It is anticipated that the BART Board will award the contract to build BART’s $3.4 billion fleet of new train cars to the lowest bidder, Bombardier Transportation, a Canadian company, which priced a single car at $2.95 million, 2% below Alstrom, a French firm, and 4% below Hyundai Roten, a South Korean manufacturer.

Bids were to be scored on several factors, price being the number one factor, experience, design, approach to work, delivery speed and energy efficient the other factors of importance. (Federal law requires transit agencies must buy rail cars from companies that produce 60% of the car’s total value in the United States.)

However, there may be a fly in the ointment – the quality of the product.
Perhaps the cheapest bid isn’t always the best, especially when you consider what happened when the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) chose Bombardier to manufacture 706 new train cars.

The 40 new CTA rail cars which debuted in Chicago in April 2010 were taken out of service shortly thereafter after inspectors found flaws in the wheel components manufactured by one of Bombardier’s Chinese suppliers. Bombardier and CTA immediately began more inspections and found issues with other castings. The plant shut down production and CTA took the trains containing the flawed parts, out of service. Bombardier ultimately agreed to replace parts in all 52 rail cars already delivered to CTA. Molly Sullivan, a spokeswoman for CTA downplayed a Chicago Tribune report regarding possible derailments and Maryanne Roberts, another spokeswoman for bombardier, said BART riders shouldn’t worry about the safety of the company’s rail cars.

Frankly folks, if BART gives the go ahead to Bombardier I think I either drive to wherever I’m going or just wait for the long anticipated Antioch ferry service.

New BART Train Car exterior

BART has published an update on the design of BART’s Fleet of the Future. The Conceptual Design Update and Community Survey Results report incorporates feedback from nearly 10,000 customers so far.  After getting initial public input at “seat labs” in May and June 2011, BART worked with BMW Group Designworks USA to develop conceptual designs for the new train cars.

The public was then invited to provide feedback on these conceptual designs in August 2011 through a series of community forums including nine “open house” meetings, 14 station events, neighborhood festivals, and other events held throughout the Bay Area.

The design concepts described in the report are the starting point for a design and engineering collaboration with a car builder. As of March 16, 2012, BART announced that Bombardier Transit Corportation is the apparent top scorer in a bid to build the cars. (The early notification is not a recommendation of award of the contract). Bombardier has other hurdles to clear, including submitting required Buy America Pre-Award documentation and undergoing an audit. It is possible that authorization by the Board of Directors to award the contract could come as early as May 2012. Read more in the FAQ.

New BART Train Car interior

Over the next few years, the designs will continue to evolve to ensure that the next generation of BART trains is reliable, cost effective, and comfortable for our riders. To ensure that the new BART train cars meet your requirements, we need your continued input.  As you read through this report, please note your questions and comments and submit them to us through our email feedback form, or email them to us at FOFdesign@bart.gov.

Mayor Jim Davis posted an event on Facebook, today, inviting everyone to attend a Town Hall Meeting this Thursday evening, from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Community Center at Prewett Park on Lone Tree Way in Antioch.

Following is the message on the event page:

Antioch Townhall Meeting/ Neighborhood Watch Recruitment.
Come and learn how to get involved and how you can make Antioch a safer community.
Hosted by Mayor Davis.

High school senior Cayson Renshaw auditions for East County Idol 2012 singing "New Shoes" by Paolo Nutini

The first round of East County Idol auditions were held March 17th at Somersville Towne Center before Antioch Music Foundation judges (left to right) Linda Thompson, Rudy Fernandez and Sharon Vela.

Final audition opportunity for East County high school students will be held at the mall this Saturday, March 24 from 10 am to  3 pm.  Finalists will perform on April 20th at the El Campanil Theatre. (photo by Walter Ruehlig)

By Walter Ruehlig

A record-breaking crowd of 206 attended the 14th annual Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Region 6 Delta Charter awards dinner ceremony held March 8th at Lone Tree Golf and Event Center. Represented were Antioch, Brentwood, Byron, Knightsen, Liberty, Oakley and Pittsburg School Districts.

Diablo Vista Principal Melanie Jones emceed the event which was organized by ACSA Region 6 Board of Directors President Essence Phillips, Principal at John Muir Elementary; Secretary Jan Steed and Treasurer Yolanda Mendrek, with assistance from Representatives Laura Albano, Kelly Basmagian, Debra Harrington, Roger MacDonald, Cardenas Shackleford and Jeff Varner.

Guidance was also given by Jon Searles, Region 6 Consultant and Bob Gianni, Region 6 Executive.

Paul Rataczak, teacher from Park Middle School, provided the entertainment and Becky Bloomfield donated wine for all the honorees.

Honored were Anne Allen of Oakley Elementary School District for Curriculum and Instruction; Eileen Alterman of Antioch Unified as a Confidential Employee; Pat Boss of Liberty Union as a Central Office Administrator; Dorothy Epps of Pittsburg Unified for Personnel Human Resources; Amy Farias of Antioch Unified as Continuation and Educational Options; Erik Faulkner of Liberty Union as Secondary Principal; Dr.Merrill Grant of Brentwood Union as Superintendent; Roger Macdonald of Oakley Union as Middle Grades Principal; Bev Nicolaisen of Byron Union as Confidential Employee; Enrique Palacios of Pittsburg Unified for Business Services; Essence Phillips of Antioch Unified as Elementary Principal and Phyllis Thivierge of Brentwood Union as Classified Leader.

The group did extraordinary work in extraordinarily trying times.

Hans Ho speaks with volunteers.

By Dolly Ogawa-Amsk

On Saturday, March 10, the Parkgreen Circle Neighborhood Watch, had its second meeting, making the group official. Hans Ho, Antioch Neighborhood Watch Coordinator spoke to the group. He delivered hints on making your home and the neighborhood safer. “Never open the door to someone you don’t know. Let them know you are home. Antioch Police show a badge.” He went on to explain that there are safety steps you can take. One idea is planting bushes or plants outside windows. Rose bushes would make it more difficult for a burglar to enter through a window. Ho also spoke of the necessity of being able to describe a suspect. He had some interesting advice, especially about footwear. Sometimes criminals can shed a jacket, change their shirts but they don’t have time to change their shoes.

Ho has been a volunteer with the Antioch department for nine years, with a full time job. He is also an avid skier. “One of the best things about this is meeting people from all over the city.”

The crowd of concerned neighbors gathered in Knoll Park to share cookies, donuts, and soft drinks along with some facts about their goal to insure a safer, friendlier neighborhood. After the presentation two young men, Michael Jervoso and Elias Guevara, part of the group “Up From The Dust,” from the area, sang and entertained the neighbors with their guitars.

The Antioch Police Department and local citizens working together can make sure that the number of crimes committed is significantly reduced. On the other hand the police who have been informed of suspicious behavior have probable cause to stop a car or person and ask questions. Ho is available for presentations on several subjects including: Personal Security, Burglary, and Fraud.

For more information about a Neighborhood Watch on your block call 925-779-6980 or email: neighborhoodwatch@ci.antioch.ca.us

By Dolly Ogawa-Amsk

The Antioch Charter Academy II, was renewed after several teachers and parents spoke in favor the petition at the Antioch School Board meeting on March 14. The ACA II drew several teachers to the hearing, including: Amber Hummel, who teaches 4th, 5th & 6th grade, Marianne Dubitsky, Julie Fajean and Michelle Mankewich who teach 1st through 3rd grades, and Matt Hagan who will be teaching 8^th grade beginning next year.

This year they served 188 students but by adding 8^th grade they will be at 198. With a long waiting list, the school received strong support from parents and teachers. The school has addressed the need for other learning options with project based learning, including several grades in one classroom. Their results have enthusiastic support from the teachers and parents.

Other important items on the agenda included the budget. The news regarding the Second Interim Report of the 2011-12 showed developments since the First Interim Report. The State Triggers have been pulled; transportation Funding has been reduced and other reductions that have had an impact. The staff recommendation is that “based on the information included in the Second Interim Report, the staff is able to certify that AUSD can meet its fiduciary responsibility to maintain fiscal solvency for the current and subsequent two fiscal years.”

The district is on a very tight budget and there are variables that could make it even harder. The staff is making tough decisions with the “current truth” while making sure that basic needs and programs are covered. The state itself has made it difficult but things could happen to make a more positive change.

Kay Power, Chairman of the Oversight Committee for Bond Measure C, said that they have met their responsibilities by “Following the bouncing ball…”

The Antioch Unified School District will have a new bond Measure proposed for the June ballot to cover needed improvements to the Antioch High School.