Item 1.9 - OutlookTrail to Blue Sky Ecological ReserveOF PpW�Y
City of Poway
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
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RESOLUTION NO.
DATE: October 21, 2014
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members IIof the City Council
FROM: Daniel Singer, City Manager�__A
INITIATED BY: Robin Bettin, Director of Community Services
Belinda Romero, Community Services Manage.
SUBJECT: Outlook Trail to Blue Sky Ecological Reserve
Summary:
On October 11, 2014, the City of Poway hosted a public event to celebrate the 25th
Anniversary of the Blue Sky Ecological Reserve. At the event, Mr. Alan Toretto was
formally recognized for his contribution as a strong advocate for the Blue Sky Ecological
Reserve. An announcement was made at the celebration that a planned trail will be
named in his honor.
Recommended Action:
It is recommended that the City Council authorize the naming of the Toretto Outlook
Trail, which connects the Amphitheater Outlook to the Blue Sky Ecological Reserve.
Background:
The Blue Sky Ecological Reserve was formally recognized as a Reserve in 1989. Prior
to designation as an ecological reserve, the land was slated for a proposed housing
development. Originally 410 acres, the Reserve is now 721 acres. It is primarily owned
by the State Department of Fish and Wildlife, with parcels owned by the City of Poway
and County of San Diego. The City of Poway, Community Services Department serves
as the lead agency for day -to -day operations and programming, which significantly
contributes to the preservation and protection of this valuable resource.
In 2013, with funds donated by the former Blue Sky Foundation, the City constructed an
amphitheater on City property adjacent to the Reserve. The amphitheater and outlook
increased accessibility to visitors, regardless of physical ability, and affords everyone an
opportunity to enjoy nature programs and unrestricted views of the Reserve. In order to
connect the amphitheater and outlook directly to the primary Green Valley Truck Trail
within the Reserve, the City expects to establish a new trail in early 2015.
On October 11, 2014, the City of Poway hosted a public event to celebrate the 25th
Anniversary of the Blue Sky Ecological Reserve. At the event, Mr. Alan Toretto was
formally recognized for his contribution as a strong advocate for the Blue Sky Ecological
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Toretto Outlook Trail Agenda Report
October 21, 2014
Page 2
Reserve. An announcement was made at the celebration that, with City Council
approval, a planned trail will be named in his honor.
Findings:
Mr. Alan Toretto, a Poway resident, has continuously served on the Board of the
Friends of Blue Sky Canyon. Both the organization and Mr. Toretto were instrumental
in the process to formally designate the area as the Blue Sky Ecological Reserve. Mr.
Toretto is also a biology teacher at Poway High School. For more than 30 years, he
has actively promoted protection and preservation through his role with the Friends of
Blue Sky, and for more than 40 years he has provided field study opportunities for
students in the Reserve. Mr. Toretto is recognized as a strong advocate for the Blue
Sky Ecological Reserve, and naming a trail in his honor demonstrates the community's
appreciation for his past work and his continuing efforts in fostering stewardship.
On July 14, 2014 the Public Works Department sought input from the Trails Advisory
Committee on the process of naming trails and the proposed naming of the Toretto
Outlook Trail. The Committee supported the proposal; however, it deferred to the
Community Services Department to make the decision as trails in Blue Sky do not fall
within the official, master - planned trail system for Poway.
The City has no formal naming policy. Over the next year, the Community Services
Department will gather information from other agencies and bring forward to the City
Council a future discussion on naming policies.
Fiscal Impact:
Sufficient funds were appropriated with adoption of the FY 2014 -15 budget to cover the
$14 cost of the trail sign (account 0207 - 4514).
Environmental Review:
This item is not subject to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review.
Public Notification:
None.
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