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MINUTES - 02252003 - D3
_. TO: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS t.., y , •. Contra FROM: CARL-OS BALTODANO Costa DIRECTOR OF BUILDING INSPECTION ,� t County b3 DATE: February 25, 2003 SUBJECT: Hearing on the Appeal of Save Mount Diablo to Issue a Grading Permit for the Byron Hot Springs Golf Course, in the Byron area. (Grading Permit Fite #G- 326706) (Sup. Dist. Ill) SPECIFIC REQUEST(S) OR RECOMMENDATION(S) & BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION RECOMMENDATION Adapt a Motion to: A: Grant the appeal of Save Mount Diablo. B. Direct the Director of Building Inspection to revoke the Grading Permit issued for the Byron Hot Springs golf course. C.. Direct staff to schedule a noticed public hearing on the Byron Hot Springs grading permit application before the Zoning Administrator in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 26-2 of the Ordinance Cade after taking appropriate actions to comply with the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act. CONTINUED ON ATTACHMENT: X YES SIGNATURE RECOMMENLtA7#ON OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE PROVE OTHER SIGNATURE(S)L-1��,� 2� ACTION OF BOA N 25, AM APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED It OTHER—A See attar fcr Board actarn. V TE OF SUPERVISORS I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A TRUE AND UNANIMOUS(ABSENTS ) CORRECT COPY OF AN ACTION TAKEN AND AYES: NOES: ENTERED ON THE MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF ABSENT: ABSTAIN: SUPERVISORS ON THE ELATE SHOWN Contact: Gary Farla [(925)335-1123 ATTESTED_ - -Feauary 25, 2 DD3 cc:David Fowler,East Bay Associates JOHN SWEETEN, CLERK OF THE BOARD OF Seth Adams, Save Mt.Diablo SUPERVISORS AND COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR Community Development Dept. r r� Robert W.Floerke,California Dept.of Fish&Game ' Jan C. Knight,US Fish&Wildlife Service EPUTY Michael Finan,US Army Corps of Engineers County Counsel CB:BD:nr _....._..... ._ _........._.. . February 25,2403 Board of Supervisors Grading Permit File#G-326706 Page 2 FISCAL IMPACT - None. The applicant will be required to cover staff time and material costs including hearing preparation, hearing participation, and environmental review costs. BACKGROUND This appeal concerns a grading permit issued by the Building Inspection Department for a proposed golf course at the Byron Hot Springs property near Byron. The hearing is not to deny or approve a development project with structures. Save Mount Diablo is appealing the issuance of the grading permit on the basis that it was issued prematurely. On June 20, 2002, David Fowler of Fast Bay Associates applied for a grading permit with the Building Inspection Department. The plan proposed the grading of 72,000 cubic yards of dirt for the establishment of a golf course. The site is zoned Forestry-Recreation (F-R). The affected property consists of 160-acres located south of the Town of Byron. In reviewing the project, staff contacted potentially interested agencies including the Community Development Department, Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Burd(RWQCB), California Department of Fish and Game (DFG), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFW), and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Contacts were attempted during the months of July, August, September, and October of 2002 to solicit comments from the DFG and USFW. By November 2002 the BID had not received any requests, memoranda, or written documents from either the DFG or USFW expressing any environmental or habitat concerns regarding the golf course development. During this time Mr. Fowler was also instructed to contact both the DFG and the USFW since the grading division had not received a reply from either agency during the plan review. The Building Inspection Department also informed Mr. Fowler that he would have to provide to the Building Inspection Department a list of all owners of real property within 300 feet of the site. Under Ordinance Code section 716-4.202, the Building Inspection Department must mail or deliver a notice of intent to decide a grading permit application to all owners of real property within 300 feet of the subject property before determining whether to issue a grading permit. The notice of intent must state the last day to request a public hearing on the permit application. The last day to request a hearing must be not less than 10 days after the mailing or delivery date. If a written request for public hearing is filed with the Building Inspection Department within 10 days of the mailing or delivery date, the Building Inspection Department must schedule a public hearing on the application before the Zoning Administrator. Request for Notification Provided by Save Mount Diablo In a letter dated November 19, 2002 and received by the Building Inspection Department on November 21, 2002, Save Mount Diablo (SMD) requested that it be placed on the list to receive any notice of intent to decide a grading permit application. ADDENDUM TO ITEM D.3 February 25, 2003 The Board of Supervisors held a hearing on the appeal of Save Mount Diablo to issue a Grading Permit for the Byron Hot Springs Golf Course in the Byron area,Grading Permit File#G- 326706). Gary Faria, Senior Grading Inspector,Building Inspection presented the staff report and recommendations. Also present was Carlos Baltodano,Director,Building Inspection Department. The Chair then opened the public hearing. The following persons presented testimony: Seth Adams, Save Mount Diablo, (Appellant), 1196 Boulevard Way,#10, Walnut Creek; Dave Fowler, 741 Shady Glen,Martinez; John Mattox, California Department of Fish and Game, 1416 Ninth Street, 12tH' floor, Sacramento; Zane Bentley, 732 Katlin Court,Tracy; Dougal C. MacDonald, East Bay Associates, LLC, 1032 Justin Way,Dixon; Janice Gan, California Fish and Game,P.O. Box 47, Sacramento; Tom Trost,P.Q. Box 584,Bethel Island; Robert Milano,East Bay Associates, 3815 Hummingbird Drive,Antioch; Greg Feere, Contra Costa Builder Trades Council, 935 Alhambra Ave.,Martinez Frank J. Ferris,East Bay Associates,2235 Park Towne Circle, Suite 100, Sacramento. The Chair closed the public hearing and returned the matter to the Board for discussion. Supervisor Gerber moved the staff recommendations to grant the appeal of Save Mount Diablo. The Board of Supervisors took the following action: © CLOSED the Public Hearing, o GRANTED the appeal of Save Mount Diablo; o DIRECTED the Director of Building Inspection to revoke the Grading Permit issued for the Byron Hot Springs golf course; u DIRECTED staff to schedule a noticed public hearing on the Byron Hot Springs grading permit application before the Zoning Administrator in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 26-2 of the Ordinance Code after taking appropriate actions to comply with the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act. February 25,2003 Beard of Supervisors Grading Permit File*G-326706 Page 3 Notices of Pro sed Gradina The Building Inspection department mailed a notice of intent to decide a grading permit application to all property owners within 300 feet of the site. The notice was dated November 20, 2002. The notice specified a December 2, 2002 deadline for requesting a public hearing on the application. The Building Inspection Department also mailed a courtesy notice of intent to decide a grading permit application to Save Mt. Diablo, the California Department of Fish and Game(DFG), the U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This notice was dated November 25, 2002. This notice specified a December 5, 2002 deadline for requesting a public hearing on the application. The December 2, 2002 deadline date should have been the only specified date. The Building Inspection Department issued a grading permit on December 3, 2002 based on the December 2, 2002 notification deadline required for the 300 foot notification, In a letter faxed to the Building Inspection Department on December 5, 2002, Save Mt. Diablo requested a public hearing on the grading permit application and also requested environmental review of the proposal. DFG also requested a public hearing and review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) in a letter faxed(and received by the Building Inspection Department on)December 5,2002. The Building Inspection Department conferred with the County Counsel's office regarding the discrepancy of the dates specified, and they advised that both dates are to be honored. APPEAL OF GRADING PERMIT BY SAVE MOUNT DIABLO On January 2, 2003, Save Mt. Diablo filed an appeal on the administrative decision by the Building Inspection Department to issue a grading permit for this project. The appeal concerns the decision by the Department to issue a grading permit prior to the expiration of the period for requesting a public hearing and prior to conducting an environmental analysis. JANUARY 28 2003 QRAL REPORT TO THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS On January 28, 2003, the Building Inspection Department provided an oral report to the Board of Supervisors. The Board also heard comments from David Fowler,Seth Adams and Greg Feere. After accepting the report, the Board scheduled the appeal for hearing for this date. DISCUSSION Because Save Mt. Diablo requested a public hearing on the grading permit application by the December 5, 2002 deadline specified in its notice, it is recommended that the Board of Supervisors grant the appeal, direct the Director of Building Inspection to revoke the grading permit, and direct the Building Inspection Department to schedule a public hearing before the Zoning Administrator on the grading permit application. February 25,2003 Board of Supervisors Grading Permit File#G-326706 Page 4 Environmental Review considerations The California Environmental Quality Act(CEQA)applies to any project where the County exercises discretion in the review of the project. Where a public hearing is required for a grading proposal, the County is required to make evaluations of the project under County Planning Agency Ordinance Law (Chapter 26-2). These evaluations will involve the exercise of judgment, and therefore will cause the project to qualify as a discretionary project. (CEQA Guidelines Section 15357). if a public hearing is held before the Zoning Administrator, the issuance of the grading permit would become a discretionary activity and CEQA would therefore apply. DEC-35-2002 15:54 FISH & Cam _ P.01/03 STATE Of CAUPOFWtA-THE RP.Ib URCES!29 CY CtiAY DAVIS,6Avantpr DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME POor OFFIM WX 47 VOUWVit.L;o.CAt£FOMIA 9"99 t74'tt 9Q+Ltl540 December 5, 2002 Mr. Cary Faria Contra Costa County Building Inspection Department Martinez, CA 94553-1295 Via Fax (925) 646-1219 Dear Mr. Faria: Notice of Intent to Render an Administrative recision 5400 Hot Springs Road, APN 002-200-014 Contra Costa County Department of Fish and Game (DFG) personnel have received the Notice of Intent to render an administrative decision on the grading required for an 16-hole golf course project proposed at 5400 Hot Springs Road near Byron. The project involves 72 , 000 cubic yards of earthwork in an area known to supporta number of special status and unique habitats. DFG disagrees with the County of Contra Costa' s (County) intent to render a decision without California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review of this action. There is an exercise of discretion in the issuance of a grading permit for this particular project as defined by CEQA. This County will exercise judgment controls in the issuance of the grading permit for this project in that the grading permit will affect the scope and extent of impacts associated with the project and therefore the environmental outcome. in this case CEQA review is particularly important because there has been no prior analysis under CEQA of grading-related impacts of this magnitude at the project site. The project site is considered to be in an ecologically significant area which is known to support a number of special status species and unique habitat types. A number of areas in close proximity to the proposed project have been set aside and managed as habitat for these species and have been identified as being of particular importance in rangewide conservation planning. DEC- 05-2002 15:54 FISH 8 GAME P-02/03 Mr. Gary Faria December 5, 2002 Page 2 `here are occurrences of San Joaquin kit fox (vulpes macrosis mutica) , California tiger salamander (Ambystoma californiense) , burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia) , California red-legged frog (Rana aurora draytonii) , Swainson' s hawk (Buten swainsoni) , and badger (Taxidea taxus) in close proximity to the project site. Additionally, the following species and habitats occur in the project area: white-tailed kite (Elanus Ieucurus) , loggerhead shrike (Lanius ludovicianue) , golden eagle (Aquila chrysa.etos) , vernal pool fairy shrimp (Branchinecta Iynchii) , California horned lark (Eremophila alpestris actia) , western pond turtle (Clemmys marmorata) , San Joaquin pocket mouse (Perognathus inornatus i.nornatus) , big tarplant (Blepharizoni plumosa ssp. Plumosa) , recurved larkspur (Delphinium recurvatum) , diamond ,petaled poppy (Eschscholzia rhombipetala) , rose-mallow (Hibiscus Iasi©carpus) , Mason' s lil.aeopsis (Lilaeopsis masonii) , Ferris' s milk-vetch (Astragalus tener var. ferrisiae) , alkali milk-vetch (Astragalus tener var. tener) , San Joaquin sal.tbush (Atriplex joaquiniana) , heartscale (Atriplex cordulata) , caper fruited tropidocarpum (Tropidocarpum capparideum) , valley sink scrub, northern claypan vernal pool, and alkali meadow. DFG is trustee agency for fish and wildlife resources of the State of California. DFG is also a responsible agency and issues permits for impacts to State listed threatened or endangered species and impacts to State waters. Independent of the CEQA requirement, the County should inform the applicant that if it is determined that the project will impact listed species or State waters, close coordination with DFG and the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, as appropriate, will be required to assure compliance with the California Fish and Game Code and the State and Federal Endangered Species Acts. Based on the exercise of judgment controls by the County in the issuance of the grading permit for this project, the magnitude of impacts to special status species and ecologically significant habitat, and the absence of previous review, DFG disagrees with the County's intent to render a decision without CEQA review of this action. DFG recommends this project be subject to CEQA and requests a public hearing on this matter. _ DEC-95-2002 15:55 FISH & GAME P.03/03 Mr. Gary Faria December 5, 2002 Page 3 If you have any questions regarding CEQA interpretational issues, please contact John Mattox, Legal Counsel, at (916) 654-3821. For questions regarding our comments, please contact Janice Gan., Environmental Specialist, at (249) 835-6910; or Scott Wilson, Habitat Conservation Supervisor, at (747) 944-5584 . Sincerely, IL i /tom Robert W. Floerke Regional Manager Central Coast Region cc : Wildlands Inc. 5914 Auburn Boulevard, Suite 17 Citrus Heights, CA 95621 Dan Buford U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service 2840 Cottage Way, W2605 Sacramento, CA 95825 Ed Wylie, South Section Chief U S. Army Corps of Engineers 333 Market. Street San Francisco, CA 94145-2197 East Bay Regional Park District 2950 Peralta Oaks Oakland, CA 94645-4381 Seth Adams Save Mount Diablo 1196 Boulevard Way #10 Walnut Creek, CA 94596 John Mattox Office of General Counsel Department of Fish and Game 1416 9th Street, 12th Floor Sacramento, CA 95814 TOTAL P.03 4r r County Building Inspection Department Attn: Gary Faria MN 2 1 Board of Directors: 651 Pine St.,3rd Floor North Wing Malcolm Sproul Martinez,CA 94553 President Arthur Bonwell November 19,2003 Allan Prager Vice Presidents Amara Morrison,J.D. Re: Byron Hot Springs Secretary APN#002-200-013,014,015 John Mercurio Treasurer Burt Bassler Dear Mr.Faria, Mary L.Bowerman,Ph.D. Donald de Fremery,Ph.D, Stephen Joseph Please place Save Mount Diablo on the notice list for any consideration or public hearing Douglas Knauer regarding the:Byron Hot Springs property and before any grading or building permits are Robert Marx considered. It's my understanding that the owner has applied for a variety of permits for Steven Mehlman,J.D. Robert Nunn development of the parcel. David Sargent David'trotter As you may know this property: --is habitat for a variety of significant listed species Staff and within designated critical habitat for some of them,as well as in close Ronald Brown proximity to rare habitat types such as vernal pools Executive Director Seth Adams --is within a wildlife corridor area between a variety of special status species preserves, Director of Land including Byron airport mitigation areas,Los Vaqueros,Vasco Caves,etc. Programs --includes significant historic and cultural artifacts Suzanne Bitz --is in the vicinity of the Byron Airport,which is being considered for expansion Office Manager SMD Mailing Address Any consideration of development on this parcel should be preceded by protocol level biotic 1196 Boulevard Way#10 surveys and other analysis. Walnut Creek,CA 94595 Telephone: I can be reached at the address and numbers at left. Thank you. (925)947-3535 Fax: Sincerely, (925)947-3603 Website: j www.savemountdiablo.org Seth Adams,Director of Land Programs Cc: Christine Palisoc,Regional Water Quality Control Board of Central Valley,3443 Routier Road., Suite A, Sacramento,CA 95827 Janice Gan,California Dept. of Fish&Game Cheryl Johnson,USFWS,2800 Cottage Way,W-2605 Sacramento,CA 95825 Brad Olsen,Environmental Program Manager,East Bay Regional Park District ;aIN, r� pix , •As r-... 10-�'�t ��' - ���.,r".e*. ''�P z� � '..' �.. • ,�,�� •�d 'iy r.:,a s>ki X60 T F7e X19%} +CA� u� tq S !T 7J el M 0 U N T D I A B L ; r. t County Building Inspection Department DEC -. Attn: Gary Faria, Sr. Grading Inspector Board of Directors: 651 Pine St., 3rd Floor North Wing Malcolm Sproul Martinez,CA 94553 President Arthur Bonwell Allan Prager VIA FAX 646-1219 Vice Presidents Amara Morrison,J.D. November 19, 2003 Secretary John Mercurio Treasurer Re: David Fowler(applicant& owner) Burt Bassler Byron Hot Springs Mary L.Bowerman,Ph.D. Donald de Fremery,Ph.D, 5400 Hot Springs Road Stephen Joseph APN##002-200-013, 014, 015 Douglas Knauer Robert Marx Steven Mehlman,J.D. Dear Mr. Faria, Robert Nunn David Sargent We received your notice of intent to render an administrative decision two days ago on David Trotter Dec 2, 2002. Staff Ronald Brown Save Mount Diablo specifically requests environmental analysis and a public hearing on Executive Director this proposal for a 72,000 cubic yard, 18-hole golf course at this site. In a similar Seth Adams Director of Land situation,the Board of Supervisors approved the Roddy Ranch golf course on 230 acres Programs only after an agreement was reached to dedicate development rights on more than a Suzanne Bitz thousand acres. As in that case,this proposal would be located in can area with high Office Manager resource values, would be highly visible,would include significant,demands on water SMD Mailing Address Supplies,whether groundwater or otherwise, etc. 1196 Boulevard Way#10 Walnut Creek,CA 94595 As you may know this property: Telephone: --is habitat for a variety of significant listed species (925)947-3535 and within designated critical habitat for some of them, as well as in close Fax: imi to rare habitat types such as vernal pools (925)947-3603 proximity Website: --is within a wildlife corridor area between a variety of special status species www.savemountdiablo.org preserves, including Byron airport mitigation areas, Los Vaqueros,Vasco Ca'v'es,etc. --includes significant historic and cultural artifacts --is in the vicinity of the Byron Airport,which is being considered for expansion Any consideration of development on this parcel should be preceded by protocol level biotic surveys and other analysis. I can be reached at the address and numbers at left. Please inform Save Mount Diablo and the cc's below of the dates of the public hearing. Thank you. Sincerely, Seth Adams, Director of Land Programs Cc: Christine Palisoc, Regional Water Quality Control Board of Central Valley, 3443 Routier Road., Suite A, Sacramento,CA 95827 Janice Gan,California Dept. of Fish&Game Cheryl Johnson,USFWS, 2800 Cottage Way, W-2505 Sacramento, CA 95825 Brad Olsen,Environmental Program Manager,East Bay Regional Park District Craig Denisoff, Wildlands Incorporated, 915 331-8810 5910 Auburn Blvd., Suite 17, Citrus Heights, CA 95621 A n I RE CEIV ED . Clerk of the Board JAN 0 2 2003 Board of supervisors Board of Directors: County Admin Bldg. CLERK 6`0AP, ,. Malcolm Sproul 651 Pine St.,3d Floor,North Wing �C^3'�c;;,(;t)t ire r'3. President Martinez,CA 94553-1295 Arthur BonweIl Allan Prager January 2, 2003 Vice Presidents Amara Morrison,J.D. Secretary Re: Appeal of Building Department issuance of a grading permit John Mercurio for a golf course at the Byron Hot Springs property Treasurer David Fowler(applicant&owner) Burt Bassler Byron Hot Springs,5400 Hot springs Road Mary L.Bowerman,Ph.D. Donald de Fremery,Ph.D. APN#002-200-013, 014,015 Stephen Joseph Douglas Knauer To whom it may concern: Robert Marx Steven Mehlman,J.D. Save Mount Diablo appeals to the Board of Supervisors the grading permit issued by the Building Robert Nunn David Sargent Department for grading for a golf course at the Byron Hot Springs property,APN#002-200-013, David Trotter 014,015,applicant David Fowler. Our appeal fee of$125 is enclosed. Please notify us of the hearing date before the Board. Staff Ronald Brown The appeal deadline for this permit should be January 4,2003,based on the date of the Building Executive Director Seth Adams Department's intent to render an administrative decision deadline of December 5,2002. However, Director of Land the Building Department issued the permit in advance of the deadline for comment or request of Programs public hearing,on December 3,2002. Thus the deadline for appeal should be today January 2, Suzanne Bitz 2003 Office Manager SMD Mailing Address Among other issues,the Building and Inspection Department failed to comply with its own, 1196"Boulevard Way#10 noticed deadline for its intent to render an administrative decision. Walnut Creek,CA 94595 Telephone: On November 19,2002(unfortunately our letter is mislabeled November 19,2003)Save Mount (925)947-3535 Diablo submitted a letter regarding a grading permit application for a golo course on the Byron Fax: Hot Springs property,asking that any permit be subject to CEQA review and a public hearing, and (925)947-3603 cc ing a variety of regulatory agencies including the Department of Fish&Game and the U.S. Website: Fish&Wildlife Department. www.savemountdiablo.org On December 2 we received a Notice Of Intent to Render Administrative Decision,dated November 25,2002,stating that"if you wish to comment or request a public hearing in this matter,you must submit a written statement by December 5,2002" On December 5,2002 at roughly 4:00 pm, Save Mount Diablo Faxed a letter and second request for CEQA review and public hearing on this matter(also unfortunately mislabeled with the same date of November 19,2003)to the Building and Inspection Department. 1 then called the Department and confirmed that the FAX had been received before the close of the day. 4 That same day the Department of Fish&Game also requested CEQA review and requested a public hearing (letter enclosed)and it is my understanding that the U.S.Fish&Wildlife Service made a similar request. The evening of December 5,2402 Gary Faria,Sr. Grading Inspector of the Dept. left a message at Save Mount Diablo's offices stating that the Notice of Intent had been sent out late and that in fact the grading permit had already been issued on December 3, 2002----4n advance of the comment deadline of December 5,2002. He stated: unfortunately your letter came in a little late. There was an error in regard to the notification dates, the letter of intent went out on Nov.20 and should have stated Dec.2 as the deadline instead of Dec. 5,there's a lot more going on out there associated with the golf course. Fowler is aware that just because he has a grading permit,doesn't keep him from having to comply with other regulatory agencies. We issued the grading permit on the 3`d. In fact,we had verified that our letter was received before the end of the Day on December 5,2002. Regardless, the Department had already issued the grading permit two day earlier, in advance of the deadline. For these reasons,and for those stated on our two attached letters,requesting CEQA review and a public hearing before a grading permit is issued, Save Mount Diablo appeals this decision. Thank you for your consideration. I can be reached at the addresses and phone numbers at front. Verified Notice of Appeal: I declare under penalty of perjury that the forgoing statement including any accompanying statements or documents in support of this request is true and correct. Signature of appellant: _}__ Director o�� fLand Programs Save Mount Diablo Date: 3 v.r..y 2( 2-Z)P 3 At Walnut Creek,Contra Costa County,California $125 appeal fee enclosed,to Clerk of the Board,Contra Costa County Cc: Christine Palisoc,Regional Water Quality Control Board of Central Valley,3443 Routier Road., Suite A, Sacramento,CA 958227 Janice Gan,California Dept. of Fish&Game Cheryl Johnson,USFWS,2800 Cottage Way,W-2605 Sacramento,CA 95825 Brad Olsen,Environmental Program Manager,East Bay Regional Park District Craig Denisoff, Wildlands Incorporated,916 331-8810 5910 Auburn Blvd., Suite 17,Citrus Heights,CA 95621 Building inspection {�ntr� Carlos Baltodano Department Director of Building Inspection Costa County Administration Building County 651 Pine Street, 3rd Floor, North Wing Martinez, California 94553-1295 (925) 646-4108 FAX (925) 646-1219 ` November 20, 2002 Fatima Coehlo Silva 23459 S. Currier Drive Tracy, CA 95376 RE: NOTICE OF INTENT TO RENDER ADMINISTRATIVE DECISION Dear Property Owner: An application for a grading permit has been submitted to this Department and is currently under review of 72 , 000 cubic yards of earthwork for an eighteen hole golf course. The County Building Inspection Department will render a decision on this application following a public comment period. If you wish to comment or request a public hearing in this matter, you must submit a written statement by December 2, 2002 to the: Building Inspection Department 651 Pine Street, 3rd Floor, North Wing Martinez, CA 94553 The application is described as follows: David Fowler (Applicant & Owner) . The subject property is located at 5400 Hot Springs Road in the Byron area (APN 002-200--014) . Following the public comment period, the Building Inspection Department will (1) schedule a public hearing if one is requested, or (2) consider comments as suggested conditions of approval or as reasons for denying the application. Sincerely, Z.<ary�Faria Sr. Grading Inspector GPF:mis S:clerks-bi/grading/gr 16 merge Building Insspection ��t�"� Carlos Battodano Department director of Building Inspection Costa County Administration Building County 651 Pine Street,3rd Floor, North Wing Martinez, California 94553-1295 (925) 646-4108 FAX (925) 646-1218 ; d November 20, 2002 Tony & Ann Costa P.O. Box 334 Byron, CA 94514 RE: NOTICE OF INTENT TO RENDER ADMINISTRATIVE DECISION Dear Property Owner: An application for a grading permit has been submitted to this Department and is currently under review of 72, 000 cubic yards of earthwork for an eighteen hole golf course. The County Building Inspection Department will render a decision on this application following a public comment period. If you wish to comment or request a public hearing in this matter, you must submit a written statement by December 2, 2002 to the: Building Inspection Department 651 Pine Street, 3rd Floor, North Wing Martinez, CA 94553 The application is described as follows : David Fowler (Applicant & Owner) . The subject property is located at 5400 Hot Springs Road in the Byron area (APN 002-200--014) . Following the public comment period, the Building Inspection Department will (1) schedule a public hearing if one is requested, or (2) consider comments as suggested conditions of approval or as reasons , for denying the application. Sincerely, `Gary aria Sr. Grading Inspector GPF:mis S:clerks-bi/grading/gr 16 merge Building Inspection Contra C&r1o* 8811todano Department Costa Director of wilding Inspection County Administration Buildingj"►��u#�JL 651 Pine Street,3rd Floor, North Wing Ik.+r Martinez, California. 94553-1295 (925) 646-4108 FAX (925)646-1219 November 20, 2002 t'6 sr, Wildlands, Inc. 5910 Auburn Blvd. , #17 Citrus Heights, CA 95621 RE: NO'T'ICE OF INTENT TO RENTER ADMINISTRATIVE DECISION Dear Property Owner. An application for a grading permit has been submitted to this Department and is currently under review of 72, 000 cubic yards of earthwork for an eighteen hole golf course. The County Building Inspection Department will render a decision on this application following a public comment period. If you wish to comment or request a public hearing in this matter, you must submit a written statement by December 2, 2002 to the. Building Inspection Department 651 Pine Street, 3rd Floor, North Wing Martinez, CA 94553 The application is described as follows: David Fowler (Applicant & Owner) . The subject property is located at 5400 .Hot Springs Road in the Byron area (APN 002--200-014) . Following the public comment period, the Building Inspection Department will (1) schedule a public hearing if one is requested, or (2) consider comments as suggested conditions of approval or as reasonsfor denying the application. Sincerely, P � ary F ri a Sr. Grading Inspector GPF:mis S:clerks-bilgrading(gr 16 merge Building Inspection Contra Carlos Battodano Department Director of Building Inspection Costa County Administration wilding I- r 651 Pine Street, 3rd door, North Wing (,JV Martinez, California 94553-1295 (925) 646-4108 a FAX (925) 646-1219 November 20, 2002 Paul Taylor '" u 1110 Amanda Circle Brentwood, CA 94513 RE: NOTICE OF INTENT TO RENDER ADMINISTRATIVE DECISION Dear Property Owner: An application for a grading permit has been submitted to this Department and is currently under review of 72, 000 cubic yards of earthwork for an eighteen hale golf course. The County Building Inspection Department will render a decision on this application following a public comment period. If you wish to comment or request a public hearing in this matter, you must submit a written statement by December 2, 2002 to the: Building Inspection Department 651 Pine Street, 3rd Floor, North Wind Martinez, CA 94553 The application is described as follows: David Fowler (Applicant & Owner) . The subject property is located at 5400 Hot Springs Road in the Byron area (APN 002-200-014) . Following the public comment period, the Building Inspection Department will (1) schedule a public hearing if one is requested, or (2) consider comments as suggested conditions of approval or as reasons for denying the application. Sincerely, r! � ;--,L GarFaria Sr. Grading Inspector GPF:mis S:clerke-bi/grading/gr 16 merge Building Inspection Cor tr Carlos Baitodeno Department Director of Building Inspection Costa County Administration Building County 651 Pine Street,3rd Floor,North Wing Cu Martinez, California 94553-1295 (925) 646-4108 FAX (925)646-1219 November 25 , 2002 S}• - Beth Adams, Director of Land Program ve Mount Diablo 1196 Boulevard Way, #10 Walnut Creek, CA 94595 RE: NOTICE OF INTENT TO RENDER ADMINISTRATIVE DECISION Dear Property owner: An application for a grading permit has been submitted to this Department and is currently under review of 72, 000 cubic yards of earthwork for an eighteen hole golf course. The County Building Inspection Department will render a decision on this application following a public comment period. If you wish to comment or request a public hearing in this matter, you must submit a written statement by December 5, 2002 to the: Building Inspection Department 651 Pine Street, 3rd Floor, North Wing Martinez, CA 94553 The application is described as follows: David Fowler (Applicant & owner) . The subject property is located at 5400 Hot Springs Road in the Byron area (APN 002-200-014) . Following the public comment period, the Building Inspection Department will (1) schedule a public hearing if one is requested, or (2) consider comments as suggested conditions of approval or as reasons for denying the application. Sincerely, Gary aria Sr. Grading Inspector GFF:mis S:clerks-bi/grading/gr 16 merge .111 1..... ......... ...._.... ..1.1.11..... _.. .. ...1.... ......... ....._..... _..-__. ....._... .. ........ _..... ........ ..... .... . ....... ...... ....... .......... ........ ......... STATE OF CALIEORNIA-THE RESOURCES AGENC"-" 9RAY DAVIS.C''nvtarndr DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND ANNIE OFfICI Of THE GENERAL COUNSEL 1416 NINTH STREET P.O.BOX 944209 SACRAMENTO,CA 9424442090 (916)654-3821 February 25, 2003 Board of Supervisors County of Contra Costa 651 Pine Street, Room 107 Martinez, CA 94553-1295 Re: Byron Hot Springs Golf Course, 5400 Hot Springs Road (APN 002-200-014); County of Contra Costa Dear Honorable Members of the Board of Supervisors: This letter accompanies oral testimony today by personnel from the Department of Fish and Game (Department)regarding the proposed project referencedabove. This letter also follows our prior correspondence to the County of Contra Costa (County) dated December 5, 2002, regarding the same project. As the State's trustee agency for fish and wildlife resources, we appreciate the continuing opportunity to provide comments to the County regarding the proposed project and its compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)(Pub. Resources Code, § 21000 et seq.). In short, the Department respectfully disagrees with the County's apparent conclusion that approval of the grading plan and issuance of a grading permit for the proposed project is a ministerial decision and not subject to CEQA. As detailed in our prior letter and underscored in our testimony today, the Department believes the actions proposed by the County involve the exercise of discretion and that the issuance of a grading permit in the present case requires environmental review under CEQA. Our conclusion is based on relevant provisions in CEQA, the"CEQA Guidelines,"and case law governing the distinction between discretionary and ministerial projects under CEQA. (See, e.g., Pub. Resources Code, §§ 21065, 21080,subd. (a); Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, §§ 15002, subds. (d), (i), 15268, 15369, 15357, 15378; Friends of Westwood, Inc. v. City of Los Angeles(1987) 191 Cal.App.3d 259, 266-273; Mountain Lion Foundation v. Fish and Game Commission(1997) 16 Cal.4t" 105, 117-119.) We respectfully urge the County and its legal staff to consider these authorities before a final decision is made to approve the proposed project. Should you have any questions regarding our comments, please contact Carl Wilcox, Assistant Regional Manager, at (707) 944-5525, or I can be reached at the address and telephone number listed above. Sincerely, JOHN H. MATTOX Staff Counsel flex y9ur ,�*►/ ► lRgd-AS44 ytpox \ •� � � r r" n 1 , a r . v r Y ` l 1 _ UK Atop_ f� \ \ j 1.r Y )l ,tom_ il� y:• 'JeOPIT, f �.• \ � \1`_r � r'�+1i�Q,p1 � -ti, rfl,� c-., - \, �r,l�y! OAD .�live Ino ✓ � ,A�� �,ih 11� �} � �� rj� 1 � V � A ��--� � ..__ � -'�• �{�tr- {iq�(� are 1- 1• due ixi J ( % , I i •�' ' ✓'_�\l Mon LY ,. RvZ ✓ �i'' 1 r_,,,,1 r'7rt��,r 1 ��I� :i�si `�� /.'..' r-' cid`' � � , '` � ��.-� ' ' r t �-v� ...�:,� ` \`y���}'�i�1 ��i�>l / _ `-' A �j rC'~ �C�:-~''..��rti�� i'1 F�°..>`' ''.--'`���� •� V ;�. ;rteV���C fEAT � �i �C�� 11s��U ( �� `} \Au .P jyr \ \i ` ArI `,Y ���rj1$4��;11r � � ll�.i�\i��C � iiJr�1 �\( `r{� rti��k . -=✓� rJr \�yy r �;��\�,� ���1...�\\r�:�� \\..J4 ,,.t� .. � " `,,'`\� w ,.-�'r.,. ,^�.���� L.� ��� ♦`r f i�.;., �'�:^ 1^'"\\\\'...� if--�y"` ..✓i�`,\t' � r<� ,� .. lingo 11911 fill r (�r t� ��� ` -'ty�5'' "• ,,-�' t tv: (� �j��✓'�{,�-,i G''ll :�?�r;J '[1�'�� t'�-�''' �a �, 47, Vti'!'f"f!>f1')�,1111�t)`J�'„�" ��� 1•�� w.o"i�'��'�'�,1 s. i' w a t c h Save Mount Diablo Protecting the Mountain Sind 1971 Winter/Spring 2003 No. 34 Joseph Malvin Ranch acquired 1. "Would you like to buy our property?" In too important and the family's financial For less than the cost of a house we can June the Galvin family approached Save needs critical. We normally leverage pur- protect a strategic and spectacular 62-acre Mount Diablo about their Cit acre property, chases over time to allow for fundraising, property,as beautiful as it is biologically which their family has owned since around but the Galvins agreed to a cash offer of important. We can also help a ranching 1908. The family has lived at the base of $385,040. We entered escrow the next family that has lived here for generations." Mt.Diablo for more than a hundred years. week and closed escrow on Jan.24th. Their father Joseph Galvin recently died White Bridges on Marsh Creek and three children inherited two properties. Most of this article was written three weeks When you drive south from Marsh Creek One of them,in Morgan Territory,had a after the Galvins contacted us in fear of road on Morgan Territory road,about six large loan corning miles in,the road na, due. The family was rows into a densely torn between their wooded and narrow financial need and stream canyon. their father's wish that Before long,Marsh the property be pre- Creek begins crossing served. one-lane white bridges and the While the Joseph canyon opens to the Galvin Ranch is spec- first in a series of tacular,we had to small meadows along pass on the offer, the creek's flood even though it would plain. It's not unusual probably mean anoth- in one of the first er expensive house clearings to see a like the one right next herd of horses. They door to Galvin. Save graze on the Joseph Mount Diablo is land Galvin Ranch. rich and cash poor-at the time we owned As frequently hap- three properties and pens with Save on Jan.7th we m- Mount Diablo's pleted our purchase of acquisitions on the a fourth,the Morgan Save Mount Diablo Board,,staff,and several guests preview the Joseph Galvin Ranch. (Scott Heinz) mountain's east side, "Red Corral"property. Our cash reserves losing their property to the bank. We have we are indebted to Anne Homan for her are low until one or more of our properties identified$95,000 in endangered species historical research and her book,"The can be transferred to a public agency(see mitigation funding and are"dialing for dol- Morning Side Of Mount Diablo: an illus- 427 acre Silva Ranch article on page 5), tars"to a variety of donors and funding Crated account of the San Francisco Bay sources. Unless we can find$290,400 to Area's historic Morgan Territory Road", Two weeks before Christmas,the Galvins bridge our funding gap,we will have to uti- published in 2001,that we have liberally contacted us again. A buyer's offer had fall- lize operational reserves. quoted and paraphrased below. en through and their loan would soon be foreclosed. Board members toured the According to Ron Brown,SMD's The Joseph Galvin Ranch includes a heavi- property that weekend and then held an Executive Director,"This unusual opportu- ly wooded canyon draining west between emergency Board meeting several days nity is at the heart of why Save Mount two ridgelnes to a long stretch of Marsh later. Although making an offer on the Diablo's work is important. No public Creek below,just south of the point where Galvin Ranch would cut into our operating agency can move as quickly as we can. reserves,we decided that its resources were Galvin; continued on page 10 t t it LO .From The Executive Director.. t3oa1 d QF pireelors It takes a community to preserve a mountain. t��1c���prar�t t?rszd�xtt In the early 1900's R.N.Burgess assembled lands including the western half of Mt.Diablo and proposed a huge development. World War I intervened,Burgess �r3ttt3wel went bankrupt and only the community of Diablo was built. New residents there " � res en t � provided support for a novel idea: creation of a state park at Mt.Diablo, one of the original seven in California. The first acquisitions were from Burgess'hold- `.,�al?''�er ings. New residents of a new development gained an appreciation for Diablo eersident then became its supporters. That's why we held our 31st Anniversary within the State Park and honored Bob Doyle and Roger Epperson. They have loved the mountain since they were in high school and have Doug Krutuer j helped SMD ever since. Our work is about balance and,like Bob,Roger and our new Board members,if Secrete you experience Diablo,you're more likely to help. Frank Varpichik Look at the two photos below, Residents of the mountain since in 1895,Dorothy Wright's family had surer, been suspicious of SMD when we were founded in 1971,but she sold her land to us in 2001. Today we $fit Bassler count the Wrights as good friends. We just completed purchase of the Wright's neighbor's property,the 1 Morgan Red Corral. In December the Morgans'cousins,the Galvins,approached us with a third oppor- ,aty L. 3o e 'lan tunity to preserve another historic parcel. Their uncle grazes yet another of our properties. In May we'll tartaitt de ietry add still another cousin's property,the Silva Ranch,to the State Park. Relationships matter. Scott ff in Paul Lopez approached us several years ago. SMD proposed the redesign of Braddock&Logan's Sand Quarry project to cut unit numbers and add the ridgeline there to Lime Ridge Open Space. Before the Ste Don Jrssepb project was finalized,B&L decided to sell to Standard Pacific. They came to us to ask,"Will you still Robertsupport the deal?" They could have proposed a bigger project but instead decreased unit numbers fur- ther. SP preserved half of the property,built a staging area and paid for a new trail to Paradise Valley. 1 .Steepen Mehlnlaf , The project was first proposed in 1989. Politics makes strange bedfellows and persistence pays off. lkri,tleCtttiO What's it all mean? We hope you appreciate our work and will continue your Dye S� t support. It's Spring!Please attend our events(hike to a waterfall?),enjoy Diablo's natural and cultural history,and maybe get even more involved. 1 ��rid'C`rott�r f Sbaron Watters nt 6 #ffi wrigStaff m to £:a€raV r .Rottald,Browrt �Y` �.eutive Di3"E'CI`ttr Seib"A{iTn3 ��; . it ctr r Lune!Prt�gs pMs ; tnne sitz (?ff7e Qt7 r (Left)Ron Brown and Morgan Territory landowner Dorothy Wright. A new Parks Bond 2000 sign acknowledges Save Mount Diablo-s purchase v1 Wright Canyon with the assistance of the Coastal Conservancy and 1000 donors. Publisher (Right)Pard Lopez(1)and Doug Krah(r)of Standard Pacific with SMD' Seth Adams and Ron Brown at the October Save Mount Diablo 12 dedication of the new Paradise Valk-y Trail and a new staging area at.hgnacio Valley Rd.&Cowell. (Seth Adams) II4:13ou4vard 4t+(ay#10 wtk,CA 9595 Save Mount Diablo Merchandise 925-947-3535,fax 92,5947-160,31, � _T Shi=rrs xi�vwsavetrdntdi�isla,org ". i Navy Blue or Gray liastheacf" YYnOrama (100% cotton) OakF14V.Diablo i Adult Sizes: Photo hy5kephen Joseph S, M, L, XL, XXL .?x12.50 Diablo Watch is published by°Serve Coffee Mugs - aunt Diablo,a Lyon-profit orgatti- tiondedicated topreserving land Available in Gray on Mo=t l:J blo oid educating the 7.50 since97I. Place your credit card order by phone(925)947-3535, (Master Card,VISA,American Express), or by mailing a check to SMD: 1196 Boulevard Way,#10,Walnut Creek,CA 94595. C©NTAINS Merchandise can be purchased and picked up at SMD's office or shipped fora$5 charge. ' SC}ltOl t Piahlowatchii0ipte;del), ycleapa ; *** PLEASE NOTE: Save Mount Diablo's mail address is now: , h a soy�ue itlk aid Cox be recycled. � 1196 Boulevard Way, Suite 10,Walnut Creek, CA 94595 **'� F y ) v � ? C � , 1 is S MD's Trail Adventure April 24-27 - Four Days Diablo. to be held on Sunday, Tune I Hike the Diablo Trail with yrs A celebration of recreation on the mountainl Last April,Save Mount Diablo led its second Four Days Diablo JOK Run and Nike, 9:00 am to 1:O0 pm backpack trip. The four-day,three night adventure takes participants from Shell Ridge Open Space in Walnut Creek to the Round Valley Castle Rock Park in Walnut Creek is the site of the third Trail Regional Preserve in Brentwood. The route crosses six parks, Adventure. Choose from a 10K timed nun,or a 10K hike which can 60,000 acres of permanently protected open space with only two nar- be accomplished in one of three divisions-timed"speed hike', row paved roads along its thirty chile length. guided interpretive walk,or a leisurely stroll at your awn pace. The course leaves Castle Rock Park and loops through Diablo Foothills Participants carry only their daypacks while other equipment is shut- Regional Park and onto the slopes of the State Park,returning tled from campsite to campsite. You'll see beautiful and lush land- through the spectacularly beautiful Pine Canyon. scapes and acres of wildflowers. You'll learn about the geologic and cultural history of the land and experts will help identify the flora Back at the start/finish line,there will be entertainment,family and fauna. When you reach camp each of the activities,information booths sponsored by three nights,you'll be met with beverages and numerous organizations and recreation ven- gourmet meals,followed by lectures about moun- dors,a bar-b-q lunch,and a raffle. tain's resources,history and future. Co-sponsored by Marty Breen,Forward The next Four Days Diablo trip will take place Motion Sports(Danville&Walnut Creek)& April 24-27,2003. Space is limited 20 to partici- Dave Husted,Outside Interests(Danville). pants,$750 per person. Call the SMD office (925)947-3535 to reserve your spot,or check our Run or hike fee is$30(includes shirt& website for pictures,info and sign up sheets. lunch). Call 925-947-3535 for information. Don't miss out? .Twin SMD's, E-News Visit Our Web Site. � rbon List By signing up for SMD's email dcstribu- In addition to seeing beautiful images of tion list you will receive monthly"Action ghisto- Alerts" the mountain and learning about the histo- Alerts"about current land use issues, ry of Save Mount Diablo and its acquisi- events and activites and images of land tions,you can also find information about scapes that we are working to preserve. our current land use planning efforts and I� x E-News recipients get first notice of some acquisition projects. The web site contains events,and the only notice of others. articles from past newsletters and our C` monthly Action Alerts. To join the Save Mount Diablo email � , ' distribution list,send an email to: The t'Vild Bird Center,in Newell Plaza, n smd-request a7savemountdiablo.org> walnut Creek donates space on its server z �' to host our web site,thanks to In the message box,type the word. .loan].& a subscribe Chris Smith. 3 lis zz I mME- v 9 SIR g �a The highest elevations in the Canyon,how- I III ever,remained in private hands,raising concern about the ultimate health of the watershed below. In November 1999 SMD purchased Silva,the largest remaining par - WZ cel in the canyon,for$750,000 and further widened the corridor. The campaign to fund the purchase was ! complex;the late Bob Adams,an SMD i Board member at the time,provided the I first$25,000 of five option installments. Before his death,the property's pond was named'Bob's Pond"in his honor. An anonymous donor provided$100,000 and a i � bridge loan was secured from the Packard Foundation for the remaining$625,000. Once the Ioan had been secured,in January Pill 2000 SMD was granted$400,000 by the Coastal Conservancy. Shapell Industries and Autumn Creek Associates purchased Riggs Canyon and they 427-acre Silva Ranch rising from the shadows { of the Tassajara creek drainage to Windy Point. (Scott Heim) conservation easements over a total of 116 acres,as mitigation for impacts of two ' Silva Ranch to be added to State p►a.P.L., Danville development projects on the red legged frog. By October 2002 Shapel(had Dedication will be on Saturday, May 17 also strengthened the Bob's Pond dam and "This view is incredible. You feel like property's NW corner,at Windy Point. recreated another pond to enhance the frog you're the only person on the planet. I The Silva camping spot is an a grassy sad- habitat,and had removed debris. can't believe we're just a few miles from dle splitting the property diagonally. The home." Save Mount Diablo has led several view is unspoiled;at nightfall a few lights Silva Ranch is not open to the public until ter the dedication, but there will be a "Four Days Diablo"trips,a four day hike twinkle far off in the Livermore Valley. on the Diablo Trail from Walnut Creek to guided public hike on Sundav March 30. Brentwood. The second night is spent If you climb toward Windy Point at Silva's Check the Spring an the Mountain schedule I camping at the Silva Ranch,high at the top upper elevations,on clear days the Sierra or our website for more info. For info of Riggs Canyon. it's a spectacular setting. range appears. Everyday views stretch to about the dedication, call 925 947-3535, Black Diamond For the past three years SMD's Board,staff Mines. Silva's fire 1j and members have shared Silva as a pri- trails bridge a gap nate preserve but starting in May,when the in Finley Road and Ix property is added to Mt.Diablo State Park, complete a variety anyone will be able to visit. of loops through the nearby Parks. - t f The Silva property covers three quarters of A a square mile,bordered on the south and In 1987 most of east by Mt.Diablo State Park. On the Riggs Canyon was " . c ground it turns out to be very different. privately owned. r' � Riggs is one of the most remote and SMD's purchase of icrc j srrreran �+ a the 631 acre ruggedly beautiful parts of Mt.Diablo,a 3000 acre deep canyon which is home to Morgan Ranch in r mountain lions,and golden eagles. Our 1989 provided the � f , s Diablo Trail hikers drop steeply from first connection ° rugged Oyster Point to Tassajara creek, between Mt.Diablo then follow Finley Road back up to State Park and , k Highland Ridge. Morgan Territory Reg.Preserve. In i Wind caves overlook the walk from 1998,a new staging Rnobcone Point,Jackass Canyon,Cave point was created r { Point,and the Morgan amphitheatre. near the end of the fi , Prairie falcons nest in cliffs,their"wek' paved portion of wek"calls echoing off rock. Highland Finley Road,pro- Ride her than Marins Mt.Tam . g peaks(higher g ' 3 viding the first easy e: to the Southeast in Morgan Territory Reg. Riggs Canyon can he accessed from Morgan Terrrior Rd at Fin Raaf,the Red Corral access. or at the Highland Ridge trail or from the southern end of Finley off Camino Tassajara. Preserve,which shares the canyon with the State Park The ridge peaks again at the (Base map,courtesy of the Mt.Diablo Interpretive sroctation) tain are three large,wooded canyons, sue twining around otherwise dead gray jBecause they're protected from the sun branches. You'll double back up-slope in a ° most of the day,Donner,Back and Mitchell short,steep section. The Falls trail cuts off Canyons have among California's best steeply uphill and to the east(right)just X ; wildflower shows. The waterfalls in the above a turn in the road,near the 1400' upper reaches of Donner Canyon are icing contour,but quickly levels out, on the cake. Save Mount Diablo worked As the trail crests,the water falls become with the State to preserve most of the three canyons in the mid 1970s,and helped visible,and the view stretches back all the p way to Martinez and Benicia. Ona good acquire North Peaks summit in 1980. day the water and falls will be clearly visi- I hiked the Palls Trail on the last day of ble on three different branches of the creek, 1992,a day-long window of sunshine that crossing the many layers of sedimentary was surprisingly warm considering the and metamorphic rock visible the length of I snow above on the peaks. Starting at the trail. The twisted,rocky landscape Regency Drive,you immediately cross appears almost volcanic. The first fall Donner Creek just above where it merges sometimes drops more than 25 feet. I 1 with Back Creek in Clayton's©pen Space. noticed a young falcon spiraling among the It looks as though the creeks had carved a cliffs. Even in December,the green fronds gorge between Regency and Mountaire, of the polypody ferns were becoming visi- The streets dead-end immediately across ble on the rocks and one of the seasons first s. W = from each other leaving the creeks un-cul- blooms,the pink racemes of wild currants, verted,testimony to creek protection efforts were already out. Wild(fat waterfall(Stephen Joseph) in Clayton. Both creeks were very full and Be sensitive. The slopes are steep and ero- �,�r the lower reaches of the canyon somewhat Waterfalls s on Diablo? muddy. Mud is a good sign that the water- sion prone. Stick to the main trail and ( by Seth Adams,Director of Land Programs falls are booming in the canyon above. avoid the temptation to climb down to the falls. It's dangerous and it's damaging. Follow Donner Creek across the lower Depending on the season you'll cross the The Falls Trail foothills with their big valley oaks and creeks several times,before joining the Trailhead: end of Regency Dr.,off Marsh non-native eucalyptus and up into the Can for the first mile and a half You'll Middle Trail and taking the down slope Canyon Creek Rd.,eastern edge of Clayton. Y back to the Donner Canyon Rd. Follow Ygnacio east to Clayton Road,turn pass the charred remains of the old right on Clayton;follow it past downtown, Hetherington cabin and soon after leave the Throughout the hike you'll enjoy the roar of where the road rejoins Marsh Creek Road. creek bank to begin climbing more serious- the creeks. For variations,consider climb- Turn right on Regency Dr.,to the end. ly. Before Tong,views will open up to the ing up to the Meridian Ridge Road,and Route: Donner Cyn Rd.to Cardinet Oaks Mt.Zion quarries to the west,to Mitchell then down the Meridian Pt.trail into Back Rd.,to Falls Trail,to Middle Trail and back Rock a little to their south,and to the Canyon. The Back Creek Trail ends where Distance: 4.8 miles round trip urbanized Clayton valley below, Turn you parked,after passing through many Change in Elevation: 1200 feet each way around and stop often to see the quickly more wildflowers and thicker chaparral. Difficulty: Some steep areas on Donner expanding view. You'll pass the'lick Woad You can also continue up and over to Deer Cyn.Road,but the Falls Trail is relatively and Hetherington Loop trails before reach- Flat and back down Machell Canyon,or easy. Mitchell Cyn,doesn't have big falls, ing the Cardinet Oaks Rd. even to the summit or North Peak. but is easier going and streamside. The wildflower show will really get going Best Time To Go: After a heavy rain; in March and April,but on my winter day, { expect mud in Tower Donner Cyn. the signs of spring were just starting to out- t The calls come every winter-especially shine those of winter,thefresh green of the after a local newspaper runs a vague article chaparral and last year's powder puff seeds and a bad map: "How do you get to the of the wild clematis vines. In winter,too, `w FBiK. G' waterfalls?' See above Are dos the signs of the 1977 fire that burned allowed?"(No) "Are they close?"(about across this section of the mountain are ti zx w 2.5 miles each way)"How hard is it?" (if more visible,from blackened tree trunks,to you have to ask,it's probably too difficult) the ghostly groves of dead gray manzanitas ( Is it muddy or wet?" (Yes,and that's the surrounded by the red-trunked,new growthsQq -a ( best time to go)Most of this article was that issued forth after the fire. I written for our Spring`93 Diablo Watch. At the Cardinet Oaks Rd.,Back Cyn is to t The Spring on Diablo schedule includes I the west. In the distance the Keller Ranch , quite a few Falls Trail hikes. (Oakhurst)development is visible east of �g image to e Cardinet N41Mount Diablo has a forbiddin Clayton Rd. After climbing,thi � many, in part because of its name. While Oaks Rd.heads downhill and crosses �,s,t ♦ x^ `� creeks may dry in summer,the reality is Donner Creek. On this particular day the that there are always cool canyons,and creek was roaring,a good sign of things to :�� sr v come. Just past the creek,older manzani- , even on hot days cool breezes crass upper p elevations. On the north side of the moon- tas show the lovely red veins of living tis- ,) �.' `° of the moon- According to his daughter Fran Burgess Iain,stretching Enright "He was a driver,a man's man, from Walnut rugged,determined,self-made and proud B L 0 Creek to the of it,yet rubbing elbows with the barons � summit to of the business world." He was a good . ' Pleasanton,and father,took his children on many camping founded Diablo trips,and loved to hent,fish and ride ' and the Mount horses,and will be remembered as an r� Diablo bark opportunist, foresighted and daring. In Club(later,the 1964,a year before his death,Burgess pri- Diablo Country vately published his Memoirs,excerpted Club). One below. area was sold to Ansel Mills Memoirs Easton and "August 1884-:for an entire week our became the home will be aboard the train. We leave kBlack Hawk Boston and go through New York, Fann. By 1919 Cleveland,Chicago,Omaha,Salt Lake he had gained City,Reno,past Donner Lake,to the control of more Oakland Pier.". .. "On May 2, 1886 than 38,500 Father received a call to preach in the acres(60 Danville Presbyterian Church,at a salary square miles) of$1,000 per year.". .."Mother named d from Concord� our new:home Bonny Vista. Bonny to Pleasanton to (Scotch)is interpreted as"good",and the Moraga. Vista(view)was largely of the Railroad Ranch on the western slopes of Mt. The Oakland, Diablo,which rose four thousand feet Antioch& northeast of our place. For a time this lecrci t Cover, 1916 Mt Diablo Scenic Boulevard brochure(Collecrionr�fRnger Epperson) Eastern emountain wore a white lace cap of snow railway was during most winters. On its top is the Robert Noble B r�� �5s extended to meridian monument,and the surveys in ll � Diablo and the California are tied to that base." Sixty Aquare� Miles An,d Mountain ountain t oarea to faacilitcilite area the "My perpetual hunger often made me late World War j bankruptcy led to the creation of development. to school.. I would stop at the bridge Mt. Diablo state Park He built auto under which there was a small stream and roads to the top a bountiful supply of frogs. I would catch By age seventeen,after completing eight of Mt.Diablo,Mt.Diablo Scenic a mess of them and prepare them-built a years of grammar school,Robert Noble Boulevard,sowed with wildflower seeds small fire and roast them. They were Burgess had started a fruit packing plant in and offered them to the public as a scenic delicious. I can still taste them." Concord,called Burgess and Noble. Born arboretum road corridor. He popularized in New Brunswick in 1878,his family the mountain and his development proposal "Opposite us and at the foot of Mt.Diablo moved to California when he was six, with a widely distributed brochure,includ- eventually settling in Contra Costa in 1886. ing the often repeated myth,that Mount Burgess,earariraue i on tae 8 His father was a minister for the Danville Diablo`s view was the biggest in the world Presbyterian Church. Burgess ran a large (it is probably only the biggest in sugar beet ranch as a teenager,then con- California). The largest advertising con- structed homes in Oakland after the 1906 tract perhaps ever written until then,was earthquake. He founded the R.N.Burgess brokered with William Randolph Hearst Company by age twenty-nine,handling real and his newspapers,and a summit hotel, estate and construction,and held control- the Torre del.Sol,was proposed but never # ling interests in a dozen banks and other constructed. } " companies,including WWI shipbuilding, for which he founded the town of Clyde. During World War 1,real estate sales dried His first ship,the largest freighter yet built up. The Mt.Diablo Estates development on the West coast,was named Diablo. stopped after the community of Diablo was built. Soon after the War,Burgess was Burgess'biggest dream,however,rose to driven into bankruptcy. His Mount Diablo the peak of Mount Diablo,centered around Park Company sold the first parcels--3,136 the 10,000 acre Railroad Ranch he had acres--for what became Mt.Diablo State eyed since he was a boy in Danville. In Park,one of the first seven in the State. 1913 he proposed the 13,000 acre Mt. Key in its support were the residents of the Diablo Estate development on the west face summer homes he had built in Diablo, Roberl'Nobte Burgess(c.Elizabeth Burgess Co �. "I thought if I were established in a San Francisca there would be E demand for years,rebuilding the �4 a, ,,•F burned-out area,if one could , arrange the financing,and if one could divert a trickle of the people ' that were settling in the East Bay area to central Contra Costa County and add to that some of the commuters to the plants on they „•_ - ,. forty miles of water frontage from �� San Pablo bay to Antioch,one would have business in volume. That country had a future,the Walnut Creek area........The {R.N. s x �r ff J Burgess}companies were incorpo- rated in 1908." Burgess's Marion.steam shovel was used to construct Mt.Diablo Scenic Boulevard to Oakwood Park Stock Farm, the top of the mountain,frcm 1912-1915 Danville " ^W' "" Burgess,continued from page 7 °1913 . One afternoon while ttx.uKo motoring around the Danville and 4 ', and well up on its foothills was the Railroad Tassajara area I dropped in at the Ranch,owned by two old railroad contractors, Oakwood Park Stock farm on the Seth and Dan Cook. They were both bachelors Railroad ranch of my boyhood. At at the time they acquired the property. As I the death of Seth and Dan Cook it 1915 Gates Map from Burgess's 1916 Mount Diablo brochure. The b heard it,they first saw the ranch when invited was inherited by their niece,Mrs. and buy one of the RX Burgess Company's tors. The map snows ferry for a weekend by an employee,auditor or sec- John F.Boyd When I returned "When I reached San Francisco I had the note retary,or someone of that caliber. On their to San Francisco,I called Mrs.Boyd by phone. Mrs.Boyd gave me photostated,then went to way home they talked in wonder of how their She invited me to come for tea at three o'clock employee could afford such a ranch,and came see Mr.Humphries. He was busy but stepped that afternoon. I accepted,then went to the out of his office to see me and I told him I had to the conclusion they had better look into their Crocker National Bank and purchased a records. It ended by their taking over the $10,000 cashier's check payable to my purchased the Oakwood Park Stackfarm from . Mrs.Boyd. He said, `You may think you ranch..." order........Mrs.Boyd said she did wish to sell have.'I said, `I have,and if you doubt it here the ranch and she had set the price at$150,000. is her letter.'He then said,`I realize you are "Seth and Dan were rough,hearty fel- She said she had had several buyers,but for lows..."..."I came to know them and have theright. I will prepare the papers.' When Mrs. some reason they could not meet her. attorneys Boyd accepted the$10,000 as first payment privilege of shooting on their 10,000 acres. On requirements..." her letter was a valid Contract of Purchase. Saturday afternoons,Father would stake John and me out aloe the front of our orchard on y y The Mt.Diablo Park Company,a corporation, g "Mrs.Boyd went to her secretor and wrote a took title to the Boyd property." the county road with our hoes clearing away note to her attorney,Mr.William Htunphries of the weeds. Along would come Seth and Dan in San Francisco. While she was at the desk I a Tallyho with afour-in-hand. Dan would pull "Later 1 purchased far R.N.Burgess Company y p hovered around and purposely dropped the 160 acres over the hill in Pleasant Valley, the horses to a stop and yell, `Gad-damn you $10,000 cashier's check where she was sure to come here'and with eat tre ida- which was included youngsters, gt p find it,and then took my seat. When she had in the sale to the tion John would go up to Dan,while I gazed at completed the note she handed it to me and as the first shapely legs housed in silk stockings I Black Hawk ranch, p y g g she returned to her chair she stooped to ick u ever saw. John would turn to Dan who would p p p and on the northwest ,,, the piece of paper,while I was reading her side of the park 240- produce a double eagle,$20.00,in gold,and note,and exclaimed, `What in the world is acre Cope Almond Dan would say,`Give this to your old man. He thisT I arose and saw she had the check and is the onlyGod-damned reacher I ever knew orchard,the 160-aere v, p was somewhat flustered. i said, `I brought that Bruce Stone ranch, that was any good."' check over to make you a payment on account. and e the southern I really have been careless and had better leave `� �° w1a 1 C TYK; i x The R.N. Burgess Companies it with you,for at this rate before I get home portion of Ignacio Valley adjoining Mt. _0Z advertisement for day "In November, 1903,1 moved to the 240 acre someone is liable to pick my pockets. I sug- Diablo the 1300-acre San Miguel Ranch." " ... here in the rarefied air gest I endorse the check to you and then when Brubeck ranch, 50 tines were extended to j of my castle in the sky that I studied the county Mr.Humphries is ready I will only have to pay acres from Hutchinson,and the 3000 acres maps and marked off the large holdings as pos- him$140,000.'`That seems all right to me,' lying between these parcels and the park from sibilities for future real estate syndicating,with she said. I then said, `There is no necessity of George W.McNear, and 160 acres from H.H. the idea of cutting up and marketing them as writing the letter over again,just put on a P.S. Haight on the top of Mt.Diablo containing the ranches. ...':Many of these transactions had to stating you have received$10,000 on account Mt.Diablo Base Meridian Monuments. This wait the recovery from the disaster of the earth- and he is to collect$140,000.'Mrs.Boyd did last purchase did not come easy. This block of quake and fire that hit San Francisco in 1906, that,and I got up to leave. In parting I said, land contained about 15,000 acres,and con- and the money panic of 1907." `You can now feel you have sold the ranch."' tamed the entire right-of-way for the,Mt. March - June 2003 . Publication of a Diablo a • Diablo Interpretive Association March 1,Saturday,9:00 am Dan Payne 415-986-3103 March 15,Saturday, 10:15 am March 22,Saturday, 10:00 am bon of life.Dress for a bit of Diablo Two-Peak Circuit Meet at MP-I 5. We will discover Lime Ridge South&North seeing in the Dark(EBRPD) mud!Reservations required(call (Sierra Club,Mt.Diablo Grp) spring butterflies and wildflowers, Coop(Sierra Club,Mt Diablo Sabrina Dussau 925-757-2620 leader).Return by 12:30 pm. Clary Rogers 925-254-5091 Meet tears how butterflies survive the Group) Meet at the Hazel-Atlas portal at MP-5($4 park entry fee). winter,and look for caterpillars Verne Van Vicar 925-676-7028 (Somersville,Black Diamond March 23,Sunday,12:00 noon Carpool£torn WC BART near and other creatures. Meet at MP-34. Call for Concord Preserve). Discover the history of Mount Diablo, Stili Growing taxi-stand at 8:15 am. BART pickup, seeing in the dark through the Mountain(Mt Diablo State P) A strenuous,moderatelyaced March 9,Sunday 8:30 am � pedes subways eyes ofs,trainer.Look at candies Ranger Y 8 P Pony Peaks of Mount Diablo By using two Irian subwa 6Ran r R en Goering 925-837- hike to Diablo's summit and and new trails,this 5.5 mile loop and lamps miners used to light North Peak via Murchio Clap and (Sierra Club,Mt Diablo Grp) will take us through interesting their way.Then dip your own can- Meet at the Summit Visitor Prospectors Gap.Rain cancels. Nancy Janes 925-672-5908 portions of Lime Ridge on both dle and make your own bug light Center. Mt Diablo's geology is Meet at MP-12(S2 car entry fee), sides o£Ygnacio Valley Rd.Rain to use in lighting your way not only young,but it's growing March 1,Saturday,10:00 am A strenuous,brisk,"no complain- or less than two hikers cancels. through the dark Hazet-Atlas sand as welL A discussion of the geo- Diablo's High Peaks(Sierra ers"hike for views from the four mine.Suitable for children 10 login history of Mt Diablo. Club) peaks of wonderful Mount Diablo. March 16,Sunday; 12:00 croon years and older.Fee:$6. Guy Mayes 510-522-1590 We should finish by 5:30 pm. Animals of Mount Diablo(Mt March 26,Wednesday,10:00 am Reservations required(pati Meet at MP-5($4 park entry fee). Heavy rain cancels. Diablo State Park Rock City--Knobcone-� ) leader}.Return by noon. Carpool from Rockridge BART, Ranger Doug Camden 925-837- Sycamore Creek (Sierra Club, 8:45 am. A strenuous but rnoder- March 9,Sunday,9:00 am 6129 March 22,Saturday,2:30 pm Mt Diablo Group) ately paced hike in Mt.Diablo Diablo Waterfalls Sketch Hike Meet at the Summit Visitor Lime Ridge(Sierra Club,Mt. Carol Larson 925-691-6303 State Park,including North Peak, (Mt Diablo Interpretive Assoc Center. Discuss the fauna of Diablo Group) Meet at MP-2($4 entry fee). Devil's Pulpit and the main sum- Sierra Club,Delta Grp) Mount Diablo,from the Alameda Warren'Tighe 925-256-4117 Call for 9:15 am Walnut Creek mit.Many steep trails. Back by Bill Pierson 925-778-8622 whipsnake to the mountain lion. Meet at MP-34.Call leader to BART pickup by 8:00 pm Tues. 5:00 pm.Post-hike dinner at local Meet at Concord BART near turn- arrange pickup at Walnut Creek Join Carol for this leisurely loop restaurant.Rain cancels. stiles for carpooling to trailhead. March 16,Sunday,1:00 pm BART. Join Warren on this mod- hike in beautiful country.Some Enjoy,sketch waterfalls,geologic Memories in Marble-Black erate 5-mile hike in rolling hills. steep trails.Bring water and March 1,Saturday, 10:00 am and biological diversity on the Diamond Mines(EBRPD) Beginners especially welcome. lunch.Rain cancels. Rock City--Green Ranch— Falls Trail.Bring sun and rain Traci Parent&Bob Kanagaki Heavy rain cancels. Sulfur Springs Loop(Sierra protection,lunch,water and art 925-757-2620 March 26, Wednesday, 1:30 pm Club) materials.All ages and experience i Call leader for location of meeting March 23,Sunday, 9:00 am Wildflower Watch(EBRPD) Carol Larson 925-691-6303 levels welcome.Pointers on plant place. Investigate the lives of Mount Diablo Waterfall hike Sabrina Dussau 925-757-2620 Meet at MP-2($4 park entry fee). identification and sketching will nineteenth-century miners and (Sierra Club,Mt Diablo Grp) Call leader for meeting place Join Carol on this strenuous but be provided.Folding chair,tarn- their families in the Mount Diablo Diane Smith 925-803-1478 location. Ready,set,here they leisurely paced hike with some era and binoculars are optional. Coalfields at Black Diamond Meet at MP-I2($2 car entry fee). go!Beautiful blooming wild- steep trails.Bring lunch and Trail includes some steep terrain. Mines.Parking fee.We should Hike from Mitchell Cyn,to the flowers.The colorful show lasts water.Rain cancels. Call leader to confirm time and return by 3:00 pm. Falls Trail.Wildflowers should be for weeks so come out to catch location.Rain may cancel. blooming.Heavy rain modifies. the spring splendor.We will meet March 1,Saturday,2:00 pm March 18,Tuesday,10:00 am once a week(until May 7)to Round Valley Regional Preserve March 9,Sunday, 10:00 am Spring in the Great Dale— March 23,Sunday,9:30 am enjoy and identify the flowers as (Sierra Club,Delta Group) Patterns of Pine Creek Round Valley(East Bay Waterfalls and Wildflowers they mark the different stages of Sean Ward 925-634-7467 (EBRPD) Regional Park District) (Berkeley Hiking Club/SMD) the season.Reservations required Meet at MP-% Join Jean on this Mike Moran 925-757-2620 Mike Moran 925-757-2620 Fran Leighty 925-944-9068, (call leader). leisurely 6-7 mile walk"on the Cali leader for location of meeting Meet at MP-50. Let's take an Gwen Rosser 530-546-7548 wild side"to see panoramic views place. Stroll four miles up a hill enchanting gambol through blue Meet at MP-13. Enjoy scenic March 29,Saturday,9:00 am and signs of spring in Mount or two through the richest season oaks and survey the wildflowers views of Mount Diablo,its water- Signs of Spring at Morgan Diablo's eastern foothills.After in"creekdom".Find poetic blooming beneath them.Up a falls and wildflowers by way of Territory(EBRPD) hike,optional stop in Brentwood method in the prosaic madness creek canyon we go to take ridge- Bonner Canyon Road and various Sabrina Dussau 925-757-2620 for supper and sociability.Rain or that connects the geologic drama top views of Mount Diablo,the other trails.One hike,moderately ` Call leader for location of meet- recent rain may cancel, of Castle Rocks,the oak forests east county and beyond on this strenuous,about 6 miles.Second ing place. Step out into the park beneath them,the animals all hearty and hilly 5-mile hike. hike,strenuous,about 9 miles. to search for proof that spring March 8,Saturday 10.00 am about,and the creek that parallels Bring a snack and water. Some steep,narrow trails with has sprung.Have the bluebirds Chaparral in Springtime our travels.Reservations required Reservations required(call 1300'elevation gain;rugged paired up for the nesting season? (EBRPD) (call leader),Return by 1:00 pm. leader).Return by 2 pm. trails,and stream crossings for Have the green hilts been deco- Sabrina Dussau 925-757-2620 second group.Walking sticks rec- rated with colorful flowers? Call leader for location of meet- March 12, Wed, 10:00 am March 22,Saturday, 10:00 am ommended.All hikers call Fran Come find out on this moderate ing place. This important habitat Diablo Foothills(Sierra Club, Finley Road to Oyster Paint day before hike for conditions and 3.5 mile hike.Bring a snack and is all dressed up to welcome back flit,Diablo Group) Trail(Save Mount Diablo) directions,Rain cancels. water.Reservations required(call the warming sun.Look for ani- Linda Lenahan 925-937-9770 Sharon Walters 925-631-4267 leader).Return by noon. mals that call the chaparral home Meet at MP-21 Join Linda and Meet at MP-71. Enjoy one of the March 23,Sunday, 11:00 ram while enjoying the beautiful her dog Winston on a moderate most beautiful and isolated hikes More to a Creek Than Meets March 29,Saturday,9.30 am spring fashion of manzanita, hike to see some ridge-top views on the mountain.The trail will the Eye—Round Valley Vasco Caves(SMD) ceanothus,and wildflowers.We of Mount Diablo.We'll see flow- follow Tassajara Creek through a (EBRPD) Bob Doyle(Limited to 30,SMD should return by noon. ers and go past ponds and a creek. shady oak-bay woodland and a Mike Moran 925-757-2620 E-News recipients get first Bring 4L's.Dogless folk wel- chance to see giant trillium along Meet at MP-50. What exactly is a notice,You must RSVP to 925- March 8,Saturday, 10:00 am come,Heavy rain cancels, the way.Great views of Jackass creek?Let's explore a bit of beau- 947-3535) Spring in Perkins Canyon (ML Canyon and Mount Diablo.Bring tiful Marsh Creek to find out what Bob Doyle is the EBRPD's Asst. Diablo Interpretive Assoc.) water.Should be back b 1 m. G1v1 for Acquisition. He y p goes into the making of this rib- q acquired 723-acre Vasco Caves, Park. 660 acres ,__just been April 5,Saturday,9:30 am one of the most sublime parks in preserved and 427-acre Silva Popular Mt Diablo Hikes(Part the East Bay,east of the Los Ranch will soon be added to the I of 7)(Mount Diablo Vaqueros watershed.Surrounded State Park. Join Scott&Claudia Interpretive Assoc.) e„ say X'om; by green hills and windmills, to hike SMD's Silva Ranch and Linda Sanford 510-848-4813 v.as am Vasco's huge rock outcroppings new Morgan"red corral"property. Meet at MP-9($2 ear entry fee). hide large wind caves and are Ale'il climb Highland Ridge into A 5.9 mile loop with a 1200 foot roofed with rock vernal pools. It I Riggs Canyon and back. About 6 elevation gain.We will follow r` includes amazing views and sup- miles. Heavy rain cancels. Wall Point Road up Wall Ridge pots a rich biodiversity. Vasco is and return via Pine Canyon, Call not yet regularly open to the pub- March 36,Sunda},10 00 am Stage Road and Dusty Road to t { on�arn =i y a r°' me+Pass tic and can be visited only by spe- Hiking the Black Hills of Wall Point Road east of thet cial arrangement. Roundtrip 2 Morgan'Territory(EBRPD) ; Macedo Ranch Staging Area. s ,34 miles;this hike will proceed even Mike Moran 925-757-2620 _ in the rain. Call SMD to make Call for location of meeting place. April 5,Saturday,9:45 am 3e� "b`� z arrangements to participate. Welcome spring with a 4-mile Morgan Territory(Sierra T`realsr .ro a exploration of the natural richness Club,NM Diablo Croup) March 29,Saturday, 9:45 am and beauty of oak woodland, Harvey Brosler 925-672-5685 wanUrcraex'' a „ Three Springs Area-Mt Diablo dense chaparral,grassy meadows Meet at MP-70. Jain Harvey for `^ o (Sierra Club,Mt Diablo Grp) and all the critters that call it a moderately paced ramble Hwy 24 4122 �z*za Verne Van Vlear 925-676-7028 home.Reservations required(call through the hills of this beautiful Meet at MP-15.Cat!for Concord leader).Return by 1:00 pm. park.Bring lunch and liquids. r BART'pickup. Using Olympia � Heavy rain cancels. Livorno � �o t t and other trails,this 8-mile loopMarch 30,Sunday 1:00 pm A� � s I J Rvadll Pae will passthrough a rich and varied Now to Conduct Oral Histories April 5,Saturday,10:00 am Stone �131 is terrain to see early spring wild- (EBRPD) Mines,Miners and Minerals- t Hewers,We'll also visit he"high" Traci Parent 925-757-2620 Black Diamond Mines spring near our lunch spot.Rain or Call for location of meeting place. (EBRPD) Diablo Road 7a less than two hikers cancels. Learn to preserve your family or Bob Kanagaki 510-636-1684 community history by conductingCall for location of meeting March 29,Saturday, 10:30 am oral histories.Interview techniques place. Discover mineable miner- a Btaek Diamond Mines Park and tape transcription procedures als as we hike Chaparral Loop - (Sierra Club,Mt Diablo Grp) will be shared.Adults only. i and tour the Hazel-Atlas Mine. CrowCa"n ;. Steve Bakaley 925-945-8205 Reservations required(call leader). Suitable for children seven years Meet at MP42(parking fee). No- We should be through by 2 pm, and older.Fee:$3. Reservations host carpool from Rockridge required(call leader), s°� sa, BART,9:30 am.leader at March 30,Sunday,2:00 pm � Pleasant Hill BART,9:45 am. There's a Bat in My Bair". April 5,Saturday, 10:00 am Join Steve on a moderately paced (MDSP) Spring Flowers of Mount �d hike through the emerald green Interpreter Michaei Rodriques Diablo(Mount Diablo hills of this scenic park.Optional 925-837-6119 Interpretive Association) dinner stop after hike.Co-listed '.Fleet at Summit Visitor Center. Yulan Tong 925-945-6068 T<assajara/Santa Rit> ' Well dispel myths&explore Meet MP 12 r t the eea - $2 caen with Sierra Singles.Rain cancels. P y p � ( D' world ofthe beneficial bat. fee). A two-mile(4 miles,round Meeting /I e�y# f March 29,Saturday, 12:00 noon trip),slow walk to see spring M LPlace (�/(t Why Does That Rill Look Like April 2, Wednesday, 10:00 am wildflowers.Please bring water It Has Been Torn Down?(Mt. Round Valley Reg.PreserveIII and lunch.Rain cancels. I South Gate Road-From Hwy.680 S in Danville,take the Diablo State Park) (Sierra Club-Mt.Diablo Group) Diablo Rd.exit east. Ranger Cameron Morrison 925- Carol Larson 925-691-6303 April 5,Saturday,10:00 am 2 Uplands Picnic Area,Rock City 6724266 Meet at MP-50.Call for 9:00 am A Walk on a Mountain Beach 3 Curry Point,below junction ofNorth and South Gate Roads. Meet at the Summit Visitor Center. North Concord BART pickup by (Mt.Diablo State Park) S Juniper Campground Explore the past&present mining 8:00 pm Tuesday. Join Carol on Ranger Vince Anibale 925-837- 7 Lower Summit lot;Lit Diablo Summit Museum. activities of the Mt Diablo area, this leisurely paced hike with 6129 some steep climbs to view Los Meet at MP-2. An easy hike to 9 Macedo Ranch Staging Area,north end o€Green Valley Rd., March 30 Sunday,9:00 am Vaqueros as well as a circle in explore Fossil Ridge, Discover Alamo. Lime Ridge's Paradise Valley Round Valley itself to see old marine life that lived here mil- 12 Mitchell Canyon Staging Area,south end of Mitchell Canyon (Save Mount Diablo) ranching relics.Bring water and lions of years ago.Bring suffi- Rd.,Clayton, John Mercurio,925-673-1150 lunch.Rain cancels. tient water for this 1.5-mile hike. 13 Donner&Back Canyons,end of Regency Dr.off Marsh Meet at MP-34. SMD Board Weather permitting. Creek Rd.,Clayton. member John Mercurio will lead a April 4,Friday, 9:30 am Walk Around the Mtn; April SSaturday,2:OOpm 14 Three Springs Entry,Marsh Creek Rd.2.2 miles east of , hike on Concord's newest trait(up Regency Dr. Paradise Valley)beginning at the Wildflowers(Jepson Herbarium Wildflowers of Black Diamond area's newest staging area—both &SMD) Reg.Preserve(Sierra Club, negotiated by SMD. Mostly sin- Bruce Baldwin&Staci Markos Delta Group) Steve Mehlman 925-943-6845 Meet at MP-71. This ride is a gie track trail,3 miles,significant 510-643-7008 Janess Hanson 925-458-0860, Meet at A Sweet Affair for 1, mountain bike tour of the entire elevation gain,great views for Meet at MP-5 This annual hike on Mary Lange 925-757-6845 breakfast(Ygnacio Valley Rd& Morgan Territory.Visit the most your effort, Rain cancels, i Mt.Diablo features wildflowers Meet at MP-42. Enjoy panoram- , San Carlos Dr.,Walnut Creek). recent acquisitions along Highland and wide vistas,passes through is views and spring wildflowers This ride through Mount Diablo Ridge and enjoy views to the east March 30,Sunday,4:00 am several plant communities of trees, on a leisurely 6-7 mile hike State Park,starting at 8:30 am, from Bob Walker Ridge.A long, Silva Ranch&Morgan Red shrubs and wildflowers."Tire along ridges and canyons in goes up North Gate Rd.to strenuous ride with optional turn- Corral-Yew Acquisitions in Flowering Plants and Ferns of Black Diamond's historic coal- Junction Ranger Station,then around points.Bring a lunch and Morgan Territory and Riggs Mount Diablo"by Barbara Ertter and sand-mining region.Bring down South Gate Rd.Distance ample fluids.Rain 24-48 hours Canyon(Save Mount Diablo) and Mary L.Bowerman will be water,wear sturdy boots. 30-45 miles,depending on return prior to ride likely to cancel.Call Scott&Claudia Hein,925-671- available for purchase.About 7 Optional stop after hike at near- route to Walnut Creek. leader to sign up and receive rain 0401 miles,much of it fairly strenuous by pizza parlor for refreshments into. Meet at MP-14 to carpool Since and slippery.Bring lunch and liq- and sociability.Entrance fee,$4. April 6,Sunday, 9:00 am 1986 SMD,the State,and the uids,wear boots and dress in lay- Rain may cancel. Mountain Bike Tour of April 6,Sunday,9:30 am EBRPD have acquired eleven ers.Route includes Deer Flat, Morgan Territory(Bicycle Morgan'Territory(Berkeley parcels and 4,774 acres between Murchio Gap,Prospectors Gap April 6,Sunday,8.00 am Trails Council of East.Bay& Hiking Club) Morgan Territory Regional (via Bald Ridge Trail),Devils Steve's 48th Birthday Road Save Mount Diablo) lone Bock 510-532-6379 Preserve and Mount Diablo State Elbow-return via Juniper Trail. Bike Ride(SMD) Mike McCormack 925-933-9456 Meet at MP-70.Carport from April 6,Sunday, 1:00 pm Shell Ridge..:_,:>h Space.Walk among the famed spring wild- Springtime in Somersville- includes several hundred foot flowers of Morgan Territory. Black Diamond Mines elevation gain to the top of Shell Bring water(none on the trail) (EBRPD) Ridge.Length about 3 miles. and lunch.Rain cancels. Traci Parent 925-757-2620 Back by 12:30 pm. Call leader for location of meet- April 1�,Friday,10:00 am ing place. Join us for a leisurely April 13,Sunday,9:00 am Wildflower Loop Hike(Sierra Artic. r_,._.., aaxar Shell Ride en Space Club,Mt Diablo Gr walk through Lite former coal- g � p P) mining town of Somersville and (Berkeley Hiking Club) Lucy Henderson 925-254-2898 discover what life was like for Fran Le'rghty&Jerry White 925- Meet at MP-13.Pickup at 944-9068 Orinda BART,9:00 am.BART ,aa +� the coal miners and their farm- lies.Historic photographs will be Meet at swimming pool at riders only;no parking avail- 4' Heather Farm Park off Y natio able. Moderate] aced wild- µ a shared.Parking fee.Should g Y p return by 3:00 pm. Valley Rd in Walnut Creek. flower loop hike on Palls Trail ! m zonte v, Enjoy scenic views&wildflow- and through Back Canyon.Hike i—ew,zd >j n g April 8,Tuesday,8:30 am ers on various Shell Ridge trai£s. is approximately eight miles � arms{,ae E Mt.Olympia(Sierra Club,Mt Lunch at Borges Ranch.8-9 long with some steep climbing M A a Pi,is Diablo Group) miles over moderately hilly ter- and slippery footing.Bring Nancy Janes 925--672-5908i rain.Rain cancels. lunch,water and wear hiking Meet at MP-15. A short but 1 boots,Rain cancels. strenuous hike to the summit of ! April 13,Sunday, 10:00 am } Mt.Olympia;return via an alter- Black Diamond Wildflower April 19,Saturda},4:00 am to so� nate route.We should be back by ( ,r�� Sketch Hike Mount Diablo Wright Canyon-Walk to"the v noon.Rain cancels, Interpretive Association& Gathering Place"(SMD) a \ D Sierra.Club,Delta Group) Malcolm Sproul,SMD President r April 12,Saturday,various Bill Pierson 925.778-8622 &Ron Brown,ED 925-947- a � Earth Day 2003(MDSP) Meet at MP-42($4 parking fee), 3535 I�, Mount Diablo State Park Staff Carpool from Concord BART Meet at MP-14 to carpool 925-837.5245 or 925-837--0904 near turnstiles at 9 am. Enjoy& Join Malcolm,an experienced s d� Starting locations,times assigned sketch spring wildflowers as well naturalist,and Ron at SMD's §c. a during preregistration(required), as chaparral and scenic sand- Wright Canyon property and Ott. Earth Day offers us a chance to stone formations in this historic hear about recent acquisition Betnanq f' ! give something back to the coal and sand mining area.Bring efforts. Interesting history and asamolr ! mountain that gives us so much. sun,rain protection,lunch,water spectacular views on this moder- Many projects to choose from— and art materials.All ages and ate two mile walk up a riparian constructive fun for the entire experience levels welcome. canyon to"the(lathering Place", —" family.Projects include trail Pointers on plant ID and sketch- a Wright family monument. t"rraret Line work,litter pickup,non-native ing provided.Folding chair,cam- Road plant removal,and recycling era and binoculars optional.Call April 19,Saturday,9:30 am Popular Mt Diablo Hikes Part Highway 580 projects. Finish by noon. leader to confirm time and loca- 3 f 7 t Diablo Vasco April Rain may cancel. )� : N Livermore April 12,Saturday,9:00 am Interpretive Association) Pine Canyon—Pine Ridge April 13,Sunday, 10:45 am Linda Sanford 510-848-4813 andLocation� Loop(Save Mount Diablo) Morgan Territory Ridges Meet at MP-12($2 car entry ListSharon Walters 925-631-4267 (Sierra Club) fee). An easy walk along Meet at MPA($2 car entry fee). Bob Solotar 510-525-2110 Mitchell Canyon Road.The 15 Perkins Canyon,along Morgan Territory Rd,a half mile Join Sharon on this 8.5 mile loop Meet at MP-70.Carpool from route follows Mitchell Creek south of Marsh Creek Rd. hike beginning at historic Walnut Creek BART,9:30 am; and includes ten stops along the 21 End of Castle Rack Road Macedo Ranch in Alamo.Enjoy meet leader by entry gates. Mitchell Canyon Interpretive 24 Indian Valley School,end of Marshall Dr. grasslands,woodlands and sever- Join Bob on this moderate hike Trail.Total length is 3-4 miles. 30 Boundary Oaks,end of Valley Vista off Oak Grove Rd. a]stream crossings.The area is i to celebrate the green hills of 34 Cowell/Y natio rich in wildlife,birds and wild- li spring.We will explore the Bob April 19,Saturday, 10:00 am g Memories in Marble-Black 42 Somersville Townsite/Road,end of Somersville Rd., flowers.There should be some i Walker and Highland Ridges spectacular views of Mount during wildflower season.One- Diamond Misses(East Bay south of Antioch. Diablo's summit and various way hike with car shuttle organ- Regional Park District) 50 Round Valley/Marsh Creek Road 1.6 miles east of Deer rocky outcroppings.Bring lunch ized at trailhead.Finish by 5:30. Traci Parent&Bob Kanagaki Valley Rd.,between Clayton and Brentwood. and water.Moderate pace;we 925-757-2620 70 Preserve Main Parking Lot,on Morgan Territory Rd.,9.4 should be back by noon, April 13,Sunday 2:00 pm Call for meeting place. miles south of Marsh Creek Rd., 10.7 miles north of 1- Useful Plants of Lime Ridge Investigate the lives of 19th-cen- 580r'N.Livermore exit. April 12,Saturday,9:30 am (City of Walnut Creek) tury miners and their families in 71 Riggs Canyon/Finley Rd,north east of Blackhawk-Camino Popular Mt Diablo Hikes(Part Ranger Bruce Weidman 925- the Mt.Diablo Coalfield. 2 of 7)(Mount Diablo 944-5766 Parking fee,Return by noon. Interpretive Association) Meet at MP-30(follow the Shattuck Ave&Berkeley Way, ridge-top views of Mount Diablo, 1 Linda Sanford 510-8484813 signs). This annual event keeps April 19,Saturday,10:00 am Berkeley at 8:30am.Please the east county and beyond on Meet at MP-12($2 car entry getting bigger and better!Join Secluded Stewartsville Valley advise leader if NOT carpool- this hearty and hilly 5-mile hike, fee). A strenuous 8.1 mile loop Bruce Weidman and Lita Bass at Black Diamond(Sierra ing. Join lone on this 8-mile Bring a snack and water. with a 1600'eievation gain.We (NASA scientist and herbalist) Club) hike along some beautiful trails Reservations required(call will follow Mitchell Canyon on a tour that lets you feel,sniff, Guy Mayes 510-522-1590 in Morgan Territory Regional 1 leader),Return by 2 pm. Road to Deer Flat and continue taste and experience the useful Meet at MP42($4 car entry Preserve.Rain cancels. 1 to Murchio Gap,descend on plants of Lime Ridge Preserve, fee).Carpool from Rockridge April 6,Sunday, 12:00 noon Back Creek Trail,and return to Display tables and handouts; BART,9:00 am. Join Guy on a April 6,Sunday, 10:00 am Ask the Ranger'(MDSP) Mitchell Canyon Staging Area make and take a natural craft. moderate hike in Black Spring in the Great Dale— Ranger Carl Neilson 925-837- via the Coulter Pine Trail. Diamond Mines Reg.Preserve Round Valley(East Bay 6129 April 16, Wednesday, 10:00 am with some steep trails.Bring Regional Park District) Meet at the Summit Visitor April 12,Saturday, 9:30 am Morgan Territory's Spring flashlight for mine tunnel.We Mike Moran 925-757-2620 Center. Meet Carl for a question Shell Ridge Wildflower Walk Bloom(Sierra Club,Mt Diablo should be back by 4:30 pm. Meet at MP-50. Take an and answer session for all ages. (Walnut Crk Open Space Fdn) Group) Bring food to eat and share at enchanting gambol through blue j An excellent introduction to Jerry Fritzke 925-934-1161, Carol Larson 925-691-6303 post-hike potluck dinner.Rain oaks and survey the wildflowers Mount Diablo State Park. Ralph Kraetsch 925-939-6610 Meet at MP-70.Call for 9 am cancels, blooming beneath them.tip a Meet at MP-24. Enjoy spring North Concord BART pickup by creek canyon we go to take wildflowers in Walnut Creek's Bpm Tuesday.A leisurely hike April 19,Saturday, 10.00 am son,benef uingz; J. Check avocado-pollinating,echo-locat- buffet girds.On this easy t boundary. Explore Dan Cook SMD's Joseph Galvin Ranch www.savemountdiablo.org for ing,little(sometimes not!)Hitters! hour hike down Curry Canyon, Canyon(original stage road to (Save Mount Diablo) more information and for sign-up Bats are the best!Join Mike for we'll learn about Mt.Diablo's summit)through mixed woodlands Dave Trotter,Burt Bassler forms. Call for reservation. this one-hour slide show and live- birds,their interdependence to the to Rock City.Live Oak 925-947-3535 ly chat about these truly amazing mountain,and their food sources. Campground for lunch,then wild- Meet at MP-14 to carpool April 26,Saturday, 9:00 am and oh-so-helpful critters.Be sure Bring binoculars,camera,water flowers,manzanita,wind caves On Jan.24,SMD acquired the Mount Diablo Summit(Sierra to dress warmly.Parking fee. and snacks.Weather permitting. and great views of Mount Diablo's 62 acre Joseph Galvin Ranch on Club,Mount Diablo Group) summit.Bring lunch and water. Morgan Territory Rd. A beauti- Steve Bakaley 925-945-8205 April 30, Wednesday, 10:00 am May 7, Wednesday,6:00 pm Moderate pace; Return by goon. ful canyon rising from Marsh Meet at MP-12($2 car entry Shell Ridge(Sierra Club,Mt. Shell Ridge Geology Hike creek between two ridges—one fee).No-host carpool at Diablo Group) (Mount Diablo Interpretive May 17,Saturday,9:30 am covered in chaparral and the Rockridge BART,8:00 am. Linda Lenahan 925-937-9770 Association) i Popular Mt Diablo Hikes(Part 6 other in woodland—the property Leader at Pleasant Hill BART, Meet at MP-24. Join Linda and Ken Lavin 925-686-9393 1 of 7)(Mt.Diablo Interpretive backs up on the recently protect- 8:15 am. Join Steve on this her dog Winston on a moderate Meet at MP-24. Join Ken on this Assoc.) ed Morgan Territory Ranch. strenuous but moderately paced hike to enjoy spring flowers and 4-mile hike through Shell Ridge Linda Sanford 510-848-4813 Hike the property and hear about hike to the summit and around nice vistas of Mt.Diablo and sur- Open Space and learn the story Meet at MP-5(park at Diablo SMD's efforts. Rouncitrip of 2 the mountain.We should be back rounding area.Bring 4L's.Dogless behind the rocks and landforms of Valley Overlook). A 3.8 mile loop miles. Heavy rain cancels. by 7:30 pm.Optional dinner stop folk welcome.Heavy rein cancels. the Mount Diablo region.Please with a 1000'elevation gain.We atter hike.Rain cancels. tali leader if you plan to attend. will follow Juniper Trail to the April 20,Easter Sunday, 10 am May 3,Saturday,9:00 am Summit Trail and to the summit. SMD's Chaparral Spring Hike April 26,Saturday,9:00 am Mt.Olympia and Eagle Peak May 10,Saturday,9:30 am Juniper Trail is a showplace for &Heritage Tree Day(SMD) Old Man of the Mountain (Sierra Club,Mt Diablo Grp) Lime Ridge Wildflower Walk poppies and other wildflowers. Frank Varenchik,925-947-3535 (City of Walnut Creek) Steve Bakaley 925-945-8205 (Walnut Creek Open Space Meet at MP-14. Experience the Ranger Ron White 925-942-0225 Meet at MP-12($2 car entry fee). Foundation) May 17, hatRa t ing? noon spring with SMD Board member Meet at MP-21. Moderate hike Carpool from Pleasant Hill BART, Jerry Fritzke 925-934-1161, What's That Rattling?(MDSP) Frank Varenchik on SMD's 333- along old Stagecoach Rd.up 8:15 am. Join Steve on this stren- Ralph Kraetsch 925-939-6610 Ranger Vince Anibale 925-837- acre Chaparral Spring property, Pine Cyn to find the illusive nock uous but moderately paced hike Meet at MP 30 past golf course 6129 in the Mount Diablo to Black formation known as the'Old involving Mt.Olympia,Eagle driving range to the lane near the Meet at the Summit Visitor Center. Diamond Mines corridor. Part of Man of the Mountain".We will Peak and Twin Peaks.Participants end of the parking lot,follow Learn about rattlesnakes and other Chaparral Spring's acquisition ford creeks on this level 3-mile must have a minimum of two signs to parking area. snake inhabitants of Mt.Diablo cost has been raised through her- hike through Diablo Foothills liters of water.We should be back Enjoy later spring wildflowers in State Park. itage tree and grove adoptions. Reg.Park and Mt.Diablo State by 6:00 pm.Optional dinner stop Walnut Creek's Lime Ridge Open Come along if you'd like to visit Park.Sturdy shoes,bring water after hike.Co-listed with Sierra Space.Walk will reach the high May 18,Sunday,12:00 noon and a snack.Finish b noon. Singles.Rain cancels. point of the area,a gain of about The Heat Is On(MDSP) your tree or grove,if you Ire y ng Ranger Carl Neilson 925-837- interested in honoring or memo- 700 feet.Length of walk about rializing someone special,or if April 26,Saturday, 10:00 um May 3,Saturday,9:30 am four miles.Back by 1:30 pm. 61299 you'd simply like s walk a Somersville Van and Mine Popular Mt Diablo Hikes(Part 4 Meet at the Summit Visitor Center beautiful property. Tree donors Tour-Black Diamond Mines of 7)(Mount Diablo Interpretive May 10,Saturday, 10:00 am A discussion of the wildland fire RSVP at 925-94y. Tree especial- (EBRPD) Associaitun) Popular Mt Diablo Hikes(Part 5 suppression.Firefighting gear will R VPifyat have special needs. Bob Kanagaki 510-636-1684 Linda Sanford 510-848-4813 of 7)(Mt.Diablo Interpretive be on hand. Call for meeting place location. Meet at MP=13. A 5.9 mile loop Assoc.) April 22,Tuesday,8:30 am Leave the driving to us as we with a 1200'elevation gain. Linda Sanford 510-848-4813 May 21, Wednesday,6:00 pm Eagle Peak(Sierra Club, transport you through the Waterfalls and astounding wild- Meet at MP-7(meet in front of the Lime Ridge History Hike(Mt Mount Diablo Group) Somersville townsite to the flowers make this trip worthwhile. Summit Visitor Center.$4 car Diablo Interpretive Assoc.) Nancy Janes 925-672-5908 Hazel-Atlas Mine.We'll discuss We will follow Donnor Canyon entry fee). After viewing interpre- Ken Lavin 925-686-9393 Meet at MP-12($2 car entry fee) the rich human and geologic his- Road to the Hetherington Loop tive displays in the Summit Visitor Meet at MP-34. Join Ken on this Join Nancy an this strenuous tory of this quiet valley and Trail,then take Cardinet Oaks Center,we will take the Fire 4-mile hike through Lime Ridge hike to Eagle Peak,return via explore some of the mine work- Road to the Fails Trail and return. Interpretive Loop Trail encircling Open Space and learn the fascinat- alternate route.We should be ings in its hillsides.Ages 55+, the top of the mountain.The first ing history of the town of Cowell back b noon.Extreme heat Fee$3.Reservations required May 3,Saturday, 10:00 am third of this trail is paved and &the Great White Smokestack- Mount call leader).Return b noon. Mount Diablo's Mitchell Rock accessible to wheelchairs. Call if you pian to attend. (over 85 degrees)cancels. ( ) Y (Mt.Diablo State Park) Aprily 23, Wednesday,9:30 am April 26,Saturday, 12:00 noon Ranger Cameron Morrison 925- May 10,Saturday, 10:00 um May 24,Saturday 9:30 am.Three Springs Nature Hike The CCC:Park Builders(Mt, 672-4266 Spring Flowers of Mount Diablo Popular Mt Diablo Hikes(Part(Save Mount Diablo) Diablo State Park) Meet at MP-12. Join Cameron on (Mount Diablo Interpretive of 7)(Mt.Diablo Interpretive Sue Watson 925-254-4077 Ranger Doug Camden 925-837- this moderately strenuous hike to Assoc.) i Assoc.} 13 Meet at MP-14. Join Sue on this 6129 Mitchell Rock.Learn about the Yulan Tong 925-945-6068 Linda Sanford A 3.5 mile to moderate hike to see the show of Meet at the Summit Visitor history of the park and surround- { Contact leader at PO Box 4173, Meet at MP-3 A 3.5 mile loop wildflowers that spring has Center. A discussion of the ing area.What does the future I Walnut Creek CA 94596,for with a 640'elevation gain.We wit wild e this love) area on the Civilian Conservation Corps and have in store?Approximately 1.5 meeting place and to sign(num- take Knobcone Point Road to the broughtY its legacy at the State Park. hour hike.Weather permitting. bets limited). Devils Slide Trail and into north side of Mount Diablo. g y' unctior Mostly gentle slopes,but one J Sycamore Canyon.At the jTwo short trails at the summit Y April 27,Sunday, 9:20 am May 3,Saturday, 11:00 am offer four of the six endemic with the Trait Through Time,we optional steep climb to the high- Mitchell Canyon to Deer Flat 'Mount Diablo's Balancing plants of Mount Diablo."Total Rock ascend into Lower Rock City er springs.Please wear boots or (Contra Costa Hills Club) (Sierra Club,Mt.Diablo Group) length about LS miles,mostly before returning to Curry Point vi, sturdy shoes.Heavy rain cancels. I Ruth Foster 925-939-9115 Don de Freme 925-837-564b the Summit Trail. ry i level.Bring water. April 24-27,Thursday-Sunday Meet at Walnut Creek BART for Meet at MP-3($4 parking fee). carpool to trailhead Mitchell Carpool from Walnut Creek BART May 11,Sunday,2:00 pm .May 25,Sunday,9.30 am Four Days Diablo: Diablo P°O ( p ' Trail Backpacking Trip(SMD) Canyon Staging Area).An 8-mile near taxi-stand at 10:15 am.A A Lion's Tale(MDSP) Lime Ridge Open Space(CC hike to Deer Flat and return. leisurely 4-mite hike to an unusual Interpreter Michael Rodriques Hills Club) Seth Adams 925-947-3535, Phyllis Faireloth 925-687-3537 Reservation Only,limited to 20 Some climbing is involved,but rock formation,Balancing Rack. 925-837-6119 Join the third SMD Diablo Trail the wildflowers make it worth- Wildflowers should be abundant. Meet at the Summit Visitor Center. Meet at Walnut Creek BART and z while.Rain cancels. Bring water and snack.Rain can- Follow Michael on the trail of the carpool to trailhead at Ygnacio trip,a 4-day, 0-mice trip across and Cowell Roads, Join Phyllis 6 open spaces from W.Creek to cels.Return by 2 pm. majestic mountain[ion. Equipment shuttled, April 27,Sunday,2:00 pm on this leisurely paced 6-mile hike Brentwood. Eq leaving you to ipmen between Bats,Plain and Simple–Black May 4,Sunday, 10:00 am May 17,Saturday.9.00 am on the new Paradise Valley Trail. campsites. Gourmet meals Diamond Mines(EBRPD) This Hike Is For The Birds! Dan Cook Canyon to Rock City Some hills with views of Concorc Mike Moran 925-757-2620 (Mount Diablo State Park) (SMD) Walnut Creek,Mount Diablo,anc catered by area restaurants. Meet at Greathouse Visitor Ranger Ryen Goering 925-837- Sharon Walters 925-631-4267 the Delta. Experts provide evening inter- ', pretive lectures. $750 per per- Center(Somersville). Bug-eat- 6129 Meet at MP-t Roadside of ing,night-flying,cave-dwelling, Meet at MP-3. Diablo provides a Southgate Rd,just inside park interest on the first try."..."As we Ignacio Valley to the top of Diablo and down � . . "RN approached the club I had Mr.Bull to the south gate in the Mt.Diablo Villa jump the train on the offside as homes, (Oakwood Dark Stack fano and other quickly as possible and hurry to properties comprised the Mt.Diablo Villa the stables and have one of the homes,all together 13,000 acres.)" stablemen drive all the saddle horses,except one for Mr.Hearst "The contract as finally worked out between and my horse,into the big pasture William Randolph Hearst and R.N.Burgess and herd them well up the moun- Company was signed in 1914,and provided tain so there would be no chance for the sale of 15,000 acres reaching from the of gathering them in time for the terminal of the Oakland and Antioch railroad guests to catch up with Mr.Hearst in Ignacio valley to the top of Mt.Diablo and and me."..."I had an important down its southeast slope to Diablo,at a price deal to discuss and felt it was best of$100 per acre"..."R.N.Burgess Company not to have any distractions." was to proceed with developing the golf course,club house,and the building of the Mt. "Mr.Hearst and I were about four Diablo Scenic boulevard. The advertising was hours in the saddle. He selected a not to start until the boulevard was graded. To high wooded hill-top on which he the expenses of improvements there was to be would build. He worked out plans added ten per cent for overhead and profit. R. for the proposed development as N.Burgess Company was to be the Sales we rode along. He said, `We will Agent and was to be paid twenty per cent..." `" rix"c sco sav " � have to have the boulevard right- u of-way 200 feet wide so it can be "This contract was the largest advertising F'1 ANCISCO y g g con- Z?_LX_ ., "—. = ' planted to trees and shrubs that tract ever written. The delay of Mr.Hearst's chute encouraged tourists and potential home buyers to visit,i,t.Diablo, will do best at the various eleva- signing of this contract and the completion of wo, bus and rail routes to the mountain. (Collection of Roger Epperson) tions,'The elevations were from the Boulevard Drought us up to the time the 350 feet to 4000 feet. `And,when United States entered World War 1,and the Diablo Scenic Boulevard,so I started its con- completed,I will deed it to the University of American people then were more concerned strut#ion from the North gate in the Brubeck California as an arboretum and have it with the draft and taxes than with seeking a tract and pushed it through to the top of the endowed,and I will give some thought as to milder climate." mountain. It was practically all stone or shale, how to develop it further so it will be of educa- much of it had to be blasted. The blasting tional importance.," "Speculate only when you have more money holes had to be drilled as deep as 30 feet,and than you need,never when you need more that was in the day of hand drills. I purchased "The top of Mt.Diablo is the base meridian for money than you have." a Marion steam shovel and it was operated by all California surveys. From its top there is a McCune until the entire road was graded"... {R.N.Burgess became financially successful wonderful view on a clear day. It is possible to "After the road was excavated to the mountain see over an extent of 40,000 square miles of in other ventures after the Great Depression. top McCune brought the shovel down about valleys,rivers and mountains,--the pillar of He died in 1965. Several of his children con- three miles and started a road to the south and smoke from Mt.Lassen volcano, Looking tinue to live in the area.) west that ended in the South Gate in Diablo." westward you see the San Francisco Bay area, and as far west as the Faralone Islands. Mr. "# "The next move was to get the Oakland Hearst said, `This is a wonderful view,and Antioch Eastern to build through Ignacio should be the site of a castle-like building. It is Valley to the worthy of Julia Morgan's skill.' (She was his at, Hutchinson Tract, architect on the San Simeon Castle and his i, connecting with the place on the Russian River. Pians for the ` North Gate,and to Castle were later drawn up by Arthur B. build from Saranap Benton and approved by the Department of the to the Club house in Interior,but World War I came along and it the park. This was was not built then.)" done and they CBSregu- larly operated the " l B. rs To round out the 13,000 acres in Mt.Diablo ips to Diablo, Railroad spur Diablo Club car by Villa homes,the sale of which was under way I914."..."Now to get to Mr.Hearst it was necessary to have a report L t uh sides of Diablo(c.MDSE a spot on the official b I on the available water."..."the most dependable � F maps for Diablo it source was the Pleasanton Valley basin........So was necessary to have Diablo made a United M we purchased as the Tasajarra Land Company States Post Office. This did not prove too dif- 8,000 acres that connected the Mt.Diablo Villa ficult,so Diablo was born." Homes with the Pleasanton basin and from h Hearst William Randal them got a right of way for a pipe line. To � make the Hearst contract operative we had to "I sat up most of the night writing and re-writ- complete the Mt.Diablo Scenic Boulevard so it Burgess s Moorish Torre del Sol hotel ing a telegram to William Randolph Hearst,a could be traveled from the north gate in was proposed for the mountain's summit man I had never met,but I had to catch his a 1916. but was never built(c.MDSP) might easily have happened instead," said Malcolm Sproul,SMD's president. Roots in Portugal's Azores Islands The Morgans,Cardozas,Silvas,Correa Azevedos,Vieras and Galvins are all relat- ed,with ancestors from the Azores. The Joseph Galvin Ranch is on Section 10, straddling Morgan Territory road. A sec- tion,or square mile,includes 640 acres. :. The Galvin Ranch has passed through the hands of three generations of"Joe"Galvins and has only been used for grazing. Section 15,most of which was acquired by Save Mount Diablo in its purchase of the 631-acre Morgan Ranch in 1989 and which 'i includes our recent Morgan"Red Corral" acquisition, is adjacent on the south. Oak woodland on the south ridge of the Joseph Galvin Ranch, (Scott Hein) Jeremiah Morgan,for whom Morgan Galvin, continuedfromTerritory is named,first visited Mt.page 1 drove his grandfather Manuel Nunez to the Diablo's east side around 1856 from his Morgan Territory road narrows to one lane. Morgan Territory ranch in the family home in the Ygnacio Valley and then buggy,fording the creek before the bridges SMI?has a policy to acquire properties moved there the following October. along the Marsh Creek corridor,one of the were both. `There wasn't much of a road then just a mud hole.' Later he and his "Jerry"owned Section 10 as early as 1857 longest and least developed streams in the and Section 15 somewhat later. His house Fast.Bay. The creek's headwaters and sev- grand€ether worked on the road for the and barn were located on the northwest eral miles of its length are protected within county. `My grandfather built all those comer of Section 10. The barn is still bridges on that road-he built them all. He j Morgan Territory Reg.Preserve and Mt. standing. When Morgan died in 1406 he JI Diablo State Park. Several more miles are was good at pilin`rocks. You know,he had lost all of his property and by 1908 the could stack rocks...He could really make a protected at Round Valley and in the new Bank of Concord owned Section 10, Cowell Ranch State Park,and its mouth is rock wall good and not use any cement- Antone Correa-Azevedo probably bought it stack'err?in there. 'They're still there in found near the proposed site of the Delta those bridges.''' at a bank sale that same year or possibly Science Center in Oakley at Big Break. somewhat later. Galvin's northwestern corner starts at a rel- One ridgeline is chaparral covered,with a atively new bridge over the creek, leading fire road threading its way up through fra- to a multi-million dollar house built by Tom grant brush. The other ridge includes oak Candiotti,a former Oakland A's pitcher. woodland with rock outcrops cresting to 1 The western boundary follows the road and grassland and expansive views of Windy creek south to include two of the distinctive Point and the mountain. The spectacular one-lane white bridges built over Marsh property rises east to the Seem square j Creek. A third bridge is located at the mile,recently protected with a conserva- Southwestern comer of SMD's"Red Corral" tion easement' # �I roe p p Galvin is habitat for a variety of wildlife r �b including the rare Mt. Diablo sunflower, According to Homan,"Fred Bloching often lull.Diablo globe lily,and the threatened California red-legged frog. It almost cer- tainly serves as habitat for the threatened + �3 Q Alameda whipsnake. Marra Felomena&Joseph Galvin on their wed- ding day May 24, 1964(e. the Galvin Family). "Acquisition of the Joseph Galvin Ranch helps accomplish several of SMD's goals "Maria'Thereza Cardoza emigrated from including helping to establish a better cores the Azorean island of Sao Jorge to Boston j ridor between Morgan Territory Regional g in the late 1800s and then traveled cross- Preserve and Mt.Diablo State Park,while country-to California,where she married protecting part of the Marsh Creek riparian Declusian`John'Silva,another Azorean"... corridor and significant biological "the couple lived on the old McGrew place l resources. The property is a piece in a p puzzle designed to conserve the resources on the north end of Morgan Territory Road, of Morgan Territory. By contrast,the about six miles from Marsh Creek Road. Shortly before the birth of their second Candiotti mansion next door shows what child in 1$95,John died of pneumonia"... foe&Rose Calvin,c.1916(c. Galvin Family) 10 MN. than seven years when she died on 14 November 1936, one day before her 70th birthday." SMD13 Wright ! Joseph Galvin(either Joseph C °y°" Bento-Galvin or possibly Bento Galvao in Portuguese), Galvin r- --- emigrated from the Azorean x" r 3a ,Morganisland of SAo Miguel. He T oory Ranch worked for the Azevedos Ranch Conservation when he was 18 or 20,and rpt 1 ? met and married Rose Correa Azevedo. Three of Maria Thereza's daughters inherited parts of Section 10(after marriage they were Anne Morgan,Lucy Viera and y RiISEi GalVln). "his death occurred during the rainy sea- Joseph and Rose had four sons,Everett, son,and his body had to be brought down Herman(Benny),Jerome(Jerry),and on a sled because the road was so muddy. Joseph. Eventually the brothers split up the Y71 Corral 1 Visiting physician Dr.George Mckenzie properties they jointly inherited and l� declared,`Don't ever ask me up there ranched. "When the property was subdi- Purchase Complete again!"' vided we put in the fences that summer. l i l With a big family like ours,everyone pitch On January 7,2003 Save Mount Diablo "Left with two small daughters,Maria es in and helps,"said Joe Galvin,the sec- completed the$290,000 purchase of the Thereza married Joseph Correa Azevedo and Joseph's son. twenty acre Morgan Red Corral,for future (brother ofAntone),who had also emigrat- addition to Mt.Diablo State Park. ed from SAo Jorge. Their daughter Luzia Joseph's wife Maria FeIomena Medeiros (Lucy)described her father as a good,gen- Galvin,also from the Azores,died January We acquired the 631-acre Morgan Ranch tle man who was very Strang physically 14, 1988 at age 53. Joseph passed away on across the road from the Red Corral in and a hard worker,taking on the utmost July 17,2001 at age 71 leaving property, 1989 and immediately transferred it to the exertion in order to become a property including the 62 acres SMD purchased,to State,but there is very little parking to owner." three of his children,Maria,Joe,and'Tony. access the addition. The Red Corral will provide space for a small staging area On March 4, 1909 Joseph was killed,at "My dad always wanted to make a park out while protecting a section to Marsh Creek. age 47,in an accident near Martinez."The of the Morgan Territory property. It was 1909 court-ordered inventory of the proper- one of those dreams he had. When some- SMD optioned the Red Corral on July 10, ty belonging to Joseph Correa Azevedo thing's been in the family for a long time, 2002 from Bill and Naomi Morgan and showed that at his death he owned 1,045 you're glad that it won't be destroyed,and had six months to complete the purchase. acres of land,worth more than$6000, that people can continue to value it. I'm We will land bank the property until trans- much of it along Morgan Territory Road." glad that the property will be protected and fer to the state. We have agreed to allow "Two years after Joseph's death,Maria left alone,"said Joe. continued use of the property's corral and Thereza Correa Azevedo married her broth- er-in-law {Anton},creating a combined The Joseph Galvin Ranch is not open to the family of 12 children,including two public except by guided tour. Funding for the purchase was awarded to orphaned girls she had adopted." SMD on July 19,2002 as part of a penalty There is a public hike there on April 19, paid by the Seeno development company ' "Lucy Viera described her mother,Maria Saturday, 10 69 AM Check the Spring on for Endangered Species Act and Thereza Cardoza Silva Correa Azevedo,as Diablo schedule or our website for more Streambed Alteration permit violations at a calm person in the midst of the storm of information. its San Marco project in Pittsburg. this large integrated family. Maria Thereza and her daughters baked 16 to 20 loaves of Save Mount Diablo has also agreed to bread every other day on their wood stove. place a historical plaque onsite,describing They made cheese that had a flavor and Jeremiah Morgan,for whom the area is texture similar to jack cheese today. Lucy ,a named. remembered her mother's potato doughnuts and Portuguese sweet bread,made for spe- The Moran Red Corral is not open to the cial occasions. Another household chore public except by guided tour; There will was making lye soap. Despite her heart be a public hike on Sunday March 30. trouble,Maria Thereza worked very hard a Check the Spring on Diablo schedule or and had outlived her third husband by more 1 our website for more info. Membership Save Mount Diablo's annual operating expenses are underwritten by the financial support received from membership. In addition to financial support,the number of members we have _ is a statement to legislators and others funders about the level of community support for our projects. We would like to thank the following individuals who have become members since ! fth3anuary 1,2002. We invite you to join them in supporting Save Diablo s�forts to pre- serve open space. � Founder's Circle Ronald&Ann Hendel Walter&Joann Brown Robert Heaton Bud&Olga,lane Rotermund Ten year pledge of$10000 Dick Heron&Sue Pauline Browne Kristen Hein Al&Mary Anne Sanborn Anonymous Pitsenbarger Raymond&Patricia Buck Eric&Debbie Hinzel Leanore Sanderson Harlan&Gayl Hirschfeld Richard&Lois Bunyard Roz Hirsch Martin Sargent Dave&Dana Domsife g Sandy Hood Robert&Gail Burnett Michael&Nadine Hitchcock Ernest&Dorothy Sattler Summit Flub John&Linda Judd John Butera(Butera Video William&Marilyn Hoenig Jean Saylor $1,000 or more David&Lois Kai] Productions) James&Toril Jelter Melvin&Pat Sayre Burt Bogardus John Kiefer Pam Butter David Jesus Anthony Schilling Braddock&Logan Services Knapsack Tours-Michael Michael Buturla&Gineth Kimberly Johnson Leo&Maryann Schindler Inc-Joseph Rappel Palucki Soto-Buturla Roger&Donna Johnson Rob Schonholtz&Jane Hicks Jed&Rosemary Daniel Gerald&Rosette Koch John&lane Cambus Richard Kawin Paul&Nancy Schorr Joe Goldstein Gordon&Lynn Lakso .Deborah Carr Zebi&Vera Kerekes Judith&Earle Schremp Paul&Yen Yee Fun Locklin Harvey&Phyllis Ceaser John&Marian King Mady Schubarth Douglas Lacey&Cindy Patricia Lopez Allan&Lynda Chasnoff Jesse&Sharon Krider Andrew Sessler Silvani-Lacey Eleanor Loynd Charles Clem Steve Larson Rich&Ann Sexton ( Linda Locklin Bob&Joan Marx Alan&Kathleen Clute Philip Lathrap David Short Robert&Shirley Nootbaar Robert Maynard Nancy Collins&Francesco Jeffrey&Deborah Leighton Sierra Club Bay Chapter-Mt. Richard Rollins Steve&Linda Mehlman Adinolti David Lingren Diablo Group j Marian Scott James&Sharon Moore Janice Costella David Loeb Reta Simmons k Richard&Sandra Smith Amara&Clark Morrison Douglas Cox Michael Magnani Sharon Singer Mildred Sneison Theron Nelson Randall&Jacqueline Curtis Jon Maienschein&Lisa David Smith&Terry Blair FeZllr Guutdiun Michael O'Donahue Richard Davis&Sandra Cline Kathryn Smith Lawrence Peirano Jones Vicki Marlow Ron&Judy Smith $500 or more Stephane Pelchat Don de Fremery Bunny Martin&David Alan&Mary Louise Smith i Jim&Carolyn Butler Brad&Trish Platt Brenda De La Ossa Kurtzman Beth Snortum Dina Colman&David Daniel&Janet Schalk John Deeming Martha Martin Leonard&Barbara Songster i Luczynski Chris Schmidt-Plant Decor Ernest&Florence Dickson Robert McClain John&Elaine Spiecker Sally Dalton&Peter Gochis Monica Sheridan Conrad&Shirley Diethelm James&Joan McCracken Richard&Mary Sproul l Raymond&Laura De Pole Sandor&Faye Straus Carl Dinerman&Marianne Jim&Phyllis McDonald Malcolm&Casey Sproul i Kaye Decker David&Deborah Trotter White Winton&Margaret Stan&Linda Stanley Steve Evans&Kathleen Frank&Barb Varenchik Jack&Ami Ditzel McKibben Andrew&Karen Stein Correia Carl&Lynne Walter Robert Docili Mark McLaren&Nancy Dean&Samantha Stoker Lee Glasgow Dick&Margo Watson Linda Domeier Norland Nancy Storch Scott&Claudia Hein David Whippy Lee&Barbara Drew Shawn Mehaffey Patricia Thomas Carolyn&Bob Milts(Mills Michael&Chryl Dumas John&Jill Mercurio Patricia Thunen Associates) Diablo Donor John Edwards Melissa Moehle Tom&Jill Totfoli Gordon&Donna Monroe $100 or more Chuck&Pat Eisner Barbara Monsler Frank&Edith Valle-Riestra David Ogden&Sandi Biagi Barbara Ageno Stephen Elliott Mark&Marie Morley Jacob Van Akkeren&Leslie Henry Stauffer Thomas&Annette Alborg Bill&Margaret Espey Maynard Munger Bartholic Earl&Marlys Worden Roger Alperin Riley&Karen Etheridge Carl Myers Verne Van Vlear Anonymous Kent Fickett Beckee Beemer David& Margaret Nicholas Craig Vassel Mountain Sayer Anonymous Paul&Kathy Fitzpatrick Craig Nielsen Rudy&Sandy Wagner $250 or more Anonymous Susan Flautt Michael Ogles Clifford Walker Judy&Andy AdlerAndy Aston Susana Fousekis Charles&Ann Olsen Barbara Walters Anonymous Louise Baldwin Paul,Lisa&Kelsey Francis Orinda Garden Club Sharon Walters Alan&Helen Appleford Willard Ballenger Greg&Cindy Francisco Orinda Hiking Club Milton&Margaret Watchers Bill&Joyce Ashurst William&Diane Barley WJ Frank Verna Osborn Douglas&Ruth Waterman Mary Baldwin James Bartlett&Mimi Foord Alex&Deborah Friedman Carly Owens David&Elaine Wegenka Geoffrey&Sandy Bellenger Virginia Bary Leslie&Virginia Gallaugher Albert&Pam Palitz Stuart&Kim Weinstein Lesley Benn Burt,Bassler Bruce Garner John Patterson Tom&Carolyn Westhoff Peter&Waldy Breidbach Stephen&Karen Beck Al&Pat Gavello Lisa Pellegrino Robert&Karen Wetherell Bette Brockman&Jim Claude&Carol Benedix Barbara George Susan Peters Ayn Wieskamp Richards Edward&Mildred Bennett Donna Gerber E.L.&Carol Pollock Ann Witter Diane Brown William Bernell Bingham&Larry Gibbs Paul Popenoe Judy Wobleski Dorothy Brown Bruce&Sandra Bevaert Elizabeth Girgich Rita Poppenk John Wohr&Stephanie Patrick&Shirley Campbell Patty Biasca David&Diane Goldsmith Donald&Mary Lou Priewe Simmonds Rick&Suzanne Cordes Anne Blandin Larry&Cynthia Grabel Jeffrey Radigan Hobie&Ann Woods Phillip&Jean David Jim Blickenstaff Julie Grisham Bill Ralph Milo Zarakov&Deborah Long James Day Mark Bole Donald&Melinda Groom Ed&Gwen Regalia G&D Zellingers Tom Fannin Marchetta Bowdle Phil&Susan Grover Connie Regalia George&Sarah Zimmerman Sidney&Linda Fluhrer Malcolm&Sylvia Boyce Richard&Faye Guarienti Jennifer Rice Liana Genovesi& Scott Don&Jeanne Boyd Jean Halforii Charles Rickenbacher Friends Ahrendt Kate Boyle Sydney&Helen Hammill Grant Peterson-Rivendell $35 or more .John&Cathy Grosso Lynn&Butch Brear Katherine Hart&Donna King Bicycle Works 520 Members support SMD ' James&Roberta Hadley Alex Brendel Tom&Janeen Heath John Roebuck in this membership category. Peter&Judi Nage Ron&Sharon Brown Michael Rosenblum 12 _ Peyton 1.Jacob Denise&Bruce Muirhead Dan Suzio Ruth V.Jamison Theron&Elizabeth Nelson Thomas E.Swaine James&Toril Jolter Helen E.Newman Paul Swatek Jepson Herbarium,UC Richard&Dorothy Nichols Joanne Taylor i Berkeley Raymond&Judith Nickel Virginia Thomas Donald&Carole Johnson Robert&Shirley Nootbaar Patricia Thomas Steven&Anne Jones Marilyn Nuber(Contra Costa Deborah Thomason-Olsen { Gail Jordan Roofworks) Larry Thompson Il Paul&Dorothy Joslyn David Ogden&Sandy Biagi Gregory&Cathy Tibbles Giselle Jurkamn&Kristin Michael Ogles Chris Valle-Riestra Cooper Stephen&Susan Ohanian Linda Wallgren Robert&Patricia Kahn Shelley Okey Walnut Creek Garden Club tt Peer&Julie Ann Kaldveer Dale&Jean Olds Sharon Walters Ursula Kaprielian Charles&Anne Olsen John&Donna Walton Paul&Deirdre Katz Bili&Kay O'Neil Frederick&Margaret lfvarnke bong time residents of the Joseph Galvin Ranch Raymond Katz&June Jim O'Neill&Kathleen Mosier- Bjorg&Jan Wasserfall Maselbas O'Neill Franz&Sarah Wassermann DonationsElias Katz,Ph.D. Diana&Peter O'Rourke John Waterbury General Diane Kauffman Verna Osborn Dick&Margo Watson Valerie&Jim Kayl Diane Oshima Harry Wayne Lillian Adams Julia Dos Santos Kathryn Kearns Greg Page Alfred P.Weiler Penny&Jim Adams Lee&Barbara Drew A.M.Kern Frank&Julieanne Palermo Neil&Madeline Weinstein Judy&Andy Adler Thomas&Jane Dunphy David&Nlary Kimble Robert&Patricia Partridge Peter&Dolores White Barbara Alexander East Bay Bicycle Coalition Doug Knauer&Jennifer Nancy&Tom Patten Peter&Ann Whitehead Dolores Anderson Mark Edgren Babineaux Karlene Prattler Kristen C.Wick Jack&Diana Anderson Roy&Isako Egawa Emma Kolokousis Rodney&Sarah Paul Stephen&Margaret Wilcox William&Margaret Andrews Joel&Diane Eisenberg Jesse&Sharon Krider David&Mariana Peck Sonja&Kim Wilkin Henri Audiffred Chuck&Patricia Eisner Wayne Ladd Marianne Pedrazzs James&Audrey Wilson i Richard Baeheniteimer Ken&Emily Elliott James&Beverly Lane Dale Perkins Craig&Barbara ( David Baer Robert&Margaret Elliott Roger&Sue Lang Basilia Peterson Wool rnington-Smith 1 Bruce Baldwin Anthony&Marie Emerson Theodore&Janice Lassagne Fred&Virginia Peterson Leslie&T.R.Wyatt Willard Ballenger Marvin&Ruth Epstein Philip Lathrap Marjorie&Theodore Plant Joel&Jacqueline Zaves John&Deborah Barone An Mari Ericsson Anne LeBlanc Allan Prager Peter&Midge Zischke James Bartlett&Mimi H.Foord John Erskine David Lee Gloria Pulido Frances Zurilgen Greg&Joanne Bartow R.F.&B.A Falck Ian&Mary Lee Mildred Rafoth Hunt&Patti Bascom Robert&Lucia Falcone Edward L. Leech Richard&Rayna Ravitz Christina Batt George&Toni Finger George Lehrer Hubert&Joan Reber Henry Beek Helen Fink James A.Lehrman Wolf&Hadassa Reiner Stephen&Karen Beek Kenneth Fischer Marston&Anne Leigh Clara Richert Joseph&Susan Bell Harold&Donna Fogel David Lenehan Elsie Richey Walter&Evelyn Bell Francis Frederick Jr Ronald&Rose Lemberg Charles&Linda Riekenbacher Mark&Silvia Belotz Paul Friedlander Anne Leslie Lois Riddle Margot Bevis James&Maty Ann Gaebe Edward M.Lindsay John&Muriel Ridgway Lewis Bielanowski George Ann Germs Lindsay Wildlife Museum Randy&Kathy Ridgway Jerry&Floy Blair Mark&B. Geiser lames Lhtgel Tom&Ulla Rieger " Bea Boorey-Christolos James&Judy Gillivan Linda Locklin Brad&Ruth Riordan Alan Stuart&Katharine Gary&Judith Ginder Ruth Loomis William Robinson Boren Mary Givens&Austin Paul&Carol Lou Barr&June Rosenberg Monkey flower Boucher Family Foundation Burchell Nathan&Suzanne Lutz Jay Rosenthal j Richard&Mary Bowers Marilyn Goebel James&Shirley Lynch Elisabeth RothschildIn Honorof Madeline Boyes Marilyn&Ted Goeller John Maclay Frank&Marilyn Royer { Doug&Kristine Brady Joseph Goldstein Robert&Valerie Mahoney Michael&Kyle Ruggieri Kristi Branum Ronald Golman Bob&Diane Malucelli Bob Ryon Eric,Lesley&Alexa Bieth I Jennifer Brodie&Robert Paul&Ann Gommel Ed&Carol Margason Kenneth&Marjorie Sauer Mildred Partansky Brownbridge Fred&Elaine Grab Christopher&Vicki Martin W.B.&Beatrice Scarborough Anti Ditzels•Birthday Diane C.Brown John S.Gravell Bunny Martin&David Bill Schaaf Solweig Sandell Jean Brown Beth Graves Kurtzman Leo Schindler Anita&Christina Ditzel Ronald&Barbara Buff Barbara Gregory John&Marti Masek Rudolf Schmid Abigail Grabow, Diana Bunting&Modesto Charles Gresham Carolyn Matthews Alexander Schmid &Tina "f<rr being a goad kid'* Piazza Plato&Patricia Grivas Theodosia Maurer Hogan Robert Myers Richard&Lois Bunyard Robert&Beverly Grunder James&Mary McCall Mady Schubarth Don&Ann Jones i Constance Burgess Beverly&James Gulley James&Emily McCormick Allen&Alyce Schwartz Jeanne Thomas Kathleen Burke Williams Richard&Rosita Gustafson Kate McKillop James&Patricia Scofield David Luczvnski Philip&Marjorie Bush Carlyn Halde Christopher&Barbara McLain Arlene Scoies Carol Luczynski Dennis Borkowski Carol Hanrahan Mark A.McLaren&Nancy Arlene Scoles Jane Manning Carol Campbell John&Esther Harris Norland Carlo&Margareta Sequin Sara Manning Patricia&John Campbell Kathleen Harrison Robert McLaughlin&Theresa Peggy Shafer Marti&John Masek Albert Capron Richard&Margaret Hart Rumjahn Patricia Shanahan&Brad Waite Dick,Jayna,Henry& William&Deborah Carr Kari&Billi Haug Diana Meadow Ann Shanck Spencer Elgin Joan Casey Doyle Heaton Shawn Mehaffey Monica Sheridan Matthew ONeil Loren Castro Tamra Hoge Samuel&Mary Mills Virgie Shore Anonymous ` Allan Chasnoff Virginia Heiderick Wayne&Silvia Montoya John S.Shudlick Michael&Janice Partansky Clayton Women's Club Lucy Henderson Joe&Jerilyn Moore Robert&Carol Shuey Mildred Partansky Robert Clear&Barbara Judd James T.Hendon&Kathryn Yolanda Moreno William Sikkema&Linda J. Robert&Dolores Price's 60th i Howard&Betty Coates Brawn Richard&Carol Mortensen Young Wedding Anniversaty 1{ ! Patricia E.Coffey Julia Henshaw Dave Moss Dana&Marti Sketchley Robert&Dolores Price Florence Cole Wendy Heyse Margaret Mowery Bob Slyker Save,ktvunt Diablo, "keep up George&Joan Colvin John&Eleanor Higson Matt&Mary Smith the good work" Jim&Patricia Compton Robert&Bette Hill Roger&Helen Smith Marcia Matthiesen Jennifer Cook Harlan&Gayl Hirschfeld Kathleen Smith Shawn&Micheline Willis' Sherrill Cook&Richard S. Ella Hirst Gary&Carolyn Snyder Medding Stephens Michael&Nadine Hitchcock Paul D.Spiegel Joyce Willis Kenneth Cribley Richard H.oedt Cindy Spring Douglas&Carol Willis Patrick&Barbara Cullinane Katherine Hoffinnan Sandra Sprowl Sharon Cummins Norma Holder Barbara Steben Sylva Dajam Myrtle &Conrad Hopper Susan Steinberg&Dennis Contributions listed on John&Charlice Danielsen William K. House *ioHerzog these pages were made Glen&Georgene Deardorff Scott&Frances Hovey James&Barbara Stevens r z Joe&Beryl Deas Jane Hrynkow Dean&Samantha Stoker /rom August 1, 2002 John S.Deeming Joseph Huettl Jo&Jack Sudall thru January 24,2043. Anne Delaney Kenneth&Joanne Hughes Nanette Sullivan ! Helen Deman Donald&Lorelle Hunt We thank and appreciate. David&Merleen Devine Leon Hunter Columbine Volta S Bovey El Jahn& ouise Sutter these generous donors. Fred&Susan Donecker Andrew&Barbara Imbr;e In Memory or Samuel&Barbara Berghorst Bert on Raffaela,4gosrina Aidada Peterson Aida Peterson Marc Pritchard Robert Baldwin Marvin&Carolyn Schick a �011 KnClUer Jo c Kell Dale Rostomily yDia g D�tVCd Trotter y ' Diane Burton Dou Director of Dave also joined I Melvin Borges Galen&Barbara Rowell g Virginia Heiderick Larry Ferri Sales Initiatives at SMD'S Board in Rose McKinnon Bill&Genevieve Sattler Levi Strauss&Co. January 2002 after GCa&Marlowe Boyd Henry Segrove Maryy Cabral Helen Schmitt and a member of serving on the ' Joyce Kelly Marjorie&Charles Evans SMD's Development Development Wanda Carmana Charlie Schraers Ben Dishman Committee for sev- Committee. An PaulaCarmona Norma Alexander Edith Marie Shirling eral years,joined attorney at Bowles Inez Scheller Joan Allen our Board of Annette Cathcart-Reid Bruce Smith &Verna LLP,Dave Marian Booth Kathleen Smith Directors in January 2002,and became has been dynamic at developing finan- Grace DKclellolce Mildred stutter Secretary of The Board this year. Doug clot sponsors for SMD events and pro- Joyce Kelly Y g Stephen Robert DeChene Mr.&Mrs. e R. Sickhas been a huge help with events and in William Orman seeking grams. He graduated from Occidental Carl Whitnell seeking financial sponsors. He's helped College and received his J.D. from Lucia Chih Thad&Mabel Haley Paul&Elizabeth Baxter with Four Da s Diablo and even gone Stanford Law School. For seven years Malcolm Williams y i Barbara Ward Valerie Mark so far as to serve as auctioneer at he served on the Moraga Planning Jon Ericssonn Charles Judy Allton SMD's Moonlight on the Mountain 31 st Commission,was a Director and An Mari Ericsson Anniversary. An economics graduate President of the Moraga Historical In Ferri and Masters reci ient from UCLA, Larry Ferri Dave Luezynski& p Society,and on the town's Chamber of Betty Goldstein Dina Colman Doug also participates in Habitat for Commerce. He is a Director of the DiP aaZBunting&Modesto IBM Notepad& Humanity,Christmas in April,and Lassen Park Foundation,and a youth Frank&Edith Valle-Riestra Gateway CPU Season of Giving,a Levi charity event. basketball coach. Ruth Foster Timothy Colman,Publisher- Rose Ialnut Cre Good Nature Publishing Co "Diablo is where I bicycle and the "I joined SMD because I appreciate The Walnut Creek Creakers' mountain is both beautiful and always the organization's work,and for my Softball Players 200 prints"Native Grasses y Carol Larson of California" changing. I got involved with Save children. I strongly support SMD's A unman&Barbara Smith Mount Diablo because of my love of goals and vision of preserving open Armand&Marylye Land Fund i the outdoors. I asked a ranger what was space and lands in and around the Johnson Harvey&Donna Brosler the most active organization in the area, mountain,for the benefit of future John&Thelma Dana Paul Aiello Jean Hauser Tom&Carole Allen was handed an SMD newsletter,and the generations, I want to help continue l Barbara Hauser Rollin&Millie Anner rest is history,"said Knauer,who lives what has been an excellent record of Marey Dubow Howard Michelle Azimi in Danville. His wife Jennifer Philip&Henrietta Dubow Lee&John Ballesteros success." Dave lives in Moraga With Thorne Holmes Henry Beede Babineaux is a full time veterinary stu- his wife Debbie and their four chii- Virginia Holmes Leslie Belsher dent at U.C.Davis. Larry M Ives Kory Bennett dren,Andy,Emma,Jack and Patrick June Wall Kim Bhatt Lester M Johnson Robert Blamer,Jr Don Laston&Family Bill&Francoise Boden Harry Locklin,Our Dad Jeff Boers J Linda Locklin Mary Bowerman �ll� V JI t` , WU Molly Locklin Jeri Brown Dave Locklin Erica Cail3ouet W, dXXtf, Mark Locklin Laura Carmody � T?Y ' �' � Sherrill Loc klin-McGrane Ellie Castillo Paul Locklin Reno&Shea Cervelli Glen Landon Reesa Cheatle �f � Joan London Johnson&Louise Clark - Yra� ?� �fiT79iP T � Frank Loomis Charitable Foundation Mr.&Mrs.Ervir. Daphne Colacion � Rodemsky William&Ruth CollinsGtr37 if3tti #�t 7tt7Ql Evaughn Manning Peter&Clare Coussoulis Charles&Marjorie Evans Ivy R.Danforth Heinke Martin Vickie Dawes Jean Hand&John Dulac James Marvin Timothy Reardon Ursula Londahl Michael DeMieco Susan Hanson Sandra Mata William M&Anne£te Russell Ruth May B Leslie&Sydney Dent Veronica ca Harrington Patrick&Susan May Wayne&Kathleen Sanburg Jim&Judy Gillivan Conrad&Shirley Diethelm Higbee James&Emily McCormick Matthew Schaefer Irma Merryman Fernando&Carmen Dos Marilyn Holloway James&Erlima McGuire Maxine Schmidt&Valerie Don&Gladys Laston Santos Alex&Debbie Imholz Rose McKinnon Schmidt-Pomerantz Hank Moises Mark Edgren Carol James Gayle Mennillo Janine Senior Marei Etwess Michael Johnson Virginia Ronald Servin Richard&Patricia Locke g` is Meserole Edward&Debra Erhardt Jane Jolivette Daphne L.Miller Richard&She Shand rew Katherine Plummer p John&Bett John H.Kiefer Sherry Kimberly Brandt y Estrada Moraga Garden Ctub Shelley Snyder Robert&Susan Chandler Charles&Marjorie Evans David&Lisa La Bean Eric Moss Charles&Dora Starkey Earl&Gloria Emelson James&Greta FactorTerry Milford Munson Sherry Starks ,t�fary nesbit David&Charlotte Faletti Stephanie Lattuca John&Constance Ormond Mike&Pam Stenberg Don&Gladys Laston Linda Fautkenberry Lillian H.Lemon James Pacquer Anne Stevens Richard Nu ent Che I&Steven Ferguson Fortunata Leon-Guerrero Russell Palacio g rS' g Claire Leseber Richard Straub J Mary Tang Nina&Michael Ftuss g Frank&Julieanne Palermo Magtangol&Lisa Tan John E Osher JR Franklin Robert&Diana Londerville Marianne Pedrazzi Steve&Jane Tanner Peggy Osher Tore&Else Fridolfsson Jann Louvau&Jay Otvos Aida Peterson Arthur&Nancy Tellez Bob Otten Bernadette Garcia Gerrit&Ardith Louwerens Antone&Mildred Peterson Larry Thompson Gregory Low William Towns J.Lemmons Gary&Judith Girder g Elwir,Peterson J Richard Victor Joseph&Thelma Giovannoni Terrence Mackin Jennie Phillips Larry Tracey Melvin&Lois Decker Elizabeth Girgich Karel Mandagi Christine Schmidt(Plant John Waggoner Bruce J.Granicher CliffMarchetti DBcor & Janet Decker Michelle Martin � William&Elizabeth Walsh Jerry&Donna Hoeg Francine Greiner Tcrese Pollock Don Wheaton Teresa Ramirez Andrea Zuur --- — ----- --- --� 14 �.—_----_—_----=_--_-- i Robert Boyle Roger Epperson Mountain Saver Award Mountain Star Award for Lifetime Achievement for Stewardship As a teenager Robert Doyle was a founding Roger Epperson is Superintendent of member of SMD's Board of Directors. He Black Diamond Mines,Morgan Territory JVI began as a laborer for the East Bay and Round Valley Regional Preserves, Regional Park District while living in the three of the East Bay Regional Park State Park's Hetherington cabin. District's largest and fastest Today Bob is Assistant General growing parks. Many Park Manager of Land Acquisition, ilk Superintendents might be Interagency Planning, opposed to an increasing work- Environmental Review and GIS, load in a time of budget con- and Regional Trails for the East straints but Roger has always Bay Regional Park District. His been one of SMD's biggest first love has always been Mt. cheerleaders,aiding in acquisi- Diablo,however. He served as tion projects,events and land President of SMD for eight year's and use efforts. He has also been responsible works with the organization on a daily for careful management of his parks and basis. He helped create three of Diablo's their resources,from repair of the tomb- regional preserves and has been involved in stones at the Rose Hill cemetery to care- Robert Doyle(upper left)receives award for life- many of the land use issues participated in ful use of grazing and other management time achievement from SHIM s Seth Adams, by SMD. In the past thirty years no one tools. Because of his efforts and those of Roger Epperson(lower left)receives award for has had a bigger positive impact on the his staff,these three large preserves enjoy stewardship from SMD's Ron Brown. preservation of the East Bay's open space. increasing ecological health. Pill Save Mount Diablo responds to nearly voir's size. The reservoir had barely begun because it was a companion to the East every development project proposed to fill when CCWD began planning for an Bay Regional Park District's$225 million around Mt.Diablo. We also work on sig- expanded regional reservoir,to serve other AA open space measure and because it nificant policy issues which might impact water agencies. The existing dam would be included a growth management plan. AA or benefit the mountain,such as the torn down,and a larger one constructed. has been a huge success,while Measure County's tightening of the Urban Limit Three times as much land would be flooded C's growth management policies are con- Line several years ago. Below are four and the reservoir's length and width would sidered a resounding failure. The tax must issues of huge importance. double-a dramatic barrier to wildlife be reauthorized by 2008. SMD and a movement. SMD serves on the coalition of environmental,social justice Sand Creek.Plan (FUA#I) Ratepayers'Taskforce and is considering and labor organizations have participated In the Fall 2002 Diablo Watch,we includ- proposed impacts and benefits. in the measure's planning in hopes of ed an insert about Antioch's proposed 5000 increasing dollars for open space mitiga- unit Sand Creek Specific Plan(FUA#1), Shaping Our Future tion,mass transit,and to improve C's which includes a business park,impacts Throughout the nation,planning agencies growth management policies. Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve, are considering ways in which to facilitate and adds more than 143,000 new car trips "Smart Growth"to encourage more effi- per day to area traffic. During the summer cient development,near transportation t Biu tea p, „ Antioch released a draft Environmental where services already exist and where Impact Report,with the intent to approve there are fewer impacts. Contra Costa the project at the end of 2002. When more County and the County's cities have spon- ,�r EAY-ES�e,TA than a thousand residents expressed their sored a regional planning study called concern with letters and postcards,and "Shaping Our Future." SMD is monitoringttyrrs after many letters in response to the EIR, the effort with others to ensure that future uns the city delayed their consideration until development plans are located in the right early Spring 2003. We'll keep you posted. places and balanced with preservation. Los Vaqueros Expansion Measure C- Transportation The Contra Costa Water District(CCWD) Sales Tax & Growth ""` A completed 1600 acre Los Vaqueros reser- Management voir in December 1497. CCWD was required to acquire 18,500 acres of water- In 1988 Contra Costa County passed a half shed,relocate Vasco Road,protect Vasco cent sales tax addition for transportation Caves with EBRPD and limit the reser- projects. It passed on a second try,in part 3 15 —_- _- "Moonlight on the Mountain" i Thanks to Auction honors + Acne Treatment Clinic,Bay Nature Magazine, Berkeley Repertory Theatre,Sandy Biagi& Sharon Juhnke,Bill Graham Presents/Clear Channel Entertainment,Bowles&Verna LLP, a; Dr.Lisa Carroll,Ceramics by Rachel Deist, ' Changes Salon&Day Spa-Walnut Creek,Club Sport of San Ramon,Concord Feed&Pet Supply,Cost Plus'World Market,Crow Canyon i Country Club,Diablo Valley Personal Fitness + Center,Diablo Yoga Center,Disneyland, Father Nature's,Fensalden B&B Inn-Albion, John Finger,Harlequin Gardens,Scott&Claudia Mo Hein,Horse Laundry Service,Stephen Joseph, John Koeberer&Pam Koeberer Pitts,Levi Strauss&Co.,Little Home Thai Cuisine-San Ramon&Pleasanton,John&Jill Mercurio, Malcolm Sproul,Mondello's Cucina Italians- ' Moraga,Natalie's Creations,Oakland Athletics, . Paramount's Great America,Postino-Lafayette, Quivira Vineyards,R-Computer,Rivendell Bob Doyle points out one gl'the smaller wind caves at Vasco Caves,known.fcar Bicycle Works,San Francisco Giants,Scott's vernal pools,cultural artifacts and rich biodiversity(Scott Hein) Seafood,See's Candies,Shirley Williams, Shoreline Amphitheatre,Six Flags Magic 131-lecial SMD Events.- Save the Date Mountain,The Masquers Playhouse Inc.,The Storyteller-Lafayette,David Trotter,Wild Bird Saturday,March 15 Vasco Caves Limited Saturday,May£0 Joseph Galvin Ranch Center-Walnut Creek to 30 donors at the Diablo Donor level and Preview limited to donors at the Diablo higher(will receive special invitation) Donor level and higher(will receive special Thanks to Financial Donors invitation Daniel&Carol Altwarg,Edward&Mildred Saturday,March 29 Vasco Caves Limited ) Bennett,Bowles&Verna LLP,Sandra Bozarth, to 30,E-news recipients get first notice(see Saturday May £7 Silva Ranch Diane Brown,Linnea Burnette,Carl Dinerman, the Spring on Diablo schedule) Dedication(invitations will be mailed to Rudolf Glauser,Liede Marie Haitsma,Randall& Saturday,April 19 Joseph Galvin Ranch members) Anastasia Hobbet,William&Susan Miller, Preview(see the Spring on Diablo sched- Sunday,.lune £ Mt.Diablo Trail Yolanda Moreno,Maynard Munger,Bob& ule) Adventure I0k race or hike(seepage 3) Shirley Nootbaar,David Ogden,Tom& Elizabeth Platt,Leanore Sanderson,Edward& Sunday,April 20 Chaparral Spring& Saturday,September 13 Julie Sattler,Arlene Scoles,Jean Siri,Alan& Heritage Tree Day(see the Spring on "Moonlight on the Mountain",Save Mary Louise Smith,John Sproul,William& Diablo schedule) Mount Diablo's 32nd Anniversary,to be Ruth Stone,Jeanne Thomas,Susan Watson, April 24-27 Four Days Diablo-Limited held at the China Wall,Mt.Diablo State Stuart&Kim Weinstein,Nancy Wenninger,Bev Park(seepage e 4 &Phil Winslow,Betty Zilen to 20,8750 per person(see page 3)16 ( g ) Save Mount Diablo's Mission . . •Creates dedicated open space from land ,Aids in the restoration of habitat and preser- To secure through acquisition and preservation, acquired through gifts,purchases&coopera- vation of mare species; the open space necessary to support the full tive efforts with public and private entities; •Offers technical assistance to agencies and range of biological diversity and to insure the •Educates the public about threats to the neighborhood groups with regard to securing integrity of Mt.Diablo's natural beauty. mountain; open space; •Works with landowners to preserve their •Works diligently to raise funds necessary to Founded in 1971,Save Mount Diablo has been property while realizing economic benefits; support Save Mount Diablo's mission. instrumental in increasing open space on and .Works in partnership with Mt.Diablo State around the mountain from 6,788 acres to more Park,Bast Bay Regional Park District,and Contact Save Mount Diablo at; than 81,000 acres. other organizations to increase open space; 92 www.3535,Fax dia 9o.org 3 In support of our mission,Save Alount Diablo: •Monitors land-use planning; www.savemountdiablo.org — I s a e 1' MOUNT + ' LO Non-Profit i Organization 4195 Boulevard Way,Suite 40 U.S. Postage Paid Walnut Creek,CA 94595 Concord, CA Address Service Requested Permit No. 525 Building Inspection Contra Carlos Baltodano Department Director of Building Inspection Costa Count,, Administration Building ur�fiy 651 Fine Street,3rd Floor, North Wing Martinez, California 94553-1295 (925) 646-4108 FAX (925)646-1219 November 25, 2002 O' N1%NE Mike Nepstad, Fish & Wildlife �r ' 2800 Cottage Wy, Rm W-2605 Sacramento, CA 95825-1846 RE: NOTICE OF INTENT TO RENDER ADMINISTRATIVE DECISION .Dear Property Owner: An application for a grading permit has been submitted to this Department and is currently under review of 72 , 000 cubic yards of earthwork for an eighteen hole golf course. The County Building Inspection Department will render a decision on this application fallowing a public comment period. If you wish to comment or request a public hearing in this matter, you must submit a written statement by December 5, 2002 to the: Building Inspection Department 651 Pine Street, 3rd Floor, North Wing Martinez, CA 94553 The application is described as follows: David Fowler (Applicant & Owner) . The subject property is located at 5400 Hot Springs Road in the Byron area (APN 002-200-014) . Following the public comment period, the Building Inspection Department will (1) schedule a public hearing if one is requested, or (2) consider comments as suggested conditions of approval or as reasons for denying the application. Sincerely, 01 IZ-------`-"_ Ory faria Sr. Grading Inspector GPF:mla S:clerks-bi/grading/gr 16 merge Building Inspection .... Caectar at Build no inspection Department Contra sta County Administration Building County 651 Pine Street, 3rd door, North Wing Martinez, California 94553-1295 (925) 646-4108 ' FAX (928) 646-1219 November 25, 2002 r` Janice Gan, Dept . of Fish & Game P. O. Box 850 Tracy, CA 95378 RE: NOTICE OF INTENT TO RENDER ADMINISTPATIVE DECISION Dear Property Owner: An application for a grading permit has been submitted to this Department and is currently under review of 72 , 000 cubic yards of earthwork for an eighteen hole golf course. The County Building Inspection Department will render a decision on this application following a public comment period. If you wish to comment or request a public hearing in this matter, you must submit a written statement by December 5, 2002 to the: Building Inspection Department 651 Pine Street, 3rd Floor, North Wing Martinez, CA 94553 The application is described as follows: David Fowler (Applicant & Owner) . The subject property is located at 5400 Hot Springs Road in the Byron area (APN 002-200-014) . Following the public comment period, the Building Inspection Department will (1) schedule a public hearing if one is requested, or (2) consider comments as suggested conditions of approval or as reasons ' for denying the application. Sincerely, ary aria Sr. Grading Inspector GPF:mis S:clerks-bi/grading/gr 16 merge Building Inspectiont�rtr Carlos Baitodano Depa"di'tf"1'tent Director of Building Inspection Costa County Administration Buildings { 651 Pine Street,3rd du � loor, North Wing � Martinez, California 94553-1295 (925) 646-4108 FAX (925) 646-1219 November 25, 2002 U.S . Army Corps of Engineers, Sacram Dist . , Regulatory Section 1325 J Street Sacramento, CA 95814-2922 RE: NOTICE OF IN'T'ENT TO RENDER. ADMINISTRATIVE DECISION Dear Property Owner: An application for a grading permit has been submitted 'to this Department and is currently under review of 72, 000 cubic yards of earthwork for an eighteen hole golf course . The County Building Inspection Department will render a decision on this application following a public comment period. If you wish to comment or request a public hearing in this matter, you must submit a written statement by December 5, 2002 to the: Building Inspection Department 651 Pine Street, 3rd Floor, North Wing Martinez, CA 94553 The application is described as follows: David Fowler (Applicant & Owner) . The subject property 'is located at 5400 Hot Springs Road in the Byron area (APN 002-200-014) . Following the public comment period, the Building Inspection Department will (1) schedule a public hearing if one is requested, or (2') consider comments as suggested conditions of approval or as reasons' for denying the application. Sincerely, 4a4,%1ria Sr. Grading Inspector GPF.:mis S:clerks-bi/grading/gr 16 merge _ STATE OF CALIFORNIA.THE RESOURCES AGENCY GRAY DAVIS,Governor DEPARUMENT OF FISH AND GAME POST OFFICE BOX 47 'Y4 YOUNTVILLE,CALIFORNIA 94599 (7O7)944-5500 J December 5, 2002 Mr. Gary Faria Contra Costa County Building Inspection Department Martinez, CA 94553-1295 Via Fax (925) 646-1219 Dear Mr. Faria: Notice of Intent to Render an Administrative Decision 5400 Hot Springs Road, APN 002-200-014 Contra Costa County Department of Fish and Game (DFG) personnel have received the Notice of Intent to render an administrative decision on the grading required for an 18-hole golf course project proposed at 5400 Hot Springs Road near Byron. The project involves 72 , 000 cubic yards of earthwork in an area known to support a number of special status and unique habitats. DFG disagrees with the County of Contra Costa' s (County) intent to render a decision without California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review of this action. There is an exercise of discretion in the issuance of a grading permit for this particular project as defined by CEQA. The County will exercise judgment controls in the issuance of the grading permit for this project in that the grading ,permit will affect the scope and extent of impacts associated with the project and therefore the environmental outcome . In this case CEQA review is particularly important because there has been no prior analysis under CEQA of grading-related impacts of this magnitude at the project site. The project site is considered to be in an ecologically significant area which is known to support a number of special status species and unique habitat types . A number of areas in close proximity to the proposed project have been, set aside and managed as habitat for these species and have been identified as being of particular importance in rangewide conservation planning. Mr. Gary Faria December 5, 2002 Page 2 There are occurrences of San Joaquin kit fox (Vulpes ma.crotis mutica) , California tiger salamander (Ambystoma californiense) , burrowing owl (Achene cunicularia) , California red-legged frog (Rana aurora. draytonii) , Swainson' s hawk (Buten swainsoni) , and badger (Taxidea taxes) in close proximity to the project site. Additionally, the following species and habitats occur in the project area: white-tailed kite (Elanus leucurus) , loggerhead shrike (Lanius ludovicianus) , golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) , vernal pool fairy shrimp (Branchinecta lynchii) , California horned lark (Eremophila alpestris actia) , western pond turtle (Clemmys marmorata) , San Joaquin pocket mouse', (Perognathus inornatus inornatus) , big tarplant (Blepharizoni plumosa ssp. Plumosa) , recurved larkspur (Delphinium recurvatum) , diamond petaled poppy (Eschscholzia rhombipetala) , rose-mallow (Hibiscus lasiocarpus) , Mason' s lilaeopsis (Li.laeopsis masonii) , Ferris' s milk-vetch (Astragalus tener var. ferrisiae) , alkali', milk-vetch (Astragalus tener var. tener) , San Joaquin saltbush ',(Acriplex joaquiniana) , heartscale (Atriplex cordulata) , caper'-fruited tropidocarpum (Tropidocarpurrm capparideum) , valley sink scrub, northern claypan vernal pool, and alkali meadow. DFG is trustee agency for fish and wildlife resources of the State of California. DFG is also a responsible agency and issues permits for impacts to State listed threatened or endangered species and impacts to State waters. Independent of, the CEQA requirement, the County should inform the applicant that if it is determined that the project will impact listed species or State waters, close coordination with DFG and the 'I.T.7. S . Fish and Wildlife Service, as appropriate, will be required to assure compliance with the California Fish and Game Code and the State and Federal Endangered Species Acts . Based on the exercise of judgment controls by the County in the issuance of the grading permit for this project, ', the magnitude of impacts to special status species and ecologically significant habitat, and the absence of previous review, DFG disagrees with the County' s intent to render a decision without CEQA review of this action. DFG recommends this project be subject to CEQA and requests a public hearing on this matter. _ __.. Mr. Gary Faria December 5, 2002 Page 3 If you have any questions regarding CEQA interpretational issues, please contact John Mattox, Legal Counsel, at (91.6) 554-3821 . For questions regarding our comments', please contact Janice Gan, Environmental Specialist, at (209) 835--5910; or Scott Wilson, Habitat Conservation Supervisor, at (707) 944-5584 . Sincerely, /41 Robert W. Floerke' Regional Manager Central Coast Region cc : Wildlands Inc. 5910 Auburn Boulevard, Suite 17 Citrus Heights, CA 95521 Dan Buford U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service 2800 Cottage Way, W2605 Sacramento, CA 95825 Ed Wylie, South Section Chief U S. Army Corps of Engineers 333 Market Street San Francisco, CA 94105-2197 East Bay Regional Park District 2950 Peralta Oaks Oakland, CA 94505-0381. Seth Adams Save Mount Diablo 1195 Boulevard Way #10 Walnut Creek, CA 94595 John Mattox Office of General Counsel Department of Fish and Game 1416 9th Street, 12th Floor Sacramento, CA 95814 126q5/02 T€u 17:23 FAX 9169792744 us FIE-AND WILDLIFE I1001 ng w IRLI ve U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE Sacramento Fish and Wildlife Office Endangered Species Division San Joaquin Valley Branch 2800 Cottage"Way,loom W-2605 Sacramento,California 95825-1846 Phone: (916)414-6600 Faye: (916)414-5713 or 414-6722 FAX TRANSMISSION COVER SHEET Date: December 5,2002 To: Gary Faria Fay.: (925)646-1219 4 Re: Notice of intent to Render an Administrative Decision, 5400 Hot Springs Road, j APN 002-200-014, Contra Costa County, California Sender: Susan P.Jones,Branch Chief, San Joaquin Malley Branch, Sacramento Fish and Wildlife Office Total Pages (incl.Cover): 3 Comments: Final version of this letter to follow soon. Susan P. Jones E 1P OSf02 THC 17:23 FAX 9189792744 _ .. US FISH AND WILDLIFE �•.. ,_ ____ �.. — Z002 '� United States Department of the Interior on3 , DISH AND VM DL FE SERVICE Sacramento Fish and Wildtife Office 2800 Cottage Way,Room`Vir-2605 IN Y 10"r ,SSaerarmnto,California 95825 1-I-03-'TA-DRAFT December 5,2002 Mr.Crary Faria Building inspection Department 651 Pine Street Martinez,California 94553 Subject: Consultation Process on Proposed(Golf Coarse)Development in the Byron Hot Springs Area of East Contra.Costa County,California. Dear Mr.Faria. I t This letter is in response to..... , letter requesting review of the proposed(Notice of Intent)for the subject project. The U.S.Fish and'Wildlife Service's(Service)comments address potential impacts of the proposed project to species that are protected under the Endangered Species Act of a 1973,as amended(Act). Federally protected species that may occur or are known to occur near or within the proposed project site include the endangered San Joaquin kit fox (Vulpes macrotis murica), longhorn fairy shrimp species (Branchinecra lon,giantenna), vernal pool fairy shrimp(B. Iyncht),and vernal pool tadpole shrimp(Lepidurus packardi). The California tiger salamander (Ambystom tigrense), a Candidate for federal listing,is also known to occur near the proposed project site. The project also may be within,or near,Proposed Designated Critical Habitat for Vernal fool Species. Section 9 of the Act and its implementing regulations prohibit the"take"of any Federally listed species. Take is defined under the Act as"...to harass, harm,pursue, hunt,shoot,wound,kill, trap,capture,or collect, or attempt any such conduct." "Harm„is further defined by Federal regulation to include significant habitat modification or degradation that results in death or injury to a listed species by interfering with essential behavioral patterns, which include but are not limited to, such as breeding,foraging,or resting. Thus,not only are listed animals protected from activities such as hunting or trapping, but also from actions that damage,destroy,or otherwise impact their habitat. The Act dues allow for take of listed species that is incidental to an otherwise lawful activity. If a Federal agency is involved with the permitting, funding, or carrying out of the project, the initiation,of formal consultation between the agency and the Service is required if the proposed project may affect a Federally listed species,pursuant to section 7(a)(2)of the Act. For private projects that do not have a Federal nervus,incidental take may be authorized ander section 10 of the Act,after the project proponent has completed a i /05/02 THU 17.24 FAQ 8189792744 Us FI ND WILDLIFE boas conservation plan for listed species that would be affected by the project,and Haat is satisfactory to the Service. Federally listed species have been documented as occurring near the proposed project location. We believe that any ground disturbing activities associated with this proposed project would result in the talcs of a Federally protected species. The project proponent should contact the Sacramento Fish and Wildlife Office as soon as possible to discuss obtaining an incidental take permit for this project. We request that the Contra Costa County Planning Department refrain from issuing any permits for this project until the applicant has completed the appropriate endangered species consultation with our office. We look forward to working with Contra Costa County and the project applicant to conserve threatened and endangered species. If you have any questions regarding this letter,or need further assistance,please contact Gary Burton or Susan Jones of my staff at(916)414-6630. Sincerely, Jan C. Knight Chiefs Endangered Species Division M, California Department of Fish and Game,Tracy, California(Attn.Janice Gan) Wildlands,Inc., Sacramento, California(Attn, Craig Bailey) Endangered Species Recovery Program,Fresno,California(Atte.:Patrick Kelly) a t t I I I a i f i x � _ CONTh-A"CC1 -1 r $ United States Department of the Interior 7 ( DEC 2 3 a" s FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE A � Sacramento Fish and Wildlife Office k 2800 Cottage Way,Room W-2605 Sacramento,California 95825 IN REPLY REFER TO: 1-1-03-TA-0543 December 12,2002 Mr. Gary Faria Building Inspection Department County of Contra Costa 651 Pine Street Martinez, California 94553 Subject. Notice of Intent to Render An Administrative Decision and Consultation Process on Proposed Golf Course Development in the Byron Hot Springs Area.of Eastern Contra Costa County, California. Dear Mr. Faria. This letter is in response to an application for a grading permit that was submitted to your department by Mr. David Fowler, applicant and owner. The subject property is located at 5400 Hot Springs Road in the Byron area, APN 002-200-014. The applicant is proposing 72,000 cubic yards of earthwork for an 18-hole golf course. We received a copy of the Notice of Intent to Render Administrative Decision on December 5, 2002, and noted that the headline to provide a written statement was also December 5, 2402. Subsequently,we faxed a draft letter with preliminary comments and concerns to your office on that day. The I.T.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's (Service)comments in this letter address potential impacts of the proposed project to species that are protected under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended(Act). Federally protected species that may occur or are known to occur near or within the proposed project site include the endangered San Joaquin kit fox (Y"ulpes rnacrotis mutica), California red.-legged frog(Rana aurora draytonii), longhorn fairy shrimp(f3ranchinecta longiantenna), vernal pool fairy shrimp(B. lynchi),and vernal pool tadpole shrimp(Lepidurus packardi). The California tiger salamander(Ambystoma californiese), a candidate for Federal listing, is also known to occur near the proposed project site. The project also may be within, or very near, proposed designated critical habitat for vernal pool fairy shrimp(Branchinecta lynchi)and Contra Costa Goldfields (Lasthenia conjugens)(50 CFR 59884). Section 9 of the Act and its implementing regulations prohibit the"take"of any federally listed species. Take is defined under the Act as"...to harass,harm,pursue,hunt, shoot, wound,kill, Mr. Gary Faria 2 trap, capture, or collect, or attempt any such conduct." "Harm"is further defined by Federal regulation to include significant habitat modification or degradation that results in death or injury to a listed species by interfering with essential behavioral patterns, which include but are not limited to, such as breeding, foraging, or resting. Thus,not only are listed animals protected from activities such as hunting or trapping,but also from actions that damage, destroy, or otherwise impact their habitat. The Act does allow for take of listed species that is incidental to an otherwise lawful activity. If a Federal agency is involved with the permitting,',fining, or carrying out of the project, the initiation of formal consultation between the agency and the Service is required if the proposed project may affect a federally listed species,pursuant to section 7(a)(2) of the Act. For private projects that do not have a Federal nexus, incidental take may be authorized under section 10 of the Act, after the project proponent has completed a habitat conservation plan for listed species that would be affected by the project and that is satisfactory to the Service. Federally listed species have been documented as occurring near the proposed project location. We believe that any ground disturbing activities associated with this proposed project could result in the take of a federally protected species. The project proponent should contact the Sacramento Fish and Wildlife Office as soon as possible to discuss resolution of the endangered species issues associated with this project. We request that the Contra Costa County Planning Department refrain from issuing any permits for this project until the applicant has completed the appropriate endangered species consultation with our office. We also request that we be placed on the notice list for any consideration or public hearings regarding this proposed project. We look forward to working with Contra Costa County and the project applicant to conserve threatened and endangered species. If you have any questions regarding this letter, or need further assistance,please contact Gary Burton or Susan Jones of my staff at(916)414-6630. Sincerely, C. r Jan C. Knight Chief,Endangered Species Division cc: California Department of Fish and Game, Tracy, California(Attn: Janice Gan) Endangered Species Recovery Program, Fresno, California(Attn: Patrick Kelly) _. DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY U.S.ARMY ENGINEER DISTRICT,SACRAMENTO CORPS OF ENGINEERS 1325 J STREET REPLY TO SACRAMENTO,CALIFORNIA 95814-2922 ATTENTION OF December 5, 2002 Regulatory Branch (200200748) s c, . ' i E fL Gary Faria Contra Costa County Building Inspection Department 651 Pine Street 3rd Floor, North Wing Martinez, California 94553 Dear Mr. Faria: I am responding to your request comments for the proposed Fowler Golf Course project located near the City of Byron, Contra Costa County, California. The Corps of Engineers' jurisdiction within the study area is under the authority of Section 404 of the Clean Water Act for the discharge of dredged or fill material into waters of the United States. Waters of the United States include, but are not limited to, rivers, perennial or intermittent streams, lakes, ponds, wetlands, vernal pools, marshes, wet meadows, and seeps. Project features that result in the discharge of dredged or fill material into waters of the United States will require Department of the Army authorization prior to starting work. The range of alternatives considered in an any project should include alternatives that avoid impacts to wetlands or other waters of the United States. Every effort should be made to avoid project features which require the discharge of dredged or fill material into waters of the United States. In the event it can be clearly demonstrated there are no practicable alternatives to filling waters of the United States, mitigation plans should be developed to compensate for the unavoidable losses resulting from project implementation. -2- Please refer to identification number 200200748 in any future correspondence concerning this project. If you have any questions, please write to William Guthrie at the letterhead address, or email William.H.Guthrie a@usaee.army.mil, or telephone 916-557-5269. Sincerely, Michael Finan Chief, Delta Office FAGE 02 F.i +r ......i'!2WJ_2 1 9 16'31 4 155,4 3 _ ORMWri tt:.R' ` e ` t + urc Cot nx*�:. ' Board. Division of Water Quality ivis winston A.Wekax 1001 t Srscet-Sasramc;rto,C,41if�mia 95814,016)341-533` Gtav Seantw7for NA-Mling AddMW P.G..G.BOX 1471 w SmarwytMtct,California•9581.'x.•197'7 (,pvemor ar Enwrorrrxratttat PAX(9 160414543"41-5543•Tvterrtet.hddM-- htttp`In��vw.�wrr^Es.ce,�nvt!crt�rrrt?�ttt�td�c.t tmE ProtectiFns August 23, 2002 Date Processed: August 15, 2002 ROBERT MILANO 3815 h.LTl`vliviiNGBIR.D DRIVE ANTIOCH. CA 9450 RECEIPT OF YOUR NOTICE OF INTENT The State grater Resources Control Board(State Water Bcrrsrd)has received'and processed your . OTICE OF T.NTE1vT"�O �`oMpI.l Y WITH THE'' ER,MS OF THE C'E�ERt'�. PERMIT TO DISCHARGE STORM WATER ASSOCIATED WITH CONSTRUCTION ACTIVIT`Y'. .Accordingly,you are required to comply with the permit requirements. Your WDID identification number is' 5SO74,5318723. Please use this cumber in any future communications regarding this permit, SITE DESCRIPTION _owNE:t: LAST BAY ASSOCIATES DEVELOPER: +Ct3UNTY: CONTRA COSTA SITE ADDRESS! 54010 HOT SPRNGS RD B-YRON,CA - c0-M IF, CEWIT DATE, EST.CONI II'LETION DATE- When con st etioi t is complete or ownership has been transferred,dischargers are recvd,—ed to notify the Regional eater Bcurd by submitting a Notice of Teminatio± (NOT). All State and local requirements i-mist be zest in accordance -Arith Special Provision No. 7 of the Gene:-al Permit. I have enclosed a NOT for your future use, If you do not rlotif� the State Wate.- E3owd that construe{tion activity has beer completed you will continue to b inn iced for the annual tee each July, Please contact your Regicsnai dater Board at{916}255-3000 if you have,aay questions regarding permit requirements, To obtain story water related infbrmation and forms, please visit the stela-n water web page at wvv,swlcb,wa.g1>v{stozrn�nlizdex.lttsrll, Sincerely, Stor1n Water Seaction Division,of Water Quality Enclosure California Environmental Protection�g�rxc3 BOARD OF SUPERVISORS, CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA AFFIDAVIT OF MAILING IN THE MATTER OF ) Administrative Appeal ) By Seth Adams } Byron Hot Springs } Re: #APN#002200-013,014,015 } I declare under penalty of perjury that I am now, and at all times herein mentioned have been, a citizen of the United States, over age 18; and that today I deposited with Contra Costa County Central Service for mailing in the United States Postal Service, a copy of the hearing notice, in the above matter to the following: Janice Gan Environmental Specialist California Department of Fish and Game I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.,Martinez,CA. Date: February 19,2003 1/� 4 It Danielle Kelly,Deputy Clerk , ......... y .Ili C. eta home 1,2,and 3.Also complete A. Signatum item 4 if Restricted Del1wry is desired. / t 3 Agent It Print your r afne and adoreas on the reverse X '�".� Addressee so that we can return the card to you. B. Reeesusd by(f'rrnfacYIv�me} yJ C. fates e ■ Attach this card to the back cif the{rieilplece, or on the front if space permits. f). is delivery address different from item 1? ©Yes 1. Mcie Addressed to: If YES;enter delivery address detaty: ©Nei Mr. Seth Adams Save Mount Diablo 1196 .Boulevard Way #10 3. sem, Tye Walnut Creek, Ca 94595 i I€ied Mail a Express Mail D Registered 0 Return Reoelpt for Marcharidise D Insured Mail ©c,o.D. 4. Restricted Delivery?(Extra Fee) Cl Yes 2. Article Nvrnber - 7002 1000 0004 91<6 b 34-:67 PS f.s•'. 3811:Ai gugt`2.Mi.. D>r"1 8`tiC Returf Rocaipt �-s :SYau BOARD OF SUPERVISORS, CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA AFFIDAVIT OF MAILING IN THE MATTER OF } Administrative Appeal } By Seth Adams } Byron Hot Springs } } Re: #APN#002-200-013,414,015 } I declare under penalty of perjury that I am now, and at all times herein mentioned have been, a citizen of the United States, over age 18; and that today I deposited with Contra Costa County Central Service for Certified mailing in the United States Postal Service, a copy of the hearing notice, in the above matter to the following: Mr. Seth Adams Save Mount Diablo 1196 Boulevard Way#10 Walnut Creek, Ca 94595 I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.,Martinez,CA. Date: February 14,2003 Danielle Kelly,Deputy Clerk ------------- R q� M Er -- Fee r,atw,rn ftace;pi Fea e s Ci t€ sorsa enia lrs t ® asft?o'2c Dirvary'FQe � ;�ndcrse-er±:�acu;r9c; � 7Dt8i[sQaacass�S Forex i �% -. ns ;�m Mr. Seth Adams C, :s Save.Mount Diablo ---------- �f;s 1196 Boulevard Way #10 Walnut Creek, Ca 94595 A�. . .� o cis �wmo � > - M CO s 0 4 to 1 > e s �x b lad' S Mav ro M xz gfs: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS, CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA AFFIDAVIT OF MAILING 1N THE MATTER OF } Administrative Appeal } By Seth Adams } Byron Hot Springs } Re: #APN#002-200-013,014,015 } } I declare under penalty of perjury that I am now, and at all times herein mentioned have been, a citizen of the United States, over age 18; and that today I deposited with Contra Costa County Central Service for mailing in the United States Postal Service, a copy of the hearing notice, in the above matter to the following: Mr.Seth Adams Ed Wylie,South Section Chief Save Mount Diablo U.S.Army Corps of Engineers 1196 Boulevard Way,#10 333 Market Street Walnut Creek, Ca 94595 San Francisco, Ca 94145-2197 David Fowler John Mattox 741 Shady Glen Office of General Counsel Martinez, Ca 94553 Department of Fish and Game 1416 9`h Street,12"floor Christine Palisoc San Francisco, Ca 94105-2197 Regional Water Quality Control Board of Central Valley 3443 Routier Road,Suite A Sacramento, Ca 95827 Brad Olsen Environmental Program Manager EBRPD 2950 Peralta Oaks Oakland, Ca 94605-0381 Cheryl Johnson USFWS 2800 Cottage Way, W-2605 Sacramento, Ca 95825 Craig Denisoff Wildlands Incorporated 5910 Auburn Blvd,Suite 17 Citrus Heights, Ca 95621 Robert W Floerke,Regional Manager Central Coast Region Department Fish and Game P.O.Box 47 Yountville, Ca 94599 Dan Buford U.S. Fish and Game Wildlife 2800 Cottage Way, W2605 Sacramento, Ca 95825 1 declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.,Martinez,CA. Date: February 14,2003 biinielle Deputy Clerk �' The Board of Superv14ors O�lira kd Sweeten ard Costa County Administration wilding �� Canty Adminisfratcu 651 Fine Street,loom 106 (925)335-1900 Martinez,California 94553-1293 County John Gloia,i st District Gayle S.Ullkema,2nd District [tonna Gerber,3rd District Mark DeSaulnler,4th District , Federal Glover,5th District t February 14,2003 ,A " Mr. Seth Adams, Director band Programs Save Mount Diablo 1196 Boulevard Way,#10 Walnut Creek, Ca 94595 RE:Byron Hot Springs Dear Mr. Adams, Pursuant to Section 14-4.006 of the County Ordinance Code,notice is given that February 25,2003, at 11:00 a.m. at 651 Pine Street, Room 107,Martinez,California has been set as the time and place for hearing by the Board of Supervisors of your appeal from the decision of the County Building Inspection Department,issuance of a grading permit for a golf course at the Byron Hot Springs property at 5400 Hot Springs Road, Byron. If you challenge this matter in Court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice,or in written correspondence delivered to the County, at or prior to,the public hearing. Sincerely, John Sweeten, Clerk of the Board of Supervisors and County Administrator BY Danielle Kelly,Deputy Clerk cc: County Counsel County Administrator Carlos Baltodano,Building Inspection Dennis Barry,Community Development Catherine Kutsuris,Community Development Carlos Baltodano To: Danielle Kelly/COB/CCC@CCC 02/13/2003 04:38 PM Subject: Re:Administrative appeal-Byron Hot Springs property This looks final Thanks Danielle Kelly Danielle Kelly To: gfari@bi.co.contra-costa.ca.us 02/12/2003 08:34 AM cc: cbalt@bi.co.contra-costa.ca.us,ckuts@cd.co.contra-costa.ca.us Subject: Administrative appeal-Byron Hot Springs property Gary, I will be sending out the notices for the February 25,2003 hearing of the grading permit appeal for the golf course at the Byron Hot Springs property on Friday, February 14, 2003. 1 will be sending Seth Adams and David Fowler certified letters. in addition, a courtesy copy will go to the following persons listed on the appeal letter: Christine Palisoc, Regional Water Quality Control Board of Central Valley Janice Gan, Calif. Dept. of Fish and Game Cheryl Johnson, USFWS Brad Olsen, BBRPD Craig Denisoff,Wildlands Incorporated. Please provide me any additional persons you would like me to send a courtesy copy of the notice. If you have any questions, please feel free to call me. Thank you for your help. Danielle Clerk of the Board 335-1902 Danielle Kelly To: gfari@bi.co.contra-costa.ca.us 02/42/2003 08:34 AM Subject: Administrative appeal-Byron Hot Springs property Gary, I will be sending out the notices for the February 25,2003 hearing of the grading permit appeal for the golf course at the Byron Hot Springs property on Friday, February 14, 2003. 1 will be sending Seth Adams and David Fowler certified letters. In addition, a courtesy copy will go to the following persons listed on the appeal letter: Christine Palisoc, Regional Water Quality Control Board of Central Valley Janice Gan, Calif. Dept. of Fish and Game Cheryl Johnson, USFWS Brad Olsen, BBRPD Craig Denisoff,Wildlands Incorporated. Please provide me any additional persons you would like me to send a courtesy copy of the notice. If you have any questions, please feel free to call me. Thank you for your help. Danielle Clerk of the Board 335-1902 �' .+ -}r;•war }r �,,; '` }_ k�l �$ }�. '.'G.. '} •.i } tii r �I SII -t ✓rX'i+$}/.,p { siY. "4.•'•�s' ? ftr sv .•}" ��.•,: � Aw A"$. .�:Y•.,C+_ t . ,,,�'•.+'.r_ } i�r.i'�.•{y k Y}it 5'{ � ' �.:.i•{ii A�' :+:R _.;u K �� �:' .. �,.'{, . 'fr�r}art Y e+T T k... .r a ..e,_• ,_.. mac''... ...5$£. .. .. s a v eiM t U N T r I A B L 0x � wry } Clerk of the Board t Board of Supervisors JAN 0 2 200 Board of Directors: County Admin Bldg. Malcolm Sproul 651 Pine St.,P Floor,North Wing oa. President Martinez, CA 94553-1295 -�` � � Arthur Bonwell Allan gager January 2,2003 Vice Presidents Arnara Morrison,J.D. Secretary Re: Appeal of Building Department issuance of a grading permit Joan Mercurio for a golf course at the Byron Hot Springs property Treasurer David Fowler(applicant&owner) Burt Bassler Byron Hot Springs, 5400 Hot Springs Road Mary L. Bowerman,Ph.D. APN#002-200-013 014,015 Donald de Fremery,Ph.D. Stephen Joseph Douglas Knauer To whom it may concern: Robert Marx Steven Mehirnan,J.D. Save Mount Diablo appeals to the Board of Supervisors the grading permit issued by the Building Robert Nunn David Sargent Department for grading for a golf course at the Byron Hot Springs property,APN#002-200-013, David Trotter 014,015,applicant David Fowler. Our appeal fee of$125 is enclosed. Please notify us of the Staff hearing date before the Board. Ronald Brown Thea appeal deadline for this permit should be January 4,2003,based on the date of the Building Executive Director pp g Sets,Adams Department's intent to render an administrative decision deadline of December 5,2002. However, Director ofLand the Building Department issued the permit in advance of the deadline for comment or request of Programs public hearing,on December 3,2002. Thus the deadline for appeal should be today January 2, Suzanne Bitz 2003. Of fice Manager SMD Mailing Address Among other issues,the Building and Inspection Department failed to comply with its own, 1196 Boulevard way#10 noticed deadline for its intent to render an administrative decision. wainut Creek,CA 94595 Telephone: On November 19,2002(unfortunately our letter is mislabeled November 19,2003)Save Mount (9251947-3535 Diablo submitted a letter regarding a grading permit application for a gol#course on the Byron Fax: Hot Springs property,asking that any permit be subject to CEQA review and a public hearing,and (925)947-3603 cc ing a variety of regulatory agencies including the Department of Fish&Game and the U.S. Website: Fish&Wildlife Department. www.savemountdiablo.org On December 2 we received a Notice Of Intent to Render Administrative Decision,dated November 25,2002, stating that"if you wish to comment or request a public hearing in this matter,you must submit a written statement by December 5,2002" On December 5,2002 at roughly 4:00 pm, Save Mount Diablo Faxed a letter and second request for CEQA review and public hearing on this matter(also unfortunately mislabeled with the same date of November 19,2003)to the Building and Inspection Department. I then called the Department and confirmed that the FAX had been received before the close of the day. E 01 County Building Inspection Department Attn: Gary Faria Board of Directors: 651 Pine St., 3rd Floor North Wing "'LlIC01171 Sproul Martinez,CA 94553 President Arthur Bonwell November 19, Z002 Allan i'maer Vice Presidents Amara Morrisolt.J.D. Re: Byron Hot Springs Secretan, APN# 002-200-013,014, 015 John Mercurio Treasurer - Hurt Bassler 41ary 1_. Bowermmn. 111).D. Dear Mr. Faris, Donald de Fremery. Ph.D. Stephen Joseph Please place Save Mount Diablo on the notice list for any consideration or public hearing Dow-dw, KmIUcr regarding the Byron Hot Springs property and before any grading or building permits are Robert Marx considered. It's my understanding that the owner has applied for a variety of permits for Steven Mehhnittn.J.D. Rolieri Nunn development of the parcel. David Sur_ent Dnvid Troller As you may know this property: --is habitat for a variety of significant listed species staff and within designated critical habitat for some of them, as well as in close Ronald Bro,�n Executive Director proximity to rare habitat types such as vernal pools Seth Adan„ --is within a wildlife corridor area between a variety of special status species preserves, Director of Land including Byron airport mitigation areas, Los Vaqueros,Vasco Caves,etc. Programs --includes significant historic and cultural artifacts Suinnne Biti --is in the vicinity of the Byron Airport,which is being considered for expansion Of./ice Manager SMD Maiiing,iddress Any consideration of development on this parcel should be preceded by protocol level biotic 1196 Boulcvnrd W�iy#10 surveys and other analysis. Walnut Creek-CA 94595 Telephone: I can be reached at the address and numbers at left. Thank you. (925)947-3535 Fax: Sincerely, (925)947-3003 wwvti•.snvetnounttt"sahlu.org �+�-�� Seth Adams,Director of Land Programs Cc: Christine Palisoc,Regional Water Quality Control Board of Central Valley, 3443 Routier Road., Suite A, Sacramento,CA 95827 Janice Gan,California Dept. of Fish& Game Cheryl Johnson,USFWS,2800 Cottage Way, W-2605 Sacramento,CA 95825 Brad Olsen,Environmental Program Manager,East Bay Regional Park District Building Inspection Contra Carlos Beltodano Department Costa Director of Building Inspection County Administration Building ����� 651 Fine Street, 3rd Floor, North Wing (�.7V Martinez, California 94553-1295 (925) 646-4108 ,. 5 •-o FAX (925) 646-1219 f a � November 25, 2002 r '' Z ewr Seth Adams, Director of Land Program ove Mount Diablo 1196 Boulevard Way, #10 Walnut Creek, CA 94595 RE: NOTICE OF INTENT TO RENDER .ADMINISTRATIVE DECISION Dear Fropert,, Owner: An application for a grading permit has been submitted to this Department and is currently under review of 72, 000 cubic yards of earthwork for an eighteen hale golf course. The County Building Inspection Department will render a decision on this application following a public comment period. If you wish to comment or request a public hearing in this matter, you must submit a written statement by December 5, 2002 to the: Building Inspection Department 551 Pine Street, 3rd Floor, North Wing Martinez, CA 94553 The application is described as follows: David Fowler (Applicant & owner) . The subject property is located at 5400 Hot Springs Read in the Byron area (APN 002-200-014) . Following the public comment period, the Building Inspection Department will (1) schedule a public hearing if one is requested, or (2) consider comments as suggested conditions of approval or as reasons for denying the annlication. Sincerely, Garyaria Sr. Grading Inspector S:clerks-bi/grading/gr 16 merge _... ... . .......................................................... ` 3 s a v e M f U N T D I A B L i County Building Inspection Department Attn: Gary Faria, Sr. Grading Inspector Board of Directors: 651 Pine St., 3rd Floor North Wing Malcolm Sproul Martinez. CA 94553 President Arthur Bo;swell Allan Prager VIA FAX 646-1219 Vice Presidents +' Amara Morrison.J.D. Nove C`J, 2003 `� " t � IM 5,01t Sec-retarp .A t John Mercuriol Treasurer Re: David Fowler (applicant& owner) Burt Bassler Byron Hot Springs Mary L. Bo%verma n. Ph.D. Donald de Fremerv.Ph.D. 5400 Hot Springs Road stcphen Joseph APN## 002-200-013, 014, 015 Douulas Knauer Robert Marx Steven Mehhn.m.J.D. Dear Mr. Farla, Robert Nunn David S:ar:ent We received your notice of intent to render an administrative decision two days ago on David Trotter Dec. 2, 2002. Staff Ronald Brown Save Mount Diablo specifically requests environmental analysis and a public hearing on Executive Adams this Uireetor Seth this proposal for a 72r 000 cubic yard, 18-hale golf course at this site. '.In a similar Se Director of and situation,the Board of Supervisors approved the Roddy Ranch golf course on 230 acres Progra»rs only after an agreement was reached to dedicate development rights on more than a Suzanne Bitz thousand acres. As in that case, this proposal would be located in an area with high Office Manager resource values, would be highly visible, would include significant demands on water SNID Mailing Address supplies, whether groundwater or otherwise, etc. 1196 Boulevard Way#10 Walnut Creek,CA 9595 As you may know this property: Telephone: --is habitat for a variety of significant listed species (925)947-3535 and within designated critical habitat for some of them,as well as in close Fax: (925)947-3603 proximity to rare habitat types such as vernal pools Website: --is within a wildlife corridor area between a variety of special status species www.savemountdiablo•oru preserves, including Byron airport mitigation areas, Los Vaqueros, Vasco Caves, etc. --includes significant historic and cultural artifacts --is in the vicinity of the Byron Airport, which is being considered for expansion Any consideration of development on this parcel should be preceded by protocol level biotic surveys and other analysis. I can be reached at the address and numbers at left. Please inform Save Mount Diablo and the cc's below of the dates of the public hearing. Thank you. Sincerely, Seth Adams, Director of Land Programs Cc: Christine Palisoc, Regional Water Quality Control Board of Central Valley, 3443 Routier.Road., Suite A, Sacramento, CA 95827 Janice Gan, California Dept. of Fish &Game Cheryl Johnson, USFWS, 2800 Cottage Way, W-2605 Sacramento, CA 95825 Brad Olsen, Environmental Program Manager, East Bay Regional Park District Craig Denisoff, Wildlands Incorporated, 916 331-8810 5910 Auburn Blvd., Suite 17, Citrus Heights, CA 95621 _ ..................................................... STATE OF CALIFORNIA-THE RESOURCES AGENCY GRAY DAVIS,Governor DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME POST OFFICE BOX 47 YOUNTVILLE,CALIFORNIA 94599 f707)944-550 December 5, 2002 Aft . ,. Mr. Gary Faria { Contra Costa County Building Inspection Department Martinez, CA 94553-1295 Via Fax (925) 646--1219 Dear Mr. Faria: Notice of Intent to Render an Administrative Decision 5400 Hot Springs Road, APN 002-200--014 Contra Costa County Department of Fish and Game (DFG) personnel have received the Notice of Intent to render an administrative decision on the grading required for an 18-hole golf course project proposed at 5400 Hot Springs Road near Byron. The project involves 72 , 000 cubic yards of earthwork in an area Known to support ', a number of special status and unique habitats . DFG disagrees with the County of Contra Costa' s (County) intent to render a decision without California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review of this action. There is an exercise of discretion in the issuance of a grading permit for this particular project as defined by CEQA. The County will exercise judgment controls in the issuance of the grading permit for this project in that the grading permit will affect the scope and extent of impacts associated with the project and therefore the environmental outcome . In this case CEQA review is particularly important because there has been no prior analysis under CEQA of grading-related impacts of this magnitude at the project site. The project site is considered to be in an ecologically significant area which is known to support a number of special status species and unique habitat types . A number of areas in close proximity to the proposed project have been set aside and managed as habitat for these species and have been identified as being of particular importance in rangewide conservation planning. Mr. Gary Faria December 5 , 2002 Page 2 There are occurrences of San Joaquin kit fox (Vulpes macrotis mutica) , California tiger salamander (Ambystoma californiense) , burrowing owl (Achene cunicularia) , California red-legged frog (Rana aurora draytonii) , Swainson' s hawk (Buteo swainsoni) , and badger . (Taxidea taxus) in close proximity to the project site . Additionally, the following species and habitats occur in the project area. : white-tailed kite (Elanus leucurus) , loggerhead shrike (Lanius ludovicianus) , gulden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) , vernal pool fairy shrimp (Branchinecta lynchii) , California horned lark (Eremophila alpestris actia) , western pond turtle (Clemmys marmorata) , San Joaquin pocket mouse '(Perognathus inornatus inornatus) , big tarplant ' (Blepharizoni plurrosa ssp. Plumosa) , recurved larkspur (Delphinium recurvatum) , diamond petaled poppy (Eschscholzia rhombipetala) , rose-mallow (Hibiscus lasiocarpus) , Mason' s lilaeopsis (Lilaeopsis masonii) , Ferris' s milk-vetch (Astragalus tener var. ferrisiae) , alkali milk-vetch (Astragalus tener var. terser) , San Joaquin saltbush (Atriplex joaquiniana) , heartscale (Atriplex cordulata) , caper-fruited tropidocarpum (Tropidocarpum capparideum) , valley sink scrub, northern claypan vernal pool, and alkali meadow. DFG is trustee agency for fish and wildlife resources of the State of California. DFG is also a responsible agency and issues permits for impacts to State listed threatened or endangered species and impacts to State waters . .Independent of the CEQA requirement , the County should inform the applicant that if it is determined that the project will impact listed species or State waters, close coordination with DFG and the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, as appropriate, will be required to assure compliance with the California Fish and Game Code and the State and Federal Endangered Species Acts. Based on the exercise of judgment controls by the County in the issuance of the grading permit for this project, the magnitude of impacts to special status species and ecologically significant habitat, and the absence of previous review, DFG disagrees with the County' s intent to render a decision without CEQA review of this action. DFG recommends this project be subject to CEQA and requests a public hearing on this; matter. Mr. Gary Faria December 5, 2002 Page 3 If you have any questions regarding CEQA interpretational issues, please contact John Mattox, Legal Counsel, at (916) 654--3821 . For questions regarding our comments, please contact Janice Gan, Environmental Specialist, at (209) 835--6910; or Scott Wilson, Habitat Conservation Supervisor, at (707) 944-5584 . Sincerely, Robert W. Floerke Regional Manager Central Coast Region CC: Wildlands Inc . 5910 Auburn Boulevard, Suite 17 Citrus Heights, CA 95621 Dan Buford U. S . Fish and Wildlife Service 2800 Cottage Way, W2605 Sacramento, CA 95825 Ed Wylie, South Section Chief U S . Army Corps of Engineers 333 Market Street San Francisco, CA 94105-2197 East Bay Regional Park. District 2950 Peralta Oaks Oakland, CA 94605-0381 Seth Adams Save Mount Diablo 1196 Boulevard Way ##10 Walnut Creek, CA 94596 John Mattox Office of General Counsel Department of Fish and Game 1416 9th Street, 12th Floor Sacramento, CA 95814 2378 SAVE MOUNT DIABLO WELLS FARGO BANK,N.A. 1196 BOULEVARD WAY,STE.10 925-947-3535 11-4288-12117 1/2f2003 WALNUT CREEK,CA 94595 PAY TO THE Cleric of the Board,CCC � **125.00 ° ORDER OF One Hundred Twenty-Five ai2t100f100**�*******"***************�************************************************** DOLLARS � G Clerk of the.Board,CCC m a m ro u MEMO Byron Hot Springs "P 11800 23 ?811' t: 1 2 104 288 2i.01 ?44859121t'