III. Reviewed last month’s Minutes and Activities

IV. This month’s meeting was attended by Lance Beeson, a descendant of the Joaquin Moraga family and first residents of the Adobe. Lance provided great insight to not only the history of the Adobe, but other similar restoration initiatives in the Bay Area. One of these success stories is the Alviso Adobe in Pleasanton that dates back to the 1850’s. This property has been nicely restored and is operated by Pleasanton City Parks. One of the more intriguing aspects of the Alviso Adobe is its continuing use as a center for interpretive programs open to the community and public at large. FJMA will pursue a tour of the Alviso adobe in the coming weeks.

V. Two tours of the Joaquin Moraga Adobe have been given to our group since our last meeting – on Saturday, March 21 and Thursday, April 9. During those tours the developer, represented again by Michael Olsen, provided some insight into the proposed plans for the Adobe site – some promising, some not so well received, depending on one’s expectations. Mr. Olsen intimated that the barn and caretaker’s residence is not planned to be preserved as part of the proposed development.

VI. Carl Weber reported that 2 firms are being considered by the City for compiling an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Adobe site, in advance of, and as part of the development approval process. This EIR will be a project appraisal and limited to the historical background and archaeological aspects of the property and not address traffic impact or geological issues. This report should be complete in 30-60 days and is expected to act as a valuable guide for our group.

VII. The group was informally polled as to what how each would like to see the Adobe property restored and maintained. Most responses centered on:

· Who should own the adobe

· Maintaining the property in some form will keep it safe from vandalism.

· Access, parking, and remote parking / transportation concerns

Some specific thoughts:

Bobbie – Important features to achieve are restoration of the Adobe, keep the landscaping and view. Recommends the Adobe should be on a lot of 3-4 acres. The bathrooms and kitchen could be preserved for use. Envisions picnic tables and activities that children would enjoy. The Adobe could be shown with period furniture and a study room for classroom visits. The student visits from the 4 elementary school might be titled ‘Adobe Days’. Weekends could be used for festivities. Investigate support from the community and state. Mary Ellen Jones, the editor of the State Historical Newsletter is very interested.

Doug - Important to be very clear with the developer. Review plans carefully and continue to supervise the progress. The history of the home, the surrounding property and views need to be preserved. Question: How is the title going to be held?. Will make contact with the Society of California Pioneers to investigate any shared interests.

Flo – The use of the homes’ plumbing would be a plus. The 1860 portion of the house should be preserved. The site could be used for young people and have docents to lead tours.

Carl – Concerned about owners responsibility. How we will achieve funding? City has no funds to purchase. If the builder donates the site, who will it be donated to? Funding may come from resident property owners (property dues), or public agencies, etc.

Dee – Doesn’t want to see 16 houses built. How will we get funding? Other developers have failed in this effort. Landslide of part of the property has been noted in past surveys and may make the new construction more complex.

Teresa – Keep majority of the home. The Adobe should be used for historic displays and could be titled ‘Moraga Family Museum’. ‘Adobe Days’ where students come with their class for interpretive programs. Activities such as adobe brick making, a demonstration garden, etc. to learn about the early settlers’ daily life. Involving the community, possibly through special events and art classes, such as the Moraga Hacienda has achieved.

Leasa – It is important to have some organization control and maintain the property for security, to avoid vandalism and unwanted entry. Concerned that no homes be built below the property in order to maintain view corridor and distract from the character of the site. Displays at the site should depict the various historical periods in the life of the Adobe for educational use for the schools and community.

Ron – Keep the ambiance of a working ranch. Restore and rebuild the Adobe in its original state. Maintain an educational approach. Consideration of neighbors is important, no large parties.

Elsie – Pursue 501(c)(3) status. This usually takes 1½ years to acquire. No weddings or similar events, as this may disturb the neighbors. Educational use for school children would be ideal. California History is taught in 4^th grade and the site could be used as part of the educational program. Early food preparation, adobe brick making and history talks could be incorporated. Will contact an acquaintance who develops adobes for advice.

Jeff – Keep all of the buildings; the Adobe, barn and caretaker’s home. The Borges Ranch is a wonderful example of how it could be used for education. This restoration of the Adobe is a huge responsibility for the group.

Lance – Because the adobe belonged to his ancestors he has been very active in the history, renovation and community involvement with other adobe historical sites. Additional historical information can be found in the book, ‘Moraga’s Pride’. After his tour of the adobe, Lance feels that the house is in very good shape. Many of the documented activities at the Adobe could be recreated at periodic public events conducted at the site. Using other sites as a model, cultural events such as dance plays, cooking, the making of adobe bricks, canoe making could be conducted as part of a full day event or perhaps as part of an extended overnight program.

Kent – Most desired is the preservation of the history of the Adobe for the community and students. The Orinda Historical Society could use the space for displays. It could be enjoyed by more than our local community. Encourage student programs. Recommends no large parties in deference to the neighbors. One dedicated acre is not enough. Save the barn, preserve the view, extend the driveway up through the barn is essential to keeping the ambiance of the site. 3-5 acres is needed. Where do the property lines go and who has title?

Doug – Will research title, property lines and cost of restoration. Assumes the restoration will be a minimum of $350,000.

Susan – Important to see the history of the Adobe though the years. The original Adobe and each building addition, family, and use of the property over the generations should be displayed. Access to the property is important.

VIII. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 9:30. The next meeting will be held Monday, May 18, 7:30 PM at Bobbie Landers’ home, 25 La Cuesta, Orinda.