Politics & Elections | Contra Costa Herald

Watch or listen to the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce interviews of November election candidates in Contra Costa

October 1, 2016 By Publisher Leave a Comment

The Contra Costa Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is conducting interviews of candidates in the November election throughout the county. The completed videos can be viewed on the group’s Facebook page or heard on SoundCloud.

Below is a list of the candidates who are participating in the video interviews and the release status of their videos.

“We’re aiming to get all the videos released before the ballots hit the mailboxes and Early Voting/Absentee Voting By Mail begins on October 10^th,” said Evodio “Vo” Walle, President-elect and Chair, Government Affairs Committee of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Contra Costa County,

Candidates who would like to be included in the interviews, please contact Walle at (415) 572-3568 or vo@h5c.org, or email GAC@h5c.org.

Candidate	Status
Anamarie Avila Farias	Interview Pending
Federal Glover	Interview Pending
Ben Johnson	Interview Pending
Harmesh Kumar	Video Released
Carlyn Obringer	Release Pending
Edi Birsan	Video Released
Pablo Benavente	Video Released
Cesar Zepeda	Release Pending
Jael Myrick	Interview Pending
Catherine Baker	Interview Pending
Cheryl Cook-Kalio	Release Pending
Lamar Thorpe	Release Pending
Frederick Rouse	Interview Pending
Juan Banales	Release Pending
Jelani Killings	Release Pending
Wade Harper	Release Pending
Mister Phillips	Interview Pending
Sean Wright	Interview Pending
Cherise Khaund	Interview Pending
Fernando Sandoval	Interview Pending
Mary Rocha	Interview Pending
Carlos Taboada	Interview Pending
Antonio Medrano	Interview Pending
Laura Canciamilla	Interview Pending

For more information about the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce visit www.hc5.org.

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

September 21, 2016 By Publisher Leave a Comment

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.

Guest Column: Assembly candidate Grayson addresses flaws in UC System

September 20, 2016 By Publisher Leave a Comment

By Tim Grayson, Councilman, City of Concord

This year, it seems Californians cannot turn on the news without hearing about another scandal at the University of California.

In August it was the shameful resignation of Chancellor Linda Katehi at UC Davis after she spent $175,000 on “consultants” to eliminate bad press and troubling videos of an incident when campus police pepper sprayed student protesters.

Then her counterpart at UC Berkeley, Nicholas Dirks also resigned after it was discovered that he spent $700,000 of taxpayer dollars on a fence around his official residence.

Months ago, state auditors reported that many qualified students from California were denied entry, while University admissions favored out-of-state students because they pay higher tuition.

Enough is enough. Who is standing up for the taxpayers who are paying for the University system year after year?

Californians are sick and tired of hearing about the excess and greed demonstrated by University of California officials. We are tired of hearing stories about our neighbor’s daughter, the honors student and champion athlete who was denied admission to the Berkeley campus.

We are tired of hearing more about the troubling admissions policies that favor out-of-state students who pay top dollar over exceptional California resident students paying in-state tuition. And we are tired of reports of waste and impropriety from University officials. It has to stop.

The University system has changed over the years.

Many of my neighbors and friends recall a time in our state when the University system made California the great land of opportunity it is today. Hard work at one of our best UC institutions provided access to a job at one of the best companies in the world or acceptance into a competitive medical school. Qualified California students were admitted when they demonstrated their ability to compete and this resulted in prosperity for generations of families across the state who benefited from our exceptional institutions.

Today, things have changed. UC leaders have become greedy. From reports of salaries over $400,000 for executives to blatant preferences for out-of-state or foreign students paying higher tuition rates, the focus on making money has to stop.

Our state leadership needs to help the University reset its compass and focus on goals that will continue to serve generations of Californians to come.

The resignations of two UC Chancellors should begin a fresh start, a time when our state refocused our priorities and set forth a higher standard of conduct for University officials.

State leaders need to set strict policies that ensure University officials are held accountable to admissions standards that honor their obligation to California taxpayers.

In the Assembly, I will stand up for legislation to ensure qualified California students have an opportunity to succeed in one of our top institutions and I will work set policies in place to ensure the University is fully accountable to the public so that taxpayer dollars are spent to benefit students, not University administrators.

Grayson has been a Concord resident since 2001 and was elected to serve on the Concord City Council in November 2010. He served as Redevelopment Agency Chair in 2011 and Vice Mayor in 2013. Grayson was Mayor of Concord from 2013 – 2015.

County Elections Division seeks poll workers for November election

September 18, 2016 By Publisher Leave a Comment

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.

Four of five Contra Costa County Supervisors, DA support Ken Chew for BART Board

September 16, 2016 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Candace Andersen

Former Moraga Mayor and candidate for District 3 BART Director, Ken Chew – endorsed by over 50 public officials, community leaders and business owners – has added two more leaders to his endorsement list.

With the addition of Candace Andersen, Contra Costa County Supervisor, District 2, and Federal Glover, Contra Costa County Supervisor, District 5, four out of the five Contra Costa County Supervisors have endorsed Ken Chew for District 3 BART Board.

“Ken will be a great representative on the BART Board for District 3 to begin the necessary reform,” said Supervisor Anderson. “He is a fiscal conservative and a champion for transparency and accountability in government. He has the expertise as a transportation professional and public policy leadership experience to be our BART Director.”

Federal Glover

Contra Costa County District Attorney Mark Peterson, has also endorsed Chew.

“As an elected official, Ken has served with honesty and integrity,” Peterson said. “I respect his independence in making tough decisions to protect the tax payers and the community he represents. A fine example of a true leader.”

In response, Ken Chew said, “I am honored and humbled by their endorsements. Now I have an important mission to complete, that is, to help bring real improvements to our beloved BART system. By holding ourselves, the BART Board and Management fiscally responsible and accountable, we will make BART safe, clean and have trains that run on-time.”

Chew was elected to the Moraga Town Council in November 2006, and re-elected to a second term in November 2010. He also served as Mayor in 2010 and 2014. During his terms, he insisted on and achieved a balanced budget for Moraga from 2006 to 2014. As a member of the Board of Directors representing Moraga, he negotiated and awarded a new 10 year, $500 million contract in 2014 for the Joint Powers Authority of RecycleSmart (Central Contra Costa Solid Waste Authority). In 2012, with the help of many community leaders, he jointly initiated a successful Moraga Measure K, the 1% sales tax in Moraga for infrastructure (street and storm drains) maintenance and renewal.

Mark Peterson

District 3 includes the following BART Stations: Bay Fair, Downtown Berkeley, El Cerrito del Norte, El Cerrito Plaza, North Berkeley, Orinda, Rockridge, San Leandro; and all or portions of the following cities and communities: Albany, Ashland, Berkeley, Castro Valley, Cherryland, El Cerrito, Kensington, Lafayette, Moraga, Oakland, Orinda, Piedmont, San Lorenzo See map of District 3, here: www.bart.gov/sites/default/files/docs/bart_3.pdf

For more information about Chew’s campaign visit www.electkenchew.com.

Thirty current and former Contra Costa leaders endorse Allen over incumbent Murray in race for BART Director

September 15, 2016 By Publisher 1 Comment

As incumbent District 1 BART Board Director Gail Murray officially announced her campaign for re-election on Wednesday, her challenger Debora Allen announced the endorsement of 30 current and former East Bay elected leaders.

The endorsements are:
Steve Glazer State Senator, California
Catharine Baker State Assemblywoman, California
Candace Andersen Supervisor, Contra Costa County
Ben Johnson Mayor, City of Pittsburg
Bill Clarkson Mayor, City of San Ramon
Dan Walden Former Board Member, Walnut Creek School Board
Ed Duarte Director, Dublin-San Ramon Services District
Eve Phillips Vice‐Mayor, City of Orinda
Greg Marvel President, Board of Education, San Ramon Valley Unified School District
H. Abram Wilson Former Mayor, City of San Ramon
Howard Geller Mayor, City of Clayton
Jack Weir Former City Council Member, City of Pleasant Hill
Jim Diaz Vice Mayor, Clayton
John Phillips Chairman, Contra Costa County Pension Board
Julie Pierce Council Member, City of Clayton
Justin Wedel Council Member, City of Walnut Creek
Lynne Leach Former CA State Assemblywoman AD15 (1996‐2002)
Mark Peterson District Attorney, Contra Costa County
Merle Hall Former Mayor, Walnut Creek
Mike McGill Board Member, Central Contra Costa Sanitary District
Pete Laurence Former Mayor, City of Clayton
Richard Rainey Former CA State Senator, Assemblyman, and Contra Costa County Sheriff
Robert Storer Council Member, Danville Town Council
Russell Watts Treasurer‐Tax Collector, Contra Costa County
Sal Evola Council Member, City of Pittsburg
Scott Gordon Secretary, Contra Costa County Pension Board
Scott Perkins Vice Mayor, City of San Ramon
Steve Barr Council Member, City of Brentwood
Steve Mick Alamo Municipal Advisory Council
Vicki Gordon Board President, Contra Costa Community College District

In the 12 years Murray has served as a BART Director, the system has seen the largest decline in quality of service in its 40+ year history, accord to Allen.

“Over the last decade, the BART experience has deteriorated with increased crime, system delays, labor strikes, equipment malfunctions, fake security cameras, high fares, budget shortfalls and overall public dissatisfaction,” she said. “BART is so antiquated, their control system is from 1972 and they buy replacement parts on eBay.”

Following are what some of her supporters have to say:

Senator Steve Glazer: “Debora Allen will bring an important voice and fiscally responsible vote into the BART boardroom. She’s smart, she’s tough, and she’s a problem solver. She will stand up to special interests and management incompetence and fight to improve BART while protecting the interest of taxpayers.”

Assemblywoman Catharine Baker: “Debora Allen brings a refreshing new energy and approach to getting BART’s fiscal house in order. She will be a champion for the transit rider and taxpayer!”

City Council Member of Clayton Julie Pierce: “Our BART system is incredibly important to the residents of Contra Costa County. I am confident that Debora Allen will be strong leadership on the Board of Directors and a loud voice for transparency and financial accountability to the stakeholders as we rebuild BART into a world class transportation system of which we can all be proud.”

Contra Costa County Supervisor Candace Andersen: “Debora Allen brings the business experience and financial acumen we need to lead BART in the right direction.”

Contra Costa County District Attorney Mark Peterson: “I trust Debora Allen to protect the taxpayers’ investment in BART, for the riders, the workers, and for the future of Bay Area living.”

Former CA State Assemblywoman Lynne Leach: “Debora Allen is a talented, trusted and experienced businesswoman. Her background of working to stem the ever increasing growth of public pension costs prepares her well to serve on the BART Board.”

Former Mayor of Walnut Creek Merle Hall: “Debora will help get BART off welfare, and run it like a proper railroad in a business-like manner.”

Allen is Murray’s only challenger in the November election. BART District 1 includes the BART stations in Concord, Lafayette, Pleasant Hill/Contra Costa Centre and Walnut Creek and all or portions of the Contra Costa County cities and communities of Alamo, Alhambra Valley, Blackhawk, Camino Tassajara, Clayton, Concord, Danville, Diablo, Lafayette, Martinez, Pacheco, Pleasant Hill, Port Costa, San Ramon and Walnut Creek.

District 3 BART Board candidate Chew challenges incumbent, explains why he’s running

September 13, 2016 By Publisher 1 Comment

Ken Chew

By Allen Payton

Former Moraga Mayor Ken Chew released his candidate’s statement early, so voters can know why he is running for BART Board in District 3. He is one of three challengers for incumbent Rebecca Saltzman, who is seeking reelection to her second term.

Following is his complete statement:

“We can make BART better. We can make BART safe, clean and run-on time. We can hold the BART Board fiscally responsible and accountable. I will work hard to make this happen.

With over 25 years’ experience as a transportation professional and having served three years on the Moraga Planning Commission before serving eight years as a councilmember, including two years as mayor, I have the expertise and public policy leadership experience to be your BART Director.

BART is an essential system in need of reform in many areas. BART employees are our assets and integral to the success of the entire system under strong leadership with a sound plan.

My top priority is to make stations and trains safe and welcoming with adequate staffing and training to transform BART stations to be clean, service-oriented and vibrant. I will pursue full staffing of BART police, and then push for smart technology solutions to force multiply their abilities on public safety effectiveness. For the few stations that are key opportunity hubs for ‘smart village’ development, I will work with stakeholders to attract community investments to develop transit villages of the 21st century.

Reform requires new leadership characterized by common sense and shared vision. With your votes, we can begin the process of getting BART back on track.”

Chew has the support of over 50 public officials, community leaders and business owners, including four of the five members of the Contra Costa County Supervisors, Candace Andersen, Federal Glover, Karen Mitchoff and Mary Piepho, as well a variety of mayors and council members. For a more extensive list of his endorsements visit www.electkenchew.com/endorsements.html.

Chew is a long time resident of the San Francisco Bay Area. He is a professional engineer, is married and a father of two children. For more information about his campaign, visit www.electkenchew.com. The election is November 8.

Assembly candidate Miller opposes Frazier’s gas tax increase proposal

August 18, 2016 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Dave Miller who is challenging incumbent Assemblyman Jim Frazier in his race for re-election issued a statement opposing Frazier’s proposal for an increase in the gas tax.

Following is Miller’s statement:

There are two undisputed facts that everyone should know: California has the highest Gas Prices of any state that is not an island.    There are a number of reasons for this and all of them originated in our legislature.

Gas and Diesel taxes hurt the working poor more than any other group. The working poor are more likely to commute farther for work -that alone is enough of a burden, they have to drive more. In addition to that, increasing the Diesel tax means that it costs more to deliver goods and services. Businesses pass along the higher delivery cost to customers in the form of higher prices. Which means our dollars don’t go as far as they used to.

Assemblyman Frazier, the chairman of the Transportation Committee, knows this. He just doesn’t care. He knows that the people that will be the most affected by this are too busy trying as hard as they can to eek out a living that they don’t have the time or money to pay attention.

Knowing that, yesterday Assemblyman Frazier joined with State Senator Jim Beall, according to the LA Times, to unveil their new gas tax plan. Here are some highlights:

Additional 17 cent per gallon tax on gasoline.

Additional 30 cent per gallon tax on diesel.

$165 annual fee added to the registration fees for electric cars.

The creation of a new political bureaucracy – The Office of Transportation Inspector General. (I wonder how much of the new gas tax will have to be used to pay for that…)
Assemblyman Frazier is hoping that no one notices another key point of his tax plan. It is designed to increase inflation annually thus triggering a higher tax on gasoline automatically.   Inflation is calculated by looking at the Consumer Price Index. The more things cost – the higher inflation is. So he is going to increase the costs of all goods and services by increasing the cost of fuel. By tying his tax to inflation Assemblyman Frazier is taking his planned price increases for all goods and services -caused by his tax plan- and turning them into a self-fulfilling prophecy of ever increasing gas taxes and higher inflation.

This is not his first attempt to increase the tax on each gallon of gasoline. On January 6th of 2016 Assemblyman Frazier introduced AB-1591 which would have increased the tax on gasoline by 22.5 cents per gallon and 30 cents per gallon of diesel. In addition to the new gas tax AB-1591 would have increased the cost of annual vehicle registration from $38 to $165 depending on your vehicle. Like his current proposal AB-1591 would have also been tied to inflation and automatically increased annually. AB-1591 died in committee. But Assemblyman Frazier told the L.A. Times that he would try to push for a lame duck session to get his new bill passed.

The big issue with trying to force it though a lame duck session is that you may end up with enough legislators that lost their elections, or decided to retire, that might vote for something that their constituencies do not want since there is no political consequence.   What Assemblyman Frazier is doing here is putting politics before people.

As many of you know Jim has skipped out on 2 scheduled debates with me. The most recent he had a fellow democrat try to come to his aide by saying that he was stuck in a committee hearing. When the truth is that he had an hour and 45 minutes after the conclusion of his meeting to get just 35 miles. Even if he hadn’t left the capitol for 30 minutes after his hearing AND got caught in traffic, and hit every red light, he still would have been able to make it to the debate.

So, I have issued a challenge, anytime, anywhere. I will debate Mr. Frazier anytime, anywhere. But, he is too scared to debate a serious contender that knows the Assemblyman’s record better than the Assemblyman does, himself.

Frazier is seeking his third term in the Assembly. For more information about Miller, visit his website at www.electdavemiller.com. The election is on Tuesday, November 8.

Debora Allen announces strong bi-partisan support in campaign for BART Director

August 17, 2016 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Debora Allen

Challenging three-term incumbent Gail Murray

County pension board trustee Debora Allen announced, Wednesday morning, that she is running for District 1 BART Director, in the 2016 general election. The chief financial officer of East County Glass is challenging incumbent Gail Murray who is seeking her fourth term on the BART board. District 1 includes the Concord, Pleasant Hill/Contra Costa Centre, Walnut Creek and Lafayette BART stations, and the cities of Martinez, Lafayette, Walnut Creek, Concord, Danville, San Ramon and Clayton, as well as Alamo and Blackhawk.

“Over the last decade, the BART experience has deteriorated with increased crime, system delays, labor strikes, equipment malfunctions, fake security cameras, high fares, budget shortfalls and overall public dissatisfaction,” Allen said. “BART is so antiquated, their control system is from 1972 and they buy replacement parts on eBay.”

Allen’s campaign platform is focused on five primary objectives:

DEMAND accountability from management for the financial stability, affordability, and cost effectiveness of BART.
REBUILD the old infrastructure to provide a renewed, sustainable, and durable transportation system for future generations.
REPLACE obsolete, broken equipment with clean, innovative, modern replacements, and maintain them.
INTEGRATE the current system with our numerous other Bay Area transit systems to create greater accessibility and efficiency in our lives.
PROVIDE a better BART experience to the customer, the rider, and the workers.

In an email, last week, Allen stated “BART needs strong leadership that is willing to stand up for change and hold management accountable for its revitalization.”

Numerous, prominent East Bay leaders have joined in supporting Allen’s campaign, including California State Senator Steve Glazer, a Democrat who has been an outspoken critic of strikes by BART employees, as well as BART operations and finances.

“Debora Allen will bring an important voice and fiscally responsible vote into the BART boardroom. She’s smart, she’s tough, and she’s a problem solver,” Glazer said. “She will stand up to special interests and management incompetence and fight to improve BART while protecting the interest of taxpayers.”

“Debora Allen brings a refreshing new energy and approach to getting BART’s fiscal house in order,” said Assemblywoman Catharine Baker, a Republican. “She will be a champion for the transit rider and taxpayer.”

President of the Association of Bay Area Governments (known as ABAG) and Vice Mayor of Clayton Julie Pierce also endorsed Allen, stating “Our BART system is incredibly important to the residents of Contra Costa County. I am confident that Debora Allen will be strong leadership on the Board of Directors and a loud voice for transparency and financial accountability to the stakeholders as we rebuild BART into a world class transportation system of which we can all be proud.”

Contra Costa County Supervisor Candace Andersen also offered her support.

“Debora Allen brings the business experience and financial acumen we need to lead BART in the right direction,” she stated.

Contra Costa County District Attorney Mark Peterson also endorsed Allen, stating “I trust Debora Allen to protect the taxpayers’ investment in BART, for the riders, the workers, and for the future of Bay Area living.”

Former California State Assemblywoman (1996-2002) Lynne Leach added her support.

“Debora Allen is a talented, trusted and experienced businesswoman,” Leach said. “Her background of working to stem the ever increasing growth of public pension costs prepares her well to serve on the BART Board.”

Also endorsing Allen are Mayor of Pittsburg Ben Johnson, Mayor of Clayton Howard Geller, Pittsburg City Council Member Sal Evola, Contra Costa Community College District Board President Vicki Gordon, Central Contra Costa Sanitary District Board Member and Past President Contra Costa Taxpayers Association Michael McGill, attorney and Contra Costa County Employees Retirement System Board Trustee Scott Gordon, Alamo Municipal Advisory Council Member Steve Mick, Former Mayor of Clayton Pete Laurence, former Walnut Creek School Board Member Dan Walden, and retired BART employee Robert Leach.

“I am an independent, thoughtful, outsider, willing to take on the challenges of the troubled BART system,” Allen said. “I have spent over 25 years in a career in various financial management and board level positions. I now want to use that experience and knowledge to help the BART stakeholders, the riders, the taxpayers, and the BART employees.”

This is Allen’s second run for public office. She ran for State Assembly in the 14^th District in the June primary, but did not make the run-off, placing a close third in the race behind the top-two candidates. She has a college degree from Sac State in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting, is married to Tim Allen and they have two adult sons. They live just outside of Clayton, next to Mt. Diablo State Park.

For more information visit www.deboraallen.com or www.facebook.com/deboraallenforbart, or email her at debora@fixourbart.com.

The election will be on Tuesday, November 8.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

Author and producer of Obama, Hillary books and documentaries Dinesh D’Souza in East County, September 11

August 14, 2016 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Join the Bay Area Republican Women Clubs in a lovely winery in East Contra Costa for an afternoon with noted documentary journalist and best-selling author Dinesh D’Souza as he details the impact of the Progressive movement in the USA. His new book Stealing America, was released in November, 2015 and has a rating of almost 90% on Amazon. D’Souza’s new documentary, Hillary’s America: The Secret History of the Democratic Party, is based on the book and was released in theaters, nationwide in July, 2016.

In 2010, D’Souza wrote The Roots of Obama’s Rage, described as the most influential political book of the year, set off a firestorm that ultimately led to D’Souza’s first film, 2016: Obama’s America which rose to the second highest grossing political documentary of all time.

In 2012, his second analysis of Obama, Obama’s America: Unmaking the American Dream, climbed to #1 on the New York Times bestseller list.

In D’Souza’s 2014 book, America: Imagine The World Without Her, became the #1 New York Times bestselling book and the movie by the same title was the sixth most successful political documentary of all time. Later that year, D’Souza found himself hauled into federal court for improperly donating money to a friend running for the Senate. He pleaded guilty, apologized, and was sentenced to eight months in a state-run confinement center near his home in San Diego.

Tickets

VIP $175 per person – 1:30 pm entry

Includes a personalized signed book, professional photo with Dinesh, wine from the venue, and preferred seating for the keynote.

General Admission $100 per person – 2:00 pm entry

Appetizers Served, No Host Bar

For Tickets contact: Liz Ritchie, President, East Contra Costa Republican Women Federated lizritchie@me.com or (925) 684-4995. For more information visit www.eastcontracostarepublicanwomen.org.

Dinesh D’Souza

About Dinesh D’Souza

Born in Mumbai, India, Dinesh D’Souza came to the U.S. as an exchange student and graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Dartmouth College in 1983.

A former policy analyst in the Reagan White House, D’Souza also served as John M. Olin Fellow at the American Enterprise Instituteand the Robert and Karen Rishwain Fellow at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University. He served as the president of The King’s College in New York City from 2010 to 2012.

His first book ,Illiberal Education (1991), publicized the phenomenon of political correctness in America’s colleges and universities and became a New York Times bestseller for 15 weeks.

In 1995, D’Souza published The End of Racism, which became one of the most controversial books of the time and another national bestseller. His 1997 book, Ronald Reagan: How an Ordinary Man Became an Extraordinary Leader, was the first book to make the case for Reagan’s intellectual and political importance. D’Souza’s The Virtue of Prosperity (2000) explored the social and moral implications of wealth.

In 2002, D’Souza published his New York Times bestseller What’s So Great About America, which anticipated the case that would need to be made for American exceptionalism and was critically acclaimed for its thoughtful patriotism. His 2003 book, Letters to a Young Conservative, has become a handbook for a new generation of young conservatives inspired by D’Souza’s style and ideas.

In 2010, D’Souza wrote The Roots of Obama’s Rage, which was described as the most influential political book of the year, and set off a firestorm which ultimately led to D’Souza’s first film, 2016: Obama’s America. The film quickly rose to the second highest grossing political documentary of all time.

D’Souza’s second analysis of Obama came in his 2012 book, Obama’s America: Unmaking the American Dream, which climbed to #1 on the New York Times bestseller list.

His 2014 book, America: Imagine The World Without Her, became the #1 New York Times bestselling book and the movie by the same title was the sixth most successful political documentary of all time.

In the fall of 2014, D’Souza found himself hauled into federal court for improperly donating money to a friend who was running for the Senate. D’Souza pleaded guilty, apologized for his offense, and was sentenced to eight months in a state-run confinement center near his home in San Diego.

D’Souza’s latest book Stealing America, rose to #16 on Publisher’s Weekly.