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Sen. Christine Kehoe (D-San Diego) introduced legislation today to establish the Del Mar Greenway along the San Dieguito River, and strengthen public safety in California.
Senate Bill 1177 requires the Del Mar Fairgrounds to develop and manage a minimum 100-foot-wide greenway along the north bank of the San Dieguito River, stretching from I-5 to the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad. The greenway, which would include the extension of the Coast to Crest Trail through the Fairgrounds, must be completed by Jan. 1, 2014.
“So much work has been done in recent years by the San Dieguito River Park Joint Powers Authority to restore the river, and this legislation continues that great effort,” Kehoe said. “The greenway would provide a permanent buffer between Fairground buildings and the river, restore natural wetlands, and ensure public access to this special state asset.”
Kehoe also introduced two bills to strengthen public safety in California. The first measure, SB 1207, would require local governments to prevent wildfires through better land use planning for new housing developments. Kehoe sponsored a similar bill last year, Senate Bill 505, which the Governor vetoed.
“It’s only common sense that if you incorporate fire prevention strategies when planning new housing developments, there’s a much better chance they won’t be destroyed in a wildfire,” Kehoe said.
Her second public safety measure would create a statewide 4.8 percent surcharge on home insurance policies to pay for new emergency response equipment and personnel costs.
“Given that much of California is at risk at one time or another of mudslides, floods, earthquakes, wildfires, or other disasters, it makes sense to ask all property owners to help pay for the emergency services we use every year,” Kehoe said. |
