Look, we love the Bay Area's natural landmarks as much as anyone. Mount Diablo is a stunning 3,849-foot peak visible from much of the region, a beloved hiking destination, and — if you squint hard enough after one too many IPAs — possibly a giant alien egg.

We're not here to confirm or deny extraterrestrial geology theories. What we are here to do is remind you that Mount Diablo State Park is one of the best uses of public land in the entire Bay Area — a place where taxpayer dollars actually produce something people enjoy, which is more than we can say for about 90% of what comes out of City Hall.

The park spans over 20,000 acres of open space, offers some of the most spectacular views in Northern California (on a clear day you can reportedly see 35 of the state's 58 counties), and operates without generating the kind of bureaucratic drama that San Francisco specializes in. No $1.7 million bathroom. No decade-long environmental review for a trail sign. Just land, trails, and the occasional alien egg conspiracy.

If there's a lesson here, it's that government works best when it gets out of the way and lets nature do the heavy lifting. Mount Diablo doesn't need a task force, a consultant study, or an equity audit. It just needs maintenance, fire management, and people willing to lace up their boots and enjoy it.

So this weekend, instead of doom-scrolling through another round of San Francisco budget overruns, consider making the drive east. The summit offers perspective — literally and figuratively. And if you happen to spot any alien eggs up there, do us a favor and send photos.

We could use the content.