Contra Costa Herald

Today’s busy lifestyles can make it hard to find time to volunteer, however, the benefits of volunteering are enormous to you, your family and your community. The right match can help you make an impact int he community, learn new skills and even advance your career. As an American Cancer Society volunteer, you also can honor a survivor or a loved one lost to cancer while joining the fight to end the disease.

The American Cancer Society’s Road To Recovery^® program offers flexible scheduling and a chance to give back while literally helping to save lives.

An estimated 172,090 California residents will learn they have cancer this year and getting to their scheduled treatment will be their greatest concern. To helppatients get to the critical care they need without additional stress, the American Cancer Society Road To Recovery program can help providefree transportation to and from treatment for people who have cancer and who do not have a ride or are unable to drive themselves.

“One cancer patient requiring radiation therapy could need between 20 to 30 trips to treatment over the course of six weeks,” said Elizabeth Turney,Program Manager, Mission Delivery for the American Cancer Society. “A patient receiving chemotherapy may need weekly treatment for up to a year.”

Many cancer patients don’t own a vehicle, can’t afford the extra gasoline, or don’t have access to public transportation. Some patients may be elderly and unable to drive, too ill to drive, or have no family members or friends who are able to provide regular assistance with transportation.

“Volunteering doesn’t have to take over your life to be a valuable experience,” said Elizabeth Turney “In fact, just three or four hours per week can be highly beneficial to both you and your chosen cause. The important thing is to volunteer only the amount of time that feels comfortable to you. Volunteering should be a fun and rewarding experience, not another chore on your to-do list.”

The Road To Recovery program provides transportation options for patients in dire situations and currently is in need of volunteer drivers in Contra Costa County. Volunteer drivers donate their time and the use of their cars so patients can receive the lifesaving treatments they need. Drivers also provide encouragement and support.

To volunteer, you must have a valid driver’s license, a safe and reliable vehicle, and proof of automobile insurance. Drivers must be 18 years of age or older andhave a good driving history. They arrange their own schedules and can commit as many or as few hours as their schedule allows. The American Cancer Society provides free training to drivers and conducts criminal background and driving recordchecks.

Volunteer coordinators also are needed to schedule the requested rides. Coordinators can work from any location that is convenient for them. Great organization and communication skills can make a major impact on the well-being of cancer patients in the community.

“While learning new skills may be soughtby many, it’s not a requirement for a fulfilling volunteer experience,” said Elizabeth Turney “The most valuable skills you can bring to any volunteer effort are compassion, an open mind, a willingness to do whatever is needed, and a positive attitude.Volunteering is a great way to meet new people. It also strengthens your ties to the community, exposes you to people with common interests, and provides a sense of purpose.”

To learn more about the benefits of volunteering and how to become a Road To Recovery volunteer, call 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.

About the American Cancer Society

The American Cancer Society is a global grassroots force of 2.5 million volunteers saving lives and fighting for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. As the largest voluntary health organization, the Society’s efforts have contributed to a 22 percent decline in cancer death rates in the U.S. since 1991, and a 50 percent drop in smoking rates. Thanks in part to our progress,14.5 million Americans who have had cancer and countless more who have avoided it will celebrate more birthdays this year. We’re determined to finish the fight against cancer. We’re finding cures as the nation’s largest private, not-for-profit investor in cancer research, ensuring people facing cancer have the help they need and continuing the fight for access to quality health care, lifesaving screenings, clean air, and more. For more information, to get help, or to join the fight, call us anytime, day or night, at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.

Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11), the only Bay Area member on the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, received a perfect grade on the National Education Association’s (NEA) annual report card for the first session of the 114th Congress. The NEA is made up of 3 million members who are teachers and staff that work in every level of education, from pre-school to university graduate programs. Their Legislative Report Card measures Members of Congress’ overall support for public education and educators, with each Member receiving a letter grade of A, B, C, D or F.

“We know student success is highly dependent on early investment in their education. In my first year as a Member of Congress, I fought for a high quality and affordable education for every student in every classroom across the country. I am deeply honored to receive an A from the National Education Association and look forward to continuing to work with the NEA to improve our schools and prioritize student’s academic success,” said Congressman DeSaulnier.

“We commend Congressman DeSaulnier for listening to educators and getting the job done for students during the 114th Congress,” said Mary Kusler, NEA director of government relations. “The Congressional passage of the bipartisan Every Student Succeeds Act, which Rep. DeSaulnier supported, is a direct result of what is possible when legislators from both sides of the political aisle put students ahead of partisan politics especially in an era of gridlock in Washington. This result also is an unequivocal recognition that many lawmakers still believe educators – those who know the names of their students – are the most trusted professionals best equipped to make school and classroom decisions to ensure student success regardless of ZIP code. We hope that the bipartisanship displayed at times last year will lead to greater future collaboration. We will continue to work with all elected officials to ensure the success of every student in America.”

Congressman DeSaulnier’s measures to improve Head Start programs, protect student athletes from concussions, and strengthen students’ access to support and “wraparound” services like tutoring, counseling, and other extracurricular activities were successfully included in the Every Student Succeeds Act. Additionally, Congressman DeSaulnier recently completed his Education Listening Tour, during which he visited every school district and in California’s 11th Congressional District.

The tall ship Lady Washington.

The tall ship Lady Washington is visiting the Antioch City Marina in Antioch, again, now through November 1st. On Wednesday, October 26, Lady Washington invites guests for a Voyage of Explorers Sail, which is an all-ages public version of its popular three-hour educational program for 4th-7th graders.

On Saturday, October 29, the ship will welcome kids and adults in costume for special tours 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., followed by a two-hour Halloween Sail 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

The Lady Washington docked near the former Humphrey’s restaurant in Antioch, on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2015. Photo by Allen Payton

October 20 Tours: 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. ($5 donation)
October 21 Tours: 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. ($5 donation)
October 22 Tours: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. ($5 donation); Adventure Sail: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. ($39/$47)
October 23 Tours: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. ($5 donation); Adventure Sail: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. ($39/$47)
October 24 Ship closed.
October 25 Tours: 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. ($5 donation)
October 26 Voyage of Explorers Sail: 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. ($35)
Tours: 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. ($5 donation)
October 27 Tours: 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. ($5 donation)
October 28 Tours: 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. ($5 donation)
October 29 Tours: 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. ($5 donation)
Halloween Sail: 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. ($39/$47)
October 30 Tours: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. ($5 donation)
Adventure Sail: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. ($39/$47)
October 31 Ship closed.
November 1 Tours: 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. ($5 donation)

For more information visit www.historicalseaport.org/ships/lady-washington.

By Allen Payton

The latest court hearing in the Contra Costa District Attorney’s case against Contra Costa County School Board Member Jeff Belle, over a lie on his ballot his statement in 2014, was held on Monday, October 17th.  However, according to Deputy D.A. Steve Moawad, “it was put over” and “the next court date is December 15^th.”

At that hearing, Belle will have to either change his plea from not guilty or the judge will set a date for trial, Moawad explained.

Belle was charged with lying on his candidate’s statement in his campaign for school board in 2014, for writing that he had a college degree, when he had not yet obtained one. That fact was revealed in an interview with this reporter for an article posted on the Antioch Herald website.

If convicted, the maximum penalty for lying on a ballot statement is a fine of $1,000.

Belle represents Area 5 on the county school board, which includes Bethel Island, Clyde, Knightsen, Oakley, and parts of Antioch, Bay Point, Brentwood, and Pittsburg

ISLETON, CA – In concert with California Flood Preparedness Week, the Delta Protection Commission declares a week in October to be the annual Delta Flood Preparedness Week. In 2016, Delta Flood Preparedness Week will run from Monday, October 17 through Saturday, October 22.

Due to the unique conditions of life in the Delta, flood risk is dramatically different than in other regions of the state. In the Delta, drought conditions do NOT reduce flood risk, because Delta levees hold back water 24 hours a day, 365 days a year – not just when the rivers run high. These unique conditions are addressed at the Delta Flood Safety Fair, a fun and informative day at the Delta Farmers’ Market on Highway 12 west of the Rio Vista Bridge. In its third year, the event is sponsored by the Delta Protection Commission and the Discover the Delta Foundation, and is scheduled for Saturday, October 22nd from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

This year’s participants include perennial favorites River Delta Fire, offering photo ops for the kids with their ladder truck, Solano Office of Emergency Services (OES) giving tours of their Mobile Command Center, the Sacramento County Marine Patrol exhibiting their specialized watercraft, and the specially trained rescue dogs of Sacramento County Search and Rescue. Other participants include the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine addressing livestock and pet safety, the US Coast Guard, CalRecycle, the Department of Water Resources’ Division of Flood Management (DWR), the Diving Accident Rescue Team (DART), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Red Cross, the Delta Science Center and DCC Engineering.

The event also includes food vendors, Delta wine tasting, children’s activities and live music.

WHAT: Delta Flood Safety Fair

WHEN: Saturday, October 22, 2016 – 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM

WHERE: Delta Farmers’ Market, Highway 12 at Highway 160, just west of the Rio Vista Bridge.

PHONE: (916) 375-4886

WHO: CalRecycle, Central California Valley Flood Control Association, DART, DCC Engineering, Delta Protection Commission, Delta Science Center, DWR, Discover the Delta Foundation, Dutra Museum of Dredging, FEMA, Red Cross, River Delta Fire, Sacramento County Marine Patrol, Sacramento Search and Rescue, Solano County OES, UC Davis, US Coast Guard

Ghouls and goblins aren’t the only thing California residents have to worry about this Halloween. There’s another threat lurking in nearly every household: you can’t see or feel it, but it drains your hard-earned cash without you even realizing. This threat is the “energy vampire” – and it accounts for nearly 10% of all energy use in California homes.

“Energy vampires” (or standby power) is a term used for any electronic we leave plugged in that slowly sucks energy from our homes. These can be video game consoles, phone chargers, guitar amps, laptops, printers and more. What’s worse, the average U.S. household spends about $130 per year to power devices while they appear to be off.

So how can households reclaim some of these costs? Here are a few tricks and tips:

• Unplug your devices.Perhaps the most obvious thing you can do to battle energy vampires is to unplug devices when they are not in use. Make it a habit to unplug your charger when your phone is fully charged, or your video game console, when you’ve finished playing. These small, simple behavior changes add up in energy savings – and in dollars and cents.
• Enable ENERGY STAR power management settings. ENERGY STAR qualified computers and monitors offer a variety of power settings to help you monitor your energy use. By enabling these settings, you can have your devices go into power save mode when they are not actively in use.
• Use Advanced Power Strips (APS). Replacing your conventional power strips with advanced power strips can help reduce electricity waste when devices are idle – without your having to change the way you normally use your electronics.  Advanced Power Strips work by preventing electronics from drawing power when they are off or not being used.

Congressman Jerry McNerney (CA-09) announced the start of his annual “Holiday Cards for Our Troops” program.  In previous years, the Congressman’s district offices collected more than 10,000 cards from the community with personal messages of gratitude and hope for our men and women in uniform. Rep. McNerney is again inviting constituents to submit cards to his district offices that will be delivered to troops at home and overseas during the upcoming holiday season.

“Our servicemen and women make tremendous sacrifices for our country throughout the year, and oftentimes the holiday season can be difficult for those stationed away from home,” said Rep. McNerney. “This holiday card program provides an opportunity for the community to express their gratitude and thank our troops for their service and all that they do to keep us safe. Many service members have told me that these cards, with their messages of encouragement and support, help boost morale when they cannot be home with their families and friends during the holiday season.”

The holiday cards will be sent to troops stationed overseas in packages organized by the Contra Costa Blue Star Moms, East Bay Blue Star Moms, and A Million Thanks.

To participate in the program, make or purchase a holiday card and write a message of thanks inside to a service member. Cards must be delivered to Rep. McNerney’s office in Stockton or Antioch by Friday, Nov. 4, 2016.  Cards should remain unaddressed and inside unsealed envelopes.

Holiday Card Guidelines:

• Make sure to sign your card
• Use salutations such as “Dear Service Member.” Cards addressed to specific individuals cannot be delivered through this program
• Do not include inserts such as photographs or candy
• Please no glitter or confetti
• Cards should not have an address or a return address
• Cards should be placed inside unsealed envelopes

Below are the addresses of Rep. McNerney’s offices. Cards can be dropped off at either office on or before November 4th.

Stockton

2222 Grand Canal Blvd., Suite 7

Stockton, CA 95207

(209) 476-8552

Antioch

4703 Lone Tree Way

Antioch, CA 94531

(925) 754-0716

McNerney represents California’s 9th Congressional District which includes portions of Contra Costa, San Joaquin, and Sacramento Counties, including most of Antioch. For more information on Rep. McNerney’s work, follow him on Facebook and on Twitter @RepMcNerney.

Citizens Academy participants at the firing range. Photos courtesy of CCC Office of the Sheriff

The current Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff Citizen’s Academy is now in its fifth week. Participants recently received presentations from the Office of the Sheriff SWAT Team, Hostage Negotiations Team, K-9’s and spent an afternoon at the range, where they learned about firearms and were put through use of force scenarios.

The Citizen’s Academy provides community members with an inside look at the Office of the Sheriff and its mission, duties, responsibilities and services. Students are exposed to a variety of important law enforcement topics, procedures and operations, such as patrol, investigations, custody, dispatch and search and rescue.

The Citizen’s Academy is a unique and exciting way to learn about the Office of the Sheriff and how Contra Costa County’s largest law enforcement agency serves the community.

Future Citizen’s Academies are being planned.

July 2, 1964 – October 7, 2016

John Travers Nejedly embarked peacefully on a new journey Friday, October 7, 2016. John was born on July 2, 1964 in Walnut Creek, CA. He is the son of John A. Nejedly and Pamela Maloy, both deceased. John is survived by his loving family, his wife, Katie, his daughters, Kathleen and Kristina and his son, John Christian. His siblings and extended family of nieces, nephews and in-laws also survive him.

J.T., as many knew him, attended Las Lomas High School, Modesto Jr. College, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and John F. Kennedy University School of Law. He founded Nejedly Corporation, a general engineering contracting company, worked as an attorney and served as a Contra Costa Community College District Trustee in the years preceding his death.

J.T. enjoyed spending time with his family and in the mountains more than anything. He loved golfing, skiing, coaching sports, riding dirt bikes and snowmobiles, fishing and living life to the fullest. John will be remembered most for his twenty-two years of dedication to the Community College Board and his twenty-seven years of giving his family so much love and happiness. He will also be remembered as a lifelong friend and confidant to everyone who knew him. His carefree demeanor, love of life and genuine smile will be missed more than anyone will ever know.

Services will be held on Thursday, October 27th at 11:00am at Saint Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 1315 Lomitas Avenue in Livermore, CA 94550. A reception will follow at Ravenswood Historic Site, 2647 Arroyo Road in Livermore.