City and FORWARD to administer $450,000 from federal COVID funds to Antioch small businesses

For tenants and building owners

Applications for the City of Antioch Small Business Façade Upgrade Program are now open for small businesses within the City of Antioch. FORWARD, the trusted partner in program administration for local governments, has partnered with the City of Antioch to administer the Small Business Façade Upgrade Program. This program is designed to provide a façade upgrade reimbursement payment for eligible small businesses who have experienced a negative financial impact from the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The City of Antioch has allocated $450,000 of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds through its Small Business Façade Upgrade Program to help Antioch small businesses alleviate the economic challenges faced by the COVID-19 pandemic, offering them much-needed assistance to maintain and repair their business’ façade.

“The City of Antioch is dedicated to investing in Antioch small businesses through its Façade Upgrade Program and in providing an easy application process for applicants,” said Kwame Reed, Acting Antioch City Manager. “This program further solidifies the City of Antioch’s continued partnership with FORWARD and the shared commitment to financially empower and assist the Antioch small business community.”

To be eligible for the program, Antioch small businesses must meet the eligibility criteria: 

• Must operate within Antioch City limits;
• Must be located within a Qualified Census Tract 2023;
• Must be a small business, not publicly traded;
• Must have a current Antioch Business License (active or delinquent);
• Can be a for-profit or non-profit organization;
• Must NOT have an active Code Enforcement case;
• Minimum of three years remaining on lease agreement;
• Must have “ACTIVE” status with the California Secretary of State; and
• All contract work conducted must abide by federal contract provisions for federal awards (2 C.F.R. § 200.327) and the City’s proposed Small Business Grant program and the Façade Upgrade Program shall be administered in compliance with those federal provisions.

The City of Antioch approved FORWARD as the program administrator contractor to assist with community outreach, application support, and screening for eligibility in a way that uses taxpayer dollars efficiently. Applicants can expect the following:

• To apply though FORWARD’s online application portal, available in 68 languages
• Access to application support available in multiple languages via phone, text and email
• To meet geographic area requirements
• To submit proof of active UBI, EIN, or ITIN; or proof of UEI or application in process
• To submit proof of requested work and itemization of planned work
• To present a recent pay stub, a completed W-9 form, and a copy of photo ID

“FORWARD is committed to strengthening our continued work with the City of Antioch through the Façade Upgrade Program,” said Adnan Mahmud, CEO of FORWARD Platform. “Our team has worked closely with the City of Antioch to continue to assist the small businesses of Antioch by ensuring that the application process is equitable, secure, and accessible.”

Antioch small businesses who meet eligibility requirements are encouraged to learn more and apply at: forwardplatform.com/city-of-antioch-small-business-programs/

ABOUT FORWARD PLATFORM

FORWARD partners with governments and organizations to deliver resources and funding to communities using human-centered technology and customized solutions. Over 80% of the team members have worked in government and understand the unique challenges and what it takes to execute, enabling the team to operate with speed, precision, and competency. FORWARD automates complex program administration processes that increase back-office capacity, improve transparency and trust with data, and break down silos to unlock coordination and service delivery quickly and securely — all while maintaining compliance.

To learn more, visit: www.forwardplatform.com.

Join us for a journey through the history of Mid-Century Modern Architecture in Antioch has been rescheduled for this Saturday, November 4th, 2023, at 9:30 AM. (See related article)

We will gather at the Antioch Historical Society Museum, 1500 West 4th Street, to embark on a fun and educational bus tour.

Discover the hidden gems and iconic landmarks that define the Mid-Century Modern era in Antioch.

Our knowledgeable guides will provide fascinating insights into the architectural styles, design principles, and cultural influences that shaped this period.

During the tour, you will have the opportunity to explore Mid-Century Modern commercial buildings and public spaces.

Marvel at the clean lines, innovative materials, and functional designs that epitomize this architectural movement.

Whether you are an architecture enthusiast, a history buff, or simply curious about the unique character of Mid-Century Modern design, this event is perfect for you.

Don’t miss out on this chance to immerse yourself in the captivating world of Mid-Century Modern Architecture in Antioch!

Making way for new fare gates

Paper ticket holders will need to seek refund

By Bay Area Rapid Transit District

It is an end of an era.

Beginning November 30, 2023, paper tickets will no longer be accepted at BART. This change is occurring as BART begins to roll out new state of the art fare gates we have ordered which will not accept paper tickets and as Clipper prepares for the launch of the next generation of Clipper. 

Paper tickets balances cannot be transferred onto a Clipper card. BART offers paper ticket refunds for tickets with a remaining value greater than $1.00. It can be multiple tickets that add up to $1 or more. Click here for directions to request a refund. 

Pay By Phone

Clipper is now available through Apple Pay and Google Pay. Riders can get a new Clipper card on their phones for free (normally $3). Funds added using Apple Pay and Google Pay are immediately available for use.

Set up is easy and can be done on the spot or in advance while you are at home. Every rider needs their own digital card. For families travelling together, multiple cards can be added to an Apple phone, but users must turn off Express Transit mode to toggle between each card when tagging at the fare gate.   

Next Generation Clipper

BART has moved to a Clipper-only fare payment system because the region has prioritized the use of Clipper as the Bay Area’s all-in-one transit card administered by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission. In calendar year 2024, the next generation of Clipper will be rolled out including open payment which provides the option to tag a credit/debit card at a BART fare gate, including Apple Pay or Google Pay, without setting up a card on your phone in advance. The next generation of Clipper also opens the door for new discount programs, promotions, and potentially fare capping for BART riders. 

On Saturday, September 30, 2023, BART ceased the sale of magstripe paper tickets at SFO. Only Clipper cards are available at SFO vending machines and riders will continue to be encouraged to add a Clipper card to their phone for a card-free option. 

BART began offering paper tickets at SFO in October 2022 in response to global supply chain issues impacting the region’s plastic card inventory. The region now has an adequate supply of cards and BART will eliminate the sale of all paper tickets. This includes the sale of red paper tickets at the Customer Service window at Lake Merritt Station for RTC applicants waiting for their Clipper card to arrive and paper tickets for group sales.  

Riders are still able to use the paper tickets they already have on hand, including weekend promotion tickets, to enter and exit through most fare gates until November 30, 2023. 

Refunds

Paper Ticket Refunds

Beginning November 30, 2023, paper tickets will no longer be accepted at BART. This change is occurring as BART begins to roll out new state of the art fare gates which will not accept paper tickets and as Clipper prepares for the launch of the next generation of Clipper. 

Paper tickets balances cannot be transferred onto a Clipper card. BART offers paper ticket refunds for tickets with a remaining value greater than $1.00.

Until November 30, 2023, riders with paper tickets will be able to add enough fare to a paper ticket to exit a station using cash at the Addfare machines located inside the paid area of each station. 

You have 3 options for getting a refund:

1. A Station Agent can help process a ticket refund request. The agent will have you fill out a form and you will provide the agent with your ticket(s) and the agent will send it to BART Treasury. Treasury will mail you a check. This option helps you avoid paying for postage and is the most secure option. The refund may take 4-6 weeks to process.
2. You can also visit the Customer Services Center at Lake Merritt Station to drop off tickets in a sealed envelope addressed to BART’s Treasury Department. Please include your name, phone number, and return address and note that you are seeking a refund of paper ticket(s) using this form. A receipt will be provided for dropping off your envelope.
3. Mail the ticket(s) to BART’s Treasury Department. Include your name, phone number, and return address and note that you are seeking a refund of your paper ticket(s) due to BART’s elimination of paper ticket sales. Station Agents can also provide pre-addressed envelopes to Treasury. Due to observed delivery issues this is a less secure option. It is recommended that items of value be insured when selecting this option.

Mail it to:

BART Finance Department

2150 Webster, 9th floor, Oakland, CA 94612

Attention: Requests

BART’s Treasury Department will then process the refund. You will get a check in the mail at the address you provide. The check may take 4-6 weeks.

Tickets submitted for refund must have been purchased by cash or debit card. Tickets purchased with a credit card (there will be a small “c” on these near the magnetic stripe) will be credited back to the credit card which was used to purchase the ticket.

BART doesn’t offer cash refunds.

BART will also refund full unused paratransit ticket books.

Tickets purchased using pre-tax dollars/Commuter Checks are not refundable due to federal restrictions of the Commuter Check program

For more information, call the BART Treasury at (510) 464-6841.

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Clipper Refunds:

Only registered Clipper cards,  are available for refunds. Please contact Clipper Customer Service at 877.878.8883 to request a refund without cancelling your card. 

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Ticket Donations (“Tiny Tickets”)

Donations of tickets with unused value of less than $1 can be made to local non-profits. Check with your favorite non-profit or charity organization to see if it accepts these small value tickets. Former Tiny Ticket non-profit organizations can still submit these tickets for refund directly to BART Treasury.

Submit to:

Refunds, BART Treasury Department

2150 Webster St., 9th floor, Oakland, CA 94612

If you have a question, please call (510) 464-6841.

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Replacement Tickets:

BART’s Treasury Department will no longer issue replacement tickets in order to reduce the use of tickets in the system. Due to increased Clipper Card use and the corresponding reduction in use of paper tickets, the Ticket Exchange Booth at 12th St Oakland City Center Station has been permanently closed.

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Need help?

BART Customer Service is available to help riders with inquiries over the phone at (510)464-7133 or in person at Lake Merritt Station (concourse level).

Adds Equate Hydration PF Lubricant Eye Drop 10 mL sold by Walmart to list

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) is warning consumers not to purchase and to immediately stop using 26 over-the-counter eye drop products due to the potential risk of eye infections that could result in partial vision loss or blindness. Patients who have signs or symptoms of an eye infection after using these products should talk to their health care provider or seek medical care immediately. These products are marketed under the following brands:

• CVS Health
• Leader (Cardinal Health)
• Rugby (Cardinal Health)
• Rite Aid
• Target Up & Up
• Velocity Pharma

These products are intended to be sterile. Ophthalmic drug products pose a potential heightened risk of harm to users because drugs applied to the eyes bypass some of the body’s natural defenses.

FDA recommended the manufacturer of these products recall all lots on October 25, 2023, after agency investigators found insanitary conditions in the manufacturing facility and positive bacterial test results from environmental sampling of critical drug production areas in the facility. FDA also recommends consumers properly discard these products.

CVS, Rite Aid and Target are removing the products from their store shelves and websites. Products branded as Leader, Rugby and Velocity may still be available to purchase in stores and online and should not be purchased. Walmart is removing Equate Hydration PF Lubricant Eye Drop 10 mL from their store shelves and website.

FDA has not received any adverse event reports of eye infection associated with these products at this time. FDA encourages health care professionals and patients to report adverse events or quality problems with any medicine to FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program:

• Complete and submit the report online at Medwatch; or
• Download and complete the form, then submit it via fax at 1-800-FDA-0178.

Retailer/ Label	Product	Product Information
CVS Health	Lubricant Eye Drops 15 ml (single pack)	Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Eye Drops 0.5% w/v
	Lubricant Eye Drops 15 ml (twin pack)	Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Eye Drops 0.5% w/v
	Lubricant Gel Drops 15 ml (single pack)	Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Eye Drops 1% w/v
	Lubricant Gel Drops 15 ml (twin pack)	Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Eye Drops 1% w/v
	Multi-Action Relief Drops 15 ml	Polyvinyl Alcohol 0.5% w/v & Povidone 0.6% w/v & Tetrahydrozoline Hydrochloride 0.05% Eye Drops
	Lubricating Gel drops 10 ml	Polyethylene Glycol 400 0.4% & Propylene Glycol 0.3% Eye Drops
	Lubricant Eye Drops 10 ml (single pack)	Propylene Glycol Eye Drops 0.6% w/v
	Lubricant Eye Drops 10 ml (twin pack)	Propylene Glycol Eye Drops 0.6% w/v
	Mild Moderate Lubricating Eye Drops 15 ml (single pack)	Polyethylene Glycol 400 Eye Drop ‘0.25% w/v
Rugby (Cardinal Health)	Lubricating Tears Eye Drops 15 ml	Hypromellose 2910-0.3% w/v & Dextran 70- 0.1% Eye Drops
	Polyvinyl Alcohol 1.4% Lubricating Eye Drops 15 ml	Polyvinyl Alcohol Eye Drops 1.4% w/v
Leader (Cardinal Health)	Dry Eye Relief 10 ml	Polyethylene Glycol 400 0.4% & Propylene Glycol 0.3% Eye Drops
	Lubricant Eye Drops 15 ml (single pack)	Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Eye Drops 0.5% w/v
	Lubricant Eye Drops 15 ml (twin pack)	Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Eye Drops 0.5% w/v
	Dry Eye Relief 15 ml	Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Eye Drops 1% w/v
	Eye Irritation Relief 15 ml	Polyvinyl Alcohol 0.5% w/v & Povidone 0.6% w/v & Tetrahydrozoline Hydrochloride 0.05% Eye Drops
Rite Aid	Lubricant Eye Drops 15 ml (twin pack)	Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Eye Drops 0.5% w/v
	Lubricant Eye Drops 10 ml (twin pack)	Propylene Glycol Eye Drops 0.6% w/v
	Gentle Lubricant Gel Eye Drops 15 ml	Hypromellose 0.3%, Glycerin 0.2%, Dextran 70 0.1% Eye Drops
	Lubricant Gel Drops 15 ml	Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Eye Drops 1% w/v
	Lubricating Gel Drops 10 ml	Polyethylene Glycol 400 0.4% & Propylene Glycol 0.3% Eye Drops
	Multi-Action Relief Drops 15 ml	Polyvinyl Alcohol 0.5% w/v & Povidone 0.6% w/v & Tetrahydrozoline Hydrochloride 0.05% Eye Drops
Target	Up&Up Dry Eye Relief Lubricant Eye Drops 30 ml	Polyethylene Glycol 400 0.4% & Propylene Glycol 0.3% Eye Drops
	Up&Up Extreme Relief Dry Eye 15 ml (single pack)	Polyethylene Glycol 400 0.4% & Propylene Glycol 0.3% Eye Drops
	Up&Up Extreme Relief Dry Eye 30 ml (twin pack)	Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Eye Drops 0.5% w/v
Velocity Pharma LLC	Lubricant Eye Drop 10 ml (triple pack)	Propylene Glycol Eye Drops 0.6% w/v
Walmart	Equate Hydration PF Lubricant Eye Drop 10 ml	Polyethylene Glycol 400 0.4% & Propylene Glycol 0.3% Eye Drops

Beginning today, October 31, 2023, the Antioch Police Department will introduce a new technology to better serve our community needing police or emergency services. The Antioch Police Department will launch SPIDR Tech – a Versaterm Company – which is a fully automated system that provides callers pertinent information and updates about many incidents via text message or email.

When a community member requests police services from a SMS enabled phone, they should expect to receive a text message acknowledging their call for most incidents. In some cases, a delay may occur when a higher priority call comes in and the officer is diverted, or when the overall call volume creates delays. If the responding officer is delayed, an automated message will be sent to the caller letting them know.

After an incident is handled, the caller will receive a survey and can provide feedback on their experience with the call taker and officer. All automated messages and surveys will be available in both English and Spanish.

Additionally, callers can opt-in to receive news and updates from the Police Department about community events, road closures, and crime alerts. You can sign up to receive updates by texting (925) 568-7388 with the keyword APD.

Soon, the Antioch Police Department will enable additional features of SPIDR Tech which will allow crime victims to receive information on the status of their case.

About SPIDR Tech: SPIDR Tech, a Versaterm Public Safety company, was founded by former law enforcement officers to help police agencies leverage their own data to improve public perception and increase efficiency by providing excellent customer service. Following extensive market research, we designed and built the world’s first comprehensive customer service infrastructure for law enforcement with the goal of improving communication and transparency between agencies and communities. For more information, visit https://versaterm.com and https://www.spidrtech.com

By San Francisco District Attorney’s Office

On Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023, San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins announced that Delandro Belvine-Brown (22) of Antioch, and Sean Raquel Jevonce Simon, Jr. (24) of Richmond, were each sentenced to three years imprisonment after pleading guilty in San Francisco Superior Court to committing robbery in violation of Penal Code Section 211, in relation to a series of retail thefts occurring in San Francisco.

“Retail theft continues to have a major impact on San Francisco’s business community and the city’s economic livelihood. These crimes demand accountability and we need to send the message to others involved in this criminal enterprise that, with the support of our local law enforcement partners, our office will continue to pursue and prosecute those involved,” said District Attorney Brooke Jenkins. “With San Francisco Police Department receiving $15.3 million dollars and our office receiving $2 million from the Organized Retail Theft Prevention Grant Program, law enforcement agencies in San Francisco will continue to identify, investigate, and prosecute all levels of this criminal enterprise.”

In this case, the People alleged that Mr. Belvine-Brown and Mr. Simon were a part of an organized group which committed a series of snatch-and-grab thefts and robberies from Sunglass Hut, LensCrafters, and Veo Optics stores in San Francisco from November 1, 2021, through July 1, 2022. By employing a consistent brazen theft strategy, Mr. Belvine-Brown, Mr. Simon, and others entered the store as a group, rapidly grabbed numerous expensive sunglasses from display shelves, and quickly exited the store and got in an awaiting car. Investigators from SFPD and Brentwood Police Department conducted a joint investigation as there were similar thefts that occurred in Contra Costa County. Investigators from both agencies examined evidence from multiple sources, including store surveillance videos, social media posts, and mobile phone records to identify the Defendants and their criminal activities.

The case against Mr. Belvine-Brown and Mr. Simon was successfully prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Conrad Del Rosario with support and assistance from District Attorney Inspector Lessa Vivian and Paralegal Chloe Mosqueda. This case was investigated by the San Francisco Police Department’s Burglary Unit and the Brentwood Police Department’s Investigation Division.

“Individuals who openly commit egregious and brazen retail crimes impact not only the store’s viability to stay open for their community, but also have long lasting effects on store employees and customers who are subjected to this blatant disregard for the law,” said Assistant District Attorney del Rosario. “These cases should serve as notice to those would-be thieves that law enforcement will aggressively investigate and prosecute their criminal activity in San Francisco.”

Belvine-Brown and Simon are currently in custody and will be transported to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s custody to begin serving their state prison sentences.

Court Number: Belvine-Brown, 22011459, Simon, 23003591

Russell Watts retiring Dec. 31

Nov. 22 deadline to apply

Contra Costa County is recruiting for the next Treasurer-Tax Collector following the announcement of Russell Watts’ retirement, effective Dec. 31, 2023.

The current term for the elected office expires on Jan. 4, 2027. Government Code section 25304 requires that the Board of Supervisors appoint someone to fill the vacancy for the remainder of the term.

“We appreciate Rusty’s service over the past 21 years and wish him well in this next chapter,” said Board Chair District I Supervisor John Gioia.

The Treasurer-Tax Collector is required to be a registered voter of Contra Costa County at the time of appointment by the Board of Supervisors. To qualify for appointment to the office, a person must also meet at least one of the four criteria:

• The person has served in a senior financial management position in a county, city, or other public agency dealing with similar financial responsibilities for a continuous period of not less than three years, including, but not limited to, treasurer, tax collector, auditor, auditor-controller, or the chief deputy or an assistant in those offices.

• The person possesses a valid baccalaureate, masters, or doctoral degree from an accredited college or university in any of the following major fields of study: business administration, public administration, economics, finance, accounting, or a related field, with a minimum of 16 college semester units, or their equivalent, in accounting, auditing, or finance.

• The person possesses a valid certificate issued by the California Board of Accountancy pursuant to Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 5000) of Division 3 of the Business and Professions Code, showing that person to be, and a permit authorizing that person to practice as, a certified public accountant.

• The person possesses a valid charter issued by the Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts showing the person to be designated a Chartered Financial Analyst, with a minimum of 16 college semester units, or their equivalent, in accounting, auditing, or finance.

Contra Costa County is committed to racial equity, inclusion, and social justice within all county operations and is dedicated to the advancement of key initiatives and efforts in support of this essential mission. The ideal candidate will also possess a value system that engenders trust and confidence and embodies a commitment to racial equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Watts, who is leaving office to spend more time with family, served as the elected-Treasurer-Tax Collector for 13 years and as the Chief Deputy Treasurer-Tax Collector eight years prior.

“It has been a privilege and an honor to serve the residents of Contra Costa County,” Watts said. “I have met and worked with many wonderful people during my tenure and am very grateful for their support and trust.”

To apply visit https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=4563

Please send the completed application and supplemental questionnaire to jobs@hrd.cccounty.us.

Contra Costa County
Summary -Treasurer-Tax Collector Appointment Timeline
Date	Description/Action
10/27/2023	Recruitment commences
11/22/2023	Recruitment closes (4 weeks)
11/27/2023	Applications Disclosed/Special Meeting Agenda Published for 11/30/23
11/30/2023	Special Meeting: Board of Supervisors Consider Applicants for Interview
12/12/2023	Regular Meeting: Board of Supervisors Interview Applicants and Makes Appointment
12/14/2023	Special Meeting: Continuation of Interviews (if needed)

Thinking Outside the Box: Leading the Way on Wildfire Protection for the Community

By Dave Mason, Public Information Supervisor, East Bay Regional Park District

The East Bay Regional Park District held a special briefing and tour at Anthony Chabot Regional Park on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023, highlighting a first-of-its-kind fuels reduction project (365 acres) in the East Bay hills. The Park District’s wildfire fuels reduction project uses an innovative and climate-friendly carbonator to dispose of vegetation with extremely low emissions, rather than conventional open-pile burning or transporting it long distances in diesel trucks.

In the fall of 2020, while conducting ongoing vegetation management work, Park District staff noticed significant tree die-off in its parks. Further investigation identified over 1,500 acres of tree mortality within Regional Parks, mostly eucalyptus, but also bay and pine. While there are many contributing factors, the overarching cause is believed to be drought-stress due to climate change.

“We were facing a crisis,” said Park District General Manager Sabrina B. Landreth. “I directed staff to assess the situation quickly and come together with a plan of action, including obtaining the necessary funding to begin addressing the die-off.”

The Park District spans Alameda and Contra Costa counties in the San Francisco Bay Area and manages 73 parks, 1,330 miles of trails, and over 125,000 acres. The District has its own fire department and fuels management crew.

“As the largest regional park district of its kind in the nation and a local wildfire prevention leader, we knew we needed to lead the way in finding solutions,” added Landreth.

Much of the identified tree die-off was within the Park District’s approved Wildfire Hazard Mitigation and Resource Management Plan, which meant environmental approvals for fuels reduction work were already in place. However, significant funding was needed.

In 2021, shortly after discovery of tree die-off, the District approached state officials for help addressing the situation, and the state responded with a critical $10 million direct appropriation from the legislature through Senator Nancy Skinner, D-Berkeley, and then-Senator Bob Wieckowski, D-Fremont. The total cost estimate to address the tree die-off issue is over $30 million.

 “For a public agency to get a $10 million direct appropriation in the state budget for a specific purpose is extraordinary,” said Landreth.

Groundbreaking, Environmentally Friendly Tool for Fuels Reduction

As efforts to secure funding proceeded, estimates also soared for removal costs and the amount of organic material (biomass) that would need to be disposed of. Adding to the complexity of the situation was the fact that removing so much dead and dying vegetation by traditional means required hauling it in trucks to plants that would burn it for fuel. Transporting the dead trees was cost-prohibitive, disruptive to the residential areas, and potentially dangerous. It would also create greenhouse gases and pollution, causing some of the same environmental factors leading to increasing wildfire risks and perhaps even tree die-off itself.

The innovative solution the Park District found for processing large amounts of biomass was a carbonator. The carbonator machine, a Tigercat 6050, resembles a trucking container with a box-like metal chamber. The device burns organic matter with very little oxygen and at very high temperatures (about 1,300 degrees Fahrenheit), which breaks down the molecules of organic matter into a smaller material called biochar. The process creates extremely low emissions.

The resulting biochar – essentially elemental carbon – provides benefits, such as enriching soil by improving its water retention or pH, accelerating composting of green waste, and filtering toxins from water. The carbonator, having never been used in a metropolitan area for biomass disposal at this scale, was tested as part of an 80-acre pilot project at Anthony Chabot Regional Park in 2022, with the lessons learned being shared with the state and other partner agencies facing similar challenges. When completed in March 2023, the pilot project proved to be a net positive, with only a tiny fraction of emissions compared to open-pile burning or hauling off-site.

“As a large regional park district with a full-time fire department and biologists and ecologists on staff, we can do work that other agencies can’t,” said Park District Fire Chief Aileen Theile.

“The carbonator is another tool for our toolbox to reduce wildfire risks and combat climate change. Going forward, up to half of the biomass removed from parks could be converted into biochar,” said Park District Assistant Fire Chief Khari Helae.

Based on the success of the pilot project, a major fuels reduction project is underway at Anthony Chabot Regional Park on 365 acres and including the use of a carbonator for biomass disposal. The project is using $7.5 million of the $10 million direct appropriation from the state legislature, plus federal funds of $1.5 million secured by U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.).

The 365-acre project currently underway at Anthony Chabot Regional Park involves heavy equipment, including a felling team removing trees from the top down and a mastication team thinning vegetation and trees from the ground up. The resulting biochar is being used at the Park District’s Ardenwood Farms in Fremont to enhance soil health, improve water retention, and ultimately increase productivity.

The innovative, strong partnership approach to securing funding, the use of the carbonator in a pilot project and its subsequent use in a large-scale effort to reduce wildfire danger, and our desire to find a sustainable science-based solution in East Bay Regional Parks “is being seen as a model statewide, as well as nationally,” said Landreth.

“By doing this work now, we will gain a more sustainable eco-system in the long-term to benefit generations to come. We are working and planning for both now and the future, and we’re committed to playing the long game,” said Landreth.

The Park District’s leadership team, firefighters, scientists, park rangers, and dedicated staff across departments continue to focus on wildfire mitigation strategies and the innovative, large-scale fuels management program, all while seeking new partnerships and ways to protect the community.

Read the full-length feature article at www.ebparks.org/sites/default/files/carbonator-feature-article.pdf.

The East Bay Regional Park District is the largest regional park system in the nation, comprising 73 parks, 55 miles of shoreline, and over 1,300 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and environmental education. The Park District receives more than 25 million visits annually throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties in the San Francisco Bay Area.