News

Pack Mules Help Park District Fire Department with Fuels Reduction Project

mnolan — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 14:08:03 -0700

Contact name

Shelly lewis

News

Pack Mules Help Park District Fire Department with Fuels Reduction Project

On Monday, August 23, 2010, the East Bay Regional Park District Fire Department began a novel approach in fuels management by using pack mules to haul fire hazardous material from Don Castro Regional Recreation Area in Hayward.

This is the first time the District has used pack mules as part of a comprehensive fuels management project.

The District is contracting with Frank and Jan Henderson of Lincoln, California, owners of Snow Creek Mules.

These pack mules typically are hired to pack in supplies to firefighters in remote wilderness fires and pack out debris from remote campsites.

For the Park District project, approximately five mules will haul cut underbrush and small trees from the project area, which is not easily accessible by vehicle.

During this project, portions of the Whispering Creek Trail from Woodrow Avenue along the lake’s southern bank will be closed weekdays, 8 am – 5 pm.

Contact Email

slewis@ebparks.org

East Bay Regional Park District Reception and Book Signing

mnolan — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 15:42:49 -0700

Contact name

Shelly lewis

News

East Bay Regional Park District Reception and Book Signing

On Friday September 10, 2010 from 5-8 p.m., the East Bay Regional Park District will hold a hosted reception and author signing of the recently-published Living Landscape book, which details the history of the Park District’s 75 years. The reception will take place at the Oakland Museum of California on the Peace Terrace, located outdoors on the third level. It is open to the public by sending an RSVP by September 3 to bmontano@ebparks.org or by calling 1-510-544-2200.

Published by Wilderness Press, Living Landscape traces the Park District’s beginnings during the Great Depression and goes behind the scenes to disclose how the Park District became the largest regional park agency in the nation. Author Laura McCreery will sign books during the event. Books will be available for purchase at the event courtesy of the Museum.

The Oakland Museum of California is at 1000 Oak Street, at 10th Street, in Oakland. More information including driving and parking directions can be found at www.museumca.org/visit.

Contact Email

slewis@ebparks.org

East Bay Regional Park District Dedicates Accessible Group Camp

mnolan — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 13:26:08 -0700

Contact name

Brenda Montano

News

East Bay Regional Park District Dedicates Accessible Group Camp

On Saturday, September 11, 2010 at 10 a.m., the East Bay Regional Park District will dedicate a recently completed group camp at Coyote Hills Regional Park in Fremont. Dairy Glen is a 50-person group camp named for the dairy farmers of the 1800s in the region. It was recently refurbished for better accessibility for those using wheelchairs and mobility devices and to offer updated amenities to all campers.

The Regional Parks Foundation, a non-profit that raises private support for the parks and programs of the East Bay Regional Park District, funded the camp additions. The Regional Parks Foundation also funded group camps at Point Pinole Regional Shoreline Park in Richmond in 2009 and Round Valley Regional Preserve between Clayton and Brentwood in 2007.

The dedication ceremony will be held at the campsite at Coyote Hills Regional Park, 8000 Patterson Ranch Road Fremont, CA. Speakers include Doug Siden, East Bay Regional Park District Board President and Jay Gilson, Regional Parks Foundation Board President. The public is invited to attend. RSVPs are required by calling 510-544-2200 or bmontano@ebparks.org.

Download > Coyote Hills Group Camp Invitation (Acrobat PDF)

Contact Email

bmontano@ebparks.org

EBRPD General Manager Announces Retirement

mnolan — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 09:55:12 -0700

Contact name

Carol Johnson

News

EBRPD General Manager Announces Retirement

At its regularly scheduled board meeting today, East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) President Doug Siden announced the retirement of longtime General Manager Pat O’Brien, effective at the end of this year.

“With regret our board has received notice of the impending retirement of our longtime General Manager, Pat O’Brien, said Siden, who has represented Alameda and parts of Oakland for over 18 years. “Under his outstanding leadership over 22 years, Pat has made EBRPD the nation’s premiere park agency.”

In a statement, the outgoing general manager said, “I am very appreciative of the Board of Directors, our staff and the citizens of the East Bay, and the various organizations which have partnered with us over time to accomplish acquisitions, development, restorations and incredible public programs.”

O’Brien’s retirement on December 31 comes after years of unprecedented accomplishments during his twenty-two year tenure leading EBRPD, including:

*    Historic passage of Measure WW, a $500 million bond -- the largest park bond ever ratified in the nation to fund the next generation of open space and parkland development in the East Bay;

*    Expansion of the Park District by 33% through acquisition of 38,000 acres of new parklands, from 66,000 acres in 1988 to over 104,000 acres today -- an achievement that distinguishes the East Bay Regional Park District as the largest local park and recreation agency in the United States;

*    Dramatically increased public access to parklands by expanding the Park District from 48 to 65 parks, adding over 100 miles of new regional trails for walking, biking and alternative non-motorized transportation routes, and significantly increasing the scope and range of recreational and educational programs and services;

*    Developed many successful partnerships and collaborations with non-profits, universities and community colleges, and other public agencies that have resulted in the development of several large-scale capital projects such as Camp Arroyo, the youth camp and environmental education center completed in 1999 near Livermore, the Tidewater Aquatic Center at Martin Luther King, Jr. Regional Shoreline in Oakland, and the Delta Science Center at Big Break Regional Shoreline in Oakley – both slated to open next year;

*    Incorporated the greater Livermore Area into the boundaries of the Regional Park District, thus expanding the Regional Park District to encompass fully the two counties of Alameda and Contra Costa.

“Pat’s leadership and hands-on involvement with the Board of Directors has resulted in significant benefits for the residents of the East Bay area and beyond,” said Doug Siden, President, EBRPD Board of Directors. “Adding 38,000 acres of parklands for the public to access and enjoy, for example, is one of many accomplishments that make governing this agency so rewarding,” said Siden. “Pat surely will be missed.”

O’Brien’s razor sharp skills in virtually every area of park management, including operations, planning, acquisition and the legislative process have left extraordinary marks of achievement throughout the parks and recreation industry. He has been honored with numerous awards and recognition nationally, including being honored in 2009 as a “Legend in the Field” by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration.

O’Brien, 70, will leave behind a lasting legacy of preservation for generations, something he shares with the staff and Board of the East Bay Regional Park District.

“As you might imagine,” he says, “this is not an easy decision for me as I am so committed to the Regional Park District, its mission, the Board and the incredible staff who work as a team to accomplish what other agencies cannot even contemplate.”

Prior to joining East Bay Regional Park District in 1988, Pat was general manager of Southgate Recreation and Park District in Sacramento, California from 1980-1988 managing that District’s urban and rural parkland areas in Sacramento County. In addition he served as Southgate’s superintendent of recreation from 1974-1980. He got his start in parks and recreation as a lifeguard.

He holds a master’s degree in linguistic philosophy and a bachelor’s degree in philosophy with a minor in recreation administration from San Francisco State University.

Mr. O’Brien is an avid water sports enthusiast. He is looking forward to staying actively involved in state and federal legislative issues and plans to travel with his wife Diana and spend more time enjoying his three grandchildren.

Contact Email

cjohnson@ebparks.org

District Police Department Receives National Recognition With CALEA Accreditation

mnolan — Tue, 3 Aug 2010 11:01:54 -0700

Contact name

Shelly Lewis

News

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT POLICE DEPARTMENT RECEIVES
NATIONAL RECOGNITION WITH CALEA ACCREDITATION

On July 31, in Las Vegas, Nevada, the internationally-recognized Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA) awarded the East Bay Regional Park District Police Department with its official accreditation, becoming one of only twelve CALEA-accredited agencies in California. This awards ceremony recognized 82 law enforcement agencies from the United States, Canada, and Mexico. East Bay Regional Parks Police was the only California agency recognized at the Las Vegas conference.

The CALEA accreditation programs involve a comprehensive review of a law enforcement agency's organization, management, operations and administration. The accreditation process begins with a self-assessment examination by the agency to determine whether it complies with all applicable standards. It concludes with an on-site inspection by CALEA assessors and a final review hearing by the commission. Participation in the CALEA accreditation program is voluntary, but successful completion provides a law enforcement agency with a nationally recognized award of excellence and professional achievement.

To receive accreditation, the East Bay Regional Park District Police Department participated in an intense three-year process, complying with over 400 primary and nearly 1,200 overall standards set forth by the commission. These standards touched on every facet of the department from administrative to operational services.

Pat O’Brien, General Manager of the East Bay Regional Park District attended the accreditation ceremony. “I’m especially proud of our Public Safety Division under the leadership of Police Chief Tim Anderson,” stated O’Brien. “We’re one of the few park districts in the nation that has its own sworn police officers. Not only do our officers patrol a vast 100,000+-acre parkland system, they also provide law enforcement services for other agencies and mutual aid assistance for nearly 40 cities in the East Bay.”

At peak summer season, the East Bay Regional Park District’s Public Safety Division is staffed by approximately 500 personnel, which includes 151 full-time equivalent employees (67 of whom are sworn police officers who derive their authority under California Penal Code Section 830.1). In addition, the division employs 195 seasonal lifeguards and 175 members of a Volunteer Trail Safety Patrol, and 48 industrial firefighters.

The department includes an Air Support Unit, Marine Patrol, Equestrian Patrol, K-9 Unit, Special Enforcement Unit, Investigations Unit, and a 24-hour-per-day 9-1-1 Communications Center.

“The East Bay Regional Park District Police Department takes pride not only in being a law enforcement agency that has worked hard for this prestigious recognition, but also in being an agency that has earned the respect of its community and the people it serves,” stated Chief Anderson.

In its 23-page report, the on-site assessment team concluded, “The members of the East Bay Regional Park District Police Department are very proud of their organization and profession. They strive for excellence and it shows. The success of that effort is readily apparent. The agency has demonstrated that it is compliance with all applicable standards and has rightfully earned a reputation as an excellent police service.” The lead assessor was Chief Michael Dickey of the Fairfield, Ohio, Police Department.

The CALEA accreditation, which is often likened to a Better Business Bureau stamp of approval for public safety agencies, communications centers and training academies, is valid for three years, at which time an accredited agency will apply for review and re-accreditation. “CALEA is actually a business model, a way of conducting business with a critical eye. Our re-accreditation effort for 2013 actually began as soon as our initial on-site team walked out the door,” Anderson said.

###

Photo at Accreditation Ceremony, July 31, 2010, Las Vegas, Nevada
From East Bay Regional Park District - Professional Standards Sergeant Lance Brede; Administrative Analyst Nancy Morehead; Chief Tim Anderson; Accreditation Manager Lieutenant Wayne Morimoto; General Manager Pat O’Brien.

.:*:.

Contact Email

slewis@ebparks.org

Park District To Purchase 460-Acre Property Between Pittsburg And Clayton

mnolan — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 16:57:45 -0700

Contact name

Shelly Lewis

News

Park District To Purchase 460-Acre Property Between Pittsburg And Clayton

At their July 20, 2010 meeting, the East Bay Regional Park District Board of Directors agreed to purchase 460 acres located at 8040 Black Diamond Way between the cities of Pittsburg and Clayton. The property will be an addition to Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve and is located along the existing Black Diamond Trail, providing access to the western portion of that park. The property is being acquired through a partnership with the East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy (Conservancy). This acquisition is the Park District’s seventh joint project with the Conservancy, which was created to identify, preserve and restore high priority land areas with significant habitat for protected species.

The subject property is located west of the former Chopra property, historically known as Irish Canyon, which was recently acquired by Save Mt. Diablo. Irish Canyon was named for early settlers in the 1800s who raised food crops and sold them to miners at the nearby coal mines. Irish Creek runs through the newly acquired property.

The Park District is acquiring the property from the Eastern Development Corporation/Poon Association for a total of $2,763,840 using a combination of 55% Measure WW funds, and 45% from the Conservancy. Measure WW was a $500 million bond measure passed by voters in 2008.

The property offers opportunities for public access, as well as protecting an additional 460 acres of land adjacent to Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve. “This is a very nice purchase for us, particularly for future recreational opportunities,” states Board Member Beverly Lane “Once open to the public, it will offer an excellent connection to the Black Diamond Trail and also to city-owned Clayton Open Space.”

At Park District staff recommendation, the property will be placed in land bank status until a Land Use Plan for the new properties being acquired in partnership with the Conservancy can be completed.

Downloads (Acrobat PDFs):

> Board Materials
> Acquisition Evaluation
> Property Map

########

Contact Email

slewis@ebparks.org

Cajun Zydeco Festival returns to Ardenwood August 21, 2010

mnolan — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 16:20:25 -0700

Contact name

Anne Kassebaum

News

Cajun/Zydeco Festival
14th Annual Festival to be held
at Ardenwood Historic Farm August 21

Ardenwood Historic Farm in Fremont will host the Annual Cajun Zydeco festival on Saturday, August 21. Come and bring the family to Ardenwood Historic Farm for a day filled with the best Cajun/Zydeco music, dancing and delicious Cajun and Creole food. Visit the farm animals, shop specialty vendors and join in dance lessons. Our 14th annual festival features, from Louisiana, the Pine Leaf Boys, as well as Rosie Ledet and the Zydeco Playboys. Also appearing will be Bay Area favorites Andre Thierry & Zydeco Magic, and another Bay Area group, Mark St. Mary Louisiana Blues & Zydeco Band. Gates open at 10 a.m., live music will play from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m.

Enjoy the day at Ardenwood Farm surrounded by fields of organic produce, farm animals, and the historic Patterson House. Take the train from the entrance to the festival site. Bring a blanket, low-back lawn chair, sunblock, and hat. Low canopies welcome in the back or side areas (please be courteous and do not block the view of the stage). Wear your dancing shoes! Alcohol prohibited. Please purchase beverages inside festival. Fabulous food also available for purchase. NO PETS allowed.

Proceeds benefit the Park Express Transportation Program for low-income schools and groups serving senior or disabled persons visiting the East Bay Regional Parks. Additional donations welcome. Contact the Regional Parks Foundation: (510) 544-2202.

Entertainment
Three-time Grammy nominees, the Pine Leaf Boys come from southwest Louisiana and have toured internationally. Featuring Wilson Savoy (accordion, fiddle, vocals), Courtney Granger (fiddle, accordion, vocals), Drew Simon (drums and vocals), Jon Bertrand (guitars), and Thomas David (bass), the Pine Leaf Boys play traditional Cajun and Creole music.
Andre Thierry & Zydeco Magic return to get the crowd dancing with a blend of traditional Zydeco music, hip-hop, blues, jazz and rock. They were voted best Zydeco group by the West Coast Blues Hall of Fame in 2008.

Rosie Ledet, raised in rural Louisiana, first started playing the accordion at age sixteen after attending a Zydeco dance. It was there she also met her future husband Morris Ledet, who plays bass in her band.
For over 30 years, Mark St. Mary Louisiana Blues & Zydeco Band has been dedicated to the preservation of French Creole, Louisiana Blues and Zydeco musical traditions. In 2007, the Bay Area Blues Society awarded the band "Best Zydeco Band”. Mark St. Mary is based in the town of Antelope in the Sacramento Delta region.

Directions

Ardenwood Historic Farm is located on Ardenwood Boulevard just north of Highway 84 (Dumbarton Expressway) in Fremont. Directions: In Fremont, exit Highway 84 at Ardenwood/Newark Boulevard. Go north on Ardenwood Boulevard. The entrance is just north of Highway 84 on the right.

Tickets

Advance tickets: $16 for adults (16+ years); $2.00 children (4-15 years). Advance tickets can be purchased through August 13 at 1-888-EBPARKS or online at EBParksOnline.org. Day of event tickets: $20 for adults (16+ years) at the gate, $3.00 children (4-15 years), 3 years and under free. Free parking.

Additional information

Information: 1-888-EBPARKS or www.ebparks.org.

Special rates available at the Courtyard Marriot in Newark: (510) 792-5200

The Festival is presented by the East Bay Regional Park District and the San Francisco Chronicle.

Contact: Anne Kassebaum, Recreation Services Manager, (510) 544-2552
akassebaum@ebparks.org

###

Contact Email

akassebaum@ebparks.org

Park District to Open New Regional Park July 22, 2010

mnolan — Wed, 7 Jul 2010 15:39:20 -0700

Contact name

Carol Johnson

News

Park District to Open New Regional Park July 22

Oakland, CA – On July 22, 2010, the East Bay Regional Park District will open its newest park, Dublin Hills Regional Park in Dublin, CA. An evening dedication program begins at 5:30 p.m. with remarks by officials from the Park District, City of Dublin, and project developer Discovery Builders. A short guided hike will follow at 6:15 p.m. The dedication takes place at Donlon Point Staging Area on Dublin Boulevard, about two miles west of San Ramon Road in Dublin at the Schaefer Ranch housing development. The public is welcome to attend this event.

The 520-acre park is part of the Calaveras Ridge system that separates the East Bay communities from San Ramon Valley. At present the park includes a fully developed staging area with 23-car parking, equestrian parking, restrooms and drinking fountains, a 1.25-mile section of the Calaveras Ridge Regional Trail, and a 1.5-mile connection loop. Additional sections of the park will be open in the future.

“I’m so pleased to see this park open,” says Regional Parks Board Member, Ayn Wieskamp. “The City of Dublin now has its own regional open space park in the western hills that is close by and easy to access. Plus, we’ve planned some wonderful trail connections for the future.” Future plans include connecting to the City’s Martin Canyon Creek Trail and extending south toward Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park.

A park highlight is Donlon Point, located at the southwest corner of the park, a half-mile walk from the parking lot. With a peak elevation of 1138’ above sea level, Donlon Point is an important regional landmark holding high scenic value among both trail users and neighboring residents.

The parkland is bounded by Interstate 580 to the south, Schaefer Ranch to the southwest, private grazing land to the north, northeast and northwest, and California Highlands on the southeast. The woodland slopes and shrublands have experienced relatively little change since first being settled for ranching and cattle grazing in the middle 1800s.

The Calaveras Ridge Regional Trail is a significant feature of the park as it adds another segment to this impressive regional trail system. This multi-use trail corridor travels along the I-680 corridor connecting six regional parks. It serves communities from Sunol Regional Wilderness, through Pleasanton Ridge to Dublin Hills into Contra Costa County, where it continues through Las Trampas Regional Wilderness to the City of Lafayette and through Briones Regional Park, with connections to Carquinez Strait. This trail offers spectacular views of the San Francisco Bay area to the west and Mt. Diablo and the central valley to the east along rolling ridgetops. When completed, the Calaveras Ridge Regional Trail will span 43 miles. The Dublin Hills segment brings the total mileage to 17.

As part of an agreement with the City of Dublin, the developer constructed the staging area and dedicated 67 acres of open space and trail easements.

###

Contact Email

cjohnson@ebparks.org

General Manager Pat O’Brien Proclaims July is Parks and Recreation Month

mnolan — Wed, 7 Jul 2010 13:37:56 -0700

Contact name

Shelly Lewis

News

General Manager Pat O’Brien Proclaims July is Parks and Recreation Month

Oakland, CA – On July 6, 2010, the Park District Board of Directors proclaimed Parks Make Life Better! and July 2010 as Parks and Recreation Month. The board voted unanimously to take part in this combined State and national program at the recommendation of the Park District’s General Manager, Pat O’Brien.

Every year since 1985, Americans have celebrated National Park and Recreation Month during the month of July to recognize the importance of Parks & Recreation in establishing and maintaining the quality of life for and contributing to the physical, economic, and environmental well-being of communities. In addition, the goal of the Parks Make Life Better!SM branding campaign is to raise awareness of the benefits of parks and recreation throughout California and to raise the status of parks and recreation as an essential community service.

According to Pat O’Brien using the outdoors as part of a healthy lifestyle is a message the Park District wants to spread. “The East Bay Regional Park District provides very significant park and trail facilities throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties and literally thousands of aquatics, interpretive, and outdoor recreation programs for the benefit and enjoyment of children, adults, and seniors,” says O’Brien. “It is appropriate that the Park District participate in the National Recreation and Park Association’s and the California Park and Recreation Society’s “Parks Make Life Better!” and “July is Parks and Recreation Month” programs.

The East Bay Regional Park District offers regional parks, trails, beaches, swim areas, campgrounds, picnic sites, and interpretive and recreation programs. Explore our website www.ebparks.org for more information.

> National Recreation and Park Association

> California Park and Recreation Society

Contact Email

slewis@ebparks.org

Living Landscape

mnolan — Wed, 9 Jun 2010 22:53:48 -0700

Contact name

Shelly Lewis

News

Living Landscape:
The extraordinary rise of the East Bay Regional Park District and how it preserved 100,000 acres

The new book Living Landscape chronicles the extraordinary rise of the East Bay Regional Park District. Author and historian Laura McCreery traces the East Bay Regional Park District’s 75-year history, from its beginnings in the depths of the Great Depression when voters approved a tax hike to acquire “surplus” watershed lands to its establishment as the first regional park special district in the U.S. The agency’s unwavering focus and sophisticated methods have allowed it to preserve 100,000 acres of public parklands in 65 parks throughout San Francisco Bay Area’s East Bay as it has become the largest regional park agency in the United States.

The book explores the politically charged annexation of new territory in 1964, board members whose controversial tactics nearly brought the agency to its knees, the clashes of “pure” open-space advocates with those favoring increased public access to parks, and many more pivotal moments. Set against the coming of age of the environmental movement, the book reveals how these extraordinary events unfolded, through the eyes and words of people behind the scenes. Living Landscape informs and surprises readers interested in the environment, California history, politics, law, or simply a good story.

Narrated in captivating text with visually stunning full-color and black-and-white photographs, Living Landscape tells the story of the first Park District of its kind, the campaign for ecoconservation and livability, and describes the people, places, and innovation that have made the East Bay Regional Park District such a model for park agencies in the U.S. and around the world.

This book is available at a discount price at all of our visitor centers (http://www.ebparks.org/parks/vc ) with the exception of Del Valle, Garin, and Regional Parks Botanic Garden.
More Information http://www.livinglandscape.net/

About the Author, Laura McCreery

The extraordinary rise of the East Bay Regional Park District and how it
preserved 100,000 acres
Laura McCreery is a writer and interviewer specializing in California politics and government. Her news, feature,
travel, and opinion articles have appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle, the East Bay Monthly, and the in-flight
magazine Reno Air Approach, where she was a contributing writer, as well as in such journals as California Legal
History, Oregon Historical Quarterly, and California Historian. Her articles and oral histories are represented in
many library collections, including the New York Public Library, the California State Library, UC Berkeley, UCLA,
and the University of Washington.
A longtime oral history researcher, she currently directs the California Supreme Court Oral History Project at UC
Berkeley’s Institute of Governmental Studies. She has also, since 1996, served as oral history project director,
interviewer, and consultant for such clients as the Berkeley Historical Society, the Contra Costa County Historical
Society, the East Bay Regional Park District, the Novato History Museum, Prytanean Alumnae, Inc., Reed College,
and the Society of California Archivists.
In her spare time, McCreery often runs, hikes, cycles, and swims in the East Bay Regional Parks. The
author’s website can be found at: www.livinglandscape.net

Laura McCreery
For author interviews please contact:
Monica Storss
Publicity Director, Wilderness Press
510-558-1666 x103
publicity@wildernesspress.com
Author of Living Landscape

Contact Email

slewis@ebparks.org

Concerts at the Cove Opens 12th Season With Free Outdoor Opera Performance

mnolan — Mon, 10 May 2010 10:42:43 -0700

Contact name

Allan Mann

News

Concerts at the Cove Opens 12th Season With Free Outdoor Opera Performance

Concerts at the Cove begins its 12th season with a free outdoor performance by Open Opera, a professional company dedicated to bringing opera to the public. The concert will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 14 at Crab Cove, 1252 McKay Ave. in West Alameda.

The concerts are presented by the West Alameda Business Association (WABA) and the East Bay Regional Park District on the second Friday of May, June, July and August. This is the second year that the series has been extended from three performances to four and kicked off with classical music.

The addition of opera to the series adds a new dimension to the concerts, which have primarily featured jazz, rock and salsa music, says WABA’s Executive Director Kathy Moehring. “We’ve seen how popular outdoor opera concerts have been in other areas and wanted to bring the same excitement to Alameda,” she said.

Founded in 2008, Open Opera’s mission is to provide opera free to the public as well as showcase talented Bay Area singers. The cast includes both students and professionals. In its first two seasons, Open Opera produced free concerts in Alameda, Berkeley and Orinda.

The second concert in the series on June 11 features “Foreverland,” a 14-piece San Francisco-based Michael Jackson tribute band. The July 9 concert is devoted to the Cuban, timba, salsa stylings of Cuban-born singer-songwriter Fito Reinoso and his orchestra, and the final concert of the season on August 13 will be “Casino Royale” playing songs from the 60s, 70s and 80s.

Concerts at the Cove have become an Alameda summer tradition, with people spreading blankets on the lawn to picnic and listen to the music and dance when the spirit moves them. Premium Drake’s beer, Rock Wall wine and food from West Alameda businesses will be on sale throughout the event. No outside alcohol is allowed in the park.

The Crab Cove Visitor Center, which is adjacent to the concert area, will be open until 8:00 p.m. each night during the concerts offering organized activities for families and children. Free parking is available at Crown Memorial Beach and parking lots at Santa Clara at Webster and Taylor at Webster. Free valet bicycle parking will be available from Bike Alameda at the concert site. For more information, visit www.westalamedabusiness.com.

Contact:
Allan Mann
West Alameda Business Association
allanmann68@gmail.com

Contact Email

allanmann68@gmail.com

San Leandro Slough Bridge Named in Recognition of Treasurer Lockyer’s Bay Trail Vision

mnolan — Thu, 6 May 2010 08:31:02 -0700

Contact name

Tess Lengyel

News

San Leandro Slough Bridge Named in Recognition of Treasurer Lockyer’s Bay Trail Vision

Alameda County – California. On Friday, May 7, 2010 at 11:30 a.m., the City of San
Leandro will hold a grand opening ceremony for the Bay Trail Slough Bridge at the Oyster
Bay Regional Park. The bridge was named the “Bill Lockyer Bay Trail Bridge,” in honor of
Treasurer Lockyer’s vision and perseverance in bringing the Bay Trail to the greater San
Francisco Bay Area. This dedication will also commemorate completion of the 300th mile of
the San Francisco Bay Trail, which is administered by the Association of Bay Area
Governments (ABAG).

“I’m humbled to have the Bay Trail Slough Bridge named in my honor,” said Lockyer. “For
more than 20 years the Bay Trail has served as a model of successful local government
collaboration. It’s been wonderful to watch the trail expand over the years and to see us
move closer to our goal of circling the Bay.”
With the opening of the 300-foot pedestrian/bicycle bridge, a major gap in the trail will be
closed, enabling non-motorized, active transportation options from the Martin Luther King
Jr. Regional Shoreline in Oakland, to the San Mateo-Hayward Bridge. The $3,600,000 bridge
project was a cooperative effort between the City and multiple agencies, including a $1
million Bicycle/Pedestrian Grant from the Alameda County Transportation Improvement
Authority (ACTIA), which administers the County’s half-cent transportation sales tax
measure.

“The City is tremendously proud to have been the lead agency on this project, primarily
because it gave us the opportunity to help complete the 300th mile of the San Francisco Bay
Trail and it brought even more bicycling and walking opportunities for our community to
enjoy the beauty of the San Francisco Bay. However, we are equally proud of having
participated in such a broad collaborative effort along with all of the agencies involved on
this project. In these challenging times, there is much that can still be accomplished when
we work together,” comments San Leandro’s Mayor Anthony Santos.

The event will be held on the northern trail of Oyster Bay Regional Park. The trail can be
accessed via an open gate at the service entrance, on the west end of Davis Street,
between the Davis Street Transfer Station and the San Leandro Rifle Range. Signs will be
posted and staff will be available to direct attendees once they arrive at the end of Davis
Street. There will be ample parking near the trail on the East Bay Regional Park District
property, however, carpooling is encouraged. Those who plan to attend the grand opening
are advised to R.S.V.P. with Community Relations Representative, Kathy Ornelas, at
510.577.3358 or kornelas@ci.san-leandro.ca.us, by Monday, May 3, 2010.

ACTIA administers Measure B, the half-cent transportation sales tax in Alameda County,
which was approved by 81.5% of the voters in November 2000. ACTIA delivers
transportation improvements and services to keep Alameda County moving, including mass
transit projects and programs, transit villages, bicycle and pedestrian corridors and key
highway projects to eliminate bottlenecks and improve local connectivity. For more
information, visit the ACTIA website at www.actia2022.com.

Contact: Tess Lengyel
Programs & Public Affairs Manager
T: 510-267-6111
E: tlengyel@actia2022.com

Kathy Ornelas
Community Relations Representative
City of San Leandro
T: 510-577-3358
E: kornelas@ci.san-leandro.ca.us

# # #

Contact Email

tlengyel@actia2022.com

May 15, 2010 is “Opening Day” for the Visitor Center at Del Valle Regional Park

mnolan — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 02:50:58 -0700

Contact name

Nancy Kaiser

News

May 15, 2010 is “Opening Day” for the Visitor Center at Del Valle Regional Park

May 15, 2010 is “Opening Day” for the Rocky Ridge Visitor Center located on the lake’s west side. Campers and park visitors are encouraged to wander in and talk with naturalists and student aides about the park, the lake and exciting programs happening all summer long. Campfires begin May 15th also! Join the naturalists at the amphitheater for an evening of campfire fun including songs, stories and games. Roast marshmallows and meet your fellow campers.

Park visitors can also enjoy a scenic boat tour with naturalist staff. Join us on the lake beginning Saturday, May 29, 2010. Purchase tickets at the east-side concession counter.

Contact Email

nkaiser@ebparks.org

Earth Day Celebration Benefits the Regional Parks Foundation | Convert Clothing, Berkeley, CA

mnolan — Wed, 7 Apr 2010 11:03:27 -0700

Contact name

Donna Berry

News

Earth Day Celebration Benefits the Regional Parks Foundation
Sponsored by Convert Clothing & Nudie Jeans, Berkeley, CA

Convert teams with Nudie Jeans for a “Nudie Loves Earth” - Earth Day Celebration

Convert, a new men’s and women’s clothing and accessories store dedicated to both style and sustainability, is celebrating Earth Day by partnering up with popular organic denim label Nudie Jeans for an in-store event on Saturday, April 24 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. There is no cost to attend.

Themed “Nudie Loves Earth,” the event will feature special giveaways from Nudie, organic nibbles paired with an organic wine tasting, and other surprises. A portion of the sale proceeds from the event will benefit the Regional Parks Foundation in the East Bay, dedicated to providing broader public access to and preservation of parks, trails and shoreline acreage throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties.

Convert is located on Berkeley’s upscale Fourth Street and is the first in the area to carry men’s apparel. It is also one of the first stores in the East Bay to carry both organic lines and Bay Area-based designers. Convert is a combination of proprietor Randy Brewer’s passion for style and the environment, and the name is a statement of his end-goal – convincing his favorite clothing labels to reduce their overall environmental impact.

Convert carries organic apparel lines from PI Organic, Stewart & Brown, Nau and Nudie Jeans as well as footwear from community conscious Toms Shoes and eco-friendly Native. Fans of “buy local” will want to peruse the whimsical organic tees from Headline Shirts, sustainable collections from Josh Podoll and men’s organic underwear from Pact – all four of which are based in the Bay Area. Convert also carries organic/socially responsible apparel from Obey, Hurley and Naked & Famous. The store offers a range of sustainable accessories: organic tights from Tightology, vintage fabric handbags from Kim White, water bottles from Lifefactory, watches from G-Shock and gift items from Fluffy Co.

“I opened Convert because I wanted a store where style and sustainability can beautifully co-exist,” said Brewer, a 23-year retail industry veteran. “People often feel that they need to choose one or the other, but I want to show them that they can have both. Earth Day is a perfect day to celebrate looking good and feeling good that your choices are friendly towards our planet.”

Getting There
Convert is located in the heart of Berkeley’s Fourth Street shopping district at 1809B Fourth Street. Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon-Sat and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sun.

Store Contact: (510) 649-9759; www.convertstyle.com

Media Contact:
Donna Berry, InkSpot PR
(415) 608-0355
donna@inkspotpr.com

Donwload > Convert / Regional Parks Foundation - Earth Day Celebration Flyer [Acrobat PDF]

Contact Email

donna@inkspotpr.com

East Bay Regional Park District Board to Vote on Future | Wildfire Hazard Reduction and Resource Management Plan

mnolan — Wed, 7 Apr 2010 10:04:45 -0700

Contact name

Shelly Lewis

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East Bay Regional Park District Board to Vote on Future
Wildfire Hazard Reduction and Resource Management Plan

Oakland, CA – On Tuesday, April 20, 2010, the East Bay Regional Park District will hold a public hearing at their board meeting to consider approval of a long-range wildfire fuels hazard and resource management plan. A vote will take place at the District’s Board Meeting to be held at the AC Transit Board room, 1600 Franklin Street in Oakland. Open Session starts at 6:00 pm. Public comments are welcome.

The draft Wildfire Hazard Reduction and Resource Management Plan was completed in 2009 after three years of planning between District staff and outside consultants with an extensive public review process and on-site field trips. The plan is unique within the Park District in that it is the first comprehensive plan which strategically aims for a system-wide approach covering 13 parks and 19,000 acres. The District previously had worked on a park-by-park basis regarding wildland fire prevention. For the first time, the District was able to use computer generated modeling of potential wildfires and their spread to see which areas would be most vulnerable and plan accordingly.

Along with protecting public safety in hills communities, the plan takes a strategic approach regarding ecological features within the park with a two-fold goal of maintaining each park’s scenic character while protecting natural resources. A major challenge for all agencies in the East Bay is the rapid growth of non-native vegetation such as eucalyptus which, in dense, unmanaged stands, is highly flammable. The plan generally recommends thinning of some eucalyptus, along with Monterey pine, which pose a hazard to residents or could contribute to rapid wildfire spread.

The Park District works in a coordinated effort with all local fire protection agencies and cities to provide neighborhood fire protection by educating homeowners about designing fire safe homes and landscaping. Neighboring fire chiefs have enthusiastically supported the Park District’s proposed plan.
Funding is provided largely by Measure CC, a voter approved parcel-tax measure, designated for park and environmental maintenance and wildfire protection, passed in 2004. The District will pursue other funding, such as grants from FEMA and the California Fire Safe Council, to augment the Measure CC funding. The study area for the plan included 19,000 acres of which 3,600 acres are designated as needing some type of vegetation management treatment or maintenance program. Over 133 treatment areas have been identified in the project plan area and will be completed on a project-by-project basis over a number of years as funding becomes available. Thirteen regional parks are slated for fuels treatment activities, including Anthony Chabot/Lake Chabot, Claremont Canyon, Huckleberry, Kennedy Grove, Leona Canyon, Miller Knox, Redwood, Point Pinole, Sibley, Sobrante Ridge, Temescal, Tilden, and Wildcat Canyon. The Wildfire Hazard Reduction and Resource Management Plan has gone through an extensive environmental impact review (EIR). More information: www.ebparks.org/stewardship/fireplan.

The Park District Board Meetings are generally held at 2pm at the District’s corporate office however twice a year meetings are held in the evenings at various locations, which is why this meeting is at AC Transit, downtown Oakland. Attendees are encouraged to use street parking as most downtown parking garages close early.

Contact Email

slewis@ebparks.org

Tartan Day Scottish Fair | April 10, 2010

mnolan — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 14:56:47 -0700

Contact name

Shelly Lewis

News

Tartan Day Scottish Fair

Ardenwood Historical Farm

Saturday, April 10, 10 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.

Celebrate Tartan Day and join in the pageantry as Scottish folk from all over the area gather their clans and celebrate their heritage. Enjoy bagpipe bands, highland dancing, traditional Scottish food, and historic re-enactments. There will also be Clan Society exhibits and a special Children's Glenn where they can partake in Highland games, arts & crafts, story telling and maybe they find fairies.

Presented by the East Bay Scottish Association and East Bay Regional Park District Interpretive Staff.

Fee: $8/adults. $6/seniors (62+), $5/children (4-17 yrs.), 3 yrs. & under free. Disabled accessible. This is a drop-in program; no registration is required. For information, call (510) 544-2797.

Ardenwood Historic Farm is located at 34600 Ardenwood Blvd. Fremont, California 94555

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Contact Email

slewis@ebparks.org

Alameda County Special Districts Association Celebrates 20th Anniversary

mnolan — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 11:02:33 -0700

Contact name

Shelly Lewis

News

Alameda County Special Districts Association Celebrates 20th Anniversary

The Alameda County Special Districts Association (ACSDA) will celebrate its successful 20 year history at an anniversary dinner on Thursday, March 25 at the Marriott Hotel in Pleasanton beginning at 7pm. Over 150 members, guests, and public officials are expected to attend. The guest speaker will be Bruce Kern, Executive Director, East Bay Economic Development Alliance, who will discuss the future of the East Bay economy. The dinner also includes greetings from Alice-Lai Bitker, President, Alameda County Board of Supervisors, Jennifer Hosterman, Mayor of Pleasanton, and Neil McCormick, Executive Director, California Special Districts Association. Doug Siden, ACSDA President and an elected member of the East Bay Regional Park District Board of Directors will be Master of Ceremonies.

Special Districts provide utilities, transit, water, sanitation, fire protection, healthcare, air quality management, and recreation and parks. On December 13, 1990, twelve representatives from Special Districts throughout Alameda County met at the administrative offices of the East Bay Regional Park District in Oakland. They voted to form the Alameda County Chapter of California Special Districts to act as a common voice for Special Districts throughout the County. Today, there are 22 member organizations involved in ACSDA. The Chapter won “Chapter of the Year” from the California Special Districts Association in 2009 based on membership and innovative ideas.
The two dominant issues facing ACSDA, and all California Special Districts, are potential shifting of property taxes by the State and the effect of regional government initiatives.

According to ACSDA President Doug Siden, “While ACSDA has had an impressive twenty years, there is still much to do. There are over 2,300 independent Special Districts in the state with over 10,000 elected board members representing millions of Californians. Many Districts were voted into existence by citizens who recognized a need for the services they provide. As State reform initiatives are discussed, Special Districts, including ACSDA, must have a significant role. There is no doubt the State budget process is in need of reform however, it would be a disservice to California not to ensure inclusion of Special Districts in any future plans.”

Date: March, 17, 2010

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Contact Email

slewis@ebparks.org

Law Enforcement Accreditation On-Site Assessment

mnolan — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 10:59:46 -0700

Contact name

Shelly Lewis

News

Law Enforcement Accreditation On-Site Assessment

On April 10, 2010, a team of assessors from the Commission on Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc., will begin examining all aspects of the East Bay Regional Park District Police Department‘s policies and procedures, management, operations, and support services. Verification by the team that the East Bay Regional Park District Police Department meets the Commission’s high standards is part of a voluntary process to gain accreditation -- a highly prized, international recognition of public safety professional excellence.

As part of the on-site assessment, department personnel and members of the community are invited to offer comments about the Department by calling (510) 690-6517 on Monday, April 12, 2010, between the hours of 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Employees and members of the community are also invited to share comments at a public information session on Monday, April 12, 2010, at 5:00 PM. This will be in the East Bay Regional Park District’s Trudeau Center at 11500 Skyline Blvd., Oakland, California.

Telephone comments as well as appearances at the public information session are limited to 10 minutes and must address the Department’s ability to comply with CALEA’s standards. A copy of the standards is available at the East Bay Regional Park District Police Department, 17930 Lake Chabot Rd., Castro Valley, California 94546. Residents may contact Accreditation Manager Lieutenant Wayne Morimoto at (510) 690-6501 or Accreditation Sergeant Lance Brede at (510) 690-6564 for more information.

Persons wishing to offer written comments may send them to the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement, Inc. (CALEA), 10302 Eaton Place, Suite 100, Fairfax, Virginia 22030-2201.

The CALEA assessment team is composed of law enforcement practitioners from similar, out-of-state agencies. The assessors are Chief of Police Michael Dickey from Fairfield, Ohio, Police Department and Lieutenant Thomas Wilkes from Aurora, Colorado, Police Department. Once the Commission’s assessors complete their review of the Department, they report back to the full Commission, which will then decide if the agency is granted accredited status.

Accreditation lasts three years, during which time the agency must submit annual reports attesting continued compliance with those standards under which they were initially accredited.

DATE: March 15, 2010

CONTACT PERSON(s):
Lieutenant Wayne Morimoto (510) 690-6501 Accreditation Manager
Sergeant Lance Brede (510) 690-6564 Accreditation Sergeant

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Contact Email

slewis@ebparks.org

East Bay Regional Park District Begins New Online Series Adventures with Wheelchair Hiker/Motivational Speaker, Bob Coomber

mnolan — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 10:56:22 -0700

Contact name

Shelly Lewis

News

East Bay Regional Park District Begins New Online Series Adventures with Wheelchair Hiker/Motivational Speaker, Bob Coomber

Oakland, CA – The East Bay Regional Park District has partnered with wheelchair hiker and motivational speaker Bob Coomber, aka 4WheelBob, to provide an online hiking series geared toward accessible hiking trails, titled “Adventures with 4WheelBob.” Coomber will profile flat or slightly graded trails in the East Bay Regional Park District that can accommodate wheelchairs, mobility devices, parents with strollers, young children on bikes, or anyone looking for a pleasant place to enjoy nature and the outdoors. As an added bonus, Coomber will also highlight a “challenge” hike of greater length and ability. Adventures with 4WheelBob can be found on the East Bay Regional Park District’s website under a Feature (photo) box on the right side of the webpage or by typing www.ebparks.org/bobcoomber. Additional hikes will be updated monthly on the website.

Coomber is well-known in the East Bay as an active hiker, writer, and speaker. He became disabled after a long struggle with diabetes caused severe and irreversible osteoporosis. A lifelong hiker, Bob soon began experimenting with easy outdoors excursions and has become a staple of local newspaper and television shows – that guy in a wheelchair who won’t believe in limits. He’s also been featured in national news on the CBS “Early Show”, ABC’s “World News with Charles Gibson” and the Hallmark Channel.

On August 24, 2007 Coomber became the first person in a wheelchair to summit California’s third highest peak, 14,246’ White Mountain. He is also the first in a wheelchair to summit two local favorites, Mt. Diablo and its companion, North Peak, as well as Mission Peak in Fremont.

He has been very involved with the East Bay Regional Park District serving as a volunteer ambassador and as an appointed member of the Park Advisory Committee. “A day in our Regional Parks provides a chance to get close to nature, encourage exercise and enable all who venture onto a trail to take in a thousand wonders. I hope to see a lot of people take advantage of the amazing trails and sights and sounds of each of our Regional Parks,” says Coomber.
Coomber was inducted into the California Outdoors Hall of Fame in January, 2007. He was one of only 27 Americans to receive the President’s Council on Physical Fitness Community Leadership Award in 2008. In October of 2010, Bob plans to summit Africa’s highest peak, Kilimanjaro, and be the first unassisted wheelchair to make the journey. The trip will also serve to distribute 200 wheelchairs in Arusha, Tanzania, in partnership with The Wheelchair Foundation of Danville.

Date: March 15, 2010

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Contact Email

slewis@ebparks.org

Spring Wildflower Festival | Saturday, March 27, 2010

mnolan — Mon, 8 Mar 2010 13:14:57 -0800

Contact name

Sunol Visitors Center

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Spring Wildflower Festival
Saturday, March 27 at Sunol Regional Wilderness

Sunol Regional Wilderness will be holding its seventh annual Spring Wildflower Festival on Saturday March 27 from 11am – 4 pm. The festival will take place near the Old Green Barn Visitor Center at Sunol Regional Wilderness at the end of Geary Road off of Calaveras. Anyone with an interest in wildflowers or nature is encouraged to attend – there is something for all ages. Interpretive staff will provide easy ways to identify wildflowers and where to discover the best places and times to see different varieties.

Nature slideshows, exhibits, and hikes of various lengths and subjects will be offered throughout the day. Hikes range from kid-friendly, to ethnobotany, to a longer flower hike to Little Yosemite waterfall. Activities also include arts and crafts, face painting, games and entertainment. There are no food concessions in the park so visitors should bring a lunch and enjoy a picnic in the great outdoors.

The event is free to the public, but the usual $5 parking fee will be charged.
Call (510) 544-3240 for more information.

TO REACH THE PARK
From the Fremont area, drive north on I-680 and exit at Calaveras Road. Turn right on Calaveras and proceed four miles. Turn left on Geary Road, which leads two miles directly into the park.

From the Oakland / Berkeley area, drive east on I-580 to the junction with I-680 in Pleasanton. At the junction, go south on I-680 and exit at Calaveras Road/Highway 84 south of the town of Pleasanton. Turn left onto Calaveras Road and proceed four miles to Geary Road on the left, which leads two miles directly into the park.

Contact Email

sunolvisit@ebparks.org

News

Pack Mules Help Park District Fire Department with Fuels Reduction Project

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East Bay Regional Park District Reception and Book Signing

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East Bay Regional Park District Reception and Book Signing

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East Bay Regional Park District Dedicates Accessible Group Camp

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East Bay Regional Park District Dedicates Accessible Group Camp

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EBRPD General Manager Announces Retirement

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EBRPD General Manager Announces Retirement

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District Police Department Receives National Recognition With CALEA Accreditation

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EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT POLICE DEPARTMENT RECEIVES NATIONAL RECOGNITION WITH CALEA ACCREDITATION

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Park District To Purchase 460-Acre Property Between Pittsburg And Clayton

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Park District To Purchase 460-Acre Property Between Pittsburg And Clayton

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Cajun Zydeco Festival returns to Ardenwood August 21, 2010

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Cajun/Zydeco Festival 14th Annual Festival to be held at Ardenwood Historic Farm August 21

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Park District to Open New Regional Park July 22, 2010

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General Manager Pat O’Brien Proclaims July is Parks and Recreation Month

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Living Landscape

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Concerts at the Cove Opens 12th Season With Free Outdoor Opera Performance

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Concerts at the Cove Opens 12th Season With Free Outdoor Opera Performance

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San Leandro Slough Bridge Named in Recognition of Treasurer Lockyer’s Bay Trail Vision

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San Leandro Slough Bridge Named in Recognition of Treasurer Lockyer’s Bay Trail Vision

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May 15, 2010 is “Opening Day” for the Visitor Center at Del Valle Regional Park

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May 15, 2010 is “Opening Day” for the Visitor Center at Del Valle Regional Park

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Earth Day Celebration Benefits the Regional Parks Foundation | Convert Clothing, Berkeley, CA

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Earth Day Celebration Benefits the Regional Parks Foundation Sponsored by Convert Clothing & Nudie Jeans, Berkeley, CA

Convert teams with Nudie Jeans for a “Nudie Loves Earth” - Earth Day Celebration

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East Bay Regional Park District Board to Vote on Future | Wildfire Hazard Reduction and Resource Management Plan

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East Bay Regional Park District Board to Vote on Future Wildfire Hazard Reduction and Resource Management Plan

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Tartan Day Scottish Fair | April 10, 2010

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Tartan Day Scottish Fair

Ardenwood Historical Farm

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Alameda County Special Districts Association Celebrates 20th Anniversary

EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT POLICE DEPARTMENT RECEIVES
NATIONAL RECOGNITION WITH CALEA ACCREDITATION

Cajun/Zydeco Festival
14th Annual Festival to be held
at Ardenwood Historic Farm August 21

Earth Day Celebration Benefits the Regional Parks Foundation
Sponsored by Convert Clothing & Nudie Jeans, Berkeley, CA

East Bay Regional Park District Board to Vote on Future
Wildfire Hazard Reduction and Resource Management Plan

Spring Wildflower Festival
Saturday, March 27 at Sunol Regional Wilderness