DIABLO watch Save Mount Diablo Protecting the Mountain Since 1971 Winter/Spring 2002. No. 32 Two Ballot Measures Need Your Wright Property Acquired Support On March 5!! Seth Adams, Save Mount Diablo’s Director of Land Programs, opened Save Mount Diablo’s 30th anniversary celebration with a slide show detailing the accomplishments of the past thirty years. VOTE YES ON PROP 40! Seth’s final image seemed a bit puzzling. . . a 1946 shot of Martin The California Clean Water, and Dorothy Wright peering out of the Curry Creek Park snack bar.
Clean Air, Safe Neighborhood The reason for the 56 year old image became clear later in the pro- Parks, and Coastal Protection gram as a special presentation was made to Dorothy Wright. Nadine Hitchcock, Program Manager for the Coastal Conservancy’s S.F. Bay Act of 2002 Area Program, and Contra Costa Times columnist Gary Bogue pre- sented a five-foot long $590,000 check to Dorothy to complete Prop. 40 will provide $1.275 billion for land conservation and SMD’s purchase of the 76-acre Wright Canyon property. SMD improved air and water quality and an additional $1.325 billion for optioned the parcel in January 2001. Last spring Bogue held a ten- state and local parks, recreation and historic and cultural resources. week campaign in his column to raise the option funds necessary to Included in the Prop 40 funding will be an allocation of $225 mil- hold the $640,000 acquisition. Nine hundred donors responded, two lion for State Parks, and 40 million for the San Francisco Bay Area thirds of them new to SMD. SMD had two years to raise the remain- Conservancy, both of which can benefit Mount Diablo State Park ing funds, but on December 6th, four days before the 30th and its surrounding regional and local parks. Anniversary event, the Coastal Conservancy Board approved a Continued on page 15 $590,000 grant. VOTE YES ON The grant is a testament to the great work of the Conservancy and its project manager Mary Small, who were involved in acquisition MEASURE K details with SMD even before a deal had been signed. The Wright property closed escrow on December 31st and is now owned by The East Bay Regional Park SMD. Dorothy Wright retains life estate and can live out her life on District Measure to Provide the property. Although the property is closed to the public until the property is transferred to the State Park, a condition of the Operations & Maintenance Conservancy grant is that SMD conduct two public hikes each year. The first of these hikes, to be led by Gary Bogue on March 23rd, can be found in the April on the Mountain schedule. Since the Measure AA acquisition bond was approved in 1988, the East Bay Regional Park District has purchased thousands of acres of land. Many of these areas will be land banked without public access until funds are generated to operate them.
Measure K will provide long-term funding for park operations and maintenance - to open up newly acquired parks, restore and protect habitat, rehabilitate aging facilities, and add more rangers and wildlife biologists.
Since 1988 the District has almost doubled its acreage, without a proportionate funding increase for operations and maintenance. Measure K calls for $12 a year per residential parcel, or $1 a month. Renters will pay just 69 cents a month. The money raised will fund a list of priority projects put together with advice of the environmentalists and park visitors, including the opening of a num- ber of new parks. At least 30% of the funds raised will go for the David Ogden Gary Bogue presents Dorothy Wright with a $590,000 check Continued on page 15 from the Coastal Conservancy 1 save MOUNT DIABLO From the Executive Director . . . Board of Directors Save Mount Diablo? We often get asked, “What are you saving it from?” or Malcolm Sproul “Why does it need saving?” or “Isn’t it saved yet?” We love to get those ques- President tions because they give us an opportunity to educate the questioner . . . to share with them our mission and vision. We challenge them to picture the future of Arthur Bonwell our community with a dramatically increased population and countless new pres- Vice-President sures and strains on our lives. Mt Diablo and its surrounding parks offer a coun- terpoint to these challenges. Allan Prager Vice President How much preserved land is too much? What is the proper balance between development and preservation of open space? There are no exact answers to these questions. It is for each of us to Amara Morrison reach our own decisions, and to leave it to future generations to determine if we truly achieved Secretary “smart growth” and preserved enough land. Wouldn’t we rather err on the side of having preserved more open space and natural resources than not enough? The cost of accomplishing our objectives John Murcurio is great - in terms of the number of hours and people it will take, and in the incredible number of Treasurer dollars necessary to acquire these new lands. Can we fail to answer the call to not raise or donate Burt Bassler these funds? The future cost of reclaiming land is a price we might not be able to pay. Once open space and wildlife are gone, they may be gone forever. Preserving these resources today - that is the Mary L. Bowerman legacy that we owe our children and our children’s children. Donald de Fremery As John Muir said,“Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out Stephen Joseph that going to the mountains is going home; that wilderness is a necessity.” We must continue to Doug Knauer challenge ourselves to work and advocate for these special places. . . to preserve our wilderness. Robert Marx “My dream is that the whole of Mount Diablo, including its foothills, will remain open space . . . that the visual and natural integrity will be sustained.” Steven Mehlman Dr. Mary Bowerman, Founding Member, Save Mount Diablo Robert Nunn As Save Mount Diablo begins its 31st year, we hope that it will not take another 30 years to accom- Dave Sargent plish Mary Bowerman’s dream. Regardless, won’t it be worth it to save our wilderness and to insure David Trotter our community’s quality of life . . . to SAVE MOUNT DIABLO? Staff Ronald Brown Save Mount Diablo Events Executive Director Mountain Adventure, Saturday June 1: (Half Gary Bogue and the Wright Property, Saturday Seth Adams Marathon and 7 mile hike) 8:00am at Castle Rock March 23. Join Gary and meet Dorothy Wright at a Director of Land Programs Recreational Area, Diablo Foothills Regional Park. celebratory walk on SMD’s newest acquisition, the Call for details. 76-acre Wright property, acquired on December 31, Suzanne Bitz 2001. See the April On The Mt. schedule for Office Manager Hikes at Black Diamond Mines to view details, or call SMD. Publisher Antioch’s proposed Future Urban Area #1: the Save Mount Diablo first Saturday March through June. See the April Visit Mount Diablo And Celebrate Spring!!! www.savemountdiablo.org On The Mt. schedule for details, or call SMD.
Masthead Panorama Support the cause by purchasing Oak Flat, Mt. Diablo Photo by Stephen Joseph Save Mount Diablo Mountain Merchandise Diablo Watch is published T - Shirts by Save Mount Diablo, a Navy Blue or Gray non-profit organization dedi- (100% cotton) cated to preserving land on Adult Sizes: Mt. Diablo and educating the S, M, L, XL, XXL public to the mountain's nat- $12.50 ural values. Coffee Mugs Available in Gray CONTAINS $7.50 SOYOIL Place your credit card order by phone (925) 947-3535, (Master Card, VISA, American Express), or by mailing a check to SMD: 1196 Boulevard Way, #10, Walnut Creek, CA 94595. Diablo Watch is printed on recycled paper with a soy Merchandise can be purchased and picked up at SMD’s office or shipped for a $5 charge. base ink and can be recycled. 2 his way to California and by chance came in contact with his father.
The Cowell Foundation’s proposal includ- ed construction of 5,200 homes, a business park, schools, a community college and trails and recreational areas. The voter approved Measure C in 1990 excluded half the Ranch from a new County Urban Limit Line, the area the Foundation had proposed for open space. County Supervisors and City Council members were eager cheer- leaders for the project but the environmen- tal sensitivity of the property delayed con- sideration and community opposition gath- ered force. Greenbelt Alliance and the Sierra Club led that opposition, while Save Mount Diablo considered which areas were most significant and proposed preservation of much of the ranch as part of a wildlife
Stephen Joseph Stephen corridor from Round Valley to Black Briones Valley view of Cowell Ranch west to Mt. Diablo and Black Diamond Mines Diamond Mines. New County Supervisors Donna Gerber and (now Assemblyman) Rancho Los Meganos Joe Canciamilla began questioning the need for the development and proposed Will Cowell Ranch Become A Park? excluding Cowell in a tightening of the County’s Urban Limit Line (ULL).
By the end of 2002, most of the remnants Mesa and Jose Miguel Garcia. Marsh had a huge three-story stone house of Rancho Los Meganos—Cowell designed for his bride, by San Francisco Ranch—may be the Diablo foothills’ Cowell Ranch is a beautiful expanse of architect Thomas Boyd, of stone quarried newest preserve, almost 4,000 acres sur- almost treeless, rolling grassland hills from nearby hills. Marsh, widely known as rounding the State owned John Marsh bisected east-west by Briones Valley, drain- a cheapskate, was murdered by several home and the County Flood Control ing from west of Deer Valley Road east to cowhands on September 24, 1856 for District’s Marsh Creek reservoir. The past the Marsh creek reservoir, and north-south unpaid wages, including Felipe Moreno fifteen years have meant a remarkable turn by Marsh creek and a significant riparian whose brother-in-law Ygnacio Sibrian had around from 1987, when the S.H. Cowell woodland. The John Marsh home is near lost a lawsuit to Marsh a month before. Foundation proposed a huge development the reservoir and orchards bound the east- Sibrian offered to pay the cowhands to kill on its 4,491 acre Ranch. Cowell’s preser- ern property line, with quarries beyond. Marsh. Neither John nor Abby Marsh, vation would bridge most of the remaining Round Valley and Morgan Territory’s dra- who died before it was completed, ever gap in public open space from Round matic woodland ridges rise to the south, lived in the house, which he had named Valley and Los Vaqueros, northwest to with Diablo towering above to the south- “Brentwood” for the family’s ancestral Roddy Ranch Open Space and Black west. Cowell is prime habitat for the fed- lands in England. Alice Marsh married Diamond Mines Regional Preserve. erally endangered San Joaquin kit fox, and John Camron, one of the builders of Mt. its creeks, vernal pools and ponds are Diablo’s toll roads, and they later owned Huge expanses of sand dunes once fringed home to three other listed animal species. the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers, from Oakley to Pittsburg, before the After applying for naturalization as a damming of rivers began starving the Mexican citizen, in 1837 Dr. John Marsh dunes of their riverine sand supplies. bought Rancho Los Meganos’ 13,285 acres Agriculture, industry and development fol- from Jose Noriega for $500. Marsh was lowed. Rancho Los Meganos’ name was Contra Costa’s first American settler and derived during Captain Luis Antonio California’s first doctor. He settled on the Arguello’s boat voyage up the Sacramento rancho the following year and his rude river, in a May 24, 1817 entry in Father adobe holdings became known as Marsh’s Durán’s diary: “A paraje que llaman los place, or Farm of Pulpones. The canyon Méganos” ‘place called the sand dunes’, drainage of Marsh creek, Arroyo de los using a variant spelling of ‘médanos’. Poblanos (1824) or “Canada del los Situated in what is now the Brentwood Poblanos” as at least the USGS still knows area, it was one of two Los Medanos it, are all derivatives after the name of the Ranchos. They were later differentiated as local Volvon Indians. In 1851 Dr. John Los ‘Meganos’ in 1835 to Jose Noriega. Marsh married Santa Clara school teacher Rancho Los ‘Medanos’ in the Pittsburg Abby Tuck, and in March 1852 they had a area was granted in 1839 to Jose Antonio daughter, Alice. Charles Marsh, a son from an earlier marriage, eventually made Contra Costa Historical Society Continued on page 4 3 new as when Columbus discovered The remaining obstacles were and are sig- America, and roaming over it were count- nificant: $13.5 million and an agency will- less thousands of wild horses, of elk, and of ing to manage a huge new area, home to a antelope.” large array of rare and endangered species and adjacent to the State’s fastest growing The decision ostensibly rested with the city. TPL’s project manager Tim Wirth, Board of Supervisors and environmentalists already father of a new baby, suddenly had were wary of any development proposal or more reasons to lose sleep. Newly elected how it would affect the Urban Limit Line Senator Tom Torlakson got involved, along fight. The real decision would be made by with Canciamilla, sponsoring appropriations Contra Costa Historical Society Supervisor Joe Canciamilla in whose dis- for a “Pioneer Park” honoring Dr. John Brentwood: the John Marsh home in better days trict the Ranch is found. He was already a Marsh and centering around the 14-acre sure winner of the Assembly seat being State Park site where his house has slowly Continued from page 3 vacated by Assemblyman Tom Torlakson, been disintegrating. TPL deserves a Cowell who was running for State Senate, and was tremendous amount of credit. Save Mount much of the land in the present day commu- insulated from pressure by both circum- Diablo has offered some aid in negotiations nity of Diablo. stance and temperament. He quickly began with agencies, swallowing hard at the com- reaching out to all the parties and the deal petition for funds. The Coastal The stakes were very high and it was was made. The Urban Limit Line was Conservancy, Caltrans and the Department increasingly thought that the Foundation tightened to exclude twenty-two square of Parks and Recreation have each made had missed its chance for development but miles, but to leave in Cowell’s northern- significant financial commitments and the a major opportunity might be lost, too, most 475 acres. Most of the Ranch was Wildlife Conservation Board is considering since much of the very valuable Ranch optioned to TPL. another. East Bay Regional Park District is would have been preserved as a condition contemplating taking over as manager of of development. Public acquisition would Henry Cowell (1819-1903) arrived in San the land if it can pass Measure K in March, be difficult, even if the Foundation agreed Francisco during the Gold Rush and with a maintenance and operations funding to sell. In 2000, during the heat of the his brother operated a drayage and storage measure. Urban Limit Line fight, the equation shifted. Amidst distrust on all sides, Charles Marsh inherited his father’s just days before a decision on the ranch, sold it to James Sanford in ULL, the Foundation withdrew its 1871, and the next year it passed to plans and Mary Metz, its president, the Brentwood Coal Company. In made a dramatic proposal: if rough- 1911 it was sold to Balfour Guthrie ly 475 acres of the 4491 acre Ranch Investments. Meanwhile, Henry were left within the ULL, the Cowell and his son Samuel Henry Foundation would option the (S.H. or ‘Harry’) Cowell were buy- remainder to the San Francisco ing key lime and sandstone holdings based Trust for Public Land (TPL). around the state for the manufacture Proposition 12, the largest state of their Cowell Portland cement. resources bond in history had recent- Cowell family holdings eventually ly passed and a price was set at totaled 82,491 acres in fourteen $13.5 million, to be raised by counties. Many of these areas
September 2002. The remaining amended map courtesy of EBRPD turned out to be squarely in the path acreage was optioned to Signature of future development. Two of the On the battle front: Cowell and the Urban Limit Line. Homes which, however, dropped its most important ‘Cowell Ranches’ option this past December. business. Like most of San Francisco’s were located north and east of Mt. Diablo. businesses housed in structures built of tim- One was near present day Concord (Lime Marsh’s letters to friends and newspapers ber, Cowell’s burned in one of the city’s fre- Ridge), where the town of Cowell was built back east had attracted emigrant attention, quent fires. Cement and mortar buildings for workers at the Henry Cowell Lime and and Mount Diablo’s distinctive peak was an were uncommon because lime for mortar, Cement Company. In 1924 S.H. Cowell easy landmark to use in locating his ranch plaster, stucco and cement had to be at its foot. Fifty years after his overland shipped around Cape Horn. Albion P. expedition became the first pioneer party to Jordan, whose father had been a lime man- reach California, John Bidwell described ufacturer in the east, and Isaac E. Davis the scene at Rancho Los Meganos on were working on a Delta steamboat when November 4, 1841: “Dr. Marsh’s ranch, the two men acquired some lime rock from the first settlement reached by us in the Mt. Diablo area. They burned the rock California, was located in the eastern in the furnace of the steamboat, discovered foothills of the Coast Range Mountains, it to be of high quality and were soon in near the northwestern extremity of the great business. Cowell followed in their foot- San Joaquin Valley and about six miles east steps and eventually bought a share of their of Monte Diablo, which may be called the business, becoming the largest supplier of Joseph Stephen geographical center of Contra Costa the single most important ingredient for the The John Marsh home at present and in County. There were no other settlements in state’s rapidly developing construction need of restoration the valley; it was, apparently, still just as industry. Continued on page 5 4 CONTRA COSTA WIND SYMPHONY 20TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION CONCERT - APRIL 27 It was late Fall when composer Steven Reineke visited the area to meet the moun- tain. He wanted to become intimately involved with Mt. Diablo as part of his research to fulfill a commission received from the Contra Costa Wind Symphony in celebration of their 20th anniversary. Duane Carroll, conductor of the Wind Symphony, and long time Walnut Creek resident, was fascinated by the many sto-
Stephen Joseph Stephen ries he had heard of the mountain’s histo- Diablo view from the Marsh Creek reservoir, along Marsh Creek Road and adjacent to the John ry, and pictures of areas not usually seen Marsh Home State historic site. Cowell Ranch surrounds the reservoir and the John Marsh Home. by the general public. Continued from page 4 Cowell Ranch is not yet publicly owned In commissioning this work it was Cowell and is closed to the public. Save Mount Carroll’s thought to add another dimension purchased another just south of Brentwood Diablo will be offering previews of the to the interpretation of the mountain. (Cowell Ranch) for its rich silica sands. Ranch this Spring. SMD members at the “There are texts, wonderful poems, and The sand mining operation ended in 1946. Mountain Saver level of $250 or more stunningly beautiful photographs of the Henry Cowell’s children died without heirs annually receive invitations to special pre- mountain; I thought it would be nice if and S.H. Cowell’s bequest created The S.H. views, but others can view Cowell Ranch there were a musical interpretation in the Cowell Foundation in 1955. The from the roads closely encircling it—from mix depicting the millions of years of Mt. Foundation received the family’s remaining Deer Valley road east on Marsh Creek Diablo history, the wonderful folklore of assets, including substantial real estate road. Marsh Creek road crosses the ranch its inhabitants and the varied splendor of such as the Brentwood Cowell Ranch. going north (and past the John Marsh our mountain.” home and the County Marsh Creek reser- As of this writing, $7 of $13.5 million has voir), while Camino Diablo continues to Carroll will begin rehearsing the new been committed and another $3.5 million is follow the Ranch’s southern edge to Walnut music in January, and Reineke will return under review. TPL has until September to Ave. and back to Marsh Creek. Concord in late March to work with the Wind raise the remaining funds and Prop. 40, a Avenue and Briones Valley Road (both Symphony in rehearsal. He will return new State Resources bond on the March sometimes closed) follow the northern again to conduct the premiere April 27. ballot, may provide some help should it boundary back to Deer Valley south. Tickets are on sale now at the Dean Lesher pass. Environmentalists made no commit- Regional Center for the Arts ticket office, ments on the remaining 475 acre area with- United Way and may be purchased by calling (925) in the ULL and various proposals have 943-SHOW. The concert is expected to be been floated to swap land on either side of Donor Option sold out so it is suggested you call early the ULL to make a more palatable project You can designate Save Mount Diablo for tickets. All seats are reserved and are for Brentwood. Either way, any project as the recipient of your United Way $15 General, $13 Seniors (age 62+), and will face significant opposition and envi- Pledge. When you are asked to make $11 for Youth (age 17-). ronmental review. We’ll all know more in your annual workplace donation, the next few months. please consider designating it to us. If asked, our federal tax ID number is 94-2681735.
Business Contributions Many companies will match your charitable contributions to Save Mount Diablo. Ask your employer if they have a matching gift program. Also Seth Adams Stephen Joseph Stephen Representatives of the Trust for Public Land, let us know if your employer has a DPR, DFG, EBRPD and Save Mount Diablo meet foundation or corporate donation pro- Steven Reineke & Duane Carroll with the Wildlife Conservation Board in gram to which we can apply. Sacramento 5 ing lemon bars. Campers awoke each morning to the aroma of fresh coffee com- pliments of Starbucks Coffee in Todos Santos Plaza.
Thanks to these businesses for their support. Please frequent these businesses and thank them for their support of Save Mount Diablo. Prima, 1522 North Main Street, Walnut Creek, 925-935-7780 , www.primaw- ine.com; La Cigale, 2195 N. Broadway, Walnut Creek, 925 937-8800; Sunrise Bistro & Café, 1355 California Blvd., Walnut Creek, 925 930-0240; Starbucks Coffee, 2118 Willow Pass Road, Concord, 925-689-5357. Dinner At The Summit Museum The hottest auction item at Save Mount Richard Rollins Diablo’s 30th Anniversary Kickoff last “Four Days Diablo” To Be Prima, La Cigale, Sunrise March at the Shops at Blackhawk was a dinner for eight on the outside upper deck of Repeated April 11-14 Bistro & Starbucks Feed the State Park’s Summit Museum. The Perfect weather accompanied Save Mount “Four Days Diablo” item, which required a special permit, was Diablo’s first Diablo Trail fundraiser on donated by former Park Superintendent There was a time when Walnut Creek’s Oct. 11-14. Sixteen eager participants, Larry Ferri and SMD Executive Director best restaurants could be counted on one ranging in age from 33 to 72, made the Ron Brown. When the bidding reached hand. Prima, founded in 1977, and La four day, 30-mile trek from Walnut Creek $550 the two put their heads together and Cigale, in 1974, are among them and they to Brentwood across some of the moun- decided that if the top bidders—Jackie Pels recently brought a little Italian and French tain’s most beautiful and diverse land- and John Keifer—were agreeable, they’d influence to Diablo’s slopes. They donated scapes. accept both bids at $550 and do two din- meals for the twenty hikers participating in ners. On September 15th Jackie and seven SMD’s “Four Days Diablo”, Diablo Trail Hikers carried daypacks, water and lunch, of her best friends, and John and seven of fundraiser. while gear was shuttled between campsites. his, arrived at the summit for their feast. Each evening included gourmet dinners Prima server Rory Harrington volunteered and wine, courtesy of Prima and La Cigale After a quick walk on the Fire Interpretive to cook for night #1 at Mt. Diablo’s in Walnut Creek, while guest lecturers Trail (led by sommelier Seth Adams), hors Buckeye Group Camp. Rory whipped up a Beverly Lane, Ken Lavin and Anne Homan d’oevres were served with a sunset back- salad of heirloom tomatoes, orrechiette talked about Native American history, drop of the best 360 degree panorama in the pasta with sautéed cauliflower, grilled pail- Diablo geology and the Morgan Territory Bay Area. Peggy Shumway, Rebecca lard of duck breast with porcini sauce, can- area on successive nights. Coyotes sere- Brown and Jeff Johnson served salad, nelini beans and dinosaur kale, and carmel naded the group every night; on the last grilled salmon, vegetables and crepes budino for desert. Prima fan Dale day one of them waited for us in the suzette. Ron and Larry cooked and pre- Haukland worked along side Prima owner canyon leading from Round Valley to pared the meal two floors down on the back Michael Verlander setting tables, serving Marsh Creek road, as if to say ‘goodbye’. deck. During dinner fog could be seen foods and pouring wine. The following The group had so much fun that several flowing in rivers across the Bay toward the night, Michael and Lou Francone (wine members have already signed up for the East Bay hills. One of the most dramatic specialist at Southern Wine and Spirits), next trip. A reunion dinner was held at sights, as city lights appeared in all direc- drove to Save Mount Diablo’s Silva Ranch Prima the following month to thank trip tions around the pitch black open space, was and cooked a chanterelle risotto, grilled organizers Ron Brown and Seth Adams. the narrow width of the dark open space salmon and seared asparagus for the group. corridor stretching southeast through Katrina Rozelle Bakery donated deserts. Special thanks to Dave Husted, owner of Altamont Pass to the Diablo range, with Outside Interests for donation of daypacks, La Cigale, which serves classic French cui- Livermore and Tracy lights on either side. a huge camp stove, and the loan of tents for sine took care of Saturday night’s dinner at the trip. Volunteers included Art Bonwell, the new Morgan backpack camp located on Scott & Claudia Hein, Doug Knauer, Bob in Morgan Territory Regional Preserve. Marx, Dave Sargent, Guillermo Velez, and Owners Jacques & Yvonne Jakovleski pro- Phil Winslow. vided fresh baked bread, bib lettuce salad, A Spring “Four Days Diablo” has been leek soup, beef Bourguignon and steamed scheduled for April 11-14, limited to two vegetables, and an amazing apple strudel. groups of 10. Please call the SMD office Sunrise Bistro & Café’s Cindy Stein- for more info; the trip is $750 and a Gershen donated four days of lunches and deposit of $250 per person is required to Seth Adams linens, and there was hot competition for hold your place. Jackie Pels and John Keifer, winning her turkey cranberry sandwiches and amaz- bidders for the Dinner on the Summit. 6 “Get Dirty” a hike and half marathon last June from Castle Rock up Pine Ridge; and the store’s recent February 4th second anniversary. Outside Interests also spon- sored SMD’s “Four Days Diablo” back- packing trip on the Diablo Trail. Outside Interests, 422 Hartz Avenue, Danville, 925 837-1230, www.outsideinterests.com Greg Francisco Knobcone Point with Outside Healthwise friends at the Wright property Interests Seth Adams On November 3rd, Outside Interests spon- The Morning Side Of The Dave Husted sored a special Mt. Diablo hike to benefit Outside Interests Save Mount Diablo. Seth Adams, SMD’s Mountain A standing room only crowd of more than “We’re hosting a talk which will benefit Director of Land Programs, led the way to 200 gathered on August 15th at the Save Mount Diablo. Would you come to one of the mountain’s least known and Clayton Library, for a book signing and the event to pick up a check?” That most spectacular areas. With permission slideshow by Anne Homan, author of The November 2000 call was Save Mount from the neighboring landowner, the group Morning Side Of Mount Diablo: an illus- Diablo’s introduction to Dave Husted. looped up from the Blackhawk Ridge Road trated account of the San Francisco Bay Outside Interests, Husted’s outdoor equip- and back past Balancing Rock on the Area’s historic Morgan Territory Road. ment store (and much more) opened in Knobcone Point Road. The area is home to Many Morgan Territory area landowners Danville in February 2000. At age 30 mountain lions and peregrine falcons. received a special invitation to the SMD Dave had already decided that he wasn’t event. A smaller crowd of about fifty having much fun commuting from attended a second showing at DVC on Danville to the corporate world of Silicon November 8th. Homan’s book, published Valley, and he wanted to own a business in by SMD member Jackie Pels’ Hardscratch his hometown that would capitalize on his Press and designed by David R. Johnson, love of the outdoors. Outside Interests’ received the prize for best design at the motto is “Improving people’s lives through Bumbershoot Festival for the Arts in the outdoors”. September. The Morning Side Of Mount Two years later, Outside Interests’ friends Diablo will soon be reprinted. and customers are among the most enthusi- astic supporters a business owner could hope for, attending evening clinics and talks, or one of an ongoing series of hikes Seth Adams and other trips the store sponsors, organ- Greg Francisco and Dorothy Wright ized by Events Coordinator Lorrie Sullenberger. Many of the trips include a Greg Francisco fee, but the store also sponsors free hikes & Healthwise weekly and family walks monthly. This Spring, these hikes and walks will take Visit Wright Canyon place on Mount Diablo as part of “April Healthwise Personal Trainer Greg Francisco has helped Seth Adams, SMD’s
On The Mountain.” Joseph Stephen Director of Land Programs, manage a bad Anne Homan signing her book back for the past five years. Last year Seth introduced Greg to landowner Dorothy Founders Ridge Unveiled Wright, who was also having back trouble, October 20th was a perfect day for a hike: with similar success. the first public tour of the new Elworthy On October 21st Greg and his wife Cindy and Clyma properties on Highland Ridge invited Healthwise clients and friends for a in Morgan Territory Regional Preserve. hike on the 76-acre Wright property, which The two properties, totaling 400 acres, SMD acquired on December 31st, and to were added to the Preserve in June and become SMD members. Seth led seventy September. It was a sunny breezy day and fit individuals around the property and hikers climbed west to the crest of Seth Adams Outside Interests’ friends at ‘Indian Cave’ more than $2000 was raised. You can Highland Ridge. One special participant reach Healthwise and the Body Sculpting was Manny Lindner, who celebrated his gym at 925 930-4584. 82nd birthday by visiting the newest addi- In the past year Outside Interests has tions to the Preserve he had helped to cre- become one of Save Mount Diablo’s Contra Costa Times columnist Gary Bogue ate in the mid 1970’s. The East Bay strongest small business supporters. will lead the next hike on the Wright prop- Regional Park District renamed a section Numerous fundraising events have benefit- erty on March 23rd; details can be found in of Highland Ridge as “Founders Ridge” on ed SMD, including evening clinics; hikes; the April on the Mountain schedule. November 20th. 7 Founders Ridge Named Save Mount Diablo Celebrates 30 Years At the 30th Anniversary gala, SMD’s founders and honorary founders were called to the stage and an 450 Attend Black-Tie Gala image of Highland Ridge appeared on a screen. It showed an incredible view stretching from Morgan County Supervisor Donna Gerber summed up the 30th Anniversary Territory to both Diablo peaks. The view captured Gala this way: “It was as if you had a committee that came up with a much of SMD’s collaborative work with the State bunch of great ideas and then decided to do all of them. It came off and East Bay Regional Park District in recent wonderfully.” Cattleman John Ginochio, whose family was honored years. The founders were joined by Park District for 125 years of land stewardship, put it another way, “I was prepared Directors Beverly Lane and Ted Radke, who not to have a good time and ended up having a great time.” announced a special honor for Save Mount Diablo and its founders: the renaming of a portion of In little more than two and a half hours Save Mount Diablo held pre- Highland Ridge as “Founders Ridge.” and post-show receptions for 450 guests; put on two slideshows; heard remarks from Senator Tom Torlakson, Assemblyman Joe When SMD was formed in December 1971 its Canciamilla, County Supervisor Donna Gerber, Dept. of Parks and founders outlined goals including extension of pub- Recreation Director Rusty Areias and East Bay Regional Park District lic lands from the summit of the mountain south- General Manager Pat O’Brien; presented thirty-one awards; renamed east to include Morgan Territory and Highland a ridge after SMD’s founders; and bought a property. Ridge. In 1975 Morgan Territory Regional Preserve was created and over the years SMD, the SMD Executive Director and MC Ron Brown and President Malcolm State and the Park District closed in on that goal. Sproul welcomed the Continued on page 9 This past summer the Park District accepted a crowd and kept the pace donation of the Elworthy property including the crest of Highland Ridge.
We thank the District for this honor, especially Director Beverly Lane, who sponsored the effort.
The Founders of Save Mount Diablo are: Arthur Bonwell & Mary Bowerman, Barbara Benedict, Robert Canning, Robert Doyle, Edward Earl, From top, counter-clockwise: Steven Phillips, Chris Anderson, Laura Anderson & Nancy Myrick; Nancy Florence Klinger, Peg Kovar, Mary Lou Laubscher, Hanna, Gayle Landis, Joyce Payne & Ralph Hanna; Sylvia Adler & Sharon Brown in 3-D glasses; SMD Donald Merchant, Connie Rehr, Jean Richmond, Director Allan & Kit Prager, Frank Varenchik & Barbara Halkett; William Sattler, Genevieve Sattler. Top center: Founders Ridge view of Mt. Diablo and North Peak across the Blackhills, Riggs and Curry Honorary Founders are: Jane Helrich, Bill House, Canyons. Founders Ridge is the crest of Highland Ridge in Morgan Territory Regional Preserve. Jean Laird, Jane Stimpson, Mina Lou Taylor, Betty All photos this page by David Ogden (except 3-D glasses shot by Kim Weinstein, and landscapes by Zilen Stephen Joseph) Limited Edition 30th Anniversary Prints of Mt. Diablo In honor of SMD’s 30th anniversary, Stephen Joseph printed four limited edition 13” x 19” color panoramas of Mt. Diablo. Signed & numbered, at the special price of $75 each (plus $6.19 sales tax; 20% of the proceeds to SMD). Our black & white newsletter can’t do the images justice. Center top, and then left to right, they’re #1 Mt. Diablo from Highland Ridge, #2 Vasco Caves, #3 Mt. Diablo from Windy Point, and #4 North Peak from Clayton Ranch. The prints can be ordered and picked up at SMD by calling 925-947-3535, or send a check to SMD for $81.19 made out to: Stephen Joseph. Include your telephone number or E-mail address.
8 Senator Tom Torlakson & Scott Hein and SMD President Malcolm Sproul SMD co-founder Art assist SMD co-founder Mary Bowerman after Bonwell the naming of Founders Ridge. EBRPD Directors Beverly Lane and Seth Adams, Contra Costa Times columnist Gary Bogue Ted Radke flank other founders. and the Coastal Conservancy’s Nadine Hitchcock present Dorothy Wright with a check from the Conservancy to com- former Senator John Nejedly, plete the purchase of the Wright property Walnut Creek Mayor Sue Rainey & former Senator Richard Rainey Thanks to the Sponsors The 30th Anniversary gala netted more than Black-Tie Gala Continued from page 8 $42,000 for Save Mount Diablo’s programs. We moving. A slideshow of SMD’s accomplishments followed, includ- gratefully acknowledge the following sponsors for ing spectacular images of the mountain and its many parks. The generously underwriting the celebration. accomplishments of the thirty Mountain Star award winners were Oak Sponsors $5,000 inspiring, as was the presence of co-founders Mary Bowerman and Art Bonwell and other founders. Seth Adams, SMD’s Director of 3 Anonymous Donations Land Programs received a special ‘Mountain Saver’ award. Sil Garaventa & Garaventa Enterprises International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers - The real credit, however, goes to Mt. Diablo, to Stephen Joseph and Local 302 to the Diablo Wind Symphony. Joseph’s incredible eight-projector, The Murdy Foundation two screen 3-D slideshow, accompanied by the rousing perform- ance of the 60-piece Symphony, closed the event. Stephen’s Manzanita Sponsors $2,500 slideshow was exhilarating and deeply moving and was given spe- Bowles & Verna - LLP cial life by the Symphony’s music, conducted by Dr. Duane Jeanne Thomas Carroll. Shapell Industries Behind the scenes, SMD Office Manager Suzanne Bitz kept a myr- Buckeye Sponsors $1,000 iad of details in order. Volunteers included Burt Bassler, Art Blackhawk Corporation Bonwell, Donna Gerber, Scott & Claudia Hein, Doug Knauer, Bob East Bay Regional Park District Marx, John Mercurio, Amara & Clark Morrison, Bob Nunn, Allan Marx & Associates Prager, Dave Sargent, Malcolm Sproul, Dave Trotter, and Frank Merrill Lynch Varenchik. Plumbers & Steamfitters - Local 159 Windemere Bay Sponsors $500 Burt Bassler, Blanding, Boyer & Rockwell, Diablo Analytical, ENGEO, John Kiefer, LSA Associates, The Picnic People, Sycamore & Associates From bottom, counter-clockwise:SMD Executive Director Ron Brown, Judy Adler & Seth Adams; reception at the Regional Center; Senator Tom Torlakson, SMD Director Amara Media Sponsors Morrison & Clark Morrison; Contra Costa County Supervisor Donna Gerber & Brenda de la Contra Costa Times Osa; Chiori Santiago & Art Bonwell; Dan de la Cruz & SMD Director Bob Marx. Diablo Publications
9 land use efforts. Together, we have worked Assemblyman Joe Canciamilla on projects that have included Clayton ‘Hard working Joe’ did the unthinkable as a Ranch, Cowell Ranch, the Pittsburg member of the Board of Supervisors: he Southeast Hills annexation, Roddy Ranch proposed slowing growth until transporta- and the tightening of the Urban Limit Line. tion and infrastructure caught up. He sup- ported a strengthened Urban Limit Line, California Department of opposed a variety of large developments, Parks and Recreation negotiated a dramatic compromise on the The California Department of Parks and Cowell Ranch project and now, as a mem- Recreation has been Mount Diablo’s most ber of the State Assembly, has aided efforts important ally since before SMD was to pay for its acquisition. formed. For the past thirty years our organization and this agency have worked Supervisor Donna Gerber as a team to more than triple the size of Mt. Before her first election as a County Diablo State Park. Meanwhile, the Supervisor, Donna Gerber vowed to change Save Mount Diablo’s Department’s stewardship has meant that the way development takes place in Contra protected lands and resources enjoy greatly Costa. In short order she helped stop the Mountain Star Awards improved ecological health. Tassajara Valley Project, led the successful ...were created to recognize those individu- effort to tighten the county’s Urban Limit als and organizations whose efforts have Line, and became the County’s leading pro- been the most significant in helping to ponent of Smart Growth. achieve Save Mount Diablo’s mission these past thirty years. Nominations were solicit- Leadership Awards ed from a number of different sources and Individuals who have made difficult and nearly eighty were received. Save Mount visionary contributions. Diablo worked long and hard to narrow the list, but selection of the recipients was not Joann Hanna an easy task. The Save Mount Diablo movement was catalyzed in 1970 with the approval of the EBRPD President John Sutter, The Mountain Star Award program will con- CCBCTC’s Greg Feere, DPR Director Scott project, which would have removed tinue each year as a means of recognizing Rusty Areias, Greenbelt Alliance’s Evelyn Stivers ninety feet of Shell Ridge to fill Indian individuals and organizations that work for & Save Mount Diablo President Malcolm Sproul Valley for development. Joann Hanna, the preservation of Mount Diablo and the “mother of the Walnut Creek Open Space quality of life in our community. Legislative Awards system”, was a planning commissioner who Significant contributions to the mountain helped lead the effort to stop the project Alliance Awards by elected representatives. and then to create the city’s open space sys- Agencies and organizations which make tem. continuing contributions to land preservation Senator John Nejedly & Senator Dan in concert with Save Mount Diablo. Boatwright Manfred Lindner For decades Mount Diablo enjoyed the In the early 1970s, Manny Lindner of the Contra Costa Building & Construction support of Republican John Nejedly and Contra Costa Park Council fell in love with Trades Council Democrat Dan Boatwright, allies on either Morgan Territory. His efforts resulted in There was a time when construction unions side of the aisle in Sacramento, first in the the creation of the 970 acre Morgan supported development projects as a matter Assembly and then the Senate. They each Territory Regional Preserve. He recently of course. The Contra Costa Building & sponsored a long series of resource bonds celebrated his 82nd birthday by viewing the Construction Trades Council has recognized and then worked together to legislatively newest addition to the preserve, now the importance of their role of working with appropriate significant funds to the State, including 5000 acres. conservationists to protect our area’s quality Regional and local parks on Mount Diablo. of life by opposing ill-conceived projects. Their efforts resulted in funding for the Susan Watson acquisition of tens of thousands of acres. Mary Bowerman asked Susan Watson to East Bay Regional Park District Our organization has worked hand in hand Senator Tom Torlakson with the East Bay Regional Park District As a member of the County Board of since 1972. The District has created ten Supervisors, Tom Torlakson was SMD’s park units and many regional trails in the biggest ally. In the Assembly, he convened Diablo foothills, and worked with SMD to the first meetings to protect Clayton Ranch connect these areas in scenic wildlife and then helped fund its purchase. In both recreational corridors. Its efforts have dra- houses, he helped pass the largest State matically expanded the parks around Mount resources bonds in history and as a Senator Diablo. has helped fund a variety of acquisitions including Cowell Ranch. All this while Manfred Lindner, Susan Watson, Greenbelt Alliance maintaining a 100% voting record on the Senator Tom Torlakson & Joann Hanna Greenbelt Alliance has been Save Mount League of Conservation Voters Diablo’s strongest grassroots ally on many Environmental Scorecard. Continued on page 11 10 Continued from page 10 in the 1970s, Ken Behring’s Blackhawk Stewardship Awards project also meant the largest donation ever Significant contributions to the mountain’s at that time to the California State Park sys- ongoing ecological health. tem. Spectacular lands from Wall Point to Oyster Point were donated, increasing the The Ginochio Family size of Mt. Diablo State Park by twenty- Three Ginochio brothers arrived in Contra five percent. Costa from 1867 to 1876. The family’s ranching operations expanded to include Charles Gresham thousands of acres surrounding Mt. Diablo. We had never met Charles Gresham when When you enter the State Park’s Northgate he first contacted us. After a single hike he entrance, for example, for the next mile Jim Cutler, Warren Westrup & Hulet Hornbeck donated substantial funds necessary to and a half you’re crossing Ginochio prop- secure the Silva Ranch. His continued erty. Almost all of the land the family has help stop communication towers on Mt. commitment to Save Mount Diablo has sold has been added to public parks. Diablo and before long she had become been significant and enduring. Without 125 years of stewardship by the president of the group. She led SMD from Ginochio family, much of what we recog- around a kitchen table through its growth City of Walnut Creek nize as Mt. Diablo could have been devel- to become a larger staffed organization. Lime and Shell Ridges are the backdrop for oped. She was also instrumental in taking the the City of Walnut Creek. No city of its first steps toward the creation of the corri- size in California has done a better job first The Thomas Family dor from Mt. Diablo to Black Diamond in protecting and then in managing its open The Mt. Diablo Coal Fields attracted min- Mines Regional Preserve. space. ers after the Gold Rush, including the first member of the Thomas family in 1862. Public Service Awards The family has owned land around Black Significant contributions to land preserva- Diamond Mines since 1867, and has resis- tion by government employees. ted Pittsburg’s efforts to annex and develop their ranch lands. Without their commit- Jim Cutler ment to their land, the scenic Black Much of Save Mount Diablo’s land use Diamond foothills of Mt. Diablo would success can be traced to former Contra have long since been paved over. Costa Advanced Planning Chief Jim Cutler, who never missed a chance to look out for Trail Blazer Awards the mountain even as the Contra Costa Significant contributions to public recre- County Board of Supervisors considered ation and enjoyment of the mountain. allowing its development. Walnut Creek Mayor Sue Rainey & Steve Beinke (accepting for Ken Behring) George Cardinet Hulet Hornbeck 92-year old George Cardinet is probably Few people can match the record of Hulet the State’s most well known equestrian and Hornbeck. In 1964 he served as Central is the “Father of the Trail System in County chair for the campaign to annex Interpretive Awards California.” A founder of the Concord-Mt. Contra Costa County to the Regional Park Significant contributions to public educa- Diablo Trail Ride Association, the Heritage District. He later became the District’s tion. Trails Fund, the California State Riding & Chief of Land Acquisition, beginning many Hiking Trail and the Juan Bautista de Anza of the mountain’s regional parks such as Judy Adler National Historic Trail, George has created Black Diamond Mines and Diablo The Diablo Summit Building was built more trails on Mt. Diablo than anyone. Foothills. Forty years later he helps with from 1939-42 by the Civilian Conservation each new ballot campaign. Corps, of porous native rock that leaked Don de Fremery during intense rains. Judy Adler of MDIA Except for the two leading founders of Warren Westrup took on the task of raising funds for restora- Save Mount Diablo, this year we’re only In Sacramento, elected officials and agency tion and new interpretive exhibits. Because recognizing one current member of our chiefs come and go. Luckily Warren of her work the renovated Summit Building Westrup, Acquisition Section Chief for the was reopened and is now the mountain’s California Department of Parks and most well used educational facility. Judy is Recreation, has survived the changing also acknowledged for her continued educa- administrations, working with SMD on tional and interpretive programs. every addition to Mt. Diablo State Park in the past twenty-five years. Mount Diablo Interpretive Association The Mount Diablo Interpretive Association Cornerstone Awards was founded in 1974 and soon began co- Large and precedent-setting contributions. sponsoring SMD’s annual hike series, April On The Mountain. MDIA’s Mountain Star, Gloria Thomas, her brother Ken Behring however, is for their Mt. Diablo map and Wayne Thomas & John Ginochio They were known as the Blackhawk Wars, publications which provide the most com- and controversial though it may have been prehensive education for Diablo visitors. Continued on page 12 11 continued from page 11 Open Space Foundation began the success- Spotlight on SMD Volunteers: ful oak restoration program on Mount Diablo, which has expanded to include other Stephen Joseph restoration projects as well. Stephen Joseph, a member of Save Mount Diablo’s Board of Directors since 1993, has Steve Slavin been called the Ansel Adams of Mount Over Save Mount Diablo’s protests, Steve Diablo. He’s an amazing photographer Slavin of Chevron won a permit extension who has specialized in 3-D and panoramic for Chevron’s communication tower on photos, often taken with reconstructed North Peak. He listened to the protests antique cameras. In the past several years however, and when the presence of the he’s also joined the digital age. Stephen tower was no longer necessary, Chevron received his Bachelors of Fine Arts and his took the initiative for removing the tower Master of Fine Arts from the California George Cardinet & Don de Fremery and related facilities, and restoring the site College of Arts and Crafts. He has taught to its natural condition. Chevron’s tower there and at Civic Arts in Walnut Creek. removal in 1999 was a precedent; the first hard-working Board of Directors. Don de tower site to be removed from the mountain. Stephen introduced himself to SMD in Fremery volunteers for a wide variety of 1992 by sending a postcard of one his pho- outdoor organizations, and has arguably led Media Awards tos with this note on the back, “I love more public hikes in Contra Costa than Significant media contributions to public Mount Diablo and take a lot of pictures of anyone else these past thirty years. He was awareness of Save Mount Diablo and of the it. Can you use any of them?” We’ve kept involved in the creation of the 30-mile mountain. him busy ever since, relying on hundreds of Diablo Trail and has also built many trails. his volunteer hours each year. Stephen’s work is often found in these pages and his Restoration Awards spectacular 3-D slideshows are the center- Significant and unusual improvements in piece of many SMD events; he was the resource protection and enhancement at headliner at SMD’s 30th Anniversary. You Mount Diablo. can see his work at area galleries, at his Pleasant Hill home studio (call 925 934- Gary Beeman 2128), at Black Diamond Brewery in Wildlife biologist Gary Beeman proposed Walnut Creek, or on SMD’s or his own to his wife in one of Diablo’s historic pere- website: grine falcon nests, years after the birds had www.stephenjosephphoto.com. disappeared from the mountain. For four Gary Bogue and John Armstrong years beginning in 1989, Beeman was the of the Contra Costa Times “Landscape photography requires knowing peregrine lover who helped make Save a place in a very intimate way. Mount Mount Diablo’s falcon reintroduction pro- Gary Bogue Diablo is my favorite place to photograph gram a reality. For most of SMD’s history, the Contra and hike. It feels like home to me. Diablo Costa Times’ columnist Gary Bogue has is so close it affords me the luxury of going Charli Danielsen urged his readers to enjoy, to respond, to back over and over. I’ve been hiking there Former SMD Board member Charli vote and to donate to meet Mount Diablo’s for so many years and know the mountain Danielsen brought a love of native plants to needs. Gary’s loyal readers have regularly so well, I use it to create really good the organization. She pioneered the group’s contributed the option funds necessary to images.” first stewardship efforts at Chaparral Spring hold land until remaining funding could be and has led an ongoing project to restore developed, most recently with $77,000 in “Since the 1800s, throughout the history of native bunchgrasses at the State Park. contributions for the $50,000 Wright proper- landscape photography, there’s been a tradi- ty option. tion that photographers should give back to Ralph Kraetsch the land. I’ve gotten so much out of Mt. When you walk through the Walnut Creek Contra Costa Times Diablo over the years that I wanted to carry Open Space, you often see white tubes with More than most mountains or small organi- on that tradition, I wanted to give some- young oak trees growing out of them. In zations, Mount Diablo and SMD receive a thing back to the mountain. Using my pho- 1991 Ralph Kraetsch of the Walnut Creek great deal of publicity, much of it in the tographs to help save Mount Diablo Contra Costa Times. For the past thirty seemed very natural.” years the Times has covered acquisitions, land use efforts and everything from sunrise events, to peregrine falcon births, to hun- dreds of hike announcements. They also underwrite SMD publications and donate ad space and staff expertise.
All photos in this article are courtesy of Gary Beeman, Charli Danielsen David Ogden
& Ralph Kraetsch Susan Brisee 12 Roger & Helen Smith Ken & Catherine Smith Land Fund Terry & Gloria Sonico Marcy Howard Paul D. Spiegel Philip & Henrietta Dubow Penny & Jim Adams James & Barbara Stevens Walter Jennings, “in memo- Barbara Alexander Sandor & Faye Straus ry of my dear husband” Joyce Anderson & Jo & Jack Sudall who lost his battle with Sharon Lloyd Dan Suzio Parkinson’s Disease Bedell Investment Paul Swatek Barbara Jennings Counselling,LLC Jeanne Thomas Mark & Silvia Belotz Patricia Thomas Iris Lounds Bertell & Mary Black Scott Hein B.M. & Gloria Tiernan June Richert Mary Bowerman Mt. Diablo Globe Lily Pat Tom & James Compton Martha Miller Diane C. Brown Mariam Tranes Dr. Linda Miller Pauline Browne General Donations David Trotter Norman Ponte Robert & Gail Burnett Jacob Van Akkeren & Leslie Joyce Kelly Jack and Diana Anderson Doyle Heaton Bartholic Ruth & William Collins Wm. & Genevieve Sattler Wm. & Margaret Andrews Carlyle Hedrick John & Linda Van Heertum Hope Dick Joyce Sattler Louise Baldwin Nancy Hillyard Thomas M. Wagner Fred & Susan Donecker Bank of America Matching Harlan & Gayl Hirschfeld Phyllis Wainwright Marion Shoemaker Ken & Sandra Duckert Gifts Program A. Holly Hollingsworth Walnut Creek Garden Club Fonda Karelitz Mimi Frood- Frood Greg & Joanne Bartow Scott & Frances Hovey Alfred P. Weiler Lynn Turner Graphics & Illustration Betty Lou Bates Dave Husted Peter & Ann Whitehead Ruth Chapton Karen Frye Henry Beck Rich Juricich Stephen & Margaret Wilcox Stevie Wilson Jerry Gerich Eva Berek Doug Knauer Doug & Frances Woodard Lisa & Mo Dadgar Elizabeth Girgich Douglas & Betty Bevans Giselle Jurkanin & Kristin Carole Woods “All the Loved Ones we Robert & Bette Hill Frank & Dorothy Bindt Cooper Philip & Barbara Wright lost on Sept. 11. Let the Mary Hook Janet Bisbing Ray Katz & June Maselbas James & Sieglinda Wyles Mountain stand for those Gail Jordan Jennifer B. Brodie & Emma Kolokousis Frances Zurilgen who fell..” Yola Y. Liang Robert Brownbridge Charles & Sharon Krueger John & Susan Tullis Edwin Litsinger Constance Burgess William & Clotilde Larkins James McCall Harry & Beth Byrne Theodore & Janice Chris & Margaret Panton Carol Campbell Lassagne In Honor of Hubert & Betty Paul Emily Campbell Anne LeBlanc th Helen Ballock’s 90 Fred & Virginia Peterson Loren Castro Edward L. Leech Birthday Brad & Trish Piatt Robert Clear & Barbara Marston Leigh Michael & Judith Alvarez Judd Edwin Litsinger Norman & Inge Robertson Robert & Lloydine Bob Ryon Alan & Kathleen Clute Paul & Carol Lou Graham Betty & Howard Coates Janet Luhmann Glendoris Sargent Scott Hein Edward & Mary Jensen Hazel Sawyer Concord Garden Club Mal Warwick & Associates Burrowing owl Raymond & Dorothy Marvin & Mary Schinnerer George & Virginia John and Marti Masek Merritt J. Donald Seaver Constable Gloria McLaughlin In Memory of Rick & Armida Petretti Devereux Corlett Daphne L. Miller Valerie & Gene Read Richard & Sherry Shandrew Anna Boileau Leonard & Virginia Coster William . & Susan Miller Robin Schoenthaler, MD William Sharp Mary & Richard Bowers Sharon Cummins Samuel & Mary Mills Janet & Brian Steffy Barbara & Leonard Songster Vickie L. Dawes Carolyn & Bob Mills Betty Lou Boswell Eleanor Wilber Rick & Caren Steffens Wayland & Marion Barbara Molloy Paul & Linda Salsgiver Robert & Jo Ann Wilber Beatrice & Paul Stunz Dawson Richard & Carol Mortensen Susanne Bueche Rick Thurber Jane Manning Wallace & Dabney Denise & Bruce Muirhead Jo Ann & Ralph Hanna William Wilbur Sally Manning DeWaal Paul Nancarrow Ed & Carolyn Wood Conrad & Shirley Anthony & Marcia Newey “Corny” Charlie & Marge Evans The McLaughlin Family John Wright Real Estate Diethelm Helen E. Newman The Swanson Family Roy & Isako Egawa David Ogden/Sandi Biagi Anna Ferri Robert & Margaret Elliott Mark Ory & Diana Larry Ferri Anne Morgan Geraldine Ferring Minnick Greg Gitchell Barbara Riggins Ora Nell Folkman B J & Elizabeth Otten Dan, Roberta & Eva Matthew O’Neil, who Bruce & Ellen Fraser Hubert & Joan Reber Schoenholz enjoys riding his bike on Gordon & Susan Freeman Jean Reynolds “Gramps” the mountain trails. Michael Gendelman Jim Richards Robert Schwartz William & Phyllis O’Neil Elwood Gerrits Barr & June Rosenberg Otto Haubensak (Dad & Mom) Roy & Elsie Glotfelty Elisabeth Rothschild Patricia Anne Baran Fred & Elaine Grab Raymond Salonen Ami Rådström-Ditzel’s 50th Scott Hein Harry & Marilyn Finson Mariposa Lily Robert & Beverly Grunder Bill Schaaf R. Landau Birthday Paul Grunland Marvin & Carolyn Schick Rebecca Mallon Roger & Irene Harris All contributions were made Rand Gurvitz James & Patricia Scofield Jean Hauser Gunilla Lehmkuhl from August 15, 2001 through Sydney & Helen Hammill Peggy Shafer Barbara Hauser Solweig Sandell January 22, 2002 Judith Hanks Marion Sheehan ( Cynthia & W.R. Hardie Robert & Carol Shuey Viola Hertzberg Correction: The Fall 2001 Diablo Watch failed to include John & Esther Harris Cheryl I. Sibthorp Emily Fowler Phyllis and Harvey Ceaser as donors to the Gary Bogue campaign. Kathleen Harrison Matthew & Mary Smith Our apologies 13 Membership Matters Save Mount Diablo’s annual operating expenses are underwritten by the financial support we receive from membership revenue. In addition to providing financial support, the number of members we have is a statement to legislators and others about the level of community support for our projects. We would like to thank the following individuals who have become members since mid-December of 2000. We invite you to join them in supporting Save Mount Diablo’s efforts to preserve open space. Michael Sewell Summit Club Peter Oakeshott Richard Davis & Sandra Joyce Kelly Leslie Rosenfeld ($1,000 or more) Lawrence Peirano Jones Doris Klein James & Ann Saavedra John & Jane Ausman Walter & Mary Rogers Vickie Dawes Ted Kloth Al & Mary Anne Sanborn Braddock & Logan Howard & Gene Rudiger James & Patricia Day Hans Korve Edgar & Jean Sanderson Services Steve Savin & Chandra Don de Fremery Robin Kreske Sheryl Sankey Joe & Betty Goldstein Smith Donald & Charlott Deam Jesse & Sharon Krider Martin Sargent Douglas & Cindy Lacey Stewart & Bette Schuster John & Susan Dean Richard Larson Ed & Julie Sattler Allison & Mike Robinson Henry Stauffer John Deeming Philip Lathrap Daniel & Janet Schalk Meredith Rose Jim Thompson Carl Dinerman & Marianne Robert & Lynne Leach Leo & Maryann Schindler James & Patricia Scofield Kathleen Toups & Dorian White Tom Lee Arlene Scoles Diana Selig Liepmann Carl & Audrey Down Jeffrey & Deborah Leighton Rich & Ann Sexton Mildred Snelson David & Deborah Trotter Michael & Chryl Dumas Lillian Lemon David Short Benson Tongue Earl & Marlys Worden John Edwards James Lingel Robert Sieben George & Sarah Pauline Yan Tony & Marie Emerson Michael & Jennifer Lloyd Sierra Club- Mt. Diablo Zimmerman Riley & Karen Etheridge David Loeb Group Diablo Donor Gus & Sugar Filice Patricia Lopez Heidi Slocomb Peak Guardian ($100 or more) George Finger Bob & Eleanor Loynd Kathryn Smith ($500 or more) 6 Anonymous Diablo Donors Paul & Kathy Fitzpatrick Michael & Joanna Lyon Dave Smith & Terry Blair Bryant & Inga Bennett Arthur Amos Susana Fousekis David Marcus & Karen Gregg & Anne Sorensen Lee Glasgow Martin Abrams Lisa & Paul Francis Friedman Malcolm & Casey Sproul Scott & Claudia Hein Paul & Hanako Andrews Jack & Maureen Fritschi Bunny Martin Dean Stoker Peggie Howell Alan & Helen Appleford Kathy Fuller Bob & Joan Marx Jack & Jo Sudall Jean Masonek Rollin & Millicent Armer John & Teena Gallagher James & Phyllis Mc Donald Kevin Sullivan & Tamara Dean Morris Stephen & Joyce Arnon Maridale & Gary Garren Patty McClain Thompson David Ogden & Sandy Andy Aston Al & Pat Gavello James McClaskey Kermit Sveen Biagi David Baer Barbara George Winton & Margaret Patricia Thomas Frank & Barbara Varenchik Wayne & Karen Barker Donna Gerber McKibben Tom & Jill Toffoli Betty Woolverton William & Diane Barley Bingham & Larry Gibbs Mark McLaren & Nancy Rose Tom Lance Bartle Mountain Saver David & Betty Gifford Norland David & Kristen Trisko James Bartlett & Mimi Foord ($250 or more) Garrett and Cathy Girvan John & Jill Mercurio Mary Ulrich Burt Bassler 2 Anonymous Mountain David & Diane Goldsmith Barbara Monsler Frank & Edith Valle-Riestra Patty Battersby Savers Susan Gray Wayne Montoya Verne Van Vlear Claude & Carol Benedix Judy & Andy Adler Charles Gresham James Rolph Moore Nestor Vaschetto Edward & Mildred Bennett Glorya Anderson-Weber Donald & Melinda Groom Maynard Munger Barbara Walters William Bernell Bill & Joyce Ashurst Cathy Grossu David & Margaret Nicholas Sharon Walters Bette Boatmun Mary Baldwin Richard & Faye Guarienti Craig Nielsen Valerie Warburton Marchetta Bowdle Lesley Benn Liede-Marie Haitsma Henry Nigro Mitchell & Ann Ward Malcolm & Sylvia Boyce Lynn & Rick Bergquist Sydney & Helen Hammill Elizabeth O’Shea Douglas & Ruth Waterman Don & Jeanne Boyd Donna Buessing Mona Hansen Nigel Ogilvie Dick & Margo Watson Kate Boyle James & Carolyn Butler Russ & Cindy Harrison Michael Ogles Tom & Carolyn Westhoff Lynn & Butch Brear David Frane Kathy Hart Charles & Ann Olsen David Whippy Anne Brock Liana Genovesi & Scott Donald Hayes Orinda Hiking Club Hugh & Alice White Diane Brown Ahrendt Ronald & Ann Hendel Verna Osborn Martha Whittaker Pauline Browne Carol Greaves Michael & Nadine Tom & Nancy Patten Kenneth Winters Raymond & Patricia Buck Peter & Judi Hagen Hitchcock Stephane Pelchat Ann Witter R.M. & Lois Bunyard Eric & Debbie Hinzel Donald & Sandy Hoffman Fred & Virginia Peterson Bernice Woodhead Bill & Kelly Burmeister Sandy Hood Harmon & Joan Howard Brad & Trish Piatt John & Betty Woodward Janet Caldwell David & Lois Kail Noel Hurd E.L. & Carol Pollock Milo Zarakov & Deborah John & Jane Cambus John Kiefer Susan Inman D. E. Priewe Long Patrick & Shirley Campbell David Lampe R.John Jeffrey Jeffrey Radigan Donald & Carolyn Zerby Harvey & Phyllis Ceaser James & Beverly Lane James & Toril Jelter Bill Ralph Alan & Kathleen Clute Friends ($35 or more): John McCorduck Jackiel Joseph & Gail James & Melissa Rease Florence Cole 577 individuals or families Steve and Linda Mehlman Gordon Ed & Gwen Regalia Nancy Collins have joined in this category. Gordon & Donna Monroe John & Linda Judd Connie Regalia Janice Costella Amara Morrison Pam & Mark Kan Charles Rickenbacher Phillip & Jean David Theron Nelson Robert Katz John & Sandra Ritchie Harold Davis Thomas O’Brien Richard Kawin Michael Rosenblum Bradley & Carol Davis 14 30th Anniversary Donors In-Kind Gifts Our sincere thanks and appreciation goes to the following businesses, organizations, and Asyst Computers: HP printer/fax/scanner individuals for their generous financial support in honor of our anniversary celebration. Boyd & Jean Ballenger: Mt. Diablo photos Individual Donors Susan Gray, Charles Gresham, Marjorie Lisa Carroll: Osprey watercolor Angels ($5,000+) Griffin, Judith Hanks, Janess Hanson, Clara Ann Mari Faut: Eureka vacuum 2 Anonymous Donors Harris & Steven Eckert, John & Mary Ann Scott & Claudia Hein: digital camera; label- Hayes, Tamra Hege, Nadine & Michael er; photo developing Patrons ($1,000+) Hitchcock, Richard Hoedt, Margaret & Mount Diablo State Park: desk Don & Georgia Palmer, Marian Scott, William Hughes, Justine Hume, Andrew & Al & Dorothea Schoenstein: Lithographs Richard & Sandra Smith Barbara Imbri, Peyton I. Jacob, Peter & Julie Supporters ($500+) Kaldveer, Elias Katz, Ph.D., A.M. Kern, Boise John & Rosemary Daniel, David Ogden & & Lucy Ketcham, Arthur & Selma King, Wish List Sandi Biagi, Allan Prager, Verne Van Vlear Gerald & Rosette Koch, David Lenehan, You can help Save Mount Diablo by Catherine Locke, Jay & Caroline Lutz, Contributors (under $500) donating the following items: Suzanne & Nathan Lutz, Hugh & Carol Kenneth Ahl, Glenn Alex, H. Ward Alter, • Combination TV/VCR • Lap Top Maiocco, Ed & Carol Margason, Andrew & Paul & Joan Armstrong, Robert & Marilyn Lynne Marshall, James A. McCall, Dennis Computer and projector for Power Aston, Richard Bachenheimer, Carol Baier, McCormac, Martin & Helen McLaren, Miriam Point presentations • Phone system (4 James & Mary Ballard, Margy & Larry Mellen, Amara & Clark Morrison, Maynard line/6 phone) for SMD office Banfield, Bank of Walnut Creek, Patricia Munger, Herbert F. Neller, Richard & Dorothy Curtin, Margot Bevis, Mark Bole, John Nichols, Robert & Shirley Nootbaar, Bob Volunteers Needed Bouyea, Marcheta Bowdle, Madaline Boyes, Nunn, Robert & Patricia Partridge, Joyce Doug & Kristine Brady, Alan & Kristi Save Mount Diablo needs volunteers Payne, Ada Lou Peterson, Steven Phillips, Branum, Marty & Cameryn Breen -Forward in the following areas: Marjorie & Theodore Plant, Tomasz Motion Sports, Donna Buessing-Diversified Potworowski, Mauricia Price, Gloria Pulido, Captial Services, Ronald & Barbara Buffi, Norman & Inge Robertson, Donald J. Rose- Regular Office Assistance: Several Joan Casey, Johnson & Louise Clark Rose Associates, Al & Mary Anne Sanborn, hours per week - routine office chores Foundation, Charles Clem, Annabelle Cloner, Ernest & Dorothy Sattler, Jean Saylor, - filing, light typing, phones, etc. Patricia E. Coffey, Contra Costa Central Anthony Schilling, Andrew and Linda Schneit, Project Help: For periodic mailing Labor Council, Sherrill Cook & Richard S. Arlene Scoles, Carlo & Margareta Sequin, Ann projects. Archivist: to help catalogue, Stephens, Bradley & Carol Davis, John S. Shanck, Sharon Singer, Matt & Mary Smith, label and file photos and documents. Deeming, Ernest & Florence Dickson, Dave Suzanne Stanke, Rick & Caren Steffens, Helen Events: Coordination and help of all & Dana Dornsife, Thomas & Jane Dunphy, Stevens, Irene & Jason Sutton, Roger & Polly sorts; solicit auction/raffle items; Susan M. Flautt, Harold & Donna Fogel, Troxell, Frank & Barbara Varenchik, Martin Ruthann Frank, Friends of Mark Peterson, Al obtain business/corporate sponsors. Vitz, Rob & Marci Waldman, Barbara Walters, & Pat Gavello, Wing & Christine Gee, Graphic Arts: To help design flyers, Susan Watson, Nancy Wenninger, Sonja Camile & Le Roy Ghilarducci, Kenneth & invitations and visual displays. Wilkin, Elizabeth Zilen Elizabeth Giannotti, Austin & Mary Givens, Continued from page 1 Continued from page 1 Leaving a Legacy Yes on Proposition 40 Yes on Measure K By including Save Mount Diablo as a In 1999 the voters passed Prop. 12 which restoration, protection and enhancement of beneficiary in your will, trust or life provided funding for our area, to assist in wildlife and wildlife habitat. insurance policy, you can support our the purchases of Clayton Ranch, Silva work even after you are no longer with Ranch and the Wright Property, as well as The District's land acquisitions have been us. No matter which option you a number of additional restoration and funded through the 1988 Measure AA, but choose, your bequest will help insure wildlife protection programs. Prop. 12 the AA bond money will soon be exhausted that Save Mount Diablo has the was passed after a dozen years of no funds (these funds can only be used for capital resources needed to continue our work being available for these purposes. As a projects). Passage of Measure K is neces- of protecting and preserving the natural result of the backlog of projects, Prop. 12 sary for the renewal of AA and additional resources of our community in the funding was rapidly depleted. Without a acquisitions. years to come. For more information on new bond some of our most priceless treas- For information on Measure K, visit how to bequeath a gift to Save Mount ures will be lost, along with opportunities <
15 CONTRA COSTA COUNTY Save Tassajara Valley BOARD OF SUPERVISORS We Need Your Help: Mark DeSaulnier (Concord, Pleasant HillWalnut Creek) 925-646-5763, FAX925-646-5767 Please Write, Fax, Call or 2425 Bisso Lane, #110, Concord, CA 94520 [email protected] E-mail the Contra Costa John Gioia (Richmond, El Cerrito) County Board 510-374-3231, FAX510-374-3429 11780 San Pablo Ave, El Cerrito, CA 94530 of Supervisors Today [email protected]
Bob Walker,Oakland Museum Bob Walker,Oakland Federal Glover (Pittsburg, Antioch) In March the County Board of Supervisors and there is no need to allow development 925-427-8138, FAX925 427-8142 will consider the ‘combined Tassajara proj- in this area at present. Greenbelt Alliance 315 E. Leland Road #100, Pittsburg, CA ects’ stretching south and east from and the Sierra Club are leading opposition. 94565 Blackhawk. In 2000 the Board tightened Save Mount Diablo’s concerns are specific [email protected] the County Urban Limit Line but left inside to which areas should be preserved. On the Gayle B. Uilkema (Martinez, Lafayette, the line 1000 acres proposed for develop- east, Shapell’s Alamo Creek project would Moraga, Orinda) ment by Shapell, Braddock & Logan and destroy a major ridgeline, abut the Urban 925-335-1046, FAX925-335-1076 Ponderosa Homes. The project would gen- Limit Line and agricultural lands without a County Administration Building 651 Pine St., erate 13,000 car trips daily, strain water buffer, and narrow the open space corridor Room108A, Martinez, CA 94553 supplies, destroy wildlife habitat and from Hidden Valley open space north [email protected] impact the Urban Limit Line and agricul- toward Mt. Diablo and Morgan Territory. Donna Gerber (San Ramon, Danville, tural lands. Please Write, Fax, Call or E-mail… Walnut Creek, Brentwood) 925-820-8683, FAX925-820-6627 Supervisor Donna Gerber opposes develop- the Supervisors (please cc us and Sup. 309 Diablo Road, Danville, CA 94526 ment in this area, but Supervisors Mark Gerber so we’ll have copies, and for the [email protected] DeSaulnier, Gayle Uilkema and John Gioia hearing date) and urge them, should they all voted to allow a General Plan choose to approve this development, to: Please send copies of any letter to us at: Amendment study to move forward. It is —Protect the ridgeline on Alamo creek, Seth Adams, Save Mount Diablo believed that there is a Board majority in without development, 1196 Boulevard Way #10, W.C., CA 94595 favor of the development. The County —Add the Alamo Creek ridgeline area and (925) 947-3535, FAX 925-947-3603 Planning Commission and the San Ramon lands to the south to Hidden Valley Open [email protected] Valley Regional Planning Commission Space, and Evelyn Stivers, Greenbelt Alliance heard the project jointly and split on it, the —Require a significant (at least 300’) open 1601 N. Main St., Ste. 105, W.C., CA 94596 SRVRPC recommending denial and the space buffer and trail corridor along the (925) 932 7776, FAX 925-932-1970 County Planning Commission approval. Urban Limit Line connecting from Hidden [email protected] The project fails every smart growth test Valley north to Camino Tassajara. 16 Save Mount Diablo's Mission . . In support of our mission, Save Mount Diablo: other organizations to increase open space; To secure through acquisition and preserva- • Creates dedicated open space from land • Monitors land-use planning; tion, the open space necessary to support the acquired through gifts, purchases & coopera- • Aids in the restoration of habitat and preser- full range of biological diversity and to insure tive efforts with public and private entities; vation of rare species; the integrity of Mt. Diablo's natural beauty. • Educates the public about threats to the • Offers technical assistance to agencies and mountain; neighborhood groups with regard to securing Founded in 1971, Save Mount Diablo has • Works with landowners to preserve their open space; been instrumental in increasing open space on property while realizing economic benefits; • Works diligently to raise funds necessary to and around the mountain from 6,788 acres to • Works in partnership with Mt. Diablo State support Save Mount Diablo's mission. more than 81,000 acres. Park, East Bay Regional Park District, and
Non-Profit save MOUNT DIABLO Organization 1196 Boulevard Way, Suite 10 U.S. Postage Paid Walnut Creek, CA 94595 Concord, CA Address Service Requested Permit No. 525