Contra Costa Herald

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

Governor signs Bonilla’s bill to allow first purely autonomous vehicle on a California public road

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gomentum-station-logoSACRAMENTO – Assemblywoman Bonilla’s groundbreaking AB 1592, which was signed on Thursday, September 29th by Governor Brown, will authorize the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) to test the first fully autonomous vehicle, not equipped with a steering wheel, brake pedal, accelerator or operator, on a California public road.  This bill, which expands CCTA’s existing transportation technology testing program, will help advance the development of connected vehicle and autonomous vehicle technologies.

“California has always been a global leader in innovation and as transportation technologies evolve, so must our laws and regulations,” said Assemblywoman Susan Bonilla (D-Concord).  “With the passage of AB 1592 our state will prove to the federal government and the rest of the nation that California remains the leader, and that the deployment of autonomous vehicles without the presence of a driver can be done safely and successfully.”

ccta-logoCCTA is currently testing autonomous vehicles at GoMentum Station, one of the world’s largest secure transportation proving grounds, located within the former United States Navy weapons station in Concord.  AB 1592 authorizes CCTA, to conduct a pilot project to test fully electric and autonomous, low-speed, multi-passenger, vehicles at GoMentum Station and a private business park in Contra Costa County.  The shared autonomous vehicles, referred to as people movers, have the potential to transform mobility as the first-and-last mile connectors to larger mass transit platforms.  Upon completion of the pilot project, the vehicles will be utilized to increase transit ridership, eliminate the need for expensive and space-consuming parking structures, reduce the use of single occupancy vehicles on the state’s congested roads and highways, while improving the safety, convenience, and efficiency of transportation.

“Our state has been in a transportation infrastructure crisis with a severe shortfall in funding for repair and improvements to our roads and highways,” said Bonilla.  “In addition, we have set necessary, but stringent statewide greenhouse gas reduction goals, which driving our cars and sitting in traffic accounts for a large portion of the pollutants.  AB 1592 will move us one step closer towards implementing safe, low-cost, low-emission, and flexible transportation modes, which will help us address both of these pressing issues.”

Assemblywoman Susan A. Bonilla (D-Concord) was elected in November 2010 and represents California’s 14th Assembly District, which includes Contra Costa County and Solano County.

District 3 candidate for County Supervisor Steve Barr shares commitment to financial responsibility, endorsements by leaders, law enforcement

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Endorsed by Assemblyman Frazier, Brentwood Police Officers’ Association, County Prosecutors’ Association and Antioch community leader Iris Archuleta

With absentee ballots getting mailed out next week, Brentwood City Councilmember Steve Barr wanted to inform the public that he is running a strong campaign for County Supervisor, displaying his commitment to using tax dollars responsibly, and share some of his key endorsements.

Barr, who was the top vote getter in the primary election, is currently in a runoff that will be decided November 8th. As a Brentwood City Councilman he has made both fiscal responsibility and public safety top priorities.

“I decided to run for Supervisor because there is a lot of important work that needs to be done regionally such as providing regional public safety resources, making sure East County gets its fair share of transportation funding, andhelping our agricultural community,” said Barr. “And we need to do this in a fiscally responsible way, making sure we have money saved for when there’s the next recession or downturn.”

Barr has many accomplishments as both a City Councilmember and former School Board Trustee. From building the new Brentwood Dispatch Center that will improve public safety regionally, to helping manage a roads and paving program that was voted by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission as the best in the Bay Area, Barr has found ways to provide great service while cutting excess, pushing community priorities, and saving money. This was a big part of why Barr earned the endorsement of the East Bay Times.

Barr’s direct style and honesty has helped him accomplish a lot, and it also has earned him the support of many individuals and leaders throughout the District.  The Brentwood Police Officers’ Association, the County Prosecutors’ Association, and many other community leaders, organizations, and elected officials from across the district have all joined up to support Barr because they know he is someone they can always work with, even if they disagree.

“Steve’s openness, willingness to listen and his ability to be upfront and honest in his responses are refreshing,” said community leader Iris Archuleta. “He doesn’t pretend to know everything, but is clearly caring enough to learn.”

Assemblymember Jim Frazier agreed.

“Steve is a true leader who doesn’t crave the spotlight, but shows up for the tough assignments, is very direct and honest, and uses his financial skills to make sure our tax dollars are spent wisely,” Frazier stated. “He is the leader I trust and know everyone can work with.”

Barr responded to the comments.

“I appreciate the support of law enforcement and community leaders,” he said. “I look forward to working with them to improve things in our county.”

Barr’s background includes being a small business owner for 35 years and a former Liberty Union High School District Trustee. He is married, and he and his wife have two children.

Contra Costa County’s 3rd Supervisorial District includespart of Antioch, Brentwood, Oakley, Discovery Bay, Byron, Knightsen, Bethel Island, Diablo, Blackhawk, and Tassajara. Please visit www.SteveBarrForSupervisor.com for more information about the campaign.

Park District purchases 76-acre property in Marsh Creek Watershed south of Antioch

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View of Mt. Diablo from the former Hanson Ranch property. photo by Scott Hein

View of Mt. Diablo from the former Hanson Ranch property. photo by Scott Hein

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Location map. courtesy of Save Mt. Diablo

The 76-acre Hanson Hills property on the eastern slopes of Mt. Diablo, will become part of the future Deer Valley Regional Park, extending the park’s southern boundary to Marsh Creek Road. The East Bay Regional Park District purchased the former ranch land, located south of Antioch and west of Brentwood, from Save Mount Diablo for $730,000, its appraised fair market value. East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy contributed $547,500 toward the cost and funds from Measure WW covered the remainder.

“This beautiful property will be a tremendous asset for generations of East Bay residents,” said Park District Board Member Diane Burgis, whose ward includes the Hanson Hills property. “It’s also a critical part of the Marsh Creek watershed. We’re thrilled to be able to protect this ecologically sensitive area forever.”

Eastern view from the former Hanson Ranch property. photo by Scott Hein

Eastern view from the former Hanson Ranch property. photo by Scott Hein

The property encompasses canyons and ridges covered with blue-oak forests and native grasslands, as well as a seasonal stream that drains to Marsh Creek. The ridgetops provide panoramic views of Mt. Diablo, the Marsh Creek corridor and Morgan Territory Regional Preserve. It’s also home to eagles, hawks, coyotes, mountain lions, deer, foxes and other species. The acquisition secures important land links that provide habitat for a number of special status species including the California red-legged frog and Alameda whipsnake.

The acquisition represents an important piece in long-term efforts to preserve land around Mount Diablo. Save Mount Diablo acquired the property from the Hanson Family in April, 2014. The Hanson children, now all in their 80’s, remember fishing for steelhead with their grandfather in Marsh Creek, just across the road, and camping out on warm nights atop the tallest hill. It was important to the family that the land they love so dearly be protected forever.

Ted Clement, executive director of Save Mount Diablo, spoke to the importance of partnerships in conserving land in the region.

“We are thrilled to help ensure the permanent protection of 76-acre Hanson Hills through our partnerships with the East Bay Regional Park District and the East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy,” Clement said.  “With this transaction not only have we preserved essential wildlife habitat and ensured the protection of a strategic parcel that can later support outdoor public recreation and education, but we have also generated funds to protect more lands around Mount Diablo.”

“This acquisition is another positive step for conservation in east Contra Costa County,” said Pittsburg Councilman Salvatore Evola, chair of the East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy board. “It is valuable to have a local land trust, the East Bay Regional Park District and the East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy working together to conserve valuable landscapes for species while also providing park and recreation opportunities for the growing population.”

The land will remain closed to the public (“land banked”) until the Deer Valley Regional Park Land Use Plan is completed.

Save Mount Diablo is a non-profit 501(c)(3) conservation organization, which has been preserving lands on and around Mount Diablo and educating the public to the mountain’s natural values since 1971. Preserved lands have increased from 6,788 acres in one park to more than 110,000 acres in more than 40 parks and preserves. Save Mount Diablo continues to preserve, defend and restore the remainder of the mountain for people and wildlife to enjoy. Contact: Save Mount Diablo, telephone: (925) 947-3535, fax: (925) 947-0642, 1901 Olympic Blvd., Suite 320, Walnut Creek, CA 94596; www.SaveMountDiablo.org

The East Bay Regional Park District is a system of beautiful public parks and trails in Alameda and Contra Costa counties east of San Francisco Bay, established in 1934. The system comprises 120,700 acres in 65 parks including over 1,250 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding and nature learning. www.ebparks.org

For information, please contact East Bay Regional Park District public information supervisor Carolyn Jones at (510) 544-2217, cjones@ebparks.org.

 

Contra Costa Eligibility and Social Workers announce unfair labor practice strike

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Advocate for increased resources to public services, claim campaign of intimidation by county executives

At this morning’s Contra Costa Board of Supervisors Meeting, county social and eligibility workers announced their intention to conduct an unfair labor practice strike. The strike is scheduled to begin on Friday, September 30th and last until Tuesday, October 4th.

“Contra Costa County Executives and the Board of Supervisors must negotiate a contract that recognizes the dedicated workers who serve those in our communities who need the most protection,” said Yvonne Ybanez, a Contra Costa Social Services Program Assistant and county resident. “We are fighting to make sure we have the safety, resources and staffing to do our jobs.”

The county workers, in their four months of negotiations with the County, have been bargaining to improve services to Contra Costa’s at-risk residents that include the homeless, victims of child and elder abuse, and families in need of food assistance.

Workers have brought to light the loss of $21 million for public assistance programs and the County’s failure to address the understaffing that’s resulted in increased case loads and backlogs of cases. In the last three years millions, allocated from state and federal sources to administer programs like CalFresh and CalWorks, had to be returned by the County because staff vacancies in the Employment and Services Department is as high as 40 percent.

Contra Costa County’s failure to recruit and retain staff puts crucial public assistance programs at risk. Workers who have spoken out on these revelations have been targeted and threatened by County management. Workers will strike Friday, September 30, in protest of these unfair labor practices and to bring further attention to the county’s social service crisis.

In order to deliver consistent, quality, public assistance to county residents, Contra Costa Executives need to recruit and retain the best staff to deliver it. But, as Contra Costa has one of the lowest salary and benefit packages in the Bay Area, leaving many employees to lean on the very public assistance services they administer.

Safety is another factor keeping the county from keeping a fully-staffed workforce. Multiple violent incidents—including shootings—take place every year in front of county facilities. County safety protocols were originally written in 1976 and have yet to be revised to adequately address the threats workers and clients face today.

The Contra Costa Labor Council, representing 80,000 working families in the county, has sanctioned the scheduled unfair labor practice strike. While a majority of Contra County eligibility and social workers will be out on picket lines from Friday, Sept 30th to October 4th, they have organized a crew to handle emergency calls and services.

Governor signs Glazer’s “California Promise” bill, to increase four-year CSU graduations

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Sacramento, CA – Gov. Jerry Brown on Wednesday signed Senate Bill 412, Sen. Steve Glazer’s California Promise, a landmark bill that will pave a new pathway for more California State University students to graduate in four years.

To bolster CSU’s four-year graduation rate – one of the lowest in the nation at only 19 percent – SB 412 will require CSU campuses to offer enhanced academic advising and priority registration to students who commit to 30 credits per academic year. Low-income students, under-represented minorities, first-generation college students and community college transfers will get priority registration in California Promise programs, which will begin in the fall of 2017.

Senate Bill 412, which Sen. Glazer jointly authored with Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de León, D-Los Angeles, marks an important turning point in California for CSU students, said Sen. Glazer, D-Orinda.

“We all know a college degree is a critical rung on the ladder of economic success,” Glazer said. “It is an especially proud day to know that we will now provide CSU students a better chance to do what most want to do, which is to graduate on time.

“California Promise students will now get what many students do not and that is a human touch,” Glazer added. “More academic advising will mean that California Promise students can chart a path with professional guidance and important follow up. It is unfortunate that there are more human touches in getting a piece of fruit to market than there is in student counseling on how to graduate in four years. We can turn that around with this new law.”

Ensuring that California students have all the tools to get through college in four years is a top priority of the Legislature, de León said.

“I congratulate Senator Glazer on the signing of SB 412,” de León said. “California continues to lead the way in implementing policies that support and incentivize students to graduate in four years. The state Senate will continue working to ensure all California students, regardless of race, income or ethnicity have access to higher education as it is the passport to economic success, not only for the student, but the state.”

Gov. Brown said that the legislation, “coupled with today’s action from the CSU trustees, creates conditions that allow students to timely graduate and avoid the burden of extra tuition.” The CSU Board of Trustees earlier Wednesday approved a new 2025 Graduation Initiative that aims to more than double the number of students graduating in four years to 40 percent.

Glazer added: “I applaud CSU for submitting newly enhanced goals of raising 4-year graduation rates to 40 percent by 2025. The California Promise, along with other innovative student success measures, will instill fresh momentum into improving four-year graduation rates.

“I look forward to being part of legislative oversight efforts to keep this program on track.”

Rep. DeSaulnier announces bi-partisan bill to expand Pell Grants, eliminate taxes on non-tuition expenses

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Washington, DC – This past week, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (D, CA-11) announced commonsense legislation to protect low income students from being taxed on using their Pell Grants for non-tuition goods and services. He is joined in introducing the Pell Grant Flexibility Act (H.R. 5764) by his Republican colleagues Representatives Lee Zeldin (NY-1), Thomas MacArthur (NJ-3), and Peter King (NY-2) as well as 16 leading education organizations including The Institute for College Access and Success (TICAS) and the National Education Association (NEA).

Federal Pell Grants can be used to cover both tuition and non-tuition expenses. However, when students use these funds for non-tuition expenses their Pell Grant is taxed, while strictly tuition costs are exempt. Each year approximately eight million students receive Pell Grant funding. A majority of these recipients have family incomes under $40,000 per year, and typically borrow higher amounts of student loans to cover the costs associated with higher education.
“When it comes to college affordability, paying tuition is not the only cost that worries students and families. Expenses like textbooks, off-campus housing, transportation, and child care account for roughly 60 to 80 percent of total cost of a higher education. We must allow students to use every Pell dollar toward focusing on their earning their degree,” said Congressman DeSaulnier

“The rising cost of higher education is a crushing burden to many families, but access to Pell grants offer substantial assistance. The ability to use Pell Grants for expenses other than tuition and to have access to those funds on a tax-free basis is vital. NEA applauds Rep. DeSaulnier for introducing the Pell Grant Flexibility Act,” said NEA Director of Government Relations, Mary Kusler.
“Pell Grants should not be treated as taxable income regardless of which qualified education expense they are used to cover. By eliminating the inconsistent tax treatment of Pell Grants, this bill will help to increase fairness, simplify the tax code, and improve coordination between Pell Grants and the American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC),” said TICAS President, Lauren Asher.
The complete list of organizational support includes: American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), American Council on Education (ACE), Association of American Universities (AAU) , Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities (AJCU), Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU), Hispanic Association of Colleges & Universities (HACU), Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP), National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU), National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA), National College Access Network (NCAN), National Education Association (NEA), National Urban League, Service Employees International Union (SEIU), The Institute for College Assess and Success (TICAS), United Negro College Fund (UNCF), Young Invincibles.

In announcing endorsements, Burgis injects partisan politics into race for District 3 County Supervisor

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By Allen Payton

In a rare injection of partisan politics into a race for Contra Costa County Supervisor, Diane Burgis candidate for Supervisor in District 3, announced she has the support of elected officials, and even listed those in non-partisan offices, as Democrat or Republican. County Supervisor is a non-partisan office, as are the offices of city council and school board, and candidates don’t run as members of a political party.

However, the press release from Burgis’ campaign reads as follows:

Community leaders, including Democrats, Republicans and Independents, joined together today to announce their unified support for Diane Burgis for Contra Costa County Supervisor in District Three.

The broad coalition of endorsers includes Democratic Congressmembers Jerry McNerney and Mark DeSaulnier, current Republican County Supervisor Mary Nejedly Piepho, Democratic state leaders Assemblymember Susan Bonilla, Superintendent Tom Torlakson and Assemblymember Joan Buchanan (ret.), Republican Mayor Kevin Romick of Oakley, Town of Discovery Bay Directors Kevin Graves (R) and Chris Steele (D), and Democratic Antioch City Councilmembers Tony Tiscareno and Mary Rocha.

This all comes on the heels of endorsements from District Attorney Mark Peterson and County Sheriff David Livingston, both Republicans, as well as the county’s deputy sheriffs and firefighters.

“Diane Burgis is a leader in our community who possesses the intelligence, integrity and compassion necessary to bridge gaps and represent the views of all East County residents,” said County Supervisor Mary Piepho, a Republican. “She’s approachable and knowledgeable, and supports investment in our transportation system, and our police and firefighters who work hard to make our communities safe.”

Diane currently serves as an East Bay Regional Parks District director and is the executive director of the Friends of Marsh Creek Watershed. Previously, she served as an Oakley City councilmember and spent over ten years as a small business owner. She highlights four priorities for her candidacy: improving public safety, attracting economic development, ensuring fiscal accountability and preserving the delta for future generations.

“Diane has a strong history of fighting to protect our water, our delta and the environment,” said Congressman Jerry McNerney, a Democrat. “Her leadership as head of the Friends of Marsh Creek Watershed and as a board member for the East Bay Regional Parks District exemplifies the steady, bipartisan leadership our region needs.”

Burgis, the only Democrat on the ballot, has also earned the official endorsement of the California Democratic Party, Democratic Party of Contra Costa County, Contra Costa Young Democrats and East Contra Costa Democrats for Action. But that doesn’t mean she will only represent Democrats.

“I examine each issue closely, hear all sides and then come to the decision that works best for East County,” said Diane Burgis, candidate for Supervisor in District Three. “One size doesn’t fit all. Our district deserves a representative who has proven that they can work together with every member of the community. I’m honored to have earned the trust and confidence of our current Republican County Supervisor, Mary Piepho, as well as a long list of local Democrats, Republicans and Independents who put community before party.”

Voters can learn more about her and her platform at www.dianeburgis.com.

When asked about making local office partisan, Burgis did not respond.

Antioch math teacher, Maria McClain honored for excellence by President Obama

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Maria McClain, math teacher at Deer Valley High School in Antioch.

Maria McClain, math teacher at Deer Valley High School in Antioch.

Maria McClain, a math teacher Deer Valley High School in Antioch, and 2015-16 Contra Costa County Teacher of the Year, was honored, recently by President Obama with one of the annual Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). It is the highest recognition that a kindergarten through 12th grade mathematics or science (including computer science) teacher may receive for outstanding teaching in the United States. Up to 108 teachers are recognized each year. Since 1983, more than 4,400 teachers have been recognized for their contributions in the classroom and to their profession.

Presidential Awardees receive a certificate signed by the President of the United States, a trip to Washington D.C. to attend a series of recognition events and professional development opportunities, and a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation.

“I am extremely honored to receive the Presidential Award as recognition of the commitment of mathematics teachers in providing rigorous and relevant curriculum that guarantees equity and access for all students. This award provides me the opportunity and responsibility to continue to advocate for changes in expectations and practices that will increase student engagement and achievement. Receiving this award ensures that my voice will be heard as I continue this work on behalf of all students.”

Maria McClain has been teaching mathematics for the past 28 years, the last 20 of which have been at Deer Valley High School, where she currently teaches Mastering Algebra I, Precalculus, Advanced Placement (AP) Calculus AB, and AP Statistics.

Maria believes in creating a classroom environment which supports and challenges students through the use of instructional strategies designed to promote exploration, critical thinking, and discourse. In her role as Mathematics Department Chair, she supports the transition to the Common Core by facilitating professional development and collaboration opportunities for teachers. She is dedicated to providing access for all students and has worked extensively to eliminate barriers that prevent students from enrolling and achieving in higher level coursework.

Maria has served as a District Mentor Teacher for the past 16 years and is the Lead Teacher of a California Academic Partnership Program grant designed to implement the Common Core and create a seamless transition from high school to post-secondary education. Her awards include Antioch Unified School District and Contra Costa County Teacher of the Year for 2015-16, and California Teacher of the Year Semi-finalist for 2016. She is National Board Certified in adolescent and young adulthood mathematics.

Maria earned a B.A. in mathematics from California State University, Sacramento. She is certified to teach preK–12 and adult mathematics.

For more information about PAEMST, visit https://paemst.org/.

Contra Costa County Teachers of the Year for 2016-2017 to be announced at dinner, Thursday

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Contra Costa County’s two 2016-2017 Teachers of the Year (TOY) will be announced at the annual TOY Dinner Celebration, held this Thursday evening, September 22. Two of the four finalists will go on to represent Contra Costa County in the California State Teacher of the Year Program. The county TOY program is presented by the Contra Costa County Office of Education (CCCOE).

More than 400 attendees will be on hand for the dinner, which will be held from  6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Hilton Concord Hotel. The assembly will include the 21 celebrated TOYs, plus numerous educators (K-college), business executives (sponsors), local government, and local political representatives. The evening’s entertainment will be provided by the Hillview Junior High (Pittsburg) Jazz Band, directed by Diane Klaczynski. Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools Karen Sakata will serve as master of ceremonies. Each of the three finalists, who will be introduced by a former student, will give an inspiring five-minute speech.  (The same speech as they gave at the TOY Speech Presentation in late August.) The evening will conclude in excitement and anticipation, with the announcement of the two 2016-2017 Contra Costa County Teachers of the Year.

After being named Teacher of the Year by their respective Contra Costa County school districts, then passing a rigorous application screening, followed by a panel classroom observation and interview, and concluding with a speech presentation, two of these four finalists will be selected to represent Contra Costa County as its 2016-2017 Teachers of the Year:

This year’s two Contra Costa County TOYs will join the long list of other finalists, dating back to the 1972-1973 school year. Along with the four finalists, this year’s other 17 TOY candidates will also be honored at this event (for complete list below).

Finalists:

Shauna Hawes teaches computer applications/technology to grades 6-8 at Valley View Middle School, in Pleasant Hill. The 18-year teacher has been with the Mt. Diablo Unified School District during her entire teaching career. Prior to her current position, Hawes taught 6th grade core (English, history, and reading) at Valley View. Before coming to Valley View, she taught 5th grade (all subjects) at Hidden Valley Elementary, in Martinez, from 1998-2007.

Gina Minder-Maldonado has recently begun her 26th year of teaching. For the past 18 years, Minder-Maldonado has taught at Oakley Elementary School, in Oakley. Currently teaching 2nd grade, Minder-Maldonado’s former teaching experience includes preschool through 5th, as well as adult education.

Summer Rodriguez has commenced her 17th year as an educator for Liberty High School, in Brentwood. Rodriguez has taught all levels of high school English, AP English language and composition, and AP English literature and composition. In addition to her education duties, she has served as director of the school’s student activities through its Student Leadership Program.

Joyce Rooks began her career in teaching after serving as a senior programmer analyst/senior systems analyst for Mervyns, as well as an independent computer-training consultant. This year, Rooks has begunher 14th year teaching for the San Ramon Valley Unified School District, where she has served as an instructor for Dougherty Valley High, California High, and Coyote Creek Elementary. She has been teaching first and second grades for the past five years at Creekside Elementary, in Danville.

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

Erin Dinday, Martinez Unified School District, Alhambra High

Krystal Figaroa, Pittsburg Unified School District, Stoneman Elementary

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, as well as 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

County Elections Division seeks poll workers for November election

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Need for civic-minded citizens to help throughout the county in November

Kelly Davis and her fellow Contra Costa volunteers have an early wake-up call on Election Day, but most of them don’t mind the long hours.

Each of them has their own unique reasons for being poll workers. And the Contra Costa County Elections Division is looking for civic-minded men and women to join them on our Election Day Team.

Davis, of Orinda, is motivated to get out of bed on Election Day and stay energized throughout the day to raise money for foster children.

Monnie Segelke of Danville and Maude DiVictor of Richmond both find helping voters fulfilling and they enjoy seeing neighbors and familiar faces at their polling places.

Julie Southern of Antioch, like several volunteers, grew up in families who emphasized civic participation.

“I enjoy being involved in the democratic process, and there’s no better way than being a poll worker because you’re involved in the nitty-gritty,” Southern said. “I can say I’m a part of history.”

The November 2016 election will be an historic one as a new President and state Senator are elected. Voter turnout is anticipated to be the highest it has been in years.

As a result, Contra Costa Elections has more opportunities for volunteers to be poll workers than in years past.

No prior experience is necessary and training is provided.  Poll workers receive a stipend for their service, which includes attending a mandatory two-hour training and working 6:00 am to 9:00 pm on Election Day.

Participants receive a special pin denoting their service.  Serving as a poll worker does not have any bearing on Social Security or unemployment status, according to State law.

County and State employees are encouraged to apply.

Bilingual citizens are strongly encouraged to volunteer. High School students who are at least 16 and have a grade point average of 2.5 or above may serve as poll workers.  Student poll workers will receive a stipend and may fulfill community service requirements.

For more information, visit www.cocovote.us or text “cocoteam” to 28683.

Those who might be interested should email eo@vote.cccounty.us or call the Elections Division at (925) 335-7800, option 1.