Contra Costa Herald

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

Richmond receives $700K from California State Parks’ Outdoor Equity Grants Program

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$57 million provided for projects during first round of grants, a part of Outdoors for All Initiative

Applications open for Round Two – $50 million more to be funded for nature-based outdoor programs

SACRAMENTO, Calif.— California State Parks today announced the second application period for the Outdoor Equity Grants Program (OEP), which offers $50 million in grant funding for nature-based outdoor programs. The funding helps establish hubs for local activities and trips to natural areas for underserved communities. The program also empowers youth and families with outdoor leadership education, career pathways, environmental justice engagement and access to nature. The application deadline for this competitive statewide program is Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023.

“The Outdoor Equity Grants Program increases the ability for youth, families and other community members in park-poor communities to improve their health and wellness by connecting them to natural areas throughout California,” said California State Parks Director Armando Quintero. “We are excited to continue developing California’s future environmental leaders.”

The grant program is part of the Newsom Administration’s Outdoors for All Initiative.

State Parks will host eight in-person workshops for potential applicants throughout California between Labor Day and the end of September. Additionally, there will be three virtual application workshops scheduled in October. All workshops will be from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. RSVP links to the workshops will be available on Department of Parks and Recreation’s Office of Grants and Local Services webpage at parks.ca.gov/oep.

The program funds transportation, program operations, staffing, supplies and equipment, and other costs that traditionally presented barriers for historically underserved urban and rural communities throughout California. Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations with 501(c)3 status and all local, state and federal agencies. Examples include school districts and other public education agencies, cities and counties, joint powers authorities, open-space authorities, regional open-space districts, California Native American tribes, and other relevant public agencies.

For the first grant cycle of the program, State Parks evaluated 384 grant applications totaling $167.78 million in requests. A total of $57 million in grant funding was made available through general funds approved by the California Legislature and Governor Gavin Newsom in the 2020/21 and 2021/22 state budgets, and awarded on May 27, 2022.

One example of the projects that received funding during the first round of grants include:

Contra Costa County – City of Richmond: $700,000 was awarded to conduct the Youth Outdoors Richmond Program for residents near Nevin Community Center. This program will include approximately 99 activity days in the community for 12,000 participants and 36 trips to natural areas for 1,200 participants during three years of programming. Some of the activities in the community will include leadership and skill development and stewardship in local parks. A Calaveras Big Trees State Park Camping Trip, located about 158 miles east of Richmond in the counties of Calaveras and Tuolumne, is one of the trips that will be available to the community. 

In 2019, the Outdoor Equity Grants Program was enacted when Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 209 which is now part of the Administration’s Outdoors for All Initiative. The concept for the grant program began with Proposition 68, which proposed to utilize bond funds for community access projects that included transportation, physical activity programming, resource interpretation, natural science, workforce development and career pathways, and education. Subsequently, the public expressed a desire to expand access to parks and outdoor programs for underserved communities and urban populations. These discussions became a catalyst for AB 209 and the development of the Outdoor Equity Grants Program. Californians shared a similar vision in 2017 during 30 focus groups with over 500 participants for the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan. Throughout the state, from heavily urbanized to rural areas, Californians emphasized a desire for multi-generational programs that bring families together, activate local parks and take residents with transportation challenges to natural areas outside their communities.

To learn more about this grant program and the application guide, sign up for email notices to access application workshop schedules, and for technical assistance, contacts are available at parks.ca.gov/oep.

Mt. Diablo State Park temporarily closes North Gate Road for emergency slide repair through mid-Sept.

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Storm damage on North Gate Road in Mt. Diablo State Park. Source: CA State Parks

WALNUT CREEK, Calif.— California State Parks announced on May 17, 2023 the temporary closure of North Gate Road at Mount Diablo State Park to pedestrians, vehicles, equestrians and bicyclists. The road will be closed May 19 through mid-September to stabilize and rebuild a section damaged by the 2023 winter storms. (Apologies to our readers. The Herald publisher just learned of this, yesterday).

Visitors will be able to access the summit and developed areas of the park from the South Gate Entrance (2675 Mt. Diablo Scenic Boulevard in Blackhawk, 94506) on the Danville side of the mountain. Whether driving or riding your bike, please ensure you are travelling at a safe speed for you, wildlife, and fellow visitors.

For updates on the progress of the project, visit Mount Diablo’s Facebook page at Facebook.com/MountDiabloStatePark.

North Gate Road closed at the Junction Ranger Station near the intersection with South Gate and Summit Roads on July 22, 2023. Photo by Allen D. Payton

About Mount Diablo State Park

Located in the San Francisco Bay Area to the east of Walnut Creek, people have been drawn for generations to Mount Diablo for its spectacular views from the summit which extend over 100 miles in all directions on a clear day. Visitors have been attracted by the complex geology that has created amazing rock formations such as the “wind caves” at Rock City, and by the mountain’s variety of habitats which are home to over 600 species of plants and an amazing array of wildlife such as butterflies, bats and birds of prey, tarantulas, bobcats, lizards, snakes, and deer.

In 2021 Mount Diablo celebrated its 100th year as a state park. Though more than 100-years is a long history as a park, the importance of Mount Diablo was recognized long before that. For thousands of years Native Americans were the caretakers of this land. Many groups considered and treated the mountain as a sacred place and continue to do so today.

Since becoming a park in 1921, Mount Diablo has been protected as a natural area, and over the past 100 years the park has grown from only a few hundred acres to over 20,000 acres. Today it is a destination for those who would like to view wildlife and wildflowers, experience beautiful views, hike, camp, picnic, run, cycle, climb, ride horses, or gaze at the stars.

 

East Bay Parks Independence Day Safety

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Enjoy parks safely and responsibly; no fireworks allowed in Regional Parks

The East Bay Regional Park District is urging Fourth of July visitors to enjoy parks safely and responsibly.

The Fourth of July holiday is typically one of the busiest days of the year for Regional Parks. Some of our more popular parks and swim areas are expected to reach capacity early in the day. Visitors are encouraged to carpool and arrive early. Parking lots may become full, though there are many Regional Park options to consider.

When visiting a Regional Park on the Fourth of July, visitors should know and follow these important tips and rules.

  • NO Fireworks – Fireworks are not allowed in Regional Parks.
  • Stay Cool and Hydrated – Plan ahead and bring plenty of water.
  • Beat the Heat – With hot weather, visit in the morning and early evening when it is cooler. If you do venture out, wear a hat and loose, lightweight, and light-colored clothing.
  • Drink Responsibly – Drinking alcohol is only allowed at certain Regional Parks. Check www.ebparks.org/parks before you go.
  • Follow Water Safety Rules if Swimming – Free loaner life jackets are available at all East Bay Regional Park District swim facilities as an extra safeguard for anyone concerned about their swimming abilities or their children.
  • Be Fire Smart – Be aware of Red Flag warnings, fire danger levels, and fire safety rules. www.ebparks.org/public-safety/fire/fire-danger-levels-restrictions.

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

East Bay Park Happenings for June

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Source: EBRPD

News from the East Bay Regional Park District

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

Each summer, the East Bay Regional Park District welcomes visitors to Regional Parks to spend time exploring nature and connect with family and friends. Whether it is a sunshine-filled hike, family picnic, or group barbecue, Regional Parks offer a place for healthy and safe recreation while also protecting open space and natural habitat for wildlife.

Popular summertime activities in Regional Parks include swimming, picnicking, barbecuing, fishing, boating, kayaking, canoeing, movie nights, day camps, adventure camps, and naturalist-led programs. Whatever your activity this summer, make sure you enjoy your time in East Bay Regional Parks responsibly and safely. (See maps: PDF or interactive)

Summer tips for visitors:

  1. Stay Cool and Hydrated – Plan ahead and bring plenty of water.
  2. Beat the Heat – On hot days, visit in the morning and early evening when it is cooler.
  3. Drink Safely – Alcohol is only allowed at certain Regional Parks.
  4. Follow Water Safety Rules When Swimming – Free loaner life jackets are available at all life-guarded Park District swim facilities as an extra safeguard for anyone concerned about their swimming abilities or those of their children.
  5. Follow All Fire Safety Rules – Be aware of fire danger warnings and fire safety rules.

The Park District is celebrating Juneteenth with a Free Park Day on Sunday, June 18, in recognition of the date when enslaved Black Americans in Texas were notified of their freedom, albeit 2.5 years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. Please note that due to most District programming taking place on weekends, the Free Park Day will take place on Sunday, June 18, 2023. The District is committed to enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, and making our parks and agency more welcoming and reflective of the communities we serve.

Fees waived for Juneteenth include park entrance, parking, dogs, horses, boat launching, and fishing. However, the fee waiver does not apply to swimming, camping, reservable picnic facilities (due to capacity limits), District concessions, state fees for fishing licenses, and watercraft inspections for invasive mussels.

The Park District is also celebrating Juneteenth with several naturalist-led programs, including a hike at Coyote Hills Regional Park in Fremont on Sunday, June 18, 2023, at 10 a.m. and nature walks at Thurgood Marshall Regional Park in Concord on Monday, June 19, 2023, at 10 a.m. and at Big Break Regional Shoreline in Oakley on Monday, June 19, 2023, at 8 a.m. For more information, visit www.ebparks.org/Juneteenth.

Enjoy Father’s Day in Regional Parks with themed activities at Crown Beach in Alameda and Del Valle Regional Park in Livermore.

Father’s Day will be celebrated at Crown Beach with a day-long celebration on Sunday, June 18 from 11 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Bring family, food, and friends to the beach, then visit the Doug Siden Visitor Center at Crab Cove for crafts and activities to celebrate Father’s Day. Meet a snake, make a craft for Dad, and enjoy some fun in the sun!

At Del Valle, Father’s Day will be celebrated with a hike on June 18 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Celebrate Dad by spending time in nature on a two-mile hike in the hills as you learn about nature’s fantastic fathers! The whole family is invited. Some of the hike will be on paved paths and there is a short hill. Meet at the Del Valle Visitor Center.

For more information about the Park District’s Father’s Day activities, visit www.ebparks.org/calendar and search “Father’s Day.”

Join the Park District at one of its naturalist-led campfire programs filled with songs, games, photos, stories, activities and more. Gather the family for an evening of fun and exploration of nature, plus s’mores of course! June campfire programs are scheduled at Del Valle Regional Park in Livermore, Anthony Chabot Regional Park in Castro Valley, and Dumbarton Quarry Campground in Fremont.

For more information, visit www.ebparks.org/calendar and search “Campfire.”

Shadow Cliffs is full after years of severe drought and historic low water levels. The return of swimming is planned for a June 16 opening, based on water quality testing and park and lifeguard staffing. Fishing from shore is allowed. The return of boating is planned for late June, dependent on quagga inspection staffing. Shadow Cliffs has been closed to swimming for the past three years, first due to the COVID-19 pandemic, then due to severe drought.

In early May, the Park District entered into an agreement to purchase surplus water from the Zone 7 Water District via Arroyo Valle to refill Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreational Area to return recreational opportunities to the lake. Visit the parks webpage at www.ebparks.org/parks/shadow-cliffs for up-to-date information.

A year-round fire season is the “new normal” in California. The Park District’s wildfire safety efforts include removing flammable vegetation, maintaining a professionally trained full-time and on-call fire department, maintaining specialized wildland firefighting equipment, and monitoring fire weather conditions.

While the Park District works 365 days a year to manage and remove hazardous vegetation, it is our collective efforts that can have the greatest impact. For tips on how you can do to prepare for wildfires, visit www.ebparks.org/fire-safety-tips.

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

 

Amtrak San Joaquins to run special trains to Allensworth State Historic Park for 2023 Juneteenth Festival, June 10

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Trains will bring visitors to celebrate at a site unique to California’s African American history

50% discount

By David Lipari, San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority

Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park is holding its annual celebratory Juneteenth event on Saturday, June 10 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. In partnership, Amtrak San Joaquins has scheduled a special stop at the park for multiple trains, bookable at a 50 percent discount rate to bring travelers to the historically significant Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park.

The town of Allensworth was established in 1908 by Colonel Allen Allensworth and at one point was home to more than 300 families. The park is a California state treasure because it was the first town in California to be founded, financed, and governed by African Americans. Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park became a historical landmark in 1974.

The Juneteenth Festival is a key annual event hosted by Friends of Allensworth (FOA), a 501(c)(3) charitable organization whose mission is to support, promote, and advance the educational and interpretive activities at Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park. The Juneteenth holiday commemorates the June 19th, 1865, arrival of Union Army troops in Galveston, Texas, bearing news that the institution of slavery had been terminated, officially spreading news of the freedom of all enslaved people.

“Amtrak San Joaquins has been a long-time partner to the FOA in connecting the people of California and visitors with the historic town of Allensworth” said FOA President, Sasha Biscoe. “We encourage any individual that is interested in immersing themselves in the rich, ethnically diverse history of our state to consider taking advantage of the affordable, convenient, and fun transportation option provided by Amtrak San Joaquins and join us on June 10th to celebrate this important holiday.”

Event activities will include square dancing, self-guided tours of historic buildings, historic games with prizes, storytelling, and arts and crafts. Food and refreshment vendors will also be present. Travelers can also bring their bikes and chairs aboard Amtrak trains and Thruway buses.

The southbound trains that will be running for the event include trains 702, 710, 712, 714. When purchasing train tickets, a 50 percent discount will automatically be applied to the ticket purchase. Additional discount programs regularly available to riders includes:

  • Infants under 2 years of age ride for free
  • Children 2-12 years old ride half-price every day
  • Seniors (62+ years of age) receive 15% off
  • Veterans & active military members receive 15% off
  • Disabled riders save 15% off

Visitors attending the Juneteenth Festival will be able to take Amtrak San Joaquins trains to the Allensworth station. From there, riders will be met by a free shuttle for the short ride to the main property. The Allensworth station is normally a whistle stop on the San Joaquins available to be booked by groups desiring to visit the park.

Train tickets to Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park can be booked online at amtraksanjoaquins.com. For more information on how to book a group trip to Allensworth, please contact Carmen Setness, community outreach coordinator for San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission (SJRRC), at Carmen@sjjpa.com.

About Allensworth State Historic Park

The town of Allensworth is located in the heart of the Central Valley, about 30 miles north of Bakersfield, and has a rich history that is of interest to students, families, history buffs, minority community organizations, and anyone else looking to spend a fun day exploring the historic community and its restored buildings. In 1908, Allensworth was established as a town founded, financed and governed by African Americans. There were a series of challenges impeding the town’s long-term survival, but it is celebrated as a key historic icon, and in 1974 California State Parks purchased the land in order to maintain it as a site for visitors to learn and explore the Colonel’s house, historic schoolhouse, Baptist church, and library.

About the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority (SJJPA)

Since July 2015, SJJPA has been responsible for the management and administration of Amtrak San Joaquins. SJJPA is governed by Board Members representing each of the ten (10) Member Agencies along the 365-mile San Joaquins Corridor. For more information on SJJPA see www.sjjpa.com.

Amtrak San Joaquins is Amtrak’s 6th busiest route with 18 train stations throughout the Central Valley and Bay Area, providing a safe, comfortable and reliable way to travel throughout California. Amtrak San Joaquins is currently running six daily round-trips. In addition to the train service, Amtrak San Joaquins Thruway buses provide connecting service to 135 destinations in California and Nevada including Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, San Diego, Napa Valley, Las Vegas and Reno.

Park District acquires 768 acres next to Morgan Territory Regional Preserve and Mt. Diablo State Park

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Finley Road ranch property in the Danville area. Photo: EBRPD

Finley Road ranch property

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

The East Bay Regional Park District has purchased the 768-acre Finley Road ranch property located in Contra Costa County at the western edge of Morgan Territory Regional Preserve and the southern edge of Mount Diablo State Park. The acquisition preserves forever one of the largest remaining pristine open spaces adjacent to Mount Diablo State Park. The property was officially acquired on April 24, 2023. Park District board of directors voted to authorize purchase of the property on March 7, 2023.

“The acquisition is an important step toward a long-desired staging area at the end of Finley Road,” said Park District Board Director John Mercurio. “Access to western Morgan Territory Regional Preserve and southern Mount Diablo State Park has been limited over the years and this property is an important step toward improving public access.”

The Finley Road Ranch property includes a flat, accessible area for a potential staging area that would provide access to the property and significantly improve public access to the Park District’s Morgan Territory Regional Preserve and the adjacent Mount Diablo State Park.

Finley Road ranch map. Source: EBRPD

“The Park District thanks our partners for their contributions toward the acquisition, including the California Coastal Conservancy and Save Mount Diablo,” said Park District General Manager Sabrina Landreth. “The acquisition supports the Park District’s mission of habitat preservation and providing public access for recreation, and furthers California’s 30×30 Initiative goal of conserving 30 percent of the state’s lands and coastal waters by 2030.”

The Park District is a supporter of the state’s 30×30 Initiative and participates in the initiative’s partnership coordinating committee, which works toward implementing the policies of the 30×30 Initiative and facilitates coordination among state and federal public agencies, tribal partners, and other non-governmental partners.

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

Park District launches Trail Use Pilot Project at Briones Regional Park

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Source: EBRPD

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

Today, April 21, 2023, the East Bay Regional Park District is launching a temporary, two-year pilot project at Briones Regional Park, in the hills between Lafayette, Pleasant Hill and Martinez, to test a variety of trail management strategies. The Briones Pilot Project will provide new temporary access to some trails for recreational use, while also restoring illegally constructed “bootleg” trails to protect wildlife and enhance natural habitats.

The pilot project is limited to a specific zone in the northeast corner of Briones Regional Park (see map). Project objectives include protecting resources, habitat, wildlife, and watersheds; restoring natural habitat by closing illegal bootleg trails in the pilot project zone; enhancing the trail user experience; and, increasing volunteer engagement in trail maintenance and habitat restoration.

“The goal of the pilot project is to identify options that balance recreational needs and environmental protection, given that the use of parks and trails has increased significantly in the Regional Parks over the past several years,” said Park District Board President Dennis Waespi. “The project will test innovative ways to share the trails, reduce conflicts, and improve the overall visitor experience, while also preserving natural habitat and protecting wildlife.”

The Briones Pilot Project establishes specific rules limiting trail use within the project zone and for two trail segments adjacent to the zone, such as hiking only, biking only, or biking/hiking only, and direction of travel. On weekends, trail use within the Pilot Project Zone will alternate days between bicycle and equestrian use based on odd and even calendar dates (see table).

Source: EBRPD

Pilot Zone Schedule & Restrictions

The special rules below apply ONLY to trails within the pilot zone. Additional information on pilot project schedule and restrictions, visit the project webpage at ebparks.org/briones-pilot-project.

Restoring Illegally Built “Bootleg” Trails:

Another key component of the project is the restoration of illegally built “bootleg” trails to protect natural habitat for wildlife. These trails are often not built to sustainable trail standards with appropriate drainage and avoidance of sensitive natural habitats. Illegal trails can have negative impacts on wildlife and watersheds.

“Protecting wildlife and restoring natural habitats are top priorities of the Park District and this pilot project,” said Park District General Manager Sabrina Landreth. “The project will test a variety of trail management strategies. It will be a dynamic process as data gets collected to help inform ways for users to share trails and enjoy our parks recreationally. As we launch this pilot, we look forward to the public’s feedback and cooperation.”

How Trail Users Can Help:

Engaging with the trail user communities to maintain trails and restore habitat is one of the pilot project’s objectives. There will be many opportunities for people to volunteer to improve select trails and restore habitat. The first Briones Pilot Project Public “Dig Day” is scheduled for Saturday, May 13, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Alhambra Creek Staging Area. Sign up at www.ebparks.org/parks/briones/briones-pilot-project#Event

For more information about the Briones Pilot Project, visit ebparks.org/briones-pilot-project.

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

Celebrate Earth Day with the East Bay Regional Park District Saturday, April 22

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Photo: EBRPD

Opportunities include activities, hikes, volunteer clean-up events

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

Earth Day is close to the Park District’s heart and mission to preserve and protect natural resources. Launched on April 22, 1970 as an environmental teach-in, Earth Day is now a global movement to protect the Earth and the environment.

“Earth Day is both a celebration of the natural environment we enjoy in the Regional Parks and a reminder of our responsibility to take care of it,” said General Manager Sabrina Landreth. “There are many ways to celebrate Earth Day with the Park District, including joining a naturalist-led program, taking a hike or ride in nature, or volunteering to clean up parks.”

Earth Day Volunteer Clean-up Events

Park, shoreline, and beach clean-up events are planned at multiple locations throughout the Park District, as well as planting projects and spreading mulch (Lake Chabot).

Clean-up locations include:

  • Point Pinole
  • Hayward Shoreline
  • Tidewater Boating Center
  • Martin Luther King Jr. Shoreline
  • Crown Beach
  • Lake Chabot

For more information about Earth Day volunteer cleanup opportunities, visit ebparks.org/get-involved/volunteer.

Earth Day Activities in the Park District

Earth Day for the Bees at Coyote Hills

Saturday, April 22, 2023, from 10-11am

Join the Park District in the Nectar Garden for the Global Earth Challenge Bee Campaign! Monitor pollinator populations, learn the importance of bees and other pollinators, and take home a native bee-friendly plant.

Earth Day at Del Valle*

Saturday, April 22, 2023, from 11am-3pm

Join the Park District at the visitor center for a scavenger hunt, make a craft to take home, explore the Oak Hills trail, and get up close with animal specimens. *pending reopening of the park

American Sign Language (ASL) Earth Day Walk at Sunol

Saturday, April 22, 2023, from 2-4pm

Celebrate Earth Day on a guided hike with professional American Sign Language interpreters. All are welcome.

Earth Day Family Nature Fun Hour – Going Green at Crab Cove

Saturday, April 22, and Sunday, April 23, 2023, from 1:30-2:30pm

Celebrate Earth Day with engaging and educational activities at the Doug Siden Visitor Center at Crab Cove.

For more information about Earth Day themed activities and programs, visit ebparks.org/earthday.

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

Save Mount Diablo unveils long-desired 1.25-mile Knobcone Point Trail connection

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Hikers on the trail near Cave Point and Riggs Canyon. Photo: Scott Hein

To open March 29 from Balancing Rock to Riggs Canyon on Mount Diablo

By Laura Kindsvater, Communications Manager, Save Mount Diablo 

On March 29, Save Mount Diablo will officially open the Knobcone Point to Riggs Canyon trail connection. This section of trail winds through the upper 560 acres of Mount Diablo’s Curry Canyon Ranch, through one of Mount Diablo’s wildest areas. It travels from Balancing Rock and Knobcone Point, to Cave Point, to Windy Point and Riggs Canyon.

Although the trail was once available to the public ranging all over the mountain before proliferation of cattle fencing, it’s been nearly a hundred years since it was legal.

The 1.25-mile-long trail will considerably expand the amount of open space available to explore on Mount Diablo’s southern hills. It will effectively fully connect Rock City and Mount Diablo to Riggs Canyon, Morgan Territory, and Los Vaqueros via publicly accessible trails.

Curry Canyon is the final missing major canyon entrance to Mount Diablo. Curry Canyon Ranch has over nine miles of fire roads, most of which will continue to be closed for now, while Save Mount Diablo works with California State Parks to transfer much of the property to the park.

Map showing the new trail segment. Map by Roxana Lucero, Save Mount Diablo

Currently Mount Diablo State Park visitors must climb in and out of four canyons from Rock City to Riggs Canyon—going forward, they can follow a ridgeline with spectacular views.

Right now, state park staff must leave the state park to reach Riggs Canyon. Opening the ridgeline fire road on Save Mount Diablo’s property will solve this access and management issue.

In preparation for the grand opening, Save Mount Diablo’s staff and volunteers have been installing infrastructure, including access gates and informational signage.

They have also been removing dead material to minimize fire risk in the area. The removal of dead and scorched plants in this area will encourage new growth of native and endemic wildflowers and chaparral plants this spring.

This project has been a decade in the making, in the works since Save Mount Diablo acquired the 1,080-acre Curry Canyon Ranch property in 2013.

Rocky cliffs in the Knobcone Point area of Save Mount Diablo’s Curry Canyon Ranch. Photo: Scott Hein

“Thanks to our terrific supporters, staff, partners, and volunteers, like our Trail Dogs, Save Mount Diablo has created and opened a number of public trails the last two years. Last year, we created and opened over four miles of trails at our new Mangini Ranch Educational Preserve. This year, we will finish and open an important 1.25 +/- mile trail on Save Mount Diablo’s Curry Canyon Ranch that will allow the public to hike from Knobcone Point at Mount Diablo State Park, through the upper portions of our spectacular Curry Canyon Ranch, to Riggs Canyon at the state park. All these trails we have built are portals that allow the public to enter nature and be transformed for the better,” said Ted Clement, Save Mount Diablo Executive Director.

As part of its goal of getting more people into nature, Save Mount Diablo has been opening more land to the public and creating new trails over the years. In 2022, Save Mount Diablo opened several miles of trails at its Mangini Ranch Educational Preserve in Concord for people to enjoy.

Now the highly anticipated Knobcone Point trail connection will further open up opportunities to enjoy Mount Diablo’s majestic views and wilderness—recreationalists will experience a rarely seen part of the mountain.

Vicinity map showing the new trail segment highlighted in orange. Map by Save Mount Diablo

“This trail is the major recreational puzzle piece in the Mount Diablo area, allowing park users to connect the mountain to Morgan Territory and beyond to Los Vaqueros, furthering their adventure into this extraordinary place,” said Sean Burke, Save Mount Diablo Land Programs Director.

Traveling along this newly opened trail, visitors will be immersed in the knobcone pine forests after which the area is named and stunning sandstone rock formations. They may see golden eagles and songbirds fly overhead.

This trail will open up a rarely traveled area; it will give hikers an opportunity to explore and experience the solitude of one of the extraordinary parts of Mount Diablo.

A trail opening ceremony will take place on the property at the Knobcone Point gate near Balancing Rock at 11:00 AM on March 29, weather permitting. We invite the public to hike in and join us. If you’d like to come, meet at Curry Point in Mount Diablo State Park on South Gate Road at 9:30 AM. There is a park entrance fee of $10, and parking at Curry Point is limited. The hike from Curry Point to the ceremony is a little over two miles.

The Knobcone Point Road trail segment travels along the ridgeline from Knobcone Point to Riggs Canyon. Photo: Scott Hein

After the ceremony, staff will lead a hike to the Riggs Canyon gate. The hike from the Knobcone Point gate to the Riggs Canyon gate is 1.25 miles.

In the event of heavy rain, the trail will still be opened to the public on March 29, but we will cancel the trail opening ceremony.

It is with great pride and excitement that Save Mount Diablo will open this trail connection and share the beauty of Knobcone Point, Cave Point, and Riggs Canyon with all who visit.

About Save Mount Diablo

Save Mount Diablo is a nationally accredited, nonprofit land trust founded in 1971 with a mission to preserve Mount Diablo’s peaks, surrounding foothills, watersheds, and connection to the Diablo Range through land acquisition and preservation strategies designed to protect the mountain’s natural beauty, biological diversity, and historic and agricultural heritage; enhance our area’s quality of life; and provide educational and recreational opportunities consistent with protection of natural resources. To learn more, please visit www.savemountdiablo.org.

New East Bay Park District Board members sworn in Tuesday

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Rep. Mark DeSaulnier swears in Directors Olivia Sanwong, John Mercurio, and Colin Coffey as new Board President Dennis Waespi watches on Jan. 17, 2023. Photos: EBRPD

Plus, “Passing of the Gavel” ceremony for 2023 Board Officers

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

Karen McClendon administered the oath of office for Director Waespi.

The East Bay Regional Park District held a swearing-in ceremony for four newly elected Board members during its January 17, 2023 Board of Directors meeting with Congressman Mark DeSaulnier and one of the District’s longest serving employees delivering the oaths of office.

New Directors Olivia Sanwong for Ward 5 and John Mercurio for Ward 6, along with Director Colin Coffey in his second term representing Ward 7 were sworn in by Congressman Mark DeSaulnier who was also recognized for his many contributions to the Park District. Director Dennis Waespi in his third term for Ward 3 was sworn in by Karen McClendon, a Park District employee with over 38 years of service who remains a stalwart in the District.

In a ceremonial “passing of the gavel”, outgoing Board President Coffey handed the leadership role to the new Board President, Director Waespi. President Waespi and the Board of Directors expressed appreciation to Director Coffey for his leadership over the past year. Waespi was elected to the Board in 2014 and served as board president in 2018.

“I am honored to serve as the Board President for 2023,” said new Board President Dennis Waespi. “As Board President, I intend to continue advancing the Park District’s mission of providing parks, shorelines, and trails for safe and healthful recreation and environmental education, while preserving natural wildlife habitat and natural and cultural resources.”

The Board officers named for 2023 are Vice President Elizabeth Echols, Treasurer Ellen Corbett, and Secretary Dee Rosario.

For information about the East Bay Regional Park District, visit ebparks.org. To learn more about its Board of Directors, visit www.ebparks.org/board-and-staff/board.

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