To: Board of Supervisors
From: John Gioia, District I Supervisor
Report Title: Resolution recognizing the Bruce Beyaert for extraordinary contributions to the San Francisco Bay Trail and Contra Costa County, as recommended by Supervisor Gioia.
Recommendation: Choose an item.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
ADOPT Resolution recognizing the Bruce Beyaert for extraordinary contributions to the San Francisco Bay Trail and Contra Costa County, as recommended by Supervisor Gioia.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None
BACKGROUND:
Bruce Beyaert is an extraordinary leader who has worked tirelessly on behalf of the San Francisco Bay Trail and Contra Costa County.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
NA
The Board of Supervisors of Contra Costa County, California
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IN THE MATTER OF Honoring Bruce Beyaert for Extraordinary Contributions to the San Francisco Bay Trail and Contra Costa County
WHEREAS, Bruce Beyaert has served for more than 25 years as Chair of Trails for Richmond Action Committee (TRAC), providing strong leadership, advocacy, and technical guidance toward completion of the San Francisco Bay Trail in Contra Costa County;
WHEREAS, Bruce Beyaert has been instrumental in advancing flagship Bay Trail projects, including the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge Trail, helping secure regional agency collaboration and support for public access, and championing the trail as essential bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure;
WHEREAS, Bruce Beyaert has collaborated effectively with Contra Costa County, regional agencies such as BCDC, MTC and ABAG, environmental organizations, cities, and community groups to close gaps in the Bay Trail, including advocacy regarding Bay Trail gap closures near the West County Detention Center, San Pablo Creek, and North Richmond’s shoreline;
WHEREAS, Bruce Beyaert has played a pivotal role in the planning and groundbreaking of major new trail segments, including the Point Molate Bay Trail 2.5-mile expansion, a partnership between the City of Richmond and East Bay Regional Park District;
WHEREAS, Bruce Beyaert has provided deep subject-matter expertise to regional bodies on the future structure and funding of the Bay Trail, ensuring long-term advocacy and completion of the 500-mile Bay Trail network;
WHEREAS, Bruce Beyaert has consistently engaged residents, agencies, and elected officials through detailed communications, maps, reports, and public outreach that have elevated the importance of trail access, shoreline resilience, recreation, transportation equity, and environmental stewardship across Contra Costa County;
WHEREAS, Bruce Beyaert is widely recognized by community members, government agencies and civic leaders as a “local hero” whose decades of exemplary volunteer leadership have transformed Richmond’s and Contra Costa’s shoreline, expanded public access, and inspired thousands of residents to enjoy, care for, and advocate for the Bay Trail;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: that the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors hereby honors and commends Bruce Beyaert for his extraordinary passionate dedication, strong leadership, and impactful legacy in advancing the San Francisco Bay Trail, improving public access to Contra Costa’s shoreline, and enriching the quality of life for residents across Contra Costa County and the greater Bay Area.