Gallinas Creek: The Main Story

JOE SHEKOU SLAPP suits Gallinas Creek activists! See our point of view and evidence of a disturbing coziness between a San Rafael City official and the developers in this PDF file Video of the protest that was held on Monday night May 15 can be viewed here Developer Joe Shekou is attempting to build a giant soccer complex on land he owns on the north fork of Gallinas Creek.

Gallinas Creek is located in north Marin County, California
It is slightly north of China Camp State Park. Environmentalists and nearby residents are expressing concern over the implications that such a massive complex will mean for the community and wildlife. The wetlands of Gallinas Creek are home to the endangered clapper rail and salt marsh harvest mouse. The proposed 2.5 acre sports complex sits in the middle of this habitat and is in the pathway of a variety of local and migratory birds, river otters and a wide range of nature enthusiasts. Shekou has a track record of antipathy towards environmental concerns in this area [see: article by Shekou ] The increased traffic, huge paved parking lot, along with the need to build a large new bridge over the sensitive creek are more than the area can endure. At a recent San Rafael Design Review Board meeting, soccer complex proponents attempted to portray their stadium as vital for our kids. They imported a sizable contingent of soccer moms and coaches to lobby the city on their behalf. The Shekou airport location was presented as the only site available. We believe that there is a better place for this.

 

Recent Clapper Rail Video: Jan.1, 2008

Join Big Year to Save Endangered Species in the Bay Area

What is the Airport pumping into Gallinas Creek?

Jan.04, 2008 4:00pm. Gallinas Creek activists spotted the pump at the eastern tip of the San Rafael Airport discharging great quantities of runoff into Gallinas Creek.
The Army Corps of Engineers is being alerted,
and asked to test for water quality. Activists had just filmed a California clapper rail feeding at the pump station a few days earlier.
(see above video post for documentation)

Click To Play

 

Briscoe Letter

Attorneys for Joe Shekou's San Rafael Airport have sent a letter to the Marin County Planning Commission warning of "hazardous wildlife safety impacts" should the airport be included in the proposed baylands corridor. Links to letter here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recent AirPort Crashes

Yet another Bay Area airplane crash story from the April 24, 2007 SF Chronicle

 

Larry Paul, Nov 8 2005 Design Review Board Meeting

A San Rafael Planning Commissioner as the lead designer for the airport soccer complex?

San Rafael Planning Commissioner, Larry Paul,
made no mention of the fact that he sits on this important San
Rafael City board while he made his presentation of architectual
plans for the Shekou airport soccer complex, at the Nov. 8th
2005 Design Review Board Meeting. 85Mb Quicktime video here.
(Larry Paul presentation, from Design Review Board
Meeting: 19 minutes into this 30 min video)



Bob Herbst, airport developer and San Rafael Planner, Larry Paul