COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

Board of Supervisors

DATE:

July 21, 2011

BOARD MEETING DATE:

August 9, 2011

SPECIAL NOTICE/HEARING:

None

VOTE REQUIRED:

Majority

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

Don Horsley

SUBJECT:

Statement of Acknowledgement of Big Kahuna Triathlon

RECOMMENDATION:

That the County provides to Firstwave Events a letter addressed to the California Department of Transportation indicating our awareness of, and comfort with, the 10th Annual Big Kahuna Triathlon, a portion of which will take place on Highway 1 in San Mateo County on September 11, 2011.

BACKGROUND:

The Big Kahuna Triathlon takes place annually along the Santa Cruz and San Mateo County coast. The running and swimming portions take place entirely within Santa Cruz County. The bicycling portion of the race extends along Highway 1 into southern San Mateo County. The bicyclists ride as far north as Pigeon Point Road before turning around and returning to Santa Cruz.

The California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) has indicated to Firstwave Events that all local jurisdictions affected must be aware of, and comfortable with, this event before they will authorize it.

DISCUSSION:

A comprehensive Traffic Control Plan has been developed. The plan calls for twenty-six law enforcement officers from the Santa Cruz Police Department and the California Highway Patrol Offices of Santa Cruz and San Mateo Counties. There is no involvement needed from the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriff’s Office is aware of the event and has been provided with a copy of the Traffic Control Plan.

The expected impact to Highway 1 traffic is minimal as the event will not require a complete road closer. Vehicles will be allowed to across the course between riders when crossing is safe.

I recommend that the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors direct the President of the Board to sign a letter addressed to CalTrans indicating the County of San Mateo’s awareness of, and comfort with, the holding of the 10^th Annual Big Kahuna Triathlon and that this letter be provided to Firstwave Events of Los Gatos, California.

FISCAL IMPACT:

None.