replacement of the track with synthetic materials, replacement of the natural turf with
artificial turf, additional stadium seating, a new ticket booth, an ADA accessible entrance,
a new public address (PA) and speaker system, and a new stadium lighting system. The
Sweetwater Union High School District proposed this Bonita Vista High School Track
and Field Project on the existing Bonita Vista High School campus in the City of Chula
Vista on July 19th, 2017 to the Districts Governing Board, who will also make the final
decision.
(A2) Context and Historical Background: As mentioned before, the Bonita Vista High
School Track and Field project is to be located in the Southern Californian suburban city
of Chula Vista, which also lies in San Diego county. Bonita Vista High School (BVHS)
has had a grass field and dirt track since its opening in 1966, but has recently fallen
behind its neighboring schools, now being one of the only schools with a natural track
and field and the only school in the district without stadium lighting. Because of this,
BVHS currently hosts evening football game off-campus at the nearby Southwestern
College. The proposal for a new track and field for BVHS has been floating around for
several years and almost came to fruition in 2014 before it was discarded due to
Vista and I went to school there for many years before continuing my education at the
2
University of California, Santa Cruz. The high school I graduated from, Eastlake High
School, is in fact Bonita Vista High Schools main rival in both sports and academics. I
myself have seen the dirt track before but I have never stepped onto it. This is because,
even though I ran both cross country and track and field in high school, I never had to
compete on the track as it was considered so inferior that the Bonita Vista team never
The Installation of a new lighting system at the BVHS football field which would
include four 90-foot-tall galvanized steel poles, two of which would be installed
on the home side of the BVHS football field, while the other two would be
installed on the visitors side (all of the information in this paragraph is derived
from Sweetwater Union High School District, 07/19/2017, page ES-1) . On the
four poles, LED luminaries would be installed at a height of 90 feet and 25 feet.
each fixture) would be installed at a 90-foot mounting height on the four poles.
enclosure would also be attached to each pole and the poles would be installed
The installation of a public address (PA) system that would include four 3,000
watt speakers installed on a proposed press box building (all of the information in
07/19/2017, page ES-1, ES-2). The press box would fit in with a proposed
3
bleacher system with the height ranging from between 10 to 20 feet off the
ground, and the press box would be located centrally along the top level of the
home side bleachers. Of the four speakers, two of them would be open while the
other two would be enclosed. Additionally, two of the speakers would be aimed
towards the visitor sides bleachers while the other two would be aimed towards
Schools eastern athletic field (all of the information in this paragraph is derived
from Sweetwater Union High School District, 07/19/2017, page ES-2). Firstly,
this would include the replacement of the existing natural turf (grass) surface
athletic field and dirt surface track with a synthetic grass system and an all-
weather track surface. Secondly, this would also include the replacement of the
existing bleacher system, which currently has a capacity of about 760 spectators,
with new permanent steel bleachers which would have a capacity for 2,000
spectators on the home sides bleachers and 1,000 spectators on the visitor sides
bleachers. Lastly, this would include a point of entry plaza at the southern end of
the existing football field that would involve new concrete paver areas, irrigated
tree and shrub landscape areas, handicap accessible ramps and stairs with hand
(B1) 1st Pro-side Argument: The installment of synthetic turf would save a
substantial amount of water. This is because synthetic track and fields dont need
nearly as much water to maintain them as natural track and fields do. In fact, according to
4
the Synthetic Turf Council, Depending on the region of the country, one full-size
synthetic turf sports field saves 500,000 to 1,000,000 gallons of water each year
(Synthetic Turf Council, 2016, page 7). Additionally, Every square meter of natural
grass replaced with synthetic saves 2,200 gallons per year, and Synthetic turf conserves
(B2) 2nd Pro-side Argument: The installment of synthetic turf would eliminate the
need for pesticides and fertilizers that are commonly used on natural turf. This has
significant health and environmental implications due to the fact that pesticides and
fertilizers are a principal cause of water pollution. For instance, according to the EPA,
Approximately 375,000 acres of lakes, 1,900 miles of rivers and streams and 550 square
miles of estuaries in Florida are hurt by nutrient pollution and, this Nutrient pollution
comes from wastewater, urban stormwater, industry, and excess fertilizer and manure that
flow off the land into waterways (EPA, 11/30/2017, para. 1).
(B3) 3rd Pro-side Argument: The installment of synthetic turf would lower pollution
According to the EPA, Lawn mowers emit high levels of carbon monoxide, a poisonous
gas, as well as hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides that contribute to the formation of
ground level ozone, a noxious pollutant that impairs lung function, inhibits plant growth
and is a key ingredient of smog ( EPA, 05/1996, para. 1). Also according to the EPA,
push mowers emit as much pollution in one hour as 11 cars do, and a riding mower emits
(B4) 4th Pro-side Argument: Synthetic turf can serve as a way to reuse tires and
recycled rubber that would otherwise end up in landfills. According to Rick Doyle,
5
president of the Synthetic Turf Council, The synthetic turf industry recycles about one-
twelfth of the 300 million auto tires that are withdrawn from use each year (Luz
Claudio, 03/2008, para. 42). This is significant because Recycling saves impressive
amounts of energy, which ultimately reduces greenhouse gas emissions. For example,
recycling four tires reduces CO2 by about 323 pounds, which is equivalent to 18 gallons
also have economic benefits as the industry generates more than $1.6 billion annually in
(B5) 5th Pro-side Argument: Synthetic turf and all-weather track and fields are
considerably more durable than natural grass and dirt tracks. Synthetic turf can
actually be utilized for around 3,000 hours per year with no rest required, this is more
than three times that of natural grass (Synthetic Turf Council, 2016, page 9). In addition,
unlike natural track and fields which are usually in poor condition during the winter
months and the dry season, synthetic track and fields are consistent and can be used for a
student athletes such as varsity cross country and track and field captain, Isaiah Labra
(619-400-7459, 11/30/2017), hope for a new track because if a synthetic track and field
were to be installed, a lot more athletes would be able to use the track and field year-
round and in all kinds of weather. According to Labra, this in turn would be significantly
beneficial to the schools sport teams as they would not be bound by weather
constrictions, and it would be beneficial even to those who are not currently doing a sport
(B6) 6th Pro-side Argument: Synthetic turf is a highly cost-effective investment. For
example, The cost of installing and maintaining a synthetic turf sports field over a 20-
year period (including one replacement field) is over three times less expensive per event
than the cost of a grass field over the same period of time (Synthetic Turf Council,
05/15/2015, page 10). This is because more events and sports can use the synthetic turf
sports field, which ultimately brings in more money for the school.
(B7) 7th Pro-side Argument: The installment of a synthetic track and field would
decrease the risk of injury. There are several studies that back up this claim, for
instance, one 2004 NCAA study among schools across the country comparing injury
rates between natural and synthetic turf showed that injury rates during practice was 4.4%
on natural turf versus 3.5% on synthetic turf (Synthetic Turf Council, 05/15/2015, page
9). Furthermore, Fifa Quality Turf has been extensively benchmarked and tested against
natural grass for player safety and performance measures as well (Act.Global,
11/29/2107, para. 16). Bonita Vistas natural track and field in particular is in poor
condition, and is even potentially hazardous due to its numerous potholes and dirt kick
up. As stated by Labra (619-400-7459, 11/30/2017), There has been problems with the
infield because of the holes and thick grass. There are many cases where people have
twisted an ankle and hurt themselves while exercising or practicing on it. Because of
this, Bonita Vista students like Labra firmly believe that a new synthetic track and field
would provide a safer and healthier environment for everyone who would use it .
(B8) 8th Pro-side Argument: A renovated track and field would make Bonita Vista
High School equitable with the other schools in the district and would give Bonita
Vista a cleaner look. Almost every other high school in the district have a synthetic track
7
and field on which they host sports games and community events, BVHS is one of the
select few who do not. Thus, the outdated track and field gives BVHS an unappealing
image which in turn discredits the school as a high performing public institution.
beginning of taking BVHS out the old category, and it would change the look of the
school to be more positive and lively. Additionally, Labra states that the new track would
attract more students who would use it and provide a healthy and active environment in
which students would be more motivated to work out and try out for a sport.
(C1) 1st Con-side Argument: Synthetic turf requires a carbon offset, Natural grass
does not. Several studies reinforce this claim. For example, a 2006 Athena institute study
that researched how much a school would need to do in order to offset the carbon
footprint of an artificial field, found that 1,861 (+23%) coniferous trees would need to
be planted to achieve a 10-year carbon neutral synthetic turf installation (All of the
Turfgrass in the United States, by Dr. Ranajit Sahu showed that the net carbon intake of
well-managed lawns was 4 to 7 times higher than the carbon output of mowing and thus
(C2) 2nd Con-side Argument: Synthetic turfs rubber infill may be toxic in cases of
dermal and/or ingestional exposure. Due to the relatively recent development of new-
generation synthetic turf, the potential effects and long term consequences are not yet
known, however, the recycled crumb rubber used for the infill does contain a number of
8
chemicals that are known or suspected to cause health effects (All of the information in
this paragraph is derived from Claudio, 03/2008, para. 14-21). In addition, the 2007
Environment and Health, Inc (EHHI) report Artificial Turf analyzed the potential toxic
compounds in crumb rubber and found 25 chemical species with 7299% certainty
hydroxyanisole and the corrosive 4-(t-octyl) phenol. Thus, rubber infill has become a
main source of concern, especially since the crumbs can become airborne and are easily
(C3) 3rd Con-side Argument: The implementation of the project would have
Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Bonita Vista High School Track and Field
Project, the noise level has several Thresholds of Significance that may spur
controversy over the project (All of the information in this paragraph is derived from
from Sweetwater Union High School District, 07/19/2017, p. 86-87). These include
the local general plan or noise ordinance, or applicable standards of other agencies and
A substantial permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above
levels existing without the project. Thus, these among other noise disturbances would
have a lasting effect on the nearby neighborhoods if the project were to be passed.
(C4) 4th Con-side Argument: The implementation of the project would have a
significant impact in relation to aesthetics as well as light pollution. The EIR for the
project also lists Thresholds of Significance for impacts in aesthetics that may catalyze
more controversy over the project (All of the information in this paragraph is derived
9
from from Sweetwater Union High School District, 07/19/2017, p. 63). These include
Substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not limited to, trees, rock
outcroppings, and historic buildings within a state scenic highway and Create a new
source of substantial light or glare which would adversely affect day or nighttime views
in the area. Consequently, nearby homes would have permanent impacts to aesthetics if
(C5) 5th Con-side Argument: The implementation of the project would have a
and damaged aesthetics, the EIR also lists Thresholds of Significance for impacts
related to traffic and circulation that may further intensify the controversy over the
project All of the information in this paragraph is derived from from Sweetwater Union
High School District, 07/19/2017, p. 107). These include Result in a change to air traffic
patterns, including either an increase in traffic levels or a change in location that results in
substantial safety risks and Conflicts with adopted policies, plans or programs
would also Substantially increase hazards due to a design feature (e.g., sharp curves or
(C6) 6th Con-side Argument: The installation of a new synthetic track and field
Red Hen Turf Farm and Aron Loan of Bluegrass Enterprises, natural grass is about
$70,000 cheaper per year than artificial grass (All of the information in this paragraph is
10
derived from Millar/Loan, 12/05/2017, p. 7-9). This is because total construction costs
can amount to $900,00, and when the field has to be replaced (every 8 to 12 years), the
total cost would add up to 540,000. These prices coupled with the occasional repairs from
damaged fibers, liquid spills, etc, would make it very costly for a school like Bonita Vista
to go through with this project, especially since more than just a new track and field
(C7) 7th Con-side Argument: The Installation of a synthetic track and field would
increase the risk of injury. One reason for this this is because while artificial turf
generally gives better traction than natural grass, it also is less likely to release an
athletes planted cleat, and as a result players are more likely to suffer joint injuries on
synthetic turf (Millar/Loan, 12/05/2017, p. 5). Major athletic organizations have also
shown to support this argument with all professional baseball teams in the MLB choosing
to play on natural grass, and with NFL player surveys reporting stats such as 84% of
NFL players believe they had more injuries when they played on artificial grass over
synthetic turf harbors more bacteria including an industry study that found that, infill
containing a sand/rubber mixture had 50,000 times higher levels of bacteria than infill
made of rubber alone (Claudio, 03/2008, para. 26). This is alarming since the bacteria
would spread easily with injuries and turf burns made on the synthetic turf.
(C8) 8th Con-side Argument: The installation of a track and field would attract an
abundant amount of heat which would have serious consequences. Several physical
properties of synthetic turf including dark pigments, low-density mass, and the inability
to vaporize water and cool the surrounding air make it really easy for the turf to increase
11
temperature when hit by the sun (Claudio, 03/2008, para. 36). In fact, according to
measurements conducted during site visits showed that synthetic turf fields can get up to
60 hotter than grass, with surface temperatures reaching 160F on summer days
Additionally, (Claudio, 03/2008, para. 35). Increased temperatures raise other concerns as
well such as the fact that Elevated temperatures can also increase the rate at which toxic
chemicals, such as benzothiazole and toluene, are released from some artificial fields into
the surrounding air (Peeples, 06/09/2015, para. 23). Additionally, artificial turf can also
raise local air temperatures by several degrees, and since water does not penetrate
through artificial turf as fast as it does through natural ground so there could also be more
Based on the information gathered and after looking at both the arguments for and
against the Bonita Vista Track and Field Project, I personally think that the Pro-side
arguments make a stronger case. Therefore, I believe that the proposal should be
approved and all the implementations discussed in the project should be carried out.
For starters, the Pro-side has a lot of strong environmental arguments backed up
by stats and research. As stated before, the installation of a synthetic track and field
would not only save water, but also lower the use of pesticides and fertilizers, decrease
pollution outputted by maintenance equipment (such as mowers), and make good use of
recycled rubber. Additionally, although the data provided for these arguments was just
generally talking about synthetic track and fields, I am fairly confident that the data
would be the same if it came specifically from Bonita Vista. This is because my
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interviewee who currently goes to the school, Isaiah Labra (619-400-7459, 11/30/2017),
was able to confirm with me that BVHS does use pesticides and mowers to maintain their
field. I am not dismissing the environmental cons that come with synthetic track fields
however. It is true that synthetic track and fields need a carbon offset and that the rubber
may be toxic. But, compared to the positive environmental impacts it would bring, I
believe that these negatives are minimal, especially since the main con arguments such as
that rubber might be toxic is not a completely true statement as it has not been proven
to be significantly harmful. To me, the use of pesticides and fertilizers is much more
alarming, especially knowing that theyve had very negative consequences on peoples
health in the past. Also, the fact that rubber would be reused if a new track was built is a
big plus considering that otherwise it would just add to an already growing landfill pile.
Additionally, with BVHS being located in southern california, an area that just recently
came out of a drought and water shortage, a synthetic field would help to conserve a lot
of much needed water. Thus, even though the positive environmental impacts would be
mostly indirect, I believe that they far outweigh the opposing arguments, and therefore
Another reason I side with the Pro-side argument is because, between the
contradictory arguments between the two sides, I believe the Pro-sides argument is more
correct in relation to BVHSs specific case. The first of the contradictory arguments is
that synthetic track and fields are cost-effective investments versus synthetic track and
fields are overly expensive. For these opposing arguments, I think the Co-side is correct
to an extent because the project would be very expensive and would take money away
from other school projects/programs. However, I also believe that it would be a strong
13
investment and that the school would ultimately benefit because the track would allow
for further school projects/programs and thus pay back itself. Additionally, although I
was unfortunately not able to interview Sweetwater Union High School District Project
Coordinator Larry Moen, I was able to find a document in which the total proposed fee
for the project ($28,000) was sent to Mr. Moen (Webb, 09/06/2017, para. 5). In
comparison, this fee is much less than that proposed by the con-side. The second
contradiction is that synthetic track and fields increase risk of injury vs synthetic track
and fields decrease risk of injury. And again, I have to side with the Pro-side that
synthetic track and fields are safer because in BVHS specific case, a synthetic track and
field would be much safer than the natural one that they have now. Ive seen BVHS
current track and field and it isnt pretty, much less a safe base for intense exercise.
During my interview with Labra, I asked him about this contradiction specifically
because I wanted to know if he thought it was safe since hes much more familiar with it,
and sure enough he responded that it had caused various injuries and needs to be replaced
to fix its hazards. Thus, overall I believe that even if the project were to not be
implemented, a refurbishing of the natural track and field would have to be done to make
Lastly, and probably the most personal reason I believe the project should be
implemented is because it would have a really positive impact on the school itself and the
community around it. It is true that the temporary construction would have some impacts
in aesthetics, noise, and traffic for the surrounding homes as the EIR indicated, but these
impacts are pretty small considering most of the changes would be temporary and the rest
Labra also explained, the construction may be bothersome for a short while, but its for a
good cause, and with most of the surrounding community having kids that attend or will
attend the school, the majority of the community is for the project too and thus wouldnt
mind the temporary disturbances. Being from Chula Vista myself and attending BVHS
rival school, I am very aware that Bonita Vista has a bad representation for being old
and run-down because all the other schools have newer facilities and synthetic sport
fields. So I know, without a doubt, that this project would mean a lot to the students and
community of Bonita Vista, thus adding to my conclusion that the project should be
implemented.
Bonita Vista Crusader. (Retrieved 12/08/2017) No Plans for New Track. Bonita Vista
Crusader. http://bonitavistacrusader.org/?p=966 (10/22/2014)
Claudio, Luz. (Retrieved 11/30/2017) Synthetic Turf: Health Debate Takes Root.
Environmental Health Perspectives.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2265067/ (03/2008)
EPA. (Retrieved 11/30/2017) Small Engine Rule to Bring Big Emission Cuts. EPA.
https://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/bd4379a92ceceeac8525735900400c27
/0cb7669b182b145d852572c0005e415a!OpenDocument (04/17/2017)
Labra, Isaiah. (11/30/2017). Bonita Vista cross country and track and field captain. Phone
Call Interview. Email: Phone: (619) 400-7459
Peeples, Lynne. (Retrieved 12/07/2017). Artificial Grass May Save Water, But Does It
Endanger People? Huffingtonpost.
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/06/09/artificial-turf-drought-
california_n_7523132.html
Synthetic Turf Council. (Retrieved 11/29/2017). Synthetic Turf 360 A Guide for Todays
Synthetic Turf. Synthetic Turf Council.
http://c.ymcdn.com/sites/www.syntheticturfcouncil.org/resource/resmgr/Docs/ST
C_brochure.pdf (2016)
Webb, Robert. (Retrieved 12/07/2017). Bonita Vista Master Plan. Webb Cliff
Architecture
and Engineering. CI_-_BVH_Master_Plan_-
_Webb_Cleff_Architecture___Engineering__Inc._-_Proposal_-
_Prop_O_Bond_2_-_ig.pdf (09/06/2017)
(F) Appendix
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Bonita Vistas natural track and field (Bonita Vista Crusader, 10/22/2014)