News

Bay Area Artists to Kick Off Park District's 75th Anniversary with Creative Landscape Art Exhibition at the Bankhead Theater

Lanepowell — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 15:51:53 -0700

Contact name

Shelly Lewis, EBRPD Public Information Supervisor

News

Park District Invites Bay Area Artists to Kick Off 75th Anniversary
with Creative Landscape Art Exhibition at the Bankhead Theater

Thursday, July 17

Asking specifically for creative, unusual, and different responses to the landscape--in other words, anything but the norm--the East Bay Regional Park District is teaming up with the Bankhead Theater in Livermore to begin a traveling exhibition of artworks based on any of the East Bay Regional Parks, and are putting out an Open Call to all artists living within 50 miles of the San Francisco Bay Area. Called, "A Different View: A New Take on our Regional Parks," the exhibition will act as the starting point for a host of 75th Anniversary activities for the Park District, and select works from the exhibit will travel to other East Bay exhibition sites as the celebration continues throughout 2009 (sites to be announced). Twelve works will be selected for the district's popular 2009 calendar, a piece with widespread distribution throughout the East Bay.

"A Different View" will run at the Bankhead Theater, 2400 First Street, Livermore, CA, from September 17 through October 30, during the theater’s busiest time of the year as well as exposing the works to art lovers that crowd the streets during ArtWalk 2008. A reception (reservations required at 925-373-6800) is planned for September 24.

Artist submissions are due August 15, and the prospectus is available by e-mailing bothwell@livermoreperformingarts.org with "A Different View" in the subject line. The fee of $15 for three works will cover the cost of the exhibition and awards. Any proceeds from the exhibition will help support the Bothwell Arts Center, a multi-arts facility that provides affordable space to over 30 artists and arts groups. The Bankhead Theater and the Bothwell are projects of the Livermore Valley Performing Arts Center, committed to community enrichment.

The East Bay Regional Park District operates 65 well-loved parks within the greater East Bay, covering over 98,000 acres and more than 1,150 miles of trails, helping to ensure preservation of the natural beauty of the Bay Area, wildlife habitat, and rare and endangered species.

Contact Email

slewis@ebparks.org

Temporary Trail Closure In Redwood For Hazardous Tree and Fuel Mitigation Project

Lanepowell — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 12:37:32 -0700

Contact name

Shelly Lewis, EBRPD Public Information Supervisor

News

Redwood Regional Park Trail Segment Temporarily Closed for
Hazardous Tree and Fuel Mitigation Project

Thursday, July 10

Beginning Tuesday, July 15, the East Bay Regional Park District will begin a hazardous tree and fuel mitigation project at Redwood Regional Park. This project will last until mid-September. Approximately one mile of the East Ridge Trail from Skyline Gate to Prince Trail will be closed, as will the Phillips Loop and Eucalyptus Trail. To minimize the impact on park users, these closures will occur only during project work hours ,which are 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The trails will be open during the weekends and before 8 a.m. and after 5 p.m. during the week.

The purpose of the project is to thin aging Monterey pine and eucalyptus trees that grow along the trail, to create a safer and healthier forest environment. In addition, the thinning of weak and older trees will provide a safer path for park users, enhance fire protection, and improve growing conditions for native plants. Due to the age of the trees and density of the forest, the incidence of falling trees, branches, and dead material has been increasing. Falling debris is hazardous to park users and results in a greater fuel load, which would be dangerous in a wildfire. This section of trail is popular for hikers, runners, dog walkers, cyclists, equestrians, and children on bikes and in strollers. Once finished, the trail will still offer plenty of shade and less debris.

During the project hours, equestrians and hikers may use the Stream and Prince trails to bypass the project zone. Unfortunately, cyclists will not be able to bypass the project zone and will need to turn around at the junction of East Ridge and Prince trails. The Park District apologizes for the inconvenience and will work as quickly as possible to complete the project.

This project is equally funded by Measure CC and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Measure CC is a 2004 parcel tax passed by voters in the western half of the East Bay Regional Park District for park access, wildfire protection, public safety and environmental maintenance.

Contact Email

slewis@ebparks.org

Park District Works to Control Invasive Spartina

Lanepowell — Tue, 8 Jul 2008 10:27:37 -0700

Contact name

Shelly Lewis, EBRPD Public Information Supervisor

News

Park District Works to Control Invasive Spartina

Tuesday, July 8

The East Bay Regional Park District, in conjunction with the Invasive Spartina Program (ISP) of the California Coastal Conservancy, is undertaking a program to manage non-native Spartina (cordgrass) in the San Francisco Bay estuary. Spartina alterniflora is an invasive plant species threatening the mudflats of San Francisco Bay. The open mudflats are essential to the ecology of the Bay and an integral part of the feeding habitat for thousands of migratory shorebirds that utilize the Pacific flyway.

Efforts to control the spread of non-native Spartina are currently entering the fifth year. Park crews and contractors will treat Spartina at Hayward Regional Shoreline, Martin Luther King Shoreline, Oyster Bay, Point Pinole Regional Shoreline, and Eastshore State Park from July through October 2008. District crews and consultants will spray a State and EPA approved herbicide (growth inhibitor) on the Spartina plants.

The herbicide is mixed with a surfactant and blue dye to improve the efficacy of the herbicide and help track areas treated. These herbicides and their adjuvants have no adverse impacts to human health or safety. The mixtures likewise have been tested and are nontoxic to mammals, birds, fish, and aquatic invertebrates. Once sprayed into the near shore area colonized by Spartina, the herbicide that is not absorbed by the plant is quickly broken down by sunlight and diluted by the tides.

A helicopter will be used for aerial applications on July 22. During other treatment operations through October, ground crews will spray from backpacks, trucks, or boats. As per District herbicide use regulations, adjacent trails will be closed to the public for approximately 12 hours during and after treatment.

Following treatment, the Spartina plants will begin to brown as a result of treatment and normal fall dieback. The real determination of the effectiveness of the treatment will be observed next spring when the plants would normally begin to grow. Although stands of dead plant material may persist for several years, the spread of non-native Spartina is expected to be halted and native marsh plants will begin to colonize the area. Similar treatments in 2006 resulted in a 40 percent reduction in this invasive plant. As a result of continued efforts, the Bay Area populations of non-native Spartina have shown dramatic declines in shoreline coverage.

For more information on the Regional Spartina control program contact Pete Alexander of the East Bay Regional Park District at (510) 544-2342, or Peggy Olofson of the ISP at (510) 548-2461. For more information of the Spartina Control efforts, visit www.spartina.org.

Contact Email

slewis@ebparks.org

Crown Beach Temporarily Closed Oil Present

emma — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:25:31 -0700

Contact name

Shelly Lewis, EBRPD Public Information Supervisor

News

Crown Beach Reopened

Saturday, June 21

The beach area has been reopened for use.

Thursday, June 19 update (3:00 p.m.)

The beach area and water access at Crown Beach will remain closed today due to preliminary water test results showing a higher than normal bacteria level. This is likely due to a sewage spill yesterday near Kittyhawk Road. While we apologize for the inconvenience, public safety is our greatest concern and we appreciate your patience. We believe this condition will diminish within a day or two. We will continue testing the water until deemed safe by State standards and open the beach just as soon as possible. Please check back or call 510-544-2201 for regular updates.

Thursday, June 19 update (8:30 a.m.)

The Crown Beach beach area remains closed while water tests are being done and results evaluated. Every effort is being made to re-open the beach as soon as possible, but it will not be re-opened until the water is confirmed to be safe. Please check back at 3 p.m. today for an update.

Wednesday, June 18 update (11:30 a.m.)

The City of Alameda has notified the Park District of a sewage spill at Crown Beach (near the intersection of Kitty Hawk). The extent of the spill is unknown at this time. East Bay Regional Park District staff, California Fish & Game, the Office of Spill Prevention and Response, the Coast Guard, and City of Alameda staff are currently on site assessing yesterday's oil spill, and were going to make a decision on the possible reopening of the beach today. At this time, they are also investigating the sewage spill. It is possible that Crown Beach will remain closed for the remainder of the day. More information will be provided as it becomes available.

Wednesday, June 18 update (10 a.m.)

Crown Beach in Alameda is currently closed as cleanup crews continue to remove tarballs along a half mile section of beach near Westline and Otis Drives. No additional oil appears to be washing up today. The beach is being evaluated with the goal of opening it as soon as possible – perhaps this evening or tomorrow. Updates will be posted immediately on this website or by calling 510-544-2201. The source of the oil is unknown at this time. Beachgoers should use caution when visiting and be aware that quarter and dime size tarballs may be on the shore or in the water. Oil should be removed immediately from skin and clothing using regular soap and water. Harsh detergents or chemicals are not needed. A boom was placed near the Elsie Roemer Bird Sanctuary and oil does not appear to have damaged this area. No oiled birds have been discovered. Reports of additional oil or oiled birds should be called in to the Park District’s Public Safety Department at 510-881-1833.

On Tuesday, June 17, at approximately 12:45 p.m. oil was reported at Crown Memorial State Beach in Alameda.

Quarter and dime size sticky tarballs were found on about a one half mile of beach. As a safety precaution, the beach has been closed to the public. At this time, the source is unknown although tarballs and oil residue were reported in Marin County. The East Bay Regional Park District, U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Fish & Game and other agencies have been notified and are investigating. Please refer to this website for updates.

Contact Email

slewis@ebparks.org

Castle Rock Recreation Area Grand Reopening June 28

emma — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 10:21:33 -0700

Contact name

Isa Polt-Jones, Public Information Representative

News

Castle Rock Recreation Area Grand Reopening June 28

Castle Rock Recreation Area in Walnut Creek will celebrate its grand reopening with a free party from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 28.

Attractions of the day will include free hot dogs, popcorn and snow cones, as well as games and other activities for the entire family.

Castle Rock's picnic grounds, ball field and swimming pool have been part of community life since the 1930s, but the site was formerly available only to organized groups by advanced reservation.

East Bay Regional Park District has spent the past 18 months refurbishing the 15-acre site to make it more appealing and accessible to families and small groups. Volleyball courts, softball fields, and picnic sites are now open to the public daily. There are 4 sites with a capacity of 100 and 3 with a capacity of 50 that are reservable and they can only be reserved by calling the 888 number. Several small sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The pool is now open for the summer, Fridays through Mondays, with lifeguards on duty.

There is a fee to use the pool or to reserve a picnic site, although parking and access to the ballfield and non-reservable sites are all free. Parking is limited, and the public is encouraged to bring wagons or dollies to move picnic supplies into the picnic area.

Castle Rock Recreation Area is located at the south end of Castle Rock Road, accessed from Oak Grove Road in Walnut Creek. Besides the park's own amenities, it is a gateway to miles of hiking and riding trails in Diablo Foothills Regional Park and Mt. Diablo State Park. It's a moderate walk from the picnic area to views of the spectacular Castle Rock formations.

To reserve a picnic area at Castle Rock, phone 1-888-EBPARKS (327-2757).

Contact Email

ipjones@ebparks.org

Prescribed Burn Scheduled for Round Valley Regional Preserve June 16 - 19 - Weather Permitting

emma — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 16:52:23 -0700

Contact name

Shelly Lewis, EBRPD Public Information Supervisor

News

Prescribed Burn Program Scheduled For
Round Valley Regional Preserve
postponed

The East Bay Regional Park District Fire Department has postponed a planned prescribed burn at Round Valley Regional Preserve due to adverse weather conditions and resource availability. A prescribed burn did take place on Tuesday, June 17, and burns of the remaining planned acreage may take place at a future date when weather conditions and resource availability are suitable. The preserve is located north of Livermore and East of Brentwood on Marsh Creek Road. The primary purpose of the burn is as a resource management tool to control yellow starthistle, an invasive plant that damages the natural environment. Prescribed burns also decrease fuel load, which reduces the risk of wildland fire.

For more information about the Park District's Planned Prescribe Fire Projects, log onto www.ebparks.org/about/fire/mgmt.

Contact Email

slewis@ebparks.org

Pilot Boat Inspection Program Being Considered at District Lakes to Prevent Invasive Mussel Infestation

emma — Fri, 6 Jun 2008 16:29:36 -0700

Contact name

Shelly Lewis, EBRPD Public Information Supervisor

News

Pilot Boat Inspection Program Being Considered at District Lakes
To Prevent Invasive Mussel Infestation

On Tuesday June 3, the East Bay Regional Park District Board of Directors granted the General Manager authority to implement a pilot inspection programs at all District boating lakes if costs are shared by the respective water agencies. Inspectors will be looking for evidence of invasive quagga or zebra mussels which could be either visible on hard surfaces such as motors or microscopic within standing water.

Out of state boats are prohibited from launching at District lakes. The District’s goal is to put pilot inspection programs in place for all in state boats by early July that would be funded through November 30, 2008. Once the pilot program is in place, the District can then begin the discussion with the water agencies about inspection programs for 2009.

The Park District has been working to find the most economical way to preserve recreational boating access at all lakes and has researched the costs of using temporary staff members versus contract providers to provide inspection service. Although no recommendation has been made to the Board yet, the District is considering recouping some of the cost by implementing inspection fees of $3 to $6. In addition, the District is evaluating a banding program for regular visitors where they could bypass the inspection and fee at repeat visits.

The District manages the recreational aspect of the following lakes: Contra Loma in Antioch (Contra Costa Water District), Quarry Lakes in Fremont (Alameda County Water District), Shadow Cliffs in Pleasanton (Zone 7 Water Agency), Del Valle in Livermore (Zone 7 Water Agency, Alameda County Water District, Santa Clara Valley Water District) and Lake Chabot in Castro Valley (water agency – EBMUD). Lake Chabot is the only East Bay Regional Park District lake with a current inspection managed through a contract agency.

The District’s program will likely be patterned after the Santa Clara County program. Operation staff will be updating their Board Operations Committee on June 19th and the full Board on July 1.

Contact Email

slewis@ebparks.org

Bay Point Regional Shoreline Park Grand Opening June 21

emma — Fri, 6 Jun 2008 16:17:09 -0700

Contact name

Shelly Lewis, EBRPD Public Information Supervisor

News

Bay Point Regional Shoreline Park Grand Opening June 21

On Saturday, June 21, East Bay Regional Park District Board Member Ted Radke and Park District staff will host a dedication of East Contra Costa County’s newest regional park, Bay Point Regional Shoreline Park. The public is invited to this dedication which begins at 11am and includes remarks by Senator Tom Torlakson, Assemblyman Mark De Saulnier, and Supervisor Federal Glover.

Bay Point Regional Shoreline provides access to undeveloped open space and marsh habitat in an area surrounded by residential, military, and industrial development. The public can enjoy sweeping views of Suisun Bay and opportunities for hiking, picnicking, bird watching, shoreline fishing, and nature study. The nearly 150-acre parkland is at the approximate midpoint of the San Francisco Bay Estuary and the Sacramento/San Joaquin River Delta. Riches of ocean, bay, mountain, valley, and river mix here in Delta waterways and wetlands of Bay Point.

The marsh is along the Pacific Flyway and sustains millions of resident and migrating shorebirds, waterfowl and raptors. Birds from as far away as Alaska and Canada spend a day or season here during their migration. The park contains interpretive panels explaining the railroad and natural history of Bay Point.

The East Bay Regional Park District acquired this property in 1996 to preserve and restore the marshland and to provide public access to the bay shoreline. A portion of the purchase price came from the Shell Oil Spill Litigation Settlement Trustee Committee and will be used for wetland restoration. The park is located at the foot of McAyoy Road in Bay Point.

The public is encouraged to RSVP for this event by e-mailing bmontano@ebparks.org. Driving directions are as follows: from Highway 4 in Bay Point, exit at the Bay Point/San Marco Boulevard exit and turn left onto San Marco Boulevard toward the river. San Marco Boulevard becomes Willow Pass Road. After about 1 mile, turn left onto Port Chicago Highway. Proceed about 1.25 miles

Contact Email

slewis@ebparks.org

Swim Season Opens June 14 in the East Bay Regional Park District

emma — Mon, 2 Jun 2008 15:33:36 -0700

Contact name

Isa Polt-Jones, Public Information Representative

News

Swim Season Opens June 14 in the East Bay Regional Park District

There are plenty of swimming opportunities for you in the East Bay Regional Park District, with six open-water lakefront beaches, three chlorinated lagoons, two pools, and two bay shoreline beaches.

The Aquatic Season officially begins June 14!

Castle Rock Recreation Area - Open Friday through Monday, June 14 – September 1
Contra Loma Regional Park - Open daily May 24 through September 1
Crown Memorial State Beach - open daily (no lifeguards on duty)
Cull Canyon Regional Recreation Area - Open daily May 24 through September 1
Del Valle Regional Park – Daily June 14 - September 1
Don Castro Regional Recreation Area - Open daily May 24 through September 1
Miller-Knox Regional Shoreline - open daily (no lifeguards on duty)
Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area - Open daily May 24 through September 1
Roberts Regional Recreation Area - Open daily June 14 through September 1
Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area - Open daily May 24 through September 1
Temescal Regional Recreation Area - Open daily May 24 through September 1
Tilden Regional Park (Lake Anza) - Open daily May 10 – September 21

To find out information on fees and lifeguard service schedule, visit the Swim Facilities page at www.ebparks.org/activities/swimming/facilities.

Disabled access:
Beach wheelchairs are available at Don Castro in Castro Valley, Quarry Lakes in Fremont, Shadow Cliffs in Pleasanton, Lake Temescal in Oakland and Crown Memorial State Beach in Alameda. To arrange for use of a chair, call the park office prior to visiting. Lake Temescal has an accessible beachhouse adjacent to the swim area which offers changing rooms and showers. The outdoor pool at Roberts Regional Recreation Area in the Oakland hills is heated and is disabled accessible.

Lifeguards are on duty from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the lakes, lagoons, and pools, weather permitting. No lifeguard service is provided at bay beaches.

Swimmers must follow all posted regulations. Alcohol, glass containers, fires, and dogs are prohibited at swim beaches, lagoons, and Roberts Pool.

*** New for 2008 ***

Children 12 years old and under are not permitted in the swimming area unless accompanied by a responsible, actively supervising, individual 16 years old or older.

A pilot program is being implemented that requires swimmers who are past chest deep water to wear an identifying wrist band, issued by the lifeguards, that indicates they have passed a swim test. This applies at Contra Loma, Cull Canyon and Castle Rock pool.

Swim diapers are required at chlorinated swim facilities: Contra Loma, Cull Canyon, Castle Rock, Don Castro, Roberts.

For more information visit www.ebparks.org or call 1 (888) EBPARKS. Back to top

Contact Email

ipjones@ebparks.org

Concerts at the Cove Bring Free Live Music to Alameda

emma — Mon, 2 Jun 2008 14:41:24 -0700

Contact name

Isa Polt-Jones, Public Information Representative

News

Concerts at the Cove Bring Free Live Music to Alameda

Join us for our tenth season of incredible free music and fun!

June 13: The "House of Floyd" band, playing the music of Pink Floyd, will kick off our series.
July 11: "The New Morty Show" - Big Band.
August 8: "Orquesta Borinquem" - Salsa Band.

Hank Hooper plays music for kids during the intermission each evening.

Extended hours at the Visitor Center plus family activities on the deck and beautiful views of San Francisco Bay make our concerts extra special. Bring your blanket or lawn chair; food and beverages available for purchase.

Sponsored by the West Alameda Business Association and East Bay Regional Park District.

Vehicle Parking $5. Additional lots at Crown Memorial State Beach, and at the corners of Santa Clara and Webster, and Taylor and Webster.
Free secure valet bicycle parking provided by BikeAlameda.

Crab Cove Visitor Center
1252 McKay Ave.
Alameda, CA 94501

Event information: (510) 521-6887

Contact Email

ipjones@ebparks.org

Celtic Music on Father's Day at the Black Diamond Mines

emma — Mon, 2 Jun 2008 13:30:21 -0700

Contact name

Isa Polt-Jones, Public Information Representative

News

Celtic Music on Father's Day at the Black Diamond Mines

Spend an enjoyable day with dad or other family and friends - at the Black Diamond Mines Regional Park in Antioch on Sunday, June 15, with a free Open House, followed by a free Celtic music concert. During the day, volunteers and staff of the Black Diamond Mines will host free self-guided tours of the Hazel-Atlas silica sand mine for those seven and older. Take a quick peek or a leisurely stroll through this 1930s era mine, recently expanded to include over 800 feet of mines open to the public.

In the evening, stay to enjoy Celtic music by Golden Bough. The talented trio will play traditional music from Ireland and Scotland. Bring chairs and a picnic dinner.

Open House: 12 - 6 p.m., Sunday June 15
Concert: Golden Bough 6 - 8 p.m., Sunday June 15
Parking: $5
Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve
5175 Somersville Road
Antioch, CA 94509
Information: (925) 757-2620

Contact Email

ipjones@ebparks.org

Briones Exploration Online - A KQED QUEST Production

emma — Fri, 23 May 2008 11:07:51 -0700

Contact name

Shelly Lewis, EBRPD Public Information Supervisor

News

Briones Exploration Online
A KQED QUEST Production

Explore Briones Regional Park online in this recent interactive feature from KQED QUEST (www.kqed.org/quest/exploration/briones-regional-park-exploration). Briones Regional Park is home to a wide variety of species - including the charismatic California Newt. Learn more about them and the local habitat - a transitional zone between coastal and central California. Join us and naturalist Meg Platt of the East Bay Regional Park District on QUEST’s latest Bay Area science hike. Also, coming soon … another QUEST interactive feature exploring the geology of Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve with Steve Edwards, PhD., Director of the Regional Parks Botanic Garden.

Contact Email

slewis@ebparks.org

Regional Police Press Release – Drowning at Don Castro

emma — Mon, 19 May 2008 08:46:58 -0700

Contact name

Shelly Lewis, EBRPD Public Information Supervisor

News

Regional Police Press Release – Drowning at Don Castro

On Sunday, May 18, 2008, approximately 4:08 p.m., East Bay Regional Park District Police Dispatch was notified of a possible drowning at Don Castro Regional Recreation Area in Hayward. A swimmer noticed an object on the bottom of the swim lagoon and notified lifeguards, who rescued the victim, a 6-year-old male from Berkeley. The victim was located in approximately 4 ½ feet of water. Lifeguards began lifesaving efforts, including CPR, which were continued by firefighters and paramedics who responded to the scene. The victim was transported by ambulance to Eden Medical Center in Castro Valley, where he later died.

The incident is being investigated by the East Bay Regional Park District Police Department. Anyone who was at Don Castro Park or who has information regarding this incident is asked to contact Sergeant Tyrone Davis at (510) 690-6554 or (510) 881-1833.

Contact Email

slewis@ebparks.org

EBRPD Website Garners Gold Hermes Creative Award

emma — Thu, 15 May 2008 14:57:27 -0700

Contact name

Isa Polt-Jones, Public Information Representative

News

EBRPD Website Garners Gold Hermes Creative Award

On May 1, Hermes Creative Awards announced winners for the 2008 international awards competition for creative professionals involved in the concept, writing and design of traditional and emerging media. The Hermes Creative Awards program recognizes outstanding work in the marketing and communication industry.

There were over 4,000 entries from throughout the United States and overseas in the Hermes Creative Awards 2008 competition. Entries came from corporate marketing and communication departments, advertising agencies, public relations firms, design shops, production companies and freelancers.

Hermes Creative Awards is administered and judged by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals (www.amcpros.com). The international organization consists of several thousand marketing, communication, advertising, public relations, media production and free-lance professionals. AMCP oversees awards and recognition programs, provides judges, and rewards outstanding achievement and service to the profession.

The EBRPD Website, re-designed in 2007, was awarded a Gold Award for overall website concept and design. Winners were selected from 136 categories in seven forms of media and communication efforts- advertising, publications, marketing/branding, integrated marketing, public relations/communications, electronic media and pro bono.

For more information visit the Hermes Creative Awards website at www.hermesawards.com.

Contact Email

ipjones@ebparks.org

Chemical Spill in Richmond affects Marsh and Shoreline

emma — Wed, 14 May 2008 16:53:42 -0700

Contact name

Shelly Lewis, EBRPD Public Information Supervisor

News

Chemical Spill in Richmond affects Marsh and Shoreline

A chemical spill that entered the marsh and bay at Point Pinole was discovered yesterday afternoon, May 5, 2008. Authorities have determined that 3300 gallons of toluene, an ingredient in common household solvents, was released into the bay as a result of vandalism at a nearby storage tank on private property. The chemical, which can affect fish, wildlife, and humans, has mixed with bay water and advanced beyond the shoreline. Clean up crews are on the scene.

The marsh is habitat for the salt marsh harvest mouse, black rail, and clapper rail. Park District biologists are on site monitoring the situation. California Department of Fish and Game expects that there may be a significant fish kill. Park staff will be looking for and collecting any dead fish found on the Point Pinole shoreline.

At the request of the California Department of Fish and Game, the Park District has closed the area to fishing. Additionally, all park visitors are asked to avoid the shoreline at Point Pinole until authorities deem there is no longer a health threat. Updates will be posted as they occur on this website and also by calling 1-510-544-2201.

Update, Friday, May 9, 2008, 5:00 p.m.:

Cleanup and evaluation of the marsh will continue. On Friday, May 10, the Department of Fish and Game lifted the ban on fishing. Point Pinole fishing, shuttle service to pier, and shorelines are now open.

Update, Wednesday, May 7, 2008, 5:00 p.m.:

Park District staff is responding to the chemical spill that has entered Parchester Marsh, the southern most marsh at Point Pinole. Also on scene is Coast Guard, Fish & Game (Ospr), Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) and Clean Harbors, a contractor hired by the Coast Guard. On Monday, clean up crews were deployed and installed absorbent boom and pads into the channel leading to the Parchester Marsh, just north of the Breuner property. The spill traveled from the end of Morton Street in a channel running parallel to the Southern Pacific RR tracks and north to Parchester Marsh where it entered the bay through a tidal channel. The chemical has mixed with motor oil that was previously dumped into the same channel as part of an illegal historic practice and formed sludge in some areas.

On Tuesday, May 6, three mallard ducks and several dozen fish had been found dead in the channel today. The count is now in the hundreds according to a recent report.

Point Pinole is currently closed to fishing and the shuttle service, which operates mainly to get anglers and equipment out to the pier has ceased operation until further notice.

Update, Tuesday, May 6, 2008, 9:00am:

Sometime over the past weekend, metal scavengers took the valve off a 6,000 gal. above-ground tank containing what was estimated to be 3,300 gallons of the chemical solvent tolulene. The contents of the tank spilled into a drainage on Morton Ave. next to Parchester Village in Richmond. The spill was noticed by the business owner around 8:45 a.m. on Monday, May 5. It was reported to the Fish & Game Office of Spill Prevention & Response (OSPR), and the Coast Guard. The toluene apparently mixed with oil and water in the channel next to the business and formed a sludge that has made its way out to the Bay.

A shelter-in-place order was sent out around 2 p.m. for the residents and businesses in the area. The Contra Costa Haz Mat crew took air samples and determined that the level of solvent in the air was well below the legal limits and the order was lifted. The Park District was notified of the spill around 3:30 p.m. We responded with Fire Department and Park Operations staff and the District’s helicopter unit.

Unified Command (Coast Guard, Fish & Game OSPR, and the Reaction Products) has contracted with Clean Harbors to begin the cleanup. They have placed absorbent booms in the channel in several locations between the spill and the Bay. They have also sucked up approximately 3,000 gallons of the water, oil, and water mix. The channel is approximately 2,500 feet long, with several minor side channels feeding into Bruener Marsh. Clean Harbors crews found evidence of the sludge in the side channels but has not made it out to the end of these channels, so it may not have dispersed widely into the Marsh.

A command post has been established at Parchester Community Center on Wilson Ave.

Contact Email

slewis@ebparks.org

Wildfire Hazard Reduction and Resource Management Plan and EIR

emma — Wed, 14 May 2008 14:42:43 -0700

Contact name

Shelly Lewis, EBRPD Public Information Supervisor

News

Wildfire Hazard Reduction and Resource Management Plan and EIR

Learn more about the East Bay Hills Wildfire Hazard Reduction And Resource Management Plan and EIR. The goals are to reduce fire hazard on publicly-owned lands, maintain and enhance ecological values for plant and wildlife habitat, preserve aesthetic landscape values for park users and neighboring communities, and provide a vegetation management plan which is cost-effective to the District on an ongoing basis. Read more.

Contact Email

slewis@ebparks.org

Volunteers Needed for New Projects Removing Invasive Plants

emma — Wed, 14 May 2008 14:29:47 -0700

Contact name

Shelly Lewis, EBRPD Public Information Supervisor

News

Volunteers Needed for New Projects Removing Invasive Plants

The East Bay Regional Park District is currently looking for volunteers for several habitat restoration projects as part of its invasive plant removal outreach program. The projects are short-term in April and May and include removing invasive plants from several parks. These are preliminary short-term projects as part of a comprehensive park-wide invasive plant program to be unrolled in the winter of 2008.

Projects are listed below:

(New Project!) 9 a.m. - noon, Saturday, April 26 and May 24 – Wildcat Canyon Regional Park, Richmond. Looking for minimum of 3 and maximum of 15 volunteers.
(New Project!) 9 a.m. - noon, Wednesdays (ongoing) – Regional Parks Botanic Garden, Tilden, Berkeley. Looking for 4 or 5 volunteers.
(New Project!) 9 a.m. - noon, Thursdays, April 10, 24 and May 8, 22 – Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve, Oakland. Looking for 7 or 8 volunteers.
(New Project!) Time TBA, Last Saturday (May to December) – Crown Memorial State Beach, Alameda. Looking for 30 volunteers.
(New Project!) 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., 2nd Saturday (May to October) – Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline, Oakland. Looking for 30 volunteers.
(New Project!) 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., 3rd Sunday (May, June, September to December) – Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline and Point Isabel Regional Shoreline, Richmond. Looking for 20-25 volunteers.

Call or e-mail 510-544-2590 kfusek@ebparks.org for more information or to register for any of these new projects or to be notified of future projects.

(Ongoing Project) Saturday, first Saturday of each month – Redwood Regional Park, removing French Broom – 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Skyline Gate on Skyline Boulevard in Oakland. Call 510-482-6024 or email redwood@ebparks.org for more information or to register.
(Ongoing Project) Sunday, second Sunday of each month – Redwood Regional Park, Riparian Restoration Volunteer Project – 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Redwood Regional Park, 7867 Redwood Rd., Wayside Picnic Area in Oakland. Call 510-482-6024 or email redwood@ebparks.org for more information or to register.

Background: The East Bay Regional Park District faces many challenges in managing nearly 100,000 acres of open space. One of the greatest challenges is the threat of invasive plants such as French broom, yellow starthistle, fennel, and now oblong spurge, just to name a few. Invasive plants are harmful, non-native plants that are introduced into an environment in which they did not evolve. "Invasives" often have no natural enemies allowing them to out-compete native plants. The spread of invasive plants is profound and rapid, negatively changing the landscape and environment. The district uses several methods to control invasive plants such as prescribed burns, but for obvious reasons like urbanization, this method is limited. Another way to control this spread is to pull the invasive plants before they can get established, and for this the District is indebted to its hardworking volunteers.

The Park District hosts several invasive plant removal projects at various parks throughout the winter and spring. Currently, the District is expanding these projects and designing a new volunteer program and education series specifically aimed at removing invasive plants and restoration projects in the regional parks. This is a great opportunity to get in on the ground floor of a volunteer group, become active in the community, develop new friendships, and do something important for the environment!

Contact Email

slewis@ebparks.org

442nd Regimental Combat Team Memorial Service at Roberts Regional Recreation Area in Oakland, May 17

emma — Tue, 13 May 2008 11:21:13 -0700

Contact name

Shelly Lewis, EBRPD Public Information Supervisor

News

442^nd Regimental Combat Team Memorial Service at
Roberts Regional Recreation Area in Oakland, May 17

Veterans of the U.S. Army's 442nd Regimental Combat Team, the most decorated unit in American military history will host a memorial service on Saturday, May 17 (Armed Forces Day), in the redwood grove at Roberts Recreation Area on Skyline Boulevard in Oakland. The group will gather in the parking lot at 11 a.m., have a ceremony and short service at noon, followed by a "pot luck" lunch in the adjacent picnicking area.

The event is held annually by veterans of E Company, 2^nd Battalion of the 442^nd and is not just for veterans of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, but open to all who wish to pay their respects to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Other World War II veterans of all services are especially invited, and the general public is welcome to attend.

The 442^nd Regimental Combat Team was made up of young Japanese-American men from the mainland and Hawaii, who enlisted to fight against the Nazi forces in Europe. In the course of their service, they earned more medals per capita than any other unit in American history, suffering heavy casualties.

Their service was especially remarkable in light of the fact that as America entered World War II, the federal government had removed them and their families from their homes to remote "relocation camps," because of their Japanese ancestry. Even as the young soldiers of the 442^nd fought in Europe, their families remained behind barbed wire for the duration of the conflict.

Roberts Regional Recreation Area is located at 10570 Skyline Boulevard about a mile up Skyline Boulevard from its intersection with Joaquin Miller Road, Oakland. The ceremony will take place near the Blossom Rock Trees historical marker located by the Madrone group picnic area. Visit www.katonk.com for more information.

Contact Email

slewis@ebparks.org

Storytelling Festival at Kennedy Grove May 17 & 18

emma — Tue, 13 May 2008 10:26:06 -0700

Contact name

Isa Polt-Jones, Public Information Representative

News

Storytelling Festival at Kennedy Grove May 17 & 18

This best-kept secret must be told: storytelling is for adults. The Bay Area Storytelling Festival attracts families, actors, musicians, storytellers, and
listeners from all over the Bay Area.

Four nationally-known tellers will delight you with folktales, movement, music and more. Carol Birch tells timeless traditional tales with intelligence and sly humor. Drawing from his African-American roots, Baba Jamal Koram tells stories with compelling authority. The music of the conch shell and the mbira moves through the performances of Bahamian-born Derek Burrows. Olga Loya of California honors her Hispanic heritage through lively, poetic performances. They will be joined by Olive Hackett-Shaughnessy and Rick Huddle.

Also offered are stories by local bay area storytellers, music, workshops, books, CDs, food for sale, and a storytelling quilt raffle. The Kids Concert on May 18 from 1 to 2 pm offers stories for children 4 - 8, for $2 per person.

The Bay Area Storytelling Festival is held at Kennedy Grove Regional Recreation Area, 6531 San Pablo Dam Road, El Sobrante, California, 94803. Event Dates: Saturday and Sunday, May 17 and 18, 9 am to 7:30 pm.

Parking fee $5. Disabled accessible. Visit www.bayareastorytelling.org for a complete program or to register, or call (510) 869-4946. Individual event tickets available. Festival fee: $70 adult (16+yrs)/ $45 seniors/ $33 children (under 15 yrs).

Contact Email

ipjones@ebparks.org

The 2008 Fire Season Officially Begins May 12

emma — Fri, 9 May 2008 15:28:03 -0700

Contact name

Shelly Lewis, EBRPD Public Information Supervisor

News

The 2008 Fire Season Officially Begins May 12
Alameda and Contra Costa Counties

The Alameda County, Contra Costa County and East Bay Regional Park District Fire Chiefs, in cooperation with the CAL FIRE (California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection) have declared the 2008 wildland fire season to be officially open effective 8:00 a.m., Monday, May 12.

Local Fire Chiefs urge residents to maintain proper clearance and defensible space around their homes and buildings by doing the following:

Clear flammable vegetation around structures to a minimum of 100 feet or to the property line.
Remove tree limbs within 10 feet of any chimneys or stovepipes;
Remove pine needles and leaves from roofs, eaves, roof valleys, and rain gutters;
Remove dead tree limbs overhanging structures, and
Ensure a half-inch metal wire mesh screen covers the chimney or flue outlet.
Always remember to "Mow before 10 am". Dry grass has the highest amount of moisture in the morning hours. If it's too hot for you, it's too hot to mow.

For more information about fire safety and fire resistant landscaping, contact your local fire department or visit the Diablo FireSafe Council website at www.diablofiresafe.org or CAL FIRE at www.fire.ca.gov.

Contact Email

slewis@ebparks.org