Some BB guns look like real guns. Photos: East Bay Regional Park District PD
By East Bay Regional Park District Police Department
BB guns can look incredibly similar to real firearms, especially from a distance or during a fast-moving situation. That makes it difficult for both the public and law enforcement officers to immediately tell whether someone is carrying a BB gun or a real rifle.
That uncertainty can quickly create a dangerous situation.
It’s also important to remember that East Bay Regional Park District Ordinance 38, Section 403.1 prohibits BB guns in East Bay Regional Parks.
Please leave BB guns and similar weapons at home when visiting our parks. Following park rules helps keep visitors, staff, and responding officers safe.
Brings proven record of securing park funding, protecting land, and expanding public access
New General Manager Max Korten. Photo: EBRPD
OAKLAND, Calif. – Twenty-seven years ago, Max Korten was a young ranger in the Sierra Nevada, leading campfire talks for the U.S. Forest Service. On Tuesday, August 4, 2026, the East Bay Regional Park District Board of Directors voted 6-0 to appoint him General Manager, putting him at the helm of one of the largest regional park systems in the country. Korten has served as Acting General Manager since November 2025.
“Max has demonstrated steady, thoughtful leadership and a deep commitment to the East Bay Regional Park District’s mission, employees, and the communities we serve,” said Olivia Sanwong, president of the Board of Directors and representative for Ward 5. “The Board is confident that his experience, collaborative approach, and clear vision will guide the Park District forward as we expand access to nature, preserve our rich heritage of natural and cultural resources, provide meaningful environmental education, and ensure that an environmental ethic continues to guide all that we do. We are pleased to appoint him as general manager and look forward to continuing our work together.”
Korten joined the Park District as Deputy General Manager in October 2024. From the start, he worked closely with teams across the District to resolve challenges and build a more cohesive organization. Korten has worked diligently to build trust between the Board and staff through increased communication, transparency, and engagement. His accomplishments include collaborating with union leaders to reach an agreement on a new telework policy and working with neighboring city officials to preserve the historic Flag Barn in Brentwood. Korten is currently supporting staff and partners in efforts to reduce traffic on Del Valle Road in Livermore and is working with the Trust for Public Land, state leaders, and the cities of Berkeley and Albany on the potential acquisition of Golden Gate Fields.
Before joining the Park District, Korten spent 10 years at Marin County Parks, the last eight as director and general manager, leading an agency responsible for 34 open space preserves, 45 parks, and about 150 employees on a $35 million annual operating budget. He reported directly to the Marin County Board of Supervisors and worked with nine commissions and board-appointed committees.
During his tenure at Marin County Parks, Korten led the passage of the 2022 renewal of Measure A, the countywide sales tax that funds park maintenance, wildfire fuel reduction, farmland preservation, and public access, winning voter approval by about 75%. He also worked to eliminate park entrance fees, an initiative that aimed to expand equitable public access. He was also successful in passing a $20 million acquisition bond measure.
Looking ahead, Korten has prioritized aligning the Park District’s fire, stewardship, and operations teams around a cohesive vegetation management strategy. The effort includes mapping wildfire risk and habitat opportunities across the Park District for the first time. He is also leading development of District planning to support the Board in establishing shared goals and strategies to guide implementation in the years ahead.
“I’m honored and grateful for this opportunity, and I don’t take it lightly,” Korten said. “The Park District is a special place, and I’ve learned so much from the people who came before me. These parks are meant to be here forever, for everyone, and my focus is on keeping the organization strong so we can protect these resources while making sure they remain accessible and welcoming to all.”
Earlier in his career, Korten served as a wilderness ranger for the U.S. Forest Service, as natural resources program director for Conservation Corps North Bay, and as a backcountry ranger and trail crew supervisor for the Bureau of Land Management.
Korten holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and a master’s degree in natural resources from Humboldt State University. He lives with his family in Berkeley, where he is a regular on the trails of Tilden Regional Park.
The East Bay Regional Park District is the largest regional park system in the nation, comprising 73 parks, 55 miles of shoreline, and over 1,330 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and environmental education. The Park District receives an estimated 30 million visits annually throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties in the San Francisco Bay Area.
With Blues Night, Country Boogie Night & Vintage Rock Night
“Not too loud, not too long and not too expensive.”
By Rebecca Roudman
On July 26, Aug. 23 and Sept. 20 at Gilman Brewing in Berkeley, the folks from Not Loud Concerts are presenting Summer Sessions. These music festivals are part of the Not Loud Concert Summer Series – a set of concerts designed to be Not too long, Not too expensive, and of course, Not too loud.
Designed with the audience’s comfort in mind, these short festivals will be held outdoors at Gilman Brewing. There, 2 bands will be on stage at the same time, trading songs and dueling it out. Each concert will have a different theme.
July 26 is Blues Night featuring Delta Wires, an exciting harmonica and horns blues powerhouse and Dirty Cello, a world-traveling, high-energy blues band.
Aug 23 is Country Boogie Night featuring the Alex Lucero Band, a boot-stompin’ Americana band and Dirty Cello, a high-energy band known for their crazy takes on classic country.
Sept. 20 is Vintage Rock Night featuring The Rockbusters, a roaring nostalgia-filled cover band playing all of your favorite songs from the 80’s. They’ll be joined by Dirty Cello, who are known for their crazy and electrifying performances of everything from the Stones to CCR.
Food and drinks will be available for purchase. The audience is welcome to bring chairs, and chairs will also be provided. There will be room to dance and room to sit. No porta-potties, but plenty of clean, indoor bathrooms.
Not Loud Concerts focus on creating an experience that is casual and fun for both the musicians and the audience. The concerts are never too long, never too expensive and of course never too loud.
Not Loud Concerts presents… Summer Sessions at Gilman Brewing
Learn about the Juan Bautista de Anza Expedition in Contra Costa County and throughout California as the Declaration of Independence was being signed
By LeighAnn Davis, Executive Director, Contra Costa County Historical Society
As our nation approaches its 250th anniversary, land managers, historians, educators and civic leaders across the East Bay formed the East Bay Anza 250 Symposium committee dedicated to exploring a parallel milestone: the 250th anniversary of the Juan Bautista de Anza expedition. This journey profoundly shaped California’s history and continues to influence our communities today.
Anza Expedition Map. Source: National Park Service
According to the National Park Service, the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail covers over 1,200 miles through the homelands of 70+ Tribal communities including in Contra Costa County. It follows the historic route of the 1775-76 Spanish colonizing expedition from Sonora, Mexico to San Francisco, CA. Whether urban or rural, the trail offers adventure, diverse cultural perspectives and an opportunity to experience history.
Painting by David Rickman. Courtesy of U.S. National Park Service
On June 27, 1776, as the Declaration of Independence was being signed in Philadelphia, the colonists of the Anza expedition arrived at their destination in what would become San Francisco. Both of these events would dramatically shape the cultural and political landscapes of the United States. In 2025 and 2026, the Anza Trail invites communities along the historic path of the 1775-76 colonizing expedition to commemorate the complicated and evermore fascinating history of the paths and events that make up this National Historic Trail.
Third leg map of the Anza expedition shows campsites 99, 100 and 101 in Contra Costa County. Map created by Emanuel Delgado. Source: National Park Service
Campsites and Trail in Contra Costa County
A map of the Third Leg of the Anza Expedition shows three campsites in Contra Costa County with the Arroyo del Puerto Dulce campsite 99 in Rodeo, the Arroyo de Santa Ana del Flugino campsite 100 in Concord and the San Ricardo campsite 101 along the Antioch/Oakley border.
According to the Juan Bautista de Anza Historic Trail website, “On April 1st (1776) the group camped at a small stream. Today, the campsite is at the conjunction of Parker and San Pablo Avenues and Rodeo Creek. A commemorative marker from the 1976 reenactment is on Parker Road between 4th and 6th Streets in front of the post office in the town of Rodeo.”
The Anza Expedition campsite 99 historic marker in Rodeo, campsite 100 historic marker in Concord and campsite 101 historic marker at the Antioch/Oakley Regional Shoreline. Photos by Andrew Ruppenstein. Source: The Historical Marker Database HMdb.org
The East Bay Anza 250 Symposium will take place on Saturday, April 11, 2026, 9AM-4PM and is a collaborative gathering that explores the expedition’s impact on the East Bay, honors Indigenous legacies, and fosters dialogue about how this history informs our present.
The symposium will include:
Live Performances
Keynote Speakers
Panel Discussions that Dive into the History, Teaching, and Environmental Impacts of the Expedition.
An Exhibit Hall Filled with Cultural Exhibitions and Displays
Symposium registration is $30 for General Admission and $20 for students and seniors.
Lunch is included in your registration fee if reserved before April 1st, 2026.
To register, please visit the Eventbrite site for Grassroots Poetry using the QR code.
Keynote Speakers: Our speaker series brings together a vibrant tapestry of voices to explore the multifaceted legacy of the Anza Expedition. By pairing the scholarly insights of local historians and naturalists with the deeply personal narratives of expedition descendants, we aim to provide an inclusive history that honors the trail’s complex past.
Panel Discussions: Join our interdisciplinary panels, featuring local historians, expert naturalists, and descendants of the expedition, for a compelling look at the impact of Anza 250 years later. These sessions bring together diverse voices to explore the environmental, cultural, and personal history of the trail, offering a unique, in-depth, and engaging perspective on this historic journey.
Exhibit Hall: Our Exhibit Hall is a testament to the power of community partnership. The exhibit hall is a collaborative space showcasing exhibits and information from local historical societies and land management agencies. Connect with local experts in this dedicated space for a deeper, context-rich understanding of the historical and cultural significance of the Anza Trail.
Event Information:
The Event is Saturday, April 11th, 2026, from 9AM until 4PM with a lunch break at noon. An optional walk will take place along the trail that intersects with the LMC campus at 8AM. All members of the community are invited to join us and enjoy the speakers, poets and music guests!
We encourage all symposium attendees to consider alternate ways to get to campus. You can bike, walk, carpool or take public transportation. If you plan to arrive by car, parking is free on the day of the event. More information about how to get to campus here: LMC Transportation and Parking Information
Thank you to all our partners for your support:
Grassroots Poetry
Independent Arts and Media
Los Medanos College Honors Program
National Park Service
Anza Trail Foundation
Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy
Contra Costa County Historical Society
Museum of the San Ramon Valley
For more information contact Dwayne Eubanks, Chair East Bay Anza 250 Symposium at EastBayAnza@gmail.com.
This event is brought to you by Grassroots Poetry and Los Medanos Honors Program and fiscally sponsored by Independent Arts Media, a 501(c)3 organization.
Vehicles from Solano County, Antioch and Manteca were seized after being involved in illegal sideshow activity and evading officers in Oakland.
With the assistance of the Flock Camera System, Oakland Police Department investigators have identified and seized 16 vehicles so far this year. In 2025, 195 vehicles were towed, and 23 arrests were made for police evasion, reckless driving, and illegal sideshow activity in Oakland.
OPD remains focused on preventing this dangerous and illegal activity that puts the entire community at risk. Investigators are actively working to identify those responsible and hold participants accountable.
We continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners to prevent and reduce these dangerous activities. Participation in illegal sideshows in Oakland may result in your vehicle being towed and seized with a 30-day hold.
OPD remains committed to protecting Oakland’s streets and public safety.
Honoring Bay Area journalist’s legacy of connecting people to Nature
By EBRPD Public Affairs
East Bay Regional Park District staff are deeply saddened by the passing of Doug McConnell, beloved longtime host of OpenRoad with Doug McConnell on NBC. Doug’s storytelling helped raise public awareness of the value of parks, trails, and community conservation efforts across Northern California and beyond, making outdoor exploration accessible and meaningful to a wider audience.
Source: OpenRoad Facebook page
A post on the OpenRoad with Doug McConnell Facebook page on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, shares more details about his passing. It reads, “It is with heavy hearts and deep sadness that we share the news that Doug McConnell peacefully passed on the night of January 13th, 2026. Since his stroke in the fall of 2023 he had bravely struggled to regain his health, but a string of setbacks finally caught up with him. Doug was our friend, mentor, and a guiding light along our own life journeys. We will miss him dearly and wish his family peace in this difficult time.
Doug dedicated much of his life to telling stories about the world’s beautiful natural places and encouraged everyone to enjoy them and especially to protect them. He made friends wherever he went. He was the best road trip companion you could have, the biggest optimist we ever met, a human GPS with a steel trap memory, friendly to a fault, knowledgeable about most any subject, and filled the world with enthusiastic positivity. We affectionately described him as the human golden retriever.
No words in a social media post can adequately convey what Doug has meant to us. If he meant something to you. If his TV shows resonated with you. If you have a story about him you’d like to tell, please feel free to tell it here. We’d love to hear from you about what Doug meant to you.
We loved Doug and will miss him dearly.”
The Park District worked with Doug McConnell and his crew many times over the past three decades to showcase East Bay Regional Parks, first on Bay Area Backroads and followed by his most recent show, OpenRoad. Together, we helped educate viewers about the importance of spending time in nature and the role conservation plays in ensuring future generations have the same opportunity. He was a thoughtful journalist whose commitment to community, collaboration, and public service left a lasting impact on the East Bay. We are grateful for his dedication and the positive spirit he brought to his work.
Doug first began working with the Park District in 1993, and this creative collaboration has continued through present day. Through this work, he became an integral part of the Park District’s history, working closely with District staff on many projects. Doug was master of ceremonies at the District’s 65th and 75th anniversary events, Regional Parks Foundation signature events, and the Healthy Parks, Healthy People festival.
In a Jan. 14 statement issued by the OpenRoad team, his colleagues said, “Doug was grateful that his legacy continues, a legacy of joyfully encouraging everyone to explore and appreciate the beauty and diversity of our natural lands, and to celebrate the work so many of you are doing to restore and protect these natural places.” The Park District is honored to be included in Doug’s work and legacy.
Notable episodes featuring the Park District include:
This special episode filmed during the COVID-19 pandemic showed how the Park District responded to the crisis and how parks provided an essential service for physical health and mental well-being.
The East Bay Regional Park District is the largest regional park system in the nation, comprising 73 parks, 55 miles of shoreline, and over 1,330 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and environmental education. The Park District receives an estimated 30 million visits annually throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties in the San Francisco Bay Area.
This Thursday, December 11, 2025, you are invited to join us for a Christmas Concert led by our High School Ministry! This will be a time of worshipping Christ and reflecting on the first Advent through Scripture reading, songs led by the High School worship team, and a brief Christmas message.
There will be s’mores and hot chocolate available too!
Enjoy a free, family-friendly adventure in the East Bay Regional Parks
Includes Volunteer Planting Opportunity at Contra Loma and Hike at Black Diamond Mines in Antioch
By Jen Vanya, Public Information Specialist, Public Affairs, EBRPD
For more than a decade, the East Bay Regional Park District has encouraged the community to embrace Green Friday—the day after Thanksgiving—as an opportunity to get outside, enjoy fresh air, and reconnect with nature in the East Bay Regional Parks.
“Green Friday is a healthy and meaningful way to spend the day after Thanksgiving,” said Jessica Sloan, the Park District’s volunteer program supervisor. “It’s a chance to enjoy time with family and friends in the outdoors or give back by participating in one of our volunteer clean-up projects. However you choose to spend it, the day is all about celebrating and caring for our natural spaces.”
On Green Friday, November 28, all Park District entrance and park use fees are waived, including parking, boat launching, and fishing, as well as entrance to Ardenwood Historic Farm. Fees are still in effect for state fishing licenses, watercraft inspections, and concessionaires, such as the Tilden Merry-Go-Round.
Green Friday is part of the #OptOutside movement to promote health-focused alternatives to Black Friday shopping.
Green Friday activities in Regional Parks include:
Volunteer Planting Opportunity, 9 a.m. at Contra Loma in Antioch (registration requested)
Green Friday Hike, 9 a.m. at Black Diamond Mines in Antioch
Green Friday Hike Amongst the Trees, 9 a.m. at Reinhardt Redwood in Oakland
Green Friday Gratitude Hike, 10 a.m. at Sunol Wilderness in Sunol
Green Friday Hike, 10:30 a.m. at Coyote Hills in Fremont
The East Bay Regional Park District is the largest regional park system in the nation, comprising 73 parks, 55 miles of shoreline, and over 1,330 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and environmental education. The Park District receives an estimated 30 million visits annually throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties in the San Francisco Bay Area.
