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FeedMinding the Mines
Doug McConnell revisits Black Diamond Mines and announces the debut of his new show on PBS.
I've written about my love affair with the East Bay Regional Park District before, but I've got to sing its praises one more time.
On a recent Saturday, I spent the day inside the fascinating Black Diamond Mines beneath the rolling, green and flower-strewn hills near Pittsburg and Antioch. I joined the ranger staff and docents in greeting hundreds of people who came to tour the mines and enjoy a spectacular spring weekend in this remarkable piece of our East Bay Regional parks.
Once upon a time, more than a century ago, this was the Appalachia of California and the population center for a time of Contra Costa County. Coal was mined here for about 50 years, and then, from the 1920s for another few decades, the mining turned to sand.
East Bay Parks has done a magnificent job interpreting the history of this place that time had largely forgotten. Long time Supervising Ranger, Traci Parent, and her cohort, Karen Terhune, have written a wonderful book interpreting the legacies of the mines, the miners and the communities that once thrived in the hills above. I urge you to buy the book and explore Black Diamond mines as quickly and as frequently as possible.
I've been back many times, and if you want to see a story we shot there a few years back, please go to my website, www.OpenRoad.TV.
And by way of shameless promotion, if you're interested, my new Public Television series will premiere on KQED this coming April 6th at 7:30 PM. I'm happy to say that OpenRoad with Doug McConnell: Exploring the West, is made possible in part by support from the East Bay Regional Park District and our principal sponsor, Kaiser Permanente.
I hope you enjoy the new show....the new book....and the old mines in our own backyard.
For more with Doug McConnell, go to www.OpenRoad.tv.
Posted at 05:03 PM in Doug McConnell’s OpenRoad.TV Tips | Permalink
Reader Comments:
Dear Mr. McConnell,
Today was the day I told myself to check out your website. When I was shearching for it, I came across the last farewell website, and said What! I could not believe that KRON had to cancell you, but, was happy to hear KQED might and now has, added you to their line-up. I do not watch KQED to much, but, I have marked it on my calendar to start watching on Monday nights! My husband and I loved watching Bay Area Backroads, and I know we will enjoy your new show as well. Good luck to you and your crew,and thank-you KQED for finding a place in your line-up for Mr. McConnell. You have also added a new viewer to your channel.
Cindylu