TO: PARK ADVISORY COMMITTEE

FROM: BRUCE KERN, CHAIR

SUBJECT: PARK ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Date: May 23, 2016

Location: Peralta Oaks Court 2950 Peralta Oaks Court Oakland, CA

REGULAR MEETING

7:00 p.m. 1. Approval of Minutes – April 25, 2016 2. Introductions 3. Board Member Comments – Director Dotson 4. Public Comments 7:15 p.m. 5. Presentations: (I) a. Natural Resources Update Continuation – Matthew Graul, Chief of Stewardship (I) b. Social Media Update – Isa Polt-Jones, Public Information Representative (I) c. Climate Change, Adaptation, and Cap and Trade, Erich Pfuehler, Government Affairs Manager, Sandra Hamlet, Senior Planner, ASD 8:20 p.m. 6. PAC Member Comments 7. Report from the Chair – Bruce Kern a. Discuss Field Trip 8. Board Committee Reports . 9. Status of Recommendations 10. Old Business 11. New Business 12. Adjournment

Next Meeting – June 27, 2016

(A) Action (I) Information (R) Recommendation

ATTACHMENTS

1. Natural Resources Memo 2. Social Media Memo 3. Climate Change Memo 4. 2016 Work Plan 5. Status of Recommendations 6. Articles & Correspondence

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Unapproved Meeting Minutes PARK ADVISORY COMMITTEE April 25, 2016

ATTENDING: Best, Kern, Beyaert, Coffey, Coomber, Godfrey, Gregory, Ho, Madsen, Mercurio, Palacios, Rickard, Sanwong, Simmons, Texeira, Thompson, Wilkins, Yee NOT ATTENDING: Robinson, Volin STAFF ATTENDING: Anderson, Ciaburro, Tong, Holt, Hamlet, O’Connor, Clay GUESTS: Director Ayn Wieskamp, PUBLIC: Kelly Abreu, William Yrugi, Mark Shorett, Senior Regional Planner ABAG, Matt Vander Sluis, Program Director Greenbelt Alliance

The meeting began at 7:00 p.m.

1. Approval of March 28, 2016 Minutes: The March 28, 2016 minutes were approved with edits. PAC members Palacios, Texeira, Mercurio, Wilkins and Yee abstained due to being absent from the March meeting. The motion to approve was moved by PAC member Beyaert, PAC member Wilkins seconded approval of the minutes. Approval passed unanimously.

Yee asked to clarify his position on the dog issue which was discussed at the March 28 meeting. He said educating dog owners is important. When another park user feels threatened or nervous about a dog’s behavior, the dog owner should, as a courtesy, put their dog on a leash. PAC Chair Kern asked Yee to submit written clarification of his comments for distribution to the PAC since he was not present at the meeting. Kern stated since the issue of dogs is not on the work plan, he will go before the Board Executive Committee to make sure the PAC’s approach to this issue is in agreement with the Board. PAC member Ho commented the PAC agreed to put the issue of dogs under safety in the parks in the work plan, but perhaps the group wants to consider it as a separate issue. AGM of Operations O’Connor said he will reach out to Jerry Kent, former AGM of Operations, regarding a presentation before the PAC about the history of dogs in parks.

2. Introductions: Kern asked PAC members, staff, and the public to introduce themselves.

3. Board Member Comments: Director Wieskamp reported she enjoys visiting District parks with the park supervisors. Her first tour was with Chris Lyle, Supervisor of Brushy Peak, Vasco, Morgan Territory and Round Valley. Wieskamp reported Vasco staff are saving rain water from a metal roof into a big tank. This may also be done at the Oakland Stables. Directors Wieskamp and Waespi went with Supervisor Wayne Gilfillin to Pleasanton Ridge and to the Wiedemen property. She encouraged the PAC to visit the property which touches Dublin Hills. Wieskamp reported she went on an operations field trip to the three stables in Oakland. She stated they were well managed. She was surprised to find out that 93% of the horses are owned by women.

Director Wieskamp was happy to announce Vargas Plateau is finally going to open. There have been many issues from permits to litigation that have slowed the project. Wieskamp stated it is one of the most beautiful parks, with beautiful views and excellent access.

Director Wieskamp expressed her excitement about the possibility of saving Tesla. She has visited the site directly adjacent to the Carnegie off-road vehicle park where hundreds of people are severely disrupting the habitat. Director Wieskamp stated the Connelly family has owned property near Tesla since the late 19th century. Director Wieskamp belongs to Friends of Tesla 2

and encouraged others to join. She commented Tesla is on the Master Plan, and is a significant piece of property rich in history and habitat. When she first came on the Board, she joined Seth Adams, Land Conservation Director at Save Mount Diablo, for a tour of Tesla. Adams told Wieskamp that her goal should be to save the corridor, make it for people, trails and save the habitat from Diablo through the Altamont.

4. Public Comments: William Yragui from Conservancy provided the PAC with statistics compiled from a request from the District. Yragui compared four parks: Anthony Chabot, Tilden, Redwood and Mission Peak. He reported Mission Peak has 3,000 acres compared to 7,200 acres of the other three parks combined. Mission Peak has a 76% of citations and violations compared to 24% issued to Anthony Chabot, Tilden and Redwood parks.

Kelly Abreu reported Vargas Plateau held a reception last month and will open in early May. Abreu mentioned the citations given out at Mission Peak were double that of other parks. He commented he felt it was a purposefully misdirected enforcement.

5. Presentations: (R) a. Draft Concord Hills Land Use Plan – Brian Holt, Principal Planner Brian Holt, Principal Planner asked the PAC to recommend the Board of Directors formally accept the Preferred Alternative Park Use Plan as the basis for a Concord Hills Land Use Plan (LUP). The LUP and associated environmental review will be used to comply with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

Holt provided an overview of the property. He reported it is 5,000 acres, largely located south of Highway 4 and Kirker Pass Road. The site is bisected by both Bailey Road and Willow Pass Road. The portion of the property the District is receiving is about 2,540 acres located largely east of Mt. Diablo Creek, south of Highway 4, south of Willow Pass Road, and between the cities of Concord and Pittsburg. The remainder of the property would be transferred to the City of Concord through an economic development conveyance for development of their Reuse Plan adopted in 2010. The Reuse Plan calls for about 12,500 new homes, 6.1 million square feet of commercial and office space, and 700 acres of city parks and greenways. The proposed development would primarily be clustered on the western portion of the former base.

Holt explained there is the potential to make connections to recent acquisitions in the HCP area, to Black Diamond Mines Regional Park, and to connect with Mt. Diablo State Park and beyond. Holt continued there is also an opportunity to partner with the National Park Service (NPS). Both the Juan Batista De Anza National Historic Trail and he Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial are near this site. There is also an opportunity to close critical trail gaps between central and east Contra Costa County.

The District plan seeks to provide the City conservation value for their economic development. It focuses on protecting the most sensitive resources, while preserving the District’s public access and recreational opportunities. Staff took a look at existing structures, roads, trails, rails to see what items were most suitable for reuse for park purposes. Bunkers and some other structures will be repurposed for historical education, picnicking, art displays, etc. Lateral trails will connect to the north Concord BART station. The ridge trail will provide some fantastic views of the whole Diablo Valley and across the Delta. High elevation views will be accessed by car or hiking. Staff have also proposed backcountry campsites. The southern area has a proposed group 3 campsite and an historic orchard the District would like to retain. Staff would like to minimize vehicular access in the southern area, so there will not be a loop. Staff still recognize the value of getting folks up to a higher elevation. This would allow those with mobility challenges to still enjoy the view. Holt showed the PAC the proposed visitor center compound which will be a reused building with an outdoor exhibit area, an archive facility and an amphitheater.

Holt clarified the Mount Diablo Creek regional trail will connect. There is an agreement with NPS to create a joint visitor center for the Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial. As the LUP is developed, the plan will be refined. Holt mentioned Conservation Zone 1 is an area that will be primarily managed for conservation purposes. Other areas will focus on human use, interpretive facilities, corporation yards, group camping and picnic facilities.

Holt said it is anticipated staff will bring the plan before the Board on June 21, 2016 to make a formal acceptance of this preferred land use concept. Staff will develop a draft LUP and draft EIR in fall 2016. Hopefully, it can be finalized in the spring of 2017. This should coincide with the Navy’s environmental process and initial conveyance to the Department of Interior and NPS in the spring of 2017.

PAC Vice Chair Mercurio asked how soon after the conveyance construction would begin and when could some portion of the park open for public use. Holt said the hope is to open the South Bailey Road area within a couple of years of conveyance. Holt added the District has been working with the City of Concord and with the Fish and Wildlife Service to move as expeditiously as possible. Holt explained the reason he is before the PAC at this point is to establish the park’s footprint with the Fish and Wildlife Service that will be permanent. Mercurio asked if the District will be compensated for some of the mitigation and resource conservation areas that have been identified. Holt replied, as a standard practice, the development will have to establish a habitat mitigation endowment. The District is in conservations with the City, and eventually with the master developer they select, regarding the endowment, as it will be part of the funding package for the park. Mercurio asked if the Measure WW funds will be sufficient for full construction. Holt said Measure WW funds ($17 million) may not be enough. There will be many grants, partnerships and discussions regarding funding.

Beyaert inquired about the plans outside of the hillside edge of the base. Holt replied it is unincorporated land at the border of Pittsburg and Concord city limits. There is an active application to annex the land into the City of Pittsburg with potential development of 1,500 homes in that area. The land is currently owned by a prominent local developer. Texiera inquired about the two alternative plans which are similar with regard to trail alignment and facility locations, but different with regard to interpretive programing and dispersal of park facilities, such as picnic areas and camping. Holt replied the two alternatives scatter uses in different areas. One had more developed uses and more expanded vehicular access. One had more camping in the southern area, as well as more developed facilities. Holt explained the District is working to find the right balance between conservation, passive recreation and still have some developed facilities. In terms of the interpretation, it was decided to use a more thematic approach to integrate the whole property including farming, military and present history.

PAC member Madsen commented this project has been at least six years in the making, with incredible collaboration between community groups, the environmental community, labor community and the District. He said it is incredible to see this come to fruition. It is a beautiful site. Palacios asked if convenience camping would be possible at the site. Holt replied there are 4

opportunities to identify some of the existing buildings/munitions bunker pads for camping use. Holt explained the District wants the biological opinion from the Fish and Wildlife Service to be flexible enough that future camping use is possible.

A motion to adopt the Preferred Alternative Park Use Plan for the Concord Hills Regional Park was made by PAC Member Rickard. It was seconded by Mercurio and passed unanimously

(I) b. Plan Bay Area Presentation – Laura Thompson, Bay Trail Manager Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG), Mark Shorett, Senior Regional Planner ABAG, Matt Vander Sluis, Program Director Greenbelt Alliance Chair of Plan Bay Area Subcommittee Simmons introduced PAC member Thompson, Bay Trail Manager of ABAG. Thompson said this is great timing for the District, and all the other stakeholders in the Bay Area, to get involved in the updated Plan Bay Area. Thompson introduced Mark Shorett, Senior Regional Planner at ABAG. Shorett gave a brief overview about the inception of ABAG. In 2007, local jurisdictions nominated locations where they expected to see new housing. The goal was to focus new investment where there was strong transit access and critical housing need. They put together a framework for low carbon, smart growth and future development. This overall structure of Priority Conservation Areas (PCAs) and Priority Development Areas (PDAs) was put together in concert with Regional Transportation Investment, particularly Regional Transit, and are clustered around BART stations and future rail investments.

Shorett explained in 2013, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) and ABAG adopted the first Plan Bay Area. The Plan looks out to 2040 with an eye toward meeting greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets, while sustaining increased housing and population growth. The GHG targets were set by the State of California. All of the metropolitan areas in the state were required to produce a combined transportation and land use plan to achieve GHG reductions.

Shorett discussed the East Bay Corridors Initiative. Cities from Richmond to Fremont, as well as parts of unincorporated Contra Costa County, are creating a platform to achieve shared goals. Among their priorities are coaxing investment in priority development areas and connecting parks to the Bay Trail. These are considered catalyst investments.

Matt Van der Sluis Greenbelt Alliance Program Director explained he manages the Homes and Neighborhoods Initiative and supports staff across the region. He is also in charge of Greenbelt’s Plan Bay Area work. He coordinates a network of nonprofits: conservation organizations, organizations concerned with public health, smart transportation and smart business groups which all work together to help craft the next version of Plan Bay Area. Van der Sluis outlined why Plan Bay Area is important. The Plan adopted in 2013 is a regional vision for how the Bay Area could grow in very smart ways. It considers how to accommodate growth in a way that preserves natural and cultural lands. It focuses on developing within existing cities and towns, and near transportation nodes. It is an important regional dialog about how to grow smart and accommodate the next generation of growth. This vision is starting to be implemented in a variety of ways around the Bay Area. Regional agencies have developed new funding sources to encourage this regional vision, particularly around conservation and compact development.

Thompson thanked Madsen for his involvement, as a member of ABAG’s Regional Planning Committee, in shaping and framing the Priority Conservation Area program. Thompson provided an overview about the PCA process and the One Bay Area Grant (OBAG) program. Thompson stated PCAs are an important part of the plan which work in tandem and conjunction with the PDAs. The Priority 5

Conservation Program started in 2007 with locally designated areas submitted to ABAG for designation. There have been two designation programs, in 2007 and 2015. There are 165 PCAs, categorized into four different designations: natural landscapes, agricultural lands, urban greening and regional recreation. The District has a number of PCAs on the list. In addition, the Bay Trail, the Ridge Trail and the Water Trail are considered PCAs.

In 2013, the first grant program was developed. Two sectors were created: the North Bay and the Southern/Eastern/Peninsula counties program. There were $5 million dollars of One Bay Area Grant (OBAG) program funding set aside for North Bay and $5 million dollars for the rest of the region. There were also additional funds from the Coastal Conservancy. 25 letters of interest were submitted and 13 applications received funding. Eligible projects included planning activities, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, visual enhancements, and habitat and environmental enhancements. Also included were easements for natural resources, open space and agricultural land. 23 projects in all nine counties were awarded $11.95 million. The District had three projects funded, all trail and public access projects. Gilman to Buchanan Bay Trail, Breuner Marsh Restoration and Pinole Shores.

Thompson stated Plan Bay Area is now on the second round of OBAG funding. Funding is divided evenly between the North Bay program ($8.2 million) and the Southern/Eastern/Peninsula counties program ($8.2 million). Calls for projects are anticipated in late 2016, early 2017.

PAC member Ho asked if the project parameters will be the same as OBAG 1. Thompson replied yes all projects will need to be part of a designated PCA. Beyaert asked about the mechanisms, other than funding, which could bring this plan and vision to reality. Van der Sluis replied there is an awful lot of work to be done to bring Plan Bay Area’s vision to fruition. A lot of it is creating local plans. There are many jurisdictions starting to take on more compact development and protecting more land. Van der Sluis stated much work needs to be done.

Simmons commented according to the map, this does not look like a nine county approach, because most of the activity was centered in three counties. Contra Costa County is considering a transportation measure for the November ballot. One of the elements of the measure is proposed funding for new BART cars. BART has been very emphatic that it has no additional capacity. Simmons asked how Plan Bay Area will address the fact that it relies entirely on a transportation network that has no capacity for growth in the future. Shorett responded this is something the plan tries to address, with limited funding, by focusing the vast majority of funds on a fix-it first approach. There are a lot of deferred maintenance projects and much of the allocated transportation funding goes to very basic maintenance. Shorett stated a number of things can be done to make BART work more effectively and create capacity.

(I) c. Crime and Safety in Parks and on Trails including Dogs – Assistant General Manager – Police Chief Timothy Anderson and Captain Anthony Ciaburro, Public Safety Chief Anderson reported Public Safety covers many units: police, fire, lifeguard services, volunteer services and many special units. In 1989, the Special Forces Unit was formed specifically for trail conflict issues between equestrians, bicyclists and pedestrians. The Volunteer Safety Patrol has grown from eight to 190 volunteers. They report crimes by radio and help educate the public.

Chief Anderson introduced Captain Ciaburro who discussed his history with the City of San Jose for twenty-six years. Anderson commented there has been a marked changed in the parks during his 30 years at the District. 30 years ago, there were never homicides and no armed robberies in the parks. 6

Now it is not uncommon to have these crimes. These cases are labor intensive and often take the officers outside the two counties.

Chief Anderson explained since the late 60s, the District has employed full time law enforcement officers. There are different types of law enforcement officers in California, with various powers of arrest, search and seizure. The District is empowered with authority that extends throughout the State of California to make arrests and investigate crimes. The District is divided into beats. Each officer patrols a beat. Beats can extend throughout several cities. The District also has an Air Support Unit which is critical in helping patrol the 1,750 miles of parklands. Substations are also important: there are substations located at San Pablo Reservoir and Contra Loma Park in Antioch. Because of Bay Area traffic, the District could not cover those areas without these substations.

Chief Anderson stated staff often wear multiple hats at one time. They are not only patrol officers, but also crime scene investigators and field training officers. Staffing is difficult, retention is hard and the hiring process is long. A potential officer has to go through the hiring process, testing, background check which takes a month, polygraph exam, psych exam, go to the police academy which is six months long, and then into field training which also takes six months. It takes approximately a year plus for an officer to go through this process.

Chief Anderson stated District patrol vehicles have evolved, they now contain high tech electronics. He reported there are about 400 auto break-ins per year and Public Safety has done a lot of public education to help prevent these occurrences. Chief Anderson touched on two other units of Public Safety: the Equestrian Unit and Air Support Unit. The Equestrian Unit is stabled in Dublin. They are used at special events and for public outreach. The Air Support Unit is based in Hayward. They are staffed by four pilots and a sergeant. All are trained police officers and very experienced. They are required by the Federal Aviation Administration to complete many hours of training. The District is unique in that it is one of the few that will rescue hikers. Terrain is difficult with no location markers. Captain Ciaburro commented that service is exceptional. Other agencies do not deploy a helicopter, land and pick up lost hikers. The helicopters are equipped with very high tech equipment including: heat sensing equipment for fire assistance and equipment for medical evacuations. The District has a Marine Patrol Unit which mainly patrols the Delta, but can patrol . The Unit works in partnership with the Coast Guard in the Delta.

Captain Ciaburro said Public Safety is actively looking for recruits. It is hard to compete head to head with larger agencies. The position of District police officer offers a special niche. There is variety in the job. There are special assignments, educational aspects and game warden work, etc. The District is extremely difficult to police. The District is facing the same issues as cities despite the fact they are working in the parks. The District is also trying to diversify the agency through recruitment. It offers internship and student aid programs.

Kern stated safety in the parks is one of the PAC’s priorities. The committee appreciates the work Public Safety does.

O’Connor asked about the body worn cameras. Chief Anderson replied the District’s public safety officers have worn body cameras for nine years. The District was the first to wear them in Contra Costa County and the second police force in Alameda County.

7

Mercurio inquired how much help the average park user provides to Public Safety if they see a crime in progress. Chief Anderson answered the public is often helpful and use their cell phones to report crimes.

Beyaert asked if there is a potential for the use of drones for patrol and surveillance in the parks. Anderson replied there is potential. They would be primarily used by the District for search and rescue. The use of drones has implications with the ACLU and other groups regarding privacy issues. They are a good tool to have, but it is doubtful the District will use them unless there is grant funding. There are many applications for them, but the District is sensitive to civil liberties.

Beyaert asked what determines which agency/county responds to a crime. Chief Anderson replied emergency response is coordinated through the dispatch centers. If it is an in-progress crime, no matter the jurisdiction, the closest resource is dispatched. When police arrive, the jurisdiction is determined, and the case is given to the agency whose jurisdiction it is.

Ho asked if District security cameras are monitored, or do they just record. Chief Anderson said they record and the information is used after the fact.

PAC member Coomber commented the District’s Public Safety Division is inadequately staffed, and asked what would be the ideal number of police officers. Chief Anderson replied cities have the ratio of one officer per 1,000 population, but that wouldn’t be enough. Chief Anderson said the General Manager has committed to adding two officers per year until Public Safety reaches its target officer goal.

Yee thanked Anderson for the work Public Safety does. Yee offered some advice, as a volunteer, he tries to reinforce the need to monitor parking lots. He suggests writing a note and leaving it on cars where visible valuables have been left.

Texeira asked why dogs were listed on the dispatch report. Chief Anderson said it was requested by one of the Board Members to include them on the dispatch report.

Kern asked if Public Safety has evaluated using card readers for license plates. Chief Anderson replied they are called License Plate Readers (LPR). It is very expensive technology. He would rather have them installed in a fixed location, such as park entrances, reporting electronically back to dispatch instead of on the police vehicles. They read hundreds of licenses simultaneously, and determine if the cars are stolen.

Kern asked about the Next Door Neighbor websites. Anderson replied Public Safety is applying for a Federal grant to get an intern or full time person. The person would create and update an interactive website like Next Door to alert neighbors of incidences related to regional parks near their neighborhoods.

Kern asked about increasing non badge personnel to handle other less complicated crimes. Anderson replied the District has been funded for two Community Service Officers (CSO), but they are also dispatch operators. There are five dispatch vacancies right now, so the person working patrol as a CSO is usually the first one chosen to work dispatch.

Kelly Abreu said agencies are required to turn on their body cameras, but no agency has a penalty for failure to turn them on. At the new Vargas Plateau parking lot, he thinks there should be wheel stops 8

in 25 parking spaces because folks are being ticketed. He questioned why wheel stops and clearly painted lines haven’t been provided at Mission Peak instead of handing out tickets to folks that can’t see the lines to park. There are 40-50 dog incidents per year compared to 4,000 other Ordinance 38 problems.

Kern thanked staff and guests for spending the extra time at the meeting. The meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m.

6. PAC Member Comments – None.

7. Report from Chair – None.

8. Board Committee Reports – None.

9. Status of Recommendations – None.

10. Old Business – None.

11. New Business – None.

12. Adjournment – The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m.

Summary of Actions: 1. The PAC approved the March 28, 2016 minutes. 2. The PAC approved a motion to recommend to the Board of Directors the adoption of the Preferred Alternative Park Use Plan for the Concord Hills Regional Park.

Respectfully submitted,

Sharon Clay Confidential Secretary

Attachment 1 [Type text]

PARK ADVISORY COMMITTEE Meeting of May 23, 2016

TO: Parks Advisory Committee

STAFF REPORT PREPARED BY: Matt Graul, Chief of Stewardship

SUBJECT: Natural Resources Update Continuation

The District’s Chief of Stewardship will give an overview of Stewardship project highlights from 2015 and 2016. Projects discussed will include wildlife monitoring with remote cameras, the Hayward Shoreline least tern colony, Alameda whipsnake study in the East Bay hills, pond restoration and enhancement at Garin Regional Park, blue green algae monitoring and management in freshwater lakes, mapping and management invasive plant populations, and a partnership with Urban Tilth and Contra Costa County to implement habitat restoration projects in the Wildcat Creek watershed.

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Attachment 2 [Type text]

PARK ADVISORY COMMITTEE Meeting of May 23, 2016

TO: Parks Advisory Committee

STAFF REPORT PREPARED BY: Isa Polt-Jones, Public Information Representative

SUBJECT: EBRPD Social Media Program

Learn about the East Bay Regional Park District’s award-winning social media program, which reaches over 50,000 community members each month with key messages about EBRPD activities and initiatives. How has the Park District built online communities and engaged the public? What makes the District’s social media program unique and noteworthy? See examples from EBRPD’s most “viral” posts in this presentation by Public Information Representative Isa Polt-Jones of the Public Affairs Division.

CONNECT Join the Online Conversation

Find us on your favorite social networks!

Photo by Nigel Golding Nigel by Photo

Use a QR app on your smart phone or go to: www.ebparks.org/connect. Attachment 3 [Type text]

PARK ADVISORY COMMITTEE Meeting of May 23, 2016

TO: Parks Advisory Committee

STAFF REPORT PREPARED BY: Sandra Hamlet, Senior Planner, ASD

SUBJECT: Climate Change Adaptation

Not only is the East Bay Regional Park District the oldest and largest park district, but the District also is one of the largest landowners and managers of 120,00 acres in the East San Francisco Bay, more than 40 miles of which are along the shoreline and in the urban/wildland interface. The District is on the frontline of defense against climate change. In response, the District recently drafted a leading-edge strategy that addresses adaptation—in terms of sea level rise and fuels management related to wildfire and grazing— and mitigation—in terms of green transportation and sequestration of wetlands, grasslands, oak woodlands, and forests. Located in one of the most urbanized estuaries at the confluence of two State- wide significant waterbodies—the San Francisco Bay and the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta—the District’s parklands buffer at-risk communities living in close proximity to greenhouse gas emitters and energy infrastructure with contaminated soil. Alameda and Contra Costa Counties are very diverse with more than 50 percent of residents non-White or Latino. The District is uniquely situated to implement green infrastructure projects that provide co-benefits to environmental and community health, safety, and well-being.

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Attachment 4

PAC 2016 WORK PLAN 5.16.16

JAN 25 FEB 22 MAR 28 APR 25 MAY 23 JUN 27 JULY 25 SEP 26 OCT 24 NOV 28 DEC 12

Director Siden Director Sutter Director Lane Director Director Dotson Director Waespi Director Siden Director Burgis Director Lane Director Director Wieskamp Siden State of the Community Ordinance 38 Natural CAFR (R) – Measure WW Trails Update Goals 2017 2017 District (I) – Relations Plan (I) update including Crime and Safety Resources Auker Update (I) – (I) - Dougan (R) – Kern, Proposed Holiday Doyle – Koh, Johnson Drones (R) – Love in Parks and on Update Rasmussen Pfuehler Budget (R) Dinner – Trails including Continuation (I) Stay Healthy in Mountain Bike – Auker Contra 2016 PARK ADVISORY COMMITTEE COMMITTEE ADVISORY PARK 2016 Ballot Measure Regional Park Sibley – LUPA Dogs (I) – –Graul Nature Every Capital Projects Use (I) – Volunteer Costa Review (I) – Foundation Year Update & Anderson Day HPHP Review – O’Connor, Program Elections of County Pfuehler in Review (I) - McCosker Social Media Update (I) – Koh, Convenience Dougan Review (I) – PAC Johnson Checklist Amend Plan Bay Area Update (I) - Koh Johnson Camping Kassebaum Officers (R) Work Plan (R) - (R) – Bondurant Presentation (I) – Update (I) – ADA – Kern, Kern, Pfuehler 2016 Legislative ABAG, Greenbelt Climate Measure CC Rasmussen, Transition Plan Concord Hills Pfuehler Priorities (I) – Breuner Marsh, Alliance Change, Update (I) – Nisbet (I) – O’Connor, LUP (R) - Holt Pfuehler Pt. Pinole: Naming Adaptation, and Rasmussen Barrington Recommendation Draft Concord Cap and Trade Miller Knox

(R) - Hamlat Hills LUP (I) – Holt (I) – Pfuehler, Land Use Plan Economic Hamlet Amendment (I) Impact Report Designation of - Bates (I) – Johnson, Great CA Delta Auker Trail Segments Radke Park (R) – Dougan Naming (R) - Julene Certification of the Juan Bautista De Anza National

Historic Trail (R) – Dougan

Exec. Comm. Regional Plan Bay Area Field Trip1 Finance BBQ Meeting – Exec. Comm. Finance Subcommittee Agencies Subcommittee – Subcommittee Black Diamond Subcommittee Subcommitt Work Plan (R) - Appointment Simmons CAFR (R) - Mines? Goals 2017 ee Pfuehler Meeting – 6:15 pm 6:15 pm Auker (R) – Pfuehler. 2017 Kern Budget (R) - Auker

1 PAC field trip will be scheduled for a Saturday in early May at Vargas Plateau or Pleasanton Ridge

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Attachment1 5

PARK ADVISORY COMMITTEE 2016 Status of Recommendations

The following is a record of items, which have come from the PAC during the year beginning January 1, 2016.

1. The PAC recommended moving forward the 2015 PAC Goals to the Board for approval. (January 26, 2016)

STATUS: The Board voted to approve the Park Advisory Committee 2016 Goals. (Resolution # 2015-01-014)

2. The PAC recommended moving forward the 2016 PAC Workplan to the board for approval. (January 26, 2016)

STATUS: The Board voted to approve the Park Advisory Committee 2016 Goals. (Resolution # 2015-01-014)

3. The PAC recommended a phase-in of a no smoking ban in campsites in two years to the Board for approval. (March 28, 2016)

STATUS: The Board voted to amend Ordinance 38: Rules and Regulations. (Resolution # 2016-04-101)

4. The PAC recommended the adoption of the proposed Ordinance 38 changes, with the additional notation that the PAC separately moved on the no smoking restrictions for Board approval. (March 28, 2016)

STATUS: The Board voted to amend Ordinance 38: Rules and Regulations. (Resolution # 2016-04-101)

5. The PAC approved a motion to schedule a future presentation to discuss and learn about the history and evolution of the rules of the District regarding off leash dogs. (March 28, 2016)

STATUS: Pending board approval

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6. The PAC recommended the McCosker Site Checklist Amendment for Board approval. (March 28, 2016)

STATUS: The Board voted to approve McCosker Site Checklist Amendment. (Resolution # 2016-04-100)

7. The PAC recommended the naming the Point Pinole (Breuner Marsh) trail head, bridges and staging areas, with the suggested consideration for a modification of the Viewpoint Spur Trail name to China Clipper without a return to the PAC committee to the Board for approval. (March 28, 2016)

STATUS: Pending board approval

8. The PAC recommended favorable consideration of the California Delta Trail signage and logos to be provided by the Delta Protection Commission along the Big Break Regional Shoreline Trail to the Board for approval. (March 28, 2016)

STATUS: The Board voted favorable consideration of the California Delta Trail signage and logos to be provided by the Delta Protection Commission along the Big Break Regional Shoreline Trail to the Board for approval. (Resolution # 2016-04-092)

9. The PAC recommended to the Board of Directors favorable consideration for the District to enter into a Trail Segment Certification Agreement with the National Park Service for the Juan Bautista De Anza National Historic Trail.

(March 28, 2016)

STATUS: The Board voted to enter into a Trail Segment Certification Agreement with the National Park Service for the Juan Bautista De Anza National Historic Trail. (Resolution # 2016-04-091)

10. The PAC recommended to the Board of Directors approve the Preferred Alternative Park Use Plan for the Concord Hills Regional Park. (April 25, 2016)

STATUS: Pending board approval

ATTACHMENT 8

ARTICLES & CORRESPONDENCE

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Swimming, Wading Okay Again at Lake Del Valle

Posted: Thursday, May 5, 2016 12:00 am

Swimming and wading are once again permitted at Lake Del Valle. However, visitors to the popular park south of Livermore should avoid getting lake water in their mouths, East Bay Regional Park District announced.

Swimming and wading had been prohibited at the lake since December because of the presence of toxic blue-green algae growths.

“Blue-green algae” refers to a range of algae and bacteria that live naturally in lakes and sometimes release toxic chemicals.

Why this happens is not clear, but the process is often associated with warm temperatures and stagnant waters.

The California Department of Public Health says the toxins have killed dogs in Humboldt County and sea otters in Monterey Bay. For people, the department warns of risks ranging from rashes and gastrointestinal upset to nerve and liver damage.

The toxins were first detected at Del Valle in December and found again in January but not since then, according to Hal MacLean, water management supervisor for the Park District.

Still, areas of algae growth are sometimes visible in the lake and could be blown into swim areas, he said.

He cautioned swimmers and waders to stay away from algae patches and to avoid getting lake water in their mouths.

Del Valle Regional Park is managed by East Bay Regional Park District for the State of California. Park It by Ned MacKay: No more smoking in the Regional Parks | May 4, 2016 | As has been widely reported, East Bay Regional Park District’s Board of Directors has approved a ban on smoking in the regional parklands.

The new rule allows smoking only in overnight campsites and nowhere else. It is in effect now.

The board acted at the request of Save the Bay as a way of reducing cigarette butt litter and promote a healthier environment for park visitors. Countless cigarette butts wash into San Francisco Bay annually, and they contain chemicals harmful to wildlife and water quality.

The board also approved several other changes to Ordinance 38, the set of rules that apply in parklands. One clarification adds the word “drone” to the ordinance section that bans motorized model airplanes. Drones can be annoying to park visitors, disruptive to wildlife, and dangerous to aircraft including the district’s police helicopters.

In another change, the board opened some regional park single-track trails to bicycles. Bikes are now allowed on the Warep, Two Peaks, Goldfinch and Tree Frog Loop trails at Crockett Hills in Crockett, the Vollmer Peak Trail at Tilden Park near Berkeley, the Tassajara Ridge Trail in Dublin, the Ridgeline Trail at Pleasanton Ridge in Pleasanton, and several trails at Anthony Chabot Regional Park in the Oakland hills: the Towhee, Red Tail, MacDonald Trail to Grass Valley Trail and Grass Valley Trail to Bort Meadow.

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You may remember the songbird Pointer Sisters. Well, three other famous “sisters” are corn, beans and squash, a staple of some Native American diets. The three will be planted together during a program from 3 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 7 at the Environmental Education Center Kids Garden in Tilden Nature Area near Berkeley.

Then from 10 a.m. to noon on Sunday, May 8, there’s a program designed especially for people with developmental disabilities and their friends. Naturalist James Wilson will lead a half-mile walk to and back in search of deer, frogs, banana slugs and aromatic plants. And there’s more. James will lead a goat hike from 2 to 3 p.m. and again from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 8 at Tilden’s Little Farm. The goats will get some exercise, and James will talk about the historic connection between goats and people.

All three programs are free of charge, but registration is required for the Jewel Lake walk. To register, call 888-327-2757, select option 2, and refer to program number 13080.

The center and farm are located at the north end of Tilden’s Central Park Drive. For general information, call 510-544-2233.

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Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve in Antioch will celebrate Mother’s Day with a mine open house from noon to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 8. Visitors ages seven and older can take a free, self-guided tour through the park’s 1930s-era Hazel-Atlas silica sand mine. All ages are welcome in the nearby underground Greathouse Visitor Center.

Black Diamond Mines is located on Somersville Road, 3½ miles south of Highway 4. There’s a parking fee of $5 per vehicle. For information, call 888-327- 2757, ext. 2750.

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At Big Break Regional Shoreline in Oakley, there’s a Delta Discoveries program from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday. Drop by to enjoy hands-on arts and crafts activities highlighting the Delta environment.

Or you can help the naturalist test the water from 9 to 10 a.m. every Saturday and Sunday. Results are added to a regional database for use by scientists and water managers.

Early risers will enjoy the park’s dawn chorus yoga from 7 to 8 a.m. on Saturday, May 7. It’s a yoga session followed by a short walk to see the park’s awakening. Wear warm, comfortable clothes and bring a yoga mat if you have one.

Mother’s Day will be celebrated at Big Break in a program from 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday, May 8. Paint a flower pot and plant a special flower for Mom.

Big Break is at 69 Big Break Road off Main Street in Oakley. For information, call 888-327-2757, ext. 3050.

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There’s a spring stroll scheduled from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, May 7 at Pine Creek in Castle Rock Regional Recreation Area. Naturalist Kevin Dixon will lead a walk along the creek with stops to admire spring blooms.

Bring something for brunch on the trail; meet at the Orchard Staging Area on Castle Rock Road in Walnut Creek. For information, call 888-327-2757, ext. 2750.

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Mother’s Day will be celebrated with a “Moms on the Mudflat” program from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Sunday, May 8 at Crab Cove Visitor Center in Alameda, led by naturalist Morgan Dill. Bring your mud boots to learn what crabs, lugworms and other moms are doing to help their young survive.

Crab Cove is at 1252 McKay Ave. off Central Avenue. Call 510-544-3187 for information.

Fremont: New park with panoramic views unveiled By Denis Cuff, @bayareanewsgroup.com

MAY 4, 2016 FREMONT -- The first new East Bay Regional park in six years opens Thursday in the hills between Fremont and Sunol with sweeping views of San Francisco Bay, six new miles of trails, and places for future trail connections to several parks.

The $8 million Vargas Plateau Regional Park has 1,249 acres of rolling hills and wooded canyons on a 1,000-foot-elevation plateau with scenic places to hike, run, and ride mountain bikes and horses. East Bay Regional Park District officials call their 66th park an environmental gem with kinder, less steep trails than nearby Mission Peak Regional Park. "Vargas Plateau has spectacular views. You can see San Francisco Bay, the San Jose salt flats in one direction and the ridges in Sunol and Pleasanton to the east," said Bob Doyle, the regional park district general manager. "It is a great place for whole families to ride mountain bikes because the trails are on gently rolling hills." As he toured the park Wednesday, a golden eagle soared above the undulating grasslands where cattle have grazed since the 1800s. Vargas Plateau Park is not adjacent to other regional parks. However, the park district hopes to establish trails to connect Vargas Plateau with several other regional parks above Fremont, Newark, Pleasanton, Sunol, and Castro Valley -- as well as a trail being considered through or above Niles Canyon. Vargas park has two new miles of the , a partially complete 550-mile path on ridges around San Francisco Bay. Bern Smith, a trail and mountain advocate, said he's stoked by the prospect that cyclists some day will be able to ride long distances on trails connecting Vargas Plateau, Garin, Mission Peak, Pleasanton Ridge and other parks. "Opening Vargas Plateau is a good step," Smith said, "but what I really look forward to is taking long rides through several parks." Vargas Plateau has been a long time coming. It took longer to open -- 20 years -- than any regional park that district officials can recall.

The delay is a painful reminder of the obstacles the park agency faces as it continues to buy more land but struggles with providing access to it.

The park district bought much of Vargas Plateau land in 1996, but public access was delayed for two decades in part due to opposition and a 2008 lawsuit by two neighbors over parking and traffic on the narrow, sparsely populated roads leading to the park.

In a 2012 legal settlement, park officials agreed to widen stretches of Vargas Road, trim roadside vegetation, and limit the park entrance to a parking lot with space for no more than 25 vehicles.

A view of the city of Fremont from the new Vargas Plateau Regional Park in Fremont, Calif., on Wednesday, May 4, 2016. (Anda Chu / Bay Area News Group) No parking is allowed on narrow roads leading to the park.

"It's very disappointing that after we purchase park land, it takes so long to open parks," said Dennis Waespi, a park board member from Castro Valley. "But we have to be a good neighbors. We have to provide safe access. We have to do environmental planning."

Doyle said the opening also took time because the district had to do extra habitat improvements for the California salamander after it received new state threatened species protections. Park officials also had to do environmental reviews for a park land use plan.

Kelly Abreu of Fremont, a member of the Mission Peak Conservancy, said the park district overpromised in saying it would open the park years earlier than it did.

"They have all this money to buy new park land," Abreu said, "but they should place a higher priority on opening it to the public. Contact Denis Cuff at 925-943-8267. Follow him at Twitter.com/deniscuff orfacebook.com/denis.cuff.

HOW TO GET THERE

To reach Vargas Plateau Regional Park, take the Vargas Road exit on Interstate 680 in Fremont and go north. Drive 1.6 miles to Morrison Canyon Road and turn right to reach the parking staging area. Car-pooling is recommended as there are only 25 parking spaces in the lot. There is no street parking in the area. Admission is free. Hours are generally 8 a.m. to dark. Vargas Plateau in Fremont opening at last as East Bay park

By Tom Stienstra Updated 12:05 am, Monday, May 2, 2016

Photo: Courtesy East Bay Regional Park District The Bay Area's newest park is Vargas Plateau Regional Park, which will open to the public on Thursday, May 5. It is located directly adjacent to Highway 84 in Niles Canyon, roughly between Sunol and Fremont in southern Alameda County. The parks span 1,200 acres with a hilltop lookout, grassy foothills, oaks and a few surprise small ponds and creeks.

The first time I scanned Vargas Plateau, I remember thinking, “What a perfect spot for a park.”

From Niles Canyon and , the slopes rise to a series of hilltops and valleys. At the top, there’s a lookout at 1,200 feet from which you get a top-of-the-world, 360- degree view. It takes about a half hour to reach it.

The site is directly adjacent to Highway 84 in Niles Canyon, roughly between Sunol and Fremont in southern Alameda County.

After the East Bay Regional Park District purchased 1,200 acres of ranchland there, adjacent residents took the “not in my backyard” approach and delayed public access. It has taken 23 years, but the park district will open Vargas Plateau Regional Park on Thursday. The staging area and trailhead, as a result of the negotiations, are obscure. Access is from Interstate 680 in southern Alameda County, from which you take the exit for Vargas Road. You then drive on Vargas about 2 miles to Morrison Canyon Road. Turn and drive a short distance to a new parking lot that will hold 25 vehicles.

From there, it’s a 1.2-mile walk through the hills to the park’s hilltop lookout.

Vargas Plateau is very pretty right now as spring is in full bloom. The landscape has grassy foothills peppered with wildflowers and a few groves of oaks. There’s also a series of tiny ponds and, in ravines, three hidden creeks.

Carolyn Jones of East Bay Parks said it’s a key piece of land in the continuing mission to connect parks and protect ridgetops from construction. The new park is very close to Garin and Pleasanton Ridge regional parks, Mission Peak Regional Preserve, Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area and watershed land around San Antonio Reservoir. Contiguous wildlands provide wildlife habitat.

For years, I kept an old car stashed at Palo Alto Airport and, when flying in, often would take the Dumbarton approach. Hundreds of times at Niles Canyon, just off the left wing, you could see this expanse of foothills and think, “That could be a park.” Now it is. And on Thursday, it will open to the public.

Trail map at www.ebparks.org/parks/vargas. Tom Stienstra is The San Francisco Chronicle’s outdoors writer. Email: [email protected]: @StienstraTom

Recent News Up to 120 Richmond third-graders can get free swim lessons as part of new program

May 2, 2016 FacebookTwitterMore

As many as 120 third graders in the Richmond area are being offered free swim lessons as part of a new program called Take the Plunge.

The program by Richmond Swims, in partnership with East Bay Regional Park District and with the help from a Pacific Swimming Diversity Grant, provides lifesaving water safety skills for kids who might not otherwise have the opportunity to learn how to swim.

To join the program, students must be a Richmond resident or attend a Richmond school. Those selected will receive six lessons twice a week for three weeks. Along with swim lessons, students will learn water safety skills in the after-school program, which will take place at city-run pools.

The spring session runs from May 9 to May 27, either on Mondays and Wednesdays or Tuesdays and Thursdays. Classes are from 4:15 p.m. to 5 p.m. Fall session dates have yet to be determined.

Student Perspectives: From Student to Teacher at Redwood Regional Park by Save the Redwoods League on April 29, 2016

Student Perspectives: This blog was written by a UC Berkeley student who participated in the Save the Redwoods League Climate Change Action internship. During this internship, the Berkeley students helped to connect youth of all ages to nature and explain the important role redwoods play in combatting climate change. Enjoy!

From Student to Teacher at Redwood Regional Park By Emilia Agata Malachowski One of my favorite places on Earth is Muir Woods, so when it was announced that we would be going to Redwood Regional Park as part of a fieldtrip for my UC Berkeley/Save the Redwoods League joint internship, I was insanely excited.

Berkeley High students learning about redwood ecology.Joining us on the field trip were around 30 Berkeley High students whom we had been teaching about climate changeearlier in the week. I was surprised when I learned that a majority of the students had never even visited a redwood park, despite living less than 30 minutes away from one. Upon getting to the park, we began with a scavenger hunt looking for different organisms and objects in the forest. The students were very curious, asking why different ferns had a different number of fronds and why redwoods were as tall as they were. I observed them touching the bark of the trees while also looking up at the tree cover inquisitively. For me, the most rewarding part was being able to answer their questions about the drought and how it was affecting the redwoods. For the first time in my life I felt the reverse side of education and no longer felt like a student but like a teacher. Even when I tutored while growing up, I felt like I was just there to aid them with their homework. With this experience, I finally felt like I was educating these students from scratch. I would readily recommend a similar experience or visiting the redwoods with someone who has never been before. Take advantage of the League’s free resources to help you plan your next trip to the redwoods.

Outdoor Summer Camps for Kids and Leaders in Training

By Post Staff Posted April 29, 2016 9:39 am

The East Bay Regional Park District is offering outdoor day camps for kids and youth at a number of convenient locations.

Park’N It Day Camp takes place in a different Regional Park each week, and offers hiking, fishing, arts & crafts, sports, environmental education, and swimming. This camp is designed for children ages 5 to 12.

Camp is just $200 for Alameda and Contra Costa residents. Enjoy hands-on experience under the care of the Park District’s highly trained staff of recreation leaders, lifeguards, and naturalists.

Teens who enjoy being outdoors and likes working with teens can work with other teens in supervising young day campers and leading games, all while learning about careers in parks and recreation.

Leaders-in-Training receive a hoodie, T-shirt, 35 community service hours, and a gift card with the successful completion of a weeklong session. Youth must apply, and there is a $50 registration fee.

Dates and locations for Park’n It Day Camp 2016

June 13-17, Temescal Regional Recreation Area, Oakland. June 20-24, Temescal Regional Recreation Area, Oakland. June 27-July 1, Don Castro Regional Recreation Area, Hayward. July 4-8, Contra Loma Regional Park, Antioch. July 25-29, Miller Knox Regional Shoreline, Richmond. August 1-5, , Fremont.

Leaders-in-Training dates July 11-15, Regional Parks near Concord with our community partner, Monument Crisis Center, Concord. July 18-22, Regional Parks near Richmond with our community partner, YES Nature-to-Neighborhoods, Richmond

Learn more and register online at www.ebparks.org/park-n-it or call 1 (888) 327- 2757, option 2.

Financial aid is available.

EBRPD Program Partners Recognized Posted: Thursday, April 28, 2016 12:00 am

The East Bay Regional Park District and program partners were recognized at the annual California Parks & Recreation Society conference, held in Long Beach, California, March 8 – 11, 2016.

The Park District’s Teen Eco Action program received an award for Youth Development in the category, “Creating Community.” The Teen Eco Action program was created in 2007 to engage underserved youth in healthy, active outdoor activities and community service. Skill-building activities, service learning, and career talks are woven throughout the week, which also includes environmental education and recreation. Throughout the program, the Park District works in partnership with community-based organizations. Teen Eco Action is supported by a grant from the Regional Parks Foundation.

Dr. Nooshin Razani from UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland and Dr. Curtis Chan from San Francisco Department of Public Health were recognized as Champions of the Community for their work creating a Park Prescription (Park Rx) program in the Bay Area. The doctors were nominated by the Park District for their commitment to integrating nature into the health care system. Drs. Razani and Chan were involved in the creation of the Healthy Parks Healthy People Bay Area coalition, and created the Parks Rx program for health providers.

The East Bay Regional Park District has partnered with UCSF Benioff Oakland and the Regional Parks Foundation to provide a Park Rx program serving over 500 patients to date. Participants in the program, known as SHINE (Stay Healthy in Nature Every Day), are provided with free transportation to a Regional Park, including a healthful lunch and outdoor activities.

East Bay Regional Park District Paved Trails Hit flat and accessible park district pathways and trails for easy bicycling.

Crown Memorial State Park

PHOTO BY PAT MAZZERA East Bay residents are lucky to have so many parks within the East Bay Regional Park District, which maintains a sprawling system of paved trails. Most are fairly flat with easy access and thus make for gentle bike rides. Here’s the 411 on some paved regional trails worth pedaling. Find maps and more details at www.EBPARKS.org/activities/biking/paved.

Alameda Creek Regional Trail, Fremont: A double trail along Alameda Creek from Niles Canyon to the bay. The 11-mile trail on the southern bank is good for bicycles. Alamo Canal Regional Trail, Dublin: This trail goes from the Iron Horse Trail in Dublin, just south of Amador Valley Road, to Interstate 580 near the Civic Center and Library. At the library, it connects to the Centennial Trail and continues south about 1.75 miles to the Arroyo Mocho Trail just south of West Las Positas Boulevard and southward to the Arroyo Del Valle Trail. Big Break Regional Trail, Oakley: A 2.75-mile portion is complete from the Marsh Creek Regional Trail west to Big Break Road in Oakley and provides access to the visitor center and views of the delta. Contra Costa Canal Regional Trail, Contra Costa County: This 13.5-mile trail connects Martinez, Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek, and Concord. From Muir Road in Martinez to Concord at Willow Pass Road east of Sixth Street, it follows the Contra Costa Canal and intersects the Iron Horse Trail in Walnut Creek. Coyote Hills Bayview Trail, Fremont: This 4-mile loop with rolling hills circles the park along San Francisco Bay at the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Crown Memorial State Beach, Alameda: Follow the shoreline on this a 2.5-mile trail that hooks up with a bicycle drawbridge onto Bay Farm Island. Delta de Anza Regional Trail, East Contra Costa County: This is a 19-mile trail that links Concord, Bay Point, Pittsburg, Antioch, and Oakley, and a good starting point is Antioch Community Park in Antioch. Iron Horse Regional Trail: This 26-mile gem, complete with mild rolling hills, ties together Pleasanton, Dublin, San Ramon, Danville, Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, and Concord passing over creek sand pedestrian bridges. Lafayette-Moraga Regional Trail: This popular 7.7-mile trail parallels St. Mary’s Road through Moraga and into Lafayette. Its western terminus is at EBMUD’s Valle Vista staging area. It continues northeast to a staging area at Pleasant Hill Road and Olympic Boulevard in Lafayette. Marsh Creek Regional Trail, East Contra Costa County: This 9.2-mile trail connects Brentwood and Oakley and goes from Concord Avenue in Brentwood north through Creekside Park onto Big Break Regional Trail and the Big Break shoreline in Oakley. Redwood Regional Park, Oakland: A mile through a beautiful redwood forest near the Canyon Meadow Staging Area (Redwood Gate entrance). It’s a 2-mile out-and-back along the Stream Trail.

The San Francisco Bay Trail Eastshore State Park, Richmond: This section is 2.5 miles along the from Marina Bay in Richmond to Central Avenue near Point Isabel. Martin Luther King Regional Shoreline, Oakland: There are more than 5 miles of trails along San Leandro Bay, San Leandro Creek, and Arrowhead Marsh. Oyster Bay, San Leandro: A 2-mile trail circles the park at the end of Neptune Drive off Marina Boulevard. Hayward Regional Shoreline, Hayward: More than 7 miles of compacted gravel walkways. Follow the S.F. Bay Trail from the staging area at the end of Grant Avenue to Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center (about 5 miles one way).