Contra Costa Herald

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

CA Boating and Waterways reminds public to boat responsibly over Labor Day weekend

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Fishing at Lake Clementine in Auburn State Recreation Area. Photo from Division of Boating and Waterways.

SACRAMENTO, Calif.— With the unofficial end of summer approaching this Labor Day holiday weekend, California State Parks’ Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) is reminding boaters and water enthusiasts to take extra precautions to stay safe and prevent tragedies on the water. Taking a boating safety course, wearing a life jacket while recreating in the water and actively supervising children when in or near a body of water are simple actions all can take to help improve safety on California’s waterways.

Here are some key safety tips:

  • Always wear a life jacket. Life jackets are the easiest way to reduce the chances of drowning and increase your chances of survival if you are involved in an accident.
    • By California law, all children under 13 are required to wear life jackets on a moving vessel, and DBW urges everyone on a vessel, regardless of age, to always wear a life jacket as a preventative measure.
    • Life jackets are also required on personal watercrafts, also known as Jet Skis, regardless of age. Paddle sports, including stand-up paddleboards and kayaks, are considered vessels and the same life jacket rules apply to people aboard the paddle craft.
    • Ensure each life jacket is U.S. Coast Guard-approved, the right fit for the user and approved for the intended activity by checking the label. The label can be found on the inside of each life jacket along with the U.S. Coast Guard approval number.
    • If you don’t have a life jacket, borrow one through DBW’s Life Jacket Loaner Program.
  • Take a boating safety course and get your California Boater Card. Even the most experienced boaters can learn from boating safety courses. As of Jan. 1, 2023, all operators of motorized vessels on California waterways who are 50 years of age and younger are required to carry a lifetime boater card. By 2025, all operators of motorized vessels will be required to carry one, regardless of age.
  • File a float plan before you head out. Share a float plan with a family member or friend with the details of your trip in the event of an emergency.
  • Check the weather. Know the latest weather forecast prior to going out and check regularly for changing conditions.
  • Leave the alcohol at home. Alcohol and boating never mix. It is against the law to operate a boat with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or more. You can be arrested even when the BAC is less than 0.08% if conditions are deemed to be unsafe. The sun, wind and wave action intensify the effects of alcohol.
  • Protect your loved ones:
    • Always supervise children by appointing a designated “water watcher,” taking turns with other adults. Do not assume that someone is watching your children.
    • Know your limits. Swimming in a lake, ocean or river is different than swimming in a pool.
    • If someone is in distress, seek help from a lifeguard or call 911 if one is not available.
  • Stow it, don’t throw it. Keep your trash on board. Never throw cigarette butts, fishing lines or any other garbage into waterways. Take advantage of shoreside facilities to recycle plastic, glass, metal and paper. Avoid excess packaging. Used fishing line can be deposited at a fishing line recycling station.

Download helpful boating apps to your phone. The BoatCA App is a free mobile app with information on boating facilities, life jacket loan stations, laws, boat registration and more.

Subscribe to California State Parks News online at parks.ca.gov/newsroom.

The California Department of Parks and Recreation, popularly known as State Parks, and the programs supported by its Office of Historic Preservation and divisions of Boating and Waterways and Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation provide for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation. Learn more at parks.ca.gov.

Park Happenings for September

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News from the East Bay Regional Park District

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

Peak fire season – September and October – is fast approaching. The East Bay Regional Park District and its professionally trained fire department have been working throughout the year to reduce wildfire risks, including thinning and removing hazardous vegetation from parks and using cattle, sheep, and goats to keep grass in check.

Park District firefighters are always on the lookout for potential fires, and park visitors can help by practicing basic fire safety and reporting any suspicious or dangerous activity.

Fire safety visitor tips:

  • Do not smoke in the regional parks, including vaping.
  • Be aware of Red Flag Warnings and fire danger levels.
  • Follow all fire safety rules.
  • Do not drive or park on dry grass. Hot exhaust manifolds can start a fire.
  • Be alert for any potential fire hazards and report them. If you see a fire, call 911 immediately.

Days of the Pioneers at Lake Del Valle in Livermore Friday, September 1. What was Del Valle like before the lake? Discover the valley’s history through hands on activities and stories during this family campfire.7:30-9pm, Friday, September 1st. Meet at Del Valle Amphitheater. Drop-in program, no registration. $6 Parking Fee.

For train lovers, join us at the Ardenwood Rail Fair in Fremont on Labor Day Weekend. Enjoy train rides, operating model trains, historic railroad equipment displays, and live music September 2-4, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Rail Fair is a fundraiser for the nonprofit Railroad Museum at Ardenwood Historic Farm, which is operated by the Society for the Preservation of Carter Railroad Resources. Entrance fee is $15/adults, $13/seniors, $12/children ages 4-17. Children ages 3 and under are free.

It’s calving season in East Bay Regional Parks. Be mindful of interactions that can create a danger to both calves and people. Grazing cattle play an important role in wildfire protection by reducing flammable vegetation and fire risks. Calving season runs from August to October in Regional Parks.

What to do around cattle for your safety and theirs:

  • Do not approach or touch baby calves. Do not take selfies with calves.
  • Do not get between a mother cow and its calf.
  • Do not worry if you see a calf by itself. The mother cow is usually nearby and will return.
  • Leash your dog around cattle and keep them away from calves.

An Orchard-inary adventure awaits at the annual Garin Apple Festival on September 9 from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Take a bite out of local history and nature as you explore the historic apple orchard, enjoy live music, attend special talks and presentations, and participate in hand-on demonstrations at Garin Regional Park in Hayward. Parking is $5 per vehicle. For more information, visit  www.ebparks.org/calendar.

Learn about the untold stories of Somersville at the History Hike Above the Mines on September 17, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Black Diamond Mine. From the 1850s to the early 1900s, the Mount Diablo Coal Field was the largest coal mining operation in California and the population center of Contra Costa County. Deep within the earth, miners excavated the valuable namesake of the park – “black diamonds” or coal – to support the state’s growing energy demands.

Somersville was one of five mining towns in the area and supported a thriving community of almost 1,000 residents. Although no buildings from the coal mining era remain, there is still evidence of the Somersville community, including artifacts, photographs, census records, newspaper articles, and oral histories.

Naturalists will lead the two-to-three-mile History Hike Above the Mines and provide information about the area’s coal and sand mining history. The program is best for ages seven and up. Wear sturdy shoes and bring a snack and plenty of water. Meet at the Upper Parking Lot. More programs are scheduled in October. For more information, visit  www.ebparks.org/calendar and search “mines.”

Join the Park District in commemorating Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15 with programs and events celebrating the contributions of both Hispanic and Latino Americans. Programs include a Hispanic Heritage Month Hike on September 17, at 10:00 a.m. at Garin Regional Park. For more information about Hispanic Heritage Month activities, visit www.ebparks.org/hispanic-heritage-month.

California’s 39th annual Coastal Cleanup Day is set for September 23. Each year, over 70,000 volunteers help clear debris and remove trash from California waterways, including lakes, creeks, rivers, and shorelines. The Park District has identified 10 cleanup sites within its parks: Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline, Point Pinole Regional Shoreline, Robert W Crown Regional Shoreline, Point Isabel Regional Shoreline, Radke Martinez Regional Shoreline, Del Valle Regional Park, Wildcat Canyon Regional Park, and Hayward Regional Shoreline. For more information, visit www.ebparks.org/get-involved/volunteer/coastal-cleanup.

Celebrate International Day of Peace with the Park District at a community event at Lake Chabot Regional Park on Saturday, September 16, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. This year’s theme is Actions for Peace: Our Ambition for the #GlobalGoals – a call to action that recognizes our individual and collective responsibility to foster peace. The UN established International Day of Peace in 1981 to encourage 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire, and to practice kindness and compassion.

Sign up for the Park District’s monthly e-newsletter for more information about park events, programs, and openings. To sign up, visit www.ebparks.org/form/newsletter-sign-up.

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.

12th Annual Delta Harvest Run September 10

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Half marathon, 10K, 5k and 1-mile Family Fun Run fundraiser benefiting Delta Realtors Community Service Foundation

By Patti Shaner Runners and Volunteers are needed to participate in the 12th Annual Delta Harvest Run. 100% of the net proceeds goes to the Delta Realtors Community Service Foundation. The DRCSF is a non-profit organization run by local Realtors and affiliates.  Since its establishment in 2005, the DRCSF has been offering scholarships to graduating high school seniors at each of the high schools from Pittsburg to Discovery Bay.  It is estimated that the Foundation has awarded over $100,000 in high school scholarships since its inception.  In addition to scholarships, the Foundation consistently donates money to local food banks, Community Chests, Homeless Shelters, Elderly Make A Wish, and other charitable organizations in East Contra Costa County. The Delta Harvest Run offers a half marathon, 10K, 5k and a 1 Mile Family Fun Run. The DHR begins and ends at the beautiful City Park in downtown Brentwood at the corner of Oak and 2nd Streets. The flat route meanders thru the tree lined city streets and on the peaceful and scenic Marsh Creek trail. The run is facilitated by a professional race and timing company.  All participants will receive a finishers metal, a custom performance-shirt, a swag bag and snacks at the finish line. Back by popular demand the runners will receive a token for a free beer, an ice cream or a coffee. The DHR will also award age group metals as well as overall male and female trophies. The half marathon begins at 7:30 a.m., with a prerace warm-up lead by a professional instructor prior to race time.  The awards ceremony will take place at The City Park immediately following the race. For more information about the run or to registration as a runner or a volunteer go to the website at www.deltaharvestrun.com. You can also call the race director Patti Shaner at 925-584-1614. Applications for scholarships will be available at each of the high school career centers by early December. Interested seniors can also call Tonia at the Delta Associate of Realtors at (925) 757-8283 to receive an application. The Delta Realtors Community Service Foundation is proud to support our community.

Park Happenings for August: Beat the heat in Regional Parks

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Source: EBRPD

News from the East Bay Regional Park District

By Jen Vanya, Public Information Specialist, EBRPD

Visitor safety is always important for the East Bay Regional Park District, especially during times of excessive heat. Beat the heat in Regional Parks by preparing in advance for your adventure. Before heading out, make sure you check the weather and pay close attention to any heat advisories and warnings.

Here are some tips to stay safe when visiting Regional Parks on hot days:

  • Stay hydrated and bring plenty of water.
  • Stay cool by wearing a hat and loose, lightweight, and light-colored clothing.
  • Avoid the hottest part of the day. If you do visit, go in the morning or early evening when it is cooler.
  • Those vulnerable to heat should consider visiting on days when it is less hot.
  • Avoid drinking alcohol and caffeine, which can worsen the heat’s effects on your body.
  • Don’t forget your pets! Bring water for them, as water from streams or ponds is not always available or safe to drink.

Whenever it’s hot, fire safety is essential. Visitors must follow all fire safety rules, including no fireworks and no smoking anywhere in parks. Visit the Park District’s Alerts/Closures page (www.ebparks.org/alerts) for Fire Danger Level notices.

Regional Parks with cool weather and shady trails offer an escape from the summer heat. Here are some great options: Point Pinole Regional Shoreline (Richmond), Tilden Regional Park (Berkeley), Briones Regional Park (Lafayette, Martinez), George Miller Jr. Trail (Martinez to Port Costa), Diablo Foothills Regional Park (Walnut Creek, Concord, Alamo), Big Break Regional Shoreline (Oakley), Las Trampas Regional Wilderness (San Ramon), Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park (Oakland), Crown Memorial State Beach (Alameda), Coyote Hills Regional Park (Fremont), Sunol Wilderness Regional Preserve (Sunol). For more info, visit www.ebparks.org/visit/shady-hikes-cooler-parks.

Three Beat-the-Heat Hikes are scheduled in August at Black Diamond Regional Preserve and Del Valle Regional Park. At Black Diamond, enjoy a morning stroll up the shaded Chaparral loop on Saturday, August 12, 2023, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Get some exercise and learn how chaparral survives the hot and dry summer months. At Del Valle, enjoy moderate morning hike on Sunday, August 13, 2023, from 8:30-11:00 am and Saturday, August 26, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. along the East Shore Trail, with oak woodlands and beautiful views of Lake Del Valle. For more information, visit www.ebparks.org/calendar and search “Beat the Heat Hikes.”

Looking for a “Cool” activity? The Coal Mine Experience at Black Diamond Mines takes visitors deep beneath the surface to a time when coal powered California. The interactive and immersive experience transports visitors back in time with the sights and sounds of an active 1870s-era coal mine, with stories of the toils, triumphs, and tragedies embedded under the hills.

The Coal Mine Experience is located inside the Hazel-Atlas Mine at Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve where temperatures are in the mid-50’s year-round, so bring a jacket or wear layered clothing.

Registration is required. For more information, visit www.ebparks.org/calendar and search “Coal Mine Experience.” All participants must be age 7 or older, and parent participation is required. Hard hats are required and provided.

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.

 

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.

Body found in river identified as San Leandro man missing while boating last Friday

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A Coast Guard helicopter flies over the river searching for the missing boater along the Antioch waterfront Friday, July 21, 2023. Screenshot of video by Allen D. Payton

Recovered Monday morning; conflicting information from agencies of what occurred; no investigation by APD

By Allen D. Payton

According to Antioch Police Public Information Liaison Sgt. Price Kendall, on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, the body of the man missing in the river last Friday during a boating mishap was found.

Con Fire spokeswoman, Assistant Fire Chief Tracie Dutter said, “Someone reported a possible deceased male on the rocks near Fulton Shipyard Road on Monday at 7:48 AM. We were requested by PD to assist in recovering the body. We were on scene assisting at about 8:20 a.m. and by 8:40 a.m. the recovery was completed.”

According to Deputy Gonzalez of the Contra Costa County Coroner’s Office, the man was identified as 58-year-old Douglas Cross from San Leandro, based on his driver’s license information.

As previously reported, according to Jimmy Lee, Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office Director of Public Affairs, “On Friday, July 21, 2023, at about 1:51 PM, deputy sheriffs from the Marine Patrol Unit were dispatched to assist the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District and the United States Coast Guard with searching for a missing boater who was apparently trying to push his 20-foot vessel to shore near the Fulton Shipyard on the San Joaquin River. The U.S. Coast Guard and Sheriff’s Office drone team were also involved in the search. The missing boater, who is not being identified at this time, was not located. (See video)

The Marine Patrol Unit continued the search on Saturday, he added.

However, according to Coast Guard Public Affairs Specialist Schnabel, “We suspended the search after searching until around 7:30 pm. One man had fallen overboard from a recreational boat and the other man jumped in after him attempting to get him out of the water leaving the vessel unmanned. Neither had life jackets. One man was recovered by a Good Samaritan and taken to a local boat ramp.”

Asked if an investigation was being conducted to determine what occurred and if the other man had been interviewed to get his side of the story, Sgt. Kendall responded, “No investigation is being conducted by the Antioch Police Department.”

Lee was asked the same question but did not respond prior to publication time. Please check back later for any updates to this report.

 

Annual Oakley Kids Fishing Derby on the Antioch Fishing Pier Aug. 12

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By City of Oakley Recreation Department

The annual Kids Fishing Derby will be held on Saturday, August 12th. The Derby is for children up to age 15 and registration is FREE. This is a “catch and release” derby so children will be assisted to release the fish after they have been logged.

Registration and check-in is from 8 AM – 9 AM. The Derby runs from 9 AM – 11 AM, followed by complimentary snacks and awards.

The Derby will be held on the Antioch Fishing Pier in the Antioch/Oakley Regional Shoreline off Bridgehead Road in Oakley.

Register by clicking here. Click on Special Events then Kids Fishing Derby.

For more information, call Alicia O’Leary at (925) 625-7044 or email: oleary@ci.oakley.ca.us.

Thrive Thursdays/Health 4 All to support Richmond Soccer Coordination Center’s “Girl Power” Initiative July 20

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By Supervisor John Gioia, District 1, Contra Costa County

Join us this Thursday evening to support Richmond Soccer Coordination Center’s “Girl Power” Initiative

Thrive Thursdays/Health 4 All at Martin Luther King, Jr. Park at 360 Harbor Way in Richmond from 6:30 – 8:00 pm

Únase a nosotros este jueves por la noche en MLK Jr. Park para apoyar la iniciativa “Girl Power” del Richmond Soccer Coordination Center

Thrive Thursdays/Health 4 All en Martin Luther King, Jr. Park en Richmond de 6:30 a 8:00 p.m.

This week, Thrive Thursdays welcomes Richmond Soccer Coordination Center’s efforts to uplift girls’ athletics in the East Bay.

Our growing weekly public health event, Thrive Thursday, is set for another boost as Richmond Soccer Coordination Center’s “Girl Power” initiative will join us on Thursday, July 20 at 6 pm for a press conference that coincides with the start of FIFA Women’s World Cup play!

Girl Power is a perfect message to add to Thrive Thursday’s call for supporting nutrition and fitness empowerment for all.

Supporting health for all means fighting to advance equity in everything we do, and equity and sports excellence is something that our Women’s National Soccer Team embodies.

Women’s soccer has grown into a global brand, but work remains at the community level to encourage girls and women to explore athletics. The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) recently added a women’s club in the Bay Area, called Bay FC. Oakland is also home to Oakland Soul SC, part of another professional league for the development and launch of women’s soccer in the United States.

For more information about this exciting event contact Tania Pulido in my office at (510) 942-2225 or Tania.pulido@bos.cccounty.us.

 

 

San Ramon celebrates 40th Anniversary of cityhood with swim and movie night, concert, gala

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The City of San Ramon is excited to be celebrating its 40th Anniversary!

In 1983, San Ramon voters decided overwhelmingly to incorporate as a city. Officially incorporated on July 1, 1983, the community assumed leadership over development, police, parks, and other services. A new library, community center, and parks were quickly in the planning stages.

The City will be celebrating throughout the year with commemorative giveaways, special events, and more!

For upcoming events and announcements, sign up for email updates here.

40th Anniversary Celebrations

Dive-In Movie: Top Gun: Maverick

Friday, August 4

San Ramon Olympic Pool (9900 Broadmoor Drive)
Rec Swim at 7 p.m.
Movie at 8:15 p.m.
Admission: $1/person
Act#18880

More Information

40th Anniversary Celebration Concert in the Park: Fast Times Dance Party

Sunday, August 6 at 5:30 p.m.

Central Park Amphitheater (12501 Alcosta Blvd)
FREE for All Ages!

40th Anniversary Gala

Friday, August 25

City Hall Rotunda (7000 Bollinger Canyon Road) and San Ramon Community Center (12501 Alcosta Blvd)

 

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.