By The East Bay Leadership Council
On Monday morning, BART and its major unions announced that a tentative agreement had been reached on a new four-year contract, a deal that helps put the brinkmanship of the 2013 strike behind us and five strike-free years ahead of us.
That is a welcome development, but a stoppage is still a threat. BART is plagued by $9.6 billion in deferred maintenance and a shutdown caused by equipment problems would be no better for riders than a strike.
The degraded condition of the BART system did not develop overnight and it is fair to question past decisions made by the Board and management. Ultimately, the Board is accountable for the system’s performance.
The East Bay must invest in this vital public service and demand accountability from an organization that our region needs to be at its best.
While the East Bay may not be pushed to the brink by a BART labor dispute for the next five years, its infrastructure is still at the brink of breakdown.
The EBLC has not endorsed the possible BART bond measure and will not take a formal position until the measure is approved by the Board, but we do believe it is time to face our reality and make wise infrastructure investments.
ABOUT THE EAST BAY LEADERSHIP COUNCIL
The East Bay Leadership Council (EBLC) is a private-sector, public-policy organization that advocates on issues affecting economic vitality and quality of life and represents leaders of business, industry, education, government, and the nonprofit community. For more information visit www.eastbayleadershipcouncil.com.
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By Barbara Zivica
There’s an old expression about politics that goes like this “All politics are based on the indifference of the majority.” (James Reston). Let me reword it this way – all politics are local and politicians count on the ignorance of voters.” Do your own research and remember that when candidates are endorsed and elected by unions or a particular political party, they are no longer “independent” legislators. Newspaper endorsements can also be biased. Be sure you know the rules. June 7th is a primary race. The top 2 vote getters will move onto the November 8th general election.
Speaking of endorsements, let’s look at the candidates for District 3, an open seat due to Mary Piepho‘s decision to retire and District 5, where Federal Glover is again running for re-election.
DISTRICT 3 – Includes most of Antioch, all of south side of Highway 4
STEVE BARR – Current Brentwood City Council member (term expires November 2018) Endorsed as best pick for Supervisor by the Contra Costa Times. Here are a few facts you may not know: Barr switched parties from Democrat to Republican in 2015 in time to run for the seat held by Mary Piepho, who is a Republican. He is one of two Brentwood councilmen who replaced non-elected directors on the East Contra Costa Fire District Board. The Board which gave its firefighter a 5% across the board raise, hasn’t solved the lack of fire services in Brentwood, Oakley, Discovery Bay, Bethel Island, Byron and Knightsen. They tried to pass two taxes but failed both times. My biggest beef with him is, although he was opposed to a project labor agreement the City used on its new city hall, he was seated on the council when they unanimously agreed to move forward with creating a project labor agreement to build the Brentwood library. Should we call him a “flip flopper”?
DIANE BURGIS: Executive Director of Friends of Marsh Creek Watershed, sits on the Regional Planning Committee for ABAG. Prior to being elected to the EBRPD Board in November 2014, she sat on the Oakley City Council, being elected just two years before in 2012. Burgis also served on the Delta Protection Commission, executive Board for the East Bay League of Cities and Transportation, Communications and Public Works Policy Committee for the League of California Cities representing the Woman’s Caucus. She currently serves as Ward 7 Director of East Bay Regional Park District and has incumbent Mary Piepho’s backing.
DOUG HARDCASTLE – Owner of Hardcastle RV Center in Oakley, for more than 40 years. Served as Director on the Ironhouse Sanitary District Board from 2000 to 2012 and President of Board from 2010-2011. Elected to the Oakley City Council in 2012 and just completed a year as Mayor. Endorsed by current Mayor Kevin Romick and Bill Baker, former US Representative for California’s 10th Congressional District. Small business owners are the backbone of the U.S. economy. Hardcastle is especially concerned about economic development, local jobs, public safety, improved roads and transportation and protecting the Delta and open space.
WADE HARPER – Flip flopper. In 2008 when getting appointed to the Antioch School Board he committed to running for re-election in 2010, instead he ran for City Council and then for the Mayor’s seat. In an accelerated swearing in ceremony in December 2012, held in order to allow the new mayor and council members to reverse the previously signed contract with APOA, which changed the 3% at 50 pension calculation to a 3% at 55 formula. This was done in order to avoid having to adhere to a new voter approved law which would take effect on January 1, 2012 reducing the pension formula for new police hires from 2% at 50 to 2.7% at age 55 and freezing benefit formulas for lateral hires.
After committing to being a full-time Mayor if elected, he got a job teaching for the Antioch school district. In June 2014 he implied commitment to allow a citizens group to move forward on plans for a park and event center on the former lumber yard site, then voted to sell it to a developer. In October 2015 he made a commitment to Senator Steve Glazer to not run for higher office when hired as a field rep. Two months later, he quit the job to run for Supervisor. He is endorsed by The Antioch Education Association, the professional organization and bargaining unit for all the teachers of Antioch Unified School District, Council woman Mary Rocha, and Councilman Tony Tiscareno.
ODESSA LEFRANCOIS – Retired Navy veteran, 12th year county health services employee and civil rights activist. Says her priorities are better health care delivery, especially to vets, better regional transportation infrastructure, unfair labor practices and community issues concerning seniors. She is 2nd Vice President of Local Union 1 and President of the NAACP East County Branch.
MONICA WILSON – Elected to the Antioch City Council in 2012. Her press release states her successes include helping grow local businesses and making public safety a top priority, securing local measures to hire and support more police officers. Frankly, she’s overstating her qualifications and accomplishments. Residents are now paying for two tax measures and experiencing a continuing understaffed police, code enforcement and animal control department. She has been endorsed by SEIU (Service Employees International Union and the Democrat leadership machine in the county.
DISTRICT 5 – Includes most of the portion of Antioch north of Highway 4
ANAMARIE AVILA FARIAS – current Martinez City Councilmember, elected in 2012, and current Board Member for the Juvenile Hall Auxiliary of Contra Costa County. Was a member of the Martinez Planning Commission for 8 years and served on the Parks and Recreation and Marina Commission. Employed for nearly 10 years with the San Francisco Mayor’s Office of Housing & Community development and in 2015 was appointed by Governor Jerry Brown Jr. to serve as a Board Director for the California Housing Finance Agency. She is currently a Board Member for the Latino Caucus and has numerous union endorsements.
CONRAD DANDRIDGE – Former member of the Pacheco Municipal Advisory Council, This is 2nd time Dandridge, ran for the Board. In 2006 he ran for a District 4 seat in unincorporated Martinez. Sue Bonilla won that race. Dandridge is a program analyst for the Transportation Security Administration in Oakland. Claims to know District 5 well due to having worked s a Census Bureau field operations supervisor all over Contra Costa. Doesn’t believe Glover is an effective advocate for District 5, especially the unincorporated areas.
FEDERAL GLOVER – Former Pittsburg City Council Member, Served as Mayor from 1998 to 1999 and has been on the Board of Supervisors since 2000. He’s now running for his fifth term in office (no term limits in local government but there should be). His campaign manager is Mary Jo Rossi, whose name has come up in regard to backroom deals concerning the Navy land plan. Glover is another “flip flopper”. In the past he promised voters he’d “hold the line” on growth. However, campaign finance reports show he received at least $38,000+ from groups often seen to be in opposition to environmental concerns i.e. $$20,000 from Chevron and Tosco, $56,000+ from developers (the largest $15,000 from Homebuilders Assoc, $6,830 from Alves/Paramount, $5,000 from PROPAC and from Seeno $3,175. He’s voted for over 6,700 homes – 1,500 in Alamo Creek, 200 in Discovery Bay, Oakley – sphere of influence addition for homes (2,000 acres) in addition to over 5,000 homes he approved in Pittsburg. He also told residents (Contra Costa Times 1/14/2000 ) “It’s time to stand up and own up to the fact that our ability to bring BART further east is not going to happen.” Voted to give himself a 60% raise in 2006 then another 33% in 2014. But, after county staff and residents gathered enough signatures to force a referendum in 2015, Glover voted to reverse his vote on the 33% raise. Instead, he voted for a 14% pay raise, last year although the county employees only received a 4% raise. He’s endorsed by the Democratic Party of Contra Costa.
MIKE MENESINI – Former Martinez Mayor for 18 years and Councilman for eight years. He works in San Francisco as an Assistant District Attorney. Unsuccessfully ran for County Supervisor in 1992, Superior Court judge in 1994 and Contra Costa District Attorney in 2002. Left the city with a $30 million shortfall in pension and retiree health plans and only 64 percent of the funds they should have. Also allowed for pension spiking by the city’s police force and expensive, lifetime retiree health insurance benefits from their first day on the job, for themselves, spouses and children up to age 26.
DAN ROMERO – Mayor of Hercules. Joined the Hercules City Council in 2011 following the recall of previous members. Reelected in 2012. Had to deal with the $38 million mess from redevelopment spending by previous councils. Weathered controversy and attacks by fellow council member over who should be Mayor. Supported 2004 Franklin Canyon Measure M, which down zoned the area to one home for every 40 acres. Side note for Antioch residents – Romero voted to hire Steve Duran, as City Manager, who later left to become Antioch’s City Manager. He is a business owner with an insurance agency in Pinole.
Read MoreOn Monday, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11) issued the following statement on the agreement between Bart and the transit unions:
“I am grateful a tentative agreement has been reached between Bart and the transit unions. If approved, there will be no interruptions in services for Bay Area commuters. I look forward to reviewing full details of the 5-year deal with an eye towards the long-term financial stability and sustainability of Bart. On the federal level, I will continue to advocate for meaningful performance standards for transit agencies to ensure the public is getting its value.”
Orinda City Councilmember Amy Rein Worth, who serves on the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) as the representative of the cities of Contra Costa County, on Monday issued this statement following the announcement of a tentative agreement between BART management and labor leaders:
“This morning BART announced a tentative agreement with its labor unions to extend BART labor contracts until 2021.I am pleased to support this financially prudent agreement that provides security to BART workers and service reliability to the BART riding public.
BART is a critical part of the East Bay economy and is relied upon by hundreds of thousands of East Bay commuters.I am hopeful that this agreement portends a future without service disruptions not just for the next five years, but sets a tone for the future beyond as well.
The critical role of BART service goes far beyond those who depend on it for a ride each day, as we have learned; the East Bay highway and transit network is not able to replace BART during a strike or a service disruption, which is why this agreement is so important.
BART, its workers and the public now can focus on the important shared task of rebuilding the system as its major priority.
I am grateful to state Senator Steve Glazer and the other local elected leaders in the East Bay who urged both BART’s management and labor to keep faith with the riding public by negotiating a new labor contract that recognizes the fiscal needs of the system and ensures that trains will keep running on schedule throughout the system.”
However, State Senator Steve Glazer, a critic of BART spending and strikes by BART employees issued the following statement on the tentative agreement:
“I have just been given an outline of the proposed 2017-21 labor agreement. I look forward to reviewing the details of the agreement and its implications to commuters and taxpayers,” he stated. “I will be consulting today with the 40 elected officials who co-signed my letter urging that BART rebuild its public trust with concrete, fiscally responsible actions before the November elections when BART is expected to ask voters for a multi-billion dollar bond.”
Read MoreAccording to an email on Tuesday, April 12, 2016, from Contra Costa County Supervisor Candace Andersen, the City of Dublin will be closing Tassajara Road/Camino Tassajara Road near the Alameda County/Contra Costa County line from May through December. The extended closure is necessary in order to replace a failing culvert which runs under Tassajara Road. The replacement of this aging culvert will provide greater safety for motorists and will reduce the likelihood of emergency road closures in the future.
All regulatory permits have been secured for the replacement of Moller Creek Culvert on Tassajara Road. Signage will soon be posted to notify drivers that the road closure will begin on May 2, 2016.
This project will require a portion of Tassajara Road/Camino Tassajara to be closed between the May 2, 2016, start date and December 2016. The closure will block access along Tassajara Road, north of Fallon Road. Drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians will be unable to use Tassajara Road/Camino Tassajara to travel between Dublin and the San Ramon/Danville area for the duration of the work and will need to take alternate routes. Alternative routes include both Windemere Parkway and Bollinger Canyon Road. While through traffic will not be permitted, local residents will be allowed to access their properties from the north.
Emergency responders and service providers have been notified and will be prepared to provide services during the road closure.
Frequently Asked Questions, a map of the closure area with alternate routes, and updates on the project can be found by clicking here.
Please contact the City of Dublin Public Works at (925) 833-6630 with any questions you may have about this project.
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Dr. Helen Benjamin
After serving eleven years as the Contra Costa Community College District (District) Chancellor, Dr. Helen Benjamin has announced her retirement, effective December 31, 2016.
A native of Alexandria, Louisiana, Benjamin joined the District in 1990 as Dean of Los Medanos College’s Language Arts and Humanistic Studies and Related Occupations. In her 25 years with the District, she progressed to higher level positions that included District Vice Chancellor, Educational Programs and Services, interim President of Los Medanos College and President of Contra Costa College before becoming chancellor in 2005.
“What an incredible ride this has been for me,” Benjamin said. “I could not have worked in a better place. I have been allowed to grow, develop and contribute alongside my peers as we have transformed the lives of thousands students. For that, I am grateful.”
Board members said Benjamin has left her mark on many aspects of the District’s three main campuses: Diablo Valley College, Los Medanos College and Contra Costa College. In her tenure, Benjamin managed a variety of District crises, including the 2006-07 cash-for-grades, as well as recurring dips in state funding.
During her chancellorship, the District has also benefitted from $736 million in voter-approved bond measures in 2006 and 2014. That money has paid for major improvements at the Los Medanos and Diablo Valley campuses, and similar work at Contra Costa College has started.
Among her many accomplishments, Benjamin remained committed to student success.
“She has always been a leader who wanted to make sure our success and accomplishments were done as a team,” said District Board President Vicki Gordon.
There’s been a common thread to her work, said Board Secretary Tim Farley.
“The number one concern for Helen is always, ‘How is this going to impact students?’ ” he stated.
According to the District’s website “Dr. Benjamin is passionate about maintaining an active role in a wide variety of professional and community organizations. At the local level, she is a board member of the Kennedy-King Scholarship Memorial College Scholarship Fund, a county-wide effort to provide District students financial support to continue their educational goals at a four-year or graduate institution. At the state level, Dr. Benjamin serves as the immediate Past Chair of the California Community College League Board of Directors. At the national level, she is a member of the Presidents’ Round Table, an affiliate organization of the National Council on Black American Affairs, and is a member of President Obama’s Commission on the Future. In addition, Chancellor Benjamin serves on the board of Excelsior College, located in Albany, New York.”
The Board will begin the search for a new chancellor at their meeting on Wednesday, April 20.
For more information visit www.4cd.edu.
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After 30 years with the Contra Costa Community College District (District), Diablo Valley College (DVC) President Peter Garcia announced his retirement, effective June 30, 2016.
Prior to the DVC presidency, Garcia served for eight years as the president of Los Medanos College (LMC). He has also served as Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs, Dean of Economic Development, Dean of Humanistic Studies, faculty researcher, philosophy instructor, and offensive line coach during his lengthy career with the District.
“Peter has made a lasting impact on thousands of students and many employees as well as the communities served by the District during his tenure,” said Chancellor Helen Benjamin. “He will surely be missed and fondly remembered as a leader who cared deeply about our students.”
Garcia expressed his appreciation for his colleagues and experiences at both colleges.
“I’m incredibly grateful for opportunities and people that both DVC and LMC brought to my life over these many years,” he shared.
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. For more information on the District, visit www.4cd.edu.
Read MoreSearch efforts to begin
By Allen Payton
On March 9, the Contra Costa Community College District (District) Governing Board voted to hire Mojdeh Mehdizadeh for the position of President of Contra Costa College (CCC) in San Pablo. The vote was a unanimous 4-0 of those board members in attendance. Trustee John Nejedly was absent. The same night they accepted the retirement letter from Diablo Valley College (DVC) President Peter Garcia.
Garcia’s retirement is effective this June 30th.
Then, on April 5, the Board accepted the retirement letter of Chancellor Helen Benjamin, effective the end of the calendar year on December 31st.
In addition, the Board appointed Dr. Andrew C. Jones as the District’s Interim Executive Vice Chancellor, Education and Technology, to replace Mehdizadeh. He was appointed for a one year term beginning July 2015.
At a special meeting scheduled for Wednesday, April 20 the Board will interview search firm consultant applicants.
Contra Costa College New President
Mojdeh Mezhdizadeh
As college president, Mehdizadeh will receive a base annual salary of $247,968 with annual raises based on performance, from zero to five percent, plus benefits including car allowance, according to her contract.
According to a news release from the District, Mehdizadeh began her tenure as Interim President at Contra Costa College in January 2015. Her former role was Executive Vice Chancellor of Education and Technology at the Contra Costa Community College District. With more than 25 years of experience in higher education, she began her career at Diablo Valley College in the area of student services and later institutional research. Ms. Mehdizadeh’s responsibilities included support of the colleges’ educational programs, student services, workforce and economic development, information technology, international education, research and planning, and grants.
She has also served as adjunct faculty in Speech Communications and is actively engaged in state and national associations.
Ms. Mehdizadeh holds an M.A. in Organizational and Intercultural Communications from Cal State University East Bay and a B.S. in Computer Information Systems from San Francisco State University. Mojdeh completed her undergraduate general education requirements at Diablo Valley College and is proud of her roots in the community college system.
To watch the video of Mehdizadeh during the selection process, click here.
Stories about Garcia’s and Dr. Benjamin’s retirements to follow.
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The Contra Costa Community College District (District) has chosen Edward Carney as the new District Director of Police, Safety and Emergency Services.
Carney, who spent 25 years with the Cherry Hill Police Department in New Jersey, is a strong advocate of education and officer training. With more than 30 years of police training under his belt, Carney also has experience as an educator, teaching online and at the community college level on topics such as Community Policing, Terrorism and Administration of Justice.
“We are fortunate to have such an experienced law enforcement leader join the District,” said Chancellor Helen Benjamin. “His extensive background in police training, education and public safety is a wonderful combination of skills and experience that will ensure our campuses remain safe environments for our students, staff and surrounding communities.”
For the past decade, Carney worked as Executive Director of Public Safety and Facilities with Camden County College in New Jersey where he developed a Public Safety department that became a model for operations and customer service industries in the region.
“I have the unique background of being law enforcement but then having a substantial number of years in community college work that really focuses on community policing,” shared Carney. “Now, I can focus on the community and relationship sides of policing. It’s about outreach, it’s about listening, it’s about trust and visibility.”
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. The District headquarters is located in downtown Martinez.
Read MoreBrentwood gets higher percentage of property tax than other cities, some should go to fire district
By Hal Bray
In 1978 Proposition 13 became the law. The legislature was given the task of reallocating property taxes according to its guidelines. As usual they made a mess of it.
Oh, the original allocation may have been alright, but the state legislature put nothing in the legislation to reallocate taxes over timebased on population shifts, growth or some other equitable measure.So those entities receiving less were, and have stayed, underfunded since 1978. Hence, our issue today for the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District.
In 1978 fire fighting in East County was made up of voluntary fire districts; therefore firefighting and emergency medical services in the area received only 7.5% of our 1% ad valorem property tax. Other, established fire districts within the countyreceived, on average 12%, some much more. If East County would have received the county average or San Ramon’s allocation of 21% or even ConFire’s 14%, or if periodic adjustments had been made, the district’s budget today would be approximately double what it is today and we would not be having this severe crisis.
Where does the funding that ECCFPD did not get in 1978 go? It went to the City of Brentwood, the County, the school districts and special districts within the ECCFPD boundaries. It is time to right this historical wrong, redirecting some of our current property taxes from these entities to ECCFPD to provide for the services necessary to save lives and protect property.
We, East County Voters for Equal Protection (ECV) , want the other public entities within the ECCFPD boundaries to adjust their allocations by approximately 5% (which in many cases is only about 1-2% of their total revenue)to provide adequate funding for the ECCFPD. This would not cut any of their current programs, but would reduce their growth rate. They can keep the bonus allocations they have received since 1978, but going forward the funding is desperately needed to protect the lives and homes, schools and infrastructure of East County.
This reallocation would provide the $7.8 million that ECCFPD needs to open and operate three more stations bringing the total number of stations to six. We, ECV, would then support a tax measure on the ballot to fund beyond six stations, if necessary; but government must do their part first.
What must the community do to get the funding for ECCFPD?
The process to reallocate property taxes is clear; we know the process and the law. It is difficult, at best, and requires the co-operation of local elected officials and the concurrence by the areas residents. We recommend starting today and, in the short term, achieve this funding with a local MOU or Joint powers Agreement (JPA).
However, since our elected and appointed officials in East County are reluctant to solve this crisis, we, the residents of East County, must create the political will for these officialsto look beyond their own parochial interests and think of the common good.
This issue is, fundamentally, about fair and equitable solutions. Fire Services are funded by property taxes. Local government and school districts are among the largest land owners in East County. They are also large consumers of fire district services. However, they pay no property taxes and, therefore, do not pay their share of the costs of the services. We believe it is their responsibility to step up and share the cost of correcting this injustice.
Assemblyman Jim Frazier and State Senator Steve Glazer have said publically that they will carry any necessary legislation to Sacramento to complete the transaction, once a local agreement is reached.
Our local elected and appointed officials hold the keys to unlock the solution to our crises.Most will tell you the process is long and difficult, but will not tell you that they are the obstacle. This issue is one, long, self-fulfilling prophecy that starts with them.
This is why we have begun meeting with local elected and appointed officials and community groups. We must build the political will, break the cycle of self-interest,in our officials or, in this an election year, vote out of office any official who will not support this effort.
We need you, the community residents of East County to contact your city council, school board, irrigation and/or water district and other special districts to make this happen.
Hal Bray is a Brentwood resident and is co-chair of East County Voters for Equal Protection, a non-partisan citizen’s action committee, whose goal is to improve funding for the ECCFPD. For more information, email hal.bray@pacbell.net or like the group on Facebook at www.facebook.com/EastCountyVoters.
Read MoreThere are currently, approximately 8,401 teachers educating more than 174,800 students in Contra Costa County’s public schools. To recognize their efforts and bring much-deserved honor to the teaching profession, the participating school districts in the county recently named their Teachers of the Year (TOY) representatives. (See list below.) The upcoming school year’s 21 TOYs represent 16 Contra Costa County school districts, the Contra Costa Community College District, and the Contra Costa County Office of Education (CCCOE). Most of these representatives, those who teach grades K thru 12, are eligible to compete in the Contra Costa County TOY competition. The two top teachers in the county TOY program will represent Contra Costa County in the California State TOY Program this coming fall.
“We are immensely proud of these amazing educators,” said Karen Sakata, Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools. “They were thoughtfully chosen to represent their schools and districts, and truly represent what is best about public education.”
The county’s TOY program is directed by the CCCOE. With such a high caliber of teaching professionals to draw from, the CCCOE’s TOY program uses a three-stage selection process, with a point and percentage system to determine the final candidates as follows:
I Application Screening:
On April 8, a committee of 15 judges, representing the county’s education, business, and public-sector partners will carefully review the applications submitted by the school districts. This committee independently rates each application. After the application screening and scoring are completed, four teachers will be selected to advance to the next two phases as finalists.
II Classroom Observation and Interview:
In April and May, a small committee of education specialists and business partners observe the four finalists interacting with their students. Immediately following, the committee interviews the candidates discussing topics such as their teaching philosophy and techniques.
III Speech Presentation:
On August 15, the four TOY finalists will each give a three- to five-minute speech to another panel of a dozen educators, business, and public-sector representatives who will judge the finalists on their speech and presentation skills.
On the evening of September 22, 2016, all 21 TOYs, accompanied by their families, friends, and co-workers (an audience of close to 400) will be honored at the annual Contra Costa County Teacher of the Year Dinner Celebration, held at the Hilton Concord. Ms. Sakata, who serves as master of ceremonies, introduces the TOYs by sharing a special story that reflects her classroom visits of each teacher during the current spring and summer months. This will be followed by the four finalists giving their three- to five-minute speeches (same speeches given in August) to the filled banquet room. Finally, the night will come to a dramatic close with the announcement of the two 2016-2017 Contra Costa County Teachers of the Year.
2016-2017 Contra Costa County Teacher of the Year Representatives:
Jamie Cackler Bennetts, Knightsen Elementary School District, Knightsen Elementary
Cynthia Boyko, Acalanes Union High School District, Miramonte High
Rachael Byron, San Ramon Valley Unified School District, Dougherty Valley High
Krystal Figaroa, Pittsburg Unified School District, Stoneman Elementary
Erin Flanigan, Martinez Unified School District, Alhambra High
Daniel Yoshio Haley, Mt. Diablo Unified School District, El Dorado Middle
Shauna Hawes, Mt. Diablo Unified School District, Valley View Middle
Judy Jernigan, Lafayette School District, Lafayette SD Schools
Kristyn Loy, West Contra Costa Unified School District, Stewart Elementary
Judy Mazur, Walnut Creek School District, Buena Vista Elementary
Vicki McGuire, Antioch Unified School District, Sutter Elementary
Aminta Mickles, Contra Costa Community College District, Contra Costa College
Gina Minder-Maldonado, Oakley Union Elementary School District, Oakley Elementary
Dayle Okamitsu, Orinda Union School District, Wagner Ranch Elementary
Lawrence Pang, West Contra Costa Unified School District, El Cerrito High
Deborah Guillén Rocchild, John Swett Unified School District, John Swett High
Summer Rodriguez, Liberty Union High School District, Liberty High
Joyce Rooks, San Ramon Valley Unified School District, Creekside Elementary
Juliet Simens, Brentwood Union School District, Pioneer Elementary
Angela Taylor, Contra Costa County Office of Education, Parole Education Program Oakland Computerized Literacy Learning Center
Sarah Vieira, Byron Union School District, Timber Point Elementary
Note regarding eligible participants:
- Sixteen of the eighteen Contra Costa County school districts represented, and the CCCOE are participating in this year’s TOY program.
- Each year, one instructor from Contra Costa Community College District is submitted to the TOY program for his/her outstanding body of work with their designated college. The colleges rotate each year between Diablo Valley, Los Medanos, and Contra Costa. (These instructors do not compete in the State Teacher of the Year competition.) This year is Contra Costa College’s turn.
- Due to the larger number of students and teachers in their districts, West Contra Costa USD, Mt. Diablo USD, and San Ramon Valley USD are allowed to submit two TOY candidates.
Follow Contra Costa County’s Teacher of the Year program on Twitter: #CoCoTOY
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By The East Bay Leadership Council
On Monday morning, BART and its major unions announced that a tentative agreement had been reached on a new four-year contract, a deal that helps put the brinkmanship of the 2013 strike behind us and five strike-free years ahead of us.
That is a welcome development, but a stoppage is still a threat. BART is plagued by $9.6 billion in deferred maintenance and a shutdown caused by equipment problems would be no better for riders than a strike.
The degraded condition of the BART system did not develop overnight and it is fair to question past decisions made by the Board and management. Ultimately, the Board is accountable for the system’s performance.
The East Bay must invest in this vital public service and demand accountability from an organization that our region needs to be at its best.
While the East Bay may not be pushed to the brink by a BART labor dispute for the next five years, its infrastructure is still at the brink of breakdown.
The EBLC has not endorsed the possible BART bond measure and will not take a formal position until the measure is approved by the Board, but we do believe it is time to face our reality and make wise infrastructure investments.
ABOUT THE EAST BAY LEADERSHIP COUNCIL
The East Bay Leadership Council (EBLC) is a private-sector, public-policy organization that advocates on issues affecting economic vitality and quality of life and represents leaders of business, industry, education, government, and the nonprofit community. For more information visit www.eastbayleadershipcouncil.com.
Read MoreBy Barbara Zivica
There’s an old expression about politics that goes like this “All politics are based on the indifference of the majority.” (James Reston). Let me reword it this way – all politics are local and politicians count on the ignorance of voters.” Do your own research and remember that when candidates are endorsed and elected by unions or a particular political party, they are no longer “independent” legislators. Newspaper endorsements can also be biased. Be sure you know the rules. June 7th is a primary race. The top 2 vote getters will move onto the November 8th general election.
Speaking of endorsements, let’s look at the candidates for District 3, an open seat due to Mary Piepho‘s decision to retire and District 5, where Federal Glover is again running for re-election.
DISTRICT 3 – Includes most of Antioch, all of south side of Highway 4
STEVE BARR – Current Brentwood City Council member (term expires November 2018) Endorsed as best pick for Supervisor by the Contra Costa Times. Here are a few facts you may not know: Barr switched parties from Democrat to Republican in 2015 in time to run for the seat held by Mary Piepho, who is a Republican. He is one of two Brentwood councilmen who replaced non-elected directors on the East Contra Costa Fire District Board. The Board which gave its firefighter a 5% across the board raise, hasn’t solved the lack of fire services in Brentwood, Oakley, Discovery Bay, Bethel Island, Byron and Knightsen. They tried to pass two taxes but failed both times. My biggest beef with him is, although he was opposed to a project labor agreement the City used on its new city hall, he was seated on the council when they unanimously agreed to move forward with creating a project labor agreement to build the Brentwood library. Should we call him a “flip flopper”?
DIANE BURGIS: Executive Director of Friends of Marsh Creek Watershed, sits on the Regional Planning Committee for ABAG. Prior to being elected to the EBRPD Board in November 2014, she sat on the Oakley City Council, being elected just two years before in 2012. Burgis also served on the Delta Protection Commission, executive Board for the East Bay League of Cities and Transportation, Communications and Public Works Policy Committee for the League of California Cities representing the Woman’s Caucus. She currently serves as Ward 7 Director of East Bay Regional Park District and has incumbent Mary Piepho’s backing.
DOUG HARDCASTLE – Owner of Hardcastle RV Center in Oakley, for more than 40 years. Served as Director on the Ironhouse Sanitary District Board from 2000 to 2012 and President of Board from 2010-2011. Elected to the Oakley City Council in 2012 and just completed a year as Mayor. Endorsed by current Mayor Kevin Romick and Bill Baker, former US Representative for California’s 10th Congressional District. Small business owners are the backbone of the U.S. economy. Hardcastle is especially concerned about economic development, local jobs, public safety, improved roads and transportation and protecting the Delta and open space.
WADE HARPER – Flip flopper. In 2008 when getting appointed to the Antioch School Board he committed to running for re-election in 2010, instead he ran for City Council and then for the Mayor’s seat. In an accelerated swearing in ceremony in December 2012, held in order to allow the new mayor and council members to reverse the previously signed contract with APOA, which changed the 3% at 50 pension calculation to a 3% at 55 formula. This was done in order to avoid having to adhere to a new voter approved law which would take effect on January 1, 2012 reducing the pension formula for new police hires from 2% at 50 to 2.7% at age 55 and freezing benefit formulas for lateral hires.
After committing to being a full-time Mayor if elected, he got a job teaching for the Antioch school district. In June 2014 he implied commitment to allow a citizens group to move forward on plans for a park and event center on the former lumber yard site, then voted to sell it to a developer. In October 2015 he made a commitment to Senator Steve Glazer to not run for higher office when hired as a field rep. Two months later, he quit the job to run for Supervisor. He is endorsed by The Antioch Education Association, the professional organization and bargaining unit for all the teachers of Antioch Unified School District, Council woman Mary Rocha, and Councilman Tony Tiscareno.
ODESSA LEFRANCOIS – Retired Navy veteran, 12th year county health services employee and civil rights activist. Says her priorities are better health care delivery, especially to vets, better regional transportation infrastructure, unfair labor practices and community issues concerning seniors. She is 2nd Vice President of Local Union 1 and President of the NAACP East County Branch.
MONICA WILSON – Elected to the Antioch City Council in 2012. Her press release states her successes include helping grow local businesses and making public safety a top priority, securing local measures to hire and support more police officers. Frankly, she’s overstating her qualifications and accomplishments. Residents are now paying for two tax measures and experiencing a continuing understaffed police, code enforcement and animal control department. She has been endorsed by SEIU (Service Employees International Union and the Democrat leadership machine in the county.
DISTRICT 5 – Includes most of the portion of Antioch north of Highway 4
ANAMARIE AVILA FARIAS – current Martinez City Councilmember, elected in 2012, and current Board Member for the Juvenile Hall Auxiliary of Contra Costa County. Was a member of the Martinez Planning Commission for 8 years and served on the Parks and Recreation and Marina Commission. Employed for nearly 10 years with the San Francisco Mayor’s Office of Housing & Community development and in 2015 was appointed by Governor Jerry Brown Jr. to serve as a Board Director for the California Housing Finance Agency. She is currently a Board Member for the Latino Caucus and has numerous union endorsements.
CONRAD DANDRIDGE – Former member of the Pacheco Municipal Advisory Council, This is 2nd time Dandridge, ran for the Board. In 2006 he ran for a District 4 seat in unincorporated Martinez. Sue Bonilla won that race. Dandridge is a program analyst for the Transportation Security Administration in Oakland. Claims to know District 5 well due to having worked s a Census Bureau field operations supervisor all over Contra Costa. Doesn’t believe Glover is an effective advocate for District 5, especially the unincorporated areas.
FEDERAL GLOVER – Former Pittsburg City Council Member, Served as Mayor from 1998 to 1999 and has been on the Board of Supervisors since 2000. He’s now running for his fifth term in office (no term limits in local government but there should be). His campaign manager is Mary Jo Rossi, whose name has come up in regard to backroom deals concerning the Navy land plan. Glover is another “flip flopper”. In the past he promised voters he’d “hold the line” on growth. However, campaign finance reports show he received at least $38,000+ from groups often seen to be in opposition to environmental concerns i.e. $$20,000 from Chevron and Tosco, $56,000+ from developers (the largest $15,000 from Homebuilders Assoc, $6,830 from Alves/Paramount, $5,000 from PROPAC and from Seeno $3,175. He’s voted for over 6,700 homes – 1,500 in Alamo Creek, 200 in Discovery Bay, Oakley – sphere of influence addition for homes (2,000 acres) in addition to over 5,000 homes he approved in Pittsburg. He also told residents (Contra Costa Times 1/14/2000 ) “It’s time to stand up and own up to the fact that our ability to bring BART further east is not going to happen.” Voted to give himself a 60% raise in 2006 then another 33% in 2014. But, after county staff and residents gathered enough signatures to force a referendum in 2015, Glover voted to reverse his vote on the 33% raise. Instead, he voted for a 14% pay raise, last year although the county employees only received a 4% raise. He’s endorsed by the Democratic Party of Contra Costa.
MIKE MENESINI – Former Martinez Mayor for 18 years and Councilman for eight years. He works in San Francisco as an Assistant District Attorney. Unsuccessfully ran for County Supervisor in 1992, Superior Court judge in 1994 and Contra Costa District Attorney in 2002. Left the city with a $30 million shortfall in pension and retiree health plans and only 64 percent of the funds they should have. Also allowed for pension spiking by the city’s police force and expensive, lifetime retiree health insurance benefits from their first day on the job, for themselves, spouses and children up to age 26.
DAN ROMERO – Mayor of Hercules. Joined the Hercules City Council in 2011 following the recall of previous members. Reelected in 2012. Had to deal with the $38 million mess from redevelopment spending by previous councils. Weathered controversy and attacks by fellow council member over who should be Mayor. Supported 2004 Franklin Canyon Measure M, which down zoned the area to one home for every 40 acres. Side note for Antioch residents – Romero voted to hire Steve Duran, as City Manager, who later left to become Antioch’s City Manager. He is a business owner with an insurance agency in Pinole.
Read MoreOn Monday, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11) issued the following statement on the agreement between Bart and the transit unions:
“I am grateful a tentative agreement has been reached between Bart and the transit unions. If approved, there will be no interruptions in services for Bay Area commuters. I look forward to reviewing full details of the 5-year deal with an eye towards the long-term financial stability and sustainability of Bart. On the federal level, I will continue to advocate for meaningful performance standards for transit agencies to ensure the public is getting its value.”
Orinda City Councilmember Amy Rein Worth, who serves on the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) as the representative of the cities of Contra Costa County, on Monday issued this statement following the announcement of a tentative agreement between BART management and labor leaders:
“This morning BART announced a tentative agreement with its labor unions to extend BART labor contracts until 2021.I am pleased to support this financially prudent agreement that provides security to BART workers and service reliability to the BART riding public.
BART is a critical part of the East Bay economy and is relied upon by hundreds of thousands of East Bay commuters.I am hopeful that this agreement portends a future without service disruptions not just for the next five years, but sets a tone for the future beyond as well.
The critical role of BART service goes far beyond those who depend on it for a ride each day, as we have learned; the East Bay highway and transit network is not able to replace BART during a strike or a service disruption, which is why this agreement is so important.
BART, its workers and the public now can focus on the important shared task of rebuilding the system as its major priority.
I am grateful to state Senator Steve Glazer and the other local elected leaders in the East Bay who urged both BART’s management and labor to keep faith with the riding public by negotiating a new labor contract that recognizes the fiscal needs of the system and ensures that trains will keep running on schedule throughout the system.”
However, State Senator Steve Glazer, a critic of BART spending and strikes by BART employees issued the following statement on the tentative agreement:
“I have just been given an outline of the proposed 2017-21 labor agreement. I look forward to reviewing the details of the agreement and its implications to commuters and taxpayers,” he stated. “I will be consulting today with the 40 elected officials who co-signed my letter urging that BART rebuild its public trust with concrete, fiscally responsible actions before the November elections when BART is expected to ask voters for a multi-billion dollar bond.”
Read MoreAccording to an email on Tuesday, April 12, 2016, from Contra Costa County Supervisor Candace Andersen, the City of Dublin will be closing Tassajara Road/Camino Tassajara Road near the Alameda County/Contra Costa County line from May through December. The extended closure is necessary in order to replace a failing culvert which runs under Tassajara Road. The replacement of this aging culvert will provide greater safety for motorists and will reduce the likelihood of emergency road closures in the future.
All regulatory permits have been secured for the replacement of Moller Creek Culvert on Tassajara Road. Signage will soon be posted to notify drivers that the road closure will begin on May 2, 2016.
This project will require a portion of Tassajara Road/Camino Tassajara to be closed between the May 2, 2016, start date and December 2016. The closure will block access along Tassajara Road, north of Fallon Road. Drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians will be unable to use Tassajara Road/Camino Tassajara to travel between Dublin and the San Ramon/Danville area for the duration of the work and will need to take alternate routes. Alternative routes include both Windemere Parkway and Bollinger Canyon Road. While through traffic will not be permitted, local residents will be allowed to access their properties from the north.
Emergency responders and service providers have been notified and will be prepared to provide services during the road closure.
Frequently Asked Questions, a map of the closure area with alternate routes, and updates on the project can be found by clicking here.
Please contact the City of Dublin Public Works at (925) 833-6630 with any questions you may have about this project.
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Dr. Helen Benjamin
After serving eleven years as the Contra Costa Community College District (District) Chancellor, Dr. Helen Benjamin has announced her retirement, effective December 31, 2016.
A native of Alexandria, Louisiana, Benjamin joined the District in 1990 as Dean of Los Medanos College’s Language Arts and Humanistic Studies and Related Occupations. In her 25 years with the District, she progressed to higher level positions that included District Vice Chancellor, Educational Programs and Services, interim President of Los Medanos College and President of Contra Costa College before becoming chancellor in 2005.
“What an incredible ride this has been for me,” Benjamin said. “I could not have worked in a better place. I have been allowed to grow, develop and contribute alongside my peers as we have transformed the lives of thousands students. For that, I am grateful.”
Board members said Benjamin has left her mark on many aspects of the District’s three main campuses: Diablo Valley College, Los Medanos College and Contra Costa College. In her tenure, Benjamin managed a variety of District crises, including the 2006-07 cash-for-grades, as well as recurring dips in state funding.
During her chancellorship, the District has also benefitted from $736 million in voter-approved bond measures in 2006 and 2014. That money has paid for major improvements at the Los Medanos and Diablo Valley campuses, and similar work at Contra Costa College has started.
Among her many accomplishments, Benjamin remained committed to student success.
“She has always been a leader who wanted to make sure our success and accomplishments were done as a team,” said District Board President Vicki Gordon.
There’s been a common thread to her work, said Board Secretary Tim Farley.
“The number one concern for Helen is always, ‘How is this going to impact students?’ ” he stated.
According to the District’s website “Dr. Benjamin is passionate about maintaining an active role in a wide variety of professional and community organizations. At the local level, she is a board member of the Kennedy-King Scholarship Memorial College Scholarship Fund, a county-wide effort to provide District students financial support to continue their educational goals at a four-year or graduate institution. At the state level, Dr. Benjamin serves as the immediate Past Chair of the California Community College League Board of Directors. At the national level, she is a member of the Presidents’ Round Table, an affiliate organization of the National Council on Black American Affairs, and is a member of President Obama’s Commission on the Future. In addition, Chancellor Benjamin serves on the board of Excelsior College, located in Albany, New York.”
The Board will begin the search for a new chancellor at their meeting on Wednesday, April 20.
For more information visit www.4cd.edu.
Read MoreAfter 30 years with the Contra Costa Community College District (District), Diablo Valley College (DVC) President Peter Garcia announced his retirement, effective June 30, 2016.
Prior to the DVC presidency, Garcia served for eight years as the president of Los Medanos College (LMC). He has also served as Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs, Dean of Economic Development, Dean of Humanistic Studies, faculty researcher, philosophy instructor, and offensive line coach during his lengthy career with the District.
“Peter has made a lasting impact on thousands of students and many employees as well as the communities served by the District during his tenure,” said Chancellor Helen Benjamin. “He will surely be missed and fondly remembered as a leader who cared deeply about our students.”
Garcia expressed his appreciation for his colleagues and experiences at both colleges.
“I’m incredibly grateful for opportunities and people that both DVC and LMC brought to my life over these many years,” he shared.
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. For more information on the District, visit www.4cd.edu.
Read MoreSearch efforts to begin
By Allen Payton
On March 9, the Contra Costa Community College District (District) Governing Board voted to hire Mojdeh Mehdizadeh for the position of President of Contra Costa College (CCC) in San Pablo. The vote was a unanimous 4-0 of those board members in attendance. Trustee John Nejedly was absent. The same night they accepted the retirement letter from Diablo Valley College (DVC) President Peter Garcia.
Garcia’s retirement is effective this June 30th.
Then, on April 5, the Board accepted the retirement letter of Chancellor Helen Benjamin, effective the end of the calendar year on December 31st.
In addition, the Board appointed Dr. Andrew C. Jones as the District’s Interim Executive Vice Chancellor, Education and Technology, to replace Mehdizadeh. He was appointed for a one year term beginning July 2015.
At a special meeting scheduled for Wednesday, April 20 the Board will interview search firm consultant applicants.
Contra Costa College New President
Mojdeh Mezhdizadeh
As college president, Mehdizadeh will receive a base annual salary of $247,968 with annual raises based on performance, from zero to five percent, plus benefits including car allowance, according to her contract.
According to a news release from the District, Mehdizadeh began her tenure as Interim President at Contra Costa College in January 2015. Her former role was Executive Vice Chancellor of Education and Technology at the Contra Costa Community College District. With more than 25 years of experience in higher education, she began her career at Diablo Valley College in the area of student services and later institutional research. Ms. Mehdizadeh’s responsibilities included support of the colleges’ educational programs, student services, workforce and economic development, information technology, international education, research and planning, and grants.
She has also served as adjunct faculty in Speech Communications and is actively engaged in state and national associations.
Ms. Mehdizadeh holds an M.A. in Organizational and Intercultural Communications from Cal State University East Bay and a B.S. in Computer Information Systems from San Francisco State University. Mojdeh completed her undergraduate general education requirements at Diablo Valley College and is proud of her roots in the community college system.
To watch the video of Mehdizadeh during the selection process, click here.
Stories about Garcia’s and Dr. Benjamin’s retirements to follow.
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The Contra Costa Community College District (District) has chosen Edward Carney as the new District Director of Police, Safety and Emergency Services.
Carney, who spent 25 years with the Cherry Hill Police Department in New Jersey, is a strong advocate of education and officer training. With more than 30 years of police training under his belt, Carney also has experience as an educator, teaching online and at the community college level on topics such as Community Policing, Terrorism and Administration of Justice.
“We are fortunate to have such an experienced law enforcement leader join the District,” said Chancellor Helen Benjamin. “His extensive background in police training, education and public safety is a wonderful combination of skills and experience that will ensure our campuses remain safe environments for our students, staff and surrounding communities.”
For the past decade, Carney worked as Executive Director of Public Safety and Facilities with Camden County College in New Jersey where he developed a Public Safety department that became a model for operations and customer service industries in the region.
“I have the unique background of being law enforcement but then having a substantial number of years in community college work that really focuses on community policing,” shared Carney. “Now, I can focus on the community and relationship sides of policing. It’s about outreach, it’s about listening, it’s about trust and visibility.”
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. The District headquarters is located in downtown Martinez.
Read MoreBrentwood gets higher percentage of property tax than other cities, some should go to fire district
By Hal Bray
In 1978 Proposition 13 became the law. The legislature was given the task of reallocating property taxes according to its guidelines. As usual they made a mess of it.
Oh, the original allocation may have been alright, but the state legislature put nothing in the legislation to reallocate taxes over timebased on population shifts, growth or some other equitable measure.So those entities receiving less were, and have stayed, underfunded since 1978. Hence, our issue today for the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District.
In 1978 fire fighting in East County was made up of voluntary fire districts; therefore firefighting and emergency medical services in the area received only 7.5% of our 1% ad valorem property tax. Other, established fire districts within the countyreceived, on average 12%, some much more. If East County would have received the county average or San Ramon’s allocation of 21% or even ConFire’s 14%, or if periodic adjustments had been made, the district’s budget today would be approximately double what it is today and we would not be having this severe crisis.
Where does the funding that ECCFPD did not get in 1978 go? It went to the City of Brentwood, the County, the school districts and special districts within the ECCFPD boundaries. It is time to right this historical wrong, redirecting some of our current property taxes from these entities to ECCFPD to provide for the services necessary to save lives and protect property.
We, East County Voters for Equal Protection (ECV) , want the other public entities within the ECCFPD boundaries to adjust their allocations by approximately 5% (which in many cases is only about 1-2% of their total revenue)to provide adequate funding for the ECCFPD. This would not cut any of their current programs, but would reduce their growth rate. They can keep the bonus allocations they have received since 1978, but going forward the funding is desperately needed to protect the lives and homes, schools and infrastructure of East County.
This reallocation would provide the $7.8 million that ECCFPD needs to open and operate three more stations bringing the total number of stations to six. We, ECV, would then support a tax measure on the ballot to fund beyond six stations, if necessary; but government must do their part first.
What must the community do to get the funding for ECCFPD?
The process to reallocate property taxes is clear; we know the process and the law. It is difficult, at best, and requires the co-operation of local elected officials and the concurrence by the areas residents. We recommend starting today and, in the short term, achieve this funding with a local MOU or Joint powers Agreement (JPA).
However, since our elected and appointed officials in East County are reluctant to solve this crisis, we, the residents of East County, must create the political will for these officialsto look beyond their own parochial interests and think of the common good.
This issue is, fundamentally, about fair and equitable solutions. Fire Services are funded by property taxes. Local government and school districts are among the largest land owners in East County. They are also large consumers of fire district services. However, they pay no property taxes and, therefore, do not pay their share of the costs of the services. We believe it is their responsibility to step up and share the cost of correcting this injustice.
Assemblyman Jim Frazier and State Senator Steve Glazer have said publically that they will carry any necessary legislation to Sacramento to complete the transaction, once a local agreement is reached.
Our local elected and appointed officials hold the keys to unlock the solution to our crises.Most will tell you the process is long and difficult, but will not tell you that they are the obstacle. This issue is one, long, self-fulfilling prophecy that starts with them.
This is why we have begun meeting with local elected and appointed officials and community groups. We must build the political will, break the cycle of self-interest,in our officials or, in this an election year, vote out of office any official who will not support this effort.
We need you, the community residents of East County to contact your city council, school board, irrigation and/or water district and other special districts to make this happen.
Hal Bray is a Brentwood resident and is co-chair of East County Voters for Equal Protection, a non-partisan citizen’s action committee, whose goal is to improve funding for the ECCFPD. For more information, email hal.bray@pacbell.net or like the group on Facebook at www.facebook.com/EastCountyVoters.
Read MoreThere are currently, approximately 8,401 teachers educating more than 174,800 students in Contra Costa County’s public schools. To recognize their efforts and bring much-deserved honor to the teaching profession, the participating school districts in the county recently named their Teachers of the Year (TOY) representatives. (See list below.) The upcoming school year’s 21 TOYs represent 16 Contra Costa County school districts, the Contra Costa Community College District, and the Contra Costa County Office of Education (CCCOE). Most of these representatives, those who teach grades K thru 12, are eligible to compete in the Contra Costa County TOY competition. The two top teachers in the county TOY program will represent Contra Costa County in the California State TOY Program this coming fall.
“We are immensely proud of these amazing educators,” said Karen Sakata, Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools. “They were thoughtfully chosen to represent their schools and districts, and truly represent what is best about public education.”
The county’s TOY program is directed by the CCCOE. With such a high caliber of teaching professionals to draw from, the CCCOE’s TOY program uses a three-stage selection process, with a point and percentage system to determine the final candidates as follows:
I Application Screening:
On April 8, a committee of 15 judges, representing the county’s education, business, and public-sector partners will carefully review the applications submitted by the school districts. This committee independently rates each application. After the application screening and scoring are completed, four teachers will be selected to advance to the next two phases as finalists.
II Classroom Observation and Interview:
In April and May, a small committee of education specialists and business partners observe the four finalists interacting with their students. Immediately following, the committee interviews the candidates discussing topics such as their teaching philosophy and techniques.
III Speech Presentation:
On August 15, the four TOY finalists will each give a three- to five-minute speech to another panel of a dozen educators, business, and public-sector representatives who will judge the finalists on their speech and presentation skills.
On the evening of September 22, 2016, all 21 TOYs, accompanied by their families, friends, and co-workers (an audience of close to 400) will be honored at the annual Contra Costa County Teacher of the Year Dinner Celebration, held at the Hilton Concord. Ms. Sakata, who serves as master of ceremonies, introduces the TOYs by sharing a special story that reflects her classroom visits of each teacher during the current spring and summer months. This will be followed by the four finalists giving their three- to five-minute speeches (same speeches given in August) to the filled banquet room. Finally, the night will come to a dramatic close with the announcement of the two 2016-2017 Contra Costa County Teachers of the Year.
2016-2017 Contra Costa County Teacher of the Year Representatives:
Jamie Cackler Bennetts, Knightsen Elementary School District, Knightsen Elementary
Cynthia Boyko, Acalanes Union High School District, Miramonte High
Rachael Byron, San Ramon Valley Unified School District, Dougherty Valley High
Krystal Figaroa, Pittsburg Unified School District, Stoneman Elementary
Erin Flanigan, Martinez Unified School District, Alhambra High
Daniel Yoshio Haley, Mt. Diablo Unified School District, El Dorado Middle
Shauna Hawes, Mt. Diablo Unified School District, Valley View Middle
Judy Jernigan, Lafayette School District, Lafayette SD Schools
Kristyn Loy, West Contra Costa Unified School District, Stewart Elementary
Judy Mazur, Walnut Creek School District, Buena Vista Elementary
Vicki McGuire, Antioch Unified School District, Sutter Elementary
Aminta Mickles, Contra Costa Community College District, Contra Costa College
Gina Minder-Maldonado, Oakley Union Elementary School District, Oakley Elementary
Dayle Okamitsu, Orinda Union School District, Wagner Ranch Elementary
Lawrence Pang, West Contra Costa Unified School District, El Cerrito High
Deborah Guillén Rocchild, John Swett Unified School District, John Swett High
Summer Rodriguez, Liberty Union High School District, Liberty High
Joyce Rooks, San Ramon Valley Unified School District, Creekside Elementary
Juliet Simens, Brentwood Union School District, Pioneer Elementary
Angela Taylor, Contra Costa County Office of Education, Parole Education Program Oakland Computerized Literacy Learning Center
Sarah Vieira, Byron Union School District, Timber Point Elementary
Note regarding eligible participants:
- Sixteen of the eighteen Contra Costa County school districts represented, and the CCCOE are participating in this year’s TOY program.
- Each year, one instructor from Contra Costa Community College District is submitted to the TOY program for his/her outstanding body of work with their designated college. The colleges rotate each year between Diablo Valley, Los Medanos, and Contra Costa. (These instructors do not compete in the State Teacher of the Year competition.) This year is Contra Costa College’s turn.
- Due to the larger number of students and teachers in their districts, West Contra Costa USD, Mt. Diablo USD, and San Ramon Valley USD are allowed to submit two TOY candidates.
Follow Contra Costa County’s Teacher of the Year program on Twitter: #CoCoTOY
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