Reading this article in today’s Danville Patch, “Magee Preserve Adds Miles of New Trails”, made me reminisce of life before the pandemic, when our community voted to preserve 380 acres of open space on one of the most beautiful areas of California’s East Bay.
After relocating to California in the 1990s, I came to appreciate the significance of preserving our land, water, and resources for future generations to cherish. Living in Danville has shown me the impact of thoughtful land use decisions, like the decade-long process that sparked a heated political debate. I took on the role of mobilizing grassroots advocates and engaging the community in grassroots efforts, a responsibility that fills me with immense pride.
It was a heated campaign between residents of Danville and residents of Diablo, a community in unincorporated Contra Costa County who fought development of any kind, utilizing the courts system to stall and halt projects.
But the thing is — California needs more housing and Magee Preserve made sense. More than 380 acres of open space would be preserved forever as a part of the East Bay Regional Parks District, the local special disrict that manages public parks in its jurisdiction. Just 69 homes would be built – which is a far cry from what could’ve happenned with more homes, dotting the hillside. Roads would be built to make this small community accessible, and a bicycle trail would also be a part of the trail system.
Most importantly, hikers would be able to enjoy spacious views that even allowed them to see neighboring communities from the top of the hillside.
On my birthday in 2020, I posted this article, “Preserving God’s Country Forever”, that tells the whole story. I led the local team in Danville to make this project a reality. I’m really proud of the role I played in conserving this land for the generations that come after us.