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| Carnegie rocks |
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| Written by Tom Noakes / For the Tracy Press / | |
| Tuesday, 08 April 2008 | |
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A retired man tells why the park southwest of town is a great place to spend a day.
EDITOR,
Like a lot of other retired persons, I have trouble walking and use one of those things you push on wheels. When you go somewhere, you’re kind of on your own. Lots of people will help you, but a lot of people won’t. I went alone to the state park at Carnegie last weekend for the Hill Climbs (not me, but for motorcycles). I didn’t realize how much of a family sport it is. The grins on the riders’ faces, the dads, moms, kids and grandparents make your heart melt. The best is when the little ones try. The people line up on the hill and catch them when they stop. The pride the kids have when the people clap and yell is amazing.
The reason I’m telling this story is also to tell you about the park rangers and the young people who work at the event. Everyone insisted on helping me. They wouldn’t let me walk in because I was having trouble pushing my walker in the sand. I told them I could make it, but they said, “No, Grandpa. We’re taking you in and out.”
They checked on me all day. What a wonderful place to spend a day with your family — or, for that matter, someone else’s family.
— Tom Noakes, Tracy Trackback(0)
Comments
(25)
 written by Someone stole my bike , April 10, 2008
Yes that is correct. Celeste Garamendi-Garamendi wants this gone. I will go and find the information on google.com and come back and post it here.
In short, Celeste tried to do away with 93% of the monies that go to the park, by attacking the OHV monies. She claimed they should only get 7%. The argument was that the park should support hiking trails. Stupid if you think about it. What a dip***** too! Because the first time a hiker gets run over they should sue Garamendi. Think about it, and I will be back with the info, once I find it. written by Someone stole my bike , April 10, 2008
Celeste Connolly's family has property nearby.
Here is the link I promised: http://findarticles.com/p/arti...n21075751 Celeste Garamendi, whose family ranches cattle near Tesla, said, "Tesla is a beautiful valley. It should be saved." http://www.ama-d36.org/forums/...5494.html Very sad! written by Someone stole my bike , April 10, 2008
Although the state intends to create an off-highway vehicle (OHV) park with 3000 acres it bought next to Carnegie motorcycle park, Celeste Garamendi is working hard to change those plans.
Garamendi, a Tracy resident whose husband owns a ranch near the park on Tesla Road, has formed Friends of Tesla Park. The organization is getting the word out to public agencies and conservation groups that an OHV park would disrupt sensitive habitat. It’s a problem the state hasn’t addressed adequately in the first two EIRs it conducted for the property, said Garamendi. The third EIR attempt is expected to begin early this year, she said. The Carnegie motorcycle park already permits some OHV use. With the expanded popularity of the vehicles, the state bought the adjacent land. Allowing vehicles there will contribute to erosion and water run-off problems into Corral Hollow Creek, posing a threat to fish there. It would also ruin habitat for various endangered plants and such species as the red-legged and yellow-legged frogs, she said. The state should come up with a bigger vision for the land, one which help build a corridor linking Mount Diablo with Mount Hamilton with trails and endangered species habitat. Species could then travel from one area to another. The land is also well situated to provide a nature corridor from the Bay Area to the Central Valley, said Garamendi. The state is in a perfect position to accomplish such a major green achievement, because it already owns the land, said Garamendi. Asked about the needs of OHV enthusiasts for recreation in a growing California population, Garamendi said that the OHV community needs to live within its means, just as she does as a hiker. The federal government regulates the number of permits it issues to Sierra hikers. The state park system requires reservations at many of its campgrounds. The system doesn’t expand to meet everyone’s needs, she said. -independantnews.com continued... written by Someone stole my bike , April 10, 2008
As part of the drive to enlist conservation groups behind the idea, Garamendi appeared at a Sierra Club Tri-Valley Group meeting in December. Chapter president Janis Turner said the group is interested in saving natural habitat. The group’s executive committee declared its desire to “protect the cultural and environmentally sensitive areas of Tesla.” A meeting with the general membership showed strong concern.
Garamendi took contact information from members, and will let them know what action they can take. “A lot of people are willing to take action,” said Turner. Sierra Club members are also concerned about the historical aspects of the site, including Native American use that Garamendi discussed. “The Ohlone and other (tribes) used the area seasonally.” Garamendi said that since the state purchased the land with vehicle-related revenue, the state’s argument is that the money should go to the OHV park. Garamendi’s response is that only 7 percent of the money represents fees from sticker sales for OHVs. The remainder is gas tax money, which is not specifically related to OHVs. There are plenty of other needs that the gas tax revenue could finance, she said. HISTORY ELEMENT CITED AS VALUABLE There is also a historical legacy to protect at Tesla. Livermore’s official historian, Gary Drummond, said that the long-abandoned coal mines and the sites of the workers’ houses there “represent an economy we don’t have any more, except in West Virginia. Tesla and Black Diamond Mines (in northern Contra Costa County) are all worked out.” The Tesla coal field was discovered by surveyors in the 1850s, and first exploited by a man named O’Brien, who hired 30 miners in 1863. It was a time when small-scale operations could make a go of it in a relatively small coal field. The Tesla mines closed in 1907 because of financial moves by owner John Treadwell. -independantnews.com continued... written by Someone stole my bike , April 10, 2008 A brick-manufacturing plant nearby closed in 1906, a victim of the major earthquake then. Left behind were such small villages as Harrietville, Jimtown, and Frytown, all named after people associated with the mining families. Those three towns combined to form a population of 102 people. There were other settlements, such as Chinatown and Darktown. After the towns shut down, some of the buildings were moved, or torn apart for scrap lumber. The company’s flagpole wound up being used after 1913 by St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Livermore, where it stood in front of the rectory. DRIVE WILL CONTINUE Garamendi plans to continue organizing people, so that they will be able to comment during the public review of the EIR period. After that process, the issue eventually goes to a commission, which will make the final determination concerning the EIR certification. The first EIR was completed in 2002, but not certified, said Garamendi. The second attempt at an EIR was withdrawn. Garamendi said that the EIR was never completed because the mitigation was “completely inadequate.” -independantnews.com written by Someone stole my bike , April 10, 2008 This is a beautiful park as you can see from the pictures in the last link. It also happens to be near the lab. But it doesn't bother anyone else. Except... Ask yourselves... Why on earth would someone want to be a Park Killer??? And shut down this park??? And why on earth would Celeste Garamendi and the Sierra club want a hiking park next to a nuclear lab? Ask yourself if hikers from the Sierra club REALLY want to hike next to nukes and dirt-bikes? I thought not! http://www.southbayriders.com/...p?p=733897 Enjoy the links and information!!! Hope you do the research come election time. I did!  written by Dave Hardesty , April 10, 2008
Someone stole my bike
Thank you for the information I am sure others will make good use of it. However in the interest of accuracy you did make an error. Even though she never uses it this way her name, in the form used in America by other women would be Celeste Garamendi-Connolly. Few people area aware of this liasion. Ok bob b, you can now work to get this article removed to the archives now the name association has been mentioned for the voters of Tracy surely don't want anything like a transparancy in the city government they elect.  Dave Hardesty  written by Park Supporter , April 10, 2008
I am new to tracy but I have heard that Celeste is married to Mark Connolly, whose family owns property near Carnegie-Tesla park? Is that true?
I am curious why would they want to shut down the Carnegie park? Or attempt to divert 90 some percent of the state park funds??? I drive through the Tesla road and noticed the park, which doesn't seem to bother anyone back there in the middle of that valley. It is a good way for young people to spend time with their families. I happen to have met some of them who have a passion for that. And their parents like that their children are involved in positive activities. Considering what the alternatives could be!!! And there are so many more important issues that our leaders could address. An attempt to villianize motorcycle enthusiasts doesn't seem an appropriate campaign platform. Another thought is that there is really nothing for miles around that park, except commuters and the lab. There is nobody else there to bother. So why all the backlash??? Please support these guys! They have been there a long time. And they are not really affecting Tracyites negatively. In fact some Tracy citizens participate in the enjoyment that this park has provided for many years. Tracy Press, lets see an article that talks about the young people and their families who are involved in the Carnegie park. One more thing... And how 'bout it Celeste... A spoonful of honey will catch more flies than vinegar. So isn't it about time that you show some support for our state parks? written by Dave Hardesty , April 10, 2008
Park Supporter
Yes it's true, they own approximately 11 square miles surrounding the park area and well up into the mountains south of the park. How all of this relates to Tracy and her bid for Mayor is just a piece of a very large puzzle. Just take a good hard look at all of the issues over the years conserning these people and start to connect the dots. Dave Hardesty  written by amy , April 10, 2008
Tom Noakes, thanks for sharing your heartwarming story, people who love life, as you see in the outdoor sportings event will treat people well. I am glad it went so well for you and hopefully you will do it again soon. Thanks for the cheerful testimony.
Trying to be objective here, does the Carnegie Park or Telsa Park, any part of it belong to the City of Tracy that would affect the inner city politics? written by Dave Hardesty , April 10, 2008
amy
No, Carnegie Park is state and I think Tesla is Alameda County. Neither park is directly tied to Tracy's inner city politics other than the things and methodologies used to encumber their operations tend to reveal the true character and nature of the people causing them problems. I belief you would agree that our voters should have as much information they can about the candidates they choose to represent them so they can vote intellegently, right? Dave Hardesty written by amy , April 10, 2008
That is right! The more the voters do their homework on each candidate, the better decision they will make in the "hiring or firing" with the vote. Look at their sense of priority for the City of Tracy, too.
Your information cleared it up for me, thanks, Dave Hardesty. -amy  written by Cover up??? , April 10, 2008
Amy,
Did the Tracy Press remove someone's post again? It seems to look like that. I just noticed that your response was to "Tom Nokes"? Hope this isn't indicative of Celeste's 'transparent' government??? written by amy , April 10, 2008
Tom Noakes / For the Tracy Press / Tuesday, 08 April 2008
"A retired man tells why the park southwest of town is a great place to spend a day." No conspiracy here.  written by amy , April 10, 2008
The candidate's philosophy does have a role in decision making.
Are any candidates an opportunist for self or opportunist for the Citizens and the City of Tracy? Look at their track record of the votes over the years on the city council, the expenditure and the deficit. Years of experience under their belt and results to show for it versus a new candidate's platform that we are not fully informed of. I am guessing since people have short memories, more of the plan will be forthcoming from each candidate when the date is closer to the day of the election? -up to us to use our vote wisely or ignorantly. Good day to everyone. -amy written by Dave Hardesty , April 10, 2008
amy
Sage advice for certain. But let us not forget you don't have voting records for those who have never been in public office, the candidates running against the incumbants. That's why, to me, it is so important to find out as much about the actions and character of these people because we certainly wouldn't want to find out what they might do in office after the fact and end up just as bad or worse than what many people believe today. You and I both have the same goal in mind here, we want to know the good and bad about all of the candidates before we remove them or put them into office to govern us. Dave Hardesty written by amy , April 10, 2008
Dave, that is correct, it is a gamble with each one of them.
Since the candidate never held office, we don't have the experiences of change with the candidate that we had with the present city council members. If the citizens likes the direction the City of Tracy has been going, they will vote for that person, if not, they will make that choice whom they will vote in. With the candidate's untried record of holding the office, and the performance of the city council members.... it is a gamble, at least it is, for me. -amy written by amy , April 10, 2008
It's ironic, locally, two Republicans and one Democrat running for Mayor, and on national level, two Democrats and one Republican for Presidency... and it is still a gamble.
written by Dave Hardesty , April 10, 2008
amy
This is precisely why it is very important for voters to educate themselves and gather as much factual information they can about all candidates involved and make an intelligent decision based on that information, rather than to simply listen to gossip and unsubstantiated information either in the mainstream Internet, this blog and even casual conversations with people who are your friends, have the best intensions, and yet suffer the same lack of factual information that most voters seem to suffer from today. Change for changes sake isn't always a good thing. Best to look before you leap or you very well could end up like a quadriplegic friend of mine who dove off into one of our Delta canals and struck a bolder a few inches under the water. Yep, the water looked fine on the surface but devastation was right there hidden just out of sight. Wow, that was about 35 years ago. I guess I am getting old. Dave Hardesty written by amy , April 10, 2008
Whew! Poor friend! I admire their courage to plug through each day!!
Yes, mistakes can be costly. Emotionally and financially for your friend. Glad he has your support! Since I am an Independent, I try to pay attention to the candidate's views on issues. What is recorded at the city council meetings. Those factual records are the most reliable source of information for me to research on. Hearsay and what you assume is a form of ignorance. I hope everyone who wants to see Tracy move in positive direction will take each moment as often as possible to do research on each one of the candidate in running before the election. You owe yourself that much. Thanks. Amy This content has been locked. You can no longer post any comment.
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I know this comment will not set well with some but the facts are the facts.
In talking with the off-road riders that frequent this location I am quite surprized they don't know what has been going on pertaining to the existance and expansion of this state operated park facility.
Folks, please make yourselves aware of the complete picture on these types of things before you cast your votes in November.
Ok bob, it's your turn.
Dave Hardesty