Publisher | Contra Costa Herald

Ballot measure recommendations from the League of Women Voters of Diablo Valley

May 21, 2016 By Publisher Leave a Comment

PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY ELECTION

June 7, 2016

By Lee Lawrence, Action Chair, League of Women Voters of Diablo Valley

PROPOSITION 50 state ballot measure

SUSPENSION OF LEGISLATORS. LEGISLATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT. Authorizes Legislature to suspend Members, including without salary and benefits. Prohibits suspended Members from using powers of office or legislative resources. Provides suspension may end on specified date or by vote of Member’s house. Fiscal Impact: No effect on state spending

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF CALIFORNIA: SUPPORT

The League of Women Voters of California recommends a “Yes” vote on Proposition 50, Suspension of Legislators, a constitutional amendment appearing on the June 7 ballot. Proposition 50 would give the Legislature, by a two-thirds vote, clear authority to discipline Senators or Assembly Members by suspending them without pay. Lawmakers should be able to hold their own colleagues accountable if they breach the public’s trust.

This commonsense measure was placed on the ballot with strong bipartisan support. The requirement for a two-thirds vote of the Legislature ensures this authority would not be misused for partisan purposes.

SF BAY RESTORATION AUTHORITY – PARCEL TAX MEASURE AA

SAN FRANCISCO BAY RESTORATION AUTHORITY

2/3 required to pass

San Francisco Bay Clean Water, Pollution Prevention and Habitat Restoration Program.

To protect San Francisco Bay for future generations by reducing trash, pollution and harmful toxins, improving water quality, restoring habitat for fish, birds and wildlife, protecting communities from floods, and increasing shoreline public access, shall the San Francisco Bay Restoration Authority authorize a parcel tax of $12 per year, raising approximately $25 million annually for twenty years with independent citizen oversight, audits, and all funds staying local?

League of Women Voters of the Bay Area: SUPPORT

Our League Bay Area positions support conservation and development of the SF Bay and enhancement and preservation of the Bay and its shorelines. LWVUS policies on climate change also support adaptation activities related to climate change, such as sea level rise. This measure will generate funding for restoration of San Francisco Bay wetlands, benefitting people, wildlife, and the Bay Area economy. More wetlands will improve the bay by filtering out pollution for cleaner water; increasing habitat for fish, birds and other wildlife. The measure will expand Bay trails and shoreline access; and protect low-lying communities and infrastructure from floods.

BRENTWOOD UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT – BOND MEASURE B

55% required to pass

To provide Brentwood students with 21st century classrooms, upgrade libraries and science labs, improve school safety and security, expand access to classroom technology for students and teachers, renovate and modernize older schools in the District, build a new elementary school, and replace, acquire, construct and renovate school facilities, shall the Brentwood Union School District issue $158,000,000 in bonds, at legal interest rates, with an independent citizens’ oversight committee and no funds spent on administrators salaries?

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF DIABLO VALLEY: SUPPORT

The League of Women Voters strongly supports public education, and believes that bond

measures are appropriate for major capital expenditures. A quality public education is essential for a strong, viable, and sustainable democratic society and is a civil right. We think the rapid growth of the school district the school board’s commitment to keeping the repayment costs under $30 per $100,000 of assessed value, and their track record of fiscal management justifies this measure.

LAFAYETTE SCHOOL DISTRICT – BOND MEASURE C

55% required to pass

To upgrade aging neighborhood elementary and middle schools, avoid overcrowding, and modernize classrooms for today’s curriculum, including math, science, technology and arts, shall Lafayette School District repair or replace deteriorated roofs, plumbing, and electrical systems; update classrooms, labs and instructional technology; improve school safety/security: and acquire, construct, renovate, equip sites/facilities, by issuing $70,000,000 in bonds at legal rates, with independent citizen oversight, no administrators’ salaries, and all funds dedicated locally to Lafayette TK-8 schools?

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF DIABLO VALLEY: SUPPORT

The League of Women Voters strongly supports public education, and believes that bond measures are appropriate for major capital expenditures. A quality public education is essential for a strong, viable, and sustainable democratic society and is a civil right. We support Measure C.

WALNUT CREEK SCHOOL DISTRICT – BOND MEASURE D

55% required to pass

To address critical renovation, modernization and safety needs at District schools, upgrade classrooms, libraries and computer networks to provide students with 21st Century classrooms, improve energy efficiency of classrooms and buildings, and replace, acquire, construct and renovate school facilities shall the Walnut Creek School District issue $60 million in bonds at legal interest rates with funds monitored by an Independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee and no funds spent on administrators?

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF DIABLO VALLEY: SUPPORT

CITY OF ANTIOCH – INITIATIVE MEASURE E

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF DIABLO VALLEY: NO POSITION

Majority required to pass

Shall the electors adopt the Initiative Limiting Card Rooms Within the City and Requiring Voter Approval for New or Expanded Card Rooms Ordinance?

CITY OF ANTIOCH – CONSULTATIVE MEASURE G

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF DIABLO VALLEY: NO POSITION

Majority required to pass

CHANGING THE CITY TREASURER POSITION FROM ELECTED TO APPOINTED.

Shall the office of City Treasurer be appointed?

CITY OF CLAYTON – PARCEL TAX MEASURE H

2/3 required to pass

CITYWIDE TRAILS AND LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE DISTRICT

CONTINUATION OF EXISTING SERVICES AND SPECIAL PARCEL TAX

Shall the existing Community Facility District 2007-1 (Trails and Landscape Maintenance District) be continued, with a Citizens Oversight Committee, for ten years to fund on-going operations and maintenance of the trails system, roadway landscape, open space weed abatement, and related expenses at the current annual special tax’s rate and methodology (presently $234.84/year per residential and non-residential parcel or fraction thereof), for FYs 2017-2027?

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF DIABLO VALLEY: NO POSITION

CITY OF OAKLEY – SPECIAL TAX MEASURE K

2/3 required to pass

To replace the small, outdated Oakley Library currently utilizing a portion of Freedom High School and construct and operate a new Library and Community Learning Center downtown, shall the ordinance establishing a $7.75 per month per parcel Library Development Tax be adopted, raising approximately one million one hundred thousand dollars annually, for thirty years starting fiscal year 2016/17, with independent financial audits ensuring funds are spent only on the Oakley Library and Community Learning Center?

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF DIABLO VALLEY: SUPPORT

The League of Women Voters support a public library system as a basic community service with a long-term, assured, stable and adequate funding source. We support access by all persons to public library services as a major source of knowledge and information necessary for informed,

active participation in a democratic society. This 30 year plan for a new library and community learning center meets our criteria. We hope the community will support this measure.

CITY OF ORINDA – BOND MEASURE L

2/3 required to pass

Orinda Road and Storm Drain Repair Measure. To repair failing roads and storm drains, restore and upgrade other roadways and storm drains, fix potholes, and improve safety on Orinda public streets, shall the City of Orinda issue twenty five million dollars in bonds, with financial audits, public review of all expenditures, and a citizens’ oversight committee?

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF DIABLO VALLEY: SUPPORT

The League of Women Voters supports the use of bonds for financing capital projects and for repair and retrofitting of existing public facilities and structures. Studies by the Orinda members of LWVDV have shown repeatedly that more investment is needed in streets and roads in that community. We support this measure.

CITY OF PITTSBURG – SALES TAX MEASURE M

Majority required to pass

To provide funding that stays in Pittsburg and cannot be seized by the State, to be used for Public Safety, gang prevention, job creation programs for local residents, Senior Center operations, repair roads, operate youth programs, and maintain other City services, shall the City of Pittsburg extend its current half-cent sales tax through fiscal year 2034-2035, providing $3.6-$3.8 million annually, then the increase be terminated, altogether, with citizens’ oversight, mandatory audits and consistent community reporting?

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF DIABLO VALLEY: SUPPORT

The League of Women Voters supports measures to ensure revenues both sufficient and flexible enough to meet changing needs for local government services. The League believes government should have the necessary resources to perform its functions. This sales tax extension seems appropriate, and does not raise taxes for the citizens of Pittsburg.

VOTE WITH THE LEAGUE ON JUNE 7!

The League of Women Voters, a non partisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. We take positions on ballot measures only when we have studied a topic in depth and have arrived at a consensus position.

We never support or oppose candidates for office, or support or oppose political parties.

YOU MUST REGISTER TO VOTE BY MAY 23, 2016, TO VOTE IN THE JUNE 7, 2016 PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY

Glover to host 16th annual Y.ASSEMBLE Youth Conference, Saturday; free concert added

May 20, 2016 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Website: YASSEMBLE.CO

Register: YASSEMBLE.eventbright.com

Everything from how to find a job or preparing for college to how to make a film to dating relationships will be offered to the youth who attend the 16th Annual Youth Conference & Empowerment Summit. Formerly known as the Youth Summit, this year’s countywide gathering of young people from 6^th grade through high school, will discover that have a plethora of new offerings for their workshops, an integral part of the summit, which will be held at Pittsburg High School on Saturday, May 21st, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Shaun Derrick will return as the Master of Ceremonies for the conference.

The first 250 youth who walk through the door will get a free summer bus pass. A tasty lunch will also be offered. The entire day is free. Plus a musical concert has been added to cap the daylong event.

“We are changing the flavor of the summit this year,” says Contra Costa County Supervisor Federal Glover, who sponsors the conference. “We are updating some of the workshops and offering new ones to make them more relevant to today’s youth. There’s a stronger emphasis on the STEM fields and how the new technology affects our everyday lives.”

The charismatic Shaun Derrick will be returning for the third year to emcee the proceedings and to guide the youth through the day’s activities.

“He connects with young people through straight talk and music,” says Glover.

The youth summit will start the day with a team of Deer Valley High School graduates who will give the keynote presentation.

Lenard “The KYD” Jackson will be the Keynote Speaker at the conference.

Lenard The KYD Jackson, who graduated Deer Valley High School two years ago, is being joined by Team KYD, which includes fellow DVHS alumni Lawrence Eyo White, Jr., Cherokee White and Ledell Jones. Performing at the annual youth conference is a way of giving back to their community. The interactive presentation called Talkback will consist of comedy skits, standup comedy and a personal testimony from KYD members and a Q&A with the students.

Since he left Antioch, KYD has worked in film, stage and in comedy clubs. As an actor and a musician, he has worked with Kevin Hart, Paul Mooney, Dick Gregory, Sinbad, Charlie Murphy and Condoleeza Rice.

Eyo White and Ledell Jones are still students at LMC and Cherokee White is a student at San Francisco State University.

Singer Samaria will perform during a concert for the students who attend the daylong conference.

Following the conference, students who stay for the entire conference will be treated to a free, live concert featuring up and coming artist Samaria, a 19‐year-old singer from Oakland who is on the verge of breaking out. Her music has a 1990’s R&B vibe to it but her sound is so distinct that it extends beyond just R&B or soul. Her sound cannot be placed into a box. Samaria said her musical style is heavily influenced by her heritage ‐ Jamaican and Puerto Rican.

One of the more intriguing workshops will talk about the results of a research project by Rising Youth for Social Equity, based in Richmond. It will explore the coping strategies for stress caused by living in an environment where friends and family are shot and killed is an everyday experience of growing up. The young people growing in such a stressful environment are showing signs of PTSD, a malady usually associated with veterans of warfare.

Here’s a sampling of the other 40 workshops being offered:

Dance movement
Developing trust
Navigating the media maze
Healthy relationships
Empowering youth to change communities
Find your voice, find your ‘hustle’
Building a rocket
How to cope with violence
Access to new technologies
How to build a robot
The alcohol industry’s marketing towards youth
Trademarks of an effective leader

With Team KYD, Samaria and emcee Shaun Derrick, almost 40 workshops, resource tables, fun activities and a free lunch Y.ASSEMBLE will be a full day for young people. Doors will open at 8 a.m. For the day’s schedule and a list of the workshops, go to YASSEMBLE.CO or YASSEMBLE.eventbrite.com. The free concert starts about 4:15 p.m. and is open only to YASSEMBLE participants.

“I hope the event opens the eyes of the young people,” said Glover. “Through the inspirational speakers, resources and opportunities that we’re offering and the impact of the day will help them make some critical choices in their lives. That’s what it’s all about.”

Y.ASSEMBLE Youth Conference & Empowerment Summit

Saturday, May 21, 2016

9 a.m. ‐ 4 p.m.

Pittsburg High School

1750 Harbor Street, Pittsburg

Hardcastle supporter rebuts letter in support of Burgis

May 20, 2016 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Editor:

It seems Susan Morgan (who failed to identify herself as Vice President of the Ironhouse Sanitary District Board) has made some factual errors in her letter supporting Diane Burgis. Such errors could easily have been avoided by simply asking her fellow board members who they are supporting in the District 3 Supervisor race. As shown on www.doughardcastle.com/endorsements, Doug is supported by many current and former public figures and local leaders, including three members of ISDB, namely; Chris Lauritzen, Dr. Michael Painter, and Board President Doug Scheer.

By failing to check her facts on such a simple matter as public endorsements, Susan Morgan has called into question her veracity and competence as a public servant, a spokeswoman for Ms. Burgis, and as a professional called to a high ethical standard.

In addition, while Morgan identifies the positions held by Ms. Burgis, as evidence of her experience and qualifications for the office of Supervisor, she fails to note Burgis’ length of service (less than four years), or any positive achievements of her chosen candidate. By contrast, Doug Hardcastle has served Contra Costa County for over 15 years, while at the same time running a local business with his wife, Lyn. During that time, he supported innovative solutions to reduce ratepayers’ costs, and, after his tenure as Mayor of Oakley, left the city with an improved public safety record and no debt to the State of California.

While I have not met Ms. Burgis personally, not being a member of the politically elite circles in which both she and Susan Morgan seem to move, I know from personal experience that everyone who meets Doug Hardcastle comes away with a positive impression of him, and all of his friends and colleagues can vouch for his honesty, his character, his dedication to public safety, and his record of accomplishment in fiscal management. None of the other candidates have such a positive record of accomplishment, and none of the other candidates had the courage to challenge the current incumbent after she and her colleagues on the Board of Supervisors voted themselves a large pay raise instead of prioritizing public safety, like the underfunded fire protection service in East County.

In short, if you want a candidate with a record of improving public safety and using your tax dollars wisely, Doug Hardcastle is the only choice.

Sean Pearson

Brentwood

Contra Costa Transportation Authority releases draft 30-year transportation funding plan

May 19, 2016 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Board Unanimously Adopts Visionary Transportation Expenditure Plan; Business and Environmental Groups Declare Support

Walnut Creek, CA – The Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) Board unanimously adopted a transformative plan for the next 30 years at last night’s board meeting.

The proposed $2.9 billion Transportation Expenditure Plan (TEP) is the culmination of months of extensive public outreach, stakeholder engagement, and advocate input. The plan focuses on innovative strategies and new technologies to promote a strong economy, protect the environment, and enhance the quality of life for all of Contra Costa’s diverse communities.

“We have moved from a Measure C, which started us on a path of tying transportation and development. That was the first big step. Then Measure J went further along that line,” said CCTA Commissioner and Danville Councilmember Newell Arnerich. “That’s why we are sitting here tonight talking about trying to do something different. We are putting more money than we ever have – in real dollars – into bike and pedestrian projects. And we are going to do it in a smart way. I know people want to define transformative in different ways – this is a big deal.

“This plan is the result of serious thought, care and effort to take into account the vast array of input that we’ve had, and to make compromises and stretch in areas that are uncomfortable,” said CCTA Commissioner and Pleasant Hill Councilmember David Durant. “It’s an honor to be here with this group of people, working on something like this. This process is the most inclusive that I’ve ever seen.”

The proposed plan contains unprecedented funding for new technologies and for bicycle and pedestrian improvements in every part of the county. It commits substantial funding to improve BART service, increase access to BART stations, and add new BART cars. It also significantly increases direct funding to local municipalities to maintain and repair local streets and roads.

At the meeting, advocates for the business, environment, and disabled communities spoke up in support of the plan and thanked the board for their leadership and inclusiveness in its development.

“The process has been very inclusionary and considerate,” said Debbie Toth, Executive Director of Rehabilitation Services of Northern California. “I’m incredibly grateful for the support that we’ve had in the arena of accessible transportation for everyone.”

“We are in support of the proposed plan,” said Dave Campbell, Advocacy Director of Bike East Bay. “Thank you for your support for better bicycling!”

“The goal of this measure is to improve transportation and to improve mobility – the movement of people and goods in Contra Costa County. There are significant improvements [in the plan] that will be made by this measure across modes,” said Kristin Connelly, President and CEO of the East Bay Leadership Council.

The plan will now be presented to each of the cities for review and approval, before a final plan is adopted by the Board and then submitted to the Board of Supervisors for final approval and submission to the November 2016 ballot.

“There is $117 million for East County Corridor projects,” said Oakley Mayor Kevin Romick. “Right now there is a $17 million improvement for Vasco Road. We don’t have the money to build a brand new four-lane freeway. It’s about a $1 billion project.”

“Sure we can get some state and federal matching funds. But not unless we put in a whole lot ourselves,” he added. “It will help us eliminate the cul-de-sac feeling we’re experiencing, now.”

“The people who spoke to us said get the trucks off Camino Diablo and out of downtown Byron,” he added. “So that became the top priority. We will make safety improvements to Vasco Road and the Byron Highway.”

Chair of Transplan, the East County division of the CCTA, Doug Hardcastle said, “While the plan doesn’t include funds for Route 239 from Brentwood to Tracy, the $117 million is a very nice first step. It’s been something in the plans for over 40 years.”

“Armstrong to Vasco will be a new road and will be a catalyst for bringing jobs to the Byron Airport and area,” he added.

No other region in the county is collecting a developer fee for the state and federal highways, like East County has been for the past 25 years. Those funds have helped pay for the Highway 4 Bypass and other regional roads. It is currently $20,000 per new home. Suggestions have been made to Concord that they also collect a developer fee on the new homes that are planned for the reuse of the Concord Naval Weapons Station to help pay for improvements to Highways 4 and 242.

About The Contra Costa Transportation Authority

The Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) is a public agency formed by Contra Costa voters in 1988 to manage the county’s transportation sales tax program and oversee countywide transportation planning efforts. CCTA is responsible for planning, funding and delivering critical transportation infrastructure projects and programs that connect our communities, foster a strong economy, increase sustainability, and safely and efficiently get people where they need to go. CCTA also serves as the county’s designated Congestion Management Agency, responsible for putting programs in place to keep traffic levels manageable. More information about CCTA is available at ccta.net.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

Contra Costa Supervisor Candace Andersen endorses Debora Allen for Assembly

May 19, 2016 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Contra Costa County — Contra Costa County Supervisor Candace Andersen joins the East Bay Times, The San Francisco Chronicle, and many other local and state leaders in endorsing businesswoman Debora Allen’s campaign for California’s 14th Assembly district.

“Debora demonstrates strong fiscal responsibility and experience in both the public and private sectors,” Andersen said. “We need more smart women like her, who can work collaboratively with both major parties, to get things done in Sacramento.”

Allen is running on a platform bringing more accountability, transparency, and efficiency to California’s state government.

“I’m honored to have the support of Supervisor Andersen, who has been a tireless champion for us on the Contra Costa Board of Supervisors,” Allen said.

The 14^th Assembly District includes Concord, Clayton, Martinez, Pleasant Hill and portions of Pittsburg and Walnut Creek in Contra Costa County, as well as Benicia and Vallejo in Solano County. To learn more about Allen’s campaign visit www.deboraallen.com.

Writer supports Hardcastle for Supervisor

May 19, 2016 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Editor:

Doug Hardcastle is the only candidate in the race for County Supervisor who has served his country in the military, served in public office and owned a business in the county.

He has the best combination of experience, knowledge and commitment to serve the people of Contra Costa. Doug’s a proven leader and isn’t afraid to take on the tough issues.

He was the only candidate to jump in the race to take on the incumbent and speak out against the 33% pay raise she voted to give herself, as an example of wasteful spending by the county, before she backed out.

We need to elect him, this year, and provide new, strong, proven leadership on the Board of Supervisors. Please join me in voting for Doug Hardcastle on June 7th. To get involved in his campaign, please visit www.doughardcastle.com.

Sincerely,

Ron Yarolimek

Antioch

Concord Police arrest man wanted in case of woman’s body found in pond, Monday

May 18, 2016 By Publisher 1 Comment

Erick Lamar Nelson

Concord – On Monday, May 16, 2016, at 2:36 AM, CPD officers responded to Newhall Park for the report of a body in the pond at that location. A person in the park saw the body and called the police. Upon arrival, officers found an adult female in the water. They pulled her from the water and determined she was deceased.

Major Crimes Unit Detectives were called out and assumed the investigation. It was determined that the female was the victim of a homicide. She has been identified as 25-year-old Concord resident Poinsettia Parks.

Detectives have identified 26-year-old Erick Lamar Nelson as a suspect in this case. There is currently a warrant for Nelson’s arrest and he should be considered armed and dangerous. Nelson is described as a black male adult, 6’1”, 185 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. Nelson was known to the victim.

Detectives are also trying to locate a black, four door 2003 Kia Spectra with CA license plate 5ENY919. Nelson may be in possession of this vehicle.

If Nelson or the Kia are seen, please do not approach and immediately call 911. Anyone with information about his case is asked to call Detective Greg Pardella at (925) 603-5922. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may call the Concord Police Department Tip-Line at (925)-603-5836.

Piepho writes in support of Burgis for Supervisor

May 18, 2016 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Editor,

As you may have heard, I have made a difficult choice not to run for re-election for the Contra Costa Board of Supervisors. This choice was made easier because of one person, East Bay Regional Parks District (EBRPD) Director Diane Burgis.

Diane is uniquely qualified to serve on the Board of Supervisors. She is a true leader and has all of the qualities I feel are the most important to serve the citizens of District III. Diane is a fiscal conservative; supports police and firefighters that work hard to make our communities safe; supports investment into our transportation system; she is approachable and knowledgeable; advocates to protect our Bay/Delta and our environment; and most importantly, Diane cares about you.

Diane has the most regional experience of all the candidates. As a Director of the East Bay Regional Park District, Diane works to serve the taxpayers of two counties, Alameda and Contra Costa. Diane has learned how to responsibly manage an annual budget of over $200 million dollars and oversee a District police and fire department.

As a recent council member for the City of Oakley, Diane knows the challenges of local government and how to fight for the needs of taxpayers and invest in public safety as a top priority.

Diane is a Delta advocate, having served as a member of the Delta Protection Commission she has worked to advance the federal National Heritage Designation to preserve, protect and promote our vibrant Delta region and has fought Governor Brown’s Twin Tunnel project.

As Executive Director of Friends of Marsh Creek Watershed, Diane knows that salmon are a vital link not only to our Delta and our environment, but also our economy. Diane has fought to protect salmon migratory routes and save this valuable fish.

Diane is fiscally conservative. As a former small business owner, Diane knows what it takes to make a budget work and meet the bottom line. Diane puts Public Safety first by supporting a well staffed police force and fire department in order to protect citizens, property and make communities safe. Living in far East County, Diane is acutely aware of and supports the need to fully fund transportation and Vasco Road safety projects that allow for shorter commute hours and more time with family.

Diane has my vote for Contra Costa County’s District III Supervisor because she is the right candidate. I ask you to give her your vote too. If you have any questions I can be reached at 925-516-2358.

It has been my honor and privilege to work for you for nearly 12 years on the Board of Supervisors. Thank you for the opportunity to serve.

Mary Nejedly Piepho

District III

Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors

Community College District Board begins search for new chancellor, public invited to participate

May 16, 2016 By Publisher Leave a Comment

The Governing Board (Board) has officially begun the search for the next chancellor of the Contra Costa Community College District (District). The Board is committed to conducting an equitable, inclusive, and transparent national search that will attract a strong pool of outstanding candidates, and encourages members of the community to participate in the selection process.

Assisting the District in the chancellor search is the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT). ACCT has conducted over 400 community college executive searches and brings a wealth of information and expertise to the process. Working directly with the District is Dr. Pamila Fisher, a longtime California community college educator, who recently assisted in the search for the new president of Contra Costa College. A search committee is currently being identified using District policy guidelines, representing a cross-section of constituents, including students and community members. During the summer months the primary activity will be recruitment led by ACCT, and the search committee’s work will occur in September and October with the goal of announcing our new chancellor by the end of the year.

Open public forums are being held on May 23rd and May 24th with Dr. Fisher to learn more about the search process and to share ideas on the challenges and opportunities facing the District and the ideal characteristics desired in the new chancellor. Here are the dates, location and times of the public forums.

Date	Location	Time	Room
May 23	LMC	10:00 am – 11:30 am	L-109
May 23	CCC	12:30 pm – 2:00 pm	Three Seasons, AA-239
May 23	DO	3:00 pm – 4:30 pm	Board Room
May 24	DVC	11:00 am – 12:30 pm	Diablo Room

For those unable to attend one of the public forums, you may provide your comments by clicking here.

The questions for you to consider are:

What are the major issues and challenges facing the District and its colleges in the next three to five years?
What characteristics, qualities, attributes and skills do you think are critical for the new chancellor’s success?

The District is seeking a new leader following Chancellor Helen Benjamin’s December 31, 2016, retirement announcement.

Progress reports and updates will be posted on the District website. Members of the community will also have an opportunity to meet the chancellor finalists at public forums during the last stage of the process.

Contra Costa students honored for excellence at annual Career Technical Ed/ROP awards ceremony

May 16, 2016 By Publisher Leave a Comment

On Thursday, May 12, the Contra Costa County Office of Education (CCCOE) honored 41 high school students, representing 27 schools in Contra Costa and Alameda counties, with the Students of Excellence Awards for their outstanding achievement in their CTE/ROP (Career Technical Education/Regional Occupational Program) classes. The celebrated students were each presented a certificate of merit and a $250.00 scholarship award. Scholarship funding was provided by Honda Walnut Creek, John Muir Health, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, Walnut Creek Honda, and C&H Sugar.

More than 200 attendees were on hand at the Concord Senior Center. Along with the honored students and their families, the students’ teachers and ROP business-partnership representatives were also on hand. Welcoming remarks were made by Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools Karen Sakata, County Board of Education President Christine Deane, Assembly Member Jim Frazier, and CCCOE Director of Student Programs Janet Haun.

Superintendent Sakata individually presented the awards and checks to each student on stage, followed by a short speech from each of the awardees. The common themes of the heart-felt speeches were their gratitude of their parents and families, as well as their appreciation for their CTE/ROP courses and teachers. Many of the students said their CTE/ROP courses were the highlight of coming to school, and that the classes made their future career goals much clearer.

The Contra Costa County CTE/ROP serves nearly 12,000 students annually with classes in 34 high schools throughout Contra Costa and Alameda counties. Currently, there are 393 state-of-the-art career development classes in this program. CTE/ROP focuses on career preparation and exploration, hands-on experience, and academic excellence to prepare students for success in college and future careers. CTE/ROP provides students with the newest equipment, rigorous academic standards, and classes in emerging technologies. All of the CTE/ROP classes and programs are directed by and funded through the CCCOE. For more information about CTE/ROP classes, visit their website.

The following outstanding students received certificates of merit plus $250.00 in scholarship awards for the CTE/ROP courses they excelled in during the current school year:

ANTIOCH
Mark Jovero, Art & Animatio,
Antioch High School – Erin Susoev, Instructor

Angelita Yarborough, Careers in Teaching
Antioch High School – Tamsen Armstrong, Instructor

Shyriah Vaughn, Cosmetology
Delta Beauty College – Tamara Reaves, Instructor

Jacqueline Villaseñor, Sports Medicine
Dozier-Libbey Medical High School – Kim O’Leary, Instructor

Jordan Bjorklund, Television Production
Deer Valley High School – Kiel Olff, Instructor

Noah Lema, Marketing
Deer Valley High School – Steve Kish, Instructor

BERKELEY
Milo Whitburn-Thomas, Advanced Digital Photography
Berkeley High School – Gabriel Berent, Instructor

BRENTWOOD
Miranda Breves, Robotics Engineering
Heritage High School – Rob Pardi, Instructor

Christianna McFarland, Law Enforcement Careers
Heritage High School – Matt Carr, Instructor

Joseph Gliedt, Fire Science
Liberty High School – James Scarbrough, Instructor

Tianna Nelson, Automotive Technology
Liberty High School – Jonathan Dorr, Instructor

CLAYTON
Miya Adolphson, Game Design
Clayton Valley Charter High School – Evan Hughes, Instructor

Andrey Pristinsky, Civil Engineering & Architecture
Clayton Valley Charter High School – Scott Farquhar, Instructor

CONCORD
Jake Gorospe, Computer Applications
Concord High School – Laurie Harris, Instructor

Zachary Ruiz, Robotics Engineering
Concord High School – Tom Trowbridge, Instructor

Yoselin Tamayo, Careers in Teaching
Ygnacio Valley High School – Thatcher Palmer, Instructor

Claire Rader, Biotechnology
Ygnacio Valley High School – Maria Fletcher, Instructor

DANVILLE
Grant Hayes, Architectural Design
Monte Vista High School – Mike Huntsman, Instructor

Katie Parker, AP Environmental Science
San Ramon Valley High School – Cindy Egan, Instructor

EL CERRITO
Lucy Tabor, Art of Video Production
El Cerrito High School Theodore Grover, Instructor

LAFAYETTE
Julia Lauer, Digital Arts/Design for the Web
Acalanes High School – Susan Lane, Instructor

MARTINEZ
Elizabeth Doty, Automotive Technology
Alhambra High School – Brian Wheeler, Instructor

Matt Webb, Construction Technology
Alhambra High School – Jay Heeb, Instructor

MORAGA
Holly Moore, Advanced Sports Medicine
Campolindo High School – Ray Albiento, Instructor

OAKLEY
Kaleigh Rubio, Careers with Children
Freedom High School – Elizabeth Rodriguez, Instructor

PIEDMONT
Kaitlyn De Mello, Culinary Careers
Piedmont High School – M’Lisa Kelley, Instructor

PINOLE
Marina Boudsady, Publications
Pinole Valley High School – Alexander Van Hook, Instructor

Shalvena Sharma, Law Enforcement Careers
Pinole Valley High School – Patricia Blades, Instructor

PITTSBURG
Shudipto Rahman, AP Computer Science
Pittsburg High School – Romeo Simionas, Instructor

RICHMOND
Luis Arreola, Hospital Health Services
De Anza High School – David Pintado, Instructor

Simranpreet Kaur, Hospital Health Services
De Anza High School – Fathom Riordan-Ng, Instructor

Jacqueline Hopkins, Digital Photography
Kennedy High School – Steve Pinto, Instructor

Mariana Romero, Advanced Photography
Richmond High School – John Ohlmann, Instructor

SAN RAMON
Annissa Bensalah, Journalism Productions
California High School – Brian Barr, Instructor

Kathryn Lew, Analytical Forensic Science
California High School – Andrew White, Instructor

Emily Lai, Introduction to Business
Dougherty Valley High School – Jeff Silverman, Instructor

Bethany Vega, Computer Graphic Arts
Dougherty Valley High School – Jeff Silverman, Instructor

WALNUT CREEK
Jaclyn Leonard, Medical Technologies
Las Lomas High School – Kathleen Mooney, Instructor

Makena Paynton, Sports Medicine
Northgate High School – Glen Barker, Instructor

Roya Stoops, Veterinary Science
Northgate High School – Melanie Scott, Instructor