I don’t want to sound like the Grinch who stole Christmas, but I find it ironic that BART, which is planning a future ballot measure to ask voters in 3 counties to approve a $651 million dollar parcel tax to replace aging train cars, last week gave commuters more than 65,000 vouchers for free round trip rides. (Last year BART distributed 60,000 free round trip vouchers.)

Because, like Ben Franklin I believe “A penny saved is a penny earned”, I object to taxpayer-subsidized public agencies acting like Santa Claus and handing out thousands of dollars of freebies. Therefore, I decided to query BART as to the actual cost of their holiday shopping promotion.

I was subsequently informed that this year’s holiday promotion cost BART approximately the same as last year’s promotion, e.g. $25,000 to print the vouchers, hire the street teams to hand them out and other associated costs, and that the promotions were designed specifically to increase leisure ridership as the vast majority of riders use it solely during weekdays to get to and from work.

BART’s communication officer also told me that “last year’s promotion didn’t cost us anything, rather it made money. This is for two reasons: as I mentioned, not all trips taken with the free tickets would have been made without the incentive because those people normally would have been making the trip in a car. We’re not losing money because that person would have been driving anyway.

“Second, many of the riders using free tickets last year brought along companions who paid full fare. In fact, 36% of those riding last year did so with an average of 1.82 fare-paying companions, thereby adding to our revenue Even using the conservative numbers (total expenditure for last year’s promotion $24,207.59), the program made its money back and 28% in additional revenue.”

Frankly, I’m having a hard time following BART’s logic. BART has a history of inaccurate financial projections and a problem increasing ridership. BART does, however, know how to wage strong public relations campaigns.

Although one of the latest got called out on the carpet after the Bay Citizen ran an article on September 15th entitled “BART Promises to Stop Faking the News”. The reporter noted that BART Board President Bob Franklin promised the embattled agency would stop trying to push fake news, referring to a clumsy media manipulation strategy hatched by former BART spokesman Lindon Johnson who had tried unsuccessfully to recruit loyal passengers to attend a press conference and read from a BART-friendly script he wrote.

Although he spent public funds on limos to ferry the loyal passengers, none showed up. Franklin said the agency decided to never do that again. However, Johnson’ s direct boss Jennifer Barton said it was not the first time the public agency had given loyal customers “talking points” to use with the news media.

Let’s hope BART turns a new leaf in the New Year.

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Original column:

I find it ironic that BART, which continually cries poor mouth, last week gave commuters more than 65,000 vouchers for free round-trip rides to lure them to take transit to do their Christmas shopping.

Let’s take a look at what the hit was to BART’s budget. A ONE-way trip ride from Walnut Creek to Montgomery Street Station in San Francisco is $4.75, a ONE-way trip from Pittsburg/Bay Point to San Francisco is $5.95.

The vouchers were for ROUND-trip rides. Using the single fare rate, a round-trip voucher from Walnut Creek to Montgomery Street Station would be $9.50 ($9.50 times 65,000 is $61,750). A round-trip voucher from Pittsburg/Bay Point would be $11.90 ($11.90 times 65,000 is $77,350.)

I know that senior fares and clipper cards are cheaper than the above quoted rate, but that’s not the point. A taxpayer-subsidized transit system shouldn’t be acting like Santa Claus and doling out thousands of dollars in a vain hope to increase ridership.

The BART board of directors, which includes former Antioch mayor Joel Keller, should be ashamed of themselves.

By Mary Nejedly Piepho
District III Supervisor
Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors

Many may remember the fierce water battle days of the late 1970’s and early 1980’s. These battles culminated in the California State Legislature passing legislation that authorized the construction of a Peripheral Canal that would have had significant negative impacts on Contra Costa County, the Sacramento/San Joaquin Delta and the San Francisco Bay.

Some involved in those water policy negotiations are still around, like former county supervisor Sunne Wright McPeak, retired state legislator Daniel E. Boatwright, Governor Jerry Brown and Congressman George Miller. Unfortunately others are not around, like my dad the late state senator John A. Nejedly.

In 1982 a grass-roots effort ultimately defeated the Peripheral Canal by a state-wide voter initiative. While that battle was won on behalf of the Delta and good public policy, the interest and focus of those who sought our water to begin with never went away.

In 2009 the California State Legislature again took up the issue of water supply and reliability for all Californians by convening an Extraordinary Session to focus solely on water. The culmination of this legislative session was the creation of SBX7-1, a comprehensive package reforming governance of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and related aspects of statewide water management.

It became clear the Delta and our local interests were in the cross-hairs of Southern California and Valley interests. A water grab was once again at play. The five Delta County Coalition (DCC) was formed to enhance our advocacy and we have been working feverishly ever since. Our goal is to interject local interests into the development of any policy related to our Delta.

We sought and won in the SBX7-1 legislative language protections for the Delta “as a place”, reduce reliance on the Delta, establish “co-equal goals” and the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy, restructure the Delta Protection Commission to better represent local government and stake-holders, promote regional self-sufficiency, and designate the Delta as a National Heritage Area.

“‘Co-equal goals’ means the two goals of providing a more reliable water supply for California and protecting, restoring, and enhancing the Delta ecosystem.” (CA Water Code §85054)

We did not succeed however on gaining meaningful representation (we sought 3 Delta seats) on the newly formed Delta Stewardship Council (DSC), but we did get a seat for the chair of the Delta Protection Commission (DPC).

We sought legislative oversight over the newly formed Delta Stewardship Council and the Bay Delta Conservation Plan (BDCP). This request was important for us because the power behind water is money and votes. In this regard, northern California is in a very vulnerable position. Unfortunately, this good public policy request was denied.

The five Delta Coalition sought oversight that had direct accountability to the public and the taxpayer. The DSC operates under a public meeting format, but the sitting members are appointed by the Governor and legislature. What the DSC ultimately decides to do under their legislated authority, which includes development of a Delta Plan to “guide state and local actions in the Delta in a manner that furthers the co-equal goals of Delta restoration and water supply reliability”, is final. Whether we like it or not.

This is extremely relevant, particularly since the DSC also has the authority to hear appeals with regard to determinations that the Bay Delta Conservation Plan (BDCP) has met its legal standards under Water Code Section 85320.

Here is the kicker. The BDCP is the Peripheral Canal of the 21st Century. The BDCP is project based, i.e. canal construction, and is paid for principally by Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, Kern County Water Agency, and Westlands Water District to the tune of $240 million dollars. A third is paid for by the federal government (which means me and you). This is only for the cost of permits and does not include any construction or mitigation expenses. The BDCP provides 50-year operating permits under the state and federal Endangered Species Acts.

There is no question that our Delta is at risk and needs our help. It is time for us to work together and perform as our citizens deserve. We must first begin with identifying what the Delta and Bay need to get healthy and stay that way. Until then, the fight will continue.

By Walter Ruehlig

Dozier-Libbey Medical High School had a recognition bash December 9th that filled a good part of the gymnasium. State Superintendent of Schools Tom Torlakson, introduced by AUSD School Board President Diane Gibson-Gray, was the keynote speaker.

State Assemblywoman Susan Bonilla presented a certificate from the California Legislature honoring the achievement of DLMHS as a California Distinguished School. Dozier-Libbey was also recongnized for being one of a handful of California schools recognized by Connect Ed as a certified Linked Pathways institution.

Principal Nancy Castro and Antioch Superintendent Don Gill beamed at the recognitions and promised that the best was yet to come. They also acknowledged the tireless efforts of Executive Director of Programs and Interventions, Robin Schmitt, in putting together all the pieces of the Linked Pathways programs that has launched Antioch into the innovative forefront state-wide.

Other officials present included representatives from Congressman John Garamendi’s and State Sen. Mark DeSaulnier’s offices; City Council members Gary Agopian and and Mary Rocha; Cynthia Ruehlig, Trustee, County Board of Education; and Antioch School Board members, Diane Gibson-Gray, Vice President Claire Smith, Joy Motts and Walter Ruehlig.

All in attendance seemed wowed at the achievement of a school that is only into its’ fourth year and has held the standard for AUSD marks in attendance, API scores, successful U.C. system entrance requirement completion (A-G) and CAHSEE exit exam marks.

After the festive occasion, which included student speeches and music by the Dozier-Libbey High band, many of the attendees made their way over to Prewett Community Center where Tom Torlakson was honored for his thirty plus years of public service to Antioch. Tom has served as a City Counselor at the ripe age of age 27, a four term County Supervisor, a State Assemblyman and Senator. As the State Superintendent of Schools, Tom is the first Contra Costa official to be elected to a state-wide office.

After a stirring performance by the Antioch Music Masters, conducted by Ron Molina, and remarks by Mayor Jim Davis, City Councilwoman Mary Rocha introduced Tom by commenting on the fact that he sees the worth in, and relates to, everyone, from the Mayor to the blue collar worker.

Tom, from his side, remarked on how Antioch would always be home and that in looking out at old friends he saw his roots, like in the Kiwanis Club members present, Dave Massey, Martha Parsons and Kay Powers, a group that has worked closely with him on his annual Holiday Run that is closing in on four decades in the running.

On December 8 at approximately 6 a.m., Antioch Police detectives with the assistance of the Antioch Police Department SWAT team served search warrants at two residences simultaneously in the 4300 block of Wallaby Court in Antioch.

The search warrants were conducted as a result of an investigation into a series of armed robberies of pizza delivery drivers that have been occurring over the last month in the neighborhood. During the robberies, the drivers were robbed at knife point of their pizzas, cash and personal property.

A $250,000 Ramey Warrant for the arrest of Rashied Ali Hudson, 25, was obtained when the investigation identified him as being one of two responsibles. Hudson was identified as the main suspect who was armed with the knife during all of the robberies.

Hudson was located during the search warrant service and was taken into custody without incident. He was later transferred to the Martinez Detention Facility.

Numerous pieces of evidence were located and collected during the searches. The investigation is continuing into identifying the second suspect in this case. Detectives have identified a person of interest and are working to collect further evidence against him.

Anyone with information should contact Detective Santiago Castillo at (925) 779-6933.

Watchful neighbors and community involvement have yet again helped the Antioch Police Department apprehend criminals who were involved in committing residential burglaries.

In recent days there have several burglaries in which caring and watchful neighbors have reported suspicious activity prior to the actual crime being committed. In other cases, neighbors have provided timely and relevant descriptive information just after a burglary was committed and their diligent reporting was instrumental in the suspect’s apprehension.

Protecting the innocent from crime and apprehending those who are responsible for it instills pride in the men and women of the Antioch Police Department. The residents of this community who have been actively assisting in this endeavor are deserving of praise and should be proud that they too are making a difference.

‘Tis the season to be jolly, but it is also the season to be wary of burglars, thieves, pickpockets and other holiday Grinch’s. Nothing can ruin the holiday spirit faster than becoming the victim of a crime. This is the time of year during which we have experience a rise in burglaries.

Unfortunately, burglars view the holiday season a little differently. For them, it is a time of opportunity to burglarize your home and to steal your property, which in many cases includes gifts. Homes with openly displayed Christmas trees that are easily visible from the street are very tempting targets; as are homes where the discarded gift boxes are piled up after the holiday.

The burglars appreciate knowing which homes have expensive gifts inside to steal. Breaking the boxes down or cutting them up prior to disposal will help.

The holiday season is a very busy time and many of us have thousands of things on our minds. Remember to stay alert to your surroundings especially when shopping. Park in areas that have adequate lighting, plan group shopping trips; don’t put purchases inside the passenger compartment of your vehicle; place them in the trunk.

Don’t over burden yourself with carrying too much, don’t carry large amounts of cash and be on the look-out for strangers approaching you for any reason. Con-artists try various methods to distract you with the intention of taking your money or belongings.

Additional crime prevention information on burglaries and personal security can be found in the associated PowerPoint presentations:

http://www.ci.antioch.ca.us/CityGov/Police/beatalert/12081102.pdf

http://www.ci.antioch.ca.us/CityGov/Police/beatalert/12081103.pdf

 

To the editor:

Ready for this? St. Ignatius of Antioch Church, which has been hit three, yes count ’em, three times, for copper, twice within a week, had another attempted ripoff the other night. Luckily, the thief was frightened off by one of the volunteer parishioners who give up their warm beds to patrol the church grounds nightly.

You must have read how for the second time BART was vandalized, with the thieves going out on the tracks themselves. Here in Antioch, this week Marsh Elementary School got hit for the second time. And the beat goes on and on. If you’ve got copper faucets or copper pennies laying around the house, you better have a guard dog. These people are crazed!

On another note, my neighbor was monitoring their outside video cameras the other afternoon when they saw five male youth approach a neighboring house of folks vacationing in Europe. The suspects then proceeded to kick the door down.

My neighbor called the police, but no patrol car was available because of a fight somewhere in Antioch. Eight minutes later the thieves started leaving the house and my neighbor called the police again.

This time they sent out five cars and were apparently able to catch at least two of the suspects, who were running through back yards and climbing fences, including my mother in law’s around the corner from me. In fact, one of the suspects was filmed taking out a change of clothes from his backpack but didn’t change his flaming red socks. The foolishness of youth!

My best advice: get an alarm (which the broken-into folks didn’t have; try to get a house sitter if you are gone; have a dog; iron gate your door; start a Neighborhood Watch. The police are doing their best, but with a force down well over 30 uniformed cops, the ruling maxim is that God helps those who help themselves.

Walter Ruehlig
Antioch

On December 7 at 1:40 p.m. Antioch Police received several calls from citizens regarding a shooting on Manzanita Way at Mahogany Way. Witnesses indicated up to four people were involved and that people were running through the area.

Police officers arrived within minutes of the first call and found two adult males in their 20s suffering from gunshot wounds.

An extensive search was conducted. Some vehicles and structures were hit by gunfire, but no other victims were located. Many items of evidence were collected, including at least one loaded gun. The police are currently following up on several leads.

Two gunshot victims were treated at a local hospital for non-life threatening wounds. Names of victims and responsible parties are not being released at this time.

I really thought the treadmill would change things – mainly my thighs. Instead, I now have a new $300 clothes rack with cup holder (for my chocolate shakes), parked strategically in front of the TV.

Good intentions quickly convert into “not intended for those purposes” real quick-like in my pad.

I see myself getting up, mummy-style, before the rooster crows (or the upstairs neighbor starts showering). I do 10 minutes of brisk walking, then five of running at 3.2 miles per hour. Sweat begins dripping three minutes in, excessive gasps for air rapidly replace the garbled snoring just 15 minutes earlier – then I wake up, treadmill still cold from non-use. Do you burn calories while you dream of running?

Just weeks old, fresh from the big, bulky box (resembling my body) it had been yanked from, this apparatus, this melter-o-flab machine, this torturous hunk of metal with indicator knobs and a circulatory floor mat, bring tears to my eyes and guilt to my conscience. Yes, I pay happily and willingly for infliction of pain. I pay for self-chastisement too. But at least I envision the pay-off. Who doesn’t?

See, what I’m really doing is paying for privacy and good (stuffy) apartment air. Unlike the gym, at home I can run 24/7, with or without make-up, and watch “real” women on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.

Added bonus: I don’t have to chat with a complete stranger-dude who doesn’t know that turning 10 shades of red coupled with extremely heavy panting is biological charades for “I really can’t talk right now, bozo.”

Treading at home means I can wear my cute outfits (that don’t fit cute anymore), without having to don an extra-large cotton tee shirt to cover up what I’m trying to lose. And I could run, hop, skip and jump (off the unit) with no threats of annihilation from a trainer-slash-salesperson wanting me to get on a “program,” down protein powders (now sold in Costco-sized containers) and pop meal-metabolizing pills with the healthy foods I’m supposed to be eating.

Back off, junior-experts with commission checks, I only down Mexican food in those large quantities.

In my humble who-cares-what-I-think-anyway opinion, working out in public (without the trim, fit, you must be starving yourself-bods) is like performing a comedy set without using words or worse yet, in underwear-only. I’d rather go on stage “fit” and prepared (and fully clothed), than vulnerably exposed. The Full Monty, in this case, is just not my idea of weight loss.

Meanwhile, back at the apartment, my newfound dust-collector piece of furniture has potential. It promises me a thinner tomorrow, a private adventure towards a more energized me, and a healthier, cardiovascular circulatory system just begging to challenge any 10-year-old to a race … to the nearest ice cream shop.

Charleen Earley is a freelance writer, humor columnist, comedienne and high school journalism teacher. She can be reached at charleenbearley@gmail.com.