West Contra Costa Group

Wednesday, March 22; and Wednesday, April 26; 7:30 pm, Northminster Presbyterian Church (Makamie Hall), 545 Ashbury Street, El Cerrito.

Executive Committee meeting

Executive Committee meetings are open to all. Come to learn about the Group's conservation issues and administration, or to volunteer your time and talents. For information contact Norman La Force, (510) 526-4362.

Besides monthly ExComm meetings, we plan to have three or four general meetings each year. We need to know what kinds of programs you are interested in and would come to. What kinds of presentations and presenters do you prefer? Can you suggest some topics and/or potential presenters? Let us know at (510) 528-2913 or http://sanfranciscobay.sierraclub.org/westcc

West Contra Costa happenings

After considering appeals of the Planning Commission's Nov. 2 approval of the Creekside Condominium project at the southeast corner of El Cerrito Plaza, the El Cerrito City Council has approved the project, with some changes. In response to neighborhood concerns over height and traffic, the southern of the two buildings is reduced by one floor. This will likely reduce the number of units from the allowed 128 by an unknown number. The number of parking spaces per unit was increased from 1.25 to 1.5, and a new road will be required from the condominiums west to San Pablo Avenue. The Club supports this project as infill housing close to BART, buses, and shopping.

On Feb. 2 Wal-Mart withdrew its application to build a Supercenter in Hercules.

The Group continues to follow developments at the Zeneca site in Richmond, as well as the adjacent University of California Field Station. Information on the extent and danger of industrial toxics there continues to emerge.

We continue to work with the North Richmond Shoreline Open Space Alliance to protect this shoreline, especially Breuner Marsh, from destructive development. To help, contact Mike at (510) 848-0800, ext. 304 or email mdaley -at- sfbaysc.org