Chapter 4: General Plan - Resource Protection and Preservation by City of Lake Elsinore

Chapter 4.0

4.0

Resource Protection and Preservation

4.1

Summary

Lake Elsinore’s natural resources and open space are important to the heritage, character, and overall quality of life of the community. This element of the General Plan addresses resource protection and preservation issues, related to biological resources, open space, water resources, cultural and paleontological resources, and aesthetic resources within the City and the Sphere of Influence (SOI).

4.2

Biological Resources

“Nineteen plants and thirty-six animals within the City and/or the SOI’s habitats are accorded the ‘special status’ designation.”

Biological resources include natural biotic habitats (vegetative communities and corresponding wildlife habitats) and associated flora and fauna. There are sixteen (16) distinct biotic habitats plus agriculture and developed lands that occur in the City and/or its Sphere of Influence (SOI). Several of the habitats are considered “sensitive” or “special status” because they are unique, have a relatively limited distribution in the region, or have a high wildlife value as defined by federal, state, and Coastal Sage Scrub local government conservation programs. Each of these habitats provides cover, food, and water necessary to meet biological requirements of a variety of animal species. Nineteen (19) plants and thirty-six (36) animals within the City and/or the SOI’s habitats are accorded the “special status” designation. However, only a few of these animals are on the Federal Endangered Species Act List as threatened or endangered. Wetland features within the City and/or the SOI include coastal and valley freshwater marsh, lacustrine ecosystems, and vernal pools. Lake Elsinore is the permanent and seasonal home to a wide variety of birds and serves an important role as a way station on the Pacific flyway for hordes of migrating waterfowl traveling from Alaska to South America. A short list of resident and often nesting birds include great blue herons, great egrets, night herons, osprey, white-tailed kites, western grebes, terns, gulls, black-necked stilts, avocets, killdeer, and plovers. In addition, about 50 North American white pelicans appear to reside at Lake Elsinore year-round and a number of white-faced Ibis have been regularly spotted around the lake within recent years, both species of special concern to the state. The heron nesting sites adjacent to Lake Elsinore are an integral part of the lake’s

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Chapter 4.0 natural heritage and aquatic ecosystem. Although these herons are not on the endangered or threaten species list, they are, nevertheless, locally important wildlife resources. In 2004, the City adopted the Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP), a comprehensive, multi-jurisdictional effort that focuses on conservation of 146 species and their associated habitats within western Riverside County. The MSHCP serves as a Habitat Conservation Plan pursuant to Section 10(a)(1)(B) of the federal Endangered Species Act of 1973, as well as a Natural Communities Conservation Plan (NCCP) under the NCCP Act of 2001. The MSHCP is used to allow the participating jurisdictions (i.e., the County of Riverside, City of Lake Elsinore, and the other fifteen (15) participating cities) to authorize “take” of plants and wildlife species identified within the plan area for private projects and public works projects within the MSHCP areas. Under the MSHCP, the wildlife agencies will grant take authorization for otherwise lawful actions in exchange for the assembly and management as coordination of the MSHCP Conservation Areas. One of the conditions of the incidental take permits associated with the MSHCP is that the City and other plan participants must assemble a reserve system of approximately 500,000 acres to connect current and future conserved lands. Approximately 3,500 acres in the City and the SOI are part of the existing reserve system within the MSHCP. The City’s conservation target under the MSHCP is to add between 4,830 and 7,870 acres to the MSHCP over the next 25 years. This conservation target is to be balanced to ensure that the City remains in an economically competitive relationship with other Cities in terms of commercial and industrial development as well as providing sufficient residential inventory to comply with regional housing requirements. The General Plan recognizes the need to balance growth with the conservation and enhancement of the area’s natural resources as development can impact resources such as water quality and associated watersheds. The goals and policies in this section are designed to enhance and preserve the City’s existing natural resources while balancing the City’s other imperatives for balanced economic growth.

4.2.1

Biological Resources Baselines

Existing and Proposed Conservation Areas of the MSHCP The City of Lake Elsinore is focusing its conservation efforts on adding lands to existing core reserves and linkages within and adjacent to the Elsinore Area Plan. According to data available at the time this General Plan Update was prepared, approximately 3,500 acres in the City and SOI are part of the existing reserve system within the MSHCP. The City’s goal is to add between 4,830 acres and 7,870 acres to the reserve

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Sign Identifying One of the City's Many Habitat Conservation Areas

Chapter 4.0 system within the City over a 25-year period. As of the 2004 annual report, 868 acres were conserved. Since February 2000, a total of 2,190 acres has been conserved, which is 34% of the middle range of the target conservation. Under the MSHCP and its permits, the City reviews proposed land uses in the “criteria area” to determine if they are consistent with the MSHCP’s conservation goals and if the uses will contribute to assembling the reserves. The MSHCP in the City of Lake Elsinore is addressed in open space and conservation policies in the General Plan. There also are MSHCP survey, habitat evaluation, and mitigation fee requirements that apply to projects in the City, which are administered through the Community Development Department.

Existing Biological Resources The City and SOI are located in the Elsinore Valley, which is bounded on the west by the east flank of the rugged Santa Ana Mountains and rises into hills to the east. MSHCP maps, and Table 4-1, indicate that approximately 13,000 acres of the total area are developed lands or have exotic vegetation, and approximately 600 acres are agricultural lands. The remainder of the MSHCP-designated area is natural vegetation communities, primarily chaparral and Riversidian sage scrub. Table 4-1 indicates the natural community types. Each type and its associated species are described in more detail in the sections below. Designated and proposed conservation areas within the City and SOI are identified and described.

4.2.2

Natural Communities

There are sixteen (16) natural communities, plus agricultural and developed lands, that occur in the City and its SOI as listed in Table 4-1 and shown on Figure 4.1, Vegetation Communities. Several of the natural communities are considered “sensitive” or “special status” habitats because they are unique, have relatively limited distribution in the region, or have high wildlife value as defined by federal, state, and local government conservation programs. Many are, or correspond to, vegetation series and associations identified in the California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) as “rare.” Such communities within the City and its SOI include 

Coastal sage scrub



Riparian Forest



Riversidian sage scrub



Riparian Scrub



Diegan coastal sage scrub



Southern willow scrub



Riversidian alluvial fan sage scrub



Southern cottonwood-willow riparian forest



Chaparral



Southern sycamore-alder riparian forest



Oak Woodland



Coastal and valley freshwater marsh



Coast live oak woodland



Open Water/Reservoir/Pond



Dense Englemann oak woodland



Vernal pools

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Chapter 4.0 Table 4-1.

Natural Communities in the City and SOI

Type

City

SOI

Total

Nonnative Grassland

5,661

1,103

6,764

6,727

3,262

9,989

Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub

680

712

Riversidian Alluvial Fan Sage Scrub*

112

205

317

213

219

4,148

8,544

12,692

Coast Live Oak Woodland*

392

465

Dense Engelmann Oak Woodland*

Oak Woodland

Riparian Forest

Riparian Scrub

186

111

297

2,378

2,407

Field Croplands

289

378

Grove/Orchard

198

224

Residential/Urban/Exotic

7,982

3,853

11,835

TOTAL

27,747

18,818

46,565

Coastal Sage Scrub Riversidian Sage Scrub*

Chaparral Chamise Chaparral Chaparral Woodlands

Riparian

Southern Cottonwood/Willow Riparian* Southern Willow Scrub* Marsh Coastal and Valley Freshwater Marsh Open Water/Reservoir/Pond Vernal Pools* ** Agricultural Lands

Notes * Considered to be a special-status/sensitive habitat because it is unique, has relatively limited distribution in the region, has high wildlife value, and/or is directly or indirectly protected federal, state, or local regulations and policies. ** Individual vernal pools and vernal pool complexes were not mapped in the MSHCP or for the City General Plan but are known to occur in the City and SOI. Source: GIS database for MSHCP (July 2003).

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§ ¦ ¨

T O FRP

EL TO RO

LAKE S

Sphere of Influence

W 74 HY

AV E AL TR

F ST K ST

I LL

ST ST AI N

T WIS S

DIAM

} | þ ·

I ON

TRL

Residential/Urban/Exotic

HO LLAND RD

S MIS

Oak Woodland Open Water/Reservoir/Pond

CORKTREE R

AV E

IDE D

MILL ST

Non-native Grassland

HILL S

Grove/Orchard

LA STRADA

OND D

Field Croplands

N LE

Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub

LAKE ST

RR AC M AC O TT AS RI HA T VE DO RS S ID T E DR

Dense Engelmann Oak Woodland

Coastal and Valley Freshwater Marsh

Coast Live Oak Woodland

LITTLE VALL EY RD

INGS

EC RIC

BILL

EWA Y DR

Chaparral

GAT

Chamise Chaparral

RIVERSIDE ST

Vegetation Communities

NICHOLS RD BA KE T I1 ES R C 5N R S T PIE GU NN ER SO NS T W LA KE SH OR ED R

MAURICIO ST AL

Water Bodies

City Boundary

} | þ ·

§ ¦ ¨

Riparian Forest

Southern Cottonwood/Willow Riparian

RY D

Riversidean Sage Scrub

BUNDY CANYON RD

TA R

Riversidean Alluvial Fan Sage Scrub

Riparian Scrub

WA Y

BAXTER RD

Southern Willow Scrub

Sources: City of Lake Elsinore, County of Riverside

2 Miles

City of Lake Elsinore Vegetation Communities Figure 4.1

Chapter 4.0

BACKSIDE OF FIGURE

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Chapter 4.0

Nonnative Grassland Nonnative grasslands are characterized by a dense to sparse cover of annual grasses with flowering culms (stems) 0.2 to 1.5 meters high. They are often associated with numerous species of showy-flowered native wildflowers, especially in years of favorable rainfall. Flowering occurs with the onset of the late-fall rains, and growth, flowering, and seed-set occur from winter through spring. With a few exceptions, the plants are dead through the summerfall dry season, persisting as seeds. Nonnative grasslands occur on fine-textured soils that are moist during the winter rainy season and very dry during summer and fall. Adjacent communities may include oak woodland on moister, better-drained soils. Composed almost entirely of annual grasses and other herbaceous annuals, this community is dominant over a large area immediately southwest of Lake Elsinore but existing also as a mosaic interspersed with coastal sage scrub communities. Plants typical of this community include several species of brome (Bromus spp.), wild oat (Avena spp.), filaree (Erodium spp.), schismus (Schismus spp.), fescue (Vulpia spp.), and a variety of wildflowers such as California poppy (Eschscholtzia californica), phacelia (Phacelia spp.), and goldfields (Lasthenia californica).

Coastal Sage Scrub Coastal sage scrub is characterized by low shrubs and an absence of trees. Shrubs include either pure stands or mixtures of coarse, deciduous species that drop their leaves in response to periodic drought conditions. Coastal sage scrub occurs primarily below 914 meters (3,000 feet) above mean sea level on western slopes of mountains; on steep, south-facing, wind-exposed slopes; and in areas where the marine layer penetrates inland to foothills and canyons. Soils are typically well drained and relatively shallow. Shrubs are more widely spaced than in chaparral and do not have the characteristic rigidity or thick drought-resistant leaves of those in chaparral. Remaining dormant throughout the dry season, plants either drop their leaves or produce smaller leaves on secondary shoots, which reduces water loss. Root systems are generally shallow, and some shrubs store water in succulent leaves and stems. Other plants produce aromatic oils from the surfaces of leaves, making them less appealing to grazing animals and reducing water loss but at the cost of increased flammability during the fire season. Typical species in this community include California sagebrush (Artemisia californica), longstemmed buckwheat (E. elongatum), California buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum), white sage (Salvia apiana), black sage (Salvia mellifera), bush monkeyflower (Mimulus longiflorus), brittlebush (Encelia farinosa), California bush sunflower (Encelia californica), coast goldenbush (Isocoma menziesii), laurel sumac (Malosma laurina), deerweed (Lotus scoparius), golden yarrow (Eriophyllum confertiflorum), coast prickly pear (Opuntia littoralis), and lupines (Lupinus spp.).

Riversidian Sage Scrub Riversidian sage scrub typically is a fairly open vegetation community, with at least 20 percent cover by California sagebrush, California buckwheat, and Spanish brome (Bromus madritensis). See description of coastal sage scrub above for additional details about plant species

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Chapter 4.0 composition. In the City and SOI, this community occurs in many locations, often on hills and slopes adjacent to developed areas. In many locations, the herb layer of the Riversidian sage scrub is dominated by nonnative invasive forbs and grasses, which reduces the quality of these areas as potential habitat for various species. Riversidian sage scrub is considered a special-status or sensitive habitat.

Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub Similar to Riversidian sage scrub, this community is found where moisture is more abundant. Dominant species are California sagebrush, California buckwheat, laurel sumac, lemonade berry (Rhus integrifolia), and white sage. This community occurs only in small patches within the existing City limits; substantially more acres of this type occur in the SOI than in the City.

Riversidian Alluvial Fan Sage Scrub Riversidian alluvial fan sage scrub grows on sandy, rocky alluvial soils deposited by streams that experience periodic flooding. The soils in these areas are well drained to excessively drained and have low water-holding capacity and low fertility. Vegetation consists of droughtdeciduous subshrubs and large evergreen woody shrubs adapted to these soil characteristics and capable of survival, or rapid recruitment, after intense periodic flooding and erosion. Pioneer, intermediate, and mature stages of the alluvial fan sage scrub plant community are often distinguished. The pioneer stage has sparse vegetation and low plant diversity. The intermediate stage is characterized by dense vegetation dominated by subshrubs. The mature stage has dense, full-grown subshrubs, along with evergreen woody shrubs. Scale-broom is a shrub species found most often on alluvial soils associated with drainages. Other common shrub species of this vegetation community are often characteristic species of either Riversidian sage scrub or chaparral communities. These common subshrub species include coastal sagebrush, California buckwheat, chamise, brittlebush (Encelia farinosa), hairy yerba santa (Eriodictyon trichocalyx), sugarbush, birch-leaved mountain mahogany, and deerweed (Lotus scoparius). Small patches of this community are present in the City in washes where the soil has been deposited and periodically scoured by flowing water from slopes above. Soils tend to be sandy and porous. Substantially more acres of this community occur in the SOI than in the City. Riversidian alluvial fan sage scrub is considered a special-status/sensitive habitat.

Chaparral Chaparral is widely distributed on dry slopes and ridges at low and mid-elevations. It typically consists of shrubs with tough, broad leaves, although species composition may vary considerably with many different subtypes. This community also is highly adapted to periodic natural fires.

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Chapter 4.0 Chamise chaparral, which is the most common chaparral type in Riverside County, is dominated by chamise (Adenostoma fasciculatum). Southern mixed chaparral often occurs adjacent to Riversidian sage scrub and chamise chaparral but generally on sites with more moisture. Common chaparral shrubs include toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia), chamise, several California lilacs (Ceanothus megacarpus, C. crassifolius, C. cuneatus, and C. spinosus), birch-leaved mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus betuloides), manzanita (Arctostaphylos spp.), and scrub oak (Quercus berberdifolia). Generally taller and denser than sage scrub communities, this community is found in the City primarily on the eastern slopes of the Santa Ana Mountains. It is more broadly distributed in the SOI.

Oak Woodland Oak woodland varies from open savannas with grassy understories to fairly dense woodlands with shrubby understories. This community typically integrates with both nonnative grassland and riparian woodland. Annual rainfall is generally between 38 and 64 centimeters (15 and 25 inches), and intermittent streams may be present. The dominant trees in the Riverside area are coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia), with smaller amounts of Engelmann oak (Quercus engelmannii), black walnut (Juglans californica), western sycamore (Platanus racemosa), toyon, and blue elderberry (Sambucus mexicana). Smaller trees and shrubs along with herbaceous plants and grasses that form the vegetative understory include sugar bush (Rhus ovata), squawbush (Rhus trilobata), poisonâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum), coastal wood fern (Dryopteris arguta), and bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinium). Within the City and SOI this community is typically located near intermittent stream courses and is known to occur in the canyons on the east face of the Santa Ana Mountains.

Coast Live Oak Woodland Coast live oak woodlands vary from closed-canopy stands of coast live oak to mixtures with conifers and broadleaf trees to open savannas. The shrub layer is poorly developed but may include toyon, laurel sumac, or blue elderberry. The herb component is typically continuous and dominated by rip-gut brome (Bromus diandrus) and several other introduced species. This community typically occurs on north-facing slopes and shaded ravines. Coast live oak woodland is considered a special-status/sensitive habitat. It occurs in both the City and SOI, with substantially more acres in the SOI than in the City.

Dense Englemann Oak Woodland Dense Englemann oak woodland is a climax woodland dominated by Englemann oak (Quercus englemannii), with coast live oak as an additional significant constituent. The understory is composed of typical grassland species. Canopy cover is dense. This vegetation community

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Chapter 4.0 appears on moderately moist sites, especially in steep canyons. Dense Englemann oak woodlands are known to occur southeast of Lake Mathews between Gavilan Road and Lake Mathews Drive. Dense Englemann oak woodland is considered a special-status/sensitive habitat. It occurs in the SOI but not within the City boundaries.

Riparian Forest, Woodland, and Scrub Riparian forests and woodlands are dependent on the presence of or proximity to nonseasonal water sources. The water may be surface water or shallow groundwater. Riparian woodlands may measure a few meters in width to much broader, depending on water flow. Where nonseasonal streams flow out of the mountains and onto flatter grasslands, the riparian woodland community may be a relatively broad one, but in the higher elevations where water flows down a narrow passageway often confined by steep hillsides, this community may be very narrow. Riparian woodland may also occupy areas surrounding human-made lakes and reservoirs. Typical species of this community include willows (Salix spp.), western sycamore, black walnut, Fremont and black cottonwood (Populus fremontii and P. trichocarpa), white alder (Alnus rhombifolia), coast live oak, mule fat (Baccharis salicifolia), and smaller plants such as poison-oak, California blackberry, horsetails (Equisetum spp.), and scarlet and creek monkeyflower (Mimulus cardinalis and M. guttatus). Riparian scrub is characterized as a scrubby streamside thicket, dominated by any of several willows, mule fat, or a mix of these. Vegetation may vary from open to impenetrable. Willows typically occur on relatively fine-grained sand and gravel bars that are close to river channels and/or groundwater. Coarser substrate soils or areas where there is relatively great depth to the water table favors dominance by mule fat. This early successional community may precede any of several riparian woodland or forest types absent severe flooding disturbance. Riparian forest and scrub communities occur along streambeds in the City and SOI and along the shore of Lake Elsinore. Types include southern willow scrub, composed of relatively small willows and mulefat; southern cottonwood â&#x20AC;&#x201C; willow riparian forest, with taller willows and cottonwoods; and southern sycamore â&#x20AC;&#x201C; alder riparian woodland, composed of western sycamore, white alder, and often lower densities of willows, cottonwoods, or oaks. In general, all riparian communities are considered to be special-status/sensitive habitats.

Southern Willow Scrub Southern willow scrub is distinguished by dense, broadleaved, winter-deciduous riparian thickets dominated by several willow species, including black willow, sandbar willow, red willow (Salix laevigata), and arroyo willow, with scattered Fremont cottonwood and western sycamore. Most stands are too dense to allow much understory development. Typical soils include loose, sandy, or fine gravelly alluvium deposited near stream channels during flood flows. This community requires repeated flooding to prevent succession to southern

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Chapter 4.0 cottonwood – sycamore riparian forest. It occurs in both the City and SOI and is considered a special-status/sensitive habitat.

Southern Cottonwood – Willow Riparian Forest Southern cottonwoods are dominated by Fremont cottonwood, black cottonwood, and several tree willows. Understories consist of shrubby willows. The dominant species require moist, bare mineral soil. Sub-irrigated and frequently overflowed lands along rivers and streams provide the necessary conditions for germination and establishment. Other typical plant species include California mugwort, mule fat, wild cucumber (Marah macrocarpus), western sycamore, Goodding’s black willow (Salix gooddingii), sandbar willow (Salix exigua), yellow shining willow (Salix lasiandra), arroyo willow (Salix lasiolepis), and stinging nettle (Urtica dioica). It occurs in the SOI and is considered to be a specialstatus/sensitive habitat.

Gunnerson Pond

Southern Sycamore—Alder Riparian Woodland Southern sycamore – alder riparian woodland is a tall, open, broadleaved, winter-deciduous streamside woodland dominated by western sycamore and white alder. These stands seldom form closed canopy forests and may appear as trees scattered in a shrubby thicket of hard drought-resistant evergreens and deciduous species. Soils consist of very rocky streambeds subject to seasonally high-intensity flooding. White alder increases in abundance on more perennial streams, while western sycamore favors more intermittent hydrographs. Other common forms of vegetation include California mugwort, coast live oak, horsetail, smilo grass (Piptatherum miiaceum), California blackberry, poison-oak, blue elderberry, and stinging nettle (Urtica dioica). This woodland is considered to be a special-status/sensitive habitat.

Marsh Marsh communities are dominated by perennial, emergent flowering plants (monocots) generally up to 4 to 5 meters tall. Vegetation often forms completely closed canopies. Bulrush (Scirpus spp.) and cattail (Typha spp.) species dominate. Marsh communities are found on sites permanently inundated by fresh water and lacking significant current. Conditions of prolonged saturation permit accumulation of deep, peaty soils in this community.

Coastal and Valley Freshwater Marsh This community is generally found in areas with slow-moving or ponded water where shallow topography is subject to prolonged saturation. One of these areas is northeast of Lake Elsinore,

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Chapter 4.0 around a small lake that was created several years ago. It is recognized by the presence of plants that grow up through shallow water, such as cattail, bullrush, and sedge. This community occurs in the City but not the SOI and is considered a special-status/sensitive habitat.

Open Water/Reservoir/Pond Open water/reservoir/pond areas are called lacustrine Rare White Pelicans in the Back Basin. ecosystems and are characterized by inland depressions or dammed riverine channels containing standing water, including both near-shore (limnetic) and deepwater habitats (littoral). Usually, to meet this classification, each area must exceed 20 acres (8 hectares) and be deeper than 6.6 feet (2 meters). The lower San Jacinto River, Lake Elsinore, and several other ponds and creeks within the study area provide open water habitat relatively free of vegetation that supports fish, amphibians, and waterfowl. Among the warm water fishery species that provide recreational fishing in Lake Elsinore are largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie. Recent efforts to improve the water quality in Lake Elsinore have included the harvesting of carp in order to restructure the fishery composition and the installation of a series of axial flow pumps designed to increase vertical water circulation, thereby maintaining higher levels of dissolved oxygen in the water. These areas are subject to a wide range of regulations and, depending on site-specific conditions, typically are considered to be a special-status/sensitive habitat.

Vernal Pools Vernal pools are seasonal wetlands that form in localized depressions with subsurface hardpans, allowing ponded rainwater to remain above the surface into the dry season. These seasonal wetlands create a moist environment to which a specialized group of plant species has adapted. Species composition varies among pools and among years. However, common species in vernal pools in or near the project area include woolly marbles (Psilocarphus brevissimus), toad rush (Juncus bufonius), spike rush (Eleocharis species), wire-stem popcorn flower (Plagiobothrys leptocladus), Mexican speedwell (Veronica peregrina ssp. xalapensis), annual hairgrass (Deschampsia danthonioides), alkali pepper-grass (Lepidium dictyotum), and water pygmy weed (Crassula aquatica); many special-status species are also present.

Agricultural Lands Limited areas of groves, orchards, and cropland persist in the study area. These lands have little value as habitat for wildlife other than those species highly adapted to disturbance.

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Chapter 4.0 Residential/Urban/Exotic A substantial portion of the area within the Lake Elsinore SOI has been developed. Remaining natural resources in this area are now limited to ornamental trees and garden shrubs that may provide some habitat for nesting birds.

4.2.3

Special-Status Species

Plants and animals are identified as being “special status” species if they are listed or proposed for listing under federal or state law; identified as “sensitive,” “a species of concern,” or “a species of special concern” on lists maintained by federal or state agencies; or are on the list of biologically endangered and rare plant species maintained by the California Native Plant Society. Table 4-2 identifies the special-status species that are known to occur or have a reasonable potential for occurrence in the City and its SOI.

Table 4-2.

Special-Status Species that Occur or Potentially Occur in the City and/or SOI

Species Common/ Scientific Name

Status1

Habitat Affinities

Chaparral sand-verbena Abronia villosa var. aurita)

Federal: None State: None CNPS: 1B

Exposed sites with sandy soils, especially washes and dunes, in chaparral, sage scrub, and alluvial scrub.

California orcutt grass Orcuttia californica

Federal: E State: E CNPS: 1B

Vernal pools, alkaline soils, and southern basaltic claypan.

Coulter’s goldfields Lasthenia glabrata ssp. Coulteri

Federal: None State: None CNPS: 1B

Coastal salt marshes, playas, valley and foothill grassland, vernal pools. Alkaline soils in playas, sinks, and grasslands 1–1,400 meters in elevation.

Davidson’s saltscale Atriplex serenans var. davidsonii

Federal: None State: None CNPS: 1B

Alkali vernal pools, alkali annual grasslands, alkali playa, and alkali scrub components of alkali vernal plains.

Hammitt’s clay-cress Sibaropsis hammittii

Federal: None State: None CNPS: 1B

Chaparral and valley and foothill grassland at elevations of 700 to 1,100 meters.

Intermediate mariposa lily Calochortus weedii var. intermedius

Federal: None State: None CNPS: 1B

Rocky hill and valley landscapes with chaparral, sage scrub, or grasslands.

Little mousetail Myosurus minimus ssp. Apus

Federal: None State: None CNPS: 3

Vernal pools and poorly drained spots in moist grasslands, generally under alkaline conditions.

Plants

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Chapter 4.0

Species Common/ Scientific Name

Status1

Habitat Affinities

Long-spined spineflower Chorizanthe polygonoides var. longispina

Federal: None State: None CNPS: 1B

Chaparral, coastal scrub, meadows, valley and foothill grassland; gabbroic clay; 30–1,450 meters in elevation.

Many-stemmed dudleya Dudleya multicaulis

Federal: None State: None CNPS: 1B

Chaparral, coastal scrub, valley and foothill grassland; in heavy, often clayey soils or grassy slopes; 0–790 meters in elevation.

Munz’s onion Allium munzii

Federal: E State: T CNPS: 1B

Chaparral, coastal scrub, cismontane woodland, pinyon-juniper woodland, valley and foothill grassland; only in Riverside County; heavy clay soils; grows in grasslands and openings within shrublands or woodlands; 300–1,035 meters in elevation.

Palmer’s grapplinghook Harpagonella palmeri

Federal: None State: None CNPS: 4

Chaparral, coastal sage scrub, grasslands; clay soils.

Parry’s spineflower Chorizanthe parryi var. parryi

Federal: None State: None CNPS: 1B

Coastal scrub, chaparral; dry slopes and flats; sometimes at interface of two vegetation types, such as chaparral and oak woodland; dry, sandy soils; 40–1,705 meters in elevation.

Robinson’s pepper-grass Lepidium virginicum var. robinsonii

Federal: None State: None CNPS: 1B

Chaparral, coastal scrub; dry soils, shrubland; 1–945 meters in elevation.

Round-leaved filaree Erodium macrophyllum

Federal: None State: None CNPS: 2

Cismontane woodland, valley and foothill grassland; clay soils; 15–1,200 meters in elevation.

San Diego ambrosia Ambrosia pumila

Federal: E State: None CNPS: 1B

Chaparral, coastal scrub, valley and foothill grassland, vernal pools; in the U.S., known only from San Diego and Riverside Counties; sandy loam or clay soil; in valleys, persists where disturbance has been superficial; 20– 415 meters in elevation.

San Jacinto Valley crownscale Atriples coronata var. notatior

Federal: E State: None CNPS: 1B

Flooplains (seasonal wetlands) dominated by alkali scrub, alkali playas, vernal pools, and, to a lesser extent, alkali grasslands.

Slender-horned spineflower Dodecahema leptoceras

Federal: E State: E CNPS: 1B

Chaparral, coastal scrub (alluvial fan sage scrub), flood deposited terraces, and washes.

Small-flowered microseris Microseris douglasii var. platycarpha

Federal: None State: None CNPS: 4

Clay soils in association with native grasslands or vernal pools.

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Chapter 4.0

Species Common/ Scientific Name

Status1

Habitat Affinities

Federal: None State: None CNPS: 1B

Valley and foothill grassland, chenopod scrub, meadows, playas, riparian woodland, alkali meadow, alkali scrub; also in disturbed places; 0â&#x20AC;&#x201C;480 meters in elevation.

Riverside fairy shrimp Streptocephalus woottoni

Federal: E State: None

Areas of tectonic swales/earth slump basins in grassland and coastal sage scrub. Inhabit seasonally astatic pools filled by winter/spring rains. Hatch in warm water later in the season.

Quino checkerspot butterfly Euphydryas editha quino

Federal: E State: None

Open areas in grasslands, forb lands, coastal sage scrub, and chaparral, usually with low disturbance and a well-developed biological soil crust. Primary larval host plant is Plantago erecta.

Federal: SOC State: SSC

Grassland, coastal sage scrub, and other habitats with open sandy gravel soils. Breeds in vernal pools and temporary ponds/pools associated with river bottoms and floodplains. Primarily a species of the lowlands, frequenting washes, floodplains of rivers, alluvial fans, and alkali flats.

Coast (San Diego) horned lizard Phrynosoma coronatum (blainvillei)

Federal: None State: SSC

Open or sparse scrub and chaparral communities. This species prefers loose, friable soil for burrowing.

Orangethroat whiptail Cnemidophorus hyperythrus

Federal: None State: SSC

Chaparral, sage scrub, and open edges of riparian areas; specialist to some degree on native termites.

Coast Western Patch-nosed Snake Salvadora hexalepis virgultea

Federal: None State: SSC

Occupies desert scrub, coastal chaparral, washes, sandy flats, and rocky areas.

Coastal western whiptail Aspidoscelis tigris stejnegeri

Federal: SOC State: None

Found in deserts and semiarid areas with sparse vegetation and open areas. Also found in woodland and riparian areas. Ground may be firm soil, sandy, or rocky.

Northern red-diamond rattlesnake Crotalus ruber ruber

Federal: None State: SSC

Chaparral, woodland, grassland, and desert areas. Occurs in rocky areas and dense vegetation. Needs rodent burrows, cracks in rocks, or surface cover objects.

Smooth tarplant Centromadia pungens ssp. Laevis

Invertebrates

Amphibians Western spadefoot Spea hammondii

Reptiles

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Chapter 4.0

Species Common/ Scientific Name

Status1

Habitat Affinities

Western pond turtle Clemmys marmorata pallida

Federal: None State: SSC

Ponds, small lakes, perennial pools in drainages, marshes, slow-moving, sometimes brackish water.

American bittern Botaurus lentiginosus

Federal: SOC State: None

Freshwater marshes and vegetated borders of ponds and lakes.

Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus

Federal: Delisted State: E

Open areas, forest edges, and mountains near large lakes and rivers. Requires tall trees for nesting. Three known nest efforts in or near western Riverside County but not within the project area in the last 10 years.

Bellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sage sparrow Amphispiza belli belli

Federal: SOC State: SWL

Extensive patches of chaparral less than about 2 meters in height and sage scrub shaded and relatively open at the ground layer.

Black-crowned night-heron Nycticorax nycticorax

Federal: None State: None

Many types of wetlands.

Burrowing owl Athene cunicularia

Federal: SOC State: SSC

Requires fairly large expanses of relatively open, level, or hummocky terrain, including grasslands, agricultural fields, dairies, flood channels, and occasionally undisturbed areas of golf courses or airports.

Cactus wren Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus

Federal: None State: SSC

Coastal sage scrub with thickets, patches, or tracts of large branching cacti, thorny shrubs, and small trees.

California Horned Lark Eremophila alpestris actia

Federal: None State: SSC

Found in a variety of open habitats.

Coastal California gnatcatcher Polioptila californica californica

Federal: T State: SSC

Obligate resident of several distinct subassociations of the coastal sage scrub community.

Cooperâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hawk Accipiter cooperii

Federal: None State: SWL

Mature forest, open woodlands, parks, and residential areas.

Double-crested cormorant Phalacrocorax auritus

Federal: None State: None

Occupies diverse aquatic habitats in all seasons. Diet is primarily fishes. Tolerates only minimal disturbance at nesting colonies.

Downy woodpecker Picoides pubescens

Federal: None State: None

Nests in extensive lowland riparian woodland and forest; will forage in many adjacent habitats.

Birds

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Chapter 4.0

Species Common/ Scientific Name

Status1

Habitat Affinities

Least Bellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vireo Vireo bellii pusillus

Federal: E State: E

Riparian habitat with some tree layer and a dense understory, often of young willows but sometimes mule fat, blue elderberry, California rose, desert wild grape, and a variety of other shrubby species.

Loggerhead shrike Lanius ludovicianus

Federal: SOC State: SSC

Open areas (e.g., grassland, rangeland, fallow agricultural fields), especially where there are scattered large shrubs, trees, or other suitable perches at moderate height.

Northern harrier Circus cyaneus

Federal: None State: SSC

Coastal lowlands, marshes, mesic grasslands, and agricultural fields. Probably extirpated locally as a breeder.

Osprey Pandion haliaetus

Federal: None State: SWL

Large water bodies supporting fish with surrounding or nearby suitable nest sites.

Peregrine falcon Falco peregrinus

Federal: Delisted State: Delisted, P

Open areas, mud flats with waterfowl, shorebirds. Not currently believed to breed in Riverside County.

Southern California rufouscrowned sparrow Aimophila ruficeps canescens

Federal: None State: SWL

Rocky slopes, especially where a relatively open shrub cover dominated by California sagebrush is interspersed with grassy areas.

Southwestern willow flycatcher Empidonax traillii extimus

Federal: E State: E

Riparian woodlands along rivers and streams, with mature dense stands of willows, cottonwoods, and sometimes alders. Requires some inundation or soil saturation in riparian areas at least through May.

Tree swallow Tachycineta bicolor

Federal: None State: None

During winter and migration, found in open areas, grasslands, meadows, brushlands, and near water sources.

Tricolor blackbird Agelaius tricolor

Federal: SOC State: SSC

Freshwater marshes. Suitable breeding habitat includes cattails and bulrushes as well as nonnative thistles and mustards.

White-faced ibis Plegadis chihi

Federal: None State: SWL

Nests in large, shallow marshes with islands of emergent vegetation. Forages in a wide variety of marsh and mudflat habitats.

White-tailed kite Elanus leucurus

Federal: None State: P

Nests in riparian woodland edges, pasture lands and savannah, oaks, and sycamores. Forages in open areas with short grass and/or forbs.

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Chapter 4.0

Species Common/ Scientific Name

Status1

Habitat Affinities

Yellow-breasted chat Icteria virens

Federal: None State: SSC

Nests and forages in dense, low riparian growth, including edges of woods, fencerows, dense thickets, and brambles in low, wet places near streams, pond edges, or swamps and in old overgrown clearings and fields.

Yellow warbler Dendroica petechia brewsteri

Federal: None State: SSC

Nests in mature riparian forest and woodland, foraging largely in the upperstory; more common as a spring and fall migrant in varied habitats.

Bobcat Lynx rufus

Federal: None State: None

Variety of habitats, including conifer, oak, riparian, pinyon-juniper forest, chaparral; dependent on extensive open space and connectivity, with rabbits a central part of the diet.

Mountain lion Puma concolor

Federal: None State: None

Variety of habitats; requires very large tracts of land with low levels of human disturbance and development.

Northwestern San Diego pocket mouse Chaetodipus fallax fallax

Federal: None State: SSC

Coastal scrub, chamise-redshank chaparral, mixed chaparral, sagebrush, desert wash, desert scrub, desert succulent shrub, pinyon juniper, and annual grassland in sandy herbaceous areas, usually in association with rocks or coarse gravel.

San Diego black-tailed jackrabbit Lepus californicus bennettii

Federal: None State: SSC

Arid regions supporting short-grass habitats such as annual grassland, often adjacent to or mixed with Riversidian sage, scrub, alluvial fan scrub, Great Basin sagebrush, chaparral, disturbed habitat, or agriculture.

Stephensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; kangaroo rat Dipodomys stephensi

Federal: E State: T

Inhabits annual grassland with sparse perennial vegetation and open sage scrub in the San Jacinto Valley and adjacent areas of western Riverside County and northwestern San Diego County.

Mammals

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Chapter 4.0

Species Common/ Scientific Name 1

Habitat Affinities

Status1

Indicates federal and state listing status as of January 2011 and CNPS list for plants.

Codes and Abbreviations C: Candidate CNPS: California Native Plant Society 1B: Rare and endangered in California and throughout its range 2: Rare and endangered in California but more common elsewhere 4: Limited distribution P: Fully Protected species identified in the California Fish and Game Code SOC: Species of Concern SSC: California Department of Fish and Game Species of Special Concern SWL: California Department of Fish and Game Watch List T: Threatened

4.2.4

Existing and Proposed Conservation Areas

The City is a participating agency in the MSHCP and as such is working with Riverside County, other cities in the region, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), California Department of Fish and Game (DFG), California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), California State Parks, U.S. Forest Service, and U.S. Bureau of Land Management to consolidate the lands needed to complete the MSHCP Reserve area over a 25-year period. Specifically, the City is focusing on adding lands to existing core reserves and linkages within and adjacent to the Elsinore Area Plan, public and quasi-public lands that are part of the existing MSHCP conservation area; and the criteria area in and adjacent to the City and SOI as shown in Figure 4.2, MSHCP Criteria Areas. MSHCP maps indicate approximately 3,500 acres in the City and SOI are part of the existing MSHCP conservation area. The MSHCP criteria area depicted and discussed within the maps and text published grids of one-quarter section descriptor “cells” allow the City to focus and distribute the conservation effort between land owner development interests and permanent conservation based on the City Council’s independent land use authority. Development would be allowed in areas designated as MSHCP conservation areas through the City LEAP program based on tradeoffs for conservation acreage dedication or acquisitions pursuant to the MSHCP program.

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Chapter 4.0

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Chapter 4.0

4.2.5 Goal 1

Biological Resources Goals, Policies and Implementation Programs Identify and conserve important biological habitats where feasible while balancing the economic growth and private property right interests of the City, its residents, and landowners.

Policies 1.1

The City shall continue to participate in the Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan, the LEAPS program, and the Implementing Agreement; with a strategy that focuses on quality assemblage of conservation acreage beginning at the start of the conservation range.

1.2

Evaluate the installation of barrier fencing or other buffers between MSHCP Conservation Areas and proposed public and private land uses that may be incompatible with the Conservation Areas in order to minimize illegal/unauthorized public access, domestic animal predation, or dumping in the Conservation Areas while not impeding wildlife movement.

1.3

The Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Conceptual Reserve Design shall be developed in accordance with Section 3.2.3 of the MSHCP as amended, and may rely upon the flexibility permitted by the MSHCP where appropriate in conducting the Reserve Assembly Accounting set forth in Section 6.7 of the MSHCP.

1.4

Encourage revegetation with native plants compatible with natural surrounding habitat where soils have been disturbed during construction, and discourage plants identified in the MSHCP as unsuitable for conservation areas.

1.5

The City shall coordinate with the Regional Conservation Authority to have that agency acquire native habitat areas as permanent open space and allow public trail access where appropriate.

1.6

The City shall establish a plan for a trail network intended for active or passive use within public open space areas and traversing around and through MSHCP Conservation areas where compatible with guidelines set forth in the MSHCP and City Council MSHCP policies.

1.7

The City shall require all new trails, trailheads, conservation signage, interpretive centers, and maintenance facilities established within MSHCP Conservation areas to follow the Guidelines for the Siting and Design of Trails and Facilities, as set forth in Section 7.4.2 of the MSHCP.

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Chapter 4.0 1.8

The City shall consult with the Regional Conservation Authority (RCA) and adjacent jurisdictions to ensure proper adherence to MSHCP guidelines and to allow for a maximum level of regional interconnection of trails systems. The City shall reduce, modify or add to the regional interconnections and linkages based on new biological analysis brought forward during the CEQA and LEAP processes.

Implementation Program Through the MSHCP, LEAP and CEQA processes the City shall identify and conserve important biological habitats while balancing economic growth and property rights. Agency/Department

Goal 2

Community Development Department

Protect sensitive plant and wildlife species residing or occurring within the City.

Policies 2.1

Biological resources analyses of proposed projects shall include discussion of potential impacts to any plant or wildlife species that is officially listed as threatened or endangered by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and/or the California Department of Fish and Game but not covered by the MSHCP.

2.2

Development or modification shall be discouraged in areas containing riparian habitat of high functions and values or corridors with 80% or more of natural native habitat that link larger patches of natural native habitat containing 80% or more native plant species. Further, development in areas described for conservation, including areas planned for riparian/riverine restoration included in the MSHCP, shall also be discouraged.

2.3

The City shall encourage the development of a Native Tree Planting and Maintenance Program that presents guidelines for selecting and locating trees to support wildlife, improve air and water quality, and reduce energy consumption.

Implementation Program County MSHCP.

The City shall continue to implement the Western Riverside

Agency/Department

Community Development Department

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Chapter 4.0

4.3

Open Space

4.3.1

Introduction

“Additional open space areas outside of the MSHCP will also be needed to achieve a healthy balance between urban areas and the natural environment.”

Much of the City encompasses areas with steep slopes and high elevations that are not capable of being readily developed without unique, sensitive, and special land planning design. As a result, many of these areas have remained vacant. As the City’s vision evolves, related development interests and land values have increased significantly, and many of the vacant lands are designated for development because of the City’s increasing land values and increased commercial and residential interest. Open space on lands that contain endangered species and related habitat, or located within linkages, may be designated for permanent preservation under the MSHCP during the project review process, subject to the City’s LEAP program. Additional open space areas outside of the MSHCP will also be needed to achieve a healthy balance between urban areas and the natural environment. Direct public access is currently not widely available to many of the City’s open space areas and may likely be restricted out of the MSHCP conservation area within the City and SOI. Residents desire protection of these unique resources while also making the open space resources more accessible to the public. The policies in this section are intended to protect open space areas while also making them more accessible to the public for visual and recreational opportunities.

4.3.2

Open Space Baselines

The General Plan Land Use designations exhibited in Figure 2.1a show areas designated as open space within the City. Open space on land that contains endangered species and related habitat may be designated for permanent preservation under the MSHCP. Land on steep slopes is sometimes difficult and costly to develop and therefore will also likely remain as permanent open space until land values and design standards allow development. Land currently within the floodplain of local drainages, including Lake Elsinore and Temescal Creek, have been left vacant currently in order to avoid flooding and have been delineated accordingly as Open Space. Figure 4.3 illustrates a vacant land inventory in 2009.

4.3.3

Open Space/Recreation/MSHCP Land Use Designations

As of 2007, approximately 31,626 acres have been dedicated to parks and open space, with approximately 322 acres devoted to parks and the remainder (approximately 31,304 acres) designated as vacant land. This General Plan would allow for approximately 18,236 acres of permanent open space, recreation, and MSHCP preserve areas. Approximately 13,525 acres will be designated as open space, and 2,029 recreation. Further, approximately 7,187.1 acres within the planning area are identified as within the MSHCP preserve.

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City of Lake Elsinore Vacant Land Inventory (2009) Figure 4.3

Chapter 4.0

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Chapter 4.0

4.3.4 Goal 3

Open Space Goal, Policies and Implementation Program Provide an open space layout within the City that will enhance the recreational and visual experiences of all City residents and visitors.

Policies 3.1

Maximize the MSHCP conservation areas and other open space that is available for public use.

3.2

The City shall ensure that passive and active open space uses are incorporated into development areas.

3.3

Development on steep slopes in public or private property shall require contour grading.

3.4

Preserve the Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s visual character, in particular the surrounding hillsides, which topographically define the lake region.

A View of the City from the West

The City shall consider modifying the existing grading ordinance Implementation Program to include contour grading or other methods and concepts that protect and enhance steep slopes, including enforcement procedures and appropriate access. Agency/Department

Engineering Department

4.4

Water Resources

4.4.1

Introduction

The City lies in an arid region where water is a limited resource. Fortunately, the City contains a wealth of raw and nonpotable reclaimed water resources, such as Lake Elsinore, the San Jacinto River, and the Temescal Wash and treated water plants, as depicted in Figure 4.4, Hydrologic Resources. As such, it is important that all water resources be protected and conserved while enhancing their overall quality as the City increasingly becomes more urbanized.

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Chapter 4.0

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Chapter 4.0 Lake Elsinore, which currently contains 3,412 surface acres of water and encompasses many lake-oriented recreational facilities, is the Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest and most significant water resource. However, Lake Elsinore varies widely in size in response to hydrologic conditions, ranging from 6,000 acres in very wet years to portions of a dry lakebed in drought years. Efforts to stabilize the lake level to a satisfactory level should be supported so that the area surrounding the lake can be increasingly developed with water-oriented recreational opportunities that the Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s residents can enjoy. The policies in this section are intended to conserve and improve water resources.

4.4.2

Water Resources Baselines

The following discussion addresses the existing surface and groundwater hydrology, drainage, water quality, and potential flooding conditions extant within the City.

Hydrology The study area has a typical Mediterranean climate with wet, cool winters, and warm, dry summers. Most of the rainfall occurs between November and April, with an average annual rainfall of 13.7 inches.

Surface Water The primary surface water features within the project area are Lake Elsinore, the San Jacinto River, and Temescal Wash (see Figure 4.4). Railroad Canyon Reservoir releases flows to the San Jacinto River. The San Jacinto River flows into Lake Elsinore, which in turn flows into Temescal Wash during periods of high lake levels. As shown in Figure 4.4, the drainage patterns within the City and SOI can be divided into three basins, including the Temescal area, Lake Elsinore, and Santa Margarita. Lake Elsinore is natural in origin and measures approximately 5 miles long by 2 miles wide. In an effort to maintain a more constant lake level, a levee was constructed across the lake in 1995 to reduce the size of the water surface and minimize evaporation. The levee also provides flood protection up to an elevation of 1,262 feet for the southern end of the lake, an area known as the Back Basin (see Figure 4.4). Lake Elsinore is fed by three (3) primary sources of water: runoff from local tributaries, direct precipitation inputs to the lake surface, and inflows from the San Jacinto River. The percentage of the total input for each of these sources is 8%, 20%, and 72%, respectively, indicating that the San Jacinto River is by far the largest source of water reaching Lake Elsinore. Little groundwater interaction is expected because the lake lies on a relatively impermeable layer of clay soil.

4-33

Chapter 4.0 Groundwater Elsinore Groundwater Basin General Setting The Elsinore groundwater basin is supplied primarily by infiltration of precipitation in the surrounding watershed. Other sources of inflow include infiltration along the San Jacinto River channel upstream of Lake Elsinore and agricultural and residential return flows. Municipal pumping for potable water is the only major outflow from the Elsinore groundwater basin. Some additional groundwater pumping is performed as necessary to help maintain the elevation of Lake Elsinore at 1,242.4 feet above mean sea level.

Depth to Water Table and Groundwater Gradient The depth to groundwater varies considerably across the project area, ranging from approximately 50â&#x20AC;&#x201C;60 feet in the northern portion of the basin to approximately 400â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 500 feet in the southern portion. The groundwater gradient naturally follows this variation in depth, flowing from the northwest to the southeast underneath Lake Elsinore. Two faults, Glen Ivy North and Rome Hill, appear to partially block groundwater flow. Early Morning Fog at the Lake The average groundwater gradient is approximately 0.016 in the middle of the basin, based on somewhat limited data. This steep gradient is due to the considerable level of groundwater pumping in the Back Basin.

Groundwater Overdraft The Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District (EVMWD) Groundwater Management Plan includes a groundwater budget analysis of the Elsinore basin for the period 1990 to 2000. The results of the analysis indicate that the basin experiences an average annual deficit of approximately 1,800 acre-feet per year over the 11-year period studied. Eight of the 11 years analyzed had a deficit, while the remaining 3 years without a deficit corresponded to aboveaverage annual precipitation totals. In addition, water levels in wells in the southern portion of the basin dropped more than 200 feet in the same time period, providing further evidence of a groundwater overdraft condition. Continuing overdraft may lead to ground subsidence as soils compact over long periods of time, although no clear evidence of subsidence has currently been identified around Lake Elsinore.

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Chapter 4.0

Flooding Flood information from the 1990 General Plan was researched and found to still be applicable. Following this summary is an update of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) flood mapping information based on a review of the latest maps. Regional flood control planning and facilities construction are within the San Jacinto River Bank Full Discharge jurisdiction of the Riverside County Flood Control District. The district is also responsible for the maintenance and operation of flood control facilities, including debris dams, storm channels, and storm drains. The district’s facilities may be characterized as the “backbone” system of flood control for the region. The City of Lake Elsinore also owns and maintains certain flood control facilities in the City that are generally constructed as part of the drainage plans for individual projects. The City ensures that the construction of these facilities is consistent with the master plans of the Riverside County Flood Control District. FEMA prepared a study in 1980 and revised it in 1987 that identified the following flooding sources in the City: Arroyo del Toro, Channel H, Elsinore Spillway Channel, Lake Elsinore, Leach Canyon Channel, Lime Street Channel, McVicker Canyon, Ortega Wash, Ortega Channel, Rice Canyon, San Jacinto River, Stovepipe Canyon Creek, Temescal Wash, Wash G, Wash I, and Wasson Canyon Creek. The locations of these sources is presented in Figure 4.4. The San Jacinto River is the major watercourse within the City. Runoff during a 100-year flood is contained within the riverbed upstream of Interstate 15. Below that point, 100-year flows presently cause flooding over portions of Railroad Canyon Road. In addition, San Jacinto River inflows to Lake Elsinore cause the lake to rise substantially to an elevation of 1,267 feet, inundating inhabited portions of the lakeshore along the southwest and west sides of the lake. Flooding is exacerbated by the low capacity and high elevation of the Temescal Wash outlet (1,260 feet). Temescal Wash is a gradually sloped earth ditch with limited capacity. The channel has experienced substantial encroachment from residential and commercial development. The 1980 flood caused the condemnation of more than 100 homes and property damage to residential, commercial and industrial uses in the downtown area. Total damages cost approximately $34 million. Flooding also occurs from the flow of Wasson Canyon Creek as water flows over Camino del Norte and spreads out due to an irregular flow line and lack of any defined channel banks.

4-35

Chapter 4.0 Backwater forms behind the railway bridge and extends upstream past the Collier Avenue weir crossing at depths of nearly six (6) feet. Sheet flow is a flood hazard that exists in developed areas below the mouths of Leach Canyon, McVicker Canyon, and Rice Canyon. Fully improved, 100-year design channels have been constructed for Leach Canyon and other washes. However, these facilities do not provide adequate upstream control at the mouth of the canyons. As a result, only the channels pick up a portion of the floodwaters, and the remaining runoff is in the form of sheet flooding toward the lake, with depths of more than one (1) foot. Flooding from Rice Canyon results from the failure of an earth berm located at the mouth of the canyon. Failure of the dike allows expansive sheet flooding in a southwest direction into Lake Elsinore, at depths of less than 1 foot. Flooding generated in McVicker Canyon results in sheet flow on the alluvial fan below the mouth of the canyon. In the lower reach, these flows combine with those of Leach and Rice Canyon to create an expansive area of shallow sheet flooding on the western side of the lake. The potential of floodwaters carrying debris was determined to be high by FEMA for Channel H, Leach Canyon, Lime Street Channel, Ortega Channel, and Rice Canyon. Flooding problems also exist in the Sedco Hills area, east of Mission Trail. Sheet flooding at low levels during rainy periods occurs in many areas of Sedco Hills, washing out streets and flooding property. Inundation of property and the potential loss of Dusk at Lake Elsinore life due to failure of the Railroad Canyon Dam is a hazard in the Railroad Canyon Road area and the eastern floodplain of the lake. Railroad Canyon Reservoir is located in the Canyon Lake Hills development northeast of the City. The reservoir, constructed in 1927, captures waters of the San Jacinto River, which is the primary drainage course of the San Jacinto Mountains. The capacity of the reservoir is approximately 12,000 acre-feet. The Railroad Canyon Dam is a concrete arch dam. The Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s subdivision code requires that the boundaries of the inundation hazard area be identified and noted on all final maps prior to approval. Figure 4.4 shows the current FEMA 100-year floodplain within the City and SOI. As shown in Figure 4.4, the floodplain for Lake Elsinore extends into some areas that are currently developed with urban uses. The floodplain for Temescal Wash, McVicker Canyon, and the Ortega Channel also extends into areas characterized by development. The Riverside County General Plan contains information on potential flooding and dam inundation. According to the Elsinore Area Plan, the Temescal Wash, Murrieta Creek, and the

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Chapter 4.0 San Jacinto River, as well as Lake Elsinore, pose significant flood hazards. Dam failure of the Railroad Canyon Dam at Canyon Lake would cause flooding in the plan area. The flood hazard areas identified in the Elsinore Area Plan are covered by the 100-year floodplain information shown in Figure 4.4. The information on flood hazards discussed in the Elsinore Area Plan for the 100-year floodplain do not extend beyond the updated 100-year FEMA floodplain boundaries shown in Figure 4.4. The Elsinore Area Plan also refers to the inundation potential associated with a failure of Railroad Canyon Dam at Canyon Lake. The Elsinore Area Plan shows dam hazard zones that would occur with failure of the Railroad Canyon Dam. Review of the Elsinore Area Plan finds that inundation associated with dam hazard zones would not extend beyond the 100-year floodplain shown in Figure 4.4 of this document. The extent of the High Dam Hazard Zone in the Elsinore Area Plan actually corresponds with the boundary of the 100-year floodplain for both Lake Elsinore and San Jacinto River shown in Figure 4.4. The benefits of the Lake Elsinore Management Project include conserved water during dry years by reducing evaporation loss and implementing a well system, reduced flood damage, improved water quality by allowing more frequent discharges, improved recreational lake use, and enhanced fish and wildlife habitat. Most of the projects were completed by the early 1990s, but certain components, such as lake replenishment, are ongoing.

Surface Water Quality Surface water quality is strongly influenced by local land uses. Pollutant sources in the Lake Elsinore area are historically caused by agricultural uses that involve chemicals and fertilizers.

State Water Resources Impaired Water Bodies

Control

Board

The State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), in compliance with Clean Water Act Section 303(d), has prepared a list of impaired water bodies in the State of California (SWRCB View of Lake Elsinoreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Back Basin Levee 2004). The list includes a priority schedule for the development of total maximum daily loads for each contaminant, or stressor, affecting the water body. On July 25, 2003, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) gave final approval to California's 2002 Section 303(d) List of Water Quality Limited Segments. ď Ź

Within the City of Lake Elsinore, Lake Elsinore is listed as an impaired water body as a part of the SWRCB 303 (d) listing.

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Chapter 4.0 Lake Elsinore and San Jacinto Watersheds Authority and the Lake Elsinore Stabilization and Enhancement Project As part of the Safe Drinking Water, Clean Water, Watershed Protection, and Flood Protection Bond Act of 2000 funding (also know as Proposition 13), the Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority (SAWPA) was named as one of the members of a newly formed Joint Powers Authority (JPA) called the Lake Elsinore and San Jacinto Watersheds Authority (LESJWA). Members of LESJWA include Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District, the City of Lake Elsinore, County of Riverside, the City of Canyon Lake, and SAWPA. The LESJWA is the lead agency for the Lake Elsinore Stabilization and Enhancement Project. The enhancement project is necessary because the lake is a “…eutrophic natural reservoir that exhibits algal blooms, low water clarity, large variations in water level elevation and dissolved oxygen content, fish kills, and high nutrient conditions.” A total of $15 million was identified in Proposition 13 for LESJWA to implement projects to address goals in the watersheds. SAWPA’s role includes providing representation on the LESJWA board and administration of the agency. The administrative functions include facilitation of financing projects and programs, including Proposition 13 funds and EPA grant funds as well as unidentified federal and state financing; administrative support, including management, accounting, and clerical services; and project management as requested by the new JPA. In addition to the Lake Elsinore Stabilization and Enhancement project, the LESJWA has implemented other projects to improve water quality in the lake. In 2004, recycled water was added to the lake, lake mixing facilities were constructed, striped bass were added, and carp were removed from the lake.

4.4.3 Goal 4

Water Resources Goal, Policies and Implementation Program Improve water quality and ensure the water supply is not degraded as a result of urbanization of the City.

Policies 4.1

Encourage developers to provide clean water systems that reduce pollutants being discharged into the drainage system to the maximum extent feasible and meet required federal National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) standards. View of the Lake

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Chapter 4.0 4.2

Support public education and awareness programs to reduce pollutant discharges into the drainage system.

4.3

Require Best Management Practices through project conditions of approval for development to meet the Federal NPDES permit requirements.

4.4

The City shall utilize the 1998 North American Vertical Datum to be consistent with the national standard for mean sea level, which would increase the measurement of the mean sea level for Lake Elsinore by approximately 2.4 feet.

Implementation Program The City shall support the implementation of Best Management Practices to protect the Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s water resources. Agency/Department

Public Works Department

4.5

Mineral Resource

4.5.1

SMARA Regulations

The California Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975 (SMARA) requires that general plans classify and map mineral resources designations approved by the State Mining and Geology Board. SMARA seeks to promote conservation and protection of valuable lands within the State subject to urban expansion. Sand and gravel are necessary ingredients for urban construction, and it is advantageous for builders to have a local source of these materials. However, while extraction of minerals is important to the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economy, the general plan must also balance residential, commercial and other development with mineral extraction activities. Such mineral extraction activity is an interim use which may ultimately transition to residential, commercial or other development in order to accomplish other goals of the general plan. Consequently land use patterns in proximity to resource extraction areas must be carefully considered to minimize potential conflicts. Guidelines for Classification and Designation of Mineral Lands, adopted by the State Mining and Geology Board, require that the State Geologist classify areas into Mineral Resource Zones (MRZ). In order to classify lands according to availability of mineral resources, the following MRZ categories are used by the State Geologist: MRZ-1: Areas where available geologic information indicates there is little likelihood for the presence of significant mineral resources. MRZ-2: Areas of identified mineral resource significance. This category is further divided on the basis of both degree of knowledge and economic factors. Areas classified MRZ-2a contain discovered mineral deposits that are either measured or indicated reserves. MRZ-2b areas contain discovered reserves that are either inferred reserves

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Chapter 4.0 (limited data) or are deposits presently considered sub-economic. MRZ-2a classification is of prime importance since it contains known economic mineral deposits. MRZ-3: Areas containing known or inferred mineral occurrences of undetermined mineral resource significance. MRZ-4: Areas of no known mineral occurrences where geologic information does not rule out either the presence or absence of significant mineral resources. There is insufficient data to assign any other designation.

4.5.2

Mineral Resource Areas

The City of Lake Elsinore lies within the Temescal Valley Area, Riverside County, California. Special Report No. 165, prepared in 1991 by the State Department of Conservation, Division of Mines and Geology, identified construction aggregate, clay deposits, and crushed stone with an MRZ-2 designation in the City. The construction aggregate resource areas include sand and gravel deposits in McVicker Canyon, Rice Canyon and Temescal Wash. The mouth and upstream deposit areas at McVicker Canyon are within lands subdivided and developed, thereby eliminating this area from consideration as a sand and gravel reserve. The deposits associated with Rice Canyon and Temescal Wash are being mined. The long term extraction and recommended use of these lands are addressed in the specific plans for these areas. A crushed stone site located along Railroad Canyon Road has been intermittently mined in the past by the Riverside County Transportation Department and other operators, as a source of base aggregate for roadway construction. The Railroad Canyon Road site is located within the approved Cottonwood Hills Specific Plan area. Significant clay resources are associated with the Alberhill area in the north portion of the City, and classified by the State since 1982. Clays from this area have been used to produce two main types of clay products, heavy products such as sewer pipe, brick and tile, and refractory products such as fire brick, flue lining and pottery. In addition, red â&#x20AC;&#x153;bone clayâ&#x20AC;? is sold directly for cement use. The Pacific Clay Products deposits are located within the approved Alberhill Specific Plan and pending Alberhill Villages Specific Plan. The mining activity is being phased out in accordance with approved permits, and the continued use and ultimate reclamation of these lands has been or will be addressed in the specific plans prepared for these areas.

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Chapter 4.0

4.5.3 Goal 5

Mineral Resources Goal, Policies and Implementation Program Balance the importance of conserving mineral resource areas that have been determined to be significant, the need for extracted materials for local construction, and the potential impacts and conflicts that may result.

Policies 5.1

The City shall consider the public benefits in allowing extraction activities of mineral resources when making land use decisions.

5.2

The City shall require mined property to be left in a condition suitable for reuse in conformance with the General Plan land use designations and the California Surface Mining and Reclamation Act (SMARA).

5.3

The City shall encourage the reuse and recycling of existing aggregate construction material for new residential, commercial and industrial development.

Through the project, CEQA and permitting processes, the City Implementation Program shall ensure a balance between the conservation of significant mineral resources, the need for extracted materials for local construction, and proper mitigation for potential impacts and conflicts between uses. Agency/Department

Engineering and Community Development Departments

4.6

Cultural Resources and Paleontological Resources

4.6.1

Introduction

Prior to the era of the Spanish colonization in the late 18th century, the geographic area of the City and the SOI was inhabited by the Luiseño Indians and possibly other Native Americans. The term Luiseño has been used to refer to the Takic-speaking people associated with the Mission San Luis Rey that was developed by the Spaniards. With the independence of Mexico in the early 19th century, the mission period came to an end, and it became common practice for large land grants to be issued to those friendly with the Nationalistic Mexican cause. The Mexican period soon ended with the Treaty of GuadalupeHidalgo in 1848, which ceded much of the southwest to the United States, including all the lands around La Laguna, the City’s historic name, derived from the Spanish name Laguna Grande. In 1858, Augustin Machado acquired La Laguna, renamed it Rancho La Laguna, and became the first landowner to call the lakeshore home since the Indians.

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Chapter 4.0 Franklin Heald then purchased Rancho La Laguna and founded the town of Elsinore in 1883, which was named after the famous lake side City of Helsingnor from Shakespeare’s Hamlet. With the construction of the Atchison, Topeka, & Santa Fe Railroad and the discovery of mineral ores in the late 19th century, immigration began to increase significantly to the lake area. Many people also visited the newly created town of Elsinore looking for recreational opportunities, which helped to stimulate its tourist industry. In 1972, by popular vote, the area incorporated and officially became known as the City of Lake Elsinore. As a result of its historical evolution, the City encompasses significant prehistoric and historical archaeological sites in addition to a rich record of fossil life. The policies in this section are intended to promote and preserve the City’s existing cultural and paleontological resources. In addition, each of the 16 district plans contains goals and policies regarding historical sites and buildings within its specific boundary.

4.6.2

Cultural and Paleontological Resource Baselines

Prehistoric and Historic Archaeology The record search indicated that 157 prehistoric and historical archaeological sites have been previously recorded in the City of Lake Elsinore. Of these 157 sites, eight have been evaluated for eligibility to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). Of those evaluated for eligibility, two prehistoric archaeological sites (CA-RIV-1022 and CA-RIV-2798) have been determined eligible for listing in the NRHP. CA-RIV-1022 is described as a rock shelter and CA-RIV-2798 is recorded as a prehistoric village site. The remaining six sites that have been evaluated have been determined ineligible for listing in the NRHP. Archival research was conducted at the Lake Elsinore Historical Society; the University of California, Irvine; and the research library at Jones & Stokes. This research was conducted in an effort to determine the prehistoric, ethnographic, and historic contexts for the City of Lake Elsinore. The City shall consider adopting the 1988 North American Vertical Datum of 1242.2.

Prehistoric Context A distinct cultural sequence has yet to be specifically defined for Lake Elsinore. Traditionally, this area has been incorporated within discussion of Luiseño ethnographic traits, and previous descriptions depended upon the similarity of the limited assemblages with those from the more extensively studied Pauma Valley sites (Hampson et al.1992). A discussion of Moratto’s (1984) Southern Coast Region (San Diego) sequence is based on these comparisons and included here. In addition, in response to ethnographic references to shared use of this territory by groups to the east of the Luiseño, particularly the Cahuilla, Moratto’s (1984) Desert Region (Colorado River) sequence is also discussed.

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Chapter 4.0 Southern Coast Region - San Diego Sequence San Dieguito (Beginning ca. – 5500 Before Present (B.P.)) This period reflects a generalized hunting tradition distinct from the Desert Tradition. California units of the San Dieguito Complex include the C.W. Harris site (San Diego County), Playa I and II (San Bernardino County), Lake Mojave, Death Valley I, Panamint Basin, Mono Lake, and Owens Lake assemblages characterized by leaf-shaped knives and points, Lake Mojave and Silver Lake points, scrapers, engraving tools, and crescents. La Jolla Complex (5500 – 1000 B.P.) The origin of the La Jolla Complex began sometime before 7,500 years ago with the arrival on the coast of a gathering people from the interior desert. The reason for the migration may have been that the California deserts became increasingly unfavorable for human habitation. The La Jolla Complex is recognized by millingstone assemblages in shell middens, often in the vicinity of sloughs and lagoons. Characteristic of this assemblage are millingstones, unshaped manos, a large amount of flaked cobble tools, and a few Pinto-like projectile points. Burials tend to be flexed, heads to the north, under stone cairns. Some writers interpret this period as having three distinct phases that reflect developmental changes: La Jolla I (5500–3500 B.P.) identified by flexed burials, the first appearance of millingstones, and percussion-flaked scrapers; La Jolla II (3500–2000 B.C.) with true cemeteries, ground-stone discoidals, and several types of projectile points in addition to the Phase I inventory; and La Jolla III (2000–1000 B.C.) showing Yuman cultural influence from the east. Pauma Complex (5500 – 1000 B.P.) In 1958, D.L. True identified a complex similar to both La Jolla and San Dieguito in an area west of Escondido in the Peninsular Ranges of Northern San Diego County (30 to 35 miles southsoutheast of Lake Elsinore). An examination of nearly 25 sites revealed San Dieguito-like flaked-stone crescents and leaf-shaped points or knives associated with the La Jollan millingstones, core scrapers, and stone discoidals. The name Pauma Complex was assigned to these materials after the Pauma Valley where some of the sites were located. As a result of additional surveys and further analysis of artifacts, True recognized that the Pauma Complex as originally defined may have been a conglomeration of the San-Dieguito-like materials, Millingstone elements, and assemblages with Millingstone artifacts unlike those typical of the La Jolla Complex. San Luis Rey Complex I-II (A.D. 1400 – 1750) Initially attributed to the ancestors of the Diegueño, studies have determined the complex as almost certainly representing the forebears of the Luiseño. Diagnostic features for San Luis Rey I include cremations, bedrock mortars, milling stones, triangular arrow points, bone awls, and stone and shell ornaments. In addition to those items, San Luis Rey II components include

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Chapter 4.0 pottery vessels, cremation urns, red and black pictographs, and such non-aboriginal items such as metal knives and glass beads.

Desert Region – Colorado River Sequence Paleo-Indian Period (ca. 12,000 – 7000 B.P.) The earliest humans to occupy North America are believed to have been highly mobile hunters and gatherers. Rogers (1966) assigned the Paleo-Indian sites within the Colorado Desert to the San Dieguito Culture. Moratto (1984:92) notes that San Dieguito artifact assemblages are similar to those of Lake Mojave and other Paleo-Indian cultures in Southern California. Moratto goes on to suggest that assemblages of this early era be divided into a Fluted Point tradition (12,000– 10,000 B.P.) and, following Bedwell (1970), a Western Pluvial Lakes Tradition (10,000–7000 B.P.). Pinto Period (ca. 7000 – 4000 B.P.) The Pinto Period is marked by the gradual transition from pluvial to arid conditions during the terminal Pleistocene-Early Holocene. Pinto Period sites are associated with the margins of pluvial lakes and with now-extinct springs. Pinto-series projectile points, crudely made stemmed or basally notched dart points, are the most distinctive artifact type of the Pinto Period. Other artifacts found at Pinto Period sites include large leaf-shaped knives, thick, split cobble choppers and scrapers, scraper-planes, and small milling slabs and manos. Throughout most of the California desert region, sites containing elements of the Pinto Basin Complex are small and are usually limited to surface deposits, suggestive of temporary and perhaps seasonal occupation by small groups of people. Environmental conditions during the Pinto Period of the Early Holocene were characterized by increasing aridity. However, at least one period of increased moisture, from approximately 6,500 to 5,500 years ago, resulted in the return of pluvial lake conditions. Warren (1984:414) postulates that human occupation of the Southern California deserts during the periods from approximately 7,000 to 6,500 years ago and from 5,500 to 4,000 years ago may have been limited because of the arid conditions. It is also suggested that the Pinto Period populations withdrew to the desert margins and oases during these arid periods, leaving large portions of the California deserts unoccupied for many centuries. Gypsum Period (ca. 4000 – 1500 B.P.) The Gypsum Period is one of cultural intensification in the deserts of Southern California. The beginning of the Gypsum Period coincides with the Little Pluvial, a period of increased effective moisture in the region, wherein the ameliorated climate allowed for more extensive occupation of the desert regions. In addition, periods of drought within this era seem to have resulted in human adaptations to more arid conditions rather than a retreat from the deserts. Diagnostic projectile points of this period include Humbolt, Gypsum, and Elko-series dart points (Warren 1984). Late in the Gypsum Period, Rose Spring arrow points appear in the archaeological

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Chapter 4.0 record, reflecting the spread of the bow and arrow technology from the Great Basin and Colorado River region. Other artifact types characteristic of this period include leaf-shaped arrow points, rectangular-based knives, flake scrapers, T-shaped drills, milling slabs and manos, as well as core/cobble tools assemblages such as scraper planes, large choppers, and hammerstones (Warren 1984). In addition to the introduction of the bow and arrow, another technological innovation introduced during this period was the mortar and pestle for processing hard seeds, such as those derived from the mesquite pod. Trade relationships with the Pacific Coast are indicated by the presence of shell ornaments at several Gypsum Period sites. In addition to diagnostic projectile points, Gypsum Period sites include leaf-shaped points, rectangular-based knives, flake scrapers, T-shaped drills, and occasionally, large scraper planes, choppers, and hammerstones (Moratto 1984:416). Manos and milling stones are common; the mortar and pestle also were introduced during this period. Other artifacts include shaft smoothers, incised slate and sandstone tablets and pendants, bone awls, Olivella shell beads, and Haliotis beads and ornaments. Saratoga Springs Period (ca. A.D. 500 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1200) This period is, in large part, a continuation of the developments begun during the Gypsum Period, such as an increasing adaptation to the desert environment and an increase in trade relations (Warren 1984). Regional environmental conditions became much wetter, a development known as the Little Pluvial. Variations in regional cultural adaptations during the Saratoga Springs Period also become apparent. The Saratoga Springs Period is characterized by cultural diversification, with strong regional developments. Turquoise mining and long-distance trade networks appear to have attracted both the Anasazi and Hakataya peoples into the California deserts from the east and southeast, respectively. Trade with the California coastal populations also appears to have been important in the Antelope Valley region and stimulated the development of large, complex villages. In the northwestern Mojave Desert, however, the basic pattern established during the Gypsum Period changed little during the Saratoga Springs Period. Toward the end of the Saratoga Springs Period, the Hakataya apparently moved far enough north to gain control of the turquoise mines in the central Mojave Desert, thus replacing the Anasazi occupation of the eastern California desert. Developments during the Saratoga Springs Period in the southern cultural sphere include the gradual introduction of pottery, Cottonwood-series arrow points, and Desert Side-notched arrow points late in the period. Trade with the Pacific and Gulf coastal populations appears to have been extensive and was likely the driving force that led to the gradual expansion of Hatakaya cultural traits further west into the deserts and later into the mountains of the Peninsular Range as well as into the inland valleys and coastal regions of Southern California. Lake Cahuilla is believed to have formed around A.D. 500 and was the focus of cultural activities such as exploitation of fish, waterfowl, and wetland resources during this period.

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Chapter 4.0 Shoshonean Period (ca. A.D. 1200 – 1800s) During the Shoshonean Period, sometimes referred to as the Proto-Historic Period, there appears to have been a continuation of the technological developments from the earlier Saratoga Springs Period. Regional developments, however, indicate the formation of distinct ethnographic groups become clearer during the Shoshonean Period. Two major events affect the archaeological record of this period. The final desiccation of Lake Cahuilla, which had occurred by approximately A.D. 1640, resulted in a population shift away from the lakebed into the Peninsular Ranges to the west, including the Lake Elsinore area and the Colorado River regions to the east. Subsequently, Spanish exploration and establishment of the mission system during the late 1700s mark the end of prehistoric lifeways. In the Southern Desert region, brown and buff ware pottery, first appearing on the lower Colorado River at about A.D. 800, started to diffuse across the California deserts by about A.D. 900 (Moratto 1984). Associated with the diffusion of this pottery were desert side-notched and cottonwood triangular projectile points dating to about A.D. 1150–1200, suggesting a continued spread of Hakataya influences. Large, complex housepit village sites were established along the headwaters of the Mojave River and were somewhat similar to those reported in Antelope Valley. Although both of these areas appear to have participated in extensive trade between the desert and the coast, the lack of buff and brown ware pottery at the Antelope Valley sites suggests that these people were minimally influenced by the Hakataya developments along the Mojave River (Moratto 1984). The Hakataya influence throughout the Colorado and Mojave deserts is evidenced by desert side-notched and cottonwood triangular projectile points and buff and brown ware pottery. During this period Lake Cahuilla began to recede, and the extensive Hakataya populations occupying its shores began moving westward into areas such as Anza-Borrego, Coyote Canyon, the Upper Coachella Valley, the Little San Bernardino Mountains, the San Jacinto Valley, and Perris Plain.

4.6.3

Ethnographic Setting

The ethnographic territory of the Luiseño Indians is within the geographic boundary of the City of Lake Elsinore’s SOI. The term Luiseño is derived from the Mission San Luis Rey and has been used in Southern California to refer to those Takic-speaking people associated with the mission. Luiseño territory comprised a total of 1,500 square miles of Southern California. Luiseño territory included most of the drainage of the San Luis Rey River and that of the Santa Margarita River (Bean and Shipek 1978). Along the coast it extended from Agua Hedionda Creek on the south to Aliso Creek on the northwest. The boundary extended inland to Santiago Peak, then across to the eastern side of the Elsinore Valley, then southward to the east of Palomar Mountain, then around the southern slope above the San Jose Valley. From there the boundary turned west and returned to the sea along the Agua Hedionda Creek.

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Chapter 4.0 Villages were located in diverse ecological zones typically located along valley bottoms, streams, or coastal strands near mountain ranges. Each village area contained many named places associated with food products, raw materials, or sacred beings, and each place was owned by an individual, family, the chief, or by the group collectively (Bean and Shipek 1978). The village of Paiahche is ethnographically documented immediately north of the lake (Kroeber 1925). The Luiseño knew Lake Elsinore as Paahashnan. The area around and including the Elsinore hot springs was known to the Luiseño as ‘Atengvo (meaning “hot springs”). The hot springs also figure prominently in the local creation myth. The location, Itengvu Wumowmu, is named in a song about the death of Wiyot, a religious leader who led the people in their migration from the north (Du Bois 1908; Harrington 1978 in Grenda et al. 1997). Houses were primarily conical and partially subterranean, thatched structures of locally accessible materials, including reeds, brush, or bark. Round, semi-subterranean, earth-covered sweathouses were important for a variety of rituals. The principal game included deer, rabbit, jackrabbit, woodrat, mice and ground squirrels, antelope, and valley and mountain quail and other birds. Trout and other fish were caught in mountain streams. Acorns were the most important single food source, and villages seem to have been located near water resources necessary for the leaching of acorns. Grass seeds were the next most abundant food source (Bean and Shipek 1978). Seeds were parched, ground, and cooked as a mush in various combinations. Additional food sources included various greens, cactus pods, yucca buds, and bulbs, roots, and tubers. Tools for food acquisition, storage, and preparation included an inventory made from widely available materials. Hunting tools included shoulder-height bows with fire-hardened wood or stone-tipped arrows, curved throwing sticks, rabbit nets, slings, and traps. Seeds were ground with handstones on shallow unshaped basin metates. The same granites were made into shaped or unshaped mortars and pestles for pounding acorns or small game (Bean and Shipek 1978). Coiled and twined baskets were used in food gathering, preparation, storage, and serving. Food was cooked in wide-mouthed clay jars over fireplaces or in earth ovens wrapped with clay or leaves. Other utensils for food preparation included wooden food paddles, brushes, tongs, tweezers, steatite bowls, and wooden digging sticks (Bean and Shipek 1978). While the literature recognizes Lake Elsinore as a part of Luiseño linguistic territory, references are also made to possible previous occupation by the Juaneno based on their place names and creation myths and overlapping use or influence by adjacent groups, including the Gabrielino, Serrano, and Cahuilla (Hampson 1992).

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Chapter 4.0

4.6.4

Historic Context

The information contained below is a summary statement from Tom Hudson’s: Lake Elsinore Valley, Its Story 1776–1977, and General History of Southern California.

Spanish Period Beginning in 1769, the Spanish set up missions throughout the area called Alta California. Most of the missions failed to have an impact beyond their respective region. The San Luis Rey Mission, however, extended its influence into the surrounding regions and used the lands for grazing cattle and other animals. Then in 1818, Leandro Serrano settled in what the Spaniards were calling Laguna Grande. He was the first non-Indian to settle what was to become Riverside County, with his settlement just north of Glen Ivy Hot Springs. Throughout the Spanish Period, this lone settlement was the only region in Riverside County that continued to grow. Mexican independence, however, in 1822 changed the makeup of Laguna Grande, Riverside, and all of Alta California.

Mexican Period Mexican independence and the Secularization Act of 1833 led to population increases and disastrous consequences for the Luiseño tribes. Many of the local Indians became accustomed to the mission way of life and were not prepared for the aftermath. It became common practice for large land grants to be issued to those friendly to the Mexican cause. As the land grants were developed, local tribes were presurred to relocate or to become laborers and workers on the ranches. The comisionados, who were placed in charge of the land transfer, took advantage of the situation and became the powerful land holding class known as the rancheros.

Early American Period: La Laguna The treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo was signed in 1848, ending the Mexican-American War and marking the end of the Mexican Period in California. The treaty ceded much of the southwest to the United States, including all the lands around La Laguna and the rest of Southern California. The City of Lake Elsinore’s historic name, La Laguna, is derived from Laguna Grande, the name the Spanish gave the lake and used in the early 1800s. The historic roots of the La Laguna/Laguna Grande influenced the name given to Rancho La Laguna, land granted to Julian Manriquez in early 1844. Fro For the non-Indian occupants, the beginning of the American Period can be called a golden era for the region, with the announcement of the discovery of gold shortly after the war. Before the outbreak of war between Mexico and the United States, Julian Manriquez received a sizable land grant in 1844 that included the lands of La Laguna. Battle was waged over the land from 1846 to 1848. Then, in 1850, California became the 31st state in the Union. Soon thereafter, in 1851, Julian Manriquez sold the land to Abel Sterns, who was Massachusetts-born and the largest landholder in all of Southern California. In 1858, Augustin Machado acquired the land

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Chapter 4.0 and named it Rancho La Laguna. He was the first landowner since the Indians to call the lake home, and he immediately began construction of a seven-room adobe, which immediately became a local landmark. Machado’s adobe was the first stop for the postal service in the area surrounding La Laguna. From its inception, La Laguna became an important crossroads for the stagecoach, the railroad, prospectors, recreation seekers, and all travelers alike.

Founding of the Town The years between the Civil War and the coming of the railroad saw only gradual Example of an Historical Building That No progress. Instead, it saw the death of Augustin Longer Exists in Downtown Lake Elsinore Machado and the rise of his son, Juan Bernardo Machado, who became known as the legendary Don Juan. Franklin Heald purchased Rancho La Laguna in 1883. He then founded the town of Elsinore, which was named after the famed city of Elsinore from Shakespeare’s Hamlet. The lake at Helsingnor is also a center of atraction as it is at Lake Elsinore. It was not until December of 1972 that, by popular vote, Elsinore City formally acknowledged the importance of the lake and became officially known as the City of Lake Elsinore. In 1884, George Irish bought the remainder of Don Juan Machado’s estate, thus ending the Machado family’s reign over the valley. Shortly after its inception, and because of its rapid growth, the town of Lake Elsinore became a full-fledged city on April 9, 1888, located in what was then San Diego County. In 1893, Lake Elsinore joined the new county of Riverside, encompassing lands that were formerly part of San Diego and San Bernardino Counties. Throughout this time period, the City continued to expand, and developers continued to construct buildings, some of which still stand today. In 1884, Wilson Heald, Franklin’s father, built a two-story home on the corner of what is now Grand and Riverside. Lake Elsinore also built its first post office and schoolhouse in the same year. In early 1887, one of Heald’s major accomplishments was the building of a bathhouse in the ancient hot springs of the Pai-ah-che, known as the Crescent. Also completed in the same year was a two-story meeting hall dedicated to Elsinore’s chapter of the Grand Army of the Republic. This building is located at the northeast corner of Main and Franklin, and it has seen many uses throughout the years. Also built that year was the Consolidated Bank, later used as a schoolhouse and then a hotel, the Ambassador Hotel, which was the tallest building in all of Lake Elsinore. It is presently vacant.

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Chapter 4.0 In 1887, the Lakedale Hotel was completed, which later became the Lake View Inn. This building no longer stands; however, it symbolizes the transformation of Lake Elsinore from a tranquil lakeside village to a vibrant resort town.

Transportation The development of La Laguna followed similar patterns as the rest of California. The advent of rapid transportation brought many new peoples to the Pacific and the lake area. The motivations behind the new wave of immigration was both recreation and gold, which brought many well-to-do men and women to the shores of the lake and prospectors into the vicinity of La Laguna. The transcontinental railroad opened the floodgates to settlement all along the Pacific, including the inland interiors. Its completion in 1869 opened the way for land speculators, miners, developers, farmers, and vacationers to swarm into California. The rail opened up the region to a larger population boom. The first colony in the area surrounding La Laguna sprang up in what is modern-day Riverside. The Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad was completed by the early 1880s, bringing the newly created City a lifeline to the outside world. In the history of California, those towns that were blessed with rail lines thrived; those without a rail line often suffered. The Elsinore station, later called Elsinore Junction, was located near the intersection of Railroad Canyon Road and Mission Trail. The original building was moved sometime in the past to either the City of Alessandro or Arlington but has since been destroyed, possibly by fire. The historic train depot that is currently in the City of Lake Elsinore was moved from the City of Arlington where it was originally constructed. As it did in the rest of California served by railroads, the rail line brought new life to the area. The completion of the railroad began the process of growth and urbanization for Lake Elsinore. The City and its surrounding region experienced a large influx in population, due in part to the excitement for gold. Once these people settled, they learned of the splendors along the shores of the lake. Many began to settle and vacation in the valley, and development grew to accommodate the demands of vacationers seeking relaxation and recreation. Signaling the transition away from the railroad toward more modern means of transportation, W. Leonard Bonney and Miss Margaret Stahl were the first to fly over Lake Elsinore in 1913. Soon after, to celebrate the Fourth of July, Harry Holmes flew and landed Glenn L. Martinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hydroplane in the lake. Then, in 1914, five automobiles succeeded in driving the 17-mile course around the lake. Finally, in 1932, the Ortega Highway was opened to the public, continuing the influx of people to the city. Around this time, an airport was built, bringing many enthusiasts to hang glide and sky dive. As transportation progressed, it brought more people and new ideas to the heart of

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Chapter 4.0 Lake Elsinore. The development of a strong middle class and ownership of a family automobile in the post World War II era expanded recreational potential in Lake Elsinore.

Mining The gold rush and the advancing railroads brought more people to California. Lake Elsinore and the surrounding area were no exception, with its mining of tin ore, coal, clay, and some gold. In the late 19th century, the town experienced a boom because of gold mining between the towns of Elsinore and Perris. The most prosperous mine was Good Hope Mine, the discovery of which has been credited to Juan B. Castillo and Madison Chaney or possibly a Frenchman by the name of Mache. This mine produced more than $2 million worth of gold (over $20 million in current dollars) during its working years. At its height, it used coal extracted from the Terra Cotta mines to process the gold. The coal mines, which were discovered in 1883 by Madison Chaney and his wife, Esther, were also used to fire kilns and heat homes. The region surrounding Alberhill was also known for its coal mining. Coal was also mined in the Warm Springs Valley. The coal mine provided employment but also gave Lake Elsinore a degree of energy self-sufficiency. Mining of asbestos also began during the 1880s. John D. Huff, owned and operated the Asbestos Company and founded the coal and clay mines near the town of Terra Cotta. The clay mine at Terra Cotta was in operation until the 1940s when the Alberhill mine became the sole operating clay mine in the region. The clay extracted from these mines was of such high quality that it won a gold medal at the prestigious Panama-California Exposition at San Diego in 1916. The Pacific Clay Brick Products Company is the present owner of the Alberhill commercial area. Within its grounds is the Alberhill School, which served the area from 1912 until it was abandoned in 1964. Rail transportation opened up the Lake Elsinore region to prospectors, miners, and investors who took advantage of the untapped reserves to expand their personal wealth to influence the City. Lake Elsinore became the main center for mining and transportation in the region. Many additional spurs were built to improve the connection of Lake Elsinore to its surrounding mines. The rails injected new life into the valley and kept a steady stream of prospectors, settlers, and vacation seekers flowing to the shores of Lake Elsinore. When the mines played out, the tourists and vacationers continued to provide a source of economic opportunity.

Recreation Many people visited the newly created City of Lake Elsinore, looking for recreation along the shores of the pristine lake. The move toward creating a resort town began shortly after the townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inception. The rail brought ranchers and prospectors to the City in 1883, and then in 1887 the Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first hotel was completed. Most lakes in southern California, all of which were man made, were somewhat remote. Lake Elsinore sat on a major rail line and highway. This

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Chapter 4.0 move toward becoming a resort town continued into the 20th century when the Laguna Vista Club House was completed, the first lakefront resort. In 1923, the Mount Elsinore Country Club opened to great fanfare. Lake Elsinore attracted many Hollywood stars, such as Will Rogers, to its famous bathhouse and pristine waters with proximity to major cities and rails. The earliest attraction of Lake Elsinore was its legendary bathhouse, known as the Crescent. At one point it was proclaimed the finest bathhouse in all of California, and more important, it still stands as of 2007. It is now known as the Chimes, located at 201 W. Graham Avenue, and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1884, Henry Lillie built a yacht, the Marguerita, to ferry passengers across the lake. The steamship, the Lady Elsinore, carried passengers on lake cruises, which occasionally featured bands. In 1926, the Clevelin Reality Corporation attempted to revitalize the tourist industry by building a double-deck pier. It included a dance club and several games. In 1927, the Aloha Yacht Club sponsored the largest gathering of speedboats on the lake, which was a great success. The following year the lake held the National Speed Boat Race, which garnered nine world records. Another bathhouse, known as the Briner Bathhouse, was completed at the corner of Sumner and Riley in 1928. Later that same year, Hunter’s Elsinore Sanitarium opened, bringing health seekers to Elsinore for many years. In 1930, construction was under way for a new bathhouse at Pachanga Hot Springs. Even during the lean years of the depression, Lake Elsinore still attracted a large number of visitors to the surroundings of the lake. The most unique construction of the 1930s was the Clevelin Realty Corporation’s “ship pier” on the south side of the lake. It was capable of allowing small ships to dock within it. Also, it was mounted on tracks to allow for easy repairs. Mirroring the immense popularity of baseball in the 1900s, Local high school teams played against teams from southern California, winning several district championships. The Los Angeles Angels played in the ballpark east of Main Street during spring season of 1916. The Sacramento Solons and the Hollywood Stars both trained in the valley on a newly constructed field on Poe Street in 1940 and 1941, respectively. Today, the Lake Elsinore Storm have one of the largest fan bases in minor league baseball. The Storm logo is the best selling minor league logo and helps brand the City as a professional-level community.

The City of Lake Elsinore Lake Elsinore began as a small town with the emergence of the railroad around 1883. It soon began to grow with the completion of its first post office and schoolhouse in 1884. In 1893, the town became officially recognized as a city in the same year as the establishment of the Cleveland National Forest. The original City Hall was completed on July 7, 1934; the original building no longer exists.

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Chapter 4.0 During the boom years of the 1920s the city of Lake Elsinore saw a great deal of development. This time period saw the building of the Masonic Temple in 1923 at East Graham Avenue, and the building of the Methodist church at Main and Heald, in the same year. This Church is still in use. In 1925, the Elsinore Woman’s Club built a meeting place at the corner of Graham and Lowell. The Elsinore Theatre on South Main, built in 1925 replaced the Star theatre, built c.1908, and has been the Franklin Store since 1938. Another interesting structure built in 1929 and located on the hills east of the lake is “Aimee’s Castle” that was the home of noted evangelist, Aimee Semple McPherson. It is also important to note that in 1924 the valley’s first telephone services were installed. The Great Depression limited expansion, except for the completion of a new post office in 1932.

Agriculture Early settlers in the valley subsisted on ranching and farming. Even at the height of its tourist season, the region was still in peak production. The farmers in the area grew olives, grapes, apricots, and other produce. The farmers in the area produced at such high levels that to handle their needs, the Lakeland Ranch, owned by C. H. Albers, built one of the largest canning facilities in the state. He was the owner of “Albers’ Folly” canned olives. In 1916, Elsinore olive oil took gold at the PanamaCalifornia Exposition in San Diego. Later, apricots became the boom crop. These crops sustained the valley during the worst years of the Depression and helped it flourish during its tourist peak. The eucalyptus trees, palm trees, and pepper trees that shade the walkway and line the shores and streets have been there for generations and keep the land connected to its past.

4.6.5

Prehistoric Archaeological Sites

As identified in the record search, Lake Elsinore has an extensive use history from the prehistoric era to modern times. The record search resulted in the identification of 132 prehistoric and historical archaeological sites within the project area. Two of the previously identified prehistoric sites, CA-RIV-1022 and CA-RIV-2798, have been determined eligible for listing in the NRHP. Additional previously identified prehistoric archaeological sites include: villages, rock shelters, habitation sites, lithic scatters, and milling slicks. Isolated artifacts have also been identified within the project area, as seen in Figure 4.5; however, given the limited amount of data typically derived from artifacts without associated features or assemblages, they have not been included in the discussion of previously identified sites in Table 4-3. These previously identified archaeological sites can provide assistance in determining areas of known sensitivity for prehistoric archaeological resources. The site definitions provided in Table 4-3 are based on the information provided in the record search and are to be used as a general guideline to understanding the nature of prehistoric archaeological sites in the region.

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Chapter 4.0 In addition, the identification of known areas of sensitivity does not preclude the possibility of locating additional prehistoric sites in other portions of the City and SOI.

Table 4-3.

Previously Identified Prehistoric Archaeological Sites within the SOI

Site Types

Site Definitions and Locations

Village sites

Sites that exhibit a level of sustained residency with resources suitable for sustaining long-term or seasonal habitation. Typically located along watercourses (such as the San Jacinto River and its tributaries or near Lake Elsinore). Associated artifact assemblages may include (but are not limited to) bedrock outcrops, lithic artifacts, groundstone, shell, animal bone, fire-affected rock, ceramics, pictographs and petroglyphs, house rings, and evidence of funerary practices.

Rock shelters

Typically located in higher elevations in areas that sustain habitable rock overhangs that can support brief habitation episodes or be utilized for ceremonial purposes. Associated artifacts can include (but are not limited to) pictographs and petroglyphs, fire-affected rock, lithic artifacts, midden soil, animal bone, bedrock milling features, ceramics.

Habitation sites

Temporary camps or transition areas that exploit an immediate or seasonal resource. Usually located near watercourses such as the San Jacinto River and its tributaries. Associated artifact assemblages may include (but are not limited to) ground stone, lithic debitage, and bedrock milling features.

Lithic scatters

Flaking stations that may indicate possible opportunistic quarrying activities or tool reduction stations. Clusters can be identified in isolation or in association with other site types and are not restricted in geographic location.

Bedrock Milling Features

Grinding stations typically located along watercourses (such as the San Jacinto River and its tributaries) near exposed bedrock outcrops (typically granite or granodiorite) with suitable resources in the area for processing.

Isolates

Not included in the study group

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Sphere of Influence City Boundary Village Sites Rock Shelters Lithic Scatters Habitation sites Bedrock Milling Features Water Bodies Sources: City of Lake Elsinore, County of Riverside

Â´

1.25

2.5 Miles

City of Lake Elsinore Identified Cultural Resource Areas Figure 4.5

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Chapter 4.0

4.6.6

Historical Archaeological Sites

The previously identified historical archaeological sites represent a range of activities including: mining, transportation, recreation, and ranching/homesteading and are represented throughout the City and SOI. The number of previously identified historical archaeological sites is much smaller than prehistoric sites making it more difficult to determine areas of known or established sensitivity. It is possible, however, to make informed deductions about the types of resources likely to be encountered in future projects based on the previously identified sites in combination with the documented history of the area. For example, historical archaeological sites associated with recreation activities tend to be concentrated around, or within the immediate vicinity of Lake Elsinore. In addition, the lake itself has been previously recorded as a cultural resource (p33-11009). A majority of the previously recorded mining sites have been identified in the northeastern portion of the study area. These include sites that are representative of extractive operations focused on the acquisition of gold, granite, and limestone. This includes the Good Hope Mine Site (33-3352), the most prosperous gold mine in the region in the 19th century. Early transportation into the area is currently represented through previously recorded segments of the Santa Fe Railroad (CA-RIV-3832H) and associated features. It is also possible that early roads might be eventually added to the existing list of transportation related cultural resources. Ranching and homesteading sites consist of a variety of material culture remains including (but not limited to) building foundations, fence lines, rock walls, orchards and agricultural fields, landscaping elements, and outbuildings. These sites are distributed throughout the City and SOI.

4.6.7

Paleontological Resources

County of Riverside To ensure that appropriate protection is afforded to the Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rich and extensive record of fossil life, a Countywide inventory for paleontological sensitivity has been conducted. The resulting map evaluates all land within the County as having high, low, or undetermined sensitivity for paleontological resources, consistent with guidelines published by the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology (Society of Vertebrate Paleontology Conformable Impact Mitigation Guidelines Committee 1995), which represent the industry standard for protection of paleontological resources. It serves as a general guide for environmental review of development proposals and identification of appropriate strategies for avoidance and mitigation of paleontological impacts. The Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s paleontological resources sensitivity mapping shows areas of high paleontological sensitivity in Quaternary deposits north of Lake Elsinore along the west side of the I-15 corridor. Quaternary units of the valley floor immediately surrounding Lake Elsinore are of undetermined paleontological sensitivity, as are the fan deposits flanking the Santa Ana Mountains rangefront south of the lake; Mesozoic metasedimentary rocks northwest of the Lake; and Tertiary and Quaternary sedimentary rocks, and Mesozoic metasediments east of the

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Chapter 4.0 Lake. Most of the valley floor south of Lake Elsinore, and the plutonic highlands to the west and east of the valley, are considered to have low paleontological sensitivity, as seen in Figure 4.6, Paleontological Resources.

City of Lake Elsinore The City of Lake Elsinore has identified geologic units that are known to contain important paleontological resources in the Alberhill Ranch area in the northeast portion of the SOI. In this area, the Silverado Formation of Paleocene age (approximately 66â&#x20AC;&#x201C;55 million years old) is locally highly sensitive for invertebrate and plant material. The fossil plants from this unit have been studied for more than half a century and are therefore considered to be particularly significant.

4.6.8 Goal 6

Cultural and Paleontological Resources Goals, Policies and Implementation Programs Preserve and promote the cultural heritage of the City and surrounding region for the education and enjoyment of all City residents and visitors, as well as for the advancement of historical and archeological knowledge.

Policies 6.1

Encourage the preservation of significant archeological, historical, and other cultural resources located within the City.

6.2

The City shall consult with the Native American tribes for projects identified under SB 18 (Traditional Tribal Cultural Places).

6.3

When significant archeological sites or artifacts are discovered on a site, coordination with professional archeologists, relevant state agencies, and concerned Native American tribes regarding preservation of sites or professional retrieval and preservation of artifacts prior to development of the site shall be required. Because ceremonial items and items of cultural patrimony reflect traditional religious beliefs and practices, developers should waive any and all claims to ownership and agree to return all Native American ceremonial items and items of cultural patrimony that may be found on a project site to the appropriate tribe for treatment. It is understood by all parties that unless otherwise required by law, the site of any reburial of Native American human remains or cultural artifacts shall not be disclosed and shall not be governed by public disclosure requirements of the California Public Records Act.

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Chapter 4.0 6.4

If archeological excavations are recommended on a project site, the City shall require that all such investigations include Native American consultation, which shall occur prior to project approval.

Implementation Program The City shall encourage owners of local sites to apply for recognition in the State Historic Resources Inventory as Riverside County Landmarks, State Points of Historic Interest, State Landmarks, and as sites on the National Register of Historic Places. Agency/Department

Goal 7

Community Development Department

Support state-of-the-art research designs and analytical approaches to archeological and cultural resource investigations.

Policies 7.1

Consult with California Native American tribes prior to decision-making processes for the purpose of preserving cultural places located on land within the Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s jurisdiction that may be affected by the proposed plan, in accordance with State requirements.

7.2

Continue to identify, document, evaluate, designate, and preserve the cultural resources in the City.

7.3

Continue to update a citywide inventory of cultural resources in conformance with state standards and procedures.

7.4

Support the permanent curation of archaeological artifact collections by universities or museums.

7.5

Increase opportunities for cultural heritage tourism by promoting the history of Lake Elsinore to attract cultural heritage travelers.

Through the CEQA process the City shall request state-of-the-art Implementation Program and best-available research designs and approaches be utilized in archaeological and cultural resource investigations. Agency/Department

Community Development Department

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Low

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MURRIETA CLINTON KEITH RD

Source: Riverside County Integrated Project

City of Lake Elsinore Paleontological Resources Figure 4.6

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Chapter 4.0 Goal 8

Preserve paleontological resources occurring within the City.

Policy 8.1

For development in areas delineated as “High” or “Undetermined” potential sensitivity for paleontological resources, require the project applicant to hire a certified paleontologist, who must perform a literature search and/or survey and apply the relevant treatment for the site as recommended by the Society for Vertebrate Paleontology.

The City shall use the development and environmental review Implementation Program processes to ensure that appropriate archaeological and paleontological surveying and documentation of findings is provided prior to project approval, and require monitoring of new developments and reporting to the City on completion of mitigation and resource protection measures. Agency/Department

Community Development Department

4.7

Historic Preservation

4.7.1

Introduction

A city cannot attempt to understand its present or to forecast its future if it fails to recognize its past. By tracing its past, a city can gain a clear sense of the process by which it achieved its present form and substance. Lake Elsinore’s rich and varied historical and cultural resources include buildings, districts, landforms, and archaeological sites that possess historical, scientific, architectural, aesthetic, cultural, or ethnic significance. These resources, with their inherent ability to evoke the past, represent important aspects of the history of Lake Elsinore, from the time before and during European contact with Native Americans, to periods of settlement, agricultural and industrial development, and to boom periods with increased leisure time, which made the City a recreational destination.

Lake Elsinore Historic Building Chimes (circa 1887)

Preservation of important historical resources enhances the quality of life in Lake Elsinore. It improves the character of the built environment, encourages appreciation for the City’s history and culture, maintains the identity of communities, and contributes to the City’s economic vitality. The identification, evaluation, registration, and protection of these resources are the essential components of Lake Elsinore’s historic preservation responsibilities.

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Chapter 4.0 The goals and policies in this section are intended to preserve the City’s important historical connections to the past.

4.7.2

Historical Preservation Baselines

Cultural and Historical Resources Record Search A records search for the study area was conducted at the Eastern Information Center of the California Historical Resources Information System at the University of California, Riverside on July 12, 2005. The researcher consulted the state’s database of previous cultural resource studies and recorded cultural resource sites as well as the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP), the California Register of Historical Resources (CRHR), California Historical Landmarks, California Points of Historical Interest, and local historical registers. According to the records search, 194 cultural resource studies have been previously conducted within the study area and 447 cultural resources (buildings, structures, objects, and archaeological sites) have been previously recorded within the same boundary.

Historic Built Environment Two buildings within the City boundaries, the Crescent Bath House and the Grand Army of the Republic Armory Hall, are currently listed in the NRHP. The armory hall is also listed in the California Points of Historical Interest (RIV-070) as is the Elsinore Women’s Club (RIV-071). California Historical Landmarks lists no properties within the study area. In the 1980s, the Riverside County Historical Commission designated Historic Downtown Lake Elsinore as a local historic district. Historic Downtown Elsinore encompasses areas of early residential and commercial development within the City of Lake Elsinore, as seen in Figure 4.7. A majority of the district is focused in the areas around Main Street, Heald Avenue, and Graham Avenue where some of the earliest development occurred. The City is working with the County of Riverside to protect its local cultural heritage and structures of merit. The Historic Lake Elsinore District has been officially recognized by the County of Riverside and the City of Lake Elsinore.

Cultural Center (former Methodist Episcopal Church circa 1924)

Currently Listed in the National Register of Historic Places: 

Crescent Bath House/Chimes Building (P33-6998)



Grand Army of the Republic Armory Hall (RIV-070)

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Chapter 4.0 Currently Listed in the California Points of Historical Interest: 

Grand Army of the Republic Armory Hall (RIV-070)



Elsinore Women’s Club (RIV-071)

Currently Listed in the Riverside County General Plan as a Significant Historical Resource: 

Lake Elsinore Downtown Historic District (P33-7142) includes: 

Masonic Lodge (P33-6982)



Train Depot (P33-6997)



First Presbyterian Church (P33-7040)



Pioneer Lumber Company—127 West Graham Avenue (P33-6996)



Lake Theatre—310 West Graham Avenue (P33-7001)

Unofficially Recognized Significant Historical Resources. According to the 1990 General Plan, the community unofficially recognizes several sites and structures as significant historical resources. Locally recognized historic resources in the Lake Elsinore area include: 

Delaney Estate—north of Lake Elsinore



Aimee’s Castle—Skyline Drive



The Adobe Machado House and Butterfield Stage Stop—Riverside Drive, northwest of the lake



Alberhill School—Lake Street



The Cannery—Spring Street



Elsinore Naval Military Academy—Grand Avenue

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Historic Archaeological Sites Lake Elsinore Recreation

§ ¦ ¨ 15

Recorded Historic Mine Locations

¬ « M

Historic Ranching & Homesteading Approximate Location of Unrecorded Historic Mine Locations

Sources: City of Lake Elsinore, County of Riverside

1.5

3 Miles

City of Lake Elsinore Historical Resources Figure 4.7

Chapter 4.0

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Chapter 4.0 Additional Lake Elsinore Historic Homes of Interest:1

4.7.3 Goal 9



16919 Bell Street, 1930



219 Riley Street, 1920



29610 Hague Street, 1928



29444 Kalina Street



29431 Kalina Street



17912 Hamlet Circle, 1929, Bredlau Castle



17747 Skyline Drive, 1930, Village La Shell



16921 Holborow Avenue, Journeys End



17541 Barkshatt Drive



16685 McPherson Circle, 1926



17271 Lakeview Avenue, 1929



226 East Franklin Street, 1924, Scotty’s Castle



228 Spring Street, 1912, Gardner Home



257 Hill Street

Historical Preservation Goals, Policies and Implementation Programs Assure the recognition of the City’s heritage through preservation of the City’s significant historical sites and structures.

Policies 9.1

Require the developer to obtain a professional, qualified historian to conduct a literature search and/or survey for any project that entails demolition or modification of an existing structure that may be of historical value in relation to the City’s cultural heritage.

9.2

Apply the General Plan “Historic Elsinore Design Standards” to the Lake Elsinore historic district, as defined in the City zoning ordinance.

9.3

Work with the Lake Elsinore Historical Society to create and periodically update a historic register of structures and other landmarks valuable to the cultural heritage to the City.

Information provided by the Lake Elsinore Historical Society, December, 2005.

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Chapter 4.0 9.4

Where historic structures that do not possess a meaningful association with the immediate surroundings are identified within the City, the City shall consider allowing relocation of the structure to an appropriate site.

Implementation Program The City shall recognize, support and encourage the maintenance of a historic register of structures and other landmarks that are valuable to the cultural heritage of the City. Agency/Department

Goal 10

Community Development Department

Encourage the preservation, protection, and restoration of historical and cultural resources.

Policies 10.1 Continue to implement the Historic Preservation Guidelines that guide historic preservation efforts as set forth in the Historic Elsinore Design Guidelines and the Downtown Master Plan. 10.2 Integrate historic and cultural resources in land use planning processes where feasible to avoid conflict between the preservation of historic resources and alternative land uses.

Lake Elsinore City Hall Circa 1930s

10.3 All City-owned sites designated as historical resources should be maintained in a manner that is consistent with the U.S. Secretary of the Interiorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. 10.4 Encourage owners of historic resources to utilize federal incentives including Federal Rehabilitation Tax Credits, faĂ§ade and conservation easements, and to coordinate with the State Historic Preservation Office. The City shall support programs for the Implementation Program enhancement or maintenance of key historic or cultural sites in the City. Agency/Department

Community Development Department

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preservation,

Chapter 4.0 4.8

Aesthetics

4.8.1

Introduction

The City and the SOI surrounding Lake Elsinore are located in a valley with panoramic views of the Santa Ana Mountains to the southwest, rolling hills to the east, and a valley that sweeps to the north and south. The visual character of the area is dominated by Lake Elsinore, which is accentuated by the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s topography and visible from several areas within the City. Other scenic resources include the Cleveland National Forest, rugged hills, mountains, ridgelines, rocky outcroppings, streams, vacant lands with native vegetation, buildings of historical and cultural significance, parks, and trails. As the City continues to urbanize, it will be important to maintain a healthy balance between the natural and built environment. The goals and policies in this section are intended to protect and enhance the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rich array of aesthetic resources.

4.8.2

Aesthetics Baselines

Visual Character The 38 square mile city of approximately 38,000 people and a 3,000-acre natural lake make up Lake Elsinore. Trees and scrub bushes surround the lake and nearby mountains and hillsides, hiding patches of development. Older buildings including housing, commercial buildings, retail shops, and light industrial uses are scattered around the lake. Southeast of the lake, large areas of undeveloped land are interspersed with older housing and newer, sprawling subdivisions. The mountains on the southwest shore rise up dramatically providing a backdrop for the lake.

Effect on Viewshed of New Home Construction in Hillsides.

The topography of the area accentuates the beauty of the lake. The City is located in a valley with panoramic views of the Santa Ana Mountains that extend from the southwestern edge of the lake, rolling hills along the northeastern borders, and a valley that sweeps to the north and south. Relative to other cities in Southern California, the City of Lake Elsinore is non-urban. A city center was developed in the northeast portion of the lake known as historic Lake Elsinore, with additional development dispersed around the lake. As the city grew, development patterns spread up the valley towards the north. Development within the current City boundaries is limited due to various topographical barriers including the Santa Ana Mountains to the west and rolling hills to the east.

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Chapter 4.0 Scenic Resources Scenic resources within and surrounding the City of Lake Elsinore include the lake, Cleveland National Forest, rugged hills, mountains, ridgelines, rocky outcroppings, streams, vacant land with native vegetation, buildings of historical and cultural significance such as the cultural center, bathhouse and military academy, parks, and trails. Examples of these scenic resources can be seen in photos listed as Figures 4.8a-d.

Sensitive Viewer Groups Sensitive viewer groups for the City of Lake Elsinore include, but are not limited to, city residents, unincorporated county residents, people who live in other cities but work in Lake Elsinore, tourists, commuters, and motorists on I-15 or Highway 74. Public vantage points for the various viewer groups include the highways, recreational facilities around the lake as well as within the center of lake, and hang gliders, small planes, and others from the sky. Private vantage points include views from individual residences.

Viewsheds Viewsheds or landscaped viewshed units of scenic vistas include the lake, urban areas around the lake, and the rugged vacant hills in the northern and eastern portion of the City. For purposes of discussion, 15 landscape viewshed units have been identified in the Lake Elsinore area as seen in Figure 4.9, Landscape Viewshed Units. Each of these areas have distinct viewsheds defined by man-made structures and physiographical features such as landform, water, or cultural features. The following is a brief summary of each of the Landscaped Viewshed Units from Figure 4.9: 1. Mainly vacant land with steep hillsides interspersed with development. Unit is both within the City and SOI. 2. Partially graded land due to mineral extraction. Unit is half in the City and half in the SOI. 3. Mainly developed with residential, commercial, and recreational land uses. 4. Steep slopes mainly outside City boundaries, but within the SOI. Includes portions of the Cleveland National Forest. This unit is mainly undeveloped, but has patches of residential, commercial, and recreational development. 5. Rolling hillsides characterize this unit. It is mainly residential with limited commercial use. 6. Unit is adjacent to the lake with a mix of residential, commercial, and public facilities. This unit is also the location of historic downtown Lake Elsinore.

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Chapter 4.0 7. Mainly within City boundaries, the unit is characterized by varying topography and rural development. 8. Majority of this unit is outside City boundaries, but within the SOI. Area is developed with intermittent residential and commercial uses. 9. Unit is outside of the City, but within SOI. Residential community located along I-15. 10. Located outside the City and on the edge of the SOI. Characterized by rolling hills and limited residential development. 11. Located in the center of the SOI. Mainly developed with residential and commercial uses. Contains a public high school. 12. Location of the future Lake Elsinore Outlet stores. Large portion to the east is vacant for future expansion. 13. Mainly manufacturing land use located along I-15. Relatively flat topography. Includes current location for the existing Lake Elsinore Outlet Mall. 14. This unit includes Lake Elsinore and surrounding floodplain. 15. Characterized by steep slopes and limited development due to small lots and inadequate utilities. Also known as Country Club Heights. Figure 4.10, Viewshed and Vantage Points, demonstrates the areas within the City of Lake Elsinore, SOI, and outlying areas where views of the lake are visible, and areas where the lake cannot be seen. If an individual is standing in an area that is marked as green on the map, they can see the lake. If they are standing in an area that is red, they cannot see the lake. For example, as a motorist drives on I-15, the map demonstrates that views of the lake will be sporadic, with visibility of the lake better along the southern portion of I-15 and worse in the north.

Vantage Points The visual character of the City is dominated by Lake Elsinore, which is the largest natural lake in Southern California. Due to the importance of the lake, scenic resources were addressed by identifying key public vantage points of the lake throughout the City. Sites chosen included the view of the lake from I-15, Highway 74, the Lake Elsinore Recreation Area and Campground, the baseball stadium, the boat launch on the eastern edge of the lake and the Aloha Pier lookout. These points were chosen because they are key public vantage points that can be accessed by every viewer group. Figure 4.10 shows where the vantage points are located, and Figure 4.11, Vantage Point Photos, displays photos of each of the locations. The following is a description of each vantage point.

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Panoramic Photograph of Lake Elsinore and the Santa Ana Mountains from Country Club Heights

Panoramic Photograph of Open Space and the Cleveland National Forest from South End of Lake

City of Lake Elsinore Scenic Resources Photos Figure 4.8a

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Oblique Aerial View of the Southern End of the Lake, Wildlife Refuge, and Santa Ana Mountains

White Pelicans and Waterfowl on Lake Elsinore with Open Space in the Background

City of Lake Elsinore Scenic Resources Photos Figure 4.8b

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Campground and Beach at North End of Lake Elsinore

View of the Lake, Santa Ana Mountains, and Cleveland National Forest from Whiskers Beach

City of Lake Elsinore Scenic Resources Photos Figure 4.8c

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Rock Outcrop and Lake Elsinore from Lookout Roadhouse

View of Gorgonio Mountain from the Cleveland National Forest (Country Club Heights in Foreground)

City of Lake Elsinore Scenic Resources Photos Figure 4.8d

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9 10 2 12

13 3

6 5

Sphere of Influence City Boundary Sources: City of Lake Elsinore, County of Riverside

Â´

1.5

3 Miles

City of Lake Elsinore Landscape Viewshed Units Figure 4.9

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6 3

! A

! A 5

! A 2

! A 4 ! A

! A ! A

Vantage Points Sphere of Influence City Boundary

Lake Viewshed Not Visible Visible

Sources: City of Lake Elsinore, County of Riverside

Â´

1.5

3 Miles

City of Lake Elsinore Viewshed and Vantage Points Figure 4.10

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Vantage Point 1 - Northbound I-15

Vantage Point 3 - Campground

Vantage Point 4 - Ballpark

Vantage Point 5 - Beach

Vantage Point 6 - Aloha Pier Look-out

Vantage Point 2 - Lookout Roadhouse (day & night view)

City of Lake Elsinore Vantage Point Photos Figure 4.11

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Chapter 4.0 With the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s proximity to I-15, the lake can be seen as commuters pass by the city. A full view of the lake appears in the distance, sitting in a valley surrounded by mountains and hills. Most travelers on the I-15 are passing through at high speeds making it difficult to enjoy views of the lake. While the view of the lake is pleasant, travelers are focused on driving and not on the visual quality of the lake and surrounding city. Without pulling off the freeway, the lake is only visible to north and southbound motorists for a short period. From other public vantage points, viewers have prolonged viewing times of the lake, either due to slower speed limits on roadways, or because the viewer is not traveling and has time to stop and look. From SR 74, there are several vantage points where sightseers and residents can stop and enjoy the view of the lake. Ortega Highway traverses up and over the Santa Ana Mountains. As the highway switchbacks through the mountains, the view of the lake becomes more impressive as travelers enjoy an aerial view of the entire lake and surrounding rugged topography. From the high viewpoint the lake fills the view. As seen from Figure 4.11, the surrounding hills and distant mountains act as a backdrop for displaying the lake. Looking down from Ortega Highway, a development of newer homes with red roofs stands out on the southeast side of the lake creating a visual distraction. Towards the west, the topography gets steep very quickly. There are very few shrubs and trees on the hillside that obstruct views of the lake from the roadway. Rocky outcroppings at the vantage point provide additional visual interest. Another key public vantage point is from the Lake Elsinore Recreation Area that includes a campground, boat launch and swimming area. It is located adjacent to the water on the northwestern edge of the lake. The view of the lake fills up the southern sightline of the viewer as seen in Figure 4.11. In the summer of 2005, several dozen palm trees were viewed submerged in the water from distances of 15 to 50 feet from the shore, an indicator of the high water level at that time. Mountains to the west can be seen from the recreation area as well as new homes sited along the edge of the mountains. Development around the lake is nearly hidden from view by trees surrounding the waterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s edge. Trees also nearly hide the hills to the east, but houses on tops of the hills are partially visible between the foliage. The aesthetic quality of the water in the lake is not inviting from close range due to floating vegetation that contributes to the waterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s murky appearance. The baseball stadium is located close to the water in the southeastern part of the city. From this vantage point, an inlet of the lake created by the levee is visible. A distant view of the lake is available from just outside the stadium, but does not dominate the landscape due to the distance from the lake. Most of the views across from the ballpark are of dry, brown grasses and scattered trees, a portion of which has been set-aside as a wildlife habitat area. From this vantage point, a newer housing development can be seen on the hills located to the west of the freeway. Older homes, small buildings and a newer housing development can be seen immediately across the lake to the north. Trees and heavy vegetation make it difficult to see any development clearly. A wide dirt trail available for pedestrians to walk to the edge of the lake is visible from the stadium.

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Chapter 4.0 A second boat launch and day-use public recreation area is located on the eastern edge of the lake. The lake can be seen from north to south with the Santa Ana Mountains forming a backdrop at this vantage point. The lake fills up a large portion of the viewpoint, making it the dominant feature. Residential developments can be seen towards the west of the lake from the boat launch. Unobstructed views of the residential development on the north end of the lake are clearly visible from the boat launch. As of the summer of 2005, the visual character of land that has been recently graded contrasts with the forest green shrubs and trees surrounding the new project. Other development to the east of the boat launch is visible, but partially obscured by trees. The area immediately surrounding the boat launch is covered by dark sand and a short distance to the north there is a small patch of grass and recreation-oriented facilities. Large shade trees on the grassy patch provide relief from the sun for visitors. The area is characterized by more recreational activities and facilities than other vantage points including a visitor parking lot, boat launch, established swimming area, and restrooms. From the Country Club Heights subdivision there’s a spectacular view of the lake where the Aloha Pier, Yacht Club and Pavilion once stood. In the late 1920’s it was an obvious gathering place along the shore, and in its heyday orchestras played in the pavilion and dances were held on weekend nights. With boat races on the lake and swings and play equipment for children, it was the spot where the action was.

Sources of Light and Glare Appendix G of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines contains the Initial Study Environmental Checklist form that includes questions relating to aesthetics. One of the aesthetic issues addresses whether the “project” will create a new source of substantial light or glare that would adversely affect the day or nighttime views of the area. Light and glare impacts to the Palomar Mountain Observatory are of concern. Based on data provided by Palomar Observatory, areas of light pollution impacts have been identified through a “ring analysis” as seen in Figure 4.12, Palomar Lighting Impact Analysis Area. Primary impacts to the observatory’s ability to study in dark sky’s fall within a 30-mile radius, while secondary impacts are up to 45 miles. Mitigation for dark sky within these areas will require the development of light pollution standards for individual projects.

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City of Lake Elsinore

! A Mount Palomar Observatory

30 Mile Radius 45 Mile Radius

Sources: City of Lake Elsinore, ESRI

City of Lake Elsinore Palomar Lighting Impact Analysis Areas Figure 4.12

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Chapter 4.0 In assessing current conditions, light and glare from existing development is minimal. Light and glare during the day and night is created from various residential, commercial, and industrial uses throughout the city. Examples of these sources include street lamps, accent and security lighting on buildings, parking lot lighting, and vehicle headlights at night. Substantial sources of night lighting include the existing ballpark and public parks. Alliance Skate Park of Lake Elsinore located in McVicker Park is open until 9 pm most evenings and other public parks are open until 10 pm for recreation purposes. Sources of glare during the day result primarily from parked cars located in large parking lots and from sunlight reflected off of window glazing on buildings.

4.8.3

Aesthetics Goals, Policies and Implementation Programs

Goal 11

Provide and maintain a natural and built environment that is visually pleasing to City residents and visitors.

Policies 11.1

For new developments and redevelopment, encourage the maintenance and incorporation of existing mature trees and other substantial vegetation on the site, whether naturally-occurring or planted, into the landscape design.

11.2

Maintain and improve the quality of existing landscaping in parkways, parks, civic facilities, rights-of-ways, and other public open areas.

11.3

Where appropriate, encourage new planting of native and/or non-invasive ornamental plants to enhance the scenic setting of public and private lands.

11.4

Incorporate the Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s identification symbol into street signage, planters, benches, public buildings, City vehicles, streetscape furnishings, and other appropriate applications.

11.5

Support a high level of Code Enforcement to encourage neighborhood beautification and to maintain property values and quality of life.

11.6

Coordinate with agencies to screen, landscape and otherwise obscure or integrate public utility facilities, including electric power substations, domestic water and irrigation wells, switching and control facilities.

11.7

Promote and facilitate the placement of public art that creates a unique setting and enhances a cultural and aesthetic character throughout the City.

The City shall encourage open space buffers and other Implementation Program appropriate transitions between lower density, single family neighborhoods and higher density development, as well as community gathering spaces and pedestrian amenities within private development.

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Chapter 4.0 Implementation Program The City shall work with the County of Riverside to protect surrounding hillside areas from inappropriate grading on the west and south edges of the City. Implementation Program The City shall prepare and adopt a Street Tree Master Plan that promotes distinct and identifiable street corridors which reflect cohesive design, functionality and safety. Implementation Program The City shall consider the preparation and adoption of a CityWide Design Guideline for architecture and landscape design, appropriate themes and design features, signage, outdoor furniture, bus shelters, gateway enhancements, and other distinctive improvements. Agency/Department

Goal 12

Community Development Department

Preserve valued public views throughout the City.

Policies 12.1

Encourage development designs and concepts that provide public views of Lake Elsinore and local ridgelines through proper siting, building design, and landscape design.

12.2

Encourage the dedication of open space land in hillside development proposals to preserve and enhance view opportunities from transportation corridors and surrounding development.

12.3

Encourage new development and redevelopment to incorporate views of Lake Elsinore from roadways and other public spaces that provide residents and tourists with scenic vistas to the water, marinas, and lakeshore activities.

12.4

Establish a series of City and community gateways and entry statements to promote the visual character of the Districts.

12.5

Consider petitioning Caltrans to take control of portions of the SR-74 corridor, in order to promote signage and landscaping that enhance and preserve the corridorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s aesthetic setting.

Through the project review and CEQA processes the City shall Implementation Program preserve public views throughout the City using effective siting and design concepts and the establishment of City and District gateways. Agency/Department

Community Development Department

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Chapter 4.0 Goal 13

Minimize activities, development, and landform modification that could distract viewers from the City’s visual character.

Policies 13.1

Discourage extractive activity from being conducted in highly visible areas and require reclamation of these mining areas. If such uses must occur in visible areas, the City shall require extensive visual screening with landscaping and/or fencing.

13.2

Discourage extractive uses or development that entails excessive light and glare visible from private and public viewpoints.

13.3

Require grading plans for any hillside development to include specifications for revegetation and new planting to minimize hillside scarring.

Through the CEQA process, the City shall minimize significant Implementation Program landform alterations that could detract from the visual character of the City. Key areas of visual character include surrounding hillsides, lake views, and the Historic District. Agency/Department

Community Development Department

4.9

Sustainable Environment

4.9.1

Introduction

As Lake Elsinore grows, so does the need to create and utilize additional strategies to counter the adverse impacts of global warming and climate change. The built environment represents a major opportunity for the City, along with local designers, engineers, developers, builders, lenders, appraisers, and other sectors of the building trades, to address local and global environmental adverse effects. Promoting “green building” and energy and resource efficient building practices is one such strategy. Green building practices provide the framework and tools to build in an efficient, healthy, and ecologically responsible manner. Encouraging green building practices is in the public’s interest because these techniques: 

Promote Lake Elsinore’s energy, land use, environmental, and growth-management policies.



Conserve energy, water, and other natural resources.



Strengthen established goals related to increased density, mixed-use, and transitoriented development, storm water and erosion control, and increased bicycle and pedestrian access.

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

Save building owners and tenants money through increased operation and maintenance efficiencies.



Improve indoor air quality and the health, well being, and productivity of occupants.



Help reduce public infrastructure costs related to development.



Minimize significant local ecological effects on habitat, air, soil, and water through efficient site and building design, sustainable construction practices, and low impact building materials and operational practices.



Keep money in the local economy and create new local industries and jobs thereby reducing the dependence on automobiles and fossil fuels.

4.9.2

Sustainable Environment Goal, Policies and Implementation Program

Goal 14

Reduce greenhouse gas emissions from all activities within the City boundaries to support the State’s efforts under AB-32 and to mitigate the impact of climate change on the City, State and world.

Policies 14.1

By 2020, the City will reduce greenhouse gas emissions from within its boundaries to 1990 levels consistent with AB 32.

14.2

Measures shall be established that aim to reduce emissions generated from City uses, community uses (community actions) and new development (City discretionary actions).

14.3

The City shall strive to increase public awareness of climate change and climate protection challenges.

14.4

The City will participate in the Sustainable Communities Strategy/Regional Blueprint Planning effort to ensure that local plans are consistent with the Regional Plan.

The City shall prepare, adopt and implement a Climate Action Implementation Program Plan that provides a baseline greenhouse gas emissions inventory for municipal facilities and operations and community-wide activities, analyzes the cost and benefits of methodologies for reduction, and establishes measures to meet State-wide reduction goals. Agency/Department

Community Development Department

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