RIVER VIEW GOLF COMPANY - STAFF REPORTS 1985-1986

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MEMORANDUM ~ Deruty city ~Sanager, i Ta; Development I~ Executive Director, ~ Date: June 2. 1986 From: _ Economic Development Subject: RI~~R VIEW OLF COURSF. ST-~TIl~VT OF ISSUE For the past year staff has been exploring the feasibility of the City assuming responsibility for the rehabilitation, improvement and operation of the River View Golf Course. The course is currently operated by Mr. Novel James and sits on approximately 114 acres, which are leased from the City of Santa Ana and the Orange County Flood Control District. Mr. James' leasehold interest expires on August 20, 1986; however, both leases have a twenty-five year renewal option, which Mr. James has exercised by written notice of his intent. The original 9-hole course was constructed on the City-owned land in the early 1960's and expanded to an 18-hole course in 1971. Because the additional 9 holes were constructed in the river channel, they experienced flooding an - average of 11 to 31 days per year, reducing the course once again to 9 holes. Even with heavy flow, however, no erosion occurred, and play on the entire 18 holes would resume within 48 hours. In nid-1977, the County awarded a contract for river channel improvements do~.nstream of the golf course. In December, 1977, heavy damage to the stream bed of the golf course occurred, restricting play to 9 holes. It has remained so ro this day because of subsequent litigation. In a lawsuit filed against the County in 1978., Mr. James attributed the cause of the damage to the contractor hired by the County. This year the courts ruled in favor of Hr. James, and awarded him damages. We believe the most prominent feature of River View is the Santa Ana River Channel. The excessive erosion which has occurred from and since the 1977 flooding has accentuated the bank slopes and deepened the riverbed profile. Any rehabilitation of the course would require the construction of flood control improvements. It appears that construction of two flood control "drop structures" would substantially reduce flood damage risk, and trap natural fill thus leveling the riverbed and softening the bank slopes. This "fill" process could take up to two years. The alternative procedure would be to bring in fill dirt, at a considerable cost, to restore the course to its original configuration. In addition, the City has been monitoring the progress of the Federal All Rir-er Project. This bill would enable federal funds to be used for improvement to the Santa Ana River. In contemplation of federal approvals, the Corps of Engineers has initiated design work on the river channel. The Corps is aware of the River View Golf Course project, and has indicated their willingness to work with the City on any design constraints required. ` ~nr ~E~~~