Nearly two hundred people joined the East Bay Leadership Council (EBLC) in Concord on Friday to celebrate the 16th Annual Small Business Awards in conjunction with National Small Business Week.
The Awards were hosted by the EBLC, along with Title Sponsor Wells Fargo, and honored twelve small businesses selected by their local Chamber of Commerce that exemplify the spirit of entrepreneurship, hard work, and community.
“Today we honor a law firm, two auto shops, a theater company, a pharmacy, a clothing boutique, and many more. Each different but all grounded in the desire to help the community,” said Kristin Connelly, President & CEO of the EBLC. “The diversity represented by these businesses highlight the diversity that makes the East Bay so dynamic.”
See the entire list, below.
Honorees were recognized for inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs, enduring a recession thanks to sheer determination and brilliant marketing, providing much needed services to the vulnerable, bringing world class performances to our backyard, getting to know each of their customers by name, serving the best pasta in town, and caring deeply for the communities they serve.
We are thankful to have many innovative businesses and growing opportunities here in the East Bay—something recognized by Alex Wilcox, the CEO of JetSuite, who provided the event’s keynote address.
JetSuite X, the newly-established program of JetSuite, chose Concord’s Buchanan Field as the location to help launch their new service.
“By far, the East Bay opened its arms the widest,” said Wilcox. “The community made clear that they wanted JetSuite X here and they did everything they could to help us bring commercial flights to Concord after more than 20 years.”
Congressman Mark DeSaulnier also took the stage and shared his unique perspective as both a longtime elected official and a former small business owner.
“Small businesses create more than 50 percent of the jobs in California, but they are also a very important part of the cohesiveness of a healthy community,” said Congressman DeSaulnier as he reflected on his time managing restaurants across the Bay Area.
The EBLC could not agree more with Congressman DeSaulnier. These determined, creative, and community-driven businesses make the East Bay an incredible place to live and work and we were thrilled to help honor them.
“And though she be little, she be fierce,” said Honoree Susie Falk of the California Shakespeare Theater during her acceptance speech.
A line worth repeating as Small Business Week comes to a close and we continue to honor the small businesses that make such a big difference in our community every day of the year.
ABOUT THE EAST BAY LEADERSHIP COUNCIL
The East Bay Leadership Council (EBLC) is a private-sector, public-policy organization that advocates on issues affecting economic vitality and quality of life and represents leaders of business, industry, education, government, and the nonprofit community. For more information visit www.eastbayleadershipcouncil.com.
2016 HONOREES
Winners are selected by local Chambers of Commerce
Brookvale Pharmacy – San Pablo Economic Development Corporation
Comerica Bank of California – Danville Chamber of Commerce
Connolly & Taylor – Martinez Chamber of Commerce
California Shakespeare Theatre – Orinda Chamber of Commerce
De La Housaye & Associates – Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce
La Strada Italian Cuisine – Richmond Chamber of Commerce
Moraga Motors – Moraga Chamber of Commerce
Tower Grille – Concord Chamber of Commerce
UPS Store – Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce
Wealth Management Associates – Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce
Venture Quality Goods – Lafayette Chamber of Commerce
925 Collision Repair – Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Read MoreOn Thursday, U.S. Representative Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA11), issued the following statement about his personal health.
“Last summer, I was diagnosed with the most common leukemia in the world, a cancer named Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). I recently completed aggressive chemotherapy. I feel fortunate that I had a positive response to this treatment, and that neither CLL nor the treatment impacted my professional work.
CLL is a chronic disorder many Americans face, which doctors liken to diabetes and hypertension. While CLL cannot currently be completely cured, incredible breakthroughs, medical advancements and cutting edge therapies are allowing it to be managed over a lifetime. As a result of these developments, there are approximately 1.2 million Americans, like myself, living long, full lives with blood cancer.
Before sharing my diagnosis, I had much to consider personally and professionally. My doctors assured me that people with CLL, myself included, could continue to work and function at a high level. The medical professionals were right; I have been able to go home every weekend, except one, logging over 170,000 miles flown, held 14 town halls, had meetings with thousands of constituents, and maintained a 99.1% voting average in my first session of Congress.
By publicly sharing my story, I hope to add my voice to the growing number of people fighting cancer and the other chronic conditions so many families confront. I look forward to continuing to serve the people of our district, and do so stronger and with a better understanding having faced this experience.”
DeSaulnier represents most of Contra Costa County in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Read MoreKathryn Nance, current President of the Stockton Police Officers Association and a 19-year member of the Stockton Police Department, today received the endorsement of California Congresswoman Mimi Walters in her campaign for Congress against incumbent Congressman Jerry McNerney.
“California needs capable leaders with the knowledge and experience to get things done in Congress. That’s why I’m proud to endorse and support Kathryn Nance in California’s 9th Congressional District,” said Congresswoman Walters. “Her lifelong ties to her district, as well as her 19 years of experience with the Stockton Police Department, widely known as one of the toughest beats in the state, give her the experience to represent her district effectively as well as the backbone to stand up to D.C special interests. I need a partner in Congress who will work to get things done, and that’s why Kathryn Nance has my full support.”
Walters was elected to Congress in 2014 to represent California’s 45th Congressional District, and was subsequently elected by her colleagues as the Freshman Class Representative to the House Republican Conference leadership team.
The 9th Congressional District encompasses the majority of San Joaquin County, most of Eastern Contra Costa County and the City of Galt in Sacramento County.
“I am honored to have the support of Congresswoman Mimi Walters and looking forward to working with her in Congress,” said Nance. “From agriculture to terrorism, Jerry McNerney has represented liberal out of touch values for far too long. I will be the common sense voice this District wants and needs.”
Born and raised in the Stockton area, Kathryn Nance is a 19-year veteran of the Stockton Police Department, currently serving as a Sergeant with the Department’s AB109 Task Force and as President of the Stockton Police Officers Association. She has previously served as a Field Training Officer and as a member of the Department’s Gang and Homicide units. She is married to her husband of 11 years, James Nance, who also serves as an officer with the Stockton Police Department. Together, they have a blended family of four children, ranging in ages of 15 to 24. Kathryn is an avid outdoors enthusiast and enjoys activities such as hiking, cycling, kayaking and CrossFit. Kathryn also served as the Chairwoman of Stockton’s annual “Strides Against Cancer” relay.
To learn more about Kathryn Nance for Congress, visit www.Nance2016.com, click “Like” on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/KathrynNanceForCongress and follow on Twitter @Nance2016.
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Washington, D.C. – Last week, Congressman Jerry McNerney (CA-9) and Congressman Walter Jones (NC-3) launched the bipartisan Congressional Campaign Finance Reform Caucus to address the undue influence of money on our political process.
“I’m excited to launch the Campaign Finance Reform Caucus with my colleague, Congressman Jones,” said McNerney. “Since the Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision, too much campaign spending comes from undisclosed and unregulated sources. We need reform that brings transparency to the campaign finance system and restores the voice of the voters. Our democracy depends on it,” McNerney said. “By bringing together members from both sides of the aisle, the Caucus can address these inequities and advocate for changes to the current system.”
The Center for Responsive Politics reports that total federal election spending in 2012 was more than $6.2 billion, doubling money spent on the 2000 campaign. A joint report issued by the Brookings Institution and the American Enterprise Institute found that, adjusted for inflation, House candidates spend more than 300 percent as much getting elected as they did nearly 30 years ago – an average of $1.6 million dollars every two years.
“I am greatly troubled by the undue influence that fat-cat lobbyists and special interests have in Washington, DC. Now, more than ever, secretive special interest money plays an enormous role in our electoral process and in governing. Beginning in my days in the North Carolina General Assembly, I have long advocated for returning power to the people and getting big money out of politics. Launching this Campaign Finance Reform Caucus is another step in that direction,” said Congressman Jones.
At its inaugural meeting on Thursday, Reps. McNerney and Jones were joined by other Caucus members and were briefed by academic and legal scholars on the history of campaign finance policy and its effects on politics today. The Caucus will hold regular meetings to educate members of Congress and staff about these policies and advocate for relevant policy proposals.
The Caucus is open to all members of Congress and will provide a forum to discuss and advance solutions to reform the way campaigns are financed in this country.
Rep. Jerry McNerney serves the constituents of California’s 9th Congressional District which includes portions of San Joaquin, Sacramento Counties and most of Eastern Contra Costa County. For more information on Rep. McNerney’s work, follow him on Facebook and on Twitter @RepMcNerney.
Read MoreBy Allen Payton
After hearing input from the public at their special meeting on April 13, as well as a public apology from Lennar Urban CEO Kofi Bonner for the causing the controversy over contributions to Councilman Tim Grayson’s Assembly campaign, the Concord City Council, sitting as the Local Reuse Authority (LRA) for the Concord Naval Weapons Station, directed staff to meet with representatives from Lennar Urban to revise their Term Sheet.
Staff will make a presentation on the matter at tonight’s council meeting. The council will also have the opportunity to finalize their decision on selecting Lennar as the Master Developer for Phase I of the weapons station Reuse Plan.
According to the staff report, they “also reviewed the alternatives to selecting a Master Developer to determine whether any one of them is a viable or superior approach for Concord. This staff report provides analysis of both efforts.”
Furthermore, staff states that Lennar is committed to sign the revised Term Sheet, should the council vote to select Lennar as the Master Developer.
Following is the agenda item with a link to the complete, 175 page staff report.
CITY COUNCIL/CITY COUNCIL SITTING AS THE LOCAL REUSE AUTHORITY CONSIDERATION ITEMS
The public is entitled to address the City Council on items appearing on the agenda before or during the City Council’s consideration of that item. Each speaker will be limited to approximately three minutes.
- Presentation – of a revised Lennar Term Sheet and consideration of staff’s recommendation that City Council select Lennar Concord LLC as the Master Developer for the Development Phase One Property at the Concord Naval Weapons Station and proceed to the Disposition and Development Agreement (DDA) stage of the negotiation period, as defined in the Agreement to Negotiate between the Local Reuse Authority and Lennar. Report by Guy Bjerke, Director of Community Reuse Planning.
The council meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. at the City Council Chambers at Concord City Hall, 1950 Parkside Drive. Meetings can also be viewed on Concord TV, available on Comcast Channel 28, Wave Channel 29, and U-verse Channel 99.
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The Board of Directors of the Cow Palace welcomed Lori Marshall into the role of Chief Executive Officer on April 1, 2016. Her role at the historic Bay Area venue began as the Deputy Manager in July 2015, but was quickly promoted to the role of CEO when Ken Alstott, (Cow Palace CEO from April 1, 2013 – March 31, 2016), announced his retirement.
Marshall is the first woman in the 75-year history of the Cow Palace to lead the organization, and is responsible for managing the physical and fiscal over site of the facility in addition to putting on the annual signature event, the Grand National Livestock Expo, Horse Show and Rodeo.
The venue has a historic presence in the Bay Area, with concerts that featured legendary headliners like The Beatles, Elvis Presley, and Prince; and serves as a space for various expositions, consumer and trade shows, sporting events, as well as a variety of community, religious and charitable events.
“I’m excited to lead the Cow Palace as a premier destination for events in the Bay Area, and continue the tradition of producing the Grand National Livestock Expo, Horse Show, and Rodeo, for many years to come” said Marshall. The Cow Palace has a rich history after 75 years in the Bay Area community and I’m honored to be part of that. As a 4-H member in my youth, I used to show animals at the Junior Grand National Livestock Show, so to come back in this role is truly a full circle moment.”
Lori comes to the Cow Palace with a degree in Animal Science from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and decades of event and facility management experience. Lori grew up in Brentwood and worked for 25 years at the Contra Costa County Fair in various positions, with her last seven years as CEO.
She has served in a variety of roles within industry associations such as Western Fairs Association, International Assn. of Fairs & Expositions, and California Fairs Service Authority, in addition to participating on boards of numerous civic organizations such as the Antioch Chamber of Commerce, Knightsen School Site Council and the Contra Costa Winegrowers Association.
ABOUT THE COW PALACE – The Cow Palace promotes and showcases a variety of entertainment and events to serve the needs and reflect the cultural diversity of the community. Annually they conduct a unique event, ‘The Grand National Livestock Expo, Horse Show, & Rodeo’, and continues to encourage youth participation in the agricultural industry. The organization provides a well-managed, year round multi use facility for the use and enjoyment of the Bay Area and surrounding communities. The Cow Palace is located at 2600 Geneva Avenue, in Daly City. For more information visit www.cowpalace.com.
Read MoreWatch the candidate forums for the various election campaigns in Contra Costa County on Contra Costa TV’s (CCTV) CountyNet channel or via their website at www.co.contra-costa.ca.us/142/Contra-Costa-Television-CCTV. CCTV is available to subscribers of AT&T U-verse on Channel 99, to Comcast subscribers on Channel 27 and to Wave (formerly Astound) subscribers on Channel 32.
Monday, May 2
8:00 PM Election Preview 2016 Supervisorial District 3
9:00 PM Election Preview 2016 Assembly 16
9:30 PM Election Preview 2016 State Senate 7
10:00 PM Election Preview 2016 US Rep. 11
Tuesday, May 3
7:00 PM Election Preview 2016 Supervisorial District 5
8:00 PM Election Preview 2016 Assembly 14
8:30 PM Election Preview 2016 State Senate 3
9:00 PM Election Preview 2016 US Representative District 5
9:30 PM Election Preview 2016 State Senate 9
10:00 PM Election Preview 2016 Assembly 15
Wednesday, May 4
11:00 AM Election Preview 2016 Supervisorial District 5
12:00 PM Election Preview 2016 Supervisorial District 3
1:00 PM Election Preview 2016 Assembly 16
1:30 PM Election Preview 2016 State Senate 7
2:00 PM Election Preview 2016 US Rep. 11
2:30 PM Election Preview 2016 Assembly 14
3:00 PM Election Preview 2016 State Senate 3
3:30 PM Election Preview 2016 US Representative District 5
4:00 PM Election Preview 2016 State Senate 9
4:30 PM Election Preview 2016 Assembly 15
Friday, May 6
9:00 AM Election Preview 2016 Assembly 14
9:30 AM Election Preview2016 State Senate 3
10:00 AM Election Preview2016 US Rep. 5
10:30 AM Election Preview2016 State Senate 9
11:00 AM Election Preview2016 Assembly 15
2:00 PM Election Preview 2016 District 5
3:00 PM Election Preview 2016 District 3
4:00 PM Election Preview 2016 Assembly 16
4:30 PM Election Preview2016 State Senate 7
5:00 PM Election Preview2016 US Rep. 11
Sunday, May 8
9:00 AM Election Preview 2016 Supervisorial District 3
10:00 AM Election Preview 2016 Assembly 16
10:30 AM Election Preview 2016 State Senate 7
11:00 AM Election Preview 2016 US Rep. 11
11:30 AM Election Preview 2016 Assembly 14
12:00 PM Election Preview 2016 State Senate 3
12:30 PM Election Preview 2016 US Representative District 5
1:00 PM Election Preview 2016 State Senate 9
1:30 PM Election Preview 2016 Assembly 15
2:00 PM Election Preview 2016 Supervisorial District 5
Read MoreThere will be lots of positions to be filled!
WHAT: The Contra Costa County Fair will be holding a Job Fair and interviews on Saturday May 7th. Applications and interviews will take place for the 2016 Contra Costa Contra Costa County Fair which will be held Thursday June 2nd – Sunday June 5th. Available positions include but are not limited to: parking and ticket sellers, ticket takers, parking attendants, customer service representatives, janitorial staff, maintenance staff, security guards and more. Fair Management and Department Supervisors are looking for people with a strong work ethics and a high level of customer service who want to be part of the Contra Costa County Fair event. Interested applicants must bring their photo ID and a social security card to the Job Fair. Applications will be available to fill out on-site or are available on-line in advance under the “About Us” tab at www.contracostafair.com
WHEN: Saturday, May 7th from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.
WHERE: Contra Costa County Fairgrounds Office, 1201 West 10th Street, Antioch
WHY: Each year the Contra Costa County Fair hires roughly 50 – 100 people to work at the annual event, not including the local employees hired directly by our individual food vendors, carnival providers and Livestock department. We are looking for top-notch workers who believe in keeping the Contra Costa County Fair a place where families can expect superior customer service. The goal with the Job Fair is to create a greater level of awareness among Contra Costa County residents that these job opportunities exist at the Contra Costa County Fair. The fact that we are hiring hard working local residents creates a big opportunity for those looking for work
Read MoreDiane Burgis, candidate for Contra Costa County Supervisor, District III, announced she had received the endorsement of the League of Conservation Voters of the East Bay.
“Diane Burgis is committed to standing up for a clean environment,” said Beth Gunston, President of the Board of Directors of the League of Conservation Voters of the East Bay. “As executive director of the Friends of Marsh Creek Watershed and a trustee of the East Bay Regional Park District, Diane has been fighting for clean water and open space throughout her personal and professional life.”
“I believe it is critical that we protect our natural resources for future generations to enjoy,” said Burgis. “I am pleased that the League of Conservation Voters of the East Bay has recognized my work to protect the Delta and ensure that our environment is healthy and open space is preserved.”
The mission of LCVEB is to further environmental and public health protections in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties by electing environmental leaders to local office.
Burgis has also earned the endorsement of retiring Supervisor Mary Piepho, former Assemblywoman Joan Buchanan, and more than 30 locally elected officials and community leaders. Recently, she was honored by the Contra Costa Women’s Hall of Fame with the Women Improving the Environment Award for her work with the Friends of Marsh Creek Watershed.
For more information on the organization, visit www.lcveastbay.org.
Read MoreBarr, Burgis, Wilson have large balances of unpaid bills
By Allen Payton
Campaign finance reports were due on Thursday, April 28 and all six candidates for District 3 County Supervisor submitted their reports required for any candidate who has raised or spent at least $2,000 in their campaign, this year. The reporting period is from January 1 through April 23, 2016.
Oakley Councilman Doug Hardcastle leads the pack with the most received at $37,511.16 and spent at $34,642.80. But, $15,500 was from loans he made to his campaign. The total also includes non-monetary contributions of $5,000. He had $2,868.36 cash on hand at the end of the reporting period.
Antioch Councilwoman Monica Wilson raised the most in monetary contributions at $25,589.76 with $5,179 of that amount transferred from her 2016 City Council reelection campaign committee. But, she spent $26,046.19 and had $14,587.85 in unpaid bills, with an ending cash balance of $14,249.48. Most of Wilson’s contributions were from, and most of the money was spent outside of the district, with the majority of it spent out of state. UPDATE 05-02-16: Wilson’s finance reports from her 2016 City Council re-election campaign committee have been posted, below. They show $4,700 in itemized contributions of $100 or more, all of it from outside of both the City of Antioch and Supervisor District 3.
East Bay Regional Parks District Board Member Diane Burgis is in second place for monetary contributions with $18,857 and Brentwood Councilman Steve Barr is in a close third at $18,685. But Barr is in second for total contributions at $28,335 which include a $5,000 loan from him and his wife, and $4,650 in non-monetary contributions. Two of Burgis’ largest contributions were received from Supervisors Mary Piepho and John Gioia at the maximum of $1,675 each. She has spent the second most at $26,568.86, had $15,271.21 in unpaid bills and an ending cash balance of $7,659.90. Barr spent $26,009, had $18,585 in unpaid bills, but $20,911 in cash on hand.
NAACP East County Branch President Odessa Lefrancois raised $11,885, with her largest contribution of $5,000 coming from Public Employees Union Local #1, of which she’s a member. Her campaign spent $9,277.80 and had $2,607.20 cash on hand at the end of the reporting period. Antioch Mayor Wade Harper’s campaign received $8,050, including his largest contribution of $2,000 from Operating Engineers Local Union No. 3. He spent $5,663.54 and had $2,386.46 cash on hand.
See the complete financial reports for each of the candidates, with details of who has contributed more than $100 and to whom more than $100 was paid, here:
Hardcastle Fin Rpt 0701-123115
Lefrancois Fin Rpt 0701-123115
Lefrancois Fin Rpt 0101-042316
NOTE: The two additional financial reports from Monica Wilson were for her 2016 City Council campaign committee, since she transferred funds from that committee to her Supervisor campaign committee.
Publisher’s Note: For full disclosure and as explained in the March issue of the Antioch Herald, I, the writer of this article, am the paid consultant for Doug Hardcastle’s campaign for County Supervisor.
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