Contra Costa Herald

News Of By and For The People of Contra Costa County, California

Archives for 2016

Trying to scare up more votes, Contra Costa Elections Office gives residents more options, as early voting starts today on Halloween

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Regional Early Voting sites provide flexible timing and locations to cast ballots Contra Costa County voters don’t have to wait until Election Day to vote in person.

The Contra Costa Elections Division is hosting seven Regional Early Voting sites throughout the county, starting Monday, October 31st.

All registered Contra Costa voters will be able to obtain a ballot and vote at any of the locations. They will be open from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm Monday October 31st through Friday November 4th, and 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Saturday, November 5th.

“We continue to seek ways to make voting more convenient for our voters,” said Joe Canciamilla, Contra Costa County Registrar of Voters. The night and weekend hours are aimed at making it easier for those Contra Costa voters who commute or want to vote at a convenient site before Election Day, Canciamilla said.

“We have seen the use of our early voting sites double and expect the trend to continue,” Canciamilla said.

Regional Early Voting sites are structured so that any registered Contra Costa voter can vote at any of the locations. 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, accessible locations.

  • Golden Hills Community Church, 2401 Shady Willow Ln., Brentwood
  • Bay Hills Community Church, 4100 Klose Way, Richmond
  • Lafayette Library and Learning Center, 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette
  • San Ramon Community Center at Central Park, 12501 Alcosta Blvd., San Ramon
  • Pittsburg Library Community Room, 80 Power Ave., Pittsburg
  • The Salvation Army Church, 3950 Clayton Road, Concord
  • El Cerrito City Hall, 10890 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito

For more information on Regional Early Voting, visit www.cocovote.us/vote-early.

Community College District board to fill Nejedly’s seat through appointment process

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Applications now available to fill vacancy on Governing Board by Provisional Appointment-Trustee Ward IV

The Contra Costa Community College District (District) is accepting applications to serve as an appointed member for Ward IV of the Governing Board until the next regularly scheduled election for Governing Board members in 2018. The vacancy was created by the recent death of Trustee John Nejedly.

Applicants must be registered voters and residents of Ward IV, which includes Blackhawk, Byron, Danville, Diablo, Discovery Bay, San Ramon, and parts of Alamo, Antioch, Brentwood, Clayton, and Concord.

The Governing Board gave approval at its October 18, 2016, special meeting, to fill this position by provisional appointment instead of the more costly option of an election. Applications are being sought from candidates who have the ability and time to fulfill the responsibilities of being a member of the Board, which includes:

  • full participation in the work of the Board by attending all Board meetings and key college and District events, studying and discussing policy issues, and participating in trustee education programs;
  • knowledge of the communities served by the colleges and willingness to act on behalf of and for the benefit of those communities;
  • commitment to community colleges and their missions; understanding of educational, social, and economic policy issues;
  • balancing the needs of many diverse groups; being able to build consensus; and
  • contribution to effective Board functioning and supporting the authority of the Board as a w

Those interested in applying shall complete and submit a cover letter, application form, resume, and no more than three letters of reference by 4:30 p.m., November 15, 2016, to the Human Resources Department, c/o Mr. Eugene Huff, Contra Costa Community College District, 500 Court Street, Martinez, CA, 94553.  All forms are located on the District website at www.4cd.edu, or can be picked up at the District Office.

A special Governing Board meeting will be held on November 29, 2016, to review all applications and determine persons to be interviewed.  Another special Governing Board meeting will be held on December 1, 2016, to interview three finalists.  If a third special meeting is needed, it will be held on December 5, 2016.

The goal will be to administer the oath of office for the new member at the regular Governing Board meeting on Wednesday, December 14, 2016, at 6:00 p.m.

For more information, please contact the Communications and Community Relations department at (925) 229-6823.

Martinez councilwoman writes to support Glover for Supervisor

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Dear Editor:

As an 18-year employee of Contra Costa County and a 14-year member of the Martinez City Council, I have a unique insight into the two candidates for the District 5 Supervisor race, having worked with both for several years.  Consequently, I am supporting Supervisor Federal Glover.

Federal has demonstrated over many decades in office the ethics and temperament to be an effective leader; people trust him, unlike his opponent. He builds strong, lasting relationships and coalitions, proving that achievement takes collaboration and is built on shared goals and values—not mega-doses of ego or backroom dealings. Federal is a true public servant who believes in good governance and the causes he champions; not someone bent on using their position and influence to “feather their own nest,” climb the political ladder, or take care of their special interests. Federal also has a record of accomplishment and exciting initiatives for the future—not just campaign promises and empty slogans.

On the Board of Supervisors, Federal made tough decisions during the Great Recession, resulting in the County’s “AAA” financial rating, which should not be entrusted to someone with a record of bouncing checks and filing bankruptcies. Federal has demonstrated leadership on public safety issues including gang violence reduction. And I am inspired by the infrastructure projects Federal has advanced that will have a profound impact on our City, as well as the Northern Waterfront Initiative.

For these reasons and many more, please join me in voting for Federal Glover for District 5 Supervisor.

Lara DeLaney

Martinez City Councilmember 2002-present

Contra Costa voter information is just a text away

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County Elections Office utilizing texting technology to make information more accessible

The Contra Costa Elections Division has a surefire way for voters to access information that is sure to get a thumbs-up from those on the go.

Contra Costa residents can simply text the word “Contra Costa” to “2Vote” (28683) on their smartphones, and receive a reply text with a link to quick look-up tools on the Elections Division website.

“We are excited to add this new service for our voters to quickly and easily access our services,” said Joe Canciamilla, Contra Costa’s Registrar of Voters.

Texters will be able to find out more about our Regional Early Voting program, find their polling place, view a sample ballot, learn how to vote-by-mail or volunteer to be a poll worker on Election Day.

They can also view our full mobile-friendly website and find more information about the upcoming election.

The Contra Costa Elections Division worked with Georgia-based Global Mobile to develop the service.

“Our company is really excited to work with such a progressive, forward thinking county,” said Lee Durham, the chief executive officer of Global Mobile. “This is the easiest way to connect, especially for millennials and Gen-Xers who want instantaneous information.”

Besides texting, you can find out more information about the upcoming November 8th General Election by calling 925-335-7800 or visiting the Contra Costa Elections website at www.cocovote.us.

State Senator Glazer endorses transportation funding Measure X

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

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

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

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

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

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

Metropolitan Transportation Commission Member and Orinda Councilmember Amy Worth said,

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

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

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

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

Congressman DeSaulnier Awarded High Marks from the League of Conservation Voters

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

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

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

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

The full scorecard can be found here.

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

 

Sunny outlook for solar power at Antioch, Lafayette BART stations

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

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

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

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

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

Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office STARR 3 helicopter rescues injured hiker on Mt. Diablo trail

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helicopter-rescue

See link to video at the bottom of the article.

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

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

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

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

Senator Glazer named Legislator of Year by AMVETS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Closed Pittsburg fire station to reopen after three years, will also serve Bay Point

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

support its operations. The economic recovery has also helped.

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

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