Former President Bill Clinton is scheduled to visit the Sacramento area tomorrow to show support for Jerry McNerney and several other Democratic Congressional candidates.

President Clinton might be interested to learn that McNerney staunchly opposes, and even ridicules, one of his signature issues: trade agreements that create American jobs.

In his recent book, Back to Work: Why We Need Smart Government for a Strong Economy, Clinton argued that Congress should “[p]ass the pending trade agreements with South Korea, Colombia, and Panama” in order to boost the U.S. economy. As Clinton noted, “We don’t have a trade deficit in goods and services with the countries with which we have trade agreements” — a central argument for their passage.

But McNerney voted “no” on each of those trade agreements, despite the significant benefits they promised for local farmers and port workers. In fact, he’s voted against every trade agreement that Congress has considered since his election.

President Clinton might also be interested to learn that McNerney in 2006 signed a pledge, known as the “New American Compact,” in which he vowed to oppose “the roguery of Free Trade.” That’s right: McNerney signed a pledge to oppose the “roguery” of trade agreements supported by local farmers, ranchers and port workers.

President Clinton surely would be interested to learn that the text of McNerney’s radical pledge alleges that free trade is “breeding terrorism.”

These are the same trade agreements that the Obama administration estimated would create up to 280,000 American jobs and generate $12 billion in new exports. The same agreements that eliminated foreign tariffs on local products including dairy, cherries, asparagus and wine. The same agreements that, like Ricky himself, have earned the unequivocal support of the California Farm Bureau Federation.

The 9th District simply cannot afford a Congressman who has pledged to vote against its farmers, ranchers and port workers.

Dave Roberts who served as the first Editor of the Herald has written an analysis on Proposition 30 on the November ballot. To read his column on the Cal Watchdog website, click here.

By Allen Payton, Publisher

D’Juan “De’shawn” Woolridge from his campaign’s Facebook page.

A success story on the Los Medanos College (LMC) website about current candidate for the Contra Costa Community College Board of Trustees, D’Juan “De’shawn” Woolridge has been removed.

The discovery of the story, made by this writer on Saturday, October 6, 2012, while doing an online research about the candidates for Ward V, which includes most of Antioch, resulted in the removal of it by new LMC President Bob Kratochvil, today.

An email to Kratochvil, college district Chancellor Helen Benjamin and all five trustees asking them if they were aware of the story that showed a photo of Woolridge with another person, and mentioned he “ is currently running for public office,” and what they planned to do about it, received two responses. The first was from Trustee John Marquez, who represents Ward I, covering West County.

Marquez stated in an email, “I don’t see any implied endorsement or promotion of De’shawn Woolridge by LMC over the other candidates for Ward V. I just see this as an expression of pride by LMC of the successes of its alumni. I was not aware of this write-up. And, I’m not concerned about it since the other candidates have not raised any concern. If they do, I might personally ‘consider’ removal until after the election.”

He also wrote in the same email, “I read the biography of De’shawn referenced by you, and concluded that the story did not

D’Juan “De’shawn” Woolridge that appeared with his Alumni Success Story on the LMC website, until its removal on Monday, October 8, 2012.

mention anything about his current candidacy for College Board Ward V. While I have not endorsed De’shawn, I have known him for many years and knew he has always had  political aspirations. As I read the biography, I noticed all the excellent steps taken by De’shawn and staff at LMC to see his goals achieved. By the way, his hair is not as long as shown on the photo, which implies the biography was written sometime ago. LMC should be proud of the ‘success stories’ of all its Alumni. Further reading of the LMC website reveals the successes of other alumni such as Dave Tollefson, football player during the Super Bowl XLVI, and Wade Harper, candidate for Mayor of Antioch, among others.”

“Just to be fair about the political process, I will ask for consideration of a policy change by the Board at our meeting in November,” Marquez added.

New LMC President Bob Kratochvil had a different response.

“The story about Mr. Woolridge that is on our website is among several ‘stories of success’ regarding students and programs at Los Medanos College, a series that has been in place for quite some time.  It is my understanding that the article about Mr. Woolridge has been on the web page for more than a year, apparently written initially upon his graduation from LMC (approximately Spring/Summer 2011) and coinciding his candidacy for a council seat in the City of Pittsburg.  Subsequently, information in the article was updated after he graduated from University of the Pacific,” Kratochvil wrote in an email.

“I acknowledge that, since Mr. Woolridge is a candidate for a seat on the Contra Costa Community College Governing Board, such a story should be pulled from our website until after the November election so there is no inadvertent perception of endorsement.  We will do so immediately at the start of business on Monday morning. Thank you very much for bringing this matter to our attention,” he added.

When asked about the website story, Woolridge stated “The article has been up there for awhile. It was up there before the election and written two years ago.”

However, the story has been updated in the past few months, because it included two new facts about Woolridge: “De’shawn has completed his bachelor’s degree in political science at the University of the Pacific…and is currently running for public office.” He graduated in May, 2012 and filed for office by August 16.

Woolridge spoke with LMC Marketing Director Barbara Cella regarding the website story. “She contacted me and asked me if I had graduated and I said ‘Yes’,” he stated.

Cella was unavailable for comment when contacted Monday morning.

“The fact that it doesn’t even say ‘the governing board,’ I don’t have a problem with it being on the website, since it was written two years ago. It’s not really highlighted for a campaign,” Woolridge added.

Regarding removal of the article, he said “I don’t really have a problem with it being removed. I’m not going to sit there and have a heart attack. I would hope it goes back up after all the work I’ve done at LMC. It’s an honor to have the article.”

In a review of the list of Alumni Success Stories on Monday morning, October 8, 2012, the articles on both Woolridge and Harper, who is currently running for Mayor of Antioch, had been removed from the LMC website.

Officials turn the dirt to officially break ground at the ceremony for the planned Hillcrest eBART station and Highway 4 widening project on Friday, October 5, 2012.

Next Phase from Lone Tree/A Street interchange, east

Federal, state, regional and local officials joined BART, Caltrans, and the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) Friday, Oct. 5, to celebrate the next phase of the State Route 4 Widening Project and “eBART,” BART’s new rail service to eastern Contra Costa County.

The ceremonial event marked the ground-breaking for the eBART Antioch Station Facilities at Hillcrest Avenue, which Mayor Jim Davis labeled the “Hallelujah Station” to laughter and applause from those in attendance, as well as the next phase of Highway 4 (SR-4 for State Route 4) widening, from the Lone Tree/A Street interchange, east.

It includes station parking and project maintenance facilities. Diesel multiple-unit (DMU) trains are high-speed, high-capacity trains that will transport passengers from the Antioch Station at Hillcrest Avenue and State Route 4 to a transfer station 400 feet east of the Pittsburg/Bay Point BART Station, where passengers can transfer to a BART train.

Emceed by Contra Costa Transportation Authority Executive Director Randy Iwasaki, the event included speeches from officials who represent Antioch and East County on the various transportation boards.

“I am so pleased to see the many years of cooperative work on this highway and transit project coming together for this event,” said BART Director Joel Keller.  “A groundbreaking in Antioch fulfills some of my dreams as mayor, and will bring satisfaction to East County residents who have been paying BART taxes for so many years. Also, BART’s 25 percent local hire goal for this contract will create opportunities for the East County folks to work locally.”

eBART is in construction now at the Pittsburg/Bay Point BART Station, where work on the transfer platform is underway.  At the same time, state crews are widening SR-4. In total, five construction projects will widen SR-4, its interchanges, and local roadways from west of Loveridge Road to the State Route 160 interchange. The SR-4 project will also provide the widened median and the structures for the eBART project.  The total cost to widen SR-4 is estimated at $554 million, including $72.2 million from voter approved Proposition 1B.

BART Director and former Antioch Mayor Joel Keller with Antioch officials, Councilwoman Mary Rocha, Mayor Jim Davis, former Councilwoman Martha Parsons, Councilman Gary Agopian and Mayor Pro Tem Wade Harper with the new I Love State Route 4 sign.

“Every investment in infrastructure is an investment in California’s future,” said Caltrans Region 4 Director Bijan Sartipi.  “Thanks to the people of California for their desire towards reducing congestion and improving safety, Proposition 1B is providing a real boost to transportation.”

The SR-4 widening and BART project represent a combined investment of more than $1 billion to address one of the most congested corridors in the Bay Area.  eBART, which will start service after completion of the highway widening, is funded from Contra Costa’s 2004 transportation sales tax Measure J, Proposition 1B, and other local and regional sources.

“Not only will the eBART project create hundreds of construction jobs, we expect this extension will add around 50 permanent positions as well,” BART General Manager Grace Crunican said.  “eBART will be a triple win for East Contra Costa County residents.  This project will boost the economy, relieve congestion and help make the air cleaner by taking thousands of cars off the road each day.”
For a fact sheet and more information about the project, visit the East Contra Costa Extension project page.

Publisher Allen Payton contributed to this article

Guests dance to the sounds of the California Cowboys at the 2012 Roddy Ranch Roundup on Saturday, September 29.

By Allen Payton, Publisher

Almost 300 people attended the 2012 Roddy Ranch Roundup fundraiser benefiting the Delta Advocacy Foundation at

Guests enjoy the steak dinner at the Roddy Ranch Roundup.

the home of Jack and Donna Roddy on Saturday night, September 29.

The crowd enjoyed a barbeque steak dinner served by Boy Scouts Troop 451 and the local 4-H club, as well as silent andlive auctions and dancing to the music of the California Cowboys band. Jack Roddy joined in and sang a few tunes, as did former 49er Safety Jeff Severson, who has his own band in Southern California. (www.SingingSafety.com) and a local rancher Kati Myers.

Funds from the bi-annual event in the horse arena at the Roddys benefit local needs in Antioch and East County. Foundation President Scott Bergerhouse said the organization has raised and distributed $285,000 since its formation in the 1990’s.

Former 49er Safety Jeff Severson plays guitar as Jack Roddy sings with the California Cowboys at Delta Advocacy Foundation’s 2012 Roddy Ranch Roundup on Saturday, September 29.

The Delta Advocacy Board of Directors

Ladies enjoy line dancing to the sounds of the California Cowboys.

Kati Myers belts out a tune with the California Cowboys.

By Andrea Ginacola, MPH RD

Looking for someone who will look out for your kid’s health during the school day? Look no further than the registered dietitian (RD). As food service directors and nutrition specialists, RDs across the country are doing great things to ensure kids eat healthful meals at school. Although new meal standards, set forth by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, went into effect July 1, 2012 requiring more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and less sodium, school based RDs were already employing innovative techniques (from salad and taco bars to fruit-and-yogurt parfaits) to entice kids to eat right.

Look to an RD for Expertise

RDs are crucial to school meal programs because they have the nutrition expertise and “vision to create a healthy food climate in the cafeteria that engages students not only in eating healthy, but in developing healthy behaviors,” says Dona Richwine, MS, RD, Nutrition Specialist for Santa Monica Malibu (Calif.) Unified School District. Debbi Beauvais, RD, SNS, Director of School Nutrition for Gates Chili & East Rochester Schools (New York) and Spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics concurs, “Schools are a good venue to model good eating behaviors for kids.”

Healthier Menu Options

Beauvais’ mission is to provide healthy menu items for the 75 percent of her students who choose the school cafeteria over brown-bagging it. But, Beauvais says, “It’s not nutrition unless they eat it.” Beauvais finds that students make healthier choices with her “made fresh for you” and taco bar programs. “Children tend to consume more vegetables when they can add them. They pick more variety.”

Richwine agrees; for over 10 years she’s been getting kids excited about produce with a farmers’ market salad bar. Richwine says the favorite part of her job is to watch students walk away with their plates piled high with fruits and veggies. Schools are now also providing healthier versions of some of kids’ favorites. In Beauvais’ schools, chicken nuggets are baked with whole grain breading, and are lower in fat and sodium than typical restaurant versions. A healthier pizza comes with low- fat mozzarella and a whole grain crust. Leaner versions of hamburgers and hot dogs are served on whole grain buns.

Andrea Giancola is a Registered Dietitian with a Masters of Public Health. To learn more about her, click here. 

This article was published as part of the Kids Eat Right campaign. For more information visit www.eatright.org/kids.

Free ice cream at Pittsburg/Bay Point Station on Saturday, October 27

BART is celebrating 40 years of service by giving back to the Bay Area in a variety of ways, thanks to some generous donations by corporate sponsors. The givebacks will include 1,000 free $40 BART tickets and, perhaps most exciting, free BART rides for field trips to make sure teachers and students are able to visit dozens of fun and educational spots near BART stations.

“BART may be middle aged, but we still have a soft spot in our hearts for our youngest riders,” said Board President John McPartland. “These free field trips will give thousands of kids an opportunity to learn outside the classroom that they might not otherwise have. Of course, we hope they learn about BART along the way too.”

BART is giving away rides for educational field trips to 40,000 students (up to age 18), teachers and chaperones on a first-come, first-served basis. More info is at www.bart.gov/fieldtrips.

We’re also hosting ice cream giveaways as a fun way to get to know our riders better and spread the word about our free field trip program.  The ice cream giveaways will be held at six stations – at least one in each of the four counties BART serves– featuring Dreyer’s Ice Cream and cakes from Nothing Bundt Cakes. The one at the Pittsburg/Bay Point station will be on Saturday, October 27 from 1 to 4 p.m.

Finally, BART will be distributing its popular 2012 BART art poster series “Journeys in Literature” to public libraries and schools in the Bay Area.

“We’ve carried 2.7 billion passengers since the day we opened for service four decades ago,” said BART General Manager Grace Crunican.  “This is all part of our expression of gratitude to the Bay Area for helping BART achieve 40 years of reliable service.”

Look for more ways BART is celebrating their 40 years of service:

• Decals on BART train cars: Look for commemorative decals featuring the BART 40th anniversary logo on the outside of trains.

• Online photo gallery: We’ve created a Pinterest pinboard featuring historical photos and memorabilia from BART and shared by riders, which we will update as we receive new material. You can send your photos or other suggestions for the pinboard to bart40th@bart.gov.

• Complete history: Read a narrative BART history with photos.

• 40 Achievements: Check out a list of 40 key BART achievements (.pdf)

• Historical videos: Watch a sampling of construction films that give a window into the early history of BART as it was being built.

• BART Times: Read a special edition of the BART Times newsletter focusing on 40th anniversary events.

• Anniversary video: A new video recapping the first 40 years of BART.

The programs would not be possible without generous donations from Titan Outdoor, Bombardier Transportation and Dreyer’s Ice Cream.

Complete details about these events and how BART is celebrating 40 years of service, along with fun retro pictures and a commemorative video highlighting riders can be found on our website at: www.bart.gov/40years.

Stockton, Calif. – Congressman Jerry McNerney, who is running for reelection in the 9^th Congressional District, has received the endorsement of Vice-Chair of the Port of Stockton, Stephen Griffen, a longshoreman and business owner.

“This area has faced a lot of struggles: unemployment, the foreclosure crisis, a high crime rate, and more. Jerry McNerney has been standing with us every step of the way in addressing these challenges, and I am proud to endorse him in this year’s election. He will continue to stand with us and work on the biggest challenges we are facing,” said Griffen.

According to the Port’s website, “Mr. Griffen has worked as a longshoreman since 1977. A lifelong resident of Stockton,

Griffen

Mr. Griffen is the owner of Country Club Service and Bob’s Lube since 1984 and also owner of Country Club Smog. Appointed by the Stockton City Council in 2009.”

“I welcome the support of Stephen Griffen from the Port of Stockton.  We have tremendous potential at the Port of Stockton, and I have been proud to partner with them over the last six years.  We have been able to create local jobs and invest in our infrastructure – both key to getting our economy back on track.  I look forward to continuing my work to benefit local infrastructure and the Port,” said McNerney.

This adds to a growing list of local public figures and elected Democrat officials who have endorsed Congressman Jerry McNerney, also a Democrat. To view the entire list click here.

The new 9^th district is significantly Democratic, with a voter registration that is D+10.  The new 9^th includes the majority of San Joaquin County and portions of Contra Costa County.  The district voted decidedly in favor of President Obama in 2008.

Congressman Jerry McNerney (D-Stockton) was first inspired to run for office by his son, Michael, who volunteered for the armed services after 9/11.  He has served the area for nearly six years, getting to know the people and issues of the region. He is the Ranking Member of the Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, a post he has used to champion veterans’ issues, bringing back a brand new veterans’ medical facility that is creating 900 local jobs.  He authored the bill to help veterans suffering from traumatic brain injuries and has fought tirelessly to create local jobs, prevent American jobs from being sent overseas, and to restore fiscal responsibility to our government while protecting Medicare and Social Security. He is facing challenger Ricky Gill, a Republican from Lodi.