Editor:
I also publicly endorse Mr. Doug Harcastle for District III Contra Costa County Supervisor.
I would like to echo the comments of Dr. Michael Painter regarding Mr. Hardcastle. As the former General Manager of the Ironhouse Sanitary District (ISD), I had the opportunity to work directly with Doug for 12 years, and came to know and understand him well.
Doug was certainly instrumental (in conjunction with his fellow Directors) in helping reshape ISD from an outdated rural operation, into a modern, suburban oriented collection, treatment and water reuse operation that protects our environment and our sensitive Western Delta water quality.
In late 2012, when Doug decided to step down from ISD and run for City office, I knew ISD was losing an excellent public servant. While I did not want to see him go, I believed he had accomplished what he initially set out to do. Doug helped improve ISD over the twelve years he served and was leaving ISD in much better shape than when he found it.
While Doug was only one of five Directors on the ISD Board, he was critical in helping reset the Board’s vision for the future, and setting a high standard for staff that drove us to excellence. Doug understands the importance of working with others and did a great job of building consensus on the ISD Board.
Doug also understands the importance of establishing good public policies, hiring competent staff, providing staff the tools and resources necessary to do their jobs, and letting staff do their work. From a General Manager’s perspective, this policy-based mindset from elected officials is critical to well functioning public entities. I believe this skill will be especially important (and useful) when functioning at the County Supervisor level.
Of course, with staff empowerment comes staff accountability, and Doug also understands this concept. While Doug is no tyrant, he is demanding and he expects results from staff; and holds his agency people accountable for the tasks they are given.
With the addition of four years experience on the Oakley City Council, Doug has gained additional insight into a more complex city government. I believe this experience, combined with his 12 years at ISD, has helped him gain the knowledge necessary to function and succeed at the county level.
So, based on my 16 years of knowing Mr. Hardcastle, (five as a District Engineer, seven as a General Manager, and four as an observer and friend), I strongly endorse Doug as a candidate for the position of Contra Costa County Supervisor, District III.
Sincerely,
Tom Williams
Civil Engineer and Retired General Manager
25 year Antioch resident
Read MoreThe Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office identified the victim of the shooting death in North Richmond, last Friday, as 19-year-old Adan Gomez of Richmond. The cause of death is multiple gunshot wounds.
On Friday, May 20, 2016 at about 7:46 PM, Deputy Sheriffs were dispatched to area of 5th Street and Grove Avenue in North Richmond for a report of shots-fired.
Upon arrival Deputies located a shooting victim on the sidewalk. Deputies administered first aid until paramedics arrived. Gomez was taken to Kaiser Medical Center in Richmond and then airlifted to John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek, where he was later pronounced deceased.
Dispatch later received a call of a second shooting victim at Kaiser in Richmond. Deputies contacted the 23-year-old man, who was treated and released from the hospital.
The investigation into this homicide is ongoing.
Anyone with any information on this incident is asked to call the Office of the Sheriff Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600. For any tips, please email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call 866-846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.
Read MoreThe victim in the homicide in North Richmond on Sunday, May 15th has been identified by the Contra Costa County Sheriff as 26-year-old Antoine Robinson of North Richmond. The cause of death is gunshot wound.
On Sunday, May 15, 2016 at about 1:45 AM, Sheriff’s Office dispatch received reports of shots fired in the area of Market Avenue and Fred Jackson Way in North Richmond.
The Sheriff’s Office was later advised that there was a shooting victim at Kaiser Medical Center in Richmond. Robinson was apparently shot at the location where the shooting was reported in North Richmond. He died at the hospital.
Deputies later found a shooting scene at the location. The investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with any information on this incident is asked to call the Office of the Sheriff Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600. For any tips, please email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call 866-846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.
Read MoreThe Contra Costa County Sheriff identified the victim in a shooting death in Rodeo as 29-year-old Willie Mulder, Jr. of Richmond. The cause of death is a gunshot wound.
At about 12:09 PM on Thursday, May 12, 2016, Deputy Sheriffs were dispatched to numerous calls of “shots fired” in the area of Mariposa and Napa Avenues in the unincorporated area of Rodeo.
Upon arrival Deputies found the area clear of people, but numerous shell casings in the roadway. Local hospitals were notified to be on the lookout for possible gunshot victims.
The Sheriff’s Office was later notified by Kaiser Medical Center in Richmond that it had just received a gunshot victim, who was later pronounced deceased. The 29-year-old male victim is not being identified at this time.
Homicide Detectives and Crime Lab personnel responded to the scene. The investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with any information on this incident is asked to call the Office of the Sheriff Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600. For any tips, please email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call 866-846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.
Read MoreThe Governing Board (Board) reports progress is being made on the search for the next chancellor of the Contra Costa Community College District (District) following Chancellor Helen Benjamin’s December 31, 2016, retirement announcement. The Board is committed to conducting an equitable, inclusive, and transparent national search that will attract a strong pool of outstanding candidates.
“The selection of our next chancellor is one of our most important responsibilities,” said Governing Board President Vicki Gordon. “We encourage our students, staff, and community members to participate in the process.”
Community input on the following two questions can be submitted online through the District’s website by clicking onto “Chancellor Search,” or you may send an email directly to search consultant Dr. Pamila Fisher at pamfisher@bresnan.net as soon as possible.
The questions are:
- What are the major issues and challenges facing the District and its colleges in the next three to five years?
- What characteristics, qualities, attributes and skills do you think are critical for the new chancellor’s success?
Progress reports and updates will be posted on the District website, and members of the community can meet the chancellor finalists at public forums during the last stage of the process.
The Contra Costa Community College District (CCCCD) is one of the largest multi-college community college districts in California. The CCCCD serves a population of 1,019,640 people, and its boundaries encompass all but 48 of the 734-square-mile land area of Contra Costa County. The District is home to Contra Costa College in San Pablo, Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill, Los Medanos College in Pittsburg, as well as educational centers in Brentwood and San Ramon. Each college is individually accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges. The District headquarters is located in downtown Martinez.
Read MoreThe largest contributions and expenditures in the race, to date
By Allen Payton
Campaigns are required to file reports of contributions received by their campaigns of $2,000 or more, within 24 hours of receiving them, between March 9 and June 7, 2016. The rules changed in the county, this year, increasing from $1,000 to $2,000. However, the form provided by the County Elections Office had the old information on it and some candidates weren’t informed of the change. So, some of their reports reflect contributions of less than $2,000.
Some of the contributions that can be seen in the reports, known as 497 forms, below have been reported previously, on the regularly scheduled financial reports – 460 forms – for the period January 1 through April 23, 2016.
Martinez Vice Mayor Anamarie Avila Farias and Supervisor Federal Glover were the only candidates to submit any 497 forms.
However, the specifically formed Contra Costa Families for Responsible Leadership Supporting Anamarie Avila Farias for Supervisor committee submitted a 497 report showing it had received $35,000 from the Contra Costa County DSA (Deputy Sheriffs Association) Independent Expenditure PAC. Of those funds $12,908.60 was spent for the design, printing and postage for a mailer in support of Avila Farias and another $15,000 on research, which could be for polling, as reported on the newly formed committee’s 496 Independent Expenditure Report.
The Deputy Sheriffs also contributed the maximum of $5,000 directly to Avila Farias’ campaign committee which she reported on a 497 report.
So far those are the largest contributions and independent expenditures of anyone or organization reported in the District 5 Supervisor’s race.
When asked if she had any comment on the large amount of money spent on her behalf, Avila Farias replied “I can’t control outside spending for me or against me. So, I don’t pay attention to it.”
“I’m concentrating on my efforts to meet voters by going door-to-door, through phone calls and the mailbox and it’s going very well,” she added.
Her 497 reports also show new contributions, since the last reporting period, of $1,675 from Service Employees International Union Local 1021 Candidate PAC, $1,675 each from DeNova Homes in Concord and Lori Sanson of Walnut Creek, $1,600 each from General Contractor James Busby and Scott Busby Construction, $1,000 from International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE) Local 21 TJ Anthony PAC Fund. Her reports also show previously reported contributions of $5,000 from the United Professional Fire Fighters of Contra Costa County and $1,675 from Antioch Councilman Tony Tiscareno.
Glover’s reports
Glover also submitted 497’s showing new contributions of $5,000 from the California Nurses Association PAC, $4,000 from the Building Industry Association’s BUILD JOBS PAC, $1,675 from the Teamsters’ DRIVE Committee in Washington DC, $1,675 from the Contra Costa Coalition for Business and Jobs, $1,650 from the Pittsburg Police Benefit Association, $1,000 from the Northern California District Council of Laborers PAC, and $1,675 each from a variety of individuals and businesses including, County Clerk Joe Canciamilla’s campaign committee, Dr. Laura Canciamilla’s school board campaign committee, and an accounting firm in Carson City, Nevada that specializes in the solid waste industry.
Glover’s reports also show previously reported large contributions of $5,000 from the IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) Local Union 302 PAC, $2,000 from the Operating Engineers Local 3, $1,675 from U.A. (United Association) Local 342 P.A.C. Fund, $1,500 from the Northern California Carpenters Regional Council, $1,000 from the Laborers International Union of North America Local No. 324, $2,000 from Bisio and Dunivan, a property management company in Martinez, and another $1,000 from Joanne Dunivan-Bisio at the same address as Bisio and Dunivan.
The latest reporting period ended this last Saturday, May 21 and 460 reports are due this Thursday, May 26. Contributions of $100 or more will appear on those forms.
IE supporting Avila Farias 497 & 496
Read MoreBy Allen Payton
Campaigns are required to file reports of contributions received by their campaigns of $2,000 or more, within 24 hours of receiving them, between March 9 and June 7, 2016. The rules changed in the county, this year, increasing from $1,000 to $2,000. However, the form provided by the County Elections Office had the old information on it and some candidates weren’t informed of the change. So, some of their reports reflect contributions of less than $2,000.
Some of the contributions that can be seen in the reports, known as 497 forms, below have been reported previously, on the regularly scheduled financial reports – 460 forms – for the period January 1 through April 23, 2016.
On the 497 forms submitted by each candidate and political action committee, they show East Bay Regional Parks District Board Member Diane Burgis received the most in reportable contributions, since the last, regular reporting period, with $2,000 from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (I.B.E.W.) 302 Community Candidates PAC which is based in Martinez, $2,000 from the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers Local 21 TJ Anthony PAC Fund based in San Francisco and $1,675 from the Plumbers & Steamfitters Local Union #342, which is based in Concord.
The I.B.E.W. 497 report shows both the contribution to Burgis, as well as a $2,000 contribution to the campaign committee for Lori Ogorchock for Mayor – 2016. Filing for the election for Mayor of Antioch doesn’t open until July.
The 497’s also show both Antioch Mayor Wade Harper and Antioch Councilwoman Monica Wilson (which she previously reported) received the maximum contribution of $1,675 from Richland Communities, a developer seeking to build between 1,100 and 1,600 homes in the Sand Creek area near Kaiser on Deer Valley Road in Antioch.
Wilson’s 497’s also show the previously reported contribution of $5,000 from the California Nurses Association PAC, the maximum allowed by a broad based political action committee.
Oakley Councilman Doug Hardcastle showed a $1,500 loan to himself that he previously reported.
The latest reporting period ended this last Saturday, May 21 and 460 form reports are due this Thursday, May 26. Contributions of $100 or more will appear on those forms.
Read MoreDear Editor:
I would like to endorse Doug Hardcastle for the office of District III Contra Costa County Supervisor. After serving for 12 years with him on the Ironhouse Sanitary District (ISD) Board, I have a unique and qualified insight into the man, his character, his dedication and work ethic.
Working together throughout our time on the board, we helped ISD transform from an outdated and inadequate sewer plant into a state-of-the-art Water Recycling Facility and saved our ratepayers $20 million in cost, in the process.
Doug Hardcastle has always questioned the cost of services and compensation packages. He is very independent and refuses to be influenced in his thinking by special interests and the current vogue politics.
Although there are many qualified candidates in this race, I know Doug and I know he will always put the people he represents first before his own political advancement or personal accolades.
I’m tired of politicians not listening to the people and I know this man has your best interest at heart. I want somebody who will fight to keep taxes in check, stick with the job until he gets it right and always put people before politics. That’s why I urge you to vote for Doug Hardcastle as your District III Contra Costa County Supervisor.
Sincerely,
Dr. Michael J. Painter, DC
Oakley resident and business owner
Member, Ironhouse Sanitary District Board of Directors
Read MoreKhan Academy, Google.org, 49ers celebrate Bay Area students who have demonstrated hustle, grit and mastery of math
A student (left) from Pleasant Hill Elementary School collaborates with a teammate during the carnival at Khan Academy’s LearnStorm Final event at Levi’s Stadium on Saturday, May 7th, 2016. photos by David Kong
By John Cogswell & Nicole Villanueva
Students from Pleasant Hill Elementary School, Live Oak Elementary School in San Ramon and Highland Elementary School in Richmond, were among 300 students from across the Bay Area, who attended Khan Academy’s LearnStorm Final event at Levi’s Stadium, to recognize their math accomplishments, on Saturday, May 7, 2016. These students were among the 75,000 students that registered in the Bay Area for LearnStorm, a free, 9-week math challenge that celebrates student progress, mastery, and hustle learning math on Khan Academy.
Unlike traditional math competitions, LearnStorm is breaking new ground by rewarding not only the knowledge students attain, but the learning skills they need to attain it. LearnStorm is powered by the Silicon Valley-based educational nonprofit Khan Academy, which seeks to provide a free, world-class education for anyone, anywhere.
A student (middle) from Live Oak Elementary School participates in a team-building activity.
Notable representatives from the Google.org, the San Francisco 49ers, including Jesse Lovejoy, director of STEM Education and the 49ers Museum, and Khan Academy CEO, Sal Khan helped celebrate the achievements of these students. The LearnStorm 2016 Finals were hosted by the 49ers who lent additional support this year alongside lead funder Google.org.
Other Stats:
- Over 40% of the Bay Area students that enrolled in LearnStorm attended schools that had at least 50% of their student populations qualifying for the National School Lunch Program.
- Over 15 million problems completed by students registered for LearnStorm Bay Area 2016
- Over 200,000 hours spent on Khan Academy by students registered for LearnStorm Bay Area 2016.
A student from Highland Elementary School enjoyed the carnival.
Khan Academy is a 501(c)3 nonprofit with a mission to change education for the better by providing a free, world-class education for anyone, anywhere. We believe that students of all ages should have free, unlimited access to the best educational content, and that they should be able to consume and master this content at their own pace. In addition, we believe that there are incredible opportunities to use intelligent software development, deep data analytics, and intuitive user interfaces to more effectively surface and present these educational resources to students and teachers around the world. Our library of content covers kindergarten to early college math, science topics such as biology, chemistry, and physics, and reaches into humanities with tutorials on economics, finance, music, philosophy, and art history. To date, we have delivered more than 750M lessons and more than 5 billion practice problems. For further information, visit www.khanacademy.org.
Read MorePRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY ELECTION
June 7, 2016
By Lee Lawrence, Action Chair, League of Women Voters of Diablo Valley
PROPOSITION 50 state ballot measure
SUSPENSION OF LEGISLATORS. LEGISLATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT. Authorizes Legislature to suspend Members, including without salary and benefits. Prohibits suspended Members from using powers of office or legislative resources. Provides suspension may end on specified date or by vote of Member’s house. Fiscal Impact: No effect on state spending
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF CALIFORNIA: SUPPORT
The League of Women Voters of California recommends a “Yes” vote on Proposition 50, Suspension of Legislators, a constitutional amendment appearing on the June 7 ballot. Proposition 50 would give the Legislature, by a two-thirds vote, clear authority to discipline Senators or Assembly Members by suspending them without pay. Lawmakers should be able to hold their own colleagues accountable if they breach the public’s trust.
This commonsense measure was placed on the ballot with strong bipartisan support. The requirement for a two-thirds vote of the Legislature ensures this authority would not be misused for partisan purposes.
SF BAY RESTORATION AUTHORITY – PARCEL TAX MEASURE AA
SAN FRANCISCO BAY RESTORATION AUTHORITY
2/3 required to pass
San Francisco Bay Clean Water, Pollution Prevention and Habitat Restoration Program.
To protect San Francisco Bay for future generations by reducing trash, pollution and harmful toxins, improving water quality, restoring habitat for fish, birds and wildlife, protecting communities from floods, and increasing shoreline public access, shall the San Francisco Bay Restoration Authority authorize a parcel tax of $12 per year, raising approximately $25 million annually for twenty years with independent citizen oversight, audits, and all funds staying local?
League of Women Voters of the Bay Area: SUPPORT
Our League Bay Area positions support conservation and development of the SF Bay and enhancement and preservation of the Bay and its shorelines. LWVUS policies on climate change also support adaptation activities related to climate change, such as sea level rise. This measure will generate funding for restoration of San Francisco Bay wetlands, benefitting people, wildlife, and the Bay Area economy. More wetlands will improve the bay by filtering out pollution for cleaner water; increasing habitat for fish, birds and other wildlife. The measure will expand Bay trails and shoreline access; and protect low-lying communities and infrastructure from floods.
BRENTWOOD UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT – BOND MEASURE B
55% required to pass
To provide Brentwood students with 21st century classrooms, upgrade libraries and science labs, improve school safety and security, expand access to classroom technology for students and teachers, renovate and modernize older schools in the District, build a new elementary school, and replace, acquire, construct and renovate school facilities, shall the Brentwood Union School District issue $158,000,000 in bonds, at legal interest rates, with an independent citizens’ oversight committee and no funds spent on administrators salaries?
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF DIABLO VALLEY: SUPPORT
The League of Women Voters strongly supports public education, and believes that bond
measures are appropriate for major capital expenditures. A quality public education is essential for a strong, viable, and sustainable democratic society and is a civil right. We think the rapid growth of the school district the school board’s commitment to keeping the repayment costs under $30 per $100,000 of assessed value, and their track record of fiscal management justifies this measure.
LAFAYETTE SCHOOL DISTRICT – BOND MEASURE C
55% required to pass
To upgrade aging neighborhood elementary and middle schools, avoid overcrowding, and modernize classrooms for today’s curriculum, including math, science, technology and arts, shall Lafayette School District repair or replace deteriorated roofs, plumbing, and electrical systems; update classrooms, labs and instructional technology; improve school safety/security: and acquire, construct, renovate, equip sites/facilities, by issuing $70,000,000 in bonds at legal rates, with independent citizen oversight, no administrators’ salaries, and all funds dedicated locally to Lafayette TK-8 schools?
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF DIABLO VALLEY: SUPPORT
The League of Women Voters strongly supports public education, and believes that bond measures are appropriate for major capital expenditures. A quality public education is essential for a strong, viable, and sustainable democratic society and is a civil right. We support Measure C.
WALNUT CREEK SCHOOL DISTRICT – BOND MEASURE D
55% required to pass
To address critical renovation, modernization and safety needs at District schools, upgrade classrooms, libraries and computer networks to provide students with 21st Century classrooms, improve energy efficiency of classrooms and buildings, and replace, acquire, construct and renovate school facilities shall the Walnut Creek School District issue $60 million in bonds at legal interest rates with funds monitored by an Independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee and no funds spent on administrators?
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF DIABLO VALLEY: SUPPORT
The League of Women Voters strongly supports public education, and believes that bond measures are appropriate for major capital expenditures. A quality public education is essential for a strong, viable, and sustainable democratic society and is a civil right. Please vote yes on Measure D.
CITY OF ANTIOCH – INITIATIVE MEASURE E
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF DIABLO VALLEY: NO POSITION
Majority required to pass
Shall the electors adopt the Initiative Limiting Card Rooms Within the City and Requiring Voter Approval for New or Expanded Card Rooms Ordinance?
CITY OF ANTIOCH – CONSULTATIVE MEASURE G
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF DIABLO VALLEY: NO POSITION
Majority required to pass
CHANGING THE CITY TREASURER POSITION FROM ELECTED TO APPOINTED.
Shall the office of City Treasurer be appointed?
CITY OF CLAYTON – PARCEL TAX MEASURE H
2/3 required to pass
CITYWIDE TRAILS AND LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE DISTRICT
CONTINUATION OF EXISTING SERVICES AND SPECIAL PARCEL TAX
Shall the existing Community Facility District 2007-1 (Trails and Landscape Maintenance District) be continued, with a Citizens Oversight Committee, for ten years to fund on-going operations and maintenance of the trails system, roadway landscape, open space weed abatement, and related expenses at the current annual special tax’s rate and methodology (presently $234.84/year per residential and non-residential parcel or fraction thereof), for FYs 2017-2027?
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF DIABLO VALLEY: NO POSITION
CITY OF OAKLEY – SPECIAL TAX MEASURE K
2/3 required to pass
To replace the small, outdated Oakley Library currently utilizing a portion of Freedom High School and construct and operate a new Library and Community Learning Center downtown, shall the ordinance establishing a $7.75 per month per parcel Library Development Tax be adopted, raising approximately one million one hundred thousand dollars annually, for thirty years starting fiscal year 2016/17, with independent financial audits ensuring funds are spent only on the Oakley Library and Community Learning Center?
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF DIABLO VALLEY: SUPPORT
The League of Women Voters support a public library system as a basic community service with a long-term, assured, stable and adequate funding source. We support access by all persons to public library services as a major source of knowledge and information necessary for informed,
active participation in a democratic society. This 30 year plan for a new library and community learning center meets our criteria. We hope the community will support this measure.
CITY OF ORINDA – BOND MEASURE L
2/3 required to pass
Orinda Road and Storm Drain Repair Measure. To repair failing roads and storm drains, restore and upgrade other roadways and storm drains, fix potholes, and improve safety on Orinda public streets, shall the City of Orinda issue twenty five million dollars in bonds, with financial audits, public review of all expenditures, and a citizens’ oversight committee?
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF DIABLO VALLEY: SUPPORT
The League of Women Voters supports the use of bonds for financing capital projects and for repair and retrofitting of existing public facilities and structures. Studies by the Orinda members of LWVDV have shown repeatedly that more investment is needed in streets and roads in that community. We support this measure.
CITY OF PITTSBURG – SALES TAX MEASURE M
Majority required to pass
To provide funding that stays in Pittsburg and cannot be seized by the State, to be used for Public Safety, gang prevention, job creation programs for local residents, Senior Center operations, repair roads, operate youth programs, and maintain other City services, shall the City of Pittsburg extend its current half-cent sales tax through fiscal year 2034-2035, providing $3.6-$3.8 million annually, then the increase be terminated, altogether, with citizens’ oversight, mandatory audits and consistent community reporting?
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF DIABLO VALLEY: SUPPORT
The League of Women Voters supports measures to ensure revenues both sufficient and flexible enough to meet changing needs for local government services. The League believes government should have the necessary resources to perform its functions. This sales tax extension seems appropriate, and does not raise taxes for the citizens of Pittsburg.
VOTE WITH THE LEAGUE ON JUNE 7!
The League of Women Voters, a non partisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. We take positions on ballot measures only when we have studied a topic in depth and have arrived at a consensus position.
We never support or oppose candidates for office, or support or oppose political parties.
YOU MUST REGISTER TO VOTE BY MAY 23, 2016, TO VOTE IN THE JUNE 7, 2016 PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY
Read More
Editor:
I also publicly endorse Mr. Doug Harcastle for District III Contra Costa County Supervisor.
I would like to echo the comments of Dr. Michael Painter regarding Mr. Hardcastle. As the former General Manager of the Ironhouse Sanitary District (ISD), I had the opportunity to work directly with Doug for 12 years, and came to know and understand him well.
Doug was certainly instrumental (in conjunction with his fellow Directors) in helping reshape ISD from an outdated rural operation, into a modern, suburban oriented collection, treatment and water reuse operation that protects our environment and our sensitive Western Delta water quality.
In late 2012, when Doug decided to step down from ISD and run for City office, I knew ISD was losing an excellent public servant. While I did not want to see him go, I believed he had accomplished what he initially set out to do. Doug helped improve ISD over the twelve years he served and was leaving ISD in much better shape than when he found it.
While Doug was only one of five Directors on the ISD Board, he was critical in helping reset the Board’s vision for the future, and setting a high standard for staff that drove us to excellence. Doug understands the importance of working with others and did a great job of building consensus on the ISD Board.
Doug also understands the importance of establishing good public policies, hiring competent staff, providing staff the tools and resources necessary to do their jobs, and letting staff do their work. From a General Manager’s perspective, this policy-based mindset from elected officials is critical to well functioning public entities. I believe this skill will be especially important (and useful) when functioning at the County Supervisor level.
Of course, with staff empowerment comes staff accountability, and Doug also understands this concept. While Doug is no tyrant, he is demanding and he expects results from staff; and holds his agency people accountable for the tasks they are given.
With the addition of four years experience on the Oakley City Council, Doug has gained additional insight into a more complex city government. I believe this experience, combined with his 12 years at ISD, has helped him gain the knowledge necessary to function and succeed at the county level.
So, based on my 16 years of knowing Mr. Hardcastle, (five as a District Engineer, seven as a General Manager, and four as an observer and friend), I strongly endorse Doug as a candidate for the position of Contra Costa County Supervisor, District III.
Sincerely,
Tom Williams
Civil Engineer and Retired General Manager
25 year Antioch resident
Read MoreThe Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office identified the victim of the shooting death in North Richmond, last Friday, as 19-year-old Adan Gomez of Richmond. The cause of death is multiple gunshot wounds.
On Friday, May 20, 2016 at about 7:46 PM, Deputy Sheriffs were dispatched to area of 5th Street and Grove Avenue in North Richmond for a report of shots-fired.
Upon arrival Deputies located a shooting victim on the sidewalk. Deputies administered first aid until paramedics arrived. Gomez was taken to Kaiser Medical Center in Richmond and then airlifted to John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek, where he was later pronounced deceased.
Dispatch later received a call of a second shooting victim at Kaiser in Richmond. Deputies contacted the 23-year-old man, who was treated and released from the hospital.
The investigation into this homicide is ongoing.
Anyone with any information on this incident is asked to call the Office of the Sheriff Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600. For any tips, please email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call 866-846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.
Read MoreThe victim in the homicide in North Richmond on Sunday, May 15th has been identified by the Contra Costa County Sheriff as 26-year-old Antoine Robinson of North Richmond. The cause of death is gunshot wound.
On Sunday, May 15, 2016 at about 1:45 AM, Sheriff’s Office dispatch received reports of shots fired in the area of Market Avenue and Fred Jackson Way in North Richmond.
The Sheriff’s Office was later advised that there was a shooting victim at Kaiser Medical Center in Richmond. Robinson was apparently shot at the location where the shooting was reported in North Richmond. He died at the hospital.
Deputies later found a shooting scene at the location. The investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with any information on this incident is asked to call the Office of the Sheriff Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600. For any tips, please email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call 866-846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.
Read MoreThe Contra Costa County Sheriff identified the victim in a shooting death in Rodeo as 29-year-old Willie Mulder, Jr. of Richmond. The cause of death is a gunshot wound.
At about 12:09 PM on Thursday, May 12, 2016, Deputy Sheriffs were dispatched to numerous calls of “shots fired” in the area of Mariposa and Napa Avenues in the unincorporated area of Rodeo.
Upon arrival Deputies found the area clear of people, but numerous shell casings in the roadway. Local hospitals were notified to be on the lookout for possible gunshot victims.
The Sheriff’s Office was later notified by Kaiser Medical Center in Richmond that it had just received a gunshot victim, who was later pronounced deceased. The 29-year-old male victim is not being identified at this time.
Homicide Detectives and Crime Lab personnel responded to the scene. The investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with any information on this incident is asked to call the Office of the Sheriff Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600. For any tips, please email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call 866-846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.
Read MoreThe Governing Board (Board) reports progress is being made on the search for the next chancellor of the Contra Costa Community College District (District) following Chancellor Helen Benjamin’s December 31, 2016, retirement announcement. The Board is committed to conducting an equitable, inclusive, and transparent national search that will attract a strong pool of outstanding candidates.
“The selection of our next chancellor is one of our most important responsibilities,” said Governing Board President Vicki Gordon. “We encourage our students, staff, and community members to participate in the process.”
Community input on the following two questions can be submitted online through the District’s website by clicking onto “Chancellor Search,” or you may send an email directly to search consultant Dr. Pamila Fisher at pamfisher@bresnan.net as soon as possible.
The questions are:
- What are the major issues and challenges facing the District and its colleges in the next three to five years?
- What characteristics, qualities, attributes and skills do you think are critical for the new chancellor’s success?
Progress reports and updates will be posted on the District website, and members of the community can meet the chancellor finalists at public forums during the last stage of the process.
The Contra Costa Community College District (CCCCD) is one of the largest multi-college community college districts in California. The CCCCD serves a population of 1,019,640 people, and its boundaries encompass all but 48 of the 734-square-mile land area of Contra Costa County. The District is home to Contra Costa College in San Pablo, Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill, Los Medanos College in Pittsburg, as well as educational centers in Brentwood and San Ramon. Each college is individually accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges. The District headquarters is located in downtown Martinez.
Read MoreThe largest contributions and expenditures in the race, to date
By Allen Payton
Campaigns are required to file reports of contributions received by their campaigns of $2,000 or more, within 24 hours of receiving them, between March 9 and June 7, 2016. The rules changed in the county, this year, increasing from $1,000 to $2,000. However, the form provided by the County Elections Office had the old information on it and some candidates weren’t informed of the change. So, some of their reports reflect contributions of less than $2,000.
Some of the contributions that can be seen in the reports, known as 497 forms, below have been reported previously, on the regularly scheduled financial reports – 460 forms – for the period January 1 through April 23, 2016.
Martinez Vice Mayor Anamarie Avila Farias and Supervisor Federal Glover were the only candidates to submit any 497 forms.
However, the specifically formed Contra Costa Families for Responsible Leadership Supporting Anamarie Avila Farias for Supervisor committee submitted a 497 report showing it had received $35,000 from the Contra Costa County DSA (Deputy Sheriffs Association) Independent Expenditure PAC. Of those funds $12,908.60 was spent for the design, printing and postage for a mailer in support of Avila Farias and another $15,000 on research, which could be for polling, as reported on the newly formed committee’s 496 Independent Expenditure Report.
The Deputy Sheriffs also contributed the maximum of $5,000 directly to Avila Farias’ campaign committee which she reported on a 497 report.
So far those are the largest contributions and independent expenditures of anyone or organization reported in the District 5 Supervisor’s race.
When asked if she had any comment on the large amount of money spent on her behalf, Avila Farias replied “I can’t control outside spending for me or against me. So, I don’t pay attention to it.”
“I’m concentrating on my efforts to meet voters by going door-to-door, through phone calls and the mailbox and it’s going very well,” she added.
Her 497 reports also show new contributions, since the last reporting period, of $1,675 from Service Employees International Union Local 1021 Candidate PAC, $1,675 each from DeNova Homes in Concord and Lori Sanson of Walnut Creek, $1,600 each from General Contractor James Busby and Scott Busby Construction, $1,000 from International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE) Local 21 TJ Anthony PAC Fund. Her reports also show previously reported contributions of $5,000 from the United Professional Fire Fighters of Contra Costa County and $1,675 from Antioch Councilman Tony Tiscareno.
Glover’s reports
Glover also submitted 497’s showing new contributions of $5,000 from the California Nurses Association PAC, $4,000 from the Building Industry Association’s BUILD JOBS PAC, $1,675 from the Teamsters’ DRIVE Committee in Washington DC, $1,675 from the Contra Costa Coalition for Business and Jobs, $1,650 from the Pittsburg Police Benefit Association, $1,000 from the Northern California District Council of Laborers PAC, and $1,675 each from a variety of individuals and businesses including, County Clerk Joe Canciamilla’s campaign committee, Dr. Laura Canciamilla’s school board campaign committee, and an accounting firm in Carson City, Nevada that specializes in the solid waste industry.
Glover’s reports also show previously reported large contributions of $5,000 from the IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) Local Union 302 PAC, $2,000 from the Operating Engineers Local 3, $1,675 from U.A. (United Association) Local 342 P.A.C. Fund, $1,500 from the Northern California Carpenters Regional Council, $1,000 from the Laborers International Union of North America Local No. 324, $2,000 from Bisio and Dunivan, a property management company in Martinez, and another $1,000 from Joanne Dunivan-Bisio at the same address as Bisio and Dunivan.
The latest reporting period ended this last Saturday, May 21 and 460 reports are due this Thursday, May 26. Contributions of $100 or more will appear on those forms.
IE supporting Avila Farias 497 & 496
Read MoreBy Allen Payton
Campaigns are required to file reports of contributions received by their campaigns of $2,000 or more, within 24 hours of receiving them, between March 9 and June 7, 2016. The rules changed in the county, this year, increasing from $1,000 to $2,000. However, the form provided by the County Elections Office had the old information on it and some candidates weren’t informed of the change. So, some of their reports reflect contributions of less than $2,000.
Some of the contributions that can be seen in the reports, known as 497 forms, below have been reported previously, on the regularly scheduled financial reports – 460 forms – for the period January 1 through April 23, 2016.
On the 497 forms submitted by each candidate and political action committee, they show East Bay Regional Parks District Board Member Diane Burgis received the most in reportable contributions, since the last, regular reporting period, with $2,000 from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (I.B.E.W.) 302 Community Candidates PAC which is based in Martinez, $2,000 from the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers Local 21 TJ Anthony PAC Fund based in San Francisco and $1,675 from the Plumbers & Steamfitters Local Union #342, which is based in Concord.
The I.B.E.W. 497 report shows both the contribution to Burgis, as well as a $2,000 contribution to the campaign committee for Lori Ogorchock for Mayor – 2016. Filing for the election for Mayor of Antioch doesn’t open until July.
The 497’s also show both Antioch Mayor Wade Harper and Antioch Councilwoman Monica Wilson (which she previously reported) received the maximum contribution of $1,675 from Richland Communities, a developer seeking to build between 1,100 and 1,600 homes in the Sand Creek area near Kaiser on Deer Valley Road in Antioch.
Wilson’s 497’s also show the previously reported contribution of $5,000 from the California Nurses Association PAC, the maximum allowed by a broad based political action committee.
Oakley Councilman Doug Hardcastle showed a $1,500 loan to himself that he previously reported.
The latest reporting period ended this last Saturday, May 21 and 460 form reports are due this Thursday, May 26. Contributions of $100 or more will appear on those forms.
Read MoreDear Editor:
I would like to endorse Doug Hardcastle for the office of District III Contra Costa County Supervisor. After serving for 12 years with him on the Ironhouse Sanitary District (ISD) Board, I have a unique and qualified insight into the man, his character, his dedication and work ethic.
Working together throughout our time on the board, we helped ISD transform from an outdated and inadequate sewer plant into a state-of-the-art Water Recycling Facility and saved our ratepayers $20 million in cost, in the process.
Doug Hardcastle has always questioned the cost of services and compensation packages. He is very independent and refuses to be influenced in his thinking by special interests and the current vogue politics.
Although there are many qualified candidates in this race, I know Doug and I know he will always put the people he represents first before his own political advancement or personal accolades.
I’m tired of politicians not listening to the people and I know this man has your best interest at heart. I want somebody who will fight to keep taxes in check, stick with the job until he gets it right and always put people before politics. That’s why I urge you to vote for Doug Hardcastle as your District III Contra Costa County Supervisor.
Sincerely,
Dr. Michael J. Painter, DC
Oakley resident and business owner
Member, Ironhouse Sanitary District Board of Directors
Read MoreKhan Academy, Google.org, 49ers celebrate Bay Area students who have demonstrated hustle, grit and mastery of math
A student (left) from Pleasant Hill Elementary School collaborates with a teammate during the carnival at Khan Academy’s LearnStorm Final event at Levi’s Stadium on Saturday, May 7th, 2016. photos by David Kong
By John Cogswell & Nicole Villanueva
Students from Pleasant Hill Elementary School, Live Oak Elementary School in San Ramon and Highland Elementary School in Richmond, were among 300 students from across the Bay Area, who attended Khan Academy’s LearnStorm Final event at Levi’s Stadium, to recognize their math accomplishments, on Saturday, May 7, 2016. These students were among the 75,000 students that registered in the Bay Area for LearnStorm, a free, 9-week math challenge that celebrates student progress, mastery, and hustle learning math on Khan Academy.
Unlike traditional math competitions, LearnStorm is breaking new ground by rewarding not only the knowledge students attain, but the learning skills they need to attain it. LearnStorm is powered by the Silicon Valley-based educational nonprofit Khan Academy, which seeks to provide a free, world-class education for anyone, anywhere.
A student (middle) from Live Oak Elementary School participates in a team-building activity.
Notable representatives from the Google.org, the San Francisco 49ers, including Jesse Lovejoy, director of STEM Education and the 49ers Museum, and Khan Academy CEO, Sal Khan helped celebrate the achievements of these students. The LearnStorm 2016 Finals were hosted by the 49ers who lent additional support this year alongside lead funder Google.org.
Other Stats:
- Over 40% of the Bay Area students that enrolled in LearnStorm attended schools that had at least 50% of their student populations qualifying for the National School Lunch Program.
- Over 15 million problems completed by students registered for LearnStorm Bay Area 2016
- Over 200,000 hours spent on Khan Academy by students registered for LearnStorm Bay Area 2016.
A student from Highland Elementary School enjoyed the carnival.
Khan Academy is a 501(c)3 nonprofit with a mission to change education for the better by providing a free, world-class education for anyone, anywhere. We believe that students of all ages should have free, unlimited access to the best educational content, and that they should be able to consume and master this content at their own pace. In addition, we believe that there are incredible opportunities to use intelligent software development, deep data analytics, and intuitive user interfaces to more effectively surface and present these educational resources to students and teachers around the world. Our library of content covers kindergarten to early college math, science topics such as biology, chemistry, and physics, and reaches into humanities with tutorials on economics, finance, music, philosophy, and art history. To date, we have delivered more than 750M lessons and more than 5 billion practice problems. For further information, visit www.khanacademy.org.
Read MorePRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY ELECTION
June 7, 2016
By Lee Lawrence, Action Chair, League of Women Voters of Diablo Valley
PROPOSITION 50 state ballot measure
SUSPENSION OF LEGISLATORS. LEGISLATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT. Authorizes Legislature to suspend Members, including without salary and benefits. Prohibits suspended Members from using powers of office or legislative resources. Provides suspension may end on specified date or by vote of Member’s house. Fiscal Impact: No effect on state spending
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF CALIFORNIA: SUPPORT
The League of Women Voters of California recommends a “Yes” vote on Proposition 50, Suspension of Legislators, a constitutional amendment appearing on the June 7 ballot. Proposition 50 would give the Legislature, by a two-thirds vote, clear authority to discipline Senators or Assembly Members by suspending them without pay. Lawmakers should be able to hold their own colleagues accountable if they breach the public’s trust.
This commonsense measure was placed on the ballot with strong bipartisan support. The requirement for a two-thirds vote of the Legislature ensures this authority would not be misused for partisan purposes.
SF BAY RESTORATION AUTHORITY – PARCEL TAX MEASURE AA
SAN FRANCISCO BAY RESTORATION AUTHORITY
2/3 required to pass
San Francisco Bay Clean Water, Pollution Prevention and Habitat Restoration Program.
To protect San Francisco Bay for future generations by reducing trash, pollution and harmful toxins, improving water quality, restoring habitat for fish, birds and wildlife, protecting communities from floods, and increasing shoreline public access, shall the San Francisco Bay Restoration Authority authorize a parcel tax of $12 per year, raising approximately $25 million annually for twenty years with independent citizen oversight, audits, and all funds staying local?
League of Women Voters of the Bay Area: SUPPORT
Our League Bay Area positions support conservation and development of the SF Bay and enhancement and preservation of the Bay and its shorelines. LWVUS policies on climate change also support adaptation activities related to climate change, such as sea level rise. This measure will generate funding for restoration of San Francisco Bay wetlands, benefitting people, wildlife, and the Bay Area economy. More wetlands will improve the bay by filtering out pollution for cleaner water; increasing habitat for fish, birds and other wildlife. The measure will expand Bay trails and shoreline access; and protect low-lying communities and infrastructure from floods.
BRENTWOOD UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT – BOND MEASURE B
55% required to pass
To provide Brentwood students with 21st century classrooms, upgrade libraries and science labs, improve school safety and security, expand access to classroom technology for students and teachers, renovate and modernize older schools in the District, build a new elementary school, and replace, acquire, construct and renovate school facilities, shall the Brentwood Union School District issue $158,000,000 in bonds, at legal interest rates, with an independent citizens’ oversight committee and no funds spent on administrators salaries?
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF DIABLO VALLEY: SUPPORT
The League of Women Voters strongly supports public education, and believes that bond
measures are appropriate for major capital expenditures. A quality public education is essential for a strong, viable, and sustainable democratic society and is a civil right. We think the rapid growth of the school district the school board’s commitment to keeping the repayment costs under $30 per $100,000 of assessed value, and their track record of fiscal management justifies this measure.
LAFAYETTE SCHOOL DISTRICT – BOND MEASURE C
55% required to pass
To upgrade aging neighborhood elementary and middle schools, avoid overcrowding, and modernize classrooms for today’s curriculum, including math, science, technology and arts, shall Lafayette School District repair or replace deteriorated roofs, plumbing, and electrical systems; update classrooms, labs and instructional technology; improve school safety/security: and acquire, construct, renovate, equip sites/facilities, by issuing $70,000,000 in bonds at legal rates, with independent citizen oversight, no administrators’ salaries, and all funds dedicated locally to Lafayette TK-8 schools?
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF DIABLO VALLEY: SUPPORT
The League of Women Voters strongly supports public education, and believes that bond measures are appropriate for major capital expenditures. A quality public education is essential for a strong, viable, and sustainable democratic society and is a civil right. We support Measure C.
WALNUT CREEK SCHOOL DISTRICT – BOND MEASURE D
55% required to pass
To address critical renovation, modernization and safety needs at District schools, upgrade classrooms, libraries and computer networks to provide students with 21st Century classrooms, improve energy efficiency of classrooms and buildings, and replace, acquire, construct and renovate school facilities shall the Walnut Creek School District issue $60 million in bonds at legal interest rates with funds monitored by an Independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee and no funds spent on administrators?
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF DIABLO VALLEY: SUPPORT
The League of Women Voters strongly supports public education, and believes that bond measures are appropriate for major capital expenditures. A quality public education is essential for a strong, viable, and sustainable democratic society and is a civil right. Please vote yes on Measure D.
CITY OF ANTIOCH – INITIATIVE MEASURE E
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF DIABLO VALLEY: NO POSITION
Majority required to pass
Shall the electors adopt the Initiative Limiting Card Rooms Within the City and Requiring Voter Approval for New or Expanded Card Rooms Ordinance?
CITY OF ANTIOCH – CONSULTATIVE MEASURE G
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF DIABLO VALLEY: NO POSITION
Majority required to pass
CHANGING THE CITY TREASURER POSITION FROM ELECTED TO APPOINTED.
Shall the office of City Treasurer be appointed?
CITY OF CLAYTON – PARCEL TAX MEASURE H
2/3 required to pass
CITYWIDE TRAILS AND LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE DISTRICT
CONTINUATION OF EXISTING SERVICES AND SPECIAL PARCEL TAX
Shall the existing Community Facility District 2007-1 (Trails and Landscape Maintenance District) be continued, with a Citizens Oversight Committee, for ten years to fund on-going operations and maintenance of the trails system, roadway landscape, open space weed abatement, and related expenses at the current annual special tax’s rate and methodology (presently $234.84/year per residential and non-residential parcel or fraction thereof), for FYs 2017-2027?
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF DIABLO VALLEY: NO POSITION
CITY OF OAKLEY – SPECIAL TAX MEASURE K
2/3 required to pass
To replace the small, outdated Oakley Library currently utilizing a portion of Freedom High School and construct and operate a new Library and Community Learning Center downtown, shall the ordinance establishing a $7.75 per month per parcel Library Development Tax be adopted, raising approximately one million one hundred thousand dollars annually, for thirty years starting fiscal year 2016/17, with independent financial audits ensuring funds are spent only on the Oakley Library and Community Learning Center?
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF DIABLO VALLEY: SUPPORT
The League of Women Voters support a public library system as a basic community service with a long-term, assured, stable and adequate funding source. We support access by all persons to public library services as a major source of knowledge and information necessary for informed,
active participation in a democratic society. This 30 year plan for a new library and community learning center meets our criteria. We hope the community will support this measure.
CITY OF ORINDA – BOND MEASURE L
2/3 required to pass
Orinda Road and Storm Drain Repair Measure. To repair failing roads and storm drains, restore and upgrade other roadways and storm drains, fix potholes, and improve safety on Orinda public streets, shall the City of Orinda issue twenty five million dollars in bonds, with financial audits, public review of all expenditures, and a citizens’ oversight committee?
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF DIABLO VALLEY: SUPPORT
The League of Women Voters supports the use of bonds for financing capital projects and for repair and retrofitting of existing public facilities and structures. Studies by the Orinda members of LWVDV have shown repeatedly that more investment is needed in streets and roads in that community. We support this measure.
CITY OF PITTSBURG – SALES TAX MEASURE M
Majority required to pass
To provide funding that stays in Pittsburg and cannot be seized by the State, to be used for Public Safety, gang prevention, job creation programs for local residents, Senior Center operations, repair roads, operate youth programs, and maintain other City services, shall the City of Pittsburg extend its current half-cent sales tax through fiscal year 2034-2035, providing $3.6-$3.8 million annually, then the increase be terminated, altogether, with citizens’ oversight, mandatory audits and consistent community reporting?
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF DIABLO VALLEY: SUPPORT
The League of Women Voters supports measures to ensure revenues both sufficient and flexible enough to meet changing needs for local government services. The League believes government should have the necessary resources to perform its functions. This sales tax extension seems appropriate, and does not raise taxes for the citizens of Pittsburg.
VOTE WITH THE LEAGUE ON JUNE 7!
The League of Women Voters, a non partisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. We take positions on ballot measures only when we have studied a topic in depth and have arrived at a consensus position.
We never support or oppose candidates for office, or support or oppose political parties.
YOU MUST REGISTER TO VOTE BY MAY 23, 2016, TO VOTE IN THE JUNE 7, 2016 PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY
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