Board Meeting Packet

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June 1, 2021

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

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

Members of the public can listen and view the meeting in the following way: Via the Park District’s live video stream which can be found at https://youtu.be/md2gdzkkvVg

Public comments may be submitted one of three ways:

1. Via email to Yolande Barial Knight, Clerk of the Board, at [email protected]. Email must contain in the subject line public comments – not on the agenda or public comments – agenda item #. It is preferred that these written comments be submitted by Monday, May 31, 2021 at 3:00 pm.

2. Via voicemail at (510) 544-2016. The caller must start the message by stating public comments – not on the agenda or public comments – agenda item # followed by their name and place of residence, followed by their comments. It is preferred that these voicemail comments be submitted by Monday, May 31, 2021 at 3:00 pm.

3. Live via zoom. If you would like to make a live public comment during the meeting this option is available through the virtual meeting platform: *Note: this virtual meeting platform link will let you into the https://zoom.us/j/94773173402 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/md2gdzkkvVg to observe the meeting. It is preferred that those requesting to speak during the meeting contact the Clerk of the Board at [email protected] by 3:00 pm on Monday, May 31, 2021 via email or voicemail (510) 544-2016 to provide name and the subject of the public comment or item to be addressed.

Comments received during the meeting and up until the public comment period on the relevant agenda item is closed, will be provided in writing to the Board of Directors, included transcribed voicemails. All comments received by the close of the public comment period will be available after the meeting as supplemental materials and will become part of the official meeting record. If you have any questions please contact Yolande Barial Knight, Clerk of the Board, at [email protected] or (510) 544-2021. Clerk of the Board YOLANDE BARIAL KNIGHT (510) 544-2020 PH MEMO to the BOARD OF DIRECTORS (510) 569-1417 FAX EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

East Bay Regional Park District Board of Directors

DEE ROSARIO The Regular Session of the TUESDAY, JUNE 1, 2021 President - Ward 2 Board Meeting is scheduled to commence via teleconference at 1:00 p.m. COLIN COFFEY Vice President - Ward 7 Park District’s live video stream can be found at: BEVERLY LANE https://youtu.be/md2gdzkkvVg Treasurer - Ward 6 DENNIS WAESPI Respectfully submitted, Secretary - Ward 3 ELIZABETH ECHOLS SABRINA B. LANDRETH Ward 1 General Manager ELLEN CORBETT Ward 4 AYN WIESKAMP Ward 5 SABRINA B. LANDRETH General Manager

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

3 AGENDA

REGULAR MEETING OF JUNE 1, 2021 BOARD OF DIRECTORS EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT The Board of Directors of 11:00 a.m. ROLL CALL (Virtual) the East Bay Regional Park District will hold a regular PUBLIC COMMENTS meeting virtually, commencing at 11:00 a.m. for Closed CLOSED SESSION Session and 1:00 pm for Open Session on Tuesday, June 1, 2021. Video Stream at: https://youtu.be/md2gdzkkvVg. A. Conference with Labor Negotiator: Government Code Section 54957.6 Agenda for the meeting is 1. Agency Negotiators: Sabrina B. Landreth, Ana M. Alvarez, listed adjacent. Times for Allyson Cook, Eddie Kriesberg agenda items are approximate Employee Organizations: AFSCME Local 2428, only and are subject to change during the meeting. If you wish Police Association to speak on matters not on the Unrepresented Employees: Managers, Confidentials and Seasonals agenda, you may do so under Public Comments at the B. Conference with Legal Counsel: beginning of the agenda. If you wish to comment on an item on the agenda, please send an 1. Anticipated Litigation – Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2) email to [email protected] Significant Exposure to Litigation: 2 cases before 3:00 pm, Monday, May 31, 2021. C. Conference with Real Property Negotiator Regarding Price and/or Terms of Payment: Government Code Section 54956.8 A copy of the background materials concerning these agenda items, including any 1. Agency Negotiators: Kristina Kelchner, Michael Reeves material that may have been submitted less than 72 hours PROPERTY OWNER/ before the meeting, is available APN/ADDRESS NEGOTIATING PARTIES PARK/TRAIL for inspection on the District’s website (www.ebparks.org). Alameda County Agendas for Board Committee 537-0851-002-02 Dumbarton Quarry Coyote Hills Regional Park Meetings are available to the 9600 Quarry Road, Associates public upon request. If you wish Fremont to be placed on the mailing list to receive future agendas for a specific Board Committee, please call the Clerk of the Board’s Office at (510) 544- 2020.

District facilities and meetings comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If special accommodations are needed for you to participate, please contact the Clerk of the Board as soon as possible, but preferably at least three working days prior to the meeting.

4 1:00 p.m. OPEN SESSION (Virtual)

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

A. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

B. PUBLIC COMMENTS

Public comments may be submitted one of three ways: 1. Via email to Yolande Barial Knight, Clerk of the Board, at [email protected] . Email must contain in the subject line public comments – not on the agenda or public comments – agenda item #. It is preferred that these written comments be submitted by Monday, May 31, 2021 at 3:00 pm.

C. SPECIAL UPDATE

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

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

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

a. Approval of District Check Listing for the Period of April 12, 2021 Through April 25 , 2021 (Auker/Landreth) (Resolution) (No Cost) b. Approval of the Minutes for the Board Meeting of May 4 and May 18, 2021 (Barial Knight) (Resolution) (No Cost) c. Resolution of the East Bay Regional Park District Recognizing June 2021 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month (Victor) (Resolution) (No Cost) d. Resolution to Support AB 30 (Karla D-San Jose) – Equity in Outdoor Access to Nature (Pfuehler/Landreth) (Resolution) (No Cost) e. Resolution to Support AB 564 (Gonzalez D-San Diego) – Biodiversity Protection and Restoration Act (Pfuehler/Landreth) (Resolution) (No Cost)

5 f. Resolution to Support AB 614 (Agular-Curry D-Winters) – Nesting Bird Habitat Incentive Program (Pfuehler/Landreth) (Resolution) (No Cost) g. Resolution to Support AB 1255 (Bloom D-Santa Monica) – Fire Prevention Local Assistance Grant Program (Pfuehler/Landreth) (Resolution) (No Cost) h. Resolution to Support AB 1512 (Bauer-Kahan D-Orinda) – Preservation of Alameda-Tesla Expansion Area (Pfuehler/Landreth) (Resolution) (No Cost) i. Resolution to Support SB 624 (Hueso D-San Diego) – Environmental Equity and Outdoor Access Act (Pfuehler/Landreth) (Resolution) (No Cost) j. Authorization to Accept, Appropriate, and Transfer Funds for Oak Woodland Restoration in Parks Located Within the Wildfire Hazard Risk Reduction Program Area: Various Locations (Graul/Schirmer/Kelchner) (Resolution) (Budget Change)

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

a. Adopt the Name, “Thurgood Marshall Regional Park – Home of the Port Chicago 50,” for the Future Regional Park at the Former Concord Naval Weapons Station: Concord Hills Regional Park (Holt/Kelchner) (Resolution) (Budgeted Funds) b. Authorization to Transfer and Appropriate Funds to the Repair Dry Creek Rock Walls; Repair Cogswell Bridges; Stabilize West Shore Trail and Repair Hoffman Channel Bridge Projects: Garin/Dry Creek Pioneer Regional Park, Hayward Regional Shoreline, Lake Chabot Regional Park and Point Isabel Regional Shoreline (Goorjian/Kelchner) (Resolution) (Budgeted Funds)

2:30 p.m. 3. OPERATIONS DIVISION

a. Authorization to Enter into a Contract with the Student Conservation Association (SCA) for Trail Maintenance and Fuels Management Projects: Distict-wide (Kennedy/O’Connor) (Resolution) (Budgeted Funds)

2:45 p.m. 4. GENERAL MANAGER’S COMMENTS

STAFF PRESENTATION a. AGM Jim O’Connor and Ira Bletz, Regional Interpretive and Recreation Services Manager will present an Informational Report and Update on Interpretive and Recreation Services Virtual Field Trips and Education Bundles

3:00 p.m. 5. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM CLOSED SESSION

3:05 p.m. 6. BOARD COMMENTS

4:00 p.m. E. ADJOURNMENT 6 CONSENT CALENDAR AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, June 1, 2021

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

a. Approval of District Check Listing for the Period of April 12, 2021 Through April 25, 2021 (Auker/Landreth)

RECOMMENDATION

It is recommended that the Board of Directors approve the Check Listing for the period of April 12, 2021 through April 25, 2021.

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

7 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO.: 2021 – 06 -

June 1, 2021

APPROVAL OF DISTRICT CHECK LISTING FOR THE PERIOD OF APRIL 12, 2021 THROUGH APRIL 25, 2021

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

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby approves the check listing for the period of April 12, 2021 through April 25, 2021;

Moved by Director , seconded by Director , and adopted this 1st day of June, 2021 by the following vote:

FOR:

AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:

8 AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, June 1, 2021

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

b. Approval of the Minutes for the Board Meeting of May 4 and May 18, 2021 (Barial Knight)

9 10 Unapproved Minutes Board Meeting of May 4, 2021

The Board Meeting, which was held May 4, 2021 at East Bay Regional Park District, 2950 Peralta Oaks Court, Oakland, CA 94605 called its Closed Session to order at 11:00 a.m. by Board President Dee Rosario.

ROLL CALL

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

The Open Session of the Board Meeting was called to order at 1:04 p.m. by President Rosario.

Staff Present: Sabrina Landreth, Carol Victor, Ana Alvarez, Debra Auker, Jim O’Connor, Carol Johnson, Kristina Kelchner, Erich Pfuehler, Aileen Thiele, Alan Love, Lisa Goorjian, Michael Reeves, Ren Bates, Allyson Cook, Brian Holt, Annamarie Guerrero, Jeff Rasmussen, Tiffany Margulici, Deb Spaulding, Katy Hornbeck, Mary Mattingly, Connie, Swisher Matthew James, Sydney Erikson, (PrimeGov), Oliver Hinojosa (PrimeGov) Guests: None

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

President Rosario asked Director GM Sabrina Landreth to lead the Board in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Director Rosario recognized the Muwekma Ohlone tribe, which is comprised of all the known surviving American Indian lineages, aboriginal to the San Francisco Bay region who trace their ancestry through the Missions Dolores, Santa Clara, and San Jose; and who were also members of the historic Federally Recognized Verona Band of Alameda County. Rosario recognized that every member of the East Bay community has and continues to benefit from the use and occupation of this land, consistent with our values of community inclusion and diversity. Rosario stated the District has the responsibility to acknowledge and make visible the relationship to native peoples. As members of the East Bay Regional Park District community, it is vitally important that we not only recognize the history of the land on which we stand, but also recognize that the Bay Miwok people are alive and flourishing members of the broader Bay area communities today.

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

A. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

By motion of Director Wieskamp, and seconded by Director Waespi, the Board voted unanimously to approve the agenda minus Item J. Authorization to Extend a Contract with AppleOne for Temporary, Professional Staffing Services: Legal/Risk Division. 11 Unapproved Minutes Board Meeting of May 4, 2021

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

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Clerk Knight opened public comments. Andy and Alice Kopetsky requested that the Board not reinstate the policy of killing cats and to work with local veterinarians and attempt to rehome, trap neuter and release them in areas where they do not threaten other wildlife. Clerk read emails from several public members. Christina H. Lawrence thanked the District for suspending the killing of cats and urged staff to immediately implement a permanent policy against it. Mr. Reichert’s emails said to stop killing cats which is incredibly inhumane. Email from Cderespiris expressed concern that the Park District did not properly research humane alternatives and thanked staff for suspending the killings of cats.

Kelly Abreu commented on staffs’ positions on various legislative bills, legislative matters, environmental impacts of solar panels, developmental activity and when staff chooses or does not choose to comment.

Clerk read letters and emails from the public. Elsie Mills, Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ) Contra Costa County, sent a letter that was read into the record regarding support for the name, Thurgood Marshall Regional Park: Home of the Port Chicago 50. Email from Berttrand Anderson, a veteran who served in Germany and South Korea in the 1960s. He gave his history and told of his first-hand experience with the tragic untold Paolo Palomares incident in Spain of 1966. Anderson said that because of the 50, the services were desegregated and he supports the naming. Rick Duclos, a veteran, was a cook in the U.S. Navy on a nuclear submarine he honored the sailors of Port Chicago who died and honored Thurgood Marshall for fighting on behalf of those who protect this country and supports the name. Email received from Ted Tenorio, President of the Native American Veterans Association who approves the naming of Concord Hills park, Thurgood Marshall Regional Park: Home of Port Chicago 50. Eva Leavitt, employee landscape architect of African descent appealed to the Board to properly memorialize the legacy by naming the park, Thurgood Marshall Regional Park- Home of the Port Chicago 50.

Public comments from: Mr. J.R. Wilson Pres. Delta Veterans Group (DVG) gave an extensive background on his life as a youth to his real life history with Port Chicago and his support for the naming Thurgood Marshall Regional Park- Home of the Port Chicago 50. Paul Scannel, DAV Commander (DVG) of the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 154 in Pittsburg said that the persons who were killed or injured got a raw deal from the government and deserve recognition and this name is fitting. Mr. Willie Mims agreed that Thurgood Marshall Regional Park is one name that many of the stakeholders have all agreed upon, and he hopes that this Board listened to the many voices of people who came before this Board to express themselves on this name. Mr. Wilford Scott thanked the Board for listening to their grievances and complaints. He provided some of his history. He was born into the middle of Jim Crow and all the racism. Scott said that in 1961 he worked at the Naval Depot in Concord and was a stevedore. He experienced racism in the military. He supports the naming.

Speakers from Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Center spoke in support of the name of Thurgood Marshall Regional Park-Home of the Port Chicago 50. Sarina Rye, a high school senior, talked about the importance of representation, recognizing historical struggles and being heard and seen in both our local and greater communities. Fynn Manohchompoo, 11th grader said this story is one of the hidden figures in our history. When you forget their names and contributions to the world, we forget them. Isabella Whitten, 11th grader 12 Unapproved Minutes Board Meeting of May 4, 2021 said that this case eventually contributed to the desegregation of the Navy, a major point of progress for the U S military and she nor her friends had learned about this in any of their history textbooks. Cim Lang Sung said that with this park, we could recognize and teach the park significance in the continuous struggle towards justice. Kayla Millheim, an 11th grader, commented that we have a unique opportunity to lift the mask that our society has covered American history with a change to honor and remember the hundreds of lives. A majority pf black servicemen needlessly lost their lives at Port Chicago, and this is a chance to bring the Port Chicago 50 stories into the light of day and the permanence of a name as a society. We have failed to recognize the truth of our history and changing it to Thurgood Marshall Regional Park: Home of the Port Chicago 500, will leave a lasting reminder to all who enter the park over the course of the years to come. Anka Bianca, a high school junior from Oakland stated, that there is a lot of people who fought for us, our justice, our freedom and equality but this history was not in our textbooks and changing the Park's name is one of the ways to educate more people. Amaya Proctor, 10th grader at San Leandro High said she is exhausted and tired of having her worth decided by others who don't know the struggle of being black. Favour Asu, 11th grader at MLK Jr High School said this incredible history cannot be lost in the endless abyss of continued racism and white supremacy because of the priceless victories and progress that added to America as a result of the remarkable courage, determination, and power in our voice as demonstrated by Thurgood Marshall. Kalila Garcia, 11th grader in high school supported the name which will restore the memory of these Americans and provide educational opportunities to help deepen the understanding of the struggles in American history.

Clerk Knight announced that Michael and Matthew Cholerton, drew a picture of their vision of the Thurgood Marshall Regional Park and a picture of a black sailor.

Chris Newey, AFSCME President talked about the retaliation and discrimination that employees have experienced about not being able to watch or listen to the Board meetings. He stated he would understand if it interfered with the safety or effectiveness of doing their job, but this was a general statement that staff should not be on YouTube listening to Board meetings. What is or is not allowed should be applied across the District and not just when Union activity is singled out. He added that whenever employees speak at Board of Directors meetings their supervisors will get a phone call from their managers checking up to make sure that, they were using either their personal time or had approved time off in order to speak at the Board of Directors meetings.

C. SPECIAL UPDATE

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

General Manager Landreth stated that the Park District continues to monitor what details come out from the county and from the state on the governor’s selected reopening date of June 15th and how it relates to our parks and staff. Landreth stated staff are working on a reoccupy plan. The Governor did come out with a new state mask guidance this morning and will work with Operations to see how this guidance may or may not affect any of our parks and our staff.

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

By motion of Director Corbett, and seconded by Director Waespi, the consent calendar was unanimously approved. 13 Unapproved Minutes Board Meeting of May 4, 2021

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

District Counsel Carol Victor announced that the District has retained a safety consultant to update our safety programs. Victor introduced Alma Balmes as the new Risk and Safety Manager. Alma Balmes said that she has been at the District for almost two months and everyone has been incredibly welcoming. There is a spirit of collaboration across the District.

a. Approval of District Check Listing for the Period of March 15, 2021Through March 28, 2021 Resolution No. 2021 – 05 - 107 (attached)

b. Resolution to Support H.R. 1 (Sarbanes D-MD) – For the People Act of 2021 Resolution No. 2021 – 05 – 108 (attached)

c. Resolution to Support H.R. 389 (Case D-HI) – Safe and Quiet Skies Act of 2021 Resolution No. 2021 – 05 - 109 (attached)

d. Resolution to Support H.R. 463 (Espaillat D-NY) – Transportation Alternatives Enhancements Act Resolution No. 2021 – 05- 110 (attached)

e. Resolution to Support H.R. 660 (Plaskett D-VI) – Shovel-Ready Restoration Grants for Coastlines and Fisheries Act of 2021 Resolution No. 2021 – 05 - 111 (attached)

f. Resolution to Support H.R. 803 (DeGette D-CO) – Protecting America's Wilderness and Public Lands Act Resolution No. 2021 – 05 - 112 (attached)

g. Resolution to Support H.R. 1678 (Barragan D-CA) – Parks, Jobs and Equity Act Resolution No. 2021 – 05 - 113 (attached)

h. Authorization to Execute a Contract with Aanko Technologies, Inc. for Safety Consultation Services to Update and Implement the East Bay Regional Park District’s Safety Manual and Other Mandated Safety Programs Resolution No. 2021 – 05 - 114 (attached)

i. Authorization to Apply for Funds from the West Contra Costa Transportation Advisory Committee for the San Francisco Bay Trail: Point Pinole Regional Shoreline Resolution No. 2021 – 05 - 115 (attached)

j. Authorization to Apply to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection for Funding from the Fire Prevention Grant Program and the Forest Health Grant Program through California Climate Investments: District-wide Resolution No. 2021 – 05 - 116 (attached) 14 Unapproved Minutes Board Meeting of May 4, 2021

k. Authorization to Apply to the California Coastal Conservancy for Forest Health and Wildfire Resilience Program: District-wide Resolution No. 2021 – 05 - 117 (attached)

L. Approval of Resolution Initiating Proceedings and Ordering Filing of Annual Report for East Contra Costa County Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District (ECCC LLD) Resolution No. 2021 – 05 - 118 (attached)

m. Approval of Resolution Initiating Proceedings and Ordering Filing of An Annual Report for Alameda County/Contra Costa County Regional Trails Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District (Two County LLD) Resolution No. 2021 – 05 - 119 (attached)

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

n. Authorization to Enter into a Purchase and Sale Agreement with Trumark Properties LLC for the Sale of a 7.23-Acre Portion of the East Bay Regional Park District’s former Armand Borel Trust Property Located at 3020 Fostoria Way in Danville, California: Las Trampas Wilderness Regional Preserve Resolution No. 2021 – 05 - 120 (attached)

AGM Kristina Kelchner introduced this open session item about the Armand Borel Property. Kelchner presented the Board the history of this property which was bequeathed to the District by Mr. Borel upon his death. The property includes his homestead and orchard. The Park District had to sell a portion of the property to pay off debts and provide funding to create an Agricultural Park on remaining land. This will provide opportunities for the public to learn about the agricultural history of the San Ramon Valley. Trumark Homes was the most responsive bidder to purchase this property. They are a Danville-based company with commitment to community outreach and work in close coordination with the Park District and Danville. This project is a testament to so many of the visionary leaders at the Park District who have come before me. Director Lane has been steadfast in her commitment to seeing this vision happen. Former General Manager Robert Doyle, former AGM of Land Nancy Wenninger and brilliant legal work by both former District Counsel Ted Radosevich and District Counsel Carol Victor, and Becky Pheng, paralegal.

Director Wieskamp said that the District has invested a lot of money in the process and on behalf of Director Lane said we are honoring Mr. Borel’s request to have a park that is going to be like Ardenwood. It will be available to a community that has nothing like it and will be used to help remember real agricultural use in that Valley. District Counsel Victor said that the District accomplished something that no other public agency could have done without the leadership of the staff before me and the Board. Director Wieskamp acknowledged the leadership of Director Lane in making this motion.

Moved by Director Echols, seconded by Director Coffey,

Directors Remote: Colin Coffey, Ellen Corbett, Elizabeth Echols, Dee Rosario, Dennis Waespi, Ayn Wieskamp. 15 Unapproved Minutes Board Meeting of May 4, 2021

Directors Against: None. Directors Absent: Beverly Lane.

a. Authorization to Execute a Contract with BKF Engineers, Inc. for Preliminary Design and Environmental Review for the Point Pinole to Wilson Point Segment and Transfer Funds: San Francisco Bay Trail Resolution No. 2021 – 05 - 121 (attached)

AGM Kristina Kelchner introduced this item and Sean Dougan, Trails Programs Manager gave a detailed overview of this project. Dougan described some project components and challenges, risks that may affect the funding needed for this project, the process to choose a consultant and funding required. The map showed the progress since 2015 in West Contra Costa County on the gaps in the SF Bay Trail. Dougan gave a very detailed and thorough discussion on each of the gaps shown on the map. He highlighted the key project components: traversal of the wetland areas, wetland impacts and mitigation, complete CEQA document and adoption, utility approach and public engagement process, contract cost and total project budget. Director Coffey asked staff for clarification and detailed questions on the millions invested, grants, project designs and specific gaps in the bay trail. Director Wieskamp remarked on the difficulty of this project ad asked if the school that owns the property could be involved in the transfer. Dougan said there is a possibility, and staff has some ideas. Director Corbett asked questions regarding Bay rise issues and asked if staff are looking into how if this project will be built for 50 years in the future. Kelchner said that BCDC requires that projects meet a 50-year design and the Park District will need to comply with that standard. Staff will learn more about the project specific risks through this consultant contract, as the project gets designed and engineered that will be part of their scope.

Corbett asked detailed questions pertaining to this section of the trail on the bluff near the people’s homes, their views, and privacy and both Dougan and Kelchner responded they will take a creative look at the area. Director Rosario asked if staff will be able to successfully build a section of this trail and if there is a possibility of crossings across that road? Dougan said there is already an opening and suggested they meet offline over the map. Director Coffey expressed his enthusiasm about the bridge which will enhance the entirety of the Bay Trail Shoreline from Pt. Pinole to Rodeo. It's a heavily used trail right now because of that bridge and it will serve and provide a transportation route in an enhancement to those communities.

Public Comment - Bruce Beyaert, Chair Trails for Richmond Action Committee (TRAC) added that Sean Dougan did a wonderful job in not only presenting this project, but also the context of all the gap closures on the San Pablo Bay Shoreline. Beyaert said it is a really a great project and a game changer for this community who will be able to bicycle and walk this trail.

Director Echols expressed enthusiasm for this project moving forward and commended Sean Dougan for an excellent presentation. Echols liked seeing the SF Bay Trail map which mapped out each piece. Even though there are challenges she had no doubt staff can overcome them. She agreed with all the comments and said this trail will bring people from communities in the North and South along the shoreline.

The Board took a 10-minute break.

3. BOARD AND STAFF REPORTS

a. Actions Taken by Other Jurisdictions Affecting the Park District

16 Unapproved Minutes Board Meeting of May 4, 2021

General Manager Landreth stated there is only one item in this report and the details of that are included in the packet. Landreth noted that the Park District submitted comments expressing concerns of significant impacts in the project including bird and bat fatalities.

4. GENERAL MANAGER’S COMMENTS

STAFF PRESENTATION

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

General Manager Landreth introduced AGM Kelchner to introduce this presentation. Kelchner introduced Devan Reiff, Principal Planner to present the PowerPoint. Reiff outlined the mission of the Trail User Working Group (TUWG) and the next steps as expressed buy the 30 members currently in the group. The purpose of this trail user working group is not to develop recommendations, it's not to solve the problems, it is simply a forum for users to be able to get together and listen to each other. Reiff gave a detailed presentation on the TUWG and its 30-member group. Brian Holt, Chief of Planning and GIS, said that staff are hearing from trail advocates and know some of their perspectives. Staff are trying to allow the users to help the District to meet their needs. Director Corbett asked if staff is seeing that the different user groups are starting to hear and see the other user’s point of view? Holt replied there is a spectrum of thoughts amongst the group but thinks there is a better understanding of the differences. Director Coffey asked if some of the ideas to address conflicts be tested at Briones? Kelchner replied, the short answer is yes and staff would have to work with Public Safety, Public Affairs and Operations and are not ready yet. Coffey commented on the better dialogue which has created a better line of communication between the user groups. Director Wieskamp said it is great that people are getting together and understanding each other’s needs. It is up to staff to follow through and be creative. Excellent signage is needed for new users, and a deadline should be set for a year. Corbett added that people feel very strongly about trail usage and she hoped there is some kind of opportunity to look at the District as to where we are going into the future and how we continue to share the usage of the parks. Corbett liked the idea of using parks that have not opened up yet. Director Rosario added that we must keep in mind that every park is unique. Rosario believed safety is the biggest issue. Rosario asked how many citations are given at Briones? AGM and Chief Ciaburro said a variety have been written for being on the wrong trail or in a restricted areas and Captain Brede said tickets are given in heavily signed trails and for not wearing bicycle helmets. Public Safety used police presence and social media before enforcement and have received feedback from user groups that they saw it and like it. Rosario asked do we keep tracks of the violations. Brede replied Public Safety is able to track and document the violations. Ciaburro added he believes the solution is to redirect people into the appropriate areas. Corbett asked if the enforcement is having an impact and are people changing their behaviors. Ciaburro replied we do see the effects of enforcements, we are on multiple committees and work with the Volunteer Trail Safety Patrol. We embrace Public Safety and want the public to recreate safely. Brede said staff are working on a pilot program and have come up with a plan to implement something at Briones in the next couple of months. Brede hoped people are changing their behavior, but there is a need for more mountain biking trails. Director Coffey asked people about their outings in Briones and different user groups said things are getting better. Director Waespi thanked Devan Reiff and his group on this work. Once we can get people dispersed in our parks everyone can get along but, as we get around some trails especially where they start there are more people and conflicts arise. Director Rosario said he watched the session from MidPeninsula and they are studying the issue of electric bikes.

Public Comments: Ahsan Ali, McRobert Santos, Song Kim advocated for mountain biking and single-track trails into the record.

17 Unapproved Minutes Board Meeting of May 4, 2021

5. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM CLOSED SESSION

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

7. BOARD COMMENTS

Director Rosario reported on meetings attended. Director Rosario • Attended the preboard meeting with GM Landreth on 4/19; • Attended the Board meeting on 4/20; • Attended the ADA meeting with AGM Carol Johnson on 4/20; • Attended a meeting and gave a presentation to the Longfellow Progressives on 4/20; • Attended the Finance Workshop on 4/23; • Attended a meeting with Director Corbett and AFSCME 2428 on 4/23; • Attended Albany Bowl Art Show on 4/24; • Testified at a hearing on AB 15 on 4/26; • Met with constituents on feral cat issue on 4/27; • Attended the California Epic Advocacy webinar on 4/28; • Attended Regional Parks Foundation on 4/28; • Attended the EDA Exec Cte. on 4/29; • Met with Brian Holt and Devan Reiff on 4/30. Rosario thanked the Interpretive and Recreation Department staff for their hard work.

Director Waespi reported on meetings attended. Director Waespi, • Attended the Fremont Liaison Cte. meeting on 4/22; o Many speakers thanked the District for removing the barriers at Pickering gate • Attended the Board Workshop on 4/23; • Attended CARPD Partners Committee meeting on 4/26; o Conference this year June 23-26 in persons • Attended the Southern Alameda County Regional Group meeting on 4/28. Waespi announced he hiked 16 miles of the Skyline National Trail in two days. Waespi thanked staff and GM Landreth for sending a letter to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Director Wieskamp reported on meetings attended. Director Wieskamp • Attended the Fremont Liaison on 4/22; • Attended a Finance Workshop on 4/23; • Attended the Operations Committee meeting on 4/27; • Met with AGM O’Connor to preview Del Valle Visitor Center on 4/28; • Attended meeting with GM Landreth at the Meyers Estate; • Met with Brian Holt on May 3. Wieskamp reminded staff to invite former Boardmembers Siden, Sutter and Combs to events.

Director Coffey reported on meetings attended. Director Coffey • Attended the webinar Tern Town: A Case Study in Shorebirds by Dr. Quack; • Attended a meeting with Brian Holt and Kristina Kelchner on 4/22; • Attended an Earth Day Story Time presentation by the naturalist at Black Diamond Mines on 4/23 ; • Attended Finance Workshop on 4/23; • Attended a PAC meeting on 4/26; • Attended Black Diamond Mines with Director Lane on 4/27; • Attended the Environmental Labor Coalition on 4/29; 18 Unapproved Minutes Board Meeting of May 4, 2021

o Laura Cunningham was the featured author and artist • Attended a meeting with senior management on 4/30; • Attended a Marsh Creek Community Fire Preparedness on 5/1; o Hosted by Supervisor Burgis • Attended pre-board meeting with Director Rosario on 4/19.

Director Echols reported on meetings attended. Director Echols • Attended the Finance Workshop on 4/23; • Attended the Operations Committee meeting on 4/27; • Attended a meeting with DGM Alvarez and AGM O’Connor on 4/29. Echols talked about the closure of South Park Drive and how many people enjoy using it and how some are using campsites and hiking trails. Echols and her daughter visited Eastshore State Park.

Director Corbett had left this meeting for previously scheduled meetings.

E. ADJOURNMENT

President Rosario adjourned the meeting at 4:10 pm.

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20 Unapproved Minutes Board Meeting of May 18, 2021

The Board Meeting, which was held May 18, 2021 at East Bay Regional Park District, 2950 Peralta Oaks Court, Oakland, CA 94605 called its Closed Session to order at 11:00 a.m. by Board President Dee Rosario.

ROLL CALL

Directors Present: Dee Rosario, President Colin Coffey, Vice President Dennis Waespi, Secretary Beverly Lane, Treasurer Ayn Wieskamp Elizabeth Echols Ellen Corbett Directors Absent: None.

The Open Session of the Board Meeting was called to order at 1:40 p.m. by President Rosario.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

President Rosario asked Director Waespi to lead the Board in the Pledge of Allegiance. President Rosario introduced Annamarie Guerrero, the new Cultural Services Coordinator. Guerrero acknowledged the East Bay Regional Park District borders the southern range of the ancestral territory of the Huichun Ohone and the Northern area of the ancestral territory of the Jalquin/Yrgen Ohlone. Guerrero paid honor to the people who stewarded these lands and continue to help stewarding them today.

A. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

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

Directors Remote: Colin Coffey, Ellen Corbett, Elizabeth Echols, Beverly Lane, Dee Rosario, Dennis Waespi, Ayn Wieskamp. Directors Against: None. Directors Absent: None. 21 Unapproved Minutes Board Meeting of May 18, 2021 B. PUBLIC COMMENTS

Kelly Abreu commented on the political subdivision of cities and counties. He stated the Board District Ward boundaries must prioritize communities; not ranches, nature preserves or land banks. They should be fair and inclusive and prioritize contiguity, geographical compactness and community of interest.

Joel Shrock commented that the root cause of many conflicts in the parks is the need to integrate the growing number of cyclists using the parks. The lack of trail access creates conflicts and Shrock asked that the Park District stop mandating an unsafe experience for all park users by forcing bikes onto multi-use trails.

Chris Wickler, Bicycle Trails Council of the East Bay spoke in favor of increasing access to narrow trails for mountain bikers. The parks are a shared resource and BTCEB seeks a better experience for people who ride bikes, hikers, equestrians and all park users.

Matthew James, Administrative Analyst II read e-mails in support of expanding access for off-road bicycle use in the parks from Yvette Skinner, James Zachary, Ahsan Ali, Vince Bonner, Susan Urguhard-Brown, Brian Gong, Ryan Er, Jamuel Starkey, and a letter written by Tom Gandesbery, BTCEB.

Acting Clerk Clay read a letter submitted by Cecelia Theis regarding feral cats. In addition, e-mails were read from Marcia Lessley, Carol Croid Cossey, Erin Lessley Lane, Mari Nist, Carlene Johnston and a letter from Edward Endicott in opposition to the proposed naming of Concord Hills to Thurgood Marshall Regional Park- Home of the Port Chicago 50. They asked the Park District to consider naming the park Port Chicago Heroes Park as a more representative name for the community.

President Rosario thanked the citizens who spoke and wrote comments.

C. SPECIAL UPDATE

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

General Manager Landreth introduced AGM of Operations, Jim O’Connor who gave an update on the reopening of the parks and some of the services. O’Connor reported that the Volunteer Program is restarting district-wide, reservations for swimming will start on Memorial Day weekend, reservations are for group picnic areas will start on June 1st along with camping. Public programs are restarting with recreation and interpretive programs.

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

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

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

a. Approval of District Check Listing for the Period of March 29, 2021 Through April 11, 2021 Resolution No. 2021 – 05 - 122 (attached) 22 Unapproved Minutes Board Meeting of May 18, 2021 b. Approval of Recommendation for Ardenwood Agricultural Land Lease Request for Proposal Response and New Agreement with the Alameda County Deputy Sherriff’s Activity League: Ardenwood Historic Farm Resolution No. 2021 – 05 - 123 (attached) Acting Clerk read a letter from Ala. Co. Supervisor Richard Valle in support of the new agreement with the Alameda County Deputy Sherriff’s Activity League for Dig Deep Farms to lease the agricultural lands at Ardenwood Farms. Valle thanked the members of the Board and gave special thanks to Boardmember Wieskamp for the District’s support to expand the Food as Medicine program for low-income families.

c. Approval of the Recommendation for Contra Loma Food Concession Request for Proposal Response and New Agreement with Boondoggies, LLC: Contra Loma Regional Park Resolution No. 2021 – 05 - 124 (attached) Director Waespi expressed his support for this item. He asked if staff considered whether Boondoggies, LLC has an environmentally preferred purchasing policy, are a certified green business, whether they use compostable materials or have a waste reduction program as part of the criteria. Business Services Manager Tiffany Margulici replied environmental considerations were taken into account during the proposal and interview process. Margulici stated waste reductions, recycling and composting were discussed with Boondoggies. Boondoggies uses low impact serving methods and has an interest in collaborating on utilizing a three-stream waste system at the site.

d. Authorization to Execute a Contract with “LEHR” to Purchase Police Vehicle Set-ups: Public Safety Division Resolution No. 2021 – 05- 125 (attached) Acting Clerk read an e-mail from Bill Martin on items D.1.d, D. 1.i, D.1.j and D.1k who stated he did not support the purchase of additional equipment for the EBRPD police to enforce EBRPD policy, and instead would like them to focus on existing resources on preventing real crimes instead of enforcing frivolous polices related to restricting mountain biking.

e. Authorization to Award a Construction Contract with IBS USA, Inc. for the Improve Facilities Project: Contra Loma Regional Park Resolution No. 2021 – 05 - 126 (attached)

f. Authorization to Extend a Contract with AppleOne for Temporary, Professional Staffing Services: Legal/Risk Division Resolution No. 2021 – 05 - 127 (attached)

Chris Newey, AFSCME 2428 spoke in opposition to the AppleOne contract. He noted that there is a pattern of misclassifying positions as confidential and these positions do not participate in labor negotiations nor significantly support labor relations. Newey reported it is believed that these positions are performing work that normally would be done by represented employees. This particular position would align with the Administrative Analyst job description and is the history of what the Administrative Analysts have been doing in the Park District. This is similar to the Union’s objection to the ever-expanding use of contracts that do ASFCME labor.

g. Authorization to Execute a Professional Services Contract with EKI Environment & Water, Inc. for Stormwater Management and Technical Assistance for North Point Isabel: McLaughlin Eastshore State Park Regional Shoreline Resolution No. 2021 – 05 - 128 (attached)

h. Authorization to Purchase Safety Equipment from L.N. Curtis & Sons: Public Safety Division Resolution No. 2021 – 05 - 129 (attached)

i. Authorization to Purchase Three Greenworks U800 All-Electric Utility Vehicles from Turf 23 Unapproved Minutes Board Meeting of May 18, 2021 & Industrial Equipment for Vehicle Replacement and as Additions to the Fleet Resolution No. 2021 – 05 - 130 (attached)

j. Authorization to Purchase Eight Ford Pick-up Trucks from Downtown Ford Sales for Vehicle Replacements and as an Addition to the Fleet Resolution No. 2021 – 05 - 131 (attached)

k. Authorization to Purchase Three Toro Dingo TX1000’s from Cal-Line Equipment Inc. as Additions to the Fleet Resolution No. 2021 – 05 - 132 (attached)

L. Authorization to Apply for Federal Grant Funds through the California Coastal Conservancy from the National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant for the Coyote Hills Restoration and Public Access Project: Coyote Hills Regional Park Resolution No. 2021 – 05 - 133 (attached)

m. Adoption of Resolution of Intention to Order Improvements, Grant Preliminary Approval to the Draft Engineer’s Report, Establish Date of Public Hearing and Instruct the Clerk of the Board to Provide Appropriate Public Notice of Hearing: Alameda County/Contra Costa County Regional Trails Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District (Two County LLD), including ZB-1 (Five Canyons), ZB-2 (Dublin Hills), ZB-3 (Walpert Ridge), ZB-4 (San Ramon Hills), ZB-5 (Stone Valley), and ZB-6 (Gateway Valley/Sibley Volcanic) (Zones of Benefit) Resolution No. 2021 – 05 - 134 (attached)

n. Adoption of Resolution of Intention to Order Improvements, Grant Preliminary Approval to the Draft Engineer’s Report, Establish Date of Public Hearing and Instruct the Clerk of the Board to Provide Appropriate Public Notice of Hearing: East Contra Costa County Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District (ECCC-1 LLD) Resolution No. 2021 – 05 - 135 (attached)

o. Authorization to Amend the 2021 Budget, Appropriate Funds, Approve Time Extension and Close Measure WW Local Grant Program Projects Resolution No. 2021 – 05 - 136 (attached) Director Lane asked what is being done to address the WW Local grant program projects which began with WW in 2008 and are now well past the 10-year period. Lane asked staff to have a discussion about ending the program and notifying the cities who have not completed spending their allocation. AGM of Finance and Management Services Debra Auker agreed the goal was to complete the program in about 10 years, and there are only about 11% of the funds remaining. Auker suggested that it can be discussed further at a future Finance committee meeting.

President Rosario called for a 5-minute break.

2. ACQUISITION, STEWARDSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT DIVISION

a. Informational Update on Programming for Improve Peralta Oaks North Project: District Headquarters

AGM of ASD Kristina Kelchner introduced this informational item. Kelchner stated the building was purchased in 2019 for the purpose of replacing the existing Public Safety headquarters building which has outlived its useful life as an essential services building. Peralta Oaks North was selected primarily to provide a campus for the Park District to deliver work efficiency and to allow all departments to collaborate together. 24 Unapproved Minutes Board Meeting of May 18, 2021

Kelchner introduced Chief of Design and Construction Lisa Goorjian who gave the presentation. Goorjian stated Shaw Kawasaki Architects was hired to specifically provide expertise on public safety building design, to help with a comprehensive renovation for the building, and to do a Public Safety Program needs assessment to determine how much space Public Safety would need. Part of the assessment includes renovating with sustainability in mind, and assess the needs for the Board room. The building is 65,000 square feet and 45,000 square feet has been identified (about 70% of the total space) as needed for Public Safety which includes Police, Fire, Lifeguard Services and Communication; 8,000 square feet for meeting/training space, restrooms, kitchen, etc.; 5,000 square feet is allotted for the Board room, closed session room, building lobby, board member shared space, kitchen and public restrooms; and 7,000 square feet for administrative and non-Public Safety space.

Goorjian explained that the building renovation will be done with sustainability in mind and will include, trusted third party certification, energy savings, energy resilience, a healthy indoor environment, water conservation, and be Zero Net Energy. Next steps for 2021/22 include developing concept plans, developing financing plan and issue debt, and to develop a schematic and design development plan. In 2022/23 the project will go to bid, and in 2023/24 construction will begin.

Director Corbett commented that she was thrilled to see the lead recommendation and the Zero Net Energy. Director Coffey stated it will be quite a while until there will be new Board facilities in the building. What planning is being done for the existing Board room facilities to accommodate the post Covid world and the widely accepted Zoom world we are in? Auker replied that the Facilities Manager and Chief Information Officer are looking into a couple of different solutions. We will continue with a hybrid model when it is decided to resume in-person Board meetings.

Director Lane inquired what the plans to come back in person entail after the last years’ experience with Covid. Will there be planning for a different kind of office configuration as in shared offices and will both North and South Peralta Oaks offices be considered? Kelchner replied both buildings are being assessed to be safe from Covid and any future health issues and how to configure them, so people are working not more than six feet next to each other. There will be some barriers of separation, and there may be some hybrid approach longer term that will have more flexible spaces available for that. This will be part of the Conceptual Design phase. Director Lane asked what is wrong with the current Board configuration? Goorjian pointed out that it is mainly the layout of the room because of the obstructions and the shape of the room makes it inefficient for the amount people that are actually in the room and you can’t view the dais from all points of the room. Entering and exiting the room is limited and there’s mingling of the public where the employees are working. It’s not a secure area for the Boardmembers to enter the Board room as they have to leave closed session and walk through the Board room instead of entering from a separate but direct entrance to the dais. It was also noted by the consultants there isn’t an area for the public to congregate or wait for items of interest to them outside the meeting room.

Director Waespi questioned if the 6,500 square feet of space for the new building has been filled to capacity. Goorjian replied the needs assessment was done and it gives staff a good idea about spatial needs. The next step is to look at how the needs will translate spatially. Staff don’t want to design it to be filled from the beginning, but to have the ability to provide some flexibility. Director Wieskamp inquired if staff are keeping in mind this might be a facility that should be available to the public community. Goorjian answered that part of the program is looking at community rooms for the public to hold meetings.

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

Directors Remote: Colin Coffey, Elizabeth Echols, Beverly Lane, Dee Rosario, Dennis Waespi, Ayn Wieskamp. 25 Unapproved Minutes Board Meeting of May 18, 2021 Directors Against: None. Directors Absent: Ellen Corbett.

b. Authorization to Enter into an Option, Purchase and Sale Agreement and Transfer and Appropriate Funds for the Acquisition in Partnership with the East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy of 80± Acres of Real Property from Kim Owens And Kelen Maness, Successor Trustees of the Donna Pugh Living Trust: Byron Vernal Pools Regional Preserve Resolution No. 2021 – 05 - 137 (attached) AGM of ASD Kristina Kelchner introduced and welcomed Executive Director Abigail Fateman from East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy. Chief of Land Acquisition Michael Reeves oriented the Board to the 80-acre property location in the east Contra Costa county Byron/Vasco corridor area. The land is comprised of grassland habitat, wetland habitat and is adjacent to a future recreation planning area. The Park District will receive an income stream and have control tenancy of a wind lease with Buena Vista Energy, LLC. Reeves explained the property will be acquired in partnership with East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy for $ 930,000 and prior to the sale the sellers will remove all debris. The Park District has until September 17, 2021 to exercise the purchase option and the estimated date for close of escrow is October 22, 2021.

Ms. Fateman stated she was pleased to continue the important work with the Park District and this will be the 42nd land transaction with the Park District. Fateman noted the land is similar to the landscape of San Joaquin Valley and the hills as they transitioned into the Central Valley. It extremely species rich and every puddle of water there has a special status species, whether its state or federally listed.

Director Waespi said the windmill farms were repowered in 2006-07 and asked if there were repowered with kinder, gentler windmills? Waespi asked if at the end of 2021 when the lease is up, would the ECC Habitat Conservancy consider the removal of the wind turbines for species protection? Reeves replied the whole Windmill farm was repowered and at that time the old wind turbines were replaced with 38 one- megawatt turbines which are newer and safer technology.

Director Corbett left this meeting a previously scheduled meeting.

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

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

c. Authorization to Award Job Order Contracts JOC-021, -022, -023, -024, -025, -026, -027 and - 028 to Buhler Commercial, Mark Scott Construction, Inc., Devaney Engineering, Inc., Buhler Commercial, SBAY Construction, Inc., Staples Construction Company, Inc., E.E. Gilbert Construction, Inc. and Teichert Construction Respectively: Districtwide Resolution No. 2021 – 05 - 138 (attached)

AGM of ASD Kristina Kelchner introduced Chief of Design and Construction Lisa Goorjian who gave a detailed presentation. Goorjian stated that JOC is an alternative competitive procurement method to award annual contracts for capital projects for renovation, refurbishments, repairs, and remodeling projects. Goorjian explained that the first round of JOC contracts were awarded in 2016 and the work to date includes paving, roofing, building, demolition, sewer repair, building renovations, levee repairs, bridge repairs, pond repairs, dredging, landslide repair, fencing, building abatement and ADA improvements. Quarterly updates are provided to the Finance Committee. The current round of JOC contracts have come to their 26 Unapproved Minutes Board Meeting of May 18, 2021 term and value limits. District staff has bid the next round of JOC contracts and the contract terms and limits are a minimum offer of $50,000 in work with a maximum limit of $ 1,500,00 per contract. Goorjian gave a brief descriptions of the 2021 proposed projects.

Director Wieskamp commented the JOC program has been terrific. She congratulated Goorjian and her staff for doing a great job and great projects. Director Waespi agreed JOC is a great program and expressed interest in how the contractors feel about the JOC program. Capital Program Manager Ren Bates replied some of the repeat contractors bid again, but they were underbid by the working factor. Some contractors were nonresponsive the first round, or came in under cost which is problematic. Staff are clear in the mandatory pre-bid meetings to outline what the District is looking for in this contract. Bates stated no one has been detoured from bidding and staff reached out to contractors the Park District has good working relationships with to bid again. Unfortunately, these contractors were under bid by entities the District has not worked with yet.

Director Coffey commented that the District is continually doing a variety of paving projects. Coffey asked by what process do staff assess the possibility of it being more efficient in terms of costs, to eliminate the middle person and have a staff that is big enough and have enough equipment to meet the paving needs of the District? Bates replied that staff consult with Roads and Trails and during the first round of JOC no paving specific contracts were done. Bates said because Roads and Trails were at capacity it made sense to have a job order contract for paving. MAST concurred that the work plan for 2021 is at capacity and they still have projects to complete. Director Coffey suggested that it if Roads and Trails will be at capacity in the near future, it might be more effective to expand their capacity. Kelchner stated there might be a lot of paving one year, but not a lot the next, so that is also taken into account. AGM of Operations Jim O’Connor clarified that the Roads and Trails crew keeps busy with ‘craft’ level projects. They do smaller projects that require a little bit more detail, and with a park eye. Much of paving is commodity and volume work and for staff to keep up with that pace with a District this large would be huge. There are space and equipment maintenance issues.

President Rosario commented that Roads and Trails does more than just paving, their work is diverse and they’re very good. Roads and Trails is located in North County, and it takes a lot of travel time when they are working in South County. If there were ever funds to add a second crew the Park District should consider it.

3. BOARD AND STAFF REPORTS

a. Actions Taken by Other Jurisdictions Affecting the Park District

General Manager Landreth stated there was one update from the city of Alameda. At their Historical Advisory Board meeting on May 6th, they held a public hearing to consider delisting the Alameda federal center site, which is the proposed McCain Wellness Center at 620 Central Avenue from the historical building study list. The applicant was Alameda Point Collaborative. They also had requested a certificate of approval that demolished two main buildings and four structures on the project site. The board denied the delisting, but approved demolition of the buildings. This is relevant to the Park District because the property is adjacent to the District's former GSA property on McKay Avenue.

4. GENERAL MANAGER’S COMMENTS

STAFF PRESENTATION

a. Assistant General Manager of Public Affairs Carol Johnson will provide a presentation on engaging a diverse community in health & wellness. 27 Unapproved Minutes Board Meeting of May 18, 2021 Due to time constraints this presentation was held over to the June 1, 2021 Board meeting.

5. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM CLOSED SESSION

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

7. BOARD COMMENTS

Director Rosario reported on meetings attended. Director Rosario • Met with Sen. Nancy Skinner on May 5: • Met with Sarah Dunn, Oakland Parks and Recreation Foundation on May 6; • Met with Carlyn Obringer, Concord City Councilmember and PAC member on May 6; • Attended the Contra Costa Mayors’ Conference on May 6; • Attended the Board Executive Committee on May 11; • Attended a Zoom event to stop Asian hate on May 11; • Attended the Volunteer Bike Patrol meeting on May 11; • Attended the ACSDA Meeting EBRPD hosted on May 12; • Gave a talk at the Lafayette Orinda Sons of Retirement group on May 12; • Attended the Ala. Co. Mayors’ Conference on May 12; • Met with Mtn. bike advocates Scott Bartlebaugh, Joel Shrock and Kevin Brown on May 13; • Attended the Legislative Committee on May 14. • Attended the Asian Heritage Rally at Ogawa Plaza on May 15; • Attended meeting with Asm. Bauer-Kahan on May 17; • Attended the pre-Board meeting with GM Landreth on May 17; • Attended the EBRPD/EBMUD Liaison meeting on May 17; • Attended the Oakland DD Coalition meeting on May 17; Rosario acknowledged and thanked the UC Davis team that did the survey on demographics for the Operation and Interpretive zones. With the data they’ve collected staff will be able to use and model for other things.

Director Lane reported on meetings attended. Director Lane • Attended the Board Workshop 2 on April 3; • Previewed the Black Diamond Coal Mine Exhibit and the • Del Valle Visitor Center on April 28; • Sat in on the Board Executive Committee for the Concord Hills naming item on May 11; • 1-1 with GM Landreth at Las Trampas and Borel property on May 12; • Attended meeting with Asm. Bauer-Kahan on May 17; • Attended the EBRPD/EBMUD Liaison meeting on May 17; • Attending the Black Diamond Mine Ribbon Cutting on May 20; • Attending the Capital Projects/Trails and Board Workshop 4 on May 21; Lane thanked people for their best wishes and flowers, and commented she is feeling fine. She also thanked the staff for the transformation accomplished inside the large metal barn at Borel. Lane thanked GM Landreth for her e-mail greeting on Tax Day.

Director Waespi reported on meetings attended. Director Waespi, • Meet with Matt Graul and Stewardship staff to discuss Hayward Shoreline on May 5; • Attended the ACSDA Meeting EBRPD hosted on May 12; • Attended the Legislative Committee on May 14; • Attended the EBRPD/EBMUD Liaison meeting on May 17; • Completed the second leg of the 32- mile Skyline National Trail. 28 Unapproved Minutes Board Meeting of May 18, 2021 Waespi commented if you get a mile or a half a mile away from the centralized places where everybody hikes, there’s plenty of room to spread out and you don’t see too many people.

Director Wieskamp reported on meetings attended. Director Wieskamp • Attended the ACSDA Meeting EBRPD hosted on May 12; • Attended the LAFCo Alameda County on May 13; • Attended the Legislative Committee on May 14. Wieskamp asked for a status report on the completion of the pavilion at Shadow Cliffs.

Director Echols reported on meetings attended. Director Echols • Met with AFSCME 2428 leadership on May 4: • Met with Brian Holt and Sean Dougan for a trail update on May 5; • Met with Brian Holt on Concord Hills on May 5; • Met with GM Landreth for a 1-1 at Point Pinole on May 6; • Attended the ACSDA Meeting EBRPD hosted on May 12; • Participating in the groundbreaking for the Gilman St. Overcrossing on May 20. Echols explained the Gilman Street overcrossing is a pedestrian bridge over I-880 which will significantly improve safety and allow folks in west Berkeley to get over the freeway to connect with the Bay Trail and McLaughlin East Shore State Park.

Director Coffey reported on meetings attended. Director Coffey • Attended the Contra Costa Mayors’ Conference on May 6; • Attended the Together Bay Area Annual Conference on days May10 and 13; • Attended the Board Executive Committee on May 11; • Attended the Webinar Series: Nature Based Adaptation to Sea Level Rise on May 13; • Attended the Legislative Committee on May 14; • Attended a digital program on Black Diamond Mines: Coal Mine History on May 15; • Attended the CCSDA meeting on May 17; • Attended the pre-Board meeting with President Rosario and GM Landreth on May 17; • Met with the General Manager and Community Affairs Director of the Phillips 66 refinery in Rodeo. Coffey commented on a proposal Phillips 66 refinery are submitting to Contra Costa county to convert the refinery from a crude oil refinery to a renewable energy refinery using a variety of waste products.

President Rosario gave Boardmembers and staff an opportunity to say a few words about the passing of Judge John Sutter. Matthew James showed a video made for Judge John Sutter’s retirement from the Board of Directors. The video showcased Judge John Sutter’s devoted advocacy for the preservation of land.

Boardmembers Rosario, Lane, Wieskamp, Coffey, Waespi and Echols paid tribute to John Sutter by sharing their heartfelt memories of him. District Counsel Victor, AGM O’Connor, AGM Johnson and Chief of Government Affairs Erich Pfuehler shared their stories and spoke of their admiration for Judge John Sutter and his many accomplishments.

E. ADJOURNMENT

President Rosario adjourned the meeting at 5:00 pm in honor of John and Ellie Sutter forever sealed forever in our hearts and the legacy of the Park District history.

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30 AGENDA REGULAR MEETINGS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, June 1, 2021

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

c. Resolution of the East Bay Regional Park District Recognizing June 2021 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month (Victor)

RECOMMENDATION

The General Manager recommends that the Board of Directors adopt a resolution recognizing June 2021 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month for the East Bay Regional Park District.

REVENUE/COST

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

BACKGROUND

June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month which celebrates and highlights the contributions made to our nation by the lesbian, gay bisexual, transgender, queer, plus (LGBTQ+) community. LGBTQ+ Pride Month began in June 1969 on the one-year anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising in New York City after LGBTQ+ and allied friends rose up and fought against police harassment and discriminatory laws that have since been declared unconstitutional. This resolution recognizes June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month for the East Bay Regional Park District and as a time to honor and reflect upon the cultural, civic, and economic contributions of the LGBTQ+ community to this country, the East Bay community, and our park system. This Resolution also reaffirms the East Bay Regional Park District’s commitment to promoting equity and removing barriers to access in our parks and programs and in our workplace.

ALTERNATIVES

None recommended.

31 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO.: 2021 – 06 -

June 1, 2021

RESOLUTION OF THE EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT RECOGNIZING JUNE 2021 AS LGBTQ+ PRIDE MONTH

WHEREAS, the East Bay Regional Park District (Park District) cherishes the value and dignity of each person and appreciates the importance of equality and freedom; and

WHEREAS, all are welcome in the Park District, and every individual and every family deserves to enjoy the parks knowing they are safe and supported; and

WHEREAS, the Park District denounces prejudice and unfair discrimination based on age, gender identity, gender expression, race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, or physical attributes as an afront to our fundamental principles; and

WHEREAS, Pride Month began in June 1969 on the one-year anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising in New York City after lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, plus (LGBTQ+) and allied friends rose up and fought against police harassment and discriminatory laws that have since been declared unconstitutional; and

WHEREAS, the Park District appreciates the cultural, civic, and economic contributions of the LGBTQ+ community which strengthen our social welfare; and

WHEREAS, it is imperative that all people in our community, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression, feel valued, safe, empowered, and supported by their peers and community leaders; and

WHEREAS, despite being marginalized, LGBTQ+ people continue to celebrate authenticity, acceptance, and love; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors again reaffirms the East Bay Regional Park District’s commitment to promoting equity and removing barriers to access in our parks and programs and in our workplace; and

WHEREAS, the East Bay Regional Park District celebrates together with our community and colleagues in honoring the contributions of LGBTQ+ people to our country, our East Bay community and Park District.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District recognizes June 2021 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month.

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.

32 Moved by Director , seconded by Director , and adopted this 1st day of June, 2021 by the following vote:

FOR:

AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:

33 Page Left Blank Intentionally

34 AGENDA REGULAR MEETINGS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, June 1, 2021

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

d. Resolution to Support AB 30 (Karla D-San Jose) – Equity in Outdoor Access to Nature (Pfuehler/Landreth)

RECOMMENDATION

The Legislative Committee of the Board and General Manager recommend the Board of Directors adopt a resolution to support AB 30 (Karla D-San Jose) – Equity in Outdoor Access to Nature.

REVENUE/COST

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

BACKGROUND

This bill would recognize access to nature as a basic human right and direct state agencies to ensure policies reflect the need of all Californians for safe, convenient outdoor recreation opportunities. While studies indicate profound benefits of time spent outdoors in natural settings, research also shows communities of color are three times more likely than white communities to live in nature-deprived areas. Research also indicates 70 percent of low-income communities are in nature-deprived areas. In addition, Black, Latinx, Asian and Indigenous people more often encounter hostility or threats when trying to enjoy time outdoors.

AB 30 codifies in state policy outdoor access to nature is a human right and would direct all relevant state agencies, including: the Natural Resources Agency, the State Department of Public Health, the Department of Transportation and state boards to act accordingly when drafting or revising policies affecting outdoor access.

ALTERNATIVES

None recommended.

35 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO.: 2021 - 06 –

June 1, 2021

RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT AB 30 (KARLA D-SAN JOSE) – EQUITY IN OUTDOOR ACCESS TO NATURE

WHEREAS, this legislation would recognize access to nature as a basic human right and set systems in place aimed at ensuring equitable access to open space for all Californians; and

WHEREAS, the East Bay Regional Park District is committed to serving and providing safe and equitable access to all residents and visitors of the East Bay; and

WHEREAS, during the Covid-19 pandemic response, East Bay parks experienced over 7.5 million additional visits which emphasized the importance of nature nearby for health and community; and

WHEREAS, the Park District is committed to ensuring parks and trails are safe and welcoming to East Bay communities and all who choose to visit; and

WHEREAS, this legislation would support these efforts directly and indirectly for the benefit of the East Bay public and all Californians.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby support AB 30 (Karla D-San Jose) – Equity in Outdoor Access to Nature; and

Moved by Director , seconded by Director , and adopted this 1st day of June, 2021 by the following vote:

FOR:

AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:

36 AGENDA REGULAR MEETINGS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, June 1, 2021

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

e. Resolution to Support AB 564 (Gonzalez D-San Diego) – Biodiversity Protection and Restoration Act (Pfuehler/Landreth)

RECOMMENDATION

The Legislative Committee of the Board and General Manager recommend the Board of Directors adopt a resolution to support AB 564 (Gonzalez D-San Diego) – Biodiversity Protection and Restoration Act.

REVENUE/COST

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

BACKGROUND

On September 7, 2018, former Governor Jerry Brown issued an Executive Order which launched the California Biodiversity Initiative. It directed the Secretaries of Food and Agriculture and Natural Resources to implement the initiative. It calls for an examination of threats to California’s biodiversity. Areas of emphasis include ways to: protect native vegetation; manage and restore natural and working lands and waterways; and explore appropriate financing options. The order directed all state agencies to work together to achieve these goals.

Similarly, on October 7, 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom issued an Executive Order which established the California Biodiversity Collaborative to protect and restore the state’s biodiversity. The order sets the goal for the state to conserve at least 30 percent of California’s land and coastal waters by 2030. It requires the California Natural Resources Agency and other relevant state agencies to develop a report by February 2022 including strategies aimed at meeting the 30 by 30 goal.

AB 564 affirms and codifies the biodiversity protection provisions of both Executive Orders. It requires all state agencies, boards and commissions to utilize their authority in advancement of the Executive Orders. The bill will also help slow the loss of biodiversity and natural lands by requiring public agencies only approve projects consistent with the strategies developed by the Natural Resources Agency to meet the 30 by 30 goal of Governor Newsom’s Executive Order.

37 ALTERNATIVES

None recommended.

38 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO.: 2021 - 06 –

June 1, 2021

RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT AB 564 (GONZALEZ D-SAN DIEGO) – BIODIVERSITY PROTECTION AND RESTORATION ACT

WHEREAS, the Mission of the East Bay Regional Park District includes preserving a rich heritage of natural and cultural resources; and

WHEREAS, this legislation is aimed at requiring state agencies to protect native vegetation, and manage and restore natural lands; and

WHEREAS, these efforts are to be done under the umbrella guidelines of Governor Newsom’s 30 by 30 Executive Order; and

WHEREAS, the 30 by 30 Executive Order seeks to conserve a minimum of thirty percent of land and thirty percent of ocean within California by 2030; and

WHEREAS, the Executive Order provides twelve criteria to achieve this aspirational goal including increased access to open space, restoration of biodiversity across the state and increased carbon sequestration on natural lands; and

WHEREAS, efforts to achieve the thirty percent conservation goal have potential to benefit District lands.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby support AB 564 (Gonzalez D-San Diego) – Biodiversity Protection and Restoration Act; and

Moved by Director , seconded by Director , and adopted this 1st day of June, 2021 by the following vote:

FOR:

AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:

Page Left Blank Intentionally

40 AGENDA REGULAR MEETINGS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, June 1, 2021

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

f. Resolution to Support AB 614 (Agular-Curry D-Winters) – Nesting Bird Habitat Incentive Program (Pfuehler/Landreth)

RECOMMENDATION

The Legislative Committee of the Board and General Manager recommend the Board of Directors adopt a resolution to support AB 614 (Agular-Curry D-Winters) – Nesting Bird Habitat Incentive Program.

REVENUE/COST

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

BACKGROUND

This bill would add $5 to the state upland bird and waterfowl validations aimed at increasing efforts in protection of California's waterfowl and pheasant breeding populations, which are suffering habitat declines. The revenue would support the Nesting Bird Habitat Incentive Program, which was created by AB 2697 (Gallagher R-Yuba City) in 2018, but not funded. The incentive program can pay farmers and other landowners to fallow, grow cover crops like vetch or enhance existing nesting habitat. Monies could also be used on state wildlife areas and national wildlife refuges to improve breeding habitat. The Department of Fish and Wildlife would manage the “Nesting Bird Habitat Incentive Program Account” created by the bill. The Department can partner with public agencies in releasing project funds.

ALTERNATIVES

None recommended.

41 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO.: 2021 - 06 –

June 1, 2021

RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT AB 614 (AGULAR-CURRY D-WINTERS) – NESTING BIRD HABITAT INCENTIVE PROGRAM

WHEREAS, AB 164 would add $5 to the state upland bird and waterfowl validations aimed at increasing efforts in protection of California's waterfowl and pheasant breeding populations, which are suffering habitat declines; and

WHEREAS, the East Bay Regional Park District operates and monitors protected habitat and breeding sites for California’s waterfowl populations, such as at Waterbird Regional Park and Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline; and

WHEREAS, the protection of these species aligns with the Mission and Vision of the Park District; and

WHEREAS, the legislation allows the Department of Fish and Wildlife to partner with public agencies, such as the Park District, when allocating project funds.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby support AB 614 (Agular-Curry D-Winters) – Nesting Bird Habitat Incentive Program; and

Moved by Director , seconded by Director , and adopted this 1st day of June, 2021 by the following vote:

FOR:

AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:

42 AGENDA REGULAR MEETINGS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, June 1, 2021

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

g. Resolution to Support AB 1255 (Bloom D-Santa Monica) – Fire Prevention Local Assistance Grant Program (Pfuehler/Landreth)

RECOMMENDATION

The Legislative Committee of the Board and General Manager recommend the Board of Directors adopt a resolution to support AB 1255 (Bloom D-Santa Monica) – Fire Prevention Local Assistance Grant Program.

REVENUE/COST

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

BACKGROUND

This bill would require CAL FIRE to create grant programs aimed at facilitating regional, habitat- specific and area-specific approaches to fire risk reduction, prevention and restoration. Grants would fund projects which improve community safety, protect sites and structures, restore burned habitat, reduce catastrophic wildfires, and protect natural resources.

ALTERNATIVES

None recommended.

43 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO.: 2021 - 06 –

June 1, 2021

RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT AB 1255 (BLOOM D-SANTA MONICA) – FIRE PREVENTION LOCAL ASSISTANCE GRANT PROGRAM

WHEREAS, the majority of the East Bay Regional Park District lands are within High or Very High Fire Severity Zones; and

WHEREAS, the Park District invests nearly $3 million annually to implement its Wildfire Hazard Reduction and Resource Management Plan to proactively mitigate against wildfires; and

WHEREAS, the Park District provides for wildland fire protection in the East Bay and the greater State of California; and

WHEREAS, this bill would establish a local assistance grant program to support long-term forest management; and

WHEREAS, the established grant program would seek to improve community safety, protect sites and structures, restore burned habitat, reduce catastrophic wildfires, and protect natural resources; and

WHEREAS, the Park District could benefit from the local assistance grant program.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby support AB 1255 (Bloom D-Santa Monica) – Fire Prevention Local Assistance Grant Program; and

Moved by Director , seconded by Director , and adopted this 1st day of June, 2021 by the following vote:

FOR:

AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:

44 AGENDA REGULAR MEETINGS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, June 1, 2021

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

h. Resolution to Support AB 1512 (Bauer-Kahan D-Orinda) – Preservation of Alameda-Tesla Expansion Area (Pfuehler/Landreth)

RECOMMENDATION

The Legislative Committee of the Board and General Manager recommend the Board of Directors adopt a resolution to support AB 1512 (Bauer-Kahan D-Orinda) – Preservation of Alameda-Tesla Expansion Area.

REVENUE/COST

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

BACKGROUND

This bill, co-authored by Senator Steve Glazer, would require the Department of Parks and Recreation to preserve the portion of the Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area known as the “Alameda-Tesla Expansion Area” for conservation purposes. The bill would make implementation of this provision contingent upon at least $9 million being appropriated by the Legislature in the annual Budget Act or another statute, transferred or donated to the Off- Highway Vehicle Trust Fund for its purposes. The District has joined Alameda County, City of Livermore, Livermore Area Recreation and Park District, and the Friends of Tesla in seeking to preserve the Tesla property. Assembly Member Bauer-Kahan’s legislation is consistent with past bills the District has supported. On Monday, April 26th, Board President Dee Rosario testified before the Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee to support this legislation.

ALTERNATIVES

None recommended.

45 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO.: 2021 - 06 –

June 1, 2021

RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT AB 1512 (BAUER-KAHAN D-ORINDA) – PRESERVATION OF ALAMEDA-TESLA EXPANSION AREA

WHEREAS, the state’s Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Division originally purchased the Alameda-Tesla property with the intent of expanding Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA); and

WHEREAS, the Alameda-Tesla property’s biodiversity includes eight Federally or State listed and candidate species, 13 special status rare plant species, 28 locally rare plant species and seven sensitive vegetation communities; and

WHEREAS, the property’s rugged terrain provides an unusual crossroad for a wide range of sensitive species who rely on this protective habitat as a wildlife corridor; and

WHEREAS, the property has extensive cultural resources from Native California archeological and ceremonial sites established by Yokurts and Ohlone/Costanoan peoples who lived on this land; and

WHEREAS, the property is home to the historic coal mining townsite of Tesla and determined to be eligible for listing on the National Registry of Historic Places; and

WHEREAS, the County of Alameda, City of Livermore, and Livermore Area Recreation and Park District have all expressed concerns with expansion of Carnegie SVRA; and

WHEREAS, the Alameda-Tesla property is characterized as potential parkland on the District’s Master Plan map: and

WHEREAS, the Park District strongly supports preservation of the Alameda-Tesla property.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby support AB 1512 (Bauer-Kahan D-Orinda) – Preservation of Alameda-Tesla Expansion Area; and

Moved by Director , seconded by Director , and adopted this 1st day of June, 2021 by the following vote:

FOR: AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:

46 AGENDA REGULAR MEETINGS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, June 1, 2021

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

i. Resolution to Support SB 624 (Hueso D-San Diego) – Environmental Equity and Outdoor Access Act (Pfuehler/Landreth)

RECOMMENDATION

The Legislative Committee of the Board and General Manager recommend the Board of Directors adopt a resolution to support SB 624 (Hueso D-San Diego) – Environmental Equity and Outdoor Access Act.

REVENUE/COST

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

BACKGROUND

This bill seeks to create an environmental justice-oriented framework aimed at ensuring all state agencies, boards, offices and conservancies take actions toward equity. Although no particular mandates are required, the legislation calls for actions aimed at ensuring all people have access to natural resources and recreation opportunities. A special emphasis is placed on creating and promoting access for people and communities who face disproportionate barriers. The bill further seeks to ensure all people of the state have equal protection from environmental degradation and the impacts of climate change. A special emphasis is placed on those who face elevated risks and exposures to environmental harms and climate impacts. The bill calls on promoting inclusivity among the staff at the Natural Resources Agency to ensure all Californians and visitors of the state feel safe and welcome in the outdoors.

ALTERNATIVES

None recommended.

47 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO.: 2021 - 06 –

June 1, 2021

RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT SB 624 (HUESO D-SAN DIEGO) – ENVIRONMENTAL EQUITY AND OUTDOOR ACCESS ACT

WHEREAS, this legislation seeks to create an environmental justice-oriented framework aimed at ensuring all state agencies, boards, offices and conservancies take actions toward equity; and WHEREAS, in addition, the bill states all people deserve to have access to natural resources and recreation opportunities; and

WHEREAS, the Park District is committed to ensuring parks and trails are safe and welcoming to East Bay communities and all who choose to visit; and

WHEREAS, this legislation would support these efforts directly and indirectly for the benefit of the East Bay public and all Californians.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby support SB 624 (Hueso D-San Diego) – Environmental Equity and Outdoor Access Act; and

Moved by Director , seconded by Director , and adopted this 1st day of June, 2021 by the following vote:

FOR:

AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:

48 AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, June 1, 2021

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

j. Authorization to Accept, Appropriate, and Transfer Funds for Oak Woodland Restoration in Parks Located Within the Wildfire Hazard Risk Reduction Program Area: Various Locations (Graul/ Schirmer/Kelchner)

RECOMMENDATION

The General Manager recommends that the Board of Directors authorize the acceptance of funds from the Regional Parks Foundation via donation from the East Bay Chapter of the California Native Plant Society and appropriate for oak woodland restoration in parks located within the Wildfire Hazard Reduction and Resource Management Plan (WHRRMP) program area parks: Point Pinole Regional Park, Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline, Sobrante Ridge Botanic Regional Preserve, Kennedy Grove Regional Recreation Area, Wildcat Canyon Regional Park, Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve, Robert Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve, Huckleberry Botanic Regional Preserve, Redwood Regional Park, Leona Canyon Regional Preserve, Anthony Chabot Regional Park, Lake Chabot Regional Park, and Tilden Regional Park.

REVENUE/COST

This action proposes that the Board accept and appropriate $100,000 in donated funds for oak woodland restoration in parks located within the WHRRMP fuels management program area and transfer $100,000 to the CNPS Oak Restoration Project (No553600).

BACKGROUND

The East Bay Chapter of the California Native Plant Society (EBCNPS) wishes to donate funds to the Regional Parks Foundation on behalf of the Park District to support restoration of oak woodlands and their habitats in East Bay Hills parks within the WHRRMP program area. Restoration will be focused on areas where oaks likely occurred historically, where native tree cover is desired, or where native shaded fuel breaks are desired.

The project will restore oak woodland habitats in ecologically suitable areas, where planting of eucalyptus plantations and other disturbances have reduced the cover of these native and biodiverse habitats. Oak woodlands are one of the Bay Area’s most important plant communities, providing habitat for thousands of species of plants, insects, and wildlife.

49 Coast live oak woodlands are a drought-resilient, evergreen, and fire-resistant plant community. Maintenance of oak woodlands is consistent with Park District fuel treatment standards and objectives as defined in the WHRRMP: that ecological restoration be undertaken as part of fuel management activities, that low fire hazard landscapes be created and maintained, and that those landscapes are characterized by optimal ecological function and biodiversity.

ALTERNATIVES

No alternatives are recommended.

50 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO.: 2021 – 06 -

June 1, 2021

AUTHORIZATION TO ACCEPT, APPROPRIATE, AND TRANSFER FUNDS FOR OAK WOODLAND RESTORATION IN PARKS LOCATED WITHIN THE WILDFIRE HAZARD RISK REDUCTION PROGRAM AREA: VARIOUS LOCATIONS

WHEREAS, the East Bay Regional Park District (Park District) is undertaking oak woodland habitat restoration within parks in the Wildfire Hazard Reduction and Resource Management Plan (WHRRMP) program area; and

WHEREAS, the East Bay Chapter of the California Native Plant Society wishes to provide $100,000 to the Regional Parks Foundation on behalf of the Park District to support this effort; and

WHEREAS, upon receipt, the Regional Parks Foundation would provide said funding to the Park District; and

WHEREAS, funds would be a valuable contribution to the project and support the objectives of the WHRRMP to conduct habitat restoration and create low-hazard landscapes characterized by improved ecological function and biodiversity; and

WHEREAS, Park District procedures require Board approval for acceptance and appropriation of funds; and

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

1. Authorize the acceptance of $100,000 from the Regional Parks Foundation via donation from the East Bay Chapter of the California Native Plant Society; and 2. Authorize the appropriation of funds for oak woodland habitat restoration within parks in the Wildfire Hazard Reduction and Resource Management Plan program area; and 3. Authorize the transfer of $100,000 from the Regional Parks Foundation to the CNPS Oak Restoration Project (No. 553600); and 4. Authorize and direct the General Manager or Assistant General Manager of Finance and Management Services/CFO, on behalf of the District and in its name, to accept grant funds and execute and deliver such documents including, but not limited to applications, agreements, payment requests and amendments and to do such acts as may be deemed or appropriate to accomplish the intentions of this resolution; and

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

Moved by Director , seconded by Director , and approved this 1st day of June, 2021, by the following vote:

FOR:

AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:

522 53 Page Left Blank Intentionally

54 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT BUDGET CHANGE FORM

NEW APPROPRIATIONS BUDGET TRANSFERS Appropriate from General Fund Between Funds X From New Revenues Between Projects

DECREASE BUDGET ACCOUNT AMOUNT INCREASE BUDGET ACCOUNT AMOUNT Account Name: Other Than Asset Fund- Stewardship Dept-Aid from Regional Parks Foundation-CNPS Oak Restoration- Revenue

Account: 336-7420-000-3840- 553600LFP1-000 $100,000 Account Name: Other Than Asset Fund- Stewardship Dept-Other Services-CNPS Oak Restoration- Revenue

Account: 336-7420-000-6191-5536LFP1- 005 $100,000

REASON FOR BUDGET CHANGE ENTRY: As being presented at the Board of Directors meeting on June 1st, 2021 the General Manager recommends that the Board of Directors authorize the acceptance and appropriation of $100,000 in revenue from the East Bay Chapter of the California Native Plant Society via the Regional Parks Foundation, for the CNPS Oaks Restoration.

As approved at the Board of Directors Meeting on: Date: 6/1/2021 2021-06- Posted By: Date: Signature

T:\BOARD MATERIAL\2021\10- June 1, 2021\S DRIVE\D-1-jc ASD STEW Transfer Funds-Oak Woodland for Wildlife Hazard - BCF 55 ACQUISITION STEWARDSHIP DEVELOPMENT AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, June 1, 2021

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

2. ACQUISITION, STEWARDSHIP & DEVELOPMENT DIVISION

RECOMMENDATION

The General Manager recommends that the Board of Directors adopt the name “Thurgood Marshall Regional Park – Home of the Port Chicago 50” for the future regional park temporarily named “Concord Hills Regional Park,” to be located at the site of the former Concord Naval Weapons Station.

REVENUE/COST

Aside from staff time, there are no costs associated with this naming action.

BACKGROUND

A. THURGOOD MARSHALL REGIONAL PARK – HOME OF THE PORT CHICAGO 50

On May 11, 2021, Board Executive Committee unanimously supported the staff recommendation that the future park at the former Concord Naval Weapons Station should be named “Thurgood Marshall Regional Park – Home of the Port Chicago 50”. The Park Advisory Committee (PAC) considered and supported the name at its meeting on May 24, 2021. Additionally, the Concord City Council voted to support the name at their May 25th, 2021 meeting.

Staff supports a name that continues to educate the public about the deadly Port Chicago explosion, the bravery of the fifty men who took a stand against unsafe and unjust conditions, and the key role that the disaster and unjust mutiny trial played in the desegregation of the U.S. armed forces.

Further, staff recognizes the significant contributions of Thurgood Marshall in advocating for the Port Chicago 50 and challenging the segregation policies of the U.S. military, and the influence these experiences in the East Bay had in his judicial career.

56 During World War II, the U.S. military was segregated and Black sailors who signed up to serve their country were relegated to dangerous assignments such as loading munitions. The Port Chicago Naval Magazine operated on the waterfront north of the City of Concord as a major ammunition transshipment facility, where munitions were delivered by train and quickly transferred by hand directly onto ships headed for the front. With no onsite storage for munitions and high demand from the war front, the loading work was done 24 hours a day and was often rushed, with white officers holding competitions and pushing sailors to work faster. On July 17, 1944, these conditions led to disaster when two vessels loaded with ammunition exploded with the force of a small earthquake, blowing out windows as far away as San Francisco and instantly killing 320 men – mostly teenagers – and wounding 390 others. The explosion accounted for one-quarter of all African American deaths during World War II. Surviving Black sailors were ordered to return to work loading munitions not long after the explosion, and many refused. White officers who lived through the explosion were granted survivors’ leave to overcome the trauma, while African American workers were sent to nearby Camp Shoemaker and naval barracks in Vallejo and immediately assigned shore side duties. Fifty men, who came to be known as the Port Chicago 50 (Attachment A), were unjustly charged with mutiny and ultimately dishonorably discharged. The trial and the national attention it garnered ultimately led to the desegregation of the armed forces with the signing of Executive Order 9981 by President Harry Truman in 1948.

The Inland Area of the Concord Naval Weapons Station (CNWS), where the future regional park is located, was acquired and added to the Port Chicago Naval Magazine to create safer working conditions by transitioning the site from a transit facility to a weapons storage depot in response to the Port Chicago explosion (Attachment B). The site continued to operate as one base through the end of World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Cold War periods until being placed in a reduced operational capacity in 1999.

The Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial was established by President Barack Obama in December 2009 through the signing of the Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial Enhancement Act. The Act explicitly authorized the National Park Service to partner with the East Bay Regional Park District to establish a joint Visitor Center within the Inland Area of the former CNWS. The Port Chicago Naval Magazine Foundation Document identifies the Inland Area as an affiliated site where the history of Port Chicago is relevant. A Cooperative Management Agreement was signed by the National Park Service and the Park District in 2020.

The Port Chicago 50 wrote to Thurgood Marshall while he was serving as lead counsel for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), requesting that he observe the unfair trial. Mr. Marshall sat in the proceedings, and afterwards published a series of articles, pamphlets, and public speeches that brought public attention to what he described as a trial not about the Port Chicago 50, but about the Navy being “on trial for its whole vicious policy toward Negroes1.” His campaign to expose the racism in the trial of the Port Chicago 50 ultimately led to the desegregation of the military and was an early precursor to the broader civil

1 Speaking to the press following the court proceedings, Thurgood Marshall declared “This is not 50 men on trial for mutiny, this is the Navy on trial for its whole vicious policy toward Negroes.” https://news.berkeley.edu/2014/07/10/remembering-port-chicago/

57 rights movements in this country. President Harry Truman signed Executive Order 9981 ordering the desegregation of the U.S. Armed Forces on July 26, 1948.

This history was not well known for many decades until Dr. Robert Allen, a professor of sociology at U.C. Berkeley, came across the pamphlet the NAACP produced calling for people to remember the history of Port Chicago2. He began to research the history of the Port Chicago disaster and in 1989 published the book “The Port Chicago Mutiny,” detailing the history of the explosion, the events that followed and the desegregation of the military. Dr. Allen went on to become one of the founding members of the Friends of Port Chicago and was central to the establishment of the Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial.

Designation of this park as “Thurgood Marshall – Home of the Port Chicago 50” honors the bravery of the fifty men who organized to protest return to work orders and challenged the U.S. government. Without their bravery, the story of Port Chicago would not be known, and the advocacy of Thurgood Marshall would never come to be. Further, the word “home” and the symbolic designation of this site as the “Home of the Port Chicago 50” is important to the African American community to acknowledge that the Black sailors at that time did not have a home at the base or within the neighboring town of Port Chicago, where they were explicitly not welcomed.

Despite years of advocacy by local elected officials and community organizations, the courageous young men of the Port Chicago 50 have never been exonerated.

This naming proposal has gained the support of numerous organizations including the Black Employee Collective, a self-identified group of individuals working at the Park District; the Citizens for Historical Equity; the Hawaii and California Chapters of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP); the Friends of Port Chicago; United Veterans Council of Pittsburg, California; AFSCME Local 2428; and numerous individuals and organizations (Attachment C).

Staff fully supports the name “Thurgood Marshall Regional Park – Home of the Port Chicago 50” as a name that celebrates African American history, honors the history of the site and allows for deeper exploration of themes of equality, safe working conditions, social justice, and protest.

B. PUBLIC PLANNING PROCESS

Since the closure of the Inland Area of the CNWS, the Park District has engaged throughout the reuse planning process to establish a new Regional Park on the site. In July 2019, the Park District took constructive possession of 2,540 acres of the former base for a new regional park (Attachment B). In July 2020, the Park District’s Board of Directors adopted the Concord Hills Regional Park Land Use Plan (LUP), guiding future development of the new regional park to

2“Mutiny” pamphlet prepared by NAACP in March 1945 https://tminstituteldf.org/wp- content/uploads/2020/02/Port-Chicago-Mutiny-Pamphlet.pdf

58 include over 22 miles of new trails, camping facilities, picnic areas, and a joint operated visitor center facility with the National Park Service.

The working name for the new regional park, which was included in the 2013 Master Plan Update, has been “Concord Hills Regional Park.” Park District staff solicited naming suggestions throughout the public planning process for the LUP. During the month of February 2020, a public survey of top naming suggestions was held with over 1,200 responses. The results of these exercises and surveys were presented to the Park Advisory Committee (PAC) as part of the LUP approval process on April 27, 2020. Key themes that emerged from the public surveys were an interest in Native American park names and open-ended suggestions that a park name should recognize the history of the events at Port Chicago.

At the April 27, 2020 PAC meeting, and subsequently at the Park District’s Board Executive Committee meeting of August 6, 2020, the Committee directed staff to consult with local Native American tribal leaders to research and consider a park name that would reflect the indigenous history of the site. Staff, in consultation with Native leaders and supported by retired Cultural Services Coordinator Dr. Beverly Ortiz, developed two potential names to reflect the park’s indigenous history: 1) “Caaco’ aanikssan Regional Park” (Miwok-language translation of “Place of our grandchildren’s future”), and 2) “Chupcan Territory Regional Park,” named for the indigenous people of the Concord area (Attachment D).

These names were presented to the Board Executive Committee on September 3, 2020, where several public commenters suggested that the park name should instead reflect the history of the Port Chicago explosion and its aftermath. The Board Executive Committee directed staff to engage in additional conversations with Native peoples and with the public commenters from African American communities who had spoken at the meeting regarding a name that reflects the history of Port Chicago and its aftermath (Attachment E).

Following several months of further conversations with community members, additional staff research, and significant public comment, the name for the future regional park – “Thurgood Marshall Regional Park – Home of the Port Chicago 50” – has emerged as an important name honoring the history of Port Chicago, the men who bravely stood up to challenge the U.S. military, and the advocacy of Thurgood Marshall. It has also emerged as a significant symbolic name to the African American community to establish a public space where African American history is celebrated.

Staff recommends the name “Thurgood Marshall Regional Park – Home of the Port Chicago 50” as a name that honors the history of the site and allows for deeper exploration of themes of equality, social justice, and protest. Further, staff supports adoption of a park name that welcomes all people to engage in the ongoing development of the park, storytelling in the park, and long- term stewardship and programming of the park.

59 C. RELATIONSHIP TO THE EXISTING PORT CHICAGO NAVAL MAGAZINE NATIONAL MEMORIAL

As noted above, the Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial was established in 2009. The waterfront explosion site, operated by the National Park Service, is the memorial and the final resting place for those men who lost their lives in the Port Chicago explosion. Concerns have been raised that naming two park areas for this history may create confusion or perhaps dilution of the Port Chicago history.

However, the public’s access to the Port Chicago Naval Magazine is severely limited due to its location on the active Military Ocean Terminal Concord (MOTCO) facility3. Staff believes that naming of a more accessible regional park facility will serve to advance the interest of a larger memorial site and increase the public’s understanding of the history of Port Chicago. The establishment of the “Thurgood Marshall Regional Park – Home of the Port Chicago 50” will support the National Park site and increase sustained engagement and support for advancement of public facilities and narratives that will give the appropriate recognition of the history of the former base.

It has also been suggested that the park should be expanded onto the MOTCO property, and that this future expanded park area, rather than the Inland Area, should be named to honor the Port Chicago history. While this is a welcome concept, the U.S. Army has no current plans to end operations at MOTCO. Significant funds have been invested to develop improved facilities at the base, and even if the site were to be made inactive for military use now, it would likely be many decades before public access could be realized in this area. Staff recommends highlighting the history of Port Chicago today by naming the Inland Area acquired to create safer working conditions following the disaster, rather than waiting the decades necessary to do so at the waterfront site of the 1944 explosion.

Staff also notes that the history of Port Chicago is dispersed throughout the Bay Area and the nation. While the explosion happened on the waterfront within the current MOTCO property, there are several associated sites that are relevant to the history of Port Chicago. The surviving sailors, including the Port Chicago 50, were ordered to return to work loading munitions at Mare Island in Vallejo. The mutiny trial of the Port Chicago 50 occurred on Treasure Island in San Francisco. There is a space dedicated to those who lost their lives at the Port Chicago explosion at the National Cemetery in the City of Colma, California. The explosion that occurred on the waterfront at Port Chicago had reverberations that were felt throughout the Bay Area and beyond. The story is both intensely local and personal, with deep impacts on local residents and their families, and undeniably national, as an origin story of a civil rights movement that shook the country.

3 Now operated by the United States Army, this facility is the Department of Defense’s primary ammunition seaport supporting the Pacific area.

60 D. RELATIONSHIP TO THE TOWN OF PORT CHICAGO

A number of public commenters submitted written comments about the name “Thurgood Marshall Regional Park – Home of the Port Chicago 50” at the Board of Directors meeting of May 18th, 2021 advocating for a name that acknowledged the Town of Port Chicago.

The Town of Port Chicago was a town located on the southern banks of Suisun Bay on the site of the current MOTCO facility. The area was first settled by Anglo Americans in 1850 and continued to be occupied after the establishment of the Port Chicago Naval Magazine. The town suffered significant damage from the explosion at Port Chicago on July 17, 1944 when over 300 buildings were damaged and 100 people were hurt.

In 1968, the U.S. Navy acquired all of the property within the Town of Port Chicago and demolished all of the buildings to form a safety zone around the Concord Naval Weapons Station loading docks. Former residents and descendants of the Town of Port Chicago have long advocated that the history of the town needs to be highlighted.

The future Regional Park site does not include the former town site. Staff understands the former town resident’s perspective and feel that the history of the Town of Port Chicago would be an appropriate story to include in the future visitor center and interpretive programming.

E. ADDRESSING THE LOSS OF INDIGENOUS LAND, HISTORY, CULTURE, LANGUAGE AND RECOGNIZING THE ONGOING CONTRIBUTIONS OF NATIVE AMERICANS

The interest of the PAC and the Board Executive Committee in exploring a name that reflects the indigenous history of the site is in keeping with the Park District’s responsibility of stewarding over 125,000 acres of land that are the ancestral homelands of the Native peoples in the East Bay. This interest was acknowledged in the various naming exercises and surveys that were completed, demonstrating that there was substantial public interest in using the naming of this future regional park to acknowledge the Native history.

The loss of Native American history - cultural, institutional, and personal - has occurred across our society over the course of the past centuries. A more contemporary awareness of the history of colonialism, the Spanish Mission system, Anglo American exceptionalism, and active resistance by Native people in our post-industrial society is now being emphasized in modern day education and naming recognitions.

As stewards of significant portions of traditional indigenous lands, the Park District has a unique responsibility to address the loss of Native American land, history, culture and language. The need to recognize the history of Native peoples and their ongoing presence and contributions to our community has increasingly led to a recognition that park planning, naming, interpretation, and design all need to recognize and facilitate education about the Native history of the East Bay region.

Throughout this naming process, staff has continued to communicate with Native communities to keep Tribal representatives informed and seek their engagement through consultations. Based

61 on the consultations with the Tribal leaders and the Native American community, staff recommends that working potential programs to provide more substantive and inclusive opportunities to highlight Native ancestries and address concerns regarding erasure of indigenous culture than the naming of a single park4. Potential opportunities for ongoing partnership between the Native American community and the Park District could include joint stewardship opportunities at sacred sites now owned by the Park District, naming of other park features within the future park at Concord Hills, future naming of other new regional parks currently in planning, and other programs that may emerge from ongoing consultation with Native peoples.

F. ACTIONS TO RESULT FROM NAMING DECISION

Upon Board adoption of the naming recommendation, Park District staff will complete the following actions:

• Park website, printed brochures and other information will be updated to reflect the name change and interpret park history. • Planning and GIS staff will add this name to the Park District’s list of names to avoid future naming redundancy. • GIS staff will update the park database to reflect the name change.

ALTERNATIVES

No alternatives are recommended.

ATTACHMENTS

A. Names of the “Port Chicago 50” B. Project area Map C. Letter recommending “Thurgood Marshall Regional Park - Home of the Port Chicago 50” D. September 3, 2020 Board Executive Committee Report E. Native Peoples of the East Bay Map

4 Conversations with Native tribal leaders were conducted informally, using best practice tribal consultation methods, such as broad and inclusive invitations, sharing meeting notes and consensus meetings. The tribal entities that staff leaders consulted with are: Association of Ramaytush Ohlone; California Indian Water Commission; Confederated Villages of Lisjan; Costanoan Rumsen Carmel; Him.re-n of Ohlone, Bay Miwok and Plains Miwok; Indian Canyon Mutsun Band of Costanoan People; Ione Band of Miwok Indians; Ohlone Indian Tribe; Muwekma Ohlone Tribe; Wilton Rancheria.

62 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO.: 2021 – 06 -

June 1, 2021

ADOPT THE NAME, “THURGOOD MARSHALL REGIONAL PARK – HOME OF THE PORT CHICAGO 50,” FOR THE FUTURE REGIONAL PARK AT THE FORMER CONCORD NAVAL WEAPONS STATION: CONCORD HILLS REGIONAL PARK

WHEREAS, the Port Chicago Naval Magazine was originally established in 1942 as a munitions transfer deport; and

WHEREAS, the Port Chicago Naval Magazine operated as a segregated facility and concerns about unjust and unsafe working conditions were regularly noted by African American sailors; and

WHEREAS, on July 17, 1944, an explosion occurred that instantly killed 320 men, two- thirds of whom were African American, while loading two ships from the same pier; and

WHEREAS, on July 17, 1944, the deadliest home front disaster of World War II took place when a huge explosion occurred at the Port Chicago Naval Magazine, a major munitions transshipment facility in California, killing 320 men (of whom 202 were African American) and wounding 390 (of whom 233 were African American); and

WHEREAS, all of the men loading ammunition at Port Chicago were black and all of the officers were white; and

WHEREAS, the African American enlisted men were subject to systemic racial discrimination and segregation; and

WHEREAS, there was no formal training in safe methods of ammunition handling given to enlisted men or the officers at the base; and

WHEREAS, work methods introduced by the officers included competition between work crew in loading ammunition; and

WHEREAS, such competition led to rushing and rough handling and increased the dangers of the work; and

WHEREAS, a court of inquiry was unable to determine the specific cause of the explosion, although it listed rough handling as a possible cause; and

63 WHEREAS, 258 ammunition handlers engaged in a peaceful work stoppage rather than return to work under the same officers and the same unsafe working conditions; and

WHEREAS, 50 of these men were unjustly charged with mutiny, although none had engaged in acts of violence and they obeyed all orders except to load ammunition; and

WHEREAS, all 50 were found guilty and sentenced to prison; and

WHEREAS, NAACP Chief Counsel Thurgood Marshall, speaking in defense of the sailors, argued that the mutiny charge and conviction were racially motivated and not supported by the facts; and

WHEREAS, the sailors’ protest shined a light on racial injustice in the Navy, in 1945 the Navy began a process of desegregation of all of its facilities, leading the way to the general desegregation of the U.S. military ordered in 1948 by President Harry Truman; and

WHEREAS, in 1946 the convicted sailors were released from prison under a general amnesty, but the mutiny convictions remain on their records, and

WHEREAS, a review of the trial record and related documents reveals that the accused sailors had no intent to commit mutiny and did not conspire to do so; and

WHEREAS, the East Bay Regional Park District (Park District) has been working closely with the City of Concord, the United States Navy, and the National Park Service on the establishment of a new regional park on a portion of the land of the inland area of the closed Concord Naval Weapons Station (CNWS); and

WHEREAS, the National Park Service operates the Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial at the Military Ocean Terminal Concord operated by the United States Army and in current military use; and

WHEREAS, the Park District is working to establish a visitor center within the new regional park on the Concord Naval Weapons Station that will work to meet the education and public awareness goals for the Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial; and

WHEREAS, the exoneration of the convicted Port Chicago sailors and the correction of their military records, is an important step towards reconciling the painful racial discrimination and social injustice that the events of Port Chicago represent; and

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

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

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

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

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

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

WHEREAS, on July 2, 2019, the Board of Directors authorized the Park District to accept the Phase I Public Benefit Conveyance of 2,216.02 acres through a no cost Public Benefit Conveyance through the National Park Service Federal Lands to Parks program (Board Resolution No. 2019-07-176); and

WHEREAS, on July 7, 2020, the Board of Directors adopted the Land Use Plan and certified the environmental documents for the “Concord Hills Regional Park,” with the recognition that the Board of Directors would select a new name for the park in a separate resolution (Board Resolution No. 2020-07-153); and

WHEREAS, the adopted Land Use Plan recognizes that there are many histories and stories on the property and future educational and interpretive efforts will seek to tell the properties full history including the Native American history, history of the Rancho Monte Del Diablo, history of the Town of Port Chicago, and the history of the Concord Naval Weapons Station through the Korean War, Vietnam War, and Cold War eras; and

WHEREAS, on May 11, 2021 the Board Executive Committee heard a staff report and public comment and unanimously recommended the park name be “Thurgood Marshall – Home of the Port Chicago 50” to the Board of Directors; and

WHEREAS, on May 24, 2021, the Park Advisory Committee heard a staff report and public comment and unanimously recommended approval of the name, “Thurgood Marshall Regional Park – Home of the Port Chicago 50” to the Board of Directors; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors recognizes the significant contributions of Thurgood Marshall in advocating for the Port Chicago 50 and challenging the segregation policies of the U.S. military, eventually leading to the desegregation of the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Military and ultimately

65 through the Civil Rights movement, the entire country, and the influence these experiences in the East Bay had in his judicial career; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors supports a name that continues to educate the public about the deadly 1944 Port Chicago explosion, the bravery of the fifty men who took a stand against unsafe and unjust conditions, and the key role that the disaster and the mutiny trial played in the desegregation of the U.S. Armed Forces; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors support the name “Thurgood Marshall Regional Park – Home of the Port Chicago 50” as a name that celebrates African American history, honors the history of the future park site and allows for deeper exploration of the interpretive themes of equality, safe working conditions, social justice, and protest;

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby authorizes the name of the former Concord Hills Regional Park be changed to “Thurgood Marshall Regional Park – Home of the Port Chicago 50”; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby directs staff to prepare park signage, brochures, maps and other communications that announce this name; 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 1st day of June 2021, by the following vote:

FOR:

AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:

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67 ATTACHMENT A Names of the Port Chicago 50

1. Julius J. Allen 26. Ollie E. Green 2. Mack Anderson 27. Harry E. Grimes 3. Douglas G. Anthony 28. Harry Havis 4. William E. Banks 29. Charles N. Hazzard 5. Arnett Baugh 30. Frank L. Henry 6. Morris Berry 31. Richard W. Hill 7. Martin A. Bordenave 32. Theodore King 8. Ernest D. Brown 33. Perry L. Knox 9. Robert L. Burage 34. William H. Lock 10. Mentor G. Burns 35. Edward L. Longmire 11. Zack E. Credle 36. Miller Matthews 12. Jack P. Crittenden 37. Augustus P. Mayo 13. Hayden R. Curd 38. Howard McGee 14. Charles L. David Jr. 39. Lloyd McKinney 15. Bennon Dees 40. Alphonso McPherson 16. George W. Diamond 41. Freddie Meeks 17. Kenneth C. Dixon 42. Cecil Miller 18. Julius Dixson 43. Fleetwood H. Postell 19. John H. Dunn 44. Edward Saunders 20. Melvin W. Ellis 45. Cyril O. Sheppard 21. William Fleece 46. Joseph R. Small 22. James Floyd 47. William C. Suber 23. Ernest J. Gaines 48. Edward L. Waldrop 24. John L. Gipson 49. Charles S. Widemon 25. Charles C. Gray 50. Albert Williams, Jr.

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69 Concord Hills Regional Park

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71 ITEM X

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

BOARD EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Meeting of September 3, 2020

TO: Board Executive Committee

FROM: Robert E. Doyle, General Manager

STAFF REPORT PREPARED BY: Devan Reiff, Principal Planner

SUBJECT: Concord Hills Regional Park Naming Selection

Devan Reiff, Principal Planner, will make a presentation on this agenda item.

BACKGROUND

On July 7, 2020, the East Bay Regional Park District Board of Directors adopted the Concord Hills Regional Park Land Use Plan (LUP) and certified the Environmental Impact Report, creating a new 2,500-acre park at the site of the former Concord Naval Weapons Station (CNWS). At the May 7,, 2020 Board Executive Committee meeting, after a staff presentation, the Committee directed staff to continue with consultation with native peoples of the East Bay and their tribal leadership regarding a name for the future park, and to bring the LUP to the full Board separately from the naming selection of the park. On August 3, 2020, after consulting with most tribal leaders in one on one meetings, staff brought an informational report to the Board Executive Committee, pledging to return on September 3rd, with a naming recommendation.

“Concord Hills Regional Park” has been the working name for the future park since 2013, when it was included in the Park District’s Master Plan. Staff solicited input on the name of the future park throughout the planning process during community engagement events for the LUP and through public online surveys. Summaries of these surveys are found in the staff report to the May 7, 2020 Board Executive Committee meeting.

Tribal consultation: With the assistance of former Park District cultural services coordinator, Dr. Beverly Ortiz, Park District staff started with a list of contacts from the California Native American Heritage Commission, which included federally recognized tribes, and tribes and tribal entities with cultural affiliations to Ohlone, Bay Miwok and/or Delta Miwok homelands. From that larger list, staff was able to contact and speak with several leaders of East Bay tribal entities, and all agree the new park in Concord should be named in recognition of the native peoples who lived in the Concord/ Mt. Diablo area, or a name that uses their language, to reflect their culture. The tribal leaders spoken with to date are from:

• Association of Ramaytush Ohlone

72 • California Indian Water Commission • Confederated Villages of Lisjan • Costanoan Rumsen Carmel • Him.re-n of Ohlone, Bay Miwok and Plains Miwok • Indian Canyon Mutsun Band of Costanoan People • Ione Band of Miwok Indians • Ohlone Indian Tribe • Muwekma Ohlone Tribe • Wilton Rancheria

The Amah Mutsun Tribal Band declined to participate in the park naming conversation, as the Concord area is outside their traditional tribal territory.

Tribal entities which were contacted, but with whom staff did not speak by the date of this report: • North Valley Yokuts Tribe • Santa Rosa Rancheria

Staff held consensus meetings will all the tribal leaders previously consulted with (one leader did not participate in the consensus meeting). The leaders appeared to reach consensus on a name, “Chupcan Territory Regional Park” named for the Chupcan, the Bay-Miwok speaking people who lived in the area now becoming the park. As others tribal leaders had suggested “Chupcan Regional Park” be the park name, the choice by some to add the word “Territory” was explained as referring, in a general way, to the larger area where the Chupcan people lived at the time of European contact (see map as Attachment A). It was not intended to demarcate any specific boundary of the Chupcan people, because current representations of tribal boundaries are modern approximations, actual tribal boundaries were based on natural features, and fluid over time. There was a discussion of a non-western spelling of the name, to make sure the park name was linguistically accurate to the Bay Miwok language group, and “Cupkan Regional Park” or “Cupkkaan Regional Park,” were suggested.

However, further clarification following the consensus meeting reiterated that for some tribal leaders, “Chupcan Territory” was their second choice, and their first choice was for using the Bay Miwok language in the park name, which is important to them to perpetuate their living culture. Tribal leaders considered several culturally-affiliated park names in the Bay Miwok language (see Attachment B). One idea which garnered the most interest for the leaders who wanted a Bay Miwok language name was to convey the past generations of elders and the generations to come in the future: “Caaco’ aanikssan Regional Park”—“place of our grandchildren’s future.” Other considerations were “Wakaaceko’ ‘oonimun Regional Park – “Rivers coming together,” and “Wile’weepa Regional Park” –“Flower Hill.”

Staff noted that there will be naming opportunities for trails and park features in the future interpretive and trails planning for the Park. There was also interest from some tribal leaders in using the Park’s interpretive plan to present a history of native American participation in the

73 United States military, connecting the native presence on the land to the use of the land by the US Navy for the last 75 years. Also, to include interpretive signage of natural features of the park which includes names in the Bay Miwok language. Staff is working on this research for possible inclusion at a later date.

Park District Naming Policy: The Park District’s naming policy states, in part:

Regional Parks, trails, features, areas and facilities will be named after natural features such as plant and animal life, geographic, topographic or paleontological features or for cultural features such as archaeological and historic artifacts, historic persons, families or events Existing historically related names shall be respected.1

A park’s name gives the public a sense of what they can expect at the park. Park names tell the cultural, historical, geological or biological stories of the land. For the new regional park in Concord, a name will tell about the location of this park, and of the people who have used this land during different periods of history. The name can assist with the interpretive program of the park – telling the stories of the many people who lived and used this land.

The 2004 Naming Policy guides the process by which the Park District selects a name, starting with coordination by the Planning department, either in an “appropriate planning document for the parkland unit or by separate Board Resolution.” Four steps follow in the Naming Policy:

• Staff will submit naming recommendations for review by the Board Executive Committee. The Executive Committee will make a recommendation to the full Board of Directors. • The Park Advisory Committee (PAC) will review the Executive Committee recommendation and make its own recommendation to the Board of Directors. • In a case where the PAC disagrees with the Executive Committee’s recommendation, the recommendation will be returned to the Executive committee. • The full Board will consider the naming proposal.

As a part of the development of the LUP and naming process, staff conducted an online survey with the leading names suggested throughout the public outreach process to date. As tribal input had not yet been solicited, the survey did not include a native affiliated name. However, interest in a native name was a recurring theme in the “Other” category. The 1,200 votes from the four public surveys indicated a preference for the following four names and Other suggestions: “Concord Hills,” “Diablo Vista,” “Los Medanos,” and “Monte Del Diablo” and “Other.” The top selected names are listed below in alphabetical order, with staff’s evaluation of advantages (pro) and disadvantages (con) for each potential park name. In each case, the future regional park’s name would be “______Regional Park.”

1 “Naming Policy and Guidelines.” Adopted on April 20. 2004, Resolution No. 2004-04-73.

74 1. Concord Hills: This has been used as a placeholder name for the Future Park during the land use planning process. • Pro: straight-forward name—lets people know where they are and what to expect at the park. This name was selected in a resolution by the Concord City Council a few months ago as their preferred name for the park. • Con: the name was made-up for the planning process and is not a previously recognized geographic name. The name does not reference the parks location with respect to the City of Pittsburg.

2. Diablo Vista: • Pro: name recognizes the view from the future park to neighboring Mt. Diablo • Con: not an official geographic, historic or topographic name. Also, it is the name of a school in Danville and a residential development in Livermore.

3. Los Medanos: Named for the 1835 Mexican land grant and ranch of Jose Mesa and Jose Miquel, which included today’s communities of Pittsburg, Bay Point, and Antioch, this is the most widely recognized name for the range of hills between Concord and Pittsburg. • Pro: broadly recognized geographic name for the hills in the future regional park. • Con: future regional park is not actually located on land that was part of Rancho Los Medanos; and, the name is primarily associated with Los Medanos College in Pittsburg.

4. Monte Del Diablo: Name of 1834 Mexican land grant and ranch of Don Salvio Pacheco, land which includes today’s City of Concord. • Pro: recognizes the period of Mexican history of the land. • Con: may be confused with nearby Mount Diablo State Park.

5. “Other”: Individual responses from online “Other” suggestions which received more than a single vote were discussed in the May 7, 2020 Board Executive Committee report. In general, the “Other” suggested an interest in a native-affiliated name as well as names which honored the sailors who died or were injured in the Port Chicago explosion of 1944 and the “Port Chicago Fifty,” who were convicted during the mutiny trial; military history, individuals associated with Concord, and geographic names, such as “Vista Diablo.”

While the LUP contains suggested names of trails, roads, and natural park features, it will be during the park’s development stages when individual park features are named. For example, the LUP contains proposed names recognizing the area’s Native American heritage, such as “Chupcan Trail.” It is during the park’s implementation stage, at the time of the park opening, when these features will be given their final names.

ACTIONS TO RESULT FROM NAMING DECISION

Upon receiving a final recommendation from the Board Executive Committee, Planning staff will present the item to the full Board of Directors for consideration.

75 Upon Board adoption of the naming recommendation, Park District staff will complete the following actions:

• Planning and GIS staff will add this name to the Park District’s list of names to avoid future naming redundancy; • GIS staff will update the park database to reflect the change; • The Park Supervisor will install park signage; and • Public Affairs staff will include this update in the printing of the park brochure and update the Park District’s website.

RECOMMENDATION

Staff recommends the Board Executive Committee consider either “Chupcan Territory Regional Park” as the name of the future Park in Concord (with the further consideration of a linguistically accurate spelling), or, “Caaco’ aanikssan Regional Park,” and forward a final recommendation to the full Board of Directors. Aside from staff time, there is no cost associated with this naming.

ATTACHMENT

A. Map: Native peoples of Central Contra Costa County B. Table: Native naming suggestions for the future Park

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77 East Bay Regional Park District THURGOOD MARSHALL REGIONAL PARK HOME OF THE PORT CHICAGO 50

Native American peoples of Central Contra Costa County April 2021 Patwin Karkin OMPIN

Pittsburg CARQUIN Martinez Thurgood Marshall Regional Park Concord Home of the Port Chicago 50 ¦¨§4

Black Diamond CHUPCAN Mines Regional Park Briones Walnut Regional Park Creek

¦¨§680 Bay Miwok SACLAN

¦¨§24 Mt. Diablo VOLVON State Park

Moraga Las Trampas Wilderness Danville Morgan Territory Regional Preserve Regional Preserve TATCAN SF Bay Costanoan O:\GIS\MPeterson\Projects_2020\Planning\ConcordHills\Tribes\Tribes_in_Area_cm.mxd Date: 4/23/2021 Date: O:\GIS\MPeterson\Projects_2020\Planning\ConcordHills\Tribes\Tribes_in_Area_cm.mxd

LANGUAGE AREAS LEGEND Patwin Wappo Northern Language Areas Plains Miwok Miwok EBRPD Lands

Cental Miwok Other Open Space

Delta Yokuts SF Bay Costanoan [ Miles Yokuts Mutsun 78 0 3 Page Left Blank Intentionally

79 AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, June 1, 2021

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

2. ACQUISITION, STEWARDSHIP & DEVELOPMENT DIVISION

b. Authorization to Transfer and Appropriate Funds to the Repair Dry Creek Rock Walls; Repair Cogswell Bridges; Stabilize West Shore Trail and Repair Hoffman Channel Bridge Projects: Garin/Dry Creek Pioneer Regional Park, Hayward Regional Shoreline, Lake Chabot Regional Park and Point Isabel Regional Shoreline (Goorjian/Kelchner)

RECOMMENDATION

The General Manager recommends the Board of Directors transfer and appropriate funds from the Major Infrastructure Renovation and Replacement fund for 2021 routine maintenance projects as follows:

1. Authorize the transfer and appropriation of $200,000 from the Major Infrastructure Renovation and Replacement fund (MIRR) to repair the rock walls in Dry Creek Pioneer Regional Park (Dry Creek) (No. 162900); and 2. Authorize the transfer and appropriation of $200,000 from the Major Infrastructure Renovation and Replacement fund (MIRR) into a project to continue repairs to a pedestrian bridge within Cogswell Marsh at Hayward Regional Shoreline (Hayward) (No. 157900); and 3. Authorize the transfer and appropriation of $250,000 from the Major Infrastructure Renovation and Replacement fund (MIRR) into a project to stabilize the West Shore Trail at Lake Chabot Regional Park (Lake Chabot) (No. 531800); and 4. Authorize the transfer and appropriation of $250,000 from the Major Infrastructure Renovation and Replacement fund (MIRR) to repair the Repair Hoffman Channel Bridge at Point Isabel Regional Shoreline (Pt. Isabel) (No. 511900).

REVENUE/COST

This action would appropriate $900,000 from Major Infrastructure Renovation and Replacement Funds to four capital repair projects and increase each project budget as described below:

1. SOURCE OF FUNDS Repair Dry Creek Rock Walls Project (No. 162900) $ 0 Encumbrances and Expenditures to Date (0)

80 Transfer and Appropriation from Major Infrastructure Repair and Replacement Fund (553) 200,000 AVAILABLE BALANCE $ 200,000

USE OF FUNDS JOC Construction Contract & Other costs (including contract $ 200,000 administration, contingency and staff time) REMAINING BALANCE $ 0

2. SOURCE OF FUNDS Repair Cogswell Bridges Project (No. 157900) $ 360,000 Encumbrances and Expenditures to Date (336,162) Transfer and Appropriation from Major Infrastructure Repair and Replacement Fund (553) 200,000 AVAILABLE BALANCE $ 223,838

USE OF FUNDS JOC Construction Contract & Other costs (including contract $ 223,838 administration, contingency and staff time) REMAINING BALANCE $ 0

3. SOURCE OF FUNDS Stabilize West Shore Trail Project (No. 531800) $ 15,000 Encumbrances and Expenditures to Date (0) Transfer and Appropriation from Major Infrastructure Repair and Replacement Fund (553) 250,000 AVAILABLE BALANCE $ 265,000

USE OF FUNDS JOC Construction Contract & Other costs (including contract $ 265,000 administration, contingency and staff time) REMAINING BALANCE $ 0

4. SOURCE OF FUNDS Repair Hoffman Channel Bridge Project (No. 511900) $ 275,000 Encumbrances and Expenditures to Date (209,818) Transfer and Appropriation from Major Infrastructure Repair and Replacement Fund (553) 250,000 AVAILABLE BALANCE $ 315,182

USE OF FUNDS JOC Construction Contract & Other costs (including contract $ 315,182

81 administration, contingency and staff time) REMAINING BALANCE $ 0

BACKGROUND

Repair and maintenance projects implemented under the Park District’s routine maintenance program are permitted through a Regional General Permit (RGP) issued by the Army Corps of Engineers, a Biological Opinion from the US Fish and Wildlife Service, a Water Quality Certification/Waste Discharge Requirements issued by the Regional Water Quality Control Board, and a Routine Maintenance Agreement from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Each year the Park District identifies routine maintenance projects that meet the criteria required to be authorized under these programmatic permits and submits them to the agencies in June for authorization. This work can also include repair work along the SF Bay Shoreline and within the waters of SF Bay.

Three of the projects identified in this Board action, Repair Dry Creek Rock Walls at Garin/Dry Creek Pioneer Regional Park, Repair Cogswell Bridges at Hayward Regional Shoreline, and Repair Hoffman Channel Bridge at Point Isabel Regional Shoreline will be submitted for environmental permit coverage as part of the larger routine maintenance project list for 2021. These projects consist of complex structural repairs and are large in scale and were therefore identified as appropriate for bidding and external contracting of the work. These proposed projects were also identified as appropriate for procurement utilizing the District’s 2021 Job Order Contracting program (Reso 2021-05-138).

The Stabilize West Shore Trail at Lake Chabot Regional Park is not work that is not subject to permits via the routine maintenance program. However, it is large and complex in nature and located in a very busy portion of Lake Chabot Park. This repair faces some urgency in that the repairs are needed before the landslide condition worsens, potentially increasing the scale of repair work needed.

Due to the special status species located in each of the parks, these projects have a short construction window in which the work must be completed. To adequately schedule, scope, and price these projects with a contractor, utilizing the JOC program and in compliance with the JOC Program policy and procedures, funding needs to be available in each of these projects to issue a Notice to Proceed for each project by mid-June to ensure the work will be completed in time to meet the permit schedule. While the Lake Chabot West Shore Trail construction schedule does not need to adhere to the construction window of the routine maintenance permits, staff would like to begin work on the trail as soon as possible to avoid a worsening condition as indicated above.

These projects will result in needed repairs to park and shoreline recreational public access facilities. The rock walls repair at Garin/Dry Creek Pioneer are mandatory to fix in 2021 to stay in compliance with the routine maintenance permits. At Lake Chabot, the popular West Shore Trail has been undermined by a landslide and needs to be repaired before the trail becomes impassable. Repair of piles on the Cogswell Marsh pedestrian bridge at Hayward Regional Shoreline continues as the work scheduled for 2021 represents phase 3 out of 6 phases identified

82 to stabilize the bridge. Because the work is restricted to be performed during low tides within the permitted work window, only portions of the repairs can be completed each year. Finally, the second and last phase of repairs to the Point Isabel Shoreline, Hoffman Channel Bridge, part of the SF Bay Trail, is also scheduled for 2021. Like the work at Cogswell March, this work can only be performed at low tides during a limited permitted work window.

ALTERNATIVE

No alternatives are recommended.

83 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO.: 2021 – 06 –

June 1, 2021

AUTHORIZATION TO TRANSFER AND APPROPRIATE FUNDS TO THE REPAIR DRY CREEK ROCK WALLS; REPAIR COGSWELL BRIDGE; STABILIZE WEST SHORE TRAIL AND REPAIR HOFFMAN CHANNEL BRIDGE PROJECTS: GARIN/DRY CREEK PIONEER REGIONAL PARK, HAYWARD REGIONAL SHORELINE, LAKE CHABOT REGIONAL PARK AND POINT ISABEL REGIONAL SHORELINE

WHEREAS, the East Bay Regional Park District identifies each year routine maintenance projects that meet the criteria to be authorized under a Regional General Permit (RGP) issued by the Army Corps of Engineers, a Biological Opinion from the US Fish and Wildlife Service, a Water Quality Certification/Waste Discharge Requirements issued by the Regional Water Quality Control Board, and a Routine Maintenance Agreement from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife; and

WHEREAS, three projects submitted for RGP coverage for 2021 are Repair Dry Creek Rock Walls at Garin/Dry Creek Pioneer Regional Park, Repair Cogswell Bridges at Hayward Regional Shoreline and Repair Hoffman Channel Bridge at Point Isabel Regional Shoreline; and

WHEREAS, projects under the RGP have a short construction window due to the special status species located in each of these parks; and

WHEREAS, Park District staff will utilize the Job Order Contracting (JOC) procurement method for these projects due to the complex structural repairs and scale; and

WHEREAS, Park District staff in addition will utilize the JOC procurement method for the Stabilize West Shore Trail project at Lake Chabot Regional Park as repair work is needed as soon as possible to avoid worsening conditions; and

WHEREAS, funding needs to be available in each of these four projects as required by Park District’s JOC Program policy and procedures for work to begin and within the RGP permit schedule;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby authorizes a transfer and appropriation of $200,000 from the Major Infrastructure Repair and Replacement Fund (553) to the Repair Dry Creek Rock Walls Project (No. 162900); and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors hereby authorizes $200,000 from the Major Infrastructure Repair and Replacement Fund (553) to the Repair Cogswell Bridge Project (No. 157900); and

84 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of Directors hereby authorizes $250,000 from the Major Infrastructure Repair and Replacement Fund (553) to the Stabilize West Shore Trail Project (No. 531800); and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of Directors hereby authorizes $250,000 from the Major Infrastructure Repair and Replacement Fund (553) to the Repair Hoffman Channel Bridge Project (No. 511900); and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the General Manager, or her designee, 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 , and seconded by Director , and adopted this 1st day of June 2021, by the following vote:

FOR:

AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:

85 TRANSFER AND APPROPRIATE MIRR FUNDS: !(1 Repair Hoffman Channel Bridge Project - Point Isabel Shoreline !(2 Stabilize West Shore Trail - Lake Chabot !(3 Repair Cogswell Bridges Project - Hayward Shoreline !(4 Repair Dry Creek Rock Walls Project - Dry Creek/ Pioneer

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HWY 92 Miles DRY CREEK [ 0 2 4 PIONEER (!4 O:\GIS\CMcKaskey\Projects_2021\ASD\DECO\JOQ_Projects\JOQ_Projects_June2021.mxd Date: 5/20/2021 86 Page Left Blank Intentionally

87 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT BUDGET CHANGE FORM

NEW APPROPRIATIONS BUDGET TRANSFERS From Fund Balance X Between Funds DECREASE BUDGET ACCOUNT AMOUNT INCREASE BUDGET ACCOUNT AMOUNT Account Name: Expense: Capital Projects Fund-Design Unit-Dry Creek/Pioneer-Construction in Progress /Repair Dry Creek Rock Walls-Major Infrastructure Renovation and Replacement-Construction Contract

Account: 333-7120-157- 7020/162900MIRR-009 $ 200,000 Account Name: Expense: Capital Projects Fund-Design Unit-Hayward Shoreline to Coyote Hills Trail- Construction in Progress /Repair Cogswell Bridges-Major Infrastructure Renovation and Replacement- Construction Contract

Account: 333-7120-61B- 7020/157900MIRR-009 $ 200,000 Account Name: Expense: Other Than Asset Fund-Design Unit-Lake Chabot- Construction in Progress /Stabilize West Shore Trail-Major Infrastructure Renovation and Replacement- Construction Contract

Account: 336-7120-216- 7020/531800MIRR-009 $ 250,000 Account Name: Expense: Other Than Asset Fund-Design Unit-Point Isabel- Construction in Progress /Stabilize West Shore Trail-Major Infrastructure Renovation and Replacement- Construction Contract

Account: 336-7120-407- 7020/511900MIRR-009 $ 250,000 TRANSFERS BETWEEN FUNDS Account Name: TRANSFER OUT: Account Name: TRANSFER IN: Capital Major Infrastructure Renovation Projects Fund-Non Departmental-District and Replace Fund-Non Wide-Transfer In Departmental-District Wide- 553-9110-000-9980 $ 900,000 Account: 333-9110-000-3980 $ 400,000 Account Name: TRANSFER IN: Other than Asset Fund-Non Departmental- District Wide-Transfer In

Account: 336-9110-000-3980 $ 500,000 REASON FOR BUDGET CHANGE ENTRY As presented at the Board of Directors meeting on June 1, 2021 the General Manager authorizes the transfer and appropriation of $900,000 from the Major Infrastructure Renovation and Replacement Fund to four Capital Projects for the routine maintenance program. As approved at the Board of Directors Meeting on date: 6/1/2021 Board of Directors Resolution Number: 2021-06- Posted By: Posted date: Signature:

T:\BOARD MATERIAL\2021\10- June 1, 2021\S DRIVE\D-2-b388 ASD DECO Transfer and Appropriate MIRR Project Funds - BCF OPERATIONS DIVISION AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, June 1, 2021

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

3. OPERATIONS DIVISION

a. Authorization to Enter into a Contract with the Student Conservation Association (SCA) for Trail Maintenance and Fuels Management Projects: Distict-wide (Kennedy/O’Connor)

RECOMMENDATION

The General Manager recommends that the Board of Directors approve authorization to enter into a contract with the Student Conservation Association (SCA) to provide semi-skilled labor for trail and fuel management projects District-wide for a ten month period between June 2021 through March 2022.

REVENUE/COST

Funding for the proposed contract will not exceed $250,000, budgeted in the 2021 MAST Public Works Division #2 operating budget (Account 101-5950-000-6414). The contract includes wages for Student Conservation Crew members and leaders, along with transportation costs. The contract amount also includes the provision of temporary housing for the SCA crew members in a Park District residence during the term of the contract.

BACKGROUND

A District-wide Small Trails / Fuels Management Crew was established in 2019. This crew consists of one full-time Alternate Work Program Supervisor and the support of a youth labor crew provided by the SCA. One-Time Discretionary Funds were approved in the 2019 Adopted Budget for the cost of the SCA crew, along with supplies and services. The 2021 Adopted Budget designated $250,000 for contract costs in Account 101-5950-000-6414.

The model for this new crew represents an opportunity for the Park District to continue and enhance its partnership with the SCA and provide relevant job training and education to young adults seeking future employment as park professionals.

The SCA has provided jobs, life skills training, social responsibility, conservation awareness and leadership skills to young adults through environmental service projects Since 1957. The SCA has partnered with the Park District, the National Parks Service, the U.S. Department of the Interior

89 and many other agencies. Past SCA projects completed in partnership with the Park District include such labor-intensive jobs as the removal of illegal trails, fence repair, erosion control, vegetation/fuel management, and habitat restoration work. These were received positively by staff.

ALTERNATIVES

None are recommended.

90 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO.: 2021 – 06 –

June 1, 2021

AUTHORIZATION TO AWARD CONTRACT TO STUDENT CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION (SCA) FOR TRAIL MAINTENANCE AND FUELS MANAGEMENT PROJECTS: DISTRICT-WIDE

WHEREAS, the East Bay Regional Park District has a continued need to work with the Student Conservation Association (SCA) on various natural surface trail projects for, trail maintenance, illegal trail removal, fence construction and repair, fuel reduction and erosion control; and

WHEREAS, the Park District wishes to continue to support and aid the young adult community by providing environmental service projects that will improve trails and aid in fuels management Districtwide; and

WHEREAS, funding for this purpose was included in the 2021 Adopted Budget in the Public Works Administration Unit #2, Account 101-5950-000-6414.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby authorizes entering into a contract not to exceed $250,000 with the Student Conservation Association (SCA) for youth employment services for the period between June 2021 through March 2022 as a Small Trails/Fuels Management Crew in the MAST Department; 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 approved this 1st day of June 2021, by the following vote:

FOR:

AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:

91 GM COMMENTS AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, June 1, 2021

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

4. GENERAL MANAGER’S COMMENTS

STAFF PRESENTATION Regional Interpretive and Recreation Services Manager Ira Bletz and Supervising Naturalist Kevin Damstra will provide an update on virtual programming and new digital resources available to East Bay educators as part of the Park District’s digital learning initiative that was started in response to the COVID-19 shelter-in-place order.

GM COMMENTS PUBLIC SAFETY From March 21, 2021, to April 20, 2021, the Public Safety Division handled 873 service calls and 1,972 total incidents. Highlights are included below.

Police There were 24 arrests made throughout the District for a variety of felony and misdemeanor offenses, including DUI, weapons possession, drug possession, violation of court restraining orders, disorderly conduct, and public intoxication. Officers handled 204 field interviews (contacts without citations or arrests) and issued 534 citations (345 for parking.)

• Anthony Chabot: On April 2, an officer took a report of grand theft; a vehicle was stolen from the parking lot.

• Bay Point Shoreline: On April 12, an officer arrested a subject and issued an emergency protective order in response to a domestic violence claim, a probation violation, and possession of methamphetamines.

• Carquinez Strait Shoreline: On April 19, officers and fire personnel responded to a vegetation fire that originated from a homeless encampment; no suspects were identified.

• Don Castro: On March 25, a sergeant contacted the victim of an armed robbery and assault with a deadly weapon; the victim was held at knife and gunpoint by two suspects while fishing.

• Hayward Shoreline: On March 21, an officer cited a subject for a dangerous weapons offense and confiscated illegal BB guns.

92 • Huckleberry: On March 21 and April 18, an officer took reports of grand theft; two catalytic converters were stolen.

• McLaughlin East Shore State Park: On March 26, officers contacted occupants of two vehicles for a curfew violation; two subjects were arrested for possession of a controlled substance for sales/distribution and their vehicles were towed for evidence.

• Tilden: On April 5, an officer took a report of grand theft; the four victims’ mountain bikes were stolen while camping.

• Wildcat Canyon: On March 21, an officer took a report of grand theft; a witness saw a suspect remove and steal a catalytic converter from a vehicle in the parking lot.

Fire Operations • Tilden: On April 20, District Fire personnel responded to a report of a downed tree on Central Park Drive and assisted with the removal of the tree.

• District Fire and Fuels Crew personnel worked together on a variety of pile-burning projects planned throughout the District as part of fuels management work; more than 60 piles were burned.

Medical • Tilden: On April 15, District Fire personnel responded along with California Highway Patrol and Contra Costa and Berkeley Fire, to a vehicle/bicycle accident. An injured victim of the accident was transported via ambulance to John Muir Hospital.

• Tilden: On April 18, District Fire personnel responded, along with Moraga-Orinda and Berkeley Fire, to a bicycle accident. The victim was transported via ambulance to John Muir Hospital.

• Briones: On April 19, District Fire personnel responded, along with a California Highway Patrol helicopter, to a report of a bicycle accident with injuries; the cyclist was transported via helicopter to John Muir Hospital.

Fuels Work • District Fuels Crew personnel are performing fuels reduction work, funded by a grant from The Coastal Conservancy, in recommended treatment area (RTA) TI011 at Tilden. A total of 93 piles were created and burned.

• District Fuels Crew personnel completed work in recommended treatment area (RTA) Redwood: RD001, near the East Ridge Trail in Tilden; approximately 220 dead Pine and Acacia trees have been identified for removal as a part of the tree dieback issue.

93 • District Fuels Crew personnel have treated 9.5 acres at Anthony Chabot in recommended treatment area (RTA) AC001 as part of the maintenance program, funded by a grant from The Coastal Conservancy.

• During May, FEMA-funded fuels reduction contractors and crews continued to work at Tilden in recommended treatment areas (RTA) TI0012, TI013, and TI014.

• Staff received Board approval for the Cal Fire Forest Health, Fire Prevention t, and Coastal Conservancy grant applications; all three grants total 3.2 million dollars and will fund the tree mortality projects and our grazing programs.

• District Fire personnel are preparing for the prescribed fire in Tilden on May 24 in recommended treatment area (RTA) TI012 next to Golf Course Drive.

Lifeguard Services • Lifeguard Services performed COVID-19 prevention plan site visits throughout the District.

• Lifeguard Services presented virtual public outreach programs to schools in underserved communities including:

• Acorn Elementary School, Oakland (94621) • James Madison Elementary School, San Leandro (94579) • Washington Elementary School, Richmond (94801) • Bowman Elementary School, Hayward (94544) • Valley View Elementary School, Richmond (94803) • Ruus Elementary School, Hayward (94544) • Lorin Eden Elementary School, Hayward (94545) • Stonebrae Elementary School, Hayward (94542) • Murphy Elementary School, El Sobrante (94803) • Grant Elementary School, Antioch (94801) • Paden Elementary School, Alameda (94501) • Parker Elementary School, Oakland (94605

94 Page Left Blank Intentionally

95 AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, June 1, 2021

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

4. GENERAL MANAGERS COMMENT

a. Informational Report and Update on Interpretive and Recreation Services Virtual Field Trips and Education Bundles (Bletz/O’Connor)

RECOMMENDATION

The General Manager recommends that the Board of Directors accept the Informational Report and update on Interpretive and Recreation Services Virtual Field Trips and Education Bundles.

REVENUE/COST

There is no cost associating with accepting this report.

BACKGROUND

In early April 2020, the Interpretive and Recreation Services Department began creating digital content for posting on the District’s website, Social Media, and through learning apps. Originally this effort was in response to COVID-19 and the Shelter-in-Place Order. Since its launch, the Digital Learning Initiative has created over 1,200 videos on a wide variety of interpretive themes, digital lesson plans, and innovative digital learning efforts like virtual and augmented reality programming. These programs highlight the Park District commitment to lifelong learning, helping people make their own discoveries about parks.

SUMMARY

Ira Bletz, Regional Interpretive and Recreation Services Manager and Kevin Damstra, Supervising Naturalist will provide an update on virtual programming and new digital resources available to East Bay educators as part of the Park District’s Digital Learning Initiative. Beginning with the shelter-in-place order issued in March 2020, interpretive staff quickly pivoted from in-person programming to a fully digital format for public and educational programming. Key elements of this digital effort include virtual live public programs, virtual field trips and the creation of Education Bundles to provide local teachers with a complete digital lessons and support materials. Park District naturalists consulted and collaborated with staff and educators from the Alameda County Office of Education, ensuring these materials meet the needs of educators and

96 align with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and/or California History- Social Science Content Standards.

97 NEWSCLIPS Trees are dying in East Bay parks. They could pose a fire risk to nearby homes ‘It’s quickly coming to a point where it’s a matter of public safety, with fire season looming.’ By PETER HEGARTY | [email protected] | Bay Area News Group PUBLISHED: May 24, 2021 at 6:35 a.m. | UPDATED: May 25, 2021 at 5:53 a.m.

SAN LEANDRO, CA – MAY 12: A pair of hikers walk along a pathway in Chabot Park on Wednesday, May 12, 2021, in San Leandro, Calif. Many trees in East Bay parks are dead or dying, due to lack of rainfall, and officials now fear the trees could catch fire and that the flames could sweep through the parks and reach nearby homes. (Aric Crabb/Bay Area News Group)

Many trees in East Bay regional parks are dead or dying — likely due to lack of rainfall — and officials fear the trees could catch fire and that the flames could sweep through the parks and reach nearby homes.

The trees cover about 1,000 acres of the 124,909-acre district, and multiple species are affected, including acacia, eucalyptus, Monterey pines, manzanitas and others.

Most of the trees, on about 624 acres, are in Castro Valley’s Anthony Chabot Regional Park, where eucalyptus grow in some places so close together that game trails do not exist. The second biggest concentration, with about 177 acres, is in Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park in Oakland.

“It’s quickly coming to a point where it’s a matter of public safety, with fire season looming,” district Fire Chief Aileen Theile told the park district’s citizen advisory committee recently, adding: “No action is not an option at this point.”

Many trees are in “interface” areas, Theile said, or where parkland abuts residential neighborhoods, making the fire threat especially dangerous.

Crews began noticing the number of ailing trees last October while doing scheduled vegetation cleanup.

98 Since then, the district has carried out a helicopter survey to pinpoint where trees may be dying and workers have continued clearing out leaves, cutting branches and removing some trees that are dead.

A controlled burn was planned for this month at Tilden Regional Park in the Berkeley hills — where an estimated 62 acres of trees have been impacted by the drought — and Albany is evaluating the extent of eucalyptus decline on Albany Hill and how best to manage it for safety and to sustain habitat for monarch butterflies.

Monarchs gather in eucalyptus because the shape of the leaf on the trees makes it ideal for them to cling to, plus the trees shelter them from the wind, according to naturalists.

“Wildfires are scary,” Lyra Ryan, 23, of Berkeley said recently while biking through Tilden Regional Park. “I would prefer if nature was left undisturbed and it was just let be. But I also don’t want people to have their houses burned down and lose all their stuff.”

Natalie van Doorn, a research urban forest ecologist, and Susan Frankel, plant pathologist, both with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station in Albany, said tree decline is happening locally from south of San Jose to north of the Carquinez Straits.

Frankel and van Doorn are working to scientifically determine the causes, but they suspect it’s the lack of rainfall, noting that Drought Monitor — a government map that monitors the location and intensity of drought across the country — shows the Bay Area is now under an extreme drought. Rainfall levels for this past rainy season in most Bay Area cities was at 35% to 40% of normal.

Lack of rainfall can make trees more susceptible to pathogens and parasites.

“There are scattered fading or dead trees along major highways throughout the Bay Area and in many yards and open spaces,” Frankel and van Doorn said in a joint email. “The pattern of decline and mortality is patchy. There are many areas that still look fairly healthy adjacent to areas with trees that are off-color, and have lost most of their leaves or turned red (died).”

What complicates things is that some trees that appear dead can recover because their roots remain alive, what’s known as a “die-back.”

“It is surprisingly difficult to tell when a tree has actually died,” Frankel and van Doorn said. “A tree can appear with totally brown leaves, or all the leaves may drop, leaving a bare crown — but then eventually some of those trees may push out new growth and recover.”

Eucalyptus and acacias are known to vigorously resprout when people cut them, they said.

“In terms of fire danger, a tree with dead leaves on its branches is more susceptible to burning and will provide fuel to the fire, more so than a tree whose dead leaves have

99 fallen off already,” they said. “However, standing dead trees may pose additional safety concerns, if the trees are located near trails or homes and are at risk of falling.”

Along with the park district and forest service, UC Berkeley’s Forest Pathology and Mycology Lab and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection are among the agencies investigating what’s causing the dead or weakened trees and what should be done about it.

Local organizations, such as the Friends of Sausal Creek and Friends of Joaquin Miller Park, are helping identify locations of the trees.

The park district spent $2.3 million on vegetation work last year, Erich Pfuehler, the district’s chief of government and legislative affairs, told the citizens advisory committee. The committee’s 21 appointed members offer advice and recommendations to the district board.

The district has spent $20.5 million in controlling vegetation over the past 10 years, Pfuehler said.

Funding sources include grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Measure FF, a parcel tax voters in Oakland, Berkeley, Richmond, Alameda, San Pablo, El Cerrito, Albany, Emeryville, Piedmont, El Sobrante and Kensington passed in November 2018. The Oakland hills firestorm of October 1991, which killed 25 people and destroyed about 2,800 houses and more than 400 apartments and condominiums, has spurred the district to focus on the trees, Pfuehler said.

“With the ’91 Oakland hills firestorm, the park district really determined we needed a program of reducing vegetation in the East Bay hills so that we could contain a fire more quickly,” he said.

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Environmental group files lawsuit against Pittsburg to try to preserve hills Save Mount Diablo challenges city of Pittsburg over Discovery Builders’ plans to build up to 1,500 homes By JUDITH PRIEVE | [email protected] | Bay Area News Group PUBLISHED: May 24, 2021 at 3:16 p.m. | UPDATED: May 25, 2021 at 5:56 a.m. A lawsuit has been filed on behalf of Save Mount Diablo against the city of Pittburg for approving Concord-based developer Albert Seeno III’s Faria housing project in the southern hills of unincorporated Pittsburg.

Citing the potentially large impact on the prominent hills south of the city, Save Mount Diablo has filed a lawsuit challenging Pittsburg’s approval of Discovery Builders’ planned 1,500-home Faria project.

Save Mount Diablo said the project by Faria Land Investors, a Seeno/Discovery Builders’ company, would forever change “the beautiful hills,” a blanket of green in the spring. The housing development would be located in the ridgeline between Pittsburg and Concord and is home to rare habitat, whose special species status would be lost, according to a spokesman for the nonprofit.

“Save Mount Diablo is simply trying to protect one of the East Bay’s most prominent and well-known ridgelines,” Ted Clement, Save Mount Diablo executive director, said. “…If we do nothing, massive grading will take place; the project will be built; the ridge damaged; other natural resources, including scenic vistas, will be harmed; and the new regional park, which we advocated for over many years will be negatively impacted.”

Plans to develop the hills date back to 2005 when voter-approved Measure P moved the Faria site within Pittsburg’s urban boundary. The city approved an agreement with the developer that established guidelines for a permanent greenbelt buffer along the inner edges of the boundary. The Concord-based developer filed an application in 2010, modified it in 2014 and again in 2017 before resurrecting plans in 2020.

Then, on Feb. 22 of this year, the City Council approved the Seeno-owned Discovery Builders’ 1,500-unit residential housing project. As approved, the development of a major, new residential subdivision will be clustered in valleys of the ridgeline and hillside grazing

101 land in what is currently unincorporated Contra Costa County, immediately south of the city of Pittsburg.

The extensive grading in the area would not only increase landslide risks and degrade creeks and streams, but create new wildfire risks and strain the city of Pittsburg’s existing firefighting services, according to Save Mount Diablo.

“Throughout the East Bay, residents have worked hard to protect our ridges and views, and to defend our parks. Pittsburg residents deserve the same protections and quality of life,” Clement said.

Juan Pablo Galván, Save Mount Diablo senior land use manager, noted that the “whole area is a wind tunnel” in an earlier phone interview.

“It is an extremely windy area and you can’t have much even in the way of trees. .. and fire plus wind equals a bad situation,” he said.

Save Mount Diablo maintains that the Faria project violates Pittsburg’s General Plan, California planning and zoning law, and the California Environmental Quality Act, which it says lacks adequate analysis of numerous impacts, including biological resources, water supply, wildfire, traffic and land use.

The city did not respond to requests for comment, but attorneys for Albert Seeno III’s Discovery Builders said that the city of Pittsburg and its environmental consultant have performed “a comprehensive and extensive analysis of potential impacts of this project.”

“Their work was thorough and well-done,” attorney James Colopy, of Farella Braun+Martel LLP, said. “Following that analysis, planning and engineering staff at the city recommended approval of this project; the Pittsburg Planning Commission recommended approval of this project; and the City Council voted unanimously to approve this project.”

Colopy also argued that the project was consistent with the city’s General Plan, which “has long provided for this land to be developed for housing.”

“Given the city and their consultant diligently analyzed potential impacts of this project, my client is not concerned with this poorly drafted and baseless lawsuit filed solely for the purpose of delay,” he said.

The Seeno Faria housing project, which Pittsburg approved in February 2021, would be located in the unincorporated hills south of Pittsburg and just to the east of the planned Concord Regional Park at the former Concord Naval Weapons Station.

102

Earlier, the East Bay Regional Parks District also objected to the project, part of which would lie just above their planned new 2,540-acre regional park at the former Concord Naval Weapons Station.

In turn, Seeno and Discovery Builders last summer filed a lawsuit against the East Bay Regional Park District, which could impact its plans to develop the park. In that lawsuit, Seeno said the park would cause undisclosed impacts on the environment and would impact their planned Faria residential development.

A Save Mount Diablo spokesman added that it is not opposed to all growth. Pittsburg has thousands of housing units already approved but not yet built, including units at Seeno’s San Marco, Sky Ranch II, Montreux, and Tuscany Meadows projects. But the nonprofit said a smaller, more compact Faria plan would better protect the ridgeline and could allow the new regional park to expand to the Pittsburg side, giving residents better access.

According to Pittsburg’s current project pipeline list, there are 5,853 housing units approved or under construction, 88 % of them — 5,141 housing units — by Seeno’s Discovery Builders. Before the Faria project could be built, however, the Local Agency Formation Commission must first approve the annexation of the land in unincorporated Pittsburg.

103

Fire Crews Contain Suspicious Brush Fire in Hills Above Fremont: FD By NBC Bay Area staff • Published May 24, 2021 • Updated on May 24, 2021 at 11:39 am

Fire crews early Monday morning contained a brush fire in the hills above Fremont, and the initial investigation indicated its cause was suspicious, according to the Fremont Fire Department.

At about 4:20 a.m., firefighters responded to a blaze that had scorched about 2 acres about 2 miles up into Mission Peak Regional Preserve. The blaze was contained at 2 acres by about 7:30 a.m., according to Cal Fire.

Firefighters from the Fremont Fire Department and Cal Fire were challeneged by steep terrain and limited access for vehicles, fire officials said.

Fortunately, the flames had a low rate of spread, and winds were relatively calm as of 5 a.m., fire officials said.

The cause of the fire is not yet known but fire officials said preliminary investigation indicates suspicious activity.

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Special Report: Drought raises fears of worsening wildfires By Holly Quan, KCBS Radio May 21, 20211:39 pm

All this week, KCBS Radio is taking a look at California’s emerging drought crisis. Part One looked at the dry conditions in Sonoma County. Part Two examined the state’s agriculture industry and the people who rely on it. Part Three focused on the possibility of “disaster burnout” and Part Four explored the tug-of-war over water being used to grow legal cannabis.

In Part Five, Holly Quan reports on how the drought is impacting wildfire prevention.

When experts say wildfire season is year round, they also mean prevention and maintenance should be year round.

Martin Matarese used to monitor the wildland areas for the city of Oakland. Now, he manages the goat herds that eat away at the hills. 30 years ago this October, the area saw a deadly firestorm that incinerated over 3,200 homes, condos and apartments.

"Everybody wanted the goats last month. They wanted them in late March or early April," he said. "Because now all the hills are turning brown – East Bay hills – whereas usually we have most of May for our Oakland hills to start drying out. And this is all accelerated this year."

The little rain we did get this winter helped germinate seed, but the new grass is sucking the moisture out of the soil.

Grassfires are dramatic as they can spread quickly, but they are still easier to put out than forest fires.

Unfortunately bay, pine, eucalyptus and black acacia trees are dying out in large numbers.

"Trying to figure out what’s causing it; everything seems to be coming back currently, right now, to the drought,” said Oakland Fire Deputy Chief Nick Luby. “These trees are stressed and they’re not able to rebound with the little bit of moisture they’re getting in

105 the rainy season. And they’re dying off not in ones and twos, but tens, twenty, thirty threes in a clump.” Luby’s colleague in the East Bay Regional Parks District, Fire Chief Aileen Theile, says it is an issue across the region and possibly the entire state. She oversees thousands of acres with dying trees including 600 acres in Chabot and 177 acres in Redwood Park, all of which are now fuel for a potential fire.

“Because trees tend to not show their signs of decline until they’re really dead, we don’t have any idea how many more may become apparent, especially with the really dry winter we had," she said.

The dead trees need to be removed as doing nothing is not an acceptable option, but that will cost millions and could take years.

"We’re not trying to stop fires from happening, we know we can’t do that,” said Chief Theile. “But we can certainly make them more survivable, and that’s what we do here in the park district is try to create more healthy forests so that they can survive things like wildfire and even drought."

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Managing precipitation and water levels in California University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources May 21, 2021 The 6,255-acre East Bay Regional Park District’s Briones Regional Park in Contra Costa County, CA. Lance Cheung

California has faced many droughts in the past, and we have always been able to manage them to some extent. However, with climate change creating a new hydrologic regime with more precipitation falling as rain than snow and higher evaporative demand, the state may be more at risk for drought now than in years past, according to Safeeq Khan, Cooperative Extension Specialist in Water and Watershed Sciences at the University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resource.

Presently, the state is experiencing one of the driest years on record with only half of its average annual snow pack this past winter, and appears to be heading towards another drought. Even more concerning is that this year’s water and snow pack analytics are showing some resemblance to 2014—the third year of California’s most severe modern- day drought. With snow pack and precipitation beginning to decline, many Californians may be wondering whether there is anything California can do to prevent another stateside drought before it occurs.

In 2017, Khan wrote on the importance of groundwater storage infrastructure as a possible solution to make up for the loss of snow pack and build resilience to varying precipitation patterns experienced in California. Instead of continuing to rely on limited water stored in surface reservoirs, Khan suggested that the water from the wettest years, and wettest months, could be stored below our feet to help even out the cycles of drought and floods that California continues to have.

Based off of historical data combined with future climate projections, Khan has found the transitional precipitation zone (i.e., elevation range where phase of precipitation shifts frequently between rain and snow) in California to be shifting upward and estimated area with seasonal snow pack at the end of 21st century will likely decline by over 50 percent.

The shift in precipitation phase will likely create average conditions being worse than the historical average conditions experienced in the 10 warmest winters. This loss of natural snow pack storage will worsen the cyclical droughts California continues to have.

107 This year, the California Department of Water Resources showed the state’s average precipitation from October 2020 to January 2021 with nearly 50 percent less rain and snow pack than average. Additionally, evaporation appears to be increasing in conjunction with rising CO2 levels and warmer temperatures, which may further contribute to reduced water resources.

“How much rain we get in California really depends on where these atmospheric rivers (AR) hit the coast and how many we get in any given year. The majority of precipitation in California falls during these AR events so adding or missing one makes a big difference. Tapping on these extreme events and trying to figure out ways to store the water in the ground is one way we can prepare for droughts,” says Khan.

In order to prepare and preserve water available, Khan suggests California use a multi- pronged approach that, among other things, focuses on increasing storage, increasing efficiency, and maintaining watershed health. Although California has a tremendous amount of groundwater storage potential (between 850 and 1.3 trillion acre-feet) in comparison to surface water storage capacity (42 million acre-feet), it has yet to fill its potential.

Therefore, according to Khan, directing water into subsurface water storage and aquifers might be our best option to help us prepare for future cyclical droughts. Many agencies and groups have already started on this endeavor, which is a good sign.

With less water coming in, California may soon be feeling the trickle-down effect when it comes to water distribution. Most likely the California agriculture industry may soon, if not already, begin to experience water allocation problems which could have an impact on California economically and ecologically.

Moreover, dried forest fuel and prolonged dry season could not only create an additional impact on California’s water resources during wildfire season, it may also accompany further habitat deterioration and implications for wildlife within the state. Therefore, in order to prevent worsening deprivation, California may soon have to update its water storage tactics in order to adapt to the state’s changing climate. — University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources

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East Bay Parks, local officials cut ribbon to open new coal mine exhibit at Black Diamond Mines in Antioch MAY 21, 2021 BY PUBLISHER

Parks District Board V.P. Colin Coffey (center) and President Dee Rosario (left) prepare to cut the ribbon for the new coal mine exhibit. They were joined by Pittsburg Councilwoman Shanelle Scales-Preston (far left) G.M. Sabrina Landreth (between Rosario and Coffey), Antioch Mayor Pro Tem Monica Wilson, Director Beverly Lane and representatives of Congressman Mark DeSaulnier and Assemblyman Tim Grayson.

Director Colin Coffey next to the coal car and miner inside the exhibit. Opens Saturday for weekend tours

By Allen Payton

On Thursday, May 20, 2021 officials and staff of the East Bay Regional Parks District (EBRPD) were joined by local officials to celebrate the opening of the new coal mine exhibit at the Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve. Following speeches of gratitude and congratulations they held a ribbon cutting inside the sand mine in front of the entrance to the new exhibit.

It will take visitors back in time to a realistic 1870’s-era coal mine, complete with sights and sounds. The immersive educational experience will allow for greater understanding and appreciation of the area’s coal mining past.

Ira Bletz, Regional Manager, Interpretive & Recreation Services for EBRPD said the whole effort took two years, including carving out the area inside the mine and the development of the display. While the mine was being worked on to make room for the

109 exhibit, the display was being developed at another location. It was then disassembled, brought to the mine and reassembled for the exhibit. The fake rock was bolted to the real rock.

New district general manager, Sabrina Landreth said, about her staff, “it’s a joy to see the fruits of their labor”.

“The parks district has delivered wonderful amenities to the people of East Contra Costa County,” she added.

Board of Directors Vice President Colin Coffey, who represents East County, said, “the exhibit shows what it was like working in the mine in the early 20th Century.”

“You are the first public visitors in the mine since 2019,” he stated. “As of today, Black Diamond Mines is happy to welcome guests, here.”

Coffey spoke of and thanked the Wayne and Gladys Valley Foundation which contributed $1 million to the Regional Parks Foundation for five visitor center projects, including the coal mine exhibit.

EBRPD Directors, General Manager Sabrina Landreth and Kevin Damstra (right) Supervising Naturalist in charge of the exhibit and park.

Director Beverly Lane and Board president, Dee Rosario were also in attendance for the event.

Antioch Mayor Pro Tem Monica Wilson and Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock, as well as city manager Ron Bernal, and Parks & Rec Commission Chair Marie Arce attended.

Wilson spoke, recognizing “the East Bay Regional Parks District for their commitment to the community” and thanked them for keeping parks open during COVID-19.

“Thank you for sharing our history and stories of our rich heritage,” she added. “I’m really happy this is going to be available to our residents, our youth.”

110 During her remarks, Pittsburg Councilwoman Shanelle Scales-Preston shared the fact that “Pittsburg was first named Black Diamond because of the coal mines.”

Representatives from Congressman Mark DeSaulnier and Assemblyman Tim Grayson read letters from them and Assemblyman Jim Frazier, congratulating the parks district for the opening of the exhibit.

EBRPD staff with former General Manager Bob Doyle (blue shirt, right) at the entrance of the new exhibit.

Former General Manager Bob Doyle spoke about the background of the new exhibit and his own experience in one of the now closed coal mines.

“It was John Waters’ vision. He came up with this idea,” Doyle stated.

According to the display inside the mine, “the Hazel-Atlas Mining Museum and Greathouse Visitor Center are two of the many accomplishments of Waters,” who “began his career with the East Bay Regional Park District in 1968 as a Park Ranger. Later, as Resource Analyst, he designed Black Diamond’s parking lot, picnic areas and water system. John eventually became Black Diamond Park Supervisor, and later served as the Preserve’s first Mine Manager, a position he held until his retirement in 2006.”

John Waters. Photo: EBRPD

“I was privileged in 1977 to actually go into the last open coal mine…in Nortonville,” Doyle shared. “The exhibit has the photos from the actual coal miners. No one had been in there for 110 years. It had the corral for the animals that were used to haul the coal. The middle of the track was worn out from the animals pulling the coal mine.”

“Our gas meters went off and we took as many photos, and got out. That has been permanently closed off. Four boys snuck in and died about four years, later,” he continued. “It’s important we recognize the safety by the parks district and the hard, hard life the early workers had, here.”

“This is an incredibly huge, 6,000-acre park and someday there will be an entrance from the Nortonville side, which was the largest town in the area,” Doyle added

111 “It’s a history that’s often hidden and one we take great pleasure in sharing with you,” said Kevin Damstra, Supervising Naturalist in charge of both the exhibit and the Black Diamond Mines park.

“The exhibit includes background noise of coal mining including voices of Welsh and Welsh accented English,” he shared. “There were also Irish, Italian and Chinese miners, out here, for a while.”

The coal mining lasted from 1865 to 1908 and then the sand mining from 1920 to 1945,” Damstra shared.

A few photos of the coal miners who were as young as eight years old, coal train and trestle inside the exhibit.

The Black Diamond Mines Hazel Atlas Mine is located at the south end of the Somersville Road in Antioch. The exhibit is open for four tours each Saturday and Sunday beginning tomorrow, May 22. To schedule yours contact the parks district at (510) 544-2750 or Toll Free: 888-EBPARKS (888-327-2757), option 3, extension 4506, or visit www.ebparks.org/parks/black_diamond/. The sand mine will not be open until June. It’s cold inside the mine and wearing something warm is recommended.

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Photos: Black Diamond Mine Regional Preserve’s new coal mine experience opens $1.3 million is spent on the project, $500,000 of which was donated By JANE TYSKA | [email protected] and JUDITH PRIEVE | [email protected] | Bay Area News Group PUBLISHED: May 21, 2021 at 6:00 a.m. | UPDATED: May 21, 2021 at 11:55 p.m.

ANTIOCH, CA – MAY 20: East Bay Regional Park District Supervising Naturalist Kevin Damstra leads a tour of the new Coal Mine Experience exhibit at the Black Diamond Mine Regional Preserve in Antioch, Calif., on Thursday, May 20, 2021. The $1.3 million project is now open to the public. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

There was no canary in the coal mine Thursday.

But there was a host of dignitaries and media who attended the unveiling of Black Diamond Mine Regional Preserve’s Coal Mine Experience in Antioch. Though construction was completed a year ago on the new exhibit, the East Bay Regional Park District held off on the opening because of the pandemic and social distancing mandates.

Now ready for visitors, the new exhibit aims to take visitors back in time to a realistic 1870s-era coal mine, using mannequins and special effects, including simulated voices of Welsh miners who came to work in California under extremely difficult conditions.

“It’s a pretty substantial project to really make it real life, like it looked back in the day,” Dave Mason, East Bay Regional Parks spokesman, said. “There are more modern features to talk about the coal mining history, and really highlight the coal mining history of the area.”

The replica coal mine was built in a Novato studio and later inserted into a vacant mine shaft and completed with the displays, including a miner’s cart, tracks and sound effects to add to the realism, park district Board Vice President Colin Coffey said.

“When you enter it, it is you are experiencing what a real coal mine looked like, sounded like and felt like,” he said.

The immersive educational experience, which will also be open to school groups, will allow for greater understanding and appreciation of the area’s coal-mining past, he said.

113 Long abandoned, the park’s actual coal mine tunnels are toxic and too dangerous for visitors, so they had to be sealed decades ago.

The new exhibit was the brainchild of Bob Doyle, recently retired as the general manager of the East Bay Regional Park District, who wanted to give visitors the experience of being in a coal mine, Coffey said. The other longstanding Hazel-Atlas Mine tours at the park show only the later sand-mining operations.

From the 1860s through the turn of the last century, five coal mining towns thrived in the Black Diamond area: Nortonville, Somersville, Stewartville, West Hartley and Judsonville. The area was California’s largest coal mining operation, with nearly four million tons of coal produced.

In the 1920s, underground mining for sand began near the Nortonville and Somersville townsites. The Somersville mine supplied sand used in glassmaking by the Hazel-Atlas Glass Company in Oakland, while the Nortonville mine supplied the Columbia Steel Works with casting sand. Altogether, more than 1.8 million tons of sand had been mined until operations ceased in 1949.

Today, people can tour the Hazel-Atlas mine and Greathouse Visitor Center, hike, camp and visit the Rose Hill Cemetery, a historic cemetery that serves as a monument to the lives of the former residents. And now, they can also see a replica of a coal mine.

Thirty-minute tours of the new exhibit, called the Coal Mine Experience, cost $3 a person and are open by reservation only to anyone 7 or older. Masks are required, and space is limited to meet all COVID health guidelines.

You can make advance reservations by calling 888-327-2757 and selecting option 2 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays or online at www.ebparks.org/parks/blackdiamond.

Invited guests tour the new Coal Mine Experience exhibit at the Black Diamond Mine Regional Preserve in Antioch, on May 20. The $1.3 million project is now open to the public. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

Antioch Mayor Pro-Tem Monica Wilson speaks during the unveiling of the new Coal Mine Experience exhibit at the Black Diamond Mine Regional Preserve on May 20. The $1.3 million project is now open to the public. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

114 East Bay Regional Park board members Colin Coffey, center, and Dee Rosario, left, cut the ribbon during the unveiling of the new Coal Mine Experience exhibit at the Black Diamond Mine Regional Preserve in Antioch. To the right is board member Beverly Lane. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

Guests attend the unveiling of the new Coal Mine Experience exhibit at the Black Diamond Mine Regional Preserve. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

Hard hats are required on the tours of the new Coal Mine Experience exhibit at the Black Diamond Mine Regional Preserve in Antioch. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

East Bay Regional Park Supervising Naturalist Kevin Damstra and naturalist Virginia Delgado- Martinez prepare to lead a tour of the new Coal Mine Experience exhibit at the Black Diamond Mine Regional Preserve. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

A view of the new Coal Mine Experience exhibit is seen at the Black Diamond Mine Regional Preserve. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

115 An East Bay Regional Parks ranger walks through the visitor’s center during the unveiling of the new Coal Mine Experience exhibit at the Black Diamond Mine Regional Preserve. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

A view of the Greathouse Portal is seen during the unveiling of the new Coal Mine Experience exhibit at the Black Diamond Mine Regional Preserve. The $1.3 million project is now open to the public. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

East Bay Regional Park Board member Beverly Lane attends the unveiling of the new Coal Mine Experience exhibit at the Black Diamond Mine Regional Preserve. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

Invited guests attend the grand opening of the new Coal Mine Experience exhibit at the Black Diamond Mine Regional Preserve in Antioch. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

Guests tour the new Coal Mine Experience exhibit at the Black Diamond Mine Regional Preserve in Antioch at its opening May 20. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

116 The new Coal Mine Experience exhibit at the Black Diamond Mine Regional Preserve includes historic photos. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

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California City Apologizes for Treatment of Early Chinese Immigrants

The mayor of Antioch, Calif., said the city was going to designate the site of its former Chinatown as a historic district.

Mayor Lamar Thorpe, right, and Andrew Li, president of the Contra Costa community college board, holding a proclamation apologizing for the city of Antioch’s early treatment of its Chinese residents.Credit...KTVU By Johnny Diaz May 20, 2021

A California city has apologized for its treatment of Chinese immigrants who came to the city during the state’s gold rush, atoning for its past as a “sundown town” where the Chinese were barred from the streets after dark.

During a special meeting this week, the Antioch City Council unanimously adopted the resolution to issue a formal apology to early Chinese immigrants.

“It’s just the right thing to do,” Mayor Lamar Thorpe said on Thursday. “We have to do our part to rectify what is happening today by rectifying our past mistakes.”

After seeing a recent wave of anti-Asian speech and violence this year, Mr. Thorpe offered a proposal during a news conference last month: that the city should formally apologize for its early treatment of Chinese residents. Antioch, which has a population of 111,000, is about 45 miles east of San Francisco.

At the news conference, on April 14 at Waldie Plaza, the site of a former Chinatown that was burned by a mob in 1876, Mr. Thorpe signed a proclamation condemning hate against Asians and Pacific Islanders.

Waldie Plaza, the former site of a Chinatown that was burned by a mob in 1876.Credit...KTVU

“I think we will be the first city, not only in the Bay Area, in California, but throughout the United States, to officially apologize for the misdeeds and mistreatment of the Chinese,” Mr.

118 Thorpe said at the news conference, according to The Mercury News of San Jose. “And so this is, this is no small thing that we’re doing here today. This is a big deal.”

Mr. Thorpe said he was inspired to pay tribute to the city’s Chinese residents after he took a tour of the city with a former mayor and learned about the mistreatment of early Chinese immigrants.

After gold was discovered in the region in 1848, people came from all over the world, including Chinese immigrants who worked in mines and built railroads and levees. By 1870, there were about 63,000 Chinese in the United States with 77 percent of them residing in California, according to the city of Antioch.

Many of the Chinese immigrants faced anti-Chinese sentiment and became scapegoats, particularly from 1850 to 1870, the city said.

This period in the city and in most of the country became known as “the driving out,” with the forced removals of Chinese immigrants. During this time, the city became a so- called sundown town in which Chinese residents were barred from walking city streets after sunset.

To commute to their jobs and homes at night, Chinese residents dug a series of secret tunnels between the business district and their homes. Remnants of some of those tunnels still remain in downtown Antioch.

One day in 1876, mobs of white people told Chinese residents that they had “until 3 p.m. to leave Antioch — no exceptions,” according to the city.

After they were forced to leave, the city’s Chinatown was burned to the ground.

In its resolution this week, the city said it “must acknowledge that the legacy of early Chinese immigrants and xenophobia are part of our collective consciousness that helps contribute to the current anti-Asian-American and Pacific Islander hate.”

Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker called the passing of the resolution a “historic moment” for the city.

In an email, she said the apology was the only way Antioch could “reckon with its past and make good on the American promise of liberty and justice for the descendants of Chinese immigrants.”

Mr. Thorpe said he wanted to honor the city’s Chinese with a permanent exhibit or display by working with the Antioch Historical Museum. The city, he said, is also going to designate the site of the former Chinatown as the Antioch Chinese Historic District.

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Danville welcomes new footbridge for walking, cycling Town celebrates opening of $900,000 project

by Olivia Wynkoop / Bay City News Service Uploaded: Thu, May 20, 2021, 8:46 pm

Danville officially has a new footbridge that pedestrians and cyclists can use to and from the Danville Town Green and the Riverwalk community.

The new footbridge in Danville links the Danville Town Green to the Riverwalk community. (Photo courtesy of the town of Danville) The $900,000 project has been in the works for three years, but the town council kicked off its opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday.

Community members will now have access to downtown recreational activities without having to travel through three busy intersections, according to a press release from town officials. The route also shortens walking and biking distances by a half-mile through the downtown area.

The bridge is a part of the town's promotion of healthy recreation in the Parks, Recreation and Arts Strategic Plan. The plan aims to improve active transportation, like biking and walking, in the community through trail systems.

Danville has several more projects in the works, including La Gonda Way Bridge and Iron Horse Trail Crossing improvements, a paved Diablo Road Trail and a town-wide bicycle master plan.

The new structure complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act, providing greater mobility access for places like the San Ramon Creek, the library, the community center and the Village Theatre and Art Gallery.

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Save Mount Diablo Sues Seeno Discovery Builders to Protect Major Ridgeline in Pittsburg written by ECT May 20, 2021 CONTRA COSTA COUNTY— Discovery Builders’ Faria project would damage the major ridgeline between east and central Contra Costa County, threaten views from throughout the region, and impact the new regional park on the Concord side of the ridge. On March 30, 2021, Save Mount Diablo filed a lawsuit challenging the City of Pittsburg’s approval of the Seeno-owned Discovery Builders’ 1,650-unit Faria project, on the ridgeline between Pittsburg and Concord.

“Save Mount Diablo is simply trying to protect one of the East Bay’s most prominent and well-known ridgelines. The Pittsburg City Council approved Seeno Discovery Builders’ Faria project. If we do nothing, massive grading will take place; the project will be built; the ridge damaged; other natural resources, including scenic vistas, will be harmed; and the new regional park, which we advocated for over many years, will be negatively impacted,” said Ted Clement, Executive Director, Save Mount Diablo.

The Faria project violates Pittsburg’s General Plan, state planning and zoning law, and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). CEQA requires legally adequate environmental review, consideration of appropriate alternatives, and implementation of mitigations to reduce impacts. Save Mount Diablo’s lawsuit challenges the February 22, 2021 approval of the Faria project by the Pittsburg

121 City Council. The city council ignored hundreds of letters and public comments that opposed the project.

The Faria site is rugged, landslide prone, and badly suited for development, which will only be possible with massive grading. The project as approved by the city authorizes the development of a major, new residential subdivision on 606 acres of ridgeline and hillside grazing land in what is currently unincorporated Contra Costa County, immediately south of the City of Pittsburg.

The biologically rich site supports sensitive wildlife species and rare plants and is in one of the most visible and most environmentally constrained areas of the county.

The Faria project would change the beautiful green hills forever by annexing the property to the City of Pittsburg and locating 1,650 new residences far from jobs, transit, and services. As a result, rare habitat for special status species would be lost. The extensive grading would increase landslide risks and degrade creeks and streams. Building in the wildland urban interface would create new wildfire risks and strain the City of Pittsburg’s existing firefighting services. Traffic on Bailey Road, San Marco Blvd., and Highway 4 would be made much worse.

The Faria project would also impact the new Concord Hills Regional Park, which the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) has long planned at the former Concord Naval Weapons Station at the Faria site’s southwestern edge. The Faria project would sit directly above the new park on a ridgeline, degrading views from surrounding areas. It would fragment open space and damage wildlife corridors.

The East Bay Regional Park District adopted the Land Use Plan for the new park last year on July 7, 2020. Seeno’s Discovery Builders and Faria Land Investors filed suit to stop the new regional park.

The Concord Hills Regional Park Land Use Plan provides for public access, preserves 95 percent of the area’s natural habitat, and honors the unique natural and human history of the land.

According to an August 21, 2020 media release by EBRPD: “This approval paved the way for the Park District to begin work on park and trail development of the 2,540-plus- acre regional park at the former Concord Naval Weapons Station and was the product of two decades of community advocacy and partnership amongst the Park District, U.S. Navy, National Park Service, City of Concord, with overwhelming support from the residents of Central Costa County.

“Despite a thorough environmental analysis of the new Regional Park’s plans, which include public access for recreation, permanent preservation of the land as natural habitat, and a joint visitor center with the National Park Services that will also honor the Black sailors who died in the massive Port Chicago explosion, Mr. Seeno’s Discovery Builders and Faria Land Investors filed suit to stop the new regional park. In their lawsuit, Mr. Seeno alleges that the Park, after a decades long collaborative planning

122 efforts to protect and preserve open space, would cause undisclosed impacts on the environment and would impact their planned Faria residential development in Pittsburg on a 606-acre parcel adjacent to the ridgeline of the park,” stated the media release. By comparison, next door and above the new park, Faria would include hundreds of acres of impacts. The City of Pittsburg prepared an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) that fell far short of CEQA’s requirements. Among other flaws, the EIR lacks adequate analysis of numerous impacts, including biological resources, water supply, wildfire, traffic, and land use. The EIR failed to provide an adequate project description, for example, by omitting information about the location of elements of the planned residential development and about related public services, such as water consumption rates. It also failed to discuss appropriate alternatives. And the mitigation adopted for many impacts is plainly inadequate or ineffective.

Save Mount Diablo is not opposed to all growth. Pittsburg has thousands of housing units already approved but not yet built, including units at Seeno’s San Marco, Sky Ranch II, Montreux, and Tuscany Meadows projects and now including Faria. A smaller or more compact Faria project could easily protect the beautiful ridge, expand the new regional park onto the Pittsburg side, and provide easy public access for Pittsburg residents.

According to Pittsburg’s Current Project Pipeline List, there are currently 5,853 housing units approved or under construction, 88 percent of them by Seeno’s Discovery Builders (5,141 housing units). Those units represent approximately 60,000 new car trips per day that will soon impact local roads and Highway 4. According to Clement, “Throughout the East Bay, residents have worked hard to protect our ridges and views, and to defend our parks. Pittsburg residents deserve the same protections and quality of life.”

Press Release issued by Save Mount Diablo

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East Bay park police: Body in Lake Chabot Regional Park is missing woman San Leandro resident’s death under investigation as homicide By GEORGE KELLY | [email protected] | Bay Area News Group PUBLISHED: May 20, 2021 at 10:25 p.m. | UPDATED: May 21, 2021 at 10:26 a.m. CASTRO VALLEY — A San Leandro woman reported missing to San Leandro police earlier this month is the person found dead in an East Bay regional park last month, and investigators are treating her death as a homicide, authorities said Thursday.

At about 2 p.m. April 26, a visitor to Lake Chabot Regional Park found partially decomposed human remains on park property, and notified East Bay Regional Park District police, according to a parks police statement.

After efforts by the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office Coroner’s Bureau, parks police posted to social media Thursday night, identifying the victim as Tracy Benson, 60.

Noting that a community member reported her missing to San Leandro police earlier this month, parks police said they would be investigating Benson’s death within the park as a homicide, and that there were no park areas currently under closure.

“We offer our deepest condolences to her family & friends,” police said.

Anyone with information about the case may call a parks police tip line at 510-690-6521.

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What to do if you encounter coyotes while hiking around the Bay Area (and why you may be seeing them more)

Photo by Joshua Wilking on Unsplash By Laila Weir - Published on May 20, 2021. It's hiking season, and in many areas around the Bay Area that can mean running into coyotes, especially if you're walking with dogs. Here's a rundown of what to do (and what not to do) if you encounter a coyote.

To start with, remember that when humans (and our four-legged friends) walk in nature areas, we're in habitat shared with all kinds of wildlife, including coyotes. It's their home, too, and seeing them roaming around is normal — including in daytime, even though they're mostly nocturnal. If they're not causing a problem, simply avoid them. (Never approach or try to feed them.)

That said, most interactions with coyotes in urban areas result from the presence of a dog or food, according to the nonprofit Project Coyote. And with drought conditions inevitably making both food and water harder to find, accounts of people seeing coyotes tend to proliferate (like a recent one in the Mountain View Voice).

Coyote attacks on pets are rare, and coyote attacks on people are even rarer. Statistically speaking, you're more likely to be killed by an errant golf ball or flying champagne cork than bitten by a coyote, according to the Humane Society.

A few simple measures can both help keep you and your pets safe and protect wild coyotes from getting into trouble. Here are some tips compiled from the Humane Society, Project Coyote, and the Urban Coyote Research Project.

Do not feed coyotes. Feeding wildlife can cause them to lose their fear of humans, which has the potential to lead to eventual aggressive behavior. It may be tempting to try to leave food for wildlife, especially during a drought, but teaching them to associate

125 humans with food (or water) doesn't do them any favors in the long run and can be dangerous for pets and even children. In many cases when humans have bitten, they were actually feeding the coyote. Don't offer them food or water, or leave any for them.

Avoid coyotes. If you see a coyote during the daytime, it may have become habituated to humans and no longer be afraid. If it doesn't leave when you approach, especially in May, it may be protecting a den. If possible, simply alter your route to avoid the area. Never corner a coyote.

Don't let dogs (or kids, for that matter) chase or play with coyotes. While naturally timid, coyotes can also be curious and playful (much like dogs) and may also try to scare dogs away from dens, mates or sources of water and food. If you think you may encounter coyotes, keep your dog and small children closer than usual. If you see one, keep small kids close or pick them up, leash dogs or pick up small dogs.

Don't run away from a coyote. If you're approached by a coyote, make and keep eye contact with the animal, leash any dogs or pick up smaller dogs, and make some noise. Yell, wave your arms, throw something at the coyote to get it to go away. If it doesn't, leave calmly.

Report aggressive or extremely fearless coyotes. Agitated and unprovoked barking, raised hackles, snarling, growling and lunging are all signs of aggression in a coyote. In the unlikely event you experience such behavior from a wild animal, contact your town's animal control service.

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Alamo: Hiker dies from 'major medical event' in Las Trampas Regional Park

by Ryan J. Degan / Danville San Ramon Uploaded: Wed, May 19, 2021, 2:43 pm 1

A hiker died after experiencing a major medical event while walking in Las Trampas Regional Park in Alamo on Wednesday morning, according to East Bay Regional Park District officials.

Parks officials have been unable to identify the exact cause of death as of Wednesday afternoon, but have said that the unidentified man suffered a "major medical event" while hiking in a remote area of the park early Wednesday morning.

A park helicopter was used in response and CPR was attempted, but proved unsuccessful.

The identity of the deceased has not been released to date.

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JESSIE BRENNAN Remembering John Sutter: A Champion of Bay Area Conservation

• May 17, 2021

It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that John Sutter has passed away. John was a founding Board member of Greenbelt Alliance (in the early days when it was known as Citizens for Parks) and later served as Board President. Not only was John a central figure in the history of our organization, he was a champion of Bay Area conservation efforts for decades.

Just last year, the East Bay Regional Parks District opened Judge John Sutter Regional Shoreline Park to celebrate John’s commitment to the expansion of public access to the region’s parks and the shoreline. His advocacy efforts led to the protection of land around San Pablo Reservoir in the 1950s, and in the creation of Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline in East Oakland. One of his biggest environmental victories was won over 50 years ago when Snow Park, near Lake Merritt in Oakland, was saved by blocking city efforts to develop it for commercial use.

In addition to his work with organizations like Greenbelt Alliance and the East Bay Regional Parks District, John played a critical role in local government. He was an elected City Councilmember in Oakland, served on the Bay Conservation and Development Commission, and was appointed by former Governor Jerry Brown as a

128 Superior Court Judge in Alameda County. He also spent time with his family actively giving back to their community through volunteer work.

In 2016, we honored John’s lifelong contributions to ensuring an inclusive, sustainable Bay Area with our Greenbelt Alliance Champion Award. He also received the Making Democracy Work Award by the League of Women Voters and the California Association of Recreation and Park Districts Award of Distinction for Outstanding Board Member. John’s influence and passion to protect this beautiful place we call home will be deeply missed. We promise to keep his legacy alive by continuing the work he helped start so many years ago. Our love and consolation go out to the Sutter family and to all of those who were fortunate enough to have known John Sutter.

Photo: East Bay Regional Parks District

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Ex-Oakland councilmember, regional parks director John Sutter dies Environmental advocate’s legacy resonates in parks, policies By GEORGE KELLY | [email protected] | Bay Area News Group PUBLISHED: May 18, 2021 at 10:42 p.m. | UPDATED: May 19, 2021 at 12:04 p.m. Anda Chu/staff archives The retired area Superior Court Judge John Sutter, above, has also served as Oakland’s vice mayor and as a member of the East Bay Regional Park District’s Board of Directors. The park named in his honor was dedicated in an Oct. 21 ceremony.

OAKLAND — John Sutter, a champion of San Francisco Bay Area transit, environmental preservation and open space efforts, died late last week. He was 92.

Born on July 15, 1928, Sutter grew up in Oakland, graduating from Oakland High School, Harvard University and Stanford Law School. He worked as a private attorney before later serving as an Alameda County deputy district attorney and an Alameda County Superior Court judge.

In September 1956, he married Elouise “Ellie” Conte, and the couple raised three daughters. She died April 13 at age 96.

East Bay Regional Park District board member John Sutter, left, surveys a land tract the district was considering purchasing in a 2003 file photo. With Sutter are fellow board member Beverly Lane and district employee Bob Doyle. (Bob Pepping/Bay Area News Group archive)

In 1965, he was appointed to serve on the first San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission, serving efforts to

130 boost shoreline access and beat back fill-in proposals. He was a founding board member of a group that later became the Greenbelt Alliance.

From 1971 to 1982, he served three terms on the Oakland City Council, including a term as vice mayor.

From 1996 until his 2016 retirement, Sutter was a parks director for the Ward 2 district, representing Oakland, Piedmont, Lamorinda and part of Walnut Creek. He worked to expand access to lands, voting to add parcels when opportunity arose to ease park visibility.

“Here is this beautiful park, but people here can’t get to it,” Sutter said in 2015, in support of adding an access point in Moraga to the Las Trampas Regional Wilderness. “They have to drive 25 or 30 minutes to near Danville to find the nearest entrance.” Sabrina Landreth, the current park district general manager, called Sutter “a remarkable champion who served for decades as a staunch environmental justice advocate pushing to increase open space and accessible public parks.”

In 1967, Sutter proposed the creation of a park to protect a portion of the West Oakland shoreline. In a 2016 retirement profile by this news organization, Sutter remembers advocating for a greenbelt at the foot of the Bay Bridge by writing a letter asking for part of the former Oakland Army Base to be turned into a public park if the base should close. In the summer of 2020, the regional park district dedicated a 22-acre area at the foot of the Oakland-San Francisco Bay Bridge as the Judge John Sutter Regional Shoreline. “Sometimes you can get a lot done with perseverance and a little luck,” Sutter said.

Memorial plans are pending.

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UC Berkeley’s peregrine falcon chicks determined to be male N PETERSON/COURTESY During Banding Day on May 12, UC Berkeley’s three new peregrine falcons were all determined to be male. The gender of peregrine falcons is based on their leg width, with male peregrine falcons being about two-thirds the size of females. BY SERENE CHANG | STAFF LAST UPDATED MAY 17, 2021

Three fuzzy gray-white lumps of fur practice flapping their tiny wings in their nest within the Campanile. Although they are still being fed by their parents, these falcon chicks are quickly learning how to walk, run and eventually fly.

On May 12, UC Berkeley’s three new peregrine falcons were all determined to be male during Banding Day. Each chick received one band from the national Bird Banding Laboratory with a unique nine-digit number, along with a four-digit visual identification band that allows people to more easily identify the birds from a distance.

“Right now, they are mostly doing a lot of napping, but in about a week, it’s going to get really exciting as they will take time to run around the tower like crazy little toddlers,” said Sean Peterson, a campus doctoral student and social media director for Cal Falcons. “They will be trying to flap their wings and learn how to move and run. It’s just a really fun time when they kind of leave the nest and explore the top of the tower more.”

Peterson said watching the falcon chicks reflects his own experience raising a toddler at home. Resembling humans, peregrine falcons are affectionate to each other, play together and develop personalities, according to Peterson.

However, some falcon behavior is completely “foreign to the human experience,” such as eating their eggs that do not hatch, Peterson added. He noted that he enjoys teaching people about natural peregrine falcon behavior.

132 The gender of peregrine falcons is based on their leg width, with male peregrine falcons being about two-thirds the size of females, Peterson said. Since the legs of peregrine falcons are one of the first body parts to stop growing, observing small legs is a likely indication of males.

East Bay Regional Park District volunteer raptor coordinator Mary Malec added that there are a few ongoing research projects by the Predatory Bird Research Group at UC Santa Cruz on the peregrine falcons. They collect wing samples to determine mercury levels, which allows them to see the level of environmental toxicity in the Bay Area.

Additionally, Cal Falcons’ annual public naming contest began May 12. The first round is open to suggestions from the public across social media platforms, and the second round will be an open vote from four or five finalists Monday.

Other ways members of the public can be involved with Cal Falcons is by volunteering or contacting the organization if they see a chick on the ground.

Currently, Cal Falcons is working on putting signs up around campus in case people find the chicks on the ground. Malec said people without bird handling experience can get hurt trying to pick up falcons, as they may get bit or get talons stuck in their hand.

Cal Falcons will also conduct a presentation for kids at the Berkeley Public Library. The group will put together an online classroom tool with the Lawrence Hall of Science, buy binoculars to distribute to anyone who wants to see the falcons and potentially hold an in-person exhibit, according to Peterson.

“(From) a low of only two known nesting peregrine falcons in 1970, the numbers are improving greatly so that peregrines were on the endangered species list but have been taken off the list,” Malec said. “They are still a rare bird in the world and rare in California. They still need protection and are a protected species, but it’s kind of a remarkable recovery story to go from two known nesting pairs to a pretty full recovery.”

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2 arrested in connection to homicide of man whose body was found at East Bay park By KTVU staff Published 4 days ago Police arrested two men in connection to the homicide of Donald Stanifer, a 21-year-old Alameda man. OAKLAND, Calif. - Police say they've made two arrests in connection to the homicide of an Alameda man who went missing last summer and was found dead at Huckleberry Botanic Regional Preserve in Oakland. East Bay Regional Park District Police Department said on Monday that Elijah Jordan-Brooks, 21, and Marquise Johnson-Simon, 22, were taken into custody on Friday for the stabbing death of Donald Stanifer, 21.

Stanifer was last seen leaving his home in July of 2020. But he failed to show up for work at his job at Berkeley Bowl. 10 days later his family members identified his body as that of the victim found at the park. Stanifer's body was found on the side of a trail near the parking lot, according to police and park officials. He graduated from Encinal Junior and Senior High School in Alameda, according to a GoFundMe page set up to raise money to find him.

Federal agents and allied law enforcement agencies aided EBRPDPD with their investigation. Warrants were issued in Berkeley, Oakland and Pittsburg in connection to this case.

Alameda County District Attorney's office is charging Jordan-Brooks with murder and Johnson-Simon as being an accessory. The arrests come after an 11-month investigation. However, police said while these two suspects are in custody, the investigation is complex and ongoing.

Bay City News contributed to this story.

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EBRPD Police Announce Arrests in July 2020 Homicide written by ECT May 17, 2021

On May 14, the East Bay Regional Park District Police Department arrested individuals connected with the July 2020 homicide of Alameda resident Donald Stanifer, found in the Huckleberry Botanic Regional Preserve, Oakland. Our hearts go out to Donald’s family and the entire community of Alameda. With the help of allied local and federal agencies, the Police Department served search and Ramey warrants in the City of Berkeley, City of Oakland, and City of Pittsburg, California.

As a result, today, the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office will be filing charges against Elijah Jordan-Brooks for 187(A) PC (Murder) and Marquise Johnson-Simon for 32 PC (Accessory). While these two suspects are in custody, this complex investigation is still ongoing.

The arrests result from an 11 month long investigation. East Bay Regional Park District police officers and detectives continue to work tirelessly to bring justice for Donald and bring closure to his family. We thank our many Public Safety partners, including the US Marshal Service, Oakland Police, and the Federal Bureau of Investigations, for their assistance during this investigation.

The EBRPD Police urge any community members with information about the homicide of Donald Stanifer to please call the Investigations Unit at 510-690-6521.

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Two arrested in connection with missing East Bay man found dead in Oakland park Warrants late last week conclude investigators’ 11-month probe By GEORGE KELLY | [email protected] | Bay Area News Group PUBLISHED: May 17, 2021 at 5:20 p.m. | UPDATED: May 18, 2021 at 3:19 p.m. Two men were arrested late last week in connection with the death of an Alameda man found ln an East Bay regional park after going missing, authorities said Monday.Douglas- Adams Stanifer (East Bay Regional Parks District Police Department)

East Bay Regional Park District police said the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office was expected to file charges against the men in connection with the death of Donald Adams- Stanifer, 21, a 2017 Encinal High School graduate and Berkeley Bowl employee who had last been seen in July 2020 near the College of Alameda campus. Days after his reported disappearance, East Bay regional park police responded to Huckleberry Botanic Regional Preserve in the Oakland hills for a report of a body discovered near a trail. Authorities turned over that body to the Alameda County Sheriff’s Officer coroner’s division and opened an investigation into the death. After warrants were served in Berkeley, Oakland and Pittsburg, parks police said that with help from other agencies, they were presenting charges for Elijah Jordan-Brooks, arrested on suspicion of murder, and Marquise Johnson-Simon, arrested on suspicion of being an accessory in the killing.

Neither man was listed in custody Monday afternoon, according to an initial county records check. In those posts, police said in part that the investigation was both “complex” and “still ongoing,” and thanked Oakland police, the Federal Bureau of Investigations’ San Francisco bureau and the United States Marshals Service for their aid.

Anyone with information may call the department’s investigations unit at 510-690-6521.

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Park It: Some East Bay swim facilities to reopen Memorial Day weekend Facilities in Antioch, Walnut Creek, Oakland hills, Castro Valley and Hayward on list planned By NED MACKAY | East Bay Regional Park District PUBLISHED: May 16, 2021 at 5:00 a.m. | UPDATED: May 17, 2021 at 6:14 a.m. Anda Chu/staff archives Visitors in June 2018 flock to the swim lagoon to cool off at Antioch’s Contra Loma Regional Park, one of a small group of East Bay Regional Park District swim facilities planned for reopening this Memorial Day weekend. After a year of closures, there’s good news on the waterfront — the East Bay Regional Park District will reopen some of its swim facilities starting Memorial Day weekend, though at limited capacity due to COVID-19 and available staffing.

Swim areas planned for reopening are Contra Loma Regional Park in Antioch, the swimming pool at Walnut Creek’s Castle Rock Regional Recreation Area, Roberts Pool in the Oakland hills, and the swim lagoons at Cull Canyon in Castro Valley and Don Castro in Hayward. The swim areas at Del Valle, south of Livermore, Lake Anza at Tilden Park, near Berkeley; and Lake Temescal in Oakland are closed due to unsafe levels of cyanobacteria (blue-green algae). The swim beaches at Shadow Cliffs in Pleasanton and Quarry Lakes in Fremont will be closed all season due to low water levels. Open-water swimming is available at Crown Beach in Alameda and Keller Beach in Point Richmond, both on San Francisco Bay. There is no lifeguard service at Crown and Keller beaches, so you swim there at your own risk. At the other facilities, swimming is allowed only when lifeguards are present.

Except at Crown, Keller and Del Valle when it reopens, preregistration is required for all swim areas. Registration gets you an all-day swim pass from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Registration will be available up to two weeks in advance for any given date and can be made online or by phone. The district’s reservations department is open Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is closed on holidays. Call 888-327-2757, option 2, or visit ebparks.org online. Capacity at Del Valle is determined by the number of cars let into the park, so swim reservations won’t be required.

137 The website also has detailed information about the park district’s swim facilities, hours and fees at ebparks.org/activities/swimming. Once you’re at the beach or pool, there are some rules intended to enhance safety for park visitors. Where lifeguards are on duty, children ages 12 and younger are not allowed in swim areas unless accompanied by a responsible, actively supervising individual age 16 or older. Younger children must undergo a swim test before being allowed in deeper water. No alcoholic beverages, dogs, glass containers, fishing or barbecues are allowed in swim areas. Lifeguard service always depends on weather, water level, water quality, staff availability and numbers of park visitors. The park district maintains and trains a highly professional lifeguard corps that is dedicated to maintaining its excellent safety record. In the event of an emergency, water-related or otherwise, park visitors must cooperate with any instructions from lifeguards, police, firefighters or park rangers. Swim availability will vary throughout the 2021 season as state pandemic tier colors change and restrictions loosen, so if you plan for a swim, make sure to check the district website’s swim page when planning your trip.

Fire threats: Because it was such a dry winter, the park district will issue occasional red flag warnings as part of its fire prevention efforts. This is especially likely during hot, dry weather with offshore winds. Here are some rules to observe during this season of high fire danger: • Barbecues and campfires are only permitted in designated day-use picnic areas, campgrounds or developed recreational areas. Gas-fueled camp stoves are OK. • There’s no smoking or vaping allowed in the regional parks. • Gasoline-powered generators are prohibited. • Don’t drive or park your vehicle in dry-grass areas. Heat from exhaust systems can ignite a wildfire. • Don’t light an open fire on park property, except in barbecue stands and fire pits. On extreme fire days, no open fires or barbecues of any kind are allowed. • Completely extinguish all burning fuel, then dispose of it in the concrete ash bins designed for that purpose. Don’t discard coals in regular trash bins.

In extreme cases, regional parks may be closed. When that’s the case, please cooperate by changing your plans and visiting parks that remain open.

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Wildfire Season: Lafayette City Council To Hold Special Meeting On Wildfire Response May 13, 2021 at 8:53 am

LAFAYETTE (CBS SF/BCN) — The Lafayette City Council announced Thursday that its holding a special meeting next week to discuss the early-arriving 2021 fire season.

The meeting comes less than a week after the city’s Emergency Preparedness Commission met to discuss the coming drought and what will likely be a long year of wildfires in California. Along with utility providers and other governmental agencies, the commission will present information to the council Monday.

Lafayette is seen by many as a prime spot for a major suburban wildfire, something the city has managed to escape in recent years. Much of the community was constructed on the hillsides adjoining, and between the dry Las Trampas Regional Wilderness and the Briones hills. The East Bay Municipal Utility District has already declared a stage one drought in the area, with last season’s rainfall the region’s lowest since 1977.

The council will also hear presentations from the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District, LaMorinda Community Emergency Response Team, PG&E, EBMUD, and Lafayette Police Department.

The discussion will revolve around each agency’s role within emergency response, how they will work together, and how they’re preparing for the 2021 fire season. There will also be discussion on what has become annual planned power outages when conditions are ripe for wildfires.

The virtual meeting starts at 7 p.m. Monday and can be found on Lafayette’s YouTube channel.

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Head to Point Pinole for a blast along the shoreline By Ned MacKay 1 week ago A license is required to fish along the shore, but none is needed to fish from the Point Pinole fishing pier. (Photo East Bay Regional Parks District)

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA — As the East Bay’s parklands heat up in the summer sun, Point Pinole Regional Shoreline in Richmond is a great place to cool off.

Air-conditioned by breezes from San Pablo Bay, Point Pinole has lots to offer. Its 2,400-plus acres preserve and protect a fascinating cultural and natural history.

The park has three main entrances, all off Richmond Parkway. One is at the end of Atlas Road. Another is on Giant Highway. And the Dotson Family Marsh entrance is at the end of Goodrick Avenue.

The point has a long and colorful history. Its original inhabitants were the Huchiun Ohlone tribe, who lived in what is now San Pablo but had a temporary camp at Point Pinole. They stayed there while gathering shellfish and other food.

With the arrival of Europeans, the land was used for ranching and farming. In the late 1800s, there was a Croatian fishing village in the area of the present Cook’s Point Trail.

Explosive manufacturing Donkey bearing a load for the Giant Powder Company, seen here at Point Pinole where the Giant Powder Company moved in the mid-1890s.(Photo courtesy Contra Costa County Historical Society Collection, via East Bay Regional Park District)

But the most unusual use of the area was dynamite manufacturing. Between 1880 and 1960, the point was home to four explosives manufacturing companies. This was partly because public outcry after major production-related explosions elsewhere prompted the dynamite companies to seek out a more remote location for their businesses.

140 Giant Powder, later bought by Atlas Powder Co., constructed a company town at Point Pinole. Rail lines crisscrossed the property, transporting product to a railroad station and pier for shipping to customers. Some of the rails were wooden to reduce the chance of sparking. Eucalyptus groves were planted as a buffer in case of explosions. In all, 2 billion pounds of dynamite and nitroglycerine were manufactured at the point.

Eventually, the introduction of ammonium nitrate as a new explosive cheaper to produce put an end to dynamite manufacture. Atlas Powder closed its Point Pinole operation in 1960 and sold the land to Bethlehem Steel Co.

Park beginnings Bethlehem Steel tore down most of the buildings and cleaned up the debris. But it never followed through on its plans for a steel plant. In 1971, the East Bay Regional Park District bought the first properties for today’s park.

All that remains as evidence of the park’s explosive past are building foundations and earthen berms where the dynamite was stored. There’s also a black powder press exhibited on the Cook’s Point Trail.

The park offers beautiful views of San Pablo Bay, the East Bay shoreline and Mt. Tamalpais across the way in Marin County.

About 12 miles of trails lead along the shorelines and through the eucalyptus groves out to a 1,250-foot fishing pier. The terrain is mostly flat, for those who prefer more mild exercise. No dogs on the pier, please.

A license is required to fish along the shore, but none is needed to fish from the pier. Possible catches include sturgeon, striped bass, bay rays, leopard sharks, perch and flounder. Check the rules posted at the pier entrance for size and take regulations.

The Palms Picnic area.

There are lots of nice picnic areas in the park. And it’s a great locale for birding, along the shoreline or in the groves. There’s an overnight group camp available by reservation.

All in all, Point Pinole is a great escape from summer’s heat. For more information, visit ebparks.org.

Speaking of the website, be sure to check there for the status of facilities before your visit to any regional park. Although some visitor centers are now open on weekends, you may need to make reservations online before you go.

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How one Bay Area community is taking wildfire watch into its own hands Kellie Hwang May 13, 2021Updated: May 13, 2021 4 a.m.

Cortis Cooper, a Kensington resident who helped start Wildcat Watch, a neighborhood group where a team of volunteers take turns monitoring ALERTWildfire camera feeds around the clock over Wildcat Canyon in the East Bay during periods with elevated risks such as red flag warnings, walks on the deck of his home overlooking Wildcat Canyon in Kensington, Calif., Tuesday, May 11, 2021.Stephen Lam / The Chronicle

The East Bay hills have a long history with wildfires and their destructive terror.

In 1923 the Berkeley Fire erupted in Wildcat Canyon, destroying nearly 600 homes. In 1991 a firestorm ripped through parts of Berkeley and the Oakland hills, burning more than 3,000 homes and killing 25 people.

Now, with this year’s fire season already looking ominous, many residents fear a repeat of those disasters — or worse. Over the years, highly flammable grass and brush, eucalyptus trees and Monterey pine groves have built up in the East Bay hills. Add the many wood- shingled homes, paltry rainy seasons, prolonged drought and impending Diablo winds, and it’s clear why the area is deemed to be high risk for wildfires.

Some residents of Kensington, a small unincorporated community just north of Berkeley, have banded together to reduce the risk of a catastrophic wildfire. And mostly, that consists of sitting at their computers for hours, keeping a close eye on images from remote fire cameras for any sign of smoke or flames.

“I live right on the ridgeline abutting the East Bay parks,” said resident Cort Cooper, 69. “We’ve been concerned for years about the fire risk in this area, as have our neighbors.”

The Bay Area already has seen several red flag alerts and wildland blazes this year, prompting the group to gear up, Cooper said.

142 “The browning hills and these recent red flag days have motivated us, so we are getting our volunteer list updated and scheduling a refresher training course for the volunteers,” he said. “We will be ready to call up the watch by the end of this week.”

Cortis Cooper, a Kensington resident who helped start Wildcat Watch, a neighborhood group where a team of volunteers take turns monitoring ALERTWildfire camera feeds around the clock over Wildcat Canyon in the East Bay during periods with elevated risks such as red flag warnings, stands in front of his computer work station overlooking Wildcat Canyon in Kensington, Calif., Tuesday, May 11, 2021.Stephen Lam / The Chronicle

Cooper and his neighbors formed a group years ago to encourage the East Bay Regional Park District to accelerate removal of vegetation that fuels wildfires. But they realized it would be a long-term process because of tight budgets, lack of manpower and roadblocks such as environmental advocates’ resistance to removing vegetation.

Then they learned of the ALERTWildfire camera program, a network of nearly 800 cameras in six states run by three universities. In California more than 700 of those cameras help firefighting agencies and the public discover, locate and monitor fires. Photos are uploaded every 10 seconds to a public website, allowing anyone to monitor the cameras, report smoke and fires, and prepare for possible evacuation.

Cooper invited ALERTWildfire founder Graham Kent, director of the Nevada Seismological Lab at the University of Nevada, Reno, to survey potential sites. They initially considered putting a camera on Cooper’s house, but went with Vollmer Peak because the views were better.

With the help of John Cornell, emergency preparedness coordinator for the Lafayette Police Department, and Chief Lewis Broschard of the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District, the first camera in the county was installed in December 2019. Since then three more cameras have gone up in the area.

Last summer, 50 volunteers signed up for the Wildcat Watch launch.

“The idea was we would set up a 24/7 watch during times of really severe red flag days … particularly when winds are really roaring out of the north to east quadrant,” Cooper said. “That represents the biggest threat to us. The nightmare scenario is a fire gets started in Wildcat Canyon in the middle of the night and nobody’s watching.”

The group hosted a training session and set up a website that includes notification protocols, resources, schedules and a live blog. Cooper said they had to invent a system

143 after searching for similar groups in the Bay Area but coming up empty. Orange County has a fire watch program, but it recruits and trains volunteers through its parks department.

In October the Kensington group had two fire watch events: one for 40 hours, and one for 18 hours. Each volunteer signed up for one or two one-hour shifts. During the shifts they kept an eye on the area cameras and wind forecasts.

Cooper said the shifts were “mostly boring,” with some objects such as car lights only occasionally catching their attention — which was a very good thing. In the end, he said, the process was informative and empowering.

“All of us here really felt like, ‘OK, we’re not going to sit back and be passive victims,’” Cooper said. “We’re going to try to do what we can in a positive way and make the system safer. People in the group have commented that they slept better … knowing they’ll get a call if a person spots something.”

Procedures for wildfire watchers are spelled out on the group’s website: When volunteers spot a fire, they’re told to quickly confirm it via other cameras or by looking out the window, call fire dispatch and report it, call the watch leader or remote coordinator, and get themselves and their families to safety.

Cooper said he anticipates more shifts this year because the area is so dry so early in the season. He said the group also is working to recruit volunteers from east Richmond and El Cerrito to help “spread the alarm more quickly” if they spot a fire.

“This season we’re going to be out of the gates real quickly,” he said. “If there's no moisture on top of this drought here, then that’s not good. I think we are more concerned this year than last year.”

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California's unusually dry winter could be the new normal, according to decades of data Michael Cabanatuan May 12, 2021Updated: May 12, 2021 4:45 p.m. A man bikes on a trail in Brushy Peak Regional Preserve on Monday, Nov. 16, 2020 in Livermore, California.Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle

As Californians can tell by the already beige hills, the early fire weather warnings and the dusty umbrellas sitting deep inside closets, it’s been drier than usual this winter.

And according to decades worth of precipitation data, that’s the new normal.

What’s considered “normal” for baseline rainfall amounts is determined by a 30-year average that gets recalculated every decade. The latest recalculation, according to Jan Null, a forecaster who runs Golden Gate Weather Services, “show a noticeably drier state” through 2020 compared to the previous “normal” calculation covering 1981 through 2010.

The new normals, on average, show that weather stations in Northern California saw an 8% decrease in precipitation compared to the old normals, with Central California seeing a 5% drop and Southern saw California a 12% decline.

However, on the bright side, normal precipitation in the Northern Sierra Nevada, home to the snowpack that feeds Lake Shasta and Lake Oroville, California’s biggest reservoirs, showed essentially no change between the 30-year average calculated in 2010 and the one calculated in 2020. This year, however, is looking dire: The snowpack has already dwindled to next to nothing.

“That’s the most important metric for me,” Null said. “It doesn’t really matter if it rains 10 times more in Los Angeles because there are no significant reservoirs there.”

In the Bay Area, the average annual rainfall recorded in downtown San Francisco from 1991 to 2020 dropped from 23.65 inches to 22.89 inches, 3% less than the prior 30-years, from 1981 to 2010.

145 Oakland International Airport saw a 10% decline from 20.81 to 18.68 inches and Santa Rosa saw its normal rainfall drop 7% from 36.28 inches to 33.78 inches.

While the move to a drier normal is discouraging, Null said, it may appear more dramatic because some of the wet years of the 1980s no longer figure into the average, while the drought years of 2012 through 2016 are included. It’s also unclear whether it’s a sign of a long-term trend, he said.

“Every weather statistic has some climate change DNA in it,” he said, but the new drier normal is not necessarily an indicator of what lies ahead.

Reaching back to 1849 when weather records were first recorded in San Francisco — the trend line on a graph is relatively flat, Null said, and there were many years in which recorded weather was drier than it is currently. For the average person, he said, the new determinations of normal may not make a big difference, but they can help water resources planners by providing current climate information.

For this year, however, we’re facing a dry future, Null said, with the possibility of another inch or so of drizzle delivered by the marine layer and possible May or June showers, which could delay the start of the fire season but not by much.

“All the fuels are very dry, and we’re going to be seeing the impacts later in the year,” he said.

Brooke Bingaman, a National Weather Service meteorologist for the Bay Area, said the current forecast shows no chance of rain but a front moving in for the weekend might change that.

“We’re not completely done with rain quite yet but with every day we are getting closer to start of a summer pattern,” she said.

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Parks Carried the Pandemic Year on Their Backs. Here’s How to Thank Them Look out for volunteer opportunities, show love on social media, and show up to town halls to sing the praises of public green space. By Katie Way BROOKLYN, US May 3, 2021, 5:00am COLLAGE BY CATHRYN VIRGINIA | IMAGES FROM GETTY

Even people who weren’t a fan of parks before these “it’s not safe to hang out with almost anyone indoors” times have gotta hand it to the great, publicly regulated outdoors for being the COVID-19 social space MVP. The healing power of going outside and seeing a little green space? The fulfillment that comes from getting nice and sweaty in the sunshine? The chance to hold court on a blanket with a rotating cast of friends, like some kind of visiting dignitary? Can’t beat it! But parks don’t exist in a vacuum—according to Roxanne Sutton, director of communications for the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA), a ton of work goes into keeping our parks running smoothly.

During COVID-19, Sutton told VICE, “there was this recognition of how important these spaces are to our mental health and our physical health. When gyms closed, parks were open. I say it all the time: I wouldn't have made it through [the pandemic] without my local parks!” According to a May 2020 survey by the NRPA, 83 percent of adults polled said their local parks were “essential” for their well-being and two-thirds of all park professionals polled reported increased use of their agencies’ parks compared to the same time period in 2019.

Because they became so central to our lives, Sutton said the NRPA also saw parks departments shouldering more responsibilities than ever: Throwing virtual events for kids stuck at home; providing meals to seniors who couldn’t venture outside safely; beefing up services for unhoused people with nowhere else to turn during a volatile time; and keeping up with maintenance during periods of extremely high traffic. This all means that even as we return to “normal,” with social spaces reopening and vaccine numbers in the U.S. ticking upward, parks deserve a hearty “thank you for… everything!” in the form of some good old-fashioned public service. Not sure where to start? Here are a few

147 easy ways to give back to our parks and make our communities a better place to live—and to chill—in the process.

Reach out to your local parks department. Maybe you just started thinking about how to give back to your local parks— that’s totally normal. Luckily, parks and rec departments are way ahead of most of us on this front. “Most local park and recreation departments have volunteer opportunities, from clean-up days to youth sports coaches,” Sutton said. “It's a huge part of them being able to provide quality park and recreation programming.” Just do a little research to connect with local organizations. Googling things like “[your location] + parks and recreation department” or “[your location] + parks and recreation + association” should get you where you need to go and help plug you in to pre-existing volunteer opportunities. Sutton also suggested seeing whether your local park and recreation department is on social media, and tossing them a follow to keep up with their programming and volunteer needs—and another chance to shout them out. “Tag them in your social posts to say thank you!” Sutton said. “That's another really fun way to engage.”

Help fund projects that are already in motion. Another easy way to help parks continue to rule? Throw a little money their way. “A lot of Parks and Recreation departments have ‘Friends’ groups that specifically fundraise for the benefit of local parks,” Sutton said. “They host fundraisers, they do fun things—it doesn't have to be that you're just writing a check. It could be attending a fun event hosted by the Friends group.” That might look like a “Park After Dark” movie night, a concert, or even a bike ride with other park enthusiasts… sounds lit to be honest! Again, a little Googling will probably be required here to make the connection, but searching “Friends of Parks + [your location]” should drum up what you’re looking for. If not, you could always reach out to your local parks agency itself and see if they can key you in to where it’s best to donate.

Organize a park clean-up. If you and a crew of friends want to do some direct pro-park action, a clean-up is a great option. There are a lot of great, detailed guides detailing what kind of equipment you want to bring (think lots of trash bags, thick gloves, and some grabbers so you’re not doing too much actual touching). There are organizing guides written by everyone from outdoorsy retail brand REI to the Kansas City organization Bridging the Gap, and both of these are great places to start. One important caveat: Before you start spreading the word before your event, make sure to clue in the people who actually run the park. “If you're interested in creating a volunteer opportunity on your own, just reach out to the park and rec department and work with them so that they can make sure it's successful,” she said. They can help you get info on things like permitting and make sure your event doesn’t clash with something pre-planned.

Push for pro-park policy.

148 Getting involved in local politics is hot right now, and parks are just another public service we need to let our representatives know we value. Sutton said that civilian participation community engagement exercises (e.g., town halls) is crucial at a local level, where budgets get hashed out—especially while it’s still possible to “attend” these events virtually. Sutton also said it’s worth keeping an eye out for pro-parks candidates during election cycles: Who’s pledging to allocate more funding towards youth initiatives, build more green space in “park poor” communities, and maintain the parks your area already has? Another way to show up for parks is to literally show up: “Seek out more park and recreation events and programming to attend,” she said. “The more attendance that they have at events and the more that they can show that people are using their programs, that gives them leverage to go back to the city government and say, ‘Hey, our programs are being used, we need more funding.’” Basically, help parks put city money where your mouth is—sipping on something fruity and a little alcoholic, enjoying public life, and feeling relieved while you soak up the sun in your local green space.

Be a good park guest. This is basic, but definitely bears repeating: Treat the park the way you’d want guests to treat your living space. Be respectful of your fellow park goers, just like you would be of neighbors when throwing a house party, and act like somebody will have to clean up after you… because someone will, whether or not you see them! “Someone trims the grass, someone comes in and inspects the playground, someone takes out the trash,” Sutton said. “But they tend to be invisible—you may not ever see a park employee.” Speaking of the park employees who have to snag any White Claw cans you leave behind, Sutton suggested reaching out and thanking them like you would any other gracious host. “Last summer, I ended up writing a thank you note to my local parks and rec department,” she said. If you’re part of an organization—especially one that works with kids!—that could mobilize for a quick letter-writing campaign, just search up the address of your local parks department because they’d love to hear from you. And if you do happen to catch a glimpse of the elusive parks employee, say hi and tell them how much you appreciate them (and the park they work at!) face-to-face—a little “compliments to the chef” goes a long way.

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