Diablo watch issue 31 fall winter 2001 edition

Save Mount Diablo

Your Help

Mwatch

Protecting the Mountctin Since l97l

Made The Difference!!!

$225,000 For Morgan Territory & $3 Million For Cowell RanchSenator Tom Torlukson & The State Budget Come Through

" Dear Frientls of Mowtt Diablo: We arc pleased lo repor! thcrt the budget tvcentl)' ,signetl by Q6vst'1711t' Dqvis inclucles two ctlloccttiotts ...for pt'ojects related to Mourtt Diablo...$225,000fion the State's General Fundfor ttcquisition in Morgut Territory...1l1s second allocatiott isfor $3,000,000f om Prop. 12, the Pqrks Bond Act...for accytisition of portions of the 4,400 ac;e Cowell ranch sunounding the John Marsh Honre in the eastern foothills of Mounl Diablo...We hope lhis new.s meets rvith 1,our pleasurc atrcl confinns the State's continuing conunitntent to Mt. Diablo.

Sincerely, Keitlt L. Demetre*, Chief, Plcutttittg Divi.siotr, Depertntent of Parks mrl Recreation."

That's the answel' SMD mernbers got in response to rccent letters to the State. It was assuned that there was no chance for budget funding this year - the energy crisis would rnake it intpossible. Senatol Torn Torlakson made two requests anyway - fol an SMD project in Morgan Territoly and for the Trust for Public Land's Cowell Ranch ploject (which we also suppolted). They both survived the legislative process but the fear was that they might be cut by the Governor. In the spring we asked members and hike attendees to rvrite the Department of Parks and Recreation and the Governor. During the budget stalenate we sent out a l'equest asking for letters. The State received hundreds in support of oul funding requests.

It made the difference! Thank you for ploving "general wisdom" wrong. Many othel'projects were completely cut, and while both Diablo projects were reduced in arnount (frorn $300,000 and $5 million), they managed to survive. Without public support our projects would have had a much smaller chance. If you have the time, thank you letters would be great. You rnight add that , "while this funding helps, Mount Diablo continues to need significantly more."

Senator Tom Torlakson, State Capitol, Room 2068, Sacrarnento, CA 95814, E-mail: senator.tollakson@sen.ca.gov. Governor Gray Davis, Constituent Affairs, State Capitol, Sacrarnento, CA 958 14, E-mail: governor@ governor'.ca.gov. Rusty Areias, Director', Departnent of Palks & Recreation, P.O. Box 942896, Sacramento, 94296-0001, FAX 916 657-3903, E-rnail: ' dkinc@ palks.ca.gov

Fall/Winter 2001. No. 3 I

Diablo From Four Feet Up - Where Equestrians Stand On The Mountain

B), Seth Adants, Dircctor of ktnd Programs

Imagine sunrise in Clayton, breath steanring in the cool morning air'. Donner Creek to the Falls Tlail and ovel to Danville, one canyon after another, single track trails back toward Mitchell Canyon. Maybe thirty miles. Deer browse, paying no attention, coyotes pass by, groups of quail scatter, you might even see a mountain lion, but you pose no threat. You covel longer distances than hikers you're riding a holse.

"Santana" carried nre part of the loute today, courtesy of Western Trail Ride Adventures on Castle Rock Road in Walnut Creek. I was accompanied by trail boss Gary Segal and a dozen kids frorn a YMCA sumrner camp. Segal looks the part but started riding late in his life. Now he introduces sevelal thousand new riders to the mountain each year. As for nre, I've hiked the mountain fol twenty years but had never ridden a horse.

With a thousand pounds undelneath nre, I was a little hesitant but Santana patiently f<illowed my inexpelt lead. I would simply lay the reins ou one side of her neck ol the other and she'd avoid overhanging branches. A slight pull and she'd slow for other' horses. Before long rny mind was quieted by the combination of massage and nreditation. From four feet up, the views al'e stal'tlingly better and you experience the mountain with a quiet clarity unlike anything I had expelienced.

Contittued on Page l4

George Canlitrct, cou,'tesy of Ntutcl' Dupont

saae Mr.ITNrIDINEIIo

Board of Directors

Malcolm Sproul

President

Arthur Bonwell Vice-President

Allan Prager

Vce President

Amara Morrison

Secretary

John Murcurio

Treasurer

Burt Bassler

Mary L. Bowerman

Paul Choisser

Donald de Fremery

Stephen Joseph

Robert Marx

Steven Mehlman

Robert Nunn

Dave Sargent

Staff

Ronald Brown Executive Director

Seth Adams Director of lnnd Programs

Suzanne Bitz Office Manager

Publisher

Save Mount Diablo

Masthead Panorama

oak Flat, Mt. Diablo

Diablo Watch is published by Save Mount Diablo, a non-profi t organization dedicated to preserving land on Mt. Diablo and educating the public to the mountain's natural values.

CONTAINS soYotL

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

From the Executive Director . .

This has been a busy and exciting time at Save Mount Diablo. As you look through the pages of this expanded newsletter, you can see the variety of activities that we have held or are planning and, most importantly, the number of land preservation projects with which we are involved. SMD continues to work on the Wright property acquisition (reported in our last issue) and we are currently negotiating in three new arcas.

Our successes are due in large part to the time and financial support we are receiving from oul supporters. We want to thank you for responding to oul'past rcquests for support and we look forward to your continued involvement. We especially hope that you will mark your calendar and plan on joining us at our 30th Anniversary celebration on Monday evening, December 10, 2001.

AState Park Superintendent

Larry Ferri Retires

Lany Ferri, Mount Diablo State Park's Superintendent since 1993, has for years been considered a de facto member of SMD's Board of Directors, attending each monthrs meeting and working with our staff on a daily basis. Last year Larry delayed his retirement in order to see through projects such as the removal of the AT&T tower. This Fall he will be leaving for the Washington D.C. area, where his partner Bary Pettinato is taking a new job.

ffi"I have been really pleased that the Park and Save Mount Diablo could complete acquisitions such as Turtle Rock Ranch, Blackhills and Blackhawk, that we were able to remove the AT&T tower, and with the expansion of interpretive efforts in general. Some special projects have been the refurbishing of the Summit Museum Visitor Center and the opening of the Mitchell Canyon Center with the Mount Diablo Interpretive Association. Our new resoulce ecologist has also allowed us to focus more on resource protection, including implementation of the Park General Plan in regard to grazing and feml pig control," said Ferri. A new Superintendent hasn't been chosen.

On the Board of Directors

Board Secretary Amara Koss, an Assistant City Attorney in Walnut Creek, is now Amara Morrison, after her June marriage to Clark Morrison. Clark, who volunteers his expertise to SMD on occasion, is an attorney with Momison & Foerster LLP. The Morrisons honeymooned on an African safari and scuba dived in the Seychelles, just missing Development Committee Chairman Allan

A-*'

Prager, who was in Zanzibar and Kenya, where he climbed 16,355'Mount Kenya. Director Steve Mehlman has been appointed to the Contra Costa County Planning Commission by Supervisor Donna Gerber and Treasurer John Mercurio was appointed to the California State Recreational Trails Committee by Governor Gray Davis. Director Bob Marx just competed in his 8th Western States 100 (Tevis Cup) endurance ride.

Suzanne Bitz replaces Lucea Keller as Office Manager

The next time you call the Save Mount Diablo office, you might hear a new voice. In August, Save Mount Diablo welcomed Suzanne Bitz, who is replacing Lucea Keller as Office Manager.

Like Lucea, Suzanne, brings a similar love of the outdoors to thejob. She grew up in Dublin and Pleasanton and especially loves Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve. A Brentwood resident, she formerly worked at EASI, Inc. in Tracy, an integrator of automation systems.

Lucea joined SMD in April 1998. She is moving to Florida to help aging relatives and to be closer to her daughter, Elizabeth. In addition to her administrative support, Lucea has led hikes and donor tours, served as a Director on the Board of the Mount Diablo Interpretive Association and as a volunteer for the Mount Diablo Regional Group of the Siena Club. Her love of the mountain is always evident. She will be missed.

Photo by Stephen Joseph

The Silva Ranch Is Ours

$6251000 Packard Foundation Loan Is Retired

It's been a long trail, but427 acres in upper Riggs Canyon makes all the work worthwhile. The Silva Ranch has been preserved, including the upper watershed of Riggs Canyon. Much is heavily wooded, the rest grassland slopes including a section of Highland Ridge rising to Windy Point.

Save Mount Diablo signed a fifteen month option on the Silva Ranch in August 1998, at a sale price of$750,000. Simultaneously, we were developing funding for Turtle Rock Ranch within the State Park and, with the East Bay Regional Park District, for Clayton Ranch. Three projects, 1,522 acres and $4.6 million. Big plans for a small organization, but in July 2000 we dedicated Turtle Rock and in April of this year we celebrated the final phase of the Clayton Ranch acquisition (with a lot of help from the State and the Park District).

For Silva we took out a $625,000 loan, graciously granted by The David & Lucille Packard Foundation at3Vo for three years. We exercised our option and closed escrow in October 1999. This year we received $400,000 from the Coastal Conservancy's S.F. Bay Program. With a bequest from the Robert Ornduff and some endangered species mitigation funding from Shapell, on July l6th we finished repaying the Packard Foundation loan, a year ahead ofschedule.

Now we'll begin efforts to transfer Silva to the State Park and Shapell will undertake habitat enhancements and clean up as part of their red-legged frog mitigation

project. The dam at Bob's Pond (for the late Robert Adams, an SMD Board mernber who made the first donation for Silva) will be reinforced, another pond reconstructed and several springs cleaned up.

Save Mount Diablo's Board of Directors would like to express tremendous thanks to The David & Lucille Packard Foundation and especially to Jean Driscoll; to the Coastal Conservancy and especially to Neal Fishman and Nadine Hitchcock; and to Shapell, especially Chris Truebridge, Tom Koch, and Mike McFadden of McCutcheon Doyle.

SMD's staff would also like to thank the SMD Board. It's truly a working board. Everyone was involved, leading donor walks and horseback rides fol example, but several directors made special efforts. Steve Mehlman and Amara Morrison, our volunteer attorneys, put in long hours on many documents (even as Amala prepared to get manied). Malcolm Sproul did pro-bono biotic surveys which were the basis for endangered species funding. As always, Stephen Joseph's photography showcased our project so well that funders were eager to help.

Finally, we would like to thank YOU. Even when government funding eventually becomes available, it's your support that funds the options to hold properties, pays for appraisals and other expenses, and allows our staff to camy out the day to day work necessary for complex deals. We intend to hold a celebratory walk on Silva in the Spring to thank you in person.

Thanks To AT&T:

A Second Diablo Tower Comes Down

In 1978, the State considered converting Mt. Diablo's Lower Summit parking lot into a tower'farm' to consolidate increasing tower applications, a proposal for thirteen new towers and hundreds of antennas. Luckily the plan was rejected and instead, 23 years later, the largest tower site on Mount Diablo has been removed.

AT&T began dismantling its 100 foot telephone tower on Summit Road in April, 260 feet below the mountain's summit. The massive square edifice, immediately adjacent to the historic Juniper Trail, included a 5300 square foot concrcte building, and was Diablo's most visible structure. "lt was an old tower that we weren't using and we wanted to do what was best for Mount Diablo, including restoration of the site," said AT&T spokesperson Gordon Diamond.

The tower was constl'ucted in 1949, and expanded in 1965. It transmitted 54,000 long distance telephone calls at once, using analog

The 100' AT&T tower is gone!

radio technology now rendered obsolete by fiber optic lines. A year ago, AT&T considered transfering its lease but gracefully yielded to a request by Lany Feri, Mt. Diablo State Park's Superintendent, that the tower be removed in compliance with the goals of the State Park's 1989 General Plan. Save Mount Diablo supported his efforts with DPR officials.

"I'm excited to see the tower gone. It was a big impact on the mountain's landscape and was visible from nearly anywhere west of the State Park," said Feni, who is retiring from the Dept. of Parks and Recreation this Fall. He delayed his retirement a year to ensure that the project was completed.

WRMS Engineering in Walnut Creek con-

Silva Ranch

Lime Ridge Open Space: What's All That Grading At Ygnacio and Cowell?

Save Mount Diablo has been getting questions about the grading in the old Sand Quany on Lime Ridge, at Cowell and Ygnacio. The area was pal't of the Henry Cowell Lime and Cement Company's operations frorn 1909 to 1946. Later, Cowell's cement plant was torn down in the 1970s to make way for the Clossings subdivision.

In the late 1980s Braddock & Logan first began considering development of the 85 acre site as 'Campus Crossings', then proposed the 'Summit' development in 1996, including 245 houses and a shopping center. Although SMD had limited concerns about the qual'ry scar, houses were also proposed for the highly visible western

AT&T Tower

Contimtedftotn page 3

tracted with AT&T to handle the removal. Jerry Morris, the Project Manager, said, "About a hundred tons of steel is being recycled and two to three hundred cubic yards ofconcrete are being removed. It's been at times vely hot and at others very cold and windy, but it's been a pleasure to work with Larry Feri, Supervising Ranger Dave Matthews and the State Park staff. Larry has the Park's best interests at the forefront ofhis thoughts but he has really gone out of his way to accommodate our needs,"

In SMD's Spring 1999 Diablo Watch, we reported that for the first time a comrnunication site on the mountain had been removed. In what was a significant precedent Chevron determined, in December 1998, that it made both good environmental and good business sense to take down its 70 foot tower on North Peak. Save Mount Diablo worked with

slopes of Lime Ridge, in an area with good wildlife habitat and adjacent to Lime Ridge Open Space.

Working with neighbors, Save Mount Diablo proposed a compromise: eliminate the shopping center (and its traffic), move the higher units down into the quamy scar, and donate approximately 35 acres to the Open Space. We worked with neighbors and Standard Pacific,

Before: Tlrc1996 plan inclucled 245 units, a shopping center(at top) in the old quarry sutr and houses on the ridgeline (at left).

Braddock & Logan's successor, to reduce the number of houses frorn 245 to 183. The cornpromise was approved in May 2000. Standard Pacific also agreed to mitigate seasonal wetlands and the rare Diablo manzanita; to fence the project; to fund cleanup and restoration of and a new staging area for Lime Ridge Open Space; to fund an information kiosk at the staging area and printing expenses of Concord's new trail map.

Chevron on its plan. We have opposed new towers since the mid-1970s--only two have since been approved--and have worked to ensure cleanup of tower sites. We helped create Contra Costa County's first Communication Tower

The city required SP to conect a landslide along Ygnacio Valley Road that had closed the road several times in the past. Although it's painful to see grading so near the open space, there will be a net gain in acreage and significant improvements in habitat and public access.

Herb Sihner and Marshall Torre of Braddock & Logan deserve thanks for their willingness to compromise, as do Paul Lopez, Doug Krah and Jason Hadenot of Standard Pacific. Nigel Ogilvie, Marcus O'Connell and John Mercurio were important in the public's efforts.

Afler: In tlrc approved 183 unit plan, Braddock & Logan contptornised with SMD and neighbors, rentoved the shopping center and parking and rclocated housingfrorn tlte ridgeline to the quany. The ridgeline arca will be added to Lime Ridge Open

Policy in 19'11, and successfully pushed for a tightened policy in 1998.

Seven towers remain on Mount Diablo, three on the main peak and four on North Peak. SMD continues to support removal of these remaining towers from Mount Diablo, a registered National Natural Landmark. Our concerns are two-fold. Tower sites on peaks and ridges are highly visible. They also require grading, access roads, power lines, generators, equipment buildings, concrete pads, guy lines and anchors, and fencing, generally in locations with rare species adapted to the extreme conditions at Mount Diablo's peaks.

The AT&T site's concrete pad will be completely gone by the end of August and restoration will begin. Thanks to Superintendent Feri for his efforts, to the DPR for its support of the State Park General Plan, to AT&T for its willingness to invest in the restoration of our mountain, and to its contractor WRMS Engineering for sensitively carrying out the project.

John Mercurio and Burt Bassler Join The SMD Board

Two new dircctols werc added to the Save Mount Diablo Boald of Directot's in March, John Mercurio fronr Concord and Bult Basslel frorn Danville . John was also elected Treasurer, a position that fell vacant wllen former treasurer Karcn Hunt's company relocated at the end of last year'.

John Melculio has been wolking rvith Save Mourrt Diablo since 1989 when he organized a fundraising event to benefit the olganization, the Mount Diablo Relay, a severl leg, forty-seven mile lace encircling the mountain. Latet he joined the Land Conrmittee. Merculio is a Managernent Analyst at the Central Contra Costa Sanitary Distlict and previously wolked in the Contra Costa County Administlator's office and I'or LAFCO. Many area open space agencies ancl organizations benefit from John's talents, including the EBRPD Patks Advisory Cornmittee and the Concord Parks, Recreation and Open Space Comnrission. He and his wife Jill have a new baby, Isabella. "My goal is that my baby daughter will have access to far more open space when she is a young woman than is available today," said Mercurio. "l arn

excited about being a part of Save Mount Diablo. Its stature increases each year and it has become an inrportant player in regional open space pleservation. My gl€atest interest is in trail connections so that Mt Diablo and its foothills are easily accessible."

Burt Basslel has becn a nreurbel of SMD's Developmcnt Cornmittee and a supporter since 1994. An active birder', equestlian, and aldent environrnentalist fbr "as long as I can remenrber", he is "rnostly retiled" from Basslel Associates, a Human Resources Managernent Company. He is also immediate past-president of Hospice of Contra Costa, whele he led an effort last year to raise a lecord $1.6 million. Burt has three children and two grandchildren, and his most enjoyable hobby is riding his horse "Jett" two ol thrce times a week on Mount Diablo's tlails. "l consider it a gift," says Bassler, "to serve on the Board of an organization that has been so effective in protecting and expanding oul beautiful open spaces in the face of relentless developrnent pressules. I hope that some of the effective fundlaising programs we developed at Hospice will be applicable to SMD's efTolts."

Chaparral Spring Eagle Scout Project

SMD Volunteers

Our volunteer corps has been glowing in recent months. We would like to acknowledge and thank the following people for stepping forward to offer their assistance.

David Ttotter, an attol'ney with Bowles & Verna, has joined the Development Committee. Claudia & Scott Hein, ale long tirne supportel's. Claudia, a chernistry instructol at Diablo Valley College, has been helping with SMD's Landownel Outreach Progfarn. Scott, owner of Diablo Analytical has joined the Land Comrrittee and is donating his photography skills. Marjorie Plant frequently helps with rnailings and ofTice work. Nancy Hanna has been helping with events and land programs.

We still need more volunteers to help with various projects: photography, graphic design, event coordinators, fundlaisels and grant writers, and gener'al office assistance. If you would like to volunteer at Save Mount Diablo, please call 925-941 -3535.

Visit the

Save Mount Diablo Web Site at < savemountdiablo.org >

To receive email updates about land use issues, events, or purchases, call our offtce at925947-3535 to give us your email address, or send us an email at <savemtdiablo @ aol.com>

Mike Pap Rocki, a l6-year old Pleasanton Boy Scout from Troop 948, contacted Save Mount Diablo six rnonths ago, looking fol an Eagle Scout project. Cooldinating with SMD's Greg McClain, Mike built a large infolmation sign for SMD's 333-acre Chaparlal Spring plopelty. "An adult in my troop suggested Save Mount Diablo. I like going to the mountain so I was happy to work on a ptoject that will help the park," said Mike, who spent about a 100 houls on the project and installed it in July.

"The hardest part was the actual physical constnrction, but the day we installed it went really well, evelything went exactly as planned. My dad and sorne friends helped out, and Greg too, especially since he was an Eagle Scout himself." For' now lhe sign will be used to display the names of donors who have adopted heritage trees and groves at Chaparral Spring but it was built to park specifications for the day when SMD passes the property on to a public agency. Funds for the Chaparrctl Spring sigrt artrl sign rvele donated by Chandler Constluction, Inc., Dr. Challie Habekost, Dr North Peak. Stephen Chew, and Dr. Howarcl Long. (Photos by Greg McClain)

Jolm Mercurio with dctughter Isabella Burt Bassler witlt grturl.son Casey & "Jett"

Davkl Pap Rocki, Paul Nehse, Mike, scouts Matt Pahler and Tim Henson. Not picturcd, Grcg McCIain and Mike's friencl Davkl Piekarski.

td

Tta s :

Sumnrit Club

($1,000 or nore)

John & Janc Ausrnan

Douglas Laccy

Joseph Raphel

Meredith Rose

James & Patlicia Scofield

Diana Selig

Cindy Silvani-Lacey

Walter & Mildred Snelson

Benson Tongue

Georgc & Salalt Zirnrtrcl'rnan

Peak Guardian

($500 or ntore)

Blyant & Inga Bennett

Scott & Claudia Hein

Jean Masonck

Dean Molris. Molris

Constluction

David Ogclen

Franklin & Balbala Varcnchik

Betty Woolverton

Mountain Saver ($250 or more)

Anorryrttous - 2 Mcntbclshills

Bill & Joyce Ashurst

Mary Baldrvin

Lynn & Rick Bergquist

Calol Greaves

Peter I-Iagen

Eric & Debbie Hinzel

David & Lois Kail

David Lampe

Janres & Bcverly Lane

Steve & Linda Mehlrnnn

Ethel Meyer

Gordon & Donna Monroe

Amara & Clalk Morlison

Peter Oakeshott

Thomas O'bricn

Walter & Mary Rogct's

Steve Savin

Jinr Thompson

David & Deborah Trotter

Pauline Yan

Diablo Donor ($100 or ntore)

Maltin Abranrs

Glenn Alex

Annoyrnous - 5 Menrbclships

Alan & Helen Applefbtd

Rollin & Millicent Almer

Stephen & Joyce Alnon

Andy Aston

Waync & Kalen Barker

Save Mount Diablo's aunual operating expenses are unclelwritten by the financial support we l€ceive ll'om membership revenue. In addition to ploviding financial support, the trumber of lllelnbers we have is a statentent to legislators and to others about the level of col'r.lrnunity suppol't fot'our projects.

We would like to thank the lollowing individuals who have becoure melnbel's since tuid-December of 2000. We hope that you willjoin them in supporting Save Mount Diablo's efforts to pl'eserve opelt space.

Diane Balley

Lance Baltle

Burt Bassler'

Clnudc & Carol Benedix

Eclwald & Mildled Bcnrtet

Willianr Bclnell

Bette Boatmun

Malchctta Borvdle

Malcolm & Sylvia Boyce

Don & Jeanne Boyd

Katc Boyle

Lynn & Butch Brear'

Anne Brock

Diane Blorvn

Pauline BLorvne

I{aymond & Patricia Buck

R.M. & Lois Bunyald

Janet Calclrvell

Johu & Jane Canrbus

Patlick & Shilley Campbell

Halvcy & Phyllis Ceaset'

Alan & Kathleen Clute

Phillip & Jean Davicl

Bradley & Carol Davis

Halold Davis

Vickie Dawes

James & Patricia Day

Don de Frenrely

Donald & Clrallotte Deanr

John & Susan Dean

John Deeming

John Edwards

Tony & Malie Emerson

Gus & Sugal Filice

Georgc Finger'

Paul & Katlry Fitzpatrick

Susana Fousekis

Lisa & Paul Francis

Jack & Maureen Fritschi

John Fuller'

John & Teena Callagher'

Maridale & Gary Garren

Barbara Geolge

Donna Gerber

Binglram & Lalry Gibbs

David & Betty Giffold

Garrctt and Cathy Gilvan

Susan Gray

Donald & Melinda Groom

Cathy Glossu

Richard & Faye Guarienti

Sydney & Helen Hammill

Russ & Cindy Hallison

Kathy Hart

Donalcl Hayes

llonald & Ann Hendel

Michael & Nadine Hitchcock

Noel Hulcl

Susan Inrtuut

R. John Jeffley

Jaures & Tolil Jelter'

John & Linda Judd

Richard Kawin

Dolis Klein

Tcd Kloth

Hans Kolve

Robin Kreske

Jesse & Sharon Klider

Philip Lathrap

Robert & Lynnc Leach

Torrr Lee

Jeffrey & Deborah Leighton

Michael & Jennifer Lloyd

David Loeb

Patricia Lopez

Michael & Joanna Lyon

Michael Magnani

Bunny Martin

Bob & Joan Mat'x

James & Phyllis McDonald

Patty McClain

Jarnes McClaskey

Winton & Margaret McKibben

Malk & Nancy

McLalen/Nolland

John & Jill Mercurio

Wayne Montoya

James Rolph Moore

Maynard Munger

Claig Nielsen

Henly Nigro

Nigel Ogilvie

Michael Ogles

Charles & Ann Olsen

Elizabeth O'Shea

Orinda Hiking Club

Velna Osboln

Stephane Pelchat

Fred & Virginia Petelson

Brad & Trish Piatt

Mary Lou Priewe

BillRalph

James & Melissa Rease

Ed & Gwen Regalia

Constance Regalia

Charles Rickenbacher'

John & Sandla Ritchie

Michael Rosenblun.t

James & Ann Saavedra

Shelyl Sankey

Maltin Sargent

Ecl & Julie Sattler'

Daniel & Janct Schalk

Allene Scoles

Rich & Ann Sexton

David Sholt

Robert Sieben

Sierla Club - Mt. Diablo Group

Heidi Slocomb

Kathlyn Srnith

Dave Snrith & /Ten'y Blair'

Glegg & Atme Sotensen

Malcohr & Casey Sproul

Dean Stoker'

Jack & Jo Suclall

Kcvin Sullivan

Ketmit Sveen

Patricia Thomas

Rose Tonr

David & Klisten Trisko

Mary Uh'iclr

Flank & Edith Valle-Riestra

Nestol' Vaschetto

Balbara Waltels

Valelie Warbulton

Mitchell & Ann Wald

Dick & Malgo Watson

Tom & Calolyn Westhoff

David Whippy

Hugh & Alice White

Ann Witter

Bernice Woodhead

John & Betty Woodward

Friends ($35 or more): 493 indivicluals ol tirmilies have joined in this category.

Leaving a Legacy

By including Save Mount Diablo as a beneficiary in your will, trust or Iife insurance policy, you can support our work even after you are no longer with us. No matter how you choose, your bequest will help insure that Save Mount Diablo has the resources needed to continue our work of protecting and preserving the natuial l€sources of our community in the years to conre, For more information on how to bequeath a gift to Save Mount Diablo please contact us ar (925) 947-3535

Liede

Clayton Ranch Dedication, April 28, 2001

Open space enthusiasts joined Save Mount Diablo and the East Bay Regional Park Distlict to celebrate Clayton Ranch in a preview of the land banked propefty.

Save Mount Diablo's 30th Anniversary year began with an event at The Shops at Blackhawk on March l7th. The event included a slide show about the Diablo Trail and a silent auction. Over' $ 12,000 was raised in support of SMD progl'ams. Special thanks to the event sponsors: Hanna hrsurance Agency, LSA Associates, Morrison & Foerster, The DeSilva Group, The Shops at Blackhawk and Tlacy Murray and Matk Williarns. All photos on this page arc by

Marie Haitsma and Tom Harris.

SMD Prcsident Mctlcolm Sproul (L) cuttl SMD Executive Director Rott Broxut (r) greer the ctorvtl ruttl thtutk spo,tsors.

Party goers included (l to r): Dave Sargent (who also served as bortencler), Bob Mar,r, Jint Thompsott and Katie Scluunache\ Steve Leshe\ Jocuut Hcuurtfi, Bretttkt De kt Osstt rurtl Assemblyrvonen L),nne Leach, Bolt Doyle tuttl Beverly Lane.

tographer Liede Marie Haitsma, SMD co-fountler Mary Bowernrctn and Helen Sarg,ent.

From left, (counter clockwise) EBRPD Chair John Sutter; Sen. Torn Torlakson, who was instlumental in securing funding; attendees; EBRPD Director Beverly Lane; Doug Knauer, David Ogden & Sandi Biagi; SMD's Seth Adarns and Jim Cutler; EBRPD's Bob Doyle & SMD's Ron Blown; Coastal Conservancy's Executive Officer Bill Ahern; one of the hikes; Jeanne Thomas; and EBRPD Director Ted Radke.

The Clytna almontl orchat'cl at Morgan krritory Road

80-Acre Clyma Property Acquired - oa

How A Historic Almond Orchard Was Saved

When you drive Morgan Territory Road through the Regional Preserve, at one point you come to a large white gate, covered in graffiti and leading into an almond orchard. In those almond trees lies a story.

Like orchards, projects sometimes take years. The 80-acre Clyma (or Gim, as it is currently known) property, surounded on three sides by Morgan Teritory Regional Preserve, has been a high priority for addition to the Preserve for more than ten years. It was relatively unthreatened compared with other properties but the white gate was an ominous sign of future plans. Last year SMD urged the East Bay Regional Park District to protect the property.

In our Summer 2001 Diablo Watch, we reported the preservation of the 320 acre Highland Ridge-Elworthy property, which was acquired for mitigation by Shapell Industries of Northern California and then donated to the Preserve. That addition meant that Clyma was completely sunounded by the park, making its preservation even more pressing. On July lTth the East Bay Regional Park District closed the deal on Clyma for $425,000.

There was a sticking point at the last minute, however.

The property's owners wished to cut down the almond orchard for its wood. The trees ale non-native and you might think that wouldn't be a problem, as did the District's very able land agent, Nancy Wenninger. Luckily, fate stepped in. Anne Homan, author of The Morning Side Of Mount Diablo: an illustrated account of the San Francisco Bay Area's historic Morgan Territory Road, included

Highlnnd Ridge Walk & Picnia

IDAM, Saturday, October 20, Save Mount Diablol (the Girn and adjacent Elworthy-Shaplt Please R^SyP at 925-947-3535-Ghn Hike, b at Morgan Territory Regional Preserve Stagii

a chapter in her book about the orchard.

William and Phillippa Clyma of Truro, Cornwall bought the 80-acre property in 1884 from Ferdinand Keller, for $3,000, an unusually high price. William was a miner in England and when he and Phillippa manied in 1874 they moved to Austin City, Nevada, another mining town. Weak lungs frorn the mines may have contributed to their move to become farmers. In Morgan Territory, "...the Clymas, took butter, eggs, fruit and truck produce down to Livermore almost every Saturday to sell to customers or barter with merchants," writes Homan, "The almonds they sold commercially for cash to the L. Demartini Supply Co. in San Francisco," including 679 pounds in 1924, for $48.75. Of five Clyma children, three survived childhood and one beyond age 30. "Lillian married local businessman Joseph Laughlin, had three children, and lived out a normal life span on their ranch near Brushy Peak."

Before the book was published this past June, Anne told Save Mount Diablo that if the Park District ever acquired the property, "Don't let them cut down that orchard, it's historic." We passed on the message and our first copy of Anne's book to Bob Doyle, the Park District's Asst. General Manager for Acquisition, Advanced Planning and Trails. He told Nancy Wenninger, "the orchard's important. Go back and make sure it's included," and so it was. Save Mount Diablo would like to thank the Gims and the Board of Directors and staff of the Park District, especially Bob Doyle and Nancy Wenninger. Thanks too, to historian Anne Homan for her forethought in wishing saved a small orchard that's survived ll5 years already.

What can you buy for $141,000?

Brown Property Added to Black Dinmond Mines

What? An incredible 80-acre canyon and knoll...without legal access. The East Bay Regional Park District was approached last year by members ofthe Brown family, interested in preservation

William & Phillilta Clynn. Courtesy of Mary Buttetfield

The Brown p,oper

i ai the Clyma Almond Orchard

Tvill lead an introductory hike along Highland Ridge property). 3-4 miles, somewhat hilly.

and meet at 10:00 AIUI Area at the crest of Morgan Territory Road.

of their property. Their Welsh ancestors, who had come to work in the coal mines of Somersville, purchased the property in 1899. On April lTth the Distlict's Board completed the purchase, two weeks before the joint dedication of the 1,030 acre Clayton Ranch project with Save Mount Diablo. At the headwaters of Briones Valley, Blown is remote but just thirteen hundred feet from Clayton Ranch. Both parcels are about a half mile south of Oil Canyon in Black Diamond Mines Regional preserve, within the Mt. Diablo to Black Diamond Mines corridor. The property rises from around 820' to the 1405' knoll and has outstanding views and resoulce values. Three rare plants have been confirmed, the Mt. Diablo sunflower, Mt. Diablo globe lily and serpentine bedstraw and there is suitable habitat for golden eagles, the Alameda whipsnake, California red-legged frog and the California tiger salamander. The property will be land banked until access can be acquircd, but is a very strategic purchase. Thanks to the District.

Elworthy-Highland Ridge:

Shapell Acquires 320 ares for EBRPD

The brief Summer Diablo Watch mentioned the 320-acre Elworthy donation to the Park District, by Shapell Industries of Northern California for mitigation of development elsewhere. The property had been acquired for the development ofestate lots but Shapell's subsequent purchase ends that threat. The District accepted the donation on June 5th. In the past month we have been able to survey Elworthy in more detail. It would take many pages to describe this incredible property. Instead, we'll take you there (see inset), and simply describe the view at the 2,581' peak: it's brcath taking and is actually better than at Diablo because it includes the mountain, too.

In a broad circle the panorama stretches from Pleasanton, from the Santa Cruz mountains and the peninsula to Mt. Tam, Oyster Point and the knife-edged Black Hills, Sonoma County, both Diablo peaks and on to Black Diarnond

Elworthy-Shapell at the top of Highland Ridge and towns are visible and the jagged line of the Sierra range across thehazy valley, then back to Brushy Peak and the Livermore Valley, Mt. Hamilton and the rest of the Diablo range beyond. On a recent August day at the abrupt ridge, toothed with exposed rock, I experienced a moment of Spring after a long stretch of golden summer grasslands. Ridgeline groves of oaks were underlain with bright patches of newly sprouted green. Highland Ridge edges the Livermore Valley and funnels fog to Altamont pass. The trees comb the fog from the ait dripping to the ground below. A few days later the deer had nibbled the grass away, until the next heavy fog.

On the western chapanal slope, Highland Ridge drops so precipitously that suddenly the Tassajara hills are befor.e you, a golden sea ofgrassy waves. Near sunset, ever.y knoll top and tree is deepened with shadow. The extent of the Blackhills becomes clear too, an Aleutian archipelego of chaparral islands from Wall point through Black Hawk Ridge and Oyster Point, and shrinking as your gaze passes to Morgan Territory and Los Vaqueros. There is a hint of moisture in the sage scented air. As I sat, I noticed that the light and cloud on the sea horizon had stratified into tight bands of white and blue, Sutro tower clearly silhouetted in San Francisco.

To the east, the mountains of Tahoe were equally sharp above the valley haze.

On a single hike I also saw two golden eagles, communed with a barking, howling coyote, saw plenty ofdeer and avoided pond edges literally hopping with frogs.

Thanks to Shapell, and the Board and staff of the Park District, for their quick action to save this property.

Califontict

Garl, Sofuu

900 Families Donate $70,000 For Wright Property!!! Thanks To Gary Bogue and His Readers

This spr.ing, Gary Bogue, the anirnal altd environnrental colutnnist fol the Contra Costa Times asked his reaclers to help SMD raise $50,000 to make an option payment on the J6 ircreWright pt'opelty at the entrance to Curly Canyon. In just over five weeks neat'ly 900 individuals responded by donating oveL $70,000' Save Mount Diablo thanks Gar.y Bogue for his continued support for out'efforts and we acknowledge the indivicluals below for rnaking the donations. The images on this and the following two pages lre ti.om two pleview tours on the Wright property. Photos by Liede Haitsma, and David Ogden, Scott Hein.

$11000 of more: Aaton & Lenole Bezzcrictes, A.F. Blay, Jr'., California Native Plant Society, Alan & Joan Kutlz, June

$11000 - 501: n Tlain Enterprises, Inc., Alice Busan, Cinlexico Foundatiort, John Fitzgelald, George Ann Garnrs, Patricia Gleason, James & Rober.ta Hacllcy, Tluxton llilclncr'& Allan Cook, K.R. & JoAnrre Hughes, Ralph & Eilcen Leon, David Linglen, John McGeltee, Ann

$500 - 251: Mar.ty & Vivian Callahan, Lcslie & Syclney Dent, K.R. & JoAnne Hughes, Ralph & Eilccn Lcon, Davicl Lingrcn. Malgarct Luna, John

McGchcc. Ann Moldcnschar<it, Mount Diablo Audubon Socicty, HenI Nigro, Genevievc Nygaard, Dal'id Ogclcn, Pacific Business Ccntcts, Christinc & Valerie Schmiclt. Elic & Jo Dee Ann Schneiclcr, John Shutllick, Lincla Young $250 - 101: nttcn Rototilling, Andrcw Bcnson, StepScl & Mayno Blanding, Anne Brock, Ray & Balbara Bronkcn, Jctftcy Blou'n, Carolyn &, A.J. Buxton, Williant & Cat'ol Chilsson, Robcrt & Bctt),Colwell, Kay Dcckcr', Diversifictl Capital Scrvices, Inc., Fretl & Strsan Donecker', R.n & B.A. Falck, First Collateral Scr.r,iccs, Fitness tvith Sharccn, Calaxy Prcss, Hacienda Santa Sofia, Micheal & Ann Halbclt, JoAnn Hanna, Kay Jacobsorr, Craig & pcggy Lyon, Bunny Mar.tin. Hcnr.y & Louise Moises, Carl & Dolores Monismith, Jantcs & Sharon Mootc, Michacl Molris' Elizabeth O'Shca, Dean & Chr.istine Orta(i, Wan'cn & Irene Peters, Tanraln Porvers, Austine & Marjolic Plindlc, Ronald & Patricia Rhody' Shalon Ritchcy, David & Janis Samrnons, Daniel & Janet Schalk, Bcverly & Waltcl schlehuber. John & Jcan Stonc, Katcn Van Duincn. Walnut

Dat,id Tftttter Crcek Opcn Space Foundation' Dick & Malgo Watson

Bor.is Basa, Hu6t Basconr, petcr.& Margretc Baturin, Willa Baum, Aaron & Ann Beclrtel, Charles & Nancy Becker, Richarl & Linda Beidlcntan' K.R & S. Belden, Susan Belcc, Grven Bcll, Joseph Bell, Anne Belveclere, Jo Ann Berrnett, Ivar Benson, Calol & Calol Bergenholtz, E.F. & Angic Bergeson, Carl &

Blair., Anne Blandin, Petcr'& Nancy Blufold, Balbara Bochefi Wesley & Ruby Bohsancult, Polly Boissevaink, Dorothy Bolr, Bea Booley-Christolos, Karcn Borkenhagcn, Mary Boruck, John & Paula Bosrvcll, Btookc Bovo, Richard & Mary Bowels, Ethyl Borvrnan, Madaline Boyes, Michael & Lea Boyle, Mike & Joanne Boyle, Sanctra Bozartlr, Sue Branagan, Martha Breed, Ted & Estelle Bteilrnayer', Larvrcnce & Elizabcth Brickell, Bradley & Lori Bliegleb, Linda Brockrvay, Jennifcr Brodie, Kerry Blookntan, Halvey Broslet', Susan Btorvn, Walter & Joaun Br.own, Diane Brotvn, Jeffrey Brorvn, Nancy Brorvn, Janrcs & Diannc Brorvning, Jill Bryans, Christopher Buckley, Rita Buffet, l{onald & Barbala Buffi, R.M. & Lois Bunyard, Elizabeth Bulch, Stevc & Joaune Burkmarr, Nlncy Burton, Diane Burton, Dennis Butkorvski, Chestet Butler', Richarcl & Gayle Buxton,

Vincent & Tracey Casey, Lise Cavin, Benton & Doreen Cavin, Beth Cezario, Marie Ann Chan, Lucia Chan, Jatncs & Nancy Clrang, Gale Chapnran, Linda Chapnran, Ruth Chapton, Richard & Balbart Cheathanr, Firlley & Cudrun Chcslrier; Priscilla clil.istensen, Glcn & Ann Clrr.istoff'erson, christine cierci, R.s. & Ruth claassen, Mat'y Jean Clalk, Marguerite Clemens, Annabelle Cloner; Alan & Kathleen Clute, George & Elinor Colberr, Eunice Cole, Billy & Klistine Colenran, Leslie Coler-Dark, Patti Cornpton, Loteace Concannon, Jamcs & Sa[a Conley, Robelt & Barbala Conlon, Elvin & Salah Connelly, Charles & Katltleen Conncr, Contla Costa Hills Club, Neville & Jennifel Cook, Maly Corlcy, Janet Correia, Barbara Cotton, Clrarles & GeoIge Anne Coyle, Rortald &,, Tanettc Crave n. Jcssc & Balbala Crews, Richard & Elizabeth Cross, Cub Scout Den 2, Pack 220, Peter & Sharon Culshaw, Evelyn Cunninghan, Curry Creek Cattle Co., Clark Custodio, Jr'., Lucille Cuz-zillo, George & Virginia Dally, John & Thelna Dana, Kay Darsorv, Bradley & carol Davis, Alben & Naralie Davis, David & Ruth Davis, Jay & Edythe Anu Davis, Davis Fencing Co., Mark & Elaine Day, Leslie De Boet, W.L. & E C. de Prosse, Jr'., Alice deBeneclictis, Michael & Lynn Deckelt, David & Cloria Delgado, Patricia Derickson, George & Mary Dietrictr, Shirlee Donrbro$'ski, Normart D'Orazio, Gary & Shirlcy Dornan, Clara

John Kie.fer & SMD's Malcoln SPnul

Wright continueclftont prtge !0

Dorctlrl,Wright's honrc & Deborah Friedman, Francis & Linda Friedman, Jack & Maureen

Dougherty, Carol DouglasMichael & Linda Downs, Lar.r.y & Joan Drees, Bruce & Jill

Dresser, Harold & Roberta Dreyer, sheila Drozda, Davict & Janet Drumnr, Geralcl & patsy Duarte, Duane Duchscheler, Glenda Dugan, Malgaret Durnas, Dor.othy Duncan, Christopher & Marianne Dundon, Cecily Dunn, Laurence & patricia Dur.flinger., Diane Dyke

Ross & Julie Eastman, Fern Eaton, Williarn & Martha Eckart, peter & parnela Edrington, Kip & Sarah Edwards, Bevelly Edwards, L. Edwards, Jarnes & Fr.ances Edwarcls, R.p. & Margaret Elliott, Tony &, Marie Ernerson, Johanne Ernrich, Enron Foundation, Marvin & Ruth Epstein, Mark & Carol Escajeda, Glenn Espy, Nonna Estrada, Char.les & Marjorie

Evans, Jean Evers, Cheril Fagan, Jacqueline Fava, Edith Fell, Dorothy Fenolio, Marge

Ferrari, Janet Fenis, willard & Ann Fine, Robert & Janer Fischer', carol Fisher., Richard & Dorothy Fitzgerald,walter & Bonnie FIannery, Marilyn Fleetwoocl, Vicki Flickinger, Lester Foley, Foley & Foley, Inc. , Ralph Foltz, John & Jane Fontius, Ruth Foster, Ralph & Sharon Foster, Aaron & Laurie Fox, Ruthann Frank, Adarn & Susan Frankina, peter & Jenine Fraser, John & Elinor Fraser', Nell Flaser, Dorothy F.azzini, paul Friedlander, Alex Fritschi' Brian & Beryl Fuller, williarn & sona Fussell, James & Mary Aun Gaebe, Janres & Joan Galletly, Garnino Concrete, Sheatouse Garis, Rayrnond & Dorothy Gaschk, Mark Geiser, Jer.ry Gerich, Kathleen Gemer, Fred Gernsr, Le Roy & Camille Ghilarducci, Paul & Joan Giacosa, Glen & Lisa Gibson, Grace Giese, Grace Gilarn, O.A. & Dianne Gilbert, Jarnes & Judy Gillivan, Beth Gihnore, Michael & Ernma Giorserto, David & Rose Glovel, Shaton Codske, Iretha Golden, Arny Goldman, Janet Goodban, Cynthia Coodman, Sara Goolsby, Cillette & Maly Gordon, Robelt & Nancy Goreth, Mark & Nancy Gonell, Jean Gorvanlock, Williarn & Cindy Gracely, Hariet Glaham, Sandla Graham, Julieann Graharn, Bruce Granicher, Anthony & Cynthia Greco, Ttaute Greene, Jack & Linda Gregory, Susan Grice, Victor & Eugenia Gridnev, Lee & Shirley Griffey, Diane Gliffiths, Martha Grisier, Plato Grivas, Edward & Bette Gloss, Roald & Dorcthy Crunserh, Matthew & Melinda Guelfi, Beverely Gulley, Philip & Dorothy Haag, Carol Haglund, Kathryn Hale, Linda Hall, Virginia Hallin, Janice Halseide, Mary Ann Halvorson, Kenneth & Dorothea Hanna, Thomas & Melva Hansen, Laura Hansen, Beth Hansen Paralegal Services, Janess Hanson, Jeannie Harrnon, C.S. Harper, Kathy Ann Hanis, Jack & Sharon Hamis, Richard & Margalet Hart, Peter & Grace Hartdegen, Mary Hasson, Jacqueline Heath, Christine Heck, Robert & Joye, Anne Heide, John & Diane Heinr, Scott & Claudia Hein, Adele Hehngren, Ronatd & Hamiette Henlickson, Ira & Sandra Mt. Diablofion the Wright propertl, Hershkorvitz, viola Hertzberg, Alice Hervlett, wendy Heyse, Hiddcn Valley Elementary School, william & Milly Hill, David & Margie Hill, Della Hill, perer & Ruth Hirano, William & Marilyn Hoenig, Herb Hoffrnan, Marjolie Hoffman, Williarn & Mary Hoisington, Ruth Holl, Mar.ilyn Holloway, Annette Holmberg, Sara Holt, Nicole Holthuis, Donald & Anne Homan, Horne Sitting Svcs. of CC County, Judy Homewood, Conrad & Myrtle Hopper, Jonathan & Kirnberly Horn, Steven & Kathleen Hosman, Jon & Stana Housden, Donald & Jane Houser, Janet Houser, Robert Howard, Michael & Malvine Howard, Deanna Horve,

Bradley Howell, Jerry & Kalyn Hoyer', Julie Hudson, Lai-Shun & Maria Hui, Berty Hutchins, Leonard & Ronell Ialeggio

Ceraldine Ingalls, Lloyd lves, Annie Jacobsen, Donald Jacobson, Daniel & Katharine Jaffe, Thomas & Cincly Janart, Arthur. & Bontrie James, Ruth Jarnison, Jan's Books, Anthony & Mary Jankowski, EleanorJardine, Fred & Nancy Jarlais, Mitzi Jarvis, Roberta Jeffley, Earl & Kathlyn Jelter, Walter & Balbara Jennings, Margaret Jesseph, Kimberly Johnson, Armanct & Marylye Johnson, Robert & Judith Johnson, Laveeda Johnson, Stephen & Carol Johnson, Parland & Judy Johnstone, Steven & Anne Jones, David & Kathleen Jones, Ardella Jones, Bill & Heidi Jones, Maly Ellen Jones, Vergie Jones, Lorctta Justice, Kristine Kahn, Jertold & Susan Kaplan, Torn Kapsar, Laura Karp, Christl Kasler, Diane Kauffrnan, Richard & Krisrina Kauffrnan, Keith & Rebecca Keck, Jacob & Violet Keisler, William & Joan Kelley, Reva Kelly, Suzette Kelson, Margaret Kenny, Brian & Gaile Kilpatrick, Donald & Matty Lou Kilpatrick, Helen Kirnball, Kirk & Patricia Kime, Palma Kinder, Barbara King, Sharon & Robert Kirk, Margaret & James Klauber', Kathy Klein, Margaret Klopfer', Richard & Barbara Knight, Ivy Knott, Charles & Virginia Koebet' Jarnes & Julie Kolakorvski, Karen Kops, M.C. & Patricia Korb, Linda Korenrnan, Carolyn Kraetsch, Jeff & Joy Kr.eps, Robin Kreske, Harold & Crista Krick, Constantine Kritikos, Jack & Jean Kronmal, Penin & Marco Krumbuegel, Rose Marie Krupocki, Eleanor Kruse, Nancy Kubacki, Donald Kurtz, Anneliese Kurz, Dale & Helen La Croix, James & Linda Landau, John Lane, Walter & Veta Lilrsen, Joan Larsen, Frank & Anita Lassen, Charles & Lynne Leavitt, Virginia Leavitt, Ian & Mary Lee, Deborah Lernack, Lillian Lemon, Ellen Lerner, Jack Lelner, claire Leseberg, Richard & Marty Lewis, Duane Lindberg, David & carol Eric & Joy Lofdahl, M.o & Patricia Lohman, Kenneth Lohnran, Joan London, Lawrence Loomet Frank & Ruth Loomis, Roberr & Beverly Loonris, Leroy & Betty Lopey, Shirley Loret, victoria Lucas, Luciano Realty [nc., N.c. & Janet L uhmann, Jr., peter & Verna Lunardi, cynrhia Lund, Juanita Luther, Michael & Joanna Lyon

Dcrvid Ogden

Llndenmuth, Susan Linn, Jeny Linle, Deloris Llervellyn, Howard & victoria Maat, Grace MacNeill, Scott & Berh Macy, Robert & claire Magliano, Glenn & Joy Mahan, Jack Mah(, Jr., Jane Mailanderi Hugh & Carol Maiocco, Chris & Roseanne Maloney, Keith & Karen March, valerie Mark, Jack & Judith Mar.ks, william & Georgia Marshall, Donald & Joan Martin, Louie & Anna Maruri, Virginia Marx, Jerry & sandra Mata, Jasper & Eallene Mateer, Victor & Lois Matusek, Dominic & Bonnie May, James & phyllis Mc Donald, carol Mc Donald, Marion Mc Dougal, Nancy Mccaffery, virginia Mccain, Richard Mccall, Joanne McCarthy, John McCord, Jr., Robin McCoy, Mark & Helene McElyea, Roger & Joanne McGowan, Richard & Darlene Mclean, Robert Sheila McMahon, A.R. Mcpherson, Royal & Joan McPherson, Violet Medeiros, Rolf & Michelle Mehlhorn, Thomas & susan Melvin, Virginia Continued on page )2 ll Charles Crcshatn, Mary Bowennan & Shirley Nootbaar

Wright continued frorn page I I

Sunnrit MuseLotr is visible rtom the top of the ptopertS'

Mendonca, Lucy Mendonca, Roy & Lta Merrill, Robert Merson, Mary Jo Metzger, Jacqueline

Metzinger, Roberr Meyers, Ernile & Lisette Meylan, Sidney & Mary Michaels, Patrick & Nancy

Millert S.K. & K. B. Million, Eric & Anne Mills, Lois Misserian, Lynn Mitchell, Thonras & Alison

Mitchell, Sandra Sue Mocco, Milton & June Mornita, S.C. Monson, Robert & Estrella Moofe, L'

A. Moorc, Edward & Carol Mora, Yolanda Moreno, Stephanie Morgan, Robelt & Deborah Morris,

Anita Monow, Betty Mor.ton, Joseph & Jean Muh'oy, Joyce Munson, Joseph & Shelley Murdock,

Robert & Suzanne Murlillo, Dione & Brad Mustard, Sylvia Marie Nachlinger, Williarn & Mary

Nakanrura, John & Patricia Nargang, Natute's Glorv, Janles & Gletchen Neel, Michael & Jill

Neitzke, Mary-Gail Nelson, Albin & Elearror Nelson, William & Edith Nettleton, Stephen Neves, Stephen & Candice Nervburn, John Nicholson, Wanda Nicholson, Raytnond & Judith Nickel'

Robert & Joyce Niebur, Louis & Jean Nobbe, John Nygard, James & carol o'Donnell, Bill & Kay

O,Neil, Peter.& Diana O'Rourke, Jim or Yuliko Oda, Beth Offield, Jean & Dale Olds, MaLjorie

Orr, Mark Ory, Robert & Ftances Osborne, Linda Owens,

Robert & Joan Oyler, Joan Palliser, Gregory & Mary

Pallotti, Peter'& Anry Pahner', Joseph & Marjorie Paris, Michael Parsons, Gary & Panrela Passey, Atul & Shilpa

Pathale, Joan Pavon, Gayle Pawloski, Joyce Payne, Haniert peabody, Anne-Lise Peachee, Ronald & Molly Peck, Mariaune Peclrazzi, Charlotte Peeblesrn& Toni Mayell' Judith Pentopoulos, Steven & Parnela Perls, Dolores Petersen, Bente Petersen, Patricia Petersen, Allen & Ellen Peterson, Aicla Peterson, Eleanor Peterson, John & Helen Petlash, James & Jirnmye Joyce Petterserr, Jarnes & Marian Pfohl, Clinron & Susan Phalen, Patricia Phillips, Jennifer Phillips, Brad & Tlish Piatt, Tom & Elizabeth Piatt, Scott & Claudia Hein Michael & Connie Pierce, Lawrence & Nancy Pietrelli, Gordon & Patricia Pioch, Jordan & Noreen Pitta, Malio & Ann pola, Charlene ports, peter & Jacqueline Poulsen, Michael & Jane Powell, Mauricia Price, Jeanne Price-Cole, Williarn & Vivian Priest' Anry Prince, Carol Putman, Phillip and Judith Quinlan, Patricia Quinn

R.B.R. Managernenr, R.K. Taylor & Associares, Bill & Erin Rarney, Parricia Rankin, John & Victoria Raulino, Richard & Rayna Ravitz, Clayton & Marie

Rea, Gregory & Mary Beth Reacl, Jarret Read, Thouras & Victolia Reecl, Ecl & Gwen Regalia, Paul & Kay Regan, David & Alice Rego, Kathleen Reid, Kenneth & Linda Rae Renwick, Robert & patricia Rezak, James & Sanclra Rhodes, Margaret Rice, Charles Rickenbacher', Robert & Kathleen Ridge' Lois Riesenberg, Barbara Riggins, Bladford and Ruth Riordan, Jolrn & Barbala Risken'

Kenneth & Ellen Ristad, Michael & Carissa Ritchey, Victoria & Shawn Ritchey, Debbie Roberts, Allen & Kathryn Robertson, Beatrice Robinson, Gael Rodgers, Dale & Diana Roclgers, A. Virginia Rogers, Sandra Rontaidis, Romak Iton Works' Clala

Rosenberg, David Rosenthal, Kathleen Rowe, Tod Rubin, Charles Ruel Michael & Kyle Ruggieri, Gaile Russ, Judith Rust, Elva Rust, Lenote Sanderson, Robert & Natalie Sanguinette, Glendoris Sargent, Danna Saurrders, Hazel Sawyer', Melvin & Ranona Sayle, Ronald & Sonia Scanlan, Richard & Patricia Schally, Erin Schally'

Robert & Barbara Sclrarf, Ethel Schneider, Melyl & Patricia Schroeder, Jeff & r ll,rl '

Shanahan, Anita Sharnta, Anne Sheeran, Katherine Shepard, Williarn & Lela Shewry, Willis & Betty Shotwell, Deborah Shullaw, S.A. Shultz, Chao-Hui Shy' Jerome & Denise Siedhoff, Willianr & Joyce Siegling, Ronalcl & Karin Siernens, Sieffa Club - SF Bay Chapter, Judith Silva, Igor & Shirleyrnae Skaredoff, Eduard & Jessie Skoczen, W.L. & Evelyn Slessinger', Daniel & Elizabeth Srnith, Davicl Smith, Jean Srnith, Diane Smith, Alice Sntith, Robert & Mary Smits' Walter & Milched Snelson, Alice Sorvetti, Spectrurn Pools & Landscape, Inc., Billy & Joanne Spry, Anna Stankus, Leonard & Jeanne Steffen, Rita Stein, Tunette Steiner, Regina Stejskal, TS. & Sue Stenstrour, Joan Stervart, Robeft & Sharon Stifm, Dean Stoker, Eugene & Nornra Stokes, Vernon & Barbata Stone, Catherine Stmlovich, Walter & Althea Srreb, Adah Jo Srringer, Marjorie Studebaker, Helme Sullivan, Tinrothy Sullivan' Nanette Sullivan, Doris Sunayama, Terry & Cor.inne Sutherland, Joseph Swicegood, Ray & Maly Switzeri Teris Taskey, Tassajala Hills Elenrentary, Daniel & Kathlyn Templin, The Martin Agencies, Inc., The pet Grocery Cornpany, Edrnond & Pamela Thiede, Roberta Thornann, Richard & Penny Thonras, Richard & Virginia Thornas, Deborah Thomason-Olson, Lisa Throolin, parricia Thunen, Williarn & Noreen Timrnons, Herrnan & Patsy Tiurmotrs, Michael & Rita Tischler, Barbara Toohey, Gordon & Doreen Topharn, Morgan & Kelly Tovey, Julie Townsend, J.A. Trolan, Janace Trolan, Ruth Truscott, MaryEllen Tyler, Mary Ulrich, Dan & Andr.ea Underhill, Ralph & Veronica Vaca, Susan Valentino, Frank & Edith Valle-Riestra, Valley View Middle School, Jacob Van Akkeren, R.J. & Virginia Van de Venter, Letty Van cler Vegt, Evelyn Van Dresser, Harold & Juanit Van Winter, Robert & polina Vasquez, Barbara & Clyde Vaughn, Nancy Verlier, Vitton Construction Co, Inc., William & Nancy Vosper

Mary Wacker, John & Charlotte Waggoner, Eleanor Wagnor', Beverly Wahlig, Niels & Elizabeth Waidtlo, Milford & Linda Waldroup, Raymond & Ter.ry Walker', Jean Walker', Bernice Walker, Maljotie Walker', Haskell & Margaret Walker' Michael & Barbara Wall, Har.vey & Louise Wall, Linda Wallgren, Williarn & Stacy Walter, Mary Walter, Victoria Ward, Robert War.d, Jacqueline Warden, Rahirna & Mashuri Warren, Leon & Parnela Waniner', Bjorg Wasserfall, Harnilton & Maryarct Watchers, Arthur Watkins, Han'y Wayne, Lisa Weaver, Marlene Webber', Charlotte Webber, Yoshiko Weber, Daniel Weber, George Weberling, Elizabeth Weeks, Helen Wehmeyer', Welden & Welclen-Attorneys at Law, Williarn & MaLy Well, Jeffrey & Mary Wells, John & Elizabeth Westfall, Roger & Penny Westphal, Kevin Whealy, Rayrnond Whitaker', E.A & Enrma Jane White, Mildre<l Whirtanr- Nelson, Lyman & Patricia Wilbur', Williarn Wilbul, DDS, Williarn & Nonna Wilder, Fritz & Margr.ere Wilhelm, Eugene & Kathleen Williarns, G.M. & Elizabeth Williarns, Patricia Willy, Malk & Anne Wilson, Shirley Winchester, Mary Wintch, Martha Wittaker, Albert & Gloria Witte, Judy Wobleski, Ellen Wolter, Steven & Sandra Woods, C1aig & Barbar.a Woolnrington-Srnith, Thomas & Cora Wlight, Rose Anne Wright, Elizabeth Wylie, Maly Yandle, Gardener & Margaret Young, Betty Zilen, Michael & Rosalind Zinns l2

Roacl to the Gathering Place

Blue-eyed grass

iflt''lilil'l n

Mary Boverman & Art Bonwell:

" Richly deserued Thrcads of Hope award recipients and dear friends.'

Ed & Julie Sattler

Mary Bowennan: " For all you have done to presene open space.'

Susan Steinberg & Dennis Herzog

Mt: & Mrs George Caffrey50th Weddittg Anniversary

Robert & Joye Heide

Mrs. Vvian Caltahari -70th bir,hday & Marty & Vivian CallahanlTth year anniversary

Marty & Vivian Callahan

Barbara Hayworth

Albert Davis; in honor ofyour 65th birthday

Natalie Davis

Gail Delnlla

C.J. & Margaret Panton

A,ni RAdilriin-Ditzels 50th Birtlulay

.

Rosemary & Donald Fassl

Ray & Evelyn Temstrom

Eva Erickson

Anita Taylor

Bob Burman

Dona Smith

Britgitta & William Howie

Kwang & Maria Young

Mike & Karin Gregory

Brian & Britt Marie Morris

Donald & Ellen Monison

Kenneth & Rosalia Kennedy

Edward & Carol Fullerton

Robert & Jean Crabb

Barbara Malleck

Ingeborg Karlsson

Daniel & Alice Affourtit

Mary Ellen Ditzel

Betty & Hal Fostels

50th Wedding Anniversary

Nancy & Fred De Jarlais

John Gravell - on your reti,ement

Hidden Valley Elem School Staff

Robbie, Marybeth & Kyle Hobbs, & Amber & Alyssa Samtnons

Jan & David Sammons

h honor of Eric Jacobsen's birthday

Grammy Kay

Rich & Gloria McDrev

Ahmad & Mary Shirazi

Sharcn Ritchey

Michael & Carissa Ritchey

Tamara Ritchey Powers

Randy Rockey

Shirlee Dombrowski

Carl Schreck's birthday

Clinton & Susan Phalen

Doris Stripeika: who loved Mt.

Diablo

Phillip & Jean David

Charlotte W. Anderson

Hugh & Alice White

Mitchell & Ann Ward

Sarah J. Gross

Sandra Costigane

Fred & Georgitre Sullivan's

40th anniversary

Carole Woods

In honor of Margaret-Tary)

Watchers' birthday

Milton Watchers

Mariposa lily

UflWIrefi

Esperance Anderson

Jack Anderson

Kerry Arabian

Alice Arabian Benedictis

Bill Brownrigg

Charles & Marjorie Evans

Joan Brunleve

Larry Feni

Jeanne Harmon

Susanne Bueche

Evangeline Locke

Susan Hennen

Clyde & Mary Grace Davidson

Luman & Marilyn Hughes

The Blackhawk Country Club

Lois & Tracy Adduci

Eileen Konstantino

Robert & Barbara Wauen

Dr. Charles Nip

David Shapiro & Sharon Wheatley

Anthony Adduci

Herbert Trautner III

Christen Welch

Armand & Deborah Gordon

Don Burrcr

Charles & Margie Evans

Birdie Carlson

Betty Zilen

Marie (Liz) Christensen

Leslie Servin

Webster & Isabel Clark

William & Laura Clark

Frcd Douglas I

Thehna Dana

Jon Ericsson

Betty M. Ericsson

An Mari Ericsson

Ann Ferri

Larry Ferri

Dorothy Fertado

Gayle Servin

John H. Finger, in loving nemory

Dorothy Finger

Ruby Freet

John & Helen Petrash

Robert Fuller

Tom & Beverly Gorman

Valentina Gladstone

Gus & Aileen Nichols

Karol Kay Grffin

Betty Zilen

Otto Haubensak, a gentle rnan who loved the outdoors.

Valley Spokesman Touring Club

Vola Hertzberg

Richard & Sherry Shandrew

Charles Bloorner, Jr.

Marian Moffat Hobson

Verna Kruse

Jean Saylor

George Ann Garms

Thonre W Hohnes

Virginia Matson Holmes

Jim Howarul

Lynn & Butch Brear

Louis Indindoli

Gus & Aileen Nichols

Florence Gotnber

Jessie Skoczen

Eileen Hobonan

Ken & Jo Ann Stevens

Lillie & Harold James

Carolyn James Buxton

Roland Kennedy

Kathleen Kennedy

Gene & Chelsea Logan

Jane Logan

Bruno Lonrbardi

Gayle Servin

Glen London

Joan London

My parents, Harry & Enn Lucas

Vicky Lucas

David Mackie, who loved riding his bike & hikittg on the Diablo Trails

Wanda Nicholson

Arthur Mahoney

James & Joan Galletly

Gerald R. Manning

Sara J. Manning

Roy Oakes; a good tennis friend

Walter & Mary Rogers

Warren Olney

Robert & Elisabeth Anderson

Josephine & Edwin Pillsbury

Susan Pillsbury Nagel

Sylvia Pisila

Lonaine Mitchell

F. Innnie Price

Jeanne Price-Cole

Al G. Quitunan

Bess Ladd

Ona Geischen

Peter Reves

Charleen Elste

Randy L. Rockey

All of us at Betts Halhnark, with love and thoughts

Dija Royer

Frank & Marilyn Royer

Carl S. Rush,who conltleted his adnirable life's work on 5/5/01

Clara Richert

Ralph Schneidet'; my husband who loved the mounlain

Elizabeth Schneider

Ennna Sciortino

Gayle Servin

In metnory of nty dear friend, Beuy

Scott

Carol Douglas

Niel Snortunt: loving lusband & father

Beth Snortum

Vivian Steigelnan

Barbara & Ronald Forsstrom

Rodney Sylvester

Valerie Mark

Orc Thesius; our gootl friend & Neighbor

Walter & Mary Rogers

Roy Wagnor- in lovittg ,nenn,y

Eleanor Wagnor

Warren Walten

Norine Griffith

Mary & William Nakamura

Delphina Willians

Mary Halvorson

Diana Wright-Barr

Phyllis & Harvey Ceaser

Myron & Nancy Rude

Walnut Creek Intennediate School - bought a commemorative grove of oak trees in honor of the class of2000-2001. (They collected over 200,000 pennies). In loving memory of Robert Loynd, a 36inch blue oak

Eleanor Loynd

Dinblo From Four Feet Up

ContinuedJrom Page I

The week before, I queried equestrians, advocacy groups, and 92 yoar old George Cardinet. He is perhaps California's most famous equestrian and the "Father ofthe trail system in Califomia," according to the California State Horseman's Association.

Why? To get a handle on what it's like to be an equestrian on Mount Diablo and to answer a decade old rumor. Since the adoption of the State Park's General Plan in 1990, when cattle grazing was limited in the Park, there has been a fear that horses might be next.

Mount Diablo and Contra Costa have been horse country for 225 years...

...from the days of the first Spanish expeditions to Alta California in 1712 and 1776, through the 1940s when the inland East Bay was largely agricultural, to the rnodem day. According to George Cardinet, "ln the days ofthe Spaniards, you didn't travel very far without a horse."

Cardinet, whose father bought a S2-acre ranch in Clayton in 1939, has been a horseman in Contra Costa for more than sixty years. He is a founding m€mber of the Heritage Trails Fund, and one of the visionaries who proposed the 3,000 mile California State Riding and Hiking Trail and the 1,800 mile Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail.

"Most of Mt. Diablo was private land" said Cardinet, "There was the top...The Murchio family had a broad section of the foothitls, they were the most cooperative, they let us ride through. Most of it was open range until the 1930s and'40s. The ranchers would get together every year and have a comrnon roundup. The main problem was motorcycles..." leading to the fencing of much of the mountain's private ranch lands.

Mount Diablo State Park

In the 1920s and '30s equestrian groups throughout the County lobbied for Mount Diablo State Park's creation, including a who's who of cornmunity

leaders. When the Park was dedicated in 1921, prior to the creation of the California State Park System, it had its own Mt. Diablo State Park Commission. James Hoey, a Martinez horseman, was the Commission President.

According to State Park Superintendent Larry Ferri, "The equestrian community has had a long history of stewardship in the Park, including assistance with trail

construction and repair, and volunteer trail patrols." The Concord-Mt. Diablo Trail Ride Association has organized trail rides at Mount Diablo every year for decades. "The Concord Chamber of Commerce was looking for some kind of event like the Livermore rodeo," said Cardinet.

"The Chamber started the Trail Ride Association in l94l and put on a two day ride. The first was from the Pacheco adobe at the end of Grant Street {in Concord). It went west... up to the Mines, to Nortonville and Somersville then over to Stewartville, to Oil Canyon then through three different ranches. They had lunch out at Jerry Gill's Marsh Creek Springs. The resort's still there but Jerry's long gone."

"Then down Marsh Creek and up over... onto Morgan Territory Road... through Martin Wright's... up to Curry Point and overnight at Barbeque Terrace. That's how the Horse Camp got started at Barbeque Terrace. Then it retraced its steps back the same way, a 96-mile round trip."

"The Park's trails and roads are generally the result of effort by the horsemen, who also constructed the horse camp at Barbeqire Tenace, at Mitchell Canyon

and at Pioneer Camp," said Cardinet, "The first old trail the horsemen opened was the Middle Trail up to Big Spring, which was the site of a still during Prohibition."

The Trail Ride Association later sold its club house and grounds in downtown Concord and moved to the mountain's north side. It acquired four parcels, sold 312 acres to the State -. "This if still privately owned would virtually gut the park, as we now know it," said Cardinet -- and retains 196 acres east of Donner Canyon. The Park made subsequent additions to its acreage at the urging of the Association, within lower Donner Canyon, Back Canyon, and in the Juniper Camp area.

Advocacy and Expanded Access

When Save Mount Diablo was formed in 1971, there was just one park high on the mountain, 6,788 acre Mt. Diablo State Park. The group has acquired or championed some of the mountain's moqt beloved equestrian areas and trails - Mitchell Canyon, Macedo Ranch, Round Valley and the Riggs CanyonFinley Road staging areas. All four are low elevation sites suitable for equestrian access; the last is a work in progress and acquisition of a parking area large enough for horse trailers is a high priority for the group.

Almost a third of the Directors on Save Mount Diablo's l7-member Board are equestrians. One of them, Danville resident Bob Marx, has ridden for more than forty years, rides three days a week, and recently competed in his 8th Tevis Cup (the Western States 100), a hundred mile endurance race. "I used to ride on farmers' land in Wisconsin, but you had to stick to fence lines and access was difficult from one farm to the next. I was really happy to get involved in preserving the mountain."

"I love Mount Diablo for its isolated majestic beauty, for its variety of species and terrain, and for its vistas. Diablo has among the best access of any urban area for equestrians and other recreational users. I can ride for days ifl want. I'm most proud of Save Mount Diablo's

Continued on Page 15 t4

Western Trail Ride Adventures

Diablo From Four Feet Up

Continued frotn Page 14

dedication to expansion of public lands all around the mountain to allow for greater recreational oppoltunities, rl

Heritage T[ails, ECHO and ACES

Dozens of horse and riding groups al'e found locally and advocacy groups are becoming more common around Diablo, too. The Heritage Trails Fund was formed in 1982 by Castle Rock Arabian owner Nancy Dupont, George Cardinet, Gary Segal and othels. In the past year ECHO, the East County Horseman's Organization, and ACES, the Alarneda County Equestrian Society have also both organized. Along with Save Mount Diablo and the East Bay Area Trails Council, all of these groups seek to ensure additional public access.

"The equestrians on our Board of Directors make sure that equestrian uses are preserved and expanded and ensure that other Board members and agency officials understand equestrian issues," said Save Mount Diablo's Bob Marx, "There are fewer stables, but there's more land and miles of tlail. As long as we have good staging, then riders can continue to access more of the mountain."

ECHO was formed based on concerns about the high rate of development in Eastern Contra Costa county and the need there for an equestrian voice. They are collaborating in a study with Los Medanos College to survey the economic benefits of equestrian activities in Contra Costa. Similar county studies have detailed positive financial benefits rneasured in the hundreds of millions of dollars annually.

ACES organized for similar reasons in Eastern Alameda, based on the decline there of ranches and horse facilities. In The Independent Magazine (June 7, 2001)

ACES member Laruy Gosselin, a wellknown Livermore Valley equine veterinarian and ownel of Collier Canyon Ranch, estimated that locally "the nnmber of horse ranches has declined about 65 percent in the past 20 years." Lorraine Kianuma, ACES' plesident, "says she has seen a "significant decline" in the number of horse facilities in the eight years she has been in the Tri-Valley area."

Access Has Never Been Better...

...but stables are in trouble, given high land prices, and horse ownership is shifting eastward. A surprising number of East Bay residents keep horses in their backyards and many of them choose to live near the mountain's parks and preserves. Although most equestrian access is found on the north and west sides of the mountain, increasing acquisition and advocacy to the east, on the front lines of development battles, hold the potential fol gleatly expanded recreational access.

More than 81,000 acres ar.e preserved on and around the mountain in nearly twenty parks. There is tremendous support for equestrians on the tnountain and most agencies have no intention of limiting equestrian access. The State and Regional Parks have been the rnost supportive. State Park trails have grown to include 125 miles, and regional parks and local open spaces around the mountain include 200 miles more.

"We are really pleased that Mount Diablo is such a popular place for equestrians," said MDSP's Larry Femi, "In addition to the many local horse owners who use the park, rnore and more visitors arc 'trailering in' long distance in order to ride Mount Diablo's trails."

SMD's efforts to create corridors between the parks allow longer rides by equestrians. If just two small gaps east of Diablo are acquired, for example, equestrians and other recreational users will be able to make sixty to one hundred mile circuits around the mountain without leaving public parks.

The riajor hold out

has been the Contra Costa Water District. Although the Water District has cooperated with the Park District on the Contra Costa Canal trail system, it has provided very limited mileage of multi-use trails at Los Vaqueros. Trail gaps at the 18,500 acre watershed frustrate efforts to allow riding and cycling flom the mountain and Morgan Territory south, but the access controversy has brought recleational groups into closer alliance than ever. These new alliances may lead to greatly expanded access in the near future.

In the meantime, take your kids on a moonlit trail lide with Western Trail Adventures. If you've never ridden, you'll have found a new way to appreciate Mount Diablo. You'll also understand George Cardinet's point of view: "As long as we can ride the trails, everyone will be happy."

First Timers

Western Trail Ride Adventures: 1525 Castle Rock Road, Walnut Creek; 925 9 46- I 47 5 ; www.westerntrailride.com

For Stables, organizations, etc., check Diablo Magazine's, April 1999 Guide, "Back in the saddle again ..." at wwwdiablomag.com

Information for this article was provided by George Cardinet, Nancy Dupont, Bob Marx, EBRPD Steve Fiala, MDSP Larry Feni, and Alameda County Equestrian Society (ACES): extendinc.com/aces/ ; California State Horsemen's Association, Region 5: www.csharegion5.com ; East County Horseman's Organization (ECHO): P.O. Box 525, Oakley, CA 94561, echorsemens.org ; Heritage Trails Fund: 1350 Castle Rock Rd., Walnut Creek, CA 94598: 925 937 -7661, htrails @earthlink.net

Lotyn Beamesderfe4 Gary Segal's grandson on Zeke. (Western Trail Ride Adventures)

Mt. Diablo Roundup, courtesy of the Lindsay Museum

Mt. Diablo 2001: MDSP's 80th Birthday

Last May was Mt. Diablo State Park's 80th anniversary

A celebration was held at the sumrnit, sponsored by the State PaIk (MDSP)

Save Mount Diablo Mike Foley (SHA), Beverll, Lane (MSRV), (SMD), Mt. Diablo Supervisor Mark DeSaulnier Keith Intelpretive Pilterso't (MDIA)' Rotr Btorvtt (SMD)' Association (MDIA), Larry pgv''i tnd Dave Mattlrcws (MDSP) the Museurn of san cutd Doug Mccomrcl fiont RarnonValleyllttl'41'st'Backroacls' (MSRV), and the Sulveyor's Histolical Association (SHA). Keith Patterson is holding one of six cakes which weLe served to the hundreds of well wishers.

WISH LIST

You can help Save Mount Diablo by donating the following items: . Digital Camera . Combination TVA/CR . Lap Top Computer and projector for Power Point presentations . Vacuum cleaner for office

Volunteers Needed

Save Mount Diablo's Mission to securc thlor,rgh acquisition and preservation, the open space necessat'y to support the full lange of biological diversity and to insure the integrity of Mt. Diablo's natural beauty.

In support of our nrissiou, Save Momil Diablo:

CLeates dedicated open space florn land acquired thlough gifts, purchases & coopera-

Save Mount Diablo needs volunteers in the following areas: Regular Office Assistance: Several hours per week - routine office chores - filing, light typing, phones, etc. Project Help: For periodic mailing projects. Archivist: to help catalogue, label and file photos and documents. Events: Coordination and help of all sorts; solicit auction/raffle items; obtain business/corporate sponsors. Graphic Arts: To help design flyers, invitations and visual displays. saue

1196 Boulevard Way, Suite 10 Walnut Creek, CA 94595

Address Service Requested

Four Davs Diablo Backoack Adventure!

Thursd'ay, October 11 to Srinday, October 14

Enrollment is limited and only a few spaces are left at $500 per pel'son. For morc information, of to reserve your space, call 925-947 -3535.

*

Highland Ridge Walk & Picnic at the Clyma Almond Orchard

l0:00 AM, Saturday, October 20

(See article and details on Pages 6 & 7)

*

Historic Morgan Tercitory Slide Show

by Anne Homan, author of the newly released book, "The Morning Side of Mount Diablo"

Thursday, Novernber 8, 2001

7:00 pm at The Forum Auditorium (bottom floor of the library)

Diablo Valley College, Pleasant Hill Entel from the parking lot off Viking Dl. on the south side of the campus. There will be a palking fee. Please RSVP to925-947-3535. Limited to 240 people.

*

Save Mount Diablo's 30th Anniversary Celebration

Monday, December 10, 2001

Save the Date!!!

Wtch our web site for morc detail.;- www.savemountdiablo.org Members will receive an invitation in the mail.

l6

tive efforts with public and plivate entities;

. Educates the public about threats to the rnountain; Works with landowners to preserve their' property while realizing economic benefits; Works in paltnership with Mt. Diablo State Park, East Bay Regional Park District, and other organizations to itrcrease open space; Monitors land-use planning;

. Aids in the restolation of habitat and

preservation of rarc species; Offers technical assistance to agencies and neighbolhood groups with regard to securing open space;

. Works diligently to raise flnds necessary to support Save Mount Diablo's mission. Founded in 1971, Save Mount Diablo has been instrumental in increasing open space on and around the rnountain from 6,788 acles to mole than 63,000 acres.