleven years ago for increased volleyball Ragle, and is pleased to see it come to completion. Mr. Smith commented that this is more than anything an opportunity to open up volleyball to junior players and everyone in the community. He noted there are players from age five to eighty and an opportunity to expand opportunity for the community. Chairman Marvin called for a motion and a second on this proposal of the Ragle Ranch volleyball court expansion. VOTED to approve the Ragle Ranch Volleyball Expansion as follows: MOTION: Commissioner Stafford AYES: 6 ABSTAIN: 0 SECOND: Commissioner Jones ABSENT: 1 VACANT: 0

8. Leave No Trace Partnership with Center for Outdoor Ethics – Meda Freeman, Marketing and Communications Manager

Director Whitaker introduced Meda Freeman, Regional Parks Marketing and Communications Manager. Manager Freeman stated that she would discuss a new Leave No Trace initiative to be launched this summer, in an effort to help protect the river and coastal parks, and keep them clean and easy to visit now and into the future. She said the goal of the project is to help visitors to the parks understand what specifically they can do to protect the parks and the beaches that they love so much, and to understand that their individual actions have cumulative impact. She stated that even prior to COVID, the river and coastal parks experienced a significant and steady increase in visitors. She said the result of that visitation is sometimes a shocking amount of trash, inflatable floats, and environmental impacts on the parks. She noted that the floats in particular are often left at the end of the day, and Rangers dispose of them, with their final destination being the landfill. Manager Freeman said the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, Sonoma County Tourism and Regional Parks are working together to launch a public information campaign to promote responsible recreation. She said the Leave No Trace Center is a nationally recognized nonprofit that has developed a well-known set of principles for how to enjoy outdoor recreation without harming the environment, known as seven principles of leave no trace. She explained that Sonoma County is tailoring these principles to Sonoma Regional Parks and this includes public service announcements about Leave No Trace and new signs in the parks. After this

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summer effort, Tourism and Leave No Trace will launch a second phase that will build a coalition of partners including land managers, recreation providers and community members. She said the coalition will then work together to spread those messages to all the visitors they come into contact with. In conclusion, she noted that messaging is not the only tool in this effort but also traffic control and public transportation are examples of other tools that can help mitigate damage in the parks. Chairman Marvin asked the Commissioners if they had any comments on this presentation. Commissioner Stafford ask if larger trash receptacles could be part of the solution in the most visited parks. Meda Freeman responded that the number of receptacles has increased in the parks. She added that new messaging is also need, such as asking people to stack trash next to the can if the can is full. Commissioner Hernandez asked if the signs and messaging will be posted in the Spanish language as well. He said that Radio Station KBBF would be valuable for this effort given their broad audience. Meda Freeman responded that yes, they will, and this includes the public service announcements that will be broadcast on Spanish language radio stations as well.

9. Summer 2021 Construction Update – Steve Ehret, Planning Manager Director Whitaker introduced Planning Manager Steve Ehret. Steve Ehret stated he first would present several projects that were just completed in Regional Parks:

• New camp host sites were developed at Steelhead Beach, with full hookups allowing Regional Parks to have a greater presence on the River

• Completed accessibility upgrades at Andy’s Unity Park in the playground area • Completed the West County Trail expansion from Forestville to Highway 116 • Additional completed and renovated trails at Helen Putnam • Completed Red Tail Play area at Taylor Mountain Park

He said that future projects in the summer and fall of 2021 would include:

• Maxwell Farms renovation, costing between two and three million dollars and which , as a multi-phase project, will re-construct the baseball field and a host of other projects

• Larson Park, which will total about three to four million dollars • Taylor Mountain phase two trails, a two million dollar project encompassing eight

miles of trails, five bridges, as well as renovation of other trails • Guerneville River Park, which will include a boat launch and additional parking plus

other amenities

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• Helen Putnam Park, including completion of trail work, and expanding the equestrian lot near Chileno Valley road

• Crane Creek Park, which will be expanded and include a trail connection from Sonoma State University

• Cloverdale River Park, which will include a new permanent restroom • Foothill Regional Park where fire recovery and updating work will continue as well as

additional trail work around the pond • Mark West Regional Park, which includes inherited FEMA projects, repairs to Cresta

Road [subsequent portion inaudible on Zoom] • Torr Acquisition in Monte Rio, as yet unnamed, including fire roads and preparing the

park for park previews so that the public can see the area and participate in the development of the master plan for the park. Steve Ehret stated that this is a collaboration with Conservation Corps that will begin in July and run through the fall.

• Calabazas Creek, where a suite of trail projects will be developed in collaboration with the Open Space District

• Hood Mountain Regional Park, where fire recovery is underway including rebuilding infrastructure better, including a fireproof restroom design and a retaining wall, the Azalea Creek backpacking area and the Pythian side as well.

Steve Ehret invited questions from the Commissioners. Commissioner Collins asked what the status is of SPC, where the construction of the pickle ball courts will be at Larson, and if someone could send her information about the cost of these courts. Steve Ehret replied that because of the way Larson is laid out work will begin in the far end of the park and progress towards the entrance. He noted the pickle ball courts would be four in number. He said that the cost information will be provided directly to Commissioner Collins, and that any donation would be very helpful. Smaller donations show funders that the community is invested and that makes a difference and makes an outsized impact. He stated that SPC is led by Permit Sonoma with close input from the State and much is unknown. Parks would like to move forward sooner, but the whole project may take quite some time longer. Director Whitaker added that Permit Sonoma has a Gantt chart up, showing a November goal for a preferred alternative. He noted there remains a committed constellation of stakeholders and that is Parks’ goal to make sure the land is protected. Director Whitaker announced that Chairman Marvin texted to say his power was out. Director Whitaker requested that Vice-Chair Collins assume leadership of this meeting. Commissioner Collins agreed and asked for any more questions from the commissioners. Commissioners Stafford and Hernandez stated that they thought the information provided by Steve Ehret was enormous and impressive. Commissioner Jones added a thumbs up. Commissioner Collins asked if there are any comments from the public. Seeing none, Commissioner Collins moved to adjourn and Commissioner Hernandez seconded.

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10. Adjournment

Meeting adjourned at 6:31 pm. Respectfully submitted by, Kathleen Culhane, Executive Assistant

Sonoma County Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission

Submitted by: Sandi Funke

Informational

Action

Commission Meeting Date: 9/27/21 Deadline: n/a

Agenda Title: Community Engagement Youth Initiative

Executive Summary:

Sonoma County Regional Parks’ (SCRP) Community Engagement Division is strategically developing health and wellness programs across a continuum of ages. Community Engagement is invested in creating a youth initiative with a multicultural lens that is grounded in best practices for engaging young people in the outdoors. Youth are one of the organization’s priority audiences; a concentration on removing perceived and actual barriers to program participation is key for increasing park access. There are several examples of existing and forming complex programs for young people that are moving SCRP’s equity efforts forward.

Alternatives/Consequences: n/a

Discussion / Actions Requested:

Community Engagement staff will review the youth initiative overview (attached), how this effort overlays with other program priorities, and highlight specific examples of youth programs underway. Input from the Commission is welcome.

Staff Recommendation: n/a

Requested Commission Action: n/a

Attachments:

Community Engagement Youth Initiative

Sonoma County Regional Parks Community Engagement Division

Recreation & Interpretation Program Youth Initiative Background In January of 2021, the national nonprofit YouthTruth1 administered surveys across 56 schools from 10 Sonoma County school districts. The effort resulted in hearing from over 18,000 students on topics like academic challenge, emotional and mental health. Key themes emerged from the youth experiences. Generally, Sonoma County teens in our county faired worse than other age groups. For example, only thirty-seven percent of area teens agreed that they felt a real part of their community. This was higher for other age groups in our region. Twenty-three percent of teens said that they have felt sad often or all the time in the past week and forty-three percent said that in the last year they have experienced prolonged sadness.

Regional Parks provides outdoor programing, which according to the literature, can be particularly beneficial to youth. Outdoor youth programming cannot not only lead to knowledge gains related to the environment, it can enhance social-emotional well-being and growth as well as reduce stress. For example, as stated by Roberts and Suren (2010):

“A growing body of literature supports the claim that well designed and implemented youth-focused programming provides conditions for adolescents to engage in psychosocial growth and can result in positive outcomes for youth (Henderson et al., 2007; Larson, Hansen, & Moneta 2006). For Heath (2001), out-of-school programming constitutes an often undervalued, third element of education beyond school and home. Even though this third element rarely gets the attention of educational researchers, there is a common societal assumption that participation in these extras reflects ways of learning and types of knowledge predictive of patterns of achievement in higher academic vocational and civic life” (Heath, 2001, p.10)” 2.

The researchers go on:

“Nature indisputably helps reduce stress and protects the psychological well-being and cognitive functioning of children (Wells, 2000). In general, access to green space has a positive impact on health (de Vries, Verheij, Groenewegen & Spreeuwenberg, 2003). Research shows when programs include experiential learning activities for youth, the negative effects of poor behavior can be reduced (Davies & Schulman, 2007). One pre-test/post-test study conducted with adolescents, for example, explored the impacts of outdoor adventures on the self-perception of urban youth (Garst, Schneider, & Baker, 2001). Findings show participants’ self-perceptions of social acceptance and behavioral conduct improved immediately after the trip, and that some changes in behavioral conduct remained four months later”.

Goals of Recreation & Interpretation Program Youth Initiative Researcher Burenig (2013)3 explains outdoor experiential education should extend beyond increasing students’ knowledge about themselves and the environment to focus on promoting pro-social and pro-environmental behavior change, thereby encouraging students to serve as social and environmental change agents. Researchers Roberts and Shuren (2010) explain “Providing deliberate outdoor recreation experiences 1 https://www.sonomacf.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/YouthTruth-Leading-through-Listening-in-Sonoma-County.pdf 2 Roberts, N & A. Suren (2010) Through the Eyes of Youth: A Qualitative Evaluation of Outdoor Leadership Programs. Journal of Park and Recreation Administration. Vol. 25, No. 4. 3 Breunig, M. (2013). Environmental sustainability and environmental justice: From buzzwords to emancipatory pro-environmental behaviour change. Journal of Sustainability Education, 5, 232-248.

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designed to: (1) enhance knowledge and skills beyond the classroom, (2) promote a shift in attitude and behavioral conduct about social justice issues, and (3) cultivate life changing experiences through leadership roles will ultimately have profound impact on youth and, subsequently, the larger community.” These are the aims of the Community Engagement Division’s youth initiative for recreation and interpretive programming. Goals The goals for the Youth Initiative include:

1. Consider revising existing youth programming though the lens of social emotional learning, trauma informed care, youth activism through social media and developing youth agency and leadership around the environment4.

2. Continue YES Coast, and pilot and launch YES River and YES Mountain. 3. Pilot and launch Tribal Youth Bear project. 4. Develop strategic objectives and a focused marketing strategy for youth public programming. 5. Hire and retain program alumni as park aides to help design, recruit for, and implement youth

programming. 6. Link and build on seasonal youth programs through youth e-newsletters, career days, youth advisory

councils, park aides, etc.5

4 This is a stated tactic in the SCRP CE Action Plan 202-20234 Page 18: Implement best practices in program development. 5 This is a stated tactic in the SCRP CE Action Plan 202-2023 Page 19: Design and write content for at least two new e-newsletters (i.e. teacher volunteer, and youth programs)

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Youth Development Best Practices As we move into full implementation of youth programming at Regional Parks, we want to move even more purposely beyond a focus on knowledge of the environment and surrounding communities. Though this will remain a central topic, there are several emerging fields of practice to consider as we innovate and build new youth programs. These include studies and practicum surrounding social emotional learning, trauma informed care, social media, and developing youth agency for implementing environmental change. Social Emotional Learning SEL Social Emotional learning (SEL) is an integral part of education and human development. SEL is the process through which young people and adults acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions and achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions.6 We want to consider how to provide opportunities for this type of youth development in programming. Trauma Informed Care After the 2017 fires, the community became much more aware of Trauma Informed Care (TIC). Staff are already attending trainings/have attended training regarding this pedagogy. We want to consider how we should be developing program interactions and supports around these concepts as well. Youth Engagement Through Social Media As explained by youth journalist Rainer Harris, “While some young people might not be able to vote yet, they are leveraging social media to educate themselves and their peers on topics ranging from gun violence to racial justice to climate change. It isn’t unusual for young teens to have hundreds—even thousands—of followers. And most teens today are already heavily networked with their peers and community, allowing them to disseminate information quickly and easily….Youth have carved out a digital space for themselves to freely engage in activism all (last) summer.7 Social media is a powerful tool and a huge component of current youth culture. Considering how we can best integrate social media into our programs will enhance our relevancy and could help further appreciation and stewardship of park resources. Youth Agency Around Environmental Causes Researchers including Dr. Heidi Ballard have been looking at what factors contribute to youth developing agency around the environment. Our existing and proposed youth programs include strands of environment stewardship as key elements. Reviewing research in this topic will allow us to build programs that truly empower youth. As we review these and case studies we want to incorporate innovative elements into our youth programming. Outputs

1. Develop list of resources including articles/trainings and videos. (Fall 2021) 2. Have staff review documents and reading on SEL, TIC, and student agency. (ongoing) 3. Develop program recommendations/guidelines for all new and occurring youth programming related

to Trauma Informed Care, SEL, social media, and Youth Agency. (2021-2022)

6 https://casel.org/what-is-sel/ 7 Harris. R. 2020 Student Voice: How young people use social media to engage civically. PBS News Hour. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/student-voices/student-voice-how-young-people-use-social-media-to-engage-civically/

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YES Coast, River, & Mountain The Youth Exploring Sonoma (YES) modules engage young people in a meaningful way over a series of weeks or even months. All of the programs share the same common goals:

• Connect under-represented youth with iconic Sonoma County landscapes and environments. • Promote a sense of well-being amongst participants through access to rejuvenating and fun

recreational opportunities, reflection, social interaction, and stress reduction practices. • Encourage environmental stewardship through education on environmental challenges participation in

youth-selected stewardship activities, and broader community knowledge sharing through social media.

All of the programs employ best practices in engaging young people in nature through culturally relevant experiential education. YES programs aim to remove potential barriers for participation by providing transportation, food for excursions, and stipends for participation. Community partners are leveraging for bother recruitment purposes as well as delivering key content.

YES Coast A multifaceted year-long program, YES Coast focuses on cultural traditions and coastal ecology using authentic experiences. Youth enjoy trying ocean water sports for the first time when they surf at Doran Beach. They interact with Kashia tribal members, learning about important cultural sites. They participate in a living history experience at the historic Fort Ross trading outpost, and fish alongside Bodega Bay fishers while learning about maritime culture. YES Coast also incorporates digital photography. Youth learn how photographers, including Ansel Adams, used their pictures to bring about conservation and social change. They then capture photos and videos to be shared on Instagram and Tik-Tok. Participants also prioritize and engage in stewardship projects related to coastal preservations. We will be re-launching this program this fall. YES Rivers Building on the successful YES Coast model, SCRP is launching YES River. The initial content will focus on the health of the Russian River watershed, personal/mental health, parks, park careers, kayaking and water safety skills, and leadership. The program will occur on and by the Russian River initially, and then branch out to other waterways like the Gualala and Petaluma Rivers. Participants will choose and implement stewardship project. We will be leveraging great existing resources: ACA trained staff, department kayaks, partnership with Sonoma Water, Russian River maps etc. We will be providing transportation.

YES Mountains YES Mountains will focus on Sonoma County’s iconic mountain parks. Teens will visit our highest peaks while learning about backpacking, trail cooking, back-country safety, and wellness techniques they can implement on the trail. Participants here will also choose and implement a stewardship project and contribute to social media channels in promoting parks, the beauty of nature, and images of diverse community members enjoying the outdoors. They will also select at least one other way to integrate their experiences including but limited to writing poetry, creating songs, sketching etc. This program will be piloted as a semester long experience for area teens. Outputs

1. Rescope YES Coast for 2021-2022 with budget. (2021) 2. Relaunch YES Coast. (2021-2022) 3. Scope out a YES River module including costs. (2021) 4. Launch initial pilot of YES River on the Russian River. (2021)

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5. Evaluation of YES River program launches and recommendations for improvement. (2021-2022) 6. Create more complete program module for YES River and offer at least one additional

site. (2022) 7. Launch initial pilot of the YES Mountains. (Spring 2022) 8. Evaluate initial pilot of YES Mountains. (2022). 9. Enhance program modules and deliver. (2022-2023)

Tribal Youth Bear Project

As encounters with bears has increased, there is a need for increased awareness around black bears. Our local tribes have a special relationship with black bears. This project is designed to engage tribal youth as bear ambassadors and cultural information keepers. They will gain access to both Traditional Environmental Knowledge (TEK) regarding black bears as well as learn about the latest bear conservation science and monitoring techniques. The goal is that the youth will be able to communicate about and advocate for black bears and land management techniques these protect these animals.

Over a series of sessions, participants will learn about wildlife conservation in Sonoma County. Field days will provide hands-on practical experience. Activities will include: setting up wildlife cameras, mapping techniques, habitat assessment, observation techniques, field journaling, interviewing wildlife practitioners, and scat analysis. In addition to conservation practices, each youth participant will be asked to interview an elder in their community to listen and gather bear stories from the area.

This program will be offered to eight youth between the ages of 14-18. The young people will be recruited from Indigenous led community-based organizations. Some of the non-profit organizations that will receive

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outreach materials include California Indian Museum & Cultural Center, Ya-Ka-Ama, Redbud Resource Group, and Sonoma County Indian Health Project. The program aims to remove potential barriers for participation by providing transportation, food for excursions and possibly backpacks with field supplies. This project is a partnership with Megan Walla Murphy, Pepperwood Preserve, and others.

Outputs 1. Finalize itinerary, roles, and responsibilities and budget for pilot. (Fall 2021) 2. Launch initial pilot of Tribal Youth Bear Project. (Winter 2022) 3. Evaluation of YES River program launches and recommendations for improvement. (Spring 2022) 4. Update module and offer at a regular interval. (2023)

Develop Strategic Objectives and Focused Marketing Strategy for Teen Public Programming Through the recent YouthTruth8 survey, we know area teens in particular are suffering with high rates of anxiety, stress, and generally poor mental health. To help address these issues, as well as promoting physical health and appreciation of our natural resources, Regional Parks has experimented with public recreational programming aimed at teens. Some programs such as the innovative Two-Day Teen Survivalist series, Two-Day Kayaking Camp, and our existing Junior Lifeguard and Lifeguard in Training programs have been very popular. Other one-day programs such as Teen Photography and BRB I’m on my SUP have been more difficult to fill to capacity. This project aims to pinpoint youth needs regarding park recreational programming, develop programs to meet those needs, and enhance marketing to this audience. Outputs

1. Benchmark teen public park programming nationwide. (Fall 2021) 2. Conduct a mini-youth need assessments using existing partnerships and programs. (Fall 2021) 3. Develop new objectives regarding youth public programming that meet the needs of the community.

New programs may include both one day and multiple day offerings, consider geographical spread through the county, and more. (Spring 2022)

4. Develop a marketing plan to connect teens with public programming that leverages existing and novel partnerships as well as social media channels. (Spring 2022)

5. Implement enhanced youth public programming scheme. (Summer 2022)

8 https://www.sonomacf.org/nonprofits/the-sonoma-county-youthtruth-survey/

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Growing Youth Leadership-Recruit and Retain Youth Ambassadors In 1992, researcher R. Hart conceptualized the Ladder of Young People’s Participation. This "ladder" has eight levels: manipulation; decoration; tokenism; assigned but informed; young people consulted and informed; adult-initiated, shared decisions with young people; young person-initiated and directed; and young person-initiated, shared decisions. The more programs can engage young people in program design and implementation, the greater the benefits to their leadership development. The more we can involve youth in the creation, recruitment and implementation of our youth programs, the more relevant these programs will be for the teen audience. As such, as a matter of course, we would like to set up the infrastructure to hire and retain teens as “youth ambassadors” for our youth programs. These young people, technically which will be classified as park aides, would help in the design, marketing and execution of youth programs. Through this position, they would also be linked with “next step” job opportunities within SCRP. Outputs

1. Recruit at least five program youth alumni to apply for open park aide positions. (Spring 2022) 2. Develop a job duties list for the “youth ambassador” park aide positions. (Spring 2022) 3. Interview and hire at least 2, park aides to help with youth programs. (Spring 2022) 4. Engage youth ambassador park aides in helping design new YES programs, youth public programming,

recruit for programs, post to YES Instagram etc. (2022-2023)

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Link and Build on Seasonal Youth Programs Through the research of folks like Chawla (1999)9 and Wells and Lekies (2006)10 we know that repeat experiences in wild nature as a young person can lead to positive attitudes to the environment as an adults. As such, we want to build a continuum of experiences for our participants. To stay in communication with participants and be able to link them with public youth programs, job opportunities, and more, we will conceptualize and relaunch the youth E-news11. We will also develop articulated process to better link participants with opportunities such as participation in the Parks and Recreation Advisory Council as well as jobs at Regional Parks and opportunities at other agencies. We will also explore ways to better link participants’ families with park experiences as well as programmatic innovations. Outputs

1. Continue inviting various professionals to visit programs and pilot a tool for participants to record career information and contacts. (on-going)

2. Relaunch career packets to be shared with YES and tribal bear project youth. (Fall 2021) 3. Relaunch Regional Parks youth newsletter to be distributed at least 6 times a year to YES participants,

alumni, parents, and tribal bear project youth. (restart Fall 2021) 4. Develop drop in days for teens to get assistance to apply for jobs with Regional Parks. (Spring 2022 for

summer hiring) 5. Shore up processes and procedures for recruitment and supporting PRAC youth advisor. (Fall 2021) 6. Work with partners, to pilot and launch a combined county-wide environmental careers day via SEEC

youth Committee. (Spring 2022) 7. Develop a simple tool to track YES participants for future linkages with park opportunities as well as

content for letters of recommendation. ( Winter 2022)

9 Louise Chawla (1999) Life Paths Into Effective Environmental Action, The Journal of Environmental Education, 31:1, 15-26 10 Wells N. and Lekies K. (2006) Nature and the Life Course: Pathways from Childhood Nature Experiences to Adult Environmentalism. Children, Youth, and Environments. Volume 16, No. 1 11 This is a stated tactic in the SCRP CE Action Plan 202-2023 Page 19: Design and write content for at least two new e-newsletters (i.e. teacher volunteer, and youth programs)

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Equity and Inclusion Our entire youth initiative will be implemented with an eye towards equity and reducing barriers. According to Sonoma County Department of Health Services12, “In some parts of Southwest Santa Rosa, the Russian River corridor, Sonoma Valley and unincorporated areas in the northwest and northeast, poverty rates for children under age 18 exceed 40%.” The Portrait of Sonoma County looked at variables in the county and similarly ranked these neighborhoods low as well as areas in and around Rohnert Park13. As such, our programming will focus on recruiting participants from these areas whenever possible.

• We will market YES programs through partners that will reach our most vulnerable populations. All of these programs are no cost and when appropriate we will incorporate youth stipends or other incentives such as park passes when these can be paid for via grant funds.

• We will focus on building relationships with high school staff in these areas. This may include counselors, AVID teachers, and/or science teachers.

• Regional Parks will continue to prioritize hiring bilingual/ bicultural English-Spanish staff and building capabilities to provide programming in Spanish or bilingual as needed.

• For public programming, we will continue to secure and distribute “Camperships” to teens who qualify. Evaluation The initiative will be evaluated utilizing a mixed methods model. We aim to answer overarching questions that align with our departments’ logic model and help us assess overall program quality. As such, we design and deploy multiple measures to help us improve our Youth Initiative and report outcomes to our supporters. Questions we try to answer through this evaluation include:

Quantitative measures we would collect include:

• Number of attendees for each program • Stipends distributed • Number of attendees at program kick off’s and celebrations • Number of Instagram posts and views • Number of Tik Tok video and views • Stewardship days-pounds of litter collected, linear feet of trail improved, number of native plants

installed etc.

Field-tested metrics that we deploy include: • Interpretive plans • Observation rubric for programming • Parent surveys • Post program surveys • Videotaped interviews/photo diaries

12 https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/Health/Public-Reports/Health-Need-Assessments/Demographics/ 13 Measure of America (2014) A Portrait of Sonoma County http://ssrc-static.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/05141006/English_Complete_POSC.pdf

Sonoma County Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission

Submitted by: Melanie Parker, Deputy Director

Informational

Action

Commission Meeting Date: September 27, 2021

Deadline: n/a

Agenda Title: E-bike Revised Guidelines Executive Summary: Regional Parks is proposing to allow Class 1 E-bikes on all trails where bikes are allowed unless otherwise posted. In 2017, when e-bikes were new, we adopted interim guidelines restricting them to paved trails. This presentation will survey what similar jurisdictions are adopting and make a recommendation for your commission to consider. Alternatives/Consequences: Keep the current guidelines Discussion / Actions Requested: Adopt revised guidelines on e-bikes Staff Recommendation: Approve California designated class 1 e-bikes for any trail currently open to bikes, unless otherwise posted. Requested Commission Action: Consider the above recommendation Attachments: “E-bikes At-a-Glance”

September, 2021

E-bike Policies At-a-Glance

NATIONAL PARKS Redefines E-bikes to not be motor vehicles; Allows e-bikes anywhere bikes are allowed

STATE PARKS – CA E-bikes prohibited unless specifically allowed by a superintendent and then only for research of demonstration purposes

STATE PARKS – NV

Defines E-bikes and then allows them wherever bikes are allowed if not capable of going over 20mph in assist mode

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARKS

California defined class 1 and class 2 bikes allowed on specific trails.

September, 2021

MID PENNINSULA OPEN SPACE

E-bikes prohibited. Currently piloting allowing Class 1 and Class 2 E-bikes on some trails and taking public comment.

GOLDEN GATE NATIONAL RECREATION AREA

Allows all e-bikes, as long as rider uses pedal-assist (use of throttles prohibited), on roads, fire roads, and trails that are open to bikes. Riders must obey 15 MPH speed limit (5 MPH when passing other trail users and approaching blind curves).

PT REYES NATIONAL SEASHORE

Class 1 e-bikes are allowed wherever bikes are allowed, unless otherwise posted.

MARIN MUNICIPAL WATER DISTRICT

E-bikes are currently prohibited on all unpaved roads and trails; considering allowing Class 1 E-bikes on all trails open to bicycles.

MARIN COUNTY PARKS AND OPEN SPACE: Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are allowed on multi-use pathways. All e-bikes are currently prohibited on unpaved roads and trails (subject to change).

SONOMA COUNTY REGIONAL PARKS –Interim Policy (2017)

E-bikes allowed on paved trails; prohibited elsewhere.

Proposed Policy – 2021

E-bikes allowed wherever bikes are allowed, unless otherwise posted

• Follow the Point Reyes model and limit e-bikes on trails to CA Class 1 defined bikes.

September, 2021

• Class I: E-bikes that are pedal-assist only, with no throttle, and have a maximum assisted speed of 20 mph

• Class II: E-bikes that also have a maximum speed of 20 mph, but are throttle-assisted.

• Class III: E-bikes that are pedal-assist only, with no throttle, and a maximum assisted speed of 28 mph.

Reasons for allowing E-bikes on SCRP Trails

Equity – E-bikes allow more people to enjoy bicycling

Environment – Studies show e-bikes have roughly the same impact on trails as traditional bikes

Enforcement – It is easier to enforce speed limits that specific technologies; E-bikes are on the trails now and haven’t increased user conflicts.

Decision Item for PRAC:

Do you approve of Regional Parks updating our temporary guidelines on E-bikes and adopting this staff-recommended approach?