Mediations and Facilitations Conducted by NCRC’s Land Use and Environmental Mediation Group

A note about confidentiality: Mediations are confidential, as required by the California Evidence Code; facilitations and other public processes by their nature are not confidential.  However, the members of the Land Use and Environmental Mediation Group take seriously our obligation of confidentiality. The below short list of mediations and facilitations consists of general descriptions intended to avoid violating confidentiality. In a few instances, the events were publicly-noticed meetings or were covered by the media.
   
Special Event Permit – Mediation of a conflict involving two community-based organizations that had jointly put on a large community event over several years, but were now separately seeking a permit for that event. Referred by local Mayor. One session, resolved.

Presentation of New Regulations – Facilitation of presentations made by local real estate industry and public agencies regarding new environmental regulations. Follow-up meetings planned. 

Multiparty Lease of Public Building – Mediation of a three-party conflict involving two nonprofit organizations providing health care services sharing leased space in a building owned by a local government. Referred by a City Council member. Two sessions, resolved. 

Development Permit Approval – Mediation of a pending lawsuit between a neighborhood group and a religious organization over a proposed development project. One session, no settlement, issue resolved through litigation.

Toxic Mold – Mediation of pending lawsuit between a landlord and tenant regarding mold. One session, no resolution.

Land Use Policies – Facilitation among local land use and design organizations to establish policy priorities, conducted over a series of meetings. Agreement reached on priorities and on formation of a new coalition. 

Nonprofit Board Retreat – Facilitation of board retreat of a nonprofit organization involved in environmental remediation. Action plan adopted. 

Panel Discussion about Future of Redevelopment – Moderation of a panel discussion among elected officials, industry experts, and the public about the future of Redevelopment. Convened by Chamber of Commerce, League of Women Voters, C-3. 

Utility box Placement - Facilitation regarding placement and design of utility boxes in neighborhoods where utility lines are being undergrounded from poles, with nearly 100 in attendance. Convened by SDG&E. Concerns and opinions expressed, but no plan for follow-up. 

Business/Neighborhood Dispute – Mediation over complaint raised by neighbors regarding disruption of the community by the operations of a local business. One session, resolved. 

Capital Improvements to a Historic Public Resource - Mediation between proponent and funder of a major public improvement and opposing historic preservation organization. Initiated by NCRC. Numerous sessions, no resolution.

​Beach Parking Regulation – Facilitation of community meeting to address parking issues at popular surfing beach. Convened by San Diego City Councilmember. 

Superfund Cleanup Allocation -- Facilitation among numerous corporations and government agencies of allocation of responsibility for funding clean-up of largest State Superfund site under federal consent decree.  Resolved without litigation.

Environmental Clean-up Grant Funding - Facilitation among numerous government agencies, nonprofits, and neighborhood groups to establish criteria for prioritizing environmental clean-up grant funding requests. Convened by a local nonprofit. Agreement reached on criteria.

​Business/Neighborhood Dispute – Mediation among several homeowners regarding noise from a rental property near a university. Referred by a City Council member. TOne session, resolved. 

Property Line Dispute – Mediation of pending lawsuit between two homeowners regarding property line dispute. Court referred. One session, interim agreement reached. 

Hazardous Waste Facility – Mediation among five Coachella Valley community-based organizations working to deal with concerns about a hazardous waste facility. Referred by the California Endowment. One session, interim agreement reached. 

Watershed Environmental Issues – Facilitation of public meeting among stakeholders regarding environmental issues in a local watershed. Sponsored by a municipal agency. Agreement reached on a general vision. 

Business/Neighborhood dispute – Mediation concerning zoning issues in night noise and activity surrounding a popular restaurant/bar raised by neighbors and two community organizations. Referred by a City Council member. Three sessions, resolved.

Nonprofit Board Retreat – Facilitation of board retreat for a nonprofit corporation actively involved in public policy issues. Priorities established.

Bayfront Development Proposal – Facilitation among community organizations and residents regarding final review of a major bayfront development proposal prior to submittal to the Coastal Commission. Convened by Chula Vista Deputy Mayor. Comments received and proposal endorsed. 

Water Supply Planning – Facilitation of discussion among water agency officials of state and local water supply issues, before an audience of planning professionals. Sponsored by American Planning Association.    

​Harbor Planning – Facilitation of planning meeting among coalition of community and environmental groups concerned with redevelopment of Oxnard Harbor. Convened by the Harbor and Beach Community Alliance. 
 
Housing Strategy – Facilitation of strategic planning meeting among coalition of housing organizations regarding housing development issues in the San Diego region. Convened by Housing You Matters. 
 
Water Quality Regulation – Facilitation of discussions among business and public agency representatives of new water quality regulations for the San Diego region. Convened by Building Industry Association and Regional Water Quality Control Board.