Contra Costa Herald

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

Scouts hold Christmas Tree Lot at new location in Oakley

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By Scouts Troop 152, Oakley, CA

Oakley Community — We Need Your Help!

We’ve had so many customers tell us they thought our tree lot was closed this year and only found us by chance at our new location — and we don’t want anyone to miss out!

We have lots of beautiful trees ready to go, and 100% of proceeds support our local Scouts (and are tax-deductible).
Will you help us spread the word? Share this post, tell a friend and come visit us at our new spot.

Thank you for supporting our Scouts and keeping this tradition alive!

**NEW LOCATION** 4246 Empire Avenue in Oakley at Revive Church. OPEN 7 days a week. Weekdays 5-8pm, Weekends 10am-8pm.

62-year-old Pleasant Hill woman sentenced to prison for embezzling from charity serving young people

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Will serve over 2 years for taking over $1.6 million

Spent money on first-class airfare, Warriors game floor seats, 49ers game box seats, Hawaii condo

Restitution amount to be decided later

By Michelle Lo, PIO, U.S. Attorney’s Office Northern District of California 

OAKLAND – Carrie Lynn Grant was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison for embezzling over $1.6 million from a Northern California charity organization that provides educational materials and programs to prepare young people to succeed in a global economy.  U.S. District Judge Araceli Martínez-Olguín handed down the sentence this week.

Grant, 62, of Pleasant Hill, California, was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 22, 2024.  Grant pleaded guilty on August 11, 2025, to one count of wire fraud.  According to the plea agreement and court documents, over a period of years from November 2017 to June 2023, Grant abused her role as the finance manager of the charity, depositing charity money into her personal account while creating fraudulent records to cover her tracks.  Grant spent the money on, among other things, first-class air travel, floor seats for a Golden State Warriors game, box seats for a San Francisco 49ers game, and a condominium in Hawaii.  In total, Grant stole more than $1.6 million dollars from the non-profit organization.

United States Attorney Craig Missakian and FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Agustin Lopez made the announcement.

In addition to the prison term, Judge Martínez-Olguín also sentenced the defendant to a three-year period of supervised release.  The Court will determine the amount of restitution Grant must pay at a later date.  The defendant will begin serving the sentence on March 9, 2026.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan M. Mateer is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Christine Tian and Amala James.  The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI.

Case No. 24-cr-00403-AMO

Electronic court filings and further procedural and docket information are available at https://ecf.cand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. Judges’ calendars with schedules for upcoming court hearings can be viewed on the court’s website at www.cand.uscourts.gov.

Save Mount Diablo acquires “five gorgeous acres” of privately owned property on the mountain

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The Nunn-Paulsen inholding, featuring rugged slopes and lush woodland. Photo: Cooper Ogden

Bob Nunn donates “Nunn-Paulsen Inholding” in memory of his father, Ron

“when he could look and see Mount Diablo, he knew he was home”

New law to expedite land acquisitions for state parks

By Laura Kindsvater, Senior Communications Manager, Save Mount Diablo

MOUNT DIABLO, CA— One of Mount Diablo’s last privately owned inholdings, rugged and biodiverse, is now permanently protected from development.

On December 2, 2025, Bob Nunn generously donated five gorgeous acres (known as the “Nunn-Paulsen inholding”), surrounded on four sides by Mount Diablo State Park, to Save Mount Diablo in memory of his late father, Ron Nunn, who passed away in August.

The project has taken just over three months from concept to close of escrow.

This incredible gift will bring us one step closer to making the mountain whole and protected for current and future generations.

Protecting inholdings like this is critical to maintaining the integrity of Mount Diablo and Mount Diablo State Park.

These privately held parcels have the potential to disrupt and threaten conservation efforts in the surrounding park if the inholdings were to be developed or poorly taken care of.

Location of the Nunn-Paulsen inholding on the northern slopes of Mount Diablo. Map graphic: Save Mount Diablo

“On behalf of Save Mount Diablo, I thank Bob Nunn for his generous donation of the strategic Nunn-Paulsen property to our organization in honor of his father, Ron Nunn,” said Ted Clement, Save Mount Diablo’s Executive Director.

“This property is on the slopes of Mount Diablo, and is an inholding surrounded on all sides by Mount Diablo State Park. Privately owned inholdings within public parks are major land acquisition priorities for Save Mount Diablo, so we are deeply grateful that this year our wonderful supporters enabled us to complete two inholding acquisitions within Mount Diablo State Park, the ‘Balcerzak inholding’ and now the ‘Nunn-Paulsen inholding.’

“We look forward to working with our good partner California State Parks so that we can eventually transfer these inholdings to them with the assistance of a new law we helped champion to make such acquisitions by state parks easier.”

New Law to Expedite Land Acquisitions for State Parks

View of Mount Olympia and North Peak, at the base of which sits the Nunn-Paulsen inholding. Photo: Scott Hein. Map inset of Mt. Diablo State Park peaks and trails. Source: trailmeister.com

We were delighted when Senate Bill 630 (SB 630) was signed into law on October 13th of this year as a result of persistent efforts from us and a dedicated working group of conservation organizations that we helped start last year.

For nearly 20 years, Mount Diablo State Park was unable to add any new land because of the onerous requirement that California State Parks gain approval from other agencies for even minor acquisitions, along with other issues.

The new law will expedite qualifying land acquisitions for California State Parks by allowing the addition of lands, with acquisition costs of $1 million or less, to existing state parks without the need for multiple agency approvals.

With this streamlined process, we are hopeful that inholdings and adjacent lands will now be more easily added to Mount Diablo State Park.

Thankfully, this year, Save Mount Diablo completed the purchase of the 10-acre Balcerzak inholding within Mount Diablo State Park on September 2nd by paying off the $537,500 mortgage so that our organization now owns the property free and clear.

Acquiring and protecting inholdings like the Nunn-Paulsen and Balcerzak inholdings are major accomplishments in our ongoing mission to save Mount Diablo and its sustaining wild lands.

The Nunn Family and Save Mount Diablo

Ron Nunn. Photo courtesy of Bob Nunn

For many years, Save Mount Diablo has deeply appreciated the partnership and support of the Nunn family. The Nunns have deep agricultural roots in Brentwood going back to the 1880s.

Fifth- and sixth-generation Brentwood farmers, they’ve also been involved in development of some of their lands into communities like the retirement community Summerset, and oil and gas, while reinvesting in other agricultural areas.

Responsible land management has always been a key practice of Three Nunns Farm, which is still a thriving family enterprise today.

With Blackhawk Development Company, the Nunns have been involved in many development-conservation projects, like Trilogy at the Vineyards on the remnant of the Cowell Ranch, where 90 percent of the land became a new state park and 10 percent was developed.

The Nunn family has been a major factor in Brentwood’s success.

Bob Nunn has also been a longtime friend and supporter of Save Mount Diablo. On August 20th, he offered to donate the Nunn-Paulsen inholding to Save Mount Diablo.

In the early 1990s, Bob was looking for a place to live, and his dad, Ron Nunn, knew a landowner, Dr. Warren Wise, who owned a property near the corner of Marsh Creek Road and Morgan Territory Road, where Save Mount Diablo made its first acquisition in 1976.

Ron Nunn and Dr. Wise both attended the University of the Pacific in Stockton. On the slopes off North Peak, the Wise property had been on our acquisition lists from the first list in 1972.

Bob called us and said, “There’s this property, it’s 83 acres with an old house I’m going to upgrade, how about I keep five acres and sell you the rest.”

Save Mount Diablo was able to acquire and add the property we named “Three Springs” to Mount Diablo State Park in 1992 thanks to the deal with Bob Nunn. He later served as a member of Save Mount Diablo’s Board of Directors for a time.

His recent thoughtful donation of the Nunn-Paulsen inholding is yet another way the Nunns have helped protect the mountain.

“This donation is being made in memory of my father Ron Nunn, who passed at 92 years of age on August 8, 2025. Although my father had many stories to tell, one that always stuck with me and that I also share is when he could look and see Mount Diablo, he knew he was home,” Bob explained, showing how the mountain means a lot to those of us who live in the Mount Diablo area and connects us.

Generosity and gratitude are the fabric of the land conservation community. During challenging times, donations like this are more important than ever. They help protect our natural foundation and quality of life, while also inspiring us.

As a pillar of the early Brentwood community, Ron Nunn was also a longtime supporter of the East Contra Costa Historical Society, working together to preserve Brentwood’s agricultural roots.

The Nunns placed agricultural conservation easements on some properties to permanently protect the farmlands from future development.

In 2015, the Nunns made a landmark deal with the East Bay Regional Park District to sell 646 acres of Nunn family farmland near Knightsen.

This transaction, in partnership with the East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy, allowed the East Bay Regional Park District to restore crucial Delta tidal and freshwater wetlands in the area.

A Biodiversity Gem

Lush vegetation covers the steep slopes of the Nunn-Paulsen inholding. Photo: Scott Hein

The Nunn-Paulsen property is a compact and biologically diverse gem. This Marsh Creek watershed location includes two ephemeral streams, harboring a huge variety of plant life on its steep, rocky slopes.

The property contains blue oak and live oak woodland and oak savanna habitat. California red-legged frog and Alameda whipsnake are special status species that are likely to be present on the property. They’re confirmed on the neighboring Three Springs property.

The serpentine rock on the Nunn-Paulsen land provides excellent growing conditions for rare plant species.

A hike there is both adventurous and intimate. In winter especially, the dramatic shape of the land means that storms and seasonal rain bring small waterfalls.

In addition to its important location on the slopes of Mount Diablo, the Nunn-Paulsen inholding is also strategically located in a wildlife corridor between Mount Diablo State Park and Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve.

An Ambitious Conservation Vision and Growing Success, Piece by Piece

The Corner Piece, purchased by Save Mount Diablo in 1976. At the time, it was four miles from the boundary of Mount Diablo State Park. Today it is part of and connected to the rest of Mount Diablo State Park. Photo: Scott Hein

Save Mount Diablo has acquired and protected many important properties in the area near the recently acquired Nunn-Paulsen inholding.

In 1976, Save Mount Diablo’s very first acquisition was in this same area: The Corner Piece. The Corner Piece is 117 acres of blue oak woodland at the corner of Morgan Territory and Marsh Creek roads.

Soon after Save Mount Diablo acquired The Corner Piece, Mount Diablo State Park protected North Peak, allowing the creation of the Olympia Trail to Mount Olympia.

In 1992, Save Mount Diablo acquired and transferred the Three Springs property to California State Parks for inclusion in Mount Diablo State Park.

The Three Springs property. Save Mount Diablo was able to acquire and add the Three Springs property to Mount Diablo State Park in 1992 thanks to a deal with Bob Nunn. Photo: Scott Hein

In 1994, Save Mount Diablo’s community-funded purchase of the 333-acre Chaparral Spring parcel turned it into a thriving, protected oasis home to wildlife like the golden eagle and endemics like the Mount Diablo globe lily—and a critical step in creating a Mount Diablo State Park wildlife and recreational corridor.

Later we transferred the property to East Bay Regional Park District. Save Mount Diablo, the park district, and the East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy have since protected several thousand acres to connect the two parks.

Save Mount Diablo protected the botanical diversity of Young Canyon by preserving this property in 2006 in what we call the “Missing Mile” on the slopes of North Peak.

It nurtures well over a hundred species of flowers, including five California endemics, because it’s crossed by the only band of serpentine on Mount Diablo.

The landscape of Young Canyon includes a 1,420-foot knoll, a mossy, fern-filled stream canyon, and a rocky meadow of wildflowers where you’ll often see hawks and turkey vultures riding the constant breeze.

The next year, Irish Canyon was Save Mount Diablo’s breakthrough purchase, stopping development speculation and expanding the Mount Diablo–Black Diamond wildlife corridor.

This land is a vital 320-acre watershed property with over 297 species and a permanent pond.

In 2022, Save Mount Diablo successfully acquired a very important conservation easement from the Concord Mt. Diablo Trail Ride Association.

Save Mount Diablo’s conservation easement permanently protected from development 154 acres that are a prominent part of the Mount Diablo high peaks ecosystem, and another step in filling in the North Peak “Missing Mile.”

Krane Pond is one of Mount Diablo’s largest water sources, drawing all sorts of creatures, like bobcats, red-legged frogs, and migrating birds—so Krane Pond’s acquisition and protection by Save Mount Diablo in 2023 was vital to local habitat conservation.

It was another step in filling in the “Missing Mile.”

The Nunn-Paulsen property had been one of the few remaining privately owned inholdings not yet protected on Mount Diablo, and that changed on December 2nd with Save Mount Diablo’s successful acquisition of the land, thanks to Bob Nunn.

Holiday Gift, Gratitude, and What’s Next?

The Nunn-Paulsen inholding and the surrounding Mount Diablo State Park. Photo: Cooper Ogden

Bob Nunn’s generous donation of the strategic Nunn-Paulsen inholding on the slopes of Mount Diablo to Save Mount Diablo is a wonderful holiday gift for the mountain and our communities, including the people, flora, and fauna of the area.

Our stewardship team is excited to begin caring for the property.

At Save Mount Diablo, we are grateful for our supporters and the progress they have helped our organization make this year in successfully advancing our land conservation mission, including helping advance acquisition priorities for California State Parks.

The new law we helped champion (SB 630) that will streamline the acquisition process for California State Parks, and our completing the Balcerzak and Nunn-Paulsen inholding acquisitions, are major accomplishments.

SB 630 covers many properties our organization has been working to convey to California State Parks for addition to Mount Diablo State Park (the 101-acre CEMEX parcel, parts of Curry Canyon Ranch, the Balcerzak inholding, the Nunn-Paulsen inholding, the Viera North Peak property, etc.).

We look forward to working with California State Parks in the new year to start utilizing the new law to add these lands to Mount Diablo State Park.

Map showing the location of the Nunn-Paulsen inholding in Mount Diablo State Park. Map: Save Mount Diablo

For more information about Save Mount Diablo visit savemountdiablo.org.

Supervisor Carlson announces $1 million in District IV Community Impact Fund grants

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25 organizations benefit on Giving Tuesday

By Victor Benedict Tiglao, Communications Associate, Office of Supervisor Ken Carlson

PLEASANT HILL, CA (December 2, 2025) – Contra Costa County Supervisor Ken Carlson announced 25 local organizations selected to receive the District IV Community Impact Fund, following a review of more than 100 applications totaling $6.5 million in requests. Carlson noted his office spent over 160 hours evaluating proposals to ensure funds reached organizations making the greatest impact.

“I am proud to announce the 25 organizations selected to receive the District IV Community Impact Fund grants,” said Carlson. “These grants reflect the strength and resilience of our community. By investing in local nonprofits, we are ensuring that families, students, and residents across District IV have access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.”

The Mt. Diablo Education Foundation highlighted how the grant will benefit students:

“This program has pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me find my voice. Having access to this program has opened doors I never knew existed and brought me places I never thought I’d go.” – Gabrielle, 12th Grade student at Ygnacio Valley High School

The Cancer Support Community (CSC) also shared how funding will expand services:

“I never thought I’d be diagnosed with cancer, but after treatments and surgeries my life was turned upside down. Finding the Cancer Support Community gave me strength, and for seven years I’ve relied on their programs. This grant will make in‑person support even more accessible for people like me.”– Daryl, CSC participant and Pleasant Hill resident

Other awardees include: 18 Reasons, Assistance League of Diablo Valley, Care Parent Network, Child Advocates of Contra Costa County, Choice in Aging, Clayton Pride, CoCo Kids, Community Violence Solutions, Contra Costa County Historical Society, Contra Costa Humane Society, Contra Costa Senior Legal Services, Empowered Aging, First Tee – Contra Costa, GANAS Community Organization, Hope Solutions, Joybound and Trinity Center, Meals on Wheels Contra Costa, Mental Health Connections, Monument First 5, The Network of Care, St. Vincent de Paul – St. Agnes, United Latino Voices of Contra Costa County, and Winter Nights Family Shelter.

“This Giving Tuesday, I encourage our residents to stand with these 25 organizations. Each one is doing extraordinary work. Your support amplifies the Community Impact Fund and helps these programs grow stronger, reaching more neighbors across Contra Costa County.”

First elected in 2022, Supervisor Carlson represents District IV on the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors, which includes the cities of Concord, Pleasant Hill, Clayton, and parts of Walnut Creek.

Sentinels of Freedom award $5,000 for LMC Veterans Resource Center

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Mike Conklin, Chairman and CEO of Sentinels of Freedom presents the donation check to LMC President Pamela Ralston on Nov. 6, 2025. They were joined by Tara Sanders, LMC Foundation Director (left), Melissa Jackson, LMC Veterans Services Program Coordinator (right) and LMC student veterans affiliated with the Veterans Resource Center. Photos: LMC

Funding to support in-person math tutoring

By Juliet V. Casey, Director of Marketing, Los Medanos College

Pittsburg, CA – Mike Conklin, chairman and CEO of Sentinels of Freedom, came to Los Medanos College Nov. 6, 2025, with words of wisdom and a hand-written check worth $5,000 for LMC’s Veterans Resource Center.

Just ahead of presenting the check, Conklin spoke to students attending LMC to gain the skills and education needed to transition from military service to civilian life.

“I’m here to tell you, people in this community want to see you succeed,” Conklin said, after sharing personal stories about the military service of his son whose combat injuries resulted in a stay at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.  “They all respect your service and sacrifice for this country.”

Mike Conklin speaks with the LMC student veterans.

He noted that Sentinels of Freedom, a nonprofit organization of veterans, aims to help wounded and injured post-9/11 veterans transition into civilian life. Through personalized support, the group provides guidance to veterans pursuing higher education, establishing careers and working toward self-sufficiency. The donation, he said, would support in-person math tutoring for student veterans at LMC. The college has 168 student veterans enrolled this fall.

Conklin also led a workshop for the group on budgeting and financial planning.

“Many veterans return to college after years away from the classroom, often facing challenges in subjects like mathematics as they transition back into academic life,” said Rikki Hall, LMC director of Admissions and Records. “This grant provides essential, targeted support to help them build confidence, strengthen foundational skills, and ultimately succeed in achieving their educational goals.”

Los Medanos College Veteran Services focuses on meeting the needs of military-affiliated students, while honoring their distinct experiences and contributions. LMC is approved for education and training under applicable federal and state laws administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the California Department of Veterans Affairs.

About Sentinels of Freedom

The San Ramon, CA-based Sentinels of Freedom are committed to empowering severely wounded and injured post-9/11 veterans during their transition into civilian life. Through personalized support, they provide guidance to each veteran in pursuing higher education and establishing fulfilling careers, facilitating their seamless integration into society and self-sufficiency.

The idea for Sentinels for Freedom began with our founder, Mike Conklin, whose son Kris was wounded in Iraq. While visiting Kris in the hospital, Mike spoke with others who were also wounded. It was then that he realized the tremendous physical and emotional hurdles these war–torn men and women faced when transitioning back to civilian life.  Conklin established the organization as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2007. For more information visit https://sentinelsoffreedom.org.

About Los Medanos College (LMC)

LMC is one of three colleges in the Contra Costa Community College District serving the East Contra Costa County community. Established in 1974, LMC has earned federal designations as a Minority-Serving and Hispanic-Serving institution. It offers award-winning transfer and career-technical programs, support services, and diverse academic opportunities in an inclusive learning environment. With exceptional educators, innovative curriculum, growing degree and certificate offerings, and state-of-the-art facilities, the college prepares students to succeed in their educational pursuits, in the workforce, and beyond. LMC’s Pittsburg Campus is located on 120 acres bordering Antioch, with an additional education center in Brentwood. For more information visit www.losmedanos.edu.

Los Medanos College to lead East County Nonprofit Capacity Building initiative

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Photo: LMC

By Juliet V. Casey Director of Marketing, Los Medanos College

PITTSBURG, Calif. – Contra Costa County selected Los Medanos College (LMC) to lead a $1 million initiative aimed at strengthening the nonprofit sector in East Contra Costa County. The East County Nonprofit Capacity Building Program, approved by the Contra Costa Community College District Board of Trustees this month, aims to develop future nonprofit leaders and to expand organizational effectiveness across the region.

The initiative will serve communities including Bay Point, Pittsburg, Antioch, Oakley, Brentwood, Byron, Discovery Bay, Knightsen and Bethel Island. LMC was chosen for its proven ability to deliver high-quality education and workforce development programs tailored to community needs.

LMC President Pamela Ralson said the college is eager to move forward, having worked over the past year to create more learning opportunities to support nonprofits. The next step will be to establish the educational programming for the initiative, which runs through Oct. 31, 2028.

Ralston recognized local leaders for their foresight in supporting the initiative.

“County Supervisors, and Supervisors Diane Burgis and Shanelle Scales-Preston in particular, see the value of developing and training future leaders across the nonprofit landscape in our area,” she said. “LMC is proud to be a partner in that effort.”

Contra Costa County Supervisor Diane Burgis said she is grateful for all the community partners who collaborated on the initiative.

“My goal is for this to help train the current and next generation of nonprofit leaders in East County and help all small- and medium-sized nonprofits succeed,” she said.

The initiative features:

  • Educational programming: Fee-based seminars and free workshops on nonprofit management, plus academic courses that stack toward certificates and degrees.
  • Mini-grants: Funding for paid internships and capacity-building projects, with priority given to organizations serving low- to moderate-income and historically underserved communities.
  • Leadership development: A cohort program for mid- to senior-level nonprofit staff, offering executive skills, mentorship, and peer networking.
  • Nonprofit Resource Hub: A collaborative space for nonprofit entrepreneurship and shared learning.

“Building capacity among East Contra Costa County nonprofits is not simply a ‘good idea,’ it is necessary for ensuring sustainability and a steady flow of services to our most in-need constituents those nonprofits serve,” Contra Costa County Supervisor Shanelle Scales-Preston said. “We could not think of a more appropriate strategic partner than Los Medanos College to work collaboratively in this endeavor.”

LMC will subcontract with the Antioch Chamber of Commerce Foundation to manage the project, including hiring a dedicated project manager and convening an advisory group of nonprofit leaders and curriculum experts. The chamber has long advocated for local businesses and nonprofit organizations, which unlike other businesses are not aiming to make a profit, rather they use money for the public good, said Jim Becker, incoming board chair for the Antioch Chamber of Commerce.

“Nonprofits make up 20% of the local economy, and they run just like other businesses. They need HR, financial and legal compliance,” he said. “It’s really exciting to partner with LMC to provide greater and broader access to nonprofit business education.”

About Los Medanos College (LMC): LMC is one of three colleges in the Contra Costa Community College District serving the East Contra Costa County community. Established in 1974, LMC has earned federal designations as a Minority-Serving and Hispanic-Serving institution. It offers award-winning transfer and career-technical programs, support services, and diverse academic opportunities in an inclusive learning environment. With exceptional educators, innovative curriculum, growing degree and certificate offerings, and state-of-the-art facilities, the college prepares students to succeed in their educational pursuits, in the workforce, and beyond. LMC’s Pittsburg Campus is located on 120 acres bordering Antioch, with an additional education center in Brentwood. For more information visit www.losmedanos.edu.

 

Grayson Creek Cleanup in Pleasant Hill Oct. 18

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Help protect Grayson Creek and improve habitat for birds, turtles, otters, and other riparian species!

Please join The Watershed Project, the Contra Costa Resource Conservation District and volunteers from Friends of Pleasant Hill Creeks for a creek cleanup and wildlife observation event.

Grayson Creek is home to more than 100 bird species and also provides habitat for river otters, western pond turtles, and even beavers! Help protect this important community resource by removing trash from the creek banks.

Date: Saturday, October 18 · 9am – 12pm PDT

Event location: Driveway north of 250 Cleaveland Road, Pleasant Hill.

Age Restriction: Volunteers must be at least 16 years old. All volunteers under 18 years old must have parental permission to participate or be accompanied by an adult.

-See sign-up link for details and safety information

Details, Instructions & Directions

Dress appropriately for outdoor work. Wear long sleeves and long pants, sturdy shoes, and wear sun protection (hat and/or sunscreen). All cleanup supplies, water, and light refreshments will be provided. Please bring a reusable water bottle and your own gloves if you have them.

Volunteers must be at least 16 years old. All volunteers under 18 years old must have parental permission to participate or be accompanied by an adult.

Directions to site: Use Google maps to navigate to 250 Cleaveland Road in Pleasant Hill. There is a driveway just north of there. Drive west down the driveway through the opened Flood Control District gate. Park alongside the road.

Contact Paula White paula@thewatershedproject.org for more information.

Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/grayson-creek-cleanup-tickets-1716934951659?aff=oddtdtcreator.

Save Mount Diablo launches Advisory Council

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Wildflowers in the Panoche Valley and Hills, southern Diablo Range. Photo: Scott Hein

10-member, all-volunteer Council will further land conservation mission

By Laura Kindsvater, Senior Communications Manager, Save Mount Diablo

WALNUT CREEK, CA—Save Mount Diablo has created an Advisory Council to help further our organization’s land conservation mission for Mount Diablo and the mountain range it is a part of and sustained by, the Diablo Range.

Save Mount Diablo’s all-volunteer Advisory Council consists of distinguished individuals who are willing to contribute their expertise, guidance, connections, and support to further the organization’s mission.

The organization’s Board of Directors and staff will benefit from the knowledge and expertise of the Advisory Council members. Advisors will also act as ambassadors for Save Mount Diablo helping the organization positively connect with strategic peoples and communities.

There are multiple reasons why Save Mount Diablo created its Advisory Council. It gives the organization a way to honor and recognize individuals for their distinguished service to Save Mount Diablo.

It provides a way to involve people who are willing to give critical assistance but have limited time. It provides a way of involving people who would be good candidates for the Board of Directors, but who are unable, or may not be ready, to serve in that role right now.

It provides a way to keep important supporters closely connected to the organization. It creates a direct link to important professional and technical expertise. It elevates and empowers selected people to serve as ambassadors for the organization.

It is a way to assist in efforts to increase philanthropic support. It enlists various types of needed help from the Advisors and their networks.

The basic structure of Save Mount Diablo’s Advisory Council is as follows. The organization’s Board Governance and Nominating Committee reviews and recommends appropriate Advisory Council candidates to the Board of Directors for approval.

Advisors must be elected by the Board of Directors. Advisory Council members advise and assist the organization largely on an as-needed basis. The Advisory Council will be invited to meet at least once annually, typically as part of a Board of Directors meeting or event.

Organizational communications with the Advisory Council, as a group or individually, will typically come from the Executive Director or Board President. The Advisory Council has no governing function within the organization.

The Board of Directors will determine term lengths, if any, the total number of members for the Advisory Council, and other related details.

After careful consideration, the Board of Directors approved creating an Advisory Council at their January 2025 annual Strategic Plan retreat.

After that, Save Mount Diablo’s Board Governance and Nominating Committee worked on creating a list of talented people to invite to be part of the inaugural class of the Advisory Council.

This inaugural class for our Advisory Council, which was approved by the Board of Directors at their October 1, 2025, meeting, consists of the following people:

Stewart Beatty

Stewart Beatty is the Head Chef at Postino, where he specializes in creating farm-to-table dishes that highlight fresh, locally sourced ingredients. A lifelong resident of the Mount Diablo area and current Clayton resident, Stewart has a deep connection to the region and its community. He generously shares his culinary talents by providing meals for Save Mount Diablo’s Four Days Diablo and summit dinners, bringing people together to celebrate and support local land conservation efforts.

Joseph Belli

Joseph Belli has been a dedicated Save Mount Diablo donor since 2021 and is a conservation biologist and author, widely recognized as one of California’s leading experts on the Diablo Range.

His deep knowledge and passion for the region have made him an invaluable contributor to Save Mount Diablo’s mission. Joseph has participated in our BioBlitz events and Mary Bowerman Science and Research program, and served as the opening speaker for our first annual Diablo Range Convening in June 2025. In July 2025, he was also featured as a speaker for Save Mount Diablo’s Executive Director Speaker Series, sharing his insights on the unique ecology and conservation challenges of the Diablo Range.

Tom Dowd

Tom has a passion for helping organizations and individuals and transforming people’s lives. He was the founder and CEO of a chemical distribution company (Dowd and Guild, Inc.); he serves on the John Muir Health Foundation Board of Directors as well as on the Advisory Board of Heritage Bank of Commerce. Tom founded Keiretsu Forum Charitable Foundation, a nonprofit organization that raised $1 million for more than 100 charities. After selling Dowd and Guild, Inc., Tom has shifted to full-time charitable work.

Robert E. Doyle        

Robert E. Doyle, General Manager Emeritus, East Bay Regional Park District, worked for 47 years as a park professional at the East Bay Regional Park District in Oakland, California. Bob was a founding Board member of Save Mount Diablo, working with California State Parks to expand one of the original “Olmsted State Parks.” He was also a founding Board member of the East Bay Conservation Corps. Bob currently serves as Board member and Advocacy Co-Chair of the Washington, DC–based City Parks Alliance. He has served as a Board member for the National Association of Olmsted Parks and is a member of the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration, where he was awarded the prestigious Cornelius Pugsley Medal. In 2024, Bob joined the San Francisco–based Save the Redwoods League Board of Councilors. Bob has received a Save Mount Diablo Mountain Star award for his good work.

Peter Frazier

Peter Frazier, a retired investment professional, has been a Save Mount Diablo supporter for over 40 years, demonstrating a strong commitment to land conservation and environmental education. As a dedicated contributor, Peter helps support programs that inspire and educate future generations about the importance of protecting the Diablo Range and its natural resources. Peter has also helped make possible other important projects for Save Mount Diablo, like the organization’s 50th anniversary oral history project with the Bancroft Library at the University of California, Berkeley.

John Kiefer

John Kiefer is a retired systems applications specialist at Pacific Bell, inventor of the Kiefer Sustainable Chicken Coop, and a longtime supporter of Save Mount Diablo since 1975! He has remained deeply involved through leadership, advocacy, and community building. He is especially supportive of Save Mount Diablo’s environmental education programs and efforts to connect more people to nature and each other. Over the years, John has led hikes on Mount Diablo and has supported Save Mount Diablo in many ways, from hosting events at his home to funding community breakfasts and other events. His passion for trails and open space led to his service on the Lafayette Parks, Trails, and Recreation Commission (1986–1994), where he worked hands-on to maintain trails, collaborated with landowners to create public access, and later served as the city’s field representative for trails. In recognition of his contributions, the John Kiefer Trail was dedicated in his honor in 2014.

Beverly Lane

Beverly Lane has been a dedicated Save Mount Diablo supporter since 1988 and is a respected local historian, published author, and curator of the Museum of the San Ramon Valley. She helped found the Contra Costa History Alliance and the Tri-Valley History Council, fostering the preservation of regional history. Beverly served as Mayor of Danville and represented central Contra Costa County as a Director for the East Bay Regional Park District from 1994 to 2022. She is also an active member of the Anza Trail Foundation, which promotes the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail, and Friends of San Ramon Creek, reflecting her lifelong commitment to conservation, history, and community.

Doug McConnell

Doug McConnell is a long-time Save Mount Diablo supporter and renowned television host and storyteller with a passion for exploring and protecting the natural world. He hosted NBC Bay Area’s OpenRoad with Doug McConnell beginning in 2009 and served as host and editor of the beloved series Bay Area Backroads from 1993 to 2008. Doug is the founder of Convergence Media Productions, creating content that highlights conservation and outdoor adventure. In addition to his media work, he serves as an Advisory Board member for San Francisco Baykeeper, advocating for the protection and preservation of the Bay Area’s natural resources. Doug has received a Save Mount Diablo Mountain Star Award for this good work.

Jeff Stone

Jeff Stone is the CEO of Diamond Construction and co-founder of Enkasa Homes, bringing extensive expertise in environmentally sensitive building and development to his work. A dedicated supporter of land conservation, Jeff served as a Save Mount Diablo Board member (2016–2025). He continues to contribute his leadership, expertise, and passion to support Save Mount Diablo’s land conservation work.

Jeanne Thomas

Jeanne Thomas has been a Save Mount Diablo donor since 1989 and is a proud member of the Diablo Legacy Circle. A retired employee of Kaiser Industries, Jeanne has been a steadfast supporter of Save Mount Diablo for decades, serving on the Development Committee from 2006 to 2014. She has played a vital role in supporting events, acting as a liaison to the Rossmoor retirement community, and was honored with the Mountain Star Award for her dedication. An avid nature enthusiast, Jeanne has spent countless hours hiking Mount Diablo and photographing its wildflowers, reflecting her deep love for the land she helps protect.

We are very grateful that this talented and special group of people answered the call to serve on Save Mount Diablo’s Advisory Council!

With the creation of our Advisory Council, made up of such terrific people, Save Mount Diablo has successfully and strategically expanded our team to help further our land conservation work for Mount Diablo and its Diablo Range.

About Save Mount Diablo

Save Mount Diablo has been preserving lands on and around Mount Diablo and educating the public to the mountain’s natural values since 1971. We are biologists, conservationists, hikers, bikers, equestrians, bird watchers, and people who just love to look at the mountain. Save Mount Diablo is a tax-exempt nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization (tax ID 94-2681735). For more information visit savemountdiablo.org.

10th Annual Out of the Darkness Community Walk in Oakley Oct. 11

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To support suicide prevention

By Veiongo (Vei) Uesi, Walk Chair, Oakley Chapter & Board Member, Greater SF Bay Area Chapter, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

The 10th Annual Out of the Darkness Community Walk in Oakley, taking place this Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025. This year’s event is especially meaningful, not only because it marks a decade of our community standing together for suicide prevention, but also because we are honored to welcome a special guest: the Mayor of Oakley, Shannon Shaw, who will join us in showing support for this vital cause.

Sponsored by the Oakley Chapter of the American Foundation Suicide for Prevention (AFSP), the Out of the Darkness Walk is more than just a fundraiser, it’s a deeply moving event that brings together survivors, advocates, and families who have lost loved ones, creating a space for healing, connection, and hope. With mental health challenges and suicide affecting so many, particularly in recent years, this walk serves as a beacon to let people know they are not alone and that help is always available.

Event Details

Date: Saturday, October 11, 2025
Location: Civic Center Park, 3221 Main Street, Oakley
Time: 8:00 AM check-in, opening ceremony begins at 9:00 AM, and walk begins at 9:30 AM

Special Offerings:

  • Morning refreshments including light snacks, coffee, and water
  • Honor Bead ceremony
  • Memorial garden

Our goal is to bring the Contra Costa community together and join more than 400 communities nationwide to raise awareness, reduce the stigma around mental health and raise crucial funds for AFSP to support research, education, advocacy, survivor support and strongly send the message that suicide can be prevented, and no one is alone.

For more information visit ttps://afsp.org.

Country music stars help raise funds for Concord organization’s affordable housing efforts

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Country music stars Lee Brice, Michael Ray and David Tolliver perform during the Yellow Roof Foundation’s “Raise the Roof” fundraiser on June 22, 2025. Photo: Yellow Roof Foundation

Lee Brice, Michael Ray, David Tolliver help bring in more than $1 million at “Raise the Roof” for Yellow Roof Foundation

By Mike Hoye

CONCORD, CA – Yellow Roof Foundation’s annual “Raise the Roof” fundraiser was once again an overwhelming success, generating more than $1 million to advance the non-profit organization’s mission to create affordable, income-based rental housing for families and individuals at risk of homelessness.

Yellow Roof Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity based in Concord, Calif. The organization was founded by Dave and Lori Sanson, owners of DeNova Homes, also headquartered in Concord. Yellow Roof has built several communities in the greater Bay Area to provide affordable housing to those who are hardworking, contributing members of society but are experiencing hard times due to circumstances beyond their control and are at risk of becoming unhoused. As the serious housing crisis continues to grow in California, especially in the affordable housing arena, so has the population who may be on the verge of homelessness.

The sold-out “Raise the Roof” was held on June 22, 2025, at The CIA at Copia in Napa, where sponsors and special guests gathered for an evening of giving and celebration. Attendees enjoyed a beautifully prepared dinner and heartwarming presentations that showcased the life-changing impact of Yellow Roof’s work.

During the program, Yellow Roof announced its next new project in the East Bay town of Pittsburg, made possible a land donation from The Sanson Family. The land is approved for 81 multi-family units, which will make it the largest Yellow Roof community to date. In addition, local businessman and philanthropist, Steve Gonsalves, for whom two of Yellow Roof’s communities are named, shared that because 100% of donations go directly to projects and that accountability is instilled in residents are key factors as to why he believes so strongly in and is committed to Yellow Roof’s mission.

Among the evening’s other highlights was the presentation of the 2025 Champion Award to Valerie Sanders, Homeless Liaison for the Pittsburg Unified School District, in recognition of her remarkable partnership in helping to place deserving families into stable housing.

One of those families was represented on stage by resident Araceli Solis, who, joined by her three daughters, shared her powerful story of resilience following the sudden loss of her husband and how Yellow Roof’s income-based rental housing and financial education programs have restored her family’s hope.

Jasmine Strange, a recent graduate from Yellow Roof housing, also moved the audience, describing how the three years she and her family spent with the non-profit prepared them for a brighter future and helped them secure permanent affordable housing.

The concert portion of the evening featured an unforgettable singer-songwriter performance donated by Lee Brice, Michael Ray, and David Tolliver. A special moment came when Lee and Sara Brice’s two youngest children, Ryker and Trulee, took the stage, with Ryker returning for an encore to rally the crowd to bid generously on an autographed guitar signed by all the artists.

“Raise the Roof has become a beacon of hope and a testament to what is possible when compassionate people come together,” said Lori Sanson, President and Director of Yellow Roof Foundation. “We are deeply grateful to our sponsors, guests, artists, and volunteers whose commitment makes it possible for us to provide families with a foundation of safety, dignity, and opportunity. The funds raised this year will help us build more homes and change more lives.”

For more information about Yellow Roof Foundation, to stay updated on its communities and events, or to make a valuable donation to support its efforts, please visit YellowRoofFoundation.org.

Raise the Roof 2025 Sponsors

Diamond Sponsors: BIA Bay Area, California Retaining Walls, Cemcon, Inc., Covenant Technical Solutions, DeNova Homes, Inc., Rescue Electric, RPM, Sanco Pipelines, SDG Architects, The Conco Companies, The Garaventa & Colvis Families, The Graham Family and The Resmark Companies

Platinum Sponsors: Brookfield Residential, Calex Drywall, California Bank & Trust, cbg Civil Engineers – Surveyors – Planners, Discovery Wall Systems, DPAE Structural, Independent Construction, Legacy Risk & Insurance Services, Lew and Sara Carpenter, Miller Starr Regalia, OAG Architects, Pacific Coast Landscape Management, UBS, Waymark Development and Weber Christensen & Heinrichs, LLP

Gold Sponsors: Blazona Concrete Construction, Inc., California Building Industry Association, Gately Family Foundation, J&M, Inc., Meridian Associates, OJ Insulation, Silvermark Construction Services and vanderToolen Associates