News

Lake Del Valle East Swim Beach to Open for Memorial Day Holiday

mnolan — Wed, 23 May 2012 14:34:56 -0700

Contact name

Emily Hopkins

News

Lake Del Valle East Swim Beach to Open for Memorial Day Holiday

The East Bay Regional Park District will have guarded swimming in the East Beach area of Del Valle Regional Park for the holiday weekend, although the defined swim area will be much smaller than normal due to very low water levels. Visitors also can swim in the West Beach area but it will be at their own risk because lifeguards will not be on duty. As always, swimming is allowed year-round without lifeguard service north of the boat ramp.

“Despite the current low water levels, people can still enjoy swimming and many other recreational activities this weekend at Del Valle Regional Park,” said EBRPD Assistant General Manager Jim O’Connor. “We are continuing to work with the California Department of Water Resources to restore the lake to normal operational levels for summer recreation.”

According to California Department of Water Resources Public Affairs Director Nancy Vogel, a number of factors have resulted in unseasonably low water levels at Del Valle Reservoir as we approach the Memorial Day weekend. These include lower than normal springtime water levels resulting from the dry winter and spring; increased demand for water deliveries from South Bay water contractors; pumping restrictions in the Delta for the benefit of fish and wildlife species; and limited amounts of available water to be delivered to Del Valle Reservoir.

“In the time remaining before the Memorial Day weekend, Department of Water Resources operations staff is pumping the maximum available water to Del Valle, and water will continue to rise over the holiday weekend and the subsequent week with continued inflow. We regret the impacts to the reservoir’s beaches,” said Vogel.

No refunds will be given on reservations for camping or picnics due to low water levels at Lake Del Valle.

More information about Park District swimming and other activities.

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Contact Email

ehopkins@ebparks.org

Ship Owner and Operator to Pay $1.4 million in Damages for Dubai Star Oil Spill

mnolan — Thu, 10 May 2012 09:05:40 -0700

Contact name

Emily Hopkins

News

May 9, 2012

Ship Owner and Operator to Pay $1.4 million in Damages for Dubai Star Oil Spill

The owners and operators of the Dubai Star vessel that spilled over 400 gallons of oil into San Francisco Bay Oct. 30, 2009 agreed to pay natural resource damages and response costs totaling more than $1.4 million.

The settlement includes $850,000 to oversee and implement restoration projects to benefit birds and shoreline habitats at or in the vicinity of Elsie Roemer Bird Sanctuary as well as projects benefiting public recreation at Crown Beach or nearby area. A portion of the funds will be also used for rocky intertidal habitat restoration along the Alameda County shoreline.

EBRPD will implement the wildlife and habitat restoration projects as well as the public recreation projects with oversight and input from the California Department of Fish and Game's (DFG) Office of Spill Prevention and Response (OSPR). The DFG will administer the rocky intertidal projects. EBRPD and DFG will also be reimbursed for their response costs and natural resource damage assessment costs incurred following the spill.

The Natural Resource Trustees for the resources injured by the spill included DFG; the U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS); and the Department of Commerce's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Although not parties to the settlement, the USFWS and NOAA participated in the natural resource damage assessment and restoration planning activities and support the natural resource damages settlement. The EBRPD participated in the natural resource damage assessment as a technical advisor to the Trustees.

"We are very pleased with this settlement, especially the fact that restoration funds will come directly to the Park District." said Doug Siden, EBRPD director. "We will put the funds to good use on projects that are mutually agreed upon by the Park District and the California Department of Fish and Game."

"We achieved this settlement through the tremendous cooperation among the federal and state Natural Resource Trustees and East Bay Regional Parks," said Scott Schaefer, OSPR Administrator. "This settlement will provide multiple benefits to the local community, including funding for local projects to restore bird and wildlife habitats impacted by the spill and to benefit public recreation at Crown Memorial State Beach, one of the most popular beaches in Alameda County."

"The San Francisco Bay is a vital estuary rich in natural resources," said Susan Moore, Field Supervisor for the Sacramento Fish and Wildlife. "This settlement demonstrates how the Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration process can bring multiple parties together to ensure the ongoing health of these resources following an incident that impacts birds, wildlife habitat, and human use opportunities."

The oil tanker Dubai Star lost over 400 gallons of Intermediate Fuel Oil during a refueling accident in 2009 while anchored in the San Francisco County. After remaining offshore temporarily, the oil moved east and stranded along the shorelines of Alameda County and Bay Farms Islands. The heaviest occurred at Robert W. Crown Memorial State Beach. The oil contaminated more than 200 acres of rocky intertidal, sandy beach, saltmarsh/tidal flats, and eelgrass habitat. An estimated 186 birds died during the event including grebes, brown pelicans, coots and other shorebirds. The spill also resulted in recreational use losses due to beach closures lasting 25 days, posted warnings at Crown Beach and Crab Cove, closure of shore-based recreational fishing in parts of Alameda and Bay Farm Islands for 27 days, and impacts to marina boating.

In conjunction with the natural resource damages settlement, the District Attorneys for Alameda and San Francisco counties filed a Stipulated Judgment requiring the Owner and Operator of the Dubai Star to pay an additional $550,000 in penalties and civil liability and to stipulate to a permanent injunction (in addition to paying damages and penalties the responsible party agreed to a number of requirements to prevent a similar spill from happening in the future).

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05.10.12

Contact Email

ehopkins@ebparks.org

Wildfire Prevention Project in Sibley Triangle

mnolan — Wed, 2 May 2012 16:05:15 -0700

Contact name

Emily Hopkins

News

Wildfire Prevention Project in Sibley Triangle

The East Bay Regional Park District and the Oakland Fire Department are planning to carry out a eucalyptus-thinning project this fall in the “Sibley Triangle,” a steeply sloped 45-acre area of the Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve in the Oakland-Berkeley hills. The purpose is wildfire hazard reduction and resource management.

A public meeting to describe the project and answer questions is scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday, May 17 at the Trudeau Training Center, 11500 Skyline Boulevard, Oakland. For more information on the project, visit www.ebparks.org/bids or call 510-690-6612.

The acreage affected is on the slopes south of Skyline Boulevard and west of Thorndale Road. There are no trails in the triangle. Besides removing smaller trees on 13 acres of the site, the plan is to reduce brush and remove French broom adjacent to the road. The larger eucalyptus trees will remain. The resulting forest will be less dense and contain less fuel, and consequently will be less prone to high intensity fires.

The local Wildfire Prevention Assessment District Advisory Committee, in partnership with the two agencies, prioritized this high fire danger area for treatment to reduce the potential of wildfires that can cause damage, destruction, and loss of life, as occurred in the nearby Oakland Hills 1991 Firestorm.

Work is to begin in fall 2012 and end about 12 weeks later, depending on weather conditions and contractor availability. To minimize disruption for neighbors and reduce inconvenience, contractor operations will generally be weekdays during daylight hours.

“This project enhances the effectiveness of defensible space work on neighboring private properties while protecting the natural & aesthetic values of the park lands,” said East Bay Regional Park District Fire Chief Ken Blonski. “Follow-up maintenance will be performed as needed to ensure the fire protection benefits remain effective over the long run.

The project is funded primarily by Measure CC funds, approved by voters in 2004.

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05.02.12

Contact Email

ehopkins@ebparks.org

Greathouse Visitor Center Re-Opens at Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve on Saturday May 12, 2012

mnolan — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 18:02:15 -0700

Contact name

Emily Hopkins

News

Greathouse Visitor Center Re-Opens at Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve on Saturday May 12, 2012

The official re-opening and dedication of the Greathouse Visitor Center at Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve is on Saturday, May 12 at 11 a.m. East Bay Regional Park District Board of Directors, elected officials, and descendants of coal and sand mining families will be at the celebration.

“After five years, I am very pleased that we are finally able to reopen this unique visitor center,” said East Bay Regional Park District Director Ted Radke.

From noon to 4:30 p.m., there will be an open house for the Visitor Center and adjacent Hazel-Atlas Mine. District Naturalists will lead nature walks and visit the historic Rose Hill Cemetery and Eureka Slope (coal mine entrance) as well. The new book, Rose Hill – A Comprehensive History of a Pioneer Cemetery, will be for sale, with author Traci Parent available to sign books.

Due to storm damage to the Greathouse portal in 2007, the Visitor Center entrance became inaccessible and has been closed for five years. Repairing the portal required extensive engineering work which met strict mine safety regulations. Today the portal is finished and offers an impressive entrance to its famous Visitor Center. The center, an underground sand mine which was excavated in the 1920s, now features new exhibits which interpret the sand and coal mining history of the area.

To reach the visitor center, take Somersville Road from Highway 4 in Antioch to the Preserve.
When visiting the mines, visitors should dress appropriately for a visit underground where the temperature is a cool 56-58 degrees. Children must be at least seven years of age to enter the Hazel Atlas Mine, but all ages are welcome at the Greathouse Visitor Center.

# # #

04.30.12

Contact Email

ehopkins@ebparks.org

Art Exhibit Celebrates Conservation Success Stories

mnolan — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 15:27:27 -0700

Contact name

Isa Polt-Jones

News

Art Exhibit Celebrates Conservation Success Stories

An art exhibit celebrating the successes of conservation in the region, state and nationally opens May 2 through August 31, 2012 at the Environmental Education Center in Tilden Regional Park. The show will feature works by 60 artists portraying plants and animals no longer listed as endangered species due to conservation efforts. The exhibit calls attention to the successful strategies of land managers, volunteers and rangers throughout the state and local parks.

Independent curator and amateur watercolorist Robbie Brandwynn of Oakland organized the exhibit, with an advisory committee of local artists and educators. Ms. Brandwynn was inspired in 2009 by the news that the brown pelican had been removed from the federal threatened and endangered species list. She spent a year researching lists of “de-listed” species at the local, state and federal levels and then began recruiting professional and amateur artists to depict the flora and fauna.

The exhibit will include both two-dimensional and three-dimensional works, including pastels, watercolors and oil paintings, as well as carved sculptures and mixed-media creations. Some of the featured species include the brown pelican, the tiger salamander, the salt marsh harvest mouse, and tule elk.

The exhibit sponsors include the East Bay Regional Park District and the Merritt College Environmental Management and Technology Department.

Celebration: Conservation Successes
Where: Environmental Education Center, Tilden Nature Area
North End of Central Park Drive, Tilden Regional Park, Berkeley 94708
Dates: May 2 through August 31, 2012
Hours: Tuesday through Sunday, and Memorial Day (May 28) 10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Cost: None
Reception: Sunday, May 20, 3 – 4:30 pm
Public Information: 1 888 EBPARKS or www.ebparks.org

Participating Artists

Aimee Baldwin, Kathy Barnhart, Mike Bogart, Robbie Brandwynne, A. Gaul Culley, Evans Morgan, Pamela Fox, Robin Freeman, Kenneth Goltz, Howdy Goudey, Barbara Haber, Sunny Hill, Hung Chyu Hsieh, Angela Hunkler, Ryan Idryo, Jennie Marie Jacobs, Jocelyn Jones, Suzanne Lacke, Martina Ladova, Carol Leimbach, Meg Levine, Anne Lindsey, Bonnie Mager, Jain Martin, Denise Oyama Miller, Robin Mitchell, Dorcas Moulton, Dawline Oni-Eseleh, Nancy Overton, Anne Patterson, Jenny Robertson, Laurie Rothman, Lynn Seriguchi, Karen Sergi, Barbara Skelly, Rita Sklar, Tammy Stellanova, Barbara Stikker, Linda Sutton, Marie-Therese Switkes, Andree Thompson, Lena Toney, Ruby Trauner, Gina Truex, Sherry Wacker, Anne Webster, Judith Wehlau, Kathleen Welter,James Wilson,Rosalie Winard, and Catherine Woolf.

04.23.12

Contact Email

ipjones@ebparks.org

EBRPD Announces Newly Promoted Fire Captain Aileen Theile

mnolan — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 16:12:01 -0700

Contact name

Isa Polt-Jones

News

EBRPD Announces Newly Promoted Fire Captain Aileen Theile

Livermore residentwas promoted this month to the rank of captain in the East Bay Regional Park District's Fire Department. Theile served as park ranger at the District for a decade beginning in 1994, then for eight years as a Resource Analyst in the District's Stewardship department.

Theile has been an industrial (on-call) firefighter with the Park District since 1994 and was promoted to lieutenant in 2007. In 2011, Theile was recognized for outstanding EMT services by the Alameda County EMS Agency.

Theile holds a BA in Environmental Sciences from CSU East Bay. Prior to joining the Park District, Theile was a ranger/naturalist with the Livermore Area Recreation and Park District, a naturalist with the Hayward Area Recreation District, and served two seasons as an emergency on-call firefighter with the US Forest Service.

The East Bay Regional Park District operates 65 parks comprising nearly 112,000 acres in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. The District's Public Safety Division includes both fire and police departments. As one of five fire captains in the District, Theile will supervise fire suppression/prevention, hazardous fuel reduction treatments, emergency medical response calls, and training activities; oversee the operation of the fire stations and maintenance of fire equipment; and assist in the administration of the fire department.

04.20.12

Contact Email

ipjones@ebparks.org

Park District Promotes Two Police Lieutenants

mnolan — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 09:17:08 -0700

Contact name

Emily Hopkins

News

Park District Promotes Two Police Lieutenants

Lance Brede, a resident of Castro Valley, recently was promoted to Police Lieutenant for the East Bay Regional Park District, where he directs the police department's administrative services. He attended Hayward High School and Ohlone College in Fremont and Cal State Hayward. Brede joined EBRPD in 1993 as a Public Safety Student Aide.

Gretchen Rose, a resident of Castro Valley, recently was promoted to Police Lieutenant for the East Bay Regional Park District, where she is a watch commander in the police field operations division. Rose joined EBRPD in 1996 as a Police Officer. She attended Los Gatos High School and earned a B.S. in Criminal Justice from San Jose State.

The East Bay Regional Park District Police Department has 64 sworn police officers and includes an Air Support Unit, Special Response Unit, Marine Patrol, Equestrian Patrols, K-9 Unit, Special Enforcement Unit, Investigations Unit, and a 24-hour 9-1-1 Communications Center.

04.16.12

Contact Email

ehopkins@ebparks.org

Park District Announces New Chief of Park Operations Anne Scheer

mnolan — Tue, 3 Apr 2012 17:58:11 -0700

Contact name

Isa Polt-Jones

News

Park District Announces New Chief of Park Operations Anne Scheer

(April 3, 2012) Anne Scheer is the new Chief of Park Operations for the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) in Oakland, California; an agency that provides a diverse system of regional parklands, trails, and parkland-related services. Ms. Scheer’s department has a workforce of approximately 400 permanent and seasonal employees, stationed at 39 work locations, who manage over 111,610 acres of parklands and 1,100 miles of public trails.

The Operations Department manages public use of parks and facilities, collects park user fees at numerous sites, controls opening and closure of all facilities, performs routine maintenance of grounds and buildings, and provides emergency response staff to support police and fire emergencies. The operations staff perform natural resources management activities such as vegetation management and soil conservation to manage, maintain and restore the parklands in order to retain their important scenic, natural, and cultural values. The annual budget for the department is $31,610,000.

Ms. Scheer has worked her way up at the Park District, starting as a lifeguard in 1974, working as a Park Ranger until 1983, then shifting to office work as an Administrative Analyst II for 11 years before her promotions to Trades Manager in 1994 and Chief of Maintenance and Skilled Trades in 2002. She was a member of the District’s fire department for 17 years, including 6 years as Lieutenant. She holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Conservation and Resource Studies from the University of California, Berkeley. She joined the Board of Directors of Civicorps Schools in 2007. She is proud to be an Oakland native and still resides in that city. Ms. Scheer replaces outgoing Chief of Park Operations Jeff Wilson, who is retiring after more than three decades of service at the agency.

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04.03.12

Contact Email

ipjones@ebparks.org

Danville Orchard One Step Closer to becoming an East Bay Regional Park

mnolan — Mon, 2 Apr 2012 17:08:15 -0700

Contact name

Emily Hopkins

News

Danville Orchard One Step Closer to becoming an East Bay Regional Park

The Contra Costa County Superior Court on March 16, 2012 invalidated an option agreement that would have allowed a private party to take title to about 16 acres known as the Borel walnut orchard, land intended for an agricultural park in Danville. The property is a key part of a significant bequest to the East Bay Regional Park District by longtime resident and grower Armand Borel who passed away in 2009. As a result of the ruling, the Park District is one big step closer to receiving this property in Danville, which will be preserved and maintained as an “agricultural park” for the enjoyment and education of the public.

The Park District intends to preserve and interpret the vintage structures and historic orchards in the context of an agricultural park that could be operated over the long term as a local historic resource. In order to assure necessary clean up, restoration and public access, a portion of the land is likely to be sold to fund these initial improvements and provide ongoing revenue for the park’s operation for decades to come, according to District Counsel Ted Radosevich. Some of the proceeds from any sale will be to cover other pre-existing obligations and expense arising from the estate.

East Bay Regional Park District Board Member Beverly Lane said, “I am so pleased the court made this decision which will ultimately allow the Armand Borel property to be transferred to the EBRPD. And I think Mr. Borel would be happy to see his ranch in the hands of an agency which will honor the wishes he expressed in his will, and preserve some of rapidly disappearing agricultural heritage in the San Ramon Valley.

“This historic agricultural park will probably focus on walnut growing and processing and offer school programs and a picnic area, when the park plans are complete. It is only a few blocks from the Iron Horse Regional Trail, so trail users might visit the park as well for a brief glimpse into our shared history.”

The East Bay Regional Park District has extensive experience in land management and interpretation of local historic resources, and is uniquely qualified to fulfill Mr. Borel’s wishes. The EBRPD is an award-winning public agency with over 75 years of history preserving and protecting local historic resources in the East Bay.

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04.02.12

Contact Email

ehopkins@ebparks.org

Local Agencies Celebrate Groundbreaking for Alamo Canal Trail Undercrossing - April 10, 2012

mnolan — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 09:11:26 -0700

Contact name

Emily Hopkins

News

Local Agencies Celebrate Groundbreaking for Alamo Canal Trail Undercrossing

East Bay Regional Park District’s First Green Transportation Initiative to Begin Construction in April

The East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) in collaboration with the Cities of Dublin and Pleasanton, Alameda County Transportation Commission , Zone 7 Water Agency, and Caltrans is closing one of the last gaps in the regional bicycle trail network between the communities of Pleasanton and Dublin.

WHEN
Tuesday, April 10, 11 a.m. to noon, rain or shine.

WHERE
100 Civic Plaza, Dublin, California. The groundbreaking will be held at the trail entrance at the northwest corner of the Dublin City Hall parking lot, behind the library.

WHO
U.S. Congressmen George Miller, Pete Stark, Jerry McNerney, and U.S. Congresswoman Barbara Lee join EBRPD Directors Beverly Lane and Ayn Wieskamp and other officials.

ABOUT THE PROJECT
This freeway undercrossing trail will provide a safe, non-motorized route that children and adults can use to travel between schools, homes, and major public destinations in Dublin and Pleasanton. The trail link will provide an important transportation route to travel to and from destinations including the Pleasanton BART station, AC Transit bus routes, minor and major shopping areas and malls, community parks, Alameda County Fairgrounds, major corporate business offices and employment centers, the civic centers, libraries, and popular downtown areas of Dublin and Pleasanton.

The project is expected to be completed and open for public use in autumn 2012.

PROJECT FUNDING
• TIGER II (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) federal discretionary grant program
• Federal Transportation Improvement Plan
• Alameda County’s Measure B
• East Bay Regional Park District’s Measure WW
• Cities of Dublin and Pleasanton

ABOUT TIGER II
The Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery, or TIGER Discretionary Grant program, provides a unique opportunity for the U.S. Department of Transportation to invest in road, rail, transit and port projects that promise to achieve critical national objectives. Congress dedicated $1.5 billion for TIGER I, $600 million for TIGER II, and $526.944 million for the FY 2011 round of TIGER Grants to fund projects that have a significant impact on the Nation, a region or a metropolitan area. TIGER's highly competitive process, galvanized by tremendous applicant interest, allowed DOT to fund 51 innovative capital projects in TIGER I, and an additional 42 capital projects in TIGER II. TIGER II also featured a new Planning Grant category and 33 planning projects were also funded through TIGER II. In the FY 2011 round of TIGER Grants, DOT awarded 46 capital projects in 33 states and Puerto Rico. Each project is multi-modal, multi-jurisdictional or otherwise challenging to fund through existing programs. The TIGER program enables DOT to use a rigorous process to select projects with exceptional benefits, explore ways to deliver projects faster and save on construction costs, and make investments in our Nation's infrastructure that make communities more livable and sustainable.
http://www.dot.gov/tiger/

ABOUT EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT
The East Bay Regional Park District spans Alameda and Contra Costa counties east of San Francisco with 112,000+ acres in 65 parks including over 1,200 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding and nature study. The Park District offers lakes, shorelines, campgrounds, visitor centers, interpretive and recreation programs, picnic areas, indoor/outdoor rental facilities, golf courses and much more.
http://www.ebparks.org/

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03.29.12

Contact Email

ehopkins@ebparks.org

Scoping Meeting April 12, 2012 for Albany Beach Restoration

mnolan — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 10:59:08 -0700

Contact name

Isa Polt-Jones

News

Park District Announces Scoping Meeting April 12, 2012 for Albany Beach Restoration and Public Access Project Environmental Impact Report Notice of Preparation

EIR Scoping Meeting
Albany Beach Restoration and Public Access Project
April 12, 2012, 7:00 pm

Location
East Bay Regional Park District Board Room
2950 Peralta Oaks Court, Oakland 94605
Individuals needing accommodations for disabled access should contact us at (510) 544-2627 at least one day before the event.

Proposed Project
Additional project information and a copy of the Notice of Preparation may be downloaded at the EBRPD website at http://www.ebparks.org/planning#albany

The project is located at the western terminus of Buchanan Street and shoreline edge south to Gilman Street, adjacent to Golden Gate Fields and Albany Beach, in Albany, California. The East Bay Regional Park District is preparing an Environmental Impact Report (EIR), pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), for the proposed Albany Beach Restoration
and Public Access Project in Albany, CA. The project will involve three segments: 1) Albany Neck shoreline and trail restoration, 2) Albany Beach enhancement and recreation improvements, and 3) construction of a segment of the San Francisco Bay Trail between Albany Beach and Gilman Street. Project components include shoreline stabilization/reconstruction, accessibility improvements, vegetation management, beach enhancement, seasonal wetlands enhancement, stormwater management, subtidal and intertidal habitat enhancement, parking and water trail access, restroom and site furnishings, and trails.

The EIR will discuss the following potential environmental impacts: aesthetics, air quality, biological resources, cultural resources, geology and soils, greenhouse gas emissions, hazards and hazardous materials, hydrology and water quality, land use, noise, public services, recreation, transportation/traffic, and utilities and service systems. The EIR will also discuss the project’s cumulative and growth inducing impacts, as well as alternatives to the project.

EIR Scoping Comments
The East Bay Regional Park District invites you to comment on the proposed scope of the EIR. Please send your written comments to:

Chris Barton
East Bay Regional Park District Land Division
2950 Peralta Oaks Court
Oakland, CA 94605

Or via email: cbarton@ebparks.org.

You may also contact Chris by telephone at (510) 544-2627 or provide comments at the EIR Scoping Meeting.

Written comments should be received by April 30, 2012. Comments should focus on identifying the range of actions, alternatives, mitigation measures, and significant effects to be analyzed in depth in the environmental impact report.

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03.28.12

Contact Email

ipjones@ebparks.org

Helicopter Operations Near Anthony Chabot Campground

mnolan — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 12:07:07 -0700

Contact name

Emily Hopkins

News

Helicopter Operations Near Anthony Chabot Campground

Helicopter operating near Anthony Chabot Campground this week is for a wildland fuels management project.
Tree-thinning started January 30, 2012 on 140 acres in East Bay Regional Park located east of Oakland and north of Castro Valley

The project is to reduce the intensity of wildland fires and to enhance the existing fuel break, access, and evacuation routes, and is part of the East Bay Regional Park District Wildfire Hazard Reduction and Resource Management Plan.

Contact: Emily Hopkins, Public Information Supervisor, 510-544-2217

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03.22.12

Contact Email

ehopkins@ebparks.org

Sunol Wildflower Festival – April 14, 2012

mnolan — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 12:08:10 -0700

Contact name

Isa Polt-Jones

News

Sunol Wildflower Festival
Saturday, April 14, 2012
11 am – 4 pm

Sunol Regional Wilderness will be holding its ninth annual Spring Wildflower Festival on Saturday April 14, 2012 from 11 am – 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 and abilities. Interpretive staff will provide fun and easy ways to identify wildflowers and 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, seniors, tots in strollers, butterflies, and ethnobotany, to longer flower hikes to Little Yosemite and its famed waterfalls. Activities also include arts and crafts, face painting, henna body art, slideshows and music. 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. Shuttle service is available once parking lots are full, but carpooling is encouraged. Call 1 (888) 327-2757 or visit www.ebparks.org 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.

Download > Sunol Wildflower Festival Event Flyer [PDF]

Schedule of Hikes

11:15am-2pm
Little Yosemite Flower Hike
Join us on a saunter to Little Yosemite as we explore the
spring wildflowers that dot the landscape. Marvel at the geologic wonder
that moved huge boulders and created the scenic waterfalls of Little
Yosemite. Bring a picnic lunch and water for the hilly but leisurely
trip. 3 miles.
Naturalist Dino Labiste

11:30am-1pm
Sketchike – Drawing On The Artist Within
We’ll stalk the elusive wildflower and capture a bloom without
picking. Learn to observe the intricate colors, patterns and parts of a
flower during this illustrative hike. All materials provided. Ages
7+.
Naturalist Cat Taylor

12-1pm
Flower Floozies
Bugs and flowers for small people and their adults.
NATURALIST KATIE COLBERT

12:30-2pm
Butterflies Aren’t Free!
Explore the crazy co-evolution of advertising, trickery and
bribery in the interaction between flowering plants and their
“pollinators”.
Naturalist Anthony Fisher

1-2pm
Wildflowers For A Lifetime: Senior Stroll
Stroll with senior friends or families at a leisurely pace on
flat and gradual inclines. We’ll stop often to smell spring’s bounty.
Less than 1/2 mile.
Interpretive Student Aide Nancy Ceridwyn

2pm-4:45pm
Little Yosemite: Blooms For Beginners
Along this moderately strenuous 3-mile hike, we’ll enjoy the
best that nature has to offer – from stunning hillsides of wildflowers
to the pools and waterfalls of Little Yosemite. Bring water, be
prepared for some uphill hiking. Children must be closely supervised.
Best for ages 7+. Note: We will be returning after the festival is over.
Naturalist Cat Taylor

2:15-3:15pm
Wildflowers On Wheels: Stroller Walk
Meander through the meadow sharing the beauty of spring with wee ones on wheels. 1 mile.
Interpretive Student Aide Terri Bostater

2:30-4pm
Flora And Serpentine
A two mile up- and down-hill hike to see how geology and flowers are all tangled up.
Naturalist Katie Colbert

2:45-3:45pm
Butterfly Search
Butterfly, O Butterfly, Won’t you flutter by my way?
Butterfly, O Butterfly, You brighten up my day!
All ages.
Naturalist Anthony Fisher

3-4pm
Ethnobotany Adventure!
The Ohlone Peoples and European settlers gathered wild plants for food,
medicine and tools. Learn to identify edible and useful plants and
discover the age-old relationship between plants and cultures.
Naturalist Dino Labiste

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03.19.12

Contact Email

ipjones@ebparks.org

East Bay Regional Park District Workers Love Jobs

mnolan — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 16:55:47 -0700

Contact name

Emily Hopkins

News

East Bay Regional Park District Workers Love Jobs

Chinese | Korean | Spanish

Loic Engulu, 21, is a college student at San Jose State University and works as a lifeguard at the East Bay Regional Park District. The district operates six open-water lakefront beaches, three chlorinated lagoons, two pools, and two bay shoreline beaches.

Loic started lifeguarding for the Park District when he turned 17 in 2007. Since then, he said, “I have returned every summer for the experience, the culture, and the variety of opportunities they offer.”

He explained that the training offered at EBRPD lasts 4 weekends and, upon successful completion, each lifeguard receives several Red Cross Certifications. The training, he said, is thorough and comprehensive, challenging him to greater heights. “The training tests our physical fitness and ability to make correct, educated split-second decisions in stressful situations. Over the course of my employment at East Bay, I have honed my ability to make critical decisions and learned how to be an effective leader.”

Loic gave thumbs up to his supervisors and fellow team members. “Our supervisors understand that people work best in diverse teams, and each team member brings something unique to the table. It really is a beautiful thing to walk day in and day out into a cohesive environment that is so supportive.”

Last year Loic was appointed to Assistant Head Lifeguard. “The sense of accomplishment that came with the title was one of the most exciting moments of my life,” he said. “It gave me a sense of confidence that has persisted even outside of work; I was part of something bigger than myself, and that felt really good.”

Quynh Truong was a student at SFSU when she found the listing for an internship with EBRPD in 2005. Truong’s major was business with an emphasis in human resources and her internship gave her a chance to jump right into HR work at the District.

“This was my first internship and it was an amazing experience,” Truong said. For the succession planning internship at EBRPD, she helped to rewrite a document on workforce diversity for the organization.

“I was an intern in the human resources division and I am now a human resources assistant.”

“It is such a great place to work,” she said. “I’m just so lucky that my first opportunity into the ‘real’ force has been such a positive experience.”

Racquel Martinez, a recreation major at Cal State University East Bay, found out about the East Bay Regional Park District internship through an email from the university’s Recreation Department.

Martinez worked at establishing community ties for the Tidewater Aquatic Center on the Oakland shoreline where the community has access to the shoreline for water activities such as boating and fishing.

Martinez was surprised that many people living in the area were not aware of EBRPD or the various recreational activities it offers. “Youth are not as involved in recreation and the great outdoors as they could be,” Martinez said, because “being involved in recreation might not be something that is promoted” in their communities.

“I enjoyed working for East Bay Parks very much. It was definitely a very positive experience,” Martinez said. “I was placed in a role that I had never been in prior, so it was definitely a learning experience.”

After completing her internship in December 2010, Martinez was offered a seasonal position to continue her work at the Tidewater Aquatic Center and within the community.

“I think it’s important for the community to learn about new recreation opportunities that are literally in their own backyard because there are some programs that are low or no cost [to participants],” Martinez said.

For more information about job opportunities and internships with East Bay Regional Park District, call 510-544-2154 or go to www.ebparks.org/jobs.

###

02.14.12

Contact Email

ehopkins@ebparks.org

East Bay Regional Park District Offers Seasonal Jobs, Training

mnolan — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 16:32:17 -0700

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Emily Hopkins

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East Bay Regional Park District Offers Seasonal Jobs, Training

Chinese | Korean | Spanish

The East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) offers a variety of seasonal full-time and part-time jobs including lifeguards and recreation leaders. These positions are ideal for students, seniors and those who enjoy working outdoors.

EBRPD has summer and seasonal jobs available such as being a lifeguard or camp counselor, and year-round, part-time interpretive student aide (ISA) jobs. ISAs work in the various visitor centers with a park naturalist and must be enrolled in college. The EBRPD lifeguard program will train the applicants who are accepted into the lifeguard program to get the proper certification.

“As a public agency, we feel a sense of obligation to our community for students to get valuable work experience,” Sonja Stanchina, a human resources officer at EBRPD, said. “And we are especially interested in hiring bilingual workers, to reflect the diversity of our park users.”

“If we can hire high school and college students, when they are ready to work full time, hopefully, they will think of us. We are investing in our future,” Stanchina said.

For more information, contact the District Human Resources Division, 2950 Peralta Oaks Court, Oakland, CA 94605. Phone 510-544-2154 or go to www.ebparks.org/jobs . Please check website for application deadlines.

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02.14.12

Contact Email

ehopkins@ebparks.org

Park District Announces Get Active! Teen Art Contest

mnolan — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 16:09:12 -0700

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Isa Polt-Jones

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Park District Announces Get Active! Teen Art Contest

The East Bay Regional Park District invites creative teens to enter the District’s first Get Active! Youth Art Contest, now through May 15, 2012. Winners will be eligible for cash and gifts from contest sponsors, in addition to publication and exhibition opportunities.

The Get Active! contest asks youths ages 12 to 18 in Alameda and Contra Costa counties to create posters, rap, spoken word/poetry or video skits, showing how they get active in any public East Bay park. The winning entries will be displayed at the Healthy Parks Healthy People Festival at Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area (Fremont) on June 23, 2012, and at the visitor center in Tilden Regional Park in the fall.

"Parks play a vital role in the health of teens, their families and communities," said Park District Board President Carol Severin, who will serve on a panel of judges for the contest. "There's really something for everyone in East Bay parks, from hiking, camping, boating or sports. We can't wait to see the creative projects East Bay youths dream up!"

The East Bay Regional Park District is a public agency operating regional parks, recreation areas, and trails throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties. Recently, the East Bay Regional Park District has received accolades for its signature programs connecting health and the outdoors, such as the Kids Challenge, Trails Challenge, and Healthy Parks Healthy People initiative. The Get Active! Youth Art Contest is part of the Park District’s ongoing outreach to families around the connection of health and nature.

As part of the District's Healthy Parks Healthy People initiative, the Get Active! contest offers East Bay youths an opportunity to showcase their creativity and share with others the importance of the outdoors in their lives. The contest is coordinated by New America Media, a Bay Area-based news agency with a focus on youth and ethnic media.

For contest details visit www.getactivecontest.com or call 1 888 327-2757.

Download > Get Active Contest Flyer (PDF)

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03.13.12

Contact Email

ipjones@ebparks.org

Park District Announces Public Meeting March 22, 2012 for Breuner Marsh Project Draft Environmental Impact Report

mnolan — Fri, 9 Mar 2012 12:57:57 -0800

Contact name

Isa Polt-Jones

News

Park District Announces Public Meeting March 22, 2012 for Breuner Marsh Project Draft Environmental Impact Report

Public Hearing
Breuner Marsh Restoration and Public Access Project
March 22, 2012, 7:00 pm

Location:
Parchester Village Community Center
900 Williams Street
Richmond, CA 94806

Proposed Project
The 150-acre Breuner Marsh Restoration and Public Access Project at Point Pinole Regional Shoreline in Richmond would restore wetlands and grasslands and provide for public access to the San Francisco Bay Shoreline. Approximately 60 acres of tidal and seasonal wetlands, and 90 acres of coastal prairie would be restored or enhanced within the project area. A critical 1.5-mile gap in the San Francisco Bay Trail would be constructed between the Richmond Parkway and the Point Pinole Peninsula. A new staging area, restrooms, picnic facilities, benches and interpretive exhibits would also be constructed.

A Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) has been prepared to assess the potential environmental consequences of the proposed Breuner Marsh Restoration and Public Access Project at Point Pinole Regional Shoreline Park in Richmond, California. The Draft EIR identifies mitigation measures and alternatives that would avoid or reduce significant impacts. It is intended to inform decision makers, other agencies, and the public, of the Proposed Project. This Draft EIR has been prepared in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) is the lead agency for
the Project.

Draft EIR Availability
The Draft EIR may be downloaded at the EBRPD website at http://www.ebparks.org/planning#breuner
Copies are also available at the Main Branch of Richmond Public Library at 325 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond; at the San Pablo Library at 2300 El Portal Dr. # D, San Pablo; and the Parchester Village Community Center, 900 Williams St., Richmond.

Draft EIR Comments
This Draft EIR was published on March 12, 2012, which marks the start of the 45-day comment period as required under CEQA. Written comments should be received no later than 5 p.m. on April 27, 2012 and should be sent to:
Brad Olson
East Bay Regional Park District
2950 Peralta Oaks Court
PO Box 5381
Oakland, CA 94605

Comments may also be sent via email to bolson@ebparks.org.
Verbal comments may be made at the Public Hearing.

Comments should focus on the environmental impacts and the adequacy of the EIR.

For more information on the Breuner Marsh Restoration and Public Access Project please see www.ebparks.org/planning or call 1 (888) 327-2757.

###

3.9.12

Contact Email

ipjones@ebparks.org

East Bay Regional Park District Offers Seasonal Jobs, Training

mnolan — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 16:12:13 -0800

Contact name

Emily Hopkins

News

East Bay Regional Park District Offers Seasonal Jobs, Training

“If we can hire high school and college students, when they are ready to work full time, hopefully, they will think of us. We are investing in our future,” Stanchina said.

For more information, contact the District Human Resources Division, 2950 Peralta Oaks Court, Oakland, CA 94605. Phone 510-544-2154 or go to www.ebparks.org/jobs. Application deadline is Feb. 24, 2012.

###

02.24.12

Contact Email

ehopkins@ebparks.org

District, NOAA Support Alameda’s Wood Middle School Ocean Guardians

mnolan — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 09:18:21 -0800

Contact name

Emily Hopkins

News

District, NOAA Support Alameda’s Wood Middle School Ocean Guardians

About 35 students will assist East Bay Regional Park District staff with final installation of a colorful information panel designed in partnership with EBRPD at Crown Memorial State Beach on Thursday, Feb. 23 1 to 2 p.m.

The park is operated by the Park District under a cooperative agreement with the State of California and City of Alameda. The sign will be installed art Shoreline Drive and Grand Street next to the kiosk and piling entrance to Crown Memorial Beach.

Since 2009, sixth grade students at Wood Middle School in Alameda have used nearby
Crown Beach as a laboratory for their studies in the climate change curriculum.

“Last year, we sent 341 ‘nurdles’ to Dr. Hideshige Tokada, Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology who is studying them for organic toxins” said teacher Jeanette Frechou. “The project was possible because of a ‘Be Wet’ grant from the National Oceanographic & Atmosphere Administration (NOAA).”

East Bay Regional Park District Director Doug Siden said, “This type of project engages kids in active environmental stewardship, and they see that their actions make a difference on a local as well as a global level. This was more than just a science class. It was a unique opportunity to engage kids at the middle school level. They learned not only the science, but they also took a tour of our EBRPD exhibit design department, and learned about careers in park services.”

In 2010, Will C. Wood School received an Ocean Guardian School Grant from NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries and in 2011, they were formally recognized as an Ocean Guardian School. This year, the school was awarded a second Ocean Guardian grant to continue their ocean stewardship work. An Ocean Guardian School makes a commitment to the protection and conservation of its local watersheds, the world's ocean and special ocean areas like national marine sanctuaries. The school makes this commitment by proposing and them implementing a school or community-based project that has positive impact on the local watersheds and the ocean.

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02.10.12

Contact Email

ehopkins@ebparks.org

Coffey, Kern Appointed to East Bay Regional Park District Advisory Committee

mnolan — Mon, 6 Feb 2012 15:56:25 -0800

Contact name

Emily Hopkins

News

Coffey, Kern Appointed to East Bay Regional Park District Advisory Committee

The East Bay Regional Park District Board recently appointed Colin Coffey, a resident of Walnut Creek and Bruce Kern, a resident of Castro Valley each to a two-year term on the Park Advisory Committee (PAC), a 21-member citizens' advisory group.

Colin Coffey, nominated by the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors, is a partner with Archer Norris law firm in Walnut Creek with a 25-year concentration in the field of public healthcare law and regulation. He is a long time ambassador for the parks, Regional Parks Foundation member, and former PAC member.

Bruce Kern, nominated by Board President Carol Severin, has over 40 years of experience in the economic and business development profession serving in executive positions at both the local and state governmental levels. He was the founding Director of the East Bay’s Economic Development Alliance, and for the last 20 years has been a leader in promoting job growth and investment in both Contra Costa and Alameda Counties. He is currently the vice chairman of Northern California’s Manex Board and a member of the United Way of the Bay Area’s Community Investment Committee and Wells Fargo’s Community Advisory Board.

Dan Walters of San Leandro was re-appointed to the PAC.

The PAC studies issues and makes recommendations and comments on a spectrum of policy issues, such as grazing, dogs, horses and bikes in parks, the Park District budget, naming park facilities, park land use plans, new concessions, and more. Members are appointed for two-year terms and may serve a total of four consecutive terms, or eight years. Service is voluntary and members receive no compensation.

More information is at the Park Advisory Committee page.

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02.06.12

Contact Email

ehopkins@ebparks.org

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Lake Del Valle East Swim Beach to Open for Memorial Day Holiday

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Lake Del Valle East Swim Beach to Open for Memorial Day Holiday

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Ship Owner and Operator to Pay $1.4 million in Damages for Dubai Star Oil Spill

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Ship Owner and Operator to Pay $1.4 million in Damages for Dubai Star Oil Spill

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Wildfire Prevention Project in Sibley Triangle

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Wildfire Prevention Project in Sibley Triangle

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Greathouse Visitor Center Re-Opens at Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve on Saturday May 12, 2012

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Greathouse Visitor Center Re-Opens at Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve on Saturday May 12, 2012

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Art Exhibit Celebrates Conservation Success Stories

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Art Exhibit Celebrates Conservation Success Stories

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EBRPD Announces Newly Promoted Fire Captain Aileen Theile

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EBRPD Announces Newly Promoted Fire Captain Aileen Theile

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Park District Promotes Two Police Lieutenants

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Park District Promotes Two Police Lieutenants

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Park District Announces New Chief of Park Operations Anne Scheer

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Park District Announces New Chief of Park Operations Anne Scheer

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Danville Orchard One Step Closer to becoming an East Bay Regional Park

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Danville Orchard One Step Closer to becoming an East Bay Regional Park

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Local Agencies Celebrate Groundbreaking for Alamo Canal Trail Undercrossing - April 10, 2012

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Local Agencies Celebrate Groundbreaking for Alamo Canal Trail Undercrossing

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Scoping Meeting April 12, 2012 for Albany Beach Restoration

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Park District Announces Scoping Meeting April 12, 2012 for Albany Beach Restoration and Public Access Project Environmental Impact Report Notice of Preparation

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Helicopter Operations Near Anthony Chabot Campground

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Helicopter Operations Near Anthony Chabot Campground

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Sunol Wildflower Festival – April 14, 2012

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Sunol Wildflower Festival Saturday, April 14, 2012 11 am – 4 pm

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East Bay Regional Park District Workers Love Jobs

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East Bay Regional Park District Workers Love Jobs

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East Bay Regional Park District Offers Seasonal Jobs, Training

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East Bay Regional Park District Offers Seasonal Jobs, Training

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Park District Announces Get Active! Teen Art Contest

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Park District Announces Get Active! Teen Art Contest

Sunol Wildflower Festival
Saturday, April 14, 2012
11 am – 4 pm