Save Mount Diablo
Protecting the Mountain Since 1971
Save Newhall North! Newhall North is a beautiful 161 Any development would require grading of a much larger area up onto the steep, acre parcel rising up the slopes of Lime Ridge, north of Ygnacio Valley Road landslide prone hills. Newhall is highly visible, and the parcel serves as a buffer to and surrounded on three sides by existing open space Lime Ridge Open Space. After a development proposal, a citizen's initiative resulting in a rezoning, and the threat of a lawsuit by the landowner, the City of Walnut Creek purchased the parcel in late 1993. The City also purchased a 60 acre piece (with East Bay Regional Park District) south of Ygnacio Valley Road, known as View from near the Canal Trail to the peak of Lime Ridge. Newhall South. To recoup some of the acquisition price, the council first THE PARCELS REAL VALUE considered a golf course on the parcel, a plan which proved infeasible. Now Some think that Newhall North is the council has been asked to consider simply "over-grazed grassland". On a allowing limited development-a grave summer walk, however (a hot day at high mistake in Save Mount Diablo's noon), the land's value was hard to opinion. overlook. Newhall lli a large, steep, Because of the potential for developgrassland bowl. But the property rises to ment, the City paid $6 million for the ridgelines on both sides and is dotted with Newhall parcels. At 60% of the fair huge old oaks. Adjacent to the busy market appraisal, Walnut Creek got a Ygnacio Canal Trail, a half mile from very good deal. Whether to sell part of Ygnacio Valley Rd., and bordered by Newhall to recover some of the development, Newhall is quiet and serene purchase price, or celebrate a great and its fire roads lead to the ridgeline and deal which protects some of the last, incredible views. most highly visible open space in the The steep golden brown hills contrasted City becomes the question. dramatically with the brilliant blue of the Would development of Newhall sky-interrupted only by the silhouettes of North be an irreparable loss? YES! continued on page 10 1
Summer/Fall 1997, No.22
Wa lnut Creek's Urban Trails Many citizens of the area are unaware of the wonderful system of urban trails in Contra Costa County. Throughout the county, you can walk, run, bicycle or roller blade on paved trails that provide safe, quiet and often beautiful routes that travel from city to city and from park to park. There are great views of Mount Diablo from many of them. Because they generally follow canals, streams or railroad right-ofways, urban trails are generally flat or slightly rolling and great for short bike rides or walks. Some of the trails are also suitable for equestrians. Walnut Creek is the central intersection where many of these trails cross. Walnut Creek's Ygnacio Canal Trail joins with the Contra Costa Canal Trail in a beautiful 7.88 mile loop between Shell and Lime Ridge. Newhall North is the loveliest spot on this loop, near the eastern intersection of the two trails. It's an easy walk to see mnp 011 page 9
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