San Ramon Valley | Contra Costa Herald

Danville man arrested for distribution of child porn and more, Tuesday

July 13, 2016 By Publisher Leave a Comment

On July 7, 2016, a Grand Jury in Contra Costa County indicted twenty-seven year old Danville resident Nickolas Robert Thurston on charges he distributed and possessed child pornography, conspired to access protected computer systems and used the identities of multiple women in an attempt to unlawfully gain access to their “cloud” computer accounts.

Following indictment, Danville police arrested Thurston at his home on July 12, 2016 and he is currently in the custody of the Contra Costa County Sheriff with bail set at 1.5 million dollars. Thurston will make his first appearance in court on July 12, 2016 in front of the Honorable Patricia Scanlon.

The indictment alleges that between January 1, 2016 and May 24, 2016, Thurston conspired with an unnamed co-conspirator to unlawfully access the protected “cloud” accounts of women and girls that he knew in an attempt to gain revealing photographs of them and distributed their personal information in order to further the plan. The indictment further alleges that Thurston operated a website to distribute child pornography and directly distributed images of a nine-year-old girl engaged in sexual activity via email.

On May 24, 2016, investigators from the Contra Costa County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force served a search warrant on Buena Vista Drive in Danville. During the course of that search warrant service, investigators developed probable cause to arrest Thurston and numerous items of evidence were seized from his house.

Thurston has been indicted on two counts of distribution of child pornography in violation of California Penal Code 311.2(c), one count of possession of child pornography in violation of California Penal Code 311.11(a), four counts of identity theft in violation of California Penal Code 530.5(a), three counts of accessing or attempting to access a protected computer system to steal files in violation of California Penal Code 502(c)(1) and conspiracy to commit computer theft in violation of California Penal Code 182(a)(1).

The maximum penalty for the above charged offenses is approximately five years and a requirement to register as a sex offender. An indictment is an allegation that a crime has occurred and all charges must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. All defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty.

I-680 Walnut Creek to San Ramon – Nighttime Ramp Closures, June 13 – July 1

June 11, 2016 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Summary

Upcoming construction activity for the Express Lanes on I-680 between Walnut Creek and San Ramon requires temporary, nighttime ramp closures. The construction activity will include the excavation and paving of maintenance vehicle pullouts on the ramp shoulders. Once complete, the vehicle pullouts will create a safer environment for highway maintenance crews.

Due to the dynamic nature of this work, the ramp closures are scheduled to occur intermittently Monday, June 13 through Friday, July 1 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. The ramp closures will be intermittent and will alternate as work is completed.

The following ramp closures are scheduled:

The southbound Rudgear Road on-ramp
The northbound Stone Valley Road off-ramp
The northbound El Cerro Boulevard on-ramp
The southbound Bollinger Canyon Road on-ramp

What to Expect

In addition to the ramp closures, intermittent and alternating nightly closures will occur in the northbound and southbound directions in the lanes closest to the median, and in the lane closest to the shoulder from Martinez to Dublin. Approved construction work hours are: Monday through Thursday from 8 p.m. – 5 a.m., Friday from 8 p.m. – 7 a.m., Saturday from 7 p.m. to 10 a.m.
Construction crews will be present on some city streets during the day near I-680 from Martinez to Dublin with temporary and minor pedestrian detours to maintain public safety.
Construction lighting will be present and directed away from residential areas.
When traveling near construction activity
- Always use caution
- Be prepared to reduce speeds
- Follow posted signs

Ramp Closure Detour Routes

Southbound Rudgear Road on-ramp: Enter northbound I-680 from Rudgear Rd, continue on northbound I-680, exit at Olympic Blvd., head west on Olympic Blvd., and enter southbound I-680.
Northbound Stone Valley Road off-ramp: Continue on northbound I-680, exit at the Livorna Rd. off-ramp, head west on Livorna Rd., enter southbound I-680, and exit at the Stone Valley Rd. off-ramp.
Northbound El Cerro Boulevard on-ramp: Enter southbound I-680, continue on southbound I-680, exit at Diablo Rd., head east on Diablo Rd, and enter northbound I-680.
Southbound Bollinger Canyon Road on-ramp: Enter northbound I-680, continue on northbound I-680, exit at Crow Canyon Rd., head west on Crow Canyon Rd., and enter southbound I-680.

Construction is a dynamic process and information is subject to change without notice. Please use caution while traveling through the construction zone.

Barr, Burgis expand leads in Thursday’s District 3 Supervisor race vote count update

June 9, 2016 By Publisher Leave a Comment

By Allen Payton

An update on the Contra Costa County Elections Office website on Thursday, June 09, 2016 at 4:04 p.m. shows Brentwood City Councilman Steve Barr expanding his lead over East Bay Regional Parks District Board Member Diane Burgis, to 1,930 votes. Burgis expanded her lead over Oakley Councilman Doug Hardcastle to 1,227 votes, with about an additional 4,000 votes counted since Tuesday night.

Barr has secured his place in the November run-off. If the trend continues as the remaining ballots are counted, Burgis will have secured her place, as well, as the top two finishers face off in the General Election.

The latest vote counts and percentages are as follows:

ODESSA LEFRANCOIS	1,787	5.73%
DIANE BURGIS	7,044	22.57%
STEVE BARR	9,014	28.88%
MONICA E WILSON	2,798	8.97%
DOUGLAS F. HARDCASTLE	5,817	18.64%
WADE HARPER	4,684	15.01%
WRITE-IN	66	0.21%
Total	31,210

Election for District 3 Supervisor may not yet be over, about 56,000 ballots left to count

June 8, 2016 By Publisher 1 Comment

By Allen Payton

Election results from Tuesday night show Brentwood Councilman Steve Barr in a commanding first place lead and East Bay Regional Parks District Board Member in second place in the race for District 3 Supervisor. But, the battle for second place to determine who will face Barr in the run-off election in November may not yet be decided.

Oakley Councilman Doug Hardcastle trails Burgis by just 1,025 votes and according to County Elections Office staff, there are still about 56,000 vote-by-mail ballots in the county, turned in at the polls, Tuesday that are left to be counted. That figure does not include an additional 19,000 provisional ballots, plus the ballots turned in to the 19 City Clerks’ offices, on Tuesday, nor those ballots postmarked by Tuesday and received by this Friday.

All the ballots of those who voted at the polls were counted and included in Tuesday night’s totals.

According to the County Elections website, the results for the District 3 race as of Tuesday night are as follows:

Steve Barr – 7,996 votes, 28.9%

Diane Burgis – 6,136 votes, 22.2%

Doug Hardcastle – 5,109 votes, 18.49%

Wade Harper – 4,234 votes, 15.32%

Monica Wilson – 2,516 votes, 9.11%

Odessa Lefrancois – 1,584 votes, 5.73%

Vote counts will be updated as the County Elections office has them, with the first one expected on Friday.

Hardcastle maintains lead in finances in District 3 Supervisor race, Burgis leads in monetary contributions, is second in spending

June 7, 2016 By Publisher Leave a Comment

By Allen Payton

The final financial reports were due on Friday, June 2 for the candidates in races for Contra Costa County Supervisor. In District 3, Oakley Councilman Doug Hardcastle continues to maintain his lead in total contributions and total expenses. East Bay Regional Parks District Board Member Diane Burgis shows the most in monetary contributions. Brentwood Councilman Steve Barr is in second in that category. But, Burgis shows the second most spent during the campaign and the most in outstanding debts.

Below is the summary of the campaign finances based on the latest reporting (please see copies of their reports at the bottom of this story):

Doug Hardcastle

Monetary Contributions Received during the period: $1,300

Loans Received during the period: $1,000

Non-Monetary Contributions Received: $1,400

Total Contributions Received for the period: $3,700 (1st)

Monetary Contributions Received during the campaign: $27,308.16 (4^th)

Total Contributions during the campaign: $52,633.16 (1^st)

Payments Made during period: $2,511.13

Accrued Expenses (unpaid bills) for the period: $ -0-

Total Expenditures Made during the campaign: $52,155.00 (1^st)

Ending Cash Balance: $478.16

Outstanding Debts: $16,500 (2^nd) – all loans from himself

Hardcastle submitted two amended reports showing $700 in additional monetary contributions and a $750 in-kind contribution not previously reported.

Steve Barr

Monetary Contributions Received during the period: $2,567

Loans Received during the period: $ -0-

Non-Monetary Contributions Received: $ -0-

Total Contributions Received for the period: $2,567 (2^nd)

Monetary Contributions Received during the campaign: $30,352 (2^nd)

Total Contributions during the campaign: $40,752 (3^rd)

Expenditures Made during period: $ -0-

Total Expenditures Made during the campaign: $38,768 (3^rd)

Ending Cash Balance: $3,984

Outstanding Debts: $7,000 (3^rd) – $5,000 in loans from himself

Barr submitted an amended report showing a change from an in-kind contribution of $450 to an Accrued Expense.

Diane Burgis

Monetary Contributions Received during the period: $2,000

Loans Received during the period: $ -0-

Non-Monetary Contributions Received: $ -0-

Total Contributions Received for the period: $2,000 (4^th)

Monetary Contributions Received during the campaign: $31,655 (1^st)

Total Contributions during the campaign: $31,755 (3^rd)

Expenditures Made during period: $8,137.80

Accrued Expenses (unpaid bills) for the period: $23,370.06

Total Expenditures Made during the campaign: $50,043.18 (2^nd)

Ending Cash Balance: $5,082.43

Outstanding Debts: $23,470.06 (1^st) – $100 in a loan from herself

Monica Wilson

Monetary Contributions Received during period: $2,095

Loans Received during the period: $ -0-

Non-Monetary Contributions received: $ -0-

Total Contributions Received for the period: $2,095 (3rd)

Monetary Contributions Received during the campaign: $29,170.92 (3^rd)

Total Contributions for the campaign: $31,216.86 (4^th)

Expenditures Made during period: $5,254.59 paid down previous unpaid bills of $1,874.98

Accrued Expenses (unpaid bills) for the period: $ -0-

Total Expenditures Made during the campaign: $34,470.54 (4^th)

Ending Cash Balance of $3,175.32

Outstanding Debts: $1,250 (4^th)

Odessa Lefrancois

Monetary Contributions Received during period: $ -0-

Loans Received during the period: $ -0-

Non-Monetary Contributions received: $ -0-

Total Contributions Received for the period: $ -0-

Monetary Contributions Received during the campaign: $13,025.00 (5^th)

Total Contributions for the campaign: $13,025.00 (5^th)

Expenditures Made during period: $2,312.22

Accrued Expenses (unpaid bills) for the period: $ -0-

Total Expenditures Made during the campaign: $11,590.02 (5^th)

Ending Cash Balance of $1,434.98

Outstanding Debts: $ -0-

She will have to file an amended report, as hers once again, does not show the Year to Date Totals on the Summary page.

Wade Harper

Monetary Contributions Received during period: $ -0-

Non-Monetary Contributions received: $ -0-

Total Contributions Received for the period: $ -0-

Monetary Contributions Received during the campaign: $9,725.00 (6^th)

Total Contributions for the campaign: $9,725.00 (6^th)

Expenditures Made during period: $ -0-

Accrued Expenses (unpaid bills) for the period: $ -0-

Total Expenditures Made during the campaign: $8,950.54 (6^th)

Ending Cash Balance of $774.46

Outstanding Debts: $ -0-

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

Barr 460 0522-060216

Barr Amend 0424-052116

Burgis 460 0522-060216

Hardcastle 460 0522-060216

Hardcastle Amend 0101-042316

Hardcastle Amend 0424-052116

Harper 460 0522-060216

Lefrancios 460 0522-060316

Wilson 460 0522-060216

Hardcastle continues to lead in money battle in race for District 3 Supervisor, Burgis close behind in spending

May 31, 2016 By Publisher Leave a Comment

By Allen Payton

Candidates and campaigns were required to file financial reports on Thursday, May 26 for the period of April 24 through May 21, 2016. Oakley Councilman Doug Hardcastle continues to lead in the amount of funds raised and spent in the campaign. East Bay Regional Parks District Board Member Diane Burgis is second behind Hardcastle in expenditures, but has the most in monetary contributions, and in unaid bills. But, Brentwood Councilman Steve Barr, has raised more than Burgis in total contributions. Antioch Councilwoman Monica Wilson is in a close fourth in fundraising, in both monetary and total contributions.

Following is the financial information submitted by the candidates in the District 3 Supervisor race for the latest period (see the complete reports, posted in alphabetical order of last name, below):

Doug Hardcastle

Monetary Contributions Received during the period: $8,297

Non-Monetary Contributions Received: $1,675

Total Contributions Received for the period: $9,972 (3^rd)

Monetary Contributions Received during the campaign: $25,308.16 (4^th)

Total Contributions Received during the campaign: $47,483.16 (1^st)

Expenditures Made during period: $11,176.07

Accrued Expenses (unpaid bills) for the period: $ -0-

Total Expenditures Made during the campaign: $45,818.87 (1^st)

Ending Cash Balance: $1,664.29

Outstanding Debts: $15,500 (2^nd) – all loans from himself

After his report was submitted, Hardcastle discovered a file of monetary contributions totaling approximately $700 and an in-kind contribution of $750 from a fundraiser in May that was not included in the latest report. He will be submitting an amended report, this next week.

Steve Barr

Monetary Contributions Received during the period: $9,100.00 – Most from within the district.

Non-Monetary Contributions Received: $1,200

Total Contributions Received for the period: $10,300 (2^nd)

Monetary Contributions Received during the campaign: $27,785 (2^nd)

Total Contributions Received during the campaign: $38,635 (2^nd)

Expenditures Made during period: $28,594, paid down previous unpaid bills of $17,035

Total Expenditures Made during the campaign: $31,768 (3^rd)

Ending Cash Balance: $1,417

Outstanding Debts: $6,550 (3^rd) – $5,000 in loans from himself

Diane Burgis

Monetary Contributions Received during the period: $10,798

Non-Monetary Contributions Received: $ -0-

Total Contributions Received for the period: $10,798 (1^st)

Monetary Contributions Received during the campaign: $29,655 (1^st)

Total Contributions Received during the campaign: $29,755 (3^rd)

Expenditures Made during period: $15,336.52

Accrued Expenses (unpaid bills) for the period: $8,098.85

Total Expenditures Made during the campaign: $41,905.38 (2^nd)

Ending Cash Balance: $11,220.23

Outstanding Debts: $23,470.06 (1^st) – $100 in loans from herself

Almost all of her contributions were received during the period from and most of her money was spent outside of the district.

Monica Wilson

Monetary Contributions Received during period: $6,665.16

Non-Monetary Contributions received: $1,927.88

Total Contributions Received for the period: $8,593.04 (4^th)

Monetary Contributions Received during the campaign: $27,075.92 (3^rd)

Total Contributions Received during the campaign: $29,121.86 (4^th)

Expenditures Made during period: $12,704.75 paid down previous unpaid bills of $11,462.87

Accrued Expenses (unpaid bills) for the period: $ -0-

Total Expenditures Made during the campaign: $29,215.95 (4^th)

Ending Cash Balance of $8,209.89

Outstanding Debts: $3,124.98 (4^th)

All of her contributions were received during the period from and most of her money was spent outside of the district, with the majority of it spent out of state for yard signs and direct mail.

Odessa Lefrancois

Monetary Contributions Received during period: $1,140.00

Non-Monetary Contributions received: $ -0-

Total Contributions Received for the period: $1,140.00 (6^th)

Monetary Contributions Received during the campaign: $13,025.00 (5^th)

Total Contributions Received during the campaign: $13,025.00 (5^th)

Expenditures Made during period: $2,312.22

Accrued Expenses (unpaid bills) for the period: $ -0-

Total Expenditures Made during the campaign: $11,590.02 (5^th)

Ending Cash Balance of $1,434.98

Outstanding Debts: $ -0-

She will have to file an amended report, as hers does not show the Year to Date Totals on the Summary page.

Wade Harper

Monetary Contributions Received during period: $1,675.00

Non-Monetary Contributions received: $ -0-

Total Contributions Received for the period: $1,675.00 (5^th)

Monetary Contributions Received during the campaign: $9,725.00 (6^th)

Total Contributions Received during the campaign: $9,725.00 (6^th)

Expenditures Made during period: $3,287.00

Accrued Expenses (unpaid bills) for the period: $ -0-

Total Expenditures Made during the campaign: $8,950.54 (6^th)

Ending Cash Balance of $774.46

Outstanding Debts: $ -0-

Barr 460 0424-52116

Burgis 460 0424-052116

Hardcastle 460 0424-052116

Harper 460 0424-052116

Lefrancois 460 0424-052116

Wilson 460 0424-052116

East County group seeking solutions to fire district funding endorse Hardcastle for Supervisor

May 26, 2016 By Publisher 4 Comments

The East County Voters for Equal Protection (ECVEP), a group of residents who are working to find ways to fund the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District without a tax increase, have endorsed Oakley Councilman Doug Hardcastle in his race for Supervisor in District 3, for his support of their efforts.

The group supports reallocation of funds that other local agencies within the district boundaries, currently receive in property tax revenue. The fire protection district includes Oakley, Brentwood, Discovery Bay, Bethel Island, Byron and Knightsen, as well as the unincorporated areas of Clayton along Marsh Creek and Morgan Territory Roads.

“This can has been kicked down the road too many times,” said Rob Broocker, the group’s leader. “Doug recognizes that it’s time the local officials sat down and worked things out.”

Sign in the window of the closed Discovery Bay fire station.

At a recent meeting with Hardcastle at a closed fire station, in Discovery Bay, Broocker, a Santa Clara firefighter, painting contractor and Discovery Bay resident said, “Of two Discovery Bay Fire Stations one is closed. Even with a tax increase the second one can’t be guaranteed to be open, according to County Assessor Gus Kramer. At the same Discovery Bay Town Council meeting David Piepho said it will never be open due to the lack of funding.”

The group has met with board members and spoken before their meetings, as well communicated with other community leaders like Hardcastle, to get them to consider a reallocation plan instead of a third attempt at a tax increase.

“I appreciate the support of the East County Voters and look forward to continuing to work with them to find a solution to improving fire protection, without another tax increase,” Hardcastle said. “Our number one priority is safety of our families. You have to take this personal. You have to ask yourself, what if it was my house on fire or one of my family members in an accident? We deserve quicker response times for all of us.”

Speaking of the only current ECCFP board member who is also a candidate in the District 3 Supervisor’s race, Broocker stated “Steve Barr is not ready to step up and be a Supervisor if he can’t handle the job on the fire district board.”

At a candidates’ forum in Discovery Bay, Wednesday night, Barr said, “There is a task force that’s been formed. The first step the fire board has taken is do a study to find out what is the adequate number of fire stations in this district. That study, came in with a nine-station model. I think we’re on the right track. I’m hopeful this next measure or however it comes to you will be right.”

Hardcastle disagrees.

“We’ve had enough studies,” he responded. “People do not want to raise their taxes again. They tried it twice, already. It’s ridiculous they even tried it twice. We just need to learn how to spend our money properly.”

While the ECVEP is asking all the agencies within the bounds of the fire district to pitch in, Hardcastle only supports reallocating funds from the cities of Oakley and Brentwood, and the County, like was done with one-time money to re-open the fire station in Knightsen.

“I feel the only ones that have the ability to approve reallocation of money are our councils and the county,” he stated. “We just did it by funding the Knightsen fire station to get them open for 2017.”

That process was explained by another member of the group.

“When the self-appointed Task Force made their initial report to the fire board on October 21, 2015, they recommended emergency funding to open one fire station for a limited period of time,” stated Bryan Scott, a member of ECVEP. “They sought and obtained one-time funding from the cities of Brentwood and Oakley as well as the county.”

“The Task Force allocated the contributions from the cities and the county based on call volume to their respective areas,” he continued. “This came out to 49% for the city of Brentwood, 28% for the city of Oakley, and 23% for the county.”

“Using these same allocation percentages to increase fire district funding by $7.8 million would mean Brentwood would contribute $3,822,000, Oakley would contribute $2,184,000, and the county $1,794,000,” Scott explained.

Brentwood will pay a larger portion for two reasons. First, because they have a larger population than Oakley. Second, they receive a greater percentage of property tax, 16% than Oakley does at just 7%. Plus, they used part of funds set aside for fire protection on their police force, instead.

“We need the cities and county to pitch in to make this happen and in a fair way,” Hardcastle added. “It’s time to get this done.”

District 3 includes all of Oakley, Brentwood, Discovery Bay, Bethel Island, Byron, Knightsen and most of Antioch in East County, as well as Blackhawk, Diablo and Camino Tassajara in the San Ramon Valley. The election is June 7. For more information about Doug Hardcastle, visit www.doughardcastle.com or call the Campaign Headquarters at (925) 755-5053.

Former Ironhouse Sanitary District General Manager endorses Hardcastle for Supervisor

May 26, 2016 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Editor:

I also publicly endorse Mr. Doug Harcastle for District III Contra Costa County Supervisor.

I would like to echo the comments of Dr. Michael Painter regarding Mr. Hardcastle. As the former General Manager of the Ironhouse Sanitary District (ISD), I had the opportunity to work directly with Doug for 12 years, and came to know and understand him well.

Doug was certainly instrumental (in conjunction with his fellow Directors) in helping reshape ISD from an outdated rural operation, into a modern, suburban oriented collection, treatment and water reuse operation that protects our environment and our sensitive Western Delta water quality.

In late 2012, when Doug decided to step down from ISD and run for City office, I knew ISD was losing an excellent public servant. While I did not want to see him go, I believed he had accomplished what he initially set out to do. Doug helped improve ISD over the twelve years he served and was leaving ISD in much better shape than when he found it.

While Doug was only one of five Directors on the ISD Board, he was critical in helping reset the Board’s vision for the future, and setting a high standard for staff that drove us to excellence. Doug understands the importance of working with others and did a great job of building consensus on the ISD Board.

Doug also understands the importance of establishing good public policies, hiring competent staff, providing staff the tools and resources necessary to do their jobs, and letting staff do their work. From a General Manager’s perspective, this policy-based mindset from elected officials is critical to well functioning public entities. I believe this skill will be especially important (and useful) when functioning at the County Supervisor level.

Of course, with staff empowerment comes staff accountability, and Doug also understands this concept. While Doug is no tyrant, he is demanding and he expects results from staff; and holds his agency people accountable for the tasks they are given.

With the addition of four years experience on the Oakley City Council, Doug has gained additional insight into a more complex city government. I believe this experience, combined with his 12 years at ISD, has helped him gain the knowledge necessary to function and succeed at the county level.

So, based on my 16 years of knowing Mr. Hardcastle, (five as a District Engineer, seven as a General Manager, and four as an observer and friend), I strongly endorse Doug as a candidate for the position of Contra Costa County Supervisor, District III.

Sincerely,

Tom Williams

Civil Engineer and Retired General Manager

25 year Antioch resident

Union, developer money in large contribution reports for District 3 Supervisor candidates

May 22, 2016 By Publisher Leave a Comment

By Allen Payton

Campaigns are required to file reports of contributions received by their campaigns of $2,000 or more, within 24 hours of receiving them, between March 9 and June 7, 2016. The rules changed in the county, this year, increasing from $1,000 to $2,000. However, the form provided by the County Elections Office had the old information on it and some candidates weren’t informed of the change. So, some of their reports reflect contributions of less than $2,000.

Some of the contributions that can be seen in the reports, known as 497 forms, below have been reported previously, on the regularly scheduled financial reports – 460 forms – for the period January 1 through April 23, 2016.

On the 497 forms submitted by each candidate and political action committee, they show East Bay Regional Parks District Board Member Diane Burgis received the most in reportable contributions, since the last, regular reporting period, with $2,000 from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (I.B.E.W.) 302 Community Candidates PAC which is based in Martinez, $2,000 from the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers Local 21 TJ Anthony PAC Fund based in San Francisco and $1,675 from the Plumbers & Steamfitters Local Union #342, which is based in Concord.

The I.B.E.W. 497 report shows both the contribution to Burgis, as well as a $2,000 contribution to the campaign committee for Lori Ogorchock for Mayor – 2016. Filing for the election for Mayor of Antioch doesn’t open until July.

The 497’s also show both Antioch Mayor Wade Harper and Antioch Councilwoman Monica Wilson (which she previously reported) received the maximum contribution of $1,675 from Richland Communities, a developer seeking to build between 1,100 and 1,600 homes in the Sand Creek area near Kaiser on Deer Valley Road in Antioch.

Wilson’s 497’s also show the previously reported contribution of $5,000 from the California Nurses Association PAC, the maximum allowed by a broad based political action committee.

Oakley Councilman Doug Hardcastle showed a $1,500 loan to himself that he previously reported.

The latest reporting period ended this last Saturday, May 21 and 460 form reports are due this Thursday, May 26. Contributions of $100 or more will appear on those forms.

IBEW 497 – Burgis & Ogorchock

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