Diablo watch issue 28 fall 2000 edition

Stun~ing Property Preserved Park District Completes 1,030 Acre Clayton Ranch Acquisition

Open space supporters can breathe a sigh of relief. $703,000 in funding commitments have been received for the final 331 acres of 1,030 acre Clayton Ranch (Phase III). Without these funds the East Bay Regional Park District's option to buy would have expired in October, leaving in private hands the property's mile wide frontage along Marsh Creek road. The purchase will finally end eleven years of development controversy.

The Park District and Save Mount Diablo have been working together for the past three years to raise funds for the three phase acquisition, which extends the Mt. Diablo to Black Diamond Mines, Wildlife And Open Space Corridor from the State Park, through SMD's 333-acre Chaparral Spring acquisition , to within 1/2 mile of the Preserve

A 350-acre chaparral edged portion of Keller Ridge (Phase I) was acquired in 1998, and a 350 acre central canyon in 1999 (Phase II). All told, the Park District and SMD developed the $2.1 million in funding from seven state, regional and local sources, both public and private, including $757,000 from the District's AA Bond.

The heroes of this last phase are the District, which contributed $171,000 in AA regional bond funding, and Assemblyman Tom Torlakson who sponsored a $250,000 state budget request for the Coastal Conservancy through Prop 12, the resource bond approved by the voters on March

Continued on Page 9 1

We're On Our Way!

$1.56 million Mt. Diablo Gateway Project Moves Ahead

Three years ago Save Mount Diablo was approached by a group of Northgate residents, led by Bob and Shirley Nootbaar and Joann Hanna. We had been in the news over our efforts to limit development on a 36-acre surplus property owned by the Contra Costa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District ('Flood Control') at the Walnut Creek entrance to Mt. Diab lo State Park.

Flood Control was moving ahead on a development proposal for 34 lots and Shirley, an accomplished artist, was upset at the potential loss of one of the visual corridors prized by local painters. Bob, the former president of the Lindsay Museum was pressed into action and together they involved Hanna, one of the founders of the Walnut Creek Open Space system.

They had a different idea: they wanted to raise money to preserve the property with no development. They called themselves the Mt. Diablo Gateway Alliance and Save Mount Diablo agreed to serve as a fiscal sponsor for the project, making donations to the preservation effort tax deductible Save Mount Diablo has also aided in negotiations with Flood Control and is assisting in fundraising efforts.

What a difference three years makes! Cross your fingers, but with County Supervisor Donna Gerber's help, in March Flood Control agreed to work with the Alliance to preserve the parcel. It's not going to be easy or cheap, and the development threat still lingers, but with your help this critical link in Mt. Diablo's open space and trail network can be saved.

The problem is that, as part of 1991 's Northgate Specific

Continued on Page 5

We apologize for the delay in sending this issue of Diablo Watch. Unfortunately several of the hikes will have already taken place.

Clayton Ranch view of North Peak by Stephen Joseph

Board of Directors

Malcolm Sproul

President

Arthur Bonwell Vice-President

Allen Prager Vice President

Amara Koss Secretary

Karen Hunt Treasurer

Mary L. Bowerman

Maitin Breen

Paul Choisser

Donald de Freme!)'

Stephen Joseph

Robert Marx

Steven Mehlman

Robert Nunn

Nigel Ogilvie

Dave Sargent

Staff

Ronald Brown

Executive Director

Seth Adams Director of Land Programs

Lucea Keller Office Manager

Publisher

Save Mount Diablo

Masthead Panorama

Oak Flat, Mt. Diablo

Photo by Stephen Joseph

Diab lo 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.

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

Save Mount Diablo Welcomes Ron Brown

As of July 1 there's a new face at Save Mount Diablo, our new Executive Director Ron Brown. Ron has been a resident of Central Contra Costa since 1974 and lives in the shadow of Shell Ridge Open Space with his wife, Sharon. He and Sharon have two daughters, Rebecca and Jordana. Ron brings nearly twenty-five years of professional non-profit organization management and fundraising experience to Save Mount Diablo. He holds a Masters Degree in Management of Non-Profit Organizations and a Bachelors degree in Recreation and Leisure Studies.

Ron recently completed a ten year stint as the Executive Director of the Diabetic Youth Foundation which enhances the quality of life for children and families who are living with diabetes . For 63 years the Foundation has provided camping, recreational and educational services, including the operation of Bearskin Meadow Camp in Sequoia National Forest.

Prior to his work with the Youth Foundation, for fou1teen years Ron was the Executive Director of the Contra Costa Jewish Community Center in Walnut Creek. Starting as an outreach worker from the Oakland JCC, he was instrumental in developing a full service community center here in Contra Costa County.

"I am pleased to be associated with Save Mount Diablo and I'm looking forward to the challenges of raising funds to acquire and protect open space on and around the mountain. Just touring properties we're working on right now, I've already gotten a sense of what Save Mount Diablo has accomplished these past thirty years and how much work remains to be done," said Brown.

Seth Adams Receives John Muir Conservation Award

Seth Adams, Save Mount Diablo's Director of Land Programs was honored on April 18th, when he was awarded the prestigious John Muir Conservation Award by the John Muir Memorial Association. The awards ceremony was held at Scott's in Walnut Creek where Seth was introduced by Contra Costa County Supervisor Donna Gerber.

The event was attended by many environmentalists, politicians, local community members and notably, John Muir's three grandsons. Seth was also presented with accommodations from the County Board of Supervisors, Senator Rainey and Congressman George Miller.

As a boy, Seth grew up in the North Carolina countryside, where he gained an appreciation for nature. When he moved to California in 1981 he quickly became involved in environmental causes. In 1988 Seth became Save Mount Diablo's first paid staff member. Since then he has worked tirelessly to protect the natural wonders of Mt. Diablo and its foothills and 2

is recognized throughout Northern California as a preeminent environmentalist.

In his keynote address Seth said , "In the end, a hundred years from now, no one will care who saved our open spaces, but our successes will be appreciated, just as we appreciate the victories of those who preceded us. When all the special places have supporters, when all the issues have champions, the environmental movement will have won."

WISH LIST

You can help Save Mount Diablo by helping us to acquire the following items :

• File Cabinets: Letter Size

• Plain paper fax machine

• Electric Self Correcting Typewriter

• Digital Camera

Cfurlle c,Rock CJJedicallon

Over 400 people attended the July 9 dedication of Turtle Rock Ranch. The event was underwritten by the California Parks Company, Turtle Rock's new concessionaire, and the California Department of Parks and Recreations. REI donated disposable cameras for our guests to document the day. Many of their photos are below along with shots by Liede-Marie Haitsma and Tom Harris. To find out how you can reserve the park for your special event, call 925-462-1400.

These boys enjoyed climbing the tree, just as kids have done and will continue to do, for decades to come.

KP IXS

Ron Schafer of the State Park Department gets interviewed by KPIX Channel 5 News.

These sunbathers enjoyed the 90 degree day at the pool.

Assemblywoman Leach acknowledges Ann and Mitch Ward, the former owners and operators of Turtle Rock, for their efforts in helping to preserve the ranch for the public's enjoyment in years to come

Over 400 guests enjoyed the day's festivities which included a catered lunch, courtesy of John Koeberer, owner of The Picnic People.

Assemblywoman Lynne Leach receiving a commemorative photo of the dedication from Save Mount Diablo President Malcolm Sproul.

Assemblyman Tom Torlakson recalls his first visit to Turtle Rock Ranch on a high school end of year senior trip.

State Senator Richard Rainey spoke about the acquisition's value to the residents of California.

Save Mount Diablo say these young ladies after enjoying a hot dog, ice cream and a swim.

Not many Save Mount Diablo dedications include a pool party.

Guided hikes were led around the property throughout the afternoon.

Events

Lions, Tigers & Bears, or, Oh My! 7700 new houses? Black Diamond Hikes to Roddy Ranch & Star Mine

CC County Supervisors Donna Gerber and Joe Canciamilla Lead The Way

County Urban Limit Line Tightened

July 25th was a historic day for Contra Costa County. Ten years ago the County Board of Supervisors sponsored Measure C, a ' look alike' and developer-oriented ballot measure, to compete with Measure F, environmental groups ' initiative attempt to create an urban growth boundary for Contra Costa. Measure F would have prohibited development or extension of urban services beyond a much tighter drawn Urban Limit Line (ULL) than Measure C.

Neither line affected city sponsored development but both suggested that LAFCO (the Local Agency Formation Commission which must approve additions to cities) deny annexations outside the line . Measure C also allowed changes in the line by a 4/5ths vote of the Supervisors; Measure F would have required a vote of the people. At the time one developer lobbyist said, ' Who cares if there ' s an Urban Limit Line if you have to use binoculars to see it'. Far outspending the citizen campaign , developers convinced the voters to approve Measure F , creating a weaker ULL with a variety of loopholes.

Even as huge areas inside the line were built out, developer speculation continued and new attempts were made to develop outside of the line. Miraculously, with continuing public pressure and a lot of hard work, the line gained political strength.

Save Mount Diablo, Greenbelt Alliance, the Sierra Club and others were able to defend the line from huge annexations and developments, including the 2,745 acre Pittsburg Southeast Hills annexation up into Nortonville Canyon, the 4,500 acre Tassajara Valley Property Owners Association (TVPOA) project east of Danville and San Ramon, and the 4 ,300 Cowell Ranch proposal near Brentwood It's been almost ten years since the last huge development (Dougherty Valley) was approved.

Enter Donna Gerber and Joe Canciamilla

Four years ago Donna Gerber wa s elected to the Board of Supervisors, on a platform of stopping development in the Tassajara Valley. To everyone's surprise, she stuck to her guns and led the fight to stop the TVPOA project. Then she proposed first an agricultural preserve, confirming the Valley's existing agricultural zoning and property rights but eliminating speculation, then movement inward of the ULL to exclude the agricultural lands of the Tassajara area.

Supervisor Joe Canciamilla, concerned that East County leaders were ignoring traffic and other growth impacts, joined Gerber and proposed that large areas in East County be excluded as well. After two years of study over what became the most important political effort in the past

Continued o n Page 7 4

Saturday, 10:00 AM on October 7, 21; November 4, 18; December 2

Okay, maybe mountain lions, bobcats and raccoons. Not to mention ghost towns, coal mines, spectacular views, and beautiful open space, all in the little known eastern part of Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve. Please come take a look because these are the stakes: Antioch is proposing 6700 units in their Future Urban Area # 1 stretching from Black Diamond past Empire Mine and Deer Valley Roads, and another 1000 houses on the Roddy Ranch in Horse Valley. Our hike will go right between the two proposals to the Preserve and back with 3-4 mile (flat) and 7-8 mile (some steep up and downhill) options

The hikes starts on Empire Mine Rd, the first gate on the left after you've gone 1.6 miles from Deer Valley Road. Reach Deer Valley Rd . from Marsh Creek Road to the south, or through Antioch from Hwy. 4's Lone Tree Way exit. Bring lunch, dress in layers, and heavy rain cancels Call 925-947-3535 for more information.

Mount Diablo Open Studio

www .stephenjosephphoto.com

Photographer Stephen Joseph will hold an open studio on two Saturdays, November 4th and 18th from 9:00 AM-4:00 PM, at his home studio, 3089 Yessing Rd. (off Geary) in Pleasant Hill. Stephen's work is often found in Diab lo Watch, and he's famous for his 3-D photos and his use of 100 year old panoramic cameras. He'll be showing 100 new archival gilcee prints, in addition to other work related to Mt. Diablo. Stop by You can preview Stephen's work at his website. Call 925 934-2128 for more info.

After the Storm

Bob Walker and the Art of Environmental Photography - At the San Francisco Arts Commission Gallery, 401 Van Ness, San Francisco, from October 4 - November 18. An extraordinary display of 35 surprising and evocative color landscape photos by this noted environmental photographer. Bob was a former SMD Board member who passed away in 1992.

Gateway Project continuedfrompage 1

Plan, the parcel is extremely valuable for development. One look at the homes being built in the Northgate area should make that clear. An appraisal in 1999 set a possible value at $8.5 million, and Flood Control also hoped to be reimbursed for assessments and development costs.

Last year the Alliance commissioned its own appraisal , and value was set at $6.2 million. We also discovered a great opportunity. When the detention basin was constructed, the State provided 75% of the funding and, if the parcel were sold, Flood Control would have to pay back 75% of any sale proceeds

For more than a year Alliance members, Save Mount Diablo staff, Supervisor Gerber and Flood District Director Mitch Avalon met at the Supervisor's office to negotiate. What was finally agreed was that instead of acquiring the parcel, a conservation easement could be used to preserve it. In other words, the development potential would be purchased, leaving just an agricultural parcel with no development, except for some recreational uses.

What Is a Conservation Easement?

Imagine property rights as a bundle of sticks. One stick might be the right to build a house, another to cut timber, another to build a road across the property. When you create a conservation easement you sell or give away some of those sticks, such as the right to develop.

In this case, Flood Control would sell the development rights, while retaining the ownership of the parcel and managing it to benefit the neighboring wetlands. Another agency, perhaps the East Bay Regional Park District or Walnut Creek, would hold the conservation easement and manage trails or other recreational uses. Funding partners will have a hand in preparing the legal agreements for the conservation easement.

Since Flood Control could only expect to retain 25% of a sale value, the easement value was set at $1.559 million, or 25% of the appraised value. They also agreed to give us two years to raise these funds. We owe great thanks to Supervisor Gerber and Flood Control Director Mitch Avalon. We've come quite a way from $8 5 million, but we've still got a big job ahead of us.

Why Is The Gateway Important?

The Gateway parcel was originally used as a deposit site for soils excavated when the Pine Creek Detention Basin was created next door. The property is adjacent to the entrance of Mt. Diablo State Park and to Diablo Foothills Regional Preserve. City and regional trails are in clo se proximity and both Walnut Creek's Shell and Lime Ridge Open Spaces are a stones throw away.

In the years since the detention basin was created, at the juncture of Pine, An-oyo de! Cen-o and Walker creeks, it has become a beautiful wetlands area crowded with willows and wildlife. The Gateway property, crossed by Arroyo del Cen-o

creek, has restored itself into a lovely grassland above the wetlands with several huge valley oaks

The creeks are especially important. During the dry season they sustain much of the area's wildlife-from deer, bobcats and fox to Northgate's golden eagles and the threatened California red-legged frog. They're the comdors wildlife use to move from one stream and canyon to the next, from the city open spaces to the regional and state parks, and those same con-idors are the ones people like to hike in.

The incredible 360 degree views include the neighboring Ginochio Ranch, all three parks, and continues right up the canyon to Castle Rock in one direction and all the way to the North Bay in the other.

Artists have been painting the con-idor for years. Besides the development threat, it was these views that first attracted our interest. We called it the Gateway, not just because of the State Park gate, but because it's part of a visual con-idor stretching from Walnut Creek and Central Contra Costa County up to Mt. Diablo and the Park.

In addition to all the problems related to development, like traffic and impacts on schools, residential development would inteITupt these incredible views, break the wildlife corridor,

Continued on Page 7

The Mt. Diablo Gateway prop e rty and Wa lnut Creek's No rthgate a rea as depi cted by a rtist Shirl ey Noo tbaar.

Park News

It's been a strange year. The rains started early, stopped then restarted, and though we received normal rainfall, the hills and ponds look more like there has been a drought. Nonetheless, wildlife is plentiful and the hiking is great.

Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve (EBRPD-510 6350135)

• Major improvements were made to the single-track Chapa1rnl Loop Trail to repair erosive sections. This trail provides an opportunity to visit a miniature desert with unusual species like the California whiptail lizard and an historic coal and sand mine. Call (510)562-2267 for tours.

• Prop 12 will provide $30,000 for the continuing restoration of Rose Hill Cemetery. Brick and wrought-iron gravesite enclosures will be rebuilt along with the repair and reinstallation of damaged gravestones.

• Black Diamond's Stewartville backpack camp continues to offer a remote camping experience just a few miles from civilization. Call (510) 636-1684 for reservations and info.

Chaparral Spring (Save Mount Diablo-925 947-3535)

• Individuals interested in honoring a loved one by dedicating a Heritage Oak tree should contact SMD to airnnge a tour.

Contra Loma Regional Park (EBRPD-925 757-9606)

• The Park District has a web site from which you can print maps, find activities to participate in and even find out how good the fishing is at the park ebparks.org, If you want a specific park ... cloma@ebparks.org will bring you here!

• Upcoming activities at the park include: October 14 Saturday, 9:00 am Free Children's Fishing Derby - come and play! October 26 Wednesday, 9:00 am Special Kids Fishing Derby-for disabled children.

Diablo Foothills Regional Park/Castle Rock Recreational Area (EBRPD-510 635-0135)

• The equestrian bridge has been replaced and the signage from Castle Rock to Diablo Foothills Regional Park has been completed.

Lime & Shell Ridge Open Space (Cities of Walnut Creek/Concord-925 943-5854)

• A 400 foot section of fencing has been completed, to protect a riparian area near the Canal Trail , crossing the middle of a pond and extending up the drainage

• Weed mowing continues - yellow star thistle is the cmTent target. A check on last year's mowing locations showed greatly reduced presence this year.

• A Great Acorn Crop Ahead - All of Walnut Creek's open spaces and oak varieties appear to have abundant acorns. If

you are interested in the Oak Habitat Restoration Project, sponsored by the Walnut Creek Open Space Foundation and the Open Space Division of the City of Walnut Creek, please contact Ralph Kraetsch, (925)-933-5732.

• Borges Ranch Holiday Hoedown - December 2: Crafts, food and tours. 11 am to 4 pm.

Los Vaqueros Reservoir Watershed (CCWD-925 688-8175, or -8028) • Swimming and gasoline boating are not allowed.

• Fall Hikes: Naturalist-led hikes along the Kellogg Creek Trail are scheduled for Saturday , Oct. 7 and Thursday, Oct 12 Both hikes start at 9 AM at the Dam Staging Area. The Kellogg Creek Trail is mostly flat with a few moderate hills . After the hikes, an optional uphill climb to the top of the dam is available. The parking fee for Los Vaqueros is $6 For information, please call (925) 688-8225 or e-mail Go It man @ccwater.com.

Morgan Territory Regional Preserve(EBRPD-510-6350135) • Trails along the Mt. Diablo State Park boundary near Finley Road, from the Blackhills Trail to Amphitheater Road, and part of the Highland Ridge Trail have been rebuilt to reduce grade , improve fire fighting access and prevent erosion

Mt. Diablo State Park (State Dept. of Parks and Recreation925-837-2525) • Governor Gray Davis has reduced fees to state parks. Effective July 1, 2000 the day use entry fee to the State Park was reduced to $2.

• A reduction in camping fees will take effect on January 1, 2001. All of Mount Diablo's campsites are now on the yearround reservation system, making it easier for park visitors to make their camping plans.

• Our annual Earth Day event was a great success with more than 130 volunteers turning out to work on five different projects, including trail repair, exotic plant removal and the removal of obsolete cattle fencing .

• Thanks to the hard work of staff, volunteers and concessionaires, our interpretation/education program has more than doubled over the last year. Popular programs include " Coffee With a Ranger" talks at the Summit Visitor Center and guided hikes led by volunteers and park staff.

• With recent transfers and retirements the park continues to be short handed. Nonetheless, we are pleased to welcome Rangers Dave and Heidi Horvitz who job-shai·e the Mitchell Canyon ranger position and Doug Camden , our new cadetfresh out of the training academy .

• Group use has resumed at Turtle Rock Ranch under a concession agreement with the Picnic People.

• Though wild pigs continue to do damage in the park our pig reduction program is making great strides.

Round Valley Regional Park (EBRPD-510-635-0135)

• The long awaited multi-use trail connection to Morgan Te1Titory, through the Los Vaqueros watershed, is now open.

• The 3-mile, single-track (hikers and horses only) Hardy Canyon Trail is also completed and open for public use This beautiful new trail connects the Round Valley staging area to the Mi wok Trail in the middle of the valley. It follows a steep canyon with a seasonal creek to a 1,142' ridge that has spectacular views of Round Valley, Morgan Te1Titory and Mt. Diablo.

"They moved the Urban Limit Line which way did it go?"

Continued from page 4

Urban Limit Line

decade it all came to a head in two solid days of public hearings.

Despite intense lobbying by development interests and a last minute attempt to defeat the proposed changes, a massive grassroots organizing effort by environmentalists, union allies , and neighborhood activists carried the day.

Twenty two square miles, almost 15,000 acres, were placed outside the line by a unanimous 5-0 vote of the Supervisors.

Excluded from the line were almost all of the Tassajara Valley; the ridge line stretching to the Concord Na val Weapons Station above Pittsburg; areas south of Antioch and east of Brentwood, including the proposed Roddy Ranch project. Sup. Canciamilla agreed to leave part of Cowell within the line dependent on a public acquisition effort there which would purchase almost 4,000 acres.

Regardless, both Supervisors Donna Gerber and Joe Canciamilla deserve thanks by the public for their outstanding and courageous leadership. And while dozens of activists were involved and hundreds of citizens attended the hearings in support of tightening the line, Greenbelt Alliance's Evie Stivers and Brenda de la Ossa deserve special thanks for mobilizing grassroots support.

At the time of this writing, the City of Brentwood and several developers apparently intend to legally challenge the Supervisors' action. In addition, there may be attempts by Brentwood, Antioch, and San Ramon to break the line at LAFCO. We'll keep you posted.

Gateway Project continuedji·ompage 3 and degrade our investments in nearby open space and trails. We can't let that happen!

What's Next?

Although Flood Control has agreed to a price and fundraising period, The County Board of Supervisors makes the final decision. The County will be giving up a

perhaps greater sale price. Although Supervisor Gerber is a strong supporter, we'll need your help to convince the other four members of the Board of Supervisors that this is a good deal for everyone concerned.

On March 7th California's voters approved two large bond acts, one for park projects and one for water projects. We're hopeful that the City of Walnut Creek and the East Bay Regional Park District will jointly apply for some of these funds.

The City also receives a direct allocation from the Park Bond, and we hope they'll commit part of those funds to this project. Meanwhile, the Alliance has committed to raising $200,000 privately.

We've been busy this spring, giving tours of the project to members of the Walnut Creek City Council, to Park District representatives, and to the public.

On August 1st the City endorsed the project, but has not yet made a funding commitment. Meanwhile, State Senator Richard Rainey submitted a successful $250,000 budget request which the Governor approved on June 30th.

Gifts of Appreciated Assets

As the year draws to a close, you may be considering an end-of-year charitable contribution. If you hold assets such as stocks, bonds or mutual funds, which you have owned for more than 12 months, you may be able to avoid capital gains taxes by using them instead of cash to make your year end charitable gifts.

If you were to sell, rather than contribute, the same appreciated securities, you would have to pay capital gains tax on the difference between the cost basis and fair market value.

By donating the appreciated asset, you enjoy another benefit. You receive a charitable income tax deduction for the full market value of the asset. This deduction can be taken up to 30% of your adjusted gross income. Excess deductions can be carried over for 5 years.

For example, here is what would happen if someone in the 31 % tax bracket purchased a stock $5,000 in 1991, that is worth $12,000 today, and they donate it to SMD: they would save $3,720 as a charitable income tax deduction, and another $1,400 in capital gains tax, for a total of $5,120 - more than they originally paid for the stock. SMD would have $12,000 to use for its ongoing programs.

Please let us know if you have any questions, or if you would like to discuss an end of year donation. We would also be glad to discuss estate planning with you, which can also provide you with significant tax advantages. Please call Ron Brown at the SMD office, 925-947-3535, and he will be pleased to speak with you.

Heritage Tree

In honor of Emily Womeldorff'sfirst birthday and in honor of all the generations of the Rustad Family

Duane and Theresa Rustad

In memory of Bob Walker

Sally Walker

In memory of Pauline & Darwin (Shorty) Priest

Virginia Ives & Paul Orsay

Alec Womeldorff hugs the Heritage tre e his grandmother adopted for him at Chaparral Spring on a trip to pick out another tre e for his new baby sister.

In Memory Of

Bob Adams

Frits and Rita Brevet

Randolph and Kaye Rosso

Barbara Lee Barkley Armstrong

Gayle Servin

Joyce Autry

Virginia & Kenneth Heiderick

Dave Blumen's birthday

John and Joanne McKee

Helen Butler

In memory of my mother, "Someone who loved h e r view of Mt. Diablo "

Mary Biglieri

Patricia Carson

L.G & Margaret Mahler

Bill Chapton

My beloved husband.

Ruth Chapton

Uwe Johann Emil Clausen

June Boles Wall

Florence Cummings

Harvey & Louise Wall

Dr. April Ervin

Erne st & Thelma Bettencourt

Earl & Lavon Bouse

James Duckworth

Christine DaSilva

John & Susan Duckworth Tullis

Richard Eakin

Howard & Estelle Bern

Jon L. Ericsson

Betty Ericsson

Anna Ferri

Larry Ferri

Jim Howard

Lynn & Butch Brear

Margaret Inderbitzen

Sally McColgan

Rhys and Doris Miller

Phyllis A. McWilliams

Nadine W aggershauser

Lily Caffodio Malnick

John & Shirley Butler

Clinton & Susan Phalen

Clinton & Mary Phalen

Betty Ann Searcy

Victor and Nel Ives

Helen Barton

Katy Dickinson & John Plocher

Betty Flaherty

Nancy Riley

Irene & Jason Sutton

Glen London

Richard & Marian Beith

Steven & Cheryll Soderberg

George & Lynn Turner

Gerald R. Manning

Jane Manning

Sally Manning

Heinz Raeth

Don & Gladys Laston

Genevieve Sattler

Alfred and Heidi Alef

Elizabeth Hohenrieder Junior League of OaklandEast Bay Garden Club

Genevieve & Bill Sattl er - "May their spirits soar!"

Gloria Mc Laughlin

Georgia Rose Stover

Don & Gladys Laston

Harold Van Winter, an admirer of Mount Diablo

Jack & Muriel Cabral

In memory of Dan Walker

The Ruiz Family

Pamela Nourot

Mary L. McCollum

Matthew & Olivia Lovett

Inge Wilkinson

Dottie and Karen Valladao

Mabel Zimmerman

Ruth Chapton

Joan London

In Honor of

Seth Adams: recipient of the 2000 John Muir Conservation Award

Amelia Wilson

Mary Leo Bowerman

Jeffrey Dickemann

Roberta Keeble, in honor of her retirement from Ayers Elementa,y School

Julie Kipper

Ri c hard & Margaret Ha cke nbracht's 80th Birthdays

Lorena Sims and family

Jane M. Manning

Sally Manning

In honor of my nephews' birthdays:

Cark & Robert Miller

Linda M . Miller

Lee & Sophie Peregrine

Lloyd and Carole Mason

Leslie Rosenfeld

Stephen MmTis

Gifts In Kind

Rebuilt computer, cable and countless hours of expertise.

Ken Ahl

United Way Donor Option

Did you know that you can designate Save Mount Diablo to be the recipient of your United Way Pledge? When you are asked to make a contribution through your workplace this fall, designate it to go to Save Mount Diablo. If asked, our tax ID number 94-2681735.

Business Contributions

Many companies will match your general or United Way contributions to Save Mount Diablo. Ask your employer if they have a matching gift program. Also ask your employer if they have a foundation or corporate contributions program to which Save Mount Diablo can apply.

Clayton Ranch Continued from page 1

7th; the Conservancy has augmented with another $54,000. The DPR contributed $200,000 in Prop. 117 Mountain Lion funding.

"This was a great partnership and Clayton Ranch is a magnificent addition to Contra Costa's public open space", said Ron Brown, SMD's Executive Director, "Together with Chaparral Spring, this will make a world class park unit."

The Park District's Board of Directors deserves special thanks for agreeing to this acquisition when funding had not been identified. Thanks as well to Assemblyman Torlakson, Bob Doyle and Susan Williams of the Park District, Jim Cutler, Ed Meyers and Catherine Kutsuris of the Contra Costa Agricultural Trust (which provided the first $200,000), and Bill Ahern and Nadine Hitchcock of the Coastal Conservancy.

Funding for management of the parcel has not yet been developed and it's uncertain when it will be opened for public use, but in the meantime Save Mount Diablo and the District will lead guided tours from time to time.

A Spectacular Landscape

From rolling hills and blue oak woodland near Marsh Creek road, Chaparral Spring's deep beautiful canyon travels north, narrowing and widening, threaded by a wild rose and valley oak lined stream and a level fire road.

The canyon slopes are striped with blue oak woodland and chaparral, providing rich wildlife habitat. A mile up the road a juncture leads west to Chaparral Spring. After passing several old structures the canyon rises northwest to a large chaparral covered point and the trail heads northeast, winding up steep slopes to the ridgeline.

Trails cross Keller Ridge (with views of nine Bay Area counties, the Sierra Range and North Peak-some of the best views in the Bay Area) to within one half mile of Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve. There are several ponds along Marsh Creek road, and two others at the ridgeline, which are home to several of the thirteen rare and threatened species found at Clayton Ranch. We'll let you know when the property is opened to the public.

Updates

Voters Approve Prop. 12! !!

As the first Park bond approved in twelve years, the passage of Prop. 12 on March 7th deserves a complete newsletter. Suffice it to say both Prop. 12, at $2.1 billion the largest park bond in U.S. history, and Prop. 13, the $1.9 billion water bond passed by 2-to-1 margins. This is great news, but remember that in that same twelve years of neglect the State's population increased by 5 million. Bond supporters have identified a need for $12.3 billion over ten years. Celebrations are in order, though, and thanks due to campaign leaders the Planning and Conservation League, Trust for Public Land, the Nature Conservancy and others, and to all the volunteers who worked on Prop. 12.

SMD receives $250k for Clayton Ranch and $250k for the Mt. Diablo Gateway Property

Much of Prop. 12's funding will be available as competitive grants, and on June 30th the Governor approved two $250,000 requests by Save Mount Diablo, a request with Assemblyman Tom Torlakson for Clayton Ranch and one by Senator Richard Rainey for a conservation easement on the Mt. Diablo Gateway Property. Both appropriations will flow through the State Coastal Conservancy. Unfortunately, a request by Assemblywoman Lynne Leach, $525,000 for a Ginochio parcel at the Northgate entrance to Mt. Diablo State Park, was vetoed by the Governor. The East Bay Regional Park District and SMD continue to work to raise funding for that acquisition.

Coastal Conservancy Awards $400,000 For Silva Ranch

In January the Conservancy also approved SMD' s proposal for $400,000 to help repay SMD's $625,000 Packard Foundation loan on the Silva Ranch in Riggs Canyon. Two years ago Save Mount Diablo had 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. All three appropriations are through the new Bay Area Program.

Save Mount Diablo On Line

Visit the Save Mount Diablo Web Site at < savemountdiablo.org >

If you would like to receive email updates about land use issues, events, or upcoming land purchases, call our office at 925-947-3535 to give us your email address, or send us an email at <savemountdiablo@aol.com>

Save Mount Diablo's mission is to secure through acquisition and preservation, the open space necessary to support the full range of biological diversity and to insure the integlity 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;

• Educated the public about threats to the mountain;

• Works with landowners to preserve their property while realizing economic benefits ;

• Works in partnership with Mt. Diablo State Park, East Bay Regional Park District, and other organizations to increase open space; 1196 Boulevard Way, Suite 10 Post Office Box 5376 Walnut Creek, CA 94596

Address Service Requested

Mitchell Canyon Bunchgrass Project

The multi-year project designed to restore the native bunchgrass prairie, near the Mitchell Canyon overt1ow parking area, is looking for volunteers who are interested in receiving training.

Charli Danielsen, who has been leading the project, is looking for a few committed individuals who want to be trained for long term involvement. They will learn seed gathering and mowing techniques.

Volunteers are also needed for two work days at the site:

Seed Sowing will take place on Sunday, December 31 at 10 am. A limited number of volunteers are needed for this phase of the project.

Thistle Bash will be held on Saturday, July 7. Many individuals will be needed to help pull star thistle from the land. This event is being co-sponsored by the California Native Plant Society.

If you are interested in any of this volunteer opportunities, call the Save Mount Diablo office at 925-947-3535.

• Monitors land-use planning;

• Aids in the restoration of habitat and preservation of rare specie s ;

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

• Works diligently to raise funds necessary to support Save Mount Diablo's mission.

Founded in 1971, Save Mount Diablo has been instrumental in incre asing 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

One of Mt. Diablo' s native stands of bunchgrass.

Mt. Diab lo' s bobcats depend on your support.