Chapter 2The San Diego River Conservancy

Section § 32633

Explanation

The San Diego River Conservancy is part of the Natural Resources Agency, and its job is to acquire and manage land around the San Diego River. They focus on creating recreational areas, protecting wildlife and habitats, restoring wetlands, and safeguarding historical and cultural spots. They also aim to keep water quality in good shape and protect against floods.

Additionally, the Conservancy works to make sure the public can enjoy the area's natural beauty while also learning about its history and culture. They do this in a way that respects and conserves both natural and economic resources.

There is in the Natural Resources Agency, the San Diego River Conservancy, which is created for the following purposes:
(a)CA Public Resources Code § 32633(a) To acquire and manage public lands within the San Diego River area, and to provide recreational opportunities, open space, wildlife habitat and species restoration and protection, wetland protection and restoration, protection of historical and cultural resources, and protection, maintenance, and improvements of the quality of the waters in the San Diego River and its watershed, its tributaries, and historic flumes emanating from the river for all beneficial uses, lands for educational uses within the area, and natural floodwater conveyance.
(b)CA Public Resources Code § 32633(b) To provide for the public’s enjoyment, and to enhance the recreational and educational experience and cultural and historic interpretation on public lands in the territory in a manner consistent with the protection of land and natural resources, as well as economic resources, in the area.
San Diego River Conservancy public land management recreational opportunities wildlife habitat protection species restoration wetland restoration historical resource protection cultural resource protection water quality improvement floodwater conveyance educational uses public enjoyment natural resource conservation economic resource protection cultural and historic interpretation
(Amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 306, Sec. 2. (SB 214) Effective January 1, 2018.)

Section § 32634

Explanation

This section outlines the composition of the governing board of the conservancy. The board has 16 voting members and two nonvoting members. Voting members include key state officials like the Secretary of the Natural Resources Agency and the Director of Finance, among others, as well as representatives from local government and the public. There are specific rules for appointment and terms, especially for the Governor's appointees. Nonvoting members include the Executive Director of the Wildlife Conservation Board and a representative from the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board. Members must maintain their qualifying position to remain on the board.

(a)CA Public Resources Code § 32634(a) The governing board of the conservancy shall consist of 16 voting members and two nonvoting members.
(b)CA Public Resources Code § 32634(b) The voting members of the board shall consist of the following:
(1)CA Public Resources Code § 32634(b)(1) The Secretary of the Natural Resources Agency, or their designee.
(2)CA Public Resources Code § 32634(b)(2) The Director of Finance, or their designee.
(3)CA Public Resources Code § 32634(b)(3) The Director of Parks and Recreation, or their designee.
(4)CA Public Resources Code § 32634(b)(4) The Director of Fish and Wildlife, or their designee.
(5)CA Public Resources Code § 32634(b)(5) A representative of the Colorado Desert District of the Department of Parks and Recreation, or their designee.
(6)CA Public Resources Code § 32634(b)(6) Five members of the public at large, three of whom shall be appointed by the Governor, one of whom shall be appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules, and one of whom shall be appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly.
(7)CA Public Resources Code § 32634(b)(7) The Mayor of San Diego, or their designee.
(8)CA Public Resources Code § 32634(b)(8) One member of the City Council of El Cajon, elected by a majority of the membership of the council.
(9)CA Public Resources Code § 32634(b)(9) One member of the City Council of San Diego, elected by a majority of the membership of the council.
(10)CA Public Resources Code § 32634(b)(10) One member of the Board of Supervisors of the County of San Diego, whose district includes the preponderance of the San Diego River watershed.
(11)CA Public Resources Code § 32634(b)(11) One member of the Kumeyaay Diegueño Land Conservancy board of directors, elected by a majority of the membership of that board, or their designee.
(12)CA Public Resources Code § 32634(b)(12) One member of the City Council of Santee, elected by a majority of the membership of the council.
(c)CA Public Resources Code § 32634(c) The two nonvoting members shall consist of the following:
(1)CA Public Resources Code § 32634(c)(1) The Executive Director of the Wildlife Conservation Board, or their designee.
(2)CA Public Resources Code § 32634(c)(2) A representative selected by the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board.
(d)CA Public Resources Code § 32634(d) Two of the three initial appointments by the Governor pursuant to paragraph (4) of subdivision (b) shall be for three-year terms and the third appointment shall be for a two-year term. All subsequent appointments shall be for four-year terms.
(e)CA Public Resources Code § 32634(e) A person shall not continue as a member of the governing board if that person ceases to hold the office that qualifies that person for membership. Upon the occurrence of those events, the person’s membership on the governing board shall automatically terminate.
governing board composition voting members nonvoting members Natural Resources Agency Director of Finance Director of Parks and Recreation public appointees San Diego government representatives Kumeyaay Diegueño Land Conservancy appointment terms membership qualification San Diego River watershed Wildlife Conservation Board San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board local government representation
(Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 448, Sec. 2. (SB 1027) Effective January 1, 2023.)

Section § 32635

Explanation

This law states that members of the conservancy who are not full-time public employees can be paid $100 for attending each regular meeting, but only for up to 12 meetings per year. Additionally, all conservancy members can be reimbursed for reasonable expenses they incur while attending meetings and performing their duties.

The members of the conservancy that are not full-time public employees may be compensated for attendance at regular meetings of the conservancy at the rate of one hundred dollars ($100) per regular meeting, not to exceed 12 regular meetings a year. All members of the conservancy may be reimbursed the actual amount of the reasonable and necessary expenditures incurred in attending meetings of the conservancy and carrying out the duties of their office.
conservancy members compensation meeting attendance payment non-public employee compensation reimbursement expenses reasonable expenditures conservancy duties meeting attendance reimbursement member compensation limit full-time public employees expense reimbursement California conservancy meeting reimbursement policy conservancy meeting allowances payment for meetings
(Added by Stats. 2002, Ch. 574, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2003.)

Section § 32636

Explanation

This law section states that a governing board must choose a chairperson and a vice chairperson from among its members. These roles last for two years, but members can serve multiple terms. If there's a vacancy, a new chairperson or vice chairperson can be elected at any time to complete the current term.

The governing board shall elect from its own members a chairperson and vice chairperson, whose terms of office shall be two years, and who may serve more than one term. In the event of a vacancy, a new chairperson or vice chairperson may be elected by the governing body before the expiration of the two-year term to fill out the remainder of that two-year term.
governing board chairperson vice chairperson election of officers board members term of office two-year term vacancy filling multiple terms governing body board elections leadership roles board governance
(Added by Stats. 2002, Ch. 574, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2003.)

Section § 32637

Explanation

This law states that in order for the conservancy's governing body to conduct official business, more than half of its members must be present. If this 'quorum' is met, decisions can be made with a majority vote of those members present.

(a)CA Public Resources Code § 32637(a) A majority of the total voting membership of the governing body shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of the business of the conservancy. If a quorum is present, a majority vote of the members present is sufficient to transact the business of the governing board.
quorum requirements governing body majority vote conservancy business transaction of business voting membership decision making board meeting member presence conservancy governing board governing board procedures board meeting rules member voting official business conduct board quorum
(Added by Stats. 2002, Ch. 574, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2003.)

Section § 32638

Explanation

This law states that the governing board is responsible for creating and establishing its own rules and procedures to effectively manage and conduct its operations.

The governing board shall adopt its own rules and procedures necessary to conduct its business.
governing board rules and procedures conducting business board responsibilities operational governance internal regulations business management organizational procedures self-governance board rules process establishment board operations governance framework
(Added by Stats. 2002, Ch. 574, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2003.)