Board Meeting Packet

May 4, 2021

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Board Meeting Packet SPECIAL NOTICE REGARDING PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AT THE EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING SCHEDULED FOR TUESDAY, MAY 4, 2021 at 1:00 pm

Pursuant to Governor Newsom’s Executive Order No. N-29-20 and the Alameda County Health Officer’s Shelter in Place Orders, the East Bay Regional Park District Headquarters will not be open to the public and the Board of Directors and staff will be participating in the Board meetings via phone/video conferencing.

Members of the public can listen and view the meeting in the following way: Via the Park District’s live video stream which can be found at https://youtu.be/MAiAbkogh8Y

Public comments may be submitted one of three ways:

2. Via voicemail at (510) 544-2016. The caller must start the message by stating public comments – not on the agenda or public comments – agenda item # followed by their name and place of residence, followed by their comments. It is preferred that these voicemail comments be submitted by Monday, May 3, 2021 at 3:00 pm.

3. Live via zoom. If you would like to make a live public comment during the meeting this option is available through the virtual meeting platform: *Note: this virtual meeting platform link will let you into the https://zoom.us/j/92104773456 virtual meeting for the purpose of providing a public comment. If you do not intend to make a public comment please use the YouTube link at: https://youtu.be/MAiAbkogh8Y to observe the meeting. It is preferred that those requesting to speak during the meeting contact the Clerk of the Board at [email protected] by 3:00 pm on Monday, May 3, 2021 via email or voicemail (510) 544-2016 to provide name and the subject of the public comment or item to be addressed.

Comments received during the meeting and up until the public comment period on the relevant agenda item is closed, will be provided in writing to the Board of Directors, included transcribed voicemails. All comments received by the close of the public comment period will be available after the meeting as supplemental materials and will become part of the official meeting record. If you have any questions please contact Yolande Barial Knight, Clerk of the Board, at [email protected] or (510) 544-2020. Clerk of the Board YOLANDE BARIAL KNIGHT (510) 544-2020 PH MEMO to the BOARD OF DIRECTORS (510) 569-1417 FAX EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

East Bay Regional Park District Board of Directors

DEE ROSARIO The Regular Session of the TUESDAY, MAY 4, 2021 President - Ward 2 Board Meeting is scheduled to commence via teleconference at 1:00 p.m. COLIN COFFEY Vice President - Ward 7 Park District’s live video stream can be found at: BEVERLY LANE https://youtu.be/MAiAbkogh8Y Treasurer - Ward 6 DENNIS WAESPI Secretary - Ward 3 ELIZABETH ECHOLS Respectfully submitted, Ward 1 ELLEN CORBETT SABRINA B. LANDRETH Ward 4 General Manager AYN WIESKAMP Ward 5 SABRINA B. LANDRETH General Manager

2950 Peralta Oaks Court Oakland, CA 94605-0381 (888) 327-2757 MAIN (510) 633-0460 TDD (510) 635-5502 FAX ebparks.org

3 AGENDA

REGULAR MEETING OF MAY 4, 2021 BOARD OF DIRECTORS EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT The Board of Directors of 11:00 a.m. ROLL CALL (Virtual) the East Bay Regional Park District will hold a regular PUBLIC COMMENTS meeting virtually, commencing at 11:00 a.m. for Closed CLOSED SESSION Session and 1:00 pm for Open Session on Tuesday, May 4, 2021. Video Stream at: https://youtu.be/MAiAbkogh8Y A. Conference with Labor Negotiator: Government Code Section 54957.6

1. Agency Negotiators: Sabrina B. Landreth, Ana M. Alvarez, Agenda for the meeting is Allyson Cook, Eddie Kriesberg listed adjacent. Times for Employee Organizations: AFSCME Local 2428, agenda items are approximate Police Association only and are subject to change during the meeting. If you wish Unrepresented Employees: Managers, Confidentials and Seasonals to speak on matters not on the agenda, you may do so under Public Comments at the B. Conference with Legal Counsel: beginning of the agenda. If you wish to comment on an item 1. Existing Litigation – Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(I) on the agenda, please send an email to [email protected] a) Workers’ Compensation Claim of Kenneth Goltz before 3:00 pm, Monday, May 3, 2021. WCAB Nos. ADJ9242067; ADJ9242081 A copy of the background C. Conference with Real Property Negotiator Regarding Price and/or materials concerning these Terms of Payment: Government Code Section 54956.8 agenda items, including any material that may have been submitted less than 72 hours 1. Agency Negotiators: Kristina Kelchner, Michael Reeves before the meeting, is available for inspection on the District’s PROPERTY OWNER/ website (www.ebparks.org). APN/ADDRESS NEGOTIATING PARTIES PARK/TRAIL Agendas for Board Committee Alameda County Meetings are available to the public upon request. If you wish 099A-2720-013-00 N3 Cattle Company, LLC Ohlone Wilderness to be placed on the mailing list Del Valle Road, Regional Preserve to receive future agendas for a Livermore specific Board Committee, please call the Clerk of the Board’s Office at (510) 544- 2020.

District facilities and meetings comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If special accommodations are needed for you to participate, please contact the Clerk of the Board as soon as possible, but preferably at least three working days prior to the meeting. 4 1:00 p.m. OPEN SESSION (Virtual)

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

A. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

B. PUBLIC COMMENTS

Public comments may be submitted one of three ways:

1. Via email to Yolande Barial Knight, Clerk of the Board, at [email protected] . Email must contain in the subject line public comments – not on the agenda or public comments – agenda item #. It is preferred that these written comments be submitted by Monday, May 3, 2021 at 3:00 pm. 2. Via voicemail at (510) 544-2016. The caller must start the message by stating public comments – not on the agenda or public comments – agenda item # followed by their name and place of residence, followed by their comments. It is preferred that these voicemail comments be submitted by Monday, May 3, 2021 at 3:00 pm. 3. Live via zoom. If you would like to make a live public comment during the meeting this option is available through the virtual meeting platform: https://zoom.us/j/92104773456 *Note that this virtual meeting platform link will let you into the virtual meeting for the purpose of providing a public comment. If you do not intend to make a public comment please use the YouTube link at: https://youtu.be/MAiAbkogh8Y to observe the meeting. It is preferred that those requesting to speak during the meeting contact the Clerk of the Board at [email protected] by 3:00 pm on Monday, May 3, 2021 via email or voicemail (510) 544-2020 to provide name and the subject of the public comment or item to be addressed.

C. SPECIAL UPDATE

1. General Manager’s Update on the Status of the East Bay Regional Park District Emergency During the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Reoperation Plan for 2021.

1:30 p.m. D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

a. Approval of District Check Listing for the Period of March 15, 2021 Through March 28, 2021 (Auker/Landreth) (Resolution) (No Cost) b. Approval of the Minutes for the Board Meeting of April 20, 2021 (Barial Knight) (Resolution) (No Cost) c. Resolution to Support H.R. 1 (Sarbanes D-MD) – For the People Act of 2021 (Pfuehler/Landreth) (Resolution) (No Cost) d. Resolution to Support H.R. 389 (Case D-HI) – Safe and Quiet Skies Act of 2021 (Pfuehler/Landreth) (Pfuehler/Landreth) (Resolution) (No Cost) e. Resolution to Support H.R. 463 (Espaillat D-NY) – Transportation Alternatives Enhancements Act (Pfuehler/Landreth) (Resolution) (No Cost)

5 f. Resolution to Support H.R. 660 (Plaskett D-VI) – Shovel-Ready Restoration Grants for Coastlines and Fisheries Act of 2021 (Pfuehler/Landreth) (Resolution) (No Cost) g. Resolution to Support H.R. 803 (DeGette D-CO) – Protecting America's Wilderness and Public Lands Act (Pfuehler/Landreth) (Resolution) (No Cost) h. Resolution to Support H.R. 1678 (Barragan D-CA) – Parks, Jobs and Equity Act (Pfuehler/Landreth) (Resolution) (No Cost) i. Authorization to Execute a Contract with Aanko Technologies, Inc. for Safety Consultation Services to Update and Implement the East Bay Regional Park District’s Safety Manual and Other Mandated Safety Programs (Balmes/Victor) (Resolution) (Budgeted Funds) j. Authorization to Extend a Contract with AppleOne for Temporary, Professional Staffing Services: Legal/Risk Division (Balmes/Victor) (Resolution) (Budgeted Funds) k. Authorization to Apply for Funds from the West Contra Costa Transportation Advisory Committee for the San Francisco Bay Trail: Point Pinole Regional Shoreline (Hornbeck/Dougan/Auker ) (Resolution) (Rev Authorization ) L. Authorization to Apply to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection for Funding from the Fire Prevention Grant Program and the Forest Health Grant Program through California Climate Investments: District-wide (Hornbeck/Theile/Auker ) (Resolution) (Rev Authorization) m. Authorization to Apply to the California Coastal Conservancy for Forest Health and Wildfire Resilience Program: District-wide (Hornbeck/Theile/Auker) (Resolution) ( Rev Authorization) n. Approval of Resolution Initiating Proceedings and Ordering Filing of Annual Report for East Contra Costa County Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District (ECCC LLD) (Spaulding/Auker) (Resolution) (Budgeted Funds) o. Approval of Resolution Initiating Proceedings and Ordering Filing of An Annual Report for Alameda County/Contra Costa County Regional Trails Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District (Two County LLD) (Spaulding/Auker) (Resolution) (Budgeted Funds)

2:00 p.m. 2. ACQUISITION, STEWARDSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT DIVISION

a. Authorization to Enter into a Purchase and Sale Agreement with Trumark Properties LLC for the Sale of a 7.23-Acre Portion of the East Bay Regional Park District’s former Armand Borel Trust Property Located at 3020 Fostoria Way in Danville, California: Las Trampas Wilderness Regional Preserve (Reeves/Kelchner) (Resolution) (Budgeted Funds) b. Authorization to Execute a Contract with BKF Engineers, Inc. for Preliminary Design and Environmental Review for the Point Pinole to Wilson Point Segment and Transfer Funds: San Francisco Bay Trail (Dougan/Kelchner) (Resolution) (Budgeted Funds/ Budget Change)

6 2:30 p.m. 3. BOARD AND STAFF REPORTS

a. Actions Taken by Other Jurisdictions Affecting the Park District (Landreth)

2:15 p.m. 4. GENERAL MANAGER’S COMMENTS

STAFF PRESENTATION a. Acquisition, Stewardship & Development staff will provide an overview of the Trail User Working Group’s formation, purpose, input received to date, and expected next steps

2:30 p.m. 5. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM CLOSED SESSION

2:35 p.m. 6. BOARD COMMENTS

3:45 p.m. E. ADJOURNMENT

7 CONSENT CALENDAR AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, May 4, 2021

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

a. Approval of District Check Listing for the Period of March 15, 2021 Through March 28, 2021 (Auker/Landreth)

RECOMMENDATION

It is recommended that the Board of Directors approve the Check Listing for the period of March 15, 2021 through March 28, 2021.

Per Resolution No. 1992-1-40, adopted by the Board on January 21, 1992, a copy of the Check Listing has been provided to the Board Treasurer for review. A copy of the Check Listing has also been provided to the Clerk of the Board and will become a part of the Official District Records.

8 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO.: 2021 – 05 -

May 4, 2021

APPROVAL OF DISTRICT CHECK LISTING FOR THE PERIOD OF MARCH 15, 2021 THROUGH MARCH 28, 2021

WHEREAS, District Resolution No. 1992 - 1 - 40, adopted by the Board of Directors on January 21, 1992, requires that a listing of District checks be provided to the Board Treasurer for review;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby approves the check listing for the period of March 15, 2021 through March 28, 2021;

Moved by Director , seconded by Director , and adopted this 4th day of May, 2021 by the following vote:

FOR:

AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:

9 AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, May 4, 2021

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

b. Approval of the Minutes for the Board Meeting of April 20, 2021 (Barial Knight)

10 11 Unapproved Minutes Board Meeting of April 20, 2021

The Board Meeting, which was held April 20, 2021 at East Bay Regional Park District, 2950 Peralta Oaks Court, Oakland, CA 94605 called its Closed Session to order at 11:00 a.m. by Board President Dee Rosario.

ROLL CALL

Directors Present: Dee Rosario, President Colin Coffey, Vice President Dennis Waespi, Secretary Beverly Lane, Treasurer Ayn Wieskamp

Directors Absent: Elizabeth Echols Ellen Corbett

The Open Session of the Board Meeting was called to order at 1:09 p.m. by President Rosario.

Staff Present: Sabrina Landreth, Carol Victor, Ana Alvarez, Debra Auker, Anthony Ciaburro, Jim O’Connor, Carol Johnson, Kristina Kelchner, Erich Pfuehler, Aileen Thiele, Michael Reeves, Eric Bowman, Allyson Cook, Lance Brede, Jeff Rasmussen, Tiffany Margulici, Alan Love, Katy Hornbeck, Mary Mattingly, Jim Tallerico, Matthew James, Oliver Hinojosa (PrimeGov) Guests: None.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

President Rosario asked Director Wieskamp to lead the Board in the Pledge of Allegiance. Wieskamp acknowledged the Luecha and Yulien tribes who were Ohlone speakers that viewed Brushy Peak as a very special meeting place and came often to it in the Livermore Valley.

President Rosario opened the meeting and stated that consistent with Governor Gavin Newsom’s Executive Order N-25-20 issued on March 12, 2020 in response to the threat of COVID-19 and the Alameda County Health Department’s Order dated March 16, 2020, the Board of Directors may utilize teleconferencing to remotely participate in meetings. Clerk of the Board announced the three ways in which the public could participate in the meeting. President Rosario asked if the Board members had any questions about the meeting process. There were none.

A. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

By motion of Director Wieskamp, and seconded by Director Lane, the Board voted unanimously to approve the agenda.

Directors Remote: Colin Coffey, Ellen Corbett, Elizabeth Echols, Beverly Lane, Dee Rosario, Dennis Waespi, Ayn Wieskamp. Directors Against: None. Directors Absent: None.

B. PUBLIC COMMENTS

Kevin Brown commented and sent a letter along with Brian Long and David George who sent emails commenting on the need for more single-track trails for12 mountain bikers. They hoped the Park District will Unapproved Minutes Board Meeting of April 20, 2021 collaborate with them. Brown cited an article from Forbes that stated that there has been a 100 to 500% increase in mountain biking, trail usage.

Mary Barnsdale, a longtime park supporter and volunteer, sent an email asking the District and Board of Directors to establish a feral cat policy. This policy should define the conditions that must exist and steps that must be taken before that happens.

E-mails were received and Park District employee Deonta Allen, and the following speakers asked the Board and the Park District to acknowledge Juneteenth as an official holiday for District employees, with free park admission to the public on June 19th and to create educational and cultural programming for Juneteenth. Allen read his statement into the record and quoted Verna Myers who said, “Diversity is being invited to the party, inclusion is being asked to dance.” He added that this proposal is an opportunity for the East Regional Park District to ask African Americans to dance. District employees Kate Collins, Bryan Singleton, Julia Kernitz, Constance Taylor, Yulie Padmore, Liz Bittner, Eri Suzuki and Precious Shelton spoke. Marva Reed, UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Director of Volunteer Program Beverly Ingraham, Dan Rademacher, Julian Cote, Isaiah Mostafa, Julianne Ferguson, AFSCME members Catherine Bernal, Meadow D’Arcy, and Lance Johnson spoke. Vanessa Allen, Ronald Allen, Citizens for Historical Equity Board Member Alexander Wills, Matthew Valdez, Aki McKinzie, Director of the Office of African American Student Achievement William McGee, VP AFSCME Ross Mitchell, East County NAACP Willie Mims, WCC USD School Board trustee Jamela Smith- Folds, former District employee Francis Mendosa, and WCC USD Teacher Richmond High School, Ethnic Studies Mr. Wilson.

Kelly Abreu commented on parking at Mission Peak.

President Rosario expressed his appreciation to the speakers. Rosario commented that the District is currently working on the mountain bikers concerns and in regards to Juneteenth; the District is currently in labor negotiations.

C.SPECIAL UPDATE

1. General Manager’s Update on the Status of the East Bay Regional Park District Emergency During the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Reoperation Plan for 2021.

General Manager Landreth gave a brief update and Jim O’Connor, AGM of Operations walked the Board through more specifics. Landreth said staff have recently expanded the days and numbers of reservations per day at both Little Farm and Ardenwood which seems to be alleviating some of the demand and capacity issues that are being experienced. Landreth thanked staff for being flexible. As the Governor's proclaimed date of reopening on June 15th is getting closer, the District continues to monitor the specific guidance of the County.

Director Lane asked if the EEC is open for people to walk through without registration. AGM O'Connor replied that currently the issue is one of staffing and staff are working with HR to bring back additional seasonal staff. Right now, the focus is on access to the Little Farm.

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

By motion of Director Corbett, and seconded by Director Wieskamp, the consent calendar was unanimously approved.

Directors For: Colin Coffey, Ellen Corbett, Elizabeth Echols, Beverly Lane, Dee Rosario, Dennis Waespi, Ayn Wieskamp.13 Unapproved Minutes Board Meeting of April 20, 2021 Directors Against: None. Directors Recused: None.

a. Approval of District Check Listing for the Period of March 1, 2021Through March 14, 2021 Resolution No. 2021 – 04 - 091 (attached)

b. Approval of the Minutes for the Board Meeting of April 6, 2021

c. Adoption of a 2021 COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave Policy to Replace Emergency Paid Sick Leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act Resolution No. 2021 – 04 - 092 (attached)

d. Resolution to Support AB 897 (Mullin D-South San Francisco) – Regional Climate Networks and Adaptation Action Plans Resolution No. 2021 – 04 - 093 (attached)

e. Resolution to Support AB 909 (Frazier D-Discovery Bay) – Wildfire Risk Assessment Map Resolution No. 2021 – 04 - 094 (attached)

f. Resolution to Support AB 959 (Mullin D-South San Francisco) – Nuisance Abatement Authority for Special Park Districts Resolution No. 2021 – 04 - 095 (attached)

g. Resolution to Support AB 1141 (Frazier D-Discovery Bay) – Wildland Urban Interface Fire Research Center Resolution No. 2021 – 04 - 096 (attached)

h. Resolution to Support SB 456 (Laird D-Santa Cruz) – Long Term Forest Management Plan Resolution No. 2021 – 04 - 097 (attached)

i. Resolution to Support SB 604 (Hueso D-San Diego) – Career Pathways and Climate Resiliency Grant Programs Resolution No. 2021 – 04 - 098 (attached)

j. Resolution to Support SB 799 (Glazer D-Orinda) – Preservation of the Alameda-Tesla Property of Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area Resolution No. 2021 – 04 - 099 (attached)

k. Approval of Amendment of the Communication Site Lease with Crown Castle/T-Mobile: Deer Valley Regional Park/Roddy Ranch Golf Course Resolution No. 2021 – 04 - 100 (attached)

L. Authorization to Quitclaim a Right of Access over Private Property at 8380 Pardee Drive to Westcore Alpha Pardee LLC: Martin Luther King, Jr. Regional Shoreline Resolution No. 2021 – 04 - 102 (attached)

m. Resolution Objecting to the Sale at Public Auction of 33 Tax-Defaulted Parcels Totaling 2.52 acres of Real Property by the Alameda County Tax Collector’s Office: Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve Resolution No. 2021 – 04 - 103 (attached) 14 Unapproved Minutes Board Meeting of April 20, 2021 n. Authorization to Appropriate Funds and Award Construction Contract to NBC Construction & Engineering Inc. to Construct Residence: Vasco Caves Regional Preserve Resolution No. 2021 – 04 - 104 (attached)

o. Authorization to Appropriate Funds and Purchase and Install Restrooms: District-wide Resolution No. 2021 – 04 - 105 (attached)

p. Authorization to Purchase 60 Cisco Meraki Wireless Access Point devices from AMS.Net for District-wide Information Technology Infrastructure Replacements Resolution No. 2021 – 04 - 106 (attached)

2. EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE DIVISION

a. Discussion Regarding Potential Increase in Board Compensation for Attendance at a Compensable Meeting of the Board

District Counsel Carol Victor stated that any changes to board compensation had to be made by the legislature. For almost 30 years, no changes were made until 2019 when the legislature changed the statutory scheme to provide it would be the board of directors, not the legislature who could decide to increase compensation for board members. On September 2019, the Board adopted its first increase in over 30 years, which was a 5% increase or $5 for compensable meeting. The Board can take action in July and increase compensation by up to 10% because two calendar years will have passed since the last increase, 10% would be the ceiling.

Director Waespi appreciated the efforts by staff and stated the Board is not doing this for the money. He proposed the Board receive whatever AFSCME will receive. Victor replied her conservative legal advice is not to tie Board compensation to a contract that you are negotiating. Director Coffey agreed with Director Waespi and suggested a way to do it could be to take the equivalent of what the Board stipend would increase to, based on the existing AFSCME arrangement going back to its current contract. Director Lane agreed that we don’t need to be careful about tying the Board compensation to this contract. Lane asked about updating the definitions of compensable meetings. Victor answered that the Board Operating Guidelines are being updated and the definition of compensable meetings can be updated then. Director Rosario agreed with Directors Coffey and Waespi. He commented that the Board shouldn't give themselves more than what District employees get on an annual basis, but the Board should consider future directors who may be younger and have daycare issues as Director Wieskamp mentioned. Victor suggested it be brought forward in July and the Board can decide what the amount will be.

Public Comment: PAC member Lynda Deschambault observed that since it has been 30 years since any raises were done, and the Board deserves a raise. Director Corbett asked for additional clarification on timing and District Counsel responded.

The Board took a 10-minute break. Director Corbett left the meeting for another appointment.

3. BOARD AND STAFF REPORTS

a. Actions Taken by Other Jurisdictions Affecting the Park District

General Manager Landreth stated the Concord City Council approved a master developer selection process for the former Concord Naval Weapons Station in an RFQ and will provide the Board with additional details as they arise. 15 Unapproved Minutes Board Meeting of April 20, 2021 4, GENERAL MANAGER’S COMMENTS

STAFF PRESENTATION

a. Assistant General Manager of Public Safety Anthony Ciaburro will provide an overall Department Update. He will discuss the Department’s response to the Covid-19 Pandemic, EOC coordination, compliance with the California Attorney General’s 2020 recommendations and additional general department information.

Chief of Police/AGM Public Safety Ciaburro presented a detailed and thorough PowerPoint on the Department. Ciaburro stated he was pleased his command staff is steadfast and determined on-duty. Ciaburro readily accepted the burden of command in terms of police inequities that have been done to people of color, and stated he is optimistic and determined to advance forward into the future in a positive sense. He reported there are 133 full-time employees in Public Safety including Fire and Aquatics and 75 sworn members. The Volunteer Trail Safety Patrol returned to the parks in April 1st. The Emergency Operation Center played an integral role in public safety. When COVID hit, staff had to continue working, and to achieve that goal immediately sought out best business practices. The second part of the COVID response was communications and staff were resolute that our communications center would remain open. Staff literally put a moat around communications and created different access points, different movement in the building and created safety sanitizer kits for each officer. Staff have been through a lightening complex, an oil spill and civil unrest. Public Safety’s calls for service, parking citations and arrests were down. The Canine policy was suspended over the last six months after studying it and looking at best business practices. The canine handlers purchased both retired canines after the K9 program was stopped. Public Safety obtained CALEA Accreditation virtually this year and used social media to maintain our virtual community. Ciaburro concluded that it is a pleasure to serve the community, and he is grateful for Board support. Director Lane asked how body-worn cameras work. Ciaburro replied that the Park District is one of the first agencies in the County to have body-worn cameras. Any time officers are in an enforcement situation and making contact, the officer activates the camera which has a 30 second delay. Lane asked what percentage of the time the cameras are on. Ciaburro answered it is difficult to provide a percentage and easier to answer the question that when officers feel they are in a situation that is either an enforcement contact or potentially leading to that, they have to activate the camera. Director Waespi agreed with the Chief that he is overwhelmingly impressed with Public Safety. Waespi said he was very concerned about the upcoming fire season, retention of firefighters and if the District is hiring on-call firefighters. Chief Theile answered she is seeking to hire OCS and to bolster the fire program. The District’s leave of absence policy says that firefighters have a right to leave of absence. Some take a leave of absence and sometimes firefighters decide to turn in their gear due to life changes and family commitments. Chief Theile reported she is currently working on a plan to take to HR, so talks can begin about the OCS program moving forward. Director Coffey asked if the new Eagle 8 is in operation yet? Ciaburro explained it will be finished in Mississippi, then shipped to San Diego County where the electronics will be installed. Once done, our pilots will fly it home. President Rosario thanked Chief Ciaburro and his staff for adhering to the recommendations from the Attorney General. Rosario asked how many officers are down. Ciaburro replied six. He added Public Safety is making inroads in terms of DEI, and in hiring lateral police officers. He is working with the Police department and HR to gain ground on these numbers and has been in touch with the Black Employee Collective regarding hiring more people of color. Chief Ciaburro thanked General Manager Sabrina Landreth who visited Dispatch to thank them for their service. Rosario asked Chief Theile how many they are down in Fire. Theile replied they are currently down about nine positions. Rosario thanked the Department for their work and service.

5. BOARD COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Legislative Committee (03/19/2021) (Wieskamp) 16 b. Executive Committee (03/04/2021) (Rosario) Unapproved Minutes Board Meeting of April 20, 2021

6. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM CLOSED SESSION

District Counsel Carol Victor stated were no announcements from closed session.

7. BOARD COMMENTS

Director Rosario reported on meetings attended. Director Rosario • Attended the Natural and Cultural Resources committee by listening on YouTube 4/7; • Attended Alameda State of the City address 4/9; • Attended Bay Nature 4/11 and 4/12; • Attended the Covid task force 4/13; • Attended all legislative meetings with Congress on 4/14 and 4/15; o Ro Khanna, McNerney, Lee, Swalwell and Senators, Feinstein, and Padilla • Attended a constituents meeting 4/16; • Attended a preboard meeting with GM Landreth and Director Coffey 4/19; • Attended an EDA meeting on 4/16; • Attending a local community presentation tonight 4/20; • Attended a Regional Parks Foundation meeting on 4/22. Rosario thanked Brenda Montana for her in-depth research into Larry Dunn and his father and the legislative team for setting up the meetings with Congress.

Director Lane reported on meetings attended. Director Lane • Attended the Natural and Cultural Resources Committee 4/7; • Attended all legislative meetings with Congress on 4/14 and 4/15; • Attended a meeting with a woman who is doing EBMUD Stakeholder interview. Lane thanked Clerk Knight for introducing her to Juneteenth celebrations that were held at the main office for many years. Lane appreciated all the support today to make it an official holiday.

Director Waespi reported on meetings attended. Director Waespi, • Attended the Natural and Cultural Resources Committee 4/7; • Attended the HASPA agency meeting 4/8; • Attended meeting with Supervisor Halbert and Legislative staff; o Discussed the at-grade crossing and Vallejo Mills, • Attended Covid task force meeting 4/13; • Attended Congressional meetings with Swalwell and Padilla’s offices 4/15. Waespi announced that longtime consultant George Manross, employees Hector Del Rio, Brian Hill and Monica Kautzer have retired. Waespi expressed his appreciation for their years of service to the District. Redwood Canyon Golf Course received the Audubon Certification. He plans to hike 16 miles of the Skyline National Trail.

Director Wieskamp reported on meetings attended. Director Wieskamp • Attended the special LAFCo meeting on the 4/8; • Attended a site review of DQ Campground with AGM O’Connor; o Kim Collins’ layout is incredible. The grass to the variety of trees will certainly be a park that we will take a great deal of pride in. • Attended meeting with GM Landreth at the Meyers Estate; • Attended Congressional meetings with Swalwell 4/15; • Talked with Chris O’Brien, one of the leaders of the opposition to the County approval of the Arizona's solar project; 17 Unapproved Minutes Board Meeting of April 20, 2021 • Spent a couple of hours yesterday and another hour today, recording a special plea for our governor to save Tesla park as part of Earth Day. Wieskamp thanked Clerk Knight for bringing back the memories of Juneteenth as she was born and raised in Texas and she is familiar with it and appreciated all the support today to make it a real official holiday.

Director Coffey reported on meetings attended. Director Coffey • Attended the Natural and Cultural Resources Committee 4/7; • Attended the Legislative Committee meeting on 4/10; • Attended an event in Vallejo with Rep. Thompson 4/10; • Attended Congressional meetings with Representatives Thompson, DeSaulnier and McNerney 4/14 and 4/15; • Attended a program by Save Mount Diablo on the biodiversity of the Mount Diablo Parklands 4/14; • Attended several California Trails and Greenways Conference programs 4/14 – 4/16; • Attended a program sponsored by Conserve America, which is a Republican party based environmental advocacy organization addressing President Biden's 30 by 30 program. • Attended President Rosario's planning session meeting with GM Landreth on 4/19. Coffey congratulated senior management on what appears to be two outstanding recent hires; Ms. Annamarie Guerrero, Cultural Services Coordinator and Robert Kennedy, Chief of MAST.

Director Echols and Corbett had left this meeting for previously scheduled meetings.

E. ADJOURNMENT

President Rosario adjourned the meeting at 3:24 pm.

18 Page Left Blank Intentionally

19 AGENDA REGULAR MEETINGS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, May 4, 2021

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

c. Resolution to Support H.R. 1 (Sarbanes D-MD) – For the People Act of 2021 (Pfuehler/Landreth)

RECOMMENDATION

The General Manager and the Legislative Committee of the Board recommend the Board of Directors adopt a resolution to support H.R. 1 (Sarbanes D-MD) – For the People Act of 2021.

REVENUE/COST

There would be no cost impact as a result of this action.

BACKGROUND

H.R. 1 would require states to offer online voter registration systems – which 40 states and Washington, D.C. currently allow – and same-day voter registration during Federal elections. It would also require local officials to automatically register eligible voters. Eighteen states already have some type of automatic registration. National implementation could register 50 million new voters, according to the Brennan Center. The bill would require states to allow all voters the option of voting by mail. It would mandate 15 consecutive days of in-person early voting for at least 10 hours a day. The bill would stop state lawmakers who are trying to place more restrictions on mail voting. States would be required to notify voters seven days before elections if their polling places have changed. The bill also requires states to address long wait times on Election Day by allocating enough resources aimed at ensuring voters don't wait longer than 30 minutes.

The bill would limit how states can purge voter rolls. It would require the U.S. Postal Service to facilitate voter registration updates when people fill out change-of-address forms. The bill would require states to allow 16- and 17-year-olds to preregister when they get their driver's licenses so they would be able to vote when they turn 18.

The bill would establish a number of parameters to improve election security: standards for election vendors, rules for communicating potential cyberattacks to Federal authorities and requirements for states to protect voter registration databases from cyberattacks. The bill would

20 also create a security incentive program, which would allow analysts to be paid for finding security flaws in the election system.

ALTERNATIVES

None recommended.

21 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO.: 2021 - 05 –

May 4, 2021

RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT H.R. 1 (SARBANES D-MD) – FOR THE PEOPLE ACT OF 2021

WHEREAS, Park District Board Members take an oath to support and defend the U.S. Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic; and

WHEREAS, the U.S. Constitution governs the eligibility to vote and has been amended several times to expand the eligibility to vote on account of race, color, previous condition of servitude, sex or age; and

WHEREAS, free and fair elections are the hallmark of U.S. democracy and are to be honored; and

WHEREAS, H.R. 1, the For the People Act, ensures consistent criteria for voter eligibility and supports participation in elections; and

WHEREAS, the Park District supports the right of East Bay citizens to vote in free and fair elections.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby support H.R. 1 (Sarbanes D-MD) – For the People Act of 2021; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the General Manager is hereby authorized and directed, on behalf of the District and in its name, to execute and deliver such documents, and to do such acts as may be deemed necessary or appropriate to accomplish the intentions of this resolution.

Moved by Director , seconded by Director , and adopted this 4th day of May, 2021 by the following vote:

FOR:

AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:

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23 AGENDA REGULAR MEETINGS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, May 4, 2021

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

d. Resolution to Support H.R. 389 (Case D-HI) – Safe and Quiet Skies Act of 2021 (Pfuehler/Landreth)

RECOMMENDATION

The General Manager and the Legislative Committee of the Board recommend the Board of Directors adopt a resolution to support H.R. 389 (Case D-HI) – Safe and Quiet Skies Act of 2021.

REVENUE/COST

There would be no cost impact as a result of this action.

BACKGROUND

In response to a commercial air tour helicopter accident, Representative Case’s bill would enact further safety requirements on commercial air tour flights. One of the proposed regulations is banning operation within a half mile of units of the National Wilderness Preservation System, National Park System or National Wildlife Refuge System. The legislation also grants state authority to prohibit flights over state or local parks and other areas of state interest. This legislation is consistent with the District’s concern about drones being flown over parks. It would also allow for more local control of these types of restrictions. The District supported this bill last Congress.

ALTERNATIVES

None recommended.

24 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO.: 2021 - 05 –

May 4, 2021

RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT H.R. 389 (CASE D-HI) – SAFE AND QUIET SKIES ACT OF 2021

WHEREAS, H.R. 389 grants states the authority to prohibit flights over state or local parks and other areas of state interest; and

WHEREAS, this legislation is consistent with the Park District’s concern about drones being flown over parks; and

WHEREAS, it would also allow for more local control of these types of restrictions; and

WHEREAS, exercising the authority granted in H.R. 389 could benefit the park user experience by limiting overhead air traffic noise; and

WHEREAS, additional overhead air traffic could impact Park District public safety operations and personnel; and

WHEREAS, this legislation is consistent with other positions the Board has taken on aircraft.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby support H.R. 389 (Case D-HI) – Safe and Quiet Skies Act of 2021; and

Moved by Director , seconded by Director , and adopted this 4th day of May, 2021 by the following vote:

FOR:

AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:

25 AGENDA REGULAR MEETINGS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, May 4, 2021

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

e. Resolution to Support H.R. 463 (Espaillat D-NY) – Transportation Alternatives Enhancements Act (Pfuehler/Landreth)

RECOMMENDATION

The General Manager and the Legislative Committee of the Board recommend the Board of Directors adopt a resolution to support H.R. 463 (Espaillat D-NY) – Transportation Alternatives Enhancements Act.

REVENUE/COST

There would be no cost impact as a result of this action.

BACKGROUND

This bill would make several improvements to the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP). The TAP program funds a variety of small-scale community transportation projects, rather than traditional highway construction, such as constructing bicycle facilities and infrastructure, improving pedestrian safety and access to transit, environmental mitigation, and more. Specifically, the bill would increase funding for TAP and ensure more of it is made available for local governments and agencies to fund and implement these projects. The legislation seeks to restore more local control, an element of this program which was reduced under the 2015 Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act. FAST converted the TAP program into a set- aside in the Surface Transportation Block Grant Program and mandated state reporting on their transportation alternatives plans. This legislation also allows for Federal TAP funding to be used for recreational trails. Eligible entities include “a local government” and “a natural resource or public land agency.” The bill limits the amount of funds controlled by regional Metropolitan Planning Organizations to no more than 50% of funds allocated to a region. In the Bay Area, this will limit the Metropolitan Transportation Commission’s ability to distribute all of the funds. This legislation has strong potential to support the District’s overall trails program.

ALTERNATIVES

None recommended.

26 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO.: 2021 - 05 –

May 4, 2021

RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT H.R. 463 (ESPAILLAT D-NY) – TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES ENHANCEMENTS ACT

WHEREAS, H.R. 463 seeks to support and improve the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation; and

WHEREAS, the legislation will improve and increase local authority for biking and walking alternatives; and

WHEREAS, the Park District seeks to provide safe and healthful transportation alternatives with its regional trails network; and

WHEREAS, the Park District’s Park and Public Interest Community Engagement Project Survey found over 50% of respondents use regional trails to reach parks; and

WHEREAS, eligible entities include “a local government” and “a natural resource or public land agency”; and

WHEREAS, Federal funds can be more targeted to benefit active transportation with passage of this legislation.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby support H.R. 463 (Espaillat D-NY) – Transportation Alternatives Enhancements Act; and

Moved by Director , seconded by Director , and adopted this 4th day of May, 2021 by the following vote:

FOR:

AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:

27 AGENDA REGULAR MEETINGS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, May 4, 2021

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

f. Resolution to Support H.R. 660 (Plaskett D-VI) – Shovel-Ready Restoration Grants for Coastlines and Fisheries Act of 2021 (Pfuehler/Landreth)

RECOMMENDATION

The General Manager and the Legislative Committee of the Board recommend the Board of Directors adopt a resolution to support H.R. 660 (Plaskett D-VI) – Shovel-Ready Restoration Grants for Coastlines and Fisheries Act of 2021.

REVENUE/COST

There would be no cost impact as a result of this action.

BACKGROUND

This bill would establish an annual $3 billion grant program. Funds would be allocated to shovel- ready projects which restore a marine, estuarine, coastal or Great Lake habitat and/or to provide adaptation to climate change. The bill emphasized nature-based infrastructure which protects coastal communities from sea level rise, coastal storms and/or flooding. Projects which help stimulate the economy would be prioritized.

ALTERNATIVES

None recommended.

28 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO.: 2021 - 05 –

May 4, 2021

RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT H.R. 660 (PLASKETT D-VI) – SHOVEL-READY RESTORATION GRANTS FOR COASTLINES AND FISHERIES ACT OF 2021

WHEREAS, H.R. 660 is a one-time $3 billion grant program for shovel ready nature-based projects to protect against sea level rise, coastal storms and/or flooding; and

WHEREAS, the Park District has such projects nearly shovel ready such as Hayward Regional Shoreline; and

WHEREAS, the District has developed innovative, adaptive restoration strategies to Bay and Delta shorelines – including Dotson Family Marsh in Richmond, Bay Point Regional Shoreline and Crown Beach in Alameda; and

WHEREAS, these strategies not only protect against sea level rise and storm surge, they contribute directly to the local economy; and

WHEREAS, an economic analysis of 93 upcoming District projects found one-time impact to be $214.4 million in economic output, 1,199 job years, $107.1 million in labor income and $25.4 million in tax revenue; and

WHEREAS, the analysis also found annually the completed 93 projects support $23.7 million in economic output, 131 job years, $13.4 million in labor income and $3.6 million in tax revenue; and

WHEREAS, the Shovel-Ready Restoration Grants for Coastlines and Fisheries would further support investments in projects like those of the Park District’s, thus supporting nationwide jobs, parks and economic growth.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby support H.R. 660 (Plaskett D-VI) – Shovel-Ready Restoration Grants for Coastlines and Fisheries Act of 2021; and

Moved by Director , seconded by Director , and adopted this 4th day of May, 2021 by the following vote:

FOR: AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: 29 AGENDA REGULAR MEETINGS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, May 4, 2021

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

g. Resolution to Support H.R. 803 (DeGette D-CO) – Protecting America's Wilderness and Public Lands Act (Pfuehler/Landreth)

RECOMMENDATION

The General Manager and the Legislative Committee of the Board recommend the Board of Directors adopt a resolution to support H.R. 803 (DeGette D-CO) – Protecting America's Wilderness and Public Lands Act.

REVENUE/COST

There would be no cost impact as a result of this action.

BACKGROUND

On February 26, 2021 the U.S. House of Representatives passed a package of several separate public lands bills the House approved last year – including four bills supported by the Park District:

1. Expansion of Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park Establishment Act of 2000. This legislation would allow for the Nystrom Elementary School in Richmond, California to be added to the Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park. Built during World War II to accommodate the large number of families who moved to Richmond to work at the Kaiser Shipyards, Nystrom Elementary School sits just north of the current historical park. Nystrom was built as part of a planned development that includes the Maritime Child Development Center, which has already been preserved as part of the park. The development also includes the Nystrom Housing Area, which has been scheduled for future preservation and redevelopment by the City of Richmond. Congressional approval of this addition is required by the law which created the Historical Park. The bill would also provide the National Park Service with the authority to add other historically relevant sites to the park’s boundaries. The original bill was sponsored by Rep. Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA).

2. The Northwest California Wilderness, Recreation and Working Forests Act includes critical provisions which support public access, outdoor recreation, fishing and hunting, while

30 initiating fire resilient management policies that benefit local communities in northern California. The original bill was sponsored by Rep. Jared Huffman (D-CA).

3. The Central Coast Heritage Protection Act expands existing wilderness to 250,000 acres and adds 250 miles of waterways to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System in central California. This is critical habitat for California’s wildlife. The Act also enhances access and opportunities for the public. The House bill was originally sponsored by Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-CA).

4. The San Gabriel Mountains Foothills and Rivers Protection Act adds over 30,000 acres of wilderness, designates 45 miles of river to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System and establishes a National Recreation Area. The legislation also expands the boundaries of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument to include the western areas of the Arroyo Seco in the Angeles National Forest – a watershed of the Los Angeles River. The House bill was originally sponsored by Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA).

The Protecting America's Wilderness and Public Lands Act (PAW Act) provides permanent protections for these regions of California. While most of these are areas outside of the East Bay, it is a good proactive precedent in advancing many of the values included in the District’s Mission and Vision. The Northwest California Wilderness, Recreation and Working Forests Act has components of interest to the District. In particular, the attention to “enhancing late- successional forest structure, oak woodlands and grasslands.” This highlights much of the topography which is both part of the District’s landscape and at risk of wildfire. The bill’s focus on redwood restoration and collaborative partnerships is also a shared goal of the District. Save the Redwoods League worked with Rep. Huffman’s staff on the redwood section, SEC 102, under the restoration component of the bill. While not branded, the language was designed specifically to support Redwoods Rising. Redwoods Rising is a new collaboration between Save the Redwoods League, the National Park Service and California State Parks.

Some of the other public land bills included in the package are: • The Colorado Wilderness Act which protects 660,000 acres in Colorado. The House bill was originally sponsored by Rep. Diane DeGette (D-CO) • The CORE Act which protects 400,000 acres in Colorado. The House bill was originally introduced by Rep. Joe Neguse (D-CO). • The Grand Canyon Protection Act which protects one million acres in Arizona. The House bill was originally introduced by Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-AZ). • The Rim of the Valley Corridor Preservation Act which protects 191,000 acres in Southern California. The House bill was originally introduced by Rep. Adam Schiff (D- CA). • The Wild Olympics Wilderness and Wild and Scenic Rivers Act which protects 131,900 acres in Washington State. The House bill was originally introduced by Rep. Derek Kilmer (D-WA).

ALTERNATIVES

None recommended.

31 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO.: 2021 - 05 –

May 4, 2021

RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT H.R. 803 (DEGETTE D-CO) – PROTECTING AMERICA'S WILDERNESS AND PUBLIC LANDS ACT

WHEREAS, this bill includes a number of specific provisions to protect California public lands; and

WHEREAS, it provides for the expansion of the Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historic Park in Richmond; and

WHEREAS, this bill would also provide the National Park Service with the authority to add other historically relevant sites to the park’s boundaries; and

WHEREAS, H.R. 803 also includes the Northwest California Wilderness Act which, among other things, addresses the risk of wildfires, establishes more access and protects more land in the Northwestern part of the state; and

WHEREAS, this bill fosters “Redwoods Rising” which is a partnership between Save the Redwoods League, California State Parks and the National Park Service; and

WHEREAS, the legislation recognizes the need to enhance late-successional forest structure, oak woodlands and grasslands which highlights much of the topography which is both part of the Park District’s landscape and at risk of wildfire; and

WHEREAS, the vast components of H.R. 803 set a good proactive precedent in advancing many of the values included in the Park District’s Mission and Vision.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby support H.R. 803 (DeGette D-CO) – Protecting America's Wilderness and Public Lands Act; and

Moved by Director , seconded by Director , and adopted this 4th day of May, 2021 by the following vote:

FOR:

AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:

32 Page Left Blank Intentionally

33 AGENDA REGULAR MEETINGS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, May 4, 2021

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

h. Resolution to Support H.R. 1678 (Barragan D-CA) – Parks, Jobs and Equity Act (Pfuehler/Landreth)

RECOMMENDATION

The General Manager and the Legislative Committee of the Board recommend the Board of Directors adopt a resolution to support H.R. 1678 (Barragán D-CA) – Parks, Jobs and Equity Act.

REVENUE/COST

There would be no cost impact as a result of this action.

BACKGROUND

Rep. Nanette Diaz Barragán (D-CA) was joined by Rep. Michael Turner (R-OH) and Rep. Joe Neguse (D-CO) in introducing a bipartisan bill to provide a historic one-time stimulus of $500 million for urban parks. The Parks, Jobs and Equity Act would provide a funding boost for urban parks through a formula grant to states aimed at funding local park projects. The legislation will ensure investments are quickly executed to help communities recover from dual public health and economic challenges. Of the $500 million, 50 percent is designated for low-income communities. In addition, two percent of funds will be allocated by the Interior Department to Indian Tribes.

If enacted, it’s estimated the Parks, Jobs and Equity Act would: • Create more than 8,000 new jobs. • Add $1.37 billion to local economies. • Fund more than 1,000 new or upgraded local parks.

The recently completed East Bay Regional Park District Improvement Projects Economic and Social Impact Analysis by Beacon Economics identified East Bay park projects to have direct, indirect and induced benefits on the local economy and jobs. The analysis provided estimates for 93 upcoming green infrastructure projects. It found the one-time impact for these projects would be $214.4 million in economic output, 1,199 job years of employment, $107.1 million in labor income and $25.4 million in tax revenue. Annually, the completed projects support $23.7 million

34 in economic output, 131 job years, $13.4 million in labor income and $3.6 million in tax revenue. The Parks, Jobs and Equity Act would further support investments in projects like those of the Park District’s, thus supporting nationwide jobs, parks and economic growth.

ALTERNATIVES

None recommended.

35 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO.: 2021 - 05 –

May 4, 2021

RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT H.R. 1678 (BARRAGAN D-CA) – PARKS, JOBS AND EQUITY ACT

WHEREAS, the Parks, Jobs and Equity Act recognizes the link between parks and recreation, and community health and economic well-being; and

WHEREAS, this legislation creates a one-time $500 million grant program to states aimed at funding local park projects and ensures investments are quickly executed to help communities recover from dual public health and economic challenges; and

WHEREAS, of the $500 million, 50 percent is designated for low-income communities. for park infrastructure, programming and planning; and

WHEREAS, during the Covid-19 pandemic, parks have served as critical public infrastructure for health; and

WHEREAS, a recent survey identified parks as strongly important for mental and physical health with 96% of respondents agreeing; and

WHEREAS, an economic analysis of 93 upcoming District projects found one-time impact to be $214.4 million in economic output, 1,199 job years of employment, $107.1 million in labor income and $25.4 million in tax revenue; and

WHEREAS, the analysis also found annually the completed 93 projects support $23.7 million in economic output, 131 job years of employment, $13.4 million in labor income and $3.6 million in tax revenue; and

WHEREAS, The Parks, Jobs and Equity Act would further support investments in projects like those of the Park District’s, thus supporting nationwide jobs, parks and economic growth.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby support H.R. 1678 (Barragan D-CA) – Parks, Jobs and Equity Act; and

Moved by Director , seconded by Director , and adopted this 4th day of May, 2021 by the following vote:

FOR: AGAINST: ABSTAIN: 36 ABSENT:

37 AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, May 4, 2021

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

i. Authorization to Execute a Contract with Aanko Technologies, Inc. for Safety Consultation Services to Update and Implement the East Bay Regional Park District’s Safety Manual and Other Mandated Safety Programs (Balmes/Victor)

RECOMMENDATION

The General Manager recommends that the Board of Directors authorizes executing a contract with Aanko Technologies, Inc. of Vacaville, California, in the amount not to exceed $60,000, for safety consultation services to update and implement the East Bay Regional Park District’s Safety Manual and other mandated safety programs.

REVENUE/COST

The cost of the contract with Aanko Technologies, Inc. is not to exceed $60,000. Funding is available in the Risk Management budget, Account No. 101-2160-000-6191.

BACKGROUND

Safety Manual and Request for Proposal

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and increasing incidents of wildfire smoke, the Park District has had to pivot operations and implement new safety practices and procedures to address new State-mandated workplace and reporting requirements and strengthen our commitment to the health and safety of all employees. The challenges over the past year have presented an opportunity for the Risk Department to refocus on Park District-wide safety, and review programs and policies to ensure compliance with regulatory and industry standards.

The Park District’s Safety Manual (or Injury and Illness Prevention Program as required by Cal/OSHA) was adopted in 1998. While the Safety Manual’s core text has not been updated in over twenty years, new practices in response to regulatory changes have been incorporated through standalone policy and protocol documents. The Safety Manual needs revision to address recent regulatory changes and to incorporate existing information and practices in a way that is

38 intuitive and easy for employees to access and understand. Several safety program updates are already underway and near completion, such as the Bloodborne Pathogens Program, Hazard Communication Program, and the Respiratory Protection Program, which goes hand-in-hand with the Park District’s recently established Protection Against Wildfire Smoke Standard Operating Procedures and related training. An update to the Safety Manual was identified as priority in the 2021 Budget.

On February 22, 2021, the Park District posted on its website a Request for Proposal (RFP) seeking professional services to provide and implement updates to the Safety Manual and other mandated safety programs, complete building inspections, and provide other safety and loss prevention resources to be implemented by the Park District going forward. The Park District received proposals from six firms. The proposals were reviewed and scored by a multi- disciplinary evaluation committee (Committee) comprised of Park District staff from Human Resources Training, AFSCME Local 2428, the Legal/Risk Division, and the General Manager’s Office. The Committee invited the top four consultants for an interview on April 5, 2021. Based on the interview, presentation, and proposal, the Committee recommended a contract with Aanko Technologies, Inc. (Aanko). Aanko has decades-long experience working with public agencies, most notably Pinnacles and Golden Gate National Parks, and expertise in several areas of safety including Cal/OSHA regulations and programs, industrial hygiene, and emergency and security management.

Aanko will work closely with the Risk & Safety Manager to develop a project implementation plan and set priorities over the course of this year, including Park District-wide training requirements and a periodic inspection schedule for facilities and park sites. The Central Safety Committee will receive regular updates on the progress made with Aanko. The Park District values employee health and safety and is committed to addressing areas of improvement to protect worker safety and to meet regulatory standard.

ALTERNATIVES

No other alternatives are recommended. The workplace safety programs are federally and State- mandated requirements and the Park District is required to implement the appropriate policies and programs to ensure compliance.

39 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO.: 2021 – 05 –

May 4, 2021

AUTHORIZATION TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH AANKO TECHNOLOGIES, INC. FOR SAFETY CONSULTATION SERVICES TO UPDATE AND IMPLEMENT THE EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT’S SAFETY MANUAL AND OTHER MANDATED SAFETY PROGRAMS

WHEREAS, the East Bay Regional Park District desires to update the Safety Manual (or the Cal/OSHA-mandated Injury and Illness Prevention Program) and other state-mandated safety programs and policies; and

WHEREAS, the need to update existing safety programs and implement new procedures requires professional level experience to address employee safety and health programs in a timely manner; and

WHEREAS, on February 22, 2021, the Park District posted on its website a Request for Proposal (RFP) seeking professional services to provide Safety Manual and other mandated safety program updates, safety and loss prevention resources, and an implementation plan; and

WHEREAS, the Park District received six proposals and an evaluation committee (Committee) interviewed the four top-qualified firms. Based on the selection criteria, the Committee recommended the selection and award of contract to Aanko Technologies, Inc. (Aanko) of Vacaville, California. Aanko was determined to be the most qualified firm with extensive experience, resources, and expertise in the areas of health and safety to undertake the project.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby authorizes executing a contract with Aanko Technologies, Inc., in the amount not to exceed $60,000, for safety consultation services to update and implement the East Bay Regional Park District’s Safety Manual and other mandated safety programs; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the General Manager is hereby authorized and directed, on behalf of the District and in its name, to execute and deliver such documents and such acts as may be deemed necessary or appropriate to accomplish the intentions of this resolution.

Moved by Director , seconded by Director , and adopted this 4th day of May, 2021, by the following vote:

FOR: AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:

40 Page Left Blank Intentionally

41 AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, May 4, 2021

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

j. Authorization to Extend a Contract with AppleOne for Temporary, Professional Staffing Services: Legal/Risk Division (Balmes/Victor)

RECOMMENDATION

The General Manager recommends that the Board of Directors authorizes an extension to a contract with AppleOne of Pleasanton, California, in the amount not to exceed $100,000, for temporary, professional staffing services at the management analyst level for the Legal/Risk Division to continue to support the development and implementation of Park District-wide safety programs and policies.

REVENUE/COST

The cost to extend the contract with AppleOne will not exceed $100,000. Funding is available in the Risk Management budget, Account No. 555-2130-000-6191.

BACKGROUND

A major Park District initiative for 2021 is to perform a comprehensive review of the Park District’s worker safety programs. Currently, the Legal/Risk Division does not have adequate staffing available to support this initiative. In late January 2021, the Legal/Risk Division retained the services of a temporary management analyst from AppleOne to provide support for various safety programs and initiatives in the amount of $45,000. The temporary management analyst has been an integral part of moving key safety initiatives forward by providing direct support and analysis for the development of safety programs and policies, the new Employee Safety & Services Portal, as well as the forthcoming Park District-wide Safety SharePoint Site.

Staff recommends that the Board authorize an extension to the contract with AppleOne in an amount not to exceed an additional $100,000 to continue providing temporary, professional services at the management analyst level for the Legal/Risk Division as the Park District continues to work through safety program and policy updates required by law. The contract term will be extended approximately through December 31, 2021.

42 ALTERNATIVES

No other alternatives are recommended. The workplace safety programs to be updated are federally and State-mandated requirements and the Park District is required to implement the appropriate policies and programs to ensure compliance.

43 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO.: 2021 – 05 –

May 4, 2021

AUTHORIZATION TO EXTEND A CONTRACT WITH APPLEONE FOR TEMPORARY, PROFESSIONAL STAFF SERVICES: LEGAL/RISK DIVISION

WHEREAS, the Legal/Risk Division currently does not have adequate staff to support the immediate need to address safety challenges and update safety programs in a timely manner; and

WHEREAS, AppleOne of Pleasanton, California, has a current global conditions of service agreement with the Human Resources Division and has the professional, temporary staffing resources to assist with the current needs of the Legal/Risk Division to prioritize the update and revision of safety programs and develop employee safety resources; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby authorizes extending a contract with AppleOne, in the additional amount not to exceed $100,000, for temporary, professional staffing services; and

Moved by Director , seconded by Director , and adopted this 4th day of May, 2021, by the following vote:

FOR:

AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:

44 Page Left Blank Intentionally

45 AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, May 4, 2021

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

k. Authorization to Apply for Funds from the West Contra Costa Transportation Advisory Committee for the San Francisco Bay Trail: Point Pinole Regional Shoreline (Hornbeck/Dougan/Auker)

RECOMMENDATION

The General Manager recommends that the Board of Directors authorize application for funds from the West Contra Costa Transportation Advisory Committee (WCCTAC) for the San Francisco Bay Trail gap closure from Point Pinole Regional Shoreline to Wilson Point.

REVENUE/COST

This action authorizes a grant application for WCCTAC funds of approximately $500,000. If awarded, grant funds would be budgeted into existing project #528400 (Develop Bay Trail to Wilson Point).

This project will likely increase the ongoing operational cost of the Park District.

BACKGROUND

The Subregional Transportation Mitigation Fee Program (STMP) was established in West Contra Costa County in 1997 to allow for new development to mitigate transportation impacts by helping to fund local and regional transportation projects. WCCTAC is currently coordinating applications for STMP funding for which this project is eligible. Approximately $3.75 million is STMP funding is available. No Park District match is required.

Grant funds would be used for the final design and engineering for this .9-mile segment of the San Francisco Bay Trail from Point Pinole Regional Shoreline to Wilson Point. This project will close the final gap in the San Francisco Bay Trail creating 30 miles of continuous trail from Lone Tree Point in Rodeo to Oakland and Treasure Island, connecting two previously funded TIGER II projects.

The project is currently in the preliminary design phase which is fully funded at this time. The construction for the .9-mile portion of the trail is estimated to cost approximately $5.2 million.

46 Other sources of potential funding include the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant program.

ALTERNATIVES

No alternative is recommended.

47 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO.: 2021 – 05 -

May 4, 2021

AUTHORIZATION TO APPLY FOR FUNDS FROM THE WEST CONTRA COSTA TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR THE SAN FRANCISCO BAY TRAIL: POINT PINOLE REGIONAL SHORELINE

WHEREAS, the Subregional Transportation Mitigation Program (STMP) was established in West Contra Costa County in 1997 to allow for new development to mitigate transportation impacts by helping to fund local and regional transportation projects; and

WHEREAS, the West Contra Costa Transportation Advisory Committee (WCCTAC) is currently coordinating project applications for STMP funds; and

WHEREAS, the Park District is seeking funding to design the .9-mile San Francisco Bay Trail gap closure from Point Pinole Regional Shoreline to Wilson Point; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby authorizes and directs the General Manager or Assistant General Manager of Finance and Management Services\CFO, on behalf of the Park District and in its name, to apply for and accept grant funds, and execute and deliver such documents including, but not limited to applications, agreements, payment requests and amendments and to do such acts as may be deemed necessary or appropriate to accomplish the intentions of this resolution; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Assistant General Manager of Finance and Management Services\CFO or Budget Manager is hereby authorized to amend the current year’s budget, without further Board action, upon receipt of an executed grant contract from the Grants Manager. The budget amendment will include an increase in budgeted revenue and a corresponding increase in appropriation for the amount stipulated in the grant contract.

Moved by Director , seconded by Director , and adopted this 4th day of May, 2021, by the following vote:

FOR:

AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:

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49 AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, May 4, 2021

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

L. Authorization to Apply to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection for Funding from the Fire Prevention Grant Program and the Forest Health Grant Program through California Climate Investments: District-wide (Hornbeck/Theile/Auker)

RECOMMENDATION

The General Manager recommends that the Board of Directors authorize grant applications to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) two grant programs funded through California Climate Investments.

REVENUE/COST

This action proposes approval of three grant applications totaling approximately $3.2 million for fuels management activities and a wildfire risk mapping project. No matching funds are required by either grant program; however, projects that contain matching funds are given priority. These fuels management projects would increase future operational costs of the Park District related to annual maintenance in the project areas.

BACKGROUND

CAL FIRE is making funds available through two competitive California Climate Investments (CCI) funded grant programs. Through the Fire Prevention Grant Program, CAL FIRE aims to reduce the risk of wildland fires to habitable structures and communities, while maximizing carbon sequestration in healthy wildland habitat and minimizing the uncontrolled release of emissions emitted by wildfires. Through the Forest Health Grant Program, CAL FIRE aims to significantly increase fuels management, fire reintroduction, reforestation, and conservation of forests degraded by overcrowding, drought, pest infestation, and catastrophic fire.

In support of the Park District’s Wildfire Hazard Reduction and Resource Management Plan, staff proposes to submit two Fire Prevention grant applications, one for a variety of fuels management projects and one for a wildfire risk mapping project. Staff proposes to submit one Forest Health grant application for a variety of fuels management projects.

50 ALTERNATIVES

No alternatives are recommended.

51 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO.: 2021 – 05 -

May 4, 2021

AUTHORIZATION TO APPLY TO THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY AND FIRE PROTECTION FOR FUNDING FROM THE FIRE PREVENTION GRANT PROGRAM AND THE FOREST HEALTH GRANT PROGRAM THROUGH CALIFORNIA CLIMATE INVESTMENTS: DISTRICT-WIDE

WHEREAS, the Governor of the State of California in cooperation with the California State Legislature has enacted State of California Climate Investment, which provides funds to the State of California and its political subdivisions for fire prevention programs; and

WHEREAS, the Governor of the State of California in cooperation with the California State Legislature has enacted State of California Greenhouse Gas Reduction Funding, which provides funds to the State of California and its political subdivisions for California Climate Investments, including forest health programs; and

WHEREAS, the State Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) has been delegated the responsibility for the administration of the program within the State, setting up necessary procedures governing application by local agencies, non-profit organizations, and others under the program; and

WHEREAS, said procedures established by CAL FIRE require the applicant to certify by resolution the approval of application before submission of said application to the State; and

WHEREAS, the applicant will enter into an agreement with the State of California to carry out a Fire Prevention grant project including fuels management activities and wildfire risk mapping projects; and

WHEREAS, the application will enter into an agreement with the State of California to carry out a forest health project;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District:

1. Approved the filing of two applications for “California Climate Investments” Fire Prevention grant program and one application for Forest Health grant program funds; and

2. Certifies that said application(s) has or will have sufficient funds to operate and maintain the projects; and

52 3. Certifies that funds under the jurisdiction of Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District are available to begin this project; and

4. Certifies that said application will expend grant funds prior to March 30, 2024.

5. Appoints the General Manager, Assistant General Manager of Finance and Management Services/CFO, or a designee, to conduct all negotiations, execute and submit all documents including but not limited to applications, agreements, amendments, payment requests and so on, which may be necessary for the completion of the aforementioned projects.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the General Manager or Assistant General Manager of Finance and Management Services/CFO be authorized, as an agent of the District, to conduct all negotiations and execute and submit all documents, including, but not limited to, applications, contracts, receive grant funds, amendments, payment requests, and compliance with all applicable current state and federal laws and perform such acts which may be deemed necessary for the completion of the aforementioned project; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Assistant General Manager of Finance and Management Services/CFO or Budget Manager is hereby authorized to amend the current year’s budget, without further Board action, upon receipt of the executed contract from the Grants Manager. The budget amendment will include an increase in budgeted revenue and a corresponding increase in appropriation for the amount stipulated in the contract.

Moved by Director , seconded by Director , and adopted this 4th day of May, 2021, by the following vote,

FOR:

AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:

53 AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, May 4, 2021

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

m. Authorization to Apply to the California Coastal Conservancy for Forest Health and Wildfire Resilience Program: District-wide (Hornbeck/Theile/Auker)

RECOMMENDATION

The General Manager recommends that the Board of Directors authorize an application to the California State Coastal Conservancy Forest Health and Wildfire Resilience Program Funds for fuels management activities District-wide.

REVENUE/COST

This action proposes approval of grant application of approximately $750,000 to conduct fuels management activities in support of the Park District’s Fuels Management Plan. No match is required for this grant. These projects may increase future operational costs of the Park District related to the annual maintenance of the project areas.

BACKGROUND

The California Coastal Conservancy’s Forest Health and Wildfire Resilience Program will fund approximately $12 million in grants for ready-to-implement projects that reduce the risk of wildfire on public and protected lands. The goal of this grant program is to take immediate action to improve fire safety of California’s communities and to restore the health and resilience of California’s forests, grasslands, and natural places. Projects may meet at least one of the goals of California’s Wildfire and Forest Resilience Action Plan, including but not limited to fuels reduction, vegetation management, prescribed fire, and shaded fuel breaks.

The East Bay Regional Park District’s grant application will be for conducting fuels management activities on the Wildland Urban Interface Parks in the East Bay Hills. Work would be conducted in accordance with the East Bay Regional Park District’s Wildfire Hazard Reduction and Resource Management Plan with site-specific “prescriptions.” For example, forest health recommendations for Tilden Regional Park may include habitat type conservation from eucalyptus forest to native woodland by thinning eucalyptus stands and planting tree species.

54 ALTERNATIVES

No alternatives are recommended.

55 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO.: 2021 – 05 -

May 4, 2021

AUTHORIZATION TO APPLY TO THE CALIFORNIA COASTAL CONSERVANCY FOR FOREST HEALTH AND WILDFIRE RESILIENCE PROGRAM FUNDS: DISTRICT-WIDE

WHEREAS, the East Bay Regional Park District is seeking approximately $750,000 from the California State Coastal Conservancy Forest Health and Wildfire Resilience Program Funds to conduct fuels management activities in support of the Park District’s Fuels Management Plan; and

WHEREAS, the Park District procedures require Board Approval for all grant applications and funding agreements; and

WHEREAS, said application contains assurances and certifications that the applicant must comply with in order to enter into an agreement with the California State Coastal Conservancy;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby:

1. Approves the filing of an application with the California State Coastal Conservancy; and

2. Certifies that Grantee understands the assurances and certification in the application form; and

3. Certifies that Grantee has or will have sufficient funds to operate and maintain the project; and

4. Authorizes and directs the General Manager or Assistant General Manager of Finance and Management Services/CFO, on behalf of the Park District and in its name, to accept grant funds and execute and deliver such documents including, but not limited to applications, agreements, payment requests and amendments and to do such acts as may be deemed or appropriate to accomplish the intentions of this resolution; and

Moved by Director , seconded by Director , and approved this 4th day of May, 2021, by the following vote:

56 FOR:

AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:

57 AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, May 4, 2021

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

n. Approval of Resolution Initiating Proceedings and Ordering Filing of Annual Report for East Contra Costa County Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District (ECCC LLD) (Spaulding/Auker)

RECOMMENDATION

The General Manager recommends that the Board of Directors approve the attached Resolution taking the following actions:

1. Initiating proceedings for the 2021-2022 fiscal year operations of the East Contra Costa County Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District (ECCC LLD);

2. Appointing NBS as Engineer of Work for the ECCC LLD; and

3. Instructing NBS to prepare an Engineer’s Report for the operation of the ECCC LLD for the 2021-22 fiscal year.

REVENUE/COST

All costs of operating the ECCC LLD are paid from assessment and interest revenues. The total appropriations for operations and maintenance in the 2021 Adopted Budget for the ECCC LLD Fund are $675,474. Additional appropriations may be completed during the year.

BACKGROUND

When the East Contra Costa County area was annexed to the Park District in 1981, the annexation occurred without corresponding redistribution of property tax revenues to the Park District. The East Contra Costa County Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District was formed on December 17, 1991 to address this issue and to provide for operation and maintenance of regional parks, open space and trail operations in East Contra Costa County.

The assessment rate of $19.70 per equivalent dwelling unit (and lower rates for multiple living units) was authorized and has remained unchanged over the years. Last year, there were 41,682 total units (single family, two or more residential units, multiple living units, living units in hotels and mobile home parks) subject to the assessment.

58 In 1996, in accordance with the provisions of Proposition 218, the continuation of the assessment rate and services by ECCC LLD was approved by the voters of East Contra Costa County. Continuation of this assessment requires that the Board of Directors annually initiate a statutory process to sustain the ECCC LLD operation for the next fiscal year (July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022). The District has a contract with the engineering firm NBS to prepare the Engineer’s Report and to provide administration services. Accordingly, the Board of Directors is requested to take the following action:

1. Approve the attached Resolution which initiates the ECCC LLD process for the 2021-22 fiscal year; 2. Appoint NBS as the Engineer of Work; 3. Instruct NBS to prepare an Engineer’s Report for Fiscal Year 2021-22.

ALTERNATIVES

No alternatives are recommended.

59 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO.: 2021 – 05 -

May 4, 2021

APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION INITIATING PROCEEDINGS AND ORDERING FILING OF ANNUAL REPORT FOR EAST CONTRA COSTA COUNTY LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT (Pursuant to the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972)

WHEREAS, the East Bay Regional Park District Board of Directors formed the East Contra Costa County Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District (ECCC LLD) on December 17, 1991; and

WHEREAS, the ECCC LLD will complete its fiscal year of operation on June 30, 2021; and

WHEREAS, the requirement for the operation and maintenance of the Park District’s regional parks and trails system within the ECCC LLD boundaries continues to exist for the 2021-22 fiscal year (July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022); and

WHEREAS, the Park District, in operating the ECCC LLD, has taken effective action to implement the work program as defined in the 2020-21 fiscal year Engineer’s Report;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby:

1. Designates NBS as the Engineer of Work for the East Contra Costa County Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District; 2. Directs NBS to file an annual Engineer’s Report in accordance with the provisions of the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972; 3. Adopts this resolution pursuant to Section 22622 of the Streets and Highways Code of the State of California.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the General Manager and the Chief Financial Officer are hereby authorized and directed, on behalf of the District and in its name, to execute and deliver such documents and to do such acts as may be deemed necessary or appropriate to accomplish the intentions of this resolution.

Moved by Director , seconded by Director , and adopted this 4th day of May, 2021, by the following vote:

FOR: AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:

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61 AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, May 4, 2021

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

o. Approval of Resolution Initiating Proceedings and Ordering Filing of An Annual Report for Alameda County/Contra Costa County Regional Trails Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District (Two County LLD) (Spaulding/Auker)

RECOMMENDATION

The General Manager recommends that the Board of Directors approve the attached Resolution taking the following actions:

1. Initiating proceedings for the 2021-22 fiscal year operation of the Alameda County/Contra Costa County Regional Trails Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District (Two County LLD), including the related Zones of Benefit (ZB): a. ZB-1 (Five Canyons) b. ZB-2 (Dublin Hills) c. ZB-3 (Walpert Ridge) d. ZB-4 (San Ramon Hills) e. ZB-5 (Stone Valley) f. ZB-6 (Gateway Valley/Sibley Volcanic)

2. Appointing NBS as Engineer of Work for the Two County LLD including related ZBs; and

3. Instructing NBS to prepare an Engineer’s Report for the operation of the Two County LLD and related ZBs for the 2021-22 fiscal year.

REVENUE/COST

All costs of operating the Two County LLD are paid from assessment and interest revenues. Since the inception of the Two County LLD, costs associated with the regional trail maintenance and support has exceeded assessment revenues collected. In 2021, the Two County LLD Fund expenditures are budgeted at $4,829,522 with projected revenue of $4,148,330.

62 The 2021 adopted budget appropriations for the six Zones of Benefit totaled $165,935. The total 2021 assessment revenue is budgeted at $233,270 including budgeted interest earnings of $6,890.

BACKGROUND

The Park District’s regional trail system enjoys widespread citizen appreciation and support throughout its Two County jurisdiction. Various funding sources are available for the acquisition of regional trails. However, regional trail maintenance and operations are funded solely through property assessments and the General Fund.

In 1993, the Alameda County/Contra Costa County Regional Trails Landscaping and Lighting District (Two County LLD) was formed by the Park District Board of Directors. It was determined that the formation of a special assessment district provided an equitable funding source to finance the cost of operating and maintaining the regional trails within the LLD by the property owners within the assessment district.

The assessment rate of $5.44 per equivalent dwelling unit was authorized and has remained unchanged over the years. In 1995, multi-unit parcels were added to the assessment at $2.72 per unit. Last year, there were 365,464 in Alameda County and 298,772 Contra Costa County parcels. Additionally, there were 209,895 assessable multi-family residential parcels in Alameda County and 79,036 in Contra Costa County.

Subsequent to the formation and within the boundaries of the Two County LLD, zones of benefit were developed to address specific trail maintenance priorities for certain development projects, including the following: • Five Canyons Zone of Benefit (ZB-1), in Castro Valley, was established in 1994 and currently includes 1,089 assessable units, which were assessed $50.42 each in fiscal year 2020-21. • Dublin Hills Zone of Benefit (ZB-2), in the City of Dublin, was established in 1996 and currently includes 671 assessable units, which were assessed $36.48 each in fiscal year 2020-21. • Walpert Ridge Zone of Benefit (ZB-3), in the City of Hayward, was established in 1998 and currently includes 671 assessable units, which were assessed $162.72 each in fiscal year 2020-21. • San Ramon Hills Zone of Benefit (ZB-4), in the City of San Ramon, was established in 1999 and currently includes 140 units, which were assessed $45.62 each in fiscal year 2020-21. • Stone Valley Zone of Benefit (ZB-5), near Las Tampas Regional Wilderness Area, was established in 2006 and currently includes 39 assessable units, which were assessed $189.82 each in fiscal year 2020-21. • Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve Zone of Benefit (ZB-6), near the City of Orinda, was established in 2007 and currently includes 245 assessable units, which were assessed $112.92 each in fiscal year 2020-21.

In 1996, in accordance with the provisions of Proposition 218, the continuation of the assessment rate and services by the Two County LLD was approved by the voters of Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. Continuation of this assessment requires that the Board of Directors annually initiate a statutory process to sustain the Two County LLD operation and Zones of Benefit for

63 the next fiscal year (July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022). The District has a contract with the engineering firm NBS to prepare the required Engineer’s Report and to provide administration services. Accordingly, the Board of Directors is requested to take the following action:

1. Approve the attached Resolution which initiates the Two County LLD process for the 2021-22 fiscal year; 2. Appoint NBS as the Engineer of Work; 3. Instruct NBS to prepare an Engineer’s Report for Fiscal Year 2021-22.

ALTERNATIVES

No alternatives are recommended.

64 Page Left Blank Intentionally EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO.: 2021 – 05 -

May 4, 2021

APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION INITIATING PROCEEDINGS AND ORDERING FILING OF ANNUAL REPORT FOR ALAMEDA COUNTY/CONTRA COSTA COUNTY REGIONAL TRAILS LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT (Pursuant to the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972)

WHEREAS, the East Bay Regional Park District Board of Directors formed the Alameda County/Contra Costa County Regional Trails Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District (Two County LLD) on June 1, 1993; and

WHEREAS, the Two County LLD will complete its fiscal year of operation on June 30, 2021; and

WHEREAS, the requirement for the operation and maintenance of the Park District’s regional trails system within the Two County LLD boundaries continues to exist for the 2021-22 fiscal year (July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022); and

WHEREAS, the Park District, in operating the Two County LLD, has taken effective action to implement the work program as defined in the 2020-21 fiscal year Engineer’s Report;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby: 1. Designates NBS as the Engineer of Work for the Alameda County/Contra Costa County Regional Trails Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District; 2. Directs NBS to file an annual Engineer’s Report in accordance with the provisions of the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972; 3. Adopts this resolution pursuant to Section 22622 of the Streets and Highways Code of the State of California.

Moved by Director , seconded by Director , and adopted this 4th day of May, 2021, by the following vote:

FOR:

AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:

65 ACQUISITION STEWARDSHIP DEVELOPMENT AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, May 4, 2021

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

2. ACQUISITION, STEWARDSHIP & DEVELOPMENT DIVISION

RECOMMENDATION

The General Manager recommends that the Board of Directors authorize staff to enter into a Purchase and Sale Agreement (“PSA”) with Trumark Properties LLC for the sale of the northern 7.23+ acre portion of the Park District’s former Armand Borel Trust property (“Sale Parcel”) located at the northwestern corner of Fostoria Way and Camino Ramon in Danville.

REVENUE/COST

Per the terms of the negotiated PSA, the Sale Parcel will be sold for a minimum purchase price of $31 million, up to a maximum purchase price of $32 million as discussed below. Board approval of the PSA will include authorization to deposit the net proceeds from the Park District’s sale of the Sale Parcel into a separate account to pay off accrued debts against the Borel Trust property as authorized by the Board and to fund the development of the agricultural park on the remaining 10 acres of the property.

The PSA also provides that Trumark will either fund a $2 million endowment or cooperate with the Park District in establishing a Mello-Roos Community Facilities District (“CFD”) to assess a special tax within the Sale Parcel development, in order to create an annual revenue stream to help fund the ongoing operations and maintenance of the future park. Board approval of the PSA will include authorization to establish an account to fund operations and maintenance of the future park, and to deposit the $2 million into this account if Trumark elects to fund the endowment. Separate Board action will be required to authorize the establishment of a CFD if Trumark elects this option.

As part of the Park District’s Request for Proposals process, Trumark was required to provide a cashiers’ check in the amount of $50,000 to reimburse the Park District for attorneys’ fees and

66 survey expenses incurred in the preparation and negotiation of the PSA. The Board action will authorize acceptance the $50,000 and amend the 2021 Legal Department general fund budget to increase both the revenue and expense budgets.

Payment of Third-Party Claims The court-approved outstanding third-party claims against the Trust total approximately $444,655 plus accrued interest. The Board’s action will include authorization to pay these third-party claims from the $500,000 that will be on deposit from Trumark at the close of the Feasibility Period.

Repayment of the Park District loans to the Borel Trust will occur at close of escrow. Prior to close of escrow, staff will have a full accounting prepared of Park District loans, expenses and accrued interest and seek the Board’s authorization to pay these debts from the sale proceeds.

BACKGROUND

Armand Borel bequeathed his 17-acre Danville homestead and walnut orchard to the Park District with the desire that the property be preserved as an agricultural park where the public PARK DISTRICT LOANS TO THE BOREL TRUST Loans Amount Interest*** Subtotal (Amount + Interest) Loan to Estate $700,000 $443,333 $1,143,333 Loan to Estate $131,959* $70,228 $202,187 Loan to Estate Secured by $700,000** $315,000 $1,015,000 Deed of Trust First Deed of Trust $1,500,407 $1,380,482 $2,880,889 Total $3,032,366 $2,209,043 $5,241,409 *Board authorized loan up to $150,000.00 **Board authorized loan up to $800,000.00 ***Accrued Interest is approximate as of July 2019 could learn about the agricultural history of the San Ramon Valley. Mr. Borel passed away in 2009. The Borel Trust faced significant challenges, including malfeasance by the first Trustee and insolvency. To keep the Trust solvent, the Park District loaned the Trust over $1.5 million to cure defaults and cover other expenses. In addition, to prevent a foreclosure on the property, the Park District also assumed a promissory note and deed of trust, long in default, of approximately $1.55 million. In addition, the court approved claims against the Trust which included attorneys’ fees and interest to Dana Vasquez (a beneficiary of the Trust), trustees’ fees for the successor trustees, and related attorneys’ fees. The total outstanding loans and claims against the Trust are approximately $6.9 million.

67 OUTSTANDING CLAIMS AGAINST THE BOREL TRUST Claim Of Notes Amount* Dana Vasquez Interest owed on bequest $48,645.36 Arlene Segal (Attorney for Dana Vasquez) Attorneys’ Fees $26,180.00 Elizabeth Soloway (Former Trustee of Trustee Fees $160,433.51 Trust) Elizabeth Soloway (Former Trustee of Attorneys’ Fees $26,127.90 Trust) Doyle Low LLP (Attorney for Soloway) Attorneys’ Fees $157,140.71 Doyle Low LLP (Attorney for Soloway) Attorneys’ Fees $26,127.90 East Bay Regional Park District Attorneys’ Fees + Costs $1,239,226.31 Total $1,683,881.69 *Amount does not include statutory interest.

The Park District accepted the bequest of the Borel Trust property with the understanding that a sale of a portion of the property would be necessary to pay off debts of the Trust and to fund the development of the agricultural park. In March 2019, the court authorized the Park District to sell the northerly 7± acres of the Borel property in order to pay creditors of the Trust in full and found the sale to be consistent with Mr. Borel’s testamentary intent.

Request for Proposals At its July 16, 2019 regular meeting, the Board of Directors adopted Resolution No. 2019-07- 188 which authorized the issuance of a Request for Proposals (“RFP”) for the purchase of the Sale Parcel. As part of this action, the Board made findings that the sale of this portion of the Borel Trust property was necessary to provide the funds to carry out the wishes of Mr. Borel to create an agricultural park on the remaining 10± acres of the property and to pay off the approximately $6.9 million of debt against the Trust. As part of the process to properly market the Sale Parcel, the Board adopted Resolution No. 2019-12-322 making findings and declaring that the northern 7+ acre portion of the Borel Trust property is “exempt surplus land” for purposes of California Government Code Section 54221, and is not necessary for the Park District’s retention and use. The RFP invited proposals for an “as-is” purchase closing by end of 2019, and/or to propose a separate purchase price for a sale that would close after entitlements from the Town of Danville were obtained to develop the site. The entire Borel Trust property is zoned P-1 (Planned Unit District), and the Town’s General Plan identifies the northern 7± acres as suitable for mid- to high-density residential use. Any project must meet the Town’s minimum density requirements for the site, which were established to help the Town meet its fair share housing allocation requirements as well as its affordable housing needs.

Buyer Selection Process Eleven proposals were received in response to the RFP. All of the proposals were evaluated by a team consisting of Carol Victor, District Counsel, Kristina Kelchner, AGM of Acquisition, Stewardship & Development, Michael Reeves, Chief of Land Acquisition, and assisted by attorneys from outside counsel Wendell Rosen LLP who are experts in developer agreements and the land entitlement process. In evaluating proposals, factors considered were the purchase price and proposed terms, firm reputation, financial strength, experience in the Town of

68 Danville, and the proposed project’s consistency with the existing zoning. The top six proposers were invited to a first round of interviews. Three firms with the most competitive proposals were then invited back for a second round of interviews, which focused on the financial capabilities of each firm and the amount and timing of option payments to the Park District during the project entitlement period. Based on these discussions with the top three respondents’ teams, the evaluation team provided its recommendation to the Board. In May of last year, the Board identified Trumark Properties (“Trumark”) as the preferred purchaser, authorizing staff to enter into negotiations on the terms of a purchase and sale agreement with Trumark.

Trumark Properties is a Danville-based company and has strong positive relationships with the Town. Trumark’s business model shows a strong record of project build out, and the Trumark team has underscored their intent to do the same at the Borel property site. Of the three top respondents, Trumark was the only company that readily agreed to providing significant hard cash deposits, further demonstrating Trumark’s intention to pursue a project to completion. The Trumark team has expressed a commitment to coordinate closely with Town staff and the Park District on community outreach. A key additional consideration in selecting Trumark is their uniquely positioned financial capacity. Daiwa House USA, a wholly owned subsidiary of Japan-based Daiwa House Industry Company (Japan’s largest homebuilder), recently acquired a 60% equity interest in Trumark and will make significant capital contributions to develop Trumark's projects in North America.

Purchase and Sale Agreement Terms The key terms of the proposed PSA are as follows:

Sale Parcel: The Sale Parcel comprises the northern 7.2331+ acres of the Borel property. The size of the Sale Parcel may be increased at Trumark’s request to a maximum of 7.49 acres if needed to ensure the best project design for the site. If the size of the Sale Parcel is increased, the Purchase Price will be increased proportionately, at a price of approximately $100 per square foot.

Purchase Price: $31,000,000, subject to increase if the Sale Parcel exceeds 7.2331 acres, up to 7.49 acres and an additional $1 million.

Additional Consideration: To provide funding for the maintenance and operation of the future agricultural park, Trumark will elect either to fund a $2,000,000 endowment or to cooperate with the Park District’s creation of a Mello-Roos Community Facilities District to assess a special tax within the Sale Parcel development.

Proposed Residential Development Project: Trumark plans to apply to the Town of Danville for approvals to develop 165 residential townhome units on the Sale Parcel, with 15% of the units to be affordable to low-income households in line with affordable housing requirements set by the California

69 Department of Housing and Community Development and by the Town. Construction will be limited to a maximum height of 30 feet, with an anticipated mix of 2 and 3-story buildings that will step down to 2 stories adjacent to the future agricultural park.

Park District Review: The Park District will have an opportunity to review Trumark’s development plans to identify any material impacts to the future agricultural park site before those plans are formally submitted to the Town.

Buyer’s Deposits and Contract Milestones: $100,000 on execution of PSA (refundable for 45 days) $400,000 on expiration of 45-day Feasibility Period (nonrefundable) $600,000 by 180th day of 18-month Entitlement Period (nonrefundable) $700,000 by end of first year of the Entitlement Period (nonrefundable)

Close of Escrow: Close of escrow will occur within 15 days after the Town’s approval of a Vesting Tentative Map, but in no event later than the expiration of the 18-month Entitlement Period. Trumark may extend the Close of Escrow for two periods of 60 days each by making an additional $100,000 nonrefundable deposit for each such extension.

Next Steps and Entitlement Process Trumark has executed the PSA. Upon Board approval, the General Manager will execute the PSA on behalf of the Park District, and the 45-day Feasibility Period will commence. The 18- month Entitlement Period will commence at the expiration of the Feasibility Period. The PSA provides that during the Entitlement Period the Trumark team shall advise and consult with Park District staff on at least a monthly basis of its efforts to obtain approval of entitlements for the development project. Trumark will submit all entitlement applications and submissions to Park District staff for review and comment prior to submitting the same to the Town or other authorities. Staff will participate in meetings and hearings with the Town or other authorities as requested by Trumark to cooperate in Trumark’s efforts to obtain project entitlements.

ALTERNATIVES

No alternatives are recommended. The Park District does not have adequate funds available to repay the significant loans and outstanding claims and to develop and operate the future agricultural park without a sale of a portion of the Borel Trust property.

70 Page Left Blank Intentionally EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO.: 2021 – 05 –

May 4, 2021

AUTHORIZATION TO ENTER INTO A PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT WITH TRUMARK PROPERTIES LLC FOR THE SALE OF A 7.23+ ACRE PORTION OF THE EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT’S FORMER ARMAND BOREL TRUST PROPERTY LOCATED AT 3020 FOSTORIA WAY IN DANVILLE, CALIFORNIA: LAS TRAMPAS WILDERNESS REGIONAL PRESERVE

WHEREAS, the East Bay Regional Park District is the primary beneficiary of the assets in the estate of Armand Borel, as set forth in the Armand Borel Trust dated June 20, 1994, as amended and restated in 2008 ("Borel Trust"), which assets include, but are not limited to, the approximately 17-acre Borel homestead and walnut orchard property located adjacent to Fostoria Way and Camino Ramon in the Town of Danville, California (“Property”); and

WHEREAS, the principal non-cash bequest in the Borel Trust is the distribution of land and assets to the Park District for charitable and public purposes which is consistent with the Park District's mission and vision as the regional park district for the citizens of Contra Costa and Alameda counties; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Borel bequeathed the Property to the Park District with the desire that the Property be preserved as an agricultural park where the public could learn about the agricultural history of the San Ramon Valley; and

WHEREAS, upon Mr. Borel's death on April 19, 2009, the Borel Trust became subject to the jurisdiction of Contra Costa County Superior Court (Case No. P09-0 I 129); and

WHEREAS, after Mr. Borel’s death the Borel Trust was facing financial insolvency as well as claims against title to the Property, requiring the Park District to assume and pay certain debts of the Borel Trust, and to defend and clear title to the Property through a protracted litigation; and

WHEREAS, the total outstanding third-party claims and Park District loans and expenses against the Borel Trust are approximately $6.9 million plus accrued interest; and

WHEREAS, in March 2019 the court authorized the Park District to sell the northern 7± acres of the Property in order to pay creditors of the Borel Trust in full; and

WHEREAS, on July 16, 2019, by its Resolution No. 2019-07-188, the Park District Board of Directors found that a sale of the northern 7± acres of the Property was necessary to satisfy the debts of the Borel Trust and to fund the development and operation of a future public park on the remaining 10± acres, and authorized the issuance of a Request for Proposals ("RFP") to solicit proposals for the purchase of the 7± acres; and

71 WHEREAS, on December 17, 2019, by its Resolution No. 2019-12-322, the Park District Board of Directors made findings and declared that the that the northern 7+ acre portion of the Property is “exempt surplus land” for purposes of California Government Code Section 54221, and is not necessary for the Park District’s retention and use; and

WHEREAS, the Property is zoned P-1 (Planned Unit District), and the Town of Danville’s General Plan identifies the northern 7± acres as suitable for mid- to high-density residential use, requiring that any development of the site meet the Town’s minimum density requirements which were established to help the Town meet its fair share housing allocation requirements as well as its affordable housing needs; and

WHEREAS, Danville-based Trumark Properties LLC (“Trumark”) provided the most responsive purchase proposal of the eleven proposals received in response to the RFP; and

WHEREAS, at the direction of the Board of Directors, Park District staff have negotiated a Purchase and Sale Agreement (“PSA”) with Trumark for a purchase price of $31 million for the northern 7.23-acre portion of the Property (“Sale Parcel”), said purchase price to be increased up to $32 million in the event that Trumark elects to increase the size of the Sale Parcel up to a maximum of 7.49 acres; and

WHEREAS, as additional consideration, and in order to provide funding for the maintenance and operation of the future agricultural park, Trumark will either fund a $2,000,000 non-wasting endowment or cooperate with the Park District’s creation of a Mello-Roos Community Facilities District to assess a special tax within the Sale Parcel residential development; and

WHEREAS, this action by the Board authorizing the execution of the PSA and the eventual sale of the Sale Parcel to Trumark is categorically exempt from California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) requirements for preparing and processing environmental documentation under Section 15312 of the State CEQA Guidelines involving the sale of surplus government property; and

WHEREAS, this action by the Board authorizing the execution of the PSA is also not subject to CEQA as the Board of Directors finds that there is no possibility that the execution of the PSA will have a significant effect on the environment, as provided by 14 Cal Code Regs §15061(b)(3), because the sale will not occur until Trumark has obtained all entitlements, including full compliance with CEQA;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby authorizes the General Manager to execute the Purchase and Sale Agreement with Trumark Properties LLC for the sale of a 7.23+ acre portion of the Park District’s former Armand Borel Trust property located at 3020 Fostoria Way in Danville, California; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, provided that Trumark is prepared to consummate its purchase of the Sale Parcel, is not in breach of any terms and conditions of the PSA, and has

72 obtained all entitlements and authorizations necessary to obtain a vesting tentative map from the Town of Danville that is substantially consistent with the Town’s General Plan, Specific Plan, and zoning designation for the Sale Parcel, and that complies with the Subdivision Map Act, California Environmental Quality Act and California Government Code Section 54233.5 and the Town’s affordable housing requirements, the Board hereby authorizes the General Manager to execute on behalf of the Park District and in its name a Grant Deed conveying to Trumark fee title to the Sale Parcel, together with other documents to be executed by the Park District as provided in the PSA; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of Directors authorizes payment of the court approved third-party claims against the Borel Trust totaling approximately $444,655 plus accrued interest from the $500,000 that will be on deposit at the close of the Feasibility Period as defined in the PSA; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that prior to the close of escrow, staff shall perform a full accounting of the Park District’s loans, expenses, and accrued interest and seek Board authorization to repay these debts; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of Directors authorizes that after all outstanding debts against the Borel Trust have been paid, the net sales proceeds shall be deposited into a restricted account that will be established to fund the development of the future agricultural park; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board authorizes the establishment of a restricted non-wasting endowment account to fund the operations and maintenance of the future park, and the deposit of $2 million from Trumark into this account to fund the endowment should Trumark elect this option pursuant to the PSA; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of Directors authorizes the acceptance of the $50,000 RFP deposit from Trumark and amends the 2021 Legal Department general fund budget to increase both the revenue and expense budgets to reflect the deposit of these funds and any additional funds to be paid by Trumark to reimburse the Park District for its attorneys’ fees and costs incurred in negotiating and preparing the PSA; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the General Manager is hereby authorized and directed, on behalf of the Park District and in its name, to execute and deliver such documents as provided in the PSA or otherwise and to do such acts as may be deemed necessary or appropriate to accomplish the intentions of this resolution.

Moved by Director , seconded by Director and adopted this 4th day of May 2021 by the following vote:

FOR: AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:

73 BOREL TRUST PROPERTY: SALE PARCEL APN: 218-090-031-4 (Portion) Feet [ 0 100 200

Sale Parcel (7.23+ Acres)

CAMINO RAMON PLACE

Future Agricultural Park ¨¦§680 (10+ Acres)

CAMINO RAMON

SAN RAMON VALLEY BLVD

FOSTORIA WAY

Y WA IA OR ST FO

DISCLAIMER: Boundary and property lines shown on this map do not represent a boundary or property line survey. The East Bay Regional Park District makes no representation as to the accuracy of said property lines, and no liability is assumed by reason of reliance thereon. Use of this map for other than its intended purpose requires the written consent of EBRPD.

74 Date: 4/29/2021 O:\GIS\CMcKaskey\Projects_2019\ASD\Land\LT_Borel\LT_Borel_7acres_RFP.mxd AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, May 4, 2021

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

2. ACQUISITION, STEWARDSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT DIVISION

b. Authorization to Execute a Contract with BKF Engineers, Inc. for Preliminary Design and Environmental Review for the Point Pinole to Wilson Point Segment and Transfer Funds: San Francisco Bay Trail (Dougan/Kelchner)

RECOMMENDATION

The General Manager recommends that the Board of Directors:

1. Authorization to execute a contract with BKF Engineers, Inc. for preliminary design and environmental services pursuant to CEQA for the Point Pinole to Wilson Point segment of the San Francisco Bay Trail in West Contra Costa County.

2. Authorize the transfer of 96,792 into the Develop Bay Trail to Wilson Point Project from the completed Build Bay Trail at Atlas Road Project.

REVENUE/COST

BKF Engineers, Inc. will perform these services for a cost not to exceed $307,800. There is currently only $234,000 available for this contract in the Develop Bay Trail to Wilson Point Project (No. 528400). The remaining contract balance is proposed to be covered by transferring the remaining funds in the amount of $96,792 from the completed Build Bay Trail at Atlas Road Project (No. 506900). Transferring the remaining funds will increase the available project funds to $330,792, leaving a balance in the project (No. 528400) of $22,992 for administrative costs.

SOURCE OF FUNDS Develop Trail to Wilson Point (Project #528400) $ 250,000 Encumbrances and Expenditures to Date (16,000) Transfer from Build Bay Trail at Atlas Road (Project #506900) 96,792 TOTAL FUNDS AVAILABLE $ 330,792 USE OF FUNDS (307,800) Preliminary Design and Environmental Contract for Services REMAINING BALANCE $ 22,992

76 The Build Bay Trail at Atlas Road Project (No. 506900) was created to pave a short segment of the San Francisco Bay Trail (Bay Trail) between the Atlas Road Bridge and the privately owned property to the east. Measure CC funds in the amount of $100,000 were allocated towards the project. However, the adjacent private property owner, LDK Ventures, constructed this small section when they built a 0.6-mile stretch of the Bay Trail as part of the conditions of approval to develop a warehouse facility on the property, so this funding is no longer needed for this project. A small portion of the funds were used to purchase materials for furnishings, but the remaining funds are unencumbered and available to be transferred to the Develop Bay Trail to Wilson Point Project (No. 528400).

BACKGROUND

The East Bay Regional Park District appropriated $250,000 in General Funds in 2018 to the Develop Bay Trail to Wilson Point Project (No. 528400). Funds will be used to complete preliminary engineering and environmental review for this .9-mile segment of the Bay Trail between the eastern end of the Pinole Point Business Park and the existing terminus of the Bay Trail located near Wilson Point in Pinole. A portion of the trail will be located within the Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) right-of-way (ROW). A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between the Park District and UPRR in 2016 that allows the trail to be located within the outermost 15’ of the UPRR’s ROW. Other portions of the trail are proposed within a 50’ trail easement to be dedicated to the Park District by Pinole Point Properties. Additional easements will be required through Contra Costa County Sanitary District’s lands to the north to complete the alignment.

In 2005, the Park District hired Questa Engineering to complete a preliminary engineering study that included this section of the Bay Trail. The study identified opportunities and constraints including a Kinder Morgan pipeline, a PG&E transmission line, and freshwater and tidal wetlands. However, the project was not advanced because of lack of right-of-way, challenges related to the Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) property, and the potential expense to relocate up to 300-feet of underground utilities. Furthermore, other sections of the Bay Trail were more feasible to construct and became a higher priority.

Since that time, the Park District has successfully amended and restated the MOU with UPRR in 2016, acquired additional trail easements within the Pinole Point Business Park, and constructed segments leading to either side of this gap. Critical Bay Trail gaps that have been closed in the vicinity include: along Goodrick Avenue, through the Dotson Family Marsh, the Atlas Road Bridge connection, Pinole Shores to Bayfront Park, and at Lone Tree Point. More recently the developers immediately adjacent to the project constructed approximately one mile of Bay Trail from Atlas Bridge to its current terminus at the eastern end of the Pinole Point Business Park.

A request for proposals (RFP) for preliminary design and environmental services pursuant to CEQA was advertised on January 29, 2021 and a virtual pre-proposal site visit was held on February 8, 2021. Seven proposals were received by the closing date of February 26, 2021. An interview panel consisting of three Park District staff and a member from the Bay Trail project with the Association of Bay Area Governments, a branch of the Metropolitan Transportation

77 Commission. The four firms who submitted superior proposals were interviewed on March 22, 2021. All firms shortlisted for interviews submitted proposals that met the RFP requirements, but exceeded the available amount of funding in the Develop Bay Trail to Wilson Point Project (No. 528400). BKF was selected as the most qualified candidate due to their comprehensive and methodical approach and understanding of the project and their team’s combined Bay Trail experience.

BKF’s scope includes review of the previous study, completion of studies pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and preliminary engineering and design of the proposed trail alignment. BKF will also identify the exact location of the utilities in the area, complete a trail design alternatives analysis through the wetlands, identify necessary mitigation strategies, and ensure this future Bay Trail segment is designed to be resilient to projected sea level rise.

ALTERNATIVES

No alternatives are recommended.

78 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO.: 2021 – 05 –

May 4, 2021

AUTHORIZATION TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH BKF ENGINEERS, INC. FOR PRELIMINARY DESIGN AND ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW FOR THE POINT PINOLE TO WILSON POINT SEGMENT AND TRANSFER FUNDS: SAN FRANCISCO BAY TRAIL

WHEREAS, the East Bay Regional Park District is committed to connect this .9-mile segment of the San Francisco Bay Trail (Bay Trail) between the eastern end of the Pinole Point Business Park and the existing terminus of the Bay Trail located near Wilson Point in Pinole; and

WHEREAS, Measure CC funds in the amount of $100,000 were appropriated to the Build Bay Trail at Atlas Road Project (No. 506900) to pave a short segment of the Bay Trail between the Atlas Road Bridge and the Pinole Point Business Park that is now complete; and

WHEREAS, the Park District appropriated $250,000 in General Funds into the Develop Bay Trail to Wilson Point Project (No. 528400) as part of the 2018 budget to study and develop the .9-mile Bay Trail gap between Point Pinole and Wilson Point; and

WHEREAS, a request for proposals (RFP) for preliminary design and environmental review pursuant to CEQA was advertised on January 29, 2021 and seven proposals were received by the closing date of February 26, 2021; and

WHEREAS, an interview panel consisting of three Park District staff and one staff from the Bay Trail project with the Association of Bay Area Governments interviewed four firms on March 22, 2021; and

WHEREAS, all firms shortlisted for interviews submitted proposals that met the RFP requirements, but exceeded the available amount of funding in the Develop Bay Trail to Wilson Point Project (No. 528400); and

WHEREAS, BKF was selected as the most qualified candidate due to their comprehensive and methodical approach and understanding of the project and their team’s combined Bay Trail experience; and

WHEREAS, BKF’s proposal amount of $307,800 exceeds the amount available in the Develop Bay Trail to Wilson Point Project (No. 528400); and

WHEREAS, the Park District will transfer the remaining project balance in the amount of $96,792 from the Build Bay Trail at Atlas Road Project (No. 506900) into the Develop Bay Trail to Wilson Point Project (No. 528400) to cover the full proposal cost with the remaining project funds to be used for administrative costs; and

79 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby authorizes executing a contract with BKF Engineers, Inc. in the amount of $307,800 for preliminary design and environmental review pursuant to CEQA for the Point Pinole to Wilson Point segment of the San Francisco Bay Trail in West Contra Costa County; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Board of Directors hereby authorizes the transfer the remaining project funds in the amount of $96,792 from the Build Bay Trail at Atlas Road Project (No. 506900) into the Develop Bay Trail to Wilson Point Project (No. 528400); and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the General Manager is hereby authorized and directed, on behalf of the Park District and in its name, to execute and deliver such documents and to do such acts as may be deemed necessary or appropriate to accomplish the intentions of this resolution.

Moved by Director , seconded by Director , and adopted this 4th day of May, 2021 by the following vote:

FOR:

AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:

80 Page Left Blank Intentionally

81 San Francisco Bay Trail

Point Pinole to Wilson Point Feet [ 0 500 1,000

SAN PABLO BAY REGIONAL SHORELINE

WILSON POINT

POINT PINOLE REGIONAL SHORELINE T SA ve s A es pr Cy

e o Av 82 abl n P Sa Montara Bay San Park Fra ncis co B raHil E ay T Ta ls rail Dr Montalvin Park

d Atlas Rd R t n ia S h

G F a

l m E a ro n ck n D Shawn Dr e r Existing Regional Trail ry Rich Pkwy Rd Proposed Regional Trail m ond r 80 D E Park Entrance ¨¦§ ld a r T Trail Staging Area ge SA z Fit O:\GIS\CMcKaskey\Projects_2021\ASD\TrailsDev\sfbt_PPtoPtWilson\sfbt_PPtoPtWilson.mxd Date: 4/19/2021 Page Left Blank Intentionally

83 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT BUDGET CHANGE FORM

NEW APPROPRIATIONS BUDGET TRANSFERS New Appropriations Between Funds From New Revenues X Between Projects DECREASE BUDGET ACCOUNT AMOUNT INCREASE BUDGET ACCOUNT AMOUNT Account Name: Other Than Asset Fund- Account Name: Other Asset Fund-Trails Trails Development Department-Point Program Unit-San Francisco Bay Trail- Pinole-Other Services-Measure CC- Develop Trail to Point Wilson-Measure Construction Contract CC Fund-Design/Consultants

Account: 336-7340-496-5371/ Account: 336-7325-601-6191/ 506900MCCT-009 $ 96,792 528400MCCT-005 $ 96,792 TRANSFERS BETWEEN FUNDS

As being presented at the Board of Directors meeting on May 4th, 2021 the General Manager recommends that the Board of Directors approve the transfer between projects 506900 to 528400 in the amount of $96,792.

As approved at the Board of Directors Meeting on date: 5/4/2021 Board of Directors Resolution Number: 2021-5- Posted By: Posted date: Signature:

T:\BOARDCLK\BOARD MATERIAL\2021\8- May 4, 2021\S DRIVE\ASD PLNG Auth BKF Engineers Contract for SFBT - BCF

84 BOARD AND STAFF REPORTS AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, May 4, 2021

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

3. BOARD AND STAFF REPORTS

a. Actions Taken by Other Jurisdictions Affecting the Park District (Landreth)

Alameda County East County Board of Zoning Adjustments – Mulqueeney Wind Conditional Use Permit Approval

On April 22, 2021, the Alameda County East County Board of Zoning Adjustments approved the Mulqueeney Wind Energy LLC/Brookfield Renewable Energy Partners’ Conditional Use Permit, with conditions and certified the Subsequent Environmental Impact Report. This will allow repowering of an estimated 518 existing or previously existing wind energy turbine sites, with up to 36 new turbines on 29 parcels located north and south of Patterson Pass Road, extending on over approximately 4,600 acres southeast of Brushy Peak Regional Preserve. The project is broadly consistent with a Program Environmental Impact Report for Repowering the Altamont Pass Wind Resource Area certified by the East County Board of Zoning Adjustments on November 12, 2014 and is therefore reviewed as a tiered project with the Subsequent Environmental Impact Report. The Park District submitted comments expressing concerns of significant impacts including bird and bat fatalities.

85 GM COMMENTS AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, May 4, 2021

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

4. GENERAL MANAGER’S COMMENTS

STAFF PRESENTATION Acquisition, Stewardship & Development staff will provide an overview of the Trail User Working Group’s formation, purpose, input received to date, and expected next steps.

GM COMMENTS PUBLIC SAFETY From February 21 – to March 20, 2021 the Public Safety Division handled 813 service calls and 1,826 total incidents. Highlights are included below.

Police There were 28 arrests made throughout the District for a variety of felony and misdemeanor offenses, including DUI, weapons possession, drug possession, violation of court restraining orders, disorderly conduct, and public intoxication. Officers handled 172 field interviews (contacts without citations or arrests) and issued 579 citations (367 for parking).

• Alameda Creek Trail: On March 3, an officer contacted two people in violation of park curfew. One subject was arrested for an outstanding felony warrant and the other was released on scene.

• Anthony Chabot: On March 6, an officer took a report of an illegal discharge of a firearm.

• Garin: On March 13, a sergeant took a report of an animal bite; the park users involved in the incident exchanged contact information and the dog involved was current on all vaccines.

• Hayward Shoreline: On March 4, an officer took a report of animal cruelty. Two birds were located deceased in a restricted area; stones may have been used to kill the birds. Fish and Game was notified.

• Kennedy Grove: On March 16, an officer took a report of grand theft of a security camera.

• Lafayette Reservoir: On March 12, Officers and Eagle 7 responded to a reported aircraft emergency. A small plane made an emergency landing on the hillside; no injuries were reported and the aircraft was towed the following day.

86 • Leona Canyon: On March 19, an officer took a report of vehicle tampering; a catalytic converter was stolen from the vehicle.

• McLaughlin Eastshore State Park: On March 1, officers arrested a subject for resisting arrest and failure to sign a notice to appear. The subject was uncooperative during the contact and was subsequently transported to jail.

• Pleasanton Ridge: On March 7, officers, medical personnel, and staff responded to the report of a bicycle accident with major injuries. The juvenile victim was transported by ambulance to the hospital for further treatment.

• Sibley: On March 1, an officer met with a victim of vandalism to take an account of vehicle tampering; the back window of their vehicle was smashed but no items were missing from the vehicle.

• Wildcat Canyon: On February 25, an officer took a report of vandalism; graffiti was located at one of the picnic areas inside the park.

Fire Operations • Iron Horse Trail: On March 6, District Fire personnel responded to the report of a downed tree that was blocking the paved trail. The tree was moved off of the trail and Alameda County was contacted for tree removal.

• District Fire personnel worked with Fuels Crew personnel to provide safety coverage for a variety of pile burning projects throughout the District as part of fuels management work; more than 50 piles were burned.

Medical • Tilden: On February 22, District Fire personnel responded with Berkeley and Contra Costa fire departments, and an ambulance, to a juvenile bicycle accident; the victim was treated and released to their parent.

• Wildcat Canyon: On February 29, District Fire personnel, along with Berkeley and Moraga Orinda Fire and an ambulance, responded to a bicycle accident; the patient was transported to John Muir Hospital in Walnut Creek for treatment.

• Briones: On March 13, District Fire personnel responded along with Contra Costa County Fire, STARR 3, and an ambulance to a medical call. The patient was transported to Kaiser in Walnut Creek via ambulance.

Mutual Aid • Hwy 24 / Wilder Road: On March 10, District Fire personnel assisted California Highway Patrol with a single vehicle accident. Fire personnel assessed the driver for injuries and transferred care to Moraga Orinda Fire Dept.

87 Fuels Work • District Fuels Crew personnel continued work in recommended treatment area (RTA) TI001 that included removing fuels and creating burn piles.

• District Fuels Crew personnel are performing fuels reduction work, funded by a grant from The Coastal Conservancy, in recommended treatment area (RTA) TI011.

• District Fuels Reduction Coordinators completed a job in recommended treatment area (RTA) RD001, identifying over 200 dead pine trees, that are part of the tree dieback issue, for removal.

• District Fuels Crew personnel continue to assess the tree mortality in Anthony Chabot; a contractor specialist recently obtained samples to identify the fungus on dead eucalyptus trees.

• FEMA-funded fuels reduction contractors and crews continued fuels reduction work in recommended treatment areas (RTAs) TI0012, TI013, and TI014.

• District Fuels Crew is applying for the CalFire Forest Health Grant to assist in funding tree mortality projects and our grazing programs.

• District Fuels Crew personnel are preparing for the prescribed fire in Tilden on May 17; all permits have been approved with air quality and CalFire.

Lifeguard Services • Lifeguard Services coordinated COVID-19 vaccinations for District employees.

• Lifeguard Services continues to assist in Districtwide distribution of PPE through the Logistics Section.

• Lifeguard Services performed COVID-19 Prevention Protocols (CPP) site visits throughout the District.

• Lifeguard Services began offering a Virtual Public Outreach Program to schools, focusing on those in underserved communities. Two presentations were offered to Paden Elementary School in Alameda and one presentation to Carl B. Munck Elementary School in Oakland.

• Lifeguard Services provided a COVID-19 station/medical standby for Park Ranger testing.

• Lifeguard Services selected the first round of returning Lifeguard II/IIIs.

88 NEWSCLIPS Park It: Know your dogs’ rules of the road in East Bay open spaces District’s ‘Be A Pup Pro’ campaign has three basic themes on canine responsibility, safety

By NED MACKAY | East Bay Regional Park District PUBLISHED: April 25, 2021 at 5:00 a.m. | UPDATED: April 25, 2021 at 6:48 a.m. A stranger or perhaps blooming mustard grabs the attention of a dog jogging with a woman during a previous April along the East Bay Regional Park District’s Contra Costa Canal Trail in Pleasant Hill. The park district has a “Be A Pup Pro” campaign underway with three basic themes concerning dog safety and owner responsibility.

The other day we were sitting on a bench eating lunch at Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve, when another hiker with two big, friendly dogs came past on the trail. One of the dogs saw us and made a beeline for the food. My reflexes were fast enough that I covered our lunch just in time. Won by a nose. Its owner called the dog back, and all was well, but it did remind us of some dog-related rules of the road. The East Bay Regional Park District has a “Be A Pup Pro” campaign underway. You’ve probably seen the posters at trailheads. The campaign has three basic themes, listed below.

 Bag it and bin it. Everyone is supposed to pick up after their pet has done its business. Deposit the waste in a trashcan. Please don’t just leave it trailside for someone else to deal with.

 Leash your dog in designated areas. These include parking lots, trailheads, picnic areas, paved trails, etc. Note also that dogs are not allowed at swim beaches or in some places that are wildlife sanctuaries. One example is Round Valley Regional Preserve south of Brentwood, where dogs are prohibited because the park is habitat for the rare and endangered San Joaquin kit fox. Tilden Nature Area near Berkeley (just the nature area, not the entire park) is off-limits for dogs too. Elsewhere, watch for signs indicating where dogs are prohibited or must be leashed.

 Keep your dog safe. Leash your dog around cattle and horses. Some horses can be skittish with dogs, resulting in unsafe conditions for everyone. In general, dogs are allowed off-leash in the regional parks, once you are away from the trailheads, as long as the dog is under voice control, which means it will return to its owner when called. If a dog starts

89 chasing wildlife or cattle or has uninvited interactions with other park visitors (see above), the dog has to be put back on leash. Be considerate of your pet’s needs. As the weather gets warmer, dogs can become overheated. After all, they’re wearing permanent fur coats, and their main method of regulating their body temperature is by panting. So carry enough water for Fido as well as for yourself. There are plenty of lightweight dog water dishes on the market, or you can use a one-gallon plastic zip bag. Remember too that pavement can get very hot in the sun, and sharp, rocky surfaces are hard on paws. There are special rules for dogs at Point Isabel Regional Shoreline in Richmond. Dogs are OK off-leash in the park, but carry a 6-foot-maximum leash and keep your dog on-leash in parking lots and on streets. Dogs must be under voice control and within your sight at all times. Clean up your dog’s waste, and put it in the trashcans. Leash your pet if it shows aggressive behavior. Prevent your pet from digging or damaging the landscape. In all the regional parks, anyone who walks or exercises a dog for a fee, or who walks more than three personal dogs, has to obtain and carry a revocable annual permit. For information on the dog permit program, call 510-690-6508. For more information on dog rules in the regional parks, check out the park district’s website, ebparks.org. The park district is a very dog-friendly agency, and a little common sense and courtesy goes a long way towards assuring a pleasant park experience for dog owners and nonowners alike.

Sixty years of Saving San Francisco Bay Pioneering environmental group was started by three ladies on a mission

LESLIE KATZ Apr. 22, 2021 1:30 am From left, Esther Gulick, Sylvia McLaughlin and Kay Kerr started one of the country’s first environmental movements.

In 1961, Oakland Tribune reporter Ed Salzman dutifully went on what he thought was a dubious assignment to Sausalito to cover the possible closure of a visitor center housing a working hydraulic model of the San Francisco Bay. He ended up writing what he calls the most important story of his 40-year career. Describing what the Bay might look like in 2020 if development continued at its current pace, the April 23, 1961 article prompted three East Bay women to establish the environmental advocacy organization Save San Francisco Bay Association, now called Save The Bay, and celebrating its 60th anniversary with programming to be announced in June. “I covered presidents and governors and all kinds of big shots, but when you look back, I don’t remember those stories at all. But this story I remember in detail, because let’s face it, the saving of San Francisco Bay is still going on,” said Salzman, 89, an Oregon resident who’s also the former editor of the Sacramento-based Golden State Report and California Journal magazines. “Astounded” at the shallowness of most of the Bay, which made it subject to filling, Salzman took a report supplied by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers — which still operates the Bay Model Visitor Center today — and shaded in the Bay’s shallow areas on a map. What was left, he said, “was nothing more than a river or shipping channel.” He brought the map to Tribune artist Frank Kettlewell, who created a print-quality version that became part of a full-page spread on “Our Shrinking Bay” overseen by editor Dick Fogel. Alarmed after reading the story in the paper, Esther Gulick, Kay Kerr and Sylvia McLaughlin — whose husbands were scholars and leaders at the University of California, Berkeley — began a fundraising and public relations campaign toward stopping Bay fill. we do now. There were almost no environmental laws. The shoreline was almost entirely owned by private companies.”

91 While people in individual cities had their own notions of what to do with the Bay, and women were largely absent from power, the ladies, as they’re affectionately known by those who followed them, were fighting an uphill battle. “All they did — it changed the future of the Bay,” said Lewis. Barry Nelson, Lewis’ predecessor and Save The Bay’s first executive director, goes even farther: “You can make a credible case that their movement to stop Bay fill was the birth of the modern environmental movement globally; it certainly was the first coastal protection movement in the nation,” said Nelson, mentioning that Earth Day wasn’t established until 1970, and that groups such as the Sierra Club were focused on preserving wilderness, not nature in urban areas. The women began by sending a newsletter to members who paid an annual $1 fee to be in their volunteer organization. “It was groundbreaking. They charged a buck. People laughed at them, but they had $2,500 in no time,” said Larry Goldzband, executive director of the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission, a regional agency established as a result of Save San Francisco Bay’s efforts with the 1965 passage of the McAteer-Petris Act. In 1969, BCDC became permanent under Gov. Ronald Reagan.

Today, with the most of the shoreline protected for nature or already developed, the group’s original task has been accomplished, although Lewis said, “Every once in a while we have a battle like 15 years of trying to stop Cargill from building on salt ponds.” Earlier this month, Save The Bay and others claimed victory when the corporation said it would not appeal a federal judge’s ruling that Redwood City ponds adjacent to the Bay are protected by the Clean Water Act. In 2012, Cargill and its developer partner proposed building 12,000 homes on the 1,365-acre site, to considerable public opposition. Save The Bay has also made strides in terms of public access. In 1961, there were only six miles of access along the entire shoreline. Today there’s a “necklace of shoreline parks,” Lewis said, as well as the 500- mile Bay Trail (a recent connector was created in Berkeley and Albany in McLaughlin Eastshore State Park, named after the Save The Bay co-founder) and the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. For Lewis, Save the Bay’s role in collaborating on issues — with fellow advocates, policymakers, citizens, regulators and business — has led to accomplishments including the establishment of the San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge, the largest urban wildlife refuge in the nation, in the 1980s; preventing San Francisco International Airport from filling the Bay for expanded runways in 2000; and Measure AA, a nine-county $12 per year parcel tax for 20 years funding shoreline protection and restoration projects, which passed by 70 percent in 2016. Calling Save the Bay’s history “our region’s story about coming together to make this a better place for people and wildlife, for cities and nature,” Lewis said the group has worked closely with San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo, San Francisco Supervisor Aaron Peskin, Contra Costa County Supervisor John Gioia, San Mateo Supervisor Dave Pine and state Sen. Scott Wiener toward finding regional solutions to regional problems. And Save The Bay’s most important legacy, Lewis said, could be that its success in protecting the Bay is being emulated toward creating affordable housing for all and an efficient, environmentally sound Bay Area-wide transportation system. “In addition to being loved for all the obvious aesthetic and ecological reasons, Save The Bay gives us hope and encouragement that we can act as a region to solve regional challenges like adapting to climate

92 change,” said Lewis, by protecting infrastructure on the shoreline — in some cases moving it — and by restoring as many wetlands as possible in the next decades. Since Lewis started in the job in 1998, Save The Bay’s staff has grown from seven to 23, its budget has increased by almost five times, and its mission has changed from stopping the Bay from getting smaller to stopping it from getting bigger due to sea level rise. With an expanded focus not just on shoreline, but on urban greening inland, too, Lewis said, “We have a really bright future. There’s a lot of exciting, challenging work to do, and with the new federal administration, there’s a lot more we can accomplish in the next few years. “We have huge volunteer program that’s restoring wetlands on the shoreline and teaching kids in schools,” Lewis said, adding, “None of that was envisioned by the ladies. But they weren’t wrong not to envision it. They did what they needed to be effective, and that’s what we do now.”

Sweet Boating Lake, Wilderness Trail Close To Home

DENNIS WYATT Updated: Apr 20, 2021, 10:40 PM This scene is from the northern part of the Ohlone Wilderness that is accessible from Del Valle Regional Park.

LIVERMORE — Del Valle Regional Park — just a short drive away — offers arguably the best spot in the Coastal Ranges to enjoy boating, fishing, hiking, and an abundance of activities from picnics to flying radio controlled aircraft. The route from Livermore — via Tesla Road and then onto Mines Road and ultimately Del Valle Road — is popular with cyclists for its nice steady rise from the valley floor and its wide shoulders. Those bicyclists more ambitious as well as motorists out for a Sunday drive to take in the wild flowers and mostly unspoiled scenery stay on Mines Road and climb up a ways more toward the ridgeline to reach Mt. Hamilton near San Jose or to turn back to the San Joaquin Valley via Del Puerto Road into Patterson. The park itself is in a small valley focused around a five mile long lake popular with sailboat enthusiasts, and fishermen. While the lake is currently closed to swimming due to the presence of toxic algae it still lures water enthusiasts for its serene and idyllic setting. Its shoreline picnic spots are popular for picnics, family gatherings, and other celebrations. The lake is surrounded by 4,395 acres filled with wildlife ideal for nature study as well as trails for hikers and equestrians. It is also the eastern end of the Ohlone Wilderness Trail stretching 28 miles from Lichen Park Picnic Area to the Stanford Avenue staging area near Mission Peak in the San Jose area. Along the way you pass through the Ohlone Regional Wilderness, holdings of the San Francisco Water Department, the Sunol Regional Wilderness and the Mission Peak Regional Wilderness. There is also plenty of wildlife including an occasional sighting of Tule elk and even mountain lions. Those braving hiking all — or part — of the Ohlone Wilderness Trail are in for treats that relatively few partake. Day use to enter Del Valle Regional Park is $6 with another $2 for the trail permit. You can also secure permits for overnight camping. Your permit — that you must carry at all times — is a sturdy paper map that offers an excellent map of the easy to follow main trail and spurs as well as an elevation profile with a wealth of other information. Much of the main hiking trail follows old dirt ranch roads. Don’t be fooled into thinking this will make the hike a walk in the park. The first segment from Lichen Park Picnic Area climbs rapidly gaining 1,200

94 feet in elevation. Other segments are typical trails that often narrow down to enough width for one person as well as having their share of rocks and fallen trees to bypass or go over. The first crest gives you sweeping views of Mt. Diablo and its kissing cousin North Peak dominating the horizon above Livermore as well as views of the windmill-studded Altamont Pass, Tracy and beyond, the Northern San Joaquin Valley and the eastern side of the Coastal Range. There are two easy to reach destinations for day hikes from Del Valle Park — Murrieta Falls and Rose Peak. My most recent trip was the 11.5-mile round trip to the falls named after the legendary California outlaw Joaquin Murrieta. The hike offered sweeping green hills, wildflowers, woodlands and a scattering of oak trees on ridge lines and in mini-valleys. Murrieta Falls at the 3,300-foot elevation is the Bay Area’s longest in terms of its drop. Besides the fact it is about dried up for the year, its wimpy scale isn’t the main appeal of the trip. Instead it is the sweeping views and relative isolation of the Ohlone Wilderness despite being snuggled up against the urbanized San Francisco Bay Area. The elevation gain for the hike to Murrieta Falls is 3,500 feet. My goal originally was Rose Peak that — at 3,817 feet — is the Bay Area’s second highest peak coming in just 32 feet lower than Mt. Diablo. It involves a 20-mile round trip and 4,500 feet in net gain during the hike. Between getting a late start — I didn’t reach the Del Valle Park entrance gate until 8 a.m. although it opens two hours earlier — and the fact the gate closes at 8 p.m. in April, I opted not to tackle Rose Peak. I may have been able to squeeze it in but one problem — a wrong turn or such — and I would have been spending the night in my Ford Focus. In April the gate hours are 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. before increasing to 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. through Labor Day. Seasoned hikers suggest that most people try to squeeze in either hike between September into early June due to the heat and exposure to the sun during summer. Even though by May the grass will have turned golden, the falls dried up, and most of the ponds will be long gone, I’ll return to tackle Rose Peak. I’ve also done a 6.2-mile loop within Del Valle Park that has a high point of 1,300 feet and net elevation gain of 900 feet that most people can cover in three to five hours. The trail — reported to be surprisingly remote — is on the lake’s eastern side yet rarely gets much use. It has an abundance of gigantic California Blue Oaks with canopies spreading up to 25 feet awaiting hikers on a long stretch along the lake’s eastern shore. For more information on Del Valle Regional Park go to ebparks.org/parks/del_valle. For more information on the Ohlone Wilderness Trail go to ebparks.org/parks/ohlone.

Head to French Trail for otherworldly beauty

By Kevin Parker 7 days ago East Bay Area, CA — Like a coveted surf spot whose location remains a secret for generations, French Trail in Redwood Regional Park is the kind of place I couldn’t believe was so easy to access. How could a trail this good remain hidden before our very eyes, neatly tucked away in some of Oakland’s best landscapes and bragging rights, namely its parks. I have spent my life wandering the dusty trails of the greater Bay Area, but French Trail and the surrounding network made such as impact on me that I find myself returning every couple of years. And it keeps getting better. West Ridge Trail is an easy warmup that leaves directly from the parking lot and cuts through scenery with a high up in the trees feel. The crowd you just left near your car will be a distant memory within minutes as you circumvent the northernmost part of this 1,833-acre park. French Trail is the quintessential extreme trail in terms of footing, obstacles and general trail navigation. The trail follows a knife-like ridgeline, then dives into a dark and eerie “Star Wars” Ewok world – if you can imagine that. Picture third-generation redwood groves with moss and ferns as far as the eye can see. Chutes and ladders The backbone of this hike is French Trail. But with lots of choices that spire in different directions, check out Tres Sendas, Madrone and Redwood Peak trails. Every downward plunge was combatted with a leg screaming climb-a-thon. If that is your thing, this trail was made for you. Picture a chutes and ladders routing that leaves you wondering how much this equates to on the stair-master at your local gym. About 95 percent of this hike is covered in shade, and it’s quite peaceful. It’s amazing that a relatively small slice of park can make the visitor seem so far away from civilization. No sounds pierced my veil of quiet. There is one small “con” to this hike. Make no mistake, this could be your itchy and scratchy paradise if you are not very careful. I had to use more than a few of my trail moves to jump over, around and under branches of poison oak (#Tecnu). French Trail is the perfect recipe for all things outdoors. Take a pinch of solitude, throw in some roots, rocks and stumps, stir in brilliant trail routing, four shakes of shade, a dash of poison oak, 39 shades of green, mix it all up and now you have the ultimate in outdoor trail adventure.

96 This park has very liberal off-leash dog policies, which means a well-trained dog can have the run of the place. Add in Redwood Bike Route (8.22 miles) and a portion of the Bay Area Ridge Trail and make this your next hiking destination. Enjoy life’s adventures. Redwood Regional Park

 Trails: French Trail

 Distance: 6.91 miles

 Elevation Gain: 1,883 feet

 Duration: 2.5 hours

 Trailheads: Skyline Gate Staging Area (limited parking, restrooms, water, maps

Healthy triplet peregrine falcons hatch on the Campanile

By Gretchen Kell, Media relations| APRIL 19, 2021 Annie with her three chicks. Two were born Saturday, April 17, and one on Monday, April 19. Three new peregrine falcons — fluffy, energetic and already eating meat — are now part of the campus community. Two hatchlings arrived Saturday — at around 3 a.m. and 12 noon — and the other this morning just before 6. Hundreds of people have been viewing the nest activity via a Campanile webcam, and about 1,800 showed up for the livestreamed Hatch Day Q&A session held Saturday afternoon by Cal Falcons. Falcon mother Annie laid four eggs in March, but one of them hasn’t hatched and, since it shows no cracks, “the possibilities are dimming that it will,” said Mary Malec, a Cal Falcons member who monitors local raptor nests for the East Bay Regional Park District. “It’s still a possibility, but the possibility isn’t good.” Malec said she believes the third egg to hatch was the last one laid. Still, the new chicks are the 11th, 12th and 13th for mates Annie and Grinnell. This is the adults’ fifth breeding season on the bell tower, and the second year in a row that they’ve welcomed triplets — last year’s chicks were Poppy, Sequoia and Redwood. “We’re super-excited that we’ve had a successful hatch; it’s always a little nerve-wracking, leading up to that moment, as so many things can go wrong,” said Sean Peterson, a Berkeley graduate student in the Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management who runs Cal Falcons with ornithologist Lynn Schofield, his wife. “Annie and Grinnell have done such an amazing job: Thirteen chicks hatched in five years is a great accomplishment.” Added Schofield, “Annie and Grinnell have been tremendously successful as a breeding pair.” The gender of the chicks will be determined when they’re banded in mid-May, said Malec. A Cal Falcons contest for the public to name the chicks will follow.

98 Right now, Annie is being a “smother,” keeping her body nearly constantly on the chicks and the remaining egg unless she takes a break to eat prey brought in by Grinnell, said Malec. Grinnell took Annie’s place on the nest briefly this morning and also took turns with her to feed the chicks, which are able to be fed tiny bits of meat. They’ll be capable of digesting bones and feathers in a few weeks, she said. At the Cal Falcons Q & A and “watch party” on Saturday, attendees, including very young children, posed questions to Peterson, Schofield and Malec while simultaneously watching live hatching activity. Questions included why Annie eats the remains of her chicks’ hatched eggs, whether the parents’ talons could harm their young, when the chicks will fly, if the falcons drink water, and if they’re bothered by the sounds of Berkeley’s carillon bells. Yes, after their eggs hatch, falcons often do eat the shells and remaining membranes, as it replaces the calcium their bodies have used to create shell material, said Malec. As for the parents’ sharp talons, she added, they curl them and slide their feet around their hatchlings when keeping them warm, so the risk of the chicks being cut is low. And the birds don’t seem to mind the bells. She also answered why the falcon parents are eating small stones from the nest, saying that all raptors have a “gizzard” that aids in digestion. The rocks help the birds grind food down, as they have no teeth. As for flying, said Malec, the hatchlings will become fledglings later this spring, with males, which weigh less than females, trying to fly within 39 to 40 days and females within 42 to 43 days. Falcons, being carnivorous, don’t need to drink water, said Schofield, as they get enough water from the meat they consume. The campus has an abundance of pigeons, but “peregrine falcons are known to catch a range of birds,” added Malec. Some inquiries led to answers that were less pleasant for some to hear. Eggs that don’t hatch and have cracks in them are often consumed by the parents, and that sometimes includes the contents, as well as the shells. “But if they’re rotten,” Malec said, “falcons tend not to eat rotten food” and might carry the eggs and shells out of the nest. As for whether Annie and Grinnell will always stay together — each is about 7 years old — and keep reproducing on the tower their entire lives, the experts were doubtful. “If a new individual comes along and is able to chase one or the other away, it will mate with the remaining bird instead,” said Schofield. “Annie or Grinnell could be replaced by another bird,” especially if a breeding territory saturation point is reached in the Bay Area. In an interview, Malec said the campus community and the public have gotten attached to Annie and Grinnell, as if they were people, but falcons have the imperative to survive and reproduce, and “if something happens to one, the other is very, very likely to take on another mate, and sometimes that happens within days. “There are floaters out there‚ some people call them interlopers. They’re adults nearby who are waiting for an opportunity to become a breeding bird. At another site I’m familiar with, I’ve seen as many as six floaters, male and female, come by in a year. They aren’t always challenging a nesting pair, and they’re often escorted away.”

99 In San Francisco, she said, on the PG&E building, where four eggs just hatched, falcons — who live in the wild an average of 10 to 12 years — have raised young since the early 2000s, but not the same pair of birds. At that building, Malec said, “we started out with George and Gracie, and everyone loved George and Gracie, and we lost them both. A very, very fierce female on the eastern span of the Bay Bridge came in, and there were days of fierce battles. George disappeared first, and Gracie we only saw once after that. The other female moved in with her mate.” “Everybody who’s ever followed raptors know it’s going to happen, and it’s part of why, when we answer questions from the public, we need to say that, at some point, Annie and Grinnell will be replaced,” said Malec. “And it’s a good thing there are floaters out there. It’s a good sign of the health of the peregrine population.” That peregrine population should be growing by three this June, said Peterson, when this year’s chicks take their first flights and leave to look for territories of their own.

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EBRPD Police Enforcement Stop Nets AR-15 and Drugs written by ECT Apr 18, 2021 The East Bay Regional Park District police announced that they have increased patrol after a number of armed robberies in the East Bay Hills. On Saturday, an officer on night shift conducted an enforcement stop on Redwood Road. During the investigation, officers on scene recovered an illegally possessed AR-15 rifle which lacked serial numbers, approximately two-pounds of cannabis, multiple open containers of alcohol and methamphetamine’s. The suspect was arrested on multiple felony charges and transported to Santa Rita Jail.

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Park It: Beware of rattlesnakes now in East Bay open spaces Venomous reptiles more likely to be seen as weather warms, but they generally avoid humans if possible

By NED MACKAY | East Bay Regional Park District PUBLISHED: April 18, 2021 at 5:00 a.m. | UPDATED: April 19, 2021 at 5:53 a.m. A venomous rattlesnake sits in the tall grass along the Miwok Trail in Round Valley Regional Preserve. Rattlesnakes are common throughout the East Bay Regional Park District and other Bay Area open spaces.

With the coming of warmer weather as spring gives way to summer, it’s time for the annual advisory about rattlesnakes. Rattlesnakes are venomous and common throughout the East Bay Regional Park District and other Bay Area open spaces. I haven’t seen any so far this season, though other people have reported sightings. As reptiles, snakes regulate their body temperature by moving back and forth between sun and shade. In general, the best way to avoid rattlers is to stay on official trails; don’t take shortcuts through tall grass or brush. If you stop to rest, avoid the rock piles, logs and tall grass that are snake habitat. If you do see a snake on a trail or fire road, take a wide detour, and please do not tease it or try to pick it up. That’s how most bites result. Rattlesnakes are not aggressive. They will avoid us if possible; we’re much larger than the small rodents and lizards that are their preferred diet. I once unintentionally walked within several feet of one. It rattled a warning but did not strike. Dogs can be a problem; curious by nature, they may run right up to a snake and get bitten. If it’s a rattlesnake, the result can be a very expensive vet bill. So keep your pet under control at all times. Keep an eye on your small children too. If you see a rattlesnake in a parking lot or picnic area, contact a park ranger, and the ranger will relocate it. Gopher snakes look a lot like rattlesnakes and will even mimic rattlers by thrashing their tails to create a rattle-like sound. Their bite is painful, but they do not inject venom. There are posters at park district trailheads that illustrate the difference between the two kinds of snakes. In the unlikely event of a rattlesnake bite, here are some first-aid recommendations:

Remain calm and move beyond the snake’s striking distance.

102 Remove jewelry and tight clothing before the affected area starts to swell. Position the victim, if possible, so that the bite is at or below the level of the heart. Clean the wound, but don’t flush it with water. Cover it with a clean, dry dressing. Minimize the victim’s movement. If possible, carry a victim who must be transported, or have him or her walk slowly. Get the victim to a hospital as soon as possible for anti-venom treatment. The emergency phone number within the regional parks is 510-881-1121. Using 9-1-1 works too, but it is routed through the California Highway Patrol, so there can be a delay. For more snake safety information, go to ebparks.org/parks/safety/#Snakes. The district’s brochure, “Common Snakes in the East Bay Regional Park Disrtrict,” has a nice visual comparison of gopher snakes and rattlesnakes. View it online at bit.ly/3da4vol. If you want to see a live rattlesnake under safe conditions, there are specimens in several park district visitor centers. Snake bites are extremely rare, and treatment is effective. With a bit of caution, common sense and awareness of your surroundings, you can enjoy your outdoor experience free from worry. Online: Although in-person, large group naturalist programs are still on hold because of the pandemic, there are lots of opportunities for nature education online at the park district’s website, ebparks.org. For instance, “Nature Journaling Workshop: Reflections on Water” with naturalist Erica is from 9 to 10:30 a.m. April 24. Then from 11 to 11:15 a.m. the topic is “Least Terns in the San Francisco Bay Area.” From noon to 12:30, local snakes are the stars of the show. During the same time frame you can learn about wildflowers at Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve in Antioch. All these programs equip viewers to venture out into the parks on their own for knowledgeable, real- world experience of what they saw online. To access these programs, visit ebparks.org/activities/digital_learning/default.htm online.

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Not Your Basic Toddler Bike Path: Judge John Sutter Regional Shoreline in Oakland

April 16, 2021 by Nick Williams For years I’ve been looking forward to the day when my son would be big enough and able to conquer the Bay Bridge bike path alongside me. Luckily, with the addition of the new observation pier that runs alongside the Oakland side of the Bay Bridge, my 4-year old and I have found the perfect bike path to hone his cycling skills. The Judge John Sutter Regional Shoreline in Oakland has been outfitted with a new path, parking lot, plenty of bathrooms, and an observation pier. Our mile-long bike rides have definitely helped to motivate my son to become a more independent biker, and before long, I am sure we’ll be biking the “bigger” Bay Bridge path together. Getting to Judge John Sutter Regional Shoreline Address: 210 Burma Road, Oakland (point your GPS to the Interurban Electric Railway Bridge Yard Shop) Directions: From Grand Ave, just before you enter the Bay Bridge, you’ll make a left onto Maritime Ave. Next, at the light, make a right onto Burma Road. You’ll drive for about a mile until you see signs for the John Sutter Regional Shoreline parking lot. There are plenty of signs to alert you. Hours: The observation pier is open from 5 am until 10 pm Parking Lot: There are about 100 parking spots and a brand-new bathroom adjacent to the lot. We’ve never seen more than a quarter of the lot filled with cars. The Lowdown on Sutter Shoreline with a Little Kid The Path: There is a flat, paved half-mile-long path (1-mile round trip) that leads to the observation pier from the parking lot. It’s perfect for toddler biking but also makes for a nice walk. It’s stroller-friendly too! There is a gravel path for non-wheeled pedestrians to use. The first third of a mile is part of the San Francisco Bay trail that leads to the Bay Bridge pedestrian path. After this, you’ll veer left through the yellow pylons and across the crosswalk, which will take you to the pier. The Observation Pier: The pier is a spectacle in itself, 600 feet long and 40 feet wide. It was built upon six existing piles from the old Bay Bridge. The views of the S.F. skyline are breathtaking. The teacher in me really appreciates all of the educational signage along the pier that teaches about the history of the shoreline, port, and bridges. There are picnic tables for larger groups and plenty of additional benches. You can also go fishing if that’s your thing, but you’ll have to clean your catch elsewhere. It’s been relatively empty each time we’ve visited which has made our tag games on the pier extra fun. Bathrooms: In addition to the bathrooms at the parking lot, there are porta-potties at the base of the Bay Bridge and more new bathrooms near the pier.

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Earth Day 2021: How to celebrate virtually, or in person, with Bay Area organizations

Anne Schrager April 16, 2021 Updated: April 23, 2021, 7:38 am This year’s sixth annual City Nature Challenge bioblitz seeks to unite people with nature and each other as participants around the world safely document Earth’s biodiversity using the iNaturalist app. Earth Day, the worldwide day of environmental activism held annually since 1970, returns on Thursday, April 22. April 17-25 is also National Park Week, which features special programs, events and digital experiences focused on the natural world. Celebrate this year’s official Earth Day theme, “Together, We Can Restore Our Earth,” and activate change for good with many in-person options in the Bay Area, as well as virtual offerings for all. San Francisco has planned a second year of celebrating the holiday virtually with a robust lineup of dynamic speakers, live music, “artivism” and a sustainable chef’s zone. The city of Oakland has made an online hub to find local community actions for residents to participate in on their website. The East Bay Regional Parks and the city of Napa are offering online programming as well, featuring webinars and local cleanup volunteer opportunities. Some cities, including Colma and Santa Rosa, plan to present drive-up events where patrons can pick up goodies and information on other ways to get involved. Check out The Chronicle’s list below for ways you can be a part of the discussion, celebrate Earth Day and take action this year with local, outdoor and virtual events: Virtual events Earthrise: In Honor of Earth Day Online film screening followed by a conversation with filmmaker Emmanuel Vaughn-Lee. Co-produced by the Dance Palace and Emergence Magazine. 6 p.m. Sunday, April 18. Free, donations encouraged. Reservations required. 415-663- 1075. dancepalace.org Grace Cathedral’s Spring Forum Online with Ellie Cohen Join Malcolm Clemens Young in conversation with Climate Center CEO Ellie Cohen regarding where the planet is today, what society needs to do to heal it and how we can get there.

105 6 p.m. Monday, April 19. Free, $10 suggested donation. Available to stream on the Grace Cathedral Facebook and YouTube channels. 415-749-6300. gracecathedral.org EV 101: Electrify Your Ride event An online forum for those curious about going “gas free” with their next car purchase. Learn the basics about electric vehicle models, charging, incentives and cost in an interactive online presentation. Review the pros and cons of current available models. 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 20, and 12:30 p.m. April 29. Free, register online for Zoom links. drivecleanbayarea.org 12th Annual Point Reyes Birding and Nature Festival/Environmental Action Committee of West Marin’s 50th Anniversary Four days of online speakers and virtual activities focused on local bird-watching and ornithological interest, including a day of free youth- and family-based programming planned for Saturday, April 24. Find the schedule for Thursday-Sunday, April 22, 23, 24, and 25 online now. The youth and family day schedule is available here. 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursday-Sunday, April 22-25. Free-$120. pointreyesbirdingfestival.org Scratch Space: Virtual Conversations on the Role of the Radical Imaginary “Episode 18: Digging Down Into Our Planetary Futures.” Lucas Artists Residency Program curator Donna Conwell and director Kelly Sicat plan to host an online Earth Day conversation with conceptual artist/curator Xin Liu, planetary desert ecologist/astrobiologist Kimberley Warren-Rhodes and program director for SETI Institute’s Artist-in-Residency Program Bettina Forget to discuss astrobiology and the planet’s sustainability crisis. Noon Thursday, April 22. Free, donations encouraged. Reservations required. 408-961- 5800. montalvoarts.org Earth Day 2021: Taking Action for People and the Planet Cal State Student Association sustainability officer Armando Sepulveda II is scheduled to moderate an online panel discussion with young leaders of the environmental and climate justice movement, followed by action-oriented breakout discussions. Speakers include environmental educator/Story of Stuff Project member Sage Lenier, founder/executive director of OneUpAction Kevin Patel, climate activist/environmental media host Kristy Drutman and a Bay Area chapter Sunrise Movement representative. Noon Thursday, April 22. Free, registration required. 415-338-1111. sustain.sfsu.edu San Francisco IndieFest’s 2021 Livable Planet Film Festival Produced by Jeff Ross and Chris Metzler, the festival kicking off on Earth Day will showcase 67 independent films from around the world focused on environmental issues. Curated into themed sections, the festival organizers hope to help attendees engage with sustainable solutions to problems facing the planet. The complete schedule is available at livableplanet2021.eventive.org. April 22-May 2. $10-$220, reservations required. 415-662-3378. sfindie.com. Saving Rare Plants of California

106 In honor of Earth Day, UC Berkeley Botanical Garden curator Holly Forbes plans to discuss the various ways the garden is involved in native California flora conservation efforts. Forbes’ conservation work includes a large-flowered fiddleneck recovery project and saving Baker’s Larkspur from extinction. 1 p.m. Thursday, April 22. Free, $5-$10 suggested donation. Registration required. 510-643- 2755. botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu SF Youth Climate Summit/Earth Day Celebration featuring the Grrrl Brigade The online event will coincide with the Biden-Harris National Climate Summit and seeks to serve as an interactive space for youth wishing to learn and connect on climate issues and solutions. Included on the schedule is a 3 p.m. performance featuring local Grrl Brigade performers Bianca Mendoza and Fredrika Keefer. 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Thursday, April 22. Free. Registration required. 415-826- 4441. dancemissiontheater.org eTown’s 30th b’Earthday Online Musical Celebration Reflecting on 30 years of live music paired with social and environmental programming, eTown plans to host an online party. The live-streamed event will feature music performances and conversation with Bob Weir, Los Lobos, the War and Treaty, Lyle Lovett, Sam Bush, City and Colour and youth artist Raquel Garcia. Former U.S. Senator and environmental advocate Tim Wirth and others will moderate the discussion portion of the event. 5:30 p.m. Thursday, April 22. Free, registration required. etown.org Dominican University of California Spring 2021 Leadership Lecture Series: Heidi Kühn Book Passage and Dominican University present founder/CEO of Roots of Peace Heidi Kühn, in an online conversation with president emeritus of the World Food Prize/ambassador Kenneth Quinn. They will discuss her memoir and call-to-action book “Breaking Ground.” The lecture is hosted by Dominican’s Institute for Leadership Studies, which offers archived past conversations in the series on their website. 6 p.m. April 22. $40, includes a copy of “Breaking Ground.” Registration required. 415-927-0960, ext. 1. bookpassage.com After Dark Online: Earth Day Celebrate voices at the forefront of environmental justice action in a live-streamed evening event aimed at audiences 18 and older, featuring organizations offering tools for climate resilience and advocates for meaningful change through legislation. 7 p.m. Thursday, April 22. Free. Available to stream on the Exploratorium YouTube and Facebook channels. 415-528-4444. exploratorium.edu NightSchool: Earth Day for the People The California Academy of Sciences plans to highlight its projects at a local level in this live-streamed event, aimed at audiences 21 and older. Get inspired by people and organizations radically changing the health of the environment through sustainable development, and discuss how to scale efforts for larger project sizes.

107 7 p.m. Thursday, April 22. Free. Available to stream on the Cal Academy’s Facebook and YouTube channels. 415-379-8000. calacademy.org In Conversation with Shane Hanofee: Virtual Wildflower Walk & Identification Learn about some of the native plants that can be found in your backyard or favorite hike, how to identify them, and the way they fit into our local ecosystems on a virtual hike with the host. 4 p.m. Sunday, April 25. $10, registration required. 530-274-8384. thecenterforthearts.org 2021 Wild and Scenic Film Festival on Tour Enjoy a live-streamed edition of the Wild and Scenic Film Festival. Hosted by Citizens Climate Lobby, in partnership with the David Brower Center, Earth Island Institute, Communities for a Better Environment and Green the Church, it is set to include films showcasing local and global frontline communities in the fight for environmental justice and restoration. The films will also be available to screen on demand from April 23-27. 7 p.m. Thursday, April 22. $15-$45, reserve a ticket online. 510-809-0900. browercenter.org S.F. Public Library Earth Day Presentation with Ink Dwell Studio’s Jane Kim and Thayer Walker Join Ink Dwell studio artist Jane Kim and writer Thayer Walker in an online Earth Day conversation with the artists as they discuss their current and future works. 7 p.m. Thursday, April 22. Free, registration required. 415-557-4557. sfpl.org ‘Saving the Dark’ Film Screening and Panel Discussion Online screening of a documentary film focused on astronomy and light pollution. Learn about the significance of the effects of this type of pollution on human health and wildlife and what people can do to help. Panelists will include film producer Sriram Murali in discussion with astronomers Richard Ozer and Gerald McKeegan. 7 p.m. Friday, April 23. Free. Available to stream on the Chabot Space and Science Center’s Facebook and YouTube channels. 510-336-7300. chabotspace.org Stewardship Saturdays for High School Students: Creating Communities for Youth Action in Ocean Conservation High school students are invited to learn about community action projects led by alumni of the Ocean Conservation Leadership Program, including sneak peeks into the group, which is currently accepting applications for the upcoming summer program. 10 a.m. Saturday, April 24. Free, registration required. 415-289-7325 marinemammalcenter.org 350 Bay Area Earth Week 2021 Celebration for the Planet An online event acknowledging the work of climate activist/co-founder of the Bay Area Chapter of the Climate Reality Project Wei-Tai Kwok, Richmond City Council member Eduardo Martinez, youth climate activist/Youth vs. Apocalypse founding member Isha Clarke and representatives from environmental justice organization Communities for a Better Environment. Each of the honorees is scheduled to lead a breakout session on a topic they are passionate about.

108 5 p.m. Saturday, April 24. Free, donations encouraged. Registration required. 350bayarea.org Berkeley Ecology Center: Online Seed Saving Class Join Richmond Grows Seed Lending Library master gardener Trish Clifford, and get information on becoming a more self-sufficient gardener by growing out your vegetables and saving the seeds for next year’s crop. Learn how to avoid cross-pollination so seeds will grow like the parent seeds, and how to gather and store seeds. 6 p.m. April 26. Free. Reservations required. 510-548-2220. ecologycenter.org San Francisco State University Global Museum: Climate Stories online exhibition A teaching lab and academic resource for the university’s Museum Studies, the Global Museum space at San Francisco State University has released its “Climate Stories” exhibition online. Organized into four themes, “Connections to the Ocean,” “Relationships With Wildlife,” “The Power of Plants” and “Adapting Traditions,” it seeks to reveal stories of community response and adaptations due to climate change. Free. On view at museum.sfsu.edu/exhibit/climate-stories. 415-338-2176. In-person offerings 2021 City Nature Challenge Started in 2016 as a competition between San Francisco and Los Angeles by community science teams at the California Academy of Sciences and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, the annual four-day global bioblitz challenge has grown into an international event, motivating people around the world to find and document wildlife in their cities. Attendees will need the iNaturalist app to participate. April 30-May 9. Free, register online to participate. citynaturechallenge.org Visit a local garden Filoli Garden 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Daily. $15-$25, under 5 free. Reservations required. Filoli Historic House and Garden, 86 Cañada Road, Woodside. 650-364-8300. filoli.org Ruth Bancroft Garden 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday-Sunday; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday. $8-$10, under 12 free. Reservations required. 1552 Bancroft Road, Walnut Creek. 925-944- 9352. ruthbancroftgarden.org San Francisco Conservatory of Flowers Open 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. $2-$13. Reservations required. Golden Gate Park, 100 John F. Kennedy Drive, S.F. 415-831- 2090. conservatoryofflowers.org UC Berkeley Botanical Gardens 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Daily. $7-$15, under 6 free. Reservations required. 200 Centennial Drive, Berkeley. 510-643-2755. botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu Become an open space volunteer Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy is celebrating Earth Day all month long, offering family activities and different educational volunteer opportunities. See the list of upcoming events at parksconservancy.org/events/earth-day-2021

109 Marin County Parks has volunteering opportunities such as invasive removal, rare plant research and lagoon habitat restoration. 415-473-6387. See marincountyparks.org for more information. Sign up to volunteer online here. San Francisco Recreation and Parks has a selection of volunteer work parties for those looking to get involved in the good work of keeping the city’s wild spaces clean and healthy. For more information, go to sfrecpark.org Live Webcams and more ways to explore from home Within California: Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy live webcams. Pier 39 sea lions live cam. California Academy of Sciences live webcams. Monterey Bay Aquarium animal live webcams. San Diego Zoo and Park live webcams and online Earth Day activities. Further viewing: Live nature webcams from around the world. Live webcams from around the world. National Park Service’s exploring night skies website. Nature sound therapy: National Park Service’s Sounds of the Parks and Symphony of Sounds websites

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Contra Costa County agencies urge fire season preparation

Tony Kukulich Apr 15, 2021 As the days get longer and temperatures start to rise, there’s little doubt that another fire season is just around the corner. Officials with local fire service agencies are encouraging residents to prepare for the upcoming season before the alarm bells begin ringing. “With the mostly dry winter the district had this past year and the predicted intensity of the 2021 fire season, we are addressing the hazards earlier than ever,” said Steve Aubert, fire marshal with the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District (ECCFPD). Data compiled from ECCFPD operational reports reveals that the district – which covers 249 square miles of East County – responded to 90 vegetation fires over the course of 2020. In the first quarter of 2021, the district reacted to four vegetation fires compared to the seven wildland blazes that burned during the first quarter of 2020. The bulk of those 90 fires (67%) occurred in the months of June, July and August. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) reports that 95% of all wildland fires are started by humans, either intentionally or accidentally. That fact was driven home particularly clearly when agencies throughout the county were inundated with fires sparked by errant fireworks on the Fourth of July. ECCFPD alone responded to 22 fire calls in just 15 hours. The largest of those fires scorched 75 acres on Holland Tract, requiring multiple agencies and air resources to bring it under control. Still, the fire reignited the following day and burned an additional 40 acres. While the overwhelming majority of fires have their origins in human activities, the largest incident in the region in 2020 resulted from natural causes. A dry-lightning storm rolled across the state in the early- morning hours of Aug. 16 triggering an estimated 11,000 lightning strikes and sparking nearly 400 fires. The Deer Zone fire was a collection of four fires that burned in and around the Round Valley Regional Preserve. It eventually consumed 3,500 acres and forced the evacuation of residents along Marsh Creek and Morgan Territory roads. The Deer Zone Fire was managed as part of the SCU Lightning Complex. It burned nearly 400,000 acres across six counties, making it one of the largest fires in California history. It was not fully contained until Oct. 1. ECCFPD is hoping to get a jump on fire season preparedness by taking a no-nonsense stance on weed abatement issues, a major fire hazard within the district.

111 “We have reviewed and modified our program with the hope of achieving abatement well prior to the dry heat of the summer months to come, and we’re asking for all of our communities to assist with the prevention of fires with having their properties abated and maintained by May 15, 2021,” Aubert said. “As of May 16, 2021 we will begin our inspections of those properties known to the district of having annual and reoccurring hazards with an aggressive hazard mitigation plan of removing those combustible items. We will also be accepting complaints of properties unknown to the district at this time and will begin the education/enforcement process to have the properties become fire safe.” Indicators that might offer some clues about what to expect for the coming fire season are something of a mixed bag, explained Mike Marcucci, Cal Fire operations deputy chief. The relative lack of rain this past winter could be a blessing and curse when it comes to wildland fires. “The good news is that the grass crop will be low,” he said. “The bad news is the brush and the timber won’t get the rain they need. The drought is not going to help. It’s time to restock that emergency kit. It’s a good time to review your plan now before the fire comes. I think we’re going to have an early fire season.” At the state level, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a $536 million wildfire package on Tuesday, April 13. It enables the state to take action on projects that support wildfire suppression, improve forest health and build resilience in communities to help protect residents and property from wildfires in diverse landscapes across the state. “California is taking bold, early action to protect our high-risk communities from the upcoming wildfire season before it starts,” Newsom said. “This crucial funding will go towards efforts including fuel breaks, forest health projects and home hardening. I thank the members of the legislature for their partnership as we do more than ever before to build wildfire and forest resilience across the state.” For more information on preparing for the wildfire season, visit https://www.readyforwildfire.org.

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Booze and corruption: A brief history of the Bay Area's infamous Secret Sidewalk

Susana Guerrero Updated: April 14, 2021 12:17 p.m.

A section of the Secret Sidewalk is shown near Fremont.

When the 1969 Camaro Rally Sport convertible pulled up, Tina Piaia knew she was in for a good time. It’s the summer of 1977. Piaia and her friends are headed to Fremont with nothing but their music and the open road ahead. They’re soon joined by other teens who are driving down the mile stretch of Fremont Boulevard between American High School and Holy Spirit Church in an endless loop. The road quivers with the cadence of tire to asphalt until boredom eventually creeps in and the youths are off to their next adventure. “Back then, cruise nights were big,” Piaia, a former Newark resident, recalled of her high school days. “Everybody had their music going. If you really wanted to be sneaky, you went to the Secret Sidewalk — they kind of went hand in hand.” The Secret Sidewalk — as it’s best known locally — technically isn’t a sidewalk at all. What appears to be an accidental walkway off Highway 84 near Fremont is actually the former Sunol Aqueduct. Walking along the former aqueduct has been illegal for decades, but the site may one day soon be a legitimate Bay Area park. Because some sections of the aqueduct rise above ground and are encased by solid concrete, the appearance gives the impression of a sidewalk, and thus, the nickname stuck. In the 1970s, it was the preferred spot for teenage debauchery. It was the type of setting adults didn’t know existed — at least not to Piaia’s knowledge — and that was part of the allure. “Even if you weren't partaking in drinking or anything, it was just fun to get away,” Piaia said. “It felt like a little secret getaway that the grownups didn't know about. We felt like it really was secret.” But getting to the Secret Sidewalk wasn’t the type of place you’d casually come across. Without a physical address or signage denoting the way, finding the restricted path would require some work. Piaia said it entailed trespassing through private property, climbing gravel up a 30-foot incline, crossing train tracks and sauntering over the hillside until a section of the sidewalk finally appeared. “We'd probably be out there for a couple of hours,” Piaia recalled. “You were kind of waiting to see who was going to come to the sidewalk, and sometimes there would just be a handful of people, other times

113 you'd see quite a few cars. We weren't all congregated in one area. There'd be some down towards the water and then some that would go up on the sidewalk. Some of us would just stay on the road and party.” Sometimes during her day trips, Piaia and her friends would walk through an obscure train tunnel until they went so far inside that they couldn’t see the hand in front of them. When they exited the tunnel, they’d often be covered in soot. When they didn’t walk through the tunnel, they’d cross another section of the Secret Sidewalk known as “the bridge” that stretched about 100 feet across and rose about 50 feet above the ground. Piaia didn’t like to cross the bridge when people were near her for fear of falling into the ravine below. “It was treacherous,” Piaia recalled. “It scared the hell out of me just to look at it. We didn't mess around on that. None of us messed around. I can only remember walking over it twice.” A murky past Piaia first heard of the Secret Sidewalk around 1976 while a freshman at Newark High School. Now decades later, the Secret Sidewalk has continued to draw the curiosity of hikers and even the TikTok generation. Tim Ramirez, director of Natural Resources and Land Management at San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, isn’t sure when adolescents started to venture off to the Secret Sidewalk but said that trespassing has been problematic for the agency despite their efforts to post signs that say trespassing and loitering are "forbidden by law." “It does happen on a regular basis,” Ramirez told SFGATE. “People have created holes into the aqueduct. It’s a dangerous place for people to go and there are some sections that go over steep drops.” By 1995, the aqueduct fell out of use entirely as the Bay Area’s main water source became Hetch Hetchy. Before then, the Sunol Aqueduct was operated by the Spring Valley Water Company until the city of San Francisco purchased it in 1930 for $39.9 million. “The aqueduct was a large component in the beginning,” Ramirez said. “It continued to be used throughout the late 1980s [but] in the 1990s there were only a few customers getting water from the aqueduct and we needed to find a better source.” Long before teenagers sneaked to the Secret Sidewalk, the Sunol Aqueduct delivered millions of gallons from Alameda Creek in Niles Canyon throughout the San Francisco Bay Area nearly 100 years ago. When the Sunol Aqueduct was completed in 1924, Spring Valley Water delivered water through its aqueduct and by underground pipelines underneath the Dumbarton Bridge. And while Spring Valley Water was an integral part of San Francisco life, it was also a company allegedly rooted in corruption. According to an article by FoundSF, which took a deep dive into the company’s history, Spring Valley Water monopolized water rights in San Francisco between 1860 to 1930. Along the way, the company created large-scale water projects that included dams and hydraulic mines to bring “great profits for Spring Valley while leaving behind an expanse of human, animal and industrial waste,” FoundSF wrote. “By bribing the City Supervisors, those who were supposed to supervise the Company, they could set their own rules and rates,” FoundSF added.

114 The city had previously attempted to buy the water company in 1915 for a whopping $34.5 million, but it was cause for public uproar. That same year, the San Francisco Chronicle dubbed Spring Valley Water a “skeleton water company” arguing that “there is no guarantee from the company that any more water can be taken from Alameda creek. All the city would get for the money of its taxpayers would be a lawsuit.” Revealing the Secret Sidewalk Nearly 26 years out of commission, the Sunol Aqueduct remains intact despite Ramirez stating it’s a liability. That was one of the reasons Mission Clay Products demolished a portion of the aqueduct that crossed its property in 2018, according to KNTV. The S.F. Public Utilities Commission has also debated demolishing some parts of the Sunol Aqueduct, but Ramirez admits that it would be a huge undertaking. In 2009, there were talks between the S.F. Public Utilities Commission and the East Bay Regional Park District, which owns most of the land around the aqueduct, to create a public trail. Some portions of the Secret Sidewalk would be preserved and used as part of the trail, and it’s a project the Public Utilities Commission is still interested in realizing, Ramirez said. “There’s a lot of interest for people to hike in the canyon,” Ramirez said. “People will continue to trespass and so if we can make it something accessible, then we can work with the [East Bay Regional Park District] and make it safe.” Last month, the Alameda County Public Works Agency, which has partnered with both the Public Utilities Commission and the East Bay Regional Park District for the proposed trail, held a public hearing about the project update that would connect Fremont to Sunol. If the project moves forth, the aqueduct will get asphalt on its top surface, a protective handrail for pedestrians and a second concrete exterior wall to protect the existing concrete shell. Throughout the trail, historical markers are anticipated to be included that will help educate hikers on the rich history of Niles Canyon. “The aqueduct makes an excellent path for pedestrian traffic; it is level and in amazingly good condition for being almost 100 years old,” Alameda County said in a statement in 2015. “To make it safe for trail users, the project will need to reinforce and widen it including adding fall protection.” No official date has been released on when the project might begin since it still has to get approved, but Ramirez is excited at the possibility of sharing the history behind the water system. “Spring Valley Water really build things to last, and the aqueduct was no exception. It was meant to last, and it has,” Ramirez said. When Piaia looks back to her time spent on the Secret Sidewalk, her memories seem to bring her both delight and astonishment. She’s surprised to think that at one point she was courageous enough to cross through an active train tunnel and trek over “the bridge.” But the memories of spending time with her friends as a teen in the 1970s is what continues to bring a smile to her face. “[It was] the freedom to be there and being in nature,” Piaia said. “It was just a different world, and it was a lot of fun.”

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Impress Your Kids: Hike into a Real Volcano & Labyrinth in Oakland

April 13, 2021 by Julia Gidwani While my friends and I will disagree about how “kid- friendly” this place is, Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve has long been one of my go-to spots for hiking with my small children. It checks all the boxes for a kid-friendly adventure with its wide, easy trails and unique surprises. This gem of a park has a bonus feature: several impressive man-made Labyrinths. The largest one can be hiked to with school-aged kids and is two miles round-trip. How to get to the Large Sibley Labyrinth With Kids Take this route from the Sibley Staging Area (recommended parking lot with 38 spaces): Water Tank Road (it’s partially paved) to Round Top Loop Trail. You know you’ve reached the vista when you see some epic views of Mt. Diablo and a fence looking over the Labyrinth. From there take the hairpin loop down into the volcanic valley labyrinth. It took us about an hour and a half to make the full trip, which included breaks. I’m not sure how environmentalists would feel about this, but we did bring a very small memento to place in the center of the labyrinth to remember our dog, Churro, who passed away at the beginning of the pandemic. This might be something other kids and parents might be interested in doing. If so, create something to leave before your journey. Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve Features Location: We always enter from Skyline Boulevard because there is a parking lot at the Sibley Staging Area and easy trailheads. Unique Features:

 The big wow is the labyrinth! There is the big labyrinth that my 5-year-old was able to hike to, but also some smaller labyrinths that are longer hikes within the park. Full disclosure: I personally would not attempt to hike this with my two-year-old.

 Easy does it. To minimize altitude changes, use the Round Top Loop Trail and the wider, paved fire trails for the littlest hikers. Luckily, there are not many huge drop-off ledges like at Huckleberry (which is close by, but is more challenging and anxiety-inducing with small kids).

 Hills galore. For more adventurous hikers and kids with tons of energy, there are many, many hills to climb.

116  The 10 million-year-old extinct volcano! Surfaces: Some paved trails, some dirt trails, some rocky trails, and everything muddy after rain. Pro tip: my kids love “jumping up and down in muddy puddles” (IYKYK) and are super into muddy hikes in rainboots. Do not let muddy trails deter your family! Bathroom: Yes, one, clean enough near the parking lot. The changing table is non-operational. Lunch tables & seating: Find some benches at the trailhead and a few benches scattered throughout the trials. No picnic tables. Parking: Yes there is a parking lot, however, it usually fills up by 9 am on weekends in which case you’ll need to find street parking. Shade: Yes and no. Some trails are totally shaded and breezy, some are totally exposed. We usually wear hats for warmth and sun protection over here. Bring a layer. Covid-19 Restricted Occupancy: Use your best judgment. Pros:

 Info signs with lots to learn. Lots of educational opportunities and informational signage throughout this area about the park’s cool geological features.

 Maps. There are usually also some trail maps stocked by the bathrooms.

 Bicycles not allowed. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not opposed to cyclists, it’s just one less thing to worry about with small hikers. Cons:

 The narrower trails are difficult to socially distance. I don’t usually take these with my kids.

 Dogs are allowed off-leash here and while they’re supposed to be under voice control, they are sometimes more excited to greet my preschooler at eye level. If you have kids sensitive to dogs, keep them close, as there are a good amount of unleashed dogs on this trail every time I’ve visited.

 As with most East Bay parks, beware of Poison Oak and ticks. I try my best to coach my kids to “look, don’t touch” and stay on the trail. I would do a quick tick check on dogs and kids upon returning to the car in they’ve been hiking off-trail. Bottom Line on Sibley Park with Kids Hiking is the main activity here. So if you’re looking for more of a playground-type adventure, check out one of the other somewhat nearby parks like Montclair Park. I have seen grazing cattle here on a few occasions, they can look intimidating, but in my experience, they’re just giant walking Golden Retrievers. Pack a lunch and water. Wear closed-toe shoes and cover the ankles. Be a little extra and print out a nature scavenger hunt. Lock your car doors- all the East Bay basics. There are no places super nearby to grab a quick bite, however, Montclair Village is an easy pit-stop for family-friendly places to eat on the Oakland side.

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Reopening April 17: Tilden Park’s Merry-Go-Round

April 13, 2021 by Heather Flett Though most of my adventures to the picturesque Tilden Park carousel have been around Christmastime. Oh, but a pleasant summer afternoon or crisp fall day on the merry- go-round might be the most perfect time of all. Make time to run around the lawn before you pack up and leave. Herschell Spillman merry-go-round in Tilden Regional Park is an antique carousel with hand-carved and painted wooden carousel animals to ride. Parents pay even if they stand next to their child and don’t ride. Free under age two. Fees are subject to change. There is a parking lot and snack bar. Once you have fun at the carousel, there is lots more to do in Tilden Park. How to get to Tilden Park’s Carousel: Find your way to Tilden Park and onto Central Park Drive then follow signs to Merry Go Round. I always get lost finding it, so here’s a map (where Nature Area = Little Farm): Plan your visit to the Tilden Merry-go-round Weather Permitting, Summertime hours are: Friday, Saturday & Sunday 11 am – 6 pm Wintertime hours are: Friday, Saturday & Sunday 11 am – 5 pm Rates: $4 per ride or $22 for a pack of 7 rides Snack bar: Includes hot chocolate, ice cream, hot dogs, and other carnival food with a few healthier options, too. Verify rates and hours at the Tilden Park page of the EB Parks website or the attraction website.

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Reopening Apr 3: Tilden Park Steam Trains

April 1, 2021 by Heather Flett The Steam Trains at Tilden Park are reopening as of Saturday, April 3, 2021. Advanced reservations will not be required. Covid-19 Protocols at the Tilden Steam Trains

 Everyone over age two should wear a mask.

 Please maintain a 6-foot social distance while on site.

 The train has been extended to 13 open cars with no covered cars. Groups will be seated together in an individual car. Once seated all passengers must remain in their seat until the completion of the ride and then exit in an orderly fashion. As for ticket sales and reservations: All ticket sales are on-site at the little depot with no advance reservations. Paper tickets will be placed in a ticket collection box before boarding to minimize contact. Long-time train riders will have paper punch tickets from previous visits, and those will be honored. Conductors have gloves and will punch tickets on an as-needed basis. All about the Berkeley Steam Trains The steam trains in Tilden Park are one of the East Bay’s best-kept secrets. I say that — not because nobody knows about them — only because you really have to know how to drive through the hills to find them. The railroad is located at the south end of Tilden Park, at the intersection of Grizzly Peak Blvd and Lomas Cantadas Rd (That’s the Ashby end NOT the Marin end of the hills for all you directionally challenged folks like myself). Plan your visit to the Tilden Steam Trains The steam train is an authentic miniature live steam railroad featuring a collection of live steam locomotives. Open weekends year-round from 11 am – 5 pm or dusk, weather permitting during holidays and school closures. Bring a few dollars to purchase tickets in advance and enjoy the ride. That’s all you need to know. $3.50 per ride or $14 for 5 rides. FREE for under 2 years. Buying 5 tickets is recommended to save time in line. Tips for visiting the steam trains with little kids Bring layers. It can get chilly in the woods. It is often foggy here and little ones can get cold while on the train.

121 Avoid busy times, usually between noon-4 pm, especially on sunny days. When not busy, you can ride the train without getting off, again and again. The parking lot by the trains gets full quickly. You can find additional parking along the path past the entrance. It is a bit of a walk but there are plenty of spaces available. There are few wooden tables available right off the parking lot, which are terrific for snacks or small parties. There’s a decent restroom in the parking lot. Since the train rides go in waves, the line for the bathroom can get long, too. A miniature museum displaying three train engines is situated by the entrance. You can read about the historical facts about the engines here. (It isn’t very exciting for kids) Kids get a real thrill out of going through the tunnel, twice! Wondering if the train will be open due to weather? Do you want to get up-to-date information about the steam train? Call (510) 548-6100 or find out on Facebook.

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