LAFCO
SOI & MSR Los Carneros Water District 2016
Read the report at Local Agency Formation Commissions ↗
Final Municipal Service Review
& Sphere of Influence Update
Los Carneros Water District
Napa LAFCO
August 1, 2016
Resolution No. 2016-09
FINAL MSR/SOI Update for LCWD
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FINAL MSR/SOI Update for LCWD
Final Municipal Service Review and
Sphere of Influence Update
Los Carneros Water District
Prepared for:
Napa LAFCO
1030 Seminary Street, Suite B
Napa, California 94559
www.napa.lafco.ca.gov
Prepared by:
August 1, 2016
FINAL MSR/SOI Update for LCWD
Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1: ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITY OF LAFCO ............................................................... 1-1
1.1 About Napa LAFCO .......................................................................................... 1-1
1.2 Purpose of the Municipal Service Review ............................................................... 1-2
1.3 Methodology for this MSR & SOI Update ................................................................ 1-3
1.4 Public Participation ......................................................................................... 1-4
CHAPTER 2: OVERVIEW OF DISTRICT .................................................................................... 2-1
2.1 Agency Profile ................................................................................................ 2-1
2.2 Services and location ....................................................................................... 2-2
2.3 Formation and Boundary ................................................................................... 2-3
2.4 Government Structure and Accountability ............................................................. 2-9
2.5 Management Efficiencies and Staffing .................................................................. 2-9
CHAPTER 3: SOCIO-ECONOMICS ........................................................................................ 3-1
3.1 Present and planned land uses ............................................................................ 3-1
3.2 Population and Growth ..................................................................................... 3-3
3.3 Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities .......................................................... 3-5
CHAPTER 4: DISTRICT SERVICES AND INFRASTRUCTURE ................................................................. 4-1
4.1 District Services ............................................................................................. 4-1
4.2 Infrastructure and Public Facilities ...................................................................... 4-2
CHAPTER 5: FINANCING ................................................................................................ 5-1
5.1 Financial Overview .......................................................................................... 5-1
CHAPTER 6: MSR DETERMINATIONS ..................................................................................... 6-1
6.1 MSR Determinations ........................................................................................ 6-1
CHAPTER 7: SPHERE OF INFLUENCE ANALYSIS AND DETERMINATIONS .................................................... 7-1
7.1 Sphere Of Influence Update Options ..................................................................... 7-1
7.2 Draft SOI Determinations .................................................................................. 7-7
CHAPTER 8: ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ...................................................................................... 8-1
APPENDIX A Population Study for Napa County
APPENDIX B Economic Forecast for Napa County
FINAL MSR/SOI Update for LCWD
Chapter 1: ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITY
OF LAFCO
Local Agency Formation Commissions (LAFCO) are independent agencies that were established
by state legislation in 1963 in each county in California to oversee changes in local agency
boundaries and organizational structures. It is LAFCO’s responsibility to
oversee the logical, efficient, and most appropriate formation of local cities and special
districts,
provide for the logical progression of agency boundaries and efficient expansion of
municipal services,
assure the efficient provision of municipal services, and
discourage the premature conversion of agricultural and open space lands (Government
Code [GC] §§ 56100, 56301, 56425, 56430, 56378).
The Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act of 2000 (CKH Act) requires
each LAFCO to prepare a Municipal Service Review (MSR) for its cities and special districts. MSRs
are required prior to and in conjunction with the update of a Sphere of Influence (SOI). This
review is intended to provide Napa LAFCO with the necessary and relevant information to
determine the appropriateness of the Los Carneros Water District’s existing and proposed
boundaries and SOI.
1.1 ABOUT NAPA LAFCO
Although each LAFCO works to implement the CKH Act, there is flexibility in how these state
regulations are implemented so as to allow adaptation to local needs. As a result, Napa LAFCO
has adopted policies, procedures and principles that guide its operations. The policies and
procedures can be found on Napa LAFCO’s website (http://www.napa.lafco.ca.gov/).
This MSR is an information tool that can be used to facilitate cooperation among agency
managers and LAFCO to achieve the efficient delivery of services. Describing existing
efficiencies in service deliveries and suggesting new opportunities to improve efficiencies is a
key objective of this MSR, consistent with LAFCO’s purposes. Since this MSR/SOI will be
published on LAFCO’s website, it also contributes to LAFCO’s principle relating to transparency
of process and information. A public hearing will be conducted by LAFCO on this MSR and SOI
Update, thereby contributing to LAFCO’s aim of encouraging an open and engaged process.
This MSR was written under the auspices of Napa LAFCO. Napa LAFCO has a public Commission
with five regular Commissioners and three alternate Commissioners as follows:
Chapter 1: Role and Responsibility of LAFCO Page 1-1
FINAL MSR/SOI Update for LCWD
Commissioners
Diane Dillon, Chair, County Member
Gregory Pitts, Vice Chair, City Member
Juliana Inman, Commissioner, City Member
Brian J. Kelly, Commissioner, Public Member
Brad Wagenknecht, Commissioner, County Member
Joan Bennett, Alternate Commissioner, City Member
Keith Caldwell, Alternate Commissioner, County Member
Gregory Rodeno, Alternate Commissioner, Public Member
Staff / Administrative
Brendon Freeman, Executive Officer
Kathy Mabry, Commission Secretary
Jennifer Gore, Commission Counsel
1.2 PURPOSE OF THE MUNICIPAL SERVICE REVIEW
Municipal Service Reviews (MSRs) are intended to provide LAFCO with a comprehensive analysis
of services provided by each of the special districts and other service providers within Napa
County and that fall under the legislative authority of LAFCO. This review will provide Napa
LAFCO with the information and analysis necessary to evaluate existing boundaries and to
consider an update to the SOI for Los Carneros Water District (LCWD/District). The MSR makes
determinations in each of seven mandated areas of evaluation, providing the basis for LAFCO
to review proposed changes to the District’s boundaries or SOI.
An SOI is defined in Government Code (GC) § 56425 as “a plan for the probable physical
boundary and service area of a local agency or municipality as determined by the Commission.”
LAFCO is required to adopt an SOI for each city and each special district within its jurisdiction.
When reviewing and determining SOI’s for these service providers, LAFCO will consider and
make recommendations based on the following information:
The present and planned land uses in the area
The present and probable need for public services and facilities in the area
The present capacity of public facilities and adequacy of public services that the agency
provides
The existence of any social or economic communities of interest in the area if LAFCO
determines that they are relevant to the service provider
The presence of disadvantaged unincorporated communities for those agencies that
provide water, wastewater, or structural fire protection services
Chapter 1: Role and Responsibility of LAFCO Page 1-2
FINAL MSR/SOI Update for LCWD
Ideally, an MSR will support not only LAFCO but will also provide the following benefits to the
subject agencies:
Provide a broad overview of agency operations including type and extent of services
provided
Serve as a prerequisite for a sphere of influence update (included herein)
Evaluate governance options and financial information
Demonstrate accountability and transparency to LAFCO and to the public
Allow agencies to compare their operations and services with other similar agencies
This MSR is designed to provide technical and administrative information on LCWD to Napa
LAFCO, so that LAFCO can make informed decisions based on the best available data for the
District. Written determinations, as required by law, are presented in Chapter 6 MSR
Determinations of this MSR for LAFCO’s consideration. LAFCO is ultimately the decision maker
on approval or disapproval of any determinations, policies, boundaries, and discretionary items.
Also included in this document are Sphere of Influence Update options (Chapter 7 Sphere of
Influence Analysis and Recommendations) for LCWD. The analysis is based on the MSR portion
of this document and makes recommendations on the future service potential of the District.
1.3 METHODOLOGY FOR THIS MSR & SOI UPDATE
In accordance with GC § 56430, LAFCO must prepare municipal service reviews prior to or in
conjunction with the mandated five-year schedule for reviewing SOIs for the agencies within
its jurisdiction. This MSR evaluates the structure and operation of LCWD and discusses possible
areas for streamlining, improvement, and coordination. Key references and information sources
for this study were gathered and utilized in this study, including published reports; review of
agency files and databases (agendas, minutes, budgets, contracts, audits, etc.); engineering
reports; EIRs; finance studies; general plans; and state and regional agency information
(permits, reviews, communications, regulatory requirements, etc.). Additionally, the
consulting team, in coordination with the LAFCO Executive Officer, sent LCWD a Request for
Information (RFI), and the District’s responses to these requests were a key information source.
Members of the consultant team also conducted a site visit and personal interview with LCWD.
This MSR forms the basis for specific judgments, known as determinations, about each agency
that LAFCO is required to make (GC § 56425, 56430). These determinations are described in the
MSR Guidelines from the Office of Planning & Research (OPR) as set forth in the CKH Act, and
they fall into seven categories, as listed below:
1. Growth and population projections for the affected area
2. Location and characteristics of any disadvantaged unincorporated communities within
or contiguous to the sphere of influence
3. Present and planned capacity of public facilities and adequacy of public services
including infrastructure needs or deficiencies
4. Financial ability of agency to provide services
5. Status of, and opportunities for, shared facilities
Chapter 1: Role and Responsibility of LAFCO Page 1-3
FINAL MSR/SOI Update for LCWD
6. Accountability for community service needs, including government structure and
operational efficiencies
7. Any other matter related to effective or efficient service delivery, as required by
commission policy
An MSR must include an analysis of the issues and written determination(s) for each of the
above determination categories.
California Environmental Quality Act
The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) is contained in Public Resources Code § 21000,
et seq. Under this law, public agencies are required to evaluate the potential environmental
effects of their actions. This MSR is exempt from CEQA under a Class 6 categorical exemption.
CEQA Guidelines § 15306 states that “Class 6 consists of basic data collection, research,
experimental management, and resource evaluation activities that do not result in a serious or
major disturbance to an environmental resource.”
It should be noted that when LAFCO acts to update an SOI for the District, CEQA requirements
must be satisfied. The lead agency for CEQA compliance would most likely be LAFCO.
1.4 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Napa LAFCO received a presentation for discussion of the Preliminary Draft MSR on June 6,
2016. Comments from the public were solicited; however, no comments from the public were
received. The Commission held a public hearing on the Final MSR on August 1, 2016.
After this MSR is finalized, it will be published on the Commission’s website
(http://www.napa.lafco.ca.gov/), thereby making the information contained herein available
to anyone with access to an internet connection. A copy of this MSR may also be viewed during
posted office hours at LAFCO’s office located at 1030 Seminary Street, Suite B, Napa, CA 94559.
In addition to this MSR, LAFCO’s office maintains files for each service provider and copies of
many of the planning documents and studies that were utilized in the development of this MSR.
These materials are also available to the public for review.
Chapter 1: Role and Responsibility of LAFCO Page 1-4
FINAL MSR/SOI Update for LCWD
Chapter 2: Overview of District
2.1 AGENCY PROFILE
Type of District: Water District
Enabling Legislation: The California Water District Law: Water Code Sections 34000 et seq.
Functions/Services: Distribution of recycled water for irrigation purposes
Main Office: 2111 Las Amigas Road, Napa, California 94559-9717
Mailing Address: Same as above
Email: JStewart@RSACivil.com
Phone No.: (707) 738-4600
Fax No.: None
Web Site: http://carneroswater.org
General Manager: None (Note: Water Master/Manager function provided by Napa
Sanitation District under a mutual agreement)
Legal Counsel: Chris Apallas, Deputy Napa County Counsel
Governing Body: Board of Directors (land-owner based voting)
Director Title Term Expiration
John Stewart President 12/31/2017
Cass Walker Vice President 12/31/2019
Bob Mueller Director/Secretary 12/31/2017
Mark DeSoto Director 12/31/2017
Jennifer Thomson Director 12/31/2017
Robert Jones Director 12/31/2019
Matt Wilkinson Director 12/31/2019
Meeting Schedule: 2nd Tuesday of every month at 6:00 p.m.
Meeting Location: Staff Development Room, Stonebridge School Elementary Room, 1680 Los
Carneros Avenue, Napa, CA 94559
Date of Formation: 1978
Principal County: Napa County
Chapter 2: Overview of District Page 2-1
FINAL MSR/SOI Update for LCWD
2.2 SERVICES AND LOCATION
The Los Carneros Water District (LCWD/District) is organized as an independent special
district under Division 13 of the California Water Code.
Type and Extent of Services
The Los Carneros Water District was formed in 1978 to provide reclaimed water service to the
unincorporated area known as “Carneros” in southwest Napa County. LCWD’s formation was
engendered by local property owners for the purpose of facilitating an agreement with the
Napa Sanitation District (NSD) to plan, construct, and operate projects necessary to deliver
reclaimed water for agricultural use. In 2014, the District obtained funding for the Carneros
Recycled Water Pipeline Project, which is expected to be completed in summer 2016. The
project will serve 107 agricultural and residential parcels totaling approximately 4,127 acres
of agricultural land within LCWD.
Pursuant to the California Water District Law (Water Code 34000 et. seq.), the District is
authorized to provide the following municipal services:
The production, storage, and distribution of water for irrigation, domestic, industrial,
and municipal purposes and/or any associated reclamation works (WC §35401)
The acquisition, construction, and operation of facilities for the collection, treatment,
and disposal of sewage, waste, and storm water (WC §35550)
The construction, operation, and/or maintenance of facilities for the generation of
hydroelectric power (WC §35570)
With the completion of the recycled water pipeline that ties into NSD’s recycled water
system, LCWD will provide reclaimed irrigation water to its customers. The District does not
currently provide raw or potable water, or generate electricity. Therefore, these services are
categorized as ‘latent powers’ and would require approval from LAFCO to be activated.
Location and Size
Los Carneros Water District is
located in the unincorporated area
of southwest Napa County and
encompasses approximately 5,700
acres. The District is dominated by
agriculture, primarily vineyards, and
single family residences. The
nearest socioeconomic center is the
City of Napa to the northeast of the
District. There are currently 263
assessor parcels included within the
Chapter 2: Overview of District Page 2-2
FINAL MSR/SOI Update for LCWD
residential population of 535. For purposes of this MSR/SOI, the service area is defined as the
area that actually receives reclaimed water, as shown in Table 2.1 below.
Table 2.1: Geographic Summary
Geographic Area Acres No. of Parcels
District Boundary 5,772 acres 263
District Sphere of Influence 5,614 acres 250
Service Area 4,127 acres 107
A map of the Agency boundaries and sphere of influence is provided as Figure 2.1.
2.3 FORMATION AND BOUNDARY
Established in 1978, LCWD was formed to provide reclaimed water to a southwest portion of
Napa County known as “Carneros.” The District’s formation was purposely sought by local
landowners to facilitate an agreement with NSD for the planning, construction, and operation
of projects necessary for the delivery of reclaimed water for agricultural use.
LCWD’s jurisdiction boundary is comprised of a contiguous, unincorporated area consisting of
approximately 5,772 acres.1 The District’s adopted sphere of influence encompasses the
majority of its jurisdictional boundary with one notable exception: land located north of State
Highway 12.
Land located within the District is subject to the land-use authority of the County of Napa. Land
within the District’s adopted boundary and sphere of influence is designated under the County’s
General Plan as “Agriculture Watershed and Open Space” and “Agricultural Resource.”
Boundary History
LCWD’s formation followed several years of local efforts with respect to identifying suitable
water supply alternatives to creek diversions and groundwater withdrawals. In 1976, a group of
landowners organized the “Carneros Area Water Committee” and petitioned the Napa County
Board of Supervisors to authorize a study evaluating potential agricultural water supply projects
for the Carneros area. The study was conducted by the Napa County Flood Control and Water
Conservation District and examined irrigation requirements for the Carneros area relating to
topography, soil, and climate conditions. Noting that the predominant land use within Carneros
was devoted to dry farming, and to a lesser extent vineyards and orchards, the study concluded
that the approximately 7,000-acre area would be best served with treated wastewater from an
advanced wastewater facility that was under construction by NSD.
1 Napa LAFCO. 2004. Comprehensive Water Service Study Municipal Service Review; page 50. October.
Chapter 2: Overview of District Page 2-3
Los Carneros Water District
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Sphere of Influence
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Prepared by BF
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LAFCO of Napa County
Solano 1030 Seminary Street, Suite B
Napa, CA 94559
(707) 259-8645
FINAL MSR/SOI Update for LCWD
Following the release of the study, meetings were convened between the Carneros Area Water
Committee and NSD to discuss possible supply arrangements involving reclaimed water. NSD
agreed to negotiate a reclaimed water supply agreement once the landowners formed a public
agency capable of executing a contract agreement.
In 1977, following several public meetings with the Carneros Area Water Committee, LAFCO
approved the proposal to form LCWD under the California Water District Act. Notably, LAFCO
conditioned its approval by requiring the District to voluntarily dissolve if an agreement was
not reached with NSD for the delivery of no less than 2,000 acre-feet of reclaimed water by
January 1, 1980.
In 1983, after receiving a deadline extension by LAFCO, the District reached a 40-year
agreement with NSD providing it the right to obtain up to 2,000 acre-feet of secondary
(restricted) treated wastewater annually for agricultural use. The District agreed to be
responsible for the design, planning, financing, and construction of all improvements necessary
to convey and distribute reclaimed water from NSD’s Soscol Wastewater Treatment Plant to
LCWD. In exchange for taking reclaimed water, the District would receive an annual payment
from NSD. This payment would be equal to the amount in savings incurred by NSD for not having
to expend on additional storage and treatment for the treated wastewater used by the District
for each calendar year. NSD agreed to manage its wastewater facilities such that 2,000 acre-
feet of reclaimed water would remain available to the District. Water quality would be
consistent with standards established by federal, state, and local authorities. The agreement
included a timetable allowing NSD the right to contract with others for the amount and/or
portion of reclaimed water entitled to LCWD in the event the District was not utilizing its
entitlement by January 1, 1989.
In response to NSD’s requirement that LCWD utilize its allocation of reclaimed water by January
1, 1989 or risk the loss of entitlement, LAFCO issued its own timetable for the District. LAFCO
required that the District dissolve unless a conveyance and distribution system was in place by
the aforementioned date. By 1989, the District completed design plans for a distribution and
conveyance system as well as secured required permits with the San Francisco Bay – Regional
Water Quality Control Board. After receiving an extension from LAFCO to pursue financing, the
District secured a low-interest loan from the State of California to begin construction on its
reclamation project. Implementation of the District’s reclamation project, however, was
suspended due to design and oversight concerns expressed by NSD.
Beginning in the early 1980s, much of the agricultural land in the Carneros region became
vineyards, prompting a change in water quality requirements within LCWD. Rather than
requiring only secondary treated wastewater for irrigating dry farming crops, the influx of
vineyards prompted the District to procure tertiary (unrestricted) treated wastewater to meet
stricter federal and state water quality requirements. In order to produce tertiary treated
wastewater, NSD would incur additional treatment expenses not covered under the 1983
agreement with the District. To assess interest in unrestricted reclaimed water in the Carneros
area, NSD convened several meetings with local landowners. Following a strong show of support
by landowners and the approval of a working group formed by LCWD, the District and NSD
reached agreement on a new reclaimed water supply contract in 1995. This agreement
Chapter 2: Overview of District Page 2-5
FINAL MSR/SOI Update for LCWD
terminated the terms and conditions of the 1983 agreement and transferred the responsibility
for the planning, financing, construction, operation, and maintenance of a reclaimed water
distribution system to NSD.
The distribution system, referred to as the “Carneros Recycled Water Service Project,” was
planned to include a network of 18-inch to 36-inch pipelines conveying unrestricted treated
wastewater from the Soscol Wastewater Treatment Plant to Carneros. The project proposed
constructing a pipeline under the Napa River, through the Stanly Ranch area, and along county
roads and easements until entering into the District’s service area. NSD’s willingness to execute
the agreement with the District, however, was predicated on reaching agreements with
individual landowners. NSD wanted assurances that there were a sufficient number of
committed users before commencing on a project anticipated to cost approximately
$3,500,000. During the course of the negotiations, three prominent landowners raised concerns
regarding the potential for negative public reaction to the use of reclaimed wastewater on
vineyards. These property owners wanted the ability to terminate their agreements with NSD
for reclaimed water at their discretion. At the same time, other landowners in the District
wavered on the need for reclaimed water service.
When the District was formed, California was a year removed from a drought that severely
taxed local water supplies. By the 1990s, many landowners were less concerned with existing
and future water supplies as they were 15 years earlier. Unwilling to meet the conditions of
the landowners seeking exit clauses, NSD suspended implementing the contract and applied the
money earmarked for the Carneros Recycled Water Service Project to finance other reclamation
projects.
In 2014, the NSD and LCWD entered into an agreement2 regarding construction, operation and
maintenance of a recycled water pipeline to provide service to LCWD. Los Carneros Water
District has been responsible for financing the design, planning, and construction of the project.
To date, LCWD has obtained a number of grants to fund approximately 45 percent of the
project. Los Carneros Water District also obtained a low-interest loan through the State’s
Revolving Loan program to fund the remainder of the $16 million project. Construction of the
pipeline project commenced in 2015 with a scheduled completion date of summer 2016. Upon
completion, NSD will assume ownership of the pipeline infrastructure along with operation and
maintenance responsibilities.
With the long-planned construction of the recycled water pipeline, LCWD fulfills its purpose.
The boundaries of the District remain unchanged since its establishment.
2 Agreement between NSD and LCWD Regarding the Construction, Operation, and Maintenance of a Recycled Water Pipeline In
the LCWD Area. December 13, 2014.
Chapter 2: Overview of District Page 2-6
FINAL MSR/SOI Update for LCWD
Sphere of Influence
Los Carneros Water District’s sphere was first adopted by LAFCO in 1984 and reaffirmed with
no changes in 2007. LAFCO designated the sphere to reflect what the Commission determined
was the natural service area of LCWD. This includes lands generally bounded on the east by the
Stanly Ranch and the Napa River, on the north primarily by Highway 12, on the west by the
Napa / Sonoma County line, and on the south by the Southern Pacific and Northwestern Pacific
Railroad lines. Excluded from the sphere but within the District’s boundaries are ten parcels
located north of State Highway 12, one of which is only partially within the sphere, totaling
approximately 300 acres (see Figure 2-1). In 1984 those parcels (Study Areas B-1 and B-2) were
recommended for detachment from the District, noting that the approximately 305 acres would
be substantially more costly to serve than the areas south of the Highway.3
Extra-territorial Services
No specific areas outside the District boundaries have been identified that require services from
the District.
Areas of Interest
Four Study Areas were identified during preparing of this MSR and SOI Update.
Study Areas A-1 and A-2
There are two parcels within the District SOI that are not included in the boundaries (Study
Areas A-1 and A-2, Figure 2.2). The parcel identified as Study Area A-1 consists of 160.5 acres
and is located in the very southwest corner of the District. The parcel identified as Study Area
A-2 is 6.7 acres in size and is adjacent to State Highway 12 along the northern border of the
District’s SOI.
The two parcels are not included in the assessed area to receive services, nor do they receive
reclaimed water service from any district. However, consistent with General Policy II.A.1 and
III.A.2 of Napa LAFCO’s Policies, their inclusion promotes logical boundaries for the District.
Study Areas B-1 and B-2
Ten parcels, one of which is partially included, are located within the District’s boundaries but
outside the adopted SOI. Nine of the ten parcels are zoned Agricultural Watershed. The
remaining parcel is zoned Agricultural Watershed: Produce Stand.
None of the 10 parcels identified in Study Areas B-1 and B-2 (Figure 2.2) are included in the
Carneros Recycled Water Pipeline Assessment or are receiving recycled water at this time.
However, they are located adjacent to, and across Highway 12 from, other parcels receiving
recycled water and logistically could be connected upon application to LCWD and NSD. The
District has noted that some of the parcels referenced are a substantial distance from the newly
3 Napa LAFCO, 1984. Sphere of Influence Study.
Chapter 2: Overview of District Page 2-7
Los Carneros Water District
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Los Carneros Water District
Los Carneros Water District
Sphere of Influence
Study Areas
Category A: Areas that may merit removal from LCWD's sphere given they are located within the
District's existing sphere and outside the District's jurisdictional boundary
A-1: 1 lot / 160.5 acres A-2: 1 lot / 6.7 acres
Category B: Areas that may merit addition to LCWD's sphere given they are located outside the
District's existing sphere and within the District's jurisdictional boundary
B-1: 2 lots / 60.6 acres B-2: 7.5 lots / 233.7 acres
FINAL MSR/SOI Update for LCWD
installed recycled water infrastructure. It would take the installation of a large amount of
pipeline to afford a connection.4 Those parcels adjacent to State Highway 12 would be more
likely to have access to the infrastructure than those behind them to the north. Further, as
noted above, in the 1984 SOI Study all parcels were recommended for detachment from the
District.
2.4 GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE AND
ACCOUNTABILITY
The District is governed by a seven-member Board of Directors elected to staggered four-year
terms by landowners within the District boundaries. Elections, if held, are land-owner based by
assessed value of property. Board Members may be appointed by the Napa County Board of
Supervisors in lieu of election if there are insufficient candidates to require an election.
Currently, all seven Board Members have been appointed by the Board of Supervisors, four in
2013 and three in 2015. The current Board members and their terms are identified in Section
2.1 Agency Profile, above.
Regularly scheduled meetings are held on the second Tuesday of the month at 6:00 p.m.
Meetings are located in the Staff Development Room, Stone Bridge Elementary School, at 1680
Los Carneros Avenue, Napa. All meetings are publicly posted at least three days prior to Board
meetings. Postings are located on public information boards at the Napa County Clerk’s office
and the Library at the Secretary’s home, and electronically on the District’s website
(http://carneroswater.org/SitePages/Home.aspx). All meetings are open to the public and held
in accordance with the Brown Act (Government Code §§ 54950-54926).
The agenda for each District Board meeting includes two public comment periods. Agendas are
distributed via the District’s website, email, and postal mail. Los Carneros Water District’s
website (carneroswater.org) is a communication vehicle for District meeting agendas, meeting
minutes, and information on the District’s services and programs. The LCWD maintains
compliance with the requirements of the Brown Act, the Political Reform Act, and similar laws.
2.5 MANAGEMENT EFFICIENCIES AND STAFFING
The Los Carneros Water District operates under the direction of the elected Board of Directors
and is managed by volunteers. The District President reports to the Directors and is responsible
for managing day-to-day administrative functions. The District President takes the lead in
planning, organizing, and review of the overall activities of the District; represents the District
locally, regionally, and at the state and federal levels; and works to ensure the best interests
of the District are met.
4 John Stewart, 2016. Personal communication. May 17.
Chapter 2: Overview of District Page 2-9
FINAL MSR/SOI Update for LCWD
Additionally, in accordance with its agreement with
NSD, the District is in the process of establishing a
position for a Water Scheduling and Delivery Master or CONTACT INFORMATION:
Manager. Because the LCWD pipeline is not designed
John Stewart, President
to convey the peak flow necessary to serve all LCWD
2111 Las Amigas Road
users concurrently, the Manager will be responsible for
Napa, CA 94559-9717
the orderly provision of service, including irrigation
JStewart@RSACivil.com
quantities, times, and days for users. Additionally, the
Manager will be responsible for enforcement of the
schedule and actions. The Ordinance establishing the
Manager position provides for the NSD General
Manager filling the role, which is the current plan, or of entering into a Professional Services
Contract for the position. Under the agreement, NSD will be responsible for overseeing the day-
to-day administration of recycled water use by LCWD users and will monitor recycled water use
to ensure compliance with LCWD use policies. The District is currently all volunteer; it has no
employees.
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Chapter 3: Socio-Economics
3.1 PRESENT AND PLANNED LAND USES
Existing land use
The majority of land within LCWD is under agricultural use, primarily vineyards, along with
rural single-family residences and small wineries.
General Plan, Zoning, and Policies
The Los Carneros Water District is located entirely within
the unincorporated area of the County and is therefore
under the land use authority of the County of Napa. The
County’s General Plan designates land located within LCWD
as Agriculture, Watershed and Open Space or Agricultural
Resource. The General Plan specifies the intent and
anticipated uses of these designations as:
Agricultural, Watershed and Open Space (AW)
“To provide areas where the predominant use is agriculturally oriented; where
watershed areas, reservoirs, floodplain tributaries, geologic hazards, soil conditions and
other constraints make the land relatively unsuitable for urban development; where
urban development would adversely impact on all such uses; and where the protection
of agriculture, watersheds, and floodplain tributaries from fire, pollution, and erosion
is essential to the general health, safety, and welfare. General uses include agriculture,
processing of agricultural products, and single-family dwelling.”
Agricultural Resource (AR)
“To identify areas in the fertile valley and foothill areas of the county in which
agriculture is and should continue to be the predominant land use, where uses
incompatible with agriculture should be precluded and where the development of urban
type of uses would be detrimental to the continuance of agriculture and the
maintenance of open space which are economic and aesthetic attributes and assets of
Napa County. General uses include agriculture, processing of agricultural products, and
single-family dwelling.”
Napa County’s Zoning Ordinance implements the General Plan and is codified as part of the
Napa County Code. The Zoning Ordinance is designed to promote the public health, peace,
safety, and welfare of the citizens of Napa County and to control and regulate the future growth
and development of land in the entire unincorporated area. Land within the District is generally
zoned agriculture and is primarily comprised of two standards: “Agricultural Watershed” and
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“Agricultural Watershed: Airport Compatibility.” Both zoning standards require minimum parcel
sizes of 160 acres. A single exception is a 1.19-acre portion of an 11.83-acre parcel (APN: 047-
022-005) located within LCWD’s jurisdictional boundary and sphere of influence that is zoned
Commercial Limited. In the past, this split-zone parcel, which is located at the corner of State
Highway 12 and Cuttings Wharf Road, has accommodated a restaurant; however, it is currently
vacant. The Commercial Limited zoning standard requires minimum parcels sizes of one acre5.
Approximately 40 percent of the District (consisting of 28 parcels) is under “Williamson Act”
contracts with the County of Napa, which helps ensure the preservation of agriculture and open
space as predominant land uses within the District. Parcels under Williamson Act contracts are
required to maintain their agricultural and open space land uses over the course of renewable
10-year periods in exchange for reduced property tax assessments.6
Regional Transportation Plans & Sustainable Community
Strategies
All regions in California must complete a Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS) as part of a
Regional Transportation Plan (RTP), consistent with the requirements of state law (Senate Bill
375). Senate Bill 375 requires California’s 18 metropolitan areas to integrate transportation,
land-use, and housing as part of an SCS to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from cars and light-
duty trucks. In the Bay Area, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) and the
Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) work together, along with local governments, to
develop a SCS that meets greenhouse gas reduction targets adopted by the California Air
Resources Board. The RTP and SCS for the Bay Area is called “Plan Bay Area: Strategy for A
Sustainable Region” and was adopted on July 18, 20137.
Senate Bill 215 (Wiggins) was approved by CA legislature in 2009 and chaptered in 2010 as part
of Government Code Section 56668, relating to local government. This bill requires LAFCOs to
consider regional transportation plans and sustainable community strategies developed
pursuant to SB 375 before making boundary decisions.
Napa County is the local agency responsible for planning regional growth patterns through
adoption and implementation of a General Plan and Zoning Regulations. LCWD was established
to provide recycled water for irrigation purposes, and was approved by the Napa County Board
of Supervisors in 1978. Future growth within the District is currently limited due the agricultural
zoning of the lands within and adjacent to the District, which stipulates 160-acre minimum
parcel sizes. The LCWD does not have the legal authority to make land use policy decisions that
5 According to Napa County Zoning Code, if both public water and sewer facilities are available, the minimum parcel size is reduced
to one-half acre.
6 Napa LAFCO. 2004. Comprehensive Water Service Study Municipal Service Review. October.
7 Plan Bay Area website: http://www.planbayarea.org/the-plan/adopted-plan-bay-area-2013.html
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would impact growth in Napa County. Therefore, the activities of the District are not connected
with regional growth beyond the existing zoning allowances.
Napa LAFCO has a policy to consider the effect of any proposal to establish new services or
divest existing service powers within a special district in supporting planned and orderly growth
within the affected territory. Therefore, any changes to the LCWD service area or service
functions would need to be approved by Napa LAFCO and would include consideration of Plan
Bay Area pursuant to SB 215.
Future Development Potential
Development densities for the County are identified under its zoning standards. Nearly all land
located within and adjacent to LCWD is zoned Agricultural Watershed with a minimum parcel
size of 160 acres, which significantly limits additional subdivision and related growth from
occurring in or adjacent to the LCWD. It is estimated that 52 of the 263 assessor parcels are
not developed with residences. However, the District reported that only three new residences
and two small wineries have been constructed within the District since the 2004 MSR8, indicating
a very slow rate of growth within the District. Given the amount of viniculture and Williamson
Act contracts within the District, very little development within the District is anticipated.
3.2 POPULATION AND GROWTH
Population
This section describes the existing population and future growth projections for the LCWD,
including factors that must be considered when planning for the provision of services and for
making the required determinations. Background information has been collected for this report
including a population study of Napa County (Appendix A) and an Economic Forecast for Napa
County (Appendix B).
The Los Carneros Water District consists of agricultural and rural residential lands in the
unincorporated area of Napa County. The LCWD is located within Census Tract 201102; however
it is not a census-designated place, so actual population statistics for the District are not
available. Therefore, the current population in the District was estimated based on available
data. The population estimates made by LAFCO for the 2007 SOI Review were based on the
parcels with situs addresses (208) multiplied by a 2000 estimated 2.57 persons per household,
which resulted in an estimated population for the District of 5359 (Table 3-1).
8 LCWD. 2016. Response to LAFCO Request for Information: LCWD MSR/SOI Study.
9 Napa LAFCO. 2007. Los Carneros Water District Sphere of Influence Review; page 4. June. Available at:
http://www.napa.lafco.ca.gov/uploads/documents/SOI_LCWD_2007.pdf.
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The District has indicated the addition of three residences since the 2004 MSR10. Furthermore,
the estimated persons per household has been revised downward by ABAG to 2.48 (Appendix
A). Thus, using the same methodology as in the 2004 MSR, the current estimated population of
LCWD is estimated to be 523 residents (Table 3.1). This lower estimate is due to a calculated
change in the estimated persons per household, rather than people physically leaving the
District.
Table 3.1: Historic and Existing Population
Total population Land area (sq. miles) Population per sq.
mile
2010 535 9.02 59.31
2015 523 9.02 58.01
Projected Growth and Development
To some extent, population growth in the District is dependent upon land use, general plan
designations, and zoning on properties. As described in Section 3.1, above, the Napa County
General Plan, which guides development within the unincorporated regions of Napa County,
was adopted in 2008. A new Housing Element was adopted December 2014. No changes to land
use designations have occurred within the District since adoption of the 2004 MSR.
The Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) makes population projections for the counties
within its planning area, which includes Napa County. However, projecting future population
growth at the small district level is problematic due to a variety of unknown factors including
those associated with the annexation rates. The ABAG projects an annual population growth
rate for unincorporated areas of Napa County of 0.6 percent over the next 10 years.11
Based on this slow growth rate as shown in Table 3.2 below, the population within the District
will have minimal growth over the next 15 years. Therefore, it is unlikely that the District will
have a significant increase in demand for recycled water services during that time. Additionally,
the demand for recycled water attributable to residential growth will be minimal. The recycled
water project is primarily aimed at agricultural use rather than residential use. While there are
a few purely residential parcels included in the service area, they elected to be included due
to a hardship in locating groundwater on their parcel.12
10 LCWD. 2016. Response to LAFCO Request for Information: LCWD MSR/SOI Study.
11 Napa LAFCO. 2016. Napa County Resource Conservation District Municipal Service Review and Sphere of Influence Update; page
3. April. Available at: http://www.napa.lafco.ca.gov/uploads/documents/NCRCD_MSR-SOI_FinalReport.pdf.
12 John Stewart, 2016. Personal communication. May 17.
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Table 3.2: Projected Population Growth (2014–2030)
2015 2020 2025 2030
Unincorporated Napa County 26,900 27,600 28,400 29,400
LCWD 523 538 555 572
Projections calculated using an annual growth rate of 0.6 percent within the
District.
3.3 DISADVANTAGED UNINCORPORATED
COMMUNITIES
Pursuant to the Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Act, LAFCO is required to evaluate disadvantaged
unincorporated communities as part of this service review, including the location and
characteristics of any such communities. A disadvantaged unincorporated community (DUC) is
defined by the State as any area with 12 or more registered voters where the median household
income is less than 80 percent of the statewide median household income.
No DUCs have been identified within the LCWD, its SOI, or adjacent areas. The median
household income (MHI) in the unincorporated areas of Napa County was $69,717 (Appendix A).
This is higher than the DUC threshold MHI of less than $49,191 (80 percent of the statewide MHI
of $61,489). Drinking water is provided to parcels within the District through private wells.
Wastewater service is provided via individual septic systems. Fire protection service is provided
by Carneros Volu nteer Fire Department. Additionally, no public health and safety issues have
been identified.
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Chapter 4: District Services and
Infrastructure
4.1 DISTRICT SERVICES
Service Overview
The District was formed to provide recycled water for agricultural irrigation purposes. After
more than 38 years, the infrastructure to provide that service is under construction and
scheduled for completion in summer 2016.
Water Service
With the completion of necessary infrastructure, LCWD, through an agreement with Napa
Sanitation District (NSD) will provide recycled irrigation water to its customers within its
boundaries. The NSD collaborated with LCWD to construct a recycled water pipeline to provide
tertiary treated reclaimed water from its Soscol Wastewater Treatment Plant to the LCWD.
Pursuant to the agreement between the two entities, NSD will provide approximately 1,300
acre-feet of reclaimed water annually to 107 parcels within the District.
Distribution and Transmission of Water
Upon completion of the recycled
water transmission and distribution
system, it will be owned and operated
by NSD. Tertiary treated water will be
delivered from NSD’s Soscol
Wastewater Treatment Plant via
newly constructed pipelines that runs
under the Napa River to LCWD
customers. The water will be used
solely for irrigation of agricultural and residential landscapes. The 9.12-mile pipeline will
include pipe size diameters ranging from 6- to 20- inches. From the main pipeline, recycled
water users will be responsible for connecting their own pipeline/irrigation systems at pre-
approved locations along the pipeline.
Supply/Demand
LCWD does not own or maintain rights to water supplies. The Carneros Recycled Water Pipeline
will provide reclaimed water for irrigation purposes to 107 parcels (approximately 4,127 acres)
within the District. The agreement between NSD and LCWD will provide approximately 1,300
acre-feet annually of reclaimed water from NSD’s wastewater treatment plant to LCWD
customers.
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Those residents within the District that do not receive reclaimed water rely primarily on creek
diversions and groundwater withdrawals. Many of the aquifers in Napa Valley have been found
to be adequately recharged by annual precipitation and stream flow.13 However, the area within
LCWD is served by aquifers that apparently don’t produce abundantly.14 Local landowners have
irrigated primarily with surface water stored in private reservoirs. Surface water is now fully
appropriated and it is difficult to receive approvals for additional water from the State Water
Resources Control Board. Therefore, the ability to use recycled water is critical for the future
of agriculture in the Carneros area.15
Creek diversions are drawn from two tributaries of the Napa River: Carneros Creek and Huichica
Creek, while groundwater is pumped from the Carneros Valley Basin, a sub-basin of the Napa-
Sonoma Lowlands.16 The Napa-Sonoma Lowlands is a sub-basin of the Napa-Sonoma Valley
Groundwater Basin and is located between the Sonoma Valley and Napa Valley sub-basins, both
of which are designated low to medium priority basins according to the California Statewide
Groundwater Elevation Monitoring17 (CASGEM) Basin Prioritization methodology. The District is
located in a sub-basin with a CASGEM ranking of very low priority.18
4.2 INFRASTRUCTURE AND PUBLIC FACILITIES
The LCWD does not own or operate any infrastructure or facilities. In 2015, construction of a
recycled water pipeline was initiated, which will serve 107 of the 263 parcels19 (approximately
4,127 acres20) within the District. The Carneros Recycled Water Pipeline transmission and
distribution system will be owned and operated by the Napa Sanitation District (NSD) upon
completion. The recycled water produced at NSD’s Soscol Wastewater Treatment Plant meets
the requirements for disinfected tertiary recycled water “unrestricted use” as defined by the
California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 22, Sections 60301 through 60355. The pipeline
network with pipe sizes ranging from 6- to 20- inches, is located within existing roadways (Las
Amigas Road, Duhig Road, South Avenue, Los Carneros Avenue, Withers Road and Cuttings Wharf
Road) and NSD access easements. The system will not require additional pump stations or
storage facilities, as these are provided within NSD’s existing facilities or on the end user’s
13 Napa LAFCO. 2004. Comprehensive Water Service Study Municipal Service Review. October.
14 Napa LAFCO. 2004. Comprehensive Water Service Study Municipal Service Review. October.
15 Bureau of Reclamation. 2014. Press Release: Los Carneros Recycled Water Pipeline Installation Project Gets $1 million. June.
16 Napa LAFCO. 2004. Comprehensive Water Service Study Municipal Service Review. October.
17 The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) implemented the CASGEM Program in response to legislation enacted
in California's 2009 Comprehensive Water package. As part of the CASGEM Program and pursuant to the California Water Code
(CWC §10933), DWR is required to prioritize California groundwater basins, so as to help identify, evaluate, and determine the
need for additional groundwater level monitoring.
18 Department of Water Resources (DWR). 2014. CASGEM Basin Summary: Napa-Sonoma Lowlands. Available at:
http://www.water.ca.gov/groundwater/casgem/pdfs/basin_prioritization/NCRO%2035.pdf.
19 LCWD. 2016. Response to LAFCO Request for Information: LCWD MSR/SOI Study.
20 Bureau of Reclamation. 2015. Los Carneros Water District Recycled Water Pipeline Project: Final Environmental Assessment;
page 1. July.
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private property. Metered connections will be located in the public rights of way and NSD
easements. “Land-locked” parcels will provide private laterals from the metered connection to
individual irrigation systems or reservoirs.21
In order for NSD to deliver
recycled water to LCWD
parcels, a pipeline crossing
beneath the Napa River was
necessary. The District
worked cooperatively with
the St. Regis/Stanly Ranch
Partners (“Stanly Ranch”),
who were also required to
construct a pipeline
crossing the Napa River as a
condition of approval for
annexation to NSD. The
District agreed to
compensate Stanly Ranch by
way of purchasing capacity in the construction of a pipeline sized large enough to meet the
recycled water needs of both parties. The construction of the pipeline crossing the Napa River
was completed in late 2013.22
The NSD is responsible for all aspects of treatment, distribution, and delivery of the reclaimed
water to LCWD.
Adequacy and Challenges in Provision of Service and
Infrastructure
The biggest challenge for LCWD that was identified in the 2004 MSR in regards to the provision
of recycled water was developing the infrastructure from NSD. Upon completion of construction
of the reclaimed water infrastructure, which is scheduled for summer 2016, no other
infrastructure or service challenges have been identified.
Opportunities for Shared Facilities
Having no infrastructure or facilities of its own, LCWD relies upon shared facilities from NSD to
provide reclaimed water to its customers.
21 NBS. 2014. Second Amended Engineer’s Report: 2014 Assessment District (Recycled Water Project): page 4-1. August.
22 Bureau of Reclamation. 2015. Los Carneros Water District Recycled Water Pipeline Project: Final Environmental Assessment;
page 1. July.
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The District is also considering participating in the North Bay Water Reuse Program, which is a
regional water recycling management initiative covering portions of Napa, Marin, and Sonoma
Counties that surround the northern rim of the San Francisco Bay. The North Bay Water Reuse
Program (NBWRP) is a coordinated effort of 10 municipal water and sanitation agencies working
together to address water supply shortages from a watershed perspective by investing in diverse
projects that offset potable demand throughout the region. The Napa Sanitation District is a
member of NBWRP (www.nbwrp.org).
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Chapter 5: Financing
5.1 FINANCIAL OVERVIEW
Los Carneros Water District develops and adopts annual budgets and has a two-year audit
performed biennially. Both budgets and audits are available to the public via the District’s
website. The most recent independent financial report was for the two years including Fiscal
Years (FY) 2012/2013 and FY 2013/2014 and dated October 9, 2014.23
Revenues and Expenses
This section describes sources of revenues and expenses associated with LCWD’s provision of
recycled water for irrigation purposes. The District receives revenue from a single source: a
benefit assessment, which is assessed to those parcels within the District that receive recycled
water services (107 parcels). The assessed funds are collected on the County Tax Statements,
and applied to the construction costs associated with the Los Carneros Recycled Water Pipeline
project; payments are made on behalf of the District by the Napa County Auditor-Controller.
The Napa Sanitation District will operate and maintain the infrastructure and serve as the water
manager. The charge for water made by NSD covers both the cost of the commodity plus
operation and maintenance costs. This ensures that the assessment revenue will be used to pay
for the actual costs of providing recycled water services. The District reserves approximately
$20,000 in the General Fund for administrative expenses.24 Following is a summary of the last
three fiscal years’ financial statements (Table 5.1).
The agreement between NSD and LCWD identifies the roles for the Carneros Recycled Water
Pipeline project: LCWD is responsible for design and funding the infrastructure installation
project, and NSD will be responsible for construction and installation of the infrastructure,
operations, maintenance, and sales of recycled water to the participating landowners. The
LCWD is the entity responsible for repaying the loan. The District collects the loan payments
via the Assessment District that was established for this purpose. The amount of the assessment
is determined each year by the Assessment Engineer and the Napa County Auditor–Controller.
A budget is adopted by the Board each year, using a noticed public hearing process.
In addition to the “pass through” funds to repay the State Revolving Fund Loan, the Proposition
218 ballot measure includes the ability to collect funds to keep LCWD financially sustainable.
Up to $20,000 per year can be collected to pay for administrative expenses. The bulk of such
expenses include: Legal Counsel, Auditor–Controller services, Treasurer–Tax Collector services,
auditing services, room rental, and insurance. Board members receive no compensation.
23 Charles W. Pillon, CPA. 2014. LCWD Basic Financial Statements for Fiscal Years Ended June 30, 2014 and 2013. October.
24 LCWD. 2016. Personal interview by Kateri Harrison and Brendon Freeman.
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Table 5.1 Summary of Fiscal Year Statements
Fiscal Year FY 11-12 FY 12-13 FY 13-14
Revenues
OPERATING REVENUES
Water Sales, Residential $0 0% $0 0% $0 0%
Other Sales $0 0% $0 0% $0 0%
NON-OPERATING REVENUES
Property Taxes $0 0% $0 0% $0 0%
Property Assessment $121,318 99% $119,757 99% $380,814 100%
Interest Income $1,274 1% $1,138 1% $1,327 0%
Intergovernmental $0 0% $0 0% $0 0%
Total Revenues $122,592 100% $120,895 100% $382,141 100%
Expenses
OPERATING EXPENSES
Administration & General $47,147 100% $59,584 100% $486,810 100%
Pumping $0 0% $0 0% $0 0%
Water Treatment $0 0% $0 0% $0 0%
Transmission & Distribution $0 0% $0 0% $0 0%
Other Operating Expenses $0 0% $0 0% $0 0%
$0 0%
NON-OPERATING EXPENSES
Interest Expense $0 0% $0 0% $0 0%
Total Expenses $47,147 100% $59,584 100% $486,810 100%
Income (or Loss) Before Transfers $75,445 $61,311 ($104,669)
Transfers from Reserves 0 0 $104,669
Net Income (or Loss) $75,445 $61,311 0
Comparing revenues to expenses provides an analysis of the overall fiscal health of the
assessment and serves to assess the financial ability of the Agency to provide reclaimed water
services. In FY 2013/2014 expenses exceeded revenue by $104,669; however in previous years
the District operated with a surplus, which are utilized as ‘reserve funds’ to make-up for any
revenue shortfalls.
It is be noted that at this time the District is functioning as the fiscal manager for the grant-
funded Carneros Recycled Water Pipeline Project.
Asset Maintenance and Replacement
The LCWD does not own or maintain any infrastructure or facilities, so no depreciation of capital
assets applies. All infrastructure for the recycled water pipeline is owned and operated by NSD.
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Capital Improvements
Because LCWD does not own or operate any infrastructure or facilities, there is no need for
capital improvement planning.
Long-term Liabilities and Debts
Construction of the $16 million recycled water pipeline is funded approximately 45 percent by
grants and the rest through a State loan. To fund the pipeline project, LCWD received a low-
interest 30-year loan through the State Water Board’s State Revolving Fund Program for $14
million. The loan was amended for approximately $4 million in federal and state grants. The
first payment on the loan is required 365 days after the Notice of Completion is filed. The
District has no history of loan defaults.
Cost Avoidance
The Los Carneros Water District’s agreement with NSD all but eliminates costs for the District
with respect to the delivery of reclaimed water service to its constituents. Notable cost-savings
associated with this agreement includes providing the District unconfined access to a wide
range of administrative and operational support, including engineering and maintenance
personnel.25
Rate Restructuring
The District’s assessment rates are based on an annual assessment engineer’s report, which
were approved under a Proposition 18 protest hearing for a duration of 30 years on a not to
exceed basis. The annual assessment is developed based on an annual Assessment Engineer
Report and are applied only to those parcels within the District receiving recycled water
services. Fiscal Year 2012-2013 was the fifth year of a voter approved assessment, which was
levied at $25 per acre. Fiscal Year 2013-2014 was the first of a three-year voter approved
assessment, which was levied at $100.16 per acre.26 The assessments are collected by the
County and disbursed to the District annually. The assessment was last updated in 2014.27
As noted above, the Napa Sanitation District will operate and maintain the infrastructure and
serve as the water manager, in addition to supplying recycled water. The charge for recycled
water made by NSD covers both the cost of the recycled water plus operation and maintenance
costs. The NSD directly bills connected customers for the recycled water usage.
25 Napa LAFCO. 2004. Comprehensive Water Service Study Municipal Service Review; page 54. October.
26 Charles W. Pillon, CPA. 2014. LCWD Basic Financial Statements for Fiscal Years Ended June 30, 2014 and 2013; page 4. October.
27 NBS. 2014. LCWD Second Amended Engineer’s Report: 2014 Assessment District (Recycled Water Project). August. Available:
http://carneroswater.org/Shared%20Documents/2014/081814/Engineer's%20Report_v6%20signed%20Second%20Amended
%20Report%20081314.pdf.
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Chapter 6: MSR Determinations
6.1 MSR DETERMINATIONS
Based on the information included in this report, the following written determinations make
statements involving the service factors the Commission must consider as part of a municipal
service review. The determinations listed below are recommendations from the
consultant to the Commission. The Commission’s final MSR determinations will be part
of a Resolution, which the Commission formally adopts during a public hearing.
Growth and Population Projections
1. The 2015 population of the Los Carneros Water District is estimated to be 523 permanent
residents, which represents a decline of 12 persons (-2.2 percent) from the previous
year. However, this reduction is a result of ABAG’s calculated reduction to the estimate
of persons per household within unincorporated Napa County.
2. Private parcels located within the Los Carneros Water District are subject to the land-
use authority of the County of Napa. Over 99 percent of land located within the District
is zoned by Napa County as “Agricultural Watershed,” “Agricultural Watershed: Airport
Compatibility,” or “Agricultural Watershed: Produce Stand”. These zoning standards
require minimum parcels sizes of at least 160 acres, which substantially restrict future
development within the District.
3. Less than one percent of land located within Los Carneros Water District’s jurisdictional
boundary is zoned for non-agricultural use by the County of Napa. This area is limited
to a single split zone parcel zoned “Commercial Limited,” which upon grant of a use
permit, could accommodate a variety of commercial uses within the District. Based on
Measure J, which requires a vote of the citizens to change the zoning standard of any
unincorporated agricultural property in Napa County through 2020, it is unlikely that the
development of this parcel would induce the conversion of any adjacent agricultural
land for commercial use or alter the service needs of the community other than
reclaimed water service.
4. There are 28 parcels located within Los Carneros Water District’s jurisdictional boundary
under “Williamson Act” contracts with the County of Napa. These parcels represent
approximately 40 percent of the entire jurisdictional boundary and help to ensure the
preservation of agriculture and open space as predominant land uses within the District.
Parcels under Williamson Act contracts are required to maintain their
agricultural and open space land uses over the course of renewable 10-year
periods in exchange for reduced property tax assessments.
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5. The development of reclaimed water service within Los Carneros Water District’s
jurisdictional boundary will not induce growth beyond what is already contemplated by
the land use plans adopted by the County of Napa.
Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities
6. The median household income (MHI) in unincorporated areas of Napa County (including
the LCWD) in 2010 was $69,717. This is higher than the DUC threshold MHI of less than
$49,191 (80 percent of the Statewide MHI).
7. No disadvantaged unincorporated communities have been identified within Los Carneros
Water District’s boundaries, its SOI, or adjacent areas.
Present and Planned Capacity of Public Facilities
8. The Los Carneros Water District was formed in 1978 for the purpose of facilitating an
agreement with the Napa Sanitation District for the delivery of reclaimed water for
agricultural use. In 2015, under a joint agreement the Los Carneros Water District and
the Napa Sanitation District began construction of the recycled water pipeline to serve
the District. Under the terms of the agreement, upon completion of the pipeline all
infrastructure and facilities will be owned and operated by the NSD. Therefore, the
District itself has no infrastructure or facilities.
9. The recycled water pipeline will serve 107 parcels consisting of 4,127 acres within the
District. The parcels make up approximately 70 percent of the District.
10. Approximately 1,300 acre-feet annually of reclaimed water from the Napa Sanitation
District’s Soscol Wastewater Treatment Plant is used to provide recycled water to 70
percent of lands within Los Carneros Water District’s jurisdictional boundary. Other
water users within the District obtain water through creek diversions from Carneros and
Huichica Creeks and groundwater withdraws from the Carneros Valley Basin.
11. The development of reclaimed water service within Los Carneros Water District’s
jurisdictional boundary lessens the demand for creek diversions and groundwater
withdraws, and promotes the beneficial use of recycled water for agricultural use.
Financial Ability of Agency to Provide Services
12. The Los Carneros Water District develops and adopts a comprehensive budget and
receives an audited financial statement biennially.
13. The LCWD conducted a Proposition 218 protest hearing in 2014, which granted the
District permission to assess for 30 years on a not to exceed basis. The District’s
assessment rates are based on an annual assessment engineer’s report, which outlines
what the rate will be for the following fiscal year. This assessment is reviewed on a
regular basis during the budget process.
Chapter 6: MSR Determinations Page 6-2
FINAL MSR/SOI Update for LCWD
14. Water rates are set by the Napa Sanitation District.
Opportunities for Shared Facilities
15. Future projects with the North Bay Watershed Association may provide opportunities for
the Napa Sanitation District to share costs with other agencies towards the construction
of additional facilities for the delivery of reclaimed water to the Los Carneros Water
District.
Accountability for Community Service Needs
16. The Los Carneros Water District is empowered under the California Water District Act to
provide three municipal services: water, sewer, and hydroelectric power. Due to its
predominant agricultural land use designation under the County of Napa’s General Plan,
parcels within the District do not require a full range of municipal services. Only water
for irrigation of agriculture is an appropriate and currently needed service within the
District.
17. The Los Carneros Water District has been successful in meeting its original objective to
facilitate an agreement with the Napa Sanitation District for the delivery of reclaimed
water on behalf of landowners within its jurisdictional boundary. The project is
scheduled for completion in 2016 and will supply the District’s needs for reclaimed water
service on behalf of local landowners.
18. It is recommended that in the future the Los Carneros Water District, the Napa
Sanitation District, and Napa LAFCO collaborate to produce a new, but brief (3-page),
study of the advantages and disadvantages to pursuing a change in reorganization for
the Los Carneros Water District. This study should consider alternative government
structures and any cost/benefits with respect to meeting the service needs of the
affected area. This additional information would assist the Los Carneros Water District
in determining whether an alternative government structure would better serve the
needs of the District’s constituents as it relates to improving delivery service, public
participation, and local accountability. This study is recommended to be submitted to
LAFCO by the year 2023.
19. The Napa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District and Napa County
Resource Conservation District are both empowered to provide water service for
agricultural use and their jurisdictions overlap that of the Los Carneros Water District.
Both of these agencies have elected not to offer water service, and have expressed no
intentions of doing so in the foreseeable future. The future reorganization study
recommended in Determination #18, above could consider the relationship among these
two districts and the LCWD.
20. The Los Carneros Water District has a seven-member Board of Directors elected or
appointed in staggered, four-year terms. The Los Carneros Water District Board meets
in the Stonebridge Elementary School on the second Tuesday of the month. Los Carneros
Chapter 6: MSR Determinations Page 6-3
FINAL MSR/SOI Update for LCWD
Water District meetings are noticed and conducted in compliance with the Brown Act
and the meetings provide ample opportunities for public comment.
Any Other Matters Related to Service Delivery as Required by
LAFCO Policy
21. There are no other aspects of recycled water service required to be addressed in this
report by LAFCO policies that would affect delivery of services.
Chapter 6: MSR Determinations Page 6-4
FINAL MSR/SOI Update for LCWD
Chapter 7: Sphere Of Influence Analysis
and Determinations
7.1 SPHERE OF INFLUENCE UPDATE OPTIONS
This report represents Napa LAFCO’s scheduled sphere review of the Los Carneros Water District
(LCWD). The most recent comprehensive review of LCWD’s sphere was adopted by the
Commission in August 2007.
Among LAFCO’s primary planning responsibilities is the determination of a sphere of influence
for each city and special district under its jurisdiction. California Government Code §56076
defines a sphere as “a plan for the probable physical boundaries and service area of a local
agency, as determined by the commission.” LAFCO establishes, amends, and updates spheres
to indicate to local agencies and property owners that, at some future date, a specific area will
likely require the services provided by the subject agency. The sphere determination also
indicates the agency which LAFCO believes to be best positioned to serve the subject area.
LAFCO is required to review each agency’s sphere by January 1, 2008 and every five years
thereafter as necessary.
To help inform the sphere review process, the Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Act requires LAFCO to
prepare a municipal service review. The municipal service review culminates in the preparation
of written determinations that address seven specific factors enumerated under California
Government Code §56430. The municipal service review is a prerequisite to updating an
agency’s sphere and may also lead LAFCO to take other actions under its authority.
Drawing from information collected as part of the municipal service review and required
determinations presented in chapters 1-6 of this document, this chapter represents the sphere
review of the District pursuant to California Government Code §56425. The report considers
whether changes to the sphere are warranted to plan the orderly development of the District
in a manner that supports the provisions of California Government Code and the policies of
the Commission.
Summary of Sphere Update Process
The Commission’s “General Policy Determinations” provide direction with respect to
establishing and amending a city or special district’s sphere in relationship to local conditions
and circumstances. In establishing, amending, or updating a city or special district’s sphere,
LAFCO is required to consider and prepare written statements addressing five specific planning
factors. These planning factors, which are enumerated under California Government Code
§56425(e), are intended to capture the legislative intent of the sphere determination with
regard to promoting the logical and orderly development of each local agency. These planning
factors are:
Chapter 7: Sphere of Influence Analysis and Determinations Page 7-1
FINAL MSR/SOI Update for LCWD
The present and planned land uses in the area, including agricultural and open space
lands.
The present and probable need for public facilities and services in the area.
The present capacity of public facilities and adequacy of public services that the agency
provides or is authorized to provide.
The existence of any social or economic communities of interest in the area if the
commission determines that they are relevant to the agency.
The present and probable need for public water and sewer facilities and services of any
disadvantaged unincorporated communities within the existing sphere of influence.
In addition, when reviewing a sphere for a special district, LAFCO must also do the following:
Require the special district to file a written statement with the Commission specifying
the functions or classes of services it provides.
Establish the nature, location, and extent of any functions or classes of services provided
by the existing special district.
Overview of SOI Options
A special district’s SOI is generally used as a guide for annexations within a five-year planning
period. However, inclusion of land within an SOI does not automatically approve an annexation
proposal; any annexation is considered on its own merits with deference to timing.28
The following SOI options have been identified for LCWD and are based on a five-year planning
period.
Option No. 1: Retain the Existing SOI
The LCWD’s sphere was first adopted by LAFCO in 1984 and reaffirmed with no changes in 2007.
LAFCO designated the sphere to reflect what the Commission determined was the natural
service area of LCWD. This includes lands generally bounded on the east by the Stanly Ranch
and the Napa River, on the north primarily by Highway 12, on the west by the Napa / Sonoma
County line, and on the south by the Southern Pacific and Northwestern Pacific Railroad lines.
Excluded from the sphere but within the District’s boundaries are ten parcels located north of
State Highway 12, one of which is only partially within the sphere, totaling approximately 300
acres (see Figure 2.1). The 1984 SOI Study recommended these parcels be detached from the
District as it would be a substantial cost to provide infrastructure and service to them.
The District has expressed a preference for this option, requesting no change to their existing
SOI during this MSR/SOI review cycle.
28 Napa LAFCO. General Policy Determinations: page 9. Amended October 11.
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FINAL MSR/SOI Update for LCWD
Option No. 2: Removal of two parcels from the Existing SOI
Areas that may merit removal from LCWD’s SOI given they are located within the District’s
existing SOI and outside the District’s jurisdictional boundary (Study Areas A-1 and A-2, Figure
2.2). Table 7.1 portrays a parcel summary of the two lots.
Table 7.1 Parcel Summary for Study Areas B-1 and B-2
Study Area APN Acreage Zoning Land Use
A-1 047-320-001 160.5 Agriculture Vineyard
Watershed
A-2 047-380-008 6.7 Agriculture Vineyard/Residence
Watershed
Option No. 3: Inclusion of 10 parcels within the SOI
Areas that may merit addition to LCWD’s SOI given they are located outside the District’s
existing SOI and within the District’s jurisdictional boundary (Study Areas B-1 and B-2, Figure
2.2). Table 7.2 provides a parcel summary of the 10 lots, one of which is partially included in
the District’s boundary.
Table 7.2 Parcel Summary for Study Areas B-1 and B-2
Study Area APN Acreage Zoning Land Use
B-1 047-070-021 (31.5 60.6 AW Vineyard
acres)
047-070-020 (29.1 AW Not developed
acres)
B-2 047-100-054 233.7 AW Vineyard
(partially within
boundary)
(71.8 acres)
047-100-018 AW Vineyard
(4.7 acres)
047-100-019 (19.6 AW Vineyard/Residence
acres)
047-100-048 (49.2 AW Vineyard
acres)
047-100-045 (40.0 AW Vineyard/Residence
acres)
047-100-046 (16.8 AW Vineyard/Residence
acres)
047-100-061 (22.8 AW Vineyard/Winery
acres)
047-100-059 (17.8 AW Vineyard/Agriculture
acres)
Chapter 7: Sphere of Influence Analysis and Determinations Page 7-3
FINAL MSR/SOI Update for LCWD
Analysis and Discussion of Options
Option No. 1: Retain the Existing SOI
If Napa LAFCO determines that the existing government structure is appropriate to coordinate
with Napa Sanitation District to provide recycled water services, then the existing SOI should
be retained. This option would enable the District to continue to include all current areas within
its SOI.
Option No. 2: Removal of two parcels from the Existing SOI
There are two parcels within the District SOI that are not included in the boundaries (Study
Areas A-1 and A-2). The parcel identified as Study Area A-1 consists of 160.5 acres and is located
in the very southwest corner of the District. The parcel identified as Study Area A-2 is 6.7 acres
in size and is adjacent to State Highway 12 along the northern border of the District’s SOI.
Neither of the two parcels are included in the Carneros Recycled Water Pipeline Assessment or
are receiving recycled water at this time.
Their removal will not impact regional transportation plans or sustainable community strategies
contained in ABAG’s Plan Bay Area.
Option No. 3: Inclusion of 10 parcels within the SOI
Ten parcels, one of which is partially included, are located within the District’s boundaries but
outside the adopted SOI. Nine of the ten parcels are zoned Agricultural Watershed. The
remaining parcel is zoned Agricultural Watershed: Produce Stand.
None of the 10 parcels identified in Study Areas B-1 and B-2 are included in the Carneros
Recycled Water Pipeline Assessment or are receiving recycled water at this time. However,
they are located adjacent to other parcels receiving recycled water and logistically could be
connected upon application to LCWD and NSD. One of the 10 parcels (APN 047-100-054) is
partially within the boundaries of the District. As noted above, no portion of the parcel is
included in the assessment or receiving recycled water at this time.
The District has noted that some of the parcels referenced are a substantial distance from the
newly installed recycled water infrastructure. It would take the installation of a large amount
of pipeline to afford a connection.29 Those parcels adjacent to State Highway 12 would be more
likely to have access to the infrastructure than those behind them to the north. Further, in the
1984 SOI Study all parcels identified in Study Areas B-1 and B-2 were recommended for
detachment from the District.
Their addition will not impact regional transportation plans or sustainable community strategies
contained in ABAG’s Plan Bay Area.
29 John Stewart, 2016. Personal communication. May 17,
Chapter 7: Sphere of Influence Analysis and Determinations Page 7-4
FINAL MSR/SOI Update for LCWD
SOI Issues
Table 7.3 Los Carneros Water District Sphere Issues
Issue Comments
SOI Update The Consultants recommend that LAFCO consider each of the three
Recommendation options outlined above. In particular, it is recommended that option
No. 3 receive careful attention from the Commission. Prior to any
modification of LCWD’s SOI, the Commission should consult with the
LCWD Directors regarding the potential for future study of
reorganization options as described in MSR Determinations No. 18
and 19.
Services Provided The LCWD facilitates the delivery of recycled water for irrigation
from the NSD to residents and customers within its boundaries.
Urbanizing effect of The District provides recycled water for irrigation purposes. There
services will be no urbanizing effect as a result of its services.
Present and planned The District consists of rural agricultural lands, primarily associated
land uses in the area with viniculture, single-family residences, and small wineries.
Existing development is consistent with land use designations
contained within the County’s General Plan and Zoning regulations,
which are primarily 160-acre minimum densities. No substantial
development within the District is anticipated.
Potential effects on With the exception of a 1.19-acre portion of a parcel (split-zoned),
agricultural and open- all lands within the District and its SOI are zoned for agricultural and
space lands rural residential uses. The District’s services are currently limited to
the provision of reclaimed water from the NSD Wastewater
Treatment Plant for irrigation purposes.
Projected growth in the The growth rate within the District is estimated to be 0.6 percent
District by the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG). Further, since
the 2004 MSR, the District noted only three new residences had been
constructed within the District.
Present and probable The District does not own, maintain, or operate any facilities. All
need for public facilities facilities are owned and operated by the Napa Sanitation District.
and services in the area
related to recycled
water services
Present capacity of The agreement between LCWD and NSD is for 1,300 acre-feet
public facilities and annually of tertiary reclaimed water from NSD’s Soscol Wastewater
adequacy of public Treatment Plant. The water service will be provided on a schedule
services related to so as to ensure that all parcels within the assessment area receive
recycled water services the agreed upon allotment of water.
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FINAL MSR/SOI Update for LCWD
The existence of any The District is located in a rural, agricultural area of southwest
social or economic Napa County and does not contain any social or economic
communities of interest communities of interest. The nearest community is the City of
in the area
Napa located northeast of the District.
The present and No DUCs have been identified within LCWD, its SOI, or adjacent
probable need for water areas. The median household income (MHI) in the unincorporated
of any Disadvantaged areas of Napa County was $69,717. This is higher than the DUC
Unincorporated
threshold MHI of less than $49,191 (80 percent of the statewide
Community within the
MHI of $61,489).
existing SOI
Effects on other agencies The established SOI does not have an effect on other agencies.
However, Napa Sanitation District is a partner of LCWD and should
be kept informed of any changes to the LCWD SOI.
Potential for The District’s boundaries do not divide communities. One possible
consolidations or other exception involves Study Area A-1 (APN 047-320-001) that appears
reorganizations when to be partially within Sonoma County based on Napa County’s GIS
boundaries divide data. The wastewater treatment facility and recycled water
communities distribution infrastructure is owned and operated by the Napa
Sanitation District. No other districts in the area have expressed
interest in providing recycled water services for the area.
Location of facilities, The location of the Carneros Recycled Water Pipeline and meters
infrastructure and are entirely within existing road right-of-ways. Laterals to land-
natural features locked parcels are the responsibility of individual land owners.
Willingness to serve The District wishes to continue to facilitate recycled water services
within its boundary and to determine the most efficient way to
provide services within its SOI.
Potential environmental The use of recycled water will reduce the impacts of current water
Impacts diversions on both surface and groundwater sources in the region.
Irrigating agricultural crops with recycled water may offer both
benefits30 and impacts31 to public health.
30 Sharona Sokolow, Hilary Godwin, Brian L. Cole. Impacts of Urban Water Conservation Strategies on
Energy, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, and Health: Southern California as a Case Study. American Journal
of Public Health, 2016; e1 DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2016.303053. As cited in Science Daily, 18 March 2016.
<www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/03/160318091012.htm>.
31 Ora Paltiel, Ganna Fedorova, Galit Tadmor, Geffen Kleinstern, Yehoshua Maor, Benny
Chefetz. Human Exposure to Wastewater-Derived Pharmaceuticals in Fresh Produce: A Randomized
Controlled Trial Focusing on Carbamazepine. Environmental Science & Technology, 2016;
DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.5b06256 as cited in Science Daily. 18 April 2016.
<www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/04/160418120339.htm>.
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FINAL MSR/SOI Update for LCWD
7.2 DRAFT SOI DETERMINATIONS OPTION #1
The following determinations are provided for Option #1 described above as “Retain the Existing
SOI”. Under this option the District would continue to include all current areas within its SOI.
If the Commission would like to implement Option #2 or #3, the draft determinations provided
below can be modified to reflect the Commission’s direction.
Present and planned land uses in the area
1. The majority of land within the LCWD is under agricultural use, primarily vineyards,
along with rural single-family residences and small wineries.
2. The County’s General Plan designates land located within LCWD as Agriculture,
Watershed and Open Space or Agricultural Resource.
Present and probable need for public facilities and services in
the area
3. The Los Carneros Water District has an agreement with the Napa Sanitation District to
provide recycled water services to the District. Construction on the Carneros Recycled
Pipeline Project started in 2015 and is expected to be complete in summer 2016. When
complete, the pipeline will provide irrigation water to approximately 70 percent of the
District’s lands. The development of reclaimed water services within the area will lessen
the demand for creek diversions and groundwater withdrawals, and promotes the
beneficial use of recycled water to support agriculture.
Present capacity of public facilities and adequacy of public
services that the agency provides or is authorized to provide
4. The Los Carneros Water District does not own, lease, or operate any public facilities
relating to the collection and conveyance of reclaimed water to the area. The ability of
the District to provide reclaimed water service is dependent upon importing supplies
from an outside provider. All infrastructure and facilities are owned and operated by
the Napa Sanitation District. Additionally, under the mutual agreement, the water
services will be managed by the NSD General Manager.
Chapter 7: Sphere of Influence Analysis and Determinations Page 7-7
FINAL MSR/SOI Update for LCWD
Existence of social or economic communities of interest in the
area if the Commission determines that they are relevant to the
agency:
5. There has been a significant transition over the last 40 years in the area as viniculture
has become the predominant land use. This transition has fostered strong social and
economic interdependencies and has been formally recognized as part of a federal
vinicultural designation that includes the entire area as well as neighboring lands in
Congress Valley and Sonoma County.
6. The District is located in a rural, agricultural area of southwest Napa County and does
not contain any social or economic communities of interest. The nearest community is
the City of Napa located northeast of the District.
Present and Probable need for Public Facilities and Services of
Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities:
7. No DUCs have been identified within LCWD, its SOI, or adjacent areas.
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FINAL MSR/SOI Update for LCWD
Chapter 8: Acknowledgements
Assistance and Support
Several people contributed information that was utilized in this Municipal Service Review and
Sphere of Influence Update. Napa LAFCO and SWALE Inc. wish to acknowledge the support
received from the following individuals and organizations.
LAFCO Staff Brendon Freeman, Executive Officer, GIS
mapping
Kathy Mabry, Commission Clerk
Los Carneros Water District John Stewart, President
Bob Mueller, Director/Secretary
Report Preparers
A team of consultants authored this MSR and SOI Update and provided an independent analysis.
The expertise and contributions provided by this consulting team are greatly appreciated. The
names and roles of the individual experts responsible for writing this MSR are provided below.
Kateri Harrison, Project Manager
SWALE Inc.
Uma Hinman Consulting Uma Hinman, Author, Planner
Baracco & Associates Bruce Baracco, Project Advisor
Chapter 8: Acknowledgements Page 8-1
FINAL MSR/SOI Update for LCWD
Appendices
Appendix A
Population Study for Napa County
This appendix analyzes the existing and projected population in Napa County. This
information is provided as context to the Los Carneros Water District as studied in this
MSR/SOI.
Napa County has the smallest population of any of the nine bay area counties that participate
in Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG). The population of Napa County is
approximately
140,300 persons in
2015. The second
smallest county in
the ABAG region is
Marin County at
258,972 persons
and this is 84%
larger than Napa
County (DOF,
2015). Figure A-1,
below depicts the
general population
of Napa County in
relation to the
surrounding
counties.
ABAG provides
analysis of
population data for
local governments
throughout the nine county region it serves. Projections 2013 is the most recent in the
Association of Bay Area Governments’ series of statistical compendia on demographic,
economic, and land use changes in coming decades. This current version covers the period
between 2010 and 2040. Table D.1, below lists ABAG’s projected population for Napa County
in the years 2020, 2025, 2030, 2035, and 2040. Between the years 2015 to 2040, Napa
County’s population will grow by 23,400 persons or an overall increase of 17%. Currently,
most (56%) of the population of Napa County resides within the City of Napa, making Napa the
largest city in the County. Nineteen percent live in the unincorporated area of the County.
Appendix D: Population Page D-1
Table D-1: Projected Total Population Napa County
2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040
AMERICAN
CANYON 20,500 21,500 22,600 23,700 25,000 26,200
CALISTOGA 5,200 5,300 5,400 5,500 5,500 5,600
NAPA 78,800 80,700 82,800 85,100 87,700 90,300
ST. HELENA 5,900 6,000 6,100 6,100 6,200 6,300
YOUNTVILLE 3,000 3,100 3,300 3,400 3,600 3,800
UNINCORPORATED 26,900 27,600 28,400 29,300 30,400 31,500
NAPA COUNTY 140,300 144,200 148,600 153,100 158,400 163,700
Source: ABAG Projections 2013 for Napa County
The number of persons sharing a household is projected to increase slightly by the year 2040
to 2.77, on average as shown in Table D-2, below (ABAG, 2013).
Table D-2: Persons Per Household in Napa County
2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040
AMERICAN
CANYON 3.41 3.40 3.40 3.40 3.41 3.43
CALISTOGA 2.53 2.54 2.55 2.56 2.58 2.60
NAPA 2.69 2.69 2.71 2.72 2.74 2.76
ST. HELENA 2.39 2.39 2.40 2.41 2.43 2.45
YOUNTVILLE 1.86 1.86 1.87 1.88 1.89 1.91
UNINCORPORATED 2.48 2.49 2.50 2.51 2.53 2.55
NAPA COUNTY 2.70 2.70 2.72 2.73 2.75 2.77
Source: ABAG Projections 2013 for Napa County
The Metropolitan Transportation Commission analyzes and publishes various statistics about
local counties as part of their transportation planning process. The historical trend of poverty
rates is shown in Figure below. Napa County is shown as a blue line and it indicates that
poverty in Napa County has become more variable and has increased during the past decade.
Appendix D: Population Page D-2
Figure A-2 with Data Source: Metropolitan Trans Commis
The U.S. Census collects data on race and this provides background information about
ancestry and ethno-linguistic categories. This data also provides contextual information on
the historical role of immigration, race and inequality in American society. The Bay Area
Census1 reports this data for Napa County. California is a racially diverse state and Napa
County somewhat reflects this diversity. White and Hispanics are the two largest racial
categories in Napa County as shown in Figure A-3 below. Other categories include African
American (1.20%); American Indian/Alaskan (0.50%); Asian (2.90%); and Native Hawaiian &
Pacific Islander (0.20%). 0.20% of people self-identify as belonging to some other race and
2.10% identify as belonging to two or more races (MTC-ABAG, 2010).
1 The Bay Area Census is a project and website provided jointly by provided by the Metropolitan
Transportation Commission and the Association of Bay Area Governments and it contains selected
Census data for the San Francisco Bay Area.
Appendix D: Population Page D-3
Figure A-3: Racial Distribution Napa County
Native
Hawaiian &
Asian Pacific Islander S o me other race
2 or more races
American
Indian/Alaskan
African
American
Hispanic ,
32.20%
White, 56.40%
Data Source: MTC-ABAG , 2010
Age distribution
The Median age in Napa County is 39.7 years. There are 20,594 senior citizens living in the
County, as shown in Table D-3, below.
Table D-3: Age Distribution in Napa County
Age Category # of residents
Under 5 years 8,131
5 to 17 years 23,355
18 to 64 years 84,404
65 years and over 20,594
Data Source: http://www.bayareacensus.ca.gov/counties/NapaCounty.htm
Average household size was 2.69 persons in 2010. There were a total of 54,759 housing units
in Napa County in 2010. Approximately 11% or 5,883 of these units were vacant or used as
vacation homes. Of the occupied homes, approximately 63% or 30,597 were owner-occupied
and 37% (18,279 units) were rental homes (MTC-ABAG, 2010).
Appendix D: Population Page D-4
The total number households in the County in 2014 was 49,631. The median household
income was $70,925. The Mean household income was estimated to be $95,454 in 2014. The
percentage of people whose income in the past 12 months is below federal poverty level was
10.30% (approximately 13,000 people) (US Census, 2014).
The Educational Attainment In the population aged 25 years and over is that 82.80% of the
county’s population is a high school graduate or higher. Almost 32% of the county’s
population has attained a bachelor's degree or higher, as shown in Figure A-4, below (US
Census, 2014).
Figure A-4: Educational Attainment
in Napa County, 2014
Grad >9th 9-12th grd
Scl+ grd
BA/BS
HS grad
AA/AS
Some Col
US Census, 2014
Figure A-5, below depicts a comparison between the number of employed residents an area
has to the total number of jobs that area provides, as of 2015. In the Figure, abbreviations
for the jurisdictions along the horizontal access are as follows: City of American Canyon, AC;
City of Calistoga, CL; City of Napa, NP; City of St. Helena , SH; City of Yountville, YT;
Unincorporated, UNI; and Napa County, NCOU. Three cities, such as American Canyon and
Calistoga, and Napa have more employed residents and fewer jobs, in comparison. This
indicates that many people commute out of the city to work. The cities of St. Helena and
Yountville along with the unincorporated area provide more jobs than employed residents.
This indicates that these areas provide jobs that attract people to commute there for work.
By the year 2040, the number of employed residents in Napa County is expected to rise to
74,690 persons (ABAG, 2013).
Appendix D: Population Page D-5
80,000
70,000
60,000
50,000
40,000
30,000
20,000
10,000
0
AC CL NP SH YT UNI NCOU
There are 75,700 jobs in Napa County as of the year 2015, as shown in Figure A-6, below,
according to ABAG. The number of jobs is expected to increase to 89,540 by the year 2040,
an overall increase of almost two percent. The jobs cover a range of economic sectors. In
the Figure below, these economic sectors are given the following abbreviations: Agriculture
and Natural Resources Jobs, AG; Manufacturing, Wholesale and Transportation Jobs, MWT;
Retail Jobs, Re; Financial and Professional Service Jobs, F&P; Health, Educational and
Recreational Service Jobs, HER; and Other Jobs, OJ.
Appendix D: Population Page D-6
sboJ
RO
stnediser
fo
#
Figure A-5: Comparison # Employed
Residents and Jobs in 2015
Employed Residents
Total Jobs
Jurisdiction
Data Source: ABAG Population Projections 2013
90,000
80,000
70,000
60,000
50,000
40,000
30,000
20,000
10,000
0
2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040
Although the agricultural sector represents only a small fraction of the number of current and
projected jobs, this sector does provide many other ancillary benefits. For example, many of
the retail jobs in Napa County are related to the wine industry. The scenic vineyards and
pastures create an attractive visual amenity which increase the quality of life and helps other
businesses and industries attract workers. The agricultural sector also supports the creation
and protection of green open space which is one of LAFCO’s goals.
Appendix D: Population Page D-7
sboj
fo
#
Figure A-6: Projected Job Growth
- Napa County
OJ
HER
F&P
Re
MWT
AG
Year
Data Source: ABAG Projections, 2013
References
Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG). Bay Area Plan Projections 2013. Oakland,
California. Available on-line at: <http://abag.ca.gov/planning/
housing/projections13.html>. Accessed March 23, 2016.
CA Department of Finance (DOF), Demographic Research Unit. Table E-1, Cities, Counties,
and the State Population Estimates with Annual Percent change – January 1, 2014 and
2015. May 2015. Sacramento, California. Available on-line at: <http://www.dof.
ca.gov/research/demographic/reports/estimates/e-1/view.php>. Accessed March 23,
2016.
MTC-ABAG Library. Bay Area Census website. 2010 Census data for Bay Area. Oakland,
California. Available on-line at: <http://www.bayareacensus.ca.gov/index.html>.
Accessed March 23, 2016.
U.S. Census Bureau; 2014. American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates Educational
Attainment. Generated by Kateri Harrison; using American FactFinder;
<http://factfinder2.census.gov>. Accessed March 23, 2016.
Appendix D: Population Page D-8
N C E F
apa ouNty CoNomiC orECast
Napa County is home to the Napa Valley, a popular tourist
thousands Total Wage & Salary Job Creation
destination known for wine grapes and premium wine production. of jobs 1990 - 2040
Napa County has a population of 140,300 people and a total of
4
74,200 wage and salary jobs. The per capita income in Napa County
3
is $60,576, and the average salary per worker is $58,557.
Wine grapes account for 99 percent of all agricultural output 2
in Napa County. Red grapes are dominant in the region, with a total 1
value that is almost 5 times than that of white grapes. The viticulture
0
industry also attracts a large number of tourists to the county each
-1
year, generating a substantial amount of economic activity.
In 2014, employment in Northern California increased by -2
3.4 percent, whereas employment in the greater Bay Area grew -3
by 4.0 percent. In Napa County, a total of 2,800 jobs were created,
-4
representing a growth rate of 3.9 percent. Non-farm employment 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040
increased by 4.1 percent, while farm employment increased by 1.8
percent. The unemployment rate improved substantially, falling from constant 2014 Real Per Capita Personal Income
6.8 percent in 2013 to 5.6 percent in 2014. dollars per person 1990 - 2040
During 2014, the largest employment increases were observed 80,000
in leisure and hospitality (+670 jobs), manufacturing (+670 jobs), 75,000
education and healthcare (+420 jobs), and construction (+410 jobs). 70,000
No industries were characterized by jobs losses. 65,000
Between 2009 and 2014, the population of Napa County grew
60,000
at an annual average rate of 0.7 percent. Net migration accounted Napa County
55,000
for more than 60 percent of this growth, with an average of 600 net
50,000
migrants entering the county each year.
45,000
California
40,000
forecast
F H 35,000
orecast igHligHts
1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040
• Job growth of 2.7 percent is forecasted for 2015. Between 2015 • Real per capita income will rise by 4.8 percent in 2015. From
and 2020, the annual growth rate for total wage and salary jobs 2015 to 2020, real per capita income is forecasted to increase
will average 1.3 percent. by 1.4 percent per year.
• Average salaries are below the California average, and will remain • Total taxable sales, adjusted for inflation, are expected to increase
so over the foreseeable future. In Napa County, inflation-adjusted by an average of 2.7 percent per year between 2015 and 2020.
salaries are forecasted to rise by 0.6 percent per year from 2015
to 2020. • Industrial production is expected to rise by 4.1 percent in 2015.
From 2015 to 2020, industrial production will grow at an average
• Between 2015 and 2020, job creation will be concentrated in leisure rate of 2.6 percent per year.
services (+1,700 jobs), professional and business services (+1,000
jobs), education and healthcare (+530 jobs), and wholesale and • Farm production is forecasted to increase by 1.2 percent per year
retail trade (+500 jobs). Together, these industries will account for between 2015 and 2020. Wine grapes will continue to account
71 percent of net job creation in the county. for the vast majority of all output.
• Population growth is expected to average 0.4 percent per year
from 2015 to 2020.
• During the 2015-2020 period, an average of 470 net migrants
will enter the county each year, accounting for 77 percent of total
population growth.
109
Napa County Economic Forecast
2006-2014 History, 2015-2040 Forecast
Net Registered New Homes Total Taxable Personal Real Per Inflation Rate Real Farm Real Industrial Unemploy-
Population Migration Vehicles Households Permitted Sales Income Capita Income (% change Crop Value Production ment Rate
(people) (people) (thousands) (thousands) (homes) (billions) (billions) (dollars) in CPI) (millions) (billions) (percent)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2006 131,920 630 138 48.4 503 $2.4 $6.4 $58,181 3.2 576.3 2.4 3.9
2007 133,155 701 138 48.8 314 $2.6 $6.7 $58,407 3.4 562.1 2.6 4.0
2008 134,786 1,170 139 48.9 247 $2.5 $6.8 $57,124 2.9 463.4 3.0 5.1
2009 135,664 321 138 48.9 132 $2.2 $6.6 $54,441 0.8 564.0 2.7 8.6
2010 136,798 648 138 48.9 106 $2.3 $6.6 $53,865 1.3 511.5 2.6 10.3
2011 137,653 496 137 49.0 131 $2.5 $7.1 $55,359 2.7 464.8 2.5 9.8
2012 138,019 -43 137 49.1 153 $2.7 $7.7 $58,326 2.7 699.7 2.8 8.4
2013 138,932 742 141 49.2 237 $2.9 $7.9 $58,830 2.3 681.0 2.9 6.8
2014 140,348 1,149 143 49.2 126 $3.1 $8.5 $60,576 2.8 682.0 3.1 5.6
2015 140,984 537 144 49.4 143 $3.3 $9.1 $63,464 1.2 696.6 3.2 5.1
2016 141,633 542 146 49.5 172 $3.6 $9.6 $65,126 3.2 700.0 3.3 4.3
2017 142,235 477 147 49.7 189 $3.8 $10.1 $65,791 3.2 708.1 3.4 4.1
2018 142,808 434 147 49.9 202 $4.0 $10.5 $66,499 3.0 711.2 3.5 4.0
2019 143,405 438 148 50.1 204 $4.2 $11.0 $67,355 2.8 720.5 3.6 3.9
2020 144,053 468 148 50.3 206 $4.4 $11.5 $68,033 2.9 739.1 3.7 3.9
2021 144,704 455 149 50.5 199 $4.6 $12.0 $68,562 3.0 737.9 3.8 3.9
2022 145,393 473 149 50.7 196 $4.8 $12.5 $68,824 3.1 750.1 3.9 3.9
2023 146,107 477 149 50.9 197 $5.0 $13.0 $69,327 2.7 754.3 4.0 3.8
2024 146,837 479 150 51.1 189 $5.2 $13.5 $70,149 2.6 762.4 4.1 3.8
2025 147,572 474 150 51.3 188 $5.4 $14.1 $70,699 2.8 768.9 4.2 3.8
2026 148,320 475 150 51.5 186 $5.6 $14.6 $70,990 2.8 776.2 4.4 3.8
2027 149,074 472 151 51.6 184 $5.8 $15.2 $71,230 2.8 783.3 4.5 3.8
2028 149,833 470 151 51.8 189 $6.0 $15.7 $71,598 2.7 790.6 4.6 3.8
2029 150,599 465 152 52.0 186 $6.2 $16.3 $72,096 2.5 797.9 4.8 3.8
2030 151,359 454 152 52.2 180 $6.4 $16.9 $72,628 2.4 805.5 4.9 3.8
2031 152,116 442 152 52.4 174 $6.6 $17.5 $73,177 2.3 813.1 5.1 3.8
2032 152,860 426 153 52.6 167 $6.8 $18.1 $73,480 2.5 820.7 5.3 3.8
2033 153,604 420 153 52.7 162 $7.1 $18.8 $74,152 2.1 828.3 5.4 3.8
2034 154,341 411 154 52.9 157 $7.3 $19.4 $74,725 2.3 836.2 5.6 3.8
2035 155,068 404 154 53.0 152 $7.6 $20.1 $75,264 2.4 844.0 5.8 3.8
2036 155,781 395 154 53.2 147 $7.8 $20.8 $75,501 2.8 851.9 5.9 3.8
2037 156,473 387 155 53.3 142 $8.1 $21.6 $75,702 2.8 860.1 6.1 3.8
2038 157,154 382 155 53.5 137 $8.4 $22.4 $76,071 2.7 868.0 6.3 3.8
2039 157,811 375 155 53.6 132 $8.6 $23.2 $76,311 2.8 876.4 6.4 3.8
2040 158,460 368 156 53.8 128 $8.9 $24.0 $76,587 2.8 884.6 6.6 3.8
percent Population Growth units New Residential Units
change 1990 - 2040 permitted 1990 - 2040
3.0 1,200
2.5 1,000
2.0 800
1.5 600
1.0 400
0.5 200
0.0 0
1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040
110
Napa County Employment Forecast
2006-2014 History, 2015-2040 Forecast
Total Wage Manufac- Transportation Wholesale & Financial Professional Health &
& Salary Farm Construction turing & Utilities Retail Trade Activities Services Information Education Leisure Government
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------employment (thousands of jobs)---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2006 67.8 4.74 5.1 11.6 1.4 7.6 2.8 5.7 0.7 8.0 8.5 10.0
2007 69.4 4.91 4.6 11.7 1.6 7.8 2.6 6.1 0.7 8.4 9.1 10.2
2008 70.3 4.87 4.0 12.0 1.7 7.7 2.6 6.1 0.7 8.6 9.3 10.6
2009 66.3 4.93 3.0 10.9 1.6 7.3 2.4 5.7 0.6 8.5 8.8 10.7
2010 65.3 4.67 2.6 10.7 1.5 7.3 2.3 5.3 0.6 8.7 9.3 10.4
2011 66.0 4.80 2.5 10.9 1.6 7.1 2.3 5.5 0.6 8.8 10.0 10.1
2012 68.3 4.81 2.7 11.2 1.8 7.3 2.3 6.1 0.6 9.1 10.7 9.9
2013 71.4 4.95 3.2 11.6 1.9 7.7 2.2 6.5 0.6 9.6 11.3 10.0
2014 74.2 5.04 3.6 12.3 2.0 7.9 2.2 6.5 0.6 10.0 12.0 10.1
2015 76.2 5.09 3.6 12.5 1.9 8.1 2.3 6.9 0.6 10.2 12.8 10.2
2016 77.9 5.12 3.7 12.6 2.0 8.2 2.2 7.2 0.6 10.4 13.4 10.3
2017 79.2 5.17 3.7 12.7 2.0 8.3 2.2 7.4 0.6 10.5 13.9 10.4
2018 80.0 5.19 3.7 12.8 2.0 8.4 2.2 7.6 0.6 10.6 14.2 10.4
2019 80.7 5.25 3.7 12.8 2.0 8.5 2.3 7.7 0.6 10.7 14.4 10.5
2020 81.4 5.38 3.7 12.9 2.0 8.6 2.3 7.8 0.7 10.7 14.4 10.5
2021 81.8 5.37 3.7 12.9 2.1 8.7 2.3 8.0 0.7 10.8 14.5 10.5
2022 82.2 5.45 3.7 12.9 2.1 8.7 2.3 8.1 0.7 10.9 14.5 10.5
2023 82.7 5.48 3.7 12.9 2.1 8.8 2.3 8.3 0.7 11.0 14.5 10.6
2024 83.2 5.53 3.7 12.9 2.1 8.8 2.3 8.5 0.7 11.1 14.5 10.6
2025 83.7 5.57 3.7 12.9 2.1 8.9 2.3 8.7 0.7 11.1 14.6 10.6
2026 84.2 5.62 3.6 12.9 2.2 8.9 2.4 8.8 0.7 11.2 14.6 10.7
2027 84.7 5.67 3.6 12.9 2.2 9.0 2.4 9.0 0.7 11.3 14.7 10.7
2028 85.3 5.72 3.6 12.9 2.2 9.0 2.4 9.2 0.7 11.4 14.8 10.7
2029 85.9 5.77 3.6 12.9 2.2 9.1 2.4 9.4 0.7 11.5 14.9 10.8
2030 86.5 5.82 3.6 12.9 2.3 9.1 2.4 9.5 0.7 11.7 15.0 10.8
2031 87.1 5.87 3.6 12.9 2.3 9.2 2.5 9.7 0.7 11.8 15.2 10.8
2032 87.6 5.92 3.6 12.9 2.3 9.2 2.5 9.8 0.7 11.9 15.3 10.8
2033 88.2 5.97 3.6 12.9 2.3 9.3 2.5 10.0 0.7 12.0 15.5 10.9
2034 88.8 6.02 3.6 12.9 2.4 9.4 2.5 10.1 0.7 12.1 15.6 10.9
2035 89.4 6.07 3.6 12.8 2.4 9.4 2.5 10.2 0.7 12.3 15.7 10.9
2036 89.9 6.12 3.6 12.8 2.4 9.5 2.5 10.3 0.7 12.4 15.9 11.0
2037 90.4 6.18 3.6 12.8 2.4 9.5 2.5 10.5 0.7 12.5 16.0 11.0
2038 91.0 6.23 3.6 12.8 2.4 9.5 2.6 10.6 0.7 12.6 16.2 11.0
2039 91.5 6.29 3.6 12.7 2.5 9.6 2.6 10.7 0.7 12.7 16.3 11.0
2040 92.0 6.34 3.6 12.7 2.5 9.6 2.6 10.9 0.7 12.8 16.5 11.1
thousands Manufacturing Employment thousands Employment in Professional Services
of jobs 1990 - 2040 of jobs 1990 - 2040
11
13
10
12
9
11
8
10
7
9
6
8 5
7 4
6 3
5 2
1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040
111
percent Real Retail Sales Growth thousands of Real Earnings Per Worker
change 1990 - 2040 c d o o n lla st r a s n p t e 2 r 0 w 1 o 4 r ker 1990 - 2040
15 90
10
80
5
70
0 California
60
-5
50
-10
Napa County
forecast
-15 40
1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040
inmigrants Net Migration inflation adjusted Industrial and Farm Production Indices
m ou in tm us ig rants 1990 - 2040 index (1990=100) 1990 - 2040
1,200
2,800
2,400 1,000
2,000
800
1,600
1,200 600
Industrial
800
400
400
200
0
Farm
forecast
-400 0
1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040
County Economic and Demographic Indicators
Projected Economic Growth (2015-2020)
Expected retail sales growth: 16.8% Expected population growth: 2.6%
Expected job growth: 9.6% Net migration to account for: 76.8%
Fastest growing jobs sector: Leisure Services Expected growth in number of vehicles: 3.8%
Expected personal income growth: 15.3%
Demographics (2015)
Unemployment rate (March 2015): 4.6% Population with B.A. or higher: 30.8%
County rank* in California (58 counties): 6th Median home selling price (2014): $485,000
Percent of population working age:(16-64) 63.6% Median household income: $69,717
Quality of Life
Violent crime rate (2013): 262 per 100,000 persons High School drop out rate (2014): 9.3%
County rank* in California (58 counties): 15th Households at/below poverty line (2015): 7.3%
Average commute time to work (2015): 26.1 minutes * The county ranked 1st corresponds to the lowest rate in California
112