climbing in the mt diablo area

Question
hi there

I hope this winter day finds you well!

my name is Seth and I had some questions regarding climbing at mt diablo around the fourth of july this year.  My grandmother is having her 95th birthday (thank god for good genes:) and we'll be having the party in pleasant hill...I have a cousin and her kids coming in from kansas and would love to take them climbing there-I have never been climbing there, I know it will be ungodly hot and am wondering if this is such a good idea in the first place.  

They wouldn't be able to pull anything above 5.9ish which leads me to the question...where would the best place be to take them?  is this a silly idea in the first place?  would indian rock be a better place?  I can sport and trad lead up to about 5.10cish right now so setting up top-ropes wouldn't be a problem, it's just finding the right area.  

any thoughts on the matter would be appreciated, even if it's just pointing me in the right direction of where to look for information next!

thanks in advance!

Seth

Answer
Seth,
There are a couple places on Mt Diablo that would suit your needs. There are a couple routes on Butt Rock that go 5.5-5.6. They are short routes. Be aware that because of hot weather and the 4th holiday they sometimes close Diablo because of fire danger.

I would suggest a couple rocks in Berkeley, Indian Rock is alway an option though often crowded. Up the hill are a couple lesser used rocks. One is Cragmont the other is Pinnacle. Both are located in small neighborhood parks within a mile of Indian Rock and both offer a range of climbs from 5.3-5.10. They are short but good.

Have Fun

Jeff