There has been a decades-long battle over Point Molate, a picturesque parcel containing hundreds of acres on Richmond’s shoreline, about a mile north of the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge. The city, state and Guidiville Rancheria tribe have laid claim to all or part of the property. Soon the sourthernmost portion will be turned into a state park, which the tribe has begrudgingly agreed to.
Last month, the State Coastal Conservancy granted $36 million to the East Bay Regional Park District to develop 52 acres into public park and recreational space. For many, it was a cause for celebration.
“We’ve worked 20 years for this project, and it’s the culmination of a tremendous amount of effort from the entire community,” said Robert Cheasty, executive director of Citizens for East Shore Parks, which opposes commercial development on the San Francisco Bay coastline…