Contra Costa Herald

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

Opinion: Forest Service reform must recognize recreation as essential program

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Courtesy of Don Amador

By Don Amador

The recent move by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to reorganize the U.S. Forest Service—including shifting key leadership functions out of Washington, D.C.—has sparked cautious optimism across both the powersports community and agency ranks.

For years, stakeholders—from tribes and counties to recreation groups and industry—have voiced the same concern: too much bureaucracy and not enough capacity in the field. The impact is tangible. Projects move slowly, fuels reduction lags, and recreation infrastructure—especially trails—falls behind maintenance needs.

Agency leads and field personnel are often tasked with delivering results while navigating increasingly complex processes with limited resources. The gap between policy and implementation has grown, and with it, frustration on all sides.

If done right, it could mark a long-overdue shift—moving resources, authority, and accountability closer to the landscapes and communities where they are needed most. The USDA’s emphasis on “common-sense forest management” suggests a renewed focus on active management, wildfire resilience, and getting projects across the finish line.

For the powersports community, this is not an abstract policy debate. Access depends on capacity. When field offices are understaffed or under-resourced, trails degrade, maintenance backlogs grow, and opportunities for collaboration are lost. When resources are aligned with field delivery, the opposite happens—projects move forward, partnerships strengthen, and access improves.

There is also a unique opportunity right now. The direction of this reorganization aligns with long-standing recommendations from stakeholders: streamline bureaucracy, empower field staff, and focus on outcomes. Across the West, collaborative models—tribal co-stewardship, stewardship contracting, and recreation partnerships—are already proving what works.

To succeed, it must go beyond structural change. It needs to continue shifting real resources to the field, empower local decision-making, and recognize recreation as essential infrastructure—not an afterthought.

See Forest Service news release on reorganization.

Don Amador has been in the trail advocacy and recreation management profession for 35 years.   Don is President of Quiet Warrior Racing LLC. Don serves as the Western States Representative for the Motorcycle Industry Council. Don is Past President/CEO and current board member of the Post Wildfire OHV Recovery Alliance.  Don is a Co-Founder and Core-Team member on FireScape Mendocino, a forest health collaborative that is part of the National Fire Learning Network.  Don served as an AD Driver for the Forest Service North Zone Fire Cache during the 2022, 2023, and 2024 Fire Seasons.  

 

Rep. DeSaulnier advances over $46.7 million for local projects in Contra Costa, Alameda counties

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Budget requests for infrastructure, transportation, community development, public and environmental health and safety

$10 million for Vasco Road safety & mobility improvements

By Mairead Glowacki, Communications Director, Office of Congressman Mark DeSaulnier

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10) announced that he advanced over $46.7 million for 20 projects to benefit Contra Costa and Alameda Counties for consideration by the U.S. House Committee on Appropriations as part of the Fiscal Year 2027 appropriations process. These projects would help to improve quality of life for the people of California’s 10th Congressional District by upgrading infrastructure and transportation accessibility and increasing public and environmental safety.

“Simply put, my number one priority in Congress is to make life better for the people I represent, and the $46.7 million we are advancing will help to do just that by investing in safety and easing congestion for drivers, bikers, and pedestrians alike, housing, emergency preparedness, crime prevention, and more,” said DeSaulnier. “I am continuously grateful to our local governments and organizations for their thoughtful project submissions, and I look forward to fighting to see the projects through the legislative process to bring this important funding home.”

Infrastructure Upgrades, Transportation Accessibility, and Community Development Projects:

  • $5,000,000 for the County of Contra Costa to design a new roadway connection that will improve regional mobility between Contra Costa and San Joaquin Counties using a connector route that shifts interregional traffic from Byron Highway and local roads in the Town of Byron to Vasco Road, to accommodate higher traffic volumes.
  • $5,000,000 for the County of Contra Costa to construct safety countermeasures along a 12.1-mile segment of Vasco Road between Marsh Creek Road and the Alameda County line in unincorporated Byron, California to decrease the number of accidents on this busy thoroughfare.
  • $4,000,000 for the City of Brentwood to construct infrastructure and site improvements to prepare a site to house the Brentwood Agricultural Technology Innovation Center.
  • $2,800,000 for the City of Lafayette to construct the Brown Avenue to Pleasant Hill Road segment of the Aqueduct Pathway, a fully accessible Class I separated bicycle and pedestrian facility located within the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) aqueduct corridor in downtown Lafayette, California.
  • $2,000,000 for East Bay Regional Park District to construct a dedicated bus staging and drop-off area designed to accommodate regional transit agencies and other visitors, and remove aging rail infrastructure to replace it with accessible, multi-use pathways as part of the second phase of a project to allow for the Thurgood Marshall Regional Park to be opened up to the public.
  • $2,000,000 for the City of Lafayette to construct a 48-unit development of supportive and affordable housing for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
  • $2,000,000 for the City of San Ramon to continue buildout and close gaps in the citywide fiber optic network supporting transportation operations, public safety, and future smart city technologies.
  • $1,750,000 to the City of Walnut Creek to install a new traffic signal at the intersection between Treat Boulevard and Arkell Road in Walnut Creek, California, which is currently controlled by stop signs.
  • $1,500,000 for the County of Contra Costa to construct separated wheeled (bicycle, e-bike, and scooter) and pedestrian pathways in the Iron Horse Corridor from Bollinger Canyon Road to Crow Canyon Road in the City of San Ramon to separate wheeled and pedestrian modes and improve user safety.
  • $1,300,000 for the County of Contra Costa to construct a new youth center in Brentwood, California that will provide academic counseling and employment training in the culinary field.
  • $1,296,000 for the City of Orinda to complete pavement rehabilitation work and widening on the Camino Pablo Pathway in Orinda, California to expand and maintain aging infrastructure that currently sees heavy pedestrian use.

Public and Environmental Health and Safety:

  • $5,000,000 for the City of Concord to make improvements to the City of Concord’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to ensure that it can continue to function as a critical hub for regional preparedness, response, and recovery efforts during emergencies and disasters.
  • $3,150,000 for Central Contra Costa Sanitary District to add Densified Activated Sludge (DAS) technology to Central San’s existing large-scale Membrane Aerated Biofilm Reactor (MABR) demonstration site and share results with wastewater agencies across the region. DAS and MABR are complementary, cutting-edge technologies that could enhance nitrogen removal and environmental protection while leveraging existing treatment facilities.
  • $2,000,000 for the City of San Ramon to replace the Police Department’s aging Records Management System (RMS), associated software, and supporting equipment. The project will modernize the City’s public safety technology infrastructure by implementing a next-generation RMS, preserving and migrating existing police records, and integrating with electronic files. The project may also incorporate a unified interface that allows officers and investigators to securely access data from multiple regional law enforcement systems within a single platform, improving efficiency, and reducing the need to switch between separate applications.
  • $1,800,000 for the County of Contra Costa to build two mobile communications sites to enhance the resiliency of first responder radio communications in the event of a natural disaster or other widespread threat.
  • $1,684,990 for the City of Antioch to establish a Real-Time Operations Center (RTOC) to serve as the Antioch Police Department’s central hub for intelligence and information-sharing, integrating existing technologies—including gunshot detection, public safety cameras, and Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD)—into a unified, citywide system that enhances crime monitoring, investigative efficiency, and officer response.
  • $1,650,000 for the County of Contra Costa to expand Contra Costa County’s ability to prioritize and investigate unsolved nonfatal and fatal violent crime, prevent future crimes, and enhance victim/witness safety through coordinated, data driven investigations, focused prosecution, and survivor support services.
  • $1,000,000 for the City of Orinda to maintain and improve the North Orinda Shaded Fuel Break to reduce the probability of catastrophic fire spread while improving firefighter access and operational effectiveness, specifically by maintaining previously treated areas, conducting hazard tree identification and abatement, and expanding interagency coordination.
  • $936,930 for the Town of Moraga to replace and upgrade existing police radios, a combined total of 65 handheld portable radios and 44 vehicle mounted mobile radios, used by the Lafayette, Moraga, and Orinda police departments.
  • $923,000 for Mt. View Sanitary District to initiate pump station and collection systems upgrades by studying the root causes of system stress and the most efficient and effective repair methods.

“For over 135 years the Iron Horse Trail has connected communities in Contra Costa, with the railroad running from 1891-1978, followed by its use as the much-beloved pedestrian and bicycle trail we enjoy today. This $1.5 million investment in the Iron Horse Trail Double Tracking Pilot is about improving safety and enhancing its use as an active transportation corridor. Creating trail separation allows pedestrians to enjoy their walks on the trail without safety concerns related to faster moving bikes. Bicyclists will be able to use their separated bikeway to get to and from work, school, and transit centers more efficiently,” said Candace Andersen, Contra Costa County Supervisor (District II).

“We are deeply grateful to Mark DeSaulnier for selecting the Downtown Aqueduct Pathway Project for Community Project Funding consideration. The Congressman’s support is instrumental in helping Lafayette advance a transformative project that will create a safe, continuous, and car-free route between neighborhoods, downtown destinations, and regional transit,” said Carl Anduri, Mayor of Lafayette.

“We are deeply grateful to have the Congressman’s support of these projects, which reflect San Ramon’s commitment to modernizing critical infrastructure, enhancing public safety, and investing in technology that improves the daily lives of our residents,” said Mark Armstrong, Mayor of San Ramon. “We value the Congressman’s continued partnership and advocacy on behalf of the San Ramon community and appreciate the opportunity to advance to Committee review of these transformative investments that will strengthen mobility, resilience, and public safety citywide.”

“Thank you to Congressman DeSaulnier for championing innovative solutions to one of the Bay Area’s most critical regulatory challenges: reducing nitrogen discharges to the Bay while keeping costs manageable for wastewater customers. The MABR and DAS Bay Area Regional Demonstration Site will advance technologies aimed at better protecting our beautiful Bay, while potentially saving billions of dollars across our region and beyond. We’re grateful for Congressman DeSaulnier’s vision, leadership, and commitment to clean water infrastructure that benefits our communities and the environment both now and, in the future,” said Roger Bailey, General Manager of the Central Contra Costa Sanitary District.

“Thank you to Congressman DeSaulnier for his leadership and support in strengthening community safety and supporting survivors of violence. The Contra Costa Unsolved Violent Crime & Victim Safety Initiative expands the county’s ability to prioritize and investigate unsolved shootings and increase clearance rates – which is the percentage of crimes that result in an arrest or other official resolution. Moreover, the initiative pairs data-driven investigations with survivor-centered services to keep victims and witnesses safe, rebuild community trust, and make sure families affected by violence received the justice and attention they deserve,” said Diana Becton, Contra Costa County District Attorney.

“We appreciate Congressman DeSaulnier for championing investments that expand opportunities for young people in East County. The Brentwood Youth Center Project will create a new 15,000 square foot facility offering culinary training in healthcare, culinary arts and skilled trades, academic support, and mental health counseling spaces—providing local youth with safe, modern, and accessible resources right in their community. This project strengthens workforce development into career pathways, supports whole person development, and ensures Brentwood’s young residents have the tools they need to thrive,” said Tamia Brown, Executive Director, Contra Costa County Workforce Development Board.

“On behalf of Contra Costa County, I want to thank Congressman DeSaulnier for his steadfast support of Contra Costa County projects that will provide wide-benefits to the community—from transportation safety improvements on Vasco Road and the Byron Highway, to critical investments in youth development, public safety communications, and solutions that strengthen justice for victims and families. His continued partnership ensures we can deliver safer roads, stronger emergency response, expanded youth opportunities, and improved community safety for residents across all of Contra Costa and beyond. We are deeply grateful for his leadership and his commitment to bringing meaningful federal resources home to Contra Costa,” said Diane Burgis, Chair of the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors.

“We are grateful to Representative DeSaulnier and his team for their support of this critical wastewater infrastructure work,” said Lilia Corona, Mt. View Sanitary District General Manager. “The Next-Generation Pump Station and Collection System Projects will bolster the process of replacing equipment at the end of its service life. We’re excited by this major step forward for sanitary operations in Contra Costa County, which will allow Mt. View Sanitary District to continue delivering exceptional service quality to our customers.”

“We are grateful to Congressman DeSaulnier for supporting these important infrastructure and wildfire mitigation projects. The Camino Pablo Pathway will enhance pedestrian mobility and connect key parts of our community, while the North Orinda Shaded Fuel Break will significantly reduce wildfire risk and strengthen emergency response capabilities across the broader Lamorinda region. These projects represent critical investments in Orinda’s safety, sustainability, and quality of life,” said Brandyn Iverson, Mayor of Orinda.

“We are grateful for the support of Congressman DeSaulnier in advancing the Lamorinda Public Safety Radio Replacement project for funding.  Through replacing and upgrading the radios used by the Lafayette, Moraga and Orinda Police Departments, this project will enhance public safety throughout the region and ensure that law enforcement officers are equipped to address emergency situations, evacuations, and other critical incidents. Congressman DeSaulnier’s efforts are helping to keep our communities and law enforcement officers safe with this critical investment in public safety communications equipment,” said Jon King, Chief of Police for the Moraga Police Department.

“Thank you to Congressman DeSaulnier for supporting our community’s continued efforts to make Vasco Road safer for all who rely on it. The Vasco Road Safety Improvements – Phase 3 Project delivers targeted, community‑supported safety upgrades along the corridor, including proven Federal Highway Administration countermeasures designed to reduce collisions and improve visibility. These improvements will help protect commuters and enhance regional mobility along this critical East County route,” said Warren Lai, Director of Public Works, Contra Costa County.

Lai continued, “We are grateful to Congressman DeSaulnier for his continued leadership and support of vital East County transportation investments. The Vasco Road–Byron Highway Connector Project will reduce cut-through traffic in Byron, improve regional mobility between Contra Costa and San Joaquin counties, and enhance safety by providing a more efficient route for commuters and goods movement. This project represents an important step toward long term connectivity and economic opportunity for the region.”

“We are grateful to Congressman DeSaulnier for advancing Antioch’s Real-Time Operations Center project for federal consideration. This investment reflects the kind of forward-looking public safety infrastructure cities need to serve growing communities, improve coordination across government functions, and deliver smarter, more effective services to the public,” said Bessie Marie Scott, Antioch City Manager.

“Brentwood has a robust agricultural history, and a long-standing legacy of providing fresh produce and products from our locally-owned farms to tables across America. This funding investment represents the next chapter in this story and the future of farming. The Agricultural Technology Innovation Center will bring together agriculture, education, and technology to create jobs, support workforce development, and strengthen our nation’s food systems. Federal investment in critical infrastructure is the key to unlocking this opportunity, and we are grateful for Congressman DeSaulnier’s leadership and vision in advancing a project that delivers both regional and national impact,” said Susannah Meyer, Mayor of Brentwood.

“We are grateful to Congressman DeSaulnier for his strong support of Concord’s Emergency Operations Center upgrades. This investment strengthens our ability to protect residents, coordinate a regional response, and ensure our community is prepared when it matters most,” said Laura Nakamura, Mayor of Concord.

“Thank you to Congressman DeSaulnier for his commitment to strengthening public safety and emergency response across the East Bay. The East Bay Regional Communications System – Mobile Communications Sites on Wheels Project will provide deployable, towable mobile towers that ensure backup radio coverage during disasters, domestic terrorism, or large-scale incidents—significantly enhancing the resiliency, reliability, and interoperability of communications for first responders in Contra Costa and Alameda counties. This investment ensures that when emergencies strike, our communities and safety personnel can rely on a stable, redundant system that keeps critical communications operational when they’re needed most,” said David Swing, Executive Director of the East Bay Regional Communications Authority.

“The City of Walnut Creek greatly appreciates Congressman DeSaulnier’s leadership and continued support in advancing safety for our residents. This critical infrastructure project for a new traffic signal will improve the efficiency of regional traffic, emergency vehicle response times, and safety for all modes of transportation,” said Kevin Wilk, Mayor of Walnut Creek.

Selection and submission of projects to the Appropriations Committee is the first stage of the process for Community Project Funding. Each project submitted must meet the criteria set forth by the Committee, which can be found here, and must then be passed in the Committee and by both the House and Senate before it becomes law. The projects are subject to a strict transparency and accountability process, which is detailed here by the Appropriations Committee. Examples of this vetting include certifying that Members have no financial interest in these projects, an audit of a sampling of these projects by the Government Accountability Office, and a requirement for demonstrated community support and engagement for each submission. More information on each project and the certifications of no financial interest can be found here.

 

 

Save Mount Diablo expands free Discover Diablo hikes, outings program for 2026

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Discover Diablo Exploratory hike in Del Puerto Canyon. Photo: Kendra Smith. Inset – People enjoying our Discover Diablo hike looking for newts at Briones Regional Park. Photo: Emily Sherwood.

By Laura Kindsvater, Senior Communications Manager, Save Mount Diablo

CONTRA COSTA, ALAMEDA, STANISLAUS AND SAN BENITO COUNTIES—Explore some of the East Bay’s premiere hiking and natural areas with Save Mount Diablo in 2026, including places normally closed to the public.

The Discover Diablo outings series offers guided hikes, themed walks, and other outdoor activities: mountain biking; rock climbing; meditation in nature; plein air painting events; and property tours.

New this year are a Green Ranch rove, and a Spanish language hike at Pine Canyon.

We’ll also be continuing much-loved events in 2026 including rock climbing at Mount Diablo State Park and Pinnacles National Park, stargazing with the Mount Diablo Astronomical Society, our Mitchell Canyon medicinal herb walk, Pinnacles condor hikes and our tarantula treks!

Save Mount Diablo is offering a total of 36 more excursions in 2026 in Contra Costa County (Walnut Creek, Clayton, Concord, Pittsburg, Antioch, Brentwood, Oakley, Danville, and San Ramon), Alameda County (Dublin, Livermore, and Pleasanton), Stanislaus County (Patterson), and San Benito County (Hollister and San Juan Bautista). All events are free to the public. Trailblazers of all ages and skill levels are welcome to choose appropriate outings from our extensive offerings.

The Discover Diablo program began in 2017 to connect local communities to the spectacular natural world of the Mount Diablo area and to build awareness about land conservation.

Hikes and outings take place at Save Mount Diablo’s conserved properties or on park lands in the Diablo Range. These include Mount Diablo State Park, East Bay Regional Park District, Walnut Creek Open Space Foundation, Contra Costa Water District, Stanislaus County Parks, and National Park Service lands.

Discover Diablo hikes are guided by experts steeped in the natural history and lore of the region, who both educate and entertain while emphasizing the breathtaking beauty that the Diablo Range has to offer.

Save Mount Diablo hopes the Discover Diablo series will spark a passion for the Diablo Range and deepen people’s connections to the land and nature.

Ted Clement, Executive Director of Save Mount Diablo, stated, “It is the goal of the Discover Diablo program to build connections between people, Save Mount Diablo, and the land, helping our communities develop a strong sense of place and a deepened appreciation for our collective backyard. Most importantly, we want to cultivate a love of the land in participants, as that is what it will take to ensure the precious Diablo natural areas are taken care of for generations to come.”

There is something right for anyone to discover in the nooks and crannies surrounding Mount Diablo and within its sustaining Diablo Range, so be sure to hit the trails in 2026 and find your own individual inspiration!

RSVPs required. To ensure everyone has an equal opportunity to attend, registration for hikes and outings will open one month prior to each hike’s date. See our schedule of upcoming hikes and outings; view and RSVP online here: https://savemountdiablo.org/what-we-do/educating-and-inspiring-people/discover-diablo-hikes-outings/

East Bay Park District remembers Doug McConnell

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Doug McConnell. Source: EBRPD

Honoring Bay Area journalist’s legacy of connecting people to Nature

By EBRPD Public Affairs

East Bay Regional Park District staff are deeply saddened by the passing of Doug McConnell, beloved longtime host of OpenRoad with Doug McConnell on NBC. Doug’s storytelling helped raise public awareness of the value of parks, trails, and community conservation efforts across Northern California and beyond, making outdoor exploration accessible and meaningful to a wider audience.

Source: OpenRoad Facebook page

A post on the OpenRoad with Doug McConnell Facebook page on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, shares more details about his passing. It reads, “It is with heavy hearts and deep sadness that we share the news that Doug McConnell peacefully passed on the night of January 13th, 2026. Since his stroke in the fall of 2023 he had bravely struggled to regain his health, but a string of setbacks finally caught up with him. Doug was our friend, mentor, and a guiding light along our own life journeys. We will miss him dearly and wish his family peace in this difficult time.

Doug dedicated much of his life to telling stories about the world’s beautiful natural places and encouraged everyone to enjoy them and especially to protect them. He made friends wherever he went. He was the best road trip companion you could have, the biggest optimist we ever met, a human GPS with a steel trap memory, friendly to a fault, knowledgeable about most any subject, and filled the world with enthusiastic positivity. We affectionately described him as the human golden retriever.

No words in a social media post can adequately convey what Doug has meant to us. If he meant something to you. If his TV shows resonated with you. If you have a story about him you’d like to tell, please feel free to tell it here. We’d love to hear from you about what Doug meant to you.

We loved Doug and will miss him dearly.”

The Park District worked with Doug McConnell and his crew many times over the past three decades to showcase East Bay Regional Parks, first on Bay Area Backroads and followed by his most recent show, OpenRoad. Together, we helped educate viewers about the importance of spending time in nature and the role conservation plays in ensuring future generations have the same opportunity. He was a thoughtful journalist whose commitment to community, collaboration, and public service left a lasting impact on the East Bay. We are grateful for his dedication and the positive spirit he brought to his work.

Doug first began working with the Park District in 1993, and this creative collaboration has continued through present day. Through this work, he became an integral part of the Park District’s history, working closely with District staff on many projects. Doug was master of ceremonies at the District’s 65th and 75th anniversary events, Regional Parks Foundation signature events, and the Healthy Parks, Healthy People festival.

In a Jan. 14 statement issued by the OpenRoad team, his colleagues said, “Doug was grateful that his legacy continues, a legacy of joyfully encouraging everyone to explore and appreciate the beauty and diversity of our natural lands, and to celebrate the work so many of you are doing to restore and protect these natural places.” The Park District is honored to be included in Doug’s work and legacy.

Notable episodes featuring the Park District include:

Regional Parks Foundation Legacy on OpenRoad (2018)

East Bay Regional Parks For All (2019)

The East Bay Regional Parks Respond to COVID-19 (2020)

This special episode filmed during the COVID-19 pandemic showed how the Park District responded to the crisis and how parks provided an essential service for physical health and mental well-being.

Additional COVID-related collaborations with Doug included Park District public service announcements, local public health agency messages, and Parks Are Essential multi-agency messaging to promote spending time in nature.

Exploring the Rebirth of East Bay Regional Parks (2021)

The Legacy of the East Bay Regional Parks District (2022)

The Most Visited Park District in California (2023)

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.

Martinez City Council approves exclusive negotiating agreement to advance Waterfront and Marina revitalization

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Front view aerial rendering by Tucker Sadler of the proposed Martinez Waterfront and Marina Plan presented to the city council on July 16, 2025. Source: City of Martinez

Private developer proposes vision, model, master plan for collaboration

By Eve Kearney, City Manager’s Office, City of Martinez

Martinez, CA — At their December 17, 2025, Regular meeting, the Martinez City Council unanimously approved an Exclusive Negotiating Agreement (ENA) with Tucker Sadler Architects, marking an important milestone toward revitalization of the Martinez Waterfront and Marina. The agreement sets in motion a new phase of study and collaborative planning that will evaluate the project’s feasibility, refine design concepts, and lay the groundwork for decisions on the future of the Waterfront and Marina.

Revitalizing the Waterfront and Marina has been a top community priority for decades. With aging infrastructure, deteriorating facilities, limited resources, and a marina well beyond its useful life, the City has faced growing operational and financial pressures that necessitate a broader reimagining through a private-public partnership.

Tucker Sandler, a San Diego-based architectural planning, design and development firm, has decades of experience delivering private and public sector development projects in California and in other states, including waterfront projects.

Now, with the ENA approval, the City and Tucker Sadler begin a formal 24-month period to collaboratively refine a transformative vision for the waterfront, conduct environmental review, engage the community, and negotiate a potential Development Agreement.

“Tonight’s approval is an important step for unlocking the potential of our Waterfront and Marina. We are excited to refine the project vision in the coming months with input from our community,” said Mayor Brianne Zorn. “This partnership gives us a path to activate our Waterfront, rebuild the Marina, and create a regional landmark that reflects Martinez’s identity, without placing the financial burden on our residents.”

Side aerial view rendering. Source: City of Martinez

A Vision for a Reimagined Waterfront

In July 2025, Tucker Sadler presented a conceptual vision for a comprehensive revitalization of the Waterfront and Marina. After extensive public comment and Council discussion, the Council directed staff to pursue an ENA to further explore the opportunity. (See City staff report and PowerPoint presentation)

Pursuant to the ENA, the City will work exclusively with Tucker Sadler to develop a comprehensive plan to create a vibrant, accessible, sustainable, and community-serving waterfront. The project is envisioned to include a broad range of landside and waterside improvements reflecting the Martinez identity and including thoughtfully-scaled commercial elements necessary to support and sustain the long-term financial viability of the project.

During this next phase, the City and Tucker Sadler will engage the community to garner input on the project’s features and undertake detailed analyses, technical studies, and design evaluations to determine how best to bring these concepts from vision to buildable reality.

On the landside, the project envisions new recreation amenities such as sport fields, a dog park, kite area, and public art installations, along with expanded open spaces featuring plazas, pedestrian pathways, marshland restoration, and stronger connections to downtown. Hospitality and community facilities, including hotels, restaurants, a community/event center, a new Martinez Yacht Club and Sea Scouts’ facility, and an outdoor amphitheater, are also included. These project elements would complement new commercial and retail spaces and support boating, fishing, recreation, and other waterfront activities, and would be supported by upgraded infrastructure, including surface and underground parking, utilities, and lighting.

On the waterside, the plan calls for a full reconstruction of the Marina with new and upgraded boat slips, fueling stations, and improved access for both motorized and nonmotorized vessels. It also includes repairing or redesigning the aging northern breakwater and eastern seawall, as well as adding new public amenities such as launch points for nonmotorized watercraft, accessible promenades, viewing decks, open spaces along the waterfront, and an area reserved for potential future ferry service.

Rendering of the proposed Boardwalk design for the Martinez Waterfront and Marina. Source: City of Martinez

A Financially Sustainable Path Forward

The ENA also establishes that the proposed project must be privately financed and self-sustaining, with no City subsidy and no financial risk to Martinez taxpayers. Tucker Sadler will reimburse the City for all staff, legal, and consultant costs during the negotiation period.

If a future Development Agreement is approved, the project could:

  • Eliminate the City’s ongoing General Fund subsidy for Marina operations (savings of about $650,000+ per year)
  • Shift responsibility for Marina reconstruction, including dredging and seawall/breakwater replacement, to the developer
  • Generate new long-term revenue for the City through transient occupancy tax, sales tax, possessory interest tax, and lease payments

“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to secure the future of our Waterfront and Marina,” said City Manager Michael Chandler. “The ENA allows us to fully evaluate a revitalization effort that could eliminate ongoing subsidies, strengthen the City’s long-term fiscal health, and deliver an enhanced public asset the community can benefit from and enjoy for decades to come.”

Rendering of the proposed Marina design for the Martinez Waterfront. Source: City of Martinez

Next Steps: Community Engagement and Environmental Review

Under the ENA, the City and Tucker Sadler,  will manage and participate in a robust public engagement process that invites residents, businesses, waterfront users, and regional partners to provide input into the final vision. There will be multiple opportunities for community feedback as the project is designed and undergoes extensive studies and review processes.

The first round of outreach will begin in early 2026 as part of the City’s Sesquicentennial Community Sessions. These early conversations will help provide insight into the project process and initial concepts; dates and times of these sessions will be released later in 2025.

The City will also maintain ongoing information and feedback opportunities on its website at www.cityofmartinez.org/MarinaProject, ensuring the community can stay informed and participate at every stage.

Following the community engagement efforts, the project vision will be finalized and the formal environmental review processes required under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) will commence. This analysis will evaluate potential environmental impacts, explore project alternatives, and ensure the planning process is grounded in transparency, data, and regulatory compliance.

“We’re grateful for the opportunity to move forward in partnership with the City and the community,” said Greg Mueller, Design Principal and CEO of Tucker Sadler Architects. “The ENA allows us to work collaboratively on a waterfront vision that honors the area’s history while creating new opportunities for the future.”

Rendering of the proposed Amphitheatre design for the Martinez Waterfront and Marina. Source: City of Martinez

History of the Martinez Marina

Constructed in the 1960s, the Marina has exceeded its useful life, with facilities closing due to safety concerns and environmental factors, such as sea level rise causing frequent flooding. Viewed as a unique and valuable community asset, the City Council has expressed a commitment to take measures to ensure it is safe and create a vibrant place for recreation and commerce benefiting residents and visitors alike.

The City assumed direct management of the Marina in August 2024 after the previous operator’s contract ended, revealing the need for a comprehensive rebuild rather than costly repairs. Maintaining the Marina has been a financial challenge for the City, which has been subsidizing the Marina for years, a scenario that is no longer sustainable. The Marina threatens to become a financial drain on the City’s general fund if a different course of action is not pursued.

“Our City’s Marina is a vital community asset that has faced decades of infrastructure deterioration and increasing financial strain on the City,” said Mayor Brianne Zorn. “An investment in Martinez by a private developer may offer a transformational opportunity to fund a comprehensive plan for our Marina and Waterfront.”

Additional background and the full scope of the ENA are detailed in the Staff Report included with the December 17, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting agenda. The complete ENA document is also available for public review as part of the meeting materials.

Resources:
Project Webpage – http://www.cityofmartinez.org/MarinaProject

Agenda – https://granicus_production_attachments.s3.amazonaws.com/martinez/63ac58a09b7b4c207dfe66160741c6d90.pdf

Staff Report –
https://www.cityofmartinez.org/home/showdocument?id=5410&t=639016149231794854

Council Resolution –
https://www.cityofmartinez.org/home/showdocument?id=5414&t=639016460677029956

Exclusive Negotiating Agreement –https://www.cityofmartinez.org/home/showdocument?id=5412&t=639016149625840171

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.

Skip the malls, Hit the trails: Enjoy free park day on Green Friday Nov. 28

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Photo: EBRPD

Enjoy a free, family-friendly adventure in the East Bay Regional Parks

Includes Volunteer Planting Opportunity at Contra Loma and Hike at Black Diamond Mines in Antioch

By Jen Vanya, Public Information Specialist, Public Affairs, EBRPD

For more than a decade, the East Bay Regional Park District has encouraged the community to embrace Green Friday—the day after Thanksgiving—as an opportunity to get outside, enjoy fresh air, and reconnect with nature in the East Bay Regional Parks.

“Green Friday is a healthy and meaningful way to spend the day after Thanksgiving,” said Jessica Sloan, the Park District’s volunteer program supervisor. “It’s a chance to enjoy time with family and friends in the outdoors or give back by participating in one of our volunteer clean-up projects. However you choose to spend it, the day is all about celebrating and caring for our natural spaces.”

On Green Friday, November 28, all Park District entrance and park use fees are waived, including parking, boat launching, and fishing, as well as entrance to Ardenwood Historic Farm. Fees are still in effect for state fishing licenses, watercraft inspections, and concessionaires, such as the Tilden Merry-Go-Round.

Green Friday is part of the #OptOutside movement to promote health-focused alternatives to Black Friday shopping.

Green Friday activities in Regional Parks include:

  • Volunteer Planting Opportunity, 9 a.m. at Contra Loma in Antioch (registration requested)
  • Green Friday Hike, 9 a.m. at Black Diamond Mines in Antioch
  • Green Friday Hike Amongst the Trees, 9 a.m. at Reinhardt Redwood in Oakland
  • Green Friday Gratitude Hike, 10 a.m. at Sunol Wilderness in Sunol
  • Green Friday Hike, 10:30 a.m. at Coyote Hills in Fremont

For more information about these and additional activities, visit www.ebparks.org/green-friday.

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.

Following resignation former East Bay parks GM to seek legal counsel against District Board

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Former EBRPD GM Sabrina Landreth to seek counsel for possible legal action against the District’s Board. Photo: EBRPD

Controversy at EBRPD: General Manager didn’t jump, she was pushed out by Board, seeks legal action

Sabrina Landreth said she was “constructively terminated” and “could not perform…job under a Board of Directors which was not exercising appropriate governance and operates without adequate checks and balances.”

By Sam Singer, President, Singer Associates Public Relations

Oakland – Former East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) General Manager Sabrina Landreth on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025, announced she is seeking legal counsel and evaluating potential legal action related to her departure from the district last week and the conduct of the EBRPD Board of Directors.

Landreth resigned from her position as EBRPD General Manager this week but said she was “constructively terminated” by the Board which demanded she take actions–which she refused—that would have violated open government and personnel laws, and harmed her professional and personal reputation.

Landreth said she “could not perform my job under a Board of Directors which was not exercising appropriate governance and operates without adequate checks and balances.”

“The Board was demanding that I compromise my integrity and values. I would not do that,’ she said. “I stand by my values and my reputation as a professional administrator for the past twenty-five years.”

“I am proud of my accomplishments during my EBRPD tenure,” Landreth added.  “There were many projects I had started and am disappointed not to complete because my time was cut short by the Board.”

Landreth was hired in March 2021 and has served for almost the past five years as General Manager of EBRPD, the largest regional park system in the country. Her contract was renewed in 2024 for an additional five years.  She was the first woman to serve as General Manager in the District’s 91-year history. Previously, she held top executive leadership positions managing the cities of Oakland and Emeryville.

Prior to the EBRPD, Landreth served as City Administrator in Oakland from 2015- 2020, where she is credited with strong fiscal management and developing a capital improvement program that included community equity goals and has become a model program for local governments around the country.

Previously, Landreth served as City Manager of Emeryville and as staff in the California State Assembly advancing state and local legislative initiatives.

She serves on the UC Berkeley Goldman School of Public Policy Board of Advisors and a number of community organizations.

When reached for comment on Landreth’s claims, EBRPD Communications and Outreach Manager Kendra Strey responded, “The East Bay Regional Park District has not received a legal claim and cannot comment on pending or threatened litigation.”

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Park Happenings for November

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News from the East Bay Regional Park District

Includes Green Friday Free Park Day the day after Thanksgiving, Nov. 28

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

Fall Walks & Strolls. Late fall is the perfect season to get outside and explore East Bay Regional Parks. Whether you’re up for a challenging hike or a gentle stroll, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Embrace the cool weather, crisp air, changing plant colors, and abundant wildlife on these fall walks and strolls. Let the natural beauty of the East Bay rejuvenate your spirit on these unforgettable fall adventures.

For more information, visit ebparks.org/calendar and search for walks and strolls.

Anthony Chabot Regional Park (left). Credit: Kevin Fox. Tilden Regional Park Botanic Garden (right). Credit: Jacob Drueckhammer. Source: EBRPD.

Green Friday Free Park Day. Celebrate Green Friday — the day after Thanksgiving — with a free park day in East Bay Regional Parks! Fees are waived for parking, boat launching, and fishing — only state fishing licenses, watercraft inspections, and concession fees apply. Admission to Ardenwood Historic Farm is also waived for Green Friday! The East Bay Regional Park District celebrates Green Friday to encourage the public to spend time in nature. It’s a great way to spend time with family and friends the day after Thanksgiving.

Green Friday programs include:

Contra Loma Regional Park. Source: EBRPD. Credit: I.P. Jones

The Park District is also facilitating cleanup projects on Green Friday. Instead of (or after!) spending the day searching for special savings on holiday gifts, use the day off to give back to nature through a service project. The Park District is facilitating two clean-up events for all to join: At both Contra Loma Regional Park in Antioch and Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area in Fremont, volunteers will be removing invasive plants at designated worksites between 9 a.m. and noon. Registration required.

  • Age Restrictions: Youth under the age of 18 must have a signed permission by parent or legal guardian. Youth under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult.
  • What to Bring: Water bottle, gloves, and sun protection.
  • What is Provided: Necessary tools.
  • Weather Notes: Heavy rain or wildfire smoke cancels.

For more information, visit ebparks.org/we-celebrate/green-friday.

Native American Heritage Month. Celebrate Native American Heritage Month by recognizing and honoring the Indigenous peoples who have inhabited this land since time immemorial. Indigenous peoples and tribal citizens in the East Bay continue to be closely connected to the land through distinct traditions, unique languages, and sophisticated knowledge systems.

Individuals from the Ohlone, Bay Miwok, Delta Yokut, and many others, continue to live on this land, practicing their culture and traditions to this day. Immense gratitude is extended to the many Native peoples who have contributed — and continue to contribute — their perspectives, voices, history, and culture to our programs.

Learn more about the Park District’s Native American Heritage Month activities, programs, and stories at ebparks.org/native-american-heritage-month.

Veterans Benefits:

In addition to honoring veterans, service members and retirees with free park entrance on Veterans Day, the Park District honors the Distinguished Veteran Pass, which is administered by California State Parks. Veterans with a Distinguished Veteran Pass receive free day-use parking and free entry to Ardenwood Historic Farm, not including special events.

Plus, the Regional Parks Foundation offers a discounted Special Access Membership for veterans.

Regional Park Membership — the Perfect Gift for Nature Lovers. This holiday season, give a gift that inspires adventure all year long — a Regional Parks Foundation Membership. Members enjoy a personalized Membership Card, free day-use parking, free swimming, camping discounts, free admission to Ardenwood Historic Farm on non-event days, free home delivery of the Park District’s Regional in Nature activity guide and the Foundation’s Compass magazine, and more. Consider the Angler level for free fishing and boat launch.

Purchase by Dec. 5. Visit RegionalParksFoundation.org/Join for details.

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.

GM’s resignation triggers leadership transition at East Bay Regional Park District

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Former EBRPD General Manager Sabrina Landreth (Source: EBRPD) and Acting GM Max Korten. (Source: LinkedIn)

Sabrina Landreth leaves post after less than five years; Deputy General Manager Max Korten appointed Acting GM

By Kendra Strey, Communications Manager, EBRPD

OAKLAND, CA — Sabrina Landreth resigned from her position as General Manager of the East Bay Regional Park District on November 6, 2025. Following a closed session on Saturday, Nov. 8, the EBRPD Board of Directors voted unanimously to appoint current Deputy General Manager Max Korten as the Acting General Manager.

Landreth served as General Manager since March 2021, coming into the position during the pandemic and immediately working tirelessly to improve the Regional Parks, make key acquisitions including Pt. Molate in Richmond, and ensure parks are accessible and welcoming to all members of the community. Under Landreth, the Park District modernized and strengthened the agency’s leadership infrastructure, assembling talent across all Divisions to ensure the agency is well positioned for a bright future.

“The Board of Directors is incredibly thankful for Ms. Landreth’s service and her numerous substantial contributions to the operations of the Park District,” Board President John Mercurio said. Next steps on the hiring process are yet to be determined.

According to a Sept. 11, 2024, EBRPD press release, Korten joined the Executive Leadership Team after 10 years with Marin County Parks.

Beginning as a parks and open space superintendent in 2014, he served as director and general manager from 2016-24, responsible for 34 open space preserves, 45 parks, and 150 employees. Prior to that he worked as the natural resources program director for Conservation Corps North Bay and as a backcountry ranger and trail crew supervisor for the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service. Korten graduated from the University of California, Santa Cruz with a degree in Environmental Studies, and went on to obtain a Master of Science in Natural Resources from Humboldt State University. He also enjoys volunteering as a coach for his son’s soccer team and as a board member for Together Bay Area.

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.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.