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In town-ish observing site, anyone?

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Mark Wagner

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Jul 3, 2025, 10:32:09 PM7/3/25
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As most here may know, local astronomy clubs have in-town observing nights.  In recent years, to simply set up your telescope at such an event has become problematic at those events, unless you're a member and probably signed all sorts of waivers and hold harmless forms, I'd guess.

Additionally, lots of backyards are to say the least imperfect for astronomy, or if you live in an apartment, fergit it.

We do have Montebello, and Mindigo (I've never used it)... and even Bald Mountain parking lot on Uhmunhum if we like.  But today, while out hiking at Calero County Park on McKean Road behind the south hills of San Jose (been hiking there for many many years), I stopped, and realized how big and open and flat the parking lot is there.  If you live close to Santa Teresa Blvd down toward Kaiser, the drive to Calero is under 20 minutes.

Ideal?  No.  Coe is going to be better for near town.  But 20 minutes and no mountain roads or 101 traffic south, it sounds pretty convenient.  Right?

Anyone interested if I or someone approaches the Santa Clara County Parks for maybe getting a combo lock in their chain?  Just for a big open place to have available maybe at a phone call?

Interesting?
 
-- 
Mark

"Always take the scenic route."

Lance Pickens

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Jul 3, 2025, 10:44:19 PM7/3/25
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Really love hiking out on Calero, who do we talk to there? I’m also talk to some friend about looking at BLM land as an alternative but the closest site I know is going to be closer to Monterey. A

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Surya Rao

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Jul 3, 2025, 10:48:06 PM7/3/25
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Mark,

I would be quite interested.
Pls let me know how I can help.

Thanks,
Surya

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Philip Manela

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Jul 3, 2025, 11:17:57 PM7/3/25
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I too would be interested.


Daniel Vancura

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Jul 3, 2025, 11:21:01 PM7/3/25
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Sounds fantastic, for week days especially!
Never would I have imagined to get excited over a parking lot, hah.

On Jul 3, 2025, at 8:17 PM, Philip Manela <philip...@gmail.com> wrote:

I too would be interested.

Mark Wagner

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Jul 4, 2025, 1:43:44 PM7/4/25
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I will go to Calero again tomorrow morning likely for more hiking, and check to be sure there is no impediment if we are to persue this.

Meanwhile, for those interested in what a permit application is like for Santa Clara County Parks, here is what we'd be submitting.  I suggest we determine what our best submitted "presentation" would be to succeed.  We do actually have an incorporated entity, if it could be useful and used.

This might serve as a model for other favorably laid out and situated county parks around the bay area.

steve banbury

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Jul 4, 2025, 5:21:06 PM7/4/25
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Hi Mark--I too have hiked there quite a bit and wondered about getting permission for observing there.
An additional nearby place worthy of consideration might be Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve at the end of Palm Ave:

Cheers--
Steve 

Mark Wagner

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Jul 4, 2025, 5:29:08 PM7/4/25
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I hike Coyote Valley too, the lot is certainly smaller and on the 101 side of the hills too compared to Calero.  San Vicente is also possible, another ginormous lot, but bordered by McKean Rd.  Calero is past the Bailey turn, which likely diverts a good amount of night traffic.
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Jaimie Henderson

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Jul 5, 2025, 10:57:23 AM7/5/25
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Mark,
This is a wonderful find. I've been to Montebello several times recently, and it's been a disaster. Not only is the sky much less dark than it was 10 years ago (when I went fairly regularly), but it now seems to always be crowded with non-astronomers, and cars drive in and out all night since nobody does anything about the gate. Not a good option IMO. It would be great to have someplace a bit more off the beaten path (if indeed it is).

I'd be very interested!
Jaimie

On Thursday, July 3, 2025 at 7:32:09 PM UTC-7 Mark Wagner wrote:

Mark Wagner

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Jul 5, 2025, 3:28:48 PM7/5/25
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Thanks Jaimie and others.... before I start - its good news.

Today I stopped by Calero after hiking Rancho Canada del Oro  We pulled in just past the opened entry gate a stopped, where I got out an went to look at the chain to see if it was one or more locks.

A young female ranger drove up and immediately asked what I was doing?  I smiled, having expected the questioning.  She told me it looked suspicious, but when I explained she was very welcoming and excited at the prospects of astronomy possibly coming to the park.  Indeed, there were a number of locks on the chain, and the ranger confirmed permits are granted for events.

So, we're on to the next step, the approach of Santa Clara County Parks.  Perhaps it would be good to try a one night permit first, to see if we like the place?

I went through this process previously over 20 (30?) years ago to open up Montebello.  Our first permit then was for Skyline Open Space, but it ended up being a long term Wednesday permit there which Marek holds for TAC as a group.  I could do the approach again, but if there is someone with more current knowledge of who's who in the system, it might be preferable.  And as before, best to keep the contact to one person (from TAC).

Anyone?  Younger guy/gal who can maintain this longer term than me?

The lot does look quite good! Even a few permanent porta-potties.

Mark
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Jaimie Henderson

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Jul 5, 2025, 4:23:45 PM7/5/25
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Maybe we could plan a mini-outing a couple weekends from now (July 19)?
Jaimie

steve banbury

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Jul 5, 2025, 5:39:06 PM7/5/25
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Hi Jamie-thanks for the offer!
We’re heading out of town that weekend to try a VRBO for a ‘darker’ location out in Nevada adjacent to Desert Creek Airport not far from Wellington.  

Maybe we can do it another time.  

Thanks again for your offer. 
Steve

On Jul 5, 2025, at 1:23 PM, Jaimie Henderson <jaimie.h...@gmail.com> wrote:

Maybe we could plan a mini-outing a couple weekends from now (July 19)?

Clif Horne

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Jul 30, 2025, 3:31:52 PM7/30/25
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Mark, I joined a SJAA star party at Calero 10 yrs back or more, not as dark as Coe but dark enough for the milky way and brighter objects, don't know if it is still on the SJAA list.  I'd support any effort to get monthly access, maybe collaborate  with other groups.  Clif

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Mark Wagner

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Jul 30, 2025, 3:34:06 PM7/30/25
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Cliff,

I overheard the chatter about this last night at Coe.  Its very good to know there's an existing use history for astronomy there, makes it a near slam-dunk.

Good meeting you!
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Graham Smith

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Aug 11, 2025, 9:15:01 PM8/11/25
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Hi Mark

I would be interested in checking out Calero. Where you able to get a permits(?).

Mark Wagner

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Aug 11, 2025, 9:18:51 PM8/11/25
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I'm waiting on getting paperwork back, then submit.

We'll get there 

Clif Horne

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Aug 16, 2025, 12:05:53 AM8/16/25
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Any interest in visiting Coe again next weekend - new moon and potential clear sky?  Clif

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Richard Navarrete

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Aug 16, 2025, 11:54:35 AM8/16/25
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Hey Clif,

You know I’m a big Coe guy, but I’m headed for an exploratory trip to a site in the Sierras next week. Less than 3 hours from the Bay Area , at least if you leave during non commute hours, and almost 5000 feet. I’ll have an OR posted after I get back. 

Clif Horne

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Aug 16, 2025, 12:47:42 PM8/16/25
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Thanks,  any guidance on requesting an open gate for overflow lot? - would be my 1st request.  I don't want to wear out the welcome for TAC.  I've also used the 1st overlook parking but they've added a bright white light in that area. I also reserved a Coe spot in Sept instead of LSA.  Clif

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Richard Navarrete

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Aug 16, 2025, 12:50:44 PM8/16/25
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Here is the info, copied from the TAC web page on observing sites.

Richard

HENRY COE

HENRY COE STATE PARK

Brad Templeton

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Aug 16, 2025, 4:44:58 PM8/16/25
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I actually don't consider Coe "in town" in that due to the winding roads it is a one hour drive from the south bay.      Dinosaur is also a one hour drive, but darker skies -- though potentially more wind at this time of year.
Calero, at 30 minutes, is much better, almost an hour less round trip driving.    Mt. Umunhum at top is an hour, partway up less.     Oak Ridge can be 30 minutes as can Monte Bello and other areas around it.   The winner would be to find some space that people would let us use near 17 and Skyline.  A friend used to have a house up there.   Can be there in 25 minutes, Bortle 4.

At One Hour, I've tried to convince the San Benito Fairgrounds to let us in, or if we could find a friendly rancher SE of Pacines.   This is the limit of a non-camping trip, Pinnacles is just too far at about 3.5 hours round trip.


On Thursday, July 3, 2025 at 7:32:09 PM UTC-7 Mark Wagner wrote:

Clif Horne

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Aug 17, 2025, 12:37:36 AM8/17/25
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Thanks!  I'll  pick a date towards next weekend and set up by Thur. unless someone does it first.  Good luck on the Sierra trip.  Clif

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Joel Lee

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Aug 19, 2025, 1:51:02 PM8/19/25
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Hey Clif, what days for the weekend were you interested in for Coe? I was thinking of heading up there on Saturday (23rd). I’m also not sure if we should start a new thread for this. 

Sincerely,
Joel

Mark Wagner

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Aug 19, 2025, 3:07:41 PM8/19/25
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Thank to Richard Ozer and LCO Inc., we are ready to submit a permit application for Calero under the LCO (TAC) entity now.  Thanks RO!

So I'd like some suggestions for a date or dates to enter.  Keep in mind this is intended to be an in-townish weekday place we may find useful.  Start with September dates?  After a handful of suggestions we can decide and I'll send it in to get approval.

After trying it we can see if we want to ask for a regular use type permit if possible.

Thanks,

Mark

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Brad Templeton

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Aug 19, 2025, 3:20:09 PM8/19/25
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While any location is nice to have available, I must say it's a lot less exciting if there's a process required in advance.   The ideal is, you look out and see the skies are clear and you are free and you drive to  your site.    Calling a ranger to warn them isn't too bad.   Filling out a form 3 days in advance is less exciting.   At Dinosaur, they wanted to be set up in advance to escort us down.  Bleh.

Mark Wagner

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Aug 19, 2025, 3:24:44 PM8/19/25
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I agree Brad.ideals are ideal.  A reliable safe place within 20 minutes of home with regular access sounds pretty close for many who can't venture to far.

I know you're regularly on the lookout, which is appreciated.
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