Board Meeting Packet Friday, November 6, 2020

Board of Directors Board Meeting Packet Friday, November 6, 2020

SPECIAL NOTICE REGARDING PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AT THE EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING SCHEDULED FOR FRIDAY, November 6, 2020 at 11:00 AM

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

Members of the public can listen and view the meeting in the following way: Via the Park District’s live video stream which can be found at: https://youtu.be/ac97WleuZvM

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 Thursday, November 5, 2020 at 3:00 pm.

2. Via voicemail at (510) 544-2016. The caller must start the message by stating public comments – not on the agenda or public comments – agenda item # followed by their name and place of residence, followed by their comments. It is preferred that these voicemail comments be submitted by Thursday, November 5, 2020 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/98646766885 * 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/ac97WleuZvM 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 Thursday, November 5, 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, included transcribed voicemails. All comments received by the close of the public comment period will be available after the meeting as supplemental materials and will become part of the official meeting record. If you have any questions please contact Yolande Barial Knight, Clerk of the Board, at [email protected] or (510) 544-2016.

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 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2020 President - Ward 4 Board Meeting is scheduled to commence via teleconference at 11:00 a.m. DEE ROSARIO Vice President – Ward 2 Park District’s live video stream can be found at: BEVERLY LANE https://youtu.be/ac97WleuZvM Secretary - Ward 6

COLIN COFFEY Treasurer - Ward 7 DENNIS WAESPI Ward 3 Respectfully submitted, AYN WIESKAMP Ward 5 ELIZABETH ECHOLS Ward 1 ROBERT E. DOYLE ROBERT E. DOYLE General Manager General Manager

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

AGENDA

REGULAR MEETING OF NOVEMBER 6, 2020 BOARD OF DIRECTORS EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

The Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park 10:00 a.m. ROLL CALL (Virtual) District will hold a regular meeting virtually, commencing PUBLIC COMMENTS at 10:00 a.m. for Closed Session and 11:00 a.m. for CLOSED SESSION Open Session on Friday, November 6, 2020. Video Stream at: A. Conference with Labor Negotiator: Government Code Section 54957.6 https://youtu.be/ac97WleuZvM

1. Agency Negotiators: Robert E. Doyle, Ana M. Alvarez, Agenda for the meeting is Allison Picard listed adjacent. Times for agenda Employee Organizations: AFSCME Local 2428, items are approximate only and are subject to change during the Police Association meeting. If you wish to Unrepresented Employees: Managers, Confidentials and Seasonals comment on matters not on the agenda, you may do so under 2. Existing Litigation – Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(I) Public Comments at the beginning of the agenda and if you wish to comment on an a. Workers’ Compensation Claim of Timothy Walker item on the agenda please send WCAB No. ADJ9894102 an email to [email protected] before 3pm, Thursday, November 5, 2020. 11:00 a.m. OPEN SESSION (Virtual) A copy of the background PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE materials concerning these agenda items, including any material that may have been A. APPROVAL OF AGENDA submitted less than 72 hours before the meeting, is available B. PUBLIC COMMENTS for inspection on the District’s website (www.ebparks.org).

Public comments may be submitted one of three ways: Agendas for Board Committee Meetings are available to the 1. Via email to Yolande Barial Knight, Clerk of the Board, at public upon request. If you wish [email protected]. Email must contain in the subject line to be placed on the mailing list public comments – not on the agenda or public to receive future agendas for a specific Board Committee, comments – agenda item #. It is preferred that these please call the Clerk of the comments be submitted by Thursday, November 5, 2020 at Board’s Office at (510) 544- 3:00 pm. 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.

3. If you are interested in speaking during Public Comments, please contact the Clerk of the Board at [email protected] for call in information by 3:00 pm on Thursday, November 5, 2020. Email must contain in the subject line Board meeting 11-06-20 call in request. If you would like to provide public comment through the virtual meeting platform, please use https://zoom.us/j/98646766885 to participate. Note that this virtual meeting platform link will let you into the virtual meeting waiting room and then into the meeting for the purpose to provide comment. Please use the YouTube link https://youtu.be/ac97WleuZvM to observe the meeting when you are not providing public comment.

C. SPECIAL UPDATE

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

11:25 a.m. D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

a. Approval of District Check Listing for the Period of September 14, 2020 through, October 4, 2020 (Auker/Doyle) (Resolution) (No Cost) b. Resolution to Support H.R. 8246 (Sires D-NJ) – Community Parks Revitalization Act (Pfuehler/Doyle) (Resolution) (No Cost) c. Resolution to Support H. Res. 1139 (Kind D-WA) – Honoring the 50th Anniversary of the National Park Service Volunteers-In-Parks program (Pfuehler/Doyle) (Resolution) (No Cost) d. Resolution to Support S. 4401 (Harris D-CA) and H.R. 5986 (Grijalva D-AZ) – Environmental Justice for All Act (Pfuehler/Doyle) (Resolution) (No Cost) e. Resolution to Support S. 4538 (Durbin D-IL) – RENEW Conservation Corps Act (Pfuehler/Doyle) (Resolution) (No Cost) f. Resolution to Support the California Recycling and Plastic Pollution Reduction Act (Pfuehler/Doyle) (Resolution) (No Cost) g. Authorization to Purchase Fifteen Ford Vehicles from Downtown Ford Sales for Vehicle Replacements and as Additions to the Fleet (McCrystle/O’Connor) (Resolution) (Budgeted Funds) h. Authorization to Award a Contract to Bay Cities Refuse Service, Inc. for Recycling, Compost, Trash Collection and Processing Services: Anthony Chabot Regional Park (Barrington/O’Connor) (Resolution) (Budgeted Funds)

i. Authorization to Award a Contract for Janitorial Services to Universal Building Services & Supply Company (McNally/Rasmussen/Auker) (Resolution) (Budgeted Funds) j. Authorization to Renew Contract with E2 Strategies, LLC for Federal Legislative Advocate Services (Pfuehler/Doyle) (Resolution) (Budgeted Funds) k. Authorization to Renew Contract with Houston Magnani & Associates for State Legislative Advocate Services (Pfuehler/Doyle) (Resolution) (Budgeted Funds) L. Authorization to Grant a 1,040 Square Foot Utility Easement to PG&E as part of the City of Berkeley’s Grizzly Peak Utilities Undergrounding Project: Tilden Regional Park (Reeves/Kelchner) (Resolution) (Rev Authorization) m Authorization to Accept the Final Insurance Payment on the 2020 Infirmary Fire Damage Claim and to Execute a Claim Release and Mutual Settlement Agreement with Lexington Insurance Company, Appropriate Funds and Approve Contract: Camp Arroyo (Auker/Victor) (Resolution) (Rev Authorization/ Budget Change) n. Authorization to Donate Out of Service 1997 International Type 3 Fire Engine to the Westport Volunteer Fire Department (Theile/Ciaburro) (Resolution) (No Cost)

12:00 p.m. 2. EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE DIVISION

a. Resolution Changing the Start Time of the December 1, 2020 Regular Board of Directors Meeting to 6:00 pm (Auker/Doyle) (Resolution) (No Cost)

12:15 p.m. 3. PUBLIC SAFETY DIVISION

a. Presentation and Report from Assistant General Manager of Public Safety on Police Policies and Procedures (Ciaburro) b. Presentation Outlining Recruitment and Hiring for the East Bay Regional Park District Police Department (Cotcher/Picard/Ciaburro)

12:30 p.m. 4. BOARD AND STAFF REPORTS

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

12:45 p.m. 5. GENERAL MANAGER’S COMMENTS

a. STAFF PRESENTATION Chief Information Officer Jim Tallerico will be presenting an update of the accomplishments made by the Information Services Department over the past year.

1:00 p.m. 6. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM CLOSED SESSION

1:05 p.m. 7. BOARD COMMENTS

2:00 p.m. E. ADJOURNMENT

CONSENT CALENDAR

AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Friday, November 6, 2020

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

a. Approval of District Check Listing for the Period of September 14, 2020 Through October 4, 2020 (Auker/Doyle)

RECOMMENDATION

It is recommended that the Board of Directors approve the Check Listing for the period of September 14, 2020 through October 4, 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 – 11 -

November 6, 2020

APPROVAL OF DISTRICT CHECK LISTING FOR THE PERIOD OF SEPTEMBER 14, 2020 THROUGH OCTOBER 4, 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 September 14, 2020 through October 4, 2020;

Moved by Director , seconded by Director , and adopted this 6th day of November, 2020 by the following vote:

FOR:

AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:

9 AGENDA REGULAR MEETINGS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Friday, November 6, 2020

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

b. Resolution to Support H.R. 8246 (Sires D-NJ) – Community Parks Revitalization Act (Pfuehler/Doyle)

RECOMMENDATION

The Legislative Committee of the Board and General Manager recommend the Board of Directors adopt a resolution to support H.R. 8246 (Sires D-NJ) – Community Parks Revitalization Act.

REVENUE/COST

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

BACKGROUND

Representative Albio Sires (D-NJ) reintroduced the Community Parks Revitalization Act to provide Federal support for parks across the country through matching grant programs and secured loans.

This legislation would provide three types of Federal grants and technical assistance programs which must be matched with local funds.

• Rehabilitation and construction grants would aid local governments in rebuilding and expanding new and existing parks and recreational facilities; • Innovation grants would address personnel, facility, equipment and supply needs for parks and recreation facilities. In addition, the innovation grants would provide funds for new or existing programs which provide opportunities for returning veterans, active duty military and their families, or programs that provide constructive alternatives for at-risk youth; • Recovery action program grants would promote development of local park and recreation recovery action programs by involving the community and youth to develop priorities and goals. Recovery action programs have been used to rehabilitate inner-city playgrounds, tot-lots, recreation centers, parks, ball fields, tennis and basketball courts, and swimming pools. They can also include turning abandoned and surplus buildings into community centers.

The legislation specifically states “special purpose park and recreation” districts are eligible. The Park District has supported Rep. Sires’ previous iterations of this legislation. 10 ALTERNATIVES

None recommended.

11 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO.: 2020 - 11 -

November 6, 2020

RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT H.R. 8246 (SIRES D-NJ) – COMMUNITY PARKS REVITALIZATION ACT

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

WHEREAS, this legislation creates several grant programs for park infrastructure, programming and planning; and

WHEREAS, H.R. 8246 would provide important resources to urban parks and improve access for all; and

WHEREAS, special purpose park and recreation districts are specifically eligible to apply for the grants; and

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

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

WHEREAS, H.R. 8246 is consistent with the District’s Healthy Parks Healthy People initiative and promotes preventative healthy activity.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby support H.R. 8246 (Sires D-NJ) – Community Parks Revitalization Act; and

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

Moved by Director , seconded by Director , and adopted this 6th day of November, 2020 by the following vote:

FOR:

AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:

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13 AGENDA REGULAR MEETINGS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Friday, November 6, 2020

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

c. Resolution to Support H.Res. 1139 (Kind D-WA) – Honoring the 50th Anniversary of the National Park Service Volunteers-In-Parks program (Pfuehler/Doyle)

RECOMMENDATION

The Legislative Committee of the Board and General Manager recommend the Board of Directors adopt a resolution to support H.Res. 1139 (Kind D-WA) – Honoring the 50th Anniversary of the National Park Service Volunteers-In-Parks program.

REVENUE/COST

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

BACKGROUND

This resolution is a simple one sentence recognition of the 50th Anniversary of the National Park Service (NPS) Volunteers-In-Parks program established on July 29, 1970. NPS offers a variety of volunteer opportunities for individuals and groups as part of the Volunteers-In-Parks program. Such opportunities include positions ranging from a one-time service project volunteer event to a longer-term position, serving alongside park employees or with partner organizations. Opportunities are available at park locations throughout the United States, including the territories in the Pacific and the Caribbean. East Bay opportunities include at the John Muir National Historic Site in Martinez, Rosie the Riveter National Historic Park in Richmond and Eugene O’Neil National Historic Site in Danville.

ALTERNATIVES

None recommended.

14 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO.: 2020 - 11 -

November 6, 2020

RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT H.RES. 1139 (KIND D-WA) – HONORING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE VOLUNTEERS-IN-PARKS PROGRAM

WHEREAS, the Volunteers-in-Parks program is a National Park Service-wide program engaging individuals to participate in a variety of educational and operational opportunities within national park sites; and

WHEREAS, this program establishes park champions nationwide by providing opportunities in labs, visitor centers and in the field at national park sites across the country to learn and engage on the benefits of parks; and

WHEREAS, East Bay opportunities include at the John Muir National Historic Site in Martinez, Rosie the Riveter National Historic Park in Richmond and Eugene O’Neil National Historic Site in Danville; and

WHEREAS, this resolution honors the 50th Anniversary of the National Park Service (NPS) Volunteers-In-Parks program established on July 29, 1970.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby support H.Res. 1139 (Kind D-WA) – Honoring the 50th Anniversary of the National Park Service Volunteers-In-Parks program; and

Moved by Director , seconded by Director , and adopted this 6th day of November, 2020 by the following vote:

FOR:

AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:

15 AGENDA REGULAR MEETINGS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Friday, November 6, 2020

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

d. Resolution to Support S. 4401 (Harris D-CA) and H.R. 5986 (Grijalva D-AZ) – Environmental Justice for All Act (Pfuehler/Doyle)

RECOMMENDATION

The Legislative Committee of the Board and General Manager recommend the Board of Directors adopt a resolution to support S. 4401 (Harris D-CA) and H.R. 5986 (Grijalva D-AZ) – Environmental Justice for All Act.

REVENUE/COST

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

BACKGROUND

This Legislation, among other items: • Establishes “Access to Parks, Outdoor Spaces and Public Recreation Opportunities” through the “Outdoor Recreation Legacy Grant Program.” It specifically cites a “special purpose district, including park districts” as being eligible. Projects the grant program can fund include acquiring land and water for parks and other outdoor recreation purposes. Grants can fund the development of new, or renovation of, existing outdoor recreation facilities. The grants can also fund the development of projects which provide opportunities for outdoor education and public lands volunteerism. The National Park Service would administer the grant program. Funding would come from oil leases. • Establishes a “Transit to Trails Grant Program” for projects which develop transportation connectors for underserved communities aimed at increasing access to public land, waters, parkland or monuments. The legislation again specifically states “a special purpose district (including a park district)” as an eligible entity. The grant program is administrated by the Department of Transportation. The program is authorized at $10 million a year. • Repeals the seven-year sunset provision of the Every Kid Outdoors Public Law 116-9. The program provides free access to Federal lands and waters for all fourth-grade students and accompanying individuals.

ALTERNATIVES

None recommended.

16 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO.: 2020 - 11 -

November 6, 2020

RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT S. 4401 (HARRIS D-CA) AND H.R. 5986 (GRIJALVA D-AZ) – ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE FOR ALL ACT

WHEREAS, this legislation, among other items, aims at providing grant programs and initiatives to create additional access for all persons across the nation to parks, waters and monuments; and

WHEREAS, grant opportunities would include outdoor education, public land volunteerism and transportation connection for disadvantaged communities to increase access for all; and

WHEREAS, it would permanently extend the Every Kid Outdoors access program for fourth-graders to have free access to parks for themselves and accompanying individuals, providing for outdoor educational experiences and establishing new park supporters nationwide; and

WHEREAS, this legislation is in alignment with the District’s Vision to improve access to and use of parks by members of underrepresented groups; and

WHEREAS, the Park District is eligible for a number of the grants established by this legislation.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby support S. 4401 (Harris D-CA) and H.R. 5986 (Grijalva D-AZ) – Environmental Justice for All Act; and

Moved by Director , seconded by Director , and adopted this 6th day of November, 2020 by the following vote:

FOR:

AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:

17 AGENDA REGULAR MEETINGS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Friday, November 6, 2020

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

e. Resolution to Support S. 4538 (Durbin D-IL) – RENEW Conservation Corps Act (Pfuehler/Doyle)

RECOMMENDATION

The Legislative Committee of the Board and General Manager recommend the Board of Directors adopt a resolution to support S. 4538 (Durbin D-IL) – RENEW Conservation Corps Act.

REVENUE/COST

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

BACKGROUND

This legislation would create a civilian conservation corps aimed at providing valuable job training and work experience to Americans while also completing needed maintenance and restoration of parks, trails and natural areas. It is a modernized version of the Civilian Conservation Corps from the Depression-era which built a significant amount of infrastructure, including within the District’s original parks.

The bill would create a new conservation corps run though the U.S. Departments of Interior and Agriculture. It authorizes more than $55 billion over a five-year period aimed at putting one million Americans to work to address the backlog of deferred conservation projects.

The bill provides anyone 16 years or older at least two weeks of training for positions lasting a minimum of twelve weeks, but no longer than one year. All participants will receive at least $15 an hour, with some wages determined based on work performed. In addition, those participating in the program who complete a full year of work would be eligible to receive up to $5,500 in credit toward post-secondary education loans. To ensure a diverse workforce, the bill requires participants be reflective of the demographics in the area where the project is being completed.

The bill would help fund and complete various projects, including: Tree planting; restoration and management of wildlife habitat; invasive species control; prescribed burns; restoration of streams

18 wetlands and other aquatic ecosystems; monitoring water quality in streams and lakes; conducting fish and wildlife surveys; constructing trails, bridges, campgrounds, picnic shelters or other recreation amenities; maintenance and construction of park playgrounds; restoration of brownfield sites; creating rain gardens; creating pollinator gardens; construct green schoolyards; upkeep/creation of urban gardens and farms; plant native grasslands; and any other projects determined by the Interior and Agriculture Department secretaries.

The District and Civilian Conservation Corps have a shared legacy in the creation of the Park District.

ALTERNATIVES

None recommended.

19 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO.: 2020 - 11 -

November 6, 2020

RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT S. 4538 (DURBIN D-IL) – RENEW CONSERVATION CORPS ACT

WHEREAS, S. 4538 is a modernized version of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) from the Depression-era which built a significant amount of infrastructure, including within the District’s original parks; and

WHEREAS, much of the District’s original infrastructure – such as roads, restrooms, picnic areas and water fountains – were built by CCC crews with a net benefit of $3 million in federal funds in the 1930’s; and

WHEREAS, the CCC helps provide national employment to unemployed and underemployed citizens for the performance of public work projects aimed at completing needed maintenance and restoration of parks, trails and natural areas; and

WHEREAS, the District is a significant supporter of career opportunities for urban and rural youth providing over 400 summer jobs annually in related fields such as vegetation management, public safety and environmental education; and

WHEREAS, a July 2020 survey indicates 89% of respondents support the District’s employment of youth to provide additional training and job opportunities for their future; and

WHEREAS, the Park District has numerous opportunities to partner with conservation corps within the East Bay to address the health of our communities and natural environment.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby support S. 4538 (Durbin D-IL) – RENEW Conservation Corps Act; and

Moved by Director , seconded by Director , and adopted this 6th day of November, 2020 by the following vote:

FOR:

AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:

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21 AGENDA REGULAR MEETINGS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Friday, November 6, 2020

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

f. Resolution to Support the California Recycling and Plastic Pollution Reduction Act (Pfuehler/Doyle)

RECOMMENDATION

The Legislative Committee of the Board and General Manager recommend the Board of Directors adopt a resolution to support the California Recycling and Plastic Pollution Reduction Act.

REVENUE/COST

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

BACKGROUND

The “California Recycling and Plastic Pollution Reduction Act” (also known as the #PlasticsFreeCA ballot measure) is expected it to be on the November ballot in 2022.

The ballot initiative would require the California Department of Resources, Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle), in consultation with other agencies, to adopt regulations aimed at reducing the use of single-use plastic packaging and foodware, including:

• Establishing "mechanisms for convenient consumer access to recycling," such as take- back programs and deposits; • Establishing and enforcing labeling standards to support the sorting of discarded single- use plastic packaging and foodware; • Requiring producers to ensure single-use plastic packaging and foodware is recyclable, reusable, refillable or compostable by 2030; • Requiring producers to reduce or eliminate single-use plastic packaging or foodware CalRecycle determines is unnecessary for product or food item delivery; • Requiring producers to reduce the amount of single-use plastic packaging and foodware sold in California by at least 25 percent by 2030; • Requiring producers to use recycled content and renewable materials in the production of single-use plastic packaging and foodware; and

22 • Prohibiting food vendors from distributing expanded polystyrene food service containers.

The ballot initiative would also enact a fee, called the California Plastic Pollution Reduction Fee, on single-use plastic packaging and foodware. CalRecycle would determine the fee amount with a maximum amount of 1 cent per item of packaging or foodware. Beginning in 2030, the fee would be adjusted based on changes in the California Consumer Price Index. Revenue from the tax would be distributed to CalRecycle, the California Natural Resources Agency and local governments. The initiative creates a “Local Government Fund (LGF)” in the California Plastic Pollution Reduction Fund (CPPRF). From the LGF, 25% is allocated to disadvantage communities, 5% is allocated to projects which benefit low-income households and 5% to projects that benefit low-income households outside of, but within one-half mile of, disadvantaged communities. Other allocations are defined through the budget process. Qualifying projects are those which:

• Protect groundwater and local clean drinking water supplies from the impacts of plastic pollution; • Prevent and clean up the impacts of litter and marine plastic pollution on communities and the natural environment; • Maintain local recycling and composting programs, and increase the amount of material recycled or composted; • Educate and provide outreach to residents and businesses on waste reduction, recycling and composting; and • Provide grants to organizations involved in litter abatement, public education, developing community recycling and composting infrastructure, or designing and deploying reusable system alternatives to single-use plastic foodware.

Additionally, thirty percent (30%) of the monies deposited into the CPPRF are made available to the Natural Resources Agency for grants to state and local public agencies to mitigate the impacts of plastic pollution. Additionally, grants are intended for projects to protect and restore habitat and wildlife. The grants also target protecting and improving public access to the state’s natural resources. Funding is similarly intended for projects to protect the environment including coastal and ocean ecosystems, streams, rivers and beaches. Monies for this Environmental Mitigation Account is to be continuously appropriated without regard to fiscal year.

Staff believe the District would be eligible for LGF monies. This initiative is similar to SB 54 (Allen D-Santa Monica) and AB 1080 (Gonzalez D-San Diego) – Plastic Pollution Reduction Act – for which the District took support positions. Neither bill made it to the Governor’s desk during the 2019-20 session. The District also took a support position on the proposed 2020 California Packaging Waste Reduction Regulations Ballot Initiative which did not advance to the ballot. The lead supporters of the initiative, Californians Against Waste, are seeking endorsements.

ALTERNATIVES

None recommended.

23 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO.: 2020 - 11 -

November 6, 2020

RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT THE CALIFORNIA RECYCLING AND PLASTIC POLLUTION REDUCTION ACT

WHEREAS, this ballot initiative develops a comprehensive framework for reducing plastic pollution and reforming product packaging; and

WHEREAS, plastic pollution and waste impact East Bay Regional Park District lands as seen in District-lead volunteer in-park, along trail and shoreline cleanups; and

WHEREAS, the initiative establishes resources for local governments and state agencies to reduce plastic use, fund recycling programs and mitigate the impact of plastic on the natural environment; and

WHEREAS, the recent District Park and Public Interest Community Engagement Project Survey found high interest in increased recycling and composting opportunities; and

WHEREAS, this legislation is consistent with the District’s sustainability policy and environmental ethic.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby support the California Recycling and Plastic Pollution Reduction Act; and

Moved by Director , seconded by Director , and adopted this 6th day of November, 2020 by the following vote:

FOR:

AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:

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25 AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Friday, November 6, 2020

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

g. Authorization to Purchase Fifteen Ford Vehicles from Downtown Ford Sales for Vehicle Replacements and as Additions to the Fleet (McCrystle/O’Connor)

RECOMMENDATION

The General Manager recommends that the Board of Directors authorize the purchase of fifteen new Ford vehicles from Downtown Ford Sales of Sacramento, California at a total cost of $456,957 for vehicle replacements and as additions to the fleet.

REVENUE/COST

For the purpose of purchasing replacement and additional fleet vehicles, funds have been allocated in the East Bay Regional Park District’s (Park District) 2020 Budget. Fleet Replacement Account 101-5933-000-7505 (Rolling Stock >$25,000), Black Diamond Visitor Center Account 101-5241- 502-7505 (Rolling Stock >$25,000), Mobile Outreach Account 101-5228-551-7505 (Rolling Stock >$25,000) ASD Administration Account 101-7010-000-7505 (Rolling Stock >$25,000), Del Valle Visitor Center Account 101-5241-503-7505 (Rolling Stock >$25,000), Lifeguard Services Account 101-8320-000-7505 (Rolling Stock >$25,000), Reservable Facilities Account 101-5327- 000-7505 (Rolling Stock >$25,000), and Roads & Trails Account 101-5954-000-7505 (Rolling Stock >$25,000).

PROPOSED ENCUMBRANCE, Account 101-5933-000-7505: Base Price $ 237,389 Fees & Delivery 2,779 Sales Tax 19,585 Total Encumbrance $ 259,753

26 PROPOSED ENCUMBRANCE, Account 101-5241-502-7505: Base Price $ 3,973 Sales Tax 328 Total Encumbrance $ 4,301

PROPOSED ENCUMBRANCE, Account 101-5228-551-7505: Base Price $ 3,070 Sales Tax 254 Total Encumbrance $ 3,324

PROPOSED ENCUMBRANCE, Account 101-7010-000-7505: Base Price $ 29,945 Fees & Delivery 309 Sales Tax 2,471 Total Encumbrance $ 32,725

PROPOSED ENCUMBRANCE, Account 101-5241-503-7505: Base Price $ 29,767 Fees & Delivery 309 Sales Tax 2,456 Total Encumbrance $ 32,532

PROPOSED ENCUMBRANCE, Account 101-8320-000-7505: Base Price $ 31,770 Fees & Delivery 309 Sales Tax 2,621 Total Encumbrance $ 34,700

PROPOSED ENCUMBRANCE, Account 101-5327-000-7505: Base Price $ 23,288 Fees & Delivery 309 Sales Tax 1,921 Total Encumbrance $ 25,518

PROPOSED ENCUMBRANCE, Account 101-5954-000-7505: Base Price $ 58,648 Fees & Delivery 618 Sales Tax 4,838 Total Encumbrance $ 64,104

TOTAL ENCUMBRANCE: Base Price $ 417,850 Fees & Delivery 4,633 Sales Tax 34,474 Total Encumbrance $ 456,957

27 BACKGROUND

Nine of the fifteen Ford vehicles will replace Park District vehicles which are being retired due to age, high mileage, and/or declining condition.

One of these vehicles, assigned to Mobile Outreach, will change from a regular cab model pick- up to a crew cab model pick-up providing additional space necessary for gear and additional staff needed to run a Mobile Fish Exhibit program, eliminating the need for an additional vehicle. A second vehicle, assigned to the Black Diamond Visitor Center, will change from a 7-passenger minivan to a 5-passsenger Ford Escape Hybrid vehicle with 4WD, which is better suited for the terrain at Black Diamond. A third vehicle, assigned to the Interpretive & Recreation Chief, will be replaced with a suitable hybrid vehicle. Both hybrid vehicles will replace vehicles with internal combustion engines. A third hybrid vehicle assigned to the Lakes Unit Manager will be replaced like-for-like.

Department Eq Year Description (Current / New) # ADMIN POOL 2945 2004 PKUP, DODGE DAKOTA 4WD X-CAB New Vehicle Description PKUP, FORD RANGER 4WD X-CAB BIG BREAK VISITOR CNTR 3063 2008 VAN, CHEV UPLANDER 7-PASSENGER New Vehicle Description VAN, FORD TRANSIT CONNECT 7-PASS. BLACK DIAMOND VIS. CNTR 3069 2008 VAN, CHEV UPLANDER 7-PASSENGER New Vehicle Description SUV, FORD ESCAPE HYBRID 4WD COYOTE HILLS 2955 2004 PKUP, FORD RANGER 2WD New Vehicle Description PKUP, FORD RANGER 2WD FISHERIES MANAGEMENT 3103 2008 PKUP, CHEV COLORADO 4WD X-CAB New Vehicle Description PKUP, FORD RANGER 4WD X-CAB INTERPRETIVE & REC. CHIEF 3109 2009 SUV, DODGE CALIBER New Vehicle Description SUV, FORD ESCAPE HYBRID LAKES UNIT MANAGER 3056 2008 SUV, FORD ESCAPE HYBRID New Vehicle Description SUV, FORD ESCAPE HYBRID MOBILE OUTREACH 3100 2008 PKUP, FORD F350 4WD, REG CAB New Vehicle Description PKUP, FORD F350 4WD, CREW CAB NO. CO. TRADES 3023 2007 UTILITY TRUCK, CHEV. SILVERADO 2500 New Vehicle Description UTILITY TRUCK, FORD F250

The remaining six of the fifteen Ford vehicles are being purchased as additions to the fleet per the approved 2020 Budget.

Department New Description ASD ADMINISTRATION SUV, FORD EXPLORER 4WD DEL VALLE VISITOR CENTER SUV, FORD ESCAPE HYBRID 4WD LIFEGUARD SERVICES VAN, FORD 8-PASSENGER RESERVABLE FACILITIES PKUP, FORD RANGER 2WD X-CAB ROADS & TRAILS PKUP, FORD F250 4WD X-CAB ROADS & TRAILS PKUP, FORD F250 4WD X-CAB

A total four of fifteen new Ford vehicles will be purchased with hybrid drivetrains consistent with the Park District’s fleet greening initiative.

These new Ford vehicles are available for purchase directly from Downtown Ford Sales of Sacramento by means of contract pricing established by the State of California, General Services Procurement Division, Contracts #1-18-23-20A & #1-18-23-23A. The pricing is the result of a competitive bid process and open to all state governmental entities and educational institutions. Public agencies electing to use this method of vehicle acquisition avoid the administrative costs of seeking formal bids.

ALTERNATIVES

For this purchase, staff has determined that there is no significant advantage in formally seeking other bids; therefore, none are recommended.

29 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO.: 2020 - 11 -

November 6, 2020

AUTHORIZATION TO PURCHASE FIFTEEN FORD VEHICLES FROM DOWNTOWN FORD SALES FOR VEHICLE REPLACEMENTS AND AS AN ADDITIONS TO THE FLEET

WHEREAS, the East Bay Regional Park District (Park District) has included funding in its 2020 Budget for the purchase of new rolling stock; and

WHEREAS, the Park District has the need to replace nine vehicles which are being retired due to age, high mileage, and/or declining condition; and

WHEREAS, the Park District has the need to purchase six new vehicles as additions to the fleet assigned to ASD Administration, Del Valle Visitor Center, Lifeguard Services, Reservable Facilities, and Roads & Trails as per approved 2020 Budget Requests; and

WHEREAS, the Park District has the need to purchase four hybrid vehicles consistent with the District’s fleet greening initiative; and

WHEREAS, Downtown Ford Sales of Sacramento is a recognized vendor offering suitable vehicles based on the results of competitive pricing through the State of California, General Services Procurement Division, Contracts #1-18-23-20A & #1-18-23-23A;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby authorizes the purchase of fifteen Ford vehicles for a total cost of $456,957, with said sum to be encumbered from the 2020 Budget, $259,753 from Fleet Replacement Account 101-5933-000-7505 (Rolling Stock >$25,000), $4,301 from Black Diamond Visitor Center Account 101-5241-502-7505 (Rolling Stock >$25,000), $3,324 from Mobile Outreach Account 101-5228-551-7505 (Rolling Stock >$25,000), $32,725 from ASD Administration Account 101-7010-000-7505 (Rolling Stock >$25,000), $32,532 from Del Valle Visitor Center Account 101-5241-503-7505 (Rolling Stock >$25,000), $34,700 from Lifeguard Services Account 101-8320-000-7505 (Rolling Stock >$25,000), $25,518 from Reservable Facilities Account 101-5327-000-7505 (Rolling Stock >$25,000), and $64,104 from Roads & Trails Account 101-5954-000-7505 (Rolling Stock >$25,000); and

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

Moved by Director , seconded by Director , and adopted this 6th day of November 2020, by the following vote:

30 FOR:

AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:

31 AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Friday, November 6, 2020

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

h. Authorization to Award a Contract to Bay Cities Refuse Service, Inc. for Recycling, Compost, Trash Collection and Processing Services: Anthony Chabot Regional Park (Barrington/O’Connor)

RECOMMENDATION

The General Manager recommends that the Board of Directors award a contract to Bay Cities Refuse Service, Inc. for recycling, compost and trash collection and processing services for Anthony Chabot Regional Park for five years. The collection services will include three stream management of all recyclable materials, all compostable materials, and trash.

REVENUE/COST

The annual cost associated with this resolution is anticipated to be approximately $50,000 per year, which represents a significant savings over the current service provider’s bid proposal. Funds are available in Anthony Chabot’s Park Budget, Account No. 101-5121-175-6641, Garbage/Dumping/Recycle Fees.

Bay Cities Proposal Price: $49,817.00 Waste Management Proposal Price: $133,034.00 Annual savings: $83,217.00

BACKGROUND

The Board of Directors and staff are committed to waste reduction, reuse and recycling District- wide. In 2018, the Park District’s Board of Directors adopted Resolution 2018-04-081, the “Policy Framework for Managing Park Resources in Changing Climate.” The framework directs Park District staff to strive for environmentally sustainable operations, and to engage in actions – whenever feasible – for greenhouse gas emission reduction. In order to effectively manage this goal, staff requested bids for recycling, compost and trash collection and processing services for Anthony Chabot Regional Park. The Park District currently contracts with Waste

32 Management, Inc. for trash collection and Civicorps for recycling collection services at Anthony Chabot. These contracts will expire December 31, 2020.

Staff issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for collection services in Spring 2020 and solicited bids from the following: Alameda County Industries, Bay Cities Refuse Service, Inc. and Waste Management, Inc.

Three proposals were received as follows:

Bay Cities Refuse Service, Inc. $49,817.00 Waste Management $133,034.00 Alameda County Industries $296,527.00

Based on the current level of satisfaction with the services provided by Bay Cities at nearby Tilden Regional Park and the competitive rates and services offered, Bay Cities Refuse Service, Inc. has been determined to be the most qualified for the project. The proposal submitted by Bay Cities Refuse Service, Inc. of Richmond, California meets the Park District specifications and conditions and has been deemed the lowest responsible and responsive vendor.

ALTERNATIVES

None are recommended.

33 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO.: 2020 – 11 –

November 6, 2020

AUTHORIZATION TO AWARD A CONTRACT TO BAY CITIES REFUSE SERVICE, INC. FOR RECYCLING, COMPOST AND TRASH COLLECTION AND PROCESSING SERVICES: ANTHONY CHABOT REGIONAL PARK

WHEREAS, The Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District are committed to waste reduction, reuse and recycling District-wide, exemplified by the adoption of Resolution 2018-04-081, the “Policy Framework for Managing Park Resources in Changing Climate”; and

WHEREAS, in order to effectively manage the goals set in the Resolution, staff implemented three stream waste collection in many parks and requested bids for recycling, compost and trash collection and processing services for Anthony Chabot Regional Park due to the forthcoming expiration of contract at year-end; and

WHEREAS, the staff so satisfied with the current contract with Bay Cities Refuse Service, Inc. to collect trash in Tilden Regional Park; and

WHEREAS, the annual cost associated with this resolution is anticipated to be approximately $50,000 per year that will be taken out of the Parklands Unit base budget and provides significant savings from the current contract; and

WHEREAS, the proposal submitted by Bay Cities Refuse Service, Inc. meets all the specifications and conditions of the Park District’s RFP and Bay Cities Refuse Service, Inc. was deemed the lowest responsible, responsive bidder;

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 Bay Cities Refuse Service, Inc. of Richmond, California in the amount of approximately $250,000 for recycling, compost and trash collection and processing services for Anthony Park for five (5) years using available funding in Anthony Chabot’s Park Budget, Account No. 101-5121-175-6641, Garbage/Dumping/Recycle Fees; and

Moved by Director , seconded by Director , and adopted this 6th day of November 2020, by the following vote:

34 FOR:

AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:

35 AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Friday, November 6, 2020

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

i. Authorization to Award a Contract for Janitorial Services to Universal Building Services & Supply Company (McNally/Rasmussen/Auker)

RECOMMENDATION

The General Manager recommends that the Board of Directors authorize the award of a contract for janitorial services at the Administration Building and the Richard C. Trudeau Training Center to Universal Building Services and Supply Company, Richmond, CA in the total amount of $92,922 for services April 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022.

REVENUE/COST

The contractor will perform routine and specialty janitorial services at the Administration Building and the Richard C. Trudeau Training Center for a cost of $92,922 from April 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022; funding is available from Office Services Department budget account 101- 4160-000-6464 (Janitorial Services).

For the balance of 2021 (April 1 to December 31), the janitorial services will cost $72,763; funding available from the Office Services budget account 101-4160-000-6464 (Janitorial Services).

BACKGROUND

Staff prepared a Request for Proposal (RFP) for routine and specialty janitorial services required at both the District’s Administrative Building and the Richard C. Trudeau Training Center, and published Public Notices in the Oakland Tribune Weekly, Fremont Argus, Hayward Daily Review, and Inside Bay Area on August 7, 2020 as well as the East Bay Times and Alameda Times Star on August 11, 2020, requesting vendors to submit an RFP. Park District staff contacted 12 local vendors directly notifying them of the RFP bid request. The RFP bid request was posted on the Park District’s web site starting on August 5, 2020 thru September 24, 2020. Thirteen janitorial firms attended one of the three job walk sessions on August 19, 2020 and August 20, 2020. The RFP bids were due on September 24, 2020.

S eve n firms submitted RFP responses. P a r k District staff reviewed the proposals and narrowed the field to the four most suitable firms:

36 VENDOR NAME CITY RFP AMOUNT Universal Building Services & Supply Co. Richmond $92,922 Green Source Janitorial Palo Alto $95,580 Addlife Facilities Services Santa Clara $97,942 Impec Santa Clara $98,884

Other vendors submitting RFPs but not selected for further consideration were:

VENDOR NAME CITY RFP AMOUNT Miller Cleaning Services Lake Almanor $ 85,615 Bay Area Janitorial Force San Francisco $106,787 Transpacific Building Maintenance Santa Clara $117,386

Park District staff checked references and interviewed the four most suitable firms to determine how they would accomplish the defined scope of work, their acceptance of the P a r k District’s Contract for Services requirements and their proposed transition plan, if they were awarded the contract.

Of the four top candidates, Universal Building Services and Supply Company scored the highest on the criteria established; therefore, Universal Building Services and Supply Company is the recommended firm.

The contract term is from April 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022. If the vendor provides satisfactory service in the first year of the contract, the RFP enables the Park District to extend the contract for two 2-year periods until March 31, 2026. The contractor may submit Cost of Living increases during the annual renewal process to request increasing the total annual compensation amount.

ALTERNATIVES:

The Board could choose not to approve the bid award at this time. This alternative is not recommended.

37 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO.: 2020 – 11 –

November 6, 2020

AUTHORIZATION TO AWARD A CONTRACT FOR JANITORIAL SERVICES TO UNIVERSAL BUILDING SERVICES AND SUPPLY COMPANY

WHEREAS, the Park District issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for janitorial services at the Administration Building and the Richard C. Trudeau Training Center; and

WHEREAS, the Park District contacted twelve firms to submit proposals, posted the RFP bid announcement on the Pa r k District’s web site and in the Oakland Tribune and East Bay Times; and

WHEREAS, thirteen firms attended the job walk and the Park District received seven bids by the September 24, 2020 RFP bid deadline; and

WHEREAS, Park District staff reviewed the seven bids and narrowed the field to the four most suitable firms; and

WHEREAS, Universal Building Services and Supply Company was the highest scoring bid meeting all of the criteria established; therefore, Universal Building Services and Supply Company is the recommended firm;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby authorizes the General Manager to enter into a Contract For Services agreement in the amount of $92,922 with Universal Building Services and Supply Company for janitorial services at the Park District’s Administrative Building and the Richard C. Trudeau Training Center; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby authorizes the appropriation of $72,763 for services from April 1, 2021 to December 31, 20 21 to be funded from Office Services account 101-4160- 000-6464; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby authorizes the General Manager to extend the contract after the initial one year term for two additional two-year periods after periodic staff reviews of the level of service; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby authorizes the General Manager to adjust the contract amount for cost of living increases during the annual contract renewal process; and

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

Moved by Director , seconded by Director , and approved this 6th day of November, 2020, by the following vote:

FOR:

AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:

39 AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Friday, November 6, 2020

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

j. Authorization to Renew Contract with E2 Strategies, LLC for Federal Legislative Advocate Services (Pfuehler/Doyle)

RECOMMENDATION

It is recommended the Board of Directors authorize the General Manager to renew the contract with E2 Strategies, LLC from January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2023, for Federal legislative and advocacy services on behalf of the East Bay Regional Park District. The Board Legislative Committee reviewed this item at their October 16, 2020 meeting. This recommendation was unanimously supported by the Committee.

REVENUE/COST

The contract is a base flat payment of $10,000 a month and would include an annual CPI increase. Funds are available in the General Manager’s Professional Services budget.

BACKGROUND

For over ten years, the Park District has utilized the services of E2 Strategies, LLC (Peter Umhofer, Principal), to help promote the District’s profile in Washington D.C., including the facilitation of meetings with Members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives and their staff, as well as key decision makers at several Federal agencies and departments. Considering his effective, ongoing advocacy, staff recommends retaining the services of Mr. Umhofer and his consulting company E2 Strategies, LLC with a three-year contract from January 2021 through December 2023.

ALTERNATIVE

The Board could choose not to increase compensation to E2 Strategies, LLC and/or not extend this contract for services. These alternatives are not recommended.

40 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO.: 2020 – 11 -

November 6, 2020

AUTHORIZATION TO RENEW CONTRACT WITH E2 STRATEGIES, LLC FOR FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE ADVOCATE SERVICES

WHEREAS, the East Bay Regional Park District is actively working to secure Federal dollars, as well as other Federal issues; and

WHEREAS, consultant Peter Umhofer of E2 Strategies, LLC significantly assisted the District in securing and protecting the $10.2 million Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant; and

WHEREAS, the District has as strong interest in applying for a Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) transportation grant in 2021; and

WHEREAS, the District continues to seek eligibility for and procurement of Federal Covid-19 local assistance funding; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Umhofer’s support for park development at former military sites – such as the Concord Naval Weapons Station, Oakland Army Base and Alameda Naval Air Station – remains in high need; and

WHEREAS, E2 Strategies, LLC continues to be effective in advocating for District interests relating to the District’s Federal advocacy, as well as grant related legislation, amendments to bills and other legislation.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby authorizes the General Manager to renew the contract with E2 Strategies, LLC for legislative advocacy services at the Federal level for the three-year period of January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2023. The contract is a base flat $10,000 a month. It includes an annual CPI increase; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the 2021 funding for this agreement is included in the proposed FY 2021 Budget Account #101-2010-000-6191, General Manager’s Professional Services; and

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

Moved by Director , seconded by Director , and adopted this 6th day of November 2020 by the following vote:

41 FOR:

AGAINST: ABSENT: ABSTAIN:

42 Page Left Blank Intentionally

43 AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Friday, November 6, 2020

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

k. Authorization to Renew Contract with Houston Magnani & Associates for State Legislative Advocate Services (Pfuehler/Doyle)

RECOMMENDATION

It is recommended that the Board of Directors authorize the General Manager to renew the contract with Houston Magnani & Associates from January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2023, for California legislative and advocacy services on behalf of the East Bay Regional Park District. The Board Legislative Committee reviewed this item at their October 16, 2020 meeting. This recommendation was unanimously supported by the Committee.

REVENUE/COST The contract is a base flat payment of $14,166.67 a month. It would include an annual CPI increase plus $12,000.00 to address state legislative issues of a specified nature. Funds are available in the General Manager’s Professional Services budget.

BACKGROUND

Houston Magnani & Associates has represented the East Bay Regional Park District in Sacramento for many years, and throughout that time has continued to provide very effective representation for the District. Board members and staff recognize the time and effort Houston Magnani & Associates dedicates to the District’s issues, such as bond measures, grants, budget negotiations and state agency contracts. Staff recommends retaining the services of Doug Houston and his firm Houston Magnani & Associates with a three-year contract from January 2021 through December 2023.

ALTERNATIVE

The Board could choose not to increase compensation to Houston Magnani & Associates and/or not extend this contract for services. These alternatives are not recommended.

44 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO.: 2020 – 11 -

November 6, 2020

AUTHORIZATION TO RENEW CONTRACT WITH HOUSTON MAGNANI & ASSOCIATES FOR STATE LEGISLATIVE ADVOCATE SERVICES

WHEREAS, the East Bay Regional Park District has a need for advocacy services with the State of California and is actively working to secure State dollars; and

WHEREAS, Houston Magnani & Associates significantly assisted the District in leveraging the passage of Proposition 68, The California Parks, Environment and Water Act in 2018, and continues to assist in its implementation; and

WHEREAS, Houston Magnani & Associates has been extremely effective in advocating for District interests relating to the District’s property tax base, as well as bond measures, contracts with state agencies, amendments to bills and related legislation.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby authorizes the General Manager to renew the contract with Houston Magnani & Associates for legislative advocacy services at the State level for the three-year period of January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2023. The contract is a base flat payment of $14,166.67 a month. It includes an annual CPI increase plus $12,000.00 to address state legislative issues of a specified nature; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the 2021 funding for this agreement is included in the proposed FY 2021 Budget Account #101-2010-000-6191, General Manager’s Professional Services; and

Moved by Director , seconded by Director , and adopted this 6th day of November 2020 by the following vote:

FOR:

AGAINST: ABSENT: ABSTAIN:

45 AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Friday, November 6, 2020

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

L. Authorization to Grant a 1,040 Square Foot Utility Easement to PG&E as part of the City of Berkeley’s Grizzly Peak Utilities Undergrounding Project: Tilden Regional Park (Reeves/Kelchner)

RECOMMENDATION

The General Manager recommends that the Board of Directors direct staff to grant a 1,040 square foot utility easement to PG&E as part of the City of Berkeley’s ongoing program to facilitate the undergrounding of existing overhead powerlines in certain locations, including the Grizzly Peak area, and install three new utility vaults along the southwest boundary of Tilden Regional Park.

REVENUE/COST

Other than staff time, which will be funded by general funds previously appropriated to the 2020 Land Acquisition Department budget, there are no direct costs associated with the granting of this easement. The City of Berkeley (City) will pay the Park District $500 for the agreed upon nominal value of the easement; these funds will be appropriated to the Land Exchange project account for expenditure on future land acquisition projects.

BACKGROUND

The City established an Underground Utility District in 1993 for the purpose of converting all poles, overhead utility wires, and other associated structures to underground installations in certain areas within the City limits to promote public safety and welfare. One such site is the Grizzly Peak area along Summit Road between Atlas Place and the eastern City limit. The City has requested the Park District grant to PG&E an easement to install three new utility vaults along the southwest boundary of Tilden Regional Park to facilitate the undergrounding of existing overhead powerlines. These powerlines are hung on an aging row of poles that are located on an exposed ridgeline that is subject to high wind events. Undergrounding these powerlines will eliminate the potential wildfire risk associated with the existing power pole line. The easement will include three vault sites roughly 330 square feet each totaling 1,040 square feet. The vaults

46 will be installed along the shoulder of Summit Road in an area of the park with no public recreational access or use and will have no impact on park operations.

ALTERNATIVES

No alternatives are recommended.

47 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO.: 2020 – 11 -

November 6, 2020

AUTHORIZATION TO GRANT A 1,040 SQUARE FOOT UTILITY EASEMENT TO PG&E AS PART OF THE CITY OF BERKELEY’S GRIZZLY PEAK UTILITIES UNDERGROUNDING PROJECT: TILDEN REGIONAL PARK

WHEREAS, the City of Berkeley established an Underground Utility District in 1993 for the purpose of converting all poles, overhead utility wires, and other associated structures to underground installations in certain areas within the City limits to promote public safety and welfare; and

WHEREAS, one such site is the Grizzly Peak area along Summit Road on the southwest boundary of Tilden Regional Park, where the City has requested that the Park District grant to PG&E an easement for three new vaults to facilitate the undergrounding of existing overhead wires; and

WHEREAS, the easement is comprised of three separate locations, two easements for 324 square feet each and one easement for 392 square feet equaling a total of 1,040 square feet; and

WHEREAS, the City has offered to pay the Park District $500 for the agreed upon nominal value of the permanent utility easement to PG&E, and these funds will be retained in the Land Exchange project account for use on future land acquisition projects; and

WHEREAS, undergrounding these powerlines will eliminate the potential wildfire risk associated with the existing power pole line;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby authorizes the General Manager to grant a 1,040-square foot utility easement at Tilden Regional Park to PG&E as a cooperative effort with the City of Berkeley’s Underground Utility District No. 48; 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 6th day of November 2020, by the following vote:

48 FOR:

AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:

49 Tilden Regional Park

PG&E Easements - Grizzly Peak Vicinity Feet APN: 267-010-008 (Portion) [ 0 25 50

Atlas Pl

S e l by Tr ai l

C O A N L T A R M A E C D O A S TILDEN C T O A U C REGIONAL PARK N O T U Y N T Y

324 sq ft

S um m it R d

392 sq ft

VICINITY MAP 324 sq ft

Hill Rd

From EBRPD To PG&E O:\GIS\CMcKaskey\Projects_2020\ASD\Land\TI_GrizzlyPeak\TI_GrizzlyPeak2.mxd Date: 10/2/2020 50 Page Left Blank Intentionally

51 AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Friday, November 6, 2020

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

m. Authorization to Accept the Final Insurance Payment on the 2020 Infirmary Fire Damage Claim and to Execute a Claim Release and Mutual Settlement Agreement with Lexington Insurance Company, Appropriate Funds and Approve Contract: Camp Arroyo (Auker/Victor)

RECOMMENDATION

The General Manager recommends that the Board of Directors accept the final total insurance settlement of $38,953.85 for the 2020 infirmary fire damage claim at Camp Arroyo and authorize execution of a settlement agreement with Lexington Insurance Company, the final budget amount of $67,644.71 and final contract amount of $62,132.83 with Balfor Property Restoration, Inc. for the infirmary repairs.

REVENUE/COST

This action approves the insurance settlement funds to be used as follows:

SOURCE OF FUNDS Final Insurance Settlement $38,953.85 General Liability Fund $28,690.86 TOTAL $67,644.71 USE OF FUNDS Balfor Inc. (Smoke Damage Repairs) $62,132.83 Washer, Dryer and Washer Dryer Combo $4,589.99 Couch and Chairs $921.89 TOTAL $67,644.71

A previous appropriation of $35,111 was made from the General Liability Fund for these repairs. This action appropriates $32,533.71 of the settlement funds and the remainder of the settlement funds will go to the Liability Fund fund balance.

52 BACKGROUND

On February 8, 2020, a fire broke out in the infirmary at Camp Arroyo. The fire was caused by the clothes dryer. This incident resulted in smoke damage to the modular building which is approximately 1,000 square feet in size. This building provides critical medical support to the campers at Camp Arroyo which often serves severely ill children. The Park District filed a claim with CSAC-EIA for smoke damage because of the fire. On April 7, 2020, the Board of Directors approved the appropriation of $35,111 from the General Liability Fund and an emergency contract of $38,009 with Balfor Property Restoration, Inc. (Resolution 2020-04-061). The final cost of the repairs made by Belfor was $62,132.83 which has been approved by CSAC-EIA. In addition to the work by Balfor, Park District staff will replace the smoke damaged couch, chairs, along with the damaged washers and dryers, the cost of which were not completely covered by insurance. The cost difference will be cover by Park District’s General Liability Fund. By this action, the Board of Directors will accept a final payment of $38,953.85 and authorize the General Manager to execute a claim release and settlement agreement with Lexington Insurance Company acknowledging that all insurance claims relating to the Camp Arroyo infirmary fire have been fully resolved. In total, the Park District received $38,953.85. This includes $63,953.85 for repair of the smoke damage and partial payment for the washers and dryers less the $25,000 deductible. Attached as Exhibit “A” to the Resolution is the Final Statement of Loss which shows the amounts of the insurance proceeds received.

The final amount of $28,690.86 from General Liability Fund will cover the cost of the deductible and the partial cost of the washers, dryers, couch, and chairs.

Finally, by this action, the Board of Directors will approve the final contract amount of $62,132.83 with Balfor Property Restoration, Inc. for the infirmary repairs.

ALTERNATIVES

No alternatives are recommended.

53 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO.: 2020 – 11 -

November 6, 2020

AUTHORIZATION TO ACCEPT THE FINAL INSURANCE PAYMENT ON THE 2020 INFIRMARY FIRE DAMAGE CLAIM AND TO EXECUTE A CLAIM RELEASE AND MUTUAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT WITH LEXINGTON INSURANCE COMPANY, APPROPRIATE FUNDS AND APPROVE CONTRACT: CAMP ARROYO

WHEREAS, on February 8, 2020, a fire broke out in the infirmary at Camp Arroyo. The fire was caused by the clothes dryer. This incident resulted in smoke damage to the modular building which is approximately 1,000 square feet in size. This building provides critical medical support to the campers at Camp Arroyo which often serves severely ill children.

WHEREAS, the Park District filed a claim with CSAC-EIA for smoke damage because of the fire; and

WHEREAS, on April 7, 2020, the Board of Directors approved the appropriation of $35,111 from the General Liability Fund and an emergency contract of $38,009 with Balfor Property Restoration, Inc. (Resolution 2020-04-061). The final cost of the repairs made by Belfor was $62,132.83 which has been approved by CSAC-EIA; and

WHEREAS, in addition to the work by Balfor, Park District staff will replace the smoke damaged couch, chairs, along with the damaged washers and dryers, the cost of which were not completely covered by insurance. The cost difference will be cover by Park District’s General Liability Fund; and

WHEREAS, by this action, the Board of Directors will accept a final payment of $38,953.85 and authorize the General Manager to execute a claim release and settlement agreement with Lexington Insurance Company acknowledging that all insurance claims relating to the Camp Arroyo infirmary fire have been fully resolved. In total, the Park District received $38,953.85. This includes $63,953.85 for repair of the smoke damage and partial payment for the washers and dryers less the $25,000 deductible. Attached as Exhibit “A” to the Resolution is the Final Statement of Loss which shows the amounts of the insurance proceeds received; and

WHEREAS, the final amount of $28,690.86 from General Liability Fund will cover the cost of the deductible and the partial cost of the washers, dryers, couch, and chairs; and

WHEREAS, by this action, the Board of Directors will approve the final contract amount of $62,132.83 with Balfor Property Restoration, Inc. for the infirmary repairs;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby authorizes acceptance of the final insurance payment of $38,953.85 for the Camp Arroyo infirmary fire and $28,690.86 from General Liability Fund for a total budget

54 of $67,644.71 to account (555-2130-000-6818), per the Budget Change Form, attached hereto; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Board of Directors authorizes the final contract amount of $62,132.83 with Balfor Property Restoration, Inc. for the infirmary repairs; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Board of Directors authorizes the General Manager to execute a Claim Release and Mutual Settlement Agreement with Lexington Insurance Company acknowledging that the Park District’s 2020 infirmary fire damage claim at Camp Arroyo has been fully resolved; and

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

MOVED by seconded by , and adopted this 6th day of November 2020 by the following vote:

FOR:

AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:

55 STATEMENT OF VALUE AND LOSS

CSAC-EIA: EAST BAY REGIONALPARKS DISTRICT LOCATION# 61D- INFIRMARY 5535 ARROYO RD LIVERMORE CA 94550

FIRE ‐ 8 FEB, 2020

Coverage:

Policy form extending All Risk cover for Real and Personal Property. A $25,000 Occurrence RCV deductible is applicable to this claim.

Recapitulation of Verified Detail Value Loss

Values at risk

Loss as determined: Presented Allowed

(a) Building Belfor Remediation 1412794 31,543.54 31,543.54 Belfor Reconstruction 1429726 30,714.89 30,589.29 $62,132.83 56

(b) Business Personal Property 4,589.99 dryer only; causative ‐ not resultant 1572.95 withdrawn Washer RCV 1,250.00 25% 937.50 ACV balance Payable upon Washer dryer combo (2nd unit) RCV 1,767.04 50% 883.52 ACV replacement $ 1,821.02

Value and Loss:$ 63,953.85

Less: Deductible < 25,000.00 >

Net claim$ 38,953.85

McLarens File No.: 002.051704.MI.Q Page 1 of 1 Page Left Blank Intentionally

57 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT BUDGET CHANGE FORM

NEW APPROPRIATIONS BUDGET TRANSFERS From Fund Balance Between Funds DECREASE BUDGET ACCOUNT AMOUNT INCREASE BUDGET ACCOUNT AMOUNT Account Name: EXPENSE: Capital Fund- Business Services Department-Arroyo Del Valle Camp-Other Services-Transfer In

Account: 555-2130-000-6818 $ 32,534 REASON FOR BUDGET CHANGE ENTRY As being presented at the Board of Directors meeting on November 6, 2020 the General Manager authorizes the appropriation of $32,533.71 in insurance funds to repair Infirmary fire damage at Camp Arroyo.

As approved at the Board of Directors Meeting on date: 11/6/2020 Board of Directors Resolution Number: 2020-11 Posted By: Posted date: Signature:

T:\BOARDCLK\BOARD MATERIAL\2020\19 - November 6, 2020\S DRIVE\D-1-m LEGAL Camp Arroyo Infirmary Budget Change Form 58

Page Left Blank Intentionally

59 AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Friday, November 6, 2020

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

n. Authorization to Donate Out of Service 1997 International Type 3 Fire Engine to the Westport Volunteer Fire Department. (Theile/A. Ciaburro)

RECOMMENDATION

The General Manager recommends that the Board of Directors authorize the donation of a District surplus Type 3 fire engine to the Westport Volunteer Fire Department.

REVENUE/COST

There is no cost to the District. This fire apparatus is fully depreciated and has no salvage value to the District.

BACKGROUND

This year the District purchased a new Type 3 engine to replace a 1997 International Type 3 engine that was removed from the fleet at the end of 2019. The Westport Volunteer Fire Department, found on the northern Mendocino Coast, has requested a donation of this surplus Type 3 engine.

The East Bay Regional Park District Fire Department would like to donate our surplus Type 3 engine to the Westport Volunteer Fire Department (WVFD) in Westport California. As a small volunteer department, the WVFD does not have a lot of resources and is not able to purchase this desperately needed equipment. Operating with a small all-volunteer staff, they cover a response area of 108 square miles which includes some very remote wooded areas of the Mendocino coast. Due to drought conditions they find themselves fighting an increasing number of vegetation and wildland fires and having a Type 3 Engine will increase their effectiveness in this endeavor. We are proud to support the Westport Volunteer Fire Department because they share the East Bay Regional Parks District’s mission to protect the land in their care.

The District’s policy on Disposal or Transfer of Assets allows the District to donate assets and the Fleet Manager has signed off on the disposal per the policy.

ALTERNATIVES

None are recommended.

60 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO.: 2020 – 11 –

November 6, 2020

AUTHORIZATION TO DONATE OUT OF SERVICE 1997 INTERNATIONAL TYPE 3 FIRE ENGINE TO THE WESTPORT VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

WHEREAS, the District recently purchased a new Type 3 engine that is now in service: and

WHEREAS, the District recently received a request from the Westport Volunteer Fire Department requesting the donation of the District’s surplus 1997 International Type 3 engine to their department: and

WHEREAS, due to Westport Volunteer Fire Department’s budget constraints, they have requested the Type 3 engine be donated to its department: and

WHEREAS, District staff’s opinion is that the 1997 International Type 3 engine has little to no market value due to its age: and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District approves the donation of the surplus 1997 International Type 3 engine to the Westport Volunteer Fire Department.

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 6th day of November, 2020 by the following vote:

FOR:

AGAINST: ABSTAIN ABSENT:

61 EXECUTIVE AND LEGAL DIVISION AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Friday, November 6, 2020

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

2. EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE DIVISION

a. Resolution Changing the Start Time of the December 1, 2020 Regular Board of Directors Meeting to 6:00 pm (Auker/Doyle)

RECOMMENDATION

The General Manager and the Board Finance Committee recommend that the start time of the Regular Board of Directors Meeting of December 1, 2020 be changed to 6:00 pm to provide more opportunity for public participation during the introduction of the 2021 Operating, Project and Program Budget, as well as other items of business before the Board on that date, as noticed in accordance with the Brown Act. This meeting will be noticed and held virtually via Zoom and YouTube.

REVENUE/COST

The additional cost associated with this action includes staff time for employees required to attend the meeting and manage the building, since some staff will run the meeting from the Administration Building. The majority of these costs are budgeted except for overtime costs which are estimated to minimal.

BACKGROUND

Under California Government Code 54954.2 (the Brown Act), a “Regular Meeting” is a meeting occurring at the dates, times and location set by resolution, ordinance or other formal action by the legislative body. The Board Operating Guidelines, which is adopted by resolution, states that regular meetings are normally held on the first and third Tuesday of every month at 1:00 pm. However, if the Board wishes to reschedule the date or time of a regular meeting, it can do so by resolution.

During the 2019 Board Workshops, the Board discussed holding one evening meeting, preferably during the presentation of the annual budget. At their October 28, 2020 meeting, the Board Finance Committee requested that the Tuesday, December 1, 2020 be held in the evening at

62 6pm. Due to the COVID-19 Shelter in Place rules the Park District has been holding all Board Meetings remotely in accordance with Governor Newson’s Executive Order.

ALTERNATIVES

The Board of Directors can choose to keep the meeting time at 1:00 pm or choose an alternative start time for the December 1st meeting.

63 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO.: 2020 - 11 –

November 6, 2020

RESOLUTION CHANGING THE START TIME OF THE DECEMBER 1, 2020 REGULAR BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING TO 6:00 P.M.

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District requested staff to change the time of a regular scheduled board meeting to the evenings to increase the publics ability to participate; and

WHEREAS, under California Government Code 54954.2 (the Brown Act), a “Regular Meeting” is a meeting occurring at the dates, times and location set by resolution, ordinance or other formal action by the legislative body; and

WHEREAS, based on the Board Operating Guidelines, which is adopted by resolution, regular meetings are normally held on the first and third Tuesday of every month at 1:00pm; and

WHEREAS, if the Board of Directors so determine, it can, by resolution, change the time and place of a regular meeting; and

WHEREAS, during the 2019 Board Workshops, the Board discussed holding one evening meeting, preferably during the presentation of the annual budget; and

WHEREAS, the Board Finance Committee recommended changing the December 1, 2020 regular meeting of the Board of Directors from 1:00 pm to 6:00 p.m.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District that the start time of the Regular Board of Directors Meeting of December 1, 2020 be changed to 6:00 pm to provide more opportunity for public participation during the introduction of the 2021 Operating, Project and Program Budget, as well as other items of business before the Board on that date, as noticed in accordance with the Brown Act.

Moved by Director , seconded by Director , and adopted this 6th day of November 2020, by the following vote:

FOR: AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:

64 PUBLIC SAFETY DIVISION AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Friday, November 6, 2020

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

3. PUBLIC SAFETY DIVISION

a. Presentation and Report from Assistant General Manager of Public Safety on Police Policies and Procedures (Ciaburro)

RECOMMENDATION

The General Manager recommends that the Board of Directors receive the presentation by Assistant General Manager of Public Safety Anthony Ciaburro related to Police Department policies and procedures and provide comments to staff.

REVENUE/COST

There is no cost associated to this presentation.

BACKGROUND

On June 15, 2020, California's Attorney General Xavier Becerra announced a broad agenda for police reform which largely aligns with the #8CantWait campaign. Many of the Attorney General’s recommendations stem from best business practices in law enforcement and recommendations made to the Sacramento Police Department by the California Department of Justice after the shooting death of Stephon Clark. The recommendations represent an important move forward in improving public trust, increasing transparency and accountability, and reducing excessive force.

The Park District Police Department has policies and procedures guiding the department in their work and has recently modified or adopted new policies and procedures aligned with the Attorney General’s recommendations. The presentation will clarify some of the Police Department’s policies as they relate to the Attorney General’s recommendations. In addition, to increase transparency and accountability, the East Bay Regional Park District Police Department webpage www.ebparks.org/about/police includes links to its polices and procedures and other law enforcement data such as summaries of types of internal affairs investigations conducted.

ALTERNATIVES

No alternative is recommended.

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66 AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Friday, November 6, 2020

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

3. PUBLIC SAFETY DIVISION

b. Presentation Outlining Recruitment and Hiring for the East Bay Regional Park District Police Department (Cotcher/Picard/Ciaburro)

RECOMMENDATION

The General Manager recommends that the Board of Directors receive the presentation outlining Police Department Recruitment and Hiring and provide comments to staff.

REVENUE/COST

None

BACKGROUND

Recruitment and Hiring are essential to a highly functioning police department. This presentation will highlight the efforts of both the Human Resources Department and the Police Department to recruit and hire. The presentation will cover the District hiring process, challenges faced, efforts to seek a diverse and representative workforce, and recent hiring and recruiting numbers.

ALTERNATIVES

No alternative is recommended.

67 BOARD AND STAFF REPORTS

AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Friday, November 6, 2020

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

4. BOARD AND STAFF REPORTS

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

Contra Costa County – Board of Supervisors – Lower Walnut Creek Restoration Project

On October 20, 2020, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors authorized the Flood Control and Water Conservation District (Water District) to execute a license agreement with Tesoro Refining & Marketing Company (Tesoro) for the Water District to construct the Lower Walnut Creek Restoration Project on Assessor’s Parcel Number 159-310-029, located between Waterfront Road and Lower Walnut Creek in Martinez. The inclusion of this parcel into the project area increases the total restoration acreage. The project will restore and enhance wetlands and associated habitats and provide sustainable flood management, while allowing opportunities for future public access and recreation. After the project is complete, Tesoro will be responsible for maintaining the improvements. The Park District’s Master Plan has identified an extension of the Iron Horse Trail through the Lower Walnut Creek Restoration Project area.

Contra Costa Water District – Phase 2 Los Vaqueros Reservoir Expansion Project

On October 21, 2020, the Contra Costa Water District (CCWD) Board of Directors authorized the execution of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Bureau of Reclamation for Pre-construction of the Phase 2 Los Vaqueros Reservoir Expansion Project and Sharing of Costs. Pre-construction activities include planning, engineering, design, and environmental permitting. The MOU allows for the Bureau of Reclamation to enter into an assistance agreement with CCWD to fund services contracted by CCWD. Non-federal cost share is demonstrated through in-kind services and funding provided by CCWD and Local Agency Partners, and funding from the California Water Commission. Each Party will provide quarterly reports documenting work performed and funding expended. CCWD has the discretion to add the Los Vaqueros Reservoir Joint Powers Authority, once created, as a signatory to the MOU. The term is five years from the date of execution, or completion of pre-construction activities, whichever is earlier. 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 and is working with the State on improvements at other State-owned recreational facilities.

68 GM COMMENTS

AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Friday, November 6, 2020

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

5. GENERAL MANAGER’S COMMENTS

STAFF PRESENTATION Chief Information Officer Jim Tallerico will be presenting an update of the accomplishments made by the Information Services Department over the past year.

GM COMMENTS Interpretive and Recreation Services Department Community Outreach On October 3, staff provided a virtual Stay Healthy in Nature Everyday program led by Mobile Education for a total of 18 participants.

North/West Region Coyote Hills: In September, staff conducted 21 Virtual Field Trip programs for a total of 505 elementary through high school students. Programs consisted of Natural History, highlighting the flora and fauna of the East Bay parks, and cultural history of the Ohlone Peoples.

Crab Cove: On September 10, Staff hosted a virtual Crab Cove and Park District trivia presentation for the Alameda Chamber of Commerce.

Mobile Education: On September 22, staff hosted a virtual hike for 48 second grade students at McKinley Elementary School in San Leandro. The hike consisted of a guided walk around Lake Temescal with an emphasis on watersheds and ecosystem functions.

Outdoor Recreation: On September 19 and 26, staff supported the Coastal Cleanup campaign at Big Break, MLK Shoreline, Point Pinole, and Point Isabel, providing education and outreach to an estimated 466 participants.

Tilden Nature Area: Digital learning efforts continue with staff creating three noteworthy Facebook videos, and six new virtual school programs.

South/East Region Ardenwood Historic Farm: On September 16, the first virtual field trip of the school year was hosted for a class of 13 first graders from Sankofa Academy in Oakland. Students enjoyed piloting new online curriculum, which has since been delivered to six additional classes.

69 Big Break Visitor Center: Staff created 21 Facebook posts, which received 12,660 views and 1,378 engagements.

Black Diamond: Staff conducted four virtual live programs serving 140 people. This included a partnership program between a Park District Wildlife Biologist, Save Mount Diablo, local Audubon Societies, and others, through Zoom. This was live streamed via Facebook and served a total of 81 people.

Community Services & Volunteers: As of September 23, all virtual programs have been implemented in the new Samaritan Volunteer Database. Teachers and community organizers can use the system to apply for Naturalist-led digital school programs, as well as virtual ‘Leave No Trace’ and fishing tutorials offered by Outdoor Recreation.

Del Valle Visitor Center: On September 4, staff visited Weldon Studios in Novato to see the progress made on the visitor center. The information desk, bald eagle nest, and valley oak tree were showcased.

Sunol: Staff have conducted 15 virtual school programs for 378 participants from eight different schools.

Park Operations Department Delta Unit Contra Costa Trails/Lafayette Moraga Trail: On September 23, park staff was notified by a trail user that a natural landslide occurred between Rheem Boulevard and South Lucille Boulevard, limiting trail accessibility due to dirt, debris, and a couple of small downed trees. Staff worked together to reopen the trail for public use.

Interpretive Parklands Unit Dry Creek Pioneer: Three new bridges were successfully installed along the Dry Creek Trail and opened for public use. These new bridges replaced the original bridges which had exceeded their useful lifespan. The bridges have received positive reception from the public.

Pleasanton Ridge: Park staff worked with the Alternate Work Program Supervisor and staff to begin the removal of the old split rail fencing at the Foothill Staging Area. New fencing will be installed to enhance and protect the surrounding areas at the overflow lot.

Parkland Unit Botanic Garden: On September 30, a contractor completed the installation of a radio base station at the office. Communications are very limited due to the terrain at the garden; this new system will provide improved radio communications between park staff and Public Safety Dispatch in the event of an emergency.

70 Tilden Park: On September 12, the main waterline for the Tilden Golf Course ruptured under the roadway, causing a major water leak and damage to the road. A temporary water shut off allowed Maintenance and Skilled Trades staff access for repair work. Over the following week, the road was excavated, the pipe was repaired, and a new roadway patch was installed.

Shoreline Unit Crown Beach: In late September, the service yard was sealed with four tons of earth binder to reduce the occurrence of excessive dust and to lessen the deep ruts created by truck and equipment traffic in the service yard.

Point Isabel: In mid-September, the Isabel Street restroom was remodeled to comply with ADA standards.

Lakes Unit Alameda County Trails: The Alameda County Trails service yard security fence replacement project was completed. 710 linear feet of chain link security fencing added an additional 5,400 square feet of area to the service yard. Gates were reconfigured for better alignment and vehicle access.

The Alameda Creek Trail project improved 2.95 miles of trail from Mission Boulevard to Isherwood Way, including repair of cracks, and new curbing. Approximately 47,400 square feet of pavement in 29 locations was removed and replaced.

Recreation Areas Kennedy Grove: On September 25, a contractor completed the Sobrante Ridge trail repair project, which had been closed for public access since sustaining damage in the 2016 winter season. Park Staff was able to reopen the trail.

Maintenance and Skilled Trades Department (MAST) Administration Unit Districtwide: As of October 1, the Major Maintenance Department has processed 95 encroachment permits; 72 of the permits have been issued. 4 permit applications are currently under review status. PG&E continues to dominate the encroachment permit workflow with 31permits issued this year.

Fire season restrictions are included with each encroachment permit that involves work in park lands through November requiring the permittee to monitor weather conditions. The restrictions include a go/no-go criterion for continuing or ceasing permitted activities. The permittee is required to call Dispatch every day after 6:00 p.m. to get the next day’s weather and wildland restrictions: no restrictions, Level 1, Level 2, or Red Flag.

Fleet Unit Pacheco Equipment Shop: On September 10, the District Risk Department conducted a site visit/COVID compliance inspection at the shop, which was determined to be compliant with all rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.

71 Tilden Equipment Shop: On September 24th, the shop underwent an annual inspection of the fire alarm and sprinkler system with no discrepancies noted.

On September 29, staff picked up a new Fire Department Fuels Crew Utility Truck which is currently being set up for service at the Tilden Equipment Shop.

72 NEWSCLIPS

New East Bay shoreline park and pier opens with accessible fishing and unusual views Steve Rubenstein Oct. 25, 2020 Updated: Oct. 25, 2020 5:49 p.m. The Judge John Sutter Regional Shoreline includes a 24,000-square-foot former train maintenance building from the 1930s that was renovated to host large events.

Just about everyone was delighted with the new park at the foot of the Bay Bridge, with the possible exception of a certain gray stingray.

The creature was among the first fish to be caught from the pier at the end of Judge John Sutter Regional Shoreline in Oakland the other morning. Fisherman Dom Noa obligingly tossed it back into San Francisco Bay.

“He’s got nothing to complain about,” Noa said. “He ate the bait, got a free lunch and got to swim off. He got his picture taken. He came out ahead.”

Noa was among a handful of fishermen at the end of the 600-foot pier that is the main draw at the new park, located a few feet south of the eastern span of the Bay Bridge. The pier runs alongside and is supported by six pilings from the old incline section of the eastern span. That’s the half of the bridge that got replaced following the collapse of a section of roadway deck in the 1989 earthquake.

Conversation at John Sutter Regional Shoreline requires raised voices to be heard above the sound of zillions of passing cars and trucks only a few feet away. Also required are face masks, making conversation even trickier.

The new park is also tricky to get at. From the parking lot, tucked into a poorly marked corner of the Port of Oakland and surrounded by ships, trucks and cranes, it’s about a half-mile stroll on the shoulder of the Bay Bridge bike trail approach to get to the pier. More than one visitor has gotten lost.

“This is very confusing,” said Cari Pi of San Francisco who took a wrong turn and found herself walking toward a maintenance yard surrounded by coils of razor wire, which is not where she wanted to go. “They need some signs.”

The confusion might be said to start with the name, because the John Sutter that the new park is named after is not the same John Sutter of California Gold Rush fame. This particular John Sutter is a former East Bay Regional Park District director and civic leader who had a fondness for the tucked- away spot amid the exhaust fumes.

73 The trek along the bike path to the new pier passes the familiar giant electronic billboards seen by Bay Bridge motorists and past an endless stretch of purple sea lavender. The ceaseless bridge cacophony is broken only by the occasional squawk of a gull or ping of a bicycle bell.

Arriving at the pier, a visitor is rewarded with an eerie view of the underside of the eastern span, a few picnic tables and a half dozen informational signs. One sign includes the unkindest cut of all — a color picture of the collapsed Bay Bridge deck. Another explains that the 395-foot-tall metal horses to the south are actually cranes used to unload “the clothes you wear, the phone in your pocket and the coffee you drink” from the 1,500 freighters that visit the port each year.

The new park also includes the old power substation and maintenance buildings for the Key System electric trains that carried passengers over the bridge from San Francisco to the East Bay in the 84- year-old bridge’s first two decades. Those are being remodeled into a snack bar, recreational center and event space.

East Bay Regional Park District General Manager Robert Doyle called the new park, which took about a year to build at a cost of $20 million, a “landmark partnership” between Caltrans, the Bay Area Toll Authority and the park district. Some of the $20 million was offset, park officials said, because they didn’t have to spend money to knock down the six old pilings used to hold up the new pier.

Three cyclists took a detour from the Bay Bridge bike trail to check it all out.

“It’s nice they kept a piece of the old bridge, instead of just throwing it away,” said cyclist Jyl Baldwin of El Cerrito. “And the view of the underside of the bridge is something you don’t get when you’re on the bridge.”

The new pier, which is open to cyclists, does not take them all the way across the bay. In that way it’s something like the new Bay Bridge bike trail, which does not take them all the way across the bay, either.

The park’s first week of operation has featured sunny sparkling weather for the initial set of thrill- seekers. The park can be said to have been officially broken in, as trash has already been deposited in the pit toilets and bloody fish guts already stain the pier deck.

Betty and Dan Breaud of Hayward wheeled their two beagles, Lilly and Trevor, to the bridge in their doggy carriage, to save wear and tear on their little paws. Neither beagle was impressed by the concrete pier, where there was scant opportunity to sniff and to do what a dog does following a sniff.

“The dogs do like being here,” Dan Breaud said. “They like being anyplace. But they could have put the parking lot closer to the pier.” Agreeing with that sentiment was Robert Bartlett of Oakland, who had trekked from Emeryville to the new shoreline and was on his way back to his parked car. His visit took many hours. “It’s a nice day for a long walk, if you’re not decrepit,” he said. “I’m not decrepit.”

74 New Park Opens in Oakland Next to Bay Bridge Toll Plaza October 22, 2020 at 8:40 am

OAKLAND (CBS SF) — The East Bay Regional Park District opened a new shoreline park in Oakland Wednesday, near the eastern terminus of the Bay Bridge.

The Judge John Sutter Regional Shoreline includes a 600-foot-long by 40-foot-wide public observation pier, a 24,000-square-foot former train maintenance building from the 1930s that was renovated to host large events, and amenities such as walking paths and a connection to the Bay Bridge Bicycle-Pedestrian Trail.

“Opening this park has been a landmark partnership between Caltrans, who has provided much of the land, the Bay Area Toll Authority who is provided much of the funding and the Park District who manages and operates world-class regional parks,” said park district General Manager Robert Doyle.

The park is named for former district board member John Sutter, who first proposed a park at the site in 1967.

At that time, the area was active as part of the Oakland Army Base, which was in operation from 1941 until its 1999 closure.

The pier uses six of the piles from the old eastern span of the Bay Bridge.

“The new park is a shoreline gem for the entire region,” district board member Dee Rosario said.

The pier is open to the public from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

75 Reward offered in investigation of slain East Bay man Alameda resident Donald Adams-Stanifer, 21, was found dead in July; authorities offering $10,000 By RICK HURD |

PUBLISHED: October 22, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. | UPDATED: October 22, 2020 at 3:30 p.m.

Alameda resident Donald Stanifer was found deceased on July 12, 2020 near the main parking lot, within Huckleberry Regional Preserve, in the Oakland hills. A dark-colored Chrysler sedan (pictured at right) is believed to be associated in events leading to his death. The investigation into the mysterious disappearance and death of an Alameda man found in the Oakland hills earlier this year now includes a reward for any information that leads to an arrest and conviction.

Authorities say they believe Donald Adams-Stanifer, 21, was murdered, and the East Bay Regional Parks Foundation is offering a $10,000 reward as part of the investigation.

Adams-Stanifer, a 2017 Encinal High School graduate and Berkeley Bowl employee, was found dead July 12 inside his car, near the main parking lot within the Huckleberry Regional Preserve. Evidence inside the car suggested some violence had occurred, authorities said, but they did not offer more about how they believed Adams-Stanifer had died.

He had been missing since around 10 p.m. on July 5, when he was last seen near the College of Alameda campus. Adams-Stanifer did not call in or show up to work the following day, and his mother reported him missing on July 7. An Alameda County Sheriff’s deputy found his gold 2003 Honda parked in unincorporated San Leandro the next day.

Detectives since have found images of a dark-colored Chrysler sedan that they believe to be associated with the events leading up to Stanifer’s death. Investigators are looking for the car. They did not release a license plate associated with it.

Authorities encouraged anyone with information about Stanifer’s disappearance or the Chrysler associated with it to call 510-690-6521.

New regional park opens next to Bay Bridge toll plaza

By Eli Walsh Published October 22, 2020 Entrance to the former train and Caltrans maintenance building renovated to host events. OAKLAND, Calif. - The East Bay Regional Park District opened a new shoreline park Wednesday, located in Oakland at the eastern terminus of the Bay Bridge.

Park district officials said the park is the culmination of two decades of collaboration with agencies and organizations, including Caltrans, the city and port of Oakland and the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission. "Opening this park has been a landmark partnership between Caltrans, who has provided much of the land, the Bay Area Toll Authority who is provided much of the funding and the Park District who manages and operates world-class regional parks," said park district General Manager Robert Doyle.

The park is named for former district board member John Sutter, who first proposed a park at the site in 1967.

At that time, the area was active as part of the Oakland Army Base, which was in operation from 1941 until its 1999 closure.

According to the district, the pier uses six of the piles from the old eastern span of the Bay Bridge.

"The new park is a shoreline gem for the entire region," district board member Dee Rosario said.

The pier is open to the public from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

77 New shoreline park opens at eastern touchdown of Bay Bridge By: KTVU Staff Published October 21, 2020

Oakland's Judge John Sutter Regional Park Shoreline opened to the public on Wednesday. OAKLAND, Calif. - A new shoreline park is now open to the public at the eastern touchdown of the Bay Bridge in Oakland. A dedication ceremony took place Wednesday morning for the new park that features a 600-foot long, 40-foot wide observation pier built atop the six remaining piles from the old Bay Bridge.

“Judge John Sutter Regional Park Shoreline will have over 40 acres to serve our diverse population," said Dee Rosario, East Bay Regional Park District board member. "A destination for outdoor activities that include walking, picnicking, and for the adventurous, a hike along the Bay Trail on the Bay Bridge.”

Parkgoers will have spectacular views of the bay and the new eastern span of the bridge. The park also connects the Bay Bridge bicycle-pedestrian trail and it has a large, renovated 1930s-era electric train maintenance building to host concerts and community events.

The shoreline park is named in honor of former Alameda County judge and city councilman John Sutter, who served on the East Bay Regional Park District Board and was a dedicated environmentalist.

BATA Leads Effort Creating New Public Park Wednesday, October 21, 2020 A sparkling, new shoreline public park near the Bay Bridge in Oakland was dedicated Wednesday, the project brought to fruition with help from the Bay Area Toll Authority (BATA). The Judge John Sutter Regional Shoreline(link is external) adjacent to the eastern touchdown of the Bay Bridge includes a massive 600-foot long by 40- foot wide public observation deck, built atop six remaining support piers from the original Bay Bridge East Span. BATA contributed millions of dollars for development of the park, and the decision to retain the old bridge piers was approved by the Toll Bridge Program Oversight Committee, which completed its work last year. Former MTC and BATA Executive Director Steve Heminger served as a member of the committee throughout its 2005-19 existence. In addition to the observation deck, a 24,000-square foot 1930s-era electric train maintenance building known as the Bridge Yard has been renovated to host large concerts, community events, and public concessions. Running the length of the park is a bicycle/pedestrian path that connects to the Bay Bridge Trail, linking the park with Yerba Buena Island. Bike parking is available adjacent to the observation pier, which is open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Other visitor amenities include bathrooms, walking paths and interpretive panels. The park is expected to be a popular tourist destination with its sweeping views of the bay and easy access to the Bay Bridge Trail. It’s been dubbed as the “Gateway to the East Bay” due to its visibility to eastbound Bay Bridge drivers. “From the bicycle/pedestrian path to restoring the historic Bridge Yard building to preserving foundations from the original Bay Bridge East Span to establish the new access pier, BATA is proud of the investments it has made to make the new park – and the bay itself – more accessible to all the people of the Bay Area,” said Orinda Vice Mayor and BATA member Amy Rein Worth, who chairs MTC’s BATA Oversight Committee. “Opening this park has been a landmark partnership between Caltrans, which provided much of the land; the Bay Area Toll Authority, which provided much of the funding; and the Park District, which manages and operates world-class regional parks,” said East Bay Regional Park District General Manager Robert Doyle.

79 The park was named for Sutter, a civic and environmental leader, and former East Bay Park District Board Member who saw the potential for a future waterfront park in the 1960s while the area was still active as the Oakland Army Base. Sutter first proposed the park in a 1967 letter to the Association of Bay Area Governments. The site has a long history. From 1903 to1960, it served as the base of operations for the electric railway Key System that transported passengers around the East Bay and from 1936 to 1958 across the lower deck of the Bay Bridge to San Francisco. A substation located at the site provided electrical power to Key System trains. The Oakland Army Base served as a transportation port and distribution terminal for the Pacific from 1941 until 1999. The park's opening is the culmination of decades of regional collaboration and the Park District’s long-time efforts to reclaim shoreline for public use and habitat preservation. A nine-member multiagency working group facilitated the park. In addition to BATA, Caltrans and the East Bay Parks District, the group also includes the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG)'s Bay Trail Project, the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC), California Transportation Commission (CTC), City of Oakland, Port of Oakland and the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD).

An artist’s reflections on water on display at Big Break Regional Shoreline Visitor Center Oct 21, 2020 Berkeley-based artist Ceci Bowman currently has an exhibit of her work on display at the Big Break Regional Shoreline in Oakley, Calif. Her work reflects her life growing up on California rivers.

Ceci Bowman’s art installation, currently on display at the Big Break Regional Shoreline Visitor Center in Oakley, reflects the intimate knowledge of water that only comes from a life lived close to rivers. “A lot of my art comes from spending the bulk of my summers on the Sacramento and Trinity rivers,” said Bowman. “There’s a lot of pictures and photos of my family on those rivers. This series comes from growing up on the river. We always call it our happy place. The great thing about rivers is that you know them, almost like they’re your home town.” Mike Moran, supervising naturalist at Big Break, said the park has presented art exhibits in the past, and they have provided an opportunity for visitors to expand their understanding of the region. “Our mission is to find different ways of connecting people to their parks,” he said. “You can imagine that comes in a whole lot of forms. Everyone is going to relate to the parks in different ways. The trick is doing something that strikes a chord in people. Art is one of those ways — not just people who are out there painting and journaling and things like that, but people who view things through an artistic lens.”

With the closure of the park’s visitor center due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the park staff was challenged to find a way to provide an art exhibit. They realized, Moran said, that a display mounted in the center’s windows and doors that visitors can view from outside would be a good option.

“I’ve really enjoyed and supported what our interpretive staff has been doing to bring local art and cultural displays to the visitors centers and the parks at large,” said Colin Coffey, East Bay Regional Park District Ward 7 board member. “The park district is working to increase public and cultural arts offerings in the parks to expand and reinforce the regional parks as multi-use public spaces for the surrounding communities, increasing access by new park users.”

81 While Bowman spent much of her time on the water in the farther reaches of Northern California, the Berkeley-based artist recently became acquainted with the Delta when she took a kayaking trip that started at Big Break. “I didn’t really get the Delta,” Bowman explained. “I grew up on rivers as a recreational home, but I never really got how important they are and how political they are. The Sacramento River is this major force in California agriculturally and politically. I always thought of the river as my own happy place, but it’s so much more than that.” Introduced to Bowman’s work through a mutual friend, Moran thought her art would be a natural fit for the park’s mission to create a greater awareness of the Delta. That introduction led to the 15 individual pieces currently hanging at the visitor center.

“Some people do connect through art,” Moran said. “Some people do have the feelings that she depicts in her paintings of a real, active human interaction with the river. For her and a lot of folks, it’s not just something we view, or talk about or think about. She literally immerses herself in this. That’s how a lot of people connect with this. We wanted to convey that, another way to connect with the watershed and the Delta itself.”

Spending a lot of time in remote areas led all of Bowman’s family to learn to draw as a way to pass the time. It led her to the University of California, Santa Cruz where she studied fine art. Work as a set decorator and in textile design followed, and now she has transitioned to illustration. A true 21st-century artist, Bowman creates her work on an iPad, a medium that allows her to integrate multiple disciplines. Over the last year, her work gained national attention when she was hired to illustrate three fashion articles in the New York Times.

Beginning with a sketch, Bowman then weaves in photos of natural elements like rocks, trees, water and leaves. With experience as a textile designer, prints and fabrics may also be integrated into the design. The final designs are printed on vinyl by a printer in Berkeley.

“This was a really good opportunity to get my work up,” said Bowman. “I like seeing it big. The easiest work for me to do comes from my own experience rather than pulling something out of thin air. This is truly from my own experience.”

To see more of Ceci Bowman’s work, visit www.cecibowmandesigns.com.

82 \ 2 New park in Oakland opens alongside Bay Bridge East Bay Regional Park District’s new waterfront showpiece By ARIC CRABB and JANE TYSKA PUBLISHED: October 21, 2020 at 2:02 p.m. | UPDATED: October 22, 2020 at 12:00 p.m.

The observation pier is photographed from the Bay Bridge along the new Judge John Sutter Regional Shoreline on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2020, in Oakland, Calif. The park has a 600-foot long observation pier that utilizes six piles from the original Bay Bridge, along with the 24000- square foot Bridge Yard building that has been renovated to hold concerts and community events.

The Bay Area has a new shoreline park.

Judge John Sutter Regional Shoreline opened to the public on Wednesday, showcasing views of the eastern span of the Bay Bridge, and the San Francisco skyline.

A 600-foot-long observation pier has been built atop six piles from the original Bay Bridge. Benches, tables, and light stands along the pier use steel from the old bridge.

Walking paths, interpretive panels, bathroom facilities, and a new parking lot were constructed for the bay side park. There is also a connection to the Bay Bridge Bicycle-Pedestrian trail that goes to Treasure Island.

The Bridge Yard, a 1930’s era train maintenance building has been renovated to hold concerts, and community events at the park which is operated by the East Bay Regional Park District.

New park opens along Bay Bridge by: Philippe Djegal Posted: Oct 21, 2020 / 06:19 PM PDT / Updated: Oct 21, 2020 / 06:19 PM PDT

OAKLAND, Calif. (KRON) – A Bay Area park that has been decades in the making opened today.

It’s located along the Bay Bridge and was unveiled during a virtual dedication Wednesday morning.

The park is now available to visitors. The eastern touchdown of the Bay Bridge just became more inviting and accessible to visitors.

“It is truly a gem,” Ellen Corbett said.

On Wednesday morning, Oakland mayor Libby Schaaf and regional partners, including Caltrans, unveiled the new Judge John Sutter Regional Shoreline.

The newest addition to the East Bay Regional Park District.

“This is unique,” Mayor Libby Schaaf said.

The park features a 600-foot long public observation pier built on top of six remaining piles from the old Bay Bridge.

“Benches, tables, and bases for the new light poles are all purposefully recrafted from the steel of the original Bay Bridge,” Tony Tavares said.

The park connects to the Bay Trail along the Bay Bridge which now extends to the Richmond- San Rafael Bridge.

“What an incredible accomplishment for bicycle commuters and recreations,” Robert Doyle said.

Plans are also in place to expand the park with land, the US Army has offered to the park district.

The park is named after retired park district board member John Sutter. He shared his vision for this park as far back as the 1960’s and enjoyed the ceremony virtually Wednesday.

“We owe him a huge debt of gratitude,” Dee Rosario said.

“He has dedicated his life to public service and environmental protection,” Corbett said.

84 85 “I don’t know if Oakland will ever be blessed with a more dedicated public servant,” Mayor Schaaf said.

Moving forward, this park will be open and accessible to the public every day from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Fishing, boating returns to Del Valle Reservoir By: Dan Bacher Published October 20, 2020

LIVERMORE – Lake Del Valle, a popular State Water Project reservoir nestled in the Diablo Range 10 miles southeast of Livermore, reopened to limited day use, fishing, boating and camping on October 2 after being closed since March because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Strict capacity restrictions are in place to limit overcrowding and maintain social distancing among visitors, according to the East Bay Regional Park District. The Del Valle Regional Recreation Area is located 50 miles from Stockton via east Interstate 205.

“The fishing is really good for striped bass and catfish now,” reported Shirley Stambaugh of the Rocky Mountain Recreation Company. “Both shore anglers and boaters are experiencing success on stripers while using anchovies and swimbaits. The catfish are hitting sardines and anchovies.”

Some big stripers and catfish are being caught. On Monday, Jack Forzano landed a 20 lb. striper, the largest fish weighed in since the lake reopened, while fishing anchovies from a rental boat at the dam.

Ngoc Pham of San Jose demonstrated his angling prowess by catching a 10-pound channel catfish, also at the dam.

J.D. Path and Cooper Ruiz from San Jose had a top-notch day of fishing when they landed 3 stripers and one catfish weighing a total of 23.3 pounds. They hooked the fish while using anchovies in the Lower Narrows.

“Largemouth and smallmouth bass have been doing well also,” stated Stambaugh. “They are being caught near all the trees in the water and the rock cliffs.”

“There have been no fish plants since we have been open,” added Stambaugh. “We do not know when the plants will resume. The trout fishing is still tough because the water is too warm.”

Also, a blue-green algae “cyanobacterial” danger warning has been issued for Del Valle as recent tests showed elevated levels of toxins in the water. Due to Blue-Green Algae, water contact is not recommended, especially for small children and pets, who are most likely to be affected by toxins. Swimming is not currently permitted at Del Valle due to COVID-19 restrictions.

87 “Park Rangers and other staff have worked diligently to develop a plan to safely reopen Del Valle in accordance with state and local COVID-19 heath orders,” said General Manager Robert Doyle. “The health and safety of visitors and our staff is our top priority.”

“Visitors still need to follow all social distancing guidelines from local health agencies, in particular, they need to bring masks and wear them when around others,” added Doyle.

Del Valle is one of the largest Regional Parks in the East Bay and one of three State Parks the Park District manages. Information: (925) 449-5201. Camping is by reservation only: www.ebparks.org/activities/camping.

North Delta black bass: Striper fishing has slowed down at Liberty Island in the North Delta, but the black bass action was good on a trip there by Don Paganelli of Paganelli’s Bass Fishing Experience on Sunday, Oct. 17. “While fishing with swimbaits for stripers, two anglers caught and released 12 largemouths to 2 pounds,” said Paganelli

The water is murky, with about a 4-foot visibility near the Marina. “Once you get past the Lower Narrows it clears up and it is about a 15-foot visibility,” she noted. The surface water temperature is holding at 72 degrees.

88 Environmentalists use wildfire danger as new weapon against housing development J.K. Dineen

Oct. 19, 2020 Updated: Oct. 19, 2020 4 a.m.

Cattle graze on a hillside above homes and adjacent to a proposed residential development in the hills southwest of Pittsburg, Calif. on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2020. If approved, Seeno's Faria Project would add 1,500 homes on more than 600 acres adjacent to the San Marco community but several environmental groups are opposed to the plan, including Save Mount Diablo. From steep terrain in Napa Valley to the windswept hills of Contra Costa County, California environmentalists opposed to development in semi-urbanized areas are increasingly fighting projects with a weapon that would have been rare a few years ago — the dangers of wildfire.

Over the past three years wildfires have wiped out tens of thousands of homes in areas known as Wildland Urban Interface zones, semirural hillsides just outside cities such as Santa Rosa, Chico, Santa Cruz and Redding. The areas, often referred to as WUIs, are home to 11.2 million Californians, and the widespread destruction and displacement from recent blazes is prompting questions about whether builders should continue adding housing in them.

The issue has come up in recent fights over proposed subdivisions in Pittsburg and Antioch, as well as in Napa County, where a proposed 20-year plan would allow some residential development in fire-prone WUI areas.

In Pittsburg, the Seeno family of developers is proposing a large subdivision on a hillside on the city’s southern edge, where San Marco Boulevard comes to a dead end with a chain barricade hanging between cement bollards. Below the fence is the subdivision San Marco Villas, a neighborhood of tract homes built out over the past decade. Above the fence is grassland where cattle can be spotted grazing in the distance.

It is there, on the windy ridge separating Pittsburg from Concord, that east Contra Costa’s most prolific developer would add 1,500 homes on more than 600 acres. The development, known as the Faria/Southwest Hills Annexation Project, would be built by Discovery Builders, part of the Seeno family’s group of companies.

89 While environmentalists have long opposed the project — it would back up onto land that is slated to become part of the East Bay Regional Park District eventually — opponents are increasingly making the argument that the housing will be vulnerable to wildfire carried by the hot, dry Diablo winds that blow from the northeast every spring and fall. In a response to the project’s environmental impact study, Katrina Tomas and Tamara Galanter, attorneys for the park district, argued that the development “poses a severe, hazardous fire risk.” The East Bay Hills are especially vulnerable to catastrophic fire because of hot and dry fall seasons and steep, wind-conducive topography, they said. The Diablo winds can “fan the flames of small sparks into wildfires that have been observed to move down from a ridgetop in 30 minutes, expand to 1 square mile in an hour, and consume hundreds of residences in one day,” they wrote in the response.

In an interview, Tomas said wildfire is “becoming a big concern with these subdivision projects.”

The Pittsburg Planning Commission approved the subdivision in June by a 4-3 vote. It was to go before the City Council in July, but that vote was delayed to allow more time for response to the environmental study.

Matt Regan, who heads up public policy for the Bay Area Council, said the same forces that are opposing WUI development often try to block infill housing in areas not prone to wildfire. Of the undeveloped land in the Bay Area, 75% is protected open space, Regan said, which allows little room for new housing.

“We have a small developable footprint in the Bay Area compared to the rest of the country,” Regan said. “We have done a very good job of preventing sprawl and a bad job of making it easy to build in areas where building is appropriate. The net result is that we push people to Tracy and Manteca and agricultural land in the Central Valley.”

He pointed to the Concord Naval Weapons Station project, which the Concord City Council recently rejected because the developer wouldn’t agree to sign a labor agreement. He said the rejection of the Concord project demonstrated “that if you stop good projects, you get less good projects.”

“It’s really hard to do infill develop in the city but easy to do subdivisions up on a hillside outside of Pittsburg,” he said. “You get the path of least resistance and the places that are easy to build are likely to be more prone to fire.”

Pittsburg is not the only place where wildfire danger has become a central issue in development fights.

In Antioch, environmentalists are pushing Measure T. It would protect open space and force a developer to scale back subdivisions in Deer Valley and Sand Creek, an area that has had several small wildfires in recent years. In Napa, residents are fighting a plan in Browns Valley to increase the zoning nearby from one home per 20 acres to as much as two houses per acre.

90 Andrew Healy and Sandina Bailo, who live in Browns Valley, a rural neighborhood on the edge of the city of Napa, said their neighborhood was spared by the 2017 Patrick Fire only because of the heroics of two contractors who bulldozed firebreaks for six days, keeping the flames at bay.

Had there been more density in the area, the fire would have spread much more quickly, Healy said.

“I run out of fingers when I count the friends who have lost their homes in the last four years” to fire, Healy said.

Beth Painter, a Napa planning commissioner who is running for City Council, said the pressure to build in the WUI zones will only increase as more people work from home because of the pandemic. She said that resistance to development in downtown Napa will continue to push developers into WUI areas.

“It makes no sense to zone WUI areas for housing but as soon as we propose something for the city core there is all kind of resistance,” she said.

Adam Millard-Ball, an environmental studies professor at UC Santa Cruz, said local zoning control makes it tough to discourage WUI development.

“The challenge is how the state can promote housing but not promote it in dangerous places like WUIs,” he said. “The power to restrict development is held by cities and counties.” Out of all Bay Area counties, Contra Costa has the most land at risk of being consumed by sprawl development, according to a 2017 report by the Greenbelt Alliance. There are 62,000 total acres available, including 20,000 acres that are likely to be developed in the next 10 years.

Sarah Cardona, deputy director of the Greenbelt Alliance, said the Bay Area needs housing, but “it must be climate-smart housing.”

“Building new development in the WUI is putting people in harm’s way at a time when we know climate impacts across the Bay Area, like wildfires, are only getting worse,” she said.

Standing in the grassy knoll above San Marco, Juan Pablo Galvan of Save Mount Diablo called the Faria/Southwest Hills land “one of the major wind tunnels in the entire state of California.”

“Wind is a driver of fire and it is a high fire danger area,” he said. “It is absolutely a major issue.”

91 Mountain Biker, 14, Airlifted To Hospital After Del Valle Crash The teen was knocked unconscious after an accident on a trail at the regional park in Livermore, officials said. By Susan C. Schena, Oct 19, 2020 8:59 am PT| Updated Oct 19, 2020 9:01 am PT

California Highway Patrol helicopter took the injured rider to UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital - Oakland.

LIVERMORE, CA — A 14-year-old boy suffered serious injuries and was airlifted to an Oakland hospital Sunday morning from a remote trail at Del Valle Regional Park in Livermore after crashing his mountain bike and being knocked unconscious, according to authorities. To reach the injured rider, crews from the Alameda County, East Bay Regional Parks and Livermore- Pleasanton fire departments used four-wheel-drive vehicles, while the California Highway Patrol's H-30 helicopter landed nearby, the Alameda County Fire Department said. The teen was flown to UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital - Oakland for treatment of his injuries. No updates on his condition were available. "Fortunately the rider was wearing a helmet, which prevented him from sustaining more serious injuries," the department said.

Oakland’s new Sutter Regional Shoreline park now open Features include newly-renovated Bridge Yard building, trail to recently built observation pier By NED MACKAY | East Bay Regional Park District PUBLISHED: October 18, 2020 at 5:00 a.m. | UPDATED: October 20, 2020 at 12:32 p.m.

Robert Doyle, the East Bay Regional Park District’s general manager, appears at the new 45-acre Judge John Sutter Regional Shoreline park that’s now open at the eastern touchdown of the Bay Bridge.

A new 45-acre regional shoreline park is now open at the eastern touchdown of the Bay Bridge, offering spectacular views of San Francisco Bay and the bridge’s new span between Oakland and Yerba Buena Island. The park is named Judge John Sutter Regional Shoreline. Judge Sutter, now retired, had a distinguished career including time as a superior court judge, as Oakland’s vice mayor and as a member of the East Bay Regional Park District board. He is also an environmental leader instrumental in obtaining and preserving public access to the bay shoreline. Features of the park include the newly renovated Bridge Yard building, available for public events; a walking trail to the recently constructed 600-foot observation pier; and improved parking with bicycle and pedestrian access to the Alex Zuckermann Bay Bridge Trail, which leads out to Treasure Island. The pier was constructed on supports remaining when the new bridge replaced the old earthquake-damaged structure. From 1903 to 1960 the site of the new park was the base of operations for the Key System electric railway, which eventually transported passengers around the East Bay and to San Francisco via the lower deck of the Bay Bridge. A substation located at the site provided electrical power to all the Key System trains. The site was also part of the Oakland Army Base, which was a transportation port and distribution terminal for the Pacific region from 1941 until it closed in 1999. The district will receive additional property from the U.S. Army. The 1930s-era Bridge Yard building was the maintenance center for the Key System trains. It will be the activity hub for the park, with interpretive and recreational programming, equipment rentals, food concessionaires and space for public events and conferences. The 24,000 square- foot building was renovated by Caltrans and the Bay Area Toll Authority, and has been leased to the Park District by Caltrans. The Bay Conservation and Development Commission and Bay Area Transportation Authority also provided funding.

93 The Park District planned to celebrate the opening with a virtual dedication, though with some on-site participants, at 10:30 a.m. Oct. 21. For information on how to watch the ceremony online, visit ebparks.org. Fire season update: Robert Doyle, the East Bay Regional Park District’s general manager, reports that the lightning strikes on Aug. 15 caused major fires in five regional parks: Round Valley, Morgan Territory, Mission Peak, Sunol Wilderness and Ohlone Wilderness. All were part of the SCU Lightning Complex Fire, which burned almost 397,000 acres, most of it south of Sunol and Ohlone. About 6,000 acres of regional parkland burned. Doyle notes that the park district has been proactive for years in fire prevention efforts on its lands, especially in places where the regional parks adjoin urban and suburban neighborhoods. Efforts include proper trail and fire road maintenance and the district’s animal grazing/vegetation management program. In the East Bay Hills, the district is carrying out an approved Wildfire Hazard Reduction and Resource Management Plan, with funding from FEMA, Measure FF and grants. We are now in the height of the fire season, when vegetation has been dried by a long hot summer and the rains of winter have not yet arrived. So the district staff and board are urging everyone to be vigilant, abide by fire-related restrictions and report any fires or dangerous activities by calling 9-1-1. Everyone’s cooperation is greatly appreciated. Visit the district website at ebparks.org for up-to-date information on the status of all the regional parks, including fire-related closures, if any.

Most Bay Area parks reopen, including East Bay lakes Tom Stienstra Oct. 16, 2020 Updated: Oct. 16, 2020 7:37 p.m. Grace Allen, 14, and her mother, Alicha Allen, 41, of Tracy enjoy their afternoon at Del Valle Regional Park in Livermore in July 2019.

After being closed since March, the reopening of six major recreation lakes and their surrounding parklands in the East Bay hills has crowned a series of park openings as Indian summer moves through the Bay Area.

Del Valle Reservoir and Quarry Lakes opened last week, joining Lake Chabot, Los Vaqueros and San Pablo reservoir and other lakes in reopening to the public.

“We sold out our 23 rental boats on Monday,” said Kent Hintzman at the Los Vaqueros Marina. “On the weekend, pontoon boats were the first to sell out, and after an hour and a half, we’re out of boats.”

Of 350 parks and recreation destinations in the greater Bay Area, all but about 30 are now open in some form for public use, including all but a few lakes and most state and county beaches.

With warm weather across the region this week, many parks are under fire warnings. For detailed information on what is open or closed, consult The Chronicle’s Outdoor Guide and Tracker

In the aftermath of the late-summer wildfires, three major areas remain closed: The interior of Point Reyes National Seashore; the East Bay hills in the Sunol-Ohlone Regional Wilderness and Round Valley Regional Preserve; the heart of the Santa Cruz Mountains at Big Basin Redwoods and nearby Sam McDonald, Memorial and Pescadero Creek county parks.

Here is the outlook across the Bay Area:

San Francisco: With COVID restrictions mandating mask wearing, social distancing and sanitizing shared surfaces, all but a few parks and recreation sites are a go. At Fisherman’s Wharf, party boats have had a successful run at salmon (and halibut), with the season open through Nov. 8.

The most prominent closures are parking at Candlestick State Recreation Area, where only walk-in/bike- in access is permitted, and Thornton State Beach, which remains closed and where access from its clifftop parking has been a long-term issue.

Marin: In the aftermath of the Woodward Fire, most of Point Reyes National Seashore is open, including Pierce Ranch, Drakes Estero, Drakes Beach, Mount Vision, Limantour Beach and Palomarin — plus camping at Wildcat Camp and the boat-in sites on Tomales Bay. The swath of parkland that is closed is bordered by the Bear Valley Visitor Center, Limantour Road (though the road is open), Arch Rock and

95 the coast south to Wildcat Camp. The road to Point Reyes Lighthouse and the Chimney Rock Headlands is closed at the turnoff for Drakes Beach.

Elsewhere, all of Marin County’s beaches, 39 open space preserves and boat ramps are open.

Peninsula: In San Mateo County, 14 of 23 county parks are open. The most significant closures are the parks that were in the zone of the CZU Lightning Complex fires on the fringe of the Santa Cruz Mountains.

All 26 preserves managed by the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District are open, including Long Ridge and other preserves on the perimeter of the CZU Lightning Complex.

Boat ramps at harbors are open at Pillar Point, Oyster Point, Coyote Point and Redwood City, with hand- launching car-top boats accessible (during high tides) at the Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve.

Santa Cruz Mountains: On the perimeter of the CZU Lightning Complex zone, Castle Rock, Portola Redwoods and Butano state parks have reopened, with limited camping at Portola and Butano.

In the heart of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Big Basin Redwoods State Park and adjoining Little Basin are closed for at least a year after most of the park’s infrastructure was destroyed.

The Skyline-to-the-Trail is also closed, of course, along with the trail camps along the route.

For now, three county parks south of La Honda remain closed due to fire cleanups: Sam McDonald, Memorial and Pescadero Creek county parks.

East Bay: Of 73 parks in the East Bay Regional Park District, all but a handful are open. The most notable closures, due to fire cleanup efforts, are at Round Valley, Morgan Territory and the Sunol-Ohlone Wilderness.

With hot weather this week, the news that all but one lake (Anza) in the East Bay hills is open could bring welcome relief for thousands of nearby residents.

Major recreation lakes now open for some form of boating include Los Vaqueros (north of Livermore), Lake Chabot in Castro Valley, Del Valle (south of Livermore), San Pablo in El Sobrante and Quarry Lakes in Fremont. Other lakes open for hiking but not boating include Lafayette, Shadow Cliffs in Pleasanton, Contra Loma near Antioch and Briones (near Martinez).

Santa Clara County: The 29 county parks in Santa Clara County are open (along with all open space preserves).

Camping is available at Coyote Lake, Grant, Mount Madonna, Sanborn and Uvas Canyon. Boating is available again (with launch reservations) at Calero and Lexington reservoirs. Uvas Canyon now requires parking reservations all weekends at www.goutsideandplay.org.

Visitors reminded to be fire safe in regional parks OCTOBER 15, 2020 October peak of already catastrophic fire season THIS year’s fire season has been one of the most devastating on record with five of the 20 most destructive wildfires in California history happening this year. Locally, we have had five major fires in our parks – Round Valley, Morgan Territory, Mission Peak, Sunol Wilderness, and Ohlone Wilderness – all caused by severe weather and lightning on August 15, 2020. These fires were part of the SCU Lighting Complex Fire, which burned 396,624 total acres and was active for 44 days. Though already catastrophic, the height of fire season is typically October when the heat of summer has dried out vegetation, and hot, dry Diablo winds from the east create dangerous fire conditions. Now is the time to be vigilant and work together to prevent wildfires. What the public should do Park visitors can provide critical help in preventing wildfires by being alert in parks and following common-sense, every-day fire-safe rules: • Smoking is prohibited in all Regional Parks. This prohibition includes vaping. • Be aware of Red Flag Warning, fire danger levels, and park fire safety rules. Abide by all posted or announced fire safety rules. • If you see a fire in a park, call 911 immediately. Report the fire’s location, size, and direction of burn, if possible. If in a park, leave immediately for your safety. • Practice situational awareness. Be alert for any potential fire hazards and report them. • During a fire emergency, cooperate with all instructions and evacuation orders from firefighters, police, and park staff. What the east bay regional park district is doing The Park District works throughout the year to reduce fire fuels and risks in parks, as well as prepare and stay ready for wildfires, including: • Maintaining a professional fire department with 16 full-time firefighters and over 34 on-call firefighters who have other District jobs but are fully trained and available when needed. • Grazing approximately 65 percent of the District’s parkland throughout the year with cattle, goats, and sheep that help to reduce fire fuels. • An eight-member fuel reduction crew works year-round to enhance fire safety by clearing brush, trimming trees, and carrying out controlled burning.

97 • Headquarters is Fire Station 1 at Tilden Regional Park near Berkeley. Seven other stations throughout the District are staffed as circumstances demand. • Two helicopters serve as observation platforms to determine fire location, spread direction, and best access for ground crews. The helicopters are also equipped with Bambi buckets to drop water on fires when needed. As part of a larger network, the District maintains Remote Automated Weather Stations (RAWS) in four regional parks that provide data to headquarters and the region on temperature, wind speed and direction, and moisture to help determine the fire danger level. The East Bay Regional Park District is the largest regional park system in the nation, comprising 73 parks, 55 miles of shoreline, and over 1,300 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and environmental education. The Park District receives more than 25 million visits annually throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Where to See Fall Foliage in the Bay Area Carly Severn Oct 15 It's an intense moment in time. And finding ways to take breaks — and to get safely outdoors — is more important than ever for our collective health, both mental and physical.

With a looming election, an ongoing pandemic and the ever-present threat of wildfires, it can be easy to forget about the changing of the seasons. But if you can find time to get into nature right now, there's a wealth of gorgeous fall colors out there in the Bay Area to see and explore, without having to drive all the way to the Eastern Sierra.

We asked local experts who work to make the outdoors accessible and inclusive for all for their favorite spots around the Bay Area and beyond — places to enjoy fall foliage, bask in some autumnal vibes and generally find some much-needed solace in nature right now. Read on for their tips.

And remember: as needed as outdoor air and exercise is for us all, there's still a pandemic raging. Bring your mask and wear it whenever you're around other nature-lovers, carry sanitizer if using public bathrooms and share the trails safely by making space for passers-by — to maintain social distancing. And if it's a popular place, consider planning your visit to ensure you won't run any risk of encountering a crowd.

With most of Northern California still in extreme wildfire danger, it's advisable to check our map of where wildfires are burning across the state before heading out on a longer trip.

Rue Mapp is the founder and CEO of Outdoor Afro, an Oakland-born organization that celebrates and inspires Black connections and leadership in nature nationally. She says Elm Tunnel is "one of my favorite places" to see fall foliage in the Bay Area. Driving through this North Bay spot "always helped me know what season we were in while headed to the family ranch," Mapp says.

Hayward Regional Shoreline, Alameda County

Francis Mendoza is a naturalist and park ranger with the East Bay Regional Parks District, and says this local stretch of marshes and seasonal wetlands is one of his favorite places to see the changing seasons in action. Why? Look for its "swaths of pickleweed that turn red, rivaling eastern forests in its changing foliage," Mendoza advises — and migrating shorebirds, too. Rancho San Antonio Preserve, Santa Clara County

José González is the founder of Latino Outdoors, which aims to inspire, connect and engage Latino communities in the outdoors. For foliage hunting in the South Bay, he particularly recommends this colorful spot in the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space. Outside of COVID-19 times, Rancho San Antonio also offers a visit to the (temporarily-closed) Deer Hollow Farm: a working farm with historic buildings and farmyard animals.

Mt. Tamalpais State Park, Marin County

99 Mt. Tam is an all-year-round treasure, but it shines in the mild, cool season of fall, says Cori Coccia, Program Director at GirlVentures: a Bay Area nonprofit which combines outdoor adventure with social emotional learning for girl-identified youth. Coccia particularly recommends the Matt Davis trail along the west side for its "gorgeous ocean views and the beautiful Oak, Madrone and Bay Laurel forests along Rock Springs trail." Just be careful of another plant which pops with "vibrant red color amidst all the green," Coccia warns: poison oak

Santa Teresa Blvd. and Monterey Rd., San Jose

Sometimes, you don't even have to get out of the car to appreciate some fall foliage — and if wildfire smoke is making it unhealthy to be outside, a driving tour is a good way to at least escape the house. Latino Outdoors founder José González recommends a "fun" drive south down Santa Teresa Blvd. in San Jose, leading onto Monterey Rd, to see some autumnal hues.

Golden Gate Park, San Francisco

When it comes to fall sights, GirlVentures's Cori Coccia hails Golden Gate Park as an often-overlooked gem right under San Francisco's nose. Coccia says the park "offers everything from misty redwood groves, to lakes with turtles in them, to the biodiversity of every continent thriving in the botanical garden." Just make sure to be especially careful to maintain social distancing on popular days, especially weekends.

How to Find Your Own Fall Foliage Gem

Relying on expert recommendations is one thing. But what if the spots you want to visit are just too crowded right now — or you want to strike out and discover your own havens for fall foliage?

If that's you, Latino Outdoors founder José González has two big recommendations: think about the types of trees that are likely to deliver you a riot of beautiful autumnal color, then consider locations in which you could see them.

To start with the trees themselves, ginkgos are a great bet for colorful branches, González says, and they can be found in many neighborhoods. "Their yellow pop, much like aspens in the Sierra, are noticeable," he says .

As for locations, for a variety of non-native trees your best options might be in arboretums and on college campuses, González advises. But you might also consider trying to find them in particular neighborhoods within your city, "if you're up for a fun urban hike."

"Otherwise, you need to look for locations that provide variability like riparian zones [like creeks], and that experience temperature variation, like an actual winter," González says — so think: gains in elevation. This, he says, is why he likes to take a look at what the Bay Area Ridge Trail offers in terms of foliage.

And if it's safe to visit wine country, i.e. wildfire isn't a current threat? González reminds you that several vineyards can really "pop with color" at this time of year.

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6 places to stargaze around the Bay Area during coronavirus By Valerie Stimac Oct. 15, 2020 Amateur astronomers peer through a telescope at the Chabot Space and Science Center in Oakland.

In the weeks following San Francisco’s strict lockdown measures in March, the skies suddenly cleared. Reduced commuting and plane travel produced some of the best air quality in recent memory and, at night, opened views of starry skies across the Bay Area.

Now, as wildfire smoke moves out of the region, we have a renewed opportunity to get out and enjoy the wonders of the night sky. Stargazing not only provides a window into the solar system but, amid the coronavirus pandemic, a great means of socially distanced relaxation.

“Stargazing is always a good activity, but especially right now,” Chabot Space and Science Center astronomer Gerald McKeegan says. “As we face the stresses of this year, a night of stargazing can be especially satisfying. It helps relax the mind to sit quietly and appreciate the beauty and vastness of the universe.”

Whether you’re brand new to stargazing or you’re a seasoned vet, now is the best time to go. Autumn months hold a number of interesting astronomical events, notably a series of meteor showers, including the Orionids (peaking Oct. 21), the Leonids (peaking Nov. 17), and the Geminids (peaking on a perfect new moon night of Dec. 14) and a Great Conjunction between Saturn and Jupiter on Dec. 21.

You don’t need any special equipment or gear to go stargazing. All you need is to get away from the bright city lights and cast your eyes upward. Here are some of the top destinations around the Bay Area that are open during lockdown, with tips on how to enjoy them.

Pier 17, San Francisco Within the city, stargazing prospects are limited. It’s an unfortunate reality that streetlights and high-rise offices create light pollution that obscures the sky above us.

Still, there are earnest astronomy groups throughout, including San Francisco Amateur Astronomers (SFAA), which hosts events at the few prime stargazing spots. A great one is Pier 17, near the Exploratorium. The museum itself is closed, but on a clear night, you can look north and east from the pier to see constellations like Cassiopeia and the Big Dipper without a telescope.

In the past, SFAA members have brought out telescopes to set up on Pier 17 near the Exploratorium and guided visitors on what to see in the sky, but you don’t need one to identify certain celestial features. Night sky apps like Star Walk 2 or SkyView Lite can help you identify the constellations and planets visible on any given night.

101 Redwood Regional Park, Oakland In a normal year, Chabot Space & Science Center is among the most accessible stargazing spots in the Bay Area. Most weekend nights, the staff at Chabot help visitors explore the wonders of our solar system through the center’s three telescopes.

While Chabot and the telescope domes are currently closed, the area is still a great location for stargazing. Park near the Bay Vista Picnic Area along Skyline Boulevard and hike into Redwood Regional Park. The trees provide a good barrier against surrounding light pollution and there are several groves and meadows where you can get an unobstructed view of the night sky overhead. The park is open until 10 p.m. year- round, late enough to see the stars all year long.

Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve, Oakland Another great option for East Bay stargazing is Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve, a well-protected open space with fantastic, unobstructed views of the sky. Through the end of October, the Preserve is open until 10 p.m. and is arguably the best place to spot the Orionids meteor shower when it’s set to peak on Oct. 21 due to the protection from light pollution.

There’s also plenty of space where you’ll be able to get away from other groups that might be out sky- spotting. A number of trails that crisscross Sibley range from 2.5 miles to 7 miles long if you’re up for a stroll under the stars.

Winter hours limit stargazing prospects: The park closes at 6 p.m. from November to February.

Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve, La Honda While the CZU Lightning Complex Fire came close to burning the Skyline Ridge Preserve, firefighters beat back the flames in time to save one of the best sites for stargazing on the Peninsula.

Shielded somewhat by the surrounding Santa Cruz Mountains, this area is open for 30 minutes after sunset, making it perfect for a short stargazing session on a clear night. After parking near the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Skyline Field Office, take a short hike along the pond loop trail to find a quiet spot to enjoy the stars as they twinkle twice: overhead and reflected in the water, too.

There are over 10 miles of trails to help you find physical distance from other astronomically minded visitors.

Muir Beach Overlook, Marin County There are a number of great stargazing destinations in the North Bay, but unfortunately, many have been affected by this year’s wildfires and intense smoke. Aside from the occasional but impenetrable marine layer, Muir Beach Overlook is perhaps the best place for North Bay residents to catch sight of stars this year, due to its elevation and unobstructed, unpolluted views of the sky to the west and north.

After parking at the Owl Trailhead lot, follow the trail south; you’ll quickly end up on a ridge that heads out onto the cliffs overlooking the Pacific. The trail out to the point has railings on both sides, but a red- light headlamp will help you feel more secure on the narrow trail out to the best views.

Mt. Diablo, Walnut Creek While the prospect of an overnight trip might not suit everyone right now, Mt. Diablo is a good option if you’re up for roughing it. Once the sun sets, Mt. Diablo is a prime stargazing destination; it’s one of the best in the Bay Area and worth the drive.

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You can choose to drive to the summit and park near the Mount Diablo Summit Museum; there are no overhead lights in the parking lot to ruin the expansive night sky views.

Another option is to plan ahead and make an overnight trip of it so you don’t have to make the long drive home off the mountain after you’ve enjoyed your fill of the stars. Two of the campgrounds in Mt. Diablo State Park — Live Oak and Juniper — are both open for reservations. No group camping is currently permitted, helping to encourage social distancing.

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10 East Bay regional parks closed amid critical fire weather Amy Graff Oct. 14, 2020Updated: Oct. 14, 2020 10:11 a.m. Regional parks in the East Bay hills closed early Wednesday as desiccating winds and hot temperatures are expected to elevate the risk for wildfires sparking and spreading across the Bay Area.

The following parks are closed through Friday, Oct. 16, at 11 a.m.

-Anthony Chabot Regional Park (including Anthony Chabot Campground) -Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve -Huckleberry Botanic Regional Preserve -Kennedy Grove Regional Recreation Area -Leona Canyon Open Space Regional Preserve -Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park -Roberts Regional Recreation Area -Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve -Tilden Regional Park -Wildcat Canyon Regional Park (including Alvarado Park) Northeasterly offshore winds are expected to pick up Wednesday, peaking overnight with sustained winds of 15-30 mph at higher elevations across the Bay Area. The East Bay hills could see isolated gusts up to 70 mph. Sustained winds in valley areas are forecast to be 10-20 mph with isolated gusts up to 30 mph.

"These winds will combine with critically low humidity resulting in critical fire weather conditions," Alameda County said in an advisory. "In these conditions, any ongoing fires or new fires will have the potential to rapidly spread."

A red flag warning for critical fire weather is in effect through 11 a.m. Friday for North Bay valleys and mountains, East Bay valleys and hills, and the Santa Cruz Mountains. (Read more about the weather forecast here.)

Ahead of the wind event, PG&E is preparing to deliberately cut power to 54,000 households in 24 counties across the state to reduce wildfire risk. See maps and the timeline for the Public Safety Power Shutoff here.

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Regional Parks in East Bay Hills Closed Due to Red Flag Warning, Extreme Fire Conditions By ECT Oct 14, 2020

Oakland, CA – Red Flag Warning issued by National Weather Service for major wind event on Wednesday, Oct 14 at 5:00 a.m., through Friday, Oct 16 at 11:00 a.m. Anticipated winds ranging from 45 to 70 mph in the East Bay Hills.

The following regional parks are temporarily closed beginning tomorrow at 5 a.m. through Friday at 11 a.m. due to dangerous fire conditions:

• Anthony Chabot Regional Park (Including Anthony Chabot campground)

• Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve

• Huckleberry Botanic Regional Preserve

• Kennedy Grove Regional Recreation Area

• Leona Canyon Open Space Regional Preserve

• Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park

• Roberts Regional Recreation Area

• Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve

• Tilden Regional Park

• Wildcat Canyon Regional Park (including Alvarado Park)

EBRPD Fire Department will be staffing several park fire stations along with CalFire who remains on high alert.

For up-to-date information on closures and reopenings, visit www.ebparks.org.

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East Bay Regional Park District closes 10 parks because of fire danger

Published October 14 OAKLAND, Calif. - The East Bay Regional Park District closed to the public Wednesday morning through Friday morning due to the Red Flag warning for critical fire danger conditions. Closed parks include Anthony Chabot Regional Park in Castro Valley; Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve, Huckleberry Regional Preserve, Leona Canyon Open Space Regional Preserve, Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park, Roberts Regional Park and Sibley Regional Preserve in Oakland; Tilden Regional Park in the Berkeley hills; Kennedy Grove Regional Recreation Area in El Sobrante, and Wildcat Canyon Regional Park in Richmond.

The Red Flag warning from 5 a.m. Wednesday to 11 a.m. Friday is based on the forecast of a major wind event with anticipated winds of 45 to 75 mph in elevated areas in the East and North bays.

The East Bay Regional Park District Fire Department will be staffing several park fire stations along with CalFire, officials said. For current information on regional park closures and reopenings click here.

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‘All of the ingredients are there’: Bay Area braces for more extreme fire weather — again Michael Cabanatuan Oct. 14, 2020 PG&E apprentice Oscar Rodulfo works to restore power along Los Alamos Rd. in Santa Rosa, Calif., on Monday, Oct. 12, 2020. Customers throughout the region could face power shutoffs later this week as red flag fire warnings take effect.

With a red flag warning in effect, winds expected to gust through the North Bay mountains and temperatures threatening to climb to near record levels, the Bay Area braced again Wednesday for another period of high fire danger and possible precautionary power shut-offs.

As temperatures warmed Wednesday afternoon and dry breezes swept across even the lowest parts of the Bay Area, the National Weather Service, which had already issued a red flag warning for dry gusting winds put out two more cautions: a wind advisory for the North Bay foothills and mountains Wednesday night and a heat advisory for the whole Bay Area on Thursday.

“It’s going to be a fun time,” said Brayden Murdock, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service. “What’s going to happen over the next two days is temperatures will be 15 to 20 degrees above average and it will be windy.”

The barrage of warnings, while not entirely uncommon in October, the peak of fire season, underscores the dangerous and uncomfortable conditions projected over the next two days. High winds that could whip flames through parched hillsides are expected Wednesday night and into Thursday morning with a return visit overnight Thursday. Near-record high temperatures, especially near the coast, will not only have Bay Area residents sweating but could cause heat exhaustion and heat stroke, the weather service warned.

As if that weren’t enough, Pacific Gas & Electric Co. warned more than 20,000 Bay Area customers, mostly in the North Bay and East Bay, that they could have their power turned off until Friday in a precautionary move to prevent electrical lines and equipment from sparking wildfires. The red flag warning that took effect Wednesday morning already warned of gusts of dry wind in the North Bay mountains, East Bay hills through Friday morning but forecasts caused the weather service to emphasize the danger to North Bay with the wind advisory, which starts at 10 p.m. Wednesday and ends at 11 a.m. Thursday,

Winds from the north and east were already gusting well above 30 mph atop Mount St. Helena Wednesday, according to National Weather Service readings, and were expected to pick up overnight , gusting up to at least 45 mph between 1,000 and 2,500 feet in the North Bay mountains, Murdock said. At North Bay peaks, gusts could reach even higher — at 55 mph.

“All of the ingredients are there for possible fire starts,” he said.

108 The longer-term forecast does not look promising, either. Daniel Swain, a UCLA climate scientist, tweeted Wednesday that “there is no sign of meaningful rainfall on the horizon through the end of (October).”

The high, dry winds are also expected to bring hot weather all around the bay Thursday, but especially along the coast, where people aren’t used to it. Temperatures in Half Moon Bay on the San Mateo County coast will reach into the 90s, close to the all-time record high of 94, Murdock said.

San Franciso will see temperatures in the 90s from coast to bay, and San Francisco International Airport could also near its October record of 95 degrees. Temperatures are also expected to be in the 90s around the bay and into the low 100 inland, where people are more accustomed to coping with extreme temperatures.

“We want to get the message out that there will be heat risks,” Murdock said, “and people should be prepared. We want to make sure everyone is safe and cautious.” Weather and health officials advise people to drink plenty of fluids, limit activity during the hottest times of the day and stay in air-conditioned comfort — if possible. Bay Area cities and counties are also setting up cooling stations for people to escape the heat.

The red-flag alert, which means the dry gusting winds could easily whip a spark into a major conflagration, continues through 11 a.m. Friday. At lower elevations, dry breezes or 5 to 10 mph are expected around the bay, reaching 25 mph in inland valleys. The winds are expected to cause humidity levels to drop as low as 10%, Will Pi, a National Weather Service meteorologist said, making it easier for fires to start in the dry vegetation. With dry winds blowing toward the coast, it’s easier for temperatures to soar, Murdock said, so it’s not unusual to have two or three warnings pile up as they’re doing over the next couple of days. But winds and temperatures are expected to taper off over the weekend.

With fire danger high, Bay Area park districts started taking precautions as well. In the East Bay hills, the East Bay Regional Parks District shut down 10 parks, including some of its most popular: Tilden, Chabot, Sibley Volcanic, Roberts and Wildcat Canyon.

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Bay Area prepares for PG&E shutoffs as Red Flag Warning begins

By KTVU Staff Published October 13 Updated October 14

SAN FRANCISCO - Pacific Gas and Electric anticipates shutting off power to as many as 54,000 customers in its service areas, including more than 22,000 customers around the Bay Area.

Forecasters warned Tuesday that a combination of extreme heat, dry conditions, and gusty winds could lead to wildfire activity.

PG&E plans to conduct another Public Safety Power Shutoff event (PSPS) beginning on Wednesday. PG&E's preemptive shutoffs have been a recurring event during California's increasingly prolonged and dangerous fire season and are a safety precaution to help prevent damage to the electrical system, which have in the past, sparked wildfires.

There are 24 counties that could be impacted including, Contra Costa, Alameda, Napa, Sonoma, Solano, Santa Clara, and San Mateo. Napa County takes the brunt of the outages with 9,230 customers potentially affected. As many as 22,109 Bay Area customers could be in the dark by Wednesday.

Some restaurants that just reopened after being evacuated due to the Glass Fire, are bracing for a two-day shutdown. The Lovina restaurant in Calistoga announced that it will close Wednesday ahead of the shutoff. Lovina's owner expects heavy losses.

PG&E crews will be aiming to restore power to all customers within 12 daylight hours after the winds die down.

The strongest burst of wind is expected between Wednesday night and early Thursday morning. Gusts may reach 50 mph in the hills.

A Fire Weather Watch that was previously issued by the National Weather Service was upgraded to a red flag warning. The warning goes into effect on Wednesday at 5 a.m. throuh Friday at 11 a.m. It covers the North Bay Hills, North Bay Valleys, East Bay Hills, East Bay interior valleys and the Santa Cruz Mountains.

As a result of the red flag warning, the following regional parks in the East Bay Hills will close at 5 a.m. Wednesday through Friday at 11 a.m.:

• Anthony Chabot Regional Park (Including Anthony Chabot Campground) • Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve • Huckleberry Botanic Regional Preserve • Kennedy Grove Regional Recreation Area • Leona Canyon Open Space Regional Preserve • Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park

110 • Roberts Regional Recreation Area • Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve • Tilden Regional Park • Wildcat Canyon Regional Park (including Alvarado Park)

EBRPD Fire Department will be staffing several park fire stations along with CalFire who remains on high alert.

For up-to-date information on closures and reopenings, visit www.ebparks.org.

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Environmental groups sue Richmond in effort to halt big development at Point Molate By ANNIE SCIACCA PUBLISHED: October 13, 2020 at 2:22 p.m. | UPDATED: October 14, 2020 at 4:12 a.m. The main building and former Naval officers homes, foreground, are seen from this drone view at Winehaven in Richmond, Calif., on Monday, Aug. 14, 2018. Winehaven was the world’s largest winery from 1907-1919, and then became a fuel depot for the U.S. Navy. The city will be selling the Point Molate property to developers.

RICHMOND — A coalition of environmental groups including the Sierra Club is suing the city of Richmond over its approval of a controversial mixed-use project that would sprout about 1,450 homes and more than 400,000 square feet of commercial space on the Point Molate peninsula, the site of a former military base.

The plaintiffs, which also include groups such as the Golden Gate Audubon Society, California Native Plant Society, Ocean Awareness Project and a collection of people opposed to the project called the Point Molate Alliance, say the city’s environmental impact report failed to properly address the project’s impacts on the environment, sufficiently evaluate alternatives to the development or respond to comments from the public.

The lawsuit, filed Friday in Contra Costa County Superior Court, goes on to say that the project as proposed by Winehaven Legacy, LLC and approved by the City Council is inconsistent with the city’s general plan, thereby rendering it “invalid.”

“The project’s Environmental Impact Report was completely inadequate, ignoring significant impacts to rare ecosystems and failing to respond to serious concerns raised by many members of the Richmond community and responsible agencies,” Norman La Force, an attorney representing the petitioners in this case and a member of the Sierra Club San Francisco Bay Chapter Executive Committee, said in a written statement.

Mayor Tom Butt said he was not surprised by the filing of a lawsuit and is confident city staff and contractors tasked with developing the environmental report and analyzing the project were “highly competent.”

“I believe we did everything right,” he said. “All of these issues have been examined, argued, picked over, fought about for 20 years.”

The proposal approved last month by a majority of the council calls for reserving about 70% of the Point Molate site — 193 acres — for public parks and open space. Along with housing and commercial space, the plan includes building a fire and police station and rehabilitating existing historical buildings into a “live-work” village.

The plaintiffs argue that residents and opponents of the project were not given sufficient time or in some cases, advanced notice, to comment at various meetings and hearings. They contend the

112 city also did not properly consider the impacts of climate change and the threat of wildfire to the area.

Butt said the council and city officials discussed the threat of wildfires and were assured by experts that the risk would not be as high as project opponents say.

A letter from East Bay Regional Parks District Manager Robert Doyle submitted to the city in September has echoed concerns by the environmental groups. In it, Doyle rejects previous requests that the park district potentially manage the hillside open space at Point Molate, citing the risk posed by having homes in the area.

“It is our opinion that the design of Suncal’s development areas between the Shoreline and the slope of Ridgeline poses an extreme fire danger which cannot be mitigated by having a fire station nearby,” Doyle writes.

It’s one of many concerns brought by residents and activists who say the project’s environmental report disregards impacts that could be significant, such as the loss of eelgrass beds from any ferry service or water taxi and pollution from construction runoff. Two rare ecosystems at Point Molate– coastal prairie and northern coastal bluff scrub — could be significantly damaged, some environmentalists say.

They have also raised concern about future development over sites sacred to indigenous people. Courtney Cummings, a Richmond spokesperson for the Confederated Villages of Lisjan (commonly known as the Ohlone people) on Point Molate issues, said it is “heartbreaking” to desecrate the remains of people buried at the site centuries ago.

“To have their burial sites be turned into a housing project or a parking lot or sewage treatment facility shows the ultimate disrespect to indigenous Americans, the First People of this land,” Cummings said.

The plaintiffs and their allies had suggested an alternative: building some commercial space, including a hotel, to promote jobs at Point Molate while keeping most of property open as accessible land and moving housing to downtown.

They have also criticized the project as too high-end — the agreement commits the developers to only 67 units of affordable housing. While city law would require additional affordable housing based on the actual number of units and affordability levels, the developer can meet that obligation by paying in lieu fees instead of actually building affordable units.

Butt countered that the city needs more housing of all kinds — both market rate and affordable, and that city leaders have “been actively recruiting developers in the downtown.”

Of the future of the site and the lawsuit, he said, “we’ll just have to see how it plays out.”

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East Bay Regional Parks Closing During Red Flag Warning October 13, 2020

OAKLAND (CBS SF) — Locations of the East Bay Regional Park District in the East Bay hills will be closed to the public Wednesday morning through Friday morning due to the Red Flag warning for critical fire danger conditions.

Closed parks include Anthony Chabot Regional Park in Castro Valley; Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve, Huckleberry Regional Preserve, Leona Canyon Open Space Regional Preserve, Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park, Roberts Regional Park and Sibley Regional Preserve in Oakland; Tilden Regional Park in the Berkeley hills; Kennedy Grove Regional Recreation Area in El Sobrante, and Wildcat Canyon Regional Park in Richmond.

The Red Flag warning from 5 a.m. Wednesday to 11 a.m. Friday is based on the forecast of a major wind event with anticipated winds of 45 to 75 mph in elevated areas in the East and North bays.

“These winds will combine with critically low humidity resulting in critical fire weather conditions,” Alameda County said in an advisory. “In these conditions, any ongoing fires or new fires will have the potential to rapidly spread.”

The East Bay Regional Park District Fire Department will be staffing several park fire stations along with CalFire, officials said.

For current information on regional park closures and reopenings, visit ebparks.org.

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East Bay Regional Parks closing locations in hills due to Red Flag Warning by: Bay City News Posted: Oct 13, 2020 / 09:19 PM PDT / Updated: Oct 13, 2020 / 09:38 PM PDT

EAST BAY, Calif. (BCN) – Locations of the East Bay Regional Park District in the East Bay hills will be closed to the public Wednesday morning through Friday morning due to the Red Flag warning for critical fire danger conditions.

Regional Park in the Berkeley hills; Kennedy Grove Regional Recreation Area in El Sobrante, and Wildcat Canyon Regional Park in Richmond.

The Red Flag warning from 5 a.m. Wednesday to 11 a.m. Friday is based on the forecast of a major wind event with anticipated winds of 45 to 75 mph in elevated areas in the East and North bays.

These winds will combine with critically low humidity resulting in critical fire weather conditions,” Alameda County said in an advisory. “In these conditions, any ongoing fires or new fires will have the potential to rapidly spread.”

The East Bay Regional Park District Fire Department will be staffing several park fire stations along with CalFire, officials said.

For current information on regional park closures and reopenings, visit www.ebparks.org.

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30-ace fire contained in Moraga, CAL FIRE says Sunday, October 11, 2020 MORAGA, Calif. -- A grass fire Sunday on the southeast edge of Moraga in Contra Costa County burned approximately 30 acres of vegetation before it was completely contained about 9 p.m. Sunday, CAL FIRE said.

The Irvine Fire, named for Irvine Drive in southeast Moraga near where the fire started, was first reported about 6:30 p.m. Sunday just southeast of Moraga between the city and the Las Trampas Regional Wilderness area near Danville.

Crews from CAL FIRE and the Moraga Orinda Fire department were fighting the fire. Helicopters from the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District and the East Bay Regional Park District were also called in. Crews were still mopping up as of 10 p.m. Sunday.

The cause of the fire was not immediately available Sunday night.

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