Board Meeting Packet

Board of Directors Board Meeting Packet September 1, 2020 SPECIAL NOTICE REGARDING PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AT THE EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING SCHEDULED FOR TUESDAY, September 1, 2020 at 1:00 PM

Pursuant to Governor Newsom’s Executive Order No. N-29-20 and the Alameda County Health Officer’s Shelter in Place Orders, 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/du0D164BC9E .

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, August 31, at 3:00pm.

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

3. Live via zoom. If you would like to make a live public comment during the meeting this option is available through the virtual meeting platform: https://zoom.us/j/93510744593. Note that this virtual meeting platform link will let you into the virtual meeting for the purpose of providing a public comment. If you do not intend to make a public comment please use the YouTube link at https://youtu.be/du0D164BC9E 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, August 31, 2020 via email or voicemail (510) 544-2016 to provide name and the subject of the public comment or item to be addressed.

Comments received during the meeting and up until the public comment period on the relevant agenda item is closed, will be provided in writing to the Board of Directors, included transcribed voicemails. All comments received by the close of the public comment period will be available after the meeting as supplemental materials and will become part of the official meeting record. If you have any questions please contact Yolande Barial Knight, Clerk of the Board, at [email protected] or (510) 544-2016. Clerk of the Board YOLANDE BARIAL KNIGHT (510) 544-2020 PH MEMO to the BOARD OF DIRECTORS (510) 569-1417 FAX EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

East Bay Regional Park District Board of Directors

ELLEN CORBETT The Regular Session of the SEPTEMBER 1, 2020 President - Ward 4 Board Meeting is scheduled to commence via teleconference at 1:00 p.m. DEE ROSARIO Vice President – Ward 2 Park District’s live video stream can be found at: BEVERLY LANE Secretary - Ward 6 https://youtu.be/du0D164BC9E COLIN COFFEY Treasurer - Ward 7 DENNIS WAESPI Ward 3 AYN WIESKAMP Ward 5 Respectfully submitted, ELIZABETH ECHOLS Ward 1 ROBERT E. DOYLE General Manager ROBERT E. DOYLE General Manager

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

REGULAR MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 1, 2020 BOARD OF DIRECTORS EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT The Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District will hold a regular 11:00 a.m. ROLL CALL (Virtual) meeting virtually, commencing at 11:30 a.m. for Closed Session and 1:00 p.m. for Open Session PUBLIC COMMENTS on Tuesday, September 1, 2020. Video Stream at: CLOSED SESSION https://youtu.be/du0D164BC9E

A. Conference with Labor Negotiator: Government Code Section 54957.6 Agenda for the meeting is listed adjacent. Times for agenda 1. Agency Negotiator: Robert E. Doyle, Ana M. Alvarez, items are approximate only and are subject to change during the Kip Walsh meeting. If you wish to Employee Organizations: AFSCME Local 2428, comment on matters not on the Police Association agenda, you may do so under Unrepresented Employees: Managers, Confidentials and Seasonals Public Comments at the beginning of the agenda and if you wish to comment on an B. Conference with Legal Counsel item on the agenda please send an email to [email protected] 1. Anticipated Litigation – Significant Exposure to Litigation Pursuant to before 3pm, Monday, August 31, Government Code Section 54956.9 (d)(2): 1 case 2020. A copy of the background 2. Anticipated Litigation – Initiation of Litigation Pursuant to materials concerning these Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4): 2 cases agenda items, including any material that may have been 3. Existing Litigation – Government Code Section 54956.9 (d)(1) submitted less than 72 hours before the meeting, is available for inspection on the District’s 1) Faria Land Investors, LLC, et al. vs. EBRPD website (www.ebparks.org). Contra Costa County Superior Court Case No. MSN20-1115 Agendas for Board Committee Meetings are available to the public upon request. If you wish 2) EBRPD vs. Golden Gate Land Holdings, LLC, et al. to be placed on the mailing list Alameda County Superior Court to receive future agendas for a Case No. RG-11586821 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 C. Conference with Real Property Negotiator Regarding Price and/or Terms of Payment – Government Code Section 54956.8

1. Agency Negotiator: Kristina Kelchner, Mike Reeves

PROPERTY OWNER/ APN/ADDRESS NEGOTIATING PARTIES PARK/TRAIL Contra Costa County 561-040-016-9 and 561-400- Chevron USA Inc. San Francisco Bay Trail 008-0 Stenmark Drive, Richmond 561-400-004-9, Mt. Zion Enterprises Inc. San Francisco Bay Trail Stenmark Drive, Richmond 561-100-008-3 City of Richmond Point Molate Regional Stenmark Drive, Richmond Shoreline

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, August 31, at 3:00pm. 2. Via voicemail at (510) 544-2016. The caller must start the message by stating public comments – not on the agenda or public comments – agenda item # followed by their name and place of residence, followed by their comments. It is preferred that these voicemail comments be submitted by Monday, August 31, at 3:00 pm. 3. If you are interested in speaking during Public Comments, please contact the Clerk of the Board at [email protected] for call in information by 3:00 pm on Monday, August 31, 2020. Email must contain in the subject line Board meeting 9-01-20 call in request. If you would like to provide public comment through the virtual meeting platform, please use https://zoom.us/j/93510744593 to participate. Note that this virtual meeting platform link will let you into the virtual meeting waiting room and then into the meeting for the purpose to provide comment. Please use the YouTube link https://youtu.be/du0D164BC9E to observe the meeting when you are not providing public comment.

C. SPECIAL UPDATE

1. General Manager’s Update on the Status of the East Bay Regional Park District Emergency During the COVID-19 Pandemic and the unprecedented fire activity in our state.

5 1:25 p.m. D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

a. Approval of District Check Listing for the Period of July 6 to July 26, 2020 (Auker/Doyle) (Resolution) (No Cost) b. Approval of the Minutes for the Board Meeting of August 4, 2020 (Barial Knight) (Resolution) (No Cost) c. Resolution to Support AB 2371 (Friedman D-Glendale) – Climate Resilience Science Advisory Team (Pfuehler/Doyle) (Resolution) (No Cost) d. Resolution to Support H.J. Res. 79 (Speier D-CA) – Deadline Removal for the Ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment (Pfuehler/Doyle) (Resolution) (No Cost) e. Resolution to Support H.R. 7264 (Neguse D-CO) – 21st Century Conservation Corps for Our Health and Our Jobs Act (Pfuehler/Doyle) (Resolution) (No Cost) f. Resolution to Support S. 3964 (Coons D-DE) – Cultivating Opportunity and Response to the Pandemic through Services (CORPS) Act (Pfuehler/Doyle) (Resolution) (No Cost) g. Resolution to Support S. 4273 (Harris D-CA) and H.R. 7585 (DeSaulnier D- CA) – Expanding Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park (Pfuehler/Doyle) (Resolution) (No Cost) h. Resolution to Support SB 1320 (Stern D-Canoga Park) – California Specific Climate Change Assessment (Pfuehler/Doyle) (Resolution) (No Cost) i. Authorization to Execute a Contract with The Watershed Nursery for Collection and Propagation of Plant Materials for the Coyote Hills Restoration and Public Access Project: Coyote Hills Regional Park (Goorjian/Kelchner) (Resolution) (Budgeted Funds) j. Authorization to Transfer 1.0 FTE Cultural Services Coordinator Position from the Interpretive & Recreation Services Department to the Planning and GIS Department and Amend the 2020 Budget: Operations Division and Acquisition, Stewardship, and Development Division (Alvarez/Walsh) (Resolution) (No Cost) k. Authorization to Extend a Lease with the State Lands Commission for the Continued Operation of the Eckley Pier Public Shoreline Access Facility: Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline (Reeves/Kelchner) (Resolution) (Budgeted Funds) L. Acceptance of Second Quarter 2020 General Fund and Other Governmental Funds Financial Report (Strawson O’Hara/ Auker) (Resolution) (No Cost)

2:00 p.m. 2. LEGAL DIVISION

a. Authorization to Accept the Final Insurance Payment on the 2017 Winter Storm Damage Claim and to Execute a Claim Release and Mutual Settlement Agreement with Lexington Insurance Company (Victor/Auker) (Resolution) (Rev Authorization)

6 2:15 p.m. 3. PUBLIC SAFETY DIVISION

a. Authorization to Amend a Contract with Goats R Us to Provide Goat and Sheep Grazing Services and Ratification of Two Amendments to Contracts for Goat and Sheep Grazing Services for Fire Hazard Reduction: Goats R Us and Star Creek Land Stewards, Inc. (Theile/Ciaburro) (Resolution) (Budgeted Funds)

2:30 p.m. 4. BOARD AND STAFF REPORTS

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

2:45 p.m. 5. GENERAL MANAGER’S COMMENTS

a. The Human Resources Department will provide an overview of the Park District’s COVID-19 response, annual staffing changes, and a highlight of accomplishments from the Training program.

3:00 p.m. 6. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM CLOSED SESSION

3:05 p.m. 7. BOARD COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Finance Committee 6/24/20 (Coffey) b. Operations Committee 6/18/20 (Rosario) c. Operations Committee 5/21/20 (Rosario)

3:20 p.m. 8. BOARD COMMENTS

4:00 p.m. E. ADJOURNMENT

7 CONSENT CALENDAR AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, September 1, 2020

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

a. Approval of District Check Listing for the Period of July 6, 2020 Through July 26, 2020 (Auker/Doyle)

RECOMMENDATION

It is recommended that the Board of Directors approve the Check Listing for the period of July 6, 2020 through July 26, 2020.

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

9 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO.: 2020 – 09 -

September 1, 2020

APPROVAL OF DISTRICT CHECK LISTING FOR THE PERIOD OF JULY 7, 2020 THROUGH JULY 26, 2020

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

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby approves the check listing for the period of July 7, 2020 through July 26, 2020;

Moved by Director , seconded by Director , and adopted this 1st day of September, 2020 by the following vote:

FOR:

AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:

10 AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, September 1, 2020

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

b. Approval of the Minutes for the Board Meeting of August 4, 2020 (Barial Knight)

11 Page Left Blank Intentionally

12 The East Bay Regional Park District Board Meeting, which was held virtually on August 4, 2020, called its Closed Session to order at 11:30 a.m. by Board President Ellen Corbett.

ROLL CALL

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

The Open Session of the Board Meeting was called to order at 1:05 p.m. by President Corbett.

Staff Remote: Ana Alvarez, Carol Victor, Jim O’Connor, Anthony Ciaburro, Kip Walsh, Debra Auker, Kristina Kelchner, Jason Rosenberg, Juliana Schirmer, Erich Pfuehler, Mary Mattingly, Rachel Lem, Mike Reeves, Lisa Goorjian, Brian Holt, Mike Mathiesen, Kent Simpson, Jim Tallerico, Robben Weems (PrimeGov), Sharon Clay, Matthew James

Guests: Christopher Newey

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Director Corbett opened the meeting and stated that consistent with Governor Gavin Newsom’s Executive Order N-25-20 issued on March 12, 2020 in response to the threat of COVID-19 and the Alameda County Health Department’s Order dated March 16, 2020, the Board of Directors may utilize teleconferencing to remotely participate in meetings.

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

A. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

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

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

B. PUBLIC COMMENTS

President Corbett thanked the public and staff for attending the virtual Board meeting that was streaming live on Zoom. Corbett acknowledged that with the new technology there may be some challenges, staff will endeavor to improve the meeting platform. Corbett explained that public comments were to be submitted in advance by e-mail to [email protected] or left by voice message at 510-544-2016. This allows the Clerk time to provide the Board members with the comments in advance of the meeting. President Corbett explained that emails or voicemail received after the deadline will be provided to the Board of Directors and become part of the public record of the meeting. 13 Christopher Newey, President of ASFSCME 2428 commented that the District’s statements were not supporting the safety of employees as it relates to Covid19. Newey enumerated some of the statements related to testing of employees, workplace exposure of Covid and safety protocols.

President Corbett expressed her appreciation for Newey’s comments and stated that the Board has, and continues to express its role in supporting, protecting and valuing the workforce.

Dr. Ana Alvarez, DGM stated staff continues working with the District’s Union partners during the Labor Task Force and to rest assured the Park District is doing everything to support District employees. Kip Walsh, Chief HR Officer, commented on the status of Worker’s Compensation and the way it works. Walsh remarked there has been background work to make sure the law and the occupational medical support are understood. Staff follow District protocols unless and until the employees is confirmed as possibly positive then HR advises the employee how to submit a Worker’s Compensation claim.

Director Echols asked if employees can be compensated for the time it takes for the test and for the actual test results? Walsh replied that under the First Family’s Act there is a provision for employer paid leave time. All testing is free by Gov. Newsom’s order. Corbett asked about the location of testing sites. Walsh replied the information is on the District’s Sharepoint site. Director Rosario encouraged employees to regularly check in on Sharepoint and the District’s Operations Handbook.

C. SPECIAL UPDATE

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

Acting GM Dr. Ana Alvarez presented this update. The District has completed four months under the Shelter In Place order. Outdoors appears to be safest when people wear masks and keep the social distance. There have been some issues related to trail use etiquette. The District has three confirmed positive Covid cases of staff working indoors at Shadow Cliffs. Staff has instituted new building protocols which require staff to take their temperatures and wear masks.

GM Doyle announced plans to call off the 2020 swim season, and delay some park openings. GM Doyle said he will keep the Board and staff appraised. Doyle reported the LWCF was signed in perpetuity by the President this morning. Over the last 55 years of these conservation programs, the Park District has received over $60 million for various parks and trails. It is important to acknowledge the House version of the Great Outdoors Act was originally introduced by the late John Lewis. In honor of this passing the Park District’s flag was flown at half-mast.

Director Rosario pointed out that the exposures at Shadow Cliffs were not from work, but from an employee that brought it into work. Rosario stated the consequences are huge, and he encouraged face masks.

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

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

Directors For: Colin Coffey, Ellen Corbett, Elizabeth Echols, Beverly Lane, Dee Rosario, Dennis Waespi, Ayn Wieskamp. Directors Against: None. 14 Directors Absent: None.

a. Approval of District Check Listing for the Period of June 15, 2020 to July 5, 2020 Resolution No. 2020 – 08 - 173 (attached)

b. Approval of the Minutes for the Board Meeting of July 7, and July 21, 2020

c. Authorization to Negotiate with Various Property Owners Resolution No. 2020 – 08 - 174 (attached)

d. Authorization to Renew a Special Use Agreement with Montclair Swim Team: Roberts Regional Recreation Area Resolution No. 2020 – 08 - 175 (attached)

e. Authorize Second Term of Tilden Merry-Go-Round Concession Agreement with Sycamore Concessions Inc.: Tilden Regional Park Resolution No. 2020 – 08 - 176 (attached)

f. Authorization to Appropriate Funds and Award Construction Contract to Kerex Engineering Inc. to Construct Restroom: Coyote Hills Regional Park Resolution No. 2020 – 08 - 177 (attached)

g. Authorization to Amend a Contract with CES Engineering for Electrical Engineering Services for the Develop Dumbarton Quarry Campground Project: Coyote Hills Regional Park Resolution No. 2020 – 08 - 178 (attached)

h. Authorization to Purchase 24 Cisco Network Switches and 26 Network Routers from AMS.Net for District-wide Information Technology Infrastructure Replacements Resolution No. 2020 – 08 - 179 (attached)

i. Authorization to Purchase Five Chevrolet Bolt All-Electric Vehicles from Winner Chevrolet for Vehicle Replacements and as an Addition to the Fleet Resolution No. 2020 – 08 - 180 (attached)

j. Authorization to Purchase Four Mowers and Four Tractors from John Deere Company for Equipment Replacement and Additions to the Fleet Resolution No. 2020 – 08 - 181 (attached)

k. Authorization to Award a Contract to American Asphalt, Inc. for Maintenance of Paved Roads and Trails and Transfer and Appropriate Funds: District-wide Resolution No. 2020 – 08 - 182 (attached)

L. Authorization to Apply for Funding from National Fish and Wildlife Foundation for Habitat Restoration at Albany Beach: McLaughlin Eastshore State Park Resolution No. 2020 – 08 - 183 (attached)

m. Authorization to Apply for Funding from National Fish and Wildlife Foundation for Habitat Restoration at Encinal Beach, Alameda Point Resolution No. 2020 – 08 - 184 (attached)

n. Authorization to Apply to Caltrans for Federal Funding from the Active Transportation Program: San Francisco Bay Trail, Radke Martinez Regional Shoreline 15 Resolution No. 2020 – 08 - 185 (attached) Director Lane commented that she was pleased staff were applying for funding for this trail. Director Coffey inquired about the funding source. Jeff Rasmussen, AFO, answered the funding source comes from CalTrans.

2. ACQUISITION, STEWARDSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT DIVISION

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

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

a. Authorization to Enter into a Purchase and Sale Agreement and to Transfer and Appropriate Funds for the Acquisition of 20+ Acres of Real Property from the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission: Mission Peak Regional Preserve Resolution No. 2020 – 08 - 186 (attached)

AGM Kelchner, ASD introduced this item and Mike Reeves, Chief of Land Acquisition. Reeves provided context and Rachel Lem, Senior Real Property Specialist presented this item. Lem’s PowerPoint displayed a map of the Wool Ranch, oriented the Board to the location, photos and history of the site. Director Wieskamp said this is a perfect acquisition. Director Rosario asked if the pond was manmade and if it spring fed or is the water piped in. Lem replied it is a natural spring fed pond.

Public Comment: Kelly Abreu stated that 90% of the Wool Rach acquisition is in Alameda County. He commented on the Rancho Higuera that seems to be owned by the city of Fremont and appears to have no public access. He inquired if the Park District could acquire it from Fremont. He asked if there are other parcels in Niles Canyon, Sunol or Unincorporated Alameda County, and if land could be exchanged with the Park District.

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

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

AGM Kelchner, ASD introduced this report and Lisa Goorjian, Chief of Design and Construction introduced Ren Bates, Capital Program Manager, who gave the presentation. Bates offered a brief synopsis of this project. Photos, project scope, the selection process, consultant scope and the contract amendment were highlighted.

Director Lane said that she was glad to see this moving forward. Lane requested that the next update share the challenges in the Bay Trail gaps. President Corbett asked how much time would staff have saved by using this additional help. Bates replied possibly three or four months. Corbett said that Caltrans has a lot of rules, but expressed her appreciation they decided to partner with the District to move this project forward.

Corbett stated the Board appreciates all the work that is done by the District’s departments. 16 b. Authorization to Execute a Contract with Ghiradelli for Construction Management Services and Amend a Contract with Grey Bowen Scott for the Develop Doolittle Trail Project: Martin Luther King, Jr. Regional Shoreline Resolution No. 2020 – 08 - 187 (attached)

2. BOARD AND STAFF REPORTS

a. Actions Taken by Other Jurisdictions Affecting the Park District

DGM Dr. Ana Alvarez asked Brian Holt, Planning & GIS to provide a brief update on the Sand Creek Focus Area. Director Coffey asked Holt to talk about the residential use proposal by the neighboring property owner. Holt commented on the neighbors’ proposal, but stated he had not seen it. Director Lane asked Holt to show the map and location of the property as it relates to Empire Mine Road with the new development. Lane asked how the Road is being addressed and if it is on the master plan. Holt replied this project does not make a formal proposal for use of this road and there is some question about the need to use the road. Holt will research whether it is on the master plan. Lane stated she wants it made clear that the District doesn’t want it to be a trail. Corbett asked Holt to show the location of the footprint of the development.

3. GENERAL MANAGER’S COMMENTS

a. AGM of Public Safety Anthony Ciaburro introduced the new Assistant Fire Chief Mike Mathiesen. Mathiesen provided a synopsis of the fire season to date. Kent Simpson, Fire Captain gave a quick operational and fuels management update.

President Corbett extended a warm welcome to Assistant Fire Chief Mathiesen and thanked Captain Simpson for his update. Director Rosario welcomed Assistant Fire Chief Mathiesen and thanked Captain Simpson for meeting with him and his constituents. Director Waespi and Echols also welcomed Assistant Fire Chief Mathiesen.

4. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM CLOSED SESSION

District Counsel Victor announced there were none.

District Counsel updated the Board on the Oakland Bulk and Oversized Terminal case. The Board had authorized staff to file an amicus brief for a re-hearing en banc. It was determined on August 3 that the 9th Circuit ruled against the City of Oakland.

5. BOARD COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Executive Committee (5/07/20) (Corbett) b. Executive Committee (6/04/20) (Corbett) c. Legislative Committee (6/26/20) (Waespi)

6. BOARD COMMENTS

Director Corbett reported on meetings attended. Director Corbett • Attended two EOC meetings; • Attended the July 23 Regional Parks Foundation meeting; • Met with AGM O’Connor regarding Crown Beach Crab Cove. Corbett agreed with Lane regarding the Oakland Zoo opening again. She commented that Park District funds have helped support the zoo over years. 17 Director Rosario • Attended two COVID Task Force meetings; • Attended the Multicultural Advisory committee meeting; • Met with consultant for hiring of General Manager; • Had several meetings with his constituents; • Met with POA Executive Board.

Director Lane reported on meetings attended. Director Lane • Met with consultant for hiring of General Manager; • Participated in a virtual Walk and Talk with Asm. Bauer-Kahan. Lane hiked Briones, Diablo Foothills, Castleridge. Lane stated she is pleased the Oakland Zoo is opening again and added that Park District funds have helped support the zoo over years. Lane was pleased the LWCF was signed. Lane commented that she is preparing for the August 26th celebration of Women’s Suffrage. She mentioned an article regarding about John Muir.

Director Coffey reported on meetings attended. Director Coffey • Met with consultant for hiring of General Manager; • Attended the July 23 Ecology Meeting and recommended reading the IPM Annual Report; • Attended the July 28 City of Pittsburg’s Planning Commission meeting. Coffey hiked Lone Tree Point and saw beginning of SF Bay Trail project.

Director Waespi reported on meetings attended. Director Waespi • Attended two COVID task force meetings; • Attended the Ecology Committee meeting; • Attended the Multicultural Advisory committee meeting. Waespi hiked at Midpeninsula Open Space.

Director Wieskamp reported on meetings attended. Director Wieskamp • Participated in a virtual Walk and Talk with Asm. Bauer-Kahan. Director Wieskamp agreed with Director Lane’s comments on an article regarding John Muir. Checked in with Mark Pearson, Park Supervisor. Commented that Ben Yee participated in a virtual presentation on Mission Peak.

Director Echols reported on meetings attended. Director Echols • Met with consultant for hiring of General Manager. Director Echols a lot of meetings with various constituent groups. Hiking in the parks and see a lot of people and encourage people to wear your masks.

E. ADJOURNMENT

Director Rosario commented that many employees have retired since the pandemic and were unable to have retirement parities. He closed the meeting in their honor:

Britt Thorsnes, Park Supervisor. Pt Pinole Steve Hathcox, Park Craft Specialist, Camp Arroyo Aaron O’Neil, Police Sgt., Public Safety Jesus Gonzales, Park Ranger I, Black Diamond Mines William Deleon Granados, Police Sgt., Public Safety Edward Nunes, Heavy Equipment Operator Victor Reyes, Park Supervisor, Cull Canyon 18 Ana Fong, Risk Manager Brad Gallup, Assistant Fire Chief Jeff Crowley, Park Supervisor, Roberts

President Corbett adjourned the meeting at 3:00 p.m.

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20 AGENDA REGULAR MEETINGS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, September 1, 2020

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

c. Resolution to Support AB 2371 (Friedman D-Glendale) – Climate Resilience Science Advisory Team (Pfuehler/Doyle)

RECOMMENDATION

The Legislative Committee of the Board and General Manager recommend the Board of Directors adopt a resolution to support AB 2371 (Friedman D-Glendale) – Climate Resilience Science Advisory Team.

REVENUE/COST

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

BACKGROUND

This bill would create an advisory team of scientists to make recommendations about California’s climate adaptation plans and investments. The goal is to ensure climate investments are cost- effective and make gains toward adapting the state to and mitigating from climate related impacts. Science-based climate-related hazard mitigation across state agencies makes sense, but is not currently a requirement. Existing law establishes the Integrated Climate Adaptation and Resiliency Program (ICARP) in the Office of Planning and Research (OPR). This bill would require the Science Advisory Team (SAT) to serve as a working group of a specified ICARP advisory group. The SAT would also provide input into the Safeguarding California Plan, which is the roadmap for California’s Climate Adaptation Strategy. The OPR would be required to issue a report by July 1, 2024 summarizing the actions of the SAT, the SAT’s contribution to climate resiliency and adaptation planning, and the office’s recommendations to improve the effectiveness of the SAT. As climate change increases the risk of catastrophic wildfires, droughts, floods, extreme weather and sea level rise, science-based hazard mitigation can help reduce those risks. This approach is consistent with the District’s wildfire hazard mitigation plan, stewardship efforts and park planning.

ALTERNATIVES

None recommended.

21 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO.: 2020 - 09 -

September 1, 2020

RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT AB 2371 (FRIEDMAN D-GLENDALE) – CLIMATE RESILIENCE SCIENCE ADVISORY TEAM

WHEREAS, the East Bay Regional Park District’s 2013 Master Plan states the District will monitor the effects of climate change on District resources and utilize adaptive management techniques to adjust stewardship methods and priorities to preserve natural, cultural and scenic values of the parks and trails; and

WHEREAS, the Park District has in recent years experienced the consequential impact of climate change with state-wide wildfires, extreme flooding, increased coastal and levee erosion, toxic algae blooms in lakes and severe impact from long-term drought on our forests and woodlands; and

WHEREAS, the consequences of inaction to address climate change may be irreversible and affect all regions around the world resulting in loss of natural and cultural resources, mass migration and loss of lives, as well as economic, ecological and social losses; and

WHEREAS, the District is striving to continuously lessen potential negative impacts on a changing climate by restoring natural habitats, mitigating vegetation, improving water quality, enhancing wetlands, reducing use of paper and plastic, improving fuel efficiency in the fleet, reducing water usage and diverting solid waste; and

WHEREAS, this legislation would provide additional best practices based on science to guide the on-going efforts by the East Bay Regional Park District to adapt and mitigate the affects of a changing climate,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby support AB 2371 (Friedman D-Glendale) – Climate Resilience Science Advisory Team; and

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

Moved by Director , seconded by Director , and adopted this 1st day of September, 2020 by the following vote:

FOR:

AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:

22 AGENDA REGULAR MEETINGS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, September 1, 2020

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

d. Resolution to Support H.J. Res. 79 (Speier D-CA) – Deadline Removal for the Ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment (Pfuehler/Doyle)

RECOMMENDATION

The Legislative Committee of the Board and General Manager recommend the Board of Directors adopt a resolution to support H.J. Res. 79 (Speier D-CA) – Deadline Removal for the Ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment.

REVENUE/COST

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

BACKGROUND

This resolution quite literally removes the deadline for the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment. The deadline of March 22, 1979 was set in 1972. 35 of the necessary 38 states voted to ratify by the original deadline. Since the deadline passed, Nevada, Illinois and Virginia have voted to ratify. Repeal of the deadline could allow ratification to occur. As the District is an employer with a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, supporting this repeal is an appropriate action.

ALTERNATIVES

None recommended.

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO.: 2020 -09 -

September 1, 2020

RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT H.J.RES. 79 (SPEIER D-CA) – DEADLINE REMOVAL FOR THE RATIFICATION OF THE EQUAL RIGHTS AMENDMENT

WHEREAS, this resolution seeks to remove the deadline for the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment; and

WHEREAS, the Equal Rights Amendment would ensure the equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged within the United Sates on account of sex; and

WHEREAS, the East Bay’s full Federal delegation cosponsor the resolution; and

WHEREAS, the East Bay Regional Park District is an employer with a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion within our workforce.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby support H.J. Res. 79 (Speier D-CA) – Deadline Removal for the Ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment; and

Moved by Director , seconded by Director , and adopted this 1st day of September, 2020 by the following vote:

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

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, September 1, 2020

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

e. Resolution to Support H.R. 7264 (Neguse D-CO) – 21st Century Conservation Corps for Our Health and Our Jobs Act (Pfuehler/Doyle)

RECOMMENDATION

The Legislative Committee of the Board and General Manager recommend the Board of Directors adopt a resolution to support H.R. 7264 (Neguse D-CO) – 21st Century Conservation Corps for Our Health and Our Jobs Act.

REVENUE/COST

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

BACKGROUND

This bill is similar to legislation which the District already supports, S. 3684 sponsored by Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR). It is an effort to address the impacts of Covid-19 on health, the economy and, combined with high levels of drought throughout the West, the unprecedented wildland firefighting challenges in 2020. This legislation seeks to infuse funding and employment opportunities for wildfire hazard mitigation. Some key differences between H.R. 7264 and S. 3684 are H.R. 7264: • Reduces the allocation to the Forest Service from $4.2 billion to $3.975 billion. • Reduces the allocation for the Forest Service State and Private Forestry program from $600 million to $500 million. These funds will be divided between programs to help facilitate landscape restoration projects on state, private and Federal lands – including $100 million for the Firewise program to help local governments plan for and reduce wildfire risks. • Provides $5 million for Every Kid Outdoors. • Provides new language on youth and conservation corps. • Excludes the full permanent funding of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (has already occurred).

25 Other key elements of the legislation: • Establishes a $9 billion fund for qualified land and conservation corps to increase job training and hiring specifically for jobs helping to restore public lands. • Provides $12 billion to address the growing public lands maintenance backlog. • Establishes a $7 billion fund for an Outfitter and Guide Relief Program to provide financial assistance to the outdoor recreation industry suffering seasonal closures due to the Covid-19 pandemic. • Supplies $100 million for equipping firefighters with Personal Protective Equipment amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. • Provides funding for wildfire mitigation, including $200 million for the National Fire Capacity program which administers the Firewise program to assist State and local communities in the prevention, control and suppression of wildfires. • Allocates $100 million for FEMA’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program, to provide funds to state and local governments as they undertake hazard mitigation projects to reduce risk and lower the cost of responses to natural disasters.

ALTERNATIVES

None recommended.

26 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO.: 2020 - 09 -

September 1, 2020

RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT H.R. 7264 (NEGUSE D-CO) – 21ST CENTURY CONSERVATON CORPS FOR OUR HEALTH AND OUR JOBS ACT

WHEREAS, the East Bay Regional Park District has a strong history in partnering with conservation corps, including the original Civilian Conservation Corps and the Work Progress Administration as the nation sought to recover from the Depression of the 1930’s; and

WHEREAS, this legislation seeks to invest in conservation crews for the health of communities, land and economy, with particular emphasis on wildfire mitigation; and

WHEREAS, recent surveying of the East Bay public shows an overwhelming level of support for corps work; and

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

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby support H.R. 7264 (Neguse D-CO) – 21st Century Conservation Corps for Our Health and Our Jobs Act; and

Moved by Director , seconded by Director , and adopted this 1st day of September, 2020 by the following vote:

FOR:

AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:

27 Page Left Blank Intentionally

28 AGENDA REGULAR MEETINGS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, September 1, 2020

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

f. Resolution to Support S. 3964 (Coons D-DE) – Cultivating Opportunity and Response to the Pandemic through Services (CORPS) Act Pfuehler/Doyle)

RECOMMENDATION

The Legislative Committee of the Board and General Manager recommend the Board of Directors adopt a resolution to support S. 3964 (Coons D-DE) – Cultivating Opportunity and Response to the Pandemic through Services (CORPS) Act.

REVENUE/COST

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

BACKGROUND

This bill is similar to legislation which the District supports and also authored by Senator Coons, S. 3624. Senator Coons made some changes to his original bill to secure more Republican cosponsors. The number of participants were reduced from 750,000 to 250,000 over three years. The amount of funding to AmeriCorps was reduced from $14 million to $10.3 million. The overall funding for the Segal AmeriCorps National Education Awards were reduced from $7.525 million to $3.659 million (these are the funds AmeriCorps members can use to pay education costs or repay qualified student loans).

Key elements of the legislation: • Funds AmeriCorps positions for a three-year response and recovery period and grows the program to the levels authorized in the Serve America Act of 2009 (PL 111-13 or 42 USC 12511). • Under the CORPS Act, the number of positions could grow from 75,000 to 150,000 in the first year and then steadily to 250,000 by year three. • Provides flexibility to stabilize national service programs during the economic crisis. It allows them to grow and respond quickly to dynamic local recovery needs. • Prioritizes funding for activities directly related to response and recovery, such as: o Public health services, including support for isolation and quarantine activities.

29 o Work that furthers the capacity of state, tribal and local health departments. o Emergency logistics, such as the setup of alternate care sites. o Services that support economic opportunity, workforce and reemployment services. o Work that furthers the capacity of nonprofit and community organizations to respond to the immediate needs of individuals affected by Covid-19. o Education support (including for adult learners). o Jobs for youth in conservation. o Services to address housing and food insecurity. Prioritizes expanding programs and services in rural and high poverty communities. • Ensures individuals’ financial resources do not limit participation by temporarily increasing the AmeriCorps living allowance to 175% of the Federal poverty line. • Establishes a pilot program allowing State Commissions to directly place AmeriCorps members in state national service programs – with priority given to programs which serve rural and underserved areas – during the Covid-19 response and recovery period. • Funds new online tools for Senior Corps aimed at safely moving toward a teleservice model and expands Senior Corps eligibility. • Encourages participation by members of low-income and underrepresented communities. It funds an awareness and outreach campaign on response service opportunities. • Invite participation from a diverse range of Americans by investing Federal funds on volunteer management practices to increase both volunteer recruitment and retention through the Volunteer Generation Fund.

ALTERNATIVES

None recommended.

30 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO.: 2020 - 09 -

September 1, 2020

RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT S. 3964 (COONS D-DE) – CULTIVATING OPPORTUNITY AND RESPONSE TO THE PANDEMIC THROUGH SERVICES (CORPS) ACT

WHEREAS, California and the nation are seeing and experiencing unprecedented health and economic impacts during the Covid-19 pandemic; and

WHEREAS, California is experiencing additional negative impacts from wildfire including loss of land and property, as well as health impacts from poor air quality; and

WHEREAS, this legislation would provide funding and employment opportunities for investing in wildfire mitigation proactively and to assist in mitigating catastrophic burns; and

WHEREAS, such work has strong potential to benefit the District either through direct impact or by sharing best practices for continued safe vegetation management during a pandemic and into the future.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby support S. 3964 (Coons D-DE) – Cultivating Opportunity and Response to the Pandemic through Services (CORPS) Act; and

Moved by Director , seconded by Director , and adopted this 1st day of September, 2020 by the following vote:

FOR:

AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:

31 Page Left Blank Intentionally

32 AGENDA REGULAR MEETINGS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, September 1, 2020

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

2. CONSENT CALENDAR

g. Resolution to Support S. 4273 (Harris D-CA) and H.R. 7585 (DeSaulnier D-CA) – Expanding Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park Pfuehler/Doyle)

RECOMMENDATION

The Legislative Committee of the Board and General Manager recommend the Board of Directors adopt a resolution to support S. 4273 (Harris D-CA) and H.R. 7585 (DeSaulnier D- CA) – Expanding Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park.

REVENUE/COST

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

BACKGROUND

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

ALTERNATIVES

None recommended.

33 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO.: 2020 - 9 -

September 1, 2020

RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT S. 4273 (HARRIS D-CA) AND H.R. 7585 (DESAULNIER D-CA) – EXPANDING ROSIE THE RIVETER/WORLD WAR II HOME FRONT NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK

WHEREAS, the Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historic Park serves as the first in the nation to provide interpretation and memorial of the home front contributions made by women and men from diverse backgrounds during World War II; and

WHEREAS, expansion of this site to the Nystrom Elementary School in Richmond, California would allow for expansion of its important interpretation and educational opportunities; and

WHEREAS, the existing site is San Francisco Bay Trail adjacent and serves as an important connection to East Bay Regional Park District trails; and

WHEREAS, this further supports the interpretation of histories from Bay Area communities; and

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

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby support S. 4273 (Harris D-CA) and H.R. 7585 (DeSaulnier D-CA) – Expanding Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park; and

Moved by Director , seconded by Director , and adopted this 1st day of September, 2020 by the following vote:

FOR: AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:

34 AGENDA REGULAR MEETINGS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, September 1, 2020

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

h. Resolution to Support SB 1320 (Stern D-Canoga Park) – California Specific Climate Change Assessment (Pfuehler/Doyle)

RECOMMENDATION

The Legislative Committee of the Board and General Manager recommend the Board of Directors adopt a resolution to support SB 1320 (Stern D-Canoga Park) – California Specific Climate Change Assessment.

REVENUE/COST

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

BACKGROUND

This bill would require the Office of Planning and Research (OPR), through the Integrated Climate Adaptation and Resiliency Program (ICARP), to develop the California Climate Change Assessment. OPR would coordinate with the Natural Resources Agency, the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission, and the Strategic Growth Council, and in consultation with partner public agencies. The assessment would report the impacts and risks of climate change, based on the best available science, and identify potential solutions to inform legislative policy. Regional and local governments, such as the District, would be included in determining the scope of the assessment. The bill would require OPR to conduct the assessment no less frequently than every five years. Currently, there is no legal requirement for California to produce a climate assessment, although four have been conducted since 2006. This bill would codify the practice and provide more actionable information through consistent reporting. The requirement for OPR to engage with local and regional governments could include consultation with the District.

ALTERNATIVES

None recommended.

35 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO.: 2020 -09 -

September 1, 2020

RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT SB 1320 (STERN D-CANOGA PARK) – CALIFORNIA SPECIFIC CLIMATE CHANGE ASSESSMENT

WHEREAS, this legislation would establish an assessment to regularly report the impacts and risks of climate change, based on the best available science, and identify potential solutions to inform legislative policy; and

WHEREAS, the District plays a vital role in climate resiliency – a 2016 study estimates the Park District’s forests, grasslands, shrub lands and wetlands store nearly 300,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents which is similar to taking 60,000 vehicles off the East Bay roads each year; and

WHERAS, the District’s 2013 Master Plan states the District will monitor the effects of climate change on District resources and utilize adaptive management techniques; and

WHEREAS, the District strives to continuously improve upon mitigation and adaptation to climate change impacts and would benefit from best practices and policy oriented, systematic solutions as SB 1320 would foster.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby support SB 1320 (Stern D-Canoga Park) – California Specific Climate Change Assessment; and

Moved by Director , seconded by Director , and adopted this 1st day of September, 2020 by the following vote:

FOR:

AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:

36 AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, September 1, 2020

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

i. Authorization to Execute a Contract with The Watershed Nursery for Collection and Propagation of Plant Materials for the Coyote Hills Restoration and Public Access Project: Coyote Hills Regional Park (Goorjian/Kelchner)

RECOMMENDATION

The General Manager recommends that the Board of Directors authorize executing a contract in the amount of $96,516 with The Watershed Nursery (TWN) of Richmond, California for collection and propagation of plant materials for the Coyote Hills Restoration and Public Access Project.

REVENUE/COST

This action will authorize a new contract with TWN to propagate plants. Funding is available in the Coyote Hills Restoration and Public Access Project #154800, and will be used as follows:

SOURCE OF FUNDS Improve Access and Habitat (No 154800) $ 1,928,800 Encumbrances and Expenditures to Date (1,044,770) AVAILABLE BALANCE $ 884,030

USE OF FUNDS The Watershed Nursery Contract $ 96,516 REMAINING BALANCE $ 787,514

BACKGROUND

Coyote Hills Regional Park is located in southern Alameda County in the City of Fremont along the San Francisco Bay shoreline. In 2014, the East Bay Regional Park District (Park District), through the Regional Parks Foundation, received a donation of 296 acres of land adjacent to the park from the Patterson family, one of the last remaining undeveloped portions of the former Patterson Ranch which once comprised nearly 6,000 acres of farmland along the East Bay shoreline. This donation expanded the land mass of the park by approximately twenty-five

37 percent. In 2016, the Park District acquired an additional ten acres of former Patterson Ranch lands adjacent to the donation parcel, increasing the park expansion area to 306 acres.

Following an extensive public outreach process that began in 2017, the Board of Directors approved a Land Use Plan Amendment and Park Development Plan (Resolution No. 2019-09- 225) to incorporate the combined 306 acres of new open space into the existing regional park along with habitat restoration and public access improvements that can be implemented over time. The Board also certified a Final Environmental Impact Report and approved the project pursuant the California Environmental Quality Act. In November 2019, via Resolution No. 2019- 11-278, the Board approved a contract amendment with Questa Engineering Corporation for engineering, landscape architecture, and permit support services to begin the design phase of the project, and a contract amendment with Go Native, Inc. for vegetation management services.

The project is currently in the design and permitting phase with construction tentatively planned to begin in 2022. The project site is heavily infested with weeds and requires a proactive vegetation management program to reduce the abundance of weed seeds and to control aggressive weeds prior to habitat restoration. Vegetation management activities have been ongoing since December 2018, including native plant test plot installation, monitoring, and weed management. Findings from these activities are being used to understand how a variety of native plants respond to different growing conditions onsite and inform the project’s native plant palette and habitat restoration design.

In 2019, the TWN was selected to collect native seeds onsite for future propagation. TWN’s operation meets the Park District’s phytosanitary standards and their nursery has demonstrated ability to meet the District’s native plant propagation needs. Under these circumstances, staff believes it is in the best interest of the District to have these seeds propagated by TWN where they currently reside and are being properly stored rather than transferring the seeds to another nursery.

In order to utilize the technical and specific expertise required for plant propagation for this project, staff recommends executing a contract with the TWN who has demonstrated unique expertise and experience and is familiar with the project area. TWN adheres to strict phytosanitary standards to prevent the spread of soil borne pathogens and is well known for their expertise in supplying native plants for habitat restoration projects in the Bay Area. District staff has also worked with TWN on other projects including the Dotson Marsh Restoration and Public Access Project, for which TWN produced native plants several years ago that are still healthy and successful at the project site. In order to streamline continued collection, as well as propagation of approximately 10,000 plants, staff recommends the award of this contract to TWN. Plant installation is tentatively planned for fall 2021.

38 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO. 2020 – 09 –

September 1, 2020

AUTHORIZATION TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH THE WATERSHED NURSERY FOR COLLECTION AND PROPAGATION OF PLANT MATERIALS FOR THE COYOTE HILLS RESTORATION AND PUBLIC ACCESS PROJECT: COYOTE HILLS REGIONAL PARK

WHEREAS, planning and public outreach for the Coyote Hills Restoration and Public Access Project has been underway since 2017; and

WHEREAS, under Resolution No. 2019-09-225, the East Bay Regional Park District Board of Directors approved a Land Use Plan Amendment (LUPA) and associated Park Development Plan for Coyote Hills Regional Park and certified the Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR), and adopted findings pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA); and

WHEREAS, under Resolution No. 2019-11-278, the Board approved a contract amendment with Questa Engineering Corporation for engineering, landscape architecture, and permit support services to implement the design phase of the project, and approved a contract with Go Native, Inc. for vegetation management services; and

WHEREAS, staff previously procured a contract with The Watershed Nursery (TWN) of Richmond, California for seed collection services in 2019 for the Project and has demonstrated expertise, experience, and familiarity with the Project area; and

WHEREAS, TWN is uniquely qualified to provide collection and propagation of plant materials for the Project, and continued work with TWN will help streamline continued collection and propagation of plants for the Project; and

WHEREAS, funding for seed collection and plant propagation services is available in the Improve Access and Habitat Project (No. 154800);

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby authorizes the approval of a contract with The Watershed Nursery in the amount of $96,516 charged to the Coyote Hills Improve Access and Habitat Project (No. 154800 ; 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.

39 Moved by Director , seconded by Director and approved the 1st day of September 2020, by the following vote:

FOR:

AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:

40 Coyote Hills Regional Park Restoration and Public Access Project Feet [ 0 500 1,000

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42 AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, September 1, 2020

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

I. CONSENT CALENDAR

j. Authorization to Transfer 1.0 FTE Cultural Services Coordinator Position from the Interpretive & Recreation Services Department to the Planning and GIS Department and Amend the 2020 Budget: Operations Division and Acquisition, Stewardship, and Development Division (Alvarez/Walsh)

RECOMMENDATION

The General Manager recommends that the Board of Directors authorize the following position transfer in the 2020 Budget:

1. Add 1.0 FTE Cultural Services Coordinator position to the Planning Department of the Acquisition, Stewardship, and Development Division.

2. Delete 1.0 FTE Cultural Services Coordinator position currently allocated to the Interpretive & Recreation Services Department of the Operations Division.

REVENUE/COST

There are no additional costs associated with the proposed actions.

BACKGROUND

The Cultural Services Coordinator position was first established in 2013 by Board action as part of the 2013 Budget. The initial focus of the position included working with Park Supervisors to identify, catalogue, and develop a Cultural Atlas comprised of cultural resource sites found throughout the Park District and to develop training programs for the Operations Division staff with regards to management of cultural resources sites; handling of archeologic materials and incorporating these resources in environmental education and interpretation programs. Given this initial focus, the position was assigned to the Interpretive and Recreation Services Department within the Operations Division. Additionally, the Cultural Services Coordinator worked closely with Planning and Graphic Information System (GIS) staff in developing a GIS based Cultural Atlas and in the coordination of cultural resource analysis required under Sec. 106 of the California Environmental Quality Act and Assembly Bill 52- Tribal Cultural Resources (AB 52). Additionally, the Cultural Services Coordinator has been a key team member in developing

43 Land Use Plans and Amendments guiding the management and development of public lands operated by the Park District.

Over the years, the Cultural Services Coordinator increasingly focused on the aspects of the classification specification that were more aligned with the goals of the Planning and GIS Department since the inventory of cultural resources and the establishment of training programs were completed. Most recently with the vacancy of the Cultural Services Coordinator position, the Planning and GIS Department has continued to engage in consultation with tribal members in evaluating treatment plans for human remains discovery, in participating in park naming processes, and continuing to move forward Land Use Plans and Amendments in accordance with regulatory requirements such as AB 52.

Also, upon the retirement of the Cultural Services Coordinator incumbent, Ms. Beverly R. Ortiz, the Park District conducted a review of the position’s work assignments and priorities in accordance with regulatory compliance and delivery of the Park District’s Master Plan objectives pertaining to conservation and management standards for cultural and historical resources. This review process included the participation of staff representatives from various departments across multiple divisions including Interpretive and Recreation Services Department, Planning & GIS Department, Public Affairs Division and the Human Resources Department; the interdivisional team formulated a recommendation to transfer the Cultural Services position to the Planning & GIS Department in the Acquisition, Stewardship and Development Division (ASD) to best align work priorities.

The proposed reorganization will enable a seamless coordination between key staff members contributing to the Park District’s Master Plan goals to protect cultural resources.

The Park District met with AFSCME Local 2428 representatives to discuss the proposed reorganization transferring the Cultural Services Coordinator position from the Operations Division to the ASD Division. This classification was also reviewed as part of the Classification and Compensation Study for AFSCME Local 2428 represented positions. There were no objections.

ALTERNATIVES

No alternatives are recommended.

44 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO.: 2020 – 09 –

September 1, 2020

AUTHORIZATION TO TRANSFER 1.0 FTE CULTURAL SERVICES COORDINATOR POSITION FROM THE INTERPRETIVE & RECREATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT TO THE PLANNING & GIS DEPARTMENT AND AMEND THE 2020 BUDGET: OPERATIONS DIVISION AND ACQUISITION, STEWARDSHIP, AND DEVELOPMENT DIVISION

WHEREAS, the East Bay Regional Park District’s 2020 Budget includes authorized funding appropriations and budgeted positions approved by the Board of Directors; and

WHEREAS, the placement of the Cultural Services Coordinator position in the Planning & Graphic Information Services Department of the Acquisition, Stewardship, and Development Division will enable a seamless coordination for consultation with tribal members in evaluating treatment plans for human remains discovery, in developing park land use plans and amendments in accordance with regulatory requirements, and participating in park naming processes, while continuing to support the Park District’s Master Plan goal of protecting cultural resources;

WHEREAS, the reorganization is recommended by the General Manager and has been reviewed by labor representatives of the AFSCME Local 2428 bargaining unit;

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

1. Add 1.0 FTE Cultural Services Coordinator position to the Planning Department of the Acquisition, Stewardship, and Development Division. 2. Delete 1.0 FTE Cultural Services Coordinator position currently allocated to the Interpretive & Recreation Services Department of the Operations Division.

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 approved this 1st day of September, 2020, by the following vote:

FOR:

AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:

45 Page Left Blank Intentionally

46 AGENDA

REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, September 1, 2020

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

k. Authorization to Extend a Lease with the State Lands Commission for the Continued Operation of the Eckley Pier Public Shoreline Access Facility: Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline (Reeves/Kelchner)

RECOMMENDATION

The General Manager recommends that the Board authorize the extension of a lease with the State Lands Commission (SLC) for continued operation of a portion of the Carquinez Strait shoreline in Crockett where the Park District’s Eckley Pier is located.

REVENUE/COST

Fees totaling $3,025 will be paid to SLC to process the lease application. There is no annual rent associated with this lease. Lease expenses and staff time will be funded by general funds previously appropriated to the 2020 Land Acquisition Department budget.

BACKGROUND

The Park District Board of Directors adopted the Land Use Development Plan (LUDP) for the Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline in 1993 (Resolution No. 1993-11-304). The Eckley Shoreline was identified in the LUDP as a primary destination for park use because of its ideal location to provide shoreline access.

To help accomplish the LUDP goals, in 1996 the Park District obtained a lease from SLC to construct and maintain a fishing pier on SLC’s 7.45-acre submerged Eckley property (Board Resolution No. 1996-05-128). That lease expired on June 9, 2020. Staff has negotiated a new 20- year lease retroactive to June 10, 2020 which will expire on June 9, 2040. All other terms and conditions of the 1996 lease will remain in effect. The new lease allows the Park District to continue to operate and maintain the Eckley Pier and surrounding area for public recreational use.

ALTERNATIVES

No alternatives are recommended.

47 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO.: 2020 – 09 -

September 1, 2020

AUTHORIZATION TO EXTEND A LEASE WITH THE STATE LANDS COMMISSION FOR THE CONTINUED OPERATION OF THE ECKLEY PIER PUBLIC SHORELINE ACCESS FACILITY: CARQUINEZ STRAIT REGIONAL SHORELINE

WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 1993-11-304, adopted November 16, 1993, the East Bay Regional Park District Board of Directors adopted the Land Use Development Plan (LUDP) for the Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline; and

WHEREAS, to help accomplish the goals of the LUDP, by Board Resolution No. 1996-5- 128, adopted on May 21, 1996, the Park District entered into a lease with the State Lands Commission (SLC) for the construction and maintenance of a fishing pier on their 7.45-acre submerged Eckley property located in Crockett, California at Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline, said lease which expired on June 9, 2020; and

WHEREAS, Park District staff has negotiated a new lease from SLC that extends the existing lease for an additional 20-year term, with all other terms and conditions of the 1996 lease remaining in effect; and

WHEREAS, SLC lease application fees totaling $3,025 and Park District staff time will be funded by general funds previously appropriated to the 2020 Land Acquisition Department general fund budget; and

WHEREAS, the renewal of this lease is categorically exempt from California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requirements for preparing and processing environmental documentation pursuant to Section 15301 of State CEQA Guidelines which in part exempts the operation and leasing of existing public structures, facilities, or topographical features;

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby authorize the General Manager to enter into a 20-year lease with the State Lands Commission for continued use of the Eckley property for public recreational shoreline access, said lease to expire on June 9, 2040; and

48 Moved by Director , and seconded by Director and adopted this 1st day of September 2020 by the following vote:

FOR:

AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:

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50 Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline Eckley Pier - State Lands Commission Lease Agreement Feet APN: 354-030-009 [ 0 200 400

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52 AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, September 1, 2020

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

1. CONSENT CALENDAR

L. Acceptance of Second Quarter 2020 General Fund and Other Governmental Funds Financial Report (Strawson O’Hara/ Auker)

RECOMMENDATION

The General Manager and the Board Finance Committee, by unanimous vote at its August 5, 2020 meeting, recommend that the Board of Directors accept the Second Quarter 2020 General Fund and Other Governmental Funds Financial Report.

REVENUE/COST

There is no revenue/cost impact associated with the acceptance of the report.

BACKGROUND

As of June 30, 2020, the Park District’s General Fund revenues and expenditures are in line with the budget except for revenue in the Charges for Services category. With the Shelter-in-Place order being extended indefinitely, revenue under-collection is a certainty. Revenue for Charges for Services are only 17% of budget or $2.9 million less than the amount received last year at this time. This is due to the park closures, cancellation of programs and refund of reservations through June 30, as a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Since the Park District is unable to provide its full “summer focus” programming, such as opening swim facilities, summer camps, and other activities, then certain operational costs and related revenues will be reduced, creating an even greater deficit.

Expenditures are also expected to be below 2020 adopted budget, as the delayed and diminished hiring of seasonal and temporary staff for the regular “summer season” currently reflects a $2.5 million savings.

As detailed in the May 27th Finance Committee report on COVID-19 Pandemic Estimated Fiscal Impacts and the June 24th Finance Committee report on 2020 Mid-Year Budget Report and Proposed Budget Adjustments the financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic related to the current 2020 Budget are still to be determined. The Finance Department will continue to monitor the situation, and update projections at the September Finance Committee meeting.

53 General Fund Budget Actual % of Budget 2020 thru 6/30/20 variance Complete Revenue* $ 172,140,230 $ 78,651,335 $ 93,488,895 45.7% Expenditures* 187,400,885 86,134,160 101,266,726 46.0%

net change in Fund Balance$ (15,260,656) $ (7,482,825) $ 7,777,831 * includes transfers

At the end of the second quarter, the District’s General Fund revenues were $78.7 million, which is 45.7% of total revenue budgeted for the year. This amount is $3.0 million higher than the revenue received during the same six-month period last year, primarily due to an increase in property tax revenues. As noted above, revenue is under review related to Charges for Services.

General Fund expenditures as of June 30th were $86.1 million, or approximately 46.0% of the total budget for the year. Total spending was $11.7 million higher than at the same time last year; primarily due to increases in Salaries & Benefits ($1.7 million), Interfund Charges ($3.2 million), and Transfers Out ($7.9 million). Expenditures are currently on track to end the year well within the approved budgeted amount.

DESCRIPTION

The budget cycle of the District includes adoption of the annual budget in December of each year, budget amendments during the year as approved by the Board of Directors, and a mid-year budget review process in June/July. Mid-year budget review is an important component of the budget process and allows the District to utilize one-time savings and excess revenues identified at the end of each year for replenishing reserves, paying down unfunded liabilities, setting aside funding for important initiatives to carry out the mission of the District, such as environmental restoration, funding for infrastructure and aging structures, management of hazardous vegetation and fuels. This year’s 2020 budget review process focuses on addressing the needs of the COVID-19 pandemic including setting aside reserves for the COVID-19 economic effects.

The report and attachments summarize 2020 revenues and expenditures for the entire District through June 30. This information is provided to the Board as required by the Board Operating Guidelines.

The charts in Attachment A provide an overview of the past five years of revenues and expenditures. The table at the bottom of Attachment A provides a preliminary projection of unassigned fund balance in the General Fund.

Attachment B provides additional detailed information on the General Fund. Areas in which revenues or expenditures were 10 percent higher or lower than expected are explained in footnotes.

54 Attachment C provides summarized financial information for all other governmental funds.

ALTERNATIVES

No alternatives are recommended.

55 Page Left Blank Intentionally

56 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO.: 2020 – 09 -

September 1, 2020

ACCEPTANCE OF SECOND QUARTER 2020 GENERAL FUND AND OTHER GOVERNMENTAL FUNDS FINANCIAL REPORT

WHEREAS, the East Bay Regional Park District Finance Department prepares Quarterly Financial Reports and presents the results to the Board Finance Committee; and

WHEREAS, the Quarterly Financial Reports help inform the Board of Directors, public, and District management of the financial position of the District; and

WHEREAS, on August 5, 2020, the Board Finance Committee reviewed the Quarterly General Fund and Other Governmental Funds Financial Report for the period ending June 30, 2020, and unanimously recommended its favorable consideration by the Board of Directors;

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby accepts the General Fund and Other Governmental Funds Financial Report for the quarter ending June 30, 2020.

Moved by Director , seconded by Director and approved on this 1st day of September 2020, by the following vote:

FOR:

AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:

57 Page Left Blank Intentionally

58 Attachment A East Bay Regional Park District GENERAL FUND QUARTERLY FINANCIAL REPORT For the Period Ending June 30, 2020

General Fund Revenues $180

$170 total revenues $160 $150 property taxes $140 $130 (in millions) $120 $110 $100 $90 $80 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Projection General Fund Expenditures $200

$180

$160

total expenditures $140

$120 in millions) ( $100 salaries & benefits $80

$60 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Budget

Budgetary General Fund Unassigned Fund Balance

Beginning Unassigned Fund Balance as of 1/1/20 $ 71,299,357 2020 Projected Revenue 172,140,230 2020 Budgeted Expenditures (187,400,885) Estimated Ending Fund Balance as of 12/31/20 $ 56,038,701

Reserve Target per Policy * $ 55,084,874 (32% of annual revenue) Estimated Excess (deficit) over 32% Reserve $ 953,828

*The Fund Balance Reserve Policy states that 32% of annual revenue is the minimum reserve to be maintained by the District to provide emergency funding in the event of a disaster, temporary revenue shortfall, or other qualified circumstance. Use of the funds requires Board of Director approval.

59 Attachment B East Bay Regional Park District GENERAL FUND QUARTERLY FINANCIAL REPORT For the Period Ending June 30, 2020

Amended Budget Current YTD^ Actual vs. % of Budget Prior YTD^ % Budget 2020 Actuals 2020 Budget Complete Actuals 2019 6/30/2019 REVENUE Property Taxes 154,500,000 72,123,372 82,376,628 46.7% 67,952,991 47.2% Charges for Services 10,483,370 1,769,270 8,714,100 16.9% 4,673,988 43.7% 1 Property Usage 1,844,990 1,125,155 719,835 61.0% 1,086,116 60.6% 2 Investment Earnings and Other 4,292,520 2,614,188 1,678,332 60.9% 1,888,040 48.1% 3 Transfers In 1,019,350 1,019,350 0 100.0% 69,732 100.0% 4 Total Revenue and Transfers In 172,140,230 78,651,335 93,488,895 45.7% 75,670,866 47.2%

EXPENDITURES Salary & Benefits 115,501,728 45,622,274 69,879,455 39.5% 43,940,386 40.8% 5 Supplies 10,086,146 2,969,349 7,116,797 29.4% 3,385,929 35.2% 6 Services 21,494,871 5,877,940 15,616,931 27.3% 6,990,321 31.8% 7 Capital Outlay 3,524,149 1,526,854 1,997,296 43.3% 1,130,996 37.4% Other Expense 232,000 211,126 20,874 91.0% 208,815 90.0% 8 Interfund Charges 13,268,080 6,632,706 6,635,374 50.0% 3,397,895 50.0% Transfers Out 23,293,911 23,293,911 0 100.0% 15,381,461 100.0% 9 Total Expenditures and Transfers Out 187,400,885 86,134,160 101,266,726 46.0% 74,435,802 45.2% NET REVENUE OVER / (UNDER) (15,260,656) (7,482,825) $ (7,777,831) $ 1,235,064

Amended Budget Current YTD^ Budget % of Budget Prior YTD^ % Budget 2020 Actuals 2020 Variance Complete Actuals 2019 6/30/2019 EXPENDITURES BY DIVISION Board of Directors 375,180 55,809 319,371 14.9% 64,909 19.3% 10 General Manager 4,479,860 1,652,194 2,827,666 36.9% 1,427,214 36.6% 11 Clerk of the Board 520,530 212,719 307,811 40.9% 155,666 48.9% Human Resources 3,811,395 1,364,761 2,446,634 35.8% 1,362,917 39.2% 12 Total Executive & Legislative 9,186,965 3,285,483 5,901,482 35.8% 3,010,705 37.5%

Legal Division 3,214,397 1,108,029 2,106,368 34.5% 1,303,862 44.2% 13 Finance and Management Services 12,680,589 5,656,658 7,023,931 44.6% 4,663,697 43.8% Public Affairs 6,324,827 2,510,082 3,814,745 39.7% 2,515,875 41.8% 14 Total District-Wide Support 22,219,812 9,274,769 12,945,043 41.7% 8,483,434 43.2%

Operations Admin & Business Services 9,566,336 4,446,143 5,120,193 46.5% 2,970,393 44.5% Park Operations 40,852,325 16,337,967 24,514,358 40.0% 15,828,255 41.4% Interpretive and Recreation Services 12,937,027 4,533,339 8,403,688 35.0% 5,121,857 43.1% 15 Maintenance and Skilled Trades 18,140,476 6,795,515 11,344,961 37.5% 6,713,027 39.8% 16 Total Operations 81,496,164 32,112,964 49,383,200 39.4% 30,633,532 41.6%

Administration, Design & Construction 1,917,930 767,465 1,150,466 40.0% 573,256 38.9% Planning & Land Acquisition 5,043,253 2,058,469 2,984,784 40.8% 1,847,813 42.9% Stewardship Department 6,645,165 2,476,959 4,168,205 37.3% 2,304,031 37.8% 17 Total Acquisition, Stewardship & Development 13,606,348 5,302,893 8,303,455 39.0% 4,725,100 39.8%

Public Safety Administration 11,127,739 4,453,644 6,674,095 40.0% 3,538,262 34.7% Police Department 17,055,967 6,107,597 10,948,370 35.8% 6,030,089 38.4% 18 Fire Department 7,913,980 2,302,900 5,611,080 29.1% 2,633,219 36.4% 19 Total Public Safety 36,097,686 12,864,142 23,233,544 35.6% 12,201,570 36.8% Non-departmental 1,500,000 - 1,500,000 0.0% - 0.0% 20 Transfers Out 23,293,911 23,293,911 0 100.0% 15,381,461 100.0% Total Expenditures and Transfers Out 187,400,885 86,134,160 $ 99,766,725 46.0% $ 74,435,802 45.2% ^ Current Year to Date (YTD) Actuals excluding Encumbrances.

Notes: The percent of year completed equals 50% at June 30. Variances over or under 10% were reviewed and are explained below. Prior year data is presented for comparison purposes.

1. Charges for Services were below budget due to cancellations of reservations, permits & programs due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 2. The majority of this variance is related to grazing revenues, which are anticipated to exceed budget in 2020. 3. Investment Earnings are above budget primarily due to realized gains on sale of investments. 4. Transfers in are at 100% because the transactions are completed immediately after budget adoption. 5. Salaries & Benefits are under budget due to staff vacancies. 6. Supplies appear low, however, when encumbrances are included expenditures are on target. 7. Service expenditures appear low, however, when encumbrances are included expenditures are on target. 8. Annual $200,000 payment to Livermore Area Recreation & Park District was completed in April 2020. 9. Transfers out are typically completed as soon as the budget for the transfer is approved by the Board. 10. Board expenditures are low in supplies & services primarily because contingency funds have not yet been allocated. 11. General Manager expenditures are low in supplies primarily because contingency funds have not yet been allocated. 12. Human Resources salary & benefits are lower than expected due to staff vacancies. 13. Legal expenditures are low in services; however, when encumbrances are included expenditures are on target. 14. Public Affairs expenditures are low in services; however, when encumbrances are included expenditures are on target. 15. Interp & Rec expenditures are low in services; however, when encumbrances are included expenditures are on target. 16. MAST expenditures are low in supplies, services and capital outlay; however, when encumbrances are included expenditures are on target. 17. Stewardship expenditures are low in supplies & services; however, when encumbrances are included expenditures are on target. 18. Police department has 63.8% of their salary & benefits budget remaining due to vacant positions. 19. Fire department has 71.1% of their salary & benefits budget remaining due to vacant positions. 20. Non-departmental expenditures include the remaining $500k planned contribution to the Pension Trust and $1M CalPERS Supplemental payment

60 Attachment C East Bay Regional Park District OTHER GOVERNMENTAL FUNDS QUARTERLY FINANCIAL REPORT For the Period Ending June 30, 2020

Special Revenue Funds Amended Budget Current YTD^ Budget % of Budget Prior YTD^ % Budget 2020 Actuals 2020 Variance Complete Actuals 2019 at 6/30/19

Total Revenues* 18,903,933 6,431,406 12,472,527 34.0% 9,259,807 40.1% Total Expenditures** 17,647,063 5,522,425 12,124,639 31.3% 9,863,323 42.7%

Special Revenue funds include Measure CC, LLD funds, Zones of Benefit, and Measure WW Local Grants. Revenues are low in part because bond fund reimbursements for Measure WW local grants are still in progress. Expenditures are low primarily because Measure WW local grants have drawn $1.3 million of the $9 million budgeted.

Project Funds Amended Budget Current YTD^ Actual vs. % of Budget Prior YTD^ % Budget 2020 Actuals 2020 Budget Complete Actuals 2019 at 6/30/19

Total Revenues* 41,937,452 29,280,126 12,657,326 69.8% 41,229,545 103.0% Total Expenditures** 96,034,905 18,140,093 77,894,813 18.9% 44,121,079 53.8%

Project Funds are used primarily for land acquisition and construction. Revenues are reflected at 69.8% of budget due to approval of the 2020 budget appropriations and related transfers-in which are recorded upon approval. Project fund expenditures are under budget for the 2nd quarter, however, when encumbrances are included expenditures are on target.

Debt Service Funds Amended Budget Current YTD^ Actual vs. % of Budget Prior YTD^ % Budget 2020 Actuals 2020 Budget Complete Actuals 2019 at 6/30/19

Total Revenues* 29,516,390 17,176,180 12,340,210 58.2% 11,614,651 43.1% Total Expenditures** 29,319,280 4,196,615 25,122,665 14.3% 4,696,015 15.4%

Debt Service revenues and expenditures are related to scheduled debt service payments for Measure WW bonds.

Internal Service Funds Amended Budget Current YTD^ Actual vs. % of Budget Prior YTD^ % Budget 2020 Actuals 2020 Budget Complete Actuals 2019 at 6/30/19

Total Revenues* 24,344,275 10,548,714 13,795,561 43.3% 12,579,772 57.8% Total Expenditures** 21,668,512 8,440,674 13,227,839 39.0% 6,821,466 34.3%

Internal Service funds pay for services that are allocated District-wide, including costs of General Liability, Major Infrastructure, Equipment and Employee Benefits.

Notes: ^ Current Year to Date (YTD) Actuals do not include Encumbrances (known obligations/contracts thru June 30). * including transfers in ** including transfers out

The percent of year completed equals 50% at June 30. Prior year data is presented for comparison purposes.

61 LEGAL DIVISION AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, September 1, 2020

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

2. LEGAL DIVISION

RECOMMENDATION

The General Manager recommends that the Board of Directors accept the final total insurance settlement of $2,590,313.63 minus the $25,000 deductible for the 2017 winter storm damage claim and authorize execution of a settlement agreement with Lexington Insurance Company and appropriate remaining funds.

REVENUE/COST

This action approves the insurance settlement funds to be appropriated/budgeted as follows:

Park Description Account Final Budget Redwood Canyon Golf Restore Golf Course 525200 $839,974.20 Camp Arroyo Restore Camp Facilities 524800 $163,092.32 Del Valle Restore Facilities 525100 $890,038.00 District Wide Repair 2017 Storm Damage 520200 $99,845.11 District Wide Business Interruption 101-3851-000 $567,364.00 Total Loss $2,560,313.63 District Wide Business Interruption (Less Deductible) 101-3851-000 ($25,000.00) Prior Payments $2,432,440.66 Appropriated to Restore Camp Balance of Claim Facilities – Camp Arroyo 524800 $132,872.97

BACKGROUND

On March 16, 2017, the Park District filed a claim with CSAC-EIA for storm damage as a result of severe winter storms. The storms caused significant property damage to Park District facilities

63 at Redwood Canyon Golf Course, Camp Arroyo, Del Valle Regional Park and smaller damages at other parks District wide.

On May 2, 2017, by Resolution No. 2017-05-110, the Board of Directors authorized the Assistant General Manager of Finance and Management Services/CFO to accept on-going partial insurance payments related to the claim including an initial payment of $500,000. On July 24, 2018, by Resolution No. 2018-007-186 the Board of Directors authorized a settlement of the Del Valle Regional Park property claim in the amount of $890,038.00.

By this action, the Board of Directors will accept a final payment of $132,872.97 and authorize the General Manager to execute a claim release and settlement agreement with Lexington Insurance Company acknowledging that all insurance claims relating to the 2017 winter storms have been fully resolved. In total, the Park District received $2,590,313.63 minus the $25,000 deductible. This includes $597,364 received for business interruption (lost revenues) due to the closures of Del Valle and Redwood Canyon Golf Course because of flooding. Attached as Exhibit “A” to the Resolution is the Final Statement of Loss which shows the amounts of the insurance proceeds received.

ALTERNATIVES

No alternatives are recommended.

64 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO.: 2020 – 09 -

September 1, 2020

AUTHORIZATION TO ACCEPT THE FINAL INSURANCE PAYMENT ON THE 2017 WINTER STORM DAMAGE CLAIM AND TO EXECUTE A CLAIM RELEASE AND MUTUAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT WITH LEXINGTON INSURANCE COMPANY: DISTRICT-WIDE

WHEREAS, in response to severe winter storms which occurred in January and February 2017, the East Bay Regional Park District (Park District) filed an insurance claim with the California State Association of Counties - Excess Insurance Authority (CSAC-EIA) and Lexington Insurance Company, Boston, MA; and

WHEREAS, on May 2, 2017, by Resolution No. 2017-05-110, the Board of Directors authorized the Assistant General Manager of Finance and Management Services/CFO to accept ongoing partial insurance payments for the winter storm claim including an initial payment of $500,000; and

WHEREAS, on July 24, 2018, by Resolution No. 2018-007-186 the Board of Directors authorized settlement of the Del Valle Regional Park property damage claim in the amount of $890,038.00; and

WHEREAS, attached hereto as Exhibit “A” is a Final Statement of Loss showing insurance payments received for the 2017 winter storm claim in a total amount of $2,590,313.63 minus the $25,000 deductible;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby authorizes acceptance of the final insurance payment of $132,872.97 for the 2017 winter storm damage claim and to budget the funds as follows:

65 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Board of Directors authorizes the balance of the claim in the amount of $132,872.97 to be appropriated to the Camp Arroyo – Restore Camp Facilities project (#524800); and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Board of Directors authorizes the General Manager to execute a Claim Release and Mutual Settlement Agreement with Lexington Insurance Company acknowledging that the Park District’s 2017 winter storm damage claim has been fully resolved; and

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

MOVED by seconded by , and adopted this 1st day of September, 2020 by the following vote:

FOR:

AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:

66 FINAL STATEMENT OF LOSS

CSAC EIA / EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT VARIOUS LOCATIONS

DATE OF LOSS - JANUARY 3, 2017

Redwood Canyon Golf Course

Incurred costs: $ 412,026.20 Sand Channel cost: $ 396,270.00 Landscaping Tree replacement: $ 29,118.00 Wedding chapel walkway: $ 2,560.00 Subtotal: $ 839,974.20 $ 839,974.20

Camp Arroyo

Yurt repair: $ 86,262.99 Pathway Repair: $ 66,017.00 Dumpster enclosure: $ 10,812.33 Subtotal: $ 163,092.32 $ 163,092.32

Del Valle Park

Property Damage loss per release agreement: $ 890,038.00 $ 890,038.00

Small Projects

Miscellaneous locations: $ 99,845.11 $ 99,845.11

Business Interruption

Redwood Canyon Golf Course: $ 241,053.00 Del Valle - Park Operations: $ 346,465.00 Del Valle - Concessions: $ 9,846.00 Subtotal: $ 597,364.00 $ 597,364.00

Total as measured: $ 2,590,313.63

Less: Deductible: $ (25,000.00)

Prior Payment $ (2,432,440.66)

Balance of Claim: $ 132,872.97

McLarens File 002.041870.00.S 07/02/2020 EXHIBIT A 67 PUBLIC SAFETY DIVISION AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, September 1, 2020

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

3. PUBLIC SAFETY DIVISION

RECOMMENDATION

The General Manager recommends that the Board of Directors:

1. Ratify amendments to the current year Goats R Us contract and Star Creek Land Stewards Inc. contract (approved by the General Manager, per the Emergency Declaration); and

2. Authorize a second amendment to Goats R Us contract, to provide more extensive goat and sheep grazing services for the second year of this two-year contract.

REVENUE/COST

Per Resolution 2020-02-043, the Board of Directors approved four two-year grazing contracts to four different vendors, for a total amount of $900,935. The proposed contract amendments will re-assign the units awarded to Martin Boer Goats, Star Creek Land Stewards, Inc., and Goats R Us, resulting in a total amount an overall increase of 13%, and a new total contract award of $931,646, as detailed in the tables below. The additional $121,610 will be funded by Measure CC, General Fund and grants.

Grazing Contract Original Amended New Total Goats R Us $100,527 $ 181,798 $282,325 Star Creek Land Stewards Inc. $296,558 $129,648 $426,206 Leland Hazeltine $314,014 $ - $314,014 Martin Boer Goats $189,836 ($189,836) $ - Total Amount Awarded $900,935 $ 30,711 $931,646

69 BACKGROUND

On February 18, 2020, the Board of Directors authorized the award of two-year contracts for goat grazing services to Goats R Us for an annual cost of $50,263.50, Leland Hazeltine for an annual cost of $157,007, Star Creek Land Stewards Inc. for an annual cost of $148,279, and Martin Boer Goats for an annual cost of $94,918, for a combined total of $450,000.50 for these goat grazing contracts (Resolution 2020-02-043). Martin Boer Goats was unable to meet the East Bay Regional Park District’s insurance requirements which resulted in four grazing units needing prompt re-assignment in time to provide fuels reduction services in late spring 2020. Star Creek Land Stewards Inc., and Goats R Us were able to add two units each to their existing contracts for 2020. These amendments for grazing in the 2020 season increased the total combined cost of these grazing contracts by $60,805, a 13% increase over the combined total for these contracts approved by the Board in Resolution No. 2020-02-043.

On June 24, 2020, for the first year of the two-year contract, the Miller Knox and Crow Canyon grazing units were added to the Goats R Us contract. The contract amount increased by $90,899 thereby bringing the total amount of the contract to $191,426. On June 30, 2020, for both years of the two-year contract, the Carquinez and Camp Arroyo grazing units were added to the Star Creek Land Stewards Inc. contract. The contract amount increased by $129,648 thereby bringing the total contract amount to $426,206. The General Manager approved these two contract amendments under the declared emergency, with an understanding of the urgency of the fuels reduction work and the minimal increase these amendments represented when compared to the combined total of the goat grazing contracts approved by the Board.

A second amendment to Goats R Us Contract 04202020G is also required. This amendment would add the Miller Knox and Crow Canyon grazing units to the second year of the two-year contract with Goats R Us. The contract amount will increase by $90,899, bringing the total amount of the contract to $282,325.

ALTERNATIVES

None are recommended.

70 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

RESOLUTION NO.: 2020 – 09 -

September 1, 2020

AUTHORIZATION TO AMEND A CONTRACT WITH GOATS R US FOR GOAT AND SHEEP GRAZING SERVICES FOR FIRE HAZARD REDUCTION AND RESOLUTION TO RATIFY THE APPROVALS OF THE AMMENDMENTS TO THE CONTRACTS BETWEEN THE DISTRICT, GOATS R US, AND STAR CREEK LAND STEWARDS INC.

WHEREAS, in 2010, the East Bay Regional Park District’s Board of Directors adopted the Wildfire Hazard Reduction and Resource Management Plan (Plan) to reduce fire hazard on District lands and maintain and enhance ecological values consistent with the fire hazard reduction goals; and

WHEREAS, goat and sheep grazing are effective fire management tools; and

WHEREAS, on February 18, 2020 the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District awarded contracts to the following four vendors: Goats R Us for an annual cost of $50,263.50, Leland Hazeltine for an annual cost of $157,007.00, Star Creek Land Stewards Inc. for an annual cost of $157,007.00, and Martin Boer Goats for an annual cost of $94,918.00 for goat and sheep grazing services for a two year period (2020-2021); and

WHEREAS, on March 19, 2020 the Board of Directors proclaims that a local emergency exists throughout the East Bay Regional Park District and normal workflow processes are interrupted; and

WHEREAS, one of the four approved contractors, Martin Boer Goats, was not able to meet District insurance requirements: and

WHERAS, Goats R Us and Star Creek Land Stewards Inc. are able to add both years of the Martin Boer grazing units to their contracts; and

WHEREAS, on June 24, 2020, the General Manager authorized an amendment to the Goats R Us contract to add the first year of the Martin Boer Goats grazing units; and

WHEREAS, on June 30, 2020 the General Manager authorized an amendment to the Star Creek contract adding two years of Martin Boer Goats grazing units; and

WHEREAS, on July 2, 2020 the AGM of Public Safety approved an added six acres of grazing to the Star Creek Land Stewards Inc. contract; and

WHEREAS, approval of a second amendment adding the second year of Martin Boer Goats grazing units to the Goats R Us contract is being requested; and

71 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby ratifies the General Manager’s approvals of the amendments to the contracts between the Park District and Goats R Us, for a total amount of $282,325 ($141,162.50 in year 1 and $141,162 in year 2).

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby approves the amendments to the contract with Star Creek Land Stewards for a total contract amount of $426,206 ($213,103 in year 1 and $213,103 in year 2); and

Moved by Director , seconded by Director , and adopted this 1st day of September, 2020 by the following vote:

FOR:

AGAINST: ABSTAIN ABSENT:

72 BOARD AND STAFF REPORTS AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, September 1, 2020

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

4. BOARD AND STAFF REPORTS

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

Alameda County - Altamont Landfill Open Space Advisory Committee – N3 Ranch Allocation

On July 24, 2020, the Open Space Advisory Committee conditionally approved an initial $5 million funding allocation in support of a current effort to acquire and preserve the 50,500-acre N3 Cattle Company Ranch property located in Alameda, Santa Clara, San Joaquin, and Stanislaus Counties; and to move the addition of the property to the Committee’s priority list for acquisition in the eastern area. Negotiations are underway between the Naftzger family and a consortium of land conservation organizations, and state and local agencies including the East Bay Regional Park District. If a purchase agreement is reached, the Committee will recommend that the Livermore City Council and County of Alameda Board of Supervisors approve the $5 million contribution from its Livermore area open space fund toward the purchase price of the ranch.

74 GM COMMENTS AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, September 1, 2020

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

5. GENERAL MANAGER’S COMMENTS

STAFF PRESENTATION The Human Resources Department will provide an overview of the Park District’s COVID-19 response, annual staffing changes, and a highlight of accomplishments from the Training program.

GM COMMENTS

OPERATIONS Interpretive and Recreation Services Department Coastal Cleanup Day 2020 This year’s Coastal Cleanup Day (CCD) will follow California Coastal Commission’s lead by encouraging participants to “Clean the Shore from your own Front Door.” Participants can register on the Park District’s website through the new user interface software, Samaritan. There is a special event page, https://ebrpd.samaritan.com/custom/501/#/opp_details/2107, currently under construction, with all the instructions including links to safety materials and an EBRPD disclaimer. On any day in the month of September, participants can use their own equipment to pick up trash in their neighborhoods to prevent it from travelling to the shoreline. Afterward, those who log their time though the system can select a patch or a sticker with the CCD logo to be mailed to their homes. Staff will strive to highlight the event on social media with videos and posts.

Samaritan The new user interface, Samaritan, is live and functioning. Currently, Coastal Cleanup Day is the only volunteer program offered to the public due to COVID-19 restrictions. When in-person programming resumes, participants will be able to sign up for volunteer opportunities and submit applications for outdoor recreation, naturalist, and environmental education programs. Staff is in the process of implementing a new application for naturalist-led virtual field trips that will go live by the end of September. Staff is also being trained on processing incoming requests and creating programs using the new system.

Community Outreach Ardenwood: On June 20, Mobile Education staff led two virtual SHINE program field trips for 16 participants who were introduced to plants on the farm, and observed staff feeding the animals.

76 North/West Region Coyote Hills: On June 25, staff and 3,500 residents of the US, Canada, and Puerto Rico participated in a virtual panel discussion on race, social justice, and interpretation through the National Association for Interpretation.

Crab Cove: Every weekend from June 20 to July 26, staff has provided roving programs engaging a total of 1,088 park visitors on various topics including safety, park features and natural history.

Mobile Education: On July 10, staff participated in a virtual First Friday hike with the Chabot Space and Science Center; there were over 350 participants.

Outdoor Recreation: On June 19, staff held a virtual campfire for the Bay Area Outreach Program (BORP). Twenty-four participants joined for singalongs and s’mores. Each participant was sent a sensory kit and snack bag in advance.

Tilden Nature Area: On July 13, staff piloted their first virtual camp of the summer, Camp of the Wild. Eleven enthusiastic campers joined online each day for hands-on activities, nature education, and to enhance their camping skills.

South/East Region Ardenwood Historic Farm: On July 4, staff premiered a virtual Old-Fashioned Independence Day event with a thirty-five-minute interpretive video. To date the video has reached 1,100 people on Facebook, with 112 engagements, and has had 378 views on YouTube. Big Break Visitor Center: Staff conducted roving programs, contacting more than 725 park guests. The return of Interpretive Student Aides brought a considerable increase in participation, reaching 498 visitors in seven days.

Black Diamond Mines: Staff created 30 interpretive videos and posts for the Black Diamond Facebook page, receiving more than 25,848 views.

Community Services & Volunteers: On July 16, staff hosted a meeting with Park Supervisors to create a plan for the 2020 Coastal Cleanup Day.

Del Valle Visitor Center: On July 25 and July 26, staff contacted 109 visitors while roving on the Arroyo side of the park.

Sunol Visitor Center: From June 25 to July 26, staff interacted with 731 visitors while roving. On July 22, staff led a virtual Walk and Talk at Las Trampas with Assembly Member Rebecca Bauer- Kahan.

Park Operations Department Delta Unit /Concord Hills: On June 1, park staff from all parks within the unit participated in park and trail clean-up and vegetation management projects at Concord Hills. Staff tested the new Green Climber equipment. The majority of staff have been trained on the new equipment and each one is getting a chance to participate in the new way to reduce vegetation without chemicals.

77 Interpretive Parklands Unit Sunol-Ohlone: On June 6, a park user notified staff of an injured hawk on the ground along Indian Joe Trail. The Lindsay Wildlife Rehabilitation Hospital in Walnut Creek was contacted and arranged to have the hawk admitted to the hospital. On June 19, the hawk was returned to the location where it was found.

Parkland Unit Reinhardt Redwood Park: In mid-May, staff completed improvements on a quarter mile of the Stream Trail, increasing the longevity of the trail and reducing muddy trail conditions for park visitors. Materials for the project were funded by a bequest from the estate of Hiram Kato, via the Regional Parks Foundation.

Sibley Preserve: On May 29, park staff, including the Maintenance and Skilled Trades Department, partnered with Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) staff to complete the final clean-up of a construction laydown at the old quarry site and to support several wildfire prevention projects including the PG&E replacement of old electrical poles and wires in the Oakland Hills, as well as vegetation clearance.

Shoreline Unit All Unit Parks: In late May-June, staff focused on performing fuels abatement work throughout the unit. Several park areas such as Point Isabel and Martin Luther King Jr.’s Tidewater were reopened for public use.

Lakes Unit Lake Chabot: On May 20, the Lake Chabot Café reopened. Staff evaluated the picnic areas to comply with the social distancing directives from Alameda County and developed a plan for future implementation.

Recreation Areas Diablo Foothills/Castlerock: In May, an invasive species called Euphorbia Oblongata commonly referred to as Oblong Spurge was discovered along a small area of the Northgate Trail. Park staff removed the weeds and will continue to monitor the area to ensure eradication.

Kennedy Grove: From May 14 through June 17, staff spent several hours on fuels abatement through rough mowing and line trimming parking lots, picnic area, trails, pathways, and other fire mitigation areas.

Maintenance and Skilled Trades Department (MAST) Administrative Unit Tilden: Approximately 1,400 linear feet of sewer main and 280 linear feet of sewer lateral were repaired. Five manholes were repaired or replaced to ensure code compliance. The project started at the Brazilian building and ended at the connection to the City of Berkeley. The repairs will reduce pipe damage, root intrusion in the lines, and backups at the Brazilian building, park residence, and the Island Picnic area restrooms.

78 Fleet Unit Approximately 50% percent of 2020 fleet replacements have been inspected, verified, and ordered. A request for an additional 45% will be submitted to the Board in the Fall. 19 of 31 additions to the fleet, including mid-year requests, have been ordered.

All equipment for vegetation management, to support the elimination of Glyphosate use, has been ordered. Eight of the ten pieces of equipment have been delivered and released for service.

Tilden Pacheco and South County Equipment Shops: All three fully staffed equipment shops have remained busy with maintenance, repair and setting up of new vehicles and equipment while maintaining compliance with all COVID-related rules and regulations.

79 BOARD COMMITTEE REPORTS AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, September 1, 2020

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

7. COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Finance Committee Minutes and Recommended Actions from the Meeting of June 24, 2020 (Coffey)

Attendees Board: Colin Coffey, Ellen Corbett and Dee Rosario

Staff: Ana M. Alvarez, Debra Auker, Deborah Spaulding, Kip Walsh, David Sumner, Jim O’Connor, Anthony Ciaburro, Kim Balingit, Michelle Strawson O’Hara, Ali Haynes, Jim Tallerico, Matt Graul, Lisa Goorjian, Ruby Tumber, Meadow D’Arcy

Speakers: Rosalva Flores and Ashley Casey with Brown Armstrong Certified Public Accountants

Public: Kelly Abreu, with the Mission Peak Conservancy. Members of the Public were able to access the meeting via live audio stream only.

Committee Chair Colin Coffey began the meeting at 12:35 PM with the introduction of Committee members.

Agenda Item No. 1 2019 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report

Assistant Finance Officer Michelle Strawson O’Hara introduced the District’s 2019 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) and reminded the Committee that each year an independent audit of the District’s financial information and internal controls is conduced. She stated that the December 31, 2019 audit resulted in a “clean” unmodified opinion from the auditors.

AFO Strawson O’Hara reported the following details about the District’s financial statements: • Net position in the government-wide statement, which are presented on a full accrual basis, increased by $62.8 million during 2019 to $847.5 million, primarily due to net investment of capital assets.

81 • Governmental funds had an overall decrease in fund balance and Proprietary Fund funds had an overall increase in fund balance. • General Fund fund balance increase $16.6 million, primarily due increased property tax revenue and interest income, as well as personnel and operating expenditures below budget. • Debt service funds fund balance increased $4.5 million, in preparation for the required March 1 debt service payment due date. • Project funds fund balance decreased $27.7 million, due to the use of bond proceeds during the year for acquisition and development project costs. • Non-major government funds fund balance decreased $1.1 million which was similar to prior year. Rosalva Flores and Ashley Casey with Brown Armstrong Certified Public Accountants summarized the audit report as follows: • The financial statements are the responsibility of management. • The audit work performed provides a reasonable basis for the auditor’s opinion. • In the auditor’s opinion, the financial statement presented fairly, in all material respects the financial position of the District. • The financial statements are in for conformity with accounting general accepted accounting principles. • Implementation of additional Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB) 83, 84 and 88. These new GASB implementations had no impact on the District’s financial statements. • Auditors recommendations of additional “good practices” to improve financial report Committee member Ellen Corbett inquired if the recommendations made by outside auditors require board action and how board will be informed if recommendations are implemented. Assistant General Manager Debra Auker informed the committee the board can request auditors to follow up on prior year recommendations and report if implemented. Recommendation: Motioned by Ellen Corbett and seconded by Dee Rosario that the Finance Committee recommends to the full Board of Directors to review the financial report and submit the 2019 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report and other reports to Board of Directors for consideration and acceptance. Motion approved.

Agenda Item No. 2 2020 Mid-Year Budget Report and Proposed Budget Adjustments

Deputy General Manager Dr. Ana M. Alvarez introduced the item by reminding the Committee of the historical practice at the District of allocating one-time funds at mid-year, which is a business practice that contributes to the District’s successful stewardship of public funds. DGM Alvarez added that the mid-year adjustments respond to the immediate COVID-19 impact while at the same time looking forward to preparing the Park District for imminent economic uncertainty. DGM Alvarez highlighted a few specific mid-year budget adjustments that were Board priorities: • Reducing future pension costs • Environmental remediation / ecological restoration • Implementation of Measure FF projects

82 • Hazardous tree removal • A Smoothing Fund to help mitigate budgetary economic impacts from COVID-19 • Diversity Equity Inclusion training • Safe and healthy forest management/fire hazard reduction • Allocation for butterfly habitat • Restoration of Arata Ranch barn roof • Funding the Del Valle Service Maintenance Yard

DGM Alvarez introduced AFO Spaulding.

AFO Spaulding reported that the District’s 2019 General Fund ended with an excess of revenue over expenditures of $16.6 million. It was requested that one-time resources from several funding sources, totaling $16.3 million, be considered for one-time appropriations.

It was recommended that the following allocations be made from the General Fund as 2020 mid- year budget adjustments:

• $5,000,000 to Major Infrastructure Repair and Replacement Fund 553 • $2,000,000 to Aquatic Facilities & Water Resources • $1,000,000 to Environmental Remediation • $1,000,000 to Pension Liability Contribution • $770,000 to purchase Helicopter Eagle 8 • $600,000 to COVID-19 response project • $500,000 to Land Acquisition funding • $500,000 to Hazardous Tree Removal • $350,000 each to Pinole Shores Bridge Railing Repair & Tilden Nature Area Feasibility Study • $330,000 to Arata Barn Roof Repair • $325,000 to Radke Martinez Shoreline turf • $250,000 to Improve Parking Security for Public Safety • $200,000 to District-Wide Grazing water infrastructure

A handout was provided on remaining items recommended for one-time appropriations.

AGM/CFO Auker added, due to COVID-19, revenues for the Park District will be challenging to project. If staff sees that adjustments to revenue are necessary prior to the end of the year, staff will return to the Board with adjustments. Committee member Corbett asked if the $2 million for aquatic facility and water resources includes Roberts and Contra Loma. AFO Spaulding replied yes. Committee member Corbett requested clarification on monies for helicopter purchase. DGM Alvarez advised funding is for replacement of a current helicopter. Assistant General Manager/Chief of Police Anthony Ciaburro advised committee that staff is currently in the process of identifying helicopter and preparing for purchase. Committee member Corbett questioned if Nike Classroom parking lot will open. AGM/Police Chief Ciaburro responded due to current unrest the gate is closed; however, the long-range plan is that the parking lot will remain open.

83 Committee member Corbett inquired if the District prioritizes the purchase of electric equipment. Assistant General Manager of Operations Jim O’Connor responded yes. Committee member Dee Rosario asked for a list of restrooms converting to sewer. AGM O’Connor advised list will be provided. Committee chair Coffey inquired about the difference between available General Fund fund balance and the amount being appropriated at Mid-year. AGM /CFO Auker explained that the difference, over $2.5 million, is being set aside, but that the funds will not be appropriated in a reserve account at this time. Once we know the extent of the current year revenue shortfall, those funds can either be used in the current year or can be set aside into a reserve account to be available as for appropriation in a future year budget process. Committee chair Coffey asked about the reason for appropriating new expenditures from Measure FF and the other assessment districts now at Mid-Year, as opposed to having those allocations appropriated in the original budget. AGM/CFO Auker explained that for Measure FF this is the first fiscal year that it will be on property tax bills, and we didn’t want the funds to be spent before they were available. For other assessment districts, the intention is to budget 100% of the revenue coming in for operating expenses, however, if those funds aren’t spent, and we have a remaining fund balance, we will utilize the Lighting and Landscaping District money for projects as well. Public comment by Mr. Kelly Abreu stated the objectives of budget reports are for transparency and long-term planning. Last year the actual property taxes came in 3% above the budget forecast, a variance that is normal but significant. Right now, the District is facing a disruption. The Natural Bureau of Economic Research has announced a recession, and the mid-year budget is an opportunity to change course. It’s an opportunity that is being wasted. The budget forecast raises a red flag. I am asking this committee to ensure the forecast is prudent and conservative, and the revenue adjustments can’t wait until next year. Recommendation: Motioned by Dee Rosario and seconded by Ellen Corbett that the Finance Committee recommends to the full Board of Directors to review the proposed 2020 Mid-year Budget Adjustments and approval of the budget amendments to increase appropriations utilizing one-time General Funds and Other Sources. Motioned approved.

Agenda Item No. 3 2020 Budget Calendar

AFO Spaulding reported that the budget calendar is presented to the Finance Committee annually. The purpose of the report is to provide the Finance Committee with an overview of the District’s budget schedule anticipated of the 2021 budget development process.

Board Workshops The budget planning process began earlier this year, with the first Board Workshop in January and the last one in July to address capital, land acquisitions and trail projects.

Budget Preparation Activity Highlights, by month: June - Verify the level, location and funding source of District employees. Determine need for current mid-year adjustments.

84 July - Update Division/Department service objectives using performance measure reporting format. August - Finance distributes base budget to departments and instruction related to budget requests. Budget workshops are conducted to aid budget preparers. September – Revenues are estimated to establish the base budget revenue available for appropriations in 2021. The General Manager and AGM Group discuss budget requests. October to December – Present proposed budget to Finance Committee in November and to Board of Directors and public during the public sessions in December. Budget adopted after second public hearing. February 2020 – hard copy budget documents, including Operating, Project Budget and Budget Brief will be distributed to the Board and the AGMs and the electronic version will be posted on the District’s website.

Recommendation: This is an informational only item.

Agenda Item No. 4 First Quarter 2020 General Fund and Other Government Funds Financial Reports

General Fund Revenues and Expenditures AFO Strawson-O’Hara introduced the 1st quarter General Fund and Other Governmental Funds report and provided an update on Revenue and Expenditure highlights and noted that revenues and expenditures as of the first quarter were on track to meet budget expectations. • First quarter revenues were $15 million, which is consistent with prior years. • Expenditures were $38.7 million, or 22.3% of the total budget for the year, which is consistent with prior year. The following table was provided.

General Fund Budget Actual % of Budget 2020 thru 3/31/20 variance Complete Revenue* $ 171,126,880 $ 15,007,234 $ 156,119,646 8.8% Expenditures* 173,807,349 38,716,396 135,090,954 22.3%

net change in Fund Balance$ (2,680,469) $ (23,709,161) $ (21,028,692) * includes transfers

AFO Strawson-O’Hara provided information regarding the Park District’s Other Governmental Funds, including the Measure WW Local Grant Program, and Project Funds. AFO Strawson- O’Hara noted that the mid-year budget review process was beginning, and that this process allows the District to utilize one-time savings and excess revenues identified at the end of each year for replenishing reserves, paying down unfunded liabilities, setting aside funding for important initiatives and projects, including funding for infrastructure and aging structures.

The second quarter financial report will provide more updated information regarding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Park District’s revenues and expenditures.

85 Recommendation: Motioned by Colin Coffey and seconded by Dee Rosario that the Finance Committee recommends to the full board of Directors acceptance of the First Quarter 2020 General Fund and Other Governmental Funds Financial Reports. Motion Approved.

Agenda Item No. 5 Public Comments

Kelly Abreu with Mission Peak Conservancy comments are noted in Agenda Item No. 2.

Agenda Item No. 6 Committee Comments

AGM/CFO Auker requested cancellation of the July 22, 2020 Finance Committee meeting. Committee members approved cancellation of the July 2020 Finance Committee meeting. Next Finance Committee meeting is scheduled for August 5, 2020.

Meeting adjourned 2:25 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Connie Swisher Finance & Management Services

86 AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, September 1, 2020

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

7. BOARD COMMITTEE REPORTS

b. Operations (Thursday, June 18, 2020) (Rosario)

Present

Board: Directors Dee Rosario (Chair), Ayn Wieskamp, Dennis Waespi

Staff: Jim O’Connor, Ruby Tumber, Carol Victor, Tiffany Margulici, Noah Dort, David Vance, Terry Noonan, Steve Castile, Anne Kassebaum, Pete DeQuincy, Denise Valentine Absent:

Guests: Steve Harker, James Birchall, Kelly Abreu

Agenda Item 1: Renewal of Girl Scouts of Northern California Special Use Agreement: Briones Regional Park

Busines Services Manager Tiffany Margulici provided an update of the agreement through a presentation that covered the background, caretaker residence, current and potential activities, and terms.

Director Wieskamp inquired on how the Girl Scouts plan to utilize the site this year and if a reduction in fees be considered. Margulici replied a reduction in fees has not been requested to date. If a reduction is requested, the Board approved in 2019 a concessionaire and special use relief that staff can access and issue under the COVID financial relief authority.

Director Waespi commented if Contra Costa County allows the Girl Scouts to hold events that are not in compliance with current Park District rules, which entity holds the authority for decision making. AGM O’Connor replied most of the camp is the property of the Girl Scouts. The onus would be on the Girl Scouts to work with Contra Costa County for any type of events they choose to provide.

Waespi inquired if the Girl Scouts utilize the CXT restroom at the location. O’Connor replied the CXT is placed at the entrance of the park for parks users. The Girls Scouts have access to facilities on site to utilize.

87 Director Rosario inquired how archery at the site still allowed by the Girl Scouts and not the County of Alameda (under Shelter-in-Place). Margulici replied it is an established range with permitting and specifically stated in the Girl Scouts special use agreement.

District Counsel Carol Victor relayed that all Park District Special Use Agreements with concessionaries have a requirement to follow all laws, which would put the burden on the concessionaire for issued public health orders. If a gross violation is committed, the Park District does retain some leverage.

Wieskamp moved to approve and recommend to the full Board the renewal of the Girl Scouts of Northern California Special Use Agreement for two (2) five-year terms for the exclusive use of 4.5 acres in the Buckeye Ranch area of Briones Regional Park with a $1,500 annual fee increasing each year by 2%. Waespi seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Agenda Item 2: Approval of Second Amendment to the Redwood Canyon Golf Course Lease: Lake Chabot Regional Park

Business Services Manager Tiffany Margulici provided an update through a presentation with an overview of the lease background, current terms, force majeure, proposed changes, and capital improvements.

Waespi questioned if it is considered force majeure when it rains and EBMUD determines to close the spillway at Lake Chabot and schedules releases out of San Leandro Creek, which in turn floods the golf course. Victor replied the language was specifically written to include flooding. The Park District was negotiating the agreement when Touchstone Golf was in a management capacity and as the manager, they experienced the flooding that occurred. It was against this backdrop that negotiations were taking place. At the time, it was expressed that had Touchstone been in a lease with the Park District, they probably would have gone out of business due to the immense flooding impact on the business. As to what exposure EBMUD has, as the landlord, they have an agreement that insulates them from these types of liabilities. Waespi suggested discussing the topic of water discharges at a future EBMUD Liaison Committee meeting.

Waespi commented, on behalf of local residents, that it would be good if a restaurant can be considered at the site.

Rosario commented on the flexibility of arranging of the financial structure during the closures.

Touchstone Golf Regional Manager James Birchall provided an update on the current challenges during the COVID-19 closures and the Audubon certification inspection and delays.

Touchstone Golf Chief Executive Officer Steve Harker commented on the operation of the golf course, projected revenues and the collaboration in working with Park District staff.

O’Connor commented Touchstone Golf has been a responsive and responsible concessionaire.

88 Waespi moved to approve the staff recommendation for the Redwood Canyon Golf Course Lease be amended a second time to clarify and correct certain provisions of the Lease at no additional cost to the Park District. Wieskamp seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Agenda Item 3: Review of Roddy Ranch Caretaker Agreement: Deer Valley Regional Park

Business Services Administrative Analyst Noah Dort provided an update through a presentation with an overview of the caretakers in the Park District, location, property description, operational challenges, caretaker services, cost and recommendation.

Waespi inquired who currently resides at the Roddy’s residence. O’Connor stated currently an alarm system is being installed at the Roddy house and staff is in the process of evaluating the house for a future resident.

Waespi inquired on the occupation of Romaldo Cruz. Dort replied Cruz worked for the Roddy family and staff is not aware of other occupations held at this time.

Wieskamp inquired if cattle grazing is being considered. Dort replied there are grazers in the area and would have to defer to Park Supervisor Rex Caufield for more details. Interpretive Parklands Unit Manager Terry Noonan commented for the remainder of this year the former ranch hand will finish out the grazing season. The next step will be for Park District Stewardship staff to go out to Request for Proposal for interested parties.

Wieskamp moved to and recommend to the full Board the staff recommendation to enter into an Agreement for Caretaker Services for Roddy Ranch at Deer Valley Regional Park with Romaldo Cruz for 1 year, with two additional 1-year extensions upon mutual agreement between the Park District and Mr. Cruz (maximum total term of 3 years). The cost to the Park District for this action is $930 annually, which represents the electricity cost provided by the Park District for area security lighting and a well pump to supply utility water for the residence, other buildings in the area, and a cattle trough. Waespi seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Agenda Item 4: Operations Division Reoperation Plan

AGM of Operations Jim O’Connor provided a presentation with an introduction of the plan and a detailed overview of the proposed re-openings of Phases 1-4.

Wieskamp expressed concern and inquired on the expectation of staff regarding social distancing and how would staff know who is included in household counts. O’Connor replied staff will provide the best opportunities for the public to social distance and protect themselves. Park staff is completing educational work with Public Safety. The visiting public will have to take responsibility for practicing social distancing.

Rosario inquired if the Park District has any liability to enforce social distancing. O’Connor replied no. The Park District is making an effort to keep parks open. In terms of consequences, potential closure of parks will be considered if parks become overcrowded and social distancing becomes an issue.

89 Rosario inquired if the Day Camps will be held for one day or a week and if the same students participate in one group with the same leaders. Chief of Interpretive and Recreation Services Anne Kassebaum stated Public Health Orders mandates the same children for a minimum of three weeks. Staff’s plan is to have multiple groups during those three weeks with two Recreation Leaders assigned to ten children in four or five groups. Rosario inquired if staff will be required to get COVID-19 tested prior and during the camp sessions. Kassebaum replied no. The plan is to take temperature readings of students as they arrive and plan to minimize contact with parents with a visual check in instead of signing in. Rosario inquired on the reason for not testing. O’Connor replied this topic would need to be discussed amongst the Executive Team with the General Manager. It is a high-level discussion that would need to be discussed with the Board members at some point.

Wieskamp inquired if the Regional Park Foundation had sponsored campers in the past and inquired if they will be doing again this year. Kassebaum replied a proposal has been submitted to the Foundation for sponsorship of these programs.

Rosario inquired on the availability of first come-first serve swimming sites for members of the public who do not have the capability to book a reservation online. Aquatic Manager Pete DeQuincy replied staff is currently looking into options and is aware of the challenges of equitable computer / internet access.

Wieskamp inquired on the possibility of making swimming reservations by phone. Margulici replied staff is currently taking calls and the phone option would be available, in addition to the online option.

Rosario inquired if there will be enough Lifeguards available by the projected swim opening date. DeQuincy replied the initial leadership training is being conducted for the Lifeguard staff, with a total of 120 trained for the re-opening.

Waespi inquired on the Phase 2 re-opening date. O’Connor replied July 20.

Waespi mentioned with the new mandate of wearing masks in public settings, there could be the option of having Park District Ambassadors or Patrol Volunteers hand out masks, if funding was provided to purchase masks.

Rosario inquired on the status of Park Ranger staff. Castile replied Park Operations is fully staffed.

Agenda Item 5: Update: Park Operations Lakes Unit

Lakes Unit Manager David Vance provide an update through a presentation with an overview of the COVID-19 new procedures for campground modifications, Quagga Mussel inspections, Campground Social Distancing, and review of the Water Treatment Plan history and waterline upgrade.

90 Waespi questioned if the quagga mussel inspections are occurring at Lake Chabot. Vance replied not yet. Staff is preparing for the implementation by distributing procedures to inspection stations and preparing signage for posting.

Wieskamp inquired if reservations can be made in advance for camping at Del Valle. Vance replied staff is working with Reservations staff to select available sites.

Wieskamp inquired why the cabins are not being used at this time if its only one family per cabin. Vance replied with the new cleaning procedures implemented, this would add an additional task for staff and the goal is to maintain a balance of work for the crew. In addition, the cabins are a confined space versus an open-air space which is being recommended.

Agenda Item 6: Public Comments

Kelly Abreu commented on the assurances of Mission Peak, COVID-19 stalled negotiations, Fremont Liaison Committee meeting lapses, City of Fremont/EBRPD lease expiration date and status.

Email submitted by Michael Wheeler

Canyon Bridge There are two main routes for cyclists to ride to/from the East Bay to Contra Costa. One is via Grizzly Peak or Spruce in Berkeley to Wildcat Canyon and Camino Pablo. The other is via the Canyon Bridge to Moraga. Currently, the Canyon Bridge is closed Monday thru Friday 9 AM to 4 PM. Construction of the new bridge has an estimated completion date of December 2021. It is common knowledge among the cycling community that there is a bypass around the Canyon Bridge. The bypass is currently closed with a section of chain link fence across the trail entrance. The west end of the Lafayette/Moraga Regional Trail starts across the street from the Valle Vista Staging Area on Canyon Road. As you follow the trail east, the trail splits with the main (paved) part of the trail going to the bridge. The other part of the trail (dirt) goes left and exits onto Augusta Drive in Moraga adjacent to the last house which is 951 Augusta Drive. Google maps indicates that this dirt trail is part of the Lafayette/Moraga Regional Trail. It would be a real benefit for the cycling community if you would open the Lafayette/Moraga Trail and allow us to use the bypass. Losing a major access to/from Contra Costa is a big deal especially considering the amount of time that the bridge will be closed. Riding along Grizzly Peak has its own problems mostly due to the volume of car and motorcycle traffic and the speed at which many of those drivers are going. I hope that you can find a way to grant us access to the bridge bypass. Thank you.

Agenda Item 7: AGM Comments

• There were no AGM Comments

Agenda Item 8: Board Comments

• Wieskamp stated a response should be provided to Kelly Abreu

91 • Waespi mentioned the Land and Water Conservation fund was passed by the Senate this morning.

Meeting adjourned at 2:56 p. m.

Respectfully submitted: /s/ Denise Valentine Executive Secretary

92 AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Tuesday, September 1, 2020

D. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD

7. BOARD COMMITTEE REPORTS

c. Operations (Thursday, May 21, 2020) (Rosario)

Present

Board: Directors Dee Rosario (Chair), Ayn Wieskamp, Dennis Waespi

Staff: Jim O’Connor, Ruby Tumber, Anne Kassebaum, Shannon Punt, Tiffany Margulici, Dania Stoneham, Denise Valentine Absent:

Guests:

Agenda Item 1: Business Services Update: Reservations Program

Acting Reservations Supervisor Shannon Punt provided an update for the Reservations Program within the Business Services Unit. Items covered in the presentation included a staff overview, COVID-19 response, role of Reservations, types of permits issued, the Point of Sale project, statistics overview for picnic, camping, cabins, indoor facilities, and special events reservations.

Director Wieskamp inquired if the Committee members will be notified on the opening of the campgrounds. AGM O’Connor replied Operations staff is working closely with Public Safety to determine the social distancing component of re-operating campgrounds. Prior to reopening, modifications will be required for facilities, updates to reservations, and rehiring of seasonal staff.

Wieskamp inquired on the parks that are slated to reopen next. O’Connor replied Pt. Isabel is the only park scheduled after May 31. All other closed parks are still being evaluated by staff.

Wieskamp questioned why Ardenwood is still closed. O’Connor replied it is just a matter of adequate social distancing and concerns over numerous high touch points and crowding opportunities in the park.

Director Waespi expressed astonishment on the high rate of occupancy of the cabins at Del Valle and inquired on the percentage of occupancy. Punt offered to obtain the information for the Committee.

93 Waespi commented that Anthony Chabot would be a good site for cabins.

Director Rosario expressed appreciation to Punt and staff for the amount of work that’s been required during COVID-19.

Rosario inquired if the standard of cleaning would change due to the pandemic and if staff cleans the mattresses between each customer. O’Connor replied staff has not determined the protocols for the cabins, as it will be more challenging as enclosed spaces. Staff will work on the campgrounds first then address the cabins when reopening is possible.

Agenda Item 2: Camp Arroyo Update

Acting Business Services Manager Tiffany Margulici presented an update on the status of Camp Arroyo including the background of the camp, cancellation of both the environmental education camps as well as the Taylor Family Foundation (TTF) camps, funding for the camp’s operator, United Camps Conferences and Retreats (UCCR) during the Shelter-In-Place, an overview of the Park District’s staff, and work in progress at the camp.

Waespi inquired if Park District Lifeguard Services were provided for TTF, and if so, if they would be provided for UCCR. Margulici replied Park District Lifeguard Services did provide services for both organizations and received great reviews and were invited to return.

Waespi inquired if swim lessons could be offered at Camp Arroyo during the interim. Margulici commented UCCR was gathering ideas and drafts for day camps that could be offered during Shelter-in-Place. UCCR has reached out to emergency services to see if there is a need for housing. As a partner, they are open to maximizing use and revenue at the facility. In addition, UCCR has provided feedback and believe they can fill the space with additional breakout meeting space to allow for conference type groups. Waespi inquired on the capacity for an overnight conference. O’Connor replied 144 beds.

Agenda Item 3: Approval of Amendment to Extend Pacific Bell/AT & T Communications License: Mission Peak Regional Preserve

Business Services Administrative Analyst Renee Patterson provided a detailed overview of the current license with a display of several site maps for location reference.

Waespi inquired on the current payment to the Park District. Patterson replied $2,829 per month.

Waespi inquired if market studies are being conducted. Patterson replied attempts have been made to conduct a detailed study with only partial companies willing to provide the information requested. Patterson replied the information is updated annually.

Wieskamp moved to approve the staff recommendation for the Pac Bell/AT&T Communication License be amended to extend the term to December 31, 2026 with payments beginning at $3,060 per month totaling $36,720 for the first year with an annual adjustment of 3%. Waespi seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

94 Agenda Item 4: Update: Park Operations Recreation Unit

Recreation Areas Unit Manager Dania Stoneham provided overview through a presentation that included various park improvements and resource protection projects that have occurred over the past two year, the Alternative Work Program, Youth Employment Program (YEP), pools, lagoons, and picnic areas.

Rosario inquired if the shade structure mentioned in the presentation is made of fabric. Stoneham replied affirmatively that it was a fabric shade sail.

Agenda Item 5: San Ramon Railroad Depot Sign Cooperative Agreement

Chief of Interpretive and Recreation Services Anne Kassebaum provided an overview of the proposed agreement with the City of San Ramon through a presentation. Items included background, context, review of San Ramon Branch Line and San Ramon Valley Station, the Sign’s journey, and details of the agreement.

Rosario inquired if the sign is insured. Kassebaum responded insurance of the sign is included in the agreement.

Wieskamp moved to approve the staff recommendation for the Park District to enter into a cooperative agreement with the City of San Ramon under the following conditions: • The City of San Ramon will take possession of the sign and assume all liability for its condition • The City agrees to Park District restoration standards and hire Kyle R. Bernard, MDS, Historic Preservation Consulting • The sign will be displayed to Park District standards to ensure preservation • The Park District will be recognized as providing the item on loan • The Cooperative agreement will be an initial 10-year agreement with a possible 10-year renewal • The City understands and agrees that the Park District will request sign be returned once Borel Property is developed and open to the public.

Waespi seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Agenda Item 6: Public Comments

Email submitted by Zachary Spriggs Hello, I appreciate the opportunity for the public to submit comments. I would like to start off by saying thank you for doing all of you can during these strange times. This comment today is in regards to boating and fishing. As an avid fisherman and ebrpd regular these times are very tough as we all know. Being a Livermore resident and Del Valle regular, I just simply would like to ask that we can launch boats sometime soon at Lake Del Valle. I know the other day GM Robert Doyle did say they were working on a plan to reopen Del Valle. Does this include boat

95 inspection and launch? Or just full reopening of the trails/parking lots. Thank you again for your time.

Email submitted by Janet Diehl Dear board members, Please open Lake Anza to swimmers! If you aren’t able to resume normal operations, please consider allowing people to swim in the early morning, without lifeguards.

As you know, swimmers are usually allowed to enter the lake in the early mornings if they leave before 9. We don’t spread our towels and lie down — we just swim and go. This is such an important part of many people’s lives! And it seems that it could be done in the manner that many governments are re-opening their beaches — swimming only, no spreading of towels and hanging out in the sun. (Actually, I’d love it if you’d allow that as well, but I’ll take what I can get!)

Thank you for your efforts to keep Tilden and other parks as open as possible during this pandemic. Please continue to provide relief to park users by opening Lake Anza. Sincerely, Janet Diehl

Email submitted by Elaine Maddow Dear Chairman Rosario and Members of the Board Operations Committee:

Something needs to happen at Lake Chabot to encourage bikers and runners to socially distance and wear masks. Many, not wearing masks, are running or biking within a few feet of walkers, breathing hard and spewing particles in the air shared by all.

I have alerted the District to this problem a few times, but nothing has changed in the past few weeks — if anything the situation has become even more crowded. We need someone (a park employee) at the entrance to monitor what is going on. Maybe have visitors who are runners and bikers not wearing masks use the left side trail.

Until something is put in practice to protect people who are conscientious about wearing masks on the crowded trail, my walking group, which has enjoyed regular walking at Lake Chabot for many years, has now decided it’s too dangerous to walk there.

Please let me know what the thinking of East Bay Regional Park officials is in regard to this problem.

Agenda Item 7: AGM Comments

There were no AGM Comments

Agenda Item 8: Board Comments

Committee members requested members of the public to social distance, be safe, and wear a mask.

96 Meeting adjourned at 1:58 p. m.

Respectfully submitted: /s/ Denise Valentine Executive Secretary

97 NEWSCLIPS Deer Zone Fire 100% contained Tony Kukulich Aug 23, 2020 Updated 13 hrs ago Tony Kukulich 2020

Cal Fire officials have declared the Deer Zone Fire 100% contained.

Touched off by lightning last Sunday morning, Aug. 16, the Deer Zone Fire included four separate incidents – the Briones, Marsh, Palm and Round fires – that, according to Cal Fire, burned 3,294 acres in the vicinity of Round Valley Regional Preserve in unincorporated Brentwood.

Erratic fire behavior in the Deer Zone Fire prompted emergency evacuations of residents along Marsh Creek Road and in Morgan Territory Sunday evening, Aug. 16. Evacuation centers were established in Brentwood and Clayton. Approximately 25 residents checked in at the Brentwood center and the American Red Cross secured hotel accommodations for all evacuees by early Monday morning. The evacuation order was subsequently lifted Wednesday evening, Aug. 19.

Cal Fire managed the Deer Fire Zone as part of the Santa Clara Unit (SCU) Lightning Complex. The complex initially included 20 fires burning across Alameda, Contra Costa, San Joaquin, Santa Clara and Stanislaus counties. Cal Fire stated that the incidents have merged into two major fires. At nearly 340,000 acres as of Sunday, Aug. 23, it is now being reported as the third largest wildfire in California history.

More than 1,200 personnel are attached to the incident. So far, there have been four reported injuries and five structures have been destroyed. The complex is 10% contained.

Red flag warnings returned to much of Northern California Sunday morning indicating favorable conditions for wildfire through 5 p.m Monday. High, gusty winds and more dry lightning are possible during this time. Air quality is low and residents are advised to avoid outdoor activities and keep windows closed.

99 In brief: East Bay parks closed due to extreme fire activity High temperatures, poor air quality, severe dangers expected to continue throughout coming days

By COMPILED BY EAST BAY TIMES | PUBLISHED: August 22, 2020 at 3:05 p.m. | UPDATED: August 24, 2020 at 5:47 a.m.

EAST BAY Due to the extreme fire activity in the region, all parks in the East Bay Regional Park District as of Aug. 19 were closed until further notice, except paved regional trails and some shoreline parks.

The park district has experienced an unprecedented number of wildfires, including Round Valley Regional Preserve, Morgan Territory Regional Preserve, Del Valle Regional Park, Sunol Wilderness Regional Preserve, Ohlone Wilderness Regional Preserve, Mission Peak Regional Preserve and Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park. Extreme heat, poor air quality and extreme fire dangers were expected to continue throughout the coming days, adding to park safety concerns. While some parks are remaining open, the district is advising against using regional parks at this time due to poor air quality. For a current list of the district’s open parks, visit ebparks.org. — East Bay Regional Park District

100 EBRPD Sued by Seeno Developers on New Concord Hills Regional Park Land Use Plan EBRPD Press Release By ECT-Aug 22, 2020

A new lawsuit filed on behalf of Concord-based developer Albert Seeno, III & Discovery Builders could delay the East Bay Regional Park District’s ability to move forward with implementation of its plans to provide public access at a new regional park at the former Concord Naval Weapons Station.

On July 7, 2020, the Park District Board of Directors unanimously approved the Concord Hills Regional Park land use plan and associated environmental impact report (EIR). 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.

“This is the true culmination of a decades-long community effort,” said Beverly Lane who has represented Concord on the East Bay Regional Park District Board since 1994. “I’m proud to be part of the Park District and its effort to produce a truly fabulous plan for a new Regional Park in the Diablo Valley.”

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 efforts to protect and preserve open space, would cause undisclosed impacts on the environment and would impact their planned Faria residential development in Bay Point on a 606-acre parcel adjacent to the ridgeline of the park.

General Manager Robert Doyle disagrees with the lawsuit’s assertions and timing given the extensive ability for all stakeholders to participate in the planning process. “The public overwhelmingly supports the creation of this regional park; Seeno Company never expressed any specific concerns or opposition to the new park during the two decades-long planning process…until now, after the land use plan has been approved.

He added, “Public and community leaders should be outraged! Mr. Seeno’s last minute baseless lawsuit will force the Park District to spend valuable taxpayer funds on protecting a publicly supported and legally approved park plan instead of allowing us to prepare this new regional park for millions of eager local park users.”

The Concord Hills Regional Park Land Use Plan provides for public access, preserves 95% of the area’s natural habitat, and honors the unique natural and human history of the land. This regional park will be a significant addition to the East Bay Regional Park District’s parklands

101 and to publicly accessible open space and recreation in the Bay Area, both in terms of its expansive size as well as its location and unique resources. Planned visitor facilities and public access improvements include a joint visitor center with the National Park Service highlighting the history of the Diablo Valley and the Port Chicago explosion, the cultural history of Native Americans that called this area home, miles of trails for hiking, biking and viewing, and park staging areas.

“Turning the former military base into a world-class park has taken, and will continue for many more, years and millions of dollars to restore and open,” said East Bay Regional Park District General Manager Robert Doyle. “Concord Hills Regional Park is a remarkable example of cooperative land re-use that benefits the entire region. The park will be a legacy project for generations to enjoy and learn the historical significance. The Seeno’s will not block the will of the public on this land project.”

The East Bay Regional Park District is the largest regional park system in the nation, comprising 73 parks, 55 miles of shoreline, and over 1,300 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and environmental education. The Park District receives more than 25 million visits annually throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties in the San Francisco Bay Area.

102

100 Bay Area parks shut down by fires Tom Stienstra Aug. 20, 2020 Updated: Aug. 20, 2020 11:39 a.m.

Nick Stone watches smoke from the CZU August Lightning Complex fire fill the sky in the Santa Cruz Mountains Thursday near Boulder Creek. Photo: Marcio Jose Sanchez / Associated Press

Due to extreme fire activity, park districts and watershed managers shut down Mount Diablo State Park, the Los Vaqueros Watershed and 66 East Bay parks, bringing the total this week to roughly 100 recreation destinations in the region shut down by fire.

“For your health and safety, avoid visiting Regional Parks at this time,” read an alert posted by East Bay Regional Park District.

These destinations join Lake Berryessa, Big Basin Redwoods State Park and 20 other parks and preserves closed by fire activity, smoke or dangerous fire conditions.

A matrix of connected parklands, 11 in all, along Skyline Ridge on the South Peninsula and adjoining Santa Cruz Mountains, was closed Wednesday. These include a series of open space preserves on Skyline, Long Ridge, Russian Ridge and Skyline, and south of La Honda, Pescadero Creek, Memorial and Sam MacDonald county parks, and nearby, Portola Redwoods State Park.

Docked boats burn on Lake Berryessa during the LNU Lightning Complex fire in Napa. Photo: Josh Edelson / TNS

Deeper in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Big Basin Redwoods State Park was in the heart of the fire zone and shut down, and to the north, linked by China Grade, a Jeep road, Butano State Park was in the burn zone outside Pescadero and closed.

The most extensive closures were in the East Bay Regional Park District, where all but seven of the 73 parks normally open to the public were shut down in the fire emergency, park staff reported. The seven left open are located along the shorelines of San Francisco and San Pablo Bay, such as Point Isabel and Hayward Regional Shoreline.

According to park rangers at East Bay Parks, fires were burning at Del Valle, Mission Peak, Morgan Territory, Round Valley, Pleasanton Ridge and Sunol Regional Wilderness. Other parks were closed due to smoke or the threat of extreme fire danger, park staff said.

At Mount Diablo State Park, the shutdown was 100%, rangers reported. That includes four access points, North Gate out of Walnut Creek, South Gate out of Blackhawk, and Mitchell Canyon and Marsh Creek in Clayton, in addition to campgrounds on the mountain and trails that lead into the park from adjoining regional parks.

103 Nearby, the Contra Costa Water District published a public safety alert and closed the entire Los Vaqueros Watershed, including North Gate and the visitor center out of Brentwood, and South Gate and the marina out of Livermore. Los Vaqueros Reservoir, at 1,900 acres, is the largest recreation lake by far in the Bay Area, and its surrounding watershed lands span 18,500 acres.

104 105 All regional parks in East Bay close due to fire activity by: Erica Pieschke Posted: Aug 19, 2020 / 05:43 PM PDT / Updated: Aug 19, 2020 / 05:43 PM PDT Photo: Alameda County Fire

OAKLAND, Calif. (KRON) – The East Bay Regional Parks announced on Wednesday that they will be closing all parks, except some shoreline parks, until further notice due to wildfires scorching the Bay Area.

There are currently multiple wildfires in the following parks:

• Round Valley Regional Preserve • Morgan Territory Regional Preserve • Del Valle Regional Park • Sunol Wilderness Regional Preserve • Ohlone Wilderness Regional Preserve • Mission Peak Regional Preserve • Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park

A total of 85,000 acres have burned with 5% containment, according to parks officials.

For the remainder of the week, hot temperatures, poor air quality, and extreme fire dangers are expected.

The parks department is advising visitors to not use the parks that will remain open, which include:

• Crown Beach State Park • Hayward Regional Shoreline • MLK Jr. Regional Shoreline • McLaughlin East Shore State Park • Oyster Bay Regional Shoreline • Point Isabel Regional Shoreline • Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area

106

Contra Costa Health Services Encourage Residents to Stay Indoors Due to Poor Air Quality By ECT-Aug 19, 2020

On Wednesday, Contra Costa Health Services is encouraging people to stay indoors due to poor air quality. In a statement released this afternoon, they say fires burning in the Bay Area are causing unhealthy air quality in Contra Costa County. Residents, especially those with respiratory issues, should remain indoors and limit outdoor activity.

People should avoid contact with the smoke and minimize any time spent outdoors, especially older adults, pregnant women, and people who have asthma, lung or heart disease.

Common symptoms of smoke exposure include coughing, scratchy throat, headaches and irritated eyes, nose and throat. Contact your healthcare provider if you are concerned about these symptoms.

To see air-quality ratings in your area, visit airnow.gov. For general information and tips, please see our wildfire smoke web page.

The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat watch for the Bay Area through Wednesday at 9 p.m. Stay indoors in air-conditioned spaces when possible and drink more water than you think you need.

Meanwhile, according to the East Bay Regional Park District, due to active wildfires, Round Valley Regional Preserve, Morgan Territory Regional Preserve, Sunol Wilderness Regional Preserve, and Mission Peak Regional Preserve are CLOSED to public access and will reopen when declared safe by Fire Department.

107 'Deer Zone' Fires Near Mt. Diablo: Conditions Improving: Cal Fire Increased humidity and improved winds aiding battle of the four Contra Costa County blazes, part of the 'SCU Lightning Complex' cluster. By Bay City News, News Partner Aug 19, 2020 10:03 am PT "Minimal fire activity" reported overnight into Wednesday for four blazes that make up the Deer Zone fires in east Contra Costa County. (Renee Schiavone/Patch)

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA — Firefighters in east central Contra Costa County hope a combination of the right kind of winds and increasing humidity will help with efforts to contain a series of wildland fires on Mount Diablo southwest of Brentwood.

Erica Bain, a spokeswoman for Cal Fire, said there was "minimal fire activity" overnight into Wednesday associated with the four blazes that make up the Deer Zone fires, which as of Tuesday had burned almost 1,500 acres on the northeast face of Mount Diablo.

"They're actually looking pretty good out there, better than other areas," Bain said.

Specific information about the progress in fighting the Deer Zone fires, including the acreage and level of containment, was not readily available Wednesday morning, Bain said.

Cal Fire is grouping the Deer Zone fires are part of a larger cluster of fires Cal Fire calls the "SCU Lightning Complex," which also includes six fires burning in the "Calaveras Zone" in Alameda, Santa Clara and Stanislaus counties east of Fremont and San Jose; and the "Canyon Zone," four separate fires in Stanislaus and San Joaquin counties.

As of Wednesday morning, the 20 separate fires in the SCU Lightning Complex had burned more than 85,000 acres, with 5 percent containment. And in contrast to the Deer Zone fires, the situation in other areas was getting worse.

Much of the territory burning has not experienced large fires in recent years, Cal Fire said, and accumulated fuels have exacerbated a situation already made challenging by hard-to-access terrain, high temperatures and low humidity.

Almost 600 firefighters were working on the SCU Lightning Complex fires as of early Wednesday morning, Cal Fire said.

The Deer Zone fires in Contra Costa started in the early morning hours Sunday, ignited during the rash of dry-lightning strikes that hit the region.

108 After a "change in behavior" of these blazes on Mount Diablo at about 9:15 p.m. Sunday, mandatory evacuations were called affecting residents along Marsh Creek Road from Morgan Territory Road to the Round Valley Regional Preserve parking lot (six miles) between Brentwood and Clayton, and on the length of Morgan Territory Road from Marsh Creek Road south to the Alameda County line.

Among these homes are those in the Clayton Palms mobile home community off of Marsh Creek Road about 3 miles southwest of Brentwood.

Those evacuations remain in effect Wednesday morning, Bain said, but will be re- evaluated later in the day, especially if the expected improvements in fire conditions come to pass.

109 Little-known East Bay beach set for restoration An old barge lodged in the shoreline will be removed as part of the project By PETER HEGARTY | [email protected] | Bay Area News Group PUBLISHED: August 19, 2020 at 6:11 a.m. | UPDATED: August 19, 2020 at 3:18 p.m.

A fisherman launches his kayak on the beach near the Encinal boat ramp in Alameda, Calif., on Monday, Nov. 27, 2017. After the rain blew through the Bay Area, many took advantage of the sunny day. (Laura A. Oda/Bay Area News Group)

ALAMEDA — It’s likely even many Alameda residents do not know about the beach with the sand dunes on the far west of the city. The place has no signs and until recently, a rusty chain-link fence helped keep the curious away.

But kayakers know Encinal Beach and the nearby Alameda shoreline as an easy spot for slipping into San Francisco Bay, while fishermen gather there to enjoy the solitude and hope for a catch. Nearby residents visit for walks and to enjoy the bay views.

On Aug. 31, the East Bay Regional Park District, which manages the two-acre site, will begin refurbishing the beach’s sand dunes, removing debris and making the site more accessible.

“A hidden gem,” the park district’s Joe Sullivan, manager of the Encinal Dune Restoration and Shoreline Stabilization Project, called the spot.

The dunes, which are just west of Encinal High School and can be reached via an access road on Central Avenue next to the school, are not natural. They were formed after the U.S. Navy installed a breakwater decades ago when the place was part of the now-closed Alameda Naval Air Station to prevent the bay from encroaching on the shoreline. The dunes grew as grass trapped wind-blown sand.

The $900,000 project calls for pulling out invasive, non-native ice plant and assorted washed-up debris, restoring the dunes with native plants and creating trails that will connect the nearby Encinal boat ramp with the former Navy base, now known as Alameda Point.

“We are tying directly into (the boat ramp) with a couple of trails,” Sullivan said in an interview.

The work also will include installing native plants and removing an approximately 60- foot barge that is lodged in rip-rap, or rocks along the shoreline that provide protection from the bay.

110 “It’s embedded in the rip-rap,” Sullivan said about the barge. “It’s rusty with jagged edges and an eyesore. There’s safety concerns.”

The San Francisco Bay Restoration Authority is providing a $450,000 grant for the beach improvements through Measure AA, a parcel tax that Bay Area voters passed in June 2016 to raise $500 million to pay for wetlands restoration, flood control and wildlife projects around the bay.

The East Bay Regional Park District, which leases the site from the city, has also committed $450,000 toward the effort through Measure WW, which Alameda and Contra Costa voters approved in November 2008. The measure provides $500 million in bonds to expand regional parks and trails and to preserve and protect open space.

The upcoming beach work follows renovations at the nearby Encinal boat launch off Central Avenue, where a low-float dock for kayaks and non-motorized watercraft was installed. The project also included a fish cleaning station, a new restroom and an outdoor shower compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Upgrades at the free public boat launch, which the city owns and manages, was funded through a $1.45 million grant from the California Division of Boating & Waterways. The work was completed in February.

The improvements at Encinal beach are set to be finished at the end of October, Sullivan said.

“Once that’s done, this whole facility will just be phenomenal,” Amy Wooldridge, director of the Alameda Recreation and Parks Department, told the city’s Recreation and Park Commission on Aug. 13.

After restoration, the dunes could become gathering places for the western snowy plover and California least tern, endangered coastal birds.

The waters off the beach also have the potential to attract green sturgeon and Chinook salmon, said Sullivan, who is also a fisheries program manager with the East Bay park district.

The San Francisco Bay Restoration Authority signed off on restoring the Encinal dunes back in April 2018. But the work did not begin immediately because other projects at the park district took priority, Sullivan said.

“When that small beach area is fully restored, it’ll be a nice feather in the cap of the neighborhood around Encinal High,” said City Councilman Tony Daysog, who grew up nearby.

Daysog then joked, “Maybe we can keep things on the down-low so that this area becomes a gem known only to locals?”

111 Vegetation fire near Sunol burns 1,775 acres, evacuation warning issued, officials say Monday, August 17, 2020 7:17PM SUNOL, Calif. (KGO) -- Mandatory evacuations for all residents in the Kilkare Canyon area have been revised to a warning due to approaching fire danger near Sunol, officials say Around 1:15 p.m., Alameda County fire and sheriff's officials downgraded the mandatory order to a warning after CAL FIRE performed air drops which were helpful in mitigating the growing blaze. Evacuees were being sent to the Residence Inn at 5200 Wolf House Road in Livermore. Officials say conditions can change and residents should stay prepared.

Firefighters with the Alameda County Fire Department, Cal Fire and departments in Oakland, Fremont and Livermore-Pleasanton began battling the blaze, called the Marsh complex, on Sunday.

As of 8:25 a.m. Monday, 1,775 acres had been burned, according to Cal Fire.

Authorities believe weekend lightning strikes sparked the fires, which were first reported around 1:30 p.m. Sunday near the reservoir.

The fires forced the evacuation of about 10 homes along Welch Creek Road, located about four miles southeast of Sunol and one mile north of the Little Yosemite Trail area.

Updated information about wildfires across the state can be found here.

112

Deer Zone Fires burn 1,450 acres in Contra Costa County by: Dan Kerman Posted: Aug 17, 2020 / 10:17 PM PDT / Updated: Aug 17, 2020 / 10:17 PM PDT

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, Calif. (KRON) – The Deer Zone Fires have been burning since early Sunday morning southwest of Brentwood.

In fact it started as six fires and is now down to four.

Cal Fire reported on Monday evening the fires have burned a total of 1,450 acres in Contra Costa County.

“We believe they are the result of lightning strikes,” Steve Aubert said.

The fire has so far charred 1,450 acres as it burns out of control in the Round Valley Regional Preserve amidst tall ridgelines and steep cliffs.

“Not too much water there, no hydrant system, that’s one of the challenges, not just heat and high humidity and difficult terrain but we have to bring in our own water to refill each firefighting rigs,” Aubert said.

Sunday night, voluntary evacuations became mandatory for 150 to 200 ranches along Marsh Creek Road and Morgan Territory Road when the winds shifted.

Luckily, Bob Pombo moved his 30 plus head of cattle across the road before that happened.

“We just don’t want to get caught off guard. Want to stay ahead of it. We are blessed the cattle came and moved easy and so far we are good,” Pombo said.

No structures have been lost and no one has been injured, but concerns loom that the winds could pick up again causing the fire to once again take off.

“We definitely had some wind gusts this afternoon and that is always a concern,” Aubert said.

113 Sunol Regional Preserve Closed Due To Wildfire Proximity The East Bay Regional Park District has also closed Mission Peak in Fremont until further notice. By Bea Karnes, Patch Staff Aug 17, 2020 10:44 am PT Firefighters need all roads clear to move personnel and equipment as needed to fight the fires. (Renee Schiavone/Patch)

SUNOL, CA — Sunol Wilderness Regional Preserve is closed because of the wildfires burning nearby, according to the East Bay Regional Park District.

Also closed is Mission Peak in Fremont.

The Marsh Fire is burning near the Alameda-Santa Clara County border. It has already charred 1,775, has 0-percent containment, and has forced a handful of evacuations.

Also burning in the East Bay is the Deer Complex Fire, out in Eastern Contra Costa County.

114 Update: Deer Zone Fire Raging In Shadows Of Mt. Diablo; Grows To 1,161 Acres Overnight August 17, 2020 at 8:38 am

BRENTWOOD (CBS SF) — Firefighters battled vegetation fires burning out-of-control in the Round Valley Regional Preserve early Monday that have grown collectively to 1,161 acres and forced the evacuation of 150 homes along Marsh Creek Rd.

At 8:33 a.m., Cal Fire tweeted the acreage burning, saying it had nearly tripled in size overnight.

The so-called Deer Zone Fire complex was ignited by lightning strikes during Sunday’s thunderstorms. The area is rural and in steep terrain on the northeast slope of Mount Diablo, making the battle even more difficult as the flames roar through the tinder-dry brush.

“They started at approximately 5 a.m. (Sunday) due to lightning strikes,” said Ross Macumber with the East Contra Costa County Fire Protection District. “Initially, we had four fires in the area — two have been contained, two are still active fires.”

Throughout the day Sunday, there were no major evacuation as the blaze burned in the rural valley. That changed Sunday night.

“We had some erratic behavior with the fire,” Macumber said. “We are taking every precaution to make sure everyone is out of the area.”

At around 10:20 p.m., the mandatory evacuation order was expanded to include all of Morgan Territory Road as well as Marsh Creek Road on both sides from the intersection with Morgan Territory Road heading east to the Round Valley Regional Preserve parking lot.

Evacuees from the Marsh Creek and Morgan Territory area fires were initially directed to go to either the Community Center in Brentwood at 34 Oak Street and the parking lot of the Safeway in Clayton. Fire officials later announced that the Clayton Library at 6125 Clayton Road was open for evacuees.

Evacuees were instructed to take only those essential items they had ready and could carry. Pets were required to be in a carrier or on a leash. Evacuees were instructed to lock the doors and windows to their homes.

Among those evacuated from their homes was Deborah Shea.

“I moved out here about 5 years ago,” she told KPIX 5. “It’s (evacuating) been almost every year. It gets really old. It’s a scary process — did you get the right stuff, the important stuff? The pets and all that. It took me an extra 1/2 hour more to get out since my cat was hiding.”

Susanna Thompson and Tony Adams were directly under the storm in their home on Marsh Creek Rd. on Sunday. They were close enough to actually hear and feel the lightning bolts.

115 “Sort of like a Tesla coil like you see in the movies,” Tony Adams said. “You hear the ‘Zzzzz” as it’s coming through and then the hair on your arm stands up because the whole air is energized.”

Lightning strikes hills near Mount Diablo in Contra Costa County. (CBS)

Around 6 a.m. strikes began reaching the ground. One started a fire on a ridge above Briones Valley Rd. Soon, other fires began including one along Marsh Creek Rd and another on a nearby hill. But the biggest one started about 8 a.m. and Susanna Thompson called it in.

“We were watching strikes all around and you watch and go, ‘did it go all the way to the ground? Is it actually going to start a fire or is it just an airstrike?’ … So you wait and see if there’s going to be smoke and there was — in two places,” Thompson said

116 Mt. Diablo wildfire grows to 1,160 acres, triggers evacuations By Amy Graff, SFGATE Updated 9:10 am PDT, Monday, August 17, 2020 Photo: Noah Berger / Associated Press Smoke from a wildfire, one of several that comprise the Deer Zone fires, billows over unincorporated Contra Costa County, Calif., on Sunday, Aug. 16, 2020. Firefighters scrambled to contain multiple blazes, sparked by widespread lightning strikes throughout the region, as a statewide heat wave continues. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

A group of four vegetation fires on the northeast slope of Mount Diablo in Contra Costa County had grown to 1,160 acres and was 0% contained Monday morning, officials said. On Sunday the blaze was about 400 acres, and overnight it nearly tripled in size. Mandatory evacuations are in place.

The Deer Zone Fire — believed to have been ignited by lightning strikes early Sunday morning — is burning through dry vegetation in the Round Valley Regional Preserve area about four miles southwest of Brentwood and south of Marsh Creek Road.

A "change in fire behavior" Sunday night prompted mandatory evacuations for all of Morgan Territory Road as well as Marsh Creek Road residences from Bragdon Road east to Deer Valley Road, the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District said.

Fire crews from the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District, the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District and the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District are also helping battle flames.

Photo: Cal Fire/Courtesy The Deer Zone series of fires near Mt. Diablo in the Marsh Creek/Round Valley area of Contra Costa County on Aug. 16, 2020.

Evacuations centers are open at the Community Center at 34 Oak St. in Brentwoood and the Clayton Library at 6125 Clayton Rd. The Safeway parking lot in Clayton is no longer being used for evacuees.

No injuries or damaged structures have been reported.

Check the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District Twitter feed and Cal Fire website for the latest updates.

Bay City News contributed to this story.

117 Park It: Pandemic can’t stop district’s 2020 Trails Challenge Get this year’s guidebook, then hike, bike or ride a horse on any five of 20 routes listed By NED MACKAY | East Bay Regional Park District August 16, 2020 at 5:00 a.m. Nader Khouri/staff archives California poppies appear on a trail at Contra Loma Reservoir as a woman and child ride bikes in Antioch’s Contra Loma Regional Park, one of the places featured in the East Bay Regional Park District’s 2020 Trails Challenge.

Here’s some good news: despite all the measures made necessary by the COVID-19 pandemic, the East Bay Regional Park District’s 2020 Trails Challenge is still happening.

This is a free, self-guided program designed to encourage you to explore close-to-home regional parks that you may not have previously visited. It has been offered for many years in partnership with Kaiser Permanente, and thousands of people have always signed up.

It’s easy to take up the challenge: just go to the Trails Challenge shortcut webpage on the park district’s website at ebparks.org/tc. Download the 2020 Trails Challenge Guidebook, then hike, bicycle or ride a horse on any five of the 20 listed trails. You can download individual trail maps too. Submit your log online or by mail by Dec. 1 and receive a commemorative pin while supplies last.

Or you can download the free AllTrails app to your smartphone, sign up, log in, then go to alltrails.com/lists/ebrp-trails-challenge-2020 on your browser. Click on “copy to my lists,” then “continue in app.” The featured trails will show under “lists” in “plan,” and the app indicates where you are on the trail, helping you easily return to the trail if you stray from it. The challenge trails range in difficulty levels from easy to strenuous, and you can pick whichever suits your level of conditioning to complete the challenge. The trails are located throughout the park district, from Contra Loma Regional Park in Antioch (easy) to Sunol Wilderness in southern Alameda County (challenging).

This is an activity that families can enjoy together. It’s an opportunity to get some fresh air and exercise as an antidote to cabin fever. Of course, because of the pandemic, the oft-repeated precautions apply. Please visit the parks only with immediate family members or other residents of your household, not in large meet-up groups. Maintain a social distance of at least 6 feet from others and keep masks available to wear when social distancing isn’t possible on narrow trails. Although some regional park toilets are open, drinking fountains are generally turned off, so bring your own water. And packing out your trash is much appreciated by the hard-pressed ranger staff.

118 The park district website’s Trails Challenge page mentioned above also has Trails Challenge guidebooks for the years 2013 through 2019. Look through them, and you might find directions to some other regional park trails that you hadn’t previously explored.

Digital learning: Because of the pandemic, the regional park naturalists haven’t been able to conduct their usual group programs. But they have been busy making videos on all kinds of natural history topics. You can view them all by visiting the park district webpage at ebparks.org/activities/digital_learning. There you’ll find fun songs and activities for all ages. It’s a great way to augment the curriculum when the kids have to attend school remotely.

We’re all forced to adapt as the coronavirus pandemic continues. The park district staff and board always appreciate everyone’s cooperation as the district works to keep the parks open as a critical resource for public health while providing as high a level of service as possible under the circumstances.

119 Heat wave triggers fire, virus concerns across Bay Area by: Dan Kerman Posted: Aug 14, 2020 / 08:04 PM PDT / Updated: Aug 14, 2020 / 08:04 PM PDT

ALAMEDA, Calif. (KRON) — By mid afternoon Friday, Crown Beach in Alameda was already packed with people, and with high temperatures expected to continue, so are the crowds. But it’s not just the heat that’s bringing people out.

“Since the beginning of COVID, we have had a much higher activity level in the parks and visitor ship has definitely gone up,” East Bay Regional Parks Police Capt. Alan Love said.

Love says for the most part people have been good about wearing masks and social distancing, but signs are in place and officers are on hand to remind people who are not. COVID-19 has lead to the closure of most swim areas in Park District, as well as picnic tables and barbecues.

“So we ask people to think about that when going to the park in terms of how they will deal with that,” Capt. Love said. “It’s definitely a challenge.”

The hot weather is also bringing with it fire concerns in the inland areas, increased staffing is now in place, with added coverage.

“And we’re going to be staffing overnight in the Berkeley Oakland Hills which is not a normal practice for the Park District,” Love said. “We do that during increased danger times.”

Parks officials also remind people to focus on the heat by making sure they bring enough water for themselves and their pets and even consider leaving the pets at home if it get too hot.

120 Twitter posts show that people are profoundly sad – and are visiting parks to cheer up August 6, 2020 8.25am EDT Authors

Joe Roman Fellow, Gund Institute for Environment, University of Vermont

Taylor Ricketts Professor and Director, Gund Institute for Environment, University of Vermont Central Park, New York City, on Memorial Day weekend, May 24, 2020. Ira L. Black/Corbis via Getty Images

Disclosure statement

Taylor Ricketts has received relevant funding from the National Science Foundation, US Agency for International Development, and Johnson & Johnson. Joe Roman does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

The COVID-19 pandemic in the United States is the deepest and longest period of malaise in a dozen years. Our colleagues at the University of Vermont have concluded this by analyzing posts on Twitter. The Vermont Complex Systems Center studies 50 million tweets a day, scoring the “happiness” of people’s words to monitor the national mood. That mood today is at its lowest point since 2008 when they started this project.

They call the tweet analysis the Hedonometer. It relies on surveys of thousands of people who rate words indicating happiness. “Laughter” gets an 8.50 while “jail” gets a 1.76. They use these scores to measure the mood of Twitter traffic.

121 The Hedonometer measures happiness through analysis of key words on Twitter, which is now used by one in five Americans. This chart covers 18 months from early 2019 to July 2020, showing major dips in 2020. hedonometer.org

These same tweets also indicate a potential salve. Before pandemic lockdowns began, doctoral student Aaron Schwartz compared tweets before, during, and after visits to 150 parks, playgrounds and plazas in San Francisco. He found that park visits corresponded with a spike in happiness, followed by an afterglow lasting up to four hours.

Tweets from parks contained fewer negative words such as “no,” “not” and “can’t,” and fewer first-person pronouns like “I” and “me.” It seems that nature makes people more positive and less self-obsessed.

Parks keep people happy in times of global crisis, economic shutdown and public anger. Research has also shown that transmission rates for COVID-19 are much lower outdoors than inside. As scholars who study conservation and how nature contributes to human well- being, we see opening up parks and creating new ones as a straightforward remedy for Americans’ current blues.

Park visits are up during the pandemic According to the Hedonometer, sentiments expressed online started trending lower in mid-March as the impacts of the pandemic became clear. As lockdowns continued, they registered the lowest sentiment scores on record. Then in late May, effects from George Floyd’s death in police custody and the following protests and police response once again could be seen on Twitter. May 31, 2020 was the saddest day of the project.

122 Recent surveys of park visitors around the University of Vermont have shown people using green spaces more since COVID-19 lockdowns began. Many people reported that parks were highly important to their well-being during the pandemic.

The powerful effects of nature are strongest in large parks with more trees, but smaller neighborhood parks also provide a significant boost. Their impact on happiness is real, measurable and lasting.

Twitter records show that parks increase happiness to a level similar to the bounce at Christmas, which typically is the happiest day of the year. Schwartz has since expanded his Twitter study to the 25 largest cities in the U.S. and found this bounce everywhere.

Parks and public spaces won’t cure COVID-19 or stop police brutality, but they are far more than playgrounds. There is growing evidence that parks contribute to mental and physical health in a range of communities.

In a 2015 study, for example, Stanford researchers sent people out for one of two walks: through a local park or on a busy street. Those who walked in nature showed improved moods and better memory performance compared to the urban group. And a team led by Gina South of the University of Pennsylvania showed in a 2018 study that greening and cleaning up blighted vacant lots in Philadelphia reduced local residents’ feelings of depression, worthlessness and poor mental health.

Creative strategies It isn’t easy to create new parks on the scale of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park or the Washington Mall, but smaller projects can expand outdoor space. Options include greening vacant lots, closing streets and investing in existing parks to make them safer, greener and shadier and support wildlife.

These initiatives don’t have to be capital-intensive. In the University of Pennsylvania study, for example, renovating a vacant lot by removing trash, planting grass and trees and installing a low fence cost only about US$1,600.

Waterfall Garden Park, a pocket park in Seattle built and maintained by the Annie E. Casey Foundation. Joe Mabel/Wikipedia, CC BY-SA

Urban green space is most needed in neighborhoods that have lacked funding for parks, especially given COVID-19’s disproportionate impact on Black and Latinx people.

Cities can also create parklike spaces by closing streets to cars. Many cities worldwide are currently retooling their transportation systems for the post-COVID-19 world in order to reallocate public space, widen sidewalks and make more space for nature.

123 Urban designers, artists, ecologists and other citizens can play a direct role, too, creating pop-up parks and green spaces. Some advocates transform parking spaces into mini- parks with grass, potted trees and seating for just the time on the meter, to make a larger point about turning so much public space over to cars.

Or cities can invest a little more. Minneapolis, Cincinnati and Arlington, Virginia, have won national recognition for their ambitious investments in public park systems. These areas could serve as models for neighborhoods that lack access to parks.

A New Park Deal? The United States has historically driven economic recovery with major infrastructure investments, like the New Deal in the 1930s and the 2009 American Reinvestment and Recovery Act. Such investments could easily include nature-positive spaces.

[Deep knowledge, daily. Sign up for The Conversation’s newsletter.] Parks are not panaceas, as evidenced by the widely publicized racist confrontation between a white woman and a Black birder in New York’s Central Park in early July. But Hedonometer data add to a growing body of evidence that they provide clear mental health benefits. Creating and expanding parks also generates jobs and economic activity, with much of the money spent locally.

We believe investments in nature are well worth it, offering both short-term solace in difficult times and long-term benefits to health, economies and communities.

124 Car Break-Ins On The Rise At Public Parks As Many Retreat Outdoors MATT BIGLER AUGUST 12, 2020 - 10:36 AM

With so many folks heading to the great outdoors during the pandemic, there's been a rise in car break-ins at Bay Area parks.

In one recent incident near Anthony Chabot Regional Park, police say officers caught two burglary suspects in the act standing next to a broken driver’s side window.

“We understand with COVID people are really using the parks to escape some of the stresses associated with that and we want everyone to take steps to avoid being a victim,” said Captain Alan Love with East Bay Regional Parks Police.

His department has seen more and more break-ins during the pandemic and is advising visitors to "Lock It, Leave It, Report It."

"If you don’t need it in the park or for your hike or your exercise, please leave it at home," said Love. Visitors should also keep their cars locked and contact the department if they see any break-ins.

Keenan Norris regularly runs in Chabot Park and has had his car broken into before.

"You have to replace your window, costs $300, there’s an invasion of privacy there."

But with everything else going on, a car break-in is low on his list of worries. "On the scale of problems, it is what it is...people should just take proper precautions, but there are much more risky things out here. Apparently including the air we breathe," he joked.

Parks police are also sending out high visibility patrols to deter burglars.

125 Walnut Creek’s Castle Rock back open for superb climbing By Ned MacKay 22 hours ago The East Bay Regional Park District closes Castle Rock access during peregrine falcon mating season.

Peregrine falcon nesting season is over, so the Castle Rock formations within Mount Diablo State Park and overlooking Pine Creek in Diablo Foothills Regional Park have reopened.

The rocks are closed to the public annually Feb.1-July 31 to allow for undisturbed nesting. Although the rocks are located within the state park, visitors usually access them from the regional park. The two agencies partner to protect the birds.

About the size of crows, peregrine falcons prey mostly on smaller birds but also mammals such as rodents and bats. A peregrine can dive at more than 200 mph, making it the fastest animal in the world. The Peregrine falcon is no longer on the federal endangered species list, but it is still a fully protected species under the state’s Fish & Game Code.

Two nesting pairs of peregrines

But neither pair settled into incubation, so no chicks hatched. The birds may have distracted each other, as peregrines are very territorial in their behavior. Let’s hope these beautiful birds produce some offspring next season.

Meanwhile, if you climb up into the rocks during the time the area is open, please be careful and respectful of wildlife. The trails are steep, rocky and not maintained.

Biking update

I recently mentioned that Lafayette Reservoir, an East Bay Municipal Utility District lake in Lafayette, is a good place to take children for a bicycle ride. However, I’ve since learned that there are some restrictions. Bicyclists and people on roller skates, roller blades and scooters are allowed noon-closing on Tuesdays and Thursdays and from opening to 11 a.m. Sundays on the paved Lakeside Trail and roads.

126 So I apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused new visitors. For more information on the reservoir’s rules and regulations, visit ebmud.com. Click on “Recreation” at the top of the home page, then click again on “Lafayette Reservoir.”

Protecting the outdoors

President Donald Trump has signed the Great American Outdoors Act, the bipartisan legislation that guarantees $900 million annually to the Land and Water Conservation Fund for parkland purchase and maintenance nationwide.

The fund has been around many years, supported by revenues from offshore oil drilling, but its funds have often been diverted to other uses. The new law requires the full $900 million to be spent every year on parks.

Park information

Your go-to website for all kinds of information about the regional parks is ebparks.org. Most of the regional park trails are open, and brochures with maps are usually available at trailhead information panels. You can also download maps from the website, and I advise doing that before visiting a park. Go to “Parks and Trails” or “Activities” at the top of the home page.

When in the parks for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic, everyone should wear a mask and maintain a social distance of at least six feet. Dogs are supposed to be on leash at all times. Most toilets at trailheads are open but not always the ones in park interiors. Since drinking fountains have been turned off, please bring your own water. And it’s helpful to pack out your trash as well.

District staff is working hard to keep the parks open and safe for much-needed outdoor recreation. Everyone’s cooperation is greatly appreciated.

127 Protecting Funding for Public Health and Equity Parks & Recreation

East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) in Oakland, California, manages a system of 73 parks, 1,300 miles of trails and 55 miles of shoreline on 125,000 acres in the East San Francisco Bay Area. We are proud to serve the very diverse East Bay population, especially in these difficult times, by keeping 99 percent of our parks open and accessible, allowing all people access to the vital mental and physical benefits of exercising in nature.

Well before the current corona-virus (COVID-19) health crisis, EBRPD established significant programming, encouraging greater access by members of under-resourced communities. In partnership with our Regional Parks Foundation, we implemented a robust Healthy Parks Healthy People program, fostering relationships with doctors and hospitals to develop scientific studies showing the health merits of access to nature.

A Parks Rx program and increasingly well-attended multicultural wellness walks followed. However, more work needs to be done to address the systemic health disparities that impact many of the communities we serve.

Assisting Public Health Agencies

Unsurprisingly, local health agencies declared outdoor activity as essential activity at the onset of the Bay Area shelter-in-place (SIP) order. An immediate surge of users followed, as parks were the only game in town for getting out of the house to exercise. EBRPD responded quickly - balancing the needs to safely keep parks open and protect staff. Within 24 hours of California's first-in-the-nation statewide SIP order, EBRPD began producing public service announcements describing how to keep safe in the parks during the pandemic. We kept most parks open, but temporarily closed some parking lots to reduce crowding, closed high-touch facilities - such as restrooms, play structures and picnic tables - and halted trash pickup.

County health agencies subsequently asked EBRPD to keep parks and trails open as an essential service during the pandemic and the SIP orders. Weekly discussions with the county health agencies followed, and safety protocols were developed to keep staff safe when cleaning re-strooms and picking up trash. Many of the closed amenities were reopened within two weeks. East Bay Parks staff rose to the challenge of creating signage and educating both regular park users and thousands of new visitors on maintaining physical distancing and wearing masks. At the same time, staff developed a reopening plan to ensure equitable park access to both urban and rural parks and trails, keeping as many parks as possible open for all, and rejecting calls from wealthy neighborhoods to restrict access to locales. Ninety-nine percent of our parks and trails have stayed open, and we continue to reopen those few closed facilities as safely allowable.

Advocating for Equity

128 Equitable public access has long been a focus of the agency. Forty years ago, at the urging of conservation and community leaders, we made a huge commitment to provide public access along the urban shoreline, adjacent to some of the historically most under- resourced communities in East Bay. Miller/ Knox Regional Shoreline in Richmond was our first shoreline park, followed by Martin Luther King Jr. Shoreline in Oakland and Point Pinole Regional Shoreline in Richmond, which recently received a major upgrade with a restoration and public access project. During the past 10 years, EBRPD has invested nearly $100 million in these urban communities and others, providing both more access and new park improvements. We know the need is great and continue to keep our commitment to do more for social and environmental justice, especially now. This year, with grants and assistance largely supported by our legislative delegation, we're opening three shoreline projects:

* Bay Point Regional Shoreline Restoration and Access Project - $5.8 million ($3.9 grant funded, including $750,000 from a Land and Water Conservation Fund [LWCF] competitive grant)

* McLaughlin Eastshore State Park Albany Beach Restoration and Bay Trail - a connection between the West Berkeley and Albany communities - $14 million ($4.6 million grant funded)

* Judge John Sutter Regional Shoreline in West Oakland -new waterfront park with a public access pier - $29.6 million (funded and developed by Cal-trans and MTC/Bay Area Toll Authority)

EBRPD has and will persist in making the case with our legislators for the need of continued enhanced investment in our vital public access programs and projects that deliver access to nature for all. As the economy cratered under the weight of SIP orders, EBRPD set up meetings with state and local legislators to remind them that parks truly are an essential service and that the surge in visitation is real.

In the short term, we need to protect the funding we have and pro-actively seek recovery funds as we navigate the uncertain times ahead. A future green stimulus and/or funding of LWCF could help fix and maintain parks, increase equitable access and continue parks' role as part of the health system while providing needed economic opportunities for those struggling financially, even while mitigating some of the effects of climate change. In the long term, learning from this moment and keeping the public's trust will position park agencies well for future funding.

EBRPD has found that social media, Zoom meetings, virtual walk-and-talks and written correspondence are all effective ways to communicate at a time when elected officials are seeking positive stories. The park and recreation field has a great story to tell right now, so let's tell it together!

Robert Doyle is General Manager at East Bay Regional Park District ([email protected]).

129 Park It: Check out the falcons at Walnut Creek’s Mount Diablo With peregrines’ nesting season ended, Castle Rock formations have reopened By NED MACKAY | East Bay Regional Park District August 9, 2020 at 5:00 a.m.

Peregrine falcon nesting season is over, so the Castle Rock formations within Mount Diablo State Park in Walnut Creek and overlooking Pine Creek in Diablo Foothills Regional Park have reopened. The rocks are closed to the public annually between Feb. 1 and July 31 to provide the birds with undisturbed nesting. Although the rocks are in the state park, visitors usually access them from the regional park. The two agencies partner to protect the birds.

A peregrine falcon flies over sandstone rocks at the foot of Mount Diablo State park in Walnut Creek. Peregrine falcon nesting season is over, so the Castle Rock formations within the park and overlooking Pine Creek in Diablo Foothills Regional Park have reopened. Dan Rosenstrauch/staff archives

Peregrine falcons are amazing — about the size of crows, they prey mostly on smaller birds but also on mammals such as rodents and bats. A peregrine falcon can dive at more than 200 mph, making it the world’s fastest animal. The peregrine falcon is no longer on the federal endangered species list, but in California it’s still a fully protected species under the state’s fish and wildlife code.

Staci Hobbet, part of an all-volunteer natural history education team in Diablo Foothills Regional Park, reports that there were two nesting pairs of peregrines in the rocks this year for the first time we know of. However, neither pair ever settled into incubation, so no chicks hatched. The birds may have distracted each other, as peregrines are very territorial in their behavior. Let’s hope these beautiful birds produce some offspring next season. Meanwhile, if you climb up into the rocks during this time of year that the area is open, please be careful and also respectful of wildlife. The trails are steep, rocky and not maintained.

Lafayette: In a recent column I mentioned Lafayette Reservoir, an East Bay Municipal Utility District lake in Lafayette that’s a good place to take children for a bicycle ride. It is, but I’ve since learned that there are some restrictions. Bicyclists and people on roller skates, roller blades and scooters are allowed on Tuesdays and Thursdays from noon until closing and on Sundays from opening until 11 a.m. on the paved Lakeside Nature Trail and roads.

So I apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused new visitors. For more information on the reservoir’s rules and regulations, visit ebmud.com/recreation/east- bay/lafayette-reservoir.

130 Outdoors Act: It’s official. President Donald Trump has signed the Great American Outdoors Act, the bipartisan legislation that guarantees $900 million annually to the Land and Water Conservation Fund for parkland purchase and maintenance nationwide. The fund has been around many years, supported by revenues from offshore oil drilling, but it’s often been diverted to other uses. The new law requires the full $900 million to be spent every year on parks.

A few tips: As I’ve often mentioned, your go-to website for all kinds of information about the East Bay Regional Park District is ebparks.org. Most of the regional park trails are open, and brochures with maps are usually available at trailhead information panels. You can also download maps from the website, though, and I advise doing that before visiting a park. To do so, visit ebparks.org/parks/maps online.

When you’re in the parks, for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic everyone should wear a mask and stay at least 6 feet away from anyone not in their own households. Dogs are supposed to be on leash at all times, except at Richmond’s Point Isabel Regional Shoreline. Most toilets at trailheads are open, but the ones in park interiors aren’t always open. Since drinking fountains have been turned off, please bring your own water. And please pack out your trash too. District staff is working hard to keep the parks open and safe for much needed outdoor recreation, and everyone’s cooperation is greatly appreciated.

131 As East Bay Park attendance surges, district seeks your help with online survey By Ned MacKay 3 days ago The Oakland Zoo, which partners with East Bay Regional Parks District, reopened its doors last week, after a months-long closure. (Photo Courtesy Oakland Zoo)

Oakland, CA — The East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) has experienced an unprecedented surge in visitor attendance, as people head to the parks for healthy exercise and relief from stress during the coronavirus pandemic.

According to a recent survey, 96 percent stated that it has been important to keep regional parks and trails open during the pandemic.

Ninety percent believe that having access to the parks and trails has been important to their health and well-being. And 94 percent say parks will play an equal or greater role in their lives when the pandemic is over.

The district is conducting an online survey along the same lines and would like to hear from as many people as possible. The results will assist the district in developing ways to mitigate the negative impact of the pandemic, both while it is still a threat and when people can get back to resuming as normal a life as possible. To participate in the survey, go to ebparks.org. At the top of the home page is a slide display that changes every few seconds. When “Covid19 Park & Community Survey” appears, click on it or click here to take the survey. The survey is available in both English and Spanish.

Zoo opening

The Oakland Zoo reopened its doors last week, after a months-long closure. It’s great news for both animals and people.

The EBRPD is a partner with the zoo, in that the park district’s 2008 Measure WW Local Grant Program has provided $4 million over the years for zoo capital improvements. Measure WW is a bond issue that received strong support from park district voters in Alameda and Contra Costa counties.

The park district also joined the zoo in urging county and state leaders to allow it to reopen with appropriate social-distancing protocols.

For more about the zoo’s reopening plans, go to oaklandzoo.org.

132 Here’s more good news

The Senate and House of Representatives have both approved the Great American Outdoors Act, which mandates permanent funding of $900 million annually for the national Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). The bill now goes to President Donald Trump, who has said he will sign it.

The LWCF receives money from royalties paid by energy companies drilling for oil and gas on the Outer Continental Shelf. Over the past 50 years, the program has provided more than $16 million in funding for various parks and trails in the EBRPD, most recently for the $750,000 Bay Point Restoration and Public Access Project in 2017.

In general, LWCF funds are used to expand public lands, safeguard natural areas and protect cultural heritage sites nationwide.

National award

The Regional Parks Botanic Garden, located in Tilden Regional Park near Berkeley, has received the Frank Cabot Award from the North American Rock Garden Society.

The award is national recognition for a public garden that features outstanding rock gardens and rock garden plants. Cabot was a major figure in American public gardens and was the founder of the Garden Conservancy.

The Botanic Garden specializes in the propagation of native California trees, shrubs and flowers. It’s located at the intersection of South Park Drive and Wildcat Canyon Road but is currently closed to the public because of the pandemic.

Virtual offerings

The park district’s virtual nature programs continue with all kinds of information and activities on video at ebparks.org. So thanks to the district’s naturalist corps for this.

From art to zoology, you can view it all by clicking on “Digital Learning” when it appears on the serial slide show. But you can also click on the “Digital Learning” display near the bottom of the home page.

Mask up

And when you are actually out in the parks, please don’t forget to bring along a face mask. Wear a face covering when social distancing is difficult on narrow trails. The more we make a habit of mask wearing, the safer we will be and the sooner we’ll all get through the pandemic. Thanks to everyone for cooperating.

133 Shoreline Fire in Contra Costa County fully contained, but suspicious By KTVU staff Published 4 days ago Contra Costa County KTVU FOX 2

Photo of Shoreline Fire courtesy Crockett-Carquinez Fire Department

CROCKETT, Calif. - The Shoreline Fire that burned nearly 14 acres in Contra Costa County on Friday is fully contained. Investigators said while the cause is undetermined, the fire is suspicious.

Firefighters with Crockett-Carquinez Fire Department responded to the vegetation fire in the area of Carquinez Scenic Drive and Regional Shoreline Park outside Port Costa at around 4:30 p.m.

Crews from Rodeo-Hercules, Contra Costa Fire, Cal Fire, East Bay Regional Parks, Vallejo Fire and Pinole fire departments assisted by providing coverage.

Forward progress of the fire was stopped at around 6:30 p.m. No injuries were reported.

Officials said this was the largest fire so far in their district this fire season.

134 15 Easy East Bay bike trails for kids – Lafayette Reservoir to Fremont’s Coyote Hills By Ned MacKay 5 days ago Enjoy the newly constructed segment of the SF Bay Trail between Gilman Street in Berkeley and Buchanan Street/Albany Beach in Albany. (Photo by Cali Godley courtesy East Bay Regional Park District)

A reader whose 6-year-old daughter just learned to ride a bicycle asked me for a list of easy, flat, paved bicycle paths in regional parks that young children could enjoy safely.

There are lots of options, district-wide:

Big Break Regional Shoreline. The park entrance is on Big Break Road off Main Street in Oakley. From the parking lot, it’s a flat, scenic 2.44-mile ride on a paved trail east to the Marsh Creek Regional Trail, which is also a great ride. When the pandemic is over, the Big Break Visitor Center will reopen, and it’s well worth a visit, too.

Contra Costa Canal Regional Trail. This paved trail follows the canal from the Highway 4 frontage road in Martinez all the way to Willow Pass Road in Concord, with multiple access points. Most of it is flat; there are nice, shady stretches in Martinez, Pleasant Hill and elsewhere along the way.

Iron Horse Regional Trail. Extends for more than 30 miles down the Diablo and San Ramon valleys between Concord and Pleasanton, again with multiple access points. You can plan as long or short a trip as you wish.

George Miller Regional Trail. A scenic two-miler between Martinez and Port Costa. Roadside parking on Carquinez Scenic Drive at the east end; a parking lot on the Port Costa side. Great views of Carquinez Strait and Benicia. Mostly flat.

Lafayette-Moraga Regional Trail. About seven miles, from Olympic Boulevard in Lafayette to Canyon Road in Moraga. Many access points.

Lafayette Reservoir. Bicyclists and people on roller skates, roller blades and scooters are allowed noon-closing on Tuesdays and Thursdays and from opening to 11 a.m. Sundays on the paved Lakeside Trail and roads. The entrance is on Mt. Diablo Boulevard west of downtown Lafayette. Fee parking at the lot atop the dam.

135 Nimitz Way, Tilden Regional Park. The first mile is flat, heading north from Inspiration Point on Wildcat Canyon Road in Berkeley. At Mile One, there’s a hundred yards of downhill. Of course, what goes down must come back up. Can be crowded.

Point Pinole Regional Shoreline. Park at the entrance on the Giant Highway. The paved road from the parking lot leads across a bridge, into the park and 1.5 miles out to the fishing pier. Cooling bay breezes on a hot day.

Richmond Marina. Lots of flat trails for bicycles at the end of South Harbor Way around the Craneway building.

San Francisco Bay Trail. Park at the end of Buchanan Street in Albany. From there, a new section of the trail heads south toward Berkeley. There’s a long gradual hill in a short distance; parents with younger kids can turn back and enjoy the beach.

Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park. From Canyon Meadows Staging Area, accessed via the Redwood Road entrance in Oakland, the Stream Trail is paved and open to bicycles for about a mile through the redwood groves. After that, the pavement ends and bicycles are not allowed. But it’s a beautiful, easy ride through the trees.

Lake Chabot Regional Park. From near the marina on Lake Chabot Road in Castro Valley, both the East Shore and West Shore Trails are paved for a couple of miles. Some short hills.

Alameda Creek Regional Trail. It’s flat and the south side is paved, from Niles all the way to Coyote Hills Regional Park.

Coyote Hills Regional Park. At the end of Patterson Ranch Road off Paseo Padre Parkway in Fremont. Check out the paved Bayview Trail, which circles the hills.

Trails may be crowded These flat, paved trails can be crowded, especially on weekends. The speed limit for bicycles is 15 mph. State law requires that all bicycle riders 17 and under wear helmets, and the park district recommends that everyone do so.

Please advise other trail users by voice or bell when you are overtaking them from behind, so they know you are there. You are unlikely to encounter equestrians on paved interpark trails, but they have the right of way.

Because of the pandemic, please have face coverings available to wear when social distancing is not possible.

This is by no means a comprehensive list. For more information, including maps, visit the park district website at ebparks.org. Check out “Parks,” “Parks & Trails,” “Interpark Regional Trails” and “Bicycle Loop Trails.”

136 Contested housing project in southern Antioch gets green light Kyle Szymanski Aug 6, 2020 Photo courtesy of Richland Communities, Inc Antioch leaders recently approved key documents moving forward with a planned 1,177-unit, 551-acre community west of Deer Valley Road near Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve and across from the Kaiser Permanente Antioch Medical Center.

A long-debated housing project in the southern part of the city may now move ahead.

Antioch leaders recently approved key documents moving forward with a planned 1,177-unit, 551- acre community west of Deer Valley Road near Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve and across from the Kaiser Permanente Antioch Medical Center.

The proposal, first submitted in 2015 as a 1,667-unit concept, has been held up by residents’ and environmental groups’ concerns, formal initiative efforts governing the proposed project area, and legal actions, but now a third version that includes lots of open space and trails appears to be the charm.

A cattle-grazing operation, one home and a number of barns and outbuildings currently occupy the site.

“This is going to be a gem of a project,” Antioch Mayor Sean Wright said. “What an opportunity to not only build some necessary housing but also be able to connect that open space and make it usable for our community.”

The 1,177-unit plan is expected to feature 543 single-family residential units, including 133 executive home sites, 212 medium density residential homes and 422 age-restricted (over age 55) senior units, in addition to a fire station and a 5-acre village-center area — accommodating up to 54,000 square feet of neighborhood commercial, office and retail space.

About 43% of the project will be dedicated to open space, with the area’s southwest hill ridgelines unaltered; the Sand Creek corridor generally undisturbed; and over seven miles of trails — all leading to a one-acre trail staging area on the site’s furthest western edge that would give way to off-site East Bay Regional Park lands.

The project’s approval appeared to be buoyed by its open-space-conscious approach and a slew of other guaranteed community benefits, including $2.5 million to the city for economic development and employment-generating uses; dedication of a two-acre parcel for a future fire station; and annexation into both fire and police service community facilities districts, aimed at offsetting the development’s new strain on both.

137 “This is really a model for future developments,” Councilmember Joy Motts said. “I appreciate all the effort that went into this.”

Save Mount Diablo, a land trust and conservation organization that has long fought to preserve the project’s general area, declined to take a stance on the plan but did praise several conservation-driven choices.

The organization is currently advocating for the Let Antioch Voters Decide initiative that will appear on the November ballot and would zone an 1,800-acre stretch west of Deer Valley Road for rural residential, agricultural and open-space uses. It would also require a vote for more intensive development and voter approval for all urban limit line changes.

That initiative, if approved, wouldn’t affect the project.

“We are pleased with the improvements to the project that Richland has made since 2018, such as that the unit count has been reduced by 30%, the footprint changed to avoid development impacts on the hills on-site, and the 250 acres of parks and open space,” said Seth Adams, Save Mount Diablo’s land conservation director.

Residents’ opinions are mixed.

“I don’t want to see more suburban sprawl on the outskirts of Antioch, causing traffic on Lone Tree Way and Deer Valley Road, and also stretching our police and fire services to cover more territory,” said resident Karen Campbell.

Thomas Lawson, however, said the additional housing choices for youth all the way to seniors is needed in the community.

“The project will bring in millions of dollars to the City of Antioch and provide housing choices for first-time buyers, all the way up to those seeking retirement,” he said.

Richland Communities representative Kyle Masters noted that the company has been working closely with city and Contra Costa County Fire Protection District officials to ensure that funding mechanisms are in place to address future public safety resources.

He also lauded the project’s vast recreational amenities that, in addition to trails and open space, include four 2.4- to 6-acre neighborhood parks and several smaller pocket parks.

“We do believe it will be a great community. We are excited to see it move on to the next step,” said Craig Cristina, Richland’s senior vice president of entitlement.

The project is expected to be completed in three major phases, with the start of construction still three and a half to four years away and first occupancy five years down the road.

Prior to development, the project must complete a final development plan; have a tentative project map approved; and undergo a formal design review to ensure that it meets project design guidelines.

For more information on the project, visit https://bit.ly/3a2KjSu.

138 Published August 5th, 2020 Town council gets update on Laguna

Creek Restoration Project By Vera Kochan Hacienda Pavilion flooding during 2005-06 winter storms Photo provided

The Hacienda de las Flores, located at 2100 Donald Dr., is owned by the town of Moraga and is the subject of the proposed Laguna Creek Restoration Project. Public Works Director/Town Engineer Shawn Knapp gave an informative update during the town council's July 8 meeting as to future steps in the continuing project. Heavy winter storms during 2005-06 triggered the Laguna Creek's rise and eventual flow over its banks in the western vicinity of the Hacienda Pavilion. Damages were incurred to the wooden footbridge and wrought-iron gate. Additionally, more than 200 feet of chain-link fence, walkways, retaining walls, head walls, wing walls and banks of the creek bend were either damaged or washed away. The creek slope failed causing the Pavilion to flood. The Project entails the removal of an underground culvert near the Pavilion and replacing it with a natural channel to improve flood protection for the various Hacienda facilities. The upstream end of the culvert is located approximately 400 feet south of Donald Drive. Watersheds from the neighborhoods of Campolindo, Carol Ranch, Rheem Valley and others contribute to the southward flow of Laguna Creek via underground storm drains or open channel creeks, all of which eventually deposit into the Upper San Leandro Reservoir. The restoration project will reduce the flood risk by daylighting the creek and retrofitting or replacing the existing 8-foot diameter culvert. During 2007, repairs to the damaged pavilion were completed at a cost of $37,000. Additional repairs to the creek wall and bank stabilization were completed in 2013, costing $1.04 million. In 2014, the town council directed staff to proceed with the daylighting and restoration of the Laguna Creek channel after a Hydraulic Study and an Alternatives Study revealed this to be the best-case scenario. Besides removal of the existing culvert, the project will involve the construction of a natural channel to provide habitat for endangered species; the relocation of a Central Contra Costa Sanitary District sewer line; the construction of a vehicular bridge over the creek; and the improvement of public accessibility

139 and protections. The public works department has secured funding from the California Natural Resources Agency ($399,980) not capable with the Federal Emergency Management Agency grant; East Bay Regional Parks District ($599,743) the maximum possible award; and the FEMA ($803,331) 66% allowable costs for up to $970,000. FEMA has approved Phase 1 of the project which entails field and geotechnical investigations and surveys; a hydraulic study and FEMA coordination; a biological resources study; California Environmental Quality Act studies; and design (up to 65%). With the 65% design, FEMA will complete the National Environmental Policy Act evaluation prior to authorizing Phase 2. The town will incur up to $28,066 in project costs for Phase 1. However, $15,000 may be reimbursable and the remaining $13,066 would be reimbursed by the EBRPD grant if the project was completed. There is also adequate funding available in Department 730 - Storm Drain Maintenance. Staff will return to council in the fall to consider the awarding of a design contract.

140 Park It: East Bay district offers plenty of great, scenic bike trails From Oakley’s Big Break to Fremont’s Coyote Hills, there’s no shortage of two-wheeled options By NED MACKAY | East Bay Regional Park District PUBLISHED: August 2, 2020 at 5:00 a.m. | UPDATED: August 2, 2020 at 5:04 a.m.

Cindi Christie/staff archives Bill Erbes, of San Ramon, rides his bicycle along the Iron Horse Trail in San Ramon. The trail extends for more than 30 miles down the Diablo and San Ramon valleys between Concord and Pleasanton, and you can plan as long or short a trip as you wish

A reader whose 6-year-old daughter has just learned to ride a bicycle asked me for a list of easy, flat, paved bicycle paths on regional parks and trails that young children would enjoy safely. I don’t own a bicycle myself, so I had to ask around a bit. But there are lots of options throughout the East Bay Regional Park District:

• Big Break Regional Shoreline — The park entrance is on Big Break Road off Main Street in Oakley. From the parking lot it’s a flat, scenic 2.44-mile ride on a paved trail east to the Marsh Creek Regional Trail, which is also a great ride. When the pandemic is over, the Big Break Visitor Center will reopen, and it’s well worth a visit too. • Contra Costa Canal Regional Trail — This paved trail follows the canal from the Highway 4 frontage road in Martinez all the way to Willow Pass Road in Concord with multiple access points. Most of it is flat; there are nice, shady stretches in Martinez, Pleasant Hill and elsewhere along the way. • Iron Horse Regional Trail — It extends for more than 30 miles down the Diablo and San Ramon valleys between Concord and Pleasanton, again with multiple access points. You can plan as long or short a trip as you wish. • George Miller Regional Trail — This scenic 2-miler between Martinez and Port Costa features roadside parking on Carquinez Scenic Drive at the east end and a parking lot on the Port Costa side. It’s mostly flat and has great views of Carquinez Strait and Benicia. • Lafayette-Moraga Regional Trail — This is about 7 miles, from Olympic Boulevard in Lafayette to Canyon Road in Moraga, and has many access points. • Lafayette Reservoir — There’s a paved trail about 3 miles long around the reservoir, which is owned by the East Bay Municipal Utility District. It’s scenic, with several short hills, none very steep. The entrance is on Mount Diablo Boulevard west of downtown Lafayette. There’s a parking fee at the lot atop the dam. • Nimitz Way, Tilden Regional Park near Berkeley — The first mile is flat, heading north from Inspiration Point on Wildcat Canyon Road. At Mile One there’s a hundred-yard downhill section. Of course, what goes down must come back up, and the trail can be crowded.

141 • Point Pinole Regional Shoreline — Park at the entrance on Giant Highway. The paved road from the parking lot leads across a bridge, into the park and 1.5 miles out to the fishing pier. Cooling bay breezes offer relief on a hot day. • Richmond Marina — Lots of flat trails for bicycles are at the end of South Harbor Way around the Craneway Pavilion building. • San Francisco Bay Trail — Park at the end of Buchanan Street in Albany. From there a new section of the Bay Trail heads south toward Berkeley. There’s a long gradual hill in a short distance; parents with younger kids can turn back and enjoy the beach. • Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park, Oakland — From Canyon Meadows Staging Area, accessed via the Redwood Road entrance, the Stream Trail is paved and open to bicycles for about a mile through the redwood groves. After that the pavement ends, and bicycles are not allowed. It’s a beautiful, easy ride through the trees, though. • Lake Chabot Regional Park, Lake Chabot Road, Castro Valley — From near the marina, the East Shore and West Shore trails are paved for a couple of miles. Some short hills are included. • Alameda Creek Regional Trail — It’s flat, and the south side is paved from Niles all the way to Coyote Hills Regional Park. • Coyote Hills Regional Park — At the end of Patterson Ranch Road off Paseo Padre Parkway in Fremont. Check out the paved Bayview Trail, which circles the hills.

This is by no means a comprehensive list. For more information, including maps, visit the park district’s “Bicycle Loop Trails” webpage at ebparks.org/activities/biking/bicycle_loop_trails.

Some reminders: The flat, paved trails can be crowded, especially on weekends. The speed limit for bicycles is 15 miles per hour. State law requires that all bicycle riders 17 and younger wear helmets, and the park district recommends that everyone do so. Please advise other trail users by voice or bell when you are overtaking them from behind so that they know you’re there. Share the road — you are unlikely to encounter equestrians on paved interpark trails, but they do have the right of way. And finally, because of the pandemic, please have face coverings available to wear when social distancing is not possible.

142 Plan to put 1,500 homes in the Pittsburg hills gets first nod Up to 1,500 homes could be built in the hills just outside the city’s limits By JUDITH PRIEVE | [email protected] | Bay Area News Group PUBLISHED: July 31, 2020 at 3:07 p.m. | UPDATED: August 2, 2020 at 6:10 a.m.

The hills southwest of the Pittsburg city border are seen beyond the San Marco development. Concord-based Discovery Builders is seeking approval from Pittsburg for its plan to build up to 1,500 homes in the area. (Scott Hein)

A plan to build 1,500 homes in the hills southwest of Pittsburg cleared its first major hurdle with this week despite the opposition of environmentalists and hillside preservationists.

After five hours of virtual discussions marred by technical difficulties, the city’s Planning Commission voted 4-3 to recommend the Faria/Southwest Hills project for City Council approval.

More than 120 letters and comments from agencies such as the East Bay Regional Park District, environmentalist groups, residents and others were read during the meeting.

Seeno/Discovery Builders had asked the Planning Commission to recommend a development agreement and an amendment to the city’s general plan that would allow construction on the hillsides.

The developers also sought its environmental documents for the project, which envisions construction of homes on 341 acres and preservation of 265 acres of open space.

“We want to make it a wonderful project here,” developer Albert Seeno III said. “Not everyone wants to see nothing done with the property. There are people that do want to have a house there…”

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 Seeno 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.

143 Some commissioners and others said they wanted to see more specificity in the developer’s plan, but City Planning Manager Kristin Pollot said it met all the minimum requirements.

Critics, including environmental groups like Save Mount Diablo, say the developer has not provided enough detail to assess the project’s impacts, including about the new regional park on the Concord side of the hills.

“The fundamental flaws of the project and its environmental review have not been addressed,” said Juan Pablo Galván, Save Mount Diablo’s land use manager.

“They are doing a rush job and they don’t have any details but they want it approved anyway,” he added.

Galván especially took issue with the proposed general plan amendment that would strike out wording that protects the hillsides.

“They are trying to eliminate the very part of the general plan that would protect the hills and slopes,” he said.

Former mayor and longtime resident Nancy Parent agreed.

“There will be mass grading, including wiping out two ridgelines. Once done, it cannot be retrieved,” she wrote. “The views of the hills are an asset to everyone in Pittsburg.”

Jazmin Hernandez also had concerns.

“The Faria/Southwest annexation project will wreak havoc to current Pittsburg residents and wildlife,” she wrote. “It will increase traffic in Pittsburg and threatens the new regional park on the Concord side of the hill. It would have significant negative impacts on wildlife and would seriously degrade the beautiful hills.”

“Why am I not surprised that the city of Pittsburg would railroad a momentous far- reaching development project through the approval process in these pandemic times with a less than adequate public hearing, virtual meetings that curtail full participation and engagement from the public with the Planning Commission,” Bay Point resident Raymond O’Brien wrote.

Lou Ann Texeira of the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) noted the agency has sent six letters since 2006 expressing concerns about the scope of the environmental review, boundary issues and cumulative impacts, among other issues.

A few residents, though, wrote in support of the project.

AJ Fardella noted the plan includes a basketball youth center. “The Faria development will be a great addition for Pittsburg, provided the essential support for our community is accompanied with it.”

Seeno noted that since the project is not yet within city limits, it could be “years down the road.”

144 “This project is not going to be built over the next 15 years,” he said. “It will be bit off in small chunks the way San Marco was built.”

Louis Parsons, president of Discovery Builders, addressed the hillsides.

“One of the biggest concerns was the very high ridges along the border between Concord and Pittsburg, and the major features are being preserved,” he said.

Commissioners were split on whether to recommend the project, however.

Commissioner James Coniglio, who motioned to recommend it, said the homes are needed and could help attract a higher-end grocery store on a nearby commercial site.

“This is a really big deal,” Vice Chairman Christopher Moreno said. “It’s extremely important to a lot of people. Our hills, preservation and a lot of it is really tied back to a lot of the difficulties we are feeling in the community — traffic issues, city schooling issues, recreation issues and commercial amenities. A lot of these things we can’t put on the developer.”

Still, Moreno said, he can’t support the current plan because of the general plan amendment allowing hillside development.

“People want to see the hillside preserved and build with the natural topography of the area and I think that should stay in place,” he said.

Commissioner Elissa Robinson said that while the project offered some benefits, she wanted to see more details and a smaller footprint.

“With this project, we have an opportunity to build something that could be amazing and could be groundbreaking if we do it properly,” she said, noting the Faria plan is “kind of a definition of urban sprawl.”

Commissioner Trinh Nguyen also said she had mixed feeling about the project and thought that the environmental reports were released too late for residents to review them.

“I encourage the application to lessen the footprint,” she said.

Commissioner Wolfgang Croskey said he could support the project, as it meets current standards.

In the split decision that followed, Moreno, Robinson and Nyguen dissented.

Because the area must be annexed into the city for the development to occur, LAFCO also must approve it in addition to the City Council.

145 Pittsburg Planning Commission Approves Plans For 1,500-Home Project In Hills Above Concord JULY 29, 2020 22:10 PM · 83 COMMENTS

By a one-vote margin, the Pittsburg Planning Commission on Tuesday night approved a 1,500-home project proposed for the hills in the southern portion of the city.

The project’s fate now moves into the hands of the City Council.

“This is a real big deal,” planning commissioner Christopher Moreno said during the meeting.

After hours of public comments and some technical interruptions, the seven-member commission passed the Faria/Southwest Hills proposal just before midnight.

146 The massive project is opposed by environmental groups, citizen activists and some local government agencies, including the city of Concord and the East Bay Regional Park District. It would include single-family homes on 341 acres, with another 265 acres set aside as open space.

The subject of a 2005 city ballot measure that passed by less than 400 votes, the project is being proposed by the Seeno Construction group under its Altec Homes subsidiary. CEO Alfred Seeno III attended the virtual meeting and spoke in support of the project.

Seeno Construction and Discovery Homes and their founder, Alfred Seeno Sr., have a long history of construction and political influence in Pittsburg.

A major subject of complaints during the meeting was the release just 11 days ago of a 487-page environmental impact study of the project.

Many commenters also complained about the paucity of details on the development. Although the project’s documents mapped out the location of residential areas and open space, no details on home construction or park or school locations have yet been sketched out by the company.

Several commissioners and scores of members of the public comments focused on the traffic impacts of the project.

The San Marco entrance to state Highway 4 is backed up daily and the West Leland Road corridor is also clogged mornings and evenings.

During the meeting, Seeno noted that his company will pay impact fees required by law but can’t be held directly responsible for building more roads or schools.

“You should be talking to the politicians who are responsible for that,” he said.

Commissioner Wolfgang Croskey called complaints from Concord “true redlining.”

Neighboring Concord is also planning up to 13,000 homes at the site of the former Concord Naval Weapons Station, which lies just south of the Faria project, while the park district is developing a new 2,700-acre regional park at the Concord site.

Seeno and his project coordinator noted the latest version of their proposal increases open space to 43 percent of the property and concentrates the housing in valleys while preserving the ridgelines.

Concord city officials and the parks district filed formal complaints about the project’s environmental impact report. Local environmental groups including Save Mount Diablo and Save Pittsburg Hills have also opposed the project. photo credit: Save Pittsburg Hills – Aerial photo shows the hills proposed for the Faria development in south Pittsburg.

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Antioch approves nearly 1,200 homes on its southern border Richland Communities first proposed housing in the Sand Creek Focus Area nearly five years ago By JUDITH PRIEVE | [email protected] | Bay Area News Group PUBLISHED: July 29, 2020 at 9:32 a.m. | UPDATED: July 31, 2020 at 10:54 p.m.

Susan Tripp Pollard/staff archives A 1,177-home subdivision is set to rise from a large swath of open space near Antioch’s southern border now that the City Council has unanimously approved Richland Communities’ project, which has been dubbed “The Ranch.” It will be located just west of Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in what’s known as the Sand Creek Focus Area, seen above along Empire Mine Road. The 2,712 acres of rolling hills and flatland now mainly occupied by grazing cattle and wildlife is the largest single residential development to get the city’s green light in a decade. A 1,177-home subdivision will rise from a large swath of open space near Antioch’s southern border — the largest single residential development to get the city’s green light in a decade.

The City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved Richland Communities’ project, which has been dubbed “The Ranch.” It will be located just west of Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in what’s known as the Sand Creek Focus Area — 2,712 acres of rolling hills and flatland mainly occupied by grazing cattle and wildlife.

The Ranch’s eventual residents will have plenty of company. To the east of Kaiser, DeNova Homes is building 533 houses in what’s known as the Aviano Farms project, and Blackhawk Nunn Partners is developing the 220-unit Creekside Vineyards at Sand Creek just east of that. There’s also 331 homes in Blackhawk Partners’ Vineyards at Sand Creek under construction east of The Ranch.

Craig Cristina, Richland Communities’ senior vice president, said the three-phase project was a long time coming and “shaped by many influencers but ended up being a well-balanced one.” He said the company “tried to minimize the impacts of the project on the (Sand Creek) corridor … and preserve the natural amenities of the community.”

The project is identical to one that was part of the earlier West Sand Creek Initiative, which the council adopted in 2018 along with a developer agreement and a plan for the preservation of open space between Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve and Deer Valley Road. That initiative, however, was invalidated in 2019 by a court ruling that said developer agreements could not be included in initiatives.

148 The Ranch, which is on 253.5 acres, will feature a mix of houses, including 543 single- family, 212 medium-density and 422 senior homes, as well as a 5-acre village center with commercial, retail and office space plus a new fire station. Sand Creek flows eastward through the center of the project site, which will also include 22.5 acres for public parks and nearly 230 acres designated as open space, complete with an extensive trail system.

Some environmentalists and others previously opposed the Richland Communities’ proposal, fearing any major housing development would lead to more traffic congestion and crime and further strain schools while jeopardizing agriculture, streams, grasslands, wildlife habitats and scenic views. In response to residents’ opposition, the developer scaled back its 1,667-home plan to 1,307 units in 2017 and further reduced it to 1,177 a year later.

The coalition of opponents promoted the Let Antioch Voters Decide initiative, which would have designated 1,850 acres west of Deer Valley Road, including The Ranch area, as rural-residential, agricultural and open space and required voter approval for more intensive development. The council adopted that measure in 2018, but it too was later invalidated in court. That initiative will now go before voters in November even though The Ranch has now been approved.

Even so, at least one environmentalist on Tuesday applauded parts of the project. Though he took no position on The Ranch development, Seth Adams of Save Mount Diablo said the nonprofit group was pleased with the changes Richland Communities has made.

“The unit count was reduced by 30%; the footprint has been changed to avoid development impacts on the hills on the site,” he said, noting the developer had complied with most of what the nonprofit asked for.

Adams also noted the developer included an extensive trail system, a wide buffer that will protect the Sand Creek riparian corridor and a buffer along Empire Mine Road that preserves a strip of historic heritage-sized eucalyptus trees found there.

“Although their initiative was blocked by the court, they could have gone back to a larger project, but they have not backtracked on any of their improvements or commitment to the public,” he said.

As for preservation, Adams said Save Mount Diablo members believe the hills along the south end of the Sand Creek area and all of the area south of the hills in Horse Valley, as well as the entire area west of the Empire Mine Road, should be protected. Others, however, urged rejection of the Richland proposal.

“There are already several other development projects in process in Antioch, which will provide additional housing units,” Karen Campbell said in an email to the council. “I do not want to see any more suburban sprawl on the outskirts of Antioch causing traffic on Lone Tree Way and Deer Valley Road, also stretching out our police and fire services to cover more territory.”

149 Ellis Raskin, of Hanson Bridgett, representing The Zeka Group, which wants to develop in an area immediately west of The Ranch and had earlier initiated legal action against the city and The Ranch Project, also urged a “no” vote. On June 23, the Zeka Group submitted preliminary plans to develop the 640-acre Zeka Ranch on Old Empire Mine Road near Black Diamond Regional Preserve. The developer plans a 338-unit upscale housing development, including 54 hillside estate units of 20,000 square feet or more.

“We ask that the city reconsider how the myriad aspects of The Ranch project will need to be harmonized with the Zeka Group’s project in order to ensure principles of sound land use planning and environmental review are followed,” Raskin said, noting the current project is not compatible with what Zeka or other nearby developers propose in the area. Council members Lori Ogorchock and Monica Wilson, however, said they liked The Ranch’s significant open space, senior units and multi-family attached housing, which allows seniors to “age in place.” Mayor Sean Wright simply called the project a “gem.”

“What an opportunity for us to not only build some needed housing but to make this something that really benefits everyone.”

In approving the project, council members took the procedural steps of certifying its environmental documents, adopting the master development plan and design review and amending the city’s general plan.

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Park It: District wants your views on East Bay parks, trails Survey meant to guide mitigation of pandemic’s negative impact now and after threat passes By NED MACKAY | East Bay Regional Park District PUBLISHED: July 26, 2020 at 5:00 a.m. | UPDATED: July 26, 2020 at 7:37 a.m.

photo courtesy of Cali Godley

A family takes a break from cycling on the San Francisco Bay Trail’s new section in Albany between the Golden Gate Fields racetrack and the bay. The East Bay Regional Park District reminds the public to follow this family’s example in the district’s parks by bringing along face masks to wear.

During the coronavirus pandemic, the East Bay Regional Park District has experienced what the district describes as an unprecedented surge in visitor attendance, as people head to the parks for healthy exercise and relief from stress.

According to findings from a recent survey, 96% of the respondents said it’s been important to keep regional parks and trails open during the pandemic; 90% said access to the parks and trails has been important to their health and well-being; and 94% said they believe the parks will play an equal or greater role in their lives when the pandemic is over.

Now the district is conducting an online survey along the same lines and would like to hear from as many people as possible. The purpose is to help the district develop ways to mitigate the negative impact of the pandemic while it’s still a threat and afterward, when the coronavirus has been controlled and people can get back to resuming as normal a life as possible.

If you’d like to participate in the survey, go online to surveymonkey.com/r/ebrpd- covid19-2020. The survey is available in English and Spanish.

Oakland Zoo: As has been widely reported, the Oakland Zoo has planned to reopen its doors at the end of July, after a months-long closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s great news for animals and people.

The regional park district is a partner with the zoo, as the park district’s 2008 Measure WW Local Grant Program has provided $4 million over the years for zoo capital improvements. Measure WW is a bond issue that received strong support from park district voters in Alameda and Contra Costa counties. The park district also joined the zoo in urging county and state leaders to allow the zoo to reopen with appropriate social-distancing protocols in place. For more about the zoo’s reopening plans, go to oaklandzoo.org.

151 LWCF: Here’s more good news — the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives have just approved the Great American Outdoors Act, which permanently mandates $900 million annually for the national Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). The bill now goes to President Donald Trump, who has said he will sign it.

The LWCF receives its money from royalties paid by energy companies drilling for oil and gas on the Outer Continental Shelf. Over the past 50 years, the program has provided more than $16 million in funding for various parks and trails in the East Bay Regional Park District, most recently for the $750,000 Bay Point Restoration and Public Access Project awarded in 2017. In general LWCF funds are used to expand public lands, safeguard natural areas and protect cultural heritage sites nationwide. In advocating full permanent funding of LWCF, the district has had the support of the East Bay’s whole Congressional delegation.

Tilden Regional: The Regional Parks Botanic Garden, located in Tilden Regional Park near Berkeley, has received the Frank Cabot Award from the North American Rock Garden Society.

The award is national recognition for a public garden that features outstanding rock gardens and rock garden plants. Cabot was a major figure in American public gardens who founded the Garden Conservancy. The Regional Parks Botanic Garden specializes in the propagation of native California trees, shrubs and flowers. It’s located at the corner of South Park Drive and Wildcat Canyon Road but is currently closed to the public because of the pandemic.

Digital learning: The park district’s virtual nature programs continue, with all kinds of information and activities on video at ebparks.org, thanks to the district’s naturalist corps. From art to zoology, you can view it all by clicking on “Digital Learning” when it appears on the serial slide show, or by clicking on the “Digital Learning” display near the bottom of the home page.

Also, when you’re actually out in the parks, please don’t forget to bring along a face mask to wear when social distancing is difficult on narrow trails. The more we make a habit of mask wearing, the safer we’ll be and the sooner we’ll all get through the pandemic. Thanks to everyone for cooperating.

152