Development News for Fairfield, California

Rockville Hills Park Needs Ranger, Overgrazing Kills 115 Manzanita Trees

The Rockville Hills Regional Park Citizens Advisory Committee (ARACK) presented an update to the city council on the current conditions of Rockville Hills Regional Park. The committee emphasized the essential role of a dedicated park ranger for the park's preservation, noting that services have been compromised for over two and a half years due to the vacancy. They highlighted that overgrazing by goats has killed 115 manzanita trees, a keystone species, due to the lack of oversight. The council discussed current efforts to address the ranger position, including exploring a contract with Solano County and proceeding with recruitment for a new park ranger, aiming to have the position open for recruitment within the next couple of weeks. Changes have been made to grazing practices based on ARACK's feedback, and fire mitigation efforts are ongoing in collaboration with the fire department.

Fairfield's 2025 Urban Water Management Plan Shows Adequate Supply for Next Five Years

Michael Heather, Assistant Public Works Director, presented updates on the city's draft 2025 Urban Water Management Plan and draft Water Shortage Contingency Plan. These plans are required by the Urban Water Management Planning Act of 1983 to ensure the city can meet future water needs and manage significant water shortages. The city relies on two surface water sources: Lake Berryessa and the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, conveyed through the North Bay Aqueduct and stored in the St. Louis Reservoir. Current water supply projections show it to be greater than projected demands over the next five years. The city will continue common sense conservation measures, rely on Lake Berryessa during droughts, and enact emergency water agreements if needed. The public hearing was held as a legal requirement, with the council adoption scheduled for June 16th, and plan submission by July 1st.