COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

County Manager's Office

 

DATE:

April 1, 2003

BOARD MEETING DATE:

April 8, 2003

 

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

John Maltbie, County Manager

SUBJECT:

Resolution in support of AB 504 (Yee), Park and open-space district penalties

 

Recommendation

Adopt a resolution in support of AB 504 (Yee) regarding park and open-space district penalties.

 

Background

Existing law establishes penalties for a violation of any ordinance, rule, or regulation regarding regional park, park and open-space, and open-space districts. Existing law establishes that a violation is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500, or by up to 6 months imprisonment, or both. However, the law also provides that if the board of directors of a district determines that the violation is an infraction, the violation is punishable by a fine of up to $50.

For regional park, park and open-space, and open-space districts, this bill would increase the maximum fine for a misdemeanor violation to $1,000 and for an infraction to $100 for a first violation, $200 for a second identical violation within one year, and $500 for each additional identical violation within one year.

 

Discussion

While this bill would not impact the County's park and recreation system, it would provide County park partners, most notably the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (MROSD) the ability to increase the maximum fine for misdemeanor and infraction violations that occur in various park and open space districts.

MROSD is in support of AB 504.

The Legislative Committee recommends support for AB 504 (Yee).

 

Vision Alignment

Support of AB 504 (Yee) furthers the County's commitment to preserve and provide people access to our natural environment and furthers Goal #14 to preserve and enhance the County's natural resources through environmental stewardship.

 

Fiscal Impact

No fiscal impact to the County.