Special Notice / Hearing: None
Vote Required: 4/5ths
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Emma Gonzalez, Interim Parks Director
Subject: Amendment No. 8 to a Grant Agreement with the California State Coastal Conservancy for $950,000 in additional grant funds to complete the Don Horsley Park at Tunitas Creek Beach Improvement Project
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution:
A) Authorizing the President of the Board of Supervisors to execute Amendment No. 8 to the grant agreement with the California State Coastal Conservancy for an additional $950,000 in grant funding to complete the Don Horsley Park at Tunitas Creek Beach Improvement Project for a new total grant amount not to exceed $4,710,000; and
B) Approving an Appropriation Transfer Request (ATR) recognizing the additional $950,000 in grant funds.
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BACKGROUND:
Don Horsley Park at Tunitas Creek Beach, located approximately eight miles south of the City of Half Moon Bay in unincorporated San Mateo County, totals approximately 58 acres in size and includes almost one mile of sandy beach, steep coastal bluffs, and the mouth of Tunitas Creek. The park has sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean to the west and is framed by sandstone cliffs to the north. Numerous special status and protected plant and animal species, including the Western Snowy Plover, can be found on the park property.
On May 14, 2019, the Board adopted Resolution No. 076591, which approved a grant agreement (the “Grant Agreement’) with the California State Coastal Conservancy in the amount of $3,000,000. This grant funded the preparation of plans, designs, environmental documents, and permit applications for coastal public access improvements and natural resource protection at the park.
The parties have subsequently amended the Grant Agreement on several occasions, including on April 19, 2022, when the Board adopted Resolution No. 078841 to approve an additional $760,000 in grant funding (for a new total amount not to exceed $3,760,000) for the construction of the park and to extend the term of the grant agreement to December 31, 2043. This resolution further authorized the Parks Director to modify the agreement’s terms, including accepting additional grant funds, so long as the modified terms are within the current or revised fiscal provisions.
In June of 2025 two landslides developed which undercut the only emergency access road to the beach. This has delayed the opening of the park until the landslides are repaired, and the slope is sufficiently stabilized to allow emergency vehicles to safely utilize the road.
DISCUSSION:
The Don Horsley Park at Tunitas Creek Beach Improvement Project is a multi-phased initiative to transform a 58-acre rugged coastline into the County’s first new public beach park in over five decades. While construction of primary visitor amenities-including the ranger station, restrooms, and an ADA-accessible path-is substantially complete, the park's opening has been delayed due to significant geologic instability.
Specifically, in June 2025, two landslides occurred along the bluffs, damaging the critical emergency access route required for first responders and safe public visitation. To provide funding to address these hazards so that the park can open to the public, on February 19, 2026, the State Coastal Conservancy authorized a grant augmentation of up to $950,000. These funds are designated for the following purposes:
• Stabilize Hillslopes: Perform remediation on two hillslopes situated above the beach to prevent further erosion and protect newly constructed public access improvements.
• Restore Emergency Access: Repair and reinforce the beach emergency access route, which is essential for park operations and visitor safety.
• Ensure Climate Resilience: Incorporate stabilization measures that align with the project's broader goals of coastal resilience and environmental stewardship.
This amendment to the Grant Agreement provides for $950,000 in additional funding, increasing the total not to exceed amount to $4,710,000. The amendment also provides that grant funds may be used for the final design, permitting, and implementation of the necessary repairs. Stabilization efforts are expected to continue through early 2026, ensuring the site is geologically sound before the revised public opening in Summer 2026. All other terms of the Grant Agreement will remain unchanged.
To access these funds, the County and the Coastal Conservancy must again amend the Grant Agreement, in the form provided by the Coastal Conservancy and attached hereto. The County Attorney’s Office has reviewed and approved the amendment and resolution as to form.
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
Grant acceptance improves safe recreational opportunities for all County residents who visit Don Horsley Park at Tunitas Creek Beach.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no Net County Cost associated with this recommendation. The ATR associated with this action will increase the Parks Department’s FY 2025-26 Adopted Budget by $950,000 with grant funds provided by the California State Coastal Conservancy. The funding will only be used to complete the Tunitas Creek Beach Improvement Project.