After a year-long run of local screenings and film festivals in America and abroad, the latest documentary by Oakland Trails and Pinecone Pictures has been released online to the public. Originally premiered at the Chabot Space & Science Center in October, 2018 during the Centennial Celebration Week of Save the Redwoods League, the film highlights “Old Survivor,” the only remaining old-growth redwood tree in the East Bay hills, and tells the story of Oakland’s resilient, ecologically amazing, and now-protected redwood forest.
Featuring Save the Redwoods League, the East Bay Regional Park District, and City of Oakland parklands, the film promotes outdoor recreation and open space networks, encourages stewardship, celebrates local history, and educates the viewer about redwood forest ecology.
OAKLAND TRAILS PREMIERES “OLD SURVIVOR” FILM IN CONJUNCTION WITH CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION OF SAVE THE REDWOODS LEAGUE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 11, 2018
OAKLAND, CA – OAKLAND TRAILS is proud to announce the release of its second documentary film project, Old Survivor: Celebrating Oakland’s Redwoods, featuring the last known old-growth redwood tree in the East Bay hills, and connecting viewers to the history and ecology of Oakland’s redwood forest. Contact Oakland Trails to attend or host a screening. (Details below.)
With 750 people in attendance, the film premiered on Tuesday, October 9 at Chabot Space & Science Center during the Centennial Celebration Week of Save the Redwoods League, a week-long series of events commemorating 100 years of protecting California’s redwood forests. The League’s President and CEO, Sam Hodder, spoke at the premiere and stressed the importance of restoring the young, recovering forests that surround and sustain the remaining ancient trees, like Old Survivor.
“The Old Survivor film is a terrific story with many heroes, from the nonprofit partners and public agencies that steward our parks to the redwoods themselves,” said Hodder. “With only five percent of the original, ancient coast redwood forest left standing today, Old Survivor and the young forest of the East Bay that surrounds it are evidence that 100 years is just the beginning of our work to save our redwood forests. Together with our supporters and partners, we can now focus our effort on a new era of conservation by restoring what we have lost.”
Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf was also in attendance. After viewing the documentary, she publicly thanked Stan Dodson, founder of Oakland Trails and executive producer of the film, for his gift to Oakland.
“Old Survivor” features the East Bay’s only remaining old-growth redwood tree, to tell the story of Oakland’s historic, ecologically amazing, and now protected redwood forest. Featuring Save the Redwoods League, City of Oakland Parks, and the East Bay Regional Park District, the film promotes outdoor recreation and open space networks, encourages stewardship, celebrates local history, and educates the viewer about redwood forest ecology.
Oakland Trails worked with filmmakers Emily Fraser, with whom Dodson co-produced “Trailhead “ (2015), and Nicholas Berger. Together, Fraser and Berger make up Pinecone Pictures.
Ashley Boarman, Landis Communications, Save the Redwoods League Phone: (415) 359-2312 Email:[email protected]
About Oakland Trails Oakland Trails is an all volunteer organization dedicated to promoting, maintaining, and enhancing the City of Oakland’s wildland parks and trails. Oakland Trails was founded by Stan Dodson in 2010, and is sponsored by the Oakland Parks & Recreation Foundation. For more information visit OaklandTrails.org.
About Save the Redwoods League Save the Redwoods League, one of the nation’s oldest conservation organizations, is connecting generations of visitors with their peace and beauty. With more than 20,000 supporters, the League has protected more than 200,000 acres of irreplaceable forest and helped create 66 redwood parks and reserves. For more information, go to SaveTheRedwoods.org, or to sign up for updates, please visit SaveTheRedwoods.org/signup.
About East Bay Regional Park District The East Bay Regional Park District is a system of beautiful parklands and trails in Alameda and Contra Costa counties to the east of San Francisco. The system comprises 121,397 acres in 73 parks, including over 1,250 miles of trails. Preserving a rich heritage of natural and cultural resources and providing open space, parks, trails, and safe and healthful recreation, an environmental ethic guides the District in all of its activities. Visit ebparks.org
Join us on opening night as a special guest of Oakland Trails!
Presented by Oakland Trails in association with Pinecone Pictures, our new 22-minute documentary highlights “Old Survivor”, the last known remaining old-growth redwood in the East Bay hills, and tells the story of Oakland’s resilient, ecologically amazing, and now protected redwood forest. This free event will feature multiple screenings, guest speakers, and a reception outside the theater doors where you’ll be able to mingle with the filmmakers, partnering nonprofits, and our many supporters. Refreshments will be served from 6pm–9pm.
Save the Redwoods League – A Centennial Celebration Event
The World Premiere of Old Survivor will simultaneously serve as Save the Redwood League’s Centennial Celebration in Oakland. Join us as we recognize the 100th anniversary of Save the Redwoods League and celebrate their conservation legacy to protect California’s incredible coast redwood and giant sequoia forests in the last century.
Old Survivor World Premiere Event Tuesday, October 9, 5:30pm–10:00pm Chabot Space & Science Center Showtimes: 5:45, 6:45, 7:30, 8:15, 9:00 Runtime: 22 minutes
This is a private event for members and special guests of Oakland Trails. To receive an invitation, join our newsletter by September 15 at OaklandTrails.org/sign-up
Co-hosted by OaklandTrails.org and the League of Women Voters of Oakland on Wednesday, October 5, 2016. All four candidates participated.
Questionnaire
Prepared by OaklandTrails.org as a follow up to the forum (three of the four candidates responded)
Long and short answer questions:
Describe your skill set, and how, if elected, you hope to add diversity to the current board of directors. (100 words max)
Kent Fickett: Advanced degrees in conservation and environmental management. Direct legislative and regulatory experience in Sacramento and Washington DC. I am a creative thinker who has lead local environmental efforts to stop the land development of future regional parks. I have visited most of our regional parks. I have served on a number of public and private Boards of Directors. I have visited numerous parks and trails in the US and around the world. With this extensive and balanced background I will challenge staff and other board members to think out of the box about how to address future issues involving preservation, usage and staffing at our Regional Parks.
John Roberts: I hold a Master of Finance degree, the Chartered Financial Analyst and Financial Risk Manager designations, and work as a Federal Bank Regulator protecting our deposits. The Board currently lacks user group advocacy where even well-established user groups may face accessibility pressures going forward. I will work towards maintaining equestrian and dog walker access, and for the development of sustainable trails to support our need for all types of recreation. I am Latino and will ensure equality and integration is implemented. For more about my commitments, do not hesitate to contact me at 949-379-9437, [email protected], or browse my Website: http://JohnRobertsDemocracy.com/
Dee Rosario: My 37 year career as a Park Ranger, Park Firefighter/Fire Lieutenant, and Park Supervisor of Redwood Regional Park from 1996-2013, gave me the opportunity to demonstrate my abilities in leadership, budget control, planning, crisis management, and public relations. If elected I would be the first Asian-American to be seated on the Board of Directors. I will actively work with new contacts I have made in my campaign, to look for environmental leaders in the communities of color and encourage them to give their voice to the Regional Parks.
Audree V. Jones-Taylor: no response
Describe at least one example of how you’d propose to increase recreational opportunities in Lamorinda. (50 words max)
Kent Fickett: Complete the Lafayette Moraga trail from the Commons to Country Club Drive in Moraga. Promote BART to Parks program for reduced weekend fares for trips to new Concord Hills Regional Park. Improve trail linkage from Olympic Blvd to Iron Horse trail at Rudgear Road.
John Roberts: With my Community goal, Lamorinda can better voice how local parks are run. Also, my Accessibility goal includes facilitating connections with the local trail network, whether through sustainable trail development, or the purchase or partnering for greenbelt access points. The closer the parks, the more we will use them.
Dee Rosario: I would advocate for the following: The completion of the trail connection between the Wilder Development and the Bay Area Ridge/Skyline National Trails in Sibley and Huckleberry Regional Parks; opening the land bank holding in Las Trampas; continuing to work with EBMUD in maintaining the Lafayette Moraga Trails.
Audree V. Jones-Taylor: no response
Should the Park District support Oakland’s effort to complete the Bay Trail along their shoreline, and if so, how? (50 words max)
Kent Fickett: Yes. Champion an exclusive trail route through the Port of Oakland using elevated trail crossings on heavy truck and rail routes to get trail users up and away from heavy traffic areas. Joint venture with Port to share costs and provide educational opportunities about Ports roll in Bay development and preservation.
John Roberts: Yes. Bond funds should be used to acquire properties creating greenbelt access and avoiding street crossings. Families should be able to connect parks in a safe, environmentally-friendly way. Others can use the trail to commute to work, ride safely to catch the ferry, etc.
Dee Rosario: Yes! The EBRPD is already in negotiations with the Army Corps of Engineers to transfer the channel along the Alameda Estuary to the EBRPD and the City of Alameda. This will allow the City of Oakland to extend the Bay Trail underneath the High Street and Fruitvale Bridges using existing Oakland DD funds.
Audree V. Jones-Taylor: no response
Statement/position questions:
For each statement, the candidates were given a choice between two positions and not allowed to elaborate.
Mountain bike access is unfairly restricted in Ward 2 parks.
Kent Fickett: I agree John Roberts: I agree Dee Rosario: I disagree
To expand its resources in maintaining existing parks and developing new ones, the Park District should try to rely more on the use of volunteers.
Kent Fickett: I disagree John Roberts: I agree Dee Rosario: I agree
Seniors should be given access to bicycle-legal trails with Class I (pedal assist) e-bikes.
Kent Fickett: I agree John Roberts: I agree Dee Rosario: I agree
The Park District should develop new campsites along the Bay Area Ridge Trail.
Kent Fickett: I agree John Roberts: I agree Dee Rosario: I disagree
With a choice between protecting natural resources and increasing public access, what is your priority:
Kent Fickett: Protecting natural resources John Roberts: Increasing public access Dee Rosario: Protecting natural resources
Do you have more questions for the candidates? Click on their names, below, to visit their websites.
This forum took place on Wednesday, October 5. To watch the video and read an accompanying questionnaire, click HERE.
John Sutter, the East Bay Regional Park District Ward 2 board member for nearly 20 years, announced in February that he will retire. This leaves the Ward 2 seat open to an all new slate of candidates this November.
Get to know the candidates!
Co-hosted by OaklandTrails.org and the League of Women Voters of Oakland, join us on Wednesday, October 5, from 6:30pm–8:30pm for a candidate forum at the Trudeau Center at Redwood Park (11500 Skyline Blvd, Oakland, CA). Moderated by the League, each candidate will have an equal chance to respond to questions from the audience.
Background
The East Bay Regional Park District is governed by a seven-member board of directors, who are publicly elected to serve four-year terms. Each Board Member represents a specific geographic area of the Park District. The District itself comprises all of Alameda and Contra Costa counties.
Ward 2 represents: most of Oakland, Piedmont, Canyon, Moraga, Orinda, Orinda Village, Rheem Valley, Lafayette, Rossmoor, and part of Walnut Creek.
Parks in Ward 2 include: portion of Briones, Anthony Chabot (north of Keller Ave. if extended east), Claremont Canyon, Huckleberry, Leona Open Space, a small portion of Las Trampas, Redwood, Roberts, Sibley, and Temescal.
The Candidates
All four of the registered Ward 2 candidates have accepted their invitation to participate in this forum:
East Bay Regional Park District Ward 2 Candidate Forum Wednesday, October 5, 6:30pm–8:30pm (includes a 30-minute post-forum reception) Richard C. Trudeau Conference Center, 11500 Skyline Blvd., Oakland, CA 94619
Join us at Ale Industries’ “Jingletown Jazz Room” for free screenings of TRAILHEAD!
With 86 city-wide Earth Day events going on in Oakland this Saturday, Ale Industriesinvites the community to a post-party in their taproom with cold beer and free screenings of TRAILHEAD.
Saturday, April 23, 4pm–7pm 3096 E. 10th St, Oakland, CA 94601
Join us on Friday, February 26 at the Oakland Museum of CA for two FREE screenings of TRAILHEAD in the James Moore Theater. Generously hosted by the East Bay Regional Park District and the Regional Park Foundation, this event will share the evening with the museum’s “Friday Nights @ OMCA“, where outside the theater will be live music, food trucks, and adult beverages.
Following both screenings at 6:30pm and 8:00pm will be a Q&A session with producer Stan Dodson and retired Park District trails coordinator Jim Townsend.
5:45pm – Screening room opens 5:55pm – Introduction by Stan Dodson, producer 6:10pm – TRAILHEAD 6:35pm – Q&A with Stan Dodson
DVD’s and other TRAILHEAD merchandise will be for sale at this event. All proceeds benefit Oakland’s wildland parks.
The New Parkway Theater 474 24th Street Oakland, CA 94612 thenewparkway.com
What people are saying about TRAILHEAD:
“A complete triumph.” Matthew Lonergan, Steering Committee Chairman, Oaktoberfest in the Dimond
“TRAILHEAD is a tremendous tribute to the beauty of Oakland.” BB Borowitz, Glenview resident
“It left us both swelled with pride.” Bryan Beyer, Oakland resident and Realtor
“WOW…an amazing video that will promote our park and our outdoor culture for a long time to come.” Emily Rosenberg, Chair, Friends of Joaquin Miller Park
As guests started to line up for the first screening, the TRAILHEAD team and I experienced the excitement we had anticipated. We have so many to thank for this wonderful film project and the successful premiere event – nonprofits, local businesses, corporate sponsors, private donors, city departments, and elected officials.
Here’s what people have had to say:
“A complete triumph.” –Matthew Lonergan, Event Chair, Oaktoberfest in the Dimond
“That was really a quality production and it left us both swelled with pride for Oakland.” –Bryan Beyer, Glenview resident and local Realtor
“WOW. WOW! What a wonderful night Stan produced as well as an amazing video that will promote our park and our outdoor culture for a long time to come.” –Emily Rosenberg, film participant and Chair, Friends of Joaquin Miller Park
“Last night we were delighted by Stan Dodson’s documentary, TRAILHEAD…. If you love Oakland, and we do at Downtown Subaru of Oakland, you feel so proud of our city when you see this film. It was brilliant, covered Oaklands unique history of purchasing land for the parks that we enjoy today. It also interviewed volunteers who give their time to keep our parks beautiful, well tended and safe. We are proud to have been a major sponsor of this event.” –Dan Varosh, Downtown Subaru of Oakland
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45 Big Wave
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40 Annie
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60 Non-profits
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999 Thank you
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Event slideshow – as seen at the World Premiere
photos by Judi Q., Gene A., Nicholas B., and Jean Q.
TRAILHEAD is seeking sponsors for more big screen events in Oakland and the greater Bay Area! To get involved, please contact Stan Dodson here.
Thanks to generous support from AT&T, Downtown Subaru of Oakland, Councilmember Annie Campbell Washington, and Big Wave Media, the film premiere will be a FREE community event. Thanks also to Chabot Space & Science Center for their partnership on this special evening.
John Sutter, the East Bay Regional Park District Ward 2 board member for nearly 20 years, announced in February that he will retire. This leaves the Ward 2 seat open to an all new slate of candidates this November.
