The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) are widening State Route 4 (SR-4) through Pittsburg and Antioch. As part of this construction work, the contractor will be installing a new drainage structure under Contra Loma Boulevard.

In order to ensure crew and public safety during this work, the contractor will close all lanes of Contra Loma Boulevard in the northbound and southbound directions between the westbound SR-4 on-ramp and the eastbound SR-4 off-ramp, beginning Friday evening October 12 at 11:59 pm until Monday morning, October 15 at 5:00 am.

The detours for this work will be as follows:

o Northbound motorists will be directed right on Fitzuren Road, left on G Street, left on 18th Street, left on L Street, right on westbound SR-4 on-ramp.

o Southbound motorists will be directed right on westbound SR-4 on-ramp, exit on Somersville Road loop off-ramp, right on Somersville Road, left on Delta Fair Boulevard, left on Buchanan Road, straight to Contra Loma Boulevard.

Motorists are advised to expect delays and allow extra time for their commute. Please drive with caution through the detours and leave a safe traveling distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you. Caltrans and CCTA appreciate your patience as we work to improve the highways. For the most current information on all SR-4 corridor closures please visit our web site at: http://widensr4.org.

Stockton, Calif. – Today, several key supporters of preserving the Delta and preventing any kind of tunnel or canal being built to divert the water from the Sacramento River to south-of-Delta communities spoke out ardently in support of Congressman Jerry McNerney’s strong track record on the issue.

“From his first days in office, Congressman Jerry McNerney has been a champion of the Delta and has fought hard for the welfare of Delta residents. He has fought for policies that will reduce the export of water from the Delta. Congressman McNerney has repeatedly stated publicly that he opposes the canal, and his actions on the floor of Congress and in his work with federal government agencies support his public statements. In contrast, Ricky Gill has received $5000 in campaign contributions from the California Westside Farmers Pac, which represents growers in the Westlands Water District. These are growers, like Woolf Enterprises, who would benefit directly from the implementation of the Bay Delta Conservation Plan – at the expense of Delta farmers,” said Barbara Barrigan-Panilla.

“I have been adamant about my opposition to the construction of a peripheral canal from day one. In case anyone has missed that, let me say it again: I stand against a canal, supporting the farmers, families and small businesses that rely on a healthy Delta for their livelihoods,” said Congressman McNerney. “It was wonderful to receive such strong support today from the people I have worked with over the years to protect this vital resource.”

Others chimed in supporting Congressman McNerney’s strong record on the Delta and water issues.

“I met Jerry McNerney in 2006, and after six years as my Congressman, I’m more impressed.  Today, I want to speak specifically on Congressman McNerney’s leadership role in opposing the greatest threat to the health, economy and quality of life of the Delta community – the peripheral tunnels.  From his first days in office, Jerry McNerney has been a steadfast friend of Delta residents.  He was the first representative of Congress to outright oppose the peripheral canal.  He has fought for policies that will reduce export of water from the Delta, championed projects to promote regional self-sufficiency and lessen dependence on Delta exports and repeatedly called into question the myriad flaws in the BDCP.” – Bill Jennings.

“Jerry McNerney has stood against the peripheral canal and the water exporters from day one. I know this because as a local elected official representing Delta communities, we have worked together to protect our Delta. He has been a staunch and vocal advocate for our water rights and is making sure we have a seat at the table. Jerry is a champion of the Delta,” – Mary Piepho, Supervisor, District Three, Contra Costa County.

Don Nottoli, Sacramento County Supervisor, District Five, endorsed Supervisor Piepho’s statement related to Congressman McNerney’s record on water.

In response, the Ricky Gill campaign had this to say:

“The peripheral tunnels are on the verge of becoming reality because Jerry McNerney has been asleep at the wheel for six years. He took no action to protect the Delta when he was in the Congressional majority. He wrote no letters to the California Department of Water Resources. He didn’t even mention the threat of a peripheral canal on the floor of Congress until he’d been in office for five years. In 2011, McNerney even wrote a book advocating the construction of more water canals in California,” stated Colin Hunter, Gill campaign spokesman.

“As a family farmer and a native son of this district, Ricky knows firsthand the devastating effects that a peripheral conveyance would have on local farmers. That’s why he opposes any plan to divert water around the Delta,” he said. “Ricky’s commitment to protecting the Delta and its agricultural heritage has earned him the endorsement of both the Contra Costa County Farm Bureau and the San Joaquin Farm Bureau Federation.”

“When it comes to the Delta, McNerney’s ‘advocacy’ is a matter of convenience, not conviction,” Hunter added.

In addition to today’s show of support, Congressman McNerney has been endorsed by a growing list of local public figures and elected officials.

Congressman Jerry McNerney (D-Stockton) was first elected to Congress in 2006. He is the Ranking Member of the Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. For more information visit www.JerryMcNerney.com.

 

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) are widening State Route 4 (SR-4) through Pittsburg and Antioch. As part of this construction work, the contractor will be performing concrete paving in the median, east of Somersville Road. In order to ensure crew and public safety during this work, the contractor will close all lanes of SR-4 in the eastbound direction between Somersville Road and Lone Tree Way on Thursday morning, October 11 from 12:01 am until 5:00 am.

The detours for this work will be as follows:

– Eastbound motorists will be directed off the highway at Somersville Road, right on Somersville Road, left on Delta Fair Boulevard, left on Buchanan Road, straight on Fitzuren Road, right on G Street, left on Putnam Street, left on Lone Tree Way, and right on the eastbound on-ramp to SR-4.

Motorists are advised to expect delays and allow extra time for their commute. Please drive with caution through the detours and leave a safe traveling distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you. Caltrans and CCTA appreciate your patience as we work to improve the highways. For the most current information on all SR-4 corridor closures please visit our web site at: http://widensr4.org.

 

The Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) is constructing the Highway 4 (SR4) Sand Creek Road interchange and 4-lane widening through Antioch and Brentwood. As part of the SR4 Widening, the contractor will be performing work on Lone Tree Way in preparation for construction of a new SR4 bridge over Lone Tree Way. In order to ensure crew and public safety during this work, and to minimize the impacts to public traffic, the contractor will be performing traffic control and flagging operations during late evening/early morning hours.

Traffic control will take place on Lone Tree Way between Jeffery Way and Canada Valley Road during nighttime hours as follows:

– Wednesday, October 10th starting at 8:00 PM and ending Thursday, October 11th at 5:00 AM

Traffic control will consist of a single lane closure in both the eastbound and westbound directions on Lone Tree Way. Two lanes will be open for the travelling public on both the eastbound and westbound directions at all times.

Motorists are advised to expect some delays and allow extra time for their commute.

Please drive with caution through the work area and leave a safe traveling distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you. CCTA appreciates your patience as we work to improve mobility in East Contra Costa County. For the most current information please contact the project hotline number at 925-206-3002 or go to www.ccta.net.

Challenger leads by 20 Points Among Independent Voters

STOCKTON, CA, October 10, 2012 – Congressional candidate Ricky Gill (R-Lodi) holds a 46-45 lead over incumbent Congressman Jerry McNerney (D-Pleasanton), according to a poll of likely voters conducted from September 30 to October 2.

The poll, conducted by the Tarrance Group and summarized here, finds that Gill has overtaken McNerney with only one month remaining until the election. Nine percent of likely voters remain undecided.

Gill leads McNerney by 20 points among Decline to State and independent voters, according to the poll.

Also significantly, the poll finds the proportion of voters who view McNerney unfavorably is equal to those who view him favorably. McNerney is viewed particularly unfavorably by voters in San Joaquin County, by seniors, and by Latino voters.

The poll was completed prior to the first presidential debate on October 3.

About Ricky Gill

Ricky Gill is a native of San Joaquin County who was born and raised in Lodi, California. For more information visit www.RickyGill.com

By Kris Hunt

You may have heard the term “Taxmageddon” but do not know what it signifies. Taxmageddon is the name given to what is currently scheduled to be the largest tax hike in our history.

If nothing is done by Congress, here are just some of the tax changes will go into effect on January 1, 2013:

The current 2% reduction in Social Security payroll contributions by the employee will end. That is a major tax increase (although the already unfunded Social Security fund needs the cash inflow.)

Medicare payroll tax is currently a flat 2.9% on all wages and self-employment profit. But beginning 2013, those with earnings or self-employment over $200,000 the rate becomes 3.8%.

Personal income tax rates will rise on January 1, 2013

The 10% bracket is expanded and increased to 15%

-The 25% bracket becomes 28%

-The 28% bracket becomes 31%

-The 33% bracket becomes 36%

-The 35% bracket becomes 39.6%

The child tax credit will be reduced to $500 from the current $1000 per child.

The standard deduction will no longer be doubled for married couples relative to the single level.

The estate tax changes drastically: Currently the estate tax is 35% with an exemption of $5 million. On January 1, the tax rate becomes 55% on amounts over a million.

Capital gains tax will rise from 15% to 23.8%.

The dividends tax will rise from 15% to 43.4% because of scheduled rate hikes plus Obamacare’s investment surtax.

Medical Device Tax. Companies making medical devices retailing for over $100 with impose a 2.3% excise tax on gross sales (not net of costs).

Flexible spending accounts will be capped at $2500 where the amount now is unlimited. For those with known expensive medical needs this will be a problem.

The deductibility of those with large medical expenses will change. Currently medical expenses that exceed 7.5% of adjusted gross income (AGI) are deductible. That 7.5% hurdle jumps to 10% of AGI. Those 65 or older will enjoy a waiver from the change for the period 2013-2016.

Businesses will have to depreciate equipment purchases over a number of years instead of enjoying a short expensing period like they have now.

The “research and experimentation tax credit” disappears.

Tax credits for education will be limited.

Teachers will no longer be able to deduct classroom expenses.

Employer-provided educational assistance is curtailed. .

Charitable Contributions from IRAs no longer allowed.

This material is taken fromhttp://atr.org/days-taxmageddon-a7203#ixzz278D7lzaw

Kris Hunt is Executive Director of the Contra Costa Taxpayers Association. The Contra Costa Taxpayers Association (“CoCoTAX”) is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to promoting accountable, cost-effective and efficient government and opposing unnecessary taxes and spending.

CoCoTAX is the only countywide organization whose exclusive focus is to represent and inform taxpayers on public spending and tax issues. We are funded exclusively by dues and donations from our members. We seek to hold government accountable and ensure that taxes are fair, understood, cost-effective and good for the economy.

Founded in 1937, the Contra Costa Taxpayers Association leads the way in providing fiscal oversight of local government. We actively resist unwarranted taxes and fees, discriminatory regulations, ill-advised public expenditures and government secrecy, inefficiency and waste. We challenge government at all levels to be accountable, responsive, efficient, and deliver good value for every tax dollar.Learn more at www.cocotax.org.

By Allen Payton, Publisher

If you haven’t yet been to the new Kobe Japanese Steak, Seafood, Sushi, Teppanyaki, Fusion restaurant and bar in Antioch, you should.

Named for the finest beef in the world, Kobe is the only restaurant in the area to offer such tender New York steak and Filet Mignon that just melt in your mouth.

Plus, their other menu items of seafood, sushi and chicken will tantalize your taste buds, as well.

What’s more is you can enjoy a show of the preparation of your meal at one of their 12 teppanyaki tables.

Started by four friends who met while all working at the same restaurant, Antioch’s location is Kobe’s fourth, with plans for more.

Partners Benny Chen, Phillip Chau, David Dong and Chef Peter Pan (yes that’s really his name), know what they’re doing from their experience in the restaurant business for between 15 and 30 years, each.

“Offering a fine dining experience with five-star food and five-star quality is our goal,” Benny stated.

Lunches include Hibachi Platters, Special Sushi Combos and Bento Boxes. Dinners include Hibachi Entrees and Special “Kobe” Imperial meals, such as steak and lobster or shrimp, and dinner for two with a choice of three items.

They also feature a sushi bar that seats 17 and offer “fusion” choices of Japanese, Korean, Thai and Chinese food, as well as a Kids Menu for age 10 and under.

See their ad on the previous page for location, hours and a special offer.

By Sergeant Quintero, Antioch Police Community Policing Bureau

On Tuesday, October 9, 2012 at 8:04 a.m., Antioch Police dispatch received numerous phone calls of an auto versus pedestrian collision on Delta Fair Blvd at School Street, which is the entrance to Turner Elementary School. Contra Costa Fire and AMR were summoned as injuries were reported to be serious, if not critical.

Upon arrival, Antioch police officers located two adults, a 32 year-old Pittsburg woman and a 47 year-old Oakley woman, and one juvenile pedestrian victim, an eight year-old boy from Oakley, located on the southeast corner of Delta Fair Blvd and School Street who had apparently been struck by a 2012 Audi A3 Wagon then laying on its side in the driveway of 4205 Delta Fair Blvd. All three pedestrians were flown to John Muir Medical Center by helicopter for treatment. The two adults were treated for various broken bones and lacerations but both are expected to survive. The juvenile was knocked to the ground, but had no complaint of pain and no visible injuries.

Michael James Ratliff, a 22 year-old Oakland resident, was identified as the driver of the Audi and had an odor of alcohol on his breath. He was arrested and taken to the Antioch Police Department for further investigation but his level of intoxication will be determined by laboratory results.

An unknown black male passenger in Ratliff’s vehicle fled the scene on foot after the collision for an unknown reason and his identity and whereabouts are unknown.

It was determined that Ratliff struck a 2002 Toyota Camry just prior to losing control of his vehicle and striking the pedestrians as they stood on the corner waiting to cross the street. The Camry was driven by a 47 year-old Antioch man, who was entering the school to drop off his five and nine year-old sons for school. No one in the Camry was injured and the Camry only sustained moderate damage.

The names of the other involved parties are not being released at this time until notification of family members can be accomplished.

The cause of this accident is still under investigation.

The Antioch Police are aware of numerous other potential witnesses who were driving or walking in the area at the time the collision occurred. We are requesting persons who witnessed the collision call Officer Eric Johnsen at 779-6900 x84265.

This preliminary information is made available by the Traffic Bureau. Any further inquires into the status of this case should be done via the Media Access Telephone Line (925) 779-6874.