Meeting Highlights provides members, guests, and the community an overview of each speaker's presentation, significant Club and member achievements, and information regarding upcoming speakers and events. Jim Negri, Editor
Update on the East Bay Regional Park District
Dennis Waespi, Board of Directors - Ward 3
Dennis Waespi, a Castro Valley resident, worked for the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) for 38 years and was elected to the Board in 2014. EBRPD was established in 1934 with surplus land from EBMUD and has grown from 6 parks to 73 parks encompassing more the 125,000 acres for land, trails, and shorelines, EBRPD interacts with 33 cities and 2 county governments as well as multiple
agencies.
Be sure to use the links in the article to learn more.
EBRPD is focused on (1) inclusivity, (2) getting people to the parks, and (3) stressing the mental and physical benefits of the parks. Dennis described in detail recently developed EBRPD parks including
Dumbarton Quarry Campground that just opened on August 28 and will offer various types of camping on the Bay.
Chouinard Winery that will allow EBRPD connect Hayward with Pleasanton. Note: Most EBRPD parks run north-south, but this acquisition will provide west-east access.
Dennis concluded by discussing the greatest challenge to EBRPD , fires, which has been caused by tree morality, changes in controlled burn regulations, and 1500 acres for dead trees. EBRPD has received funding from the federal and California governments that will be used for fire suppression activities and equipment, Other challenges include the impact of the drought, blue green algae, and rising sea levels.
Both Mona Koh, Community Relations Manager for the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) and EBRPD Director Dennis Waespi mentioned the EBRPD is once again sponsoring the an event at Lake Chabot to support the United Nations World Peace Day on September 18 at Lake Chabot Park. See the information from EBRPD below.
This is our fourth year celebrating World Peace Day at the Park District. Join us for a sharing of messages/prayers, songs, and reflections on ways to recover better for an equitable and sustainable world*. Our active collaboration and empathy is needed in these tough times to build a world of understanding, respect, justice, and safety for all peoples.
There will be the unveiling of a 12-foot PEACE POLE – a symbol of the hopes and dreams of the global family for Peace on Earth.
Julien Wagner, owner of the Seven Hills Baking Company in the Castro Valley Marketplace, has been in the baking business for more than 30 years. He started washing dishes at 14, went to culinary school to become a chef, but became a baker. Julien lives in San Leandro, but is from Connecticut.
In describing his business, Julien stated the he "want to belong to the community, not be a business in the community and said that Castro Valley has embraced Seven Hills Baking Company, which opened one year in the middle of the pandemic. He shared samples of epi and European styled butter.
Julien noted that he bakes everything from scratch from locally sourced products using traditional methods to ensure the highest quality. He described what goes into the French baguette, Type 70 flour, and very popular epi. An important takeaway - fresh from the oven croissants are available at 7:00 am and 4:30 pm. Check the website to view all the delicious products available,