Contra Costa Herald

Is raising the bridge toll for transportation projects a good idea? What do you know about the five State propositions that will be on your ballot on June 5? Let the League of Women Voters of Diablo Valley help you. The League will present pros and cons of a Bay Area regional measure and the five State ballot measures on Saturday, May 5 from 3:00-4:30 pm. The meeting will be held in the Cedar Room of the Lafayette Community Center at 500 St. Mary’s Road.

Instead of reading through the often, dry language in the ballot pamphlet, people attending will see and hear a dynamic presentation of the pros and cons. League members Kay James and Janet Thomas will synthesize the material in the voter’s pamphlet and take opposing viewpoints, with one presenting the pros listed in the ballot material and the other presenting the cons.

Bay Area voters will be asked to provide answers to some weighty policy questions, such as Regional Measure 3, which asks whether to raise bridge tolls in the Bay Area to pay for highway, transit and ferry improvements. State Proposition 68 would exempt road repair revenues from California’s annual spending limits. Other questions voters will be asked by the State include funding $4.1 billion in bonds for parks, natural resources protection, climate adaptation, water quality and flood protection; excluding new rain-capture systems from homeowners’ reassessment on their property taxes; requiring a 2/3 vote of the Legislature on cap-and-trade issues; and deciding when ballot measures approved by voters will take effect.

How to use Voter’s Edge, a nonpartisan online guide to federal, state, and local elections, will also be demonstrated. Using this online tool, voters can access their own ballot, get information about candidates and who supports them, and read neutral summaries of ballot measures with lists of their supporters and opponents.

The Saturday, May 5 meeting is free to the public and parking is available on site. Light refreshments will be served.

For more information: League of Women Voters of Diablo Valley at info@LWVDV.org.

Two of the four will be chosen and announced at annual dinner in September

The following four teachers have been named as the 2018-2019 Contra Costa County Teacher of the Year (TOY) Finalists: Shanna Gagnon, San Ramon Valley Unified School District; Kelly Perkins, Mt. Diablo Unified School District; Rosie Reid, Mt. Diablo Unified School District; and Andrea Salas, Martinez Unified School District. Two of these four finalists will be chosen in late September and will represent Contra Costa County in the California State TOY Program.

For the entire listing of the 22 Contra Costa County TOYs, class of 2018-2019, please see below.

Shanna Gagnon. Photo by SRVUSD

With a slight detour towards her teaching career, Shanna Gagnon started in the business world right after college. Though she was quite successful in her corporate work, as an accountant and later as a buyer, she felt it lacked purpose. Fortunately, for the six-year history/iQuest teacher and her students, she found her purpose in teaching. For the past five years she has been teaching at California High School, in San Ramon. Before coming to California High, she taught history for two years with the Martinez and the Acalanes School districts.

Kelly Perkins, a life skills and remedial math and language arts instructor, chose teaching special education classes because

Kelly Perkins. Photo by MDUSD

she enjoys guiding her students to become independent thinkers and learners. For the past 10 years, Perkins has been a special day class teacher at Ygnacio Valley High School, in Concord. In addition, her 27-year teaching career includes special education instruction for two elementary schools, as well as continuing to serve as an adjunct professor for the Education Specialist Program at St. Mary’s College, in Moraga, since 1988.

Rosanne “Rosie” Reid. Photo by MDUSD

Rosanne “Rosie” Reid was certainly destined to teach English, with her enormous appetite to read books from an early age. Reid was the best customer when the book mobile would come to town, and she would always walk away with a new tower of books to take on. For the past two years, Reid has taught English/ELD at Northgate High School, in Walnut Creek. Her 16 years of instruction includes teaching high school English courses at Piedmont High School, in Piedmont and John O’Connell High School, in San Francisco.

Andrea Salas grew up with an absolute love for her time in school, so much so, she “held class” for her fellow neighborhood

Andrea Salas (right) with County Superintendent Karen Sakata. Photo by CCCOE.

kids on her front lawn, during the summers. Following college, Salas began her teaching career with Teach for America, where the Los Angeles native brought her education love and skills up north to the Oakland Unified School District’s classrooms for five years. Next, she began teaching mathematics, statistics and computer science at Alhambra High School, in Martinez, and has been there for the past 19 years.

The county’s TOY program is directed by the Contra Costa County Office of Education (CCCOE). With such a high caliber of teaching professionals to draw from, the CCCOE’s TOY program uses a three-stage selection process, with a point and percentage system to determine the final candidates as follows:

I Application Screening:

On April 13, a committee of 10 judges, representing the county’s education, business, and public-sector partners carefully reviewed the TOY representative applications submitted by the school districts. This committee independently read and rated each application. After the application screening and scoring were completed, four teachers will be selected to advance to the next two phases as finalists.

II Classroom Observation and Interview:

April 24-May 25, a small committee of education specialists and business partners will observe the four finalists interacting with their students. Immediately following, the committee will interview the candidates, discussing topics such as their teaching philosophy and techniques.

III Speech Presentation:

On July 24, the four TOY finalists will each give a three- to five-minute speech to another panel of a dozen educators, business, and public-sector representatives who will judge the finalists on their speech and presentation skills.

On the evening of September 27, 2018, all 22 TOYs, accompanied by their families, friends, and co-workers (an audience of close to 500) will be honored at the annual Contra Costa County Teacher of the Year Dinner Celebration, held at the Hilton Concord. Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools Karen Sakata, who serves as master of ceremonies, will introduce all 22 TOYs to the attendees. This will be followed by the four finalists giving their three- to five-minute speeches (same speeches given in July) to the filled banquet room. Finally, the night will come to a dramatic conclusion with the announcement of the two 2018-2019 Contra Costa County Teachers of the Year.

Contra Costa County’s school districts 2018-19 Teachers of the Year

Currently, there are approximately 8,401 teachers educating more than 176,000 students in Contra Costa County’s public schools. To recognize their efforts and bring much-deserved honor to the teaching profession, the participating school districts in the county recently named their Teachers of the Year (TOY) representatives. (See list below.) The upcoming school year’s 22 TOYs represent 17 (of 18) Contra Costa County school districts, the Contra Costa Community College District, and the Contra Costa County Office of Education (CCCOE). Most of these representatives, those who teach grades K thru 12, are eligible to compete in the Contra Costa County TOY competition. The two top teachers in the county TOY program will represent Contra Costa County in the California State TOY Program this coming fall.

The county’s TOY program is directed by the CCCOE. With such a high caliber of teaching professionals to draw from, (21 teachers eligible), the CCCOE’s TOY program uses a three-stage selection process, with a point and percentage system to determine the final candidates as follows:

2018-2019 Contra Costa County Teacher of the Year Representatives:

• Lynn Alamillo, San Ramon Valley Unified School District, Bella Vista Elementary
• Glen Barker, Contra Costa County Office of Education, Northgate High School
• Joanne Chen, West Contra Costa Unified School District, Mira Vista School
• Shanna Gagnon, San Ramon Valley Unified School District, California High School
• Cherie Giannotti, John Swett Unified School District, Carquinez Middle School
• Elizabeth Gonzalez, Liberty Union High School District, Heritage High School
• Bonnie Ha, Walnut Creek School District, Buena Vista Elementary School
• Katie Halberg, Brentwood Union School District, Mary Casey Black Elementary School
• Carol Levin, Orinda Union School District, Glorietta Elementary School
• Cecil Nasworthy, CC Community College District, Los Medanos College
• Barry Penning, Byron Union School District, Discovery Bay Elementary School
• Kelly Perkins, Mt. Diablo Unified School District, Ygnacio Valley High School
• Erik Radkiewicz, West Contra Costa Unified School District, Pinole Valley High School
• Rosie Reid, Mt. Diablo Unified School District, Northgate High School
• Michael Ruibal, Pittsburg Unified School District, Black Diamond High School
• Andrea Salas, Martinez Unified School District, Alhambra High School
• George Seymour, Oakley Union Elementary School District, O’Hara Park Middle School
• Michelle Stark, Antioch Unified School District, Deer Valley High School
• Karlene Steelman, Moraga School District, Joaquin Moraga Intermediate School
• Katherine Walton, Acalanes Union High School District, Acalanes High School
• Scott Westphal, Lafayette School District, Burton Valley Elementary School
• Melissa Anne Wunschel, Knightsen Elementary School District, Knightsen Elementary

Note regarding eligible participants:

• Seventeen of the eighteen Contra Costa County school districts represented, and the CCCOE are participating in this year’s TOY program.
• Each year, one instructor from Contra Costa Community College District is submitted to the TOY program for his/her outstanding body of work with their designated college. The colleges rotate each year between Diablo Valley, Los Medanos, and Contra Costa. (These instructors do not compete in the State Teacher of the Year competition.) This year is Los Medaonos College’s turn.
• Due to the larger number of students and teachers in their districts, West Contra Costa USD, Mt. Diablo USD, and San Ramon Valley USD are allowed to submit two TOY candidates

“We are extremely proud of these tremendous educators,” said Karen Sakata, Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools. “They were thoughtfully chosen to represent their schools and districts, and truly represent what is best about public education.”

Follow Contra Costa County’s Teacher of the Year program on Twitter: #cocotoy

Contra Costa County Public Works will perform roadwork on Mountain View Boulevard just east of Palmer Road between April 23rd and May 10th, weather permitting, to replace an existing storm drain culvert. 

Traffic will be controlled with flaggers between the hours of 9:00am – 4:00pm.  Construction signs will be placed in advance of the construction activities.  Delays should be expected. 

Also charged with attempted lewd acts with a child and online enticement of a child

Andrew Lund from the Glen Cove Elementary School website.

On Friday April 20, 2018, Andrew Lund, a 36-year-old Vallejo elementary school teacher, was formally charged by the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office with possession of child pornography, arranging to meet a minor for sex, enticing a minor online, sending harmful material to a minor and attempted lewd acts with a child.

Between April 7, 2018 and April 17, 2018, Lund communicated with an undercover police officer, believing he was talking with a 14-year-old girl. Lund sent harmful material to the undercover officer, with the intent that it be seen by a minor and made arrangements to meet the minor in Concord, California for sex.

On April 19, 2018, a search warrant was executed at Lund’s residence in Vallejo. Investigators seized electronics from his home, and after an initial review, determined at least one item contained child pornography. Lund was arrested during the service of the search warrant. Lund as booked at the Contra Costa County Detention Facility in Martinez and he is being held on $3 million bail.

Investigators immediately notified the administration at Glen Cove Elementary School. Additional electronic devices were seized from Lund’s classroom and office at the school pursuant to a search warrant. Lund currently serves as a teacher supervisor for the school and teaches two classes a day to fifth graders.

Lund will make his initial appearance in front of the Honorable Christopher Bowen on Monday April 23, 2018 at 8:45 a.m. in Martinez. Lund remains in the custody of the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office. Deputy District Attorney Jay Melaas is the lead prosecutor on behalf of the People in this case.

Lund has previously taught in Wisconsin, Glenn County (California), Shasta County, San Diego County and Solano County.

This investigation in ongoing and includes determining if Lund acted inappropriately towards any current or former students. Anyone with information can contact Senior Inspector Darryl Holcombe at 925-957-2263 or by e-mail at dholcombe@contracostada.org. Information regarding Lund’s employment with the Vallejo City Unified School District can contact their administrative offices at 707-556-8921.

The investigation was conducted by a multi-agency Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, which is managed by the San Jose Police Department. In Contra Costa County, detectives and investigators from the Walnut Creek, Martinez, San Ramon, Concord and Moraga Police Departments, the Sheriff’s Office, Contra Costa County Probation Department and Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office participate in the task force. Substantial assistance was provided by the Vallejo Police Department.

Parents are encouraged to discuss online safety with their children, and can visit the website www.kidsmartz.org for further information.

Case information: People v. Lund, Dockett Number 01-185460-3

Los Medanos College Associated Students (LMCAS) president, Marco McMullen, college district trustees Gary Walker-Roberts, Vicki Gordon, Greg Enholm, with Chancellor Fred Wood (grey tie), Board President John Marquez and LMC President Kratochvil (far right) dig in for the ceremonial groundbreaking of the new LMC Brentwood Center, Wed., April 18, 2018. Photo by Timothy Leong.

Board Vice President takes shots at fellow trustee

By Allen Payton

Contra Costa Community College District (4CD) board members were joined by college district staff, City of Brentwood and other officials, and education supporters on Wednesday, April 18 to celebrate the official groundbreaking of the new Brentwood Center campus of Los Medanos College (LMC). The new site is located at Pioneer Square and Miwok Place in Brentwood (near the intersection of Vineyards Parkway and Marsh Creek Road, just off of Highway 4).

Dr. Bob Kratochvil, President of LMC opening remarks and offered introductions, including Board President John Marquez who in turn introduced Board Vice President and Ward 4 Trustee Gary Walker-Roberts whose ward the new campus will be located.

Without naming Ward 3 BoardTrustee Greg Enholm, Walker-Roberts took a dig at him for his opposition to locating the center in Brentwood, saying it will be built in spite of “resistance from a particular board member.” Enholm campaigned twice on locating the new campus near the Laurel Road interchange with Highway 4, closer in either Antioch or Oakley. However, the college district didn’t own that land and was donated the land on which the new campus will be built.

Walker-Roberts gave credit to former Student Trustee Debora Van Eckhardt, who used to live in Brentwood, for her efforts, as well as the students who spoke out in favor of the Brentwood location.

Only four board members were in attendance including Board Secretary and Ward 2 Trustee Vicki Gordon. That’s because the fifth member, former Board President and Ward 5 Trustee, Tim Farley resigned in February, following the revelation of sexual harassment allegations from five years earlier and an impending investigation. (See related articles, here and here). The board will appoint his replacement to fill the vacancy.

Walker-Roberts paid tribute to the Native Americans in the area, the Miwoks, and then the “Latinx” (which according to the Oxford English Dictionary is “used as a gender-neutral or non-binary alternative to Latino or Latina”) community, who lived in the area.

“There was a last-minute attempt, yes by the same trustee, to delay the shovels,” Walker-Roberts said, taking another not so subtle jab at Enholm.

He then thanked Student Trustee Jessica Cisneros for her efforts to make sure “the shovels were in the ground.”

“This has been an exciting time for the 4CD…to see this dream become a reality, today,” Walker-Roberts concluded.

College district Chancellor, Dr. Fred Wood was next to share his thoughts.

“Raul Rodriguez started the Brentwood Center and former President Pete García continued the effort,” he said, giving tribute to the two former leaders of LMC.

“You couldn’t have a more beautiful site…with the views of Mt. Diablo,” Wood pointed out.

View of Mt. Diablo from the new LMC Brentwood Center campus. Photo by Allen Payton

“I want to thank President Bob Kratochvil,” he said. “Without him and his staff we wouldn’t be standing here, today.”

Wood ended his remarks by saying “At the end of the day, it’s for you. We want to thank you for your patience in getting us through the process. It’s going to be an absolute wonderful facility for East County.”

The new one-story Center, designed by Ratcliff Architects, will be approximately 55,000 square feet.  The project will be constructed on a 17.5 parcel purchased by Contra Costa Community College District (CCCCD) in 2011.  It will feature instructional classrooms, science labs, student support services, library resources, tutorial labs, bookstore and food service areas, “linger and learn” space, faculty/staff offices, and more than 700 parking stalls.  The current Brentwood Center, located in a leased facility at 101A Sand Creek Road in Brentwood, first opened in 2001.  The existing space consists of 22,000 square feet and serves approximately 2,800 students – accounting for about one-third of LMC’s enrollment.

The permanent $65 million facility is made possible through funding from CCCCD Bond Measures A (2006) and E (2014), thanks to support from voters in Contra Costa County.  Construction is expected to be completed in 18-24 months, with the new Brentwood Center projected to open in Spring 2020. It will replace the current Brentwood Center located on Sand Creek Road near Brentwood Blvd.

Richmond-San Rafael Bridge new third lane diagram. Courtesy of MTC.

Caltrans, on Friday, April 20 will open a long-awaited third eastbound lane on Interstate 580 to accommodate peak period traffic from San Rafael to Richmond. The opening of the lane marks a major milestone in the multi-year, $53 million project undertaken by Caltrans and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission’s Bay Area Toll Authority (BATA) affiliate, in partnership with the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) and the Transportation Authority of Marin (TAM), to convert the right shoulder to accommodate peak-period traffic from Sir Francis Drake Blvd. in San Rafael to a newly-expanded Richmond Parkway/Point Richmond exit in Richmond. The new lane typically will be open to traffic each day from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Artist’s rendering of the planned bicycle/pedestrian path on the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge on the westbound upper deck. Courtesy of MTC.

A series of newly-installed electronic signs will indicate to motorists when the new third lane is open to traffic. These include both a large changeable message board on the Marin County approach to the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge and 20 smaller signs installed over each traffic lane on the bridge. The smaller signs will display green arrows to indicate open lanes or a red X to indicate a closed lane.

The opening of the new third lane will be preceded by a 9:00 a.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring local, regional and state officials who galvanized the partnership that delivered the new peak-period traffic lane and is now working to complete the first-ever bicycle/pedestrian link between Contra Costa and Marin counties.

A video and other information about the I-580 Richmond-San Rafael Bridge Access Improvement Projects can be found on the MTC website at mtc.ca.gov/our-work/plans-projects/major-regional-projects/richmond-san-rafael-bridge-access-improvements.

MTC is the regional transportation planning, financing and coordinating agency for the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area. BATA, which administers revenue from the region’s seven state-owned toll bridges, is funding the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge Access Improvement Projects with support from Caltrans to integrate these improvements into the state’s traffic management system.

In era of federal funding uncertainty

By Daniel Borsuk

Contra Costa County Supervisors are poised to approve on May 8 a $3.5 billion 2018-19 budget realizing that during the upcoming budget year there is the likelihood significant funding cuts out of Washington might especially hit human services programs.

“The current administration in Washington is likely to reduce funding to states and counties,” county administrator David Twa warned supervisors at Tuesday’s board budget hearing.

Even with that caution, supervisors did not blink an eye and proceeded to listen to six budget presentations from department chiefs about what is in store for the upcoming 2018-2019 fiscal year.  Supervisors did not comment about the prospects of federal or state cuts next fiscal year at the hearing, but neither did any of the meager number of persons who showed up to speak about the proposed 2018-19 spending plan.

The Employment & Human Services Department is subject to perhaps the most significant funding cuts from Washington, EHSD Director Kathy Gallagher told supervisors.  Since 2017, funding for the department’s CalFresh and CalWorks programs that deliver food and job training for 65,000 residents has had federal funding trimmed from $101.5 million in 2016 to $90.4 million to 2018.  More cuts are expected for the two programs in the upcoming 2018-19 fiscal year, she said.

Gallagher painted a bleak federal funding fiscal picture showing a watch list of human service programs that could potentially be hit with steep federal funding cuts.  Some of those programs include Medicaid, Community Service Block Grants, Child Welfare Services, and the Older American Act, which includes Meals on Wheels.

Federal funding uncertainty also hovers over County Health Services, but not as severely as what EHSD faces, Contra Costa County Health Director Anna M. Roth told supervisors, in presenting her department’s proposed $1.8 billion budget for 2018-19.  Next year’s budget includes $100 million in general funds.

Roth noted that expansion of the Contra Costa Health Plan with more than 200,000 members provides the county financial support, especially when there is financial uncertainty coming out of Washington.

Addressing only the $241,271,160 in general funds proposed for 2018-19, Contra Costa Undersheriff Michael Casten, who filled in for Sheriff David O. Livingston who was out of town, said a $5.6 million vacancy factor makes it “a very difficult for the Office of the Sheriff-Coroner to operate”.

Casten said the funding deficit means for 2018019 the Sheriff-Coroner will not fill 10 deputy sheriff slots worth $2.6 million, three mental health evaluation team deputies openings worth a combined $781,000, 7 patrol deputies worth $1.82 million and six sergeants worth $1.77 million.  The Sheriff-Coroner’s request for 15 recruit positions valued at $1.21 million was approved for the upcoming fiscal year.

For Diana Becton, the Interim Contra Costa County District Attorney appointed by the board of supervisors last year who is up for election June 5, budget priorities for 2018-19 include enforcement of Proposition 64 (2016 voter approval for the legalization of the sale of marijuana in California), hiring of additional clerical staff, the implementation of a case management system and pay parity.

For 2018-19, Becton wants to add 14 full-time staff worth $1 million.  Those positions include five mainline prosecution assistant district attorneys, five mainline prosecution clerks, two senior inspectors and one forensic accountant.

District attorney Becton wants to also distribute resources for bail reform, the East County Anti-Violence Coalition, the West County Anti-Violence Coalition, the Safe Streets Task Force and anti-truancy initiatives.

Public Defender Robin Lipetzky plans to hire 8 staff members to her department next fiscal year.  She plans to hire two attorneys, one investigator, pretrial attorneys, and clerical staff.  A new juvenile office in Walnut Creek will open in the next month, she informed supervisors.  Last year the public defender handled 501 juvenile cases.  Her department last year also handled 3,545 felony cases.

For 2018-19, Contra Costa Public Works will be busy filling 15 positions, Brian Balbas, Public Works Director said.  The department will need the additional staff as Balbas needs more staff to oversee a big increase in capital improvement projects, including the construction of a new $110 million county administration building and emergency communication center.

New West County Health Center Expansion Project Approved

On a consent item, supervisors awarded a $12.45 million design-build contract to C. Overaa & Co. for the design and construction of the West County Health Center Expansion Project at 13585 San Pablo Ave., in San Pablo.

When the project is completed, the new two-story, 20,000 square foot building will house the Behavioral Health Department, which will be relocated from a leased building.  The new building will qualify for a LEED Silver rating from the Green Building Council.

Other construction firms competing for the design-build contract were Vila Construction and Boldt Co.

College District – Sheriff-Coroner Contract OK’d

Supervisors also approved the $497,250 contract between the Sheriff-Coroner and Contra Costa Community College District to provide educational course construction at the Law Enforcement Training Center at Los Medanos College for the period July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019.

Save Mount Diablo signed a Conservation Collaboration Agreement with Campolindo High School in honor of Earth Day. As part of the first component of the agreement, SMD staff then proceeded to teach 5 AP Environmental Science classes (about 150 students) about land conservation in the Mount Diablo area and Save Mount Diablo. / Image credit: Joanne McCluhan

Save Mount Diablo (“SMD”) and Campolindo High School (“CHS”) signed a Conservation Collaboration Agreement on April 16, 2018 to honor and help protect the Mount Diablo natural area in recognition of Earth Day. April 2018 Conservation Collaboration Agreement

SMD’s Conservation Collaboration Agreement program is one part of the organization’s larger Community Conservation initiative, and is built upon the wisdom of Aldo Leopold’s “Land Ethic,” the proven power of solos in nature, and the recognition that we must all do more than just business as usual to help address the widely documented “Nature Deficit Disorder” in our modern, wired society.

SMD’s Conservation Collaboration Agreement program is for local schools and businesses, and there are three parts to implementing each Agreement. First, SMD staff members provide in-class educational presentations about land conservation of the Mount Diablo area to participating students and/or employees. Second, SMD staff then lead the participating students and/or employees in an experiential environmental service project (e.g., planting native grasses and trees) on one of SMD’s conserved properties and this outing also includes a solo on the land for each participant where they do a contemplative journal writing exercise about nature and their part in nature. Finally, in an act of educational and participatory philanthropy, the students and/or employees raise funds so that they can become members of SMD.  SMD has a youth membership program with discounted rates.

Aldo Leopold is considered by many to be the father of wildlife ecology and the United States’ wilderness system, and his “Land Ethic” is famously captured in his following statement: “We abuse land because we regard it as a commodity belonging to us. When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect.”  He presented his “Land Ethic” as a set of values that naturally grew out of his lifetime of experiences in the outdoors.  Leopold wrote that “we can only be ethical in relation to something we can see, understand, feel, love, or otherwise have faith in.”  He believed that direct contact with the natural world was crucial in shaping our ability to extend our ethics beyond our own self-interest. 

The solo (i.e., quiet and contemplative alone time in nature) is a proven way for people to grow their roots in nature. The Outward Bound School has been successfully utilizing the solo in nature since 1961, and the power of a solo in nature has also been recognized and demonstrated by many Earth centered cultures and traditions for eons. 

On April 16^th, after signing the Conservation Collaboration Agreement, SMD staff provided educational presentations about land conservation in the Mount Diablo area to 5 A.P. Environmental Science classes at CHS.  On April 23^rd, CHS students and SMD staff will go to one of SMD’s conserved properties for an environmental service project and solo.

“Young people have the most at stake when it comes to the health and well-being of our natural world so we are grateful for the administration, teachers and students at Campolindo High School stepping up to ensure their students are better connected to nature, informed about the importance of land conservation in the Mount Diablo area, and helping steward our natural lands,” said Ted Clement, Save Mount Diablo’s Executive Director.

“The partnership between Save Mount Diablo and Campolindo High School will provide local students with a unique opportunity to both learn about our environment and serve the community,” stated CHS Principal John Walker. “The students will refine their scientific skills and learn how to become stewards of our local resources.”

“The Campolindo Science Department is passionate about providing our students with outdoor education and stewardship opportunities that connect them with the natural world. We are thrilled to be working with Save Mount Diablo, as they are providing our students with both, as well as providing excellent role models who are acting locally to protect land on behalf of people, and on behalf of wildlife. There is much bad news when studying environmental science – it is very encouraging and empowering for our students to engage with an organization that is accomplishing so much in terms of land conservancy and habitat restoration,” said CHS Teacher Jane Kelson.

CHS Teacher Tren Kauzer added, “Campolindo Environmental Science students are so excited to partner with Save Mount Diablo to turn their passion into action, practice what they have been learning about all year long, and work to restore such an important environment so close to their community.”

Save Mount Diablo

SMD is a nationally accredited, non-profit land trust founded in 1971 with a mission to preserve Mount Diablo’s peaks, surrounding foothills, and watersheds through land acquisition and preservation strategies designed to protect the mountain’s natural beauty, biological diversity, and historic and agricultural heritage; enhance our area’s quality of life; and provide recreational opportunities consistent with the protection of natural resources.  Learn more at www.savemountdiablo.org.

Campolindo High School

CHS has a mission to foster academic achievement and cultivate personal growth in a supportive educational community to prepare all students for a successful future. Learn more at www.acalanes.k12.ca.us/campolindo/

Contra Costa County Public Works and Supervisor Diane Burgis will host an Earth Day event at Upper Sand Creek on Saturday, April 21 from 9am – Noon.  The event will take place at 6600 Deer Valley road in Antioch.  Antioch High School, Friends of Marsh Creek Watershed, Contra Costa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District and Earth Team interns will also participate.

“I’m excited to see so many people come out to celebrate Earth Day by putting their hands in the dirt, clean up, and then learn about our watershed,” stated Supervisor Burgis.

Spend the morning in the beautiful Upper Sand Creek watershed, exploring an area that is usually closed to the public. In 2013, the Flood Control District held the first planting event to celebrate the completion of the detention basin. Come see for yourself how much the basin has changed!

The students will be showing off the skills they’ve learned over the year they spent interning with Earth Team.

Activities will include:

• Trash Talking Showdown – Join a team to see who can pickup and properly identify, the most trash.
• Help remove invasive species and plant the volunteer nursery with oaks – Since the initial planting in 2013, a lot has changed with the volunteer nursery, but we still need your help to keep it going!
• Learn about your local creeks and why it is important to keep them clean!

You can sign up for this event at uscb2018.eventbrite.com.  Earth Day is celebrated around the world. It is a day celebrating environmental protection and raising awareness of how our actions affect the environment.

About Contra Costa County Public Works Department:

Contra Costa County Public Works Department (CCCPWD) maintains over 660 miles of roads, 150 miles of streams, channels and other drainage and over 200 County buildings throughout Contra Costa County.   CCCPWD provides services such as Parks and Recreation, Sand Bag Distribution and Flood Control throughout unincorporated areas of Contra Costa County.  For more information about CCCPWD, please visit us here.