Contra Costa Herald

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Archives for 2016

Concord Council to hear Lennar’s revised Term Sheet, consider them for Master Developer of Naval Weapons Station, tonight

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By Allen Payton

After hearing input from the public at their special meeting on April 13, as well as a public apology from Lennar Urban CEO Kofi Bonner for the causing the controversy over contributions to Councilman Tim Grayson’s  Assembly campaign, the Concord City Council, sitting as the Local Reuse Authority (LRA) for the Concord Naval Weapons Station, directed staff  to meet with representatives from Lennar Urban to revise their Term Sheet.

Staff will make a presentation on the matter at tonight’s council meeting. The council will also have the opportunity to finalize their decision on selecting Lennar as the Master Developer for Phase I of the weapons station Reuse Plan.

According to the staff report, they “also reviewed the alternatives to selecting a Master Developer to determine whether any one of them is a viable or superior approach for Concord. This staff report provides analysis of both efforts.”

Furthermore, staff states that Lennar is committed to sign the revised Term Sheet, should the council vote to select Lennar as the Master Developer.

Following is the agenda item with a link to the complete, 175 page staff report.

CITY COUNCIL/CITY COUNCIL SITTING AS THE LOCAL REUSE AUTHORITY CONSIDERATION ITEMS

The public is entitled to address the City Council on items appearing on the agenda before or during the City Council’s consideration of that item. Each speaker will be limited to approximately three minutes.

  1. Presentation – of a revised Lennar Term Sheet and consideration of staff’s recommendation that City Council select Lennar Concord LLC as the Master Developer for the Development Phase One Property at the Concord Naval Weapons Station and proceed to the Disposition and Development Agreement (DDA) stage of the negotiation period, as defined in the Agreement to Negotiate between the Local Reuse Authority and Lennar. Report by Guy Bjerke, Director of Community Reuse Planning.

The council meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. at the City Council Chambers at Concord City Hall, 1950 Parkside Drive. Meetings can also be viewed on Concord TV, available on Comcast Channel 28, Wave Channel 29, and U-verse Channel 99.

 

Former Contra Costa Fair Manager, Lori Marshall becomes first woman CEO of Cow Palace

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New Cow Palace CEO, Lori Marshall

New Cow Palace CEO, Lori Marshall

The Board of Directors of the Cow Palace welcomed Lori Marshall into the role of Chief Executive Officer on April 1, 2016.  Her role at the historic Bay Area venue began as the Deputy Manager in July 2015, but was quickly promoted to the role of CEO when Ken Alstott, (Cow Palace CEO from April 1, 2013 – March 31, 2016), announced his retirement.

Marshall is the first woman in the 75-year history of the Cow Palace to lead the organization, and is responsible for managing the physical and fiscal over site of the facility in addition to putting on the annual signature event, the Grand National Livestock Expo, Horse Show and Rodeo.

The venue has a historic presence in the Bay Area, with concerts that featured legendary headliners like The Beatles, Elvis Presley, and Prince; and serves as a space for various expositions, consumer and trade shows, sporting events, as well as a variety of community, religious and charitable events.

“I’m excited to lead the Cow Palace as a premier destination for events in the Bay Area, and continue the tradition of producing the Grand National Livestock Expo, Horse Show, and Rodeo, for many years to come” said Marshall. The Cow Palace has a rich history after 75 years in the Bay Area community and I’m honored to be part of that. As a 4-H member in my youth, I used to show animals at the Junior Grand National Livestock Show, so to come back in this role is truly a full circle moment.”

Lori comes to the Cow Palace with a degree in Animal Science from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and decades of event and facility management experience. Lori grew up in Brentwood and worked for 25 years at the Contra Costa County Fair in various positions, with her last seven years as CEO.

She has served in a variety of roles within industry associations such as Western Fairs Association, International Assn. of Fairs & Expositions, and California Fairs Service Authority, in addition to participating on boards of numerous civic organizations such as the Antioch Chamber of Commerce, Knightsen School Site Council and the Contra Costa Winegrowers Association.

ABOUT THE COW PALACE – The Cow Palace promotes and showcases a variety of entertainment and events to serve the needs and reflect the cultural diversity of the community. Annually they conduct a unique event, ‘The Grand National Livestock Expo, Horse Show, & Rodeo’, and continues to encourage youth participation in the agricultural industry. The organization provides a well-managed, year round multi use facility for the use and enjoyment of the Bay Area and surrounding communities. The Cow Palace is located at 2600 Geneva Avenue, in Daly City. For more information visit www.cowpalace.com.

Watch candidate forums for June election on Contra Costa TV in May

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Watch the candidate forums for the various election campaigns in Contra Costa County on Contra Costa TV’s (CCTV) CountyNet channel or via their website at www.co.contra-costa.ca.us/142/Contra-Costa-Television-CCTV. CCTV is available to subscribers of AT&T U-verse on Channel 99, to Comcast subscribers on Channel 27 and to Wave (formerly Astound) subscribers on Channel 32.

Monday, May 2

8:00 PM Election Preview 2016 Supervisorial District 3

9:00 PM Election Preview 2016 Assembly 16

9:30 PM Election Preview 2016 State Senate 7

10:00 PM Election Preview 2016 US Rep. 11

Tuesday, May 3

7:00 PM Election Preview 2016 Supervisorial District 5

8:00 PM Election Preview 2016 Assembly 14

8:30 PM Election Preview 2016 State Senate 3

9:00 PM Election Preview 2016 US Representative District 5

9:30 PM Election Preview 2016 State Senate 9

10:00 PM Election Preview 2016 Assembly 15

Wednesday, May 4

11:00 AM Election Preview 2016 Supervisorial District 5

12:00 PM Election Preview 2016 Supervisorial District 3

1:00 PM Election Preview 2016 Assembly 16

1:30 PM Election Preview 2016 State Senate 7

2:00 PM Election Preview 2016 US Rep. 11

2:30 PM Election Preview 2016 Assembly 14

3:00 PM Election Preview 2016 State Senate 3

3:30 PM Election Preview 2016 US Representative District 5

4:00 PM Election Preview 2016 State Senate 9

4:30 PM Election Preview 2016 Assembly 15

Friday, May 6

9:00 AM Election Preview 2016 Assembly 14

9:30 AM Election Preview2016 State Senate 3

10:00 AM Election Preview2016 US Rep. 5

10:30 AM Election Preview2016 State Senate 9

11:00 AM Election Preview2016 Assembly 15

2:00 PM Election Preview 2016 District 5

3:00 PM Election Preview 2016 District 3

4:00 PM Election Preview 2016 Assembly 16

4:30 PM Election Preview2016 State Senate 7

5:00 PM Election Preview2016 US Rep. 11

Sunday, May 8

9:00 AM Election Preview 2016 Supervisorial District 3

10:00 AM Election Preview 2016 Assembly 16

10:30 AM Election Preview 2016 State Senate 7

11:00 AM Election Preview 2016 US Rep. 11

11:30 AM Election Preview 2016 Assembly 14

12:00 PM Election Preview 2016 State Senate 3

12:30 PM Election Preview 2016 US Representative District 5

1:00 PM Election Preview 2016 State Senate 9

1:30 PM Election Preview 2016 Assembly 15

2:00 PM Election Preview 2016 Supervisorial District 5

Get a job at the Contra Costa County Fair Job Fair, Saturday, May 7th

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CONTRACOSTAFAIR2016There will be lots of positions to be filled!

WHAT: The Contra Costa County Fair will be holding a Job Fair and interviews on Saturday May 7th.  Applications and interviews will take place for the 2016 Contra Costa Contra Costa County Fair which will be held Thursday June 2nd – Sunday June 5th.  Available positions include but are not limited to: parking and ticket sellers, ticket takers, parking attendants, customer service representatives, janitorial staff, maintenance staff, security guards and more. Fair Management and Department Supervisors are looking for people with a strong work ethics and a high level of customer service who want to be part of the Contra Costa County Fair event.  Interested applicants must bring their photo ID and a social security card to the Job Fair.  Applications will be available to fill out on-site or are available on-line in advance under the “About Us” tab at www.contracostafair.com

WHEN: Saturday, May 7th from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.

WHERE: Contra Costa County Fairgrounds Office, 1201 West 10th Street, Antioch

WHY: Each year the Contra Costa County Fair hires roughly 50 – 100 people to work at the annual event, not including the local employees hired directly by our individual food vendors, carnival providers and Livestock department. We are looking for top-notch workers who believe in keeping the Contra Costa County Fair a place where families can expect superior customer service.  The goal with the Job Fair is to create a greater level of awareness among Contra Costa County residents that these job opportunities exist at the Contra Costa County Fair.  The fact that we are hiring hard working local residents creates a big opportunity for those looking for work

League of Conservation Voters of the East Bay endorse Burgis for County Supervisor

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Diane Burgis, candidate for Contra Costa County Supervisor, District III, announced she had received the endorsement of the League of Conservation Voters of the East Bay.

“Diane Burgis is committed to standing up for a clean environment,” said Beth Gunston, President of the Board of Directors of the League of Conservation Voters of the East Bay.  “As executive director of the Friends of Marsh Creek Watershed and a trustee of the East Bay Regional Park District, Diane has been fighting for clean water and open space throughout her personal and professional life.”

“I believe it is critical that we protect our natural resources for future generations to enjoy,” said Burgis.  “I am pleased that the League of Conservation Voters of the East Bay has recognized my work to protect the Delta and ensure that our environment is healthy and open space is preserved.”

The mission of LCVEB is to further environmental and public health protections in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties by electing environmental leaders to local office.

Burgis has also earned the endorsement of retiring Supervisor Mary Piepho, former Assemblywoman Joan Buchanan, and more than 30 locally elected officials and community leaders.  Recently, she was honored by the Contra Costa Women’s Hall of Fame with the Women Improving the Environment Award for her work with the Friends of Marsh Creek Watershed.

For more information on the organization, visit www.lcveastbay.org.

Hardcastle leads in campaign finances in District 3 Supervisor race, Wilson receives most in monetary contributions

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Barr, Burgis, Wilson have large balances of unpaid bills

By Allen Payton

Campaign finance reports were due on Thursday, April 28 and all six candidates for District 3 County Supervisor submitted their reports required for any candidate who has raised or spent at least $2,000 in their campaign, this year. The reporting period is from January 1 through April 23, 2016.

Oakley Councilman Doug Hardcastle leads the pack with the most received at $37,511.16 and spent at $34,642.80. But, $15,500 was from loans he made to his campaign. The total also includes non-monetary contributions of $5,000. He had $2,868.36 cash on hand at the end of the reporting period.

Antioch Councilwoman Monica Wilson raised the most in monetary contributions at $25,589.76 with $5,179 of that amount transferred from her 2016 City Council reelection campaign committee. But, she spent $26,046.19 and had $14,587.85 in unpaid bills, with an ending cash balance of $14,249.48. Most of Wilson’s contributions were from, and most of the money was spent outside of the district, with the majority of it spent out of state. UPDATE 05-02-16: Wilson’s finance reports from her 2016 City Council re-election campaign committee have been posted, below. They show $4,700 in itemized contributions of $100 or more, all of it from outside of both the City of Antioch and Supervisor District 3.

East Bay Regional Parks District Board Member Diane Burgis is in second place for monetary contributions with $18,857 and Brentwood Councilman Steve Barr is in a close third at $18,685. But Barr is in second for total contributions at $28,335 which include a $5,000 loan from him and his wife, and $4,650 in non-monetary contributions. Two of Burgis’ largest contributions were received from Supervisors Mary Piepho and John Gioia at the maximum of $1,675 each. She has spent the second most at $26,568.86, had $15,271.21 in unpaid bills and an ending cash balance of $7,659.90. Barr spent $26,009, had $18,585 in unpaid bills, but $20,911 in cash on hand.

NAACP East County Branch President Odessa Lefrancois raised $11,885, with her largest contribution of $5,000 coming from Public Employees Union Local #1, of which she’s a member. Her campaign spent $9,277.80 and had $2,607.20 cash on hand at the end of the reporting period. Antioch Mayor Wade Harper’s campaign received $8,050, including his largest contribution of $2,000 from Operating Engineers Local Union No. 3. He spent $5,663.54 and had $2,386.46 cash on hand.

See the complete financial reports for each of the candidates, with details of who has contributed more than $100 and to whom more than $100 was paid, here:

Barr Fin Rpt 0101-042316

Burgis Fin Rpt 0101-042316

Hardcastle Fin Rpt 0701-123115

Hardcastle 0101-042316

Harper Fin Rpt 0101-042316

Lefrancois Fin Rpt 0701-123115

Lefrancois Fin Rpt 0101-042316

Wilson Fin Rpt 0101-042316

Wilson ACC2016 0101-063015

Wilson ACC2016 0701-123115

NOTE: The two additional financial reports from Monica Wilson were for her 2016 City Council campaign committee, since she transferred funds from that committee to her Supervisor campaign committee.

Publisher’s Note: For full disclosure and as explained in the March issue of the Antioch Herald, I, the writer of this article, am the paid consultant for Doug Hardcastle’s campaign for County Supervisor.

County School Board Trustee Belle refused entry into Assemblyman Frazier’s Capital office

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By Allen Payton

Embattled Contra Costa County School Board Trustee Jeff Belle, was refused entry into Assemblyman Jim Frazier’s office in Sacramento, when Belle was in the State Capitol for the county school boards’ legislative action day on Tuesday, March 18th.

When asked if Frazier told him he wasn’t welcome in his office, Belle replied, “Yes, he did say that I wasn’t welcome and should leave.”

“I told him that I’m here regarding education legislation which affects our school districts,” Belle explained. “He stated that I recruited someone to run against him. I replied, this meeting isn’t about partisan politics, it’s about our children and the issues within our schools.”

“I further stated that I would leave out of respect for the people in the room and the process, but totally disagreed with him. I then walked out of his office,” Belle continued. “The situation with Frazier, in my opinion, is an example of party interest over the interest of the people. He is a big bully. Witnesses will support my story. There were four other people in the room. Two of the four were parents from Antioch.”

Belle said those parents were Nallely Malaspina, a member of the District English Learner Advisory Committee and Cindy Osborne of the Deer Valley High School PTSA.

Malaspina confirmed she was with Belle in Sacramento, that day and that he was denied entry into Frazier’s office.

When asked why, Frazier explained the reasons for his actions.

“I didn’t allow Jeff Belle into my office because I don’t want to be associated with someone who is dishonest with the public,” he stated. “He was fined by the state, last year for claiming to be a respiratory therapist when he wasn’t.”

“More importantly, he lied to the voters on his ballot statement, claiming to have a college degree when he didn’t,” Frazier added. “He was investigated and is now being prosecuted by the county District Attorney’s office for that crime.”

When asked if it was partisan because Belle is a Republican, Frazier – a Democrat – responded, “No. It’s not a partisan issue. I just don’t trust him.”

Belle labeled it “State Capitol bullying in action.”

He is facing a trial in the ballot statement matter and can be fined a maximum of $1,000 if convicted.

Contra Costa residents have more voting options for June election, early voting starts May 31st

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Regional Early Voting sites provide flexible timing and locations to cast ballots

Contra Costa County voters will now have unprecedented flexibility to receive and cast their ballots at seven Regional Early Voting sites throughout the county the week before Election Day.

The program will debut on May 31st, a week ahead of the June 7th Primary Election. All registered Contra Costa voters will be able to vote at any of the locations. They will be open from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm Tuesday May 31st through Friday June 3rd, and 9:00 am to 3:00 pm Saturday, June 4th.

“We are actively seeking ways to make voting more convenient for our voters,” said Joe Canciamilla, Contra Costa County Registrar of Voters.

The program comes as state lawmakers discuss reforms aimed at making it easier for Californians to vote in the future.

“While discussions to try and modernize our outdated voting processes continue at the state level, we are taking advantage of the flexibility already given us under existing law to offer our voters as much access to early voting as possible this year,” Canciamilla said.

Contra Costa County is adding this third option for voting in addition to voting by mail and voting at the polls on Election Day.

Regional Early Voting sites are structured so that any registered Contra Costa voter can vote at any location. For example, a Concord resident who works at Bishop Ranch in San Ramon can vote at the site in either of those cities.

The sites are geographically balanced and are located in convenient and accessible locations.

  • Prewett Water Park Multi-Purpose Room, 4701 Lone Tree Way, Antioch
  • Bay Hills Community Church, 4100 Klose Way, Richmond
  • Lafayette Learning Center, 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette
  • San Ramon Community Center at Central Park, 12501 Alcosta Blvd., San Ramon
  • Pittsburg City Hall, 65 Civic Ave., Pittsburg
  • The Salvation Army Church, 3950 Clayton Road, Concord

In addition to the Regional Voting Center sites, vote-by-mail voters can continue to drop off their ballots at “CoCo Vote-N-Go” drop-off boxes at all 19 city hall buildings and the County Administration building on 651 Pine Street, Martinez.

For more information on Regional Early Voting, visit www.cocovote.us.

Writer has problem with Barr being endorsed by Brentwood Police Officers, supports Hardcastle

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Editor:

Brentwood City Councilman and Supervisorial candidate Steve Barr’s endorsement by the Brentwood Police Officers’ Association is a clear example of what is wrong with California politics and government leadership.

A city councilman and/or supervisor is on the management side of the negotiation for pay, benefits, pensions, working rules, etc. with labor groups.  Having their endorsement and, in all probability financial support, during the campaign, leads to the distinct possibility of a pay back or reward for that support during contract negotiations.  The second problem with this arrangement is that the only people left out of that negotiation are the taxpayers, the people who have to pay for the results of that negotiation.  It is especially easy to give pay increases and other benefits when you are negotiating with other people’s money.

I support Doug Hardcastle for Supervisor in District 3.  Doug and his wife Linda have owned and successfully operated Hardcastle’s RV in the county since 1972.  He was on the Ironhouse Sanitary District Board of Directors from 2000 until 2012 and a member of the Oakley City Council since 2012, serving as Mayor, last year.  He is Chairman of Transplan (the East County transportation board), Chairman of the State Route 4 Bypass Authority and is Vice Chairman of the Tri Delta Transit Authority. Doug is a successful, independent leader who understands the need for private sector economic development and jobs in East County and has proven his ability to lead in the public sector.  But, most of all, he is working for all the people of East County, not just a chosen few.

Hal Bray

Discovery Bay

 

DA charges Concord company owners with felony fraud, grand theft, Friday

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District Attorney Mark Peterson announced, Friday that after an extensive investigation, 11 felony charges were filed against Nathan and Sarah Moore, owners of NRM Renovations, Inc., in Concord for workers’ compensation fraud, grand theft of labor and payroll tax fraud.

When reached for comment, Nathan Moore said “No comment. I have no comment.”

The investigation originally began with a series of wage and labor complaints to the U.S. Department of Labor in June of 2015.  Allegations included that workers were not being paid for work they completed doing hotel renovations for NRM Renovations. The Department of Labor forwarded these complaints to the District Attorney’s office, and a joint investigation of suspected labor violations began. The investigation expanded to include three state agencies.  The CA Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) assisted in interviewing the employees. The CA Department of Insurance (CDI) investigated allegations regarding the underpayment of workers’ compensation insurance premiums.  The Employment and Development Department (EDD) helped investigate tax and payroll issues.

NRM Renovations is alleged to owe over $30,000 in back wages to several employees, approximately $250,000 in workers’ compensation premiums to several different insurance companies, and back taxes to the EDD on over $1,000,000 in wages.

Charges include three counts of violating Insurance Code §11760(a) (Workers’ Compensation fraud), and one violation each of Insurance Code §11880(a) (Workers’ Compensation fraud), Penal Code §487 (grand theft of labor), Unemployment Insurance Code (“UI”) §2108 (nonpayment of contributions), UI Code §2177.5 (failure to file a return), and UI 2118.5 (Failure to account and pay over taxes). Due to the amount of loss, the defendants were also charged with an Aggravated White Collar Crime enhancement under Penal Code §186.11(a)(3).

“Businesses that exploit their workers through wage theft will be prosecuted,” said District Attorney Mark Peterson. “We place a priority on restitution for all victims.”

Multiple agencies assisted the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office with this investigation including: the US Department of Labor, the Department of Industrial Relations, the Department of Insurance, the Employment and Development Department, the State Compensation Insurance Fund, Norguard and Benchmark Insurance Companies.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.