Contra Costa Herald

News Of By and For The People of Contra Costa County, California

2024 East Bay Gallery Tour begins October 1st

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Source: Samantha McNally

Visit 13 art galleries in Contra Costa County and Benicia for a chance to win prizes

By Samantha McNally, Main Street Arts Gallery

The Second Annual East Bay Gallery Tour has added six Benicia Art Galleries to the Tour this year! We now have 13 Art Galleries for you to visit during the month of October. You have the whole month to visit them and get your Gallery Tour postcard stamped for a chance to win a prize worth $300!

There will be a couple of smaller prizes if you don’t get to visit all of them. The winners will be chosen at random, picked from the completed postcards. The winners will get a certificate to purchase any artwork at any of the galleries in the Tour! This event is free and open to anyone who’d like to participate.

Visit any of the galleries listed below at the end of September or in October to pick up your postcard with a map and addresses of all the Art Galleries. The galleries will start stamping postcards on October 1.

The participating galleries are:

aRt Cottage 2238 Mt. Diablo Street, Concord www.artcottage.info
Bedford Gallery 1601 Civic Dr, Walnut Creek www.bedfordgallery.org/home-bedfordnew
Benicia Art Glass 309 1st Street, Benicia www.beniciaartglass.com
Benicia Plein Air Gallery 307 First Street, Benicia www.beniciapleinair.com
Blackhawk Gallery, ADAS 3416 Blackhawk Plaza Circle, Danville www.adas4art.org
Gallery 621​ 920 First Street, Suite 203, Benicia https://gallery621.com
HQ Gallery 333-D First Street, Benicia www.hqgallery.net
JOR Clayton Gallery 1026 Oak Street Suite 102, Clayton https://jorfineartgallery.com
The Little Art Shop 129 First Street, Benicia www.thelittleartshop.com
Main Street Arts Gallery 613 Main Street, Martinez www.mainstreetarts.net
Moraga Art Gallery 432 Center Street, Moraga www.moragaartgallery.com
NY2CA Gallery 617 1st St, Benicia https://ny2cagallery.com
Valley Art Gallery 1661 Botelho Drive, Suite 110, Walnut Creek https://valleyartgallery.org

QR code to the Google map showing locations of all galleries in the tour.

For more information visit www.mainstreetarts.net/east-bay-gallery-tour-2024.html.

CA Controller publishes 2023 payroll data for state government, superior courts, CSU’s

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399,000 positions paid almost $29 billion in total wages

Includes Contra Costa Superior Court and Cal State East Bay data

SACRAMENTO — State Controller Malia M. Cohen has published the 2023 self-reported payroll data for state departments, superior courts, and California State Universities (CSU) on the Government Compensation in California website. The data covers more than 399,000 positions and approximately $28.87 billion in total wages for those agencies and institutions.

Users of the site can view compensation levels on maps and search by region, narrow results by name of the entity or by job title, and export raw data or custom reports.

The newly published data were reported by:

  • 24 CSU institutions (116,235 employees),
  • 56 superior courts (20,884 employees), and
  • 157 state departments (262,097 employees).

California law requires cities, counties, and special districts to annually report compensation data to the State Controller. The State Controller also maintains and publishes state and CSU salary data. However, no such statutory requirement exists for the University of California, California community colleges, superior courts, fairs and expositions, First 5 commissions, or K-12 education providers; their reporting is voluntary. Two superior courts either did not file or filed a report that was non-compliant, including those in Alameda County and Tuolumne County.

The site contains pay and benefit information on more than two million government jobs in California, as reported annually by each entity.

Contra Costa County Superior Court

As of Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024, the information provided for the Contra Costa Superior Court shows 413 employees were paid $35,892,317 in total wages and $13,761,517 in total retirement & health contribution for a total of $49,653,834 in total compensation, or $120,227.20 on average.

In addition, the report shares, “This superior court includes payments toward the unfunded liability of the employer sponsored retirement plan.” For more information visit www.cc-courts.org/general/administration.aspx.

Cal State East Bay

As of Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024, the information provided for California State University, East Bay shows 3,651 employees were paid a total wages of $132,664,169 and $58,874,273 in total retirement & health contribution, for a total of $191,538,442 in compensation or $52,461.91 on average. That doesn’t take into account the many part-time positions for the two-campus university.

In addition, the report shares, “This California State University includes payments toward the unfunded liability of the employer sponsored retirement plan.” For more information visit www.csueastbay.edu/hr.

The State Controller’s Government Compensation in California website provides information on employee pay and benefits for approximately 2 million positions at more than 5,000 public employers. Public employers annually report employee compensation to the State Controller’s Office. It allows the public to view and search employee job titles, build charts and graphics, and download custom reports and raw data.

About Controller Cohen

As the chief fiscal officer of California, Controller Cohen is responsible for accountability and disbursement of the state’s financial resources. The Controller has independent auditing authority over government agencies that spend state funds. She is a member of numerous financing authorities, and fiscal and financial oversight entities including the Franchise Tax Board. She also serves on the boards for the nation’s two largest public pension funds. Follow the Controller on X at @CAController and on Facebook at California State Controller’s Office.

 

 

 

New Costco store breaks ground in Brentwood

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Rendering of new Brentwood Costco to be located south of Home Depot. Source: City of Brentwood

To open early 2025 near Hwy 4 and future BART station

By City of Brentwood

The City of Brentwood in Eastern Contra Costa County, will celebrate the opening of a new Costco store in early 2025 after breaking ground this morning, Tuesday, July 23, 2024.

The retailer with stores in Antioch and Tracy has eyed the City of Brentwood for some time. Mayor Joel Bryant shared the following as it relates to Costco’s effect on the city, “Residents of Brentwood have excitedly awaited the arrival of Costco for far too long. We are delighted to welcome this retailer to our town which will undoubtedly reduce the trips for area residents and generate much needed revenues for our city”.

Maps show the new Costco store in Brentwood will be located on the west side of Hwy 4 near the future BART station and just north of the future Brentwood Innovation Center. Source: City of Brentwood

Tim Ogden, City Manager, shared: “Costco will represent one of our largest employers and tax generators in town. The City strategically prepared for its arrival by extending Sand Creek Road from Highway 4 to Heidorn Ranch Road in an effort to alleviate traffic generated along Lone Tree Way. It will also represent one of the first non-residential developments in the City’s Innovation Center. We welcome the arrival of Costco with more good things to come”.

Costco’s arrival in Brentwood means that the 66,000 local residents as well as thousands more from the cities of Antioch and Oakley as well as the communities of Discovery Bay and Bethel Island will no longer have to travel more than 10 miles east and west to stores in Antioch and Tracy. The store will also serve as a catalyst to attract more national retailers to the remaining 4 acres adjacent to the store and continue to strengthen Brentwood’s role as a leader in the East Contra Costa County shopping experience. The new store will also help foster a planned mixed-use development just south of the new Costco along Heidorn Ranch Road as part of the Innovation Center.

Access to the new Costco in Brentwood will be through the existing shopping center of Lone Tree Way and Heidorn Ranch Road. Source: City of Brentwood

The City’s Economic Development staff are pro-actively seeking a developer to acquire and assemble approximately 25 acres just south of the pedestrian and bicycle trail which will create a new town center. The town center will consist of anywhere from 200 to 300 townhomes and apartments with upwards of 100,000 square feet of retail and office development in a Main Street format. To learn more about this mixed-use development opportunity, please contact the City’s Economic Development Team at www.brentwoodca.gov/business/economic-development. 

For more information on the Costco development, please contact Darin Gale, Assistant City Manager at dgale@brentwoodca.gov.

 

Port Chicago Weekend July 18-21 includes National Memorial 80th Anniversary July 20th

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Port Chicago Weekend

Port Chicago Weekend is a four-day festival held across various Bay Area cities, featuring music, art, food, education and commemoration.

The weekend events align with and support Port Chicago Remembrance Day, aiming to educate and spotlight the national history of Port Chicago, California by raising awareness of its impact on World War II and our nation’s civil rights.

For details visit www.portchicagoweekend.org/index.html.

National Park Service’s Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial 80th Anniversary

The National Park Service, in collaboration with the Friends of Port Chicago National Memorial, and the U.S. Army’s 834th Transportation Battalion, invites you to join the annual Port Chicago Commemoration on July 20, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. with a reception to follow the ceremony. We will honor the 320 men who lost their lives in the largest WWII military disaster on the home front.

This year’s event is an opportunity for friends, family, and others interested in the Port Chicago disaster and its aftermath to join in a day of remembrance. The events following the disaster led to a work stoppage and the largest mutiny trial in U.S. naval history. The response of African American communities to these events exposed the shameful injustices of racism and illuminated the issues of segregation and racial inequality in the military. Today, the memorial serves not only as a place to honor those who lost their lives, but also as a springboard for exploring social justice in our society.

The event will be held at Military Ocean Terminal Concord (MOTCO), which is an active military base, requiring all visitors to have a reservation and a security check. Visitors aged 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult. For more information visit www.nps.gov/poch/commemorating-the-80th-anniversary.htm.

Point Molate in Richmond on track to become an East Bay Regional Park

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Point Molate taken from the SF Bay Trail alignment near Castro Point looking north. Photo: EBRPD

$36 million in state funds will be used for acquisition and clean-up

By Jen Vanya Public Information Specialist, East Bay Regional Park District

The East Bay Regional Park District is poised to acquire the 80-acre Point Molate property located on the Point San Pablo Peninsula in the City of Richmond. The acquisition will ensure that this historic land will be preserved forever as open space and will add it to the Park District’s portfolio. The acquisition supports the Park District’s mission of habitat preservation and providing recreation and public access for all.

Today, Friday, July 12, 2024, the City of Richmond (City) held a Special Council meeting to consider approval of a Letter of Intent (LOI), a three-party agreement between the City, East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD), and the Guidiville Rancheria of California.

“This step is worthy of heralding and there are many partners to thank who have backed our goal to make this an East Bay Regional Park,” said Park District General Manager Sabrina Landreth. “This Letter of Intent is a major step in the process to secure Point Molate as public open space for the community for decades to come.”

The LOI will be before the EBRPD Board of Directors for approval at its regular board meeting on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. This LOI is a precursor to the Purchase and Sale Agreement which will transfer the property into the hands of the Park District no later than January 15, 2025. The LOI includes a purchase price of $40 million, supported by an independent appraised valuation. Additional details can be found in the Board’s meeting agenda. (See Item III B.)

“This important step toward creating a regional park at Point Molate will preserve stunning bay front land with a rich cultural history for all to enjoy,” said Park District Board President Elizabeth Echols. “It promotes our shared goal of creating equitable access to parks and recreation. I thank the many partners, elected leaders, and community members who have long shared our vision for a regional park at Point Molate.”

Source: EBRPD

Combined with the extension of the San Francisco Bay Trail already scheduled for construction along this shoreline, this historic land is now on track toward public ownership and to provide the type of open, outdoor space the community has come to expect from the Park District.

“Point Molate has been called ‘the most beautiful part of San Francisco Bay no one’s ever heard of,’” said Richmond Councilmember Gayle McLaughlin. “We are now at the point where everyone will come to know Richmond as home to an amazing world-class park at Point Molate.”

The Park District’s 2013 Master Plan and the Bay Conservation and Development Commission’s San Francisco Bay Plan both have called for a regional park at Point Molate. It has been a long-standing vision to have a regional park for all of Richmond and Bay Area residents and to ensure the East Bay shoreline is preserved as open space for all to enjoy. Few opportunities remain to create significant parkland in the Bay Area, especially in the Richmond region.

Rendering of Bay Trail through Winehaven Historic District. Source: EBRPD

Point Molate is located on the San Pablo Peninsula within the City of Richmond, in Contra Costa County. The San Francisco Bay lies to the west, open space parcels to the north and south, and the Chevron Richmond refinery to the east.

Underscoring the support this acquisition has received over the years, State Senator Nancy Skinner championed $36 million in the 2022-23 California budget for acquisition and clean-up of Point Molate.

“This is truly a great day for the East Bay and all of California,” Senator Skinner said. “I am thrilled that Point Molate’s 80 acres will now and forever be preserved as parkland and open space. The acquisition of Point Molate, with its breathtaking views along San Francisco Bay, continues the East Bay’s decades-long mission to protect our bay shoreline. Securing Point Molate within the East Bay Regional Park District is not only an incredible environmental victory, it will also reawaken the area’s significant cultural history, which includes Native sacred sites, a historic Chinese fishing camp, a historic wine port and America’s last whaling station. I was proud to lead the state budget effort to help in the purchase of this property and thank the Guidiville Rancheria of California, the City of Richmond, and the East Bay Regional Park District for their role in securing Point Molate for all to enjoy.”

Looking west from the proposed SF Bay Trail alignment and just south of Point Molate Beach Park. Photo: EBRPD

The East Bay Regional Park District is the largest regional park system in the nation, comprising 73 parks, 55 miles of shoreline, and over 1,330 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and environmental education. The Park District receives an estimated 30 million visits annually throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties in the San Francisco Bay Area.

East Bay Park CLOSURES extended through Saturday; REOPENING Sunday, July 7

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Swim facilities, shoreline regional parks remain open

By Jen Vaya, Public Information Specialist, East Bay Regional Park District

Parks previously closed by the East Bay Regional Park District will remain closed through Saturday and will reopen Sunday morning. Some hill and inland East Bay Regional Parks were closed on Tuesday, July 2, due to extreme fire conditions and excessive heat.

Park status is subject to change depending on conditions. Check www.ebparks.org before heading to a park.

The National Weather Service-Bay Area has extended its Red Flag through Saturday, July 6, with Level 2 restrictions in effect DISTRICT WIDE. A Red Flag Warning means that dry and windy conditions are expected, leading to extreme fire weather risks.

Level 2 Extreme Fire Danger Restrictions Include:

  • No smoking. Smoking is prohibited in all regional parks, trails, and shorelines. (Prohibited year-round)
  • NO fireworks. Fireworks are not permitted in any Regional Parks. (Prohibited year-round)
  • No open fires or barbecues of any type. Only gas-fueled stoves are allowed.
  • Drive only on designated roadways – no off-road driving. Do not drive or park on dry grass, as heat from a vehicle’s undercarriage can start a fire.
  • Secure all tow chains – dragging tow chains can spark fires.

Parks Closed and Reopening Sunday:

•   Anthony Chabot

•   Bishop Ranch

•   Black Diamond Mines

•   Briones

•   Brushy Peak

•   Carquinez/Crockett Hills

•   Claremont Canyon

•   Contra Loma

 •   Deer Valley

•   Dry Creek

•   Diablo Foothills (trails closed)

•   Dublin Hills

•   Five Canyons

•   Garin

•   Huckleberry

•   Las Trampas

 •   Leona Canyon

•   Mission Peak

•   Morgan Territory

•   Ohlone

•   Pleasanton Ridge

•   Round Valley

•   Sibley

•   Sobrante Ridge

 •   Sunol

•   Sycamore Valley

•   Tilden (trails closed)

•   Vargas Plateau

•   Vasco Caves

•   Vasco Hills

•   Waterbird

•   Wildcat Canyon

Anthony Chabot Campground will remain closed through Sunday, July 7. Please check www.ebparks.org/alerts-closures for the most updated information.

Swim facilities and Shoreline Regional Parks will remain open. Follow these safety tips:

  • Avoid the hottest part of the day. If you do visit, go in the morning or early evening when it is cooler.
  • Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
  • Wear sunscreen and lightweight, light-colored clothing.
  • Avoid drinking alcohol and caffeine, which can worsen the heat’s effects on your body.
  • Don’t forget your pets! Carry water for them.

The East Bay Regional Park District is the largest regional park system in the nation, comprising 73 parks, 55 miles of shoreline, and over 1,330 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and environmental education. The Park District receives an estimated 30 million visits annually throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties in the San Francisco Bay Area.

East Bay park closures extended through Friday, July 5

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Swim facilities, shoreline regional parks remain open

Some hills and inland East Bay Regional Parks closed due to extreme fire conditions and excessive heat

Weather Service extends Red Flag , Excessive Heat Warnings through Saturday, July 6

By Dave Mason, Public Information Supervisor, Public Affairs, East Bay Regional Park District

Parks closed Tuesday by the East Bay Regional Park District will remain closed during this week’s increased temperatures and extreme fire danger (subject to change). The National Weather Service extended a Red Flag Warning and Excessive Heat Warning through Saturday, July 6. The Park District will reassess conditions and provide additional information Friday evening.

A Red Flag Warning means that dry and windy conditions are expected, leading to extreme fire weather risks. The Park District closed the following parks/areas below on July 2.

Park Closures:

•   Anthony Chabot

•   Bishop Ranch

•   Black Diamond Mines

•   Briones

•   Brushy Peak

•   Carquinez/Crockett Hills

•   Claremont Canyon

 •   Contra Loma

•   Deer Valley

•   Dry Creek

•   Diablo Foothills (trails closed)

•   Dublin Hills

•   Five Canyons

•   Garin

•   Huckleberry

 •   Las Trampas

•   Leona Canyon

•   Mission Peak

•   Morgan Territory

•   Ohlone

•   Pleasanton Ridge

•   Round Valley

•   Sibley

•   Sobrante Ridge

 •   Sunol

•   Sycamore Valley

•   Tilden (trails closed)

•   Vargas Plateau

•   Vasco Caves

•   Vasco Hills

•   Waterbird

•   Wildcat Canyon

Also, Anthony Chabot Campground will be closed through the weekend. Please check www.ebparks.org/alerts-closures for the most updated information.

Swim facilities and Shoreline Regional Parks will remain open. Follow these safety rules and tips:

  • Avoid the hottest part of the day. If you do visit, go in the morning or early evening when it is cooler.
  • Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
  • Wear sunscreen and lightweight, light-colored clothing.
  • Avoid drinking alcohol and caffeine, which can worsen the heat’s effects on your body.
  • Don’t forget your pets! Carry water for them.
  • No smoking. Smoking is prohibited in all regional trails, parks, and shorelines.
  • No open fires or barbecues of any type. Gas-fueled stoves are permitted.
  • Stay on designated roads – no off-road driving. Heat from a vehicle’s undercarriage can start a fire.
  • Secure all tow chains – dragging tow chains can spark fires.

The East Bay Regional Park District is the largest regional park system in the nation, comprising 73 parks, 55 miles of shoreline, and over 1,330 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and environmental education. The Park District receives an estimated 30 million visits annually throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties in the San Francisco Bay Area.

 

Park Happenings for July News from the East Bay Regional Park District 

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No fireworks in the parks, feedback needed on Briones Pilot Project, campfire, state bat-related activities, save the date for National Night out

For information regarding recent park closures due to increased wildfire risk, visit www.ebparks.org/about-us/whats-new/news/swim-facilities-and-shoreline-regional-parks-remain-open-through-heat-event.

By Dave Mason, Public Information Supervisor, Public Affairs, East Bay Regional Park District

Fire Safety Advisory – Fireworks are not allowed in East Bay Regional Parks. July is a special month full of sunny days and warm summer nights. It’s also a time to take extra precautions due to the increased risk of wildfires in Regional Parks and neighboring communities. With July 4th celebrations coming up this week, remember that fireworks are not allowed in Regional Parks or shorelines.

Photo: EBRPD

Wildfire safety remains one of the East Bay Regional Park District’s top priorities. Be fire smart and aware of fire danger levels, red flag warnings, and fire safety. The Park District urges all visitors to enjoy their Regional Parks safely and responsibly. Be prepared for the upcoming wildfire season – visit www.ebparks.org and search for “Fire Safety Tips.”

Lakeside Laps on July 20 at Lake Chabot Regional Park. Lakeside Laps is a trail running and walking event hosted by the Regional Parks Foundation in partnership with Brazen Racing Sports & Community. In celebration of the East Bay Regional Park District’s 90th Anniversary, Lakeside Laps proceeds will benefit the Regional Parks Foundation and its mission to connect youth with nature and expand access to parks.

Register today for the family-friendly Trout Trot 5K, 10K, or half marathon – all fitness levels are welcome! The Finish Line Festival will feature snacks, vendors, photo walls, awards, and more. Food and beverages provided by Equator Coffee, Harmless Harvest, and Drake’s Brewing Company. For registration info, start times, and general event information, visit www.brazenracing.com/lakesidelaps.

Photo by Jen Vanya. Source: EBRPD

Feedback Needed on the Briones Pilot Project. The Briones Pilot Project was launched in April 2023 in a portion of Briones Regional Park to test new ways to safely share trails, improve the trail experience, and protect habitat, wildlife, and watersheds. At the recent Briones Pilot Project Community check-in meeting, about 75 community members – hikers, cyclists, and equestrians – joined the East Bay Regional Park District staff to discuss the first year of the pilot project and provide their feedback on what has improved and where challenges remain. Feedback is needed! Visit the project webpage to fill out an online survey or drop a comment on the interactive map at www.ebparks.org/BPP.

National Night Out Aug. 6 at Lake Chabot. Photo by Carl La Rue. Source: EBRPD

Save the Date: National Night Out on August 6 at Lake Chabot. An exciting evening of community bonding and fun at Lake Chabot awaits! The East Bay Regional Park District is hosting its second annual National Night Out on August 6 from 4-7 p.m. at Lake Chabot Regional Park, where parkgoers are invited to come together to celebrate and strengthen community ties. Meet the Park District’s public safety officers, firefighters, lifeguards, and park rangers who are instrumental in keeping the community safe. Visit with Park District naturalists at the Mobile Visitor Center and learn about the nature exhibits on display. Stroll around Lake Chabot and enjoy the lake’s serene beauty. All are welcome to this FREE event. For more information, visit www.ebparks.org/nno.

Family campfire with co-op group at Lake Del Valle. Photo: EBRPD

Campfire gatherings first became popular in the United States around the turn of the last century, with growth in the National Park system. At the time, there was an incentive to get more children out of urban cities and into the nature of these new National Parks, and the result was the emergence of summer camps and campfire programs. By the 1920s, more than 1,000 summer camps were offering outdoor activities such as canoeing, archery, hiking, arts and crafts, and fire-making. These camps also developed new traditions like campfires, s’mores, and sing-a-longs. Today, this tradition continues throughout the East Bay Regional Park District.

Experience unforgettable evenings under the stars with captivating campfire programs at Del Valle Regional Park, Big Break Regional Shoreline, Dumbarton Quarry Campground on the Bay, and Anthony Chabot Campground. These family-friendly events offer nature education, storytelling, and stargazing, while fostering a deep appreciation for the outdoors. Engage in hands-on activities, learn about local wildlife, and connect with the community around the warmth of the fire with naturalist-led campfire programs. Go to www.ebparks.org/calendar and search for “campfire.” Campfire programs are subject to change due to Park District fire restrictions and National Weather Services-Bay Area Fire Advisories and Red Flag Warnings.

CA State Bat golden-haired pallid bat. Photo: EBRPD

Did you know that California has a state bat? The pallid bat was designated as the California state bat in October 2023. Its golden fur, diverse range of habitats, and positive effects on the environment fit in well with the rest of the Golden State’s symbols. These golden-haired pallid bats, as well as other bat species, are found at parks throughout East Bay Regional Park District. Join Park District naturalists for bat-related activities all summer long! Go to www.ebparks.org/calendar and search for “bats.” Learn more about the bats of the East Bay at www.ebparks.org/programs/digital-learning/naturalist-videos/plants-animals/bats.

The East Bay Regional Park District is the largest regional park system in the nation, comprising 73 parks, 55 miles of shoreline, and over 1,330 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and environmental education. The Park District receives an estimated 30 million visits annually throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Coyote warning for East Bay parks

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Source: EBRPD

As visitation to East Bay Regional Parks increases in warmer months, encounters with coyotes become more common. Coyotes are native to California and are found in various wildland habitats, as well as in rural and urban areas. They hold cultural and ecological importance throughout the state.

Coyote parents are active and protective of den sites from spring through fall, when new pups are born. It is a normal reaction for them to run away when spotted, although some have become used to human presence and will continue their activities while being watched. Visitors are encouraged to keep coyote safety precautions in mind when visiting Regional Parks throughout the year.

Coyote Safety Tips

Avoid hiking alone so you have help in case of emergency.

Keep children and pets nearby; keep your dog(s) on a leash.

Be aware of your surroundings as you walk, jog, or ride.

Stay on trails.

Never attempt to feed a coyote.

What To Do If You See a Coyote

Keep an eye on the coyote and observe from afar. Do not approach or engage with the coyote; walk away calmly and leave the area quickly. Do not run. If you have small children, keep them close by. If you have a small dog, keep them on a leash.

What To Do If Approached By A Coyote

Rarely, a coyote may approach you. If a coyote moves within 50 feet and does not go away on its own, encourage the coyote to move away to help it retain a natural fear of humans.

Be as big and loud as possible; shout in a deep, loud, and aggressive voice.

Wave your arms.

Keep dogs and children nearby.

Maintain eye contact, which can make coyotes uncomfortable and timid.

If the coyote continues to approach, do not run or turn your back on the coyote but continue to exaggerate the above gestures while backing away slowly.

Help protect all wildlife and their environment. Never feed, approach, or pet wild animals. For emergencies, contact 911 or the East Bay Regional Park District Public Safety line (510) 881-1833, 24 hours a day.

For more information, visit www.ebparks.org/safety.

The East Bay Regional Park District is the largest regional park system in the nation, comprising 73 parks, 55 miles of shoreline, and over 1,330 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and environmental education. The Park District receives an estimated 30 million visits annually throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Historic photo collection of East Bay park landscapes released

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One of the historic Benicia-Martinez ferries after operations ceased was docked at the Radke Martinez Regional Shoreline in 1977. Source: EBRPD

Second collection of Martin J. Cooney Series available online during District’s 90th anniversary celebration

By Flora Csontos Acting Public Information Specialist, East Bay Regional Park District

The East Bay Regional Park District is proud to unveil the Martin J. Cooney “Park Landscapes” online photo collection. This digital photo exhibit debuts a rare gathering of beautiful, nostalgic images that capture parkland and open space views of the East Bay from 1965 to 1981. At that time, the Park District was embarking on a period of considerable growth, tripling the number of Regional Parks to over 30. The Martin J. Cooney “Park Landscapes” collection has been carefully researched and curated by Park District Archives staff and volunteers, who have dedicated many hours to the preservation of the District’s history. As part of the ongoing 90th Anniversary celebrations planned throughout 2024, the photo collection is now available on the Park District’s Celebrating 90 Years webpage (www.ebparks.org/celebrating-90-years).

The release of the Martin J. Cooney “Park Landscapes” collection spans over 14 years of Park District photojournalism from the 1960s to the early 1980s. It memorializes landscapes, historic structures, and new parklands that later became part of the Regional Parks.

The Park District has grown to be the largest regional park district of its kind in the nation, with 73 regional parks available for hiking, biking, swimming, horseback riding, boating, fishing, picnicking, camping, and nature discovery. Wherever you live in the East Bay, there is a beautiful regional park close to you. The Park District manages over 126,000 acres of parklands, 55 miles of shoreline, and more than 1,330 miles of trails in Alameda and Contra Costa counties.

In 2016, Martin’s family donated over 15,000 negatives to the Park District, which were taken in the 1960s to1980s when the Martin J. Cooney commercial studio provided professional photography services to the Park District. While Martin took some of the photos, most were taken by Nancy McKay, who became an apprentice of Martin’s in 1968 while working in the Park District’s Public Affairs Department and serving as its primary photographer for over 37 years. Additional Cooney photo collections were donated in association with the Oakland Tribune archives and are housed at the Oakland Museum of California.

The four Cooney photo collections being released this year in commemoration of the Park District’s 90th Anniversary include People in Parks (already available on the Celebrating 90 Years webpage), Park Landscapes, Park District Workers, and Special Events.

Join us in celebrating the East Bay Regional Park District’s 90th Anniversary with online photo exhibits and stories available through the Park District’s website. Explore the interactive photo collections, story maps, timelines, and online exhibits. Additional events and programs celebrating the Park District’s 90th Anniversary also include monthly naturalist-led “Explore Your Parks” adventure programs, among others. For more information about 90th Anniversary activities, visit www.ebparks.org/celebrating-90-years.

Additional Curated Collections and Stories on Celebrating 90 Years Webpage

MARTIN J. COONEY PHOTO COLLECTION – “PEOPLE IN PARKS”

Visit the first in a series of exhibits featuring the Martin J. Cooney photography collection (1964-1980) from the Park District Archives.

FOUNDING OF THE EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Parks for the People (and By the People) – Explore the historic timeline of the formation of the East Bay Regional Park District (1864-1936).

TILDEN REGIONAL PARK HISTORY

Did you know that many of the Regional Parks have historic features and unique stories? Explore your parks in a new interactive Story Map series, debuting with Tilden Regional Park.