Dear Sand Dune Neighbors,

I want to thank everyone for the many emails that have been sent to City Council and City staff regarding Sand Dune Park. In addition I would like to try and address many of the points that have been raised by residents. Please take note that City Council has the final say on any and all decisions related to the Park.

First I want to acknowledge the substantial increase of the Dune’s use and the impact this increased attendance has had on the adjacent residential neighborhood. Everyone at the City recognizes the problem and the challenge is now to resolve the issues. In the past we have focused on things such as parking, staffing and traffic. While these actions may have provided some relief, problems remain that are still unacceptable. It appears the only way to reduce the impact to the neighboring residential area is to reduce the use of the Dune. Certainly closing the Dune would do that, or charging a fee or perhaps requiring a reservation to control the number of folks using it at one time. All of these actions were considered in the past and rejected for a variety of reasons, which is not to say they cannot be implemented in the future. On the other hand, the Council has asked our Parking and Public Improvements Commission (PPIC) to consider an alternative method of modifying demand through the use of permit parking and meters. Below are examples of some of the creative possibilities to be considered. Certainly the commission, staff and most importantly the residents will have many other ideas and questions to contribute.

But first, here is an update on the current situation:

1. The Dune was closed administratively on August 7th in order to address a number of maintenance needs which also serves to break some of the patterns of use. 
2. There is no set date to reopen the dune but the maintenance work will probably be completed in the next few weeks, meaning the Dune will have been closed approximately seven weeks. 
3. When the Dune is reopened we will increase the park staffing from 1 to 2 attendants. 
4. The Park Ranger and a CSO (Community Services Officer) will be on site during the busiest hours of operation.
5. When the dune reopens the Police department will increase traffic enforcement and patrols in the area.

The PPIC will be meeting September 24, 2009 and the entire meeting will be devoted to the issues at Sand Dune Park. They have been asked by Council to review all the issues related to the installation of a permit parking system, parking meters and any other traffic or traffic engineering (signage) issues that come up. They will report their findings and recommendations to Council.

Following are a few thoughts to consider. These items are meant to be illustrative only, nothing has been determined.

1. It is relatively inexpensive to try a permit/meter option. Permit processing is done in-house and we already have systems in place in two other areas of the City. 
2. It will not be necessary to purchase a lot of parking meters. New technology also allows us to number spaces and have a central payment location.
3. New technology also allows time of day or day of week pricing to influence demand. For instance if Saturday and Sunday mornings are the busiest we could charge $5 an hour with a 1 hour maximum. 
4. Neighborhood permits would significantly free up parking in front of homes and multiple permits could be provided since it is unlikely the neighborhood would give them to Dune users. 
5. Commercial vehicles can be exempt.
6. Permits could only be required during the hours the Park is open.
7. A permit system can be implemented fairly rapidly.
8. Permit boundaries can be flexible such that when a block feels impacted they can "opt" in. 
9. The neighborhood may want to request Council consider the use of speed bumps which are now only allowed adjacent to schools.
10. There may be improvements recommended to traffic and directional signage in the area. 
11. Operational issues such as Park hours or the use of whistles and bullhorns are not under the purview of the PPIC. If City Council decides to address operational issues they may refer these items to the Parks and Recreation Commission or deal with them themselves.

These are just a few of the possibilities to discuss, recognizing that if this approach fails to reduce demand, other options are always available.

Two final points I would like to make are:

1. The area was never used as a dump, this may have been confused with Live Oak Park which was at one time
2. It is not possible to plant half the Dune horizontally. There would be no way to replenish the Dune and the area above would collapse as the lower portion was utilized.

If you would like to discuss any of this with me please feel free to call (310) 802-5053 or email the City Manager.

Thanks for taking the time to read this and I encourage you to attend the PPIC Meeting on Thursday, September 24th, 6:30 PM. If you are unable to attend please email your comments to Esteban Danna, and he will provide them to the Commission.


Sincerely,
City Manager