Diablo watch issue 27 Spring 2000 edition

Vote Yes On Prop. 12 March 7th!

Safe Neighborhood Parks, Clean Water, Clean Air, and Coastal Protection Bond Act of 2000

In 1999 the Legislature placed Prop. 12 on the March 7, 2000 California ballot, recognizing the tremendous need the state has for parks, open space, and recreation for its growing population and for the protection of wildlife. Proposition 12 would authorize the State to issue $2.1 billion in bonds for park, recreation, and conservation programs. If approved on March 7, Prop. 12 would provide funds to protect land and recreational resources for future generations, and make grants available to local agencies for the same purposes. California is growing by 600,000 residents a year and funding for open space acquisition is important in balancing growth with preservation.

There hasn't been an approved Park Bond since 1988's Prop . 70 CalPaw (California Parks and Wildlife) initiative, and funding has been exhausted. Prop. 12 includes more than $500 million for State Parks, including funding specifically designated for additions to Mt. Diablo State Park. It also includes almost $400 million for Local Park and Recreational Facilities and $200 million for Open Space and Recreational Programs.

Prop. 12 would provide funding to heavily urbanized areas, including funds for urban conservation corps, recreation for at-risk youth, open space protection in fast growing suburbs, and protection of remaining wildlife areas

in some of our fastest growing counties. Taxes will not be raised by Prop 12 because it requires existing tax revenues to be spent efficiently and effectively. Strict safeguards such as annual audits, public hearings and citizen review will ensure that funds are spent as promised

The California Environmental Dialogue (CED), a coalition of business and environmental groups, has recognized that California's business climate and its environment both benefit from public investment in parks, wildlife areas, the coast, and open space. In a recently issued CED survey, state and local agencies identified a need for $12 billion over the next ten years to protect the best and most threatened open space and agricultural lands in California. This bond act is down payment on that need.

1988's CalPaw bond, Prop. 70, for example, included $4 million for Mt. Diablo and additional funds for local regional parks and every city. Save

Mount Diab/a used Prop. 70 funding for such acquisitions as the 631 acre Morgan Ranch, Three Springs and for Turtle Rock Ranch. Additional funding was utilized at Morgan Territory, Black Diamond Mines, and at Round Valley.

Save Mount Diablo urges you to vote YES ON 12 on March 7. Proposition 12 will protect water quality, forests and open space, wildlife co:ridors and provide and improve existing state parks. The Proposition's greatest emphasis is on urban areas, providing special funds to rapidly growing suburbs, which are spreading throughout Contra Costa County. The need for a place for people to recreate, appreciate wildlife, enjoy the outdoors and exercise is becoming more critical as open space gives way to development.

Help ensure our common future with clean air, clean wate1~ safe parks, places to recreate and to enjoy the natural wonders that surround us.

Let your friends know about Prop. 12 and remember to vote YES ON 12 on March 7th for yourself and for California. Mt. Diablo will thank you for it.

Ground Squirrel

For more information on the web about Prop 12 check www.safeparks.org

Board of Directors

Malcolm Sproul

President

Arthur Bonwell Vice-President

Allan Prager Vice-President

Amara Koss

Secretary

Karen Hunt

Treasurer

Mary L. Bowerman

Martin Breen

Paul Choisser

Donald de Fremery

Stephen Joseph

Robert Marx

Steven Mehlman

Robert Nunn

Nigel Ogilvie

Dave Sargent

Staff

Seth Adams Director of Land Programs

Lucea Keller Office Manager

Publisher

Save Mount Diablo

Masthead Panorama

Oak Flat, Mt. Diablo

Diablo Watch is published by Save Mount Diablo, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving land on Mt. Diablo and educating the public to the mountain's natural values.

Park News

In the winter cold comes a clarity few other regions can know, with their

Diablo Watch is printed on recycled paper with a soy base ink and can be recycled.

and waterfalls begin to flow. Whether it's a dry year or a wet one, take a friend on a hike and appreciate the ways in which this year is like no other.

standing clouds and humidity, and the Diablo Foothills Regional Park/ view from the mountain is spectacular. We Castle Rock Recreational Area have our winter rain clouds as well, but (EBRPD-510 635-0135)

the high hills allow bigger perspectives. • In December the East Bay Regional Park Perched on Mt. Diablo or at one of the District signed an option for two parcels other ridgeline parks, the snow-covered owned by the Ginochio family at the crest of the Sierra range shines from two entrance gate to Mt. Diablo State Park and hundred miles away. The Sierra ris e high totaling 47 acres. On Northgate road and enough to make the rain clouds drop their adjacent to Diablo Foothills Regional loads, as Mt. Diablo does on a smaller Preserve, the parcels include two knolls scale in Alamo and Danville, greening our rising from the road to the Regional hills while the rest of the country hiber- Preserve and a section of Arroyo del Cerro nates and dreams of - -,--,----..--,,.. creek. SMD had been spring. Vast areas of the working to preserve the country are dormant two parcels, where a under snow and ice, but 14, 000 square foot here the land is awaken- residence had been ing and the hills are proposed two years ago already green. Winter is (luckily that plan was flowing into spring and withdrawn), and urged that's cause to rejoice. the District to act. The

After early rains, it is first 23.46 acre parcel has looking like a dry year. been purchased for Creeks and waterfalls are .c $525,000 in Regional AA barely flowing at this :x Park bond funding, the -5l point. This comes as no ] second will be acquired real surprise, since in ten ! next year for an equal California years three of Wild Oat Falls amount if funding can them are likely to be wet be developed and four of them dry. There is no 'normal' here and the landscapes and wildlife all live cyclical lives affected by dramatic climatic changes. Many tree seedlings, for instance, need three or four wet years in a row (which may only happen once in a few decades) just to survive past infancy but other plant species mold and mildew in the wet years and spread during the dry ones

The ponds are getting noisy; the frogs, toads and salamanders are alre ady migrating toward water. The buckeye buds are swelling and the year's first blooms, the pink clusters of wild currant flowers, can already be seen on the mountain's northside. In March the mockingbirds will sing all night, an endless riff stringing together every other bird's song from rasping jays to trilling meadowlarks. In April the breezes are gusty in the evening Cross your fingers and count the days till the hills have quenched their thirst and the dry streams

Mt. Diablo State Park (State Department of Parks and Recreation -925 837-2525)

• The Mitche ll Canyon Visitor Center is now open on weekends

• There are now three ranger vacancies.

• Work has started on refurbishment of the Lower Summit rest rooms , and completed on two major road washouts with more roadwork to come

• Interpretive panels are being constructed to educate park visitors about various natural and cultural history points of interest including the historic Mountain House hotel and stagecoach route.

• Statewide Trail Day has been set for April 22, staged out of Mitchell Canyon; call the number above if you'd like to help

Editor's Note: Park News is usually more detail ed but our s pace is very limit ed this issue. Look for a more compl ete v ersion again next issue

FROM MALCOLM SPROUL, PRESIDENT

3,400 Acres Preserved!

It's gratifying wh n Sa ve Mount Diablo can help landowner preserve their land when they need to sell or move on to new challenges. We're very pleased to announce that Turtle Rock Ranch has been added to Mt. Diablo State Park, fulfilling the dream of its owners Ann and Mitch Ward that it continue to be publicly accessible.

Turtle Rock's purchase was the frosting on the year's cake. Last Spring' s newsletter headline read "1998: A Very Good Year" and included updates on the progress of a number of projects underway on Mt. Diablo. I'm pleased to tell you that 1999 has exceeded our hopes; it was Mt. Diablo's best year for land preservation since 1980, including ten additions to parks around the mountain totaling almost 3,400 acres.

Many of these projects were long awaited and we've reported on their status in past newsletters Government funding has become more plentiful in post-recession years, but almost half of the acreage preserved was at no cost to the public. We could write a book about all the work involved. Suffice it to say that without our members' support for operational and acquisition expenses, none of these successes would be possible.

These projects include:

• 1,123 Acres Roddy Ranch. Dedication of development rights of 1,123 acres, adjacent to Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve near Antioch at no cost to the public.

• 511 Acres, Final Blackhawk Dedication.

The final 511 of 2,052 acres donated by Blackhawk Corporation passed to Mt. Diablo State Park at no cost to the public.

• 427 Acres, Silva Ranch.

With a $625,000 loan from the David & Lucile Packard Foundation, SMD closed escrow on Silva in October, in the Tassajara area. Fundraising continues.

Malcolm Sproul

• 350 Acres, Second Phase Clayton Ranch.

SMD and the East Bay Regional Park District worked in partnership on this second of three phases totaling 1,030 acres.

• 65.5 Acres, Turtle Rock Ranch. An addition to Mt. Diablo State Park above Walnut Creek (see related article) for which funding was developed bySMD.

• 46 Acres, Round Valley.

Addition of four small parcels near the Round Valley staging area along Marsh Creek. SMD supported the EBRPD' s grant proposal for funding.

• 23.46 Acres, Ginochio Northgate Parcel.

In December the East Bay Regional Park District signed an option for two parcels totaling 47 acres, and purchased the first for addition to Diablo Foothills Regional Preserve.

• 21 Acres, Athenian School.

Addition of a 15 acre stream canyon to the State Park and the preservation of an adjoining 6-acre oak knoll, near Danville at no cost to the public.

• 405.5 and 395 Acres, Brushy Peak.

Although SMD had no involvement in these final two efforts near Livermore, they nonetheless extend public ownership in the Diablo area from Walnut Creek all the way to the Livermore valley, a goal of Sav e Mount Diab/a. In January the Park

District added the first 405.5 acre phase of 1120.52 acres to the existing 507 acre Brushy Peak Preserve. In December, the District purchased the second phase, including 395 acres. A third phase will be acquired next year.

In May, Save Mount Diablo celebrated the final Blackhawk dedication, at an event keynoted by Governor Davis and in August we hosted the Athenian School dedication. We held a first ever fund-raising event at the Summit Ranch in Alamo and another event at the Three Springs home of SMD Board member Bob Nunn, to thank our major supporters.

Our pleasure at the year's successes must be tempered by two events. On November 13th, Genevieve Sattler, one of SMD's founders, passed away. Bill Sattler, another founder and Gen's other half, passed away two years ago. Gen and Bill were the epitome of SMD' s volunteer Board members, working tirelessly on behalf of Mt. Diablo, including twenty years service as SMD secretary and treasurer. We're sure that Gen & Bill are hiking together once again on the mountain they loved.

Gerry Keenan, SMD's first Executive Director, has resigned and moved on to new adventures. During the past two and a half years Gerry helped expand SMD' s fundraising efforts, set up our first public office space, and helped organize our administrative affairs Gerry's work was appreciated and we wish her well in her future endeavors.

Staff changes are inevitable. Save Mount Diab/a is focused and the strongest it has ever been. The Board of Directors has already begun the process to hire a new executive director. We've recently made several offers on new parcels and we expect to celebrate Turtle Rock's addition to Mt. Diablo State Park at an event in June.

It's Spring. Go out and enjoy the mountain we all work so hard to protect. We appreciate your support.

Turtle Rock Ranch Acquired

Group Use Will Begin in May

In l,st spri.ng's newsl tter, Save Mo1wt Dinb lo (SfvID) went out on a limb in announcing negotiations over the historic Turtle Rock Ranch, a 65.5 acre picnic resort surrounded by Mt. Diablo State Park and familiar to generations of Contra Costa residents. We're pleased to report that Turtle Rock has now been purchased for $1.745 million and added to the State Park.

The addition includes the land, significant structures and improvements and a group picnic business. Funded through the efforts of Save Mount Diablo, State Senator Richard Rainey, and Assembly Member Lynne Leach, the acquisition ends threat of development.

Ann and Mitch Ward, the owners of Turtle Rock, approached the State in September 1997. A few months earlier the DPR and SMD had cooperated on an unsuccessful bid for a neighboring inholding, including in the bid $875,000 in state funding.

When the Wards approached the DPR, Save Mount Diablo worked with

signed. SMD and Assembly Member Leach facilitated negotiations between the Wards and the DPR, and Save Mount Diablo funded independent real estate and business valuation appraisals. An agreement was struck in June for the real estate portion of the acquisition. The business acquisition and a variety of contingencies were resolved in the following months, and escrow closed at the end of September.

"Mitch and I are very happy that the State Park system was able to buy Turtle Rock," said Ann Ward. Save

commonly known, Turtle Rock was later subdivided and named for a large rock formation. It was used for cattle ranching and a private recreational park began operation there in 1952. Eventually State acquisitions encircled Turtle Rock and two other small inholdings.

The Wards, two local school teachers, purchased Turtle Rock in 1981 as a family business that could be operated during the summer months. With seating for groups as large as 1200, the Wards served 25-30,000 meals a season-a total of nearly 500,000 visitors in the last nineteen years.

Clients over the years ranged from PeopleSoft, Chevron and Charles Schwab, to the staff of Jeremiah Towers' Stars restaurant, to local school and scouting groups, with an emphasis on family gatherings.

"The thing we will miss more than anything are all of the high school and college kids who've worked for us" said

Ward. "The State Park has also been wonderful to Senator Rainey and Assembly Members Lynne Leach and Tom Torlakson to transfer that funding for a bid on Turtle Rock.

According to Ann Ward, "We had been approached by both a developer and a company that wanted to make Turtle Rock into a luxury retreat facility, but we felt it was more important that it continue to be available to the public."

Over the next two years the DPR conducted negotiations and with SMD developed additional funding for the acquisition, including a $200,000 budget request sponsored by Leach in 1998 and $706,000 from the 1988 Prop. 70 State Park Bond.

Four appraisals and countless meetings later, a two-part deal was

Mount Diablo was the driving force in seeing that the transaction was completed. They were a mediator when things got a little tense in the negotiations. Above all, they had the vision that the Ranch should stay accessible to the public and were relentless in making sure that it happened."

"Turtle Rock is an incredibly important addition to the Park. It will be available to the public this summer and provide great opportunities for group use," said Larry Ferri, Park Superintendent, Mt. Diablo State Park.

Rancho Miguel

Part of the original 1834 Mexican land grant Rancho Arroyo de Las Nueces y Bolbones, or Rancho Miguel as it was

work with; they're very supportive and helpful, and have been very good neighbors."

Rich Biodiversity and Outstanding Views

Turtle Rock's 65.5 acres are located high on the western slopes of Mt. Diablo overlooking Walnut Creek, Central Contra Costa County, Suisun Bay and areas to the northwest. Elevations range from 1320 to 1520 feet in elevation, with moderate to steep slopes, rolling hillsides and two intermittent creeks. Part of the Pine creek watershed, much of the property is habitat for wildlife common to Mt. Diablo, as well as special status species such as the California redlegged frog and the Alameda whipsnake.

continued on next page

The historic ranch house at Turtle Rock, built from Diablo blue chert

conti11ued from previous page

About four-fifths of the property is wooded or covered with chaparral, with the remainder in grassland. About two acres are the site of the commercial picnic facility, including a historic rustic ranch house, built from blue chert stone quarried nearby. There are also several acres devoted to ball fields and parking. Access is from Northgate Road.

Save Mount Diablo especially appreciates the efforts of the Wards, Assemblywoman Leach, Senator Rainey, SMD Board member Bob Nunn, DPR Acquisition Section Chief Warren Westrup, Land Manager Robert Baxter, and Mt. Diablo State Park Superintendent Larry Ferri. A public dedication is tentatively being planned for mid-June.

Mountain Stars

.Barbecue and Salute at Three Springs

On October 9, 1999 Save Mount Diablo held its first annual Mountain Stars Barbecue to honor individuals and organizations whose support has been significant and has helped to make our work possible. The event was held at the beautiful Three Springs home of SMD board member, Bob Nunn. Three Springs (and the neighboring parcel which was acquired by SMD in 1992) is surrounded by Mt. Diablo State Park.

The evening began with cocktails, followed by a barbecue dinner. Art Bonwell, a founder and vice president of Save Mount Diablo, received the first Mountain Stars Award. Stephen Joseph, a local photographer and SMD board member, screened an incredible 3-D slide show of spectacular Mt. Diablo images near the barn to end the evening. Elected officials attending included: Assemblymember Lynne Leach, Senator Richard Rainey, and former State Senator John Nejedly.

The event was underwritten in part by John Kiefer and Bob Nunn.

A Mountain Within Our Soul

On August 28, 1999, Save Mount Diablo celebrated The Athenian School Dedication to Mt. Diablo State Park.

A 15-acre wooded and branched stream canyon was added to Mt. Diablo State Park and a 6-acre knoll was preserved. The land was dedicated in memory of Barbara and Dan Reid, environmentalists whose efforts encouraged environmental sensitivity while meeting the needs of the Athenian School.

Greystone Homes underwrote this event.

County Supervisor Donna Gerber, one of the mountain's strongest defenders, delivering the keynote speech.

Hikers overlooking the dedication site Photo courtesy of Stephen Joseph Pholo courtesy of Liede-Marie Haitsma

SMD board member Bob Marx, Bob Doyle, Joan Marx enjoy cocktails on SMD board member, Bob Nunn's veranda.

Photo courtesy of Liede-Marie Haitsma

Art Bonwell, Man of the Hour, and Assemblywoman Lynne Leach

Photo courtesy of Liede-Marie Hai tsma

View of Three Springs

Photo courtesy of Stephen Joseph

Polly Brown

Photo courtesy of Liede-Marie Haitsma

THANKVOU

Save Mount Diablo wishes to extend special thanks to the following people, organizations and establishments for their gracious support which made our Fall events and dedications possible:

Athenian School Dedication, August 28, 1999

Greystone Homes

The Athenian School

MountDiablo State Park

Summit Ranch FundRaiser, September 18, 1999

On September 18, 1999 Save Mount Diablo held its "First Annual Celebration of Mount Diab lo" at Summit Ranch Equestrian Center in Alamo. A light dinner and dancing were followed by an outdoor 3-D slide show by Stephen Joseph. A silent auction, featuring a sculpture from the Dean Lesher Collection, ended the festive evening.

Summit Ranch - Bob Ouchi

Bob Marx Associates

Joan Marx

Marcello's of Danville

Luna Loca

Garlex Pizza (San Ramon)

Mela's

Caruso's

Amelia's Bistro

Lawrence's Meats of Alamo

Pomegranate

Tony Roma's

Oakville Grocery

Classic Catering

Hansen's Natural Beverages

Acosta Sales and Marketing

Stony Ridge Winery

Prima Trattoria

Scott's Seafood Restaurant

Yacht Club Restaurant

The Lesher Foundation

Shirley N ootbaar

Stephen Joseph

Dr. Mary Bowerman

Contra Costa Newspaper

Pleasant Hill Bayshore Disposal

Clayton Valley Presbyterian Church

Navlet's Garden Center, Danville

Sloat Garden Center

Burr, Pilger and Mayer

Helen McLaren

Jeanne Thomas

Margie Erman

Andrea Scott

Sam Racina

Liede-Marie Haitsma

G.F.W.C., San Ramon Valley Junior Women's League Members

Mountain Stars Event, October 9, 1999

Bob Nunn

Chris Frigard

Stephen Joseph

John Kiefer

Updates

Coastal Conservancy Awards

$300,000 For Clayton Ranch; Silva Request Still Pending

Two years ago Save Mount Diablo aided the legislative efforts of the Bay Area Open Space Council to create a new funding program within the Coastal Conservancy, the San Francisco Bay Area Program, extending Conservancy attention to projects throughout Bay Area counties. Previously the Conservancy's work had been limited to shoreline areas. Although the authorization included no funding, last year Governor Davis budgeted $10 million for the Program.

The Conservancy began accepting applications for funding last Fall and Save Mount Diablo applied for two grants. We were very pleased to be awarded $300,000 in November toward the second phase acquisition of Clayton Ranch (350 of 1,030 acres; the final phase .c is slated for this year). f Clayton Ranch is a j

Q.

joint project with the ii IMlllill•..,.._.........

East Bay Regio nal Park Di s tri ct t aNorth

used digital cameras to practice their photographic technique and made their own unique record of the mountain, including scenes of Stephen at work. Using laptop computers and wireless modems the students sent their images and field notes to the DEX site on the World Wide Web directly from the mountain for viewing while the expedition was in progress. You can view the results of the expedition, SMD's website, history, recent acquisitions, current hikes and much more by visiting our site.

The Mt. Diablo Sign Project Committee Needs Your Help

The purpose of the Mt. Diablo Sign Project is to assure that clear and complete trail signs and directional signs are installed on all official trails within Mt. Diablo State Park.

The Committee appreciates all the kind words about how the signs have enhanced the enjoyment of the Park. We now want to hear about problems.

C layton Ranch quire an open space corridor from Mt. Diablo State Park toward Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve.

In January the Conservancy will consider SMD' s second proposal, a request for $400,000 to help repay SMD's $625,000 Packard Foundation loan on the Silva Ranch in Riggs Canyon. Special thanks to Gerry Keenan, former SMD Executive Director, and to EBRPD Grants Specialist Susan Williams for their work on the grant applications.

Save Mount Diablo Has a New Website: www.savemountdiablo.org

In May, Save Mount Diab/a unveiled it's new website as part of "Digital Diab lo". Local students and teachers explored Mt. Diablo and chronicled the work of photographer Stephen Joseph on the first Digital Expedition to visit Mt. Diablo State Park. The event was co-sponsored by the Digital Exploration Society (DEX). During the expedition, the students

The Park has no method to compile user feedback. If you have a problem, you may write to me , Harvey S. Bros le1~ 5746

Amaranth Place, Concord, CA 94521 with a detailed concise description of the problem. You are the client and we need your input. Happy Trails.

Celebrate Earth Day's Anniversary

Concord Pavilion, Sunday, April 30, 2000

Contra Costa Earth Day Festival 2000 joins half a billion people around the world in celebrating the 30th Anniversary of Earth Day on Sunday, April 30th from 10-6, free admission, at the Concord Pavilion. It is also the 10th anniversary of the CC Earth Day Festival. Four stages including the Main Pavilion Stage, Multi-Cultural, Youth and Festival stages along with theme areas - the Green Community, Youth, MultiCultural and Outdoor Living - will be operating all day. Shuttles will be running all day from Concord BART. Free valet bicycle parking. General parking $7. For further information call (925) 274-3669 or check www.ccearthday.org

Peak from the rl dgeline pond at

Mountain Legacy

Many people who include Save Mount Diablo in their wills do not inform us, and we /en m of t/i eil' ge11 erosity when the /1eq 11est arriv es. Slio1t ld you choose to let us know that you have remembered Save Mount Diablo in your will or estate plans, we will enroll you in Save Mount Diablo's Mountain Legacy Circle.

Should you have questions about including Save Mount Diablo in your will or trust, or would like to talk about a planned gift, please contact us at (925) 947-3535.

Let Mount Diab/a be a part of your legacy to the future!

In Memory Of

Robert Adams

Kem1eth & Camille Adams

Brett & Sally Dixon

Shelby King

George & Patricia Renworth

Sue Watson

John & Elouise Sutter

Seth Adams

Bill Ambrose

Genevieve G. Servin

Gloria Anderson

Barbara Alexander

Joyce Brown

Kenneth & Virginia Heiderick

Jack Cabral

Carolyn & Marvin Schick

Betty Campbell

Margaret Mcfarlane

Albert & Helen Fraschieri

Dick Chapton

Ruth Chapton

My father, Harry Day

Marilyn Goebel

Richard Eakin

Dan & Zelma Pezzotti

David Eakin

Ridge & Monica Greene

Todd C. Smith

Stanley & Terrysue Fukunaga

Dottie Eakin

Howard & Estelle Bern

Anna Louise Ferri

Larry Ferri

Mary Glasgow

Lee Glasgow

Marianne Gmvier

In memory of my dear wife

Pascal Gravier

Joyce & Ralph Runckel

Stanley & Josie Gibson

Eileen Scholp

John & Josephine Shuman

George & Millicent Susens

Mrs. Gernld Elbert

Sidney & Nancy Unobskey

In Memory Of

Sylvia Smith & Stanley

Kowalski

Joan McGeoch Perry

Phillip &

Patricia Jelley

Ann Witter

Gillette

Amelia & Peter Wilson

Shirley Ann Stucky

Dr. Patrick Pralle

Max Haskett

Charlie & Marjorie Evans

In memory of my father

Jean P. Hauser

Barbara Hauser

111 memory of our beloved daughter

Marcie Dubow Howard

Phillip & Henrietta Dubow

Howard Johnston

Marjory Lee

Glen Allen London

Danville Seniors Bowling League

P.E. Griffiths

Helen & Kenneth Nelson

R.E. & Stella Summy

Steven & Cheryll Soderberg

George & Lynn Turner

Tom & Jean Mann

Jeanne Thomas

Barbara Willsey Oberlander

John & Patricia Greene

Mary Park

Susanne Lucas

Janet Wade

Connie Roos

Robert & Ann Sutherland

Genevieve Sattler

Betty Zilen

Jeannie S. Harmon

Lloyd & Violand Gieg

Dorothy M. Dorsett

Ernest & Dorothy Sattler

Wayland & Marion Dawson

Betty Labate

Charles & Catherine Buchter

Neal & Lind Higgins

Anton & Lynnet Keihl

David & Leslie Dawson

Frank & Edith Valle-Riestra

Olive Bavins

Dione & Brad Mustard

Mrs. Gerry Hauser

Peg & Fred Kovar

Thomas Havey

Patricia N. Wagner

Carolyn & Bill D. DeWilde

Casswell

Joa1me Taylor

Susan J. Watson

Dr. Mary L. Bowerman

Maria Olivia Costa

Julie & Carl Nielson

Seth Adams

Edward & Mildred Bennett

Robert & Sarah Chase

Cecile Heald

Janess Hanson

Thelma Dana

Mary-Helen Risler

In Memory Of

In memory of Bill & Gen Sattler

James & Margaret Tracy

Walter & Lorraine Horst

In memory of my mother & father, William & Genevieve Sattler

Edward & Julie Sattler

Dorothy Williams

Wilma R. Williams

Greta Wilson

Margaret E. Anderson

John Zivic

Charles & Marjorie Evans

In Honor Of

Seth Adams

Jeanne Thomas

Mary Bowerman

Joanne Taylor

The wedding of Suzanne Jones to Robert Elia, 9111/99

Cedra Dong

Gerald & Jane Manning

Sara J. Manning

Mr. & Mrs. M.D. Richmond's 50th wedding aniversary

George & Toni Finger

Kathi-yn Myers Smith

Mary Lou, Maria-Jesus, Paul, Stuart, Stephen & Claire Myers

Jack Weinger's 82nd Birthday

Rob Weinger

Ernest & Dorothy Sattler

Raymond & Linda Sattler

Roberta McCoy, "a proponent of keeping as much open space as possible"

Jeanie & Mike Sorensen

Doris Black, Bob Shepard & Majory Xavier

Beth Thurber

Other Gifts

Heritage Trees

One acre grove for R. Bruce Chamberlin

Cora Chamberlin & family

"Women At Their Best:" Laura, Amber, Na11cy, Diana, Helen

Diana Granados

Gifts in Kind

Konica 3035 floor model copier

BetzDearborn, Inc.

Scanport SQ 300 scanner

Rowland & Allison Hill

Nikon 470 Poi11t 'n' shoot camera

Richard Long

You Can Help

To help us preserve and protect our mountain ...

Bequests

Your gift to Save Mount Diablo by will, of money or other personal property, helps to create a legacy of open space.

Commemorative Gifts

You can remember a loved one, celebrate a special occasion, or honor someone special with a gift to Save Mou11t Diablo.

Matching Gifts

Your employer may have a matching gifts program that multiplies your contribution to Save Mount Diab/a.

Gifts of Cash, Securities or Real Property

Your gifts support the work of Save Mount Diablo and are always welcome.

Family Land Planning

You can preserve your land and keep it in private ownership. Save Mount Diablo can help.

Mountain Heritage Program

Dedicate an oak tree, a grove of trees, or acreage at Chaparral Spring as an enduring gift to someone you cherish.

WeNeedYou

There are numerous ways you can help. We need your time, your talent and donations of equipment in good working order.

Volunteers

Office Help-A few hours of time on a regular basis for filing, addressing and stuffing envelopes, organizing newsclippings and other office tasks.

Heritage Tree Volunteer-for the Chaparral Spring property. You will be trained.

Wish List

Slide Projector, Kodak carousel w I auto focus.

File Cabinet: four drawer

For more information contact us at (925) 947-3535

Gen Sattler: Sweet Angel of the Mountain

Genevieve Minnich Sattler and Bill Sattler, two founders of Save Mount Diablo, have long been familiar to conservationists throughout the area. We're sad to report that Gen passed away on November 13 at age 84; Bill on Christmas Day in 1997 at age 92. They are now together again hiking the high mountains.

Gen and Bill were inseparable. Bill had moved to Concord with his family in 1919 and Gen moved to the area from Hemet in 1949. They met that year on a Sierra Club hike Bill was leading at Mt. Diablo State Park, then including only 2,700 acres, and were married the following year.

Lifelong members of the Sierra Club, the Sattlers spent their weekends hiking on Mt. Diablo with their four kids, their vacations at national

Gen and Bill Sattler in 1986

parks, and their retirement working with a variety of environmental organizations, including the Mt. Diablo Regional Group of the Sierra Club and the Contra Costa Park Council, where Gen was treasurer in the 1960s. The Council helped add Contra Costa County to the East Bay Regional Park District. 8

Save Mount Diab/o's mission is to secure through acquisition, protection and preservation, the open space necessary to support the full range of biological diversity and to insure the integrity of Mt. Diablo's natural beauty.

In support of our mission, Save Mount Diablo:

•Creates dedicated open space from land acquired through gifts, purchases and cooperative efforts with public and private entities;

• Educates the public about thre ats to the mountain;

• Works with landown e rs to preserve their property while reali z ing economic benefits;

• Works in partnership with Mt. Diab lo State Park, East Bay Re gional Parks

In 1971 they helped found Save Mount Diab/a where they served as Treasurer and Secretary, respectively, from 1971 to 1992. They were tireless workers, dedicated letter writers and avid naturalists. They coordinated SMD's collection of nearly 12,000 signatures for the Prop. 70 park bond in 1988, and helped lead the successful struggle to limit cattle grazing in the State Park. By their retirement, the State Park had expanded to 19,000 acres and public lands on Mt. Diablo to almost 50,000 acres.

We all enjoy the Sattlers' legacy. Think about the ways in which you can help. Memorial gifts may be sent to: American Cancer Society, 1700 Webster St., Oakland, CA 94612 or Save Mount Diablo, 1196 Boulevard Way #10, Walnut Creek, CA 94595.

District, and other organizations to increase open space;

• Monitors land-use planning;

• Aids in the restoration of habitat and the preservation of rare species;

•Offers technical advice to agencies and neighborhood groups with regard to securing open space;

•Works diligently to raise the funds necessary to support Save Mount Diab/o's mission

Founded in 1971 , Save Mount Diablo has been instrumental in increasing open space on and around the mountain from 6,788 acres to more than 63,000 acres

For more information, please write or call:

Save Mount Diablo P.O. Box 5376 Walnut Creek, CA 94596 (925) 947-3535