HomeMy WebLinkAboutIV(d)_Additional Materials Recieved_WatkinsFrom: Paul Watkins <paul@lawfriend.com>
Sent: September 28, 2024 2:22 PM
To: Zdeba, Benjamin <bzdeba@newportbeachca.gov>
Subject: Comments on Recreation and Natural Resources Element Goals and Policies (Workshop 1: Natural Resources
and Recreation)
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Hi Ben:
Looking forward to our GPAC meeting on Wednesday, October 2.
One of the handouts you kindly distributed for the meeting is a draft of the "Recreation and Natural
Resources Element Goals and Policies" to presumably be discussed at "Workshop 1: Natural
Resources and Recreation" (the "Natural Resources Draft"). As I understand it, the Natural
Resources Draft was proposed by our consultants (Dudek and Kearns & West).
Attached for distribution to our GPAC members is an "interlineated" version of the Natural Resources
Draft. The interlineations contain my suggested word changes and some comments on the Natural
Resources Draft.
I am probably out of step with some of our GPAC members, but I was a little disappointed with
certain aspects of the Natural Resources Draft.
My principal concern is that some of the language seems a little political, "Sacramento-ish", or,
candidly, progressive. Some words may attract more attention than is desired. I have some concern
General Plan Advisory Committee - October 2, 2024 IV.d - Additional Materials Received
that unless changed, our Council may find some words a bit "charged" and the Council may be
disinclined to support the particular Element's Goals and Policies unless the language is softened.
Here a some examples which have been modified in the attached "interlineated"
version. "Rewilding", "expansion of ecosystems", "climate-adapted", "ecosystem restoration", "dune
restoration", "green stormwater", the emphasis on "transition to electric vehicles" and "electric
vehicle charging infrastructure", "alternative modes of transportation", "phasing out of [the City's] oil
production", "prohibit and oppose new drilling activities", and "support clean energy industry".
As indicated by our suggested changes, perhaps some of the language can be "qualified" to still meet
General Plan statutory requirements in Government Code Sections 65300, et seq but without the
unwelcome attention which some of these words prompt.
I look forward to hearing input from other members of GPAC on Wednesday evening.
Thank you.
Best regards,
Paul
Paul K. Watkins for
Paul K. Watkins, APC
6408 West Ocean Front
Newport Beach, CA 92663-1929 and
485 East 17th Street, Suite 600
Costa Mesa, CA 92627-4705
Of Counsel: Self & Bhamre
Cell: (714) 403-6408
E-Mail: paul@lawfriend.com
General Plan Advisory Committee - October 2, 2024 IV.d - Additional Materials Received
General Plan Advisory Committee - October 2, 2024 IV.d - Additional Materials Received
General Plan Advisory Committee - October 2, 2024 IV.d - Additional Materials Received
General Plan Advisory Committee - October 2, 2024 IV.d - Additional Materials Received
General Plan Advisory Committee - October 2, 2024 IV.d - Additional Materials Received
General Plan Advisory Committee - October 2, 2024 IV.d - Additional Materials Received
General Plan Advisory Committee - October 2, 2024 IV.d - Additional Materials Received
General Plan Advisory Committee - October 2, 2024 IV.d - Additional Materials Received
General Plan Advisory Committee - October 2, 2024 IV.d - Additional Materials Received
General Plan Advisory Committee - October 2, 2024 IV.d - Additional Materials Received