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Board of Directors Board Meeting Packet June 2, 2020 SPECIAL NOTICE REGARDING PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AT THE EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING SCHEDULED FOR TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 2020 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, effective March 31, 2020 and May 4, 2020, 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/CXk-sT1N2kg

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, June 1, at 3:00pm.

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, June 1 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/92248099243. 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/CXk-sT1N2kg 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, June 1, 2020 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, including 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) 544-2016.

2 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

ELLEN CORBETT The Regular Session of the JUNE 2, 2020 President - Ward 4 Board Meeting is scheduled to commence via teleconference at 1:00 p.m. DEE ROSARIO Vice President – Ward 2 Park District’s live video stream can be found at: BEVERLY LANE https://youtu.be/CXk-sT1N2kg Secretary - Ward 6 COLIN COFFEY Treasurer - Ward 7 DENNIS WAESPI Respectfully submitted, Ward 3 AYN WIESKAMP Ward 5 ELIZABETH ECHOLS ROBERT E. DOYLE Ward 1 General Manager ROBERT E. DOYLE General Manager

2950 Peralta Court Oakland, CA 94605-0381 (888) 327-2757 MAIN 7-1-1 TRS RELAY SERVICE (510) 635-5502 FAX ebparks.org

3 AGENDA

REGULAR MEETING OF JUNE 2, 2020 BOARD OF DIRECTORS EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

The Board of Directors of 11:30 a.m. ROLL CALL (Virtual) the East Bay Regional Park District will hold a regular meeting virtually, commencing PUBLIC COMMENTS at 11:30 a.m. for Closed Session and 1:00 p.m. for Open Session on Tuesday, June 2, 2020. CLOSED SESSION Video Stream at: https://youtu.be/CXk-sT1N2kg A. Conference with Labor Negotiator: Government Code Section 54957.6 Agenda for the meeting is 1. Agency Negotiator: Robert E. Doyle, Ana M. Alvarez, listed adjacent. Times for agenda Kip Walsh items are approximate only and Employee Organizations: AFSCME Local 2428, are subject to change during the meeting. If you wish to Police Association comment on matters not on the Unrepresented Employees: Managers, Confidentials and Seasonals agenda, you may do so under Public Comments at the B. Conference with Legal Counsel beginning of the agenda and if you wish to comment on an item on the agenda please send 1. Anticipated Litigation - Initiation of Litigation Pursuant to an email to [email protected] Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4): 1 case before 3pm, Monday, June 1, 2020.

C. Conference with Real Property Negotiator Regarding Price and/or A copy of the background materials concerning these Terms of Payment – Government Code Section 54956.8 agenda items, including any material that may have been 1. Agency Negotiator: Kristina Kelchner, Mike Reeves submitted less than 72 hours before the meeting, is available PROPERTY OWNER/ for inspection on the District’s website (www.ebparks.org). APN/ADDRESS NEGOTIATING PARTIES PARK/TRAIL ALAMEDA COUNTY Agendas for Board Committee Meetings are available to the 099A-2800-002 Del Valle N3 Cattle Company Wilderness public upon request. If you wish Road, Livermore LLC Regional Preserve to be placed on the mailing list to receive future agendas for a 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, June 1, at 3:00pm. 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, June 1 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/92248099243. 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/CXk-sT1N2kg 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, June 1, 2020 via email or voicemail (510) 544-2016 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.

1:25 p.m. D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

a. Approval of District Check Listing for the Period of April 13, 2020 to May 30, 2020 (Auker/Doyle) (Resolution) (No Cost) b. Approval of the Minutes for the Board Meeting of May 19, 2020 (Barial Knight) (Resolution) (No Cost) c. Approval of Resolution Ordering and Giving Notice of an Election to be Held in the East Bay Regional Park District for the Purpose of Electing Three Directors and Requesting the Board of Supervisors of Alameda and Contra Costa Counties to Consolidate the District Election with the Statewide General Election Being Held November 3, 2020 (Barial Knight/Victor) (Resolution) (Budgeted Funds)

5 d. Authorization to Renew the East Bay Regional Park District’s Insurance Program (Victor) (Resolution) (Budgeted Funds) e. Authorization to Award a Contract to Weldon Exhibits for Design, Construction and Installation of Del Valle Visitor Center Exhibits: (Hobbs/Johnson) (Resolution) (Budgeted Funds) f. Authorization to Accept and Appropriate Reimbursement from the State for the Extended Maintenance of the State-Mandated 9-1-1 Telephone System in the Public Safety Communications Center (Gershaneck/Ciaburro) (Resolution) (Budgeted Funds) g. Authorization to Accept Cal Trans Mitigation Funding for the East Island Shorebird Sanctuary Project at Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline (Hornbeck/Graul/Auker) (Resolution) (Rev Authorization)

1:40 p.m. 2. ACQUISITION, STEWARDSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT DIVISION

a. Adoption of Land Use Plan, and Certification of Environmental Impact Report; Adoption of the Associated Mitigation, Monitoring, and Reporting Program, and Adoption of the CEQA Findings Report: Concord Hills Regional Park (Holt/Kelchner) (Resolution) (No Cost)

1:55 p.m. 3. FINANCE AND MANAGEMENT SERVICES DIVISION

PUBLIC HEARING

a. Approval of Engineer's Report for Fiscal Year 2020/2021, Adopt Resolution Confirming Diagram and Assessment, Order Maintenance, Improvements and Levy Annual Assessment for Alameda County/Contra Costa County Regional Trails Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District No. 1, including ZB-1 (Five Canyons), ZB-2 (Dublin Hills), ZB-3 (Walpert Ridge), ZB-4 (San Ramon Hills), ZB-5 (Stone Valley), and ZB-6 (Sibley Volcanic) (Spaulding/Auker) (Resolution) (Rev Authorization)

2:15 p.m. 4. BOARD AND STAFF REPORTS

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

2:25 p.m. 5. GENERAL MANAGER’S COMMENTS

a. Public Affairs and Government Affairs will jointly present an overview of Public and Legislative Engagement efforts to communicate to key stakeholders during an unprecedented increase in visitation since the initial Bay Area COVID-19 Shelter-in-Place Order was issued on March 16.

6 2:40 p.m. 6. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM CLOSED SESSION

2:45 p.m. 7. BOARD COMMENTS

3:30 p.m. E. ADJOURNMENT

7 CONSENT CALENDAR

AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, June 2, 2020

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

a. Approval of District Check Listing for the Period of April 13, 2020 Through May 30, 2020 (Auker/Doyle)

RECOMMENDATION

It is recommended that the Board of Directors approve the Check Listing for the period of April 13, 2020 through May 30, 2020.

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.: 2020 – 06 -

June 2, 2020

APPROVAL OF DISTRICT CHECK LISTING FOR THE PERIOD OF APRIL 13, 2020 THROUGH MAY 30, 2020

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 April 13, 2020 through May 30, 2020;

Moved by Director , seconded by Director , and adopted this 2nd day of June, 2020 by the following vote:

FOR:

AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:

9 AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, June 2, 2020

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

b. Approval of the Minutes for the Board Meeting of May 19, 2020 (Barial Knight)

10 Page Left Blank Intentionally

11 Unapproved Minutes Board Meeting of May 19, 2020

The East Bay Regional Park District Board Meeting, which was held virtually on May 19, 2020, called its Closed Session to order at 11:30 a.m. by Board President Ellen Corbett.

ROLL CALL

Directors Remote: Ellen Corbett, President Dee Rosario, Vice President Beverly Lane, Secretary Colin Coffey, Treasurer Dennis Waespi Elizabeth Echols Ayn Wieskamp

The Open Session of the Board Meeting was called to order at 1:01 p.m. by President Corbett.

Staff Remote: Robert Doyle, Ana Alvarez, Carol Victor, Jim O’Connor, Anthony Ciaburro, Debra Auker, Kristina Kelchner, Carol Johnson, Erich Pfuehler, Alan Love, Brian Holt, Michael Reeves, Mary Mattingly, Jim Tallerico, Matt Graul, Lisa Goorjian, Aileen Theile, Chris Barton, David Sumner, Lisa Baldinger, Sean Dougan, Toby Perry, Ren Bates, Rachel Lem, Matthew James, David Vance, Peter Fitch Guests: None.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Director Corbett 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.

President Corbett asked if the Board members had any questions about the meeting process. There were none.

A. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

By motion of Director Wieskamp, and seconded by Director Rosario, the Board voted unanimously to approve the agenda. Roll Call vote unanimous.

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

B. PUBLIC COMMENTS

President Corbett thanked the public and staff for attending the virtual Board meeting that was streaming live on zoom. Corbett acknowledged that with the new technology there may be some challenges, however staff will endeavor to improve the meeting platform. She explained that public comments were to be submitted in advance by e-mail to [email protected] or left by voice message at 510-544-2016. This allowed the Clerk time to provide the Board members with the comments in advance of the meeting. President Corbett explained that emails or voicemail received after the deadline will be provided to the Board of Directors and become part of the public record of the meeting. 12 Unapproved Minutes Board Meeting of May 19, 2020 Carrie Monks from Alameda commented on the large groups of people that congregated on the did not practice social distancing or wear masks. It concerned her, she has complained, and nothing has happened. Monks would like the District to enforce the rules of the Governor. Kelly Abreu, Conservancy, commented on the lease between the city of Fremont and the District on the operation of Mission Peak that is set to expire in July 2020. City staff are no longer working with the Park District for the public good because of the city’s overreach and unreasonable demands. Abreu urged the Board to support District staff in their endeavor to renew this 25-year lease. President Corbett asked Mr. Abreu if he wanted the letter read into the record as some of his comments were duplicative. He said it was not necessary. An e-mail received from Mr. Yragui, cofounder of Mission Peak Conservancy, highlighted in detail the comments by Mr. Abreu. David Fielder sent an email and a written document on the continued closure of Pt. Isabel. He commented that the dog park guidance is broad brushed. There are different approaches to the Health Order in the East Bay. President Corbett read into the record a letter received from the Sierra Club. Norman LaForce, Legal Counsel for the Sierra Club commented on the District’s lack of transparency and inability to stream Park District meetings live. He cited the May 5, 2020 Board meeting where the YouTube link did not work. Corbett had a discussion with Mr. LaForce, there will be a response to this letter, and she noted that today is the first live zoom meeting. Clerk, Knight read into the record emails received in advance from Patricia Aguilera, Kelly Barney, Marc LaRhette, Andrew M. Lojo, Austin McInerny, Smita Shanker, Kent Wegener, and Doug Yamamoto.

C. SPECIAL UPDATE

By motion of Director Lane, and seconded by Director Waespi, the Board voted unanimously to approve the Item C Special Update.

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

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

Resolution Reaffirming the Existence of a Local East Bay Regional Park District Emergency. Resolution No. 2020 – 05 - 090 (attached) General Manager Doyle commented on the extraordinary work of staff in this unprecedented time. Staff are doing their best to help people acknowledge that parks are more important than ever. Staff are working with the Health Departments in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties, and have provided webinars to staff in combination with UCSF staff about COVID and the Shelter in Place Order.

GM Doyle reported the District has 300 people unable to work due to the social distancing rules. Staff are working towards implementation to repopulate park offices. GM Doyle stated that staff will be living with restrictions and challenges that will have a long-term impact. Staff are overwhelmed with the increase in park usage. Memorial Day is this weekend and there will be more park users. GM Doyle observed that staff should not be put in a position to monitor the public’s use of the Health Department regulations, nor should staff be put in a position to confront the public. The public needs to play a huge role in voluntarily adhering to social distancing and to keep their dogs on leash. GM Doyle thanked the Board for providing funding for public information. There is a plan to re-open Del Valle State Park and Pt. Isabel.

Director Echols stated she is delighted staff is moving forward to keep District parks open and there is a date to open Pt Isabel. Echols was pleased to hear from active users of this park; the District can count on them to help keep Pt. Isabel safe. Director Coffey commented on increased user conflict on the trails. He mentioned that he and his wife had a bad encounter at Pt. Pinole with a riding unlawfully on a narrow dirt trail. Coffey 13 Unapproved Minutes Board Meeting of May 19, 2020 remined board members and staff that at 2019 Trails Workshop, one of the points to follow up on was to have some organized interface with various trail use constituents and stakeholders to determine what types of behaviors are acceptable. Director Rosario thanked the Park District, AFSCME and Task Force for the good communication within the committee. Director Waespi thanked the GM, staff and Task Force. He commented he is glad staff are looking to open more parks. President Corbett commented she sits on the EOC and is impressed with how people are pulling together to steer the District through the Shelter in Place.

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

By motion of Director Wieskamp, and seconded by Director Echols, the Board voted unanimously to approve the Consent Calendar.

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

a. Approval of District Check Listing for the Period of March 30, 2020 to April 12, 2020 Resolution No. 2020 – 05 - 091 (attached)

b. Approval of the Minutes for the Board Meeting of May 5, 2020

c. Resolution to Support AB 2148 (Quirk D-Hayward) – Regional Climate Adaptation Planning Groups Resolu tion No. 2020 – 05 - 092 (attached)

d. Resolution to Support AB 2551 (Bauer-Kahan D-Orinda) – Preservation of Alameda-Tesla Expansion Area Resolution No. 2020 – 05 - 093 (attached)

e. Resolution to Support AB 2619 (Stone D-Monterey Bay) - Coastal Resilience, Adaptation and Access Fund Resolution No. 2020 – 05 - 094 (attached)

f. Resolution to Support S. 3269 (Carper D-DE) – Clean Economy Act of 2020 Resolution No. 2020 – 05 - 095 (attached)

g. Resolution to Support S. 3288 (Harris D-CA) – Protecting Unique and Beautiful Landscapes by Investing in (PUBLIC) Lands Act Resolution No. 2020 – 05 - 096 (attached)

Director Rosario asked why we are not supporting HR 2199 or 2215. Erich Pfuehler, Chief of Government and Legislative Affairs replied this bill is a combination of three house bills. The Park District’s position on the redwood bill is because it calls for redwood restoration and they deal with the Central and the San Gabriel Mountains and there is no nexus to the Park District. Staff can bring both to the committee if it is your pleasure. Rosario responded he would like the District to support the other bills because of the similar issues of protection of open space.

h. Resolution to Support S. 3422 (Gardner R-CO and Manchin D-WV) – Land and Water Conservation Fund, Great American Outdoors Act Resolution No. 2020 – 05 - 097 (attached) 14 Unapproved Minutes Board Meeting of May 19, 2020 i. Resolution to Support SB 1296 (Durazo D-Los Angeles) – Career Pathways and Climate Resiliency Grant Programs Resolution No. 2020 – 05 - 098 (attached)

j. Resolution to Support SB 1323 (Skinner D-Berkeley) - California Carbon Sequestration and Climate Resiliency Project Registry Resolution No. 2020 – 05 - 099 (attached)

k. Authorization to Accept a Recreational Trail Easement Across the Wallis Ranch Residential Development from Trumark Homes, dba Development Solutions WR, LLC: Tassajara Creek Regional Trail Resolution No. 2020 – 05 - 100 (attached)

l. Authorization to Allocate and Transfer Board Contingency Funds for TOGETHER Bay Area (formerly Bay Area Open Space Council) Membership in years 2020 and 2021 Resolution No. 2020 – 05 - 101 (attached)

m. Authorization to Increase Contract Limits of JOC-013 with Mark Scott Construction, Inc. and JOC-014 with Aztec Consultants for Job Order Contracting: District-wide Resolution No. 2020 – 05 - 102 (attached)

n. Approval of 2020 Risk-based Internal Audit Plan, and Confirmation of the Organizational Independence, with Qualification, of the Internal Audit Function Resolution No. 2020 – 05 - 103 (attached)

o. Adoption of Resolution of Intention to Order Improvements, Grant Preliminary Approval to the Draft Engineer’s Report, Establish Date of Public Hearing and Instruct the Clerk of the Board to Provide Appropriate Public Notice of Hearing: Alameda County/Contra Costa County Regional Trails Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District (Two County LLD), including ZB-1 (Five Canyons), ZB-2 (Dublin Hills), ZB-3 (Walpert Ridge), ZB-4 (San Ramon Hills), ZB-5 (Stone Valley), and ZB-6 (Gateway Valley/Sibley Volcanic) (Zones of Benefit) Resolution No. 2020 – 05 - 104 (attached)

p. Adoption of Resolution of Intention to Order Improvements, Grant Preliminary Approval to the Draft Engineer’s Report, Establish Date of Public Hearing and Instruct the Clerk of the Board to Provide Appropriate Public Notice of Hearing: East Contra Costa County Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District (ECCC-1 LLD) Resolution No. 2020 – 05 - 105 (attached)

2. ACQUISITION, STEWARDSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT DIVISION

By motion of Director Coffey, and seconded by Director Waespi, the Board voted unanimously to approve the Item 2a.

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

a. Authorization to Appropriate Funds for the Repair Swim Lagoon Project: Contra Loma Regional Park Resolution No. 2020 – 05 - 106 (attached) 15 Unapproved Minutes Board Meeting of May 19, 2020

Kristina Kelchner, AGM Acquisition Stewardship Division, opened with background information on each of the four projects presented at the meeting. Lisa Goorjian, Chief of Design, said that the Park District has a goal of outreach and teaching children how to swim, which is a recreational and public health issue. Goorjian’s PowerPoint reminded the Board that the lagoon was built in 2003 to replace lake swimming. Contra Costa Water District (CCWD) manages the lake reservoir adjacent to the lagoon. The District is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the lagoon which has well over 60,000 visitors annually. This facility has sand which wears the surface. The work to be done is to repair the surface. In its current state, it creates visibility issues for the lifeguards. This is a critical project and needs to be with a third party. This will extend the life of the lagoon another 8-10 years.

Director Lane asked if staff has talked to Contra Loma or the Water Bureau for help with the $725,000 cost. Lane added because the water district made the decision to end swimming in the reservoir years ago due to a problem with water quality (with no scientific proof) when the lagoon was constructed. Lane suggested the water district is partly responsible to help with major improvements. General Manager Doyle replied staff has not met with CCWD. the District has received two grants from the Water Bureau for over $100,000. Staff can bring up to the CCWD that the District would appreciate a contribution from the water district during a liaison committee meeting. GM Doyle added that that CCWD is faced with millions of dollars to repair the system, and it depends on the interest of their board if they want to partner with the District. Director Coffey said the lagoon is sorely missed and asked Goorjian if she could forecast when it may be opened and the time frame. Goorjian answered the lagoon area will remain closed while the work is being completed. GM Doyle stated this is a good time to do the repair, and perhaps by late summer/fall it will be ready to open. Director Waespi said it is good to provide this recreation in the heat of East County and to get the work done as quickly as possible.

President Corbett said she is thankful for the advocacy of the lifeguards for the repair to ensure the lagoon is safe. Corbett asked if staff are confident that the contractor can follow the schedule and be open by end of summer. Goorjian replied staff have the ability to enforce liquidated damages for being nonresponsive, or for not meeting the construction schedule. Lane said the project is one that needs to be pursued, but she is disappointed staff have not talked to them about helping to defray the expensive project costs. GM Doyle stated this facility was not a grant, but a settlement from a lawsuit to mitigate impacts of the lake being closed. Lane mentioned that Jerry Kent former AGM Operations wanted to have sand at the lagoon. Sand does have corrosive qualities and staff should be reminded of this for future repairs in decades to come.

By motion of Director Waespi, and seconded by Director Rosario, the Board voted unanimously to approve the Item 2b.

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

b. Authorization to Execute a Contract with Upright Engineering, Inc. for Consulting Services and Transfer and Appropriate Funds to the Restore Hayward Marsh (Former USD Treatment Marsh) Project: Hayward Regional Shoreline Resolution No. 2020 – 05 - 107 (attached)

Matt Graul, Chief of Stewardship gave opening remarks about the marsh. The marsh was built in dry conditions as a wastewater treatment marsh. There is currently a very successful Lease Tern project on this marsh. Chris Barton, Environmental Programs Manager, presented a PowerPoint that described this 145-acre marsh. He reported since USD has stopped discharges, staff plan to restore the marsh. The District is planning for rise, habitat resiliency and enhancement of the wildlife habitat. Snowy plover, ridgeway rail and lease 16 Unapproved Minutes Board Meeting of May 19, 2020 tern are a part of the habitat. Barton outlined the tentative 2-year project schedule. Director Waespi stated this is a project that needs to be done. He asked if there is any obligation for the neighbors to help with funding this project. Barton answered the plan for public access and planning for sea level rise is to ensure access to the park first. Waespi said access is limited in some of the fenced off ponds due to the wastewater, now that it is no longer being released when can the fences be removed? Graul replied they can be removed, but access is seasonal due to bird nesting. Corbett said this is a great opportunity to create more habitat and opens up new opportunities for environmental education to support the families of Hayward and students at Chabot College. Corbett commented that this project will also go a long way to ensure the waters have more circulation to help with mosquito population.

By motion of Director Corbett, and seconded by Director Rosario, the Board voted unanimously to approve the Item 2c.

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

c. Adoption of a Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the Trail at Doolittle Drive and Approval of the Project: Martin Luther King, Jr. Regional Shoreline Resolution No. 2020 – 05 - 108 (attached)

Brian Holt, Chief of Planning and GIS, oriented the Board to the project location and provided the project objectives. Holt explained this is a priority project for the city of Oakland to provide connectivity to the shoreline. Due to COVID-19, social inequity and disadvantaged communities’ the lack of park access has been exposed. This area is identified as a disadvantaged community. Holt went through some of the details of the project. Holt said staff received six public comments and have provided responses. Director Lane commented she is pleased to see the project move forward, and to be able to work with Caltrans has been good. Lane asked if Oakland has funds they would like to contribute. Holt replied staff haven’t discussed this yet, but there is a grant being considered. With the completion of CEQA, staff can finalize the design and build the funding package. Corbett asked the amount of the grant the District is seeking, and is there money set aside for the grander scale project? Holt answered $750,000 and there is more money allocated. Director Rosario asked about using the new marsh as mitigation. Kelchner said that Audubon and the Regional Board want more detail about the mitigation, and staff are not at that stage in the process yet. Staff will apply for permits through the Regional Board and will get input about what they want to see. GM Doyle said this project is competitive for CA Transportation funding and Caltrans is our partner. Rosario said he thinks it is a good idea to solicit comments at the beginning.

President Corbett called for a 15-minute break.

President Corbett requested that the report under General Managers Comments be carried over to the next Board meeting – June 2, 2020.

By motion of Director Echols, and seconded by Director Lane, the Board voted unanimously to approve the Item 2d.

Directors For: Colin Coffey, Ellen Corbett, Elizabeth Echols, Beverly Lane, Dee Rosario, Dennis Waespi, Ayn Wieskamp. Directors Against: None. Directors Absent: None. 17 Unapproved Minutes Board Meeting of May 19, 2020 d. Authorization to Award a Construction Contract with GradeTech, Approve a Construction Contingency and Amend a Contract Adriene Wong Associates for Develop Brickyard Cove: McLaughlin Eastshore State Park Regional Shoreline Resolution No. 2020 – 05 - 109 (attached)

GM Doyle introduced this item by giving background on the park. He reminded the board that this is a state park and money is coming out of the Districts Measure FF funds. GM Doyle negotiated a one-time grant with the CA State Parks Director Jackson and Senator Loni Hancock and the District received a 5million dollar grant which was critical for development. There have been some crime incidents along the Eastshore. GM Doyle stated that in the future there will need to be an office at the park. Ren Bates, Capital Program Manager, began his presentation with the project location, site development, phase I improvements, public bidding process and funding. Director Echols expressed her excitement about this project. She commented that staff were able to take an area littered with construction debris and a giant dirt pile and create a beautiful park. Director Lane said she is pleased to see the project opening at the completion of Phase I. Director Waespi congratulated Ren Bates and staff on this great project. Waespi asked about the bay friendly landscaping certification and will there be interpretive signage highlighting the bay friendly landscaping. Bates replied there will be three interpretive panels. Director Rosario asked if there is any possibility to bring in non-potable water for irrigation. Bates said the distribution lines do not come that far up to tie into it. President Corbett added a big thank you to Senator Loni Hancock.

3. BOARD AND STAFF REPORTS

General Manager announced there are two actions by other jurisdictions in this report. Director Waespi asked if GM Doyle knew if the city of Fremont was taking action at their council meeting tonight to extend the parking restrictions adjacent to Stanford Avenue. GM Doyle said he is aware and the public comments from Kelly Abreu were correct. The District has made it clear staff will no longer patrol that area with our Public Safety officers and Fremont will have to hire the staff.

4. GENERAL MANAGER’S COMMENTS

President Corbett moved this report to the June 2, 2020 board meeting.

5. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM CLOSED SESSION

District Counsel Victor said that are no announcements.

6. BOARD COMMENTS

Director Corbett reported on meetings attended. Director Corbett • Attended the EOC Meetings on Monday, Wednesday and Friday; • Attended the Executive Committee meeting; • Attending a planning meeting for a virtual walk and talk with Ass. Bonta; • Attended the ACSDA Meeting; • Attended the Alameda County Mayors Conference; • Attended the Public Safety virtual staff meeting; • Participated in filming a video at Crown Beach; • Participated in a planning discussion with staff to practice the Board’s live zoom video meeting; • Participated in a briefing with ASD; • Attended the Ad Hoc GM transition meeting. Corbett thanked the entire staff for the amazing work being done by all. 18 Unapproved Minutes Board Meeting of May 19, 2020 Director Rosario reported on meetings attended. Director Rosario • Attended three COVID taskforce meetings; • Attended the Executive Committee meeting; • Attended the Asian Pacific American Caucus of the California League of Cities on Asian discrimination; • Met with Deputy GM Alvarez and cleaned a restroom at the Skyline Gate; • Attended two UCSF park guidance webinars; • Attended the Oakland Firesafe council meeting; • Had a telephone meeting with Robin Freeman, San Leandro Creek Alliance; • Participated in a planning discussion with staff to practice the Board’s live zoom video meeting; • Attended the Oakland DD meeting. Director Rosario thanked Lisa Goorjian, Ren Bates and Matt Graul for meeting about McCosker.

Director Lane reported on meetings attended. Director Lane • Sat in on the Executive Committee meeting as a YouTube observer; • Attended Contra Costa County Mayors Conference on zoom; • Attended a zoom meeting with LARPD; • Participated in a planning discussion with staff to practice the Board’s live zoom video meeting. Lane walked in Las Trampas, Sycamore Valley, , Round Valley which doesn’t allow dogs because of , Public Safety brought one of their signs to alert the public of this information. Lane is pleased with the plan to open Pt. Isabel. She is interested in District plans on picnic tables since public is not more active in the park. She expressed interest in the Roddy Ranch house since the Roddy’s have moved. Lane thanked staff for their work.

Director Coffey reported on meetings attended. Director Coffey • Attended two UCSF park guidance webinars; • Attended the Contra Costa Watershed Forum; • Attended Supervisor Burgis’ forum on the Morgan Territory Fire Season; • Attended the zoom CCSDA meeting; • Participated in a planning discussion with staff to practice the Board’s live zoom video meeting. Coffey commented on the great educational information on the District’s website from the Interpretive department. Coffey visited parks in Ward 7 and Lone Tree.

Director Waespi reported on meetings attended. Director Waespi • Attended the three COVID Taskforce meetings; • Attended the Legislative Committee phone conference with Swalwell; • Attended the ACSDA zoom meeting; • Met with Kristina Kelchner, Chris Barton, Lisa Goorjian and Matt Graul of ASD; • Attended the GM Ad Hoc Succession meeting; • Participated in a planning discussion with staff to practice the Board’s live zoom video meeting; • Attending the two-day CARPD Conference on zoom. The District is receiving three awards. Waespi has been hiking in the parks and things are getting better.

Director Wieskamp reported on meetings attended. Director Wieskamp • Telephone meeting with the CALEA representative on May 6th ; • Attended the zoom Executive Committee meeting; • Attended the zoom LARPD meeting; • Attended the zoom ACSDA meeting; • Attended the zoom LAFCO meeting; • Attended the zoom PAC meeting; 19 Unapproved Minutes Board Meeting of May 19, 2020 • Participated in a planning discussion with staff to practice the Board’s live zoom video meeting. Director Wieskamp commented on her conversations with her supervisors and remarked about the eagle pair at Ardenwood.

Director Echols reported on meetings attended. Director Echols • Attended a meeting with Fire Chief Theile and Asst Fire Chief Gallup to discuss the fire season on the 18th; • Attended a meeting on the 19th with Carol, Thiele and Gallup; • Attended the 10th Annual Albany Film Festival on zoom including the children’s matinee; • Participated in a planning discussion with staff to practice the Board’s live zoom video meeting. Director Echols thanked Kelchner and her team for meeting with her.

E. ADJOURNMENT

President Corbett adjourned the meeting at 4:23 p.m.

20 Page Left Blank Intentionally

21 AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, June 2, 2020

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

c. Approval of Resolution Ordering and Giving Notice of an Election to be Held in the East Bay Regional Park District for the Purpose of Electing Three Directors and Requesting the Board of Supervisors of Alameda and Contra Costa Counties to Consolidate the District Election with the Statewide General Election Being Held November 3, 2020 (Barial Knight/Victor)

RECOMMENDATIONS

1. The General Manager recommends that the Board of Directors adopt the attached resolution calling for a District election in Wards 1, 2, and 4 and request the Board of Supervisors of Alameda and Contra Costa Counties to consolidate the Park District election with the Statewide General Election to be held Tuesday, November 3, 2020;

2. That the following conditions shall apply:

a. Nomination papers for prospective candidates are to be available at the Registrar of Voters of Alameda County and the Elections Office of Contra Costa County at no cost commencing Monday, July 13, 2020, which is also the first day for collecting signatures and filing.

b. Completed nomination papers signed by at least fifty (50) registered voters living within a ward shall be filed with either the Registrar of Voters of Alameda County or the Elections Office of Contra Costa County, depending on the Candidate’s County of Domicile, no later than 5:00 p.m., Friday, August 7, 2020 (or by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 12, 2020 if the incumbent fails to file by the August 7 deadline). Certification of signatures is to be handled by the Registrar of Voters of Alameda County and/or the Elections Officer of Contra Costa County.

c. The Candidates’ Statement of Qualifications of no more than 200 words shall be filed with nomination papers. Each candidate shall pay for costs incurred, including printing and handling of candidate statements, in the amount of $1,000. This one-time payment will be required at the time nomination papers are filed.

22 d. For Wards encompassing both Alameda and Contra Costa Counties, it is the Candidate’s responsibility to bring a copy of their Statement of Qualifications and proof of payment to the shared county’s elections office.

e. Notice of District election to be published in newspapers of general circulation.

f. Ward boundaries are as adopted by the Board of Directors on January 10, 2012, Resolution No. 2012-01-013.

REVENUE/COST

Funding to cover the District’s share of the counties’ election-related expenses is available in the General Fund: Committed Fund Balance – Election Costs, Account 2842. Actual election expenses (less the Candidate’s payment of $1,000) billed to the District by the counties vary depending on the number of measures and candidates submitted for the ballot; therefore the exact amount due will not be known for several weeks following the election. The names of currently serving Board members or candidates who file nomination papers but who are unopposed will not be required to appear on the ballot, and the District will not be charged for the election in that ward. Staff will seek Board authorization to appropriate the necessary funds to pay for election expenses once a statement is received from the county elections officials.

BACKGROUND

The terms of three Directors expire at the end of this year: Elizabeth Echols (Ward 1), Dee Rosario (Ward 2), and Ellen Corbett (Ward 4). Ward I is within Alameda and Contra Costa County, Ward 2 is within Alameda and Contra Costa County, and Ward 4 is entirely within Alameda County.

This Resolution is necessary to call the election, consolidate it with the general statewide election and obtain the services of the respective County Elections offices in holding the election. It is also mandatory that the process of certification of signatures be turned over to the counties for handling; this avoids any possible conflict between the Park District and the candidate on the validity of the signatures.

To comply with the Elections Code, it is proposed that a Notice of the District’s Election be published in newspapers of general circulation.

ALTERNATIVES

No alternatives are recommended.

23 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO.: 2020 – 06 -

June 2, 2020

APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION ORDERING AND GIVING NOTICE OF AN ELECTION TO BE HELD IN THE EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT FOR THE PURPOSE OF ELECTING THREE DIRECTORS AND REQUESTING THE BOARDS OF SUPERVISORS OF ALAMEDA AND CONTRA COSTA COUNTIES TO CONSOLIDATE THE DISTRICT ELECTION WITH THE STATEWIDE GENERAL ELECTION BEING HELD NOVEMBER 3, 2020

WHEREAS, the California Elections Code requires a general district election be held in each district to choose a successor for each elective officer whose term will expire on the first Friday in December following the election to be held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November in each even-numbered year; and

WHEREAS, other elections may be held in whole or in part of the territory of the East Bay Regional Park District and it is to the advantage of the Park District to consolidate pursuant to Elections Code Section 10400; and

WHEREAS, Elections Code Section 10520 requires each District involved in a general election to reimburse the county for the actual costs incurred by the county elections official in conducting the election for that district; and

WHEREAS, Elections Code Section 13307 requires that before the nominating period opens the District Board must determine whether a charge shall be levied against each candidate submitting a candidate’s statement to be sent to the voters; and

WHEREAS, Elections Code Section 12112 requires the elections official of the principal county to publish a notice of the election once in a newspaper of general circulation in the district;

NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS ORDERED by the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District that an election be held within the territory included in this District on the 3rd day of November, 2020, for the purpose of electing members to the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District in accordance with the following specifications:

1. A general election is hereby ordered and called to be held in the East Bay Regional Park District, State of California, and shall be consolidated with the Statewide General Election on Tuesday, November 3, 2020, for the purpose of electing three directors.

2. The Board of Supervisors of Alameda and Contra Costa Counties are hereby respectfully requested to conduct such an election on behalf of the District.

24 3. The election is to be held in the District and all matters pertaining thereto shall be conducted in accordance with the general election laws of the State of California, as may be applicable to the District.

4. The three Directors shall be residents and electors of the Wards from which they are nominated, and the ballot shall contain the names of the persons nominated in each Ward, showing separately the nominees for which a Director is to be elected, as follows:

One from Ward 1, which comprises the election precincts of Albany, Berkeley, Emeryville, El Cerrito, El Sobrante, Kensington, a majority of Pinole, Richmond and San Pablo. This ward is within Alameda and Contra Costa County.

One from Ward 2, which comprises the election precincts of most of Oakland, Piedmont, Canyon, Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda, Rossmoor and a portion of Walnut Creek. This ward is within Alameda and Contra Costa County.

One from Ward 4, which comprises the election precincts of Alameda, Ashland a small portion of Hayward, a portion of Oakland, San Leandro and San Lorenzo and a portion of Cherryland. This ward is entirely within Alameda County.

5. The District will reimburse separately Alameda and Contra Costa Counties for the actual costs (less the $1,000 Candidate payment) incurred by each county’s elections officials in conducting the general district election upon receipt of a bill stating the amount due as determined by the elections officials.

6. The Nomination Period for circulation of nomination petitions shall be from Monday, July 13, 2020 (first day for pickup and circulation of nomination petitions) until 5:00 p.m., Friday, August 7, 2020 (last day for filing nomination petitions).

Extended Nomination Period - If an incumbent fails to file by the August 7 deadline, any qualified person, other than the incumbent, will have until 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 12, 2020, to file Nomination Papers.

7. The nomination petitions shall be signed by at least fifty (50) electors residing within said Ward and shall be filed with the Registrar of Voters of Alameda County or the Elections Officer of Contra Costa County.

8. Each Candidate shall pay the elections officer of their County of Domicile for costs incurred, including printing and handling of candidate statements, in the amount of $1,000. This one-time payment will be required from the Candidate at the time nomination papers are filed.

9. Each Candidate running in a shared Ward shall provide a copy of their Statement of Qualifications and proof of payment to the shared county’s elections officer.

25 10. If a candidate elects to file a Statement of Qualifications for distribution in the sample ballot to the voters in a ward for the office of Director of the East Bay Regional Park District, the following rules shall apply:

a. Such Candidate’s Statement of Qualifications shall be limited to no more than 200 words.

b. No Candidate shall be permitted to prepare other materials to be sent to the voters in the Ward in addition to the sample ballot and voter’s pamphlet, and the Elections Departments are not authorized to receive any such materials for mailing with the sample ballot.

11. The form of the ballot for the East Bay Regional Park District election shall be as follows:

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

DIRECTOR, WARD 1 VOTE FOR ONE

DIRECTOR, WARD 2 VOTE FOR ONE

DIRECTOR, WARD 4 VOTE FOR ONE

12. The Board of Supervisors of Alameda and Contra Costa Counties are hereby authorized and requested to canvass the returns of said East Bay Regional Park District election with respect to votes cast within said counties for this election and to certify the results of said election to the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District when such results are available.

13. The East Bay Regional Park District election shall be held in all respects as one election and only one ticket or ballot shall be used thereat, and the election precincts, polling places, voting booths and election officials shall be the same as for the Statewide General Election.

14. Notice of the election called by this resolution shall be given by publication of such notice in a newspaper of general circulation published in the District and such publication shall be deemed sufficient notice of said election (Election Code Section 12112).

15. Following canvass of the returns and certification of the results of the election by the Boards of Supervisors of Alameda and Contra Costa Counties, a resolution of the results of the District election shall be adopted by the District Board giving the total votes cast in each of the three Wards (Wards 1, 2, and 4) and declaring the person receiving the highest number of votes in each Ward as Director. The persons so declared elected for Wards 1, 2, and 4 shall be sworn into office with the terms of office

26 commencing the first Monday after the first day of January, 2020 (Public Resources Code Section 5533).

16. All other rules and regulations governed by the Elections Code for the conduct of this Statewide General Election on Tuesday, November 8, 2016, and the filing of nomination papers not specifically cited in this resolution shall be applicable to the District election.

17. Necessary nomination forms, campaign reporting documents, statement of qualification forms, and guidelines for filing may be obtained at no charge from the Registrar of Voters of Alameda County and/or the Elections Officer of Contra Costa County, commencing July 13, 2020, with the actual filing of the documents to be made with the Registrar of Voters of Alameda County or the Elections Officer of Contra Costa County, by 5:00 p.m., Friday, August 7, 2020 (or by the extended Nomination Period of 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 12, 2020 if the incumbent fails to file by the August 7, 2020 deadline).

17. Certification of the signatures on the nomination petitions to be performed by the Registrar of Voters of Alameda County and/or the Elections Officer of Contra Costa County.

18. Funding to cover the District’s share of election-related expenses is available in the General Fund: Committed Fund Balance – Election Costs, Account 2842. Staff will return to the Board to seek the necessary appropriation authority once these expenses are billed to the District.

Moved by Director , seconded by Director , and adopted this 2nd day of June, 2020 by the following vote:

FOR:

AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:

27 AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, June 2, 2020

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

d. Authorization to Renew the East Bay Regional Park District’s Insurance Program (Victor)

RECOMMENDATION

The General Manager and Board Finance Committee (on May 27, 2020) recommend that the Board of Directors renew the Park District program of insurance for general liability, property, aviation, watercraft, bond, crime, cyber liability, and excess workers’ compensation for the 2020/2021 policy period.

REVENUE/COST

The Park District Insurance Program is budgeted in the General Liability and Workers’ Compensation Internal Service Funds. This action will encumber the following costs:

GENERAL LIABILITY PROPOSED ENCUMBRANCE (Account 555-2130-000-6801) at the not- to-exceed estimated premium quotation:

General Liability $ 767,000 Property $ 800,000 Aviation $ 89,000 Watercraft $ 3,100 Bond $ 1,000 Crime $ 5,000 Cyber Liability $ 3,800 TOTAL ENCUMBRANCE $ 1,668,900

WORKERS’ COMPENSATION PROPOSED ENCUMBRANCE at the not-to-exceed estimated premium quotation:

Workers’ Compensation $ 435,000 (Account 552-2130-000-6801) WC Self-Insured Assessment $ 100,000 (Account 552-2130-000-6931) TOTAL ENCUMBRANCE $ 535,000

28

BACKGROUND

The Park District purchases insurance coverage through the California State Association of Counties – Excess Insurance Authority (“CSAC-EIA”), a risk sharing pool of counties and public entities. While the benefits of belonging to one of the largest insurance pools in the country means there are volume discounts, insurance rates continue to go up due to overall insurance market conditions, despite the Park District’s favorable claims history.

The general liability program premium has experienced an increase due to the casualty market across the nation experiencing increases due to larger judgments and settlements.

The property program is also experiencing a significant premium increase due to the state of the market with increased catastrophic property claims nationwide ranging from fires, and hurricanes, to storms and floods. In addition, CSAC-EIA sought an alternative renewal option with, National Union Fire Insurance, for a new 2-year agreement which will initially be more costly in the first year, 2020/21. This alternative allows the property program to maintain broad coverage beyond 2020/21 rather than allowing the current policy to expire and renew in the open market after 2020/21. Carriers are expected to reduce capacity and increase rates in response to natural disasters affecting the market as a whole and CSAC-EIA’s individual loss experience. Carriers are particularly concerned about California’s large wildfires since 2017. On the positive side, the premium for excess workers’ compensation program is estimated to be less than last year’s premium due to increased membership in the program and less adverse loss development.

The table below shows the rates for the current fiscal year and the anticipated costs of insurance for fiscal year 2020-2021. Overall, insurance rates are increasing approximately 20% which was within the expected increase reflected in the Park District’s 2020 budget.

ACTUAL ESTIMATED* DIFFERENCE INSURANCE PPROGRAM 7/1/19 – 6/30/20 7/1/20 – 6/30/21 19/20 – 20/21 General Liability $ 636,218 $ 767,000 +$130,782 Property $ 534,651 $ 800,000 +$265,349 Workers’ Compensation $ 464,327 $ 435,000 -$ 29,327 WC Self-Insured Assessment $ 68,949 $ 100,000 +$ 31,051 Aviation $ 76,463 $ 89,000 +$ 12,537 Crime $ 4,048 $ 5,000 + $952 Watercraft $ 1,933 $ 3,100 + $1,167 Bond $ 1,000 $ 1,000 no change Cyber Liability $ 1,600 $ 3,800 + $2,200 TOTAL $1,789,189 $ 2,203,900 +$414,711

*Estimated not-to-exceed amounts

29 Workers Compensation Assessment: In addition, to workers compensation insurance premiums, the Department of Industrial Relations assesses employers for the costs of the administration of the workers’ compensation, health and safety and labor standards enforcement programs. The Risk Department is seeking authorization to make this payment in a not to exceed amount of $100,000.

ALTERNATIVES

No alternatives are recommended.

30 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO: 2020 – 06 –

June 2, 2020

AUTHORIZATION TO RENEW THE EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT’S INSURANCE PROGRAM

WHEREAS, the District’s Risk Management Department has identified the District’s areas of potential exposure to loss, and has evaluated options for mitigating such risks through insurance coverage; and

WHEREAS, the District is currently insured through coverage available through CSAC- Excess Insurance Authority and HUB International; and

WHEREAS, the General Manager and Board Finance Committee (on May 27, 2020) recommends that this program of insurance be renewed; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby renews its program of insurance in a not-to-exceed amount as follows: $767,000 for general liability; $800,000 for property; $535,000 for excess workers’ compensation (which includes $100,000 payable to the state Department of Industrial Relations for the self-insured assessment); $89,000 for aviation, $3,100 for watercraft; $5,000 for crime; $3,800 for cyber liability; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the insurance premiums shall be paid from Account 555-2130-000-6801 (Liability Fund-Risk Department-Insurance Premiums) and Account 552- 2130-000-6801 (Workers’ Compensation Fund-Risk Department-Insurance Premiums); and

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

Moved by , seconded by , and adopted this 2nd day of June, 2020 by the following vote:

FOR:

AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:

31 AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, June 2, 2020

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

e. Authorization to Award a Contract to Weldon Exhibits for Design, Construction and Installation of Del Valle Visitor Center Exhibits: Del Valle Regional Park (Hobbs/Johnson)

RECOMMENDATION:

The General Manager recommends that the Board of Directors award a contract to Weldon Exhibits of Novato, CA for the design, construction and installation of interpretive exhibits for Del Valle Visitor Center.

REVENUE/COST

The interior exhibits are fully funded as part of the Visitor Center Remodel Project No. 522400, which includes interior building renovation, exhibits and exterior ADA restrooms.

SOURCE OF FUNDS Regional Parks Foundation (Donation from Valley Foundation) (GLP1)* $ 272,300 State Funding Special Appropriation (GS11) $ 1,000,000 Land & Water Conservation Federal Grant (GF14) $134,319 SF Water District Local Agency Grant (GL14) $300,000 Major Infrastructure Renovation and Replacement MIRR $215,000 Encumbrances and Expenditures to Date ($1,103,028)

AVAILABLE BALANCE $ 818,590

USE OF FUNDS Contract with Weldon Exhibits $ 471,900 Other project costs, fees and staff time $346,690

BALANCE REMAINING $ 0

32 * The Regional Parks Foundation received a gift of $1,000,000 from the Wayne and Gladys Valley Foundation for five (5) environmental education capital projects, and they have allocated $272,300 toward the construction of the Del Valle Remodel Visitor Center Project.

BACKGROUND

At the 2016 Board Workshops, the Operation Division shared with the Board a plan for the renovation and expansion of visitor centers District-wide. One of the priorities from the plan was the expansion and remodel of the Del Valle Visitor Center. The visitor center will expand into the adjacent former food service facility. The remodel will include: expanding the floor area of the existing exhibit area; new interpretive exhibits; replacing the existing windows with more appropriate visitor center openings; replacing exterior building envelope damaged by wood peckers; replacing existing HVAC and lighting with more energy efficient systems, and updating ADA access as required by current building codes.

An Exhibit Design/Interpretive & Recreation Services team have written and designed all new exhibits, and a design intent document was developed. In February 2020, an RFQ was released to three qualified exhibit designer/fabricators, two of whom have had previous experience building visitor center exhibits for the District. The following pricing was received:

Pacific Studios, Seattle Washington $679,250

Split Rock Studios, Minneapolis Minnesota $574,648

Weldon Exhibits, Novato California $513,542

The proposals were reviewed by the Exhibit/Interpretive & Recreation Services Team and the low bidder, Weldon Exhibits, of Novato, CA. was selected. The scope was then refined, and the pricing finalized:

Weldon Exhibits’ final quote: $471,900

ALTERNATIVES

None are recommended.

33 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO.: 2020 – 06 –

June 2, 2020

AUTHORIZATION TO AWARD A CONTRACT TO WELDON EXHIBITS FOR DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION AND INSTALLATION OF DEL VALLE VISITOR CENTER EXHIBITS: DEL VALLE REGIONAL PARK

WHEREAS, the Rocky Ridge Visitor Center is located in Del Valle Regional Park; and

WHEREAS, the Visitor Center Remodel Project (No. 522400) was established in 2017; and

WHEREAS, the Creative Design Group within the Public Affairs Division assembled design concepts and estimates exhibit implementation; and

WHEREAS, Phase II has been fully funded with the addition of $125,500 from the Regional Parks Foundation via donation from the Wayne and Gladys Valley Foundation for appropriation to this project; and

WHEREAS, the District released a Request for Proposals (RFP) in 2020 to regarded exhibit design firms throughout the United States and three bids were received; and

WHEREAS, Weldon Exhibits has provided the lowest bid and has been selected as the most appropriate Designer/Builder for the project.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby authorizes the award of a contract to Weldon Exhibits for the Design, Construction and Installation of Del Valle Visitor Center Exhibits to be funded from Project No. 522400 for a total cost not to exceed $471,900; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the General Manager is hereby authorized and directed, on behalf of the District and 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 , seconded by , and adopted this 2nd day of June 2020, by the following vote:

FOR:

AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:

34 Page Left Blank Intentionally

35 APPENDIX A TO FABRICATION AND INSTALLATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN

WELDON EXHIBITS LLC AND EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT PROJECT NAME: DEL VALLE REGIONAL PARK EXHIBIT FABRICATION

SCOPE OF WORK/DELIVERABLES

Scope of Work: Weldon Exhibits [WE] to work from EBRPD design documents 2/27/2020 to develop Final Design/Working Drawings, Specifications and Engineering as required for the EBPRD Del Valle Regional Park Visitor Center. As part of this phase of work Weldon Exhibits will also develop samples to clarify finishes, colors, and sculpture details for EBRPD approval.

Upon EBRPD approval, Weldon Exhibits will proceed with exhibit fabrication as per WE Schedule of Work.

There will be 3 project reviews by EBRPD at WE Studios in Novato California during the fabrication phase. All items will be reviewed and approved prior to WE Exhibit Installation phase.

Exhibit installation shall take approximately 2 weeks to one month to complete. Prior to completion WE and EBRPD representatives will develop a formal Punch List of items WE Team is to amend. Upon final review by EBRPD of WE Team completed project including Punch List items WE contract will be declared complete. There will be a 1 year warranty period on all items for normal wear and tear.

36

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT Project: DEL VALLE VISITOR CENTER Date: APRIL 9TH, 2020 DW - MAY 27TH, 2020 REVISION

REVISED VER 6 weldon exhibits weldon exhibits QUOTATION FOR FINAL DESIGN & FABRICATION

NOTE: This revision add applicable CA Stte Sales Tax

SCOPE OF WORK: Weldon Exhibits [WE] to develop exhibition Final Design documents and exhibit fabrication services based on EBRPD 2/27/2020 RFP Del Valle documents - to be expanded upon and creatively developed within budget perimeters by Weldon Exhibits in concert with EBRPD interpretive team. weldon exhibits EXHIBIT DESIGN FEES: LINE ITEM SUBTOTAL: WE to develop Final Design Documents including measured $29,960 drawings: floor plans, elevations and section drawings that describing all aspects of the exhibition Engineering weldon exhibits $4,900 NOTE: EBRPD to provide all exhibition content and text plus graphic design documents

Design Subtotal: $34,860weldon exhibits EXHIBIT FABRICATION FEES: LINE ITEM SUBTOTAL:

Exterior (3) Exterior Kiosks 6" x 6" clear heart redwood timber posts, powder OMIT Kiosks (3) coated metal roofs, : 4A Welcome to Del Valle, Kiosk 4B Plan Your Visit, Kiosk 4C Your Water

Exterior Kiosks - 4A Welcome to Del Valle including touchable bas relief map 22" x 48" Exterior Kiosks - 4B Plan Your Visit weldon exhibits weldon exhibits Exterior Kiosk - 4C Your Water including (6) resin cast fish models,

Gateway Room Picnic Table Exhibit: 5' x 4' 21/2" x 2' 6" tall with lift-up doors $10,752 interactives $86,688 Valley Tree 15' tall x 14'5" diameterWeldon foliage, Exhibits trunk| 530C 20" Alameda diameter del Prado #309 | Novato, CA 94949 | T: 415-686-1625 | www.weldonexhibits.com

Welcome Sign 36" w x 23" tall routed redwood + steel plate anchor $3,926

Models small (8): Acorn woodpecker, Yellow Billed Magpie, Steller's $29,960 Jay, Ca Scrub Jay, Ground Squirrel, Eastern , Ca Oak Moth, Western Fence Lizard(2) Models large (2): Great Horned Owl, Coopers Hawk $9,498

Gateway Room Nat Poplar Hardwood plank wall 10'9" x 9' tall - 11" wide planks $4,088 History Exhibit History Ex Return wall $0

Artifacts & Reproductions: 10" cast iron pan, Hackamore bridal, $5,701 Sodium Cacodylate, Wash Tub, Washboard, School Desk, McGuffey's Reader, Chalkboard Slate w/graphics, Chalkboard Slate

(2) iPads AV Equipment and mounting hardware $1,938

Model: steelhead trout $2,150

Water Manager Exhibit: cabinetry 13'8" wide x 8'10" tall x 24" deep $17,640 birch plywood w/edge banding, storage units 2 with 3 shelves each. Reading rail /Control Box, retractable casters. Glass enclosure for Water Management model

37 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT Project: DEL VALLE VISITOR CENTER Date: APRIL 9TH, 2020 DW - MAY 27TH, 2020 REVISION

REVISED VER 6 weldon exhibits weldon exhibits QUOTATION FOR FINAL DESIGN & FABRICATION

Water Manager Interactive Exhibit: 2D cutouts, cross section of water $74,760 cycle, 98" LCD Screen with animated water cycle synchronized with foreground, 2D cut-out elements (6) mechanical that raise and lower, light effects using polarized film on glass, etc. AV Software, AV Hardware and graphic animation. Biodiversity Counter box: 4' wide x 12" tall x 3 1/2" thick with (5) $6,586 lables and 5 LED digital counters and (5) pushbutton switches + Back panel 4' wide X 7'4" tall Orientation Naturalist Desk 7'5" long x 32" tall x 24" deep w/shelving, Storage $14,490 weldon exhibits Room Cabinet 3' x 2' x 9' tall with shelving, short column and Swing Door (horizontal) for park map 32" diag display monitor, assume CPU by others, Sound if required $1,109 equip by others, software by others Brochure Racks (2) 50 3/4" long, x 11" tall x 4 3/4" deepweldon made exhibits of 1/8" $1,627 clear polished edge acrylic, water clear joints The Park Augmented Reality Sand Table: cabinetry 5' 4" x 47 1/2" x 36" tall - $8,764 Beyond drawer for interpretive guides, top box sealed to hold paper sand weldon exhibits Overhead Projector Epson 4650 and mount $6,686 Activity Table 3' diameter, Vandt Solid Wood Bench, (4) puzzle $5,141 storage bins, Puzzle chair Animal Enclosure Cabinets 6' 9" tall x 6' 6" wide x 2' 6" deep, poplar $16,464 plank exterior, animal enclosures (2) glass, rear access. Requires welded steel torsion frame Gopher snake life support, tarantula life support system - glass tanks $1,238 weldon exhibits weldon exhibits Raptor & Eagle Exhibits: Eagle Nest and male sculpture in $25,144 flight + (2) Fledglings Shelf for raptor flip book, $538 Eagle monitor 32" and mount - assume CPU by others, Sound if $1,109 Weldon Exhibits | 530C Alameda del Prado #309 | Novato, CA 94949 | T: 415-686-1625 | www.weldonexhibits.com required equip by others, software by others Graphic Fabrication based on EBRPD graphic document - REVISED - NIC To Be Provided by EBRPD Exhibit Team. Installed by WE Team - see below

Fabrication Subtotal: $335,994 General Conditions Project Management $33,619 Crating/Shipping Novato to Livermore $3,270 Installation Labor 3P x 2wks + local labor $32,256 Installation Lodging/Per diems/Rental Equipment $0 General Conditions Subtotal: $69,145

Subtotal ALL: $440,000 CA Sales Tax 7.25% $31,900

REVISED 5.27.2020 TOTAL COST: $471,900

NOTES: 1 If required, error & omission insurance is subject to inclusion. 2 Price is good for (30) ninety days. 3 Price does not include bonding.

38 APPENDIX B TO FABRICATION AND INSTALLATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN

WELDON EXHIBITS LLC AND EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

PROJECT NAME: DEL VALLE REGIONAL PARK EXHIBIT FABRICATION

PAYMENT SCHEDULE

Invoice Detail of Expense Invoice Invoice Due/Paid # Amount Date Date Fabrication 1 *Production Reservation Fee $94,380. June 4th, 2020 July 4th, 2020

2 WE Team completes Final Design/ $94,380. July 15th, 2020 Aug 15th, 2020 Working Drawings, Specifications and Samples phase

3 Fabrication Review & Progress $94,380. Aug 15th, 2020 Sept. 15th, 2020 Payment 4 Fabrication Complete and Final $94,380. Sept 30th, 2020 Oct 30th, 2020 Review & Progress Payment

Final Review at Weldon Exhibits $47,190. Oct 30th, 2020 Nov 30th, 2020 prior to shipment to Visitor Ctr

5 WE Installation Complete and $47,190. Nov 30th, 2020 Dec 30th, 2020 Final Payment

Total Contract $471,900.00

NOTE: All payments to be made within 30 days of WE Invoice

39 APPENDIX C TO FABRICATION AND INSTALLATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN

WELDON EXHIBITS LLC AND EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT PROJECT NAME: DEL VALLE REGIONAL PARK EXHIBIT FABRICATION

PROJECT TIMETABLE

WELDON EXHIBITS EBRPD DEL VALLE REGIONAL PARK EXHIBITIONS

SCHEDULE OF WORK weldon exhibits weldon exhibits April 30th, 2020 - REVISED MAY 27TH, 2020

May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Sign Contract * Final Design Phase Start-Up FD Mtg @ Del Valle Park * 2nd Design Mtg @ EBRPD Offices * weldon exhibits Final Design Presentation & EBRPD Approval to Proceed *

Fabrication Phase weldon exhibits Tree Fabrication * Bird /Animal Sculpture fabrication * weldon exhibits Cabinetry fabrication * Interactive fabrication * Exhibit Mock-Up and Review prior to shipping to site * Project Reviews @ WE Studios * * *

weldon exhibits Installation Phase weldon exhibits 30 day installation Develop Punch List * Project Complete Weldon Exhibits | 530C Alameda del Prado #309 | Novato, CA 94949 | T: 415-686-1625 | www.weldonexhibits.com*

40 Page Left Blank Intentionally

41 AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, June 2, 2020

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

f. Authorization to Accept and Appropriate Reimbursement from the State for the Extended Maintenance of the State-Mandated 9-1-1 Telephone System in the Public Safety Communications Center (Gershaneck/Ciaburro)

RECOMMENDATION

The General Manager recommends that the Board of Directors authorize the acceptance and appropriation of $22,725 annually for two years as reimbursement from the State of California for the extended maintenance of the state-mandated 9-1-1 Telephone System.

REVENUE/COST

In 2014, the Board of Directors authorized the purchase of a replacement 9-1-1 telephone system, which included a five-year extended maintenance agreement. The agreement expired and was renewed in February 2020 for an additional two years. The State of California will reimburse the Park District for the cost of the extended maintenance agreement on an annual basis. Public Safety Communications paid for the renewal of the agreement from existing funds. The total $22,725 will be accepted and appropriated to the Public Safety Communication budget, 101- 8130-000-6611.

BACKGROUND

In 1975, by Board Resolution No. 1975-7-134, the Board of Directors approved the Park District's Public Safety Communications Center becoming a 9-1-1 Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP). The 9-1-1 State-mandated system has been in use since 1998, was upgraded in 2006 and the current system was purchased in 2014, by Board Resolution 2014-02-024.

The projected life expectancy of the current 9-1-1 Telephone System is seven years. The initial purchase included a five-year extended maintenance agreement, which has been extended for an additional two years.

California state law dictates that the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, Public Safety Communications, California 9-1-1 Emergency Communications Branch reimburse agencies for

42 equipment and services necessary for the delivery and answering of 9-1-1 calls in the State of California. Their goal is to enable each PSAP to provide the fastest, most reliable, and cost- effective access to emergency services for any 9-1-1 caller in California.

ALTERNATIVES

None are recommended.

43 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO.: 2020 – 06 –

June 2, 2020

AUTHORIZATION TO ACCEPT AND APPROPRIATE REIMBURSEMENT FROM THE STATE FOR THE EXTENDED MAINTENANCE OF THE STATE-MANDATED 9-1-1 TELEPHONE SYSTEM IN THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS CENTER

WHEREAS, the East Bay Regional Park District’s Public Safety Communications Center serves as a 9-1-1 Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP); and

WHEREAS, a fully functioning 9-1-1 telephone system is a mandated component of the District’s ability to operate as a Public Safety Answering Point; and

WHEREAS, the extended maintenance agreement, which protects the District from incurring maintenance costs, expired in February 2020, and has been renewed for two years; and

WHEREAS, the State of California is required by law to reimburse agencies for equipment and services necessary for the delivery and answering of 9-1-1 calls in the State of California; and

WHEREAS, the State of California will reimburse the District for the entire cost of the extended maintenance agreement through February 2022;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby authorizes the acceptance and appropriation of $22,725 annually for two years to 101-8130-000-6611; 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 2nd day of June, 2020 by the following vote:

FOR:

AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:

44 Page Left Blank Intentionally

45 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT BUDGET CHANGE FORM

NEW APPROPRIATIONS BUDGET TRANSFERS x From Fund Balance Between Funds DECREASE BUDGET ACCOUNT AMOUNT INCREASE BUDGET ACCOUNT AMOUNT Account Name: Expense: General Fund- Public Safety Communications & Records-District Wide-Telephone

Account: 101-8130-000-6611 $ 22,725 REASON FOR BUDGET CHANGE ENTRY As being presented at the Board of Directors meeting on June 2, 2020 the General Manager authorizes the annual appropriation of $22,725 for two years to the General Fund Balance to the Public Safety Communications and Records Telephone budget for reimbursement from the State of California's extended maintenance of state- mandated 9-1-1 Telephone System.

As approved at the Board of Directors Meeting on date: 6/2/2020 Board of Directors Resolution Number: 2020-06- Posted By: Posted date: Signature:

T:\BOARDCLK\BOARD MATERIAL\2020\10 - June 2, 2020\S DRIVE\C-1-f PSAFETY ATT Budget Change Form 46 Page Left Blank Intentionally

47 AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, June 2, 2020

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

g. Authorization to Accept Cal Trans Mitigation Funding for the East Island Shorebird Sanctuary Project at Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline (Hornbeck/Graul/Auker)

RECOMMENDATION

The General Manager recommends that the Board of Directors authorize an application for funds from Cal Trans for the East Island Shorebird Sanctuary Project at Martin Luther King Jr Regional Shoreline.

REVENUE/COST

This action proposes acceptance of approximately $775,000 for the Shorebird Sanctuary at Martin Luther King Jr. Shoreline.

BACKGROUND

Cal Trans is required to create or enhance shorebird roosting habitat as a mitigation requirement of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge Seismic Safety Projects. The Shorebird Sanctuary project could fulfill this requirement.

The project will create nesting habitat for the federally threatened Western Snowy Plover. The project will remove weeks and move bulk sand and oyster shells in order to create ideal courtship conditions for breeding plovers, avocets, stilts and other shorebirds. The tidal marshes of Martin Luther King Jr Regional Shoreline, in Oakland, are very productive feeding and resting places for thousands of migratory shorebirds, waterfowl, grebes and terns.

These wetlands and associated islands are important stopover sites for the migratory marvels that travel the Pacific Flyway and are recognized as part of the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network.

48 The cost of protecting and enhancing nesting habitat estimated to cost between $500,000- $775,000. As part of the request for funding, District Staff and Caltrans will develop cost estimates to determine the final funding amount.

ALTERNATIVES

No alternatives are recommended.

49 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO.: 2020 – 06 -

JUNE 2, 2020

AUTHORIZATION TO ACCEPT CAL TRANS MITIGATION FUNDING FOR THE EAST ISLAND SHOREBIRD SANCTUARY PROJECT AT MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. REGIONAL SHORELINE

WHEREAS, the East Bay Regional Park District is seeking funding for the East Island Shorebird Sanctuary Project at Martin Luther King Junior Regional Shoreline; and

WHEREAS, Cal Trans is required to provide shorebird roosting habitat as a mitigation requirement; and

WHEREAS, the Shorebird Sanctuary project could fulfill this mitigation requirement; and

WHEREAS, District procedures require Board Approval for all funding applications; and

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 Cal Trans up to the maximum amount allowed under the program; and

2. Authorizes and directs the General Manager or Assistant General Manager of Finance and Management Services/CFO, on behalf of the 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

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, including interest.

Moved by Director , seconded by Director , and approved this 2nd day of June, 2020, by the following vote:

FOR: AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:

1 50 ACQUISITION STEWARDSHIP DEVELOPMENT AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, June 2, 2020

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

2. ACQUISITION, STEWARDSHIP & DEVELOPMENT DIVISION

a. Adoption of Land Use Plan, and Certification of Environmental Impact Report; Adoption of the Associated Mitigation, Monitoring, and Reporting Program, and Adoption of the CEQA Findings Report: Concord Hills Regional Park (Holt/Kelchner)

RECOMMENDATION

The General Manager recommends that the Board of Directors:

1. Authorize the certification of the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Concord Hills Regional Park Land Use Plan (LUP); adopt the associated Mitigation, Monitoring and Reporting Program, and adopt the CEQA Findings report; and

2. Authorize the adoption of the Concord Hills Regional Park Land Use Plan.

REVENUE/COST

There are minor filing fees associated with filing the EIR. There are no other direct costs related to the proposed actions. Funding for future implementation of the LUP recommendations will be considered through the regular Park District budget procedures, grant opportunities, and other project financing strategies.

BACKGROUND

Native American groups lived in the East Bay for thousands of years. The Chupcan, a sub-group of the people now known as Bay , lived the lower , including the project area and what are now the sites of the cities of Concord and Walnut Creek. The large land grants known as Rancho Los Medanos (8,860 acres) and (17,920 acres covering most of present-day Concord and the project area) were given by the Mexican government in the 1830s and encompassed mountains, plains, and coastal areas between the current communities of Walnut Creek and Concord to Antioch and Pittsburg. The ranchos were primarily used as cattle operations, many of which relied on laborers. The of 1848 transformed the state and cattle ranching, orchards, and sheep grazing dominated use of the landscape until discovery of on the slopes of led to an

51 influx of population as took hold. The mining boom reportedly ended in the 1880s and agricultural use of much of the project area resumed its prominence with establishment of new dairy farms, walnut orchards, and grain fields.

Following the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941, the United States Navy, (Navy) established the former Naval Magazine Port Chicago, as a subordinate facility to the nearby Mare Island depot. The facility originally served as a transfer depot where sailors worked 24 hours a day to unload ammunition from train cars onto ships destined for the Pacific Theatre during World War II.

Subsequent to a deadly explosion of ammunitions being loaded at Port Chicago on July 17, 1944, the Navy acquired an additional 6,300 acres of inland property for development of revetments and magazines and became the principal ammunition loading port and storage point for ammunition and explosives on the Pacific Coast. The base was re-designated as the U.S. Naval Weapons Station Concord, or Concord Naval Weapons Station (CNWS) in 1963 and continued to operate through the Vietnam, Korean, and Cold War era conflicts.

The inland area of the CNWS was deactivated in 1997 due to changes in military operations at which time Congressman George Miller facilitated a joint use study to identify potential uses for the area not in operation by the Navy. A list of potential joint use concepts was developed by the East Bay Regional Park District (Park District), Contra Costa County, and the City of Concord that focused on recreation and open space use of the property. The report was presented to the U.S. Navy in 2000, but implementation of the recommendation was stalled following the heightened security concerns related to the events of September 11, 2001.

The Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Commission recommended closure of the 5,028- acre inland area of the CNWS in November of 2005.

Since that time, the Park District has worked closely with the (NPS), the City of Concord, the Navy and various state and federal regulatory agencies in planning for reuse of the inland portion of the CNWS. The Park District’s efforts have also included participation as a member of the Concord Community Reuse Project Technical Advisory Group and Community Advisory Council.

Details of the various plans, approvals, and agreements that have been put in place since the formal closure of the CNWS are provided below.

CONCORD COMMUNITY REUSE PROJECT REUSE PLAN

Following closure of the inland area of the CNWS, the Concord City Council was appointed as the Local Reuse Authority (LRA) authorized with developing a Reuse Plan that would guide the disposition and development of the former CNWS. Pursuant to federal base closure law, the City of Concord solicited interest from local agencies and homeless service providers regarding interest in the property and uses that should be considered in the development of the Reuse Plan.

The Park District submitted a Letter of Interest to the City of Concord, serving as the LRA, on

52 September 26, 2007 expressing interest in a Public Benefit Conveyance (PBC) of a significant portion of the former CNWS and an interest in working closely with the City of Concord to identify the appropriate areas that should be reserved for open space preservation and passive recreation.

The City of Concord adopted the Concord Community Reuse Plan and Environmental Impact Report in 2010. The City adopted the “Clustered Villages” alternative that sought to maximize open space protection while balancing development and resource conservation. The “Clustered Villages” concept largely preserved the eastern portion of the property for parks and open space, while designating the western portion of the property for development of approximately 12,000 homes, 6 million square feet of commercial development, and various other uses including over 700 acres of community and neighborhood parks. The Reuse Plan designated 2,387 acres as “open space” to be conveyed to the Park District through a PBC for the purposes of establishing a new regional park consistent with the Park District’s letter of interest issued in 2007.

The Reuse Plan became the basis for federal environmental review and analysis under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to evaluate the disposition and redevelopment of federal property and analysis under federal resource protection and environmental remediation policies.

CONCORD COMMUNITY REUSE PROJECT AREA PLAN

In 2012, the Concord City Council (City Council), sitting as the LRA, approved the Concord Community Reuse Project Area Plan. The LRA then developed the Area Plan to incorporate the Reuse Plan into the City’s General Plan, converting the goals and concepts developed in the Reuse Plan into a set of policies and standards for local land use, transportation, environmental protection, affordable housing, etc. that would become a part of the City’s General Plan for the area of the former CNWS.

The Area Plan reaffirmed the prior City Council’s direction on the Reuse Plan and designated up to 2,537 acres of the former CNWS as conservation open space for the purposes of establishing a new regional park to be conveyed to the Park District through a PBC.

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE – FEDERAL LANDS TO PARKS PROGRAM

On September 3, 2013, the Board of Directors authorized the Park District (Resolution 2013-9- 198) to submit an application to the NPS for a PBC through the Federal Lands to Parks Program. The Park District requested approximately 2,540 acres of the surplus property through a PBC for public park and recreational use, by application to the NPS dated September 26, 2013.

On May 8, 2014, the NPS approved the Park District’s application for a PBC and submitted a “Request for Assignment” to the U.S. Navy for up to 2,540 acres for the purposes of public park and recreation purposes and granting a public benefit allowance of 100 percent of fair market value of the property. The PBC is to be developed and used in accordance with the Program of Utilization for which the Park District’s draft Land Use Plan, described below, is the basis.

53 NATIONAL HISTORIC PRESERVATION ACT (SECTION 106)

On April 10, 2017, Section 106 of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Navy, the California State Historic Preservation Office, the City of Concord (City), and Park District was executed, in accordance with the provisions of the National Historic Preservation Act, which sets forth in full all obligations of the signatories under the National Historic Preservation Act and implementing regulations.

The Navy identified two historic properties (both prehistoric archaeological sites) in the inland area of the CNWS; one of these resources is located within the PBC area. As outlined in the MOA, the Park District will protect and preserve the resource within a Resource Conservation Area as identified in the preferred alternative of the LUP.

FEDERAL ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT (SECTION 7)

On May 30, 2017, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service issued a Biological Opinion (BO) pursuant to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act for the transfer and redevelopment of the former CNWS, including the Park District’s future Concord Hills Regional Park. The BO designates the majority of the undeveloped area of the PBC as a conservation area and identifies conservation measures to be implemented by both the City and the Park District for the protection and preservation of three federally listed species on the PBC area as mitigation for impacts associated with development of the EDC portion of the property.

The BO also identifies what recreational activities can occur and where recreational facilities can be sited. The BO, and its associated Long-Term Management Plan, were developed in close consultation with the City and in conjunction with the preferred alternative for the aforementioned Concord Hills Regional Park Land Use Plan and is consistent with the future park plans. The Park District continues to work with the City of Concord regarding funding agreements necessary for the City to establish endowments necessary to ensure the long-term management of the conservation area.

COMPREHENSIVE ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSE, COMPENSATION, AND LIABILITY ACT

On August 30, 2017, pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), the Navy issued a Phase 1 Finding of Suitability to Transfer (FOST) for 2,216 acres of the PBC area determining that this area is environmentally suitable for assignment to NPS for deed transfer to the Park District.

The FOST identified the need for Land Use Controls in two areas of magazines, Groups 3 and 5. The Land Use Controls states that no residential uses can be established in these areas. Since these areas would be parklands and no residential use is proposed or contemplated, these Land Use Controls would be consistent with the Park District’s preferred alternative LUP.

An additional 327.82 acres will continue to be under the ownership of the Navy until it is determined to be environmentally suitable for assignment by subsequent FOST(s). The Park

54 District and the Navy entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), described below, that provides for the Park District’s management of the areas retained by the Navy and future conveyance to the Park District once deemed suitable for transfer.

NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT

On September 29, 2017, the Navy issued a Record of Decision (ROD) in the Federal Register recording its compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and completing its Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The EIS evaluated the disposal and reuse of the former CNWS, including the planned Concord Hills Regional Park, consistent with the Park District’s draft LUP.

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING

On September 4, 2018, the Board of Directors authorized the Park District (Resolution 2018- 09-222) to enter into a MOU with the Navy and NPS to formally establish the cooperation and coordination necessary between the Park District and the federal agencies in obtaining the approvals necessary to complete the transfer of property and to ensure implementation of the obligations established through the aforementioned BO and Section 106 MOA.

RECIPROCAL EASEMENT AGREEMENT

On May 21, 2019, the Board of Directors authorized the Park District (Resolution 2019-05-099) to enter a Reciprocal Easement Agreement (REA) with the Navy and City of Concord for purposes of ingress, egress, general access, infrastructure development, and utility service.

The agencies identified the need to establish a general agreement providing for access, utility coordination, and infrastructure development; however, the details and exact locations of necessary easements have not yet been defined. Establishment of a general reciprocal easement agreement prior to assignment the PBC property will facilitate establishment of more specific easement agreements as additional design and project details are developed.

ASSIGNMENT OF PHASE I PROPERTY TO NPS

On June 12, 2019, the Navy issued a letter formally assigning the Phase 1 PBC property to the NPS. The Phase I assignment consists of the 2,216 acres found suitable for transfer through the Phase I FOST. An additional 327.82 acres will be assigned in future phases once deemed suitable for transfer. The Phase I assignment acknowledges the Navy agrees with the transfer of the property through a 100% public benefit conveyance through the Federal Lands to Parks Program recognizing the highest and best use of the property for park and recreation purposes.

TRANSFER OF PHASE 1 PROPERTY TO PARK DISTRICT

With the assignment of the Phase 1 property to the NPS and completion of the MOU providing for the Park District’s management of the Navy retained parcels, and with the Board’s action on July 2, 2019 (Board Resolution 2019-07-176), the Park District now has constructive possession

55 and management of the PBC area allowing the Park District to commence land management activities in advance of transfer to the Park District of the grant deed (Exhibit 1). The Park District will continue to work with the NPS to complete the legal descriptions, deed language, and other real estate items necessary for the NPS to formally transfer fee title to the Park District.

CONCORD HILLS LAND USE PLAN

On December 16, 2014, the Board of Directors authorized the Park District (Resolution 2014- 12-322) to initiate the development of a Land Use Plan (LUP) and Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the future Concord Hills Regional Park. Staff has developed the LUP in coordination with the Navy’s disposal and reuse process and the various regulatory agreements described below. “Concord Hills Regional Park” has been the working name for the park since 2013; a formal naming process is underway, and the Board Executive Committee, the Park Advisory Committee and the full Board of Directors will take up a new park name in June and July, 2020.

The LUP (Exhibit 2) has been developed with extensive community input through multiple public meetings, presentations to the Concord Reuse Project Community Advisory Committee, and input from a project stakeholder group made of City of Concord residents and representatives from numerous interested organizations. Additionally, staff has provided the Park District Board of Directors, Park Advisory Committee, and Executive Committee regular updates at key points of development of the LUP.

The LUP includes an extensive trail network, picnic facilities, backcountry and group camping sites, environmental and historic interpretation, and a potential visitors center highlighting the history of the Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial and Diablo Valley history. Additionally, the plan incorporates conditions of the National Historic Preservation Act and Endangered Species Act, described below, for the Concord Reuse Project, including designating a substantial portion of the PBC area as a conservation area for mitigation purposes for the Concord Reuse Project.

The LUP and associated environmental review was released to the public on October 19, 2019, and final versions were released on May 1, 2020.

Land Use Plan Summary The vision for the Regional Park is supported by five goals. These goals guided the development of the Land Use Plan, and will guide the ongoing development, implementation, and management of the Regional Park:

• Biological Resources: Develop and manage the Regional Park for the protection, enhancement, and restoration of natural resources and reduced risk of wildfire. • Cultural and Historic Resources: Develop and manage the Regional Park to benefit the overall landscape character of the parklands and specific cultural and historic resources. • Circulation and Trails: Develop and manage the Regional Park to complete gaps in regional trails networks, provide a range of recreational trails throughout the Regional Park, and facilitate and encourage multi-modal access to the site (e.g. bike, pedestrian, vehicular, public transit).

56 • Recreation and Education Facilities: Develop and manage recreational and educational facilities that offer a range of opportunities to experience the unique natural, cultural, social, and military history of the CNWS and the Central Contra Costa County region. • Interpretive Facilities: Establish a historical interpretation program and visitor center in partnership with the National Park Service, with support from and in collaboration with the Friends of Port Chicago and others, to honor the veterans who served at the CNWS, to convey the significance of the events at Port Chicago, and to provide displays on the history of Concord and the Diablo Valley region, and to allow convenient public access to the National Park Service’s Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial.

The purpose of the LUP is to guide the development and management of the Regional Park over a period of at least fifty years, with consideration to the site’s natural and cultural resources, recreational and educational opportunities, and relationship to the Concord Reuse Project. The following summarizes key recommendations of the LUP:

• Parkland planning units: Within the expansive 2,543-acre Regional Park, the footprint of recreational uses will be limited to 86 acres (three percent of the total area). Natural Units will constitute approximately 95 percent of the Regional Park, including Special Protection Features on 620 acres, which will be areas where public access will be restricted. • Biological resources program: The Park District will provide biological resource protection, limitation of public access in certain areas with protected species, and create habitat improvements by removing railroad tracks and former military buildings and structures. • Magazine reuse: On the Park District property are approximately 75 former weapons magazines. These spaces can be repurposed for other uses, such as picnic sites or locations for arts and cultural expression or habitat enhancement. These magazines offer the Park District a unique opportunity for interpretation and education. • Visitor Center Complex: The Complex will be the heart of the park, a retrofit of Building IA-24, previously used by the Navy as a machine shop. In partnership with NPS, the Complex will provide a central information hub for the public to learn about the Park and the history of the land, including histories of native peoples, Diablo Valley, the military and the events at Port Chicago. • Pedestrian/bicycle and equestrian access: the LUP includes trail connections between Concord Hills Regional Park and four neighboring regional trails. • Trails: The Regional Park will provide a variety of trail experiences for park users. There will be over 22 miles of trails within the Regional Park, as well as over five miles of maintenance roads and former rail lines that will be open for recreational use. • Camping and Picnic sites: The Regional Park will include one large reservable group campsite and one reservable backcountry campsite. There will be five (5) group picnic sites and 13 small picnic areas. • The Diablo Center: A new facility will provide an opportunity for special events away from the central activity areas of the Regional Park. • Community Orchard: Will be located surrounding the remnants of the historic Navy homestead and orchard south of Bailey Road.

57 CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT

The Park District issued a Notice of Preparation (NOP) on June 23, 2017 for the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) to the Concord Hills LUP. The Park District held a scoping meeting to hear public comment on June 29, 2017, at the Concord Senior Center. The draft Concord Hills Land Use Plan and Draft EIR was released on October 18, 2019 (Exhibit 3). The Park District held three opportunities for the public to comment on the LUP and EIR: a community meeting at the future park, on October 26, 2019; a Park Advisory Committee meeting on November 25, 2019; a Board Executive Committee meeting on December 5. 2019. Comments were also received in writing. Seven comments were received during the comment period, and responses to comments were included in the Final EIR, published May 1, 2020. The Draft EIR found no significant impacts that could not be mitigated to a less than significant level.

Prior to approving the LUP, the Board of Directors is requested to authorize three actions relating to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA): certification of the EIR, adoption of the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP), and adopting of the Findings Report (Exhibit 4).

ALTERNATIVES

No alternatives are recommended.

ATTACHMENTS

• Exhibit 1: Location Map • Exhibit 2: Land Use Plan (May 1, 2020)—available on project website, https://www.ebparks.org/about/planning/cnws.htm • Exhibit 3: Executive Summary of Draft EIR –available on project website, https://www.ebparks.org/about/planning/cnws.htm • Exhibit 4: Mitigation, Monitoring and Reporting Plan and CEQA Findings – available on project website, https://www.ebparks.org/about/planning/cnws.htm

58 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO.: 2020 – 06 –

June 2, 2020

AUTHORIZE THE CERTIFICATION OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT FOR THE CONCORD HILLS REGIONAL PARK LAND USE PLAN; ADOPTION OF THE ASSOCIATED MITIGATION, MONITORING, AND REPORTING PROGRAM; AND ADOPTION OF THE CEQA FINDINGS REPORT: CONCORD HILLS REGIONAL PARK

WHEREAS, a Land Use Plan (LUP) for the future regional park at a portion of the former Concord Naval Weapons Station has been prepared for the purposes of: developing and managing the regional park for the protection, enhancement, and restoration of natural resources and reduced risk of wildfire; protecting and interpreting cultural and historic resources; completing gaps in regional trails networks and providing a range of recreational trails; developing and managing recreational, interpretive and educational facilities to experience the unique natural, cultural, social and military history of the parklands; and

WHEREAS, the East Bay Regional Park District issued a Notice of Preparation (NOP) on June 23, 2017 for the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) to the Concord Hills LUP; and

WHEREAS, The Park District held a scoping meeting to hear public comment on the NOP on June 29, 2017, at the Concord Senior Center; and

WHEREAS, a Draft EIR was prepared that provides an evaluation of the potential for the proposed project to result in significant environmental impacts, recommends mitigation measures to address those potential impacts, and concludes that with mitigation measures included in the Mitigation, Monitoring, and Reporting Program (MMRP), these potential impacts would be reduced to a less than significant level; and

WHEREAS, on October 18, 2019, the Park District issued a Notice of Availability to the California Governor’s Office of Planning and Research, and issued a Notice of Availability of the Draft EIR for the project on October 18, 2019 to responsible and trustee agencies and the public, initiating the public review period; and

WHEREAS, the Park District held three opportunities for the public to comment on the LUP and EIR: a community meeting at the future park, on October 26, 2019; a Park Advisory Committee meeting on November 25, 2019; a Board Executive Committee meeting on December 5. 2019; and

WHEREAS, during the public review period, the Park District received seven comments, but no individual or agency provided substantial evidence that a significant adverse environmental impact would occur if the project were adopted, or evidence that required substantial changes or alterations to the project, the impact analysis; and

59 WHEREAS, the Final EIR was released on May 1, 2020, consisting of the Draft EIR, Comments, and Response to Comments on the Draft EIR, and has been completed in compliance with CEQA; and

WHEREAS, feasible alternatives to the proposed project have been analyzed and the EIR concludes that the project is the environmentally superior alternative; and

WHEREAS, the MMRP consists of mitigation measures recommended in the EIR for the project and mitigation and monitoring requirements, and has been completed in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA); and

WHEREAS, the MMRP and the Findings Report were presented to the Park District's Board of Directors on June 2, 2020, who reviewed and considered the information contained in these CEQA components prior to considering approval of the project; and

WHEREAS, the East Bay Regional Park District is the custodian of the documents and other material which constitute the record of the proceedings upon which its decision is made at its administrative office, located at 2950 Peralta Oaks Court, Oakland, California, 94605;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby certifies that the Environmental Impact Report for the Concord Hills Regional Park Land Use Plan has been prepared in compliance with CEQA, reflects the Park District's independent judgment and analysis, and was presented to the Board of Directors which reviewed and considered the information in the Final EIR, and:

BE IT FUTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors hereby certifies that the Environmental Impact Report has been prepared in compliance with CEQA; and

BE IT FUTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors adopts the Mitigation, Monitoring, and Reporting Program; and

BE IT FUTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors adopts the Findings Report; 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 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 2nd day of June 2020, by the following vote:

FOR:

AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:

60 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO.: 2020 – 06 -

June 2, 2020

AUTHORIZE ADOPTION OF LAND USE PLAN: CONCORD HILLS REGIONAL PARK

WHEREAS, the United States Department of the Navy (Navy) deactivated the inland area of the Concord Naval Weapons Station (CNWS) in 1997; and

WHEREAS, in 1999, Congressman George Miller initiated a Joint Use Study with participation from Contra Costa County, the City of Concord, and the East Bay Regional Park District (Park District) to identify joint use of the property where the concepts developed focused on park and open space use of the property and were presented to the Navy, but never implemented due to security concerns in the wake of the events of September 11, 2001; and

WHEREAS, the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Commission recommended closure of the CNWS in 2005; and

WHEREAS, on March 6, 2007, the Navy declared approximately 5,028 acres of property at the former CNWS to be surplus to the needs of the federal government; and

WHEREAS, on September 26, 2007, the Board of Directors authorized the East Bay Regional Park District to submit a Letter of Interest to the City of Concord, as the Local Reuse Authority, expressing interest in a Public Benefit Conveyance of a portion of the former CNWS; and

WHEREAS, the City of Concord adopted the Concord Community Reuse Project in 2010 that designated 2,387 acres as “open space” for the establishment of a new regional park to be conveyed to the Park District through a Public Benefit Conveyance (PBC) through the Federal Lands to Parks Program; and

WHEREAS, the City of Concord adopted the Concord Community Reuse Project Area Plan in 2012 that incorporates the Reuse Project into the City’s General Plan and designated 2,537 acres as conservation open space to be conveyed to the Park District for a new regional park; and

WHEREAS, on September 3, 2013, the Board of Directors authorized the Park District to submit an application to the National Park Service (NPS) for 2,540 acres of the surplus property for public park and recreational use through a PBC authorized (Board Resolution 2013- 9-198); and

61 WHEREAS, on December 14, 2014, the Board of Directors authorized the Park District to initiate the development of a Land Use Plan (LUP) and Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the future Concord Hills Regional Park (Board Resolution 2014-12-322); and

WHEREAS, on April 10, 2017, a Section 106 Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Navy, the California State Historic Preservation Officer, the City of Concord, and Park District was executed, in accordance with the provisions of the National Historic Preservation Act, including provisions for protection of one identified archaeologic site within the PBC area; and

WHEREAS, on May 30, 2017, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service issued a Biological Opinion (BO) pursuant to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act for the transfer and redevelopment of the former CNWS, including the Park District’s future Concord Hills Regional Park; and

WHEREAS, on July 28, 2017, issued a Finding of Suitability to Transfer (“FOST”) where the Navy determined that 2,216 acres of the PBC area is environmentally suitable for assignment to NPS for deed transfer to the Park District; and

WHEREAS, approximately 327.82 acres of the PBC area will continue to be under the ownership of the Navy until it is determined to be environmentally suitable for assignment by subsequent FOST(s); and

WHEREAS, on September 29, 2017, issued a Record of Decision (ROD) in the Federal Register recording its compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and completing its Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), which evaluated the disposal and reuse of the CNWS including the future Concord Hills Regional Park; and

WHEREAS, on September 4, 2018, the Board of Directors authorized the Park District to enter into a MOU with the Navy and National Park Service to formally establish the cooperation and coordination necessary between the Park District and the federal agencies in obtaining the approvals necessary to complete the transfer of property and to ensure implementation of the obligations established through the aforementioned BO and Section 106 MOA (Board Resolution 2018-09-222); and

WHEREAS, on May 21, 2019, the Board of Directors authorized the Park District to enter a Reciprocal Easement Agreement (REA) with the U.S. Navy and City of Concord for purposes of ingress, egress, general access, infrastructure development, and utility service (Board Resolution 2019-05-099); and

WHEREAS, on June 12, 2019, the Navy issued a letter formally assigning the Phase 1 PBC property to the National Park Service. The Phase I assignment consists of the 2,216 acres found suitable for transfer through the Phase I FOST; and

WHEREAS, on July 2, 2019, the Board of Directors authorized the Park District to accept the Phase I Public Benefit Conveyance of 2,216.02 acres through a no cost Public Benefit

62 Conveyance through the National Park Service Federal Lands to Parks program (Board Resolution 2019-07-176); and

WHEREAS, the Land Use Plan proposes developing and managing the regional park for the protection, enhancement, and restoration of natural resources and reduced risk of wildfire; proposes to develop and manage the park to protect and interpret cultural and historic resources; to complete gaps in regional trails networks; and to provide a range of recreational trails throughout the regional park; and to develop and manage recreational, interpretive and educational facilities to experience the unique natural, cultural, social and military history of the parklands; and

WHEREAS, on May 7, 2020, the Board Executive Committee reviewed the LUP and EIR and recommended its consideration by the full Board of Directors; and

WHEREAS, on May 18, 2020, the Park District’s Park Advisory Committee reviewed the LUP and the EIR and recommended its consideration by the full Board of Directors; and

WHEREAS, on June 2, 2020, the Final EIR was presented to the Park District's Board of Directors who reviewed and considered the information provided in the EIR; and

WHEREAS, on June 2, 2020, the Park District's Board of Directors certified that the EIR for the project was prepared in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and adopted the accompanying Mitigation, Monitoring and Reporting Plan for the EIR and the CEQA Findings Report; and

WHEREAS, the East Bay Regional Park District is the custodian of the documents and other material which constitute the record of the proceedings upon which its decision is made at its administrative office, located at 2950 Peralta Oaks Court, Oakland, California, 94605;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby approves adoption of the Land Use Plan for the Concord Hills Regional Park, with the following recognition:

1. That the Park District Board of Directors will select a name for the new regional park in a separate resolution; 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 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 2nd day of June 2020, by the following vote:

FOR:

AGAINST:

63 ABSTAIN: ABSENT:

64 Exhibit 1 Board of Directors - June 2, 2020 East Bay Feet Regional Park District Concord Hills Regional Park [ 0 2,000 4,000

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CLAYTON RANCH DEER VALLEY DIABLO M FOOTHILLS ars h C reek Rd O:\GIS\CMcKaskey\Projects_2019\ASD\Planning\CD_AcceptProperty\CD_AcceptProp.mxd Date: 4/21/2020 O:\GIS\CMcKaskey\Projects_2019\ASD\Planning\CD_AcceptProperty\CD_AcceptProp.mxdDate: 65 FINANCE AND MANAGEMENT SERVICES

AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, June 2, 2020

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

3. FINANCE AND MANAGEMENT SERVICES DIVISION

a. PUBLIC HEARING

Approval of Engineer's Report for Fiscal Year 2020/2021, Adopt Resolution Confirming Diagram and Assessment, Order Maintenance, Improvements and Levy Annual Assessment for Alameda County/Contra Costa County Regional Trails Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District No. 1, including ZB-1 (Five Canyons), ZB-2 (Dublin Hills), ZB-3 (Walpert Ridge), ZB-4 (San Ramon Hills), ZB-5 (Stone Valley), and ZB-6 (Sibley Volcanic); (Spaulding/Auker)

RECOMMENDATION

The General Manager recommends that the Board of Directors:

1. Receive public comments regarding the Draft Engineer's Report for operation of the Alameda County/Contra Costa County Regional Trails Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District No. 1 (ACC-1), including ZB-1 (Five Canyons), ZB-2 (Dublin Hills), ZB-3 (Walpert Ridge), ZB-4 (San Ramon Hills), ZB-5 (Stone Valley) and ZB-6 (Sibley Volcanic) for Fiscal Year 2020/2021; and

2. Approve the ACC-1 Engineer's Report for Fiscal Year 2020/2021; and

3. Adopt a resolution confirming the diagram and assessment as set forth in the Engineer’s Report for Fiscal Year 2020/2021 (available for review through the Clerk of the Board); and

4. Order the maintenance and improvements and levy the assessment as set forth in the Engineer's Report for Fiscal Year 2020/2021; and

5. Adopt a resolution overruling protests.

66 REVENUE/COST

Assessment revenues totaling $4,629,033 are expected to be raised from the Two County LLD and the Zones of Benefit proceeding. These revenues are anticipated in the 2020 and 2021 District budgets and are restricted to fund regional trail maintenance and improvements as specified in the attached draft Engineer’s Report. The 2020 Adopted Budget appropriations in these funds total $4,912,530, which includes the use of accumulated fund balance.

BACKGROUND

The regional trails system in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties enjoys widespread popularity and support. It was determined that the formation of a special assessment district would provide an equitable funding source to finance the cost of the regional trails within the Two County LLD by the property owners within the Two County LLD boundaries. As a result, the Alameda County/Contra Costa County Regional Trails Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District No. 1 (ACC-1) was established by District on June 1, 1993, and began operation on July 1, 1993. The assessment was established for all qualifying parcels at an annual rate of $5.44 per parcel. In 1995, multi-unit parcels were added to the assessment at $2.72 per unit.

Because this Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District was formed prior to the passage of Proposition 218, it is considered a “grandfathered assessment”. In conformance with the requirements of Proposition 218, the electorate of Alameda and Contra Costa Counties approved the continuation of this assessment in November 1996 by a 78.5% vote in favor.

The proposed program for FY 2020/2021 is described in the Draft Engineer's Report submitted with this Board Report as Attachment A, and is consistent with the District's Master Plan. The assessment, as recommended for individual parcels for FY 2020/2021, remains unchanged at the $5.44 per parcel rate. Multi-family parcels of two units per parcel or greater will continue to be assessed at the rate of $2.72 per unit.

The Draft Engineer’s Report contains six zones of benefit. The proposed assessment rates are adjusted for inflation as provided for in the proceedings when the zones were formed. Assessment rates vary from zone to zone depending upon the scope of work to be performed and the number of dwelling units. The zones of benefit and their corresponding assessment rates are as follows: • Five Canyons Zone of Benefit (ZB-1), in Castro Valley, was established in 1994 and currently includes 1,089 units, which are assessed $50.42 each.

• Dublin Hills Zone of Benefit (ZB-2), in the City of Dublin, was established in 1996 and currently includes 662 units, which are assessed $36.48 each.

• Walpert Ridge Zone of Benefit (ZB-3), in the City of Hayward, was established in 1998 and currently includes 671 units, which are assessed $162.72 each.

• San Ramon Hills Zone of Benefit (ZB-4), in the City of San Ramon, was established in 1999 and currently includes 140 units, which are assessed $45.62 each.

67 • Stone Valley Zone of Benefit (ZB-5), near Las Trampas Regional Wilderness Area, was established in 2006 and currently includes 39 units, which are assessed $189.82 each.

• Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve Zone of Benefit (ZB-6), near the City of Orinda, was established in 2007 and currently includes 245 units, which are assessed $112.92 each

Fuels management activity is an eligible use of funds from the Two County LLD and Zone of Benefit, although specific projects have not been identified in the current year’s Engineers Report. Available fund balance may be allocated to healthy forest management projects at a future date.

The General Manager recommends that the Board approve the Engineer’s Report. By taking the recommended action, the District will make it possible for the ACC-1, including ZB-1, ZB-2, ZB- 3, ZB-4, ZB-5 and ZB-6 to continue the trails and zone of benefit work programs in the 2020 and 2021 District budget years.

At this Board meeting, on June 2, 2020, the Board will receive public comments and thereafter determine whether to approve the Engineer’s Report (Work Program, Budget and Rate of Assessment). This public hearing has been noticed and will be held in accordance with Governor Newsome’s Executive Order allowing public meetings to be held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A second resolution is a requirement of State law that the Board must adopt a resolution overruling any protest to the assessment if any should be received.

ALTERNATIVES

None are recommended.

Attachment A: FY 2020/2021 Engineer’s Report for ACC-1

68 Page Left Blank Intentionally

69 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO.: 2020 – 06 -

June 2, 2020

APPROVAL OF ENGINEER'S REPORT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020/2021, ADOPT RESOLUTION CONFIRMING DIAGRAM AND ASSESSMENT, ORDER MAINTENANCE, IMPROVEMENTS AND LEVY ANNUAL ASSESSMENT FOR ALAMEDA COUNTY/CONTRA COSTA COUNTY REGIONAL TRAILS LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 1 INCLUDING ZB-1 (FIVE CANYONS), ZB-2 (DUBLIN HILLS), ZB-3 (WALPERT RIDGE), ZB-4 (SAN RAMON HILLS), ZB-5 (STONE VALLEY), AND ZB-6 (SIBLEY VOLCANIC)

WHEREAS, in November 1996, consistent with the provisions of Proposition 218, the continuation of the assessment rate and services provided by A/CC-1 was placed on the ballot as Measure KK and this ballot measure was approved (78.5% in favor) by the electorate of Alameda and Contra Costa counties; and

WHEREAS, on May 5, 2020, the Board of Directors approved the resolution initiating proceedings and directed NBS, the Engineer, to prepare and file an Engineer’s Report for Fiscal Year 2020/2021; and

WHEREAS, on May 19, 2020, the Board of Directors granted preliminary approval to the Draft ACC-1 Engineer’s Report for Fiscal Year 2020/2021, adopted a Resolution of Intention to Order Improvements within ACC-1 for Fiscal Year 2020/2021, and set a public hearing to be held on June 2, 2020 at 1pm, via teleconference pursuant to Governor Newsom’s Executive Order No. N-29-20 and the Alameda County Health Officer’s Shelter in Place Orders, effective March 31, 2020 and May 4, 2020, which can be observed from the Park District’s Clerk of the Board YouTube Channel and additional information will be available https://www.ebparks.org/about/meetings/default.htm. Notice of the hearing was given in the time and manner required by law; and

WHEREAS, at the public hearing the Board of Directors afforded to interested persons an opportunity to protest to the annual report either in writing or in person, and the Board of Directors has considered the protests.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby approves the FY 2020/2021 Engineer's Report for Alameda County/Contra Costa County Regional Trails Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District No. 1, including ZB-1 (Five Canyons), ZB-2 (Dublin Hills), ZB-3 (Walpert Ridge), ZB-4 (San Ramon Hills), ZB-5 (Stone Valley), and ZB-6 (Sibley Volcanic), approves the diagram and assessment, orders the maintenance and operation of the Regional Trails Assessment District, and hereby levies the assessment, all as set forth in the Engineer's Report for Fiscal Year 2020/2021; and

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

70 such documents and to do such acts as may be deemed necessary and appropriate to accomplish the intentions of this resolution.

Moved by Director , seconded by Director , and adopted this 2nd day of June, 2020 by the following vote:

FOR:

AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:

71 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO. 2020-06-

June 2, 2020

RESOLUTION OVERRULING PROTESTS (Pursuant to the Landscaping & Lighting Act of 1972)

WHEREAS, on June 2, 2020, the Board of Directors opened a public hearing on the approval of the Engineer's Report on the proposed maintenance and operation of the Alameda County/Contra Costa County Regional Trails Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District No. 1, including ZB-1 (Five Canyons), ZB-2 (Dublin Hills), ZB-3 (Walpert Ridge), ZB-4 (San Ramon Hills), ZB-5 (Stone Valley), and ZB-6 (Sibley Volcanic); and

WHEREAS, at or before the time set for hearing, certain interested persons made protest, or objections to the proposed maintenance and operation, the extent of the assessment district, or the proposed assessment; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors finds that the protest against the proposed maintenance and operation (including all written protests not withdrawn in writing before the conclusion of the protest meeting) is made by the owners of less than one-half (50%) of the area of the land to be assessed.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby overrules each of these protests.

Moved by Director , seconded by Director , and adopted this 2nd day of June, 2020, by the following vote:

FOR:

AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:

72 Page Left Blank Intentionally

73 Engineer’s Report for: Alameda County – Contra Costa County Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District No. 1 (ACC-1)

Fiscal Year 2020/21

Prepared by:

74 TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... 1

PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS ...... 2

Description of the District Boundaries ...... 2

Description of Areas to be Improved ...... 3

Description of Improvements ...... 3

Identification of Benefit ...... 4

ESTIMATE OF COSTS ...... 5

ASSESSMENT DIAGRAM ...... 12

ASSESSMENTS ...... 13

Method of Apportionment ...... 13

Appeals of Assessment Levy to Property ...... 14

Assessment Roll ...... 15

75 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

On May 5, 2020, the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District (the “EBRPD”), State of California, under the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972 (the “Act”), adopted its Resolution Initiating Proceedings for the Annual Levy of Assessments and Ordering the Preparation of an Engineer’s Report for the Alameda County – Contra Costa County Regional Trails Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District No. 1 (the “District”). The Resolution of Initiation directed NBS Government Finance Group, DBA NBS, to prepare and file a report presenting plans and specifications describing the general nature, location, and extent of the improvements to be maintained, an estimate of cost of the maintenance, operations, and servicing of the improvements for the District for the referenced fiscal year, a diagram for the District, showing the area and properties proposed to be assessed, and an assessment of the estimated costs of the maintenance, operations, and servicing the improvements, assessing the net amount upon all assessable lots and/or parcels within the District in proportion to the special benefit received. The following assessment is made to cover the portion of the estimated cost of maintenance, operation and servicing of said improvements to be paid by the assessable real property within the District in proportion to the special benefit received: SUMMARY OF ASSESSMENT Fiscal Year Fiscal Year 2020/21 2020/21 Proposed Maximum Zone Assessment Assessment ACC-1 (General Zone) $4,399,336.16 $4,399,336.16 Five Canyons Zone of Benefit (ZB-1) 54,907.38 54,907.38 Dublin Hills Zone of Benefit (ZB-2) 24,149.76 24,149.76 Walpert Ridge Zone of Benefit (ZB-3) 109,185.12 109,185.12 San Ramon Hills Zone of Benefit (ZB-4) 6,386.80 6,386.80 Stone Valley Zone of Benefit (ZB-5) 7,402.98 7,402.98 Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve Zone of Benefit (ZB-6) 27,665.40 27,665.40 Total $4,629,033.60 $4,629,033.60

The assessment has been levied in accordance with the assessment methodology adopted and approved by the Board at the time of District formation. The District (as well as ZB-1 and ZB-2) was formed prior to the passage of Proposition 218, The Right to Vote on Taxes Act, which was approved by the voters of California on November 6, 1996, and is now Article XIIIC and XIIID of the California Constitution. Although this assessment is consistent with Proposition 218, the California judiciary has generally referred to pre-Proposition 218 assessments as "grandfathered assessments" and held them to a lower standard than post Proposition 218 assessments. As required by Proposition 218, the voters of Alameda and Contra Costa counties approved the continuation of the District in November of 1996 (Measure KK). This measure passed with 78.6% approval.

East Bay Regional Park District Alameda County - Contra Costa County Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District No. 1 (ACC-1) 1 76 PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS

Description of the District Boundaries The District includes all of Alameda County and all of Contra Costa County. Murray Township in eastern Alameda County and Liberty Union High School District in eastern Contra Costa County are exempt. Zones of Benefit 1, 2, and 3 lie within the District and Alameda County and Zones of Benefit 4, 5, and 6 lie within the District and Contra Costa County. The parcels of land, which have been determined to be within the boundaries of the District, are those parcels shown in the assessment roll for the District. Five Canyons Zone of Benefit (ZB-1): This zone was established in 1994 and includes the initial 960 unit residential development and 126 units added in 1996 near the Don Castro Recreation Area in Alameda County. In 2006, an annexation called Highland Estates was completed, adding 25 additional units. There are currently 1,088 assessable parcels in Zone of Benefit No.1. Dublin Hills Zone of Benefit (ZB-2): This zone was established on April 16, 1996 to serve the local trails and regional park needs of these 320 parcels in Alameda County in the City of Dublin. In 2006, an annexation called Schaefer Ranch Estates was completed, adding 302 parcels. There are currently 662 assessable parcels in Zone of Benefit No. 2. Walpert Ridge Zone of Benefit (ZB-3): This zone was established in July 7, 1998 to provide for servicing of regional parkland, habitat maintenance, irrigation, trails, fencing, gates, signs, and associated appurtenant facilities for these 152 parcels, 136 of which are assessable, in the ridge land above the City of Hayward, Alameda County. In 2006, an annexation of the Stonebrae development was completed, adding 570 additional parcels. There are currently 651 assessable parcels in Zone of Benefit No. 3. San Ramon Hills Zone of Benefit (ZB-4): This zone was established on March 2, 1999 to provide for servicing of trails, fencing, gates, signs, and associated appurtenant facilities for these 140 assessable parcels in a subdivision in the western portion of the City of San Ramon, Contra Costa County. Stone Valley Zone of Benefit (ZB-5): The zone was completed in 2006 for trail and regional parkland maintenance, and other improvements for the dedicated regional parkland from the Alamo Crest development off of Stone Valley Road within Alamo. There are 39 assessable parcels in Zone of Benefit No. 5. Sibley Volcanic Regional Preservation Zone of Benefit (ZB-6): The formation of this zone was completed in early 2007 for funding of trail maintenance and other improvements to the dedicated regional parkland adjacent to the Montanera development off of Gateway Boulevard near the City of Orinda in Contra Costa County. There are 245 assessable parcels in Zone of Benefit No. 6.

East Bay Regional Park District Alameda County - Contra Costa County Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District No. 1 (ACC-1) 2 77 Description of Areas to be Improved The acquisitions and improvements to be maintained, improved, and serviced by the assessments include parklands, trails, and related parkland access improvements throughout the District. The District improvements are generally as follows: Current and to be developed, paved and unpaved trails located within the District’s parklands, and regional trails as shown on the District’s current Master Plan map, as amended by the Board of Directors through the date of this report. The following projects will be funded with excess District funds: ACC-1 (General Zone) $50,000 – Install Fencing at McLaughlin Eastshore (completed 2019) $630,000 – Install Vault Toilets, various locations (Castleridge completed 2017) $200,000 – Purchase Hydro Flush Truck (completed 2019) $150,000 – Repair and Maintain Trails using Civicorps Crews (Del Valle, Brushy Peak and Crockett Hills completed 2018, Tilden Nature Area, Anthony Chabot and Huckleberry completed 2019) Five Canyons Zone of Benefit (ZB-1) $97,000 – Purchase Tractor (completed 2019) $15,000 – Purchase Gator (completed 2019) Dublin Hills Zone of Benefit (ZB-2) $97,000 – Purchase Tractor (completed 2019) Walpert Ridge Zone of Benefit (ZB-3) $400,000 – Improve Restrooms, Trials, & Grazing Infrastructure (water main installed 2018, estimated completion 2021) $100,000 – Mieneke septic system improvements (estimated completion 2021) San Ramon Hills Zone of Benefit (ZB-4) $27,300 – Replace Compact Pickup 4WD (completed 2019) Gateway Valley Sibley Zone of Benefit (ZB-6) $55,000 – Restore McCosker Creek (estimated completion 2021)

Description of Improvements The operations, maintenance, and servicing include, but are not limited to: trail maintenance, culvert service and repair, drinking fountains repair, entry structure repair, control, fence repair, fire suppression, inlet, pipeline and outfall service and repair, litter control, mowing, painting, ranger patrol, repaving/crack repair, restroom maintenance, sign maintenance, stair tread repair, tree/shrubbery trim and removal, weed abatement, landscaping, grading and soil preparation. The operations, maintenance, and service include

East Bay Regional Park District Alameda County - Contra Costa County Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District No. 1 (ACC-1) 3 78 personnel, electrical energy, utilities such as water, materials, contractual services, administrative costs, and other items as necessary. Specific resources for the six Zones of Benefit, including operation, maintenance, and service of trails, regional parks, and supporting facilities are included within these improvements. The level of construction, operation, maintenance, and servicing will be consistent with the standards defined in the EBRPD Master Plan. All revenue requirements reflect the funding necessary to achieve an acceptable standard that ensures that facilities used by community residents will be appropriate in terms of aesthetics, environmental, and safety considerations. Any plans for these improvements will be filed with the EBRPD and are incorporated herein by reference.

Identification of Benefit This District provides for maintenance and operation, and related services and expenses, of the EBRPD trail system in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. By definition, all of EBRPD's trails systems are a part of a regional two-county network; therefore, benefits are received equally by all property owners in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. Thus, all areas in the two counties are included in the District. However, because the lands which are included in the Liberty Union High School District (eastern Contra Costa County) and Murray Township (eastern Alameda County) already contribute to regional trails operations by virtue of a separate assessment district or special, separate agreement with EBRPD, these areas are included in the District, but at a zero assessment rate.

East Bay Regional Park District Alameda County - Contra Costa County Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District No. 1 (ACC-1) 4 79 ESTIMATE OF COSTS

The EBPRD receives revenue funding from the District. Revenue from this source will be used for the improvement, maintenance, and servicing of the public facilities within the District. The budget for the General Zone of the District for Fiscal Year 2020/21 is shown in the following table: Description Amount Sources Beginning Fund Balance, January 1, 2020 $2,041,592 Total Assessment FY 2020/21 4,399,336 County Collection Fees (281,678) Interest 25,000 Total Sources $6,184,250 Uses Maintenance Expenditures: Salaries and Benefits $4,594,224 Supplies 89,640 Services 163,770 Capital Outlay 0 Administrative Expenses: Intra-District Charges 0 Engineer Charges 24,500 Transfers Out 0 Total Uses $4,872,134 Projected Change in Fund Balance ($729,476) Projected Ending Fund Balance, December 31, 2020 $1,312,116

East Bay Regional Park District Alameda County - Contra Costa County Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District No. 1 (ACC-1) 5 80 The budget for the Five Canyons Zone of Benefit (ZB-1) for Fiscal Year 2020/21 is shown in the following table: Description Amount Sources Beginning Fund Balance, January 1, 2020 $382,173 Total Assessment FY 2020/21 54,907 County Collection Fees (933) Interest 2,800 Total Sources $438,947 Uses Maintenance Expenditures: Salaries and Benefits $63,366 Supplies 28,250 Services 500 Administrative Expenses: Intra-District Charges 0 Engineer Charges 400 Transfers Out 0 Total Uses $92,516 Projected Change in Fund Balance ($35,742) Projected Ending Fund Balance, December 31, 2020 $346,431

East Bay Regional Park District Alameda County - Contra Costa County Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District No. 1 (ACC-1) 6 81

The budget for the Dublin Hills Zone of Benefit (ZB-2) for Fiscal Year 2020/21 is shown in the following table: Description Amount Sources Beginning Fund Balance, January 1, 2020 $42,340 Total Assessment FY 2020/21 24,150 County Collection Fees (411) Interest 1,300 Total Sources $67,379 Uses Maintenance Expenditures: Salaries and Benefits $23,883 Supplies 2,100 Capital Outlay 0 Administrative Expenses: Intra-District Charges 0 Engineer Charges 0 Transfers Out 0 Total Uses $25,983 Projected Change in Fund Balance ($944) Projected Ending Fund Balance, December 31, 2020 $41,396

East Bay Regional Park District Alameda County - Contra Costa County Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District No. 1 (ACC-1) 7 82 The budget for the Walpert Ridge Zone of Benefit (ZB-3) for Fiscal Year 2020/21 is shown in the following table: Description Amount Sources Beginning Fund Balance, January 1, 2020 $125,888 Total Assessment FY 2020/21 109,185 County Collection Fees (1,856) Interest 2,168 Total Sources $235,385 Uses Maintenance Expenditures: Salaries and Benefits $32,913 Supplies 9,520 Services 500 Capital Outlay 100,000 Administrative Expenses: Intra-District Charges 0 Engineer Charges 500 Transfers Out 0 Total Uses $143,433 Projected Change in Fund Balance ($33,936) Projected Ending Fund Balance, December 31, 2020 $91,952

East Bay Regional Park District Alameda County - Contra Costa County Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District No. 1 (ACC-1) 8 83 The budget for the San Ramon Hills Zone of Benefit (ZB-4) for Fiscal Year 2020/21 is shown in the following table: Description Amount Sources Beginning Fund Balance, January 1, 2020 $7,360 Total Assessment FY 2020/21 6,387 County Collection Fees (356) Interest 350 Total Sources $13,741 Uses Maintenance Expenditures: Salaries and Benefits $0 Supplies 500 Services 0 Administrative Expenses: Intra-District Charges 0 Engineer Charges 0 Transfers Out 0 Total Uses $500 Projected Change in Fund Balance $5,881 Projected Ending Fund Balance, December 31, 2020 $13,241

East Bay Regional Park District Alameda County - Contra Costa County Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District No. 1 (ACC-1) 9 84 The budget for the Stone Valley Zone of Benefit (ZB-5) for Fiscal Year 2020/21 is shown in the following table: Description Amount Sources Beginning Fund Balance, January 1, 2020 $54,454 Total Assessment FY 2020/21 7,403 County Collection Fees (280) Interest 700 Total Sources $62,277 Uses Maintenance Expenditures: Salaries and Benefits $0 Supplies 630 Services 0 Administrative Expenses: Intra-District Charges 0 Engineer Charges 0 Transfers Out 0 Total Uses $630 Projected Change in Fund Balance $7,193 Projected Ending Fund Balance, December 31, 2020 $61,647

East Bay Regional Park District Alameda County - Contra Costa County Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District No. 1 (ACC-1) 10 85

The budget for the Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve Zone of Benefit (ZB-6) for Fiscal Year 2020/21 is shown in the following table: Description Amount Sources Beginning Fund Balance, January 1, 2020 $44,143 Total Assessment FY 2020/21 27,665 County Collection Fees (436) Interest 600 Total Sources $71,972 Uses Maintenance Expenditures: Salaries and Benefits $34,553 Supplies 0 Services 0 Administrative Expenses: Intra-District Charges 0 Engineer Charges 0 Transfers Out 0 Total Uses $34,553 Projected Change in Fund Balance ($6,724) Projected Ending Fund Balance, December 31, 2020 $37,419

East Bay Regional Park District Alameda County - Contra Costa County Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District No. 1 (ACC-1) 11 86 ASSESSMENT DIAGRAM

An Assessment Diagram for the District has been submitted to the EBRPD Clerk in the format required under the provision of the Act. The Assessment Diagram is on file with the EBRPD Clerk and by reference herein is made part of this Report. The lines and dimensions shown on maps of the County Assessor of the Counties of Alameda and Contra Costa for the current year are incorporated by reference herein and made part of this report.

East Bay Regional Park District Alameda County - Contra Costa County Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District No. 1 (ACC-1) 12 87 ASSESSMENTS

The actual assessments for Fiscal Year 2020/21, apportioned to each parcel as shown on the latest equalized roll at the County Assessor’s office, are listed and submitted as Section 5.3 of this Report for the District. The description of each lot or parcel is part of the records of the County Assessors of the County of Alameda and the County of Contra Costa and such records are, by reference, made part of this Report.

Method of Apportionment The assessments for the individual parcels in the General Zone of the District (excluding Murray Township and Liberty Union High School District), are based upon the following schedule: 1. For all residential, industrial, commercial parcels in Alameda and Contra Costa County (except as noted below), an annual parcel assessment of $5.44 is established for Fiscal Year 2020/21. For Fiscal Year 2020/21, there are 365,464 assessable units within Alameda County for a total of $1,988,124.16; there are 298,772 assessable units within Contra Costa County for a total of $1,625,319.68. 2. For all multi-family residential parcels of two or more units per parcel, an annual assessment of $2.72 per unit is established for Fiscal Year 2020/21. For Fiscal Year 2020/21, there are 209,895 assessable units within Alameda County for a total of $570,914.40; there are 79,036 assessable units within Contra Costa County for a total of $214,977.92. 3. The parcels in Murray Township (East Alameda County) and the Liberty Union High School District (ECCC-1 or East Contra Costa County) are included in the District, but at a zero assessment. 4. With regard to those lands defined by the County Assessor in each county as agricultural or ranch property, the annual assessment is made exclusively for those parcels on which a residence is located. 5. Public utility owned or leased properties, common areas, and church properties are excluded from assessment, in accordance with legal statute or accepted assessment practice in the two- county area. 6. Senior citizens whose annual income is below the State of California defined poverty level, are entitled to a 50% discount on their assessment. All assessments are rounded down to an even cent for placement on the Alameda County and Contra Costa County property tax roll. Zones of Benefit The methodology for the zones was developed to calculate the total assessment for each zone based upon Equivalent Dwelling Units (EDU). An improved single family parcel is the base unit for calculation of benefit assessments and is defined as one EDU. The assessment rates within the six zones of benefit within the District

East Bay Regional Park District Alameda County - Contra Costa County Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District No. 1 (ACC-1) 13 88 increase annually by the percentage change in the December Consumer Price Index for the San Francisco Area. For 2020/21, this increase amounts to 2.45%. The Fiscal Year 2020/21 assessment rates for the various zones are as follows: Five Canyons Zone of Benefit (ZB-1) An annual assessment of $50.42 per EDU is established within the Five Canyons Zone of Benefit for Fiscal Year 2020/21. There are 1,089 assessable units for a total of $54,907.38. Dublin Hills Zone of Benefit (ZB-2) An annual assessment of $36.48 per EDU is established within the Dublin Hills Zone of Benefit for Fiscal Year 2020/21. There are 662 assessable units for a total of $24,149.76. Walpert Ridge Zone of Benefit (ZB-3) An annual assessment of $162.72 per EDU is established within the Walpert Ridge Zone of Benefit for Fiscal Year 2020/21. There are 671 assessable units for a total of $109,185.12. San Ramon Hills Zone of Benefit (ZB-4) An annual assessment of $45.62 per EDU is established within the San Ramon Hills Zone of Benefit for Fiscal Year 2020/21. There are 140 assessable units for a total of $6,386.80. Stone Valley Zone of Benefit (ZB-5) An annual assessment of $189.82 per EDU is established within the Stone Valley Zone of Benefit for Fiscal Year 2020/21. There are 39 assessable units for a total of $7,402.98. Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve Zone of Benefit (ZB-6) An annual assessment of $112.92 per EDU is established within the Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve Zone of Benefit for Fiscal Year 2020/21. There are 245 assessable units for a total of $27,665.40. All assessments are rounded down to an even cent for placement on the Alameda County and Contra Costa County property tax roll.

Appeals of Assessment Levy to Property Any property owner, who feels that the assessment levied on the subject property is in error as a result of incorrect information being used to apply the foregoing method of assessment, may file a written appeal with the Chief Financial Officer of the EBRPD, or designee. Any such appeal is limited to correction of an assessment during the then current or, if before July 1, the upcoming fiscal year. Upon the filing of any such appeal, the Chief Financial Officer or designee will promptly review the appeal and any information provided by the property owner. If the Chief Financial Officer or designee finds the assessment should be modified, the appropriate changes shall be made to the assessment roll. If any such changes are approved after the assessment roll has been filed with the County of collection, the Chief Financial Officer or designee is authorized to refund the property owner the amount of any approved reduction. Any dispute over the decision of the Chief Financial Officer or designee shall be referred to the EBRPD Board of Directors and the decision of the Board shall be final.

East Bay Regional Park District Alameda County - Contra Costa County Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District No. 1 (ACC-1) 14 89 Assessment Roll The EBRPD has obtained a detailed listing of all parcels within the District boundaries. For each county, a county parcel use code was secured and all statutorily tax-exempt parcels have been excluded from the assessment. A comprehensive listing of all parcels to be assessed, including parcel address and proposed amount of assessment, is on file at the EBRPD headquarters office, 2950 Peralta Oaks Court, Oakland. In all instances of District, parcel references will be based upon standard Alameda County and Contra Costa County parcel numbers and use codes, in order to avoid confusion or misunderstanding by property owners.

East Bay Regional Park District Alameda County - Contra Costa County Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District No. 1 (ACC-1) 15 90 BOARD AND STAFF REPORTS

AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, June 2, 2020

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

4. BOARD AND STAFF REPORTS

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

Contra Costa Water District – Phase 2 Expansion Project

On May 13, 2020, the Contra Costa Water District (CCWD) certified the Final Supplement to the Final Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report and approved Alternative 1B of the Los Vaqueros Reservoir Phase 2 Expansion Project. The Phase 2 Expansion will expand the existing Los Vaqueros Reservoir from 160 thousand acre-feet to 275. The Phase 1 Expansion from 100 thousand acre-feet to 160 was approved in 2010 and work was completed in 2012. The reservoir, located between Brentwood and Livermore, is an important asset to the region, providing both recreational opportunities and water supply reliability. The Park District continues to coordinate with CCWD on the Los Vaqueros Reservoir Expansion Project and is working with the State on improvements at other State-owned recreational facilities and continues to monitor potential impacts due to the project. The Park District will also look for opportunities to coordinate with the East Contra Costa Habit Conservancy for the acquisition of compensatory mitigation lands that may be required.

91 GM COMMENTS

AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, June 2, 2020

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

5. GENERAL MANAGER’S COMMENTS

STAFF PRESENTATION Public Affairs and Government Affairs will jointly present an overview of Public and Legislative Engagement efforts to communicate to key stakeholders during an unprecedented increase in visitation since the initial Bay Area COVID-19 Shelter-in-Place Order was issued on March 16.

GM COMMENTS From April 3, 2020 through May 3, 2020 the Public Safety Division handled 1,195 service calls and 2,730 total incidents. Highlights are included below.

Police COVID-19 Pandemic: During this timeframe Dispatch and patrol staff continued with adjusted schedules to work seven consecutive days in a row, with seven days off. They wore cloth masks and focused on education over enforcement.

There were 8 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 60 field interviews (contacts without citations or arrests) and issued 644 citations (523 for parking).

• Ardenwood: On May 5, an officer responded to a reported attempted commercial burglary; a window was pried open at the Patterson house. No items were reported stolen.

• Briones: On April 9, an officer responded to a report of illegal fowl hunting. The Department of Fish and Game was contacted and the suspect information was provided.

• Las Trampas: On April 11, an officer took a phone report from a vandalism victim whose car was defaced with a key and had air let out of one of the tires.

• McLaughlin Eastshore State Park: On April 3, an officer contacted an individual for an illegal encampment, issuing a notice to vacate within 72 hours.

92 • McLaughlin Eastshore State Park - Albany Bulb: On April 15, an officer responded to a reported commercial burglary. A construction office was broken into with damage to the building. No items were reported missing.

• McLaughlin Eastshore State Park: On May 3, an officer took a report of felony vandalism to the Seabreeze Cafe. Several items were damaged, stolen, or destroyed including security cameras, plumbing pipes, wiring, and a storage container.

• Pleasanton Ridge: On April 10, an officer issued a citation for harassing, disturbing, hunting, or trapping animals; a park user intentionally chased after cows that were grazing, and got into a verbal argument with park users.

• Redwood: On May 2, an officer responded to a bicycle accident with injuries. The victim did not appear to have any serious injuries and was transported to the hospital for treatment.

• Tilden: On April 20, an officer took a report of vandalism to a vehicle parked in one of the staging areas. Upon returning to their vehicle after a hike, the victim reported discovering the vehicle windshield was smashed. No suspects or video surveillance were captured.

• Wildcat Canyon: On April 17, officers, Eagle 6, and sheriff deputies contacted a suicidal subject and assisted in transporting them to the hospital for a mental health evaluation.

• Wildcat Canyon: On April 23, an officer took a report of vehicle theft from the parking lot. No suspects were identified.

Fire Operations

• Briones: On April 23, District fire personnel performed maintenance on the Remote Automated Weather Station. (RAWS)

• Martin Luther King: On April 30, District fire personnel responded to a vegetation fire at Damon Slough. The fire was contained to one-acre on the trail outside of the park’s jurisdiction.

• Redwood: On April 15, District fire personnel responded with District police and Oakland fire to assist an adult who had fallen down a hill. The victim refused medical treatment.

• Tilden: On April 30, District fire personnel responded to a debris fire on Grizzly Peak Boulevard, west of South Park Drive.

93 Medical

• During the month of April, District fire personnel responded to three vehicle accidents and eighteen personal injuries or medical emergencies.

Fire Fuels Management

• Claremont Canyon: In Recommended Treatment Area CC003, brush clearing and pile burning along Panoramic Ridge and fire roads was completed by the Park District’s Fuels Crew and Firefighters. A total of fifty-eight piles were burned.

• Diablo Foothills and Briones: Pile burning was conducted by District firefighters and the fuels crew.

• Miller/Knox: In Recommended Treatment Area MK005, contractors started the FEMA- funded wildfire hazard mitigation grant project along the steep fire road near homes and leading up to the ridgeline. Brush and pines were removed.

• Redwood: A FEMA funded tree removal project in Recommended Treatment Area RD004 was completed.

• Tilden: In Recommended Treatment Area TI001, eucalyptus undergrowth and surface fuels were cleared and burned by the Park District’s Fuels Crew.

• Wildcat Canyon Road: On April 26, the District fuels crew took part in a prescribed fire with Cal Fire, Moraga Orinda Fire, and EBMUD. The burn took place in a portion of the North Orinda Fuel Break.

Lifeguard Service

• During the month of April, Lifeguard Services took part in the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) logistics section. This involved the procurement and inventory control of District-wide safety supplies.

• During the month of April, Lifeguard Services prepared and delivered personal protection kits and signage throughout the Park District.

94 NEWSCLIPS

Two-alarm Oakland grass, vegetation fire burns more than three acres The Tuesday morning fire was between a PG&E substation and a regional shoreline trail in East Oakland By HARRY HARRIS | [email protected] | Bay Area News Group PUBLISHED: May 26, 2020 at 8:46 a.m. | UPDATED: May 27, 2020 at 5:52 a.m.

OAKLAND — A two-alarm fire early Tuesday burned more than three acres of grass and vegetation between a PG&E substation and a regional shoreline trail in East Oakland, officials said.

No structures were involved or threatened and no one was injured, Oakland Battalion Fire Chief Chris Landry said.

The fire erupted at about 3:51 a.m. Tuesday in an area between the rear of a PG&E substation at 4801Oakport St., and a trail that is part of the Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline.

Landry said the first units to arrive saw high flames burning in the grass and brush and immediately called for a second alarm.

Forty firefighters eventually responded and the fire was declared under control at 5:10 a.m.

Landry said at least 3.2 acres burned. Landry said no people were present when firefighters first responded.

95 SUSTAINABILITY CITY DEVELOPING PLAN TO PROTECT SHORELINE FROM RISING SEA LEVELS May 26, 2020 Climate change is causing the seas to rise, a reality that could cause severe flooding in Hayward if left unaddressed. According to the California Coastal Commission, sea levels in the San Francisco area have already risen eight inches over the past century, making Hayward and other cities bordering the Bay particularly vulnerable to this threat.

To prepare, the City of Hayward, in partnership with East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) and Hayward Area Recreation and Park District (HARD), is currently developing a Shoreline Adaptation Master Plan. This Plan will outline the policies and projects necessary to protect the Hayward Shoreline from sea level rise.

The Shoreline Adaption Master Plan is expected to be completed by early 2021, and several designs are currently being considered for inclusion in the Plan. These designs will structurally alter the Hayward Shoreline so that it is better prepared for rising sea levels, and they include a combination of nature-based designs like gravel and tidal marsh restoration, as well as some engineered strategies, like levee improvements and tide gates. The nature-based designs are intended to enhance the ecological features of the shoreline, while the engineered solutions are designed to reduce risk to critical shoreline infrastructure, like the City’s wastewater treatment plant, the Hayward-San Mateo Bridge, the marshlands, the Bay Trail, and the Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center.

Members of the community are encouraged to provide feedback on the Shoreline Adaptation Master Plan and the designs being considered by filling out this comment form. Public comments must be submitted by June 12 to be included in the Plan. More information and informative videos regarding the Plan can be found at www.haywardshorelinemasterplan.com.

96

Crowds defy COVID-19 social distancing guidelines Memorial Day weekend By Azenith Smith Published 2 days ago HALF MOON BAY, Calif. (KTVU) - As the weather heats up in the Bay Area this holiday weekend, people are crowding public spaces. Some of them are not following the rules and not keeping a safe distance. People normally celebrate the unofficial start to summer with family and friends, barbequing and having backyard parties but not this year with the coronavirus pandemic. At Crown Memorial State Beach in Alameda County, people flocked to the beach on Sunday to enjoy the hot weather. Some visitors practiced social distancing and some not. “It just feels like another weekend,” said Andres Zepeda of Lafayette. “I’m just trying to enjoy the weather.” “It’s actually scary to leave your house because you don’t feel safe,” said Melissa Gough of Brentwood. Similar images of people crowding public spaces could be seen across the Bay Area. A viewer sent KTVU photos of Surfers Beach in Half Moon Bay. Beachgoers were seen without social separation and no masks in sight. There were plenty of people on the Embarcadero in San Francisco. Visitors were seen walking shoulder to shoulder and some people without face coverings. “Our main concern is the spread of the virus,” said Internal Medicine Specialist Dr. Runjhun Misra. “We know that up to 35 percent of asymptomatic people can be carrying the virus and spreading it to people.” Health experts are growing increasingly concerned of a second wave. “I understand everyone is tired,” said Dr. Misra. “We all are but we all still need to remember the virus is out there. We still need to practice social distancing, wear masks and stay home as much as possible.” “This weekend we’ve had crowds at all of our parks throughout the 73 parks system so it's been a busy weekend,” said Dave Mason with the East Bay Regional Park District. The East Bay Regional Park District expected the crowds and staffed up, encouraging visitors to wear masks and to stay close to home and not cross county lines. Picnics, BBQs, camping, and swimming are also not permitted. “We do encourage folks to go walking, hiking, biking when they are out getting fresh air not necessarily stopping for too long,” said Mason. Most law enforcement agencies are focusing on education with most citations for parking violations. To mitigate gatherings, some parks remain closed including a dog park in Alameda. At in Oakland, police were visible. Parking spaces were blocked off to deter out-of-towners. At Dolores Park in San Francisco, most park-goers stayed within their social distancing circles.

97

Online remembrances combine with real crowds at parks and beaches By Lauren Hernández 1 day ago ONLINE REMEMBRANCES COMBINE WITH REAL CROWDS AT PARKS AND BEACHES People flock to Ocean Beach in San Francisco on Monday. Toasty Memorial Day weather drew large crowds to popular parks and beaches. Park administrators said most visitors maintained adequate space between themselves and others.

It was a virtual Memorial Day Monday, with a Bay Area ravaged by the coronavirus replacing the in-person parades and cemetery services with videos and online commemorations of those who have given their lives in service to the country.

But that didn’t stop people from crowding into parks and beaches on a hot holiday afternoon.

While public health concerns canceled large-scale ceremonies, veterans groups still honored service members in nonpublic events across the the Bay Area, including a virtual memorial hosted by the USS San Francisco Memorial Foundation, and with private wreath-laying and ceremonial bell-ringing services in San Bruno and San Francisco.

Standing in front of the tarnished, weatherworn bridge of the memorial at Lands End, John McKnight urged people to remember the lives that were lost aboard the heavy cruiser during the Battle of Guadalcanal in 1942 during a commemoration.

“I want to make sure that even amidst the COVID crisis and the need for us to remain isolated at home, that we take a little time to recognize them and never forget,” said McKnight, president of the ship’s memorial association. “So we’re here today to keep their memory alive, to ring the bell and to ... keep all of this sacred.”

From the grounds of parks across the country, park rangers recited the Gettysburg Address as part of the National Park Service’s all-day virtual commemoration program. Under towering trees, in front of historic airplanes and cannons, with many standing amid rows of tombstones, rangers recited the address, a “long-standing tradition in national cemeteries,” to honor the country’s fallen veterans, parks service officials said.

The Presidio Trust’s annual in-person ceremony was canceled at the former military installation, so officials shared virtual content for people eager to honor “those who

98 have given their lives in military service,” such as a historical look at how Memorial Day commemorations have evolved over the past 152 years.

The historic bell housed in the Presidio Chapel rang 21 times Monday as part of the San Francisco National Cemetery’s private service. The 21-ring salute is a nod to the customary 21-gun volley to honor service members who died, said Kathleen McCall, the director of the San Bruno and San Francisco national cemeteries.

A group of six people — including four veterans — gathered, 6 feet apart and masked, as part of the private ceremony, said Gerard Choucroun, founder of the Bay Area nonprofit Heart and Armor Foundation and ceremony organizer. He told The Chronicle that he felt the absence of the many people who typically attend the annual commemoration, but said officials were compelled to honor veterans “even under the most trying of circumstances.”

“Every Memorial Day you feel the 30,000 headstones. You feel the absence of those 30,000 people. This year was different in that there are typically 2,000 people at the ceremony. You really felt the loss of those people, too,” Choucroun said. “You have the military laws intersecting with a pandemic so it was very stark. So in the midst of COVID, it had a very different feel.”

When the clock struck noon Monday, veterans raised the main flag at the Presidio cemetery from half-staff to full-staff, and one veteran recited the poem titled, “The Young Dead Soldiers Do Not Speak.”

Choucroun said the poem is read every year, but this year, the global health pandemic brought new meaning to the tradition.

“The idea is that it is up to us to give military its meaning. It’s incumbent on all of us to honor them by being good citizens,” Choucroun said. “This year, when there are so many questions about what we owe each other, it’s a particularly salient day.”

In a video tribute shared by the Golden Gate National Cemetery, Ella Tarara, a U.S. Naval Sea Cadet who plays the bugle with the Corps Band of the West, played taps from the Golden Gate National Cemetery in San Bruno. San Bruno firefighters and police officers who served in the Navy, Army and Air Force went on to thank veterans who have served and continue to serve the United States.

San Bruno firefighter Salvador Campos, who served in the Navy aboard the Enterprise aircraft carrier, thanked “those who served and perished.” Jeremy Whiteaker, a San Bruno firefighter who was a firefighter in the Air Force, said, “It’s important on Memorial Day to stop and think about those who made the ultimate sacrifice.”

As part of the tribute, Vietnam veteran Leo McArdle, the 2019 San Mateo County Veteran of the Year, stood next to a superimposed black-and-white photo of himself in uniform, a cigar hanging from his mouth.

“Memorial Day is important to me because as a combat veteran, I have seen what the men and women of our military have sacrificed to keep this country free,” McArdle said. “Our military is our only protection, and in the process, many will die or live with horrible memories. That is why we need to honor and remember those who served and gave their all.”

99 Across the Bay Area, residents seized the holiday to log off Zoom, forget about work and head outside for the warm weather.

Parks, beaches and other open spaces — anywhere that wasn’t off limits because of shelter-in-place rules — drew large crowds, though park administrators said most visitors maintained adequate space between themselves and others.

“People are happy to have a place to go, and they’ve fallen with the program,” said Ian McLorg, a chief ranger at Marin County Parks, who on Monday was overseeing such destinations as McInnis Park in San Rafael and Stafford Lake in Novato. “People are being really mindful of social distancing. People are bringing coverings with them.”

In San Francisco, Ocean Beach and its cool breeze was a big attraction, as were the usual popular spots of Golden Gate Park and Dolores Park. Despite the crowds, police reported no widespread problems with social distancing.

The East Bay was the same: holiday crowds at the parks but few problems, even as picnic and barbecue areas at the East Bay Regional Park District’s 73 properties were closed to prevent spread of the virus.

“Those are traditional activities on Memorial Day, but most people seem to be doing the right thing,” said Dave Mason, spokesman for the park district.

Correction: The military vessel the San Francisco was incorrectly described in an earlier version. It was a Navy heavy cruiser.

100

Memorial Day Brings Out Families to East Bay Parks A sweltering Memorial Day gave everyone a glimpse into what Summer 2020 will look and feel like in the Bay Area. By Melissa Colorado • Published May 25, 2020 • Updated on May 25, 2020 at 6:24 pm

The East Bay Regional Park District beefed up its staff for Memorial Day, knowing well the demand for the district’s 100,000 acres of open space is at its peak.

But what were once Memorial Day traditions were off-limits until further notice meaning no swimming, no boating, no BBQing and perhaps the toughest to enforce – no picnicking.

Even though the grills are sealed off with caution tape, that didn’t stop some people from packing food and hosting gatherings.

“Our good friend is graduating, getting her RN degree so we’re here to celebrate that,” said Paul Gregory from Oakland.

And celebrate they did – with face masks and enough space to spread apart.

At Lake Temescal in the Oakland Hills, the massage from park officials was to focus on exercising, not socializing. And many families heeded the call, others stuck to their Memorial Day traditions.

“We actually came out here to go fishing, and pulling in, there’s a huge sign that said ‘No Fishing,’” said Raphael Wade.

The Oakland resident brought his family’s fishing rods to the lake for nothing. Good thing, he didn’t forget to pack his kids’ bicycles.

“Trying to get some exercise, kids active, it’s kind of hard keeping them cooped up in the house all day,” Wade said.

A sweltering Memorial Day gave everyone a glimpse into what Summer 2020 will look and feel like for the Bay Area.

101

Two arrested for vandalism at Crown Beach in Alameda Published 2 days ago Alameda Bay City News

ALAMEDA, Calif. - East Bay Regional Park District police are crediting members of the public who witnessed and reported vandalism Saturday night at Robert W. Crown Memorial State Beach in Alameda, resulting in two arrests.

Responding officers contacted and questioned three people in connection with the incident and arrested two of them for felony vandalism that included extensive graffiti on restrooms and other park fixtures.

The two were booked at in Dublin.

The district department was assisted by the Alameda Police Department in identifying the suspects.

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to call park district police at (510) 881- 1833.

102

Park It: East Bay district produces several new online nature videos Content covers range of natural history topics; over 90% of EBRPD parks, trails still open By NED MACKAY | East Bay Regional Park District May 24, 2020 at 5:00 a.m.

Hikers and a cyclist make their way through Diablo Foothills Regional Park in Walnut Creek, which can still be accessed from the Orchard Staging Area at the end of Castle Rock Road past Northgate High School, despite nearby Castle Rock Recreation Area’s complete closure due to the COVID- 19 pandemic.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, all visitor centers are still closed and in-person nature education programs remain canceled in the East Bay Regional Park District. However, district naturalists have been working hard regardless, producing dozens of educational and entertaining online videos.

The videos cover a spectrum of natural history topics: ground squirrels, tarantulas, bats, white- tailed kites, and flower dissection, to name a few. You can also download an app for virtual reality park experiences. And “Songs and Stories” is a series designed for children. All this and more is available by visiting the park district webpage ebparks.org/DigitalLearning; or you can click on “Activities” at the top of the home page, then click again on “Digital Learning.”

Offline experiences: Of course, people are still welcome to visit the actual parklands, keeping in mind the precautions that are required because of the pandemic. For up-to-date information on what is available, click on “COVID-19 Park & Trail Updates” at the top of the home page.

As of this writing, more than 90% of the regional parks and trails remain open. The four parks that are completely closed through May 31 are Ardenwood Historic Farm in Fremont, Bay Point Regional Shoreline in Pittsburg (due to construction), Castle Rock Recreation Area in Walnut Creek and Point Isabel Regional Shoreline in Richmond.

At the request of the city of Fremont, the Stanford Avenue Staging Area of Mission Peak Regional Preserve also remains closed through May 31. You can still access the preserve from a parking lot at nearby Ohlone College. And although Walnut Creek’s Castle Rock is closed, you can still access Diablo Foothills Regional Park from the Orchard Staging Area at the end of Castle Rock Road past Northgate High School.

At Del Valle Regional Park south of Livermore, the main entrance on Del Valle Road is closed at the intersection with Mendenhall Road. There’s no walk-in access, but the staging area at the end of Arroyo Road is open, and you can explore the park as far as Badger Cove. near Berkeley is open, as is the golf course, but all other attractions in the park are closed, including the Regional Parks Botanic Garden. All park district swim areas are closed, but the district’s aquatic staff is working to be prepared for eventual opening, possibly in July. Here are some safety reminders:

103 • So far the stay-at-home order is still in effect, so only visit parklands near you. • Download a park map before going. • Bring your own water and hand sanitizer. Many toilets are now open, but drinking fountains are still closed. • Dogs must be on leashes at all times, everywhere in the parks. • Available activities are walking, hiking, biking, horseback riding or fishing. No swimming, boating or picnicking is currently allowed. • Plan to go with only immediate household members — no gatherings or meet-up groups. • Maintain a “social distance” of 6 feet from other groups. • Bring a cloth face covering/mask, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control. Use it if social distancing becomes impossible. • On the regional trails, share the road. Bicyclists should alert people by bell or voice when overtaking from behind. Pedestrians should leave adequate space so faster traffic can pass on the left. • Running or bicycling causes people to expel airborne particles more forcefully. Runners and cyclists must take extra measures to avoid exposing others to airborne particles by keeping greater than 6 feet of distance and wearing face masks when possible.

For more information, visit the home page of the park district’s website, ebparks.org.

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East Bay Park district prepares for extended fire season By Ned MacKay 4 days ago A new component of the fire department team, the fuel reduction crew, will work throughout the year to enhance fire safety by clearing brush away from trails and trimming trees to remove ladder fuels (Pete Cruz photo).

Because long-range forecasts predict dry weather, the East Bay Regional Park District’s Fire Department is gearing up for a potentially dangerous fire season.

Fire Chief Aileen Theile cited two factors in particular. Weather forecasters are predicting more frequent, dry offshore breezes. And although this was a relatively dry winter, some late spring rains stimulated more growth from already tall grasses.

Firefighters used to think in terms of a “fire season.” However, with climate change, the fire season is now virtually year-round.

Theile leads 16 full-time firefighters and some 34 on-call staff – district employees with other primary occupations but who are also fully trained firefighters available when needed.

Working to reduce brush A new and important component of the fire department is an eight-member fuel reduction crew. This crew works throughout the year to enhance fire safety by clearing brush away from trails, trimming trees to remove ladder fuels, and piling the resulting vegetation for disposal by burning “strategically and where appropriate,” Theile said. They fight wildfires too, when needed.

The fuel reduction crew also works on the district’s fuel break in the East Bay hills. This is a zone of thinned vegetation between regional parklands and adjacent residential neighborhoods that extends from Richmond south to Castro Valley.

It serves two purposes: slowing the spread of fire between open space and adjacent neighborhoods, and providing firefighters with a place to make a stand.

Fire headquarters are at Station 1 in Tilden Regional Park near Berkeley, and Theile staffs seven other stations throughout the district as circumstances demand. All have engines and other equipment in place.

105 A dispatch center operates 24 hours a day in support of the district’s firefighters and police. During a fire, the district’s two police helicopters serve as observation platforms to determine fire location and speed, and best access for ground crews. The helicopters have Bambi buckets to fight fire from above with 250-gallon water drops.

Besides its own personnel and equipment, the park district has mutual aid agreements with Cal Fire, the state Office of Emergency Services, and every fire department within Alameda and Contra Costa counties. This enables rapid response to emergencies both within and outside the parklands.

Safety first

Theile noted that it is easy for the firefighters to observe the new coronavirus protocols, because they are accustomed to wearing protective gear anyway. Additional safety measures include assigning separate crews to each engine, allowing only assigned personnel in the stations, and designating one firefighter to approach and assess a victim in an emergency situation before committing the entire crew. They handle post- incident decontamination as appropriate.

There are major ways in which the public can help the district reduce fire hazards. It should be noted that no smoking, including vaping, is permitted in the regional parks. And during any emergency, park visitors need to cooperate with all instructions from firefighters, police or park rangers.

If you see a fire while in a park, call 911, report the fire’s location, size and direction of burn if possible, then leave immediately.

“We ask people to take a hard look at fire safety in their own backyards,” Theile added. “It’s not just one neighbor doing it, but the entire neighborhood.”

The department’s motto is: “Thirty feet of lean, clean and green.” This means reducing the fuel load by mowing. Beyond 30 feet, there should also be thinner vegetation. More information on defensible space is available at the Cal Fire website, fire.ca.gov.

It’s also important to have an evacuation plan in case of an approaching fire. “Don’t wait to be told,” Theile said, “and don’t block the road so that fire engines can’t get in.”

To sum it up, “Be informed and be prepared,” she said.

Ned MacKay writes a regular column about East Bay Regional Park District sites and activities. Email him at [email protected].

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East Bay Regional Park District Reminds Visitors To Follow Park Rules Memorial Day Weekend MAY 23, 2020 16:02 PM · 30 COMMENTS

The East Bay Regional Park District has launched a new series of Public Service Announcements (PSAs) in conjunction with the Alameda County Public Health Department and Contra Costa County Department of Health.

The new PSAs stress the importance of parks to public health and wellness and remind visitors to practice social distancing, wear a face-covering within six feet of others, and to visit parks close to their home.

“Parks play an important role in people’s lives,” said East Bay Regional Park District Board President Ellen Corbett. “Fresh air, open space and a little exercise is important to maintain peace of mind during the ongoing Shelter in Place.”

State and local “Stay-at-Home” orders allow for “outdoor recreation activities” as an “essential activity” as long as social distancing is followed.

Due to COVID-19, all water access is closed this Memorial Day weekend. Available activities include walking, hiking, biking, horseback riding, and fishing from shore or by pier.

Other rules include:

. No picnicking, barbequing, or gatherings . No swimming, boating or camping . Stay local and visit parks close to home . Parking lots in some parks are expected to reach capacity early . Dogs need to be on leash at all times

Visitors should also be aware that if a parking lot is full, they should consider going to another park or walking around their neighborhood, the park district said.

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Park District Reminds Visitors to Be Responsible and Follow Park Rules Memorial Day Weekend Press Release By ECT -May 23, 2020

(Oakland) – The East Bay Regional Park District has launched a new series of Public Service Announcements (PSAs) in conjunction with the Alameda County Public Health Department and Contra Costa County Department of Health. The new PSAs stress the importance of parks to public health and wellness and remind visitors to practice social distancing, wear a face- covering within six feet of others, and to visit parks close to their home.

“Parks play an important role in people’s lives,” said East Bay Regional Park District Board President Ellen Corbett. “Fresh air, open space and a little exercise is important to maintain peace of mind during the ongoing Shelter in Place.”

State and local “Stay-at-Home” orders allow for “outdoor recreation activities” as an “essential activity” as long as social distancing is followed.

“Visiting parks, exercising, and enjoying nature is good for the health of body and mind,” said Contra Costa County Health Officer Dr. Chris Farnitano. “When hiking or enjoying the outdoors, please follow all social distancing requirements to protect yourself and others.”

The PSAs are also timely given the upcoming a Memorial Day weekend, which is typically one of the busiest times of the year for the East Bay Regional Park District. A large number of visitors are expected this year, with crowding possible. Memorial Day honors the soldier and military personnel who have died in the line of service.

“East Bay Regional Parks have been busy during COVID-19,” said Park District General Manager Robert Doyle. “This year, for Memorial Day weekend, the public should visit regional parks close to home and visit them to exercise, not socialize.”

“Please help keep the public and our staff safe by being good park visitors and following all park rules. Working together, we will get through this,” added Doyle.

Due to COVID-19, all water access is closed this Memorial Day weekend. Available activities include walking, hiking, biking, horseback riding, and fishing from shore or by pier.

COVID-19 reminders for this Memorial Day weekend include:

108 • No picnicking, barbequing, or gatherings • No swimming, boating or camping • Stay local and visit parks close to home • Parking lots in some parks are expected to reach capacity early • Dogs need to be on leash at all times

Visitors should also be aware that if a parking lot is full, they should consider going to another park or walking around their neighborhood. Parking restrictions and rules will be enforced.

Check www.ebparks.org for up-to-date information about parks and closures. While most of the Park District’s 125,000 acres of open space and 1,300 miles of trails remain open and accessible, some parking areas have been closed to limit overcrowding and help maintain social distancing

109

Heading to an East Bay park for Memorial Day? Here’s what you need to know by: Haaziq Madyun Posted: May 22, 2020 / 05:58 PM PDT / Updated: May 22, 2020 / 05:59 PM PDT ALAMEDA COUNTY, Calif. (KRON) — This year’s Memorial Day weekend lands right in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic and California’s shelter-in-place order.

Local health orders in the Bay Area allow for general use of parks and trails maintaining them as essential to encourage physical activity.

Anyone planning on visiting a park in the East Bay this holiday weekend will find the East Bay Regional Parks District promoting social distancing by taking measures to limit unsafe overcrowding.

This includes closing some parking lots and staging areas, according to East Bay Regional Parks District spokesperson Dave Mason.

“We do have parking lots that are closed, mostly those are the ones that serve picnic areas and group activities,” Mason explains. “So of course with those not allowed, those parking area have been closed for that reason. However most of the park district’s acres remain accessible for exercise, walking, biking, riding horses. It is really about exercising, not socializing during this COVID-19 time.”

A popular Memorial Day destination is Roberts Regional Recreation Area in the Oakland Hills.

The parking lot there will be closed Memorial Day weekend but while walk-in access and bike trails will remain accessible.

A few miles away, the parking lot at Hayward Regional Shoreline Park is open.

The vast majority of East Bay Regional Parks will be open to the public.

What will not be open are visitor centers, water fountains, picnic areas, swimming facilities, boat ramps, playgrounds, group and backcountry campsites, kiosks, and reservable facilities.

Those services will remain closed until further notice during the pandemic.

Mason says it will be all hands on deck to help enforce these restrictions including putting up their eye in the sky.

“Like always this time of year we always have our helicopter actively doing what it does monitoring parks, being on call for police. We have a lot of rangers and maximum staffing in our parks so we want people to do their best and do the right thing,” Mason said.

If you want to learn more about what is closed at East Bay Regional Parks District, click here.

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Do’s and Don’ts at East Bay Parks This Memorial Day Weekend By Melissa Colorado • Published May 22, 2020 • Updated on May 22, 2020 at 5:25 pm

The unofficial start to summer is here, but celebrating won’t be like years past due to the coronavirus pandemic.

In the East Bay, the following Memorial Day weekend traditions are not allowed at parks operated by the East Bay Regional Park District:

• Swimming • Boating • Picnicking • Barbecuing • Group activities

With those popular summer activities off limits, massive crowds are expected to hit the trails for approved activities such as walking, hiking and .

The East Bay Regional Park District is urging people to give others enough space, especially along narrow trails where runners, mountain bikers and walkers are all competing for elbow room.

“If parks are busy, maybe come back at a less busy time,” Dave Mason with the park district said.

The park district is adding extra staff this holiday weekend to monitor its 100,000-plus acres of land.

In Oakland, the city is not allowing food vendors and drivers to park along Lake Merritt. This weekend, people should expect more street closures by the lake as the city tries to give families more room to spread out. Not part of the city’s plan is handing out fines to rule breakers.

“I don’t think giving somebody a fine is going to do much good, except for stress them out even more,” Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf said.

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Oakland's Lake Temescal closed again because of sewage spill, likely caused by wipes in clogged drain: city By Lisa Fernandez Published 5 days ago Oakland KTVU FOX 2

OAKLAND, Calif. - Oakland's Lake Temescal has closed again after a city pipe got clogged, likely with wipes, and allowed at least 9,500 gallons of sewage to flow into the , according to the city and the park district.

That means no fishing is allowed because of the elevated levels of unhealthy particles in the water, according to Dave Mason, a spokesman for the East Bay Regional Park District.

The district closed the lake on Wednesday indefinitely after the spill that occurred in a neighborhood upstream of the park.

Because of coronavirus, the picnic areas, the playground, the swimming area and the south entrance parking lot are all closed.

“It’s really disheartening that the City of Oakland continues to have these sewer spills that impact recreational opportunities for local residents, especially now when they need it more than ever," Mason told KTVU. “Sewer spills are a public health and safety issue. It’s hard to believe the city continues to neglect and fix their sewer system that they are responsible for managing.”

Mason provided data that shows there were at least three spills in the span of less than 24 hours on Wednesday, totaling at least 9,500 gallons. The spills occurred about 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 5:45 p.m., in areas near the lake.

Mason called the number and size of these sewage spills "unacceptable."

Sean Maher, a spokesman for Oakland's Department of Works, said that his crews got a report Wednesday just before 1 p.m. about the sanitary sewer overflow.

Maher emphasized that a pipe did not burst.

Rather, he said the spills occurred because there was large amounts of debris found in the nearby collection system, that began "wreaking havoc on our system."

He said clogged pipes has been a "national problem throughout the COVID-19 pandemic as more people are staying at home."

Lake Temescal has been closed off and on for years because of regular sewage spills.

112 And it's not the only place in town with sewage problems.

Two years ago, 2 Investigates found that, nearly 250,000 gallons of sewage overflowed onto Oakland city streets and into waterways in 2016-17, the most recent data available.

That was a 729 percent increase from the previous fiscal year.

Back then, the Environmental Protection Agency fined Oakland $226,500 for violating a consent decree and letting untreated sewage, containing E. coli and other toxins, into the San Francisco Bay over a roughly three-year period.

113

Getting back into the great outdoors Dawnmarie Fehr May 20, 2020 Updated May 20, 2020 Derek, Betsy and 13-month-old Mia Strain got some fresh air and maintained the appropriate social distance from other visitors while taking a hike at Round Valley Regional Preserve in Brentwood, Calif., Saturday, March 21, 2020. The park was closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, but trails remained open. (Tony Kukulich/The Press)

Despite the closure of many organizations, East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD), deemed essential, remains open, but officials urge visitors to do their part.

Dave Mason, EBRPD public information supervisor, said he is proud to work for a district doing so much for the public.

“Our agency has stepped up to the plate during this emergency to continue to provide the public access to the parks during this time,” Mason said. “The health agencies’ orders, currently and from the beginning, have allowed outdoor recreation as an essential activity as long as social distancing was maintained.”

To help ensure visitors remember to stay 6 feet apart and use the parks safely, the parks district has put together a robust effort to educate the public with public service announcements, social media posts and extra signage in the parks. The messaging goes hand in hand with spring’s warm weather, which is drawing East County residents out of their homes and onto the miles of walking trails and regional park trails available around the Delta.

“Being active outside is a way to break up our day and reset our moods after doing hours of schoolwork,” said Heidi Nielsen, a Brentwood mother of four. “It also helps pass the time as our days feel longer and boring.”

Nielsen’s family is one of many who have added family walks to their daily routine. She said she uses outdoor time for her children to earn screen time, boost endorphins and put the family in a positive mood.

Though most regional parks remain open, some parks and parking areas have been closed to limit overcrowding. Most of the restrooms have been closed, as well as high-touch points like picnic areas and drinking fountains. Mason asked that visitors remember to bring enough water for themselves and their pets and wear a mask when within 6 feet of others. The district also requests that all pets remain leashed at all times, even at parks where they were previously allowed to run off-leash.

“We need visitors’ help to keep parks open and safe,” said Mason. “We have heard from the public very clearly that parks are an essential service and essential to health and well-being, now more than ever.”

114 The coronavirus is not the only danger when utilizing the great outdoors — anyone going for a hike or a walk should protect themselves from sunburn with a high SPF sunscreen and protective clothing, such as hats and long sleeves. Sunny days also mean rattlesnakes are out. “With the snakes, a big thing is to try to hike with someone in your family,” Mason said. “Be aware as you’re hiking ... Stay on the trails and stay safe. Avoid placing your hands and feet where you can’t see them.”

He further noted snakes are another reason to keep dogs on a leash at all times. All wildlife in the parks, including rattlesnakes, is protected. If you see a snake on a trail while hiking, wait for it to cross, and do not approach it.

Mason also suggested park visitors plan their visits early in the day, before temperatures get high, and during less busy times, such as weekdays. With the large amount of increased traffic parks are seeing this spring, visiting during lower-traffic time can be tricky.

For more information on how to visit parks safely, what types of restrictions might be in place and what areas are closed, visit www.ebparks.org/default.htm.

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Memorial Day Weekend ideas: 13 wide Bay Area hiking paths that make it easier to social distance By Alix Martichoux Saturday, May 23, 2020 12:10PM

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- It's more than two months into stay-at-home orders in the Bay Area and if you're not stir-crazy, you must be superhuman.

Walking and hiking have always been permitted outdoor activities in California amid the coronavirus pandemic, but only as long as you can socially distance. While the Bay Area is home to countless beautiful trails and walking paths, many of them are narrow and not the best candidates for social distancing. We've compiled a list of trails that are wider, and in some cases paved, to make it easier for you to get outside while also staying safe.

Remember, public health guidelines indicate you should stay 6 feet away from people outside your household. While it's not required to wear a mask while exercising, it's a good idea to bring one along in case you find yourself in close proximity with others. Some counties, like Marin, are asking non-county residents to stay away to avoid crowding.

You should also use common sense when going out for a hike. Try to go during the week when it's less crowded and keep in mind trails may be especially crowded on Memorial Day weekend.

Inspiration Point, Tilden Regional Park, Alameda County

This paved trail is nice and wide making it easy to pass other hikers while staying 6 feet apart. Along the way there are beautiful views of the East Bay Hills, the , Marin and if you look closely, bits of the San Francisco skyline peeking through the trees. The parking lot at the trailhead is open. More info.

A view of the sunset from Tilden Regional Park near Orinda, Calif. Alix Martichoux

Virl O. Norton Trail, Almaden Quicksilver County Park, Santa Clara County Almaden Quicksilver has loads to explore, and this trail is a good place to start. The path is wide and begins at the park's Mockingbird Entrance. More info.

116 Iron Horse Regional Trail, Contra Costa and Alameda counties

This ultra-long trail runs from Concord to Pleasanton. It has many places you can park along the way, including two BART station. When it's completed, the trail will eventually be 55 miles long and connect 12 cities. More info.

Great Highway, San Francisco A two-mile stretch of the Great Highway is temporarily closed to cars from Lincoln Way to Sloat Boulevard. Normally a vehicle traffic thoroughfare, now it's turned into a place for joggers, bicyclists and pedestrians to enjoy the coast.

A man wearing a mask walks past a road closure sign blocking a stretch of The Great Highway next to Ocean Beach in San Francisco, Thursday, April 23, 2020.

AP Photo/Jeff Chiu Jack London State Historic Park, Sonoma County

The parking lot at this historic state park recently reopened and there's lots to explore in this Sonoma County park. Whether you want to take a quick walk to check out Jack London's old stomping grounds or head out on a back- country hike, there are lots of trails to choose from. More info.

A group of spineless cactus are shown outside a distillery by Jack London's cottage at Jack London State Park in Glen Ellen, Calif., April 25, 2006. AP Photo/Eric Risberg

Contra Costa Canal Trail, Contra Costa County

The horseshoe-shaped trail connects much of central Costa County and runs through several parks along the way. There's plenty of room to spread out or stop and have a picnic. More info.

Albany Bulb, Alameda County

Definitely one of the Bay Area's quirkier outdoor spaces, the Albany Bulb embraces its past as an old landfill. It's filled with trash sculptures, graffiti and other oddities. There are lots of paths to wander so just take a turn when you see another group of people.

117 You'll probably find something weird along the way. There's also a beach nearby with even more room to spread out. More info.

An art installation at the Albany Bulb in Albany, Calif. as seen on Sept. 1, 2018.

Alix Martichoux

Sweeney Ridge Trail, San Mateo County The trail between San Bruno and Pacifica has views of the bay on one side and the ocean on the other. Not to mention views of Mt. Tam, Mt. Diablo and the Farallons. What more could you want? More info.

Lafayette Ridge Trail, , Contra Costa County The 6.6-mile out-and-back trail is blooming with wildflowers right now. The path is wide and you'll get views of Mt. Diablo and the East Bay hills. More info.

The Lafayette Ridge Trail in Briones Regional Park in Contra Costa Count, Cailf. Kayla Galloway

Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve, Santa Clara County

The preserve south of Los Gatos has multiple hiking trails that are wider than 6 feet, and they've even created a helpful map to show you which ones. Check it out here.

Golden Gate Park, San Francisco San Francisco's massive urban park has plenty of room to roam. Whether you want to spread out on a picnic blanket and read or walk among the eucalyptus trees, there are probably lots of nooks and crannies you haven't yet discovered in Golden Gate Park. More info. Stow Lake is shown in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park, Sunday, April 19, 2020. AP Photo/Jeff Chiu

Roys Redwoods Preserve, Marin County Roam 293 acres of forest and stand in awe of the towering redwood trees. Dogs are welcome on leash. More info.

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Milagra Ridge Trail, San Mateo County Located between Highway 1 and Skyline Boulevard in Pacifica, you'll get beautiful views of the ocean as you gain elevation along Milagra Ridge. More info.

A labyrinth seen on the Milagra Ridge Trail in Pacifica, Calif. Michelle Kelly

119

By Maureen Naylor Published 6 days ago Coronavirus in the Bay Area KTVU FOX 2

APTOS, Calif. - The Golden State is easing more restrictions amidst the COVID-19 pandemic including access to state parks.

Over the weekend, parking lots at more than two dozen state parks re-opened after closing at the end of March.

Officials said it's a slow rollout to minimize crowds.

The Forest of Nisene Marks in Santa Cruz County is one of the 27 state parks that re- opened its parking lot over the weekend.

The change comes seven weeks after the state announced the closure of vehicle access at all 280 state parks.

It's a welcome move for Lucas Bol, an Aptos father with a newborn baby.

"It's nice to not have to walk the full couple miles in with a stroller and kind of just get into the park. I’m a favor of limited parking," said Bol.

Most of the parking lots have about half the amount of normal parking spaces.

"We checked online and figured it out because we didn't want to come if we couldn't get out and move around," said Pam Coz-Hill of Santa Cruz.

The great outdoors in the COVID-19 era means face masks and shields for park rangers.

Gloria Sandoval, the Deputy Director of the State Parks Department, said visitors should be local and not cross county lines and shouldn't expect their usual nature outing because new visitor guidelines are in place.

"For example at some beaches, coolers and beach chairs are not allowed. At some of our parks, we have a lot of trails that are one-way trails and we're asking people to take hand sanitizer with them," said Sandoval.

36 state parks are still temporarily closed, one-third of which are in the Bay Area and include:

- in Alameda County

-Marsh Creek State Historic Park in Contra Costa County

120 - in San Mateo County

- in Sonoma County

Rangers can and have issued citations, mostly for illegal parking, but officials say the goal is education.

They ask visitors to maintain a physical distance and if a park is packed to come back later in hopes of avoiding visitation surges.

"Santa Cruz right now is a nice bubble with a low infection rate and I'd like to see it continue that way," said Coz-Hill.

Officials warn they could close parking lots again if people don't follow the guidelines.

It has not been determined yet when all state parks could re-open.

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Salmon fishing opens in SF, Berkeley — with social distancing rules Tom Stienstra May 19, 2020 Updated: May 19, 2020 4:11 p.m.

First mate Tony Broglio nets a salmon at the rail, hooked and fought with rod-and-reel on the boat Sundance out of Emeryville

Photo: Tom Stienstra / Capt. RJ Waldron / Special to The Chronicle On the eve of Memorial Day Weekend, local health officials in San Francisco and Berkeley moved to allow sport fishing boats to operate out of those cities — so long as they abide by a lengthy list of rules designed to avoid the spread of coronavirus.

Eager to take advantage of the new allowance, several party boats set out into San Francisco Bay on Tuesday as a means of preparing to host recreation anglers during the holiday weekend.

“We’re out on the bay today, wiping the dust off,” said Erik Anfinson, skipper of the Bass-Tub out of Fisherman’s Wharf, as he cruised near Alcatraz on Tuesday. “It feels so good to be out of the house, breathing in the fresh air. We’ll make our first trip for salmon on Saturday.”

For vessels launching from San Francisco and Berkeley, the new rules limit the number of people aboard such that at least 6 feet of space can be maintained between guests at all times. Also, rod holders on boat decks must be placed at least 6 feet apart and fishing equipment cannot be shared. Hand-shaking or physical contact is off limits. Bathrooms must be sanitized after each use and hand sanitizer must be available throughout the boat and at each rod station.

“Everybody is taking the orders very seriously,” said Scott Sutherland at Berkeley Charter Boats. “We can make this work,” Sutherland said. “It’s going to be a good summer.”

Sutherland and Anfinson said the first changes include using credit cards, not cash, for all payments, and limiting passenger counts on boats to 9 to 12 people rather than the typical load of more than 20. Sutherland said that he and many captains would sanitize the railings, tables, bait trays and other places that customers might touch.

On Monday, Sutherland said the New Easy Rider ventured out the Golden Gate with 9 anglers, who caught their 2-fish limits and returned with 18 salmon weiging up to 20 pounds. The California Dawn, also out of Berkeley, had 19 halibut and 6 striped basstook for 12 anglers, Sutherland said.

Rules for sport fishing, boat ramps and access to parks across the Bay Area remain a patchwork. County health departments set their respective standards independent of each other. Other

122 counties have not yet given the green light for party boat fishing, including Alameda, which is home to a large sportfishing fleet in Emeryville.

In San Mateo County, Tom Mattusch of the county’s Harbor Commission and captain of the Huli Cat, said a commission meeting Wednesday night would determine the next steps for salmon fishing out of Pillar Point Harbor in Half Moon Bay. Since the salmon season opened on May 1, only private boats with slips in the harbor have been able to fish out of Half Moon Bay.

On Wednesday evening, the San Mateo County Harbor Commission will consider allowing sales of salmon at Johnson Pier at Pillar Point Harbor, easing party boat restrictions and reopening boat ramps. Mattusch anticipated off-the-boat sales of salmon from commercial vessels at Johnson Pier could be approved. In anticipation of the sale of salmon, stripes for social distancing have already been painted on the walkway at Johnson Pier.

The biggest concern, Mattusch said, is reopening the boat launch at Pillar Point Harbor. During 3-day weekends in the past, parking filled early at Pillar Point Harbor and lines of vehicles towing boats extended onto the shoulders of Highway 1, and caused others to park in residential areas in El Grenada, he said.

On Monday, Mattusch took his boat out to check a crab pot and found 58.4-degree water at the Half Moon Bay Weather Buoy, and saw “many big molas (ocean sunfish) and humpback whales.” The humpback whales are an indicator for a sea that is full of food, likely juvenile anchovies.

North Bay

In the North Bay, Marin County Parks, which manages 16,000 acres of land, reopened parking this week for 35 open space preserves. They include Stafford Lake, Mount Burdell, Baltimore Canyon, Bothin Marsh, Ring Mountain and Cascade Canyon, according to a list provided by rangers.

In addition, local harbor districts and park districts reopened two boat ramps, at Loch Lomond Harbor in San Rafael, and at Black Point on the Petaluma River, each which provide boating access to San Pablo Bay.

At the Marin Watershed lands, including at Bon Tempe and Lagunitas lakes, all parking remains closed, with access permitted only for those arriving on foot or bicycle.

Across the greater Bay Area, all access roads, parking and campgrounds remain closed at State Parks, and at most parking and staging areas for the Golden Gate National Recreation Area in San Francisco and the Marin Headlands.

123 In East Bay counties, watershed lands managed by the East Bay Municipal Utility District, including for San Pablo and Lafayette reservoirs, and Contra Costa Water District for the Los Vaqueros Watershed, remain closed to all access. Most parks operated by the East Bay Regional Park District are open.

On the Peninsula, San Mateo County Parks has reopened 13 of its 23 parks, and the Midpeninsula Open Space District has reopened all of its 26 preserves.

For complete, up-to-date information on the status of specific parks and beaches in the Bay Area, visit the Chronicle’s park tracker, here.

Tom Stienstra is The Chronicle’s outdoor writer. Email: [email protected]. Twitter: @StienstraTom.

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Coronavirus: Parking lots reopen at 27 California state parks Visitors still encouraged not to cross county lines to visit parks By PAUL ROGERS | [email protected] | PUBLISHED: May 18, 2020 at 3:57 p.m. | UPDATED: May 19, 2020 at 10:48 a.m. , CA.- APRIL 14: The beach remains closed at , in Big Sur, Calif., Tuesday, April 14, 2020. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)

Parking lots are slowly beginning to re-open at some of California’s state parks.

Over the weekend, and without an official announcement, the state began to partially reopen lots at 27 state parks and beaches in Santa Cruz, San Benito, Sonoma, Riverside and Orange counties, along with the Lake Tahoe Area, and several other mostly rural parts of the state.

In most of the re-opened parking lots, 50% or fewer of the parking spaces will be available.

California has 280 state parks. As of Monday, 36 were closed and 244 were open. State parks officials have closed the parking lots in the parks that are open as a way to encourage only local visitors and reduce crowd size.

Gloria Sandoval, deputy director of California’s state parks department, said Monday that the state was able to reopen some lots starting Friday after consultation with local and state health officials. She said that the department expects visitors not to travel across county lines, and to go only to their local parks, as a way to reduce overcrowding until conditions continue to improve and more rules can be relaxed.

“We are still telling people to stay close to home,” she said. “It’s important for everybody to do their part to help mitigate the spread of the virus.”

Sandoval recommended that anyone planning to visit a state park first look up the website for that individual park to see the latest rules at www.parks.ca.gov. All beaches in Santa Cruz County, for example, are closed daily between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., by local order, with violators subject to $1,000 fines — although swimming and surfing are permitted.

Guided tours, campgrounds, museums and visitor centers remain closed at all state parks, although trails are open at many.

125 The state parks where parking lots have partially reopened, by county, are:

Butte County State Recreation Area El Dorado County Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point State Park Folsom Lake State Recreation Area (also in Sacramento and Placer counties) Lake Valley State Recreation Area Washoe Meadows State Park Kern County Onyx Ranch State Vehicular Recreation Area County Donner Memorial State Park Orange County Crystal Cove State Beach Placer County Auburn State Recreation Area Kings Beach State Recreation Area Riverside County State Recreation Area San Benito County Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area Santa Cruz County Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park Shasta County McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park Sonoma County Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve Austin Creek State Recreation Area Jack London State Historic Park Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Trione-Annadel State Park Tuolumne County Columbia State Historic Park

On Monday, as he relaxed some rules around California, Gov. Gavin Newsom was asked when he would be opening state parks parking lots, following reports that it was difficult for the elderly and disabled visitors to visit the ones that are open.

“There are 27 proof points that that was done in the last few days,” Newsom said.

Newsom and parks officials continue to urge state parks visitors to practice physical distancing and avoid congregating with people outside their immediate household.

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Oakland and SF’s ‘slow streets’ aren’t going away — that’s a good thing John King May 15, 2020 Updated: May 16, 2020 11:44 a.m. People exercise on 42th St., between Shafter and Webster, in Oakland, Calif., on Tuesday, May 12, 2020. Oakland has closed a number of streets to through traffic, the idea being that this will provide options for outdoor space to people with plenty of room for social distance and less need to be worried about cars hitting them.Photo: Yalonda M. James / The Chronicle

In the month since Oakland began closing some neighborhood streets to through traffic, a move replicated by other cities across the country, a core truth of the “slow streets” movement has become clear — the more exuberant claims for the program might be overstated, but its benefit to nearby residents is very, very real.

Nor will it vanish on the day — next month? — when shelter-in-place orders end. Instead, slow streets fit into a larger rethinking of the role that pavement can play in large American cities.

“We’ve opened a lot of Oaklanders to the idea that people can use streets in all sorts of ways,” said Ryan Russo, director of the city’s Department of Transportation. “Where things go from here, we’ll have to figure out.”

Since Oakland put its first barriers up, similar initiatives have been launched in San Francisco, Alameda and Redwood City. San Mateo, Berkeley and San Jose are all exploring the idea of letting restaurants place seating on closed-off asphalt. Urban centers from New York to Seattle have restricted access to streets large and small.

Still, Oakland’s initial move to provide protected space stands out.

The program launched on April 11 with the closure of 4.5 miles of streets around the clock to nearly all traffic except for people heading to or from their homes, emergency vehicles and delivery vans. Several expansions later, 20 miles of residential blocks are now tucked behind temporary barriers.

This is far short of the 74 miles announced as the city’s overall plan — a number so big it attracted nationwide attention at a time when people were being ordered to stay close to home. But that number was always a target, and the city expects to add more segments by the end of May.

In terms of providing a relief valve — thinning out crowded “official” public spaces so people can exercise or seek fresh air with enough room to maintain social distancing — there’s a gap between reality and hype.

127 Last Saturday, on a pleasant spring afternoon, I rode my bicycle past Lake Merritt and saw no shortage of people filling portions of the sidewalk or dotting the lawns. But on Alice Street, a cordoned-off “slow street” within three compact blocks of the lake’s western edge, I had the asphalt to myself. The same was true of a car-free corridor leading from Wayne Avenue to East 19th St. on the east side of the lake.

“In terms of (counterbalancing) the popularity of the lake and parks, we’re realizing there’s still work to be done,” Russo admitted this week. “In terms of people being able to go outside in their neighborhood and feel comfortable, feel safe in the roadbed, the slow streets are serving their purpose.”

A man crosses without worrying about automobile traffic at Alice and 14th streets where Oakland Slow Streets signs are posted. Photo: Yalonda M. James / The Chronicle

That was evident a few days later, when I revisited the streets set aside in North Oakland. The scenes weren’t festive so much as relaxed: couples walking hand in hand, parents with young children piloting bikes and scooters even smaller than they were. One couple was jogging — the mother behind a baby stroller, the father gripping the leash of a large white dog.

“I love it,” grinned Yvonne McGrew, who has lived on Howe Street since 1973. It’s a street that seems bucolic. It’s also near enough to the Rockridge BART Station that impatient commuters would cut through the tangle of small blocks to shave a few moments off their drive.

“You would never have seen that — kids on bikes,” McGrew said, pointing to one pair of helmeted adventurers. “You’d see adults and their dogs, but not the kids. And I’m catching up with neighbors I’d hardly ever see.”

There was a similar mood late Wednesday afternoon in San Francisco, which is trying out several “slow streets” as well.

Page Street was empty except for the stray passer- through, perhaps because Golden Gate Park’s Panhandle is a block to the north. But Lake Street in the Richmond District was another story, a widely spaced promenade of families getting fresh air at the end of the day, joggers loping past mansions, even a pair of surfers on their bicycles, boards attached securely on the side.

128 On Kirkham Street in the Inner Sunset, meanwhile, there’s now a basketball hoop outside one home near Funston Avenue. Kids from the neighborhood use the gently sloped blocks as an elongated chill-out zone.

“It’s kind of free-range out here,” offered Sebastian Haas, a ninth-grader who lives near 15th Avenue. He had a skateboard; his younger brother had a go-cart the pair had built in their garage.

I asked if there was much traffic in this quiet-looking area before restrictions came down in March. “Actually, yeah. This gives you a chance to get outside and not think about it.”

Seattle has now gone so far as to announce that 20 miles of its streets will remain closed permanently to through traffic. Neither Oakland nor San Francisco are prepared to take such an emphatic step, at least not yet.

“Before anything is made permanent, we need to have a conversation as a whole community,” Russo said. As he points out, traffic diverted from one street in usual times is likely to head to others — “but we don’t have that right now.”

People exercise near the intersection of Webster Street and 42nd Street in Oakland. Photo: Yalonda M. James / The Chronicle

What we do have is a glum but growing awareness that the path ahead is murky. There won’t be some magic day where every adult is back in the office and all the kids are at school.

“It’s becoming increasingly clear that crisis recovery is a slow road,” said Jamie Parks, director of the Livable Streets program at San Francisco’s Municipal Transportation Agency. In fact, he promised additions next week to the four protected street segments now in place: “Slow streets will be in place for as long as they’re needed.”

This is as it should be.

The impacts of the slow streets initiatives are modest, not sweeping. But they offer another alternative to neighborhoods that in recent years have come to feel increasingly constrained — even before the pandemic arrived.

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Park It: East Bay district preparing for busy fire ‘season’ A high risk for blazes is in effect nearly all year long now By NED MACKAY | East Bay Regional Park District May 17, 2020 at 5:00 a.m. Cindi Christie/staff archives A firefighter gets some coaching from a supervisor at a previous wildland fire training exercise at Dublin’s Camp Parks, which crews from the East Bay Regional Park District, Hayward Fire and Alameda County Fire worked together. Aside from its own personnel and equipment, the EBRPD, which is gearing up for a potentially dangerous fire season, has mutual aid agreements with Cal Fire, the California Office of Emergency Services and every fire department within Alameda and Contra Costa counties.

Because long-range forecasts predict dry weather, the East Bay Regional Park District’s Fire Department is gearing up for a potentially dangerous fire season. EBRPD Fire Chief Aileen Theile cited two factors in particular: Weather forecasters are predicting more frequent, dry offshore breezes; and late-spring rains stimulated more growth by already-tall grasses despite this winter having been relatively dry. Firefighters used to think in terms of a “fire season,” but with climate change fire season is now almost year-round. To combat fires, Chief Theile leads 16 full-time firefighters and some 34 on-call staff — district employees with other primary occupations who are also fully trained firefighters available when needed. A new and important component of the EBRPD Fire Department is an eight-member fuel-reduction crew. This crew works throughout the year to enhance fire safety by clearing brush away from trails, trimming trees to remove ladder fuels and piling the resulting vegetation for disposal by burning “strategically and where appropriate,” as Theile says. They fight wildfires too when needed. The fuel-reduction crew also works on the district’s fuel break in the East Bay hills. This is a zone of thinned vegetation between regional parklands and adjacent residential neighborhoods that extends south from Richmond to Castro Valley. It serves two purposes: slowing the spread of fire between open space and adjacent neighborhoods and providing firefighters with a place to make a stand. Fire headquarters are at Station 1 in Tilden Regional Park near Berkeley. Seven other stations throughout the district are staffed as circumstances demand. All have engines and other equipment in place. A dispatch center operates 24 hours a day in support of the district’s firefighters and police. During a fire, the district’s two police helicopters serve as observation platforms to determine fire location and speed and provide the best access for ground crews. The helicopters are equipped with “Bambi buckets” to fight fire from above with 250-gallon water drops.

130 Aside from its own personnel and equipment, the park district has mutual aid agreements with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire), the California Office of Emergency Services and every fire department within Alameda and Contra Costa counties. This enables rapid response to emergencies inside and outside the parklands. Of course, the coronavirus pandemic has dominated the news in recent times. In that regard, Chief Theile noted that it has been easy for the firefighters to observe the new protocols because they’re accustomed to wearing protective gear anyway. Their additional safety measures include assigning separate crews to each engine, allowing only assigned personnel in the stations and designating one firefighter to approach and assess a victim in an emergency situation before committing the entire crew. Post-incident decontamination is accomplished as appropriate. There are major ways in which the public can help the district reduce fire hazards. It should be noted that no smoking, including vaping, is permitted in the regional parks. And during any emergency, park visitors need to cooperate with all instructions from firefighters, police or park rangers. If you see a fire while in a park, call 911, report the fire’s location, size and the direction it’s burning in if possible, then leave immediately. Beyond that, Theile said, “We ask people to take a hard look at fire safety in their own backyards,” adding that “It’s not just one neighbor doing it but the entire neighborhood.” “Thirty feet of lean, clean and green” is the motto. This means reducing the fuel load by mowing. Beyond 30 feet there should also be thinner vegetation. Information on defensible space is available at the Cal Fire website, fire.ca.gov. It’s also important to have an evacuation plan in case of an approaching fire.

“Don’t wait to be told,” Theile said, “and don’t block the road so that fire engines can’t get in.” To sum it up, “Be informed and be prepared,” she said. Ned MacKay writes about East Bay Regional Park District sites and activities. Email him at [email protected].

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