Events

Wildflowers in the East Bay Regional Parks

Published

6 years ago

March 21, 2019

Just back from a trip to San Diego and Baja California, I can report that the 2019 wildflower season looks like it will be one of the great ones.

The desert is in bloom, and the displays at Anza-Borrego State Park are said to be spectacular.

Farther north and closer to home, flower displays don’t appear to have peaked yet. But if the situation in the south is any indication, spring will be beautiful in Northern California too.

The best places to see wildflowers in the East Bay Regional Parks include Morgan Territory Regional Preserve east of Mt. Diablo, Black Diamond Mines in Antioch, Briones Regional Park in central Contra Costa, and Sunol Regional Wilderness south of I-680, where the wildflower festival will take place on April 14. Poppies often grow in profusion at Vargas Plateau near Fremont.

One really beautiful wildflower venue is Rocky Ridge at Del Valle Regional Park south of Livermore, but you have to work for it. It’s a two-mile climb up the Ohlone Wilderness Trail from Del Valle’s Lichen Bark picnic area. Because the trail leads through San Francisco Water Department lands, a permit is required; permits can be purchased at Del Valle’s entrance kiosk.

For the first in a series of guided wildflower walks, join naturalist Eddie Willis from 10 a.m. to noon on Sunday, March 24 at Black Diamond Mines. Meet Eddie in the parking lot at the upper end of Somersville Road, 3½ miles south of Highway 4 in Antioch. He’ll lead a hilly two-mile walk through the chaparral in search of early-season blooms.

The hike is free. Black Diamond charges a parking fee of $5 per vehicle when the kiosk is staffed. For information call 888-327-2757, ext. 2750.

While we’re at Black Diamond Mines, the mine tour season opened officially on the first weekend in March. The park offers one-hour guided tours of the historic Hazel-Atlas silica sand mine at various times on weekends through November.

For safety reasons, tours are for ages seven and older, and there’s a fee of $5 per person. For information, call the park district at 888-327-2757 and select option 2 for the reservations office.

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Elsewhere in East County, Big Break Regional Shoreline in Oakley plans a “S’mores Spring Break” event from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 23. Spend the afternoon discovering the region’s wildlife, learning fire safety and tent-building techniques, along with sampling the tasty campfire treat. Tents and s’mores will be provided.

Big Break is at 69 Big Break Road off Oakley’s Main Street. For information, call 888-327-2757, ext. 3050.

* * *

“Duck, Duck, Goose!” is the theme of Family Nature Fun Hour from 2 to 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, March 23 and 24 at Crab Cove Visitor Center in Alameda. It’s a program about our feathered friends.

Family Nature Fun is from 2 to 3 p.m. every weekend, with a different topic each time. Then from 3 to 3:30 p.m. you can watch the staff feed the fish in the center’s large aquarium.

Crab Cove is at 1252 McKay Ave. off Alameda’s Central Avenue. Call 510-544-3187.

* * *

Saturday Strolls are a series of family-friendly walks led by park district naturalists, designed to encourage health and outdoor recreation.

There’s one from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 23 at Leona Canyon in the Oakland hills. It’s a moderate four-miler up the canyon to a view of five Bay Area bridges.

Meet at the Canyon Oaks parking area, which is off Keller Drive east of I-580. For information and directions, call 510-544-3187.

* * *

The Ohlone people have spent centuries learning the secrets of their homeland. In a program from 1:30 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 23 at Coyote Hills Regional Park in Fremont, naturalist Kristina Parkison will share Ohlone knowledge of plants and animals, and lead some Ohlone games.

The program is for ages seven and older. Meet Kristina at the park’s visitor center at the end of Patterson Ranch Road off Paseo Padre Parkway.

The program is free; there’s a parking fee of $5 per vehicle at Coyote Hills. For information, call 510-544-3220.

* * *

East Bay Regional Parks are never dormant, but springtime brings lots of great activities. For a full listing, visit the web site, www.ebparks.org.

Ned MacKay

Posts by Ned MacKay

Activism

Newsom, Pelosi Welcome Election of First American Pope; Call for Unity and Compassion

“In his first address, he reminded us that God loves each and every person,” said Newsom. “We trust that he will shepherd us through the best of the Church’s teachings: to respect human dignity, care for the poor, and wish for the common good of us all.” Newsom also expressed hope that the pontiff’s leadership would serve as a unifying force in a time of global instability.

Published

2 days ago

May 19, 2025

Oakland Post

Pope Leo XIV. Screenshot.

By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

Gov. Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom on May 8 issued a statement congratulating Pope Leo XIV on his historic election as the first American to lead the Catholic Church.

The announcement has drawn widespread reaction from U.S. leaders, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who called the moment spiritually significant and aligned with the values of service and social justice.

In their statement, the Newsoms expressed hope that the newly elected pope would guide the Church with a focus on compassion, dignity, and care for the most vulnerable. Newsom said he and the First Partner joined others around the world in celebrating the milestone and were encouraged by the pope’s first message.

Newsom also expressed hope that the pontiff’s leadership would serve as a unifying force in a time of global instability.

“May he remind us that our better angels are not far away — they’re always within us, waiting to be heard,” he said.

Pelosi, a devout Catholic, also welcomed the pope’s election and noted his symbolic connection to earlier church leaders who championed workers’ rights and social equality.

“It is heartening that His Holiness continued the blessing that Pope Francis gave on Easter Sunday: ‘God loves everyone. Evil will not prevail,’” said Pelosi.

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

Activism

California Observes Third Annual Black Health Advocacy Week

On May 4, 2023, the California Assembly unanimously passed ACR 53, enacting BHEAW every first week of May. “The life expectancy at birth for Black Californians is 76.2 years of age, which is five years shorter than the state average and the lowest life expectancy of all racial and ethnic groups in California,” said Weber in a statement.

Published

2 days ago

May 19, 2025

Oakland Post

Dr. Akilah Weber Pierson. File photo.

By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

California’s third annual Black Health Equity Advocacy Week (BHEAW), observed from May 5-9, reaffirmed the commitment of the state and advocates to address systemic health disparities affecting Black communities.

Assemblymember Akilah Weber (D-San Diego), who is a medical doctor and chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC), authored the resolution that created BHEAW — the first statewide initiative of its kind focused on advancing Black health equity.

On May 4, 2023, the California Assembly unanimously passed ACR 53, enacting BHEAW every first week of May.

“The life expectancy at birth for Black Californians is 76.2 years of age, which is five years shorter than the state average and the lowest life expectancy of all racial and ethnic groups in California,” said Weber in a statement.

“This disparity is a stark reminder of the systemic and institutional factors that contribute to health inequities in communities of color,” she added.

The California Black Health Network (CBHN) led this year’s events, combining advocacy, training, and public engagement to amplify the urgency of closing health gaps for Black Californians.

The theme of this year’s observance was “We’ve Got the Power.”

“CBHN is calling on our community to step up, speak out, and get involved. Increasing the participation of Black Californians in policymaking — across the health industry and public sector — is one of the most powerful ways we can drive change and save lives,” reads a message from the organization promoting this year’s BHEAW.

“Policy change is within your power and this week we’re in Sacramento with our Health Equity Advocacy Training (HEAT) Program Cohort 3 to uplift issues impacting our community and advocate to help shape the policies and programs that will improve the health of current and future generations of Black Californians,” the message continued.

Focused on public awareness and information, this year’s BHEAW included a social media campaign, a rally and training program with vital information on medical conditions that have a disproportionate impact on Black Californians, including maternal mortality, mental health, diabetes, cancer and more.

For more information on the resolution or to join the movement, visit CBHN’s official site, www.cablackhealthnetwork.org.

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

Barbara Lee

WNBA’s Golden State Valkyries Kick Off Season with Community Programs in Oakland

“The Golden State Valkyries are more than a team—they’re a movement,” said Oakland Interim-Mayor Kevin Jenkins. “Their touchdown in Oakland marks a new era of opportunity, inspiration, and equity in sports. This partnership reflects our city’s deep commitment to uplifting women, investing in youth, and building a community where every dream has a place to grow. We’re proud to welcome the Valkyries to The Town.”

Published

3 days ago

May 18, 2025

Oakland Post

The Valkyries came to Oakland City Hall with a “Hoopbus.” Present were (from left to right): City Councilmembers Noel Gallo, Rebecca Kaplan, Zac Unger and Rowena Brown; Oakland Mayor-elect Barbara Lee, Valkyries President Jess Smith, a Valkyries team representative and Deputy Mayor LaNiece Jones. Photo courtesy Rebecca Kaplan’s office.

Team installs new nets at playgrounds, holds flag-raisings at City Halls in Oakland and S.F.

Special to The Post

The Golden State Valkyries brought the excitement of their inaugural season to every corner of the Bay Area with a full slate of community celebrations leading up to their historic home-opener against the Los Angeles Sparks at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Friday.

The week featured flag-raising ceremonies at city halls in Oakland and San Francisco, three “Violet Net” installation days at Oakland parks to encourage basketball play, fun “Hoopbus” takeovers at multiple schools presented by Kaiser Permanente, and player appearances.

In total, 90 violet nets were installed on 45 basketball courts across 34 public parks throughout Oakland this week. A list of the parks receiving violet nets can be found at Valkyries.com.

About the Golden State Valkyries

The Golden State Valkyries, the WNBA affiliate of the seven-time NBA Champion Golden State Warriors, were announced as the 13th WNBA franchise on Oct. 5, 2023. According to Norse mythology, Valkyries are a host of warrior women who are fearless and unwavering – flying through air and sea alike.

This brand is Golden State’s modern interpretation of Valkyries: strong, bold, and fierce. Tipping off during the 2025 WNBA season, the team is headquartered in Oakland and will play home games at Chase Center in San Francisco. For Golden State Valkyries’ assets, including team logos, visit valkyries.com.