Molly Shaw ponders stegosaurs and ancient seafloors to teach us about this fascinating Coe rock.
Al Henning provides the inside scoop on this year’s Pine Ridge Association Annual Meeting.
In Memoriam: Bill Frazer By Chris Fent, Jen Naber, & Coe Uniformed Volunteers
New Members COVER Purple Mouse Ears (Mimulus douglasii) on the Corral Trail, March 2025.
by Joseph Belli
The Weasel Family (Mustelidae) is a surprisingly diverse lot, with members adapted to boreal forests (martens, fishers), rivers and lakes (mink, river otters), coastal waters (sea otters), semiarid regions (badgers) and snowpack (wolverines). Some, such as skunks, are habitat and dietary generalists, while the black-footed ferret has become highly specialized, persisting only in prairie dog colonies.
Such a disparate cast of characters would appear to have little in common beyond possessing potent scent glands. A number are valued for their pelts: mink coats have long been synonymous with luxury, while sea otter and wolverine fur, with their incredible insulating properties, are prized for their efficiency.
Yet despite the family diversity, the term “weasel” evokes an image of a lithe, low-to-the-ground carnivore with a nasty disposition. As nicknames go, “weasel” is never a compliment: it seems like every crime family has a slimy character named Jimmy the Weasel, and I still don’t know what to make of Pauly Shore.
Weasels are the smallest carnivorous mammals. Many people assume that weasel describes a single species, like wolverine or fisher, but there are actually ten different species of weasel worldwide, all in the Northern Hemisphere. Three occupy North America, and the one inhabiting Coe, the long-tailed weasel (Mustela frenata), is the largest, though that’s not saying much: their bodies barely exceed a foot in length, though a black-tipped tail adds another 6-8 inches. They weigh around half a pound, give or take a few ounces. Long-tailed weasels range from southern
Canada to the northern reaches of South America and are one of the few mammals found in all lower 48 states.
Long-tailed weasels exist in a variety of habitats and elevations, from sea level to sub-alpine forests. In California they occupy most of the state outside of the deserts. Their shape and small size is an asset when pursuing their chief prey, rodents, which they often capture underground. Weasels are tiny enough to enter burrows, eliminating the need to expend energy digging their prey out.
Long-tailed weasels prefer warm-blooded prey rodents, small rabbits, ground- nesting birds, and occasionally poultry, but they’ve been known to eat snakes, lizards, eggs, and even insects. Their diminutive size does them no favors in the food web, for a number of larger predators prey on them. The snake/weasel dynamic is such that the predator may
end up being the prey, or vice versa.
Small size and warm-bloodedness translate to a high metabolism, so weasels need to eat a lot, perhaps up to half their weight each day. This might explain their reputation for ruthlessness, for weasels have been known to kill more than they can readily eat. It’s been speculated that they kill for enjoyment, but excess killing more likely reflects a need to eat constantly, for when food is in abundance weasels often cache the excess. The combination of high metabolism and small size bodes poorly for longevity; weasel life spans run a scant 1-3 years.
Weasels don’t hibernate, and in snowy regions that poses an additional challenge. Weasels are among the relatively few predators that molt to a white coat in winter. The ability to blend in to the snowy background may be more about remaining hidden from larger predators than about approaching prey unseen.
Cold weather adds extra stress on weasels because their small size and elongated shape translates to a high surface to volume ratio, making it harder for them to stay warm. If weasels had a choice, they’d probably hibernate. Without that ability, weasels must hunt day and night. A fascinating account of their proficiency comes from Grinnell et al. in the 1937 classic, FurBearing Mammals of California. A female long-tailed weasel was raising her brood of six kits in an outbuilding in Sequoia National Park. Over a 37-day period, she delivered 78 mice, 27 gophers, two moles, three woodrats, and four ground squirrels. Granted, she was feeding a litter, but that’s still an impressive haul. It’s also telling that all those prey items were mammals. Given the nature of the prey involved all are deemed vermin by one group of people or other weasels ought to be regarded as ultra-efficient exterminators instead of bloodthirsty killers.
But weasels are more than relentless hunters
they’re curious, even playful. European ferrets, distant relatives of long-tailed weasels, have become popular pets, though, like The Dude, I’m no fan of the ferret pet fad. I prefer my weasels in the wild, where they belong. So far I’ve had to be content with the mere idea they’re out there, for despite all the time I’ve spent outdoors I’ve never seen one other than a roadkilled individual at a Highway 101 off-ramp in King City. That sounds like the opening scene of a shaggy dog story put to film. Somebody ought to tell the Coen Brothers.
The lack of sightings is perplexing because, unlike ringtails, which are almost exclusively nocturnal, weasels are often out during the day, and though small, they’re not exactly cryptic, bounding around, always on the move. I’ve spoken to a number of people who have seen mountain lions yet never saw a weasel. I can’t recall a single camera trap photo either. Occasionally a picture pops up on iNaturalist from somewhere in the Bay Area or the central coast, but not often. I must have come across tracks, but if so, I didn’t recognize them. With tracks so small I’d be inclined to write them off as those of rodents unless I got down low and counted the toes weasels have five on both front and hind feet, while rodents have four toes on front feet and five on hind feet. There are other discrepancies, but you’d need a pristine layer of dust or silt to parse those differences, and you seldom come across such ideal conditions. Besides, I don’t get down to ground level much anymore; I’d have to have a pretty compelling reason to get horizontal for anything other than sleeping.
Should we be concerned? Are long-tailed weasels on the decline? I don’t know, but for once I’m going to put on my optimists hat and assume that long-tailed weasels are doing just fine: living fast, dying young, and serving as a spirit animal for Mafiosi and Gen X comedians just beneath our collective gaze.
by Teddy GoodrichPRA Historian
Many years have passed since Dan Street* met me at the faculty mail boxes at Gilroy High, handed me a baseball card, and asked “did you know about him?” It didn’t take long to read what surprised Dan – Harry Hooper, Baseball Hall of Fame, born at Bell Station, played for the Boston Red Sox and the Chicago White Sox. Really?? A famous baseball player was born at Bell’s Station??* At the time, I didn’t think too much about delving into his history, but I love baseball and as I write this, baseball
season is underway. It’s time to tell a new audience about Harry Hooper our “home grown” baseball legend.
Harry Hooper was born on a homestead on the Elephant Head** the fourth child born to Joseph and Kathleen Hooper. Joseph Hooper seems to have been somewhat of a rolling stone, and when Harry was four years old, the family left the homestead and moved to a farm on Los Banos Creek, and a few years later to
another near Volta. It was here that Harry began his education in a one-room public school, a privilege that the demands of ranch work denied his older brothers and sister. Recess and lunch hour were very special times, because the kids gathered on the field behind the school and played baseball. His formal introduction to baseball occurred several years later when he accompanied his mother on a trip to visit her family in Pennsylvania. His Uncle Mack took him to his first professional baseball game; the Brooklyn Bridegrooms vs. the Brooklyn Cyclones, and when he and his mother left to return to California his uncle gave him a bat, a ball, and a well-used fielder’s glove.
Back in Volta, his teacher, who had been quick to note Harry’s fine mind, recommended that he continue his education at the high school that was part of St. Mary’s College, then located in Oakland, California. With help from neighbors, he not only completed his high school education, but remained at St. Mary’s College to graduate with a degree in Civil Engineering. As you can probably guess he also played baseball for St. Mary’s, both while in high school and as a university student.
After graduation he took a job as a surveyor for the Western Pacific Railroad and played baseball for the minor league Sacramento Senators. While playing here he caught the eye of John Tyler, owner of the Boston Red Sox who offered him a contract of $2,800
for the 1900 season with the Red Sox. Harry accepted the offer, and he would go on to play right field for the Red Sox for 12 years. Hooper was known as a capable leadoff hitter and for his stellar defense, popularizing the feet-first slide while catching flyballs. During his career with the Red Sox, they would become World Series Champions four times, the first time the year the Red Sox moved to their new home field, Fenway Park in 1912. They were World Champions again in 1915, 1916, and 1918. He is responsible for convincing the Red Sox manager to move a young player from pitcher to the outfield so he could be at bat more often. That player was Babe Ruth. Harry hit lead off home runs in both games of a double header on May 13, 1913, a record that was not matched until Rickey Henderson did it eighty years later, July 5, 1993. When he first came to Boston, it was also rumored that he dated a young woman named Rose Fitzgerald. If that name doesn’t “ring a bell,” I’m afraid your knowledge of history is seriously lacking.
In 1921, Harry was traded to the Chicago White Sox. He would go on to play professional baseball for
five more years before retiring. Eventually he would return home to California, to Capitola, where he took a “temporary” position as Postmaster at Aptos, a position he kept for 25 years. Hooper was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1971.
*Dan was a much-loved math teacher at Gilroy High. He and his wife, Thelma, lived on Rancho San Luis Gonzaga where Thelma cared for ailing Paula Fatjo. After Paula’s death, at her wishes, the Rancho became Pacheco State Park.
** Bell’s Station was in many ways the social and economic center for not only travelers, but ranchers living in the area. In the days of travel by horse and buggy, it was 23 miles to Gilroy and 30 plus miles to Los Banos. Bell’s Station provided a post office, telegraph system, groceries, and a restaurant. While some refer to it, even today, as Bell Station, I prefer the possessive, Bell’s Station, in honor of a long-time proprietor, Lafayette Bell.
*** The Elephant Head, west of Bell’s Station, is so named for its profile, an elephant head.
by Molly Shaw
When I walk along Manzanita Point Road toward the Visitor Center at Coe Ranch Entrance, I think about stegosaurs as I pass by the fabulous chert roadcuts on my right. When these rock layers were forming on the deep-ocean floor sometime around 150 million years ago, give or take, the breaking-up supercontinent Pangea was populated with its Jurassic flora and fauna. Dinosaurs were prevalent. Pterosaurs flew overhead. The warm superocean Panthalassa was teeming with diverse life, including recognizable early sharks and rays. Even though chert is made from deep-ocean marine sediments, my mind usually goes to stegosaurs as my all-purpose Jurassic index organism while I make my way back to the Visitor Center.
Chert is a biogenic rock it is made up of layer upon layer of the skeletal remains of plankton called radiolarians. The term radiolaria was coined by the German zoologist Ernst Haeckel in 1862 from the Latin radiolus (“little sun-beam”), referring to the organism’s radial spikes. Radiolaria are one-celled zooplankton that are 0.5 - 1.5 mm in diameter and have a sturdy skeleton made of silica. They have been abundant in the oceans for the past 500 million years and their extreme sturdiness leaves us with a detailed fossil record that allows us to assign dates and geographic regions to marine strata based on the radiolarian species we find.
The chert we see near the Coe Ranch Entrance is part of the Franciscan Complex, a mix of marine and
terrestrial sediments, rocks, and minerals that have been mashed, buried, smeared, scraped, and bent as the ancient oceanic Farallon Plate moved slowly eastward until it met and sank underneath the North American Plate. The radiolarians that make up the chert of the Franciscan are Jurassic and equatorial the layers we see exposed today in the western part of Coe are a visible record of what can happen to the ocean floor over a span of 100+ million years.
A characteristic feature of radiolarian chert is a relatively regular pattern of silica-rich layers alternating with highly-erodible, clay-rich shale layers. The mechanisms that drive the formation of these almost-predictable rock layers are still being figured out. One theory is that the Earth’s orbital cycles affect zooplankton productivity, leading to rhythmic variations in silica/clay deposition Recent analysis of a modern deep-ocean sediment core suggests instead that silica and clay sequences might be determined by movement of dissolved silica from “donor” beds to “receiver” beds along with simultaneous preservation of assemblages of radiolarian skeletons. In the diagram on the following page, note that the presence of cosmic dust is a marker for the passage of time. In the oceancore sample modeling here, the thin shale layer has a greater concentration of cosmic dust than the thicker silica layer above, implying that, if the buildup rates of radiolarian skeletons and cosmic dust are constant over time, the “donor” beds represent longer buildup time and have given up their silica in the process of diagenesis, as sediments become solidified into rocks.
Another characteristic feature of radiolarian chert is the huge variety of angles and directions of the originally-horizontal layers. We have a good array of patterns visible in the roadcuts within a stretch of about a quarter-mile on Manzanita Road, from nearly horizontal layers to wavy to chevrons to perfectly vertical.
A highly unusual example of exposed Franciscancomplex chert is in San Francisco. If you go to the Peixotto Playground in Corona Heights Park you will see a shiny 50-ft wall of chert that attracts geologists from around the world. This particular block of chert was locked in place deep in the crust for a very long time while another rock face slid past it, leaving a massive surface of highly polished streaklines called a slickenside. This chert wall is one of the largest
examples of a slickenside in the world.
These chert layers are fairly horizontal. Just a couple of miles away to the south in Glen Canyon Park, however, some chert layers are thoroughly and riotously jumbled up.
As you walk through Coe (or San Francisco!), take a look at the layers of exposed rock that you encounter. You might be looking at an extensive historical data file that goes back over a hundred million years and has traveled thousands of miles. What a story we have, embedded in these sediments!
References
Abrajevitch, A. (2020). Diagenetic formation of bedded chert: Implications from a rock magnetic study of siliceous precursor sediments. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 533, 116039. https://doi.org/10.1016/ j.epsl.2019.116039
AGU. (2020, April 9). Virtual field trip: O’Shaughnessy Boulevard, Glen Canyon Park. YouTube. https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=oG8HKqm13hM
Chert - Presidio of San Francisco (U.S. National Park Service). (2015). Nps.gov. https://www.nps.gov/prsf/ learn/nature/chert.htm
by Al Henning
Presentation slides for the Annual Meeting are available by request at: https://docs.google.com/ presentation/d/1VTG20ZCntjkpCd_KqkddAYCW4AIutjVo1EODmDIobMs/edit?usp=sharing.
This year’s annual meeting of the Pine Ridge Association was held February 1, once again at the Morgan Hill Community and Cultural Center. About 70 people attended to learn about the latest news from the association, receive awards, and hear guest Nancy Ukai and her talk entitled, “A History of the Gilroy Yamato Hot Springs in the eyes of the Japanese Americans.” Uniformed Volunteers provided breakfast and lunch, and the Board thanks them for this service!
The first agenda item was an official meeting of the PRA Board. All Board members were present except Stuart Organo. The Board welcomes Adriane McFetridge, who has been added as Bob Kass’ replacement via email vote of the Board per PRA Bylaws. Dan Benefiel and Jeff Zolotar were elected to 3-year terms via online voting (thank you to everyone who made our first online election successful). Bobby Barnett will be President for 2025, and Walter Dunckel will be Vice President. Rick and Al will continue in their officer roles as Treasurer and Secretary, respectively. The remaining Board members are Steve McHenry, Jeff Zolotar, Dan Benefiel, Adriane McFetridge, Jen Naber (Volunteer Committee chair, non-voting), and Stuart Organo, Cooperating Association Liaison (non-voting). Thank you to Dan Benefiel for his service as PRA President and to Steve McHenry and Rick Casey for mentorship related to the execution of the role of Secretary.
Walter discussed the PRA’s main accomplishments during 2024 and activities in 2025, including developing a 5-year General Plan; implementing a more formal
budgeting process; improving our ratings on non-profit evaluation sites through increasing transparency and making organizational information easier to inspect using the internet; experimenting with changes to the event roster; funding needed repairs at the Dowdy Visitor Center, including new batteries, solar and water systems, and a new weather station; funding materials for Live Oak Spring repair; supporting the design of the Pine Ridge Ranch interpretive panels; supporting State Parks’ project to fire-harden historic structures; assisting with restoration of the Pine Ridge Ranch cattle squeeze pen and corral; and investigating and deploying automated spring reporting.
In terms of upcoming efforts related to Outreach, we seek to improve PRA outreach to potential event visitors and to other interest groups in the Bay Area (e.g. hiking, backpacking, photography, astronomy, natural sciences, horseback riding, mountain biking), as well as other organizations (e.g. Cooperating Associations, Open Space Districts, and related ‘friends’ support groups); expand support for educational programs in the park; and find ways to reduce barriers to educational groups’ use of Coe Park, e.g. financial support for buses.
Walter then took a question from the audience about repairing the Ranch House. Answer: This is beyond our budget right now. We have engaged with the State, which is refurbishing the Ranch House. PRA will help support these efforts financially.
Rick Casey then made his financial report to membership on behalf of the PRA Board. His complete fi-
nancial report for 2024 can be found among the slides for the Annual Meeting, as well as the Winter 2025 Issue of The Ponderosa.
Rick then turned our attention to the 2025 Events Plan. The biggest change is dropping the Mother’s Day Breakfast for 2025. Reasons: the impact of county health regulations on food preparation and decreasing attendance, which we associate with the Kickham location. The Board will reassess, led by Laura Bonnin; the intent is to re-deploy this event for 2026. The Moonlight Bike Ride will now take advantage of both moonlight and weather (not too hot). The overnight bike will now be the third week of May. Tarantula Fest has moved out by one week.
Bobby Barnett raised several questions worthy of consideration moving forward: if BCW attracts 1000 people, why does PRA have only 300 members? Bobby reviewed the single, summary slide on the 5-year General Plan. Three main sections or categories have been developed as part of the Plan: interpretation; outreach; and what might be termed ‘operations’ (the tools and substance which allow interpretation to be achieved). This is a 5 year rolling plan. Every year, it will get reviewed and updated.
Steve McHenry then brought us to the 2024 Volunteer of the Year Award. He remarked that the vote for VoY was nearly unanimous, with a high degree of voting and interest. Descriptions made by voters describing the recipients were glowing, and included adjectives such as humble, active, strong mentorship, steady (performed trail work nearly every week, always willing to help). The winners are Jodie and Linda Keahey. Congratulations, and many, many thanks!!
Dan then led the meeting Wrap-up, calling attention to individuals and groups who have forged PRA into the strong and high-impact group it is today: PRA members, park staff, uniformed volunteers, and the
PRA activity chairs.
The Annual meeting then continued with the Volunteers Meeting, led by DPR Rangers and Volunteer Coordinators Jen Naber and John Verhoeven. Volunteer Committee leadership positions and responsibilities were described, namely: Chairperson (Jen, acting); Communications (Lee Damico); Secretary (Laura Bonnin); Public outreach (open); PRA Events (Rick Casey); Training Volunteer (Manny Pitta); Interpretive (open). State Park activities and activity coordinators were highlighted.
New volunteers were noted, and welcome!
Nabeel Al-Shamma
Daria Celano
Luigi Celano
Brian Leen
Sam Leen
Angie Sokal
Richard Todd
Uniformed Volunteer Class of 2025
Uniformed Volunteers receiving Hours Milestones: Teddy Goodrich, Joseph Belli, Jodie Keahey, Steve McHenry, Jan Jeffers, Jim Brady, Laura Bonnin, Lynne Starr, Chere Bargar, Harry Cline, & Sue Dekalb.
Advancements were also highlighted. Those completing 100 hours of volunteer service following training are advanced from Trainee to Volunteer, while those completing 250 hours of volunteer service including 100 hours at the Visitor Center (or other visitor contact service) advance from Volunteer to Senior Volunteer. The Trainee to Volunteer members are:
Matthew Black
Nithya Cox
Andrew John
Adriane McFetridge
Herveline Sartori
Frank Schulz
Walter Strach
Kim Wilson
Katy Stoy advanced to Senior Volunteer.
Volunteer members achieved many impressive and fantastic anniversary and hours milestones:
40 Years: Chris Weske and Bill Frazer
30 Years: Bev Vanderweide
20 Years: Mark Deger and Jim Brady
10 Years: Kathy McBride and Art Pon
12,000 Hours: Sue Dekalb (just to put that into perspective, that’s six years of full-time work!)
11,000 Hours: Chere Bargar
Bev Vanderweide, Jim Brady, and Chris Weske.
9,000 Hours: Teddy Goodrich
7,000 Hours: Jody Keahey
4,000 Hours: Jim Brady
3,000 Hours: Lynn Starr, Steve McHenry, Joe Belli
2,000 Hours: Jan Jeffers, Rainer Stabenow
1,000 Hours: Jesus Valdez, Harry Cline, Laura Bonnin
In addition, Jen and John noted 25 volunteers who received statewide park passes for having more than 200 volunteer hours last year. And, 67 volunteers received district passes for having more than 40 volunteer hours last year.
The Golden Bear Award presentation served as the penultimate portion of the Volunteer Committee presentation. This year’s award is presented to Rick Casey. Rick’s service as PRA Board Treasurer, but perhaps more importantly from a Volunteer Committee perspective his service as PRA Events Leader, have made Rick eminently worthy of this award. Congratulations!
We gave thanks for the lives of long-time members Marty Cheek, Lois Phillips, Dave Hildebrand, and Nedra Martinez, who passed away this year, with gratitude for their efforts on behalf of the park we all love.
John Verhoeven gave his report on behalf of the
Department of Parks and Recreation and focused on an update for our District. The biggest news is that the Diablo District has overspent its budget, and staff members are looking for ways to compensate, keeping in mind the upcoming budget revision date in May. Staff are looking to PRA to get several ongoing projects ‘over the finish line.’
John was asked how the State will harden structures against fire. He replied, the approach is threefold: improve venting against embers (tighter screens); remove vegetation; and use of ‘fire gel’.
John was asked for a status on the OHV Access project, related to Senate Bill 155, which specifically mentions Henry Coe SP. Al reported the following information he received January 15 from Katie Metraux in the DPR Planning Department, who is responsible for this project. As far as the status goes, she wrote: “What’s Next: Future Efforts - Identify Partnerships and Specific Sites. It is anticipated that in Winter 2024, State Parks will start the second phase of the process to identify and evaluate specific sites that may be suitable for new OHV facilities. The process will include additional consultation with partner agencies to discuss potential sites that may be available, working internally within State Parks to review existing state park properties, and conducting outreach to
stakeholders to gather feedback about the potential sites.” (Note in proof: on April 2, 2025, the OHMVR Commission met and heard Metraux’s presentation on the status of ‘scoring’ all California lands for the purpose of OHV Access per SB 155. Coe Park apparently scores very high so far.) Upon completion of the second phase in Summer 2025, State Parks will prepare a final report that identifies specific sites that are suitable and can accommodate new or expanded OHV facilities. The report will be approved by State Parks Executive Staff and presented at the following OHMVR Commission meeting for feedback.
Many Coe Park staff members are nearing retirement within the next five years. John was asked about meeting the legacy and sustainability challenges presented by these retirements, especially in the context of State budget reductions. John remarked that he hopes DPR will not take staff positions away. But there’s no solid way to predict.
Regarding the Orestimba corral which burned, John was asked about plans to replace it. Answer: collection of downed wood to affect the repair has begun. This project probably has a high priority on the District List; but it was agreed the PRA Board needs to obtain thisList,toverify.The Project Evaluation Form for this project is complete.
Following John’s report, our guest Nancy Ukai presented “A History of the Gilroy Yamato Hot Springs in the eyes of the Japanese Americans,” with the subtitle, “From hotel for the elite, to refuge for JapaneseAmerican homeless after World War II.” The presentation was fascinating, and I encourage everyone to have a look at Nancy’s presentation, which is available upon request at: https://docs.google.com/presentation/ d/1uUIUGuqpjqStLEHl6uquxvYi0ewml6RV/edit? usp=share_link&ouid=110563283411126054054&rtp of=true&sd=true
by Elena Armstrong
Spring In Orestimba is an annual event, organized by the PRA. In 2025 it was held the weekend of April 5-6. This trip is like personal backcountry weekend, but without crowds. Twenty participants guided by five Coe volunteers entered the park on Saturday morning driving past the Dowdy Visitor Center to the junction of Kaiser Aetna Road and County Line Road. This year most of participants were new to the event and five had attended last year.
Leaving the cars we backpacked to the camping location. The water in the creek was lower than last year and everyone kept their shoes dry. We set up camp near Orestimba Creek and pond O22 (some call it Lupine Pond). The location is perfect for a large group with plenty of room to set up tents. There are great flat spots by the creek and higher up on a small ridge and near the pond. The area near the pond is frequently visited by wild pigs.
After setting up camp, we hiked to Jackrabbit Lake. Three hikers brought fishing gear, and in thirty minutes fourteen fish were caught and released! The night was clear and cool, stars beautiful. We heard coyotes yapping and howling just after dark and before sunrise. In the morning, we broke camp, had breakfast and by nine am were ready to hike back to our vehicles. The return route was the Orestimba Creek trail. We saw a variety of wildflowers - Shooting stars, Lupines, Buttercups.
We were back to the cars by noon and drove to Dowdy Visitor center. Since the park was open to the public that day, some participants went on a short afternoon hike on the Burra-Burra trail while others drove home. I consider this year trip to be a big success - hills were green, weather perfect and fish plentiful.
See you next year!
March 1, 2025
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Visit coepark.net for the latest information about all activities.
Claim a campsite at the Coit Camp Campout this Memorial Day Weekend, May 23-26! The Pine Ridge Association is your host for this once-a-year camping opportunity in the western interior of the park. Equestrians, hikers, and mountain bikers are all welcome! Guided hikes and rides will be offered. or explore the park on your own. Space is limited, so reserve your spot soon!
Learn more at https://coepark.net/events/coit-camp-campout/
Step back in time to learn about the history and lifestyles of ranch families that inhabited the area. See and pet farm animals, which may include sheep, chickens, large and small horses, goats, rabbits, and turkeys. Watch dogs herd sheep. Ride a horse or pony. Learn how to churn butter. Spin wool into yarn. Try your hand at roping a “steer!” Explore the creek or go on a guided hike. Enjoy a hot dog lunch.
More information: https://coepark.net/events/ranch-day/
The beautiful Hunting Hollow Valley of Henry W. Coe State Park is the location of this fun run and walk. The course is a relatively flat dirt road that follows the valley occasionally crossing the potentially wet creek to the end of the valley. Late Spring flowers can still be found along the course at this time of the year. Registration fees apply.
For details: https://coepark.net/events/hunting-hollow-5k-10k-fun -run-and-walk/
There is not much going on with springs this time around. But there are things in the works.
Once again there was a broken pipe at Coit Spring so Art Pon and Sue Dekalb went out and fixed it. This time the heavy rains we had dislodged some tree debris which came down the canyon and snapped our pipe in two. We reinforced the pipe so that it might survive if any other debris hit it.
by Sue Dekalb
Some work was also done on the windmill. Art Pon, Mike Otte, Walter Dunckel, and Jodie Keahey went out to the windmill and pulled out some more of the parts so we could eventually get it fixed. The parts to repair it have mostly been purchased or reclaimed so we just need to get everything in one place and put it all back together. The well will need to be drained to make sure there is no more debris that can cause issues later on. Now waiting for the 2 inch pipe to be purchased by the state so that everything can be put back together. The windmill has been broken for years.
The Live Oak Spring project hasn’t progressed at all since the last report since the Hollister staff has been tied up with road repairs for backcountry weekend. The plan is to replace all the piping from the
spring to Coit Road.
The date for the project start is now May 19th. It is expected to take 2 weeks to trench the road and lay new pipe if no problems arise. More info next time. The spring itself is doing great, it is just a problem with getting the water piped down to Pacheco Camp.
Another spring with issues is the Lower Grapevine Spring. There is no water flowing into the trough, as it is expected that the pigs have severed the pipeline somewhere between the spring box and the trough. This will be checked out soon but there hasn’t been anyone available to look at it since everyone is tied up with Backcountry Weekend preparations.
There is another interesting spring project that I will mention briefly here. An assistant professor of Geology at SJSU is working with two undergrad students to prepare a 2025 proposal for the Sanquini Award. One of the things they have been coming back to is variability in spring flow between some of the more stable flow solute/mineral rich springs and the more variable flow/fresher water springs. They are interested in doing some remote flow monitoring and poten-
tially looking at the groundwater levels at the sources of these springs within or near the spring boxes.
Remember, if you go out on patrol or are just hiking or biking
There has been a lot of trail activity since the last Ponderosa. We have been trying to keep up with all the trees that have fallen down the trails and roads and clearing trails for Backcountry Weekend.
We started out clearing trees and brushing on Cross Canyon Trail and Kelly Cabin Canyon Trail. Kelly Cabin Trail had many trees down and the trail needed significant brushing and bench work. We had help from Megan Fulford and Nano (Emiliano) Quintero from Hollister. Volunteers included John Thatcher, Art Pon, Lynne Starr, Liz Brinkman, Eric Simonsen, Jodie
you should send a report to waterreports@coepark.net. Please note if there is a critter stick and critter stick protector in the trough (if there is one). Unless the inflow is
dripping or trickling in, you should plan on measuring the flow for your report.
and Linda Keahey, Laura Bonnin, and Sue Dekalb. Thanks to volunteer Chris Kangas for flagging KCCT so we would know where the trail was supposed to be as it had not been traveled in a long time.
Next we were back out at Cross Canyon Trail and Hoover Lake Trail with volunteers Chris Howard, Eric Simonsen, and Virginia Goldwasser clearing more trees. The rest of the volunteers brushed Willow Ridge Road, Crest Road, and White Tank Spring Road West. These included Art Pon, Lynne Starr, Kelly Kersten, Jodie and Linda Keahey, and Sue Dekalb.
There was also a large tree blocking part of Anza Trail so Art Pon and Sue Dekalb cleared that one.
Next there was a large tree on Steer Ridge Road, trees on Live Oak Spring Road, and trees down on Pacheco Falls Trail. Volunteers Art Pon, Virginia Goldwasser, Chris Howard, Lynne Starr, Linda Keahey, Eric Simonsen, John Thatcher, Bryan Murahashi, Laura Bonnin, Pete Palmer, and Sue Dekalb took care of those with staff Megan Fulford and Ben Pippinger.
At this time we started working on trails for Backcountry Weekend. We started with Alquist, Turkey
Pond, and Orestimba Creek Trail. Volunteers were Art Pon, Lynne Starr, Eric Simonsen, Jodie Keahey, Sue Dekalb, Chris Howard, Laura Bonnin, Debbie Frederick, Lee Damico, and Bryan Murahashi. We had staff with us clearing the trees and hedging but I don’t recall the individuals.
Next was Winslow’s trail, Walsh Peak Trail, Mustang Cutoff, and Woodpecker Trail. Trees were also cleared at Brem Horse Camp. Volunteers included Art Pon, Lynne Starr, John Thatcher, Eric Simonsen, Mike Otte, Chris Howard, Lee Damico, Bryan Murahashi, Liz Brinkman, Linda Keahey and Sue Dekalb. Staff included Megan Fulford, Georgie Hernandez, and Ben Pippinger.
We also got reports of trees blocking Timm Trail and Spike Jones Trail so Art Pon and Mike
Otte went out and cleared those trails.
Next we tackled Dutch’s Trail and Yellowjacket Trail. Volunteers included Art Pon, Lee Damico, Lynne Starr, Laura Bonnin, Jodie and Linda Keahey, and Sue Dekalb. Staff included Olivia Gonzalez, Georgie Hernandez, Nano
(Emiliano) Quintero, and Victor Beaudoin.
Scherrer Trail, Hersman Pond Trail, North Fork Trail, Mack’s Corral Trail, and Burra Burra Trail were next. The volunteers included John Thatcher, Lee Damico, Chris Howard, Virginia Goldwasser, Jodie and Linda Keahey, Art Pon, Lynne Starr, and Sue Dekalb. Staff included Victor Beaudoin, Olivia Gonzalez, Ben Pippinger, Nano (Emiliano) Quintero, and Georgie Hernandez.
The next task was brushing Pacheco Ridge Road from Coit Road to Kaiser Aetna Road. The volunteers included Art Pon, Lynne Starr, Kelly Kersten, Eric Simonsen, John Thatcher, Debbie Frederick, Jesus Valdez, Chris Howard, Jodie and Linda Keahey, Laura and Nestor Bonnin, and Sue Dekalb.
Staff included Victor Beaudoin, Ben Pippinger, and Olivia Gonzalez.
We continued brushing Pacheco Ridge Road from Coit Road to Kaiser Aetna Road. Volunteers included Art Pon, Kelly Kersten, Eric Simonsen, Laura and Nestor Bonnin, and Sue Dekalb. Staff included Victor Beaudoin, Ben Pippinger, Olivia Gonzalez, Georgie Hernandez, and Nano (Emiliano) Quintero.
Volunteers Laura and Nestor Bonnin, Eric Simonsen, Debbie Frederick, and Shae Collinge brushed the Hartman Trail.
The following week we brushed Vasquez Trail, Dormida Trail, Dormida Spring Trail and Kingbird Pond Trail. Volunteers included
John Thatcher, Shae Collinge, Lynne Starr, Laura and Nestor Bonnin, Debbie Frederick, Art Pon, Mike Otte, Chris Howard, Liz Brinkman, Eric Simonsen, Jesus Valdez, Kelly Kersten, and Sue Dekalb. Staff included Victor Beaudoin, Ben Pippinger, Olivia Gonzalez, Georgie Hernandez, and Nano (Emiliano) Quintero.
Volunteers Laura and Nestor Bonnin, Eric Simonsen, Debbie Frederick, and Shae Collinge brushed Mustang Pond Trail.
Next volunteers John Thatcher, Bryan Murahashi, Debbie Frederick, and Sue Dekalb brushed Tie Down Trail while volunteer Eric Simonsen with staff Olivia Gonzalez, Ben Pippinger, Tamien Nation, Georgie Hernandez, and Nano (Emiliano) Quintero started working on Rooster Comb and Rooster Comb Summit Trails. We received special permission to use chainsaws on the Rooster Comb trails this year because there were so many trees down on those trails from fires from 2007 and 2020 that it
was almost impossible to follow the trails.
That same week volunteers Virginia Goldwasser, Kelly Kersten, Lee Damico, Liz Brinkman, Bryan Murahashi, John Thatcher, Debbie Frederick, Jesus Valdez, and Chris Howard went back to work on the Rooster Comb Trails with staff Nano (Emiliano) Quintero, Victor Beaudoin, Ben Pippinger, Megan Fulford. Volunteers Art Pon, Mike Otte, Lynne Starr and Eric Simonsen went out to brush the Mississippi Creek Trail.
The Saturday before backcountry weekend found Laura Bonnin, Lee Damico, Andy John and Herveline Sartori brushing and flagging Purple Pond Trail.
By Jennifer Naber
In early April, the park lost long-time volunteer, Bill Frazer. I wanted to write an article to say one last time how thankful I am to Bill for the 40 years he gave to Coe, as well as publicly recognize his service. Yet, how does one try to encapsulate 40 years of dedication in a few paragraphs; especially when I don’t want to be saying goodbye?
Bill joined the park’s volunteer program in 1985 earning his 40-service pin at the PRA Annual meeting in February. During his time as a volunteer, Bill volunteered 9,870.50 hours, the fourth highest of any volunteer since the program was established in 1980. Additionally, Bill was chosen in 1983 as Volunteer of the Year and since then awarded the Golden Bear award both for his dedication and service to the park. While the awards and volunteer hours are impressive, they only show a glimpse of the dedication and love Bill had for the park.
I first met Bill when I started my career as a Ranger at Henry Coe in the fall of 2008. Bill’s depth of knowledge about the park, its history, trails, topography, weather, and (of course) the best fishing spots, was as vast as Henry Coe itself. Even after seventeen years, I still find myself turning towards volunteers, like Bill, seeking advice or asking a question that only someone with his knowledge and years of experience would know the answer.
Although Bill was active in all aspects in the volunteer program from trail patrol to special events to new volunteer training (just to name a few), one of Bill’s
biggest impacts was working in the park’s visitor center. Each weekend, Bill would work alongside park staff helping answer visitors’ questions, assist backpackers plan their trips, collect park fees, answer the phone and anything else that helped our operation run smoothly. During his time with us, Bill logged 4,210.90 hours working in the visitor center a record not likely to ever be beaten. For those who have witnessed the chaos that is Henry Coe in springtime, knowing Bill would be there each Saturday personally brought me peace of mind. I already miss hearing his voice on the other end of the line when I call each Saturday morning to check in.
Another task that Bill faithfully took on year after year for which I will eternally be grateful is the annual
volunteer hours report he compiled each January. Each year in January, Bill would spend hours gathering and organizing all volunteer hours into a consolidated report which included: every volunteer, the year they joined, hours volunteered the previous year, any awards or pins earned in the past, who earned a pin for hours or years of service that previous year, who was short on hours and members of that year’s new volunteer class. As a volunteer coordinator, his reports are invaluable resources that I routinely reference all year long.
By Chris Fent
As a very young child I was introduced to the park. A place that would become my initial inspiration for my passion and obsession of fishing, my love of wildlife and the natural world, and my dedication to sustainability. It was my grandfather, Bill Frazer, who built the foundation of what I love most. Some of my earliest memories include holding the tarantulas at Tarantula Fest, running around the grassy field at the Mother’s Day Breakfast, and somewhat infamously getting stuck inside a hollowed out tree in said field while my grandfather was making his fan favorite sausages. It was my grandfather who gifted me those memories and experiences. Whenever there was an event at the park, my grandfather ensured that my family and I would attend.
Those who knew my grandfather during those years knew how much he loved what would become my passion and obsession throughout my life. The art of pursuing what is elusive yet attainable. Fishing. Although, in many of the backcountry lakes and ponds
In closing, I simply like to thank Bill one last time for his years of dedication and service to Henry Coe. I often tell people that working alongside volunteers has been one of the most rewarding parts of my job. I’ve been able to meet and learn from great people like Bill Frazer, and for that I will always be thankful.
There will be a Celebration of Life for Bill on Tuesday, May 20th at 12 pm at the Coe Ranch Entrance. Coe Park friends and family are all welcome to attend.
in Coe, the fish were anything but elusive. When I was around 6 years old, my grandfather took me on a hike up to Frog Lake. A fishing pole in my hand and a camera in his. That was the day my picture would be the cover of Coe’s fishing guide. My grandfather fostered my love of fishing, and some years later when the fishing guide needed to be updated, we got the go ahead to drive out to Coit and Kelly Lakes where I was once again put on the cover of the fishing guide and would remain there for many years. Something I am still so proud of all these years later.
As I got into my early teens, my love for fishing and
the outdoors only intensified. I would hike out with a buddy to Bass Pond just to catch a malnourished bass or small bluegill. There was one year when Backcountry weekend was closed. However, my grandpa ensured I would still get to go. He brought my dad and me along with him for the weekend. I would stand next to my grandfather as we would take turns catching fish, cast after cast in Will’s, Kingbird and Mustang Pond as well as Jackrabbit Lake.
When I was 16, I was able to follow in his footsteps and become a volunteer alongside him. I was always so proud to tell the other new volunteers that he was my grandfather. I have such fond memories of our time working the visitor center and educating people about the park. Possibly my proudest moment was one year he and I were running the fishing demonstration at Coit lake for the new group of volunteers during the overnight trip. I had always heard rumors of catfish living in Coit. But we had no record of them in the park. While showing the new volunteers some bass, black crappie and bluegill we noticed the line from his rod start getting pulled out towards the water. With the group of new volunteers watching, he began to reel
in what we thought was just another bass. However, this one fought differently. As the fish came close to shore, I reached into the water and pulled out what to my knowledge was the very first recorded catch of a Channel Catfish caught in the park. We excitedly showed the fish to the group of people watching before taking one of my favorite pictures. It was just him and me, each holding the fish together. The meaning behind the picture was greater and deeper than words could ever explain.
I am so honored to be his grandson. I was so fortunate to be able to have him play such a huge part of raising me in the park and exposing me to what has become my biggest passion in life and where I find peace and contentment. His dedication, appreciation and love for Coe will forever be ingrained in the park’s history. As Sada Coe said, “May these quiet hills bring peace to the souls of those who are seeking.” His soul will forever rest within those hills. I can never thank you enough for everything you have given me, Grandpa. I dedicate every fish I catch to you. And I know you’ll always be with me in nature.
I have great memories of Bill –from volunteer training, working in the Visitor Center and the great tradition of the holiday potluck. During my volunteer training, Bill was talking about geology of Coe Park. That talk completely changed my perception of geology, which I thought before as being the most boring subject. It turned out to be exciting, not boring! Right after the talk, I even bought a bunch of popular geology books.
-Elena Armstrong
How do I remember Bill Frazer?
Cooking tri tip to feed the crowd for T-Fest, leading the geology hike for new volunteers, working in the Visitor Center, and most of all, being a role model for every Coe
volunteer, new and old. But my favorite memory, the one I can’t forget? Running into Bill at Trader Joe’s late one afternoon years ago. He was in a hurry. “I only need one thing,” he told me, “Sour cream. Carol’s making enchiladas!” Bill the family man, who loved his family so very much.
-Teddy Goodrich
Bill loved to fish, and every year did a wonderful fishing demo for the Ride-Along. I always told him there were catfish in Coit Lake and he never believed me. Then, alas on one of the Ride-Along weekends, he caught a catfish from Coit Lake and became a believer!
-Don Holmes
One time I asked Bill if he might be interested in joining Rotary, and his response was that he wasn't very social. He was right, and he was wrong. Effusive? Gabby? Boring with old-timey stuff? Feeling sorry for himself as he aged? No, no, no and no. He was quietly efficient, helpful, anticipating the needs of whomever he was talking to, knowledgeable, quietly humorous, broadly experienced, willing to share what he knew, and a genuine nice guy. He was very social in his quiet way. I will miss him.
-Ken Hulick
Bill Frazer was the consummate volunteer. Bill wore many hats, including volunteer training, doing heavy lifting at events like the Mother’s Day Breakfast, and working in the Visitor Center. Bill loved talking to visitors and helping them decide on places to go in the park. Bill was a fisherman. For years, he did a fishing demonstration at Coit Lake during the new volunteers Ride Along. I was always amazed that when the new volunteers arrived at his location, he always caught a fish. Bill kept track of volunteer hours and was the person who ordered volunteer name tags. For many years, Bill and Carol opened their
home to volunteers for an annual Christmas Potluck. I will really miss Bill. He was a good friend and colleague.
-Jim Mason
The first time I met Bill he was standing behind the counter in the Visitor Center when I came to inquire about the volunteer program. He helped me with the application process. Another vivid memory of Bill was years later at a party when there was some game being played with winners and losers. I looked at Bill and said, "You're a teacher. You want everyone to win." He acknowledged that with a little nod. That was who he was. A teacher who wanted everyone to succeed.
-Margaret Mary McBride
Bill was vital to the PRA. He helped in the annual Ridealong training, and he suffered the same cooking heat as me for years as he helped tend the chicken and tri-tip on the grills while cooking lunches at the T -fest. What I'll remember most fondly, however, were the wonderful Christmas parties held at he and Carol's house every December. Cheerful PRA friends and great potluck foods!
- Steve McHenry & Carolyn Straub
Bill was the quintessential State Park Volunteer. Bill was ready to take on any chore - however tedious, however awkward, however difficult, and make it look simple, easy, and attainable. You could see his smile. You could see his commitment. You could see his character worn on his sleeves. To me, a neophyte volunteer of only 6 years, I took inspiration seeing him arrive at an event early. I would see him dressed for the cold. I would see him dressed for the heat. And always dressed like it was his first day on the job. Bill towered, but he knew that, so he crouched down to kiddo-height. He was keenly aware of the people around him and their needs. Bill Frazer was amazing and will be called out by name on my mountain bike patrols.
-Stuart Nutall
Like many new volunteers, I got to know Bill during our training weekends, and I deeply enjoyed his clear and accessible style in explaining the park's geology and geography. The field-trip route he mapped out for the trainees' geology hike is a great 2.5-mile loop that neatly and cleverly illustrated many of the topics he'd discussed with us beforehand in his class. I now lead public geology hikes on Bill's route it's a perfect introduction to the park. Bill's
friendliness, good humor, and teaching skill will be a lifelong inspiration for me thank you, Bill.
-Molly Shaw
Although I have only been a volunteer for 2 years, Bill was one of the volunteers that I bonded with. We both worked for the same school district (he naturally predated me), and I am truly sad to hear of his passing. Each time we met at the park, he would remember colleagues from his time at East Side Union High School District and ask me if I knew them. I would ask him when they worked there, he would rattle off a date sometime in the mid-1970s. I quickly reminded him that I was riding Big Wheels up and down my street at that time and hadn’t quite entered the workforce yet. When I saw him at events, or sitting in the visitor’s center, I was always in awe of his 9,000 hours service pin. He was genuinely someone who loved Coe and equally loved sharing his knowledge of the park with our guests. I will miss Bill dearly and his void will leave an emptiness at Headquarters. My only regret is that I am sharing this with you rather than Bill.
-Walter Strach
PINE RIDGE ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Bobby Barnett PRESIDENT
Walter Dunckel VICE PRESIDENT
Albert Henning SECRETARY
Rick Casey TREASURER
Dan Benefiel
Adriane McFetridge
Steve McHenry
Jeff Zolotar
Jennifer Naber VOL. COORDINATOR
Stuart Organo SUPERVISING RANGER
THE PONDEROSA STAFF
Patrick Goodrich PUBLISHER
Teddy Goodrich
Margaret Mary McBride CO-EDITORS
CONTRIBUTORS TO THIS ISSUE
Elena Armstrong
AUTHOR & PHOTOGRAPHER
Joseph Belli
AUTHOR & PHOTOGRAPHER
Sue Dekalb
AUTHOR & PHOTOGRAPHER
Chris Fent
AUTHOR
Teddy Goodrich
AUTHOR & PHOTOGRAPHER
Al Henning
AUTHOR
Jennifer Naber
AUTHOR
Molly Shaw
AUTHOR & PHOTOGRAPHER
Don Holmes, Ken Hulick, Jim Mason, Margaret Mary McBride, Steve McHenry, Stuart Nutall, Walter Strach, Carolyn Straub
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Virginia Goldwasser, Chris Howard, Bryan Murahashi, Mike Otte, Art Pon
Dick Rawson, Brody Q Scotland, Jim Wright
PHOTOGRAPHER
Peregrine Greatwing
COVER PHOTO
Pauline Wood
MEMBERSHIPS
We are pleased to announce the new members listed below.
Thank you for your support!
Rodney Tao, Watsonville
Donald Ousterhout &Marlene Ma, Alameda
Scott Archer & Concepcion Calzada, Livermore
Scott Card, Morgan Hill
Andrew & Idalia Duncan, Fairfax, VA
Daryl Dichek, Soquel
Ken & Karen Jackson, Santa Cruz
Justin Oakey, San Jose
William DePhillips, San Francisco
Quin Davis & Sibel Fite, San Francisco
Tomas Alvarez Belon & Abigail Reinhold, Stanford
Jason Childs &Son Yi, San Jose
Gabriel Tellez and Michele Tellez, Gilroy
Alison Monteith, El Granada
Pasquale Anastasi, La Selva Beach
Catherine Coates & John McCotter, Morgan Hill
We need your help to keep our membership list current and accurate. If you have any questions regarding your membership or to let us know of any change of address, please contact us via email at pra-membership@coepark.net or mail:
Pine Ridge Association 9100 East Dunne Ave Morgan Hill, CA 95037
Membership supports the Pine Ridge Association’s mission to enhance and enrich the public’s experience at Henry W. Coe State Park through education and interpretation: coepark.net/pra
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The Ponderosa is the quarterly publication of The Pine Ridge Association. Articles and artwork relating to the natural and cultural history of the park, park events, activities of the PRA Board, park management, and uniformed volunteer program are welcome! Please send submissions and ideas to ponderosa@coepark.net. Deadline for next issue is July 31, 2025.
© 2025 The Pine Ridge Association