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Save Mount Diablo Protecting the Mountain Since 1971 Fall 2003 No 36 w a t c h DIABLO Intelligent Tinkering East County Habitat Plan Comes Together Bay Area newspapers feature articles every day about endangered species. It seems overblown, but there are good reasons for the cov- erage. California is isolated by high mountains and desert, and its range of topography and climate have resulted in unusual localized habitats in which a tremendous diversity of species has evolved— the Mt. Diablo manzanita, globe lily and Diablo sunflower all live within a ten by fifteen mile area, for example. Meanwhile, human impacts have accelerated with intense population pressures since the 1849 Gold Rush. Three years ago the most com- prehensive accounting of rare species in the U.S. was pub- lished, Precious Heritage: the Status of Biodiversity in the United States. What it showed was dramatic. California is in the top five hot spots for num- bers of rare species (Hawaii is #1), the Bay Area has the biggest concentration in California, and eastern Contra Costa is one of the most important places in the Bay Area for threatened species. So what? Why are rare species important; extinction has been going on for millions of years? According to an American Museum of Natural History survey of 400 scientists, a majority believe the world is in the midst of the fastest mass extinction in the planet’s 4.5 billion-year history, largely from human caus- es. Previous mass extinctions took hundreds of thou- sands or millions of years; this one is taking hundreds of years. They rated loss of biodiversity as more serious than depletion of the ozone layer, global warming or pollution. Seventy percent believe that during the next 30 years as many as one-fifth of all species will become extinct and a third of the respondents, that half the species Continued on page 10 1 The “Eye of Diablo” and the Standard Diablo Tower Each year Save Mount Diablo holds its July Board Meeting some- where in the State Park. This year’s location was at Diablo’s peak, on the upper deck of the Summit Building, underneath the beacon. It’s the site of one of the most extraordinary views in the world. One announcement made at the meeting was that ChevronTexaco had agreed to again sponsor SMD’s Moonlight on the Mountain anniversary event as well as the enclosed Autumn on Diablo hike schedule. SMD and Chevron began working together in 1997 when their communication tower on North Peak came up for renewal; instead the company removed the tower in December 1998 and restored the site. By chance, Cris Benton, a U.C. Berkeley professor was on the summit practicing an unusual hobby, aerial photography with a camera suspended from a kite. He was drawn to the peak’s view, the building and its bea- con, which is lit just once a year on December 7th to com- memorate Pearl Harbor Day. What very few know is that the bea- con is called the “Eye of Diablo.” It predates the Summit build- ing’s construction by more than a decade and crowned the “Standard Diablo” tower erected in 1928 by Standard Oil Company of California…now known as ChevronTexaco. In the early 20th century, gasoline was a new product. Oil had been used as a lubricant and for kerosene and was just beginning to compete with coal as fuel. Though oil use would bring its own challenges, it also helped limit wood cutting. Petroleum companies promoted uses that would cre- ate demand for their product, including the automobile and tourist Thanks to Governor Davis and our legislators: Diablo to receive $3.4 million (see next page) SMD holds a Board Meeting on the mountain each year, this July at the Summit Museum. Crowned by the “Eye of Diablo” relocated from the old SD tower, the peak has a mythic view and supports a wide range of rare species, some found nowhere else. Photo by Cris Benton - Kite Aerial Photography. Continued on page 5

Diablo Watch Newsletter, Fall 2003 ~ Save Mount Diablo

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Page 1: Diablo Watch Newsletter, Fall 2003 ~ Save Mount Diablo

Save Mount Diablo Protecting the Mountain Since 1971 Fall 2003 No 36

w a t c hD I A B L O

Intelligent TinkeringEast County Habitat Plan Comes TogetherBay Area newspapers feature articles every day about endangeredspecies. It seems overblown, but there are good reasons for the cov-erage. California is isolated by high mountains and desert, and itsrange of topography and climate have resulted in unusual localizedhabitats in which a tremendous diversity of species has evolved—the Mt. Diablo manzanita, globe lily and Diablo sunflower all live

within a ten by fifteen mile area,for example. Meanwhile, humanimpacts have accelerated withintense population pressuressince the 1849 Gold Rush.

Three years ago the most com-prehensive accounting of rarespecies in the U.S. was pub-lished, Precious Heritage: theStatus of Biodiversity in theUnited States. What it showedwas dramatic. California is inthe top five hot spots for num-bers of rare species (Hawaii is#1), the Bay Area has the biggestconcentration in California, andeastern Contra Costa is one ofthe most important places in theBay Area for threatened species.

So what? Why are rare speciesimportant; extinction has been

going on for millions of years? According to an American Museumof Natural History survey of 400 scientists, a majority believe theworld is in the midst of the fastest mass extinction in the planet’s

4.5 billion-yearhistory, largelyfrom human caus-es. Previous massextinctions tookhundreds of thou-

sands or millions of years; this one is taking hundreds of years.

They rated loss of biodiversity as more serious than depletion of theozone layer, global warming or pollution. Seventy percent believethat during the next 30 years as many as one-fifth of all species willbecome extinct and a third of the respondents, that half the species

Continued on page 10

1

The “Eye of Diablo”and the Standard Diablo TowerEach year Save Mount Diablo holds its July Board Meeting some-where in the State Park. This year’s location was at Diablo’s peak,on the upper deck of the Summit Building, underneath the beacon.It’s the site of one of the most extraordinary views in the world.

One announcement made at the meeting was that ChevronTexacohad agreed to again sponsorSMD’s Moonlight on theMountain anniversary event aswell as the enclosed Autumn onDiablo hike schedule. SMDand Chevron began workingtogether in 1997 when theircommunication tower on NorthPeak came up for renewal;instead the company removedthe tower in December 1998and restored the site.

By chance, Cris Benton, a U.C.Berkeley professor was on thesummit practicing an unusualhobby, aerial photography witha camera suspended from a kite.

He was drawn to the peak’sview, the building and its bea-con, which is lit just once ayear on December 7th to com-memorate Pearl Harbor Day. What very few know is that the bea-con is called the “Eye of Diablo.” It predates the Summit build-ing’s construction by more than a decade and crowned the“Standard Diablo” tower erected in 1928 by Standard Oil Companyof California…nowknown asChevronTexaco.

In the early 20thcentury, gasolinewas a new product. Oil had been used as a lubricant and forkerosene and was just beginning to compete with coal as fuel.

Though oil use would bring its own challenges, it also helped limitwood cutting. Petroleum companies promoted uses that would cre-ate demand for their product, including the automobile and tourist

Thanks to Governor Davis and our legislators:Diablo to receive $3.4 million (see next page)

SMD holds a Board Meeting on the mountain each year, this July at the SummitMuseum. Crowned by the “Eye of Diablo” relocated from the old SD tower, the

peak has a mythic view and supports a wide range of rare species, some foundnowhere else. Photo by Cris Benton - Kite Aerial Photography.

Continued on page 5

Page 2: Diablo Watch Newsletter, Fall 2003 ~ Save Mount Diablo

s a v e MOUNT DIABLO

Board of DirectorsMalcolm SproulPresident

Arthur BonwellVice-President

Allan PragerVice-President

Doug KnauerSecretary

Frank VarenchikTreasurerBurt BasslerMary L. BowermanDonald de FremeryScott HeinStephen JosephRobert MarxSteven MehlmanJohn MercurioDave SargentDavid TrotterSharon Walters

StaffRonald BrownExecutive Director

Seth AdamsDirector of Land Programs

Talia SmithDevelopment Associate

Suzanne BitzOffice Manager

PublisherSave Mount Diablo1196 Boulevard Way #10Walnut Creek, CA 94595925-947-3535, Fax [email protected]

Founded in 1971, Save Mount Diablohas been instrumental in increasingopen space on and around the mountainfrom 6,788 acres to more than 83,000acres.

Masthead Panoramaby Stephen Joseph

DiabloWatch is printed on recycled paperwith a soy base ink and can be recycled.

CONTAINSSOYOIL

From The Executive Director . . .Thanks to Governor Davis and our legislators: $3.4 million pledged for DiabloThe news is full of negative stories about the recession and the state’s budget cri-sis. Good news doesn’t play as well. Before the economic downturn, Californiavoters approved the two largest resources bond acts in history, almost $4 billion.We’ve asked you to write to legislators to get Diablo’s fair share. Well, our effortshave paid off!!!

The Dept. of Parks and Recreation is one of our biggest allies. They came through for us in the Statebudget that was approved in early August and signed by Governor Gray Davis. The DPR was able toprogram $3 million for Mt. Diablo State Park acquisition projects (in spite of the recent budget cuts).

In July, Save Mount Diablo dedicated and transferred its 427-acre Silva Ranch property to the State Park.Half of the $1 million sale price came from the Federal Land & Water Conservation Fund, half from statebonds. We repaid a $400,000 Coastal Conservancy grant and the Conservancy has pledged that moneywill also be available for our next project. We sincerely thank our elected representatives, Senator TomTorlakson and Assemblyman Joe Canciamilla, who were sponsors of the bonds, and Representatives EllenTauscher and George Miller, who made the Land & Water Fund monies available.

So, we must have all the money we need, right? NO WAY!!! Though this is great news, SMD is negoti-ating for eight properties valued at over $10 million. After we sign a deal it can take a year or more tocomplete state applications for these funds and some of them require us to have matching funds. Ourability to negotiate requires that we have funds in hand until the state can act. In addition, expenses forappraisals, down payments, staff time and general operating costs need to be raised in order to support ouracquisitions. So, continued contributions from donors and groups like the student club below are criticalin helping to support our land preservation efforts.

Students Go Green For Mount DiabloThis winter, students in the California Junior Scholastic Federation (CJSF) placed containers in eachhome room class at Foothill Middle School in Walnut Creek. For a week prior to St. Patrick’s Day, stu-dents were encouraged to donate spare change. In keeping with the St. Partrick's Day theme, CJSF choseto donate the money to SMD. On March 31st, I accepted a check for $418 from club president TiffanyHsu and showed a slide presentation of SMD’s land preservation activities. (Photo by Julie Farabee)

CJSF is a statewide organization open to 7th and 8th graders with a grade point average of 3.5 or higher.Their motto is, “Scholarship for Service.” Paula Deems, Foothill Spanish teacher serves as faculty advi-sor. The club holds a variety of activities, including an adopt-a-family program that provides holidaygifts for needy families.

So, you can see that every contribution makes adifference, whether large or small. Please con-sider ways that you can help! Make SMD partof your estate planning or volunteer to organizea fundraising event. Together we’ll get the jobdone.

Thanks for always being there.

2

Place your credit card order by phone (925) 947-3535, (Master Card, VISA, American Express),or by mailing a check payable to SMD: 1196 Boulevard Way, #10, Walnut Creek, CA 94595.

Merchandise can be purchased and picked up at SMD’s office or shipped for a $5 charge.

T - Shir tsNavy Blue or Gray

(100% cot ton)Adult Sizes:

S , M, L, XL, XXL$ 12.50

Embroidered Hats$ 15.00

Save Mount Diablo Merchandise

Page 3: Diablo Watch Newsletter, Fall 2003 ~ Save Mount Diablo

Print this map from the Walnut Creek web site3

continue up into Paradise Valley proper fora longer loop and bigger views, back via aright turn on the Lime Ridge Tr. (morechaparral), or right on Manzanita andBuckeye, in both cases looping around thetransmission tower at the crest of LimeRidge at 1001’. For the shorter trip, takethe first right onto the Blue Oak Tr. andquickly cross Lime Ridge and the RidgeTr., an old water tank above, expansiveviews beyond Walnut Creek to the Oaklandhills. Blue Oak Tr. is at the north edge of alarge patch of west-facing chaparral slopeand on hot days you’ll walk with milk-weed, bright Indian paintbrush and thespicy smells of black sage (with its stemsof flower balls or seed heads), chamise,yerba santa, and sagebrush as their oilsvolatalize. The oiled leaves slow waterloss on hot, exposed slopes. Below youwill be the grassy bowls of Newhall N & Son either side of Ygnacio, their namesreferring to an old farm company, stoppedfrom development in the mid 1990s byWalnut Creek residents.

As you drop into open grassland, trafficnoise returns but meadowlarks add pleas-ing notes. Oaks are scattered on the hills,dense cover in the ravines, and the occa-sional tubex tube with young oaks stickingout. They’re part of a subtle restoration bythe Walnut Creek Open Space Foundation.Loop right onto Buckeye Tr., Lime Ridgedescending north, curve right onto OhloneTr. and past the Paradise Valley Tr.. Lookaround—the grassy bowls to the left andthe ridge to the right were proposed forhouses. A gentle rise back over the ridgewhich has dropped to meet you, moreviews, a short walk and you’ll be backwhere you started.

Lime Ridge Open SpaceTrailhead: Montecito Staging AreaSW corner, Ygnacio & Cowell Rd.Map: W. Creek Open Space Map (web)Short Loop: Ohlone Trail, L to Paradise Cyn.,R on Blue Oak, R on Buckeye, R on OhloneLonger Loop: Ohlone Trail, left to ParadiseCanyon, right on Lime Ridge, right on Buckeye,right on OhloneDistance: 3 miles, or 4.5 miles, round tripElev. Chnge: 310-610’ elevation gain & lossDifficulty: Moderate rise in short loop, more steep sections in the longer loopBest Time To Go: Any time. Notes: No water; No dogs (rare wildlife)

Open space can restore your spirit in anhour. On this walk you reach Paradise inhalf that. This new hike is made for sunsetviews; if you live nearby it will become afavorite. Montecito Staging Area and anaddition to Lime Ridge Open Space werededicated on Oct. 12, 2002, a condition ofneighboring development. A year later thetrailhead is a little stark. Don’t be fooled;it’s the gateway to beautiful loop hikes,varied habitat, interesting history, andincredible views in under five minutes.

Lime was discovered locally in 1850 andquarrying provided jobs during economicdownturns. The trailhead was part of the“Old Sand Quarry”, a leftover piece of theHenry Cowell Lime and Cement Co. whichmoved to Lime Ridge in 1909 and closedin 1946. Cowell included a town,employed 250, and ran 24 hours a day. Allthat’s visible today are quarry scars, a fewartifacts and the 235’ “smokestack” dustspreader across Ygnacio. John L.Garaventa’s family and other farmers hadexperienced problems from the dust.

Garaventa becamean attorney and in1935 won a law-suit againstCowell; the stackspread the limeover a wider areaas part of the set-tlement.

Follow OhloneTrail up from thewest end of thestaging area, curveleft onto ParadiseValley Tr., leavingYgnacio and trafficnoise behind.You’ll follow asmall spined ridge

preserved by SMD, punctuated with limeout-croppings and poison oak. Crowdedwith cottonwoods, valley, blue and liveoaks, it’s almost the only natural part ofthis beginning. Most of the hills andswales were left by the quarrying, includ-ing white lime dust and rocks at your feet.Behind, the Kirker Hills on the northeaststretch to expanding views of Suisun Bayand Solano County and, further west,Central Contra Costa and Briones. InSpring, wildflowers crowd the trail.

Soon the Montecito houses come into view.In 1990 they were proposed for the ridgeabove you with more houses and a shop-ping center in the quarry scar below. HerbSihner, a founding partner of developerBraddock & Logan, reached a compromisewith SMD in 1997, pulling the houses offthe ridge, eliminating the shopping center,and preserving half of the property. Birdslove the trees and you’ll hear mourningdoves cooing in the evening. As you passabove a detention basin, a new single tracktrail, veers right and rises into the heavilywooded canyon. The slope is crowdedwith native bunchgrasses.

Woodland closes around you. ImagineSpring: fragrant buckeyes blooming cream,flowers under the trees. A red-tailed hawktakes flight, its call a descending “kreee-ee.” You rise into the first part of ParadiseValley, low ridges framing the sky. If it’slate the eastern slope may be rose- oramber-tinted by the setting sun. The forestbelies the Open Space’s image of exposedgrassland and dry chaparral and the limecolored clays give way to sand. But chap-arral isn’t far: three-leaved Hop tree showsup, less allergenic than the poison oak itresembles, with smooth leaf edges.

Partway through the woodland you can

Into Paradise ValleyBy Seth Adams, Director of Land Programs

Claudia Hein, SMD’s Recording Secretary, on the Paradise Valley Trail. (Scott Hein)

Page 4: Diablo Watch Newsletter, Fall 2003 ~ Save Mount Diablo

Visit Our Web Site:www.savemountdiablo.orgBeautiful images of the mountain . . . his-tory of SMD and its acquisitions . . . infor-mation about our current land use planningefforts & aquisition projects . . . read arti-cles from past newsletters.

Our web site was created by and is regu-larly updated by SMD co-founder ArtBonwell. Art changes the web site fre-quently and encourages site visitors toshare their own Diablo images for postingon our site.

The Wild Bird Center, in Newell Plaza inWalnut Creek, hosts SMD’s web site.Thanks to Joanie & Chris Smith. Chrisalso provides SMD with the technical sup-port Art needs in maintaining the web site.

United Way Donor OptionYou can designate Save Mount Diablo asthe recipient of your United Way Pledge.When you are asked to make your annualworkplace donation, please consider des-ignating it to us. Our tax ID number is94-2681735.

Business ContributionsMany companies will match your chari-table contributions to Save MountDiablo. Ask your employer if they havea matching gift program.

Also let us know if your employer has afoundation or corporate donation pro-gram to which we can apply.

Starting from Castle Rock Recreation Areain Walnut Creek, hike and run courses trav-el through Diablo Foothills Regional Park,to spectacular Castle Rock, up the slopes ofMount Diablo’s Pine Ridge, and then backto the starting line through Pine Canyon.

Throughout the morning you will enjoylive musical entertainment provided byGrab Bag, an eclectic band. A CommunityExpo will include booths from a number ofcommunity organizations, various recre-ational clubs, and a number of active recre-ational and equipment vendors.

Festivities begin at 8:00 am and all of theraces begin at 9:00 am. A bar-b-que lunchwill be available along with activities forchildren.

Fees for timed races: $30 per person(includes registration, t-shirt and lunch)Community Expo: Free

Save Mount Diablo Trail Adventureinformation and registration:call the SMD office at 925-947-3535 orstop by Forward Motion Sports or OutsideInterests, two of our event sponsors, at 422and 432 Hartz Avenue in Danville.

Proceeds benefit Save Mount Diablo pro-grams. Event Sponsors: Forward MotionSports, Outside Interests, New Balance,RBC Mortgage of California, DiabloRoadrunners.

Leave A Legacy Forthe MountainDid you know that seventy percent ofAmericans make gifts to charities eachyear, yet only eight percent make provi-sions for charitable gifts from their estates.

There are a variety of ways in which youcan include Save Mount Diablo in yourestate planning. Current and planned giv-ing - modest or ambitious - can take fulladvantage of a wide range of personal andestate tax incentives. Whether your goal isto reduce your tax burden or to generateincome, Save Mount Diablo and our pro-fessional financial consultants can helpyou create an individual philanthropic planthat reflects your personal values and prior-ities.

There are many ways of giving, each withits own financial benefits, and each with itsown rewards. Carefully planned philan-thropic investments can supplement incomeand preserve assets for you and your heirs,while reducing your family’s capital gains,personal income tax and gift and estate tax.

Future issues of Diablo Watch will outlinevarious types of planned gifts. This issuewill discuss bequests.

Bequests are the most common type ofplanned gift. They may be made in anyamount and they will reduce your estatetax. There are several different types ofbequests you may consider:

• A specific bequest is when you leave aspecified dollar amount to SMD; or youmay designate that SMD receive a spe-cific asset or assets - such as stock,bonds, or a life insurance policy.

• A percentage bequest can assign a spe-cific percentage of your estates value toSMD.

• A residual bequest will give SMD all ora portion of your estate after all debts,taxes, expenses and other bequests havebeen paid

• A contingent bequest is used in the eventthat your named beneficiary either pre-deceases you or disclaims the propertywhen the estate settles. SMD can benamed solely as a contingent beneficiaryor in addition to other provisions speci-fying it as a specific or percentage bene-ficiary.

If you are considering a bequest to SMD,we would be happy to provide you withsample bequest language.

Get Dirty on Diablo -Sunday, November. 2Half Marathon, 10 K Run or 10 K Speed Hike, 10 K Interpretive Hike

By signing up for Save Mount Diablo’semail distruibution list we will be able tosend you our monthly “action alerts”about current land use issues, notices ofevents and activites and images of land-scapes that we are working to preserve.

To join the Save Mount Diablo emaildistribution list, send an email to:<[email protected]> In the message box type the word “sub-scribe” (without the quotation marks).

Members may not post messages directlyto other members of the list, but they cansend messages or information to staff atSave Mount Diablo. We will review themessage and pass on important informa-tion to the entire list. Messages can besent to:

<[email protected]>.

Join SMD’s E-Mail Distribution List

4

Page 5: Diablo Watch Newsletter, Fall 2003 ~ Save Mount Diablo

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new PG&E lines for power. Twelve foot“SD” code letters illuminated with red neonlights, facing east and west, further orientedfliers. The lens and mirror of the 10 mil-lion candlepower Diablo light are 36” indiameter, and revolve six times per minute.500 hour lamps were good for about sixtydays of operation; when they burned out a“‘robot,’ or electrical servant, automaticallytilts the platform and brings a spare lampinto the focus of the mirror and lights it.”

“‘SD’ because of its location, probably willexcel in visibility any similar light in theworld…one of the most useful aviationbeacons in the country. Because of itslocation, it will correspond to a beacon on atower 4,000 feet high.” Standard Oilplaced letters identifying towns on theroofs of more than 500 of its warehousesalong the Pacific Coast and ultimately built65 beacons.

The summer’s completion of the beaconsfrom Salt Lake to the Bay Area would alsocomplete a chain from New York to thePacific. “It will be possible to revise ourschedules, sailing to and from the BayRegion at night, thus saving an additionalbusiness day for mail, express and passen-gers between the Atlantic and Pacificseaboards.”

On April 15, 1928 The Standard Diablotower was dedicated. It was first lit by Col.Charles A. Lindbergh by remote controlfrom Denver, Colorado in a ceremony

industries. Both would soon defineCalifornia and create support for preserva-tion of its spectacular natural areas. Autoraces were held on Mt. Diablo, for exam-ple, to drive car sales. Another promisingnew venture was commercial aviation.

Until the spread of radar technology duringWorld War II, aviators had to rely on land-marks and visual clues to fly . In the 1920sthe U.S. Dept. of Commerce began encour-aging the creation of “chains of lights” —beacons every hundred miles across thecountry—to establish airways and to guidepilots and new commercial flights.

The March 1928 Standard Oil Bulletin isinformative: “The Summit of Mt.Diablo…is the site upon which StandardOil Company is installing a beacon lightfor aviators. This mountain’s most notableattribute is its isolation from other high-lands, such as surround other famousmountain peaks. Its aloofness affords ascope of vision declared to be unequaled—and a visibility that makes it an ideal loca-tion for a fliers’ beacon.” (See page 6:Except for Kilimanjaro: George Davidsonand Mt. Diablo’s Mythic View)

Diablo’s peak was covered by an observa-tion platform, with metal guides to identifylandmarks, so the 70’ Standard Diablotower was located just down slope, with

“Eye of Diablo”continued from page 1

broadcast by radio. Herbert Hoover, theSecretary of Commerce (and laterPresident) participated along with anotherspeaker who is mentioned in the Bulletin:

“The owner of Mt. Diablo, W.P. Frick, ofSan Francisco and Oakland, who maintainsa public observation platform on the sum-mit of the mountain, and the highway lead-ing to it, the Mt. Diablo Scenic Boulevard,a toll-road, has granted permission for theerection of the light.”

In 1939 Standard Oil agreed to become thefinancial sponsor for the Park’s newSummit Building, providing steel and con-crete, and in 1942 the company’s beacon,which had by that time become known asthe “Eye of Diablo,” was transferred to thenew structure.

We appreciate ChevronTexaco’s support ofMt. Diablo these past seventy-five years.

In the Spring 2004 DiabloWatch, we’llpublish “Who Was Walter P. Frick? TheCreation of Mt. Diablo State Park.” SeeCris Benton’s kite aerial photos at:www.arch.ced.berkeley.edu/kap/thumbs/Diablo/Diablo.htm

By Seth Adams, SMD’s Director of LandPrograms; [email protected]

The Standard Diablo tower depicted at Diablo’speak. The March 1928 Bulletin, for the first timequestioned the claim that Diablo had the world’s

largest view. (courtesy of ChevronTexaco)

The “Eye of Diablo” is a ten million candlepower beacon which was moved from the SD

tower in 1942 to the recently completedSummit Museum (c. Mike Dillon)

12 foot ’SD’ initials designate Standard Diablo,illuminated by red neon tubes (c. Mike Dillon)

Page 6: Diablo Watch Newsletter, Fall 2003 ~ Save Mount Diablo

During the mid 1910s, Robert NobleBurgess assembled much of Diablo’s westface for a speculative development pro-posal, the Mount Diablo Estates, with anexpected population of 10,000. He builtthe Mount Diablo Scenic Boulevard autoroads to the top, sponsored auto races andin 1915 published a brochure to build visi-tation. Widely distributed, the brochuremisidentifies and quotes Davidson, whohad died and couldn’t respond, “One cansee a larger area of land and water fromhere than from any other point in theworld, because of the atmospheric condi-tions and Mount Diablo’s isolation. —Thelate Professor George Davidson, notedgeologist of the University of California.”The quote hasn’t been found in the origi-nal but, unless he simply took Whitney’sword for it, is hardly likely givenDavidson’s scientific achievements.

After Burgess’ company went bankrupt, in1919 Oakland businessman Walter P.Frick began reassembling the Diablolands. He negotiated with the State, whichwas attempting to create Mt. Diablo StatePark, hired a publicist and soon printed hisown brochure. The claim was simplifiedto “from the summit of Mt. Diablo a largerarea of land and water is visible than fromany other point in the world.” Frickleased a beacon tower site to Standard OilCompany of California and finally some-one began to question the idea. TheMarch 1928 Standard Oil Bulletin includ-ed the claim, and quoted Burgess’brochure as a footnote, but with an addedphrase, “with the possible exception of apoint in Africa.” Thus enters the elusiveMt. Kilimanjaro.

Purcell’s 1940 History of Contra CostaCounty, further modified the claim, “apanoramic view of a larger area of landand water than is visible from any other

Except for Kilimanjaro George Davidsonand Mt. Diablo’s Mythic View“Mt. Diablo has the largest view in theworld,” doesn’t it? In an emphatic word,“NO.” Diablo has one of the world’s mostextraordinary views so you’d be excusedfor thinking the myth true. For 125 yearsthousands of articles, books and brochureshave made the claim, modified in morerecent years to include, “except for Mt.Kilimanjaro.” It’s too romantic a notion toresist, such a superlative, and Diablo cer-tainly has a big view but where did the ideaoriginate?

East of Diablo, the Central Valley slopes uplike a saucer to reveal a broad expanse. In1851, surveyors established the initial pointof the Mt. Diablo meridian at the moun-tain’s summit, beginning the survey of pub-lic lands in California and Nevada. Tenyears later, Josiah Whitney’s (b.1819-d.1896) geological survey of California vis-ited Diablo numerous times, believing it tobe the key to the State’s geology. In hisreport to the legislature, Whitney wrote,“… it is believed that there are few, if any,points on the earth’s surface from which soextensive an area may be seen as fromMount Diablo...The whole area thus spreadout can hardly be less than forty thousandsquare miles.”

Meanwhile, in the 1870s, about the timethat Joseph Hall built wagon roads to with-in a mile of the summit and Diablo became

a tourist attraction, another group of survey-ors spent weeks on the mountain’s summit.They were led by George Davidson (born1825 - died 1911), an English bornastronomer who became famous as a survey-or and later as the honorary chair of geodesyand astronomy at the University ofCalifornia. He founded California’s firstobservatory. Years after he debunked afraudulent claim on the highest point in SanFrancisco, the Sierra Club sponsored thenaming of the site for him—Mt. Davidson,the city’s peak with the large white cross.

In 1876 Davidson’s US Coast and GeodeticSurvey erected a 3-story signal station atDiablo’s summit to be used as part of theTranscontinental Triangulation Survey of theUnited States. Caroline Coggins and agroup of women traveled to the summit thatsummer - Coggins later published a descrip-tion of a trip there, probably in theSacramento Union: “about fifty rods fromthe summit, we discover eleven white tentsin a cluster, scarcely higher than the chapar-ral, yet making a perfect village on themountain top. This is the temporary habita-tion of some of the officers and employes ofthe United States coast survey…the wives oftwo of the gentlemen (Prof. Davidson andCaptain Rockwell) are at present with theirhusbands…This little settlement is cheeredby one baby girl, and two fine looking ladsmake sport for themselves in this isolatedspot.” The tower became a tourist attractionalong with Hall’s Mountain House Hotel.Hall added a telescope to the tower andCoggins states “the vision commands anarea of not less than 100,000 square miles...”

Railroad companies began publishing travelguides during the late 1800s to increase ticket sales. Automobile use was encour-aged the same way. With increasingtourism, many publications included theDiablo claim, generally as ‘the largest viewin the world’.

In the 1940s the Contra Costa Development Assoc. held Easter sunrise ceremonies at the top ofDiablo & published materials which spread the myth that it had the world’s largest view.

(Collection of Roger Epperson)

The claim that Mt Diablo has the world’s largestview is credited to U.C. Berkeley professor

George Davidson (1825-1911), who led the U.S.Coast and Geodetic survey to Mt. Diablo in

1876. No evidence has been foundthat he actually made the claim.

continued on page 7

6

Page 7: Diablo Watch Newsletter, Fall 2003 ~ Save Mount Diablo

7

square miles and a few dozen over 50,000.”

The upshot? Mount Diablo has figured largelyin California history. It doesn’t have theworld’s largest view but the claim helped drawattention to the area and aided in its preserva-tion. The CCC Development Association gotit partly right “The world’s grandest view”and…without a doubt…the most beautiful.Diablo’s view is spectacular any time, but coldclear days have the best visibility, especiallyafter rains and late in the day when the sinkingsun cuts through Central Valley clouds.

By Seth Adams, SMD’s Director of LandPrograms; [email protected]

April 29 - May 2, 2004Four Days DiabloAn elegant experienceEach April Save Mount Diablo leads itsFour Days Diablo backpack trip on the 30-mile Diablo Trail. The four day -three nightadventure takes participants across six parksfrom Shell Ridge Open Space in WalnutCreek to the Round Valley RegionalPreserve in Brentwood.

The entire route is on permanently protectedopen space -- half of it protected in the pastfifteen years -- and crosses just two narrowauto roads during the four days.

Participants carry a day pack with theirwater and a catered box lunch (providedby Sunrise Cafe). Sleeping bags, tentsand other food are transported from siteto site by SMD volunteers.

As participants arrive in camp at the end of the day, they aregreeted with iced drinks and receive assistance in setting uptheir tents and inflating their air mattresses.

Each day’s dinner is a catered feast.Above, Prima’s Executive Chef,

Peter Chastain, General ManagerMarco Powell and staff member

Rory prepare the first night’s meal,which is served on the elegantly pre-pared table (china & linen providedby Sunrise Catering). Prima owner,

Michael Verlander helped to prepareand serve the second night’s dinner).Each evening ends with a guest lec-

ture. The first night’s was aboutDiablo myths,legends and folklore.

Participants carry just a daypack, enjoybeautiful and lush landscapes and thou-sands of wildflowers, and stroll intocamp to gourmet meals prepared by areachefs. Experts are along to identify floraand fauna, you learn about the geologicand cultural history of the mountain anddinner is followed by evening lectures.

The next trip will take place in April of2004. Call the SMD office at 925 947-3535 to reserve your spot, for moreinformation, or check our web site at:www.savemountdiablo.org

Space is limited to 20 participants, $750per person. Don’t miss out!!

point on the American continent,” but itwas too late. By 1940, the peak had50,000 - 60,000 visitors per year.

That same year the Contra Costa CountyDevelopment Assn. sponsored the firstEaster sunrise services at Diablo’s summit.Thousands of souvenir pieces were printedwith “The world’s grandest view—moreterritory visible than from any other pointon the globe.” The new State Park beganprinting its own brochures, prefacing theclaim with, “It has been stated… .” butequivocations were of no use. The world’sbiggest view was too easy to remember andto this day most publications or articles thatmention Diablo repeat the claim, as dothousands of web sites, amplified by morethan 500,000 visitors annually.

Finally in 1991 Ed Earl, a San Diego engineer who had hiked the mountain, said‘hold on’. Whitney estimated 40,000square miles visible. That 19,000’+Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain not partof a range, might have such a view mightbe believable, but 3,849’ Mount Diablo?For one thing, 135 degrees of Diablo’sview are defined by nearby peaks less than40 miles away. Diablo’s role in surveylines, which were extended into Nevadaand Oregon, has also been confused withvisibility, obstructed by the Sierra and othermountain ranges. While Diablo’s viewincludes high, distant peaks such as Lassen,they contribute little to the area visible.

Earl asked, ‘what does the view include,how, from where’—water, from a singlepoint, if you walk around the summit?Using topographical atlases and aeronauti-cal charts he calculated a range of viewshed areas for Diablo and three other U.S.peaks, the horizon’s circle modified for ele-vation and obstructions:

1) Mt Diablo (3849’ - 76 mile horizon)-13,000 to 21,700 square miles; 2) MtMcKinley (20,320’ the highest U.S. moun-tain, - 170 mile horizon) 60,500 to 71,800;3) Mauna Kea (Hawaiian volcano 13,796’above sea level - 144 mile, mostly oceanichorizon) 59,100; 4) Pikes Peak (14,110’ -116 mile horizon, blocked by the Rockies,overlooking the Great Plains) -27,800.

Earl’s analysis is at: www.k-online.com/~esquared/outdoor/diablo.htmAll three peaks exceed Diablo’s likelyview. His study wasn’t exhaustive andused readily available info, but concluded,“there are probably hundreds of mountainswhose view shed areas exceed 20,000

“Except for Kilimanjaro”continued from page 6

VOLUNTEERWe need help from people who areinterested in putting on fundrais-ing events, soliciting businessesand corporations for goods anddollars, leading hikes, identifyinglocations and then deliveringnewsletters and hike schedules toarea businesses

If you would like to volunteer, callTalia Smith at the SMD office 925 947-3535.

Page 8: Diablo Watch Newsletter, Fall 2003 ~ Save Mount Diablo

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The Vasco Caves are crowned with vernal pools and haveabundant wildlife

In MarchEBRPD’s BobDoyle led twotours of VascoCaves for SMD,one for largedonors, theother public.SMD offers spe-cial events fordonors abovethe $100 leveland specialtours for thoseabove $250.

Vasco Caves Large Donor Tour - Saturday, March 15, 2003

The day dawned clear in Riggs Canyon as guests hiked or were shut-tled up Riggs Canyon to the Silva Ranch dedication. Save MountDiablo transferred the 427 acre property to Mt. Diablo State Park, fol-lowed by a hike on the Tassajara Creek Trail. The event was generous-ly underwritten by Shapell Industries. Thanks to Kerry Randall ofConcord Feed & Pets who provided seating and site prep, and to JohnPereira allowed the use of his orchard for offsite parking.

Silva Ranch Dedication July 26

From upper left: tents on Highland Ridge; former Sen. John Nejedly, HuletHornbeck, Bob Doyle; SMD president Malcolm Sproul; Bob Doyle, Shapell’sChris Truebridge & SMD’s Seth Adams; Senator Tom Torlakson ran to the eventand joined SMD Founder Art Bonwell

From left: Cave Point view from Silva; Kirk Sturm, Chief of the Dept. of Parks &Recreation’s Northern Division, accepting the property; Ron Brown, SMDExecutive Director; Sam Shuchat, Executive Officer of the California CoastalConservancy

D i a b l o C e l e b r a t e d

Page 9: Diablo Watch Newsletter, Fall 2003 ~ Save Mount Diablo

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Healthwise-Dornsife Round Valley Hike

TPL’s Tim Wirth, Ass. Joe Canciamilla & Sen. TomTorlakson; Mt. Diablo view

Flowering buckeyes provided a backdrop above Marsh creek and,despite June heat, the Morgan Red Corral was in fine form for theJeremiah Morgan (for whom Morgan Territory is named) monumentdedication. Bill & Naomi Morgan, who sold the property to SaveMount Diablo, attended with their family and dozens of Jeremiah’sdescendants joined SMD large donors for the event. Kerry Randall ofConcord Feed provided seating and site prep.

Morgan Monument - June 8

SMD largedonors joinedthe Trust forPublic Land tocelebrate thebirth ofCalifornia’snewest StatePark. The3,891 acre parknear Brentwoodencircles theJohn MarshHome andMarsh Creekreservoir.

From left, counter-clockwise: the monument, a condition of the Red Corral’spurchase; Cheryl, Naomi and Bill Morgan, who sold the property to SMD; SMD

Executive Director Ron Brown speaks to the crowd; the Morgans held a familyreunion the same weekend.

One hundredfriends & clientsof Greg Francis-co’s HealthwiseFitness and ofDana and DaveDornsife joinedSMD for anannual tradition,this year aRound Valleyhike. $3000were raised tobenefit SMD.

Photos by Scott Hein (Round Valley by Greg Francisco)

Cowell Ranch State Park Dedication - Saturday, May 3, 2003

SMD’s Ron Brown, Dave & Dana Dornsife, GregFrancisco; group shot - from the March 30 hike..

D i a b l o C e l e b r a t e d

Page 10: Diablo Watch Newsletter, Fall 2003 ~ Save Mount Diablo

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Intelligent Tinkeringcontinued from page 1

natural resources, including the endangeredspecies that live there. Though a slowgrowth consciousness is emerging in thearea, given existing approved land useplans, urban development is likely to con-tinue for years to come and the conflictbetween development and conservation islikely to get worse.

Seeking a smoother resolution of the on-going conflict, a coalition of local govern-ment agencies is now preparing a HabitatConservation Plan (“HCP”) for EastCounty. The HCP will examine the needsof at-risk species, establish goals for habitatacquisition and restoration, and commitfunding to implement the plan. The HCP

will also serve as the basis for the US Fish& Wildlife Service and the California Dept.of Fish & Game to issue an endangeredspecies permit to local government agen-cies that covers public and private develop-ment projects consistent with the plan.Another, smaller HCP is being consideredfor Mt. Diablo State Park, where the con-flicts are largely recreational or related tomanagement. Save Mount Diablo is partic-ipating in both efforts.

Regional HCPs establish a coordinatedprocess for permitting and mitigating theimpacts on endangered species. Thisprocess creates an alternative to the currentproject-by-project approach. Rather thanindividually surveying, negotiating, andsecuring mitigation, project proponents typ-ically receive an endangered species permitby simply paying a fee, though someHCP’s may contain additional conditions(protection of on-site habitat is one stan-dard alternative to paying a fee). The feesare collected by an implementation authori-ty, often a Joint Powers Authority com-posed of representatives of local agencies.

Along with grants and other fundingsources, the fees are used to purchasehabitat or conservation easements fromwilling sellers, and for monitoring, habitatenhancement and management.

The East County HCP will attempt to be a“win-win” for development and the envi-ronment. By ensuring that the most criti-cal habitat areas are protected by preserva-tion of wildlife corridors and sound con-servation biology (as opposed to the isolat-ed, postage stamp reserves that can resultfrom project-by-project mitigation), theHCP can be good for conservation. Bymaking the permitting process more effi-cient and certain, developers can avoid the

delays and wastefulness ofthe current process.

SMD is participating in thedevelopment of both HCPsto help make sure the finaldocuments live up to theirpromises, and to ensure thatpublic recreation is guaran-teed along with conservation.We are joined in our partici-pation by other conservationgroups and by developersand agricultural interests. Sofar, there has been moreagreement than conflictamong these diverse inter-ests. There are many toughissues ahead of us, includingthe location and extent ofdevelopment permitted under

the plan, the funding strategy, and detailsof habitat acquisition and restoration strat-egy.

The preliminary conservation strategy inEast County calls for the acquisition of33,000 new acres, 150% of the area in Mt.Diablo State Park, over the next 30 years.If implemented, it would protect landaround the State Park and better connectBlack Diamond Mines, the NavalWeapons Station, Cowell Ranch StatePark, Morgan Territory, Round Valley,Vasco Caves, and Brushy Peak and otheropen lands to the south. Of course, whenhabitat is preserved for rare species, com-mon species benefit too.

In 1953 Aldo Leopold, one of the fathersof conservation biology, wrote “To saveevery cog and wheel is the first precautionof intelligent tinkering.” That is just whatwe are attempting. The EC HCP is twoyears into a three-year planning process;the State Park HCP is just beginning.Additional info is available at the EastCounty project website: www.cocohcp.org

on Earth will be lost. The rate equates tobetween 17,000 and 100,000 species losteach year, each of which represents 50,000to several million years of genetic evolutionin how to survive. The loss is the biologicequivalent of burning all of our libraries.

Rare species are impacted by change fasterthan more common ones. They serve asindicators of environmental health likecanaries in a coal mine. On the bright side,many rare species respond well to conser-vation strategies, such as restoration of baldeagles nationwide, grey whale populationson the Pacific coast, pere-grine falcons in California,and red-legged frogs aroundMt. Diablo. Save MountDiablo has been involved inthe latter two efforts andnearly every piece of landwe preserve is habitat forrare or listed species.

One promising new effort istaking place in Contra CostaCounty from Mt. Diablo’speak stretching through EastCounty. Part Coast Range,part Central Valley, the east-ern slopes of Mount Diablosupport a wide variety ofunique habitats and species.Many of these species are sorare that they’ve been listedunder State and Federal EndangeredSpecies Acts as threatened or endangered.

San Joaquin Kit Fox (looks something likeits cousin, the gray fox, but cat-sized withbigger ears) is one such animal. It favorsgrassy plains and hills and avoids woodlandwhere it is at risk from predators. With somuch of the San Joaquin Valley eitherdeveloped or irrigated, Eastern ContraCosta is one of its few refuges.

Other endangered, threatened, or at-riskspecies in East County include Alamedawhipsnake, California red legged frog, tigersalamander, burrowing owl, golden eagle,vernal pool fairy shrimp, and the Mt.Diablo manzanita, and Diablo sunflower.

The trouble is, Eastern Contra CostaCounty has also been a refuge for develop-ers. The cities in East County have beenamong California’s growth hot spots foryears; some are often rated in the top threefastest growing cities in the state.Development in this area can be directly inconflict with conservation of the region’s

SMD’s Galvin Ranch (central canyon) supports five rare species (photo by Scott Hein)

Page 11: Diablo Watch Newsletter, Fall 2003 ~ Save Mount Diablo

Forward Motion and Outside Interestsare two of SMD’s strongest supporters;they also happen to be located next door toeach other. Key sponsors of the SMD TrailAdventure, they help us in a myriad ofways. Forward Motion is a full serve run-ning and walking store; Outside Interestscarries a great selection of hiking andcamping gear and organizes trips. Smallbusinesses have a tough time in economicdownturns but these businesses are greatcommunity leaders. Show your support byshopping there and thanking them for sup-porting Save Mount Diablo.

Contact us if you would like to exploreways your business can be a sponsor.

Concord Feed & Pet Supply228 Hookston Rd., Pleasant Hill, & 5288 BClayton Rd., Concord; (925) 906-0130

Among SMD's best new business support-ers are Tony and Tina Akins and GeneralManager Kerry Randall of Concord Feed& Pet Supply. What do SMD, equestri-ans, and pets have in common? Plenty!"Save Mount Diablo does great work, andwe're proud to participate in supportingpreservation of Mt. Diablo. SMD’s acqui-sitions include trails that serve our cus-tomers," said Tony. Tina added "Diablo’sparks are the daily playground of residentsand their pets. Longer recreational routesare a special benefit for equestrians."

Over the past year, Concord Feed has sup-ported SMD's Moonlight on the Mountainevents with auction items, and Kerry

Frank Varenchik, SharonWalters & Scott Hein joinSMD’s Board of DirectorsFrank Varenchik has been involved withSMD for some time, first as the organiza-tion's auditor. "Supporting SMD is myway of giving back to the mountain for thehours of joy it has given me." A CPA andformer V.P. of Earth Justice Legal DefenseFund, Frank served on the DevelopmentCommittee and isnow SMDTreasurer. He andhis wife Barbaralive in Clayton andhave five children.Frank enjoys out-door sports andbaking. "I findSMD to be one ofthe most cost-

mountain and discovering new trails andvistas. I want to do all I can to preservethe mountain." She and her husband Bill, aprincipal at Antioch Middle School, live inDanville and have two sons.

"I've been following news about SMD foryears. I initially signed up for events, andafterwards learned more about the missionof the organization. SMD's accomplish-ments have been so impressive, I hadalways assumed SMD was a large organi-zation. I was surprised to learn just howsmall they reallyare. I soon beganvolunteering.

Scott Hein, whosephotos fill thesepages, was recentlyprofiled in DiabloWatch and is thenew Chair of SMD'sLand Committee.

11

S p o t l i g h t o n V o l u n t e e r s

S p o t l i g h t O n S p o n s o r s

Marty Breen of Forward Motion Sports Dave Husted of Outside Interests

effective organizations I have encountered… with an all volunteer board and a staff ofjust four employees. When donors makecontributions to SMD, they can be assuredthat it is a lean, efficient operation. I amproud to be part of it."

Sharon Walters is a native Californian andjust celebrated her 20th year as a librarianat Saint Mary's College where she’s beenHead of Access Services for 10 years. Shehas been a member of the SMDDevelopmentCommittee forseveral years.

"As a 20-year res-ident of Danville,seeing the moun-tain always bringsme a sense ofcoming home, asense of place. Ilove hiking on the

Randall has helped with many projects -installing gates at the Galvin property andthe lending of hay bales for event seating.On Oct. 4, Concord Feed will be a sponsorof Dressage for Diablo, bringing sponsor-ship by Purina Mills with them.

Concord Feed is a family run business-daughter Erin, sons Bobby and Donny,Tony's brother Barry, Tina's brother John,and nephew Mike. Established in 1922,the store carries a wide range of feed;equestrian, stable and pet supplies; cloth-ing; and delivers to Lamorinda and the SanRamon Valley. Their Superior Koi divisionstocks imported koi and pond supplies.SMD appreciates their support.

Forward Motion Sports432 Hartz Avenue, Danville, (925) 820.9966;1245 N. Broadway, Walnut Creek(925) 979-9966, www.forwardmotion.com

Outside Interests422 Hartz Avenue, Danville, 925 837-1230www.outsideinterests.com

Frank Varenchik Sharon Walters Scott Hein

Page 12: Diablo Watch Newsletter, Fall 2003 ~ Save Mount Diablo

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Transportation for aLivable Contra CostaThe county's current half-cent sales tax fortransportation expires in 2008, and theContra Costa Transit Authority (CCTA) hasbegun planning for its reauthorization,through a ballot measure planned forNovember 2004.

The renewed measure, that requires a 2/3vote to pass, is expected to generate $1.6billion over 20 years. To create a programthat could win such support, the CCTA andthe County Board of Supervisors will belistening to a broad range voices in thecommunity.

The original sales tax was at first opposedby environmentalists and passed only aftera Growth Management Plan (GMP) wasadded. However, the measure has notachieved the intend results. Sprawl devel-opments have proliferated, congestion hasworsened and new development has notfully paid for its impacts.

In order to positively influence the reautho-rization effort, Save Mount Diablo hasjoined with other environmental, social-equity, labor, faith, and community basedorganizations to create a unified voicethrough the Transportation and Land UseCoalition (TALC).

The coalition has created a plan for thereauthorization entitled, “Transportation fora Livable Contra Costa County”. The planredirects this tax revenue towards projectsand programs designed more effectivelymanage growth, reduce dependence on sin-gle occupancy vehicles, and to providemeaningful funding for transit, para-transitand bicycle and pedestrian paths.

The plan proposes the following allocations(percentages of total sales-tax generated):

Smart Growth Incentives• Maintaining local streets and roads: 10% • Smart growth and affordable housing to

reduce commuting:10%• Mitigation for transportation impacts: 5%

Transportation Choices to AlleviateCongestion• County-wide web of express buses: 9%• East County rail extension -eBART: 10% • Ferries for Antioch, Martinez, Hercules,

and Richmond: 5%• Highway improvements that increase

transportation choices: 10%• Commuter information and coordinated

planning: 3%

Community Transportation toMaintain Mobility

• Mobility for seniors and disabled: 13% • Better feeder and local transit:15%• Safe transportation for children: 5%• Safety and access for pedestrians and

bicyclist: 5%

As an example of the difference being sug-gested in this platform, the existing salestax devotes 60% of spending to roads andhighways; the TALC plan would bring thisdown to 20%.

The new plan calls for strengthening theGMP. It calls for the strengthening of theUrban Limit Line, requires each city toadopt Urban Growth Boundaries, and toplan for and actually provide housing at allincome levels. It would also strengthen itsefforts to have new development fully payfor itself.

CCTA is currently doing environmentalimpact reports on various plans for a reau-thorized measure. We encourage you tosupport the platform contained in TALC’s“Transportation for a Livable ContraCosta”.

You can see the full report at: www.transcoalition.org/reports/tlcc/tlcc_home.html

After reading the report and its recommen-dations, we encourage you to express yoursupport for the TALC platform by sendingthe following message to:

Chairperson Julie Pierce & CommissionersContra Costa Transportation Authority% Save Mount Diablo1196 Boulevard Way, #10Walnut Creek, CA 94595

I support the “Transportation for a LivableContra Costa” platform developed and sup-ported by environmental, labor and social-justice groups. I want to see:

Welcome to Talia SmithSave Mount Diablo's New Development Associate andVolunteer CoordinatorNatalia Smith, "Talia" to her friends,joined SMD in August as DevelopmentAssociate, a position focused on fundrais-ing, events and volunteer coordination. ACalifornia native from the Sierra foothillstown of Westpointe, she graduated fromMonterey Bay State College and is finish-ing her Masters at San Francisco State.She has worked for a variety of non-prof-its for the past seven years includingyouth, HIV/Aids and affordable housingorganizations.

"I have always found comfort and inspira-tion in nature and am truly grateful for theamazing serenity that Mount Diablo pro-vides our community. I have chosen towork in the nonprofit world because Iwant my work to mean something to meand I want the results of my work to bene-fit the community in which I live. I lookforward to helping to preserve the BayArea's natural environment for others toenjoy in generations to come."

We can relieve congestion if the renewed trans-portation tax (measure C) has an enforcableGrowth Management Plan and funding for masstransit.

• Support for the Urban Limit Line• A strong, enforceable growth manage-

ment Program• More funding for public transit, bicycles

and walking• More funding to support basic mobility

for ALL County residents - includingseniors, disabled, low income and chil-dren

End the message with your additionalcomments, and your signature plus printedname and address.

(Thanks to the Sierra Club Yodeler for con-tributing to this article)

Page 13: Diablo Watch Newsletter, Fall 2003 ~ Save Mount Diablo

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Summit Club($1,000 or more)Douglas Lacey & Cindy

Silvani-LaceyJames & Patricia ScofieldBraddock & Logan ServicesBurt BogardusLinda LocklinJed & Rosemary DanielMarian ScottGreg & Cathy TibblesPaul Liu & Cheryl YoungMarty & Amy Reed

Peak Guardian($500 or more)Lee GlasgowDavid Ogden & Sandi BiagiGordon & Donna MonroeKaye DeckerPeter & Judy HagenScott & Claudia HeinDina Colman & David

LuczynskiJim & Carolyn ButlerEarl & Marlys WordenHenry StaufferSally Dalton & Peter GochisRaymond & Laura De PoleCarolyn & Bob MillsBarth FoundationBob & Becky HazletonTed & Marjorie Plant

Mountain Saver($250 or more)Mary BaldwinGeoffrey & Sandy BellengerLesley BennDave & Rena BrantleyPeter & Waldy BreidbachBette Brockman & Jim

RichardsPatrick & Shirley CampbellRick & Suzanne CordesPhillip & Jean DavidJames DayDavid DevineFred & Susan DoneckerTom FanninSidney & Linda FluhrerLiana Genovesi & Scott

AhrendtDick Heron & Sue

Pitsenbarger Harlan & Gayl HirschfeldSandy HoodJohn & Linda JuddDave & Lois KailJohn KieferMichael Palucki - Knapsack

Tours

Gerald & Rosette KochPaul & Yen Yee Fun LocklinPatricia LopezEleanor LoyndRobert MaynardSteve & Linda MehlmanTom & Maria MonicaJames & Sharon MooreAmara & Clark MorrisonMichael O'DonahueNigel OgilvieJoyce PayneLawrence PeiranoStephane PelchatBrad & Trish PiattChristine Schmidt - Plant

DécorSandor & Faye StrausPaul & Bea StunzGreg & Maria ThurmanDavid & Deborah TrotterJacob Van Akkeren & Leslie

BartholicFrank & Barb VarenchikTom WagnerCarl & Lynne WalterMilton & Margaret WatchersDavid WhippyHobie & Ann Woods -

"Roughing It Day Camp"

Diablo Donor($100 or more)anonymousanonymousanonymousanonymousAAUWBozena AdamThomas & Annette AlborgRoger AlperinH. Ward AlterLouise BaldwinBurt BasslerStephen & Karen BeckEdward & Mildred BennettBennett BerkeWilliam BernellBruce & Sandra BeyaertPatty BiascaJim Blickenstaff

Save Mount Diablo’s annual operating expenses are underwritten by the financial support we receivefrom membership revenue. In addition to providing financial support, the number of members wehave is a statement to legislators and others about the level of community support for our projects.

We would like to thank the following individuals who have become members since mid-Decemberof 2000. We invite you to join them in supporting Save Mount Diablo’s efforts to preserve openspace.

Mark BoleMarcheta BowdleMalcolm & Sylvia BoyceDon & Jeanne BoydKate BoyleButch & Lynn BrearBrent BriggsRon & Sharon BrownWalter & Joann BrownDiane BrownRichard & Alice BrownRaymond & Patricia BuckJohn Butera, Butra Video

ProductionMichael Buturla & Gineth

Soto-ButurlaMelinda CampiSharen Dodson, Ciao Bella

SalonCharles ClemAlan & Kathleen CluteNancy Collins & Francesco

AdinolfiJanice CostellaRandall & Jacqueline CurtisRichard Davis & Sandra

JonesBrenda De La OssaJohn DeemingFrank & Janice DelfinoErnest & Florence DicksonRobert DociliLinda DomeierMichael & Chryl DumasJohn EdwardsDonald & Jeanie EganBill & Margaret EspeyRiley & Karen EtheridgeCarol EvansDavid & Julie FarabeeToni FauverPaul & Kathy FitzpatrickSusan FlauttGreg & Cindy FranciscoWJ FrankEdward FraserCharles FraserAlex & Deborah FriedmanJohn & Julia Fuller FamilyLeslie & Virginia GallaugherBruce GarnerBarbara GeorgeBingham & Larry GibbsElizabeth GirgichDavid GrayJulie GrishamDonald & Melinda GroomPhil & Susan GroverLiede-Marie HaitsmaJean HalfordSydney & Helen Hammill

Katherine Hart & DonnaKing

Robert HeatonKristen HeinEric & Debbie HinzelRoz HirschMichael & Nadine HitchcockCarolyn HuntDavid JesusKimberly JohnsonRoger & Donna JohnsonLew JonesJim & Janis JuddFonda Karelitz & Mark

RosenRichard KawinRay & Lynne KeckJohn & Marian KingJesse & Sharon KriderPhilip LathrapJeffrey & Deborah LeightonEllen LernerDavid LingrenDavid LoebJon Maienschein &

Lisa ClineBunny MartinMartha MartinSteve & Marcia MatthiesenJames & Joan McCrackenStuart & Barbara

McCulloughWinton & Margaret

McKibbenMark McLaren & Nancy

NorlandJohn & Jill MercurioPatrick & Nancy MillerMelissa MoehleBarbara MonslerJames R MooreDavid MossMaynard MungerTheron & Elizabeth NelsonAileen NicholsRichard & Carol NorthingCharles & Ann OlsenOrinda Garden ClubOrinda Hiking ClubJohn OrmondCarly OwensAlbert & Pam PalitzSusan PetersonE.L. & Carol PollockPaul PopenoeJeffrey RadiganBill RalphConnie RegaliaJennifer RiceJohn RichardsonCarol Riddell

Membership Matters

Grant Petersen, RivendellBicycle Works

Tod RubinLinda Sanford & Richard

MooreSheryl SankeyDylan SavidgeEarl & Kathryn SawyerJean SaylorMelvin & Pat SayreAnthony SchillingRob Schonholtz and Jane

HicksEarle & Judy SchrempRich & Ann SextonDavid & Eileen ShortSierra Club - Mt. Diablo Grp.Sharon SingerRon & Judy SmithBob & Geraldine SmithAlan & Mary Louise SmithBeth SnortumLeonard & Barbara SongsterMalcolm & Casey SproulAndrew & Karen SteinNancy StorchPatricia ThomasPatricia ThunenTom & Jill ToffoliAlvira ValladaoJohn & Linda Van HeertumVerne Van VlearCraig VasselDavid & Laura WaalRudy & Sandy WagnerMichael & Joyce WahligClifford WalkerBill & Stacy WalterBarbara WaltersDouglas & Ruth WatermanDavid & Elaine WegenkaStuart & Kim WeinsteinTom & Carolyn WesthoffRobert & Karen WetherellJudy WobleskiMilo Zarakov & Deborah

LongGeorge & Sarah Zimmerman

Friends ($35 or more) over500 members support SMDin this category.

California poppy

Wild Rose

Indian paintbrush

Page 14: Diablo Watch Newsletter, Fall 2003 ~ Save Mount Diablo

GeneralDonat ions

Ralph & DorisCopperman

Katharine CossetteHenry & Dorothy CoudenJeffrey CowlingElizabeth CraneChristopher & Dee Dee

CrossBradley & Carol DavisGraham & Mary DavisJames & Gail DavisJay & Edythe DavisAlma DeBisschopWallace & Dabney

DeWaalKaye DeckerJohn S. DeemingDonnell & Janet DegrafDavid DevineAnthony & Lucy

Di BiancaJeffrey DickemannJohn & Nina DickersonCarl Dinerman & Mariann

WhiteJack & Anne DiniKaroline DoberenzBarbara DrewAndrew & Rosemary

DuBoisKen & Sandra DuckertPeter & Judith DuncanThomas & Jane DunphyAmy Ensign-Barstow

Memorial FundKip & Sarah EdwardsDonald & Jeanie EganMichael EganAnthony & Marie

EmersonHoward EnderleJohn & Robbin EudyCharles & Margaret EvansSusan FaircloughFred & Mary FarhatJacquelyn FavaEdith FellLarry FerriOra Nell FolkmanFoothill Middle SchoolRonald & Barbara

ForsstromDavid Frane & Charla

GabertNorman & Evelyn FrankeEdward G. FraserMorris & Nell FraserFrancis Frederick JrCarolyn FulcherAaron GabrielGail MurrayLeslie & Virginia

GallaugherJames & Joan GalletlyAdrienne GalvinLiana Genovesi & Scott

AhrendtFred GernerElwood GerritsMelvin & Sylvia GertonLinda GhyselsThomas GibsonColin & Sara GilliesGary & Judith GinderMary Givens & Austin

BurchellRudolf GlauserMarilyn Goebel

AAUWDaniel & Carol AltwargArthur A. AmosCarol AndersonJack AndersonAlan & Helen ApplefordAndrew & Agnes ArieyPaul & Joan ArmstrongDennis & Linda AshlockHenri AudiffredDavid BaerBoyd & Jean BallengerDoris C. BanfieldThomas & Ester BargarGreg & Joanne BartowSam & Barbara BeelerHans & Jeri BeetzBob BensonBennett BerkeMargot BevisPamela BillingsDavid & Elizabeth

Birka-WhiteDuan BjerkeBertell & Mary BlackGeorge & Jean BlackmoreCharles BloomerRobert & Lisa BlumAlan & Katharine BorenGeorge & Syble BoswellJohn & Paula BoswellDoug & Kristine BradyRoland BrandelDave & Rena BrantleyPeter & Waldy BreidbachAngela T. BroadheadAllynee BrownAlice BunnPam ButlerPatrick ButlerHarry & Beth ByrneRichard & Helen

CakebreadEmily CampbellRonald & Marcia CarlbergLaurie CarlsonJames CastnerReno & Shea CervelliJames & Nancy ChangRosemarie ChiaviniWilliam ChilcoteTim CleereCharles ClemMarguerite L. ClemensAnnabelle Cloner Close to HomeHoward & Betty CoatesCarolyn CoganGeorge & Joan ColvinGeorge & Virginia

Constable

Owl

Scot

t Hei

n

David & Diane GoldsmithRobert GradySusan GrayDavid & Sharon GumzLiede Marie HaitsmaMarilyn HalbergCarlyn HaldeJudith HanksJames & Mary HannonBeth HansenCynthia & W.R HardieKathy Ann HarrisHugh & Rosita HarveyKarl & Billi HaugBrad & Judy HeckmanJames Hendon &

Katheryn BrownDan & Carol HenryDella HillWilliam & Marilyn HoenigLeo & Eva HollenbergMyrtle & Conrad HopperHulet HornbeckScott & Frances HoveyJulie HudsonHarry HugelCarl HughesDon & Ann HughesWilliam & Lesley HuntLeon HunterAlex & Debbie ImholzHazel A. IrvineEleanor JardineJames & Toril JelterR. Peter Johnson &

Susan NeyerArthur & Jacqueline JonesFonda Karelitz &

Mark RosenJordana KatcherPaul & Deirdre KatzNedda KatzburgDavid & Vannie KeightleyJacob & Violet KeislerDana & Mary KilgoreSelma KingElizabeth King-SloanDoug KnauerHelen KnoppBonnie KnowltonDale & Janet KohlerGeorge KohutRalph & Carolyn KraetschBauer & Marta KramerKenneth & Marilyn KratzRonald KuhlAlan & Joan KunzDavid KwinterPeter KyleDoug Lacey & Cindy

Silvani-LaceyWayne LaddLynn & Gordon LaksoJane LamphMarilyn Lang &

Walt DonovanPhilip & Jean LangleyPhilip & Betty LathrapDavid LeeEdward & Carol LeeCecil & Mary Louise LeithDavid LenehanDean & Kimberly LeonardHilary Lerner &

Yuriria LobatoEdward M. LindsayWilliam & Dorothy

Llewelyn

Jane LoganRobert & Beverly LoomisJay & Caroline LutzTed & Barbara LynchTerrence MackinRobert & Valerie MahoneyBob & Diane MalucelliBill & Georgia MarshallBob MarxAnthony & Cathy MassoniMatt MastersCarolyn MatthewsTheodosia MaurerRobert MaynardJames McCallRobert McClainTed & Janice McKinnonMark McLaren &

Nancy NorlandGloria McLaughlinRobert McLaughlin &

Theresa RumjahnRichard & Darlene

McLeanJohn & Betty MeersDaphne L. MillerSamuel & Mary MillsJane MinorLouise MoisesAnn MoldenschardtSue MonsonJoseph & Anne-Martine

MooreFred & Katie MorehouseYolanda MorenoRichard & Carol

MortensenDave MossMarvin MossMargaret MoweryJay & Jasmine MumfordJoyce H. MunsonGail MarrayDione & Brad MustardCarl & Ada MyersSylvia NachlingerNikki Nahmens GageBeatrice NeetzWilliam & Edith NettletonAnthony & Marcia NeweyHelen NewmanRaymond & Judith NickelLisa Nicolini &

William IngramHelena NiemiRosanne NocerinoJohn NygardRoberta O'GradyDavid Ogden &

Sandy BiagiWoodruff & Mary OgdenBeth Ogilvie &

S. StraghalisNigel OgilvieMichael OglesRichard OlsenThomas & Barbara OlwinJohn & Constance OrmondEvelyn OrthweinVerna OsbornStephanie & Alan OswaldCarly OwensDonald & Georgia PalmerPaul SchwengerDale PerkinsGrover & Jane PetersonMichael & Connie Pierce

Nicola PlaceMarjorie & Ted PlantNancy PrescottMildred RafothPatricia RankinWalter & Hertha

ReifschneiderWalter RexJean ReynoldsRonald & Patricia RhodyMargaret RiceBrian & Janet RichardsJim Richards &

Bette BrockmanJohn RichardsonElsie RicheyCharles & Linda

RickenbacherTom & Ulla RiegerDon & Sharon RitcheyBrian & Sandra

RitchieOctavino RomanoSteven RoodJohn & Lucille RowoldtDavid & Janis SammonsNancy SampsonEdgar & Jean SandersonPeter & Maureen

SanseveroGlendoris SargentDaniel & Mae ScalabriniDaniel & Janet SchalkRoberta SchaneMaxine Schmidt & Valerie

Schmidt - PomerantzEthel SchneiderAlice SchofieldMady SchubarthJeff & Jacqueline SchubertAllen & Alyce SchwartzArlene ScolesLouise ShalitJoe ShamiRichard & Sherry

ShandrewShapell Industries of

Northern CaliforniaRobert SiebenNancy SiegelWilliam Sikkema &

Linda YoungHarry SilcocksDavid K. Smith &

Theresa BlairMorgan & Sarah SmithRoger & Helen SmithTodd SmithMildred SnelsonGary & Carolyn SnyderBob SolotarGregg & Anne SorensenJohn & Elaine SpieckerCindy SpringJohn SproulDave & Sharon

StaffordSuzanne StankeSherry StarksTunette SteinerJames & Barbara

StevensDean & Samantha

StokerJohn & Nancy StoneMark StottJurgen & Madeline

Strasser

George & Helene StraussAlthea StrebMarjorie StudebakerFred & Georgine SullivanNanette SullivanVelta Suna BoveyJoanne TaylorDavid & Susan TerrisMarilynn TersteggeJeanne ThomasDeborah Thomason-OlsonLarry ThompsonGregory & Cathy TibblesYulan Chang TongThomas TopolewskiErica McClenahan -

Touchstone ClimbingLarry TraceyThomas & Delinda

TrowbridgeJohn & Susan TullisMaryellen TylerJacob Van Akkeren &

Leslie BartholicEvelyn Van DreserKaren Van DuinenClyde & Barbara VaughnArthur & Jean VerhaegheMark & Christine Von Der

LiethJohn & Norine VouriJulian & Elsa WallerWilliam & Elizabeth

WalshSharon & Bill WaltersMashuri & Rahima WarrenBjorg & Jan WasserfallDick & Margo WatsonSandra WatsonDan & Chris WeingartenVincent & Rosemary

WeltzTom & Carolyn WesthoffClaudia WhitnahMartha WhittakerJoyce WillisBruce & Mary Louise

WilsonPeter & Amelia WilsonPat WolfEllen WolterEd & Carolyn WoodCarole WoodsJohn & Betty WoodwardToi Lynn Prevost & Jordan

Wyle - World YogaHealing Arts Center

Phil & Barbara WrightJames & Sieglinde WylesJanet WyllieMilo Zarakov &

Deborah LongFrances Zurilgen

14

Valley OakScott Hein

Page 15: Diablo Watch Newsletter, Fall 2003 ~ Save Mount Diablo

15

In Memory ofEdith Adams

Mildred & Peter ShinnTerry Aston

Andy AstonJack Binkley

Paul & Elizabeth BaxterVictoria Bowers

Richard & Mary BowersWilliam Brandt

Kim BrandtWanda Carmona

Duane & Kit HagenSydney Engelberg

Louise MoisesCharles Gresham

Amy Melissa Ensign-Barstow

Amy Ensign-BarstowMemorial Fund, EastBay CommunityFoundation

Anna FerriLarry Ferri

Jeff GilesJudy & Andy AdlerRon & Sharon Brown

Betty GoldsteinRachel & Leo LevinsonGrace MacNeillMarianne DarrowDave & Julie KaufmanDan & Judith SteckbeckVonnie ReadDorothy MacomberCarolyn MatthewsCharlotte WeberWalking Buddies of

Walnut Creek SeniorCenter

Rose Bower & EdMaxwell

Jeannie HarmonRobert Hannon

John & Thelma DanaJenny Bell Harmon

Elizabeth HoppingCatherine & William

EamesRichard & Carol

JohnsonMr. & Mrs. John Brain,

Sr.Walter Johnson

Ann JohnsonClarence Kelly

The McCarthy FamilyJoyce, Jared & Cole

KellyJohn King

Joyce KellyShelby King

Jeanne ThomasBarbara Krelle

Dick & Mary BowersMildred La Conte

Joan Allen

Frank LandrethLeslie & Gayle Servin

Ruby LyonsBill & Barbara

SickenbergerIsabell Marcellini

Doug & Fran WoodardHank Moises

Louise MoisesSusan BadrNancy KempfNancy & Bill MarshallJudith RobinsonJohn BordenBilly & Janet HiebertJo Ann Reisler

Stu & Jean MouserGlen & Georgene

DeardorffBob Nootbaar

Ralph & Jo Ann HannaTed & Marjorie PlantDoreen Del Testa, The

Mechanics BankJohn & Susie ChecciSusana McCombMount Diablo

InterpretiveAssociation

Robert & Joan NootbaarDick & Gai PerryLuman & Marilyn

HughesTerry & Susan StifflerCO & Gloria ScilacciSuzanne BitzRichard & Karen HydeJacob & Gale ChapmanConcetta HagenDavid McCloskeyBD & Trudi GarlandAnn LagerquistTak & Carle HiraharaDavid & Joan CoxStanley & Sally MornerFrank & Adah ClappCarolyn KraetschRobert & Shirley

ShermanSelma SossJ Fred & Connie AllenWilliam & Norma

CombsEdward MilbankWilliam & Jean TarrJamie & Charlotte

PantonAndres & Julia MatisooFred & Margaret TraskPeter & Grace HartdegenGordon & Theo JohnsonHarvey & Phyllis CeaserSusan NewcombFrank & Edit Valle-

RiestraGary & Susan BarkerHerbert & Elinor

Nootbaar

Elizabeth SimmondsHerb & Ruth SchillerAl & Analee BentonSam Rice, Jr.Walter & Shirley HausserBertha Lagerquist &

Karen CarpenterJ. Michael & Sue CarneyMargaret SteeleFrank & Barbara

HeffelfingerJoanne BourlandMr. & Mrs. Richard

LongLaurence Fitzgerald MDMarvin & Ruth EpsteinDonald & Joan BaumThomas & Phyllis NagleThomas & Margaret

JonesBill & Lorraine Thomas

Wilma NurenburgRichard & Mary Bowers

Bob OttenVivian MarguleasFrancesca & Ed MitchumRobert WitbeckDorothy AbrahamsonBill & Joanne GhirardelliMary Ann GrbavacSteve & Judy Holtkamp

Dale ParadisFrank & JulieAnne

PalermoJohn Raventos

Patricia RaventosDonegan & family

Sherm TerryEllen & Bruce Fraser

John F. TullisJohn & Susan Tullis

Laura Wax-GrossmanRandy, Becky & Alan

LittenekerRuth Wolfe

Leslie & Gayle Servin

In Honor ofStan Abernathy's Birthday

Scott & Claudia HeinMary Beth Anderson

An Mari EricssonRon Brown

Lafayette-OrindaPresbyterian Church

Sally ChristensenLeslie & Gayle Servin

Gracie & Dick Dickenson's50th WeddingAnniversary

Barbara HayworthNaomi Giddings

The Wednesday WalkersAbby Goldware’sHigh

School GraduationRon & Sharon Brown

Anita Korenstein'sGraduate Degree

Ron & Sharon BrownDavid Lingren/Ilana Schatz

WeddingDuane & Marcy CiurleoAmi Nahshon & Ivy

CohenBernard & Barbara

CohenLeslie BenzFran BidermanIlene Gusfield & Judith

DambowicLawrence & Kathleen

HorschTamar Wallace

Jane Manning's BirthdaySally Manning

Jack Marks' 60th BirthdayFonda Karelitz & Mark

RosenDann McCright & Jennifer

McKinney WeddingBob Penny

Shirley McPheetersThe Wednesday Walkers

Mr. & Mrs. FrederickMitchelson

Edward MilbankMarvin Reed

Marty & Amy ReedUrsina Rutz

Jeanne Thomas

Land FundDorothy AbrahamsonJoyce T. Anderson &

Sharon LloydLeslie BenzSamuel & Barbara

BerghorstWilliam BernellFran BidermanSue BollingerJohn BouyeaRichard & Mary BowersBrian BrayPauline BrowneReno & Shea CervelliDuane & Marcy CiurleoBernard & Barbara CohenIvy Cohen & Ami NahshonContra Costa Hills ClubSharon CumminsPark & Adele CupitJanet DeckerMelvin & Lois DeckerWilliam & Evelyn FarryW. J. FrankBill & Joanne GhirardelliElizabeth GirgichRoy & Elsie GlotfeltyIretha GoldenBruce J. GranicherJeremy & Risa GravesMary Ann Grbavac

Harvey & Linda GreenMarjorie GriffinIlene GusfieldJerry & Donna HoegSteve & Judy HoltkampKenneth & Joanne HughesMargaret & William

HughesHelen KimballJ LemmonsJanet & N.C. LuhmannVivian MarguleasBill & Georgia MarshallSandra MataJames McCallJames & Emily McCormickJohn & Betty MeersEd & Francesca MitchumYolanda MorenoThomas R. O'BrienRudy & Marge OehmRalph & Joann OttenFrank & Julieanne PalermoWarren & Irene PetersJennie PhillipsMichael & Connie PierceJohn RichardsonBarbara RigginsMeredith RoseMichael & Kyle RuggieriAl & Mary Anne SanbornHazel SawyerArlene ScolesAndrew SesslerJeanne SmithRichard & Sandra SmithLeonard & Barbara

SongsterMark StevensSteve & Jane TannerDaniel & Kathryn TemplinRichard VictorPete WalkerMartha WhittakerRobert WitbeckMarge WoodLeslie & T.R. Wyatt

All contributions weremade from January 25 through

July 31, 2003

In-Kind GiftsKen Dyleski & National

Geographic:topography software

Anonymous:17" Gateway monitor

Paul Fitzpatrick Co:Panasonic phone system

Scott Hein:map software

Monkey flower

Page 16: Diablo Watch Newsletter, Fall 2003 ~ Save Mount Diablo

s a v e M O U N T D I A B L O

1196 Boulevard Way, Suite 10Walnut Creek, CA 94595

Address Service Requested

Non-Profit

Organization

U.S. Postage Paid

Concord, CA

Permit No. 525

16Save Mount Diablo's Mission . . To preserve Mount Diablo's peaks and surroundingfoothills through land acquisition and preservationstrategies to: protect the mountain's natural beauty,integrity, and biological diversity; enhance ourarea's quality of life; and provide recreationalopportunities consistent with protection of naturalresources.

In support of our mission, we:· Protects open space through purchases, gifts and

cooperative efforts with public and private entities· Educates the public regarding threats to the

mountain's flora, fauna and rugged beauty, and to

the history and heritage of the mountain and itssurrounding foothills

· Works with landowners to preserve their prop-erty and to ensure that they receive fair valuein any transaction aimed at preserving openspace

· Works in partnership with Mt. Diablo StatePark, East Bay Regional Park District, andother public and private entities to increaseand manage open space and to identify mitiga-tion opportunities

· Participates in the land use planning processfor projects that could impact Mount Diabloand its surrounding foothills

· Aids in the restoration of habitat and the pro-tection of rare species

· Offers technical advice to community andneighborhood groups regarding preservation ofopen space

· Raises funds and sponsors events to build pub-lic awareness and to carry out our programs

· Temporarily owns and responsibly manageslands prior to their transfer to a public agencyfor permanent preservation.

· Encourages recreation and public enjoyment ofMount Diablo's parklands consistent with theprotection of their natural resources

Business Sponsors

October 4, 2003Equestrian Center Club HouseHeather Farm Park, WalnutCreekPre-event VIP reception: 300 - 4:30 pmMain Event: 5:00 - 6:40 pm

An entertainment eventto raise funds to assist isacquiring a conservationeasement on the 35.8acre Gateway Parcel, atthe Northgate entranceto Mount Diablo StatePark. The event willfeature renowned stateand national champi-onship riders and localresidents CreekyRoutson and ChelseaSibley.

Featuring: • Olympic style Championship freestyle

exhibition;• "The True Story of Cinderella" a fantasy

to music on horseback;• Championship vaulting (gymnastics on

horseback); • Bareback pas de deux (2 horses dancing

in unison); • East meets West (competition between a

reining horse and dressage horse).• Intermission dog training exhibition

MOUNT DIABLO GATEWAY ALLIANCE PRESENTS“DRESSAGE FOR DIABLO”

The Gateway Parcel is 36 acres of rollingmeadowland adjacent to the North Gate ofMt. Diablo State Park. Bordered by Arroyodel Cerro creek, the property offers spectac-ular 360 degree views and is a crucialwildlife corridor between the State Parkand Shell Ridge Open Space. The County

Board of Supervisorshave granted theGateway Alliance anoption to acquire a con-servation easement toensure perpetual openspace and recreationaluses for the property.The property has other-wise been proposed fordevelopment of 34 largehomes.

Ticket Information:·$50 - Includes pre-event VIP reception;Event T-shirt; Reserved

seating; After-show opportunity to meetthe performers..

· $10 - General admission, limited seatingprovided.

Tickets available at Concord Feed & PetSupply, 5288 Clayton Rd, Concord, and228 Hookston Road, Pleasant Hill, orcharge by phone by calling Save MountDiablo (925) 947-3535.

Please frequent these businesses and thankthem for supporting us.

“Moonlight On The Mountain” SponsorsNAMED EVENT SPONSOR: InternationalBrotherhood of Electrical Workers -Local 302 Dale PetersonMOUNTAIN STAR AWARD SPONSOR:Blackhawk - Nunn Steve Beinke, Ron &Bob Nunn

GOLD SPONSORS: Braddock and LoganServices, Inc. Herb Sihner & Joe Raphel;ChevronTexaco, Marielle Boortz;Plumbers and Steamfitters UA - Local159 Aram HodessSILVER SPONSORS: Sycamore AssociatesLLC Mary Lee GuinanMEDIA SPONSORS: Contra Costa Times BRONZE SPONSORS: Diablo LincolnMercury Mel Haas; LSA AssociatesMalcolm Sproul

Caffe Delle Stelle Walnut Creek, DominicoTesta; Concord Feed and Pet SupplyConcord & Pleasant Hill, Kerry Randall;Diablo Analytical Concord, Scott Hein;Forward Motion Sports Danville &Walnut Creek, Marty Breen; OutsideInterests Danville, Dave Husted; PlantDecor Walnut Creek; Prima RistoranteWalnut Creek, Michael Verlander, PeterChastain & Marco Powell; ShapellIndustries Chris Truebridge; SunriseBistro, Cafe & Catering Walnut Creek,Cindy Gershen; Wild Bird Center WalnutCreek, Joanie & Chris Smith