Contra Costa Herald

State Senator touts “local control and strict accountability” as key elements that earned his support

On Friday, State Senator Steve Glazer announced he was joining a broad coalition of Contra Costa leaders in supporting Measure X, the countywide transportation measure.

“I’m pleased to join with the Contra Costa Taxpayers Association in supporting Measure X. This measure will improve all aspects of our transportation network in Contra Costa County with local control and strict accountability,” said Glazer. “It is being managed by an agency with a successful track record of delivering road and highway projects on time and under budget. I urge Contra Costa residents to join me in voting Yes on Measure X.”

Senator Glazer joins a growing and diverse coalition of people throughout Contra Costa County who are supporting the measure that includes every local city, the East Bay Times, and Contra Costa Taxpayers Association.

“In a year of divisive politics and a contentious election season, Measure X is something we can all agree on,” Glazer noted. “More than 50 elected officials came together to ask me to join them in supporting Measure X. This is the kind of consensus building we need.”

“From business to labor, environmentalists to home builders, Democrats to Republicans, everyone is coming together to support Measure X,” said Clayton Councilmember Julie Pierce, who serves as Contra Costa Transportation Authority Commissioner and Association of Bay Area Governments President. “We listened to the public and created a plan that will help get Contra Costa moving.

Metropolitan Transportation Commission Member and Orinda Councilmember Amy Worth said,

“Measure X will have a profound effect on our regional economy and will help get people where they need to go a little faster.”

Senator Glazer joins Congressmembers Mark DeSaulnier and Eric Swalwell, Assemblymembers Susan Bonilla and Jim Frazier, all 19 Contra Costa city councils, the Contra Costa Taxpayers Association, the Contra Costa Democratic Party, Bike East Bay, the East Bay Times, the San Francisco Chronicle, and hundreds of other community leaders who are supporting Measure X.

Measure X is on the November 8 ballot and will generate $2.9 billion of local funding for transportation over the next 30 years. In addition, it will attract tens of millions more in state and federal matching dollars for transportation projects in Contra Costa County. Measure X builds on the success of earlier voter approved transportation measures managed by the Contra Costa Transportation Authority which brought the fourth bore of the Caldecott Tunnel; BART extensions; highway improvements on 24, 4, 80, 680; and money for every city to fix and maintain local roads and fill potholes. Measure X has strong accountability measures requiring independent oversight with financial and performance audits.

For more information about Measure X and a complete endorsement list, go to GetContraCostaMoving.com.

Washington, DC – Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11) received a 97% score from the League of Conservation Voters (LCV) on its 2015 National Environmental Scorecard. The high score reflects his record of fighting for important issues, including energy, global warming, public health, public lands and wildlife conservation, and supporting environmental programs during his first session of Congress.

“Preserving our planet’s natural resources for generations to come has been one of my priorities since serving on the California Air Resources Board in the 1990s. It is an honor to be recognized by the League of Conservation Voters for my environmental work, and I will continue to work with the LCV to promote policies that address climate change and protect public health while strengthening our economy,” said Congressman DeSaulnier.

“The 2015 Scorecard shows that our cornerstone environmental standards are under attack more than ever before,” said Gene Karpinski, President of the League of Conservation Voters. “Thankfully, Congressman DeSaulnier is helping lead the charge against these extreme attacks. His stellar record during his first year in the U.S. House builds on his strong record at the state-level fighting to protect the air we breathe and confront the climate crisis and we look forward to continue working with him.”

LCV’s National Environmental Scorecard ranks 35 different votes to provide objective, factual information about the most important environmental legislation considered in the 114^th Congress and the corresponding voting records of all members of Congress. The Scorecard represents the consensus of experts from approximately 20 respected environmental and conservation organizations who select the key votes on which members of Congress should be scored.

The full scorecard can be found here.

Congressman Mark DeSaulnier also has earned a lifetime score from the League of Conservation Voters of 97%.

On October 27, the Board of Directors authorized BART to enter into an agreement with Solar City to install, operate, and maintain solar panels at the new, upcoming Antioch station as well as Lafayette Station.

BART will purchase electricity generated from these two new installations, which once constructed will be the largest solar generation facilities on District property.  As an additional benefit to customers, the panel canopies will provide shade over a portion of the parking lots at each location.

“The BART to Antioch project is putting a brand new face on transit in eastern Contra Costa, and it’s exciting to see new, environmentally-friendly technologies like solar powering up these upcoming stations,” said BART Director Joel Keller.

The cost of the project will be paid from the energy operating budget, and will cost a cumulative $3.75 million and $3.85 million at Antioch and Lafayette stations, respectively, over the 20-year term of the agreement.

Construction of the panels is expected to be completed at Antioch station by fall 2017, and in Lafayette by late spring 2017.

See link to video at the bottom of the article.

On October 20, 2016, at about 11:05 AM, the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (CON Fire) requested assistance from Sheriff’s Office STARR 3 helicopter. Firefighters hiked approximately 1.5 miles on a remote trail on Mt. Diablo to evaluate a hiker who was injured. CON Fire requested a short-haul rescue from STARR 3 because of the rugged terrain and distance and time it would have taken to carry the victim out.

As the video shows, STARR 3’s Tactical Flight Officer and onboard CON Fire Captain/Paramedic were short-hauled to the scene and secured the victim in a rescue device. The victim was extracted to awaiting firefighters and paramedics and transported to a local hospital.

Just two days later, STARR 3 performed another short haul rescue of an injured mountain biker at Briones Regional Park.

To view the video, click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlND8CUWdNY

Honored for Work on Resolution Rectifying Mistreatment of African-American Servicemen in WWII and for Calling Attention to Veterans’ Suicides

Sacramento, CA – Sen. Steve Glazer, D-Orinda, was named 2016 California Legislator of the Year by the AMVETS Department of California for his support of U.S. Veterans and his commitment to ensuring their concerns are heard.

The AMVETS honor is awarded to legislators “who have gone the extra mile to support California’s veterans and their families.”

Glazer authored SR 69, which called on the President of the United States to exonerate 50 African-American U.S. Navy Seamen and overturn their unjust convictions for mutiny. Glazer also won praise for bringing attention to the issue of 22 veteran suicides per day by participating in a challenge of doing 22 pushups each day for 22 days throughout his district and in Sacramento.

“Upon taking office, Senator Glazer immediately supported veterans by signing onto a legislative letter regarding funding for country veterans service officers, even before he had hired a staff,” said Lorraine Plass, the legislative chairperson of Team AMVETS. “Since then, he has enthusiastically fought to bring awareness to the epidemic of veteran suicides.”

Glazer said he’s been honored to work on behalf of veterans.

“These men and women deserve our respect and gratitude for serving our country and putting their lives on the line to keep our freedoms intact,” Glazer said. “I want veterans to know that I have their back and will stand up for them at every opportunity.”

Residents of Pittsburg and Bay Point can breathe a little easier today, after Chief Jeff Carmen of the Contra Costa Fire Protection District announced that Station 87 would be reopened. Chief Carmen made his announcement at Tuesday morning’s meeting of the Board of Supervisors, acting as the County Fire Protection District Board of Directors.

“Thanks to the partnership with the City of Pittsburg and an improved economy, ConFire can fill a gap that has existed since the station was shuttered three years ago,” said Supervisor Federal Glover, in whose district the station is located.

Station 87, located on Leland Road and John Henry Johnson Parkway in Pittsburg, is expected to

be staffed and open for service by January 1, 2017. While the station was closed, it took two stations – one in Bay Point and one in Pittsburg – to answer the calls that normally would be serviced by Station 87.

“Without Station 87, fire services took longer to reach residents and businesses on the western half of the City,” said Pittsburg Mayor Ben Johnson. “We needed it to come back, and we’re pleased the County and the Fire District are able to restore this critical service to Pittsburg.”

Station 87 opened in 2000, serving the western end of Pittsburg and portions of Bay Point until the fire district’s finances forced its closure on July 8, 2013. The station closure, one of six that were shut down, was necessary because the district had failed to secure voter approval of a parcel tax in 2012 to address its budget woes.

In the years since the station closed, the ConFire has made several cost-saving changes, including partnering with a private contractor for ambulance service and seeking new revenue to

support its operations. The economic recovery has also helped.

For its part, Pittsburg’s City Council recently approved a new Fire Services Community Facilities District, which will collect a fee from every new home built in the city to support fire services. It is a model Contra Costa County is looking at duplicating, but for now, Pittsburg is the only city in the county to use this method to support fire services. For the past decade, Pittsburg has used a similar special district to support police services in newly developed areas of the City.

“With Prop. 13 limiting our property tax, which funds fire-fighting services, we need to find other funding sources,” said Glover. “Pittsburg’s special district fees is one way of making up the gap in what is collected and the market increases in wages and equipment.”

BART Director candidate Debora Allen speaks at a news conference to oppose BART bond Measure RR, as State Senator Steve Glazer and fellow candidate Jennifer Hosterman listen at the Lafayette BART Station on Wednesday, October 26, 2016. Photo special to the Herald

At a press conference on Wednesday afternoon, October 26, 2016, State Senator Steve Glazer (D-Contra Costa) and candidates for the BART Board of Directors announced their opposition to BART’s $3.5 billion tax Measure RR, at the Lafayette BART station.

Joining Glazer was BART Board candidates Debora Allen, Jennifer Hosterman, and Ken Chew, as well as David Kersten, president of the Kersten Institute for Governance & Public Policy.

A press release about the press conference stated they planned to outline major problems with the tax increase measure.

Dear Editor:

I am a businesswoman here is East Contra Costa County. I am looking forward to having the opportunity to have more involvement again in how Sacramento hears us and works for our needs in our Community. Dave Miller is the man to be hands on with our Community and give us that access to share our important issues and get things done. To once again here our Voices in Sacramento. I encourage your reader to join me in voting for Dave Miller for Assemblyman.

Mary Bevacqua

Brentwood

Dear Editor:

You have probably received a lot of fancy mailers saying very different things. I wanted to take a moment to talk to you all directly about someone who I have worked with for years – Diane Burgis. Diane’s environmental credentials are unparalleled. She has a long history of fighting for our local waterways, parks, farms, ranches and natural lands. By electing her to the Board of Supervisors I know we can count on her to defend the Delta and our open space while also responsively developing the county’s economy so that our children and grandchildren will be able to live in and enjoy the land we love.

I am confident that Diane has the unique skill set that a leader needs to balance strong fiscal discipline with our universal desire to protect our environment, invigorate and enhance our historic agricultural lands, create high paying jobs, expand transportation options to ease congestion, revitalize each of our city’s downtown areas and to strengthen the safety net for our most vulnerable neighbors.

Please join me in supporting Diane Burgis for County Supervisor. She will be an energetic and effective advocate for all of East County, not just for the big developers and special interests that pay for her opponent’s campaign.

Ron Brown

Retired Executive Director, Save Mount Diablo

Walnut Creek

For the 19th year the Arts & Culture Commission of Contra Costa County (AC5) will be honoring those who have made a significant artistic or philanthropic contribution to Contra Costa’s arts and culture, during the Board of Supervisors meeting, Tuesday, October 25th at 9:30 a.m.

Contra Costa County demonstrates a wealth of artistic expression in every corner of the county. This year the commission will present five Arts Recognition Awards to honor outstanding achievements in the Arts to:

Richmond RYSE Center. Works with youth from distressed parts of the City of Richmond.  The youth have written, directed and performed multi-media plays dealing with violence, drugs and crime creating  platforms for youth to share their own stories and dreams.

Sylvia Amorino and Solo Opera.  Sylvia Amorino is the Founder and Artistic Director of Solo Opera. Ms Amorino also works with Cantabella Children’s Chorus and Contra Costa Children’s chorus to perform operas that include children and teens that help teach audience, adults and children alike about social aspects of living.

Michael and Shannon Demers. Shannon and Mike have shared their talents and skills to Productions Teams, casts and crews for a collective 70 years; with many of the Performing Arts organizations throughout the area; including Contra Costa Musical Theater, Diablo Theatre Company, and Fantasy Forum Actors Ensemble.

Jay Bedecarre.  Mr. Bedecarre has been involved in the Contra Costa County Art Scene since 1974. He was the Marketing Director for the Concord Pavilion for the first 12 years, Oakland and SF Ballets, and world famous acts such as NY Philharmonic with Leonard Bernstein.

Lawrence Kohl. Lawrence Kohl was president of the Orinda Art Council as well as music director and conductor of the Pacific Chamber Symphony. Lawrence recently led the expansion of the Orinda Art Council to become the Lamorinda Arts Council.

The Supervisors meetings are held in the County Administration building at 651 Pine Street
in Martinez. For more information about the 5AC, visit www.AC5.org.