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Submitted by Olivia Sanwong
Recently, The Independent published several articles about the 1992 tax-sharing agreement between the East Bay Regional Park District and the Livermore Area Recreation and Park District.
While they acknowledged that LARPD reduced its initial claim of “missing $200M” by 62.5%, inaccuracies remain, suggesting EBRPD has not effectively served taxpayers. This commentary aims to clarify the situation, recognize EBRPD’s 90 years of accomplishments, and extend an olive branch to the Livermore community as we embark on our 2nd Century District Plan.
EBRPD’s financial reports are publicly available, and our consistent receipt of the Distinguished Budget Award underscores our commitment to financial responsibility. If LARPD had concerns, direct communication with EBRPD would have been more practical. As of last Friday, no one from LARPD had contacted EBRPD regarding the tax-sharing agreement, according to our general manager.
It’s worth noting that The Independent began August with a positive article about EBRPD’s helicopter unit’s relocation to Livermore Airport and our swift response to incidents such as the Altamont Pass fire and a missing hiker search. However, by the end of August, the focus shifted to criticisms of EBRPD.
It is also disappointing that neither The Independent nor LARPD acknowledged the passing of our board member, Ellen Corbett, on Aug. 9. Ellen had family ties to Livermore, often mentioning her relative, a Livermore Valley vintner. While the California State Senate and other East Bay agencies paid tribute to Ellen in August, LARPD focused on “scrutinizing” EBRPD instead.
As the second woman to serve as California State Senate majority leader, Ellen was a trailblazer who significantly contributed to our community. We reflected on her legacy at our Sept. 3 meeting and honored her memory.
In addition, we approved an agreement with the City of Livermore, allowing the Tri-Valley Conservancy to hold a 211-acre easement and endowment at Doolan Canyon Regional Preserve between Dublin and Livermore.
As the EBRPD director for the Livermore area, I’m proud of the enriching opportunities we provide, including Del Valle, Shadow Cliffs, Brushy Peak, Ohlone Wilderness and Camp Arroyo, along with our LARPD Sycamore Grove partnership. EBRPD manages over 126,000 acres across 73 parks in Alameda and Contra Costa counties, including the multi-jurisdictional 28-mile Ohlone Wilderness Trail from Del Valle to Mission Peak in Fremont.
Del Valle Regional Park’s entrance is located south of Livermore and spans 4,395 acres. In 1968, the California Department of Water Resources and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built the Del Valle Dam, creating Lake Del Valle for flood control, irrigation, water supply and recreation. EBRPD offers various recreational activities at Del Valle, including a visitor center that showcases Lake Del Valle’s role in our water system.
This complements the visitor center at Big Break Regional Shoreline in Oakley, located in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta region. Big Break features a 1,200-square-foot map illustrating Delta water flow, vital to Livermore as the Delta supplies water to Lake Del Valle via the South Bay Aqueduct.
As EBRPD celebrates our 90th anniversary this year, we are excited to launch the development of our 2nd Century District Plan. This plan will address future challenges while upholding our commitment to stewardship of our natural resources and financial responsibility.
We recognize that achieving this mission requires collaboration with all our partners, including those in the Livermore area. We invite Livermore to join us in shaping our 2nd Century District Plan to ensure our parks thrive for future generations.
Editor’s note: Olivia Sanwong, who was born in Livermore and has lived most of her life in Pleasanton, was elected to her first term as director of EBRPD Ward 5 in 2022. She served as an elected Zone 7 Water Agency director from 2018-22, including as board president from 2020-21.
