By Lou Davis

Apparently, if it’s left up to President Obama and a confused group calling itself the Occupy Wall Street protest movement, this country could very well be headed farther downhill, amid an already deepening recession.

These ragtag “occupy” groups, fanned out across the nation, claim to represent 99 percent of poor and/or disadvantaged Americans. Most are well supported by ultra-rich anti-capitalists, who supply them with expensive cell phones and other high tech gadgets. After all, they want to be assured that protesters can maintain contact with the likes of film maker Michael Moore and other organizers.

These front line occupiers are also well supported and advised by a variety of union labor leaders, who in many cases are paying them to demonstrate.

Yes, you read right, much of the reason why the protesters are able to exist is because of President Obama’s supportive position on their activities. On several occasions the President has stated that protesters are only airing out their frustrations. Not one time has the President suggested that he is against their actions, even though many are very costly, destructive, and oftentimes they are quite violent.

Only a few of our elected officials have spoken out about the harm that protesters are causing, and the money it is costing financially strapped cities like Oakland, San Francisco and Los Angeles. Millions of dollars are being spent to pay for cleanup and overtime pay for police.

The exceptions to speaking out against protesters comes from Governor Chris Christie of New Jersey and former Mayor Rudy Giuliani of New York. Governor Jerry Brown of California certainly needs to address the problem.

In Oakland apparently no one has pointed out that blockading port operations is clearly a violation of Interstate Commerce laws. And the Department of Homeland Security is certainly shirking its duties by not controlling this form of internal terrorism.

By Rosa Koire

On Monday night, January 9th, about 50 citizen activists turned a ONE BAY AREA public Delphi meeting in Santa Rosa, CA upside down. WE REFUSED TO BE GOOD GERMANS.

What happened? We spoke out, video’d, entered the meeting without signing in, refused to be railroaded, continually corrected the government/consultant lies and called them out, did not participate in the phony ‘voting’, did not give our names to the establishment press, brought in cameras and signs, flyered warning the organizers not to violate the open meeting laws, and did not get arrested although police were called. We exercised our rights as Americans.

Who are we? A coalition of independent citizens from all over the SF Bay Area, Democrats, Property Rights Advocates, Tea Party members, Republicans, Libertarians, non-affiliated Independents – brave Americans standing together to resist tyranny.

What is ONE BAY AREA? A regional plan to direct federal and state transportation dollars over the next 25 years to specific cities that have agreed to ONLY approve smart growth and ONLY approve it in limited pre-designated areas of just a few towns in the entire San Francisco Bay Area. Using ridiculously inflated population projections, ONE BAY AREA states that future housing must designed in one of their ‘approved’ smart growth models and developed in a Priority Development Area.

What is that? A Priority Development Area (PDA) is a so-called transportation corridor—usually a busy street
with a bus line or near a proposed train station. This PDA can be as small as a half-block or as large as a square mile. All of the projected new population for the next 25 years will be accomodated by housing within this designated area.

No other housing developments will be approved for the next 25 years—or the city will not get their piece of the transportation funding. We’re talking about 200 Billion dollars of federal and state transportation dollars for the SF Bay Area over the 25 year term.

Do you see what this will do to property values outside of the specific PDA’s? It will destroy them. Do you see what this does to individual cities? It destroys their sovereignty. ONE BAY AREA is a regional plan that breaks down boundaries and pushes UN Agenda 21.

Northern California is one of 11 Mega Regions in the US. It includes 31 counties, 48,000 square miles, 15 million people, and part of TWO STATES–California and NEVADA. Do you see how this happens? We thought we had 50 states, but now we have ELEVEN MEGA REGIONS. Using transportation dollars, grants, legislation (SB 375 & AB 32 in
California), and pressure, your government is destroying your ability to be self-determining.

www.DemocratsAgainstUNAgenda21.com will have the video on this site and YouTube later today or tomorrow. Watch it and USE IT. We guarantee you that you’ll have a chance real soon.

Rosa Koire, ASA
Executive Director
Post Sustainability Institute
www.PostSustainabilityInstitute.org
www.DemocratsAgainstUNAgenda21.com
www.SantaRosaNeighborhoodCoalition.com

NEXT POST: HOW WE PREPARED FOR THE ONE BAY AREA DELPHI MEETING

I thought you might like to see what we did here in Santa Rosa, CA, to block UN Agenda 21. ONE BAY AREA is a plan (they’re calling it YOUR Plan!) to regionalize the SF Bay Area and dissolve the city, county, and state boundaries. The consultant is holding Delphi meetings all over the Bay Area to get buy-in for the plan. We were there with our partners in freedom: Heather Gass and the East Bay Tea Party, Orlean Koehle and her crew, the Santa Rosa Neighborhood Coalition, Democrats Against UN Agenda 21, property rights activists, and many others.

Here are our flyers:
NOTICE
YOU ARE BEING DELPHI’D
This meeting is designed to manipulate and direct public opinion to approve the One Bay Area Plan

The Delphi Method is being used to create the illusion that this is your plan and that you have some part in crafting the outcome. This is a technique developed by the RAND Corporation in the 1960’s which is used by meeting facilitators to block opposition and discard opinions that do not support their plan. This propaganda method uses peer pressure to shame and silence you.

ONE BAY AREA is being used to regionalize the SF Bay Area and erase the city, county, and ultimately, State boundaries. Your transportation tax dollars will be used to build apartments and condos in designated areas of your city—and nowhere else. Your money will directed to favored developers building stack and pack housing.

You are losing the ability to direct your elected officials through this plan to destroy local representation. This is happening across the US. There are now 11 Mega Regions designed to replace States. Northern California is one of the Mega Regions (it includes part of Nevada), with over 48,000 square miles and 15 million residents.

ONE BAY AREA is UN Agenda 21
Reverse side of flyer:
NOTICE
YOU CANNOT BE DENIED ACCESS TO THIS MEETING
OPEN MEETING LAWS IN CALIFORNIA:
THE BROWN ACT
Meetings of public bodies must be ‘open and public,’ actions may not be secret, and action taken in violation of open meeting laws may be voided. (Section 54953(a), 54953(c), 54960.1(d)

WHO IS COVERED?
· Local agencies, including counties, cities, school and special districts (Section 54951)
· Legislative bodies of each agency—the agency’s governing body plus ‘covered boards,’ that is any board, commission, committee, task force, or other advisory body created by the agency, whether permanent
or temporary (Section 54952(b))

WHAT MUST HAPPEN?
Under the Brown Act an agency must:
· Post notice and an agenda
· Notify the media
· Hold meetings in the jurisdiction of the agency in places accessible to all, with no fee (Section 54961(a))
· Not require a ‘sign-in’ or registration for anyone
· Allow non-disruptive recording of the meeting
· Allow the public to address the covered board
—
Rosa Koire, ASA is Executive Director of the Post Sustainability Institute
www.PostSustainabilityInstitute.org
www.DemocratsAgainstUNAgenda21.com
www.SantaRosaNeighborhoodCoalition.com

Restore the Delta is challenging the accuracy and value of the Public Policy Institute’s recent report on the Delta: Transitions for the Delta Economy. Executive Director Barbara Barrigan-Parrilla says, “It is disheartening that a report, now funded by a public university, fails to fully and properly analyze Delta water quality, current project proposals, and the real Delta economy.”

The PPIC report assumes that the new dual conveyance system, more commonly known to Californians at the peripheral canal/tunnel, will only divert 4.9 million acre feet of Delta water, despite the reality that water contractors will have difficulty justifying the sale of billions of dollars in new revenue bonds to finance the project if they are going to receive a significant smaller share of Delta water.

Conner Everts with the Southern California Watershed Alliance says, “Southern California rate payers cannot afford to pay more and more to Metropolitan Water District for an unsustainable water supply. Regional self sufficiency, which can be achieved through conservation, storm water and reuse projects, is a much more affordable way to make more water for Southern California water users.”

Restore the Delta policy analyst Jane Wagner-Tyack explains, “The report is so out of touch with reality that it actually places the new Stockton water supply project under water because the authors have decided that the way to fix the Delta is to permanently flood it. By depriving Stockton of a water supply, it seems that someone has made a decision to relocate the Delta’s largest urban population of 300,000 residents somewhere else.”

Despite multiple attempts by Delta water agency representatives, Delta engineers, levee experts trained at other renowned universities, economists, and Delta advocates, the authors of the PPIC reports on the Delta have rebuffed attempts to incorporate local input into their research.

In closing, Barrigan-Parrilla adds, “The PPIC models regarding salinity changes in the Delta and how such changes would alter our economy are flawed. If people in California want to know the real value of the Delta economy presently and how exporting water could destroy it, they should read the Economic Sustainability Plan recently published by the Delta Protection Commission – a rigorously reviewed document produced by experts who know the Delta best.”

The City of Antioch and Antioch Unified School District, along with community partners and sponsors, will present the 4th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Birthday Celebration at Antioch High School Beede Auditorium on January 16th, from 1-3 PM.

The event, which grew from Antioch City Council Member Reggie Moore’s desire to celebrate Dr. King’s historical contributions, along with creating a scholarship program for high school and middle school students, began in 2009. Mayor Pro Tem, Wade Harper, will continue the celebration with the support of business and community leaders. The celebration will include local community member Keith Archuletta’s tribute to Dr. King, performances by the Delta School for the Performing Arts, DVHS Divine Voices, DVHS Show Choir. Dr. Donald Gill, AUSD Superintendent will announce the 2012 Scholarship program.

The event is sponsored by the City of Antioch, Antioch Unified School District, CCC Supervisor Federal Glover, Arts & Cultural Foundation of the City of Antioch, and Parents Connected.

___________________________________________________________________________________

BLACK HISTORY MONTH EXHBIT AT THE LYNN HOUSE GALLERY

The Black History Month Exhibit at Lynn House Gallery begins on January 21st – February 11th, and is open Wednesdays & Saturdays from 1-4 PM. The exhibit will feature past and present individuals who have contributed significantly to African American history and to American culture. The artifacts will illustrate some of their contributions. The free artist reception will be held January 21st, 2-4 PM. Admission to the gallery is free.

The Lynn House Gallery is located at 809 W. 1st Street in Antioch (across from the Amtrak Train Station) and is open Wednesdays and Saturdays, during exhibits from 1-4 PM. For more information, visit www.art4antioch.org or contact Diane Gibson-Gray at the Arts & Cultural Foundation at 925.325.9897 or e-mail Diane@art4antioch.org. Hosted by The African American Village Collaborative: Ruah Community Outreach Ministries, Inc., Parent Partners Providing for the Education of Young Children Family Solutions, Inc.

By Ray Faulkenberry

I grew up and went to school right here in the East Bay. Understand that although I was an excellent student grade-wise, I honestly feel that I got very, very little from our public school system from sixth grade on. I cannot tell you all of the reasons why – they were many. Overcrowded classrooms, lecture-based teaching, teacher burn-out, being a product/student of the 1960’s and 70’s…lots of things.

Having been an educator in some way, shape or form for the last thirty years has given me a wide view of how education is administered in this, our modern society. Having survived our public education system, I recently witnessed something that I didn’t think I would ever see in a public school – a mind blowing process that incorporates multiple styles of teaching and learning that is not even present in most expensive private schools.

As a school teacher for the last twenty years I have nothing but the ultimate respect for anyone who goes to work in education and puts their heart and soul into their job. The task of educating our young people in a time where our economy is down, most all parents – both sets work full time is by no means an easy job. Parents and educators are greatly challenged in trying to provide the best academic as well as emotional education possible to their kids and students. Massive cuts in the budget have done nothing to enhance this process.

This is why I am so impressed with the RAAMP Charter Academy, which sits at the back of Black Diamond Middle School. RAAMP stands for Raising Academic Achievement Multicultural Program. Originally designed for working with African-American males, RAAMP is now co-ed and open to anyone of any race.

I got a chance to visit the school and sat in every class from anywhere between five and fifty minutes. I witnessed the best math lesson I’ve ever seen by third grade teacher, Mr. Connor. Aside from being an incredible teacher and classroom organizer, Mr. Connor has an incredibly cool accent from Scotland, England, or Ireland.

I left Mr. Connors class and went from one class/grade (each classroom is a grade and a couple of classes are actually combined in 2 grades!) to another and saw more examples of excellent teachers doing an amazing job of not only relaying information, but as importantly if not more so, providing solid emotional education as well.

I place an incredibly high value on not only being able to read, write, and think with our minds, but to also be wise emotionally in being able to communicate, be polite, respectful, and compassionate. Both emotional and academic intelligence was equally on display by the teachers and students I visited.

My own kids struggled in the Antioch public school system before we got them enrolled in another of Antioch’s amazing Charter Schools – Antioch Charter Academy (ACA). At ACA my children flourished and have since graduated and moved onto to a third amazing school here in Antioch – Dozier Libbey Medical High school. However, what makes RAAMP so amazing is that in many cases they have taken kids who have struggled in school and at home and provided an environment for learning the likes of which I have never witnessed.

Founder and Executive Director Karla Branch is not only a tireless warrior when it comes to advocating what is best for her kids, she still gets in the classroom every day and works with her sixth and seventh graders and teaches them math. I know many principals and administrators were once teachers – many of them excellent at teaching. I don’t know of any of them who take on the role of a full-time administrator who also gets in the classroom day in and day out.

RAAMP is not a school that is only for kids who have struggled or kids of color. RAAMP is a school that provides education that is relevant, valuable, and taught from the heart. Speaking from my own experience, the best educational transfer comes from teachers who have shown respect, sensitivity, and love for their students. They speak, teach, and interact from that desire to guide, instruct, and love their students.

Some may point to the low API score that RAAMP has received. Students have come from public education and their initial scores reflect that. Once they come to RAAMP, their scores shoot straight up. In the school office they have a display, which indicates each grade’s math scores. It listed their entry level abilities and how many were behind, caught up and meeting the basics. Right next to it is an assessment seven weeks into the semester and every grade shows a huge improvement – in just a few short weeks!

Many of RAAMP’s kids come from a struggling background. Many have struggled in other schools and many come from single-parent homes. However, these kids, teachers and administrators are committed to providing and receiving the best education possible. I was honored and blown away by my visit to RAAMP. My heart goes out to the staff and students at the school.

I left a form with the administrator – a form that suggests a fund-raising project that I am interested in. It’s a project for me and Antioch as a whole, but, after hearing and seeing RAAMP, I would love to help them financially because, frankly, they deserve it.

Yes, indeed there is something magical happening here in Antioch. After witnessing the education and compassion in which it is delivered, I feel significantly more comfortable that the kids from RAAMP will do their part to help the world become a better place. To learn more about RAAMP you can go to www.RAAMP.com

Ray Faulkenberry, PhD is a business analyst, consultant, coach, author, and entrepreneur. Log onto his website and receive his books on success, leadership, and transformation for free. He can be reached at www.rayfaulkenberry.com or rayfaulkenberry@comcast.net.

More than $2,000 raised

By Walter Ruehlig

A community’s educational positioning is like a three legged stool; it balances by taking the support of students, teachers and parents/community. More so than ever, we can’t do it alone.

Before even contemplating the academic No Child Left Behind challenge let’s start with the financial dilemma facing the Antioch Unified School District and its AUSD has suffered a staggering $74 million in state cuts over the last four years, with no end in sight to the crippling attack.

It’s a heady challenge; needing to train a globally competitive workforce while in the societal throes of an endemic breakdown of the family and simultaneously adapting to the radical transition of youth’s attention to a wired world; all the while addressing tumultuous change with far scanter resources.

The recent arson and vandalism incidents that shut down the Diablo Vista Elementary School kitchen and decimated the playground at Lone Tree Elementary were low blows, then, to an already tottering budget and besieged morale. As if money was free and easy, the tab for some thug’s mindlessness is now running upwards of two hundred thousand dollars.

Monday evening January 8th Take Back Antioch, led by Brittney Gougeon and the Lone Tree Elementary PTA, led by Patty Ward, said no to victimhood mentality. They demonstrated a fighting, proactive community spirit by holding a spaghetti dinner and raffle at the Red Caboose Restaurant to raise funds for the damaged schools,
particularly for enhanced security measures.

Lone Tree Principal Melanie Jones, Diablo Vista Principal Wanda Appell and School Board Trustee Walter Ruehlig addressed a packed crowd that included Mayor Jim Davis, Mayor Pro Tem Wade Harper, Councilman Gary Agopian and School Board President Diane Gibson Gray.

Good company, good food, good cause.

The contractor for the Highway 4 Loveridge Road project will close all lanes on westbound SR-4 between Somersville Road and Loveridge Road on Tuesday night, January 10 between 11:00 p.m. and 3:30 a.m. This work is to ensure public and crew safety while crews move the concrete paving machine across the bridges.

The detour for this closure will be as follows: motorists will be directed off the highway at Somersville Road/Auto Center Drive exit, left on Somersville Road, continue on to Auto Center Drive, left on Tenth Street, left on Loveridge Road, right on California Avenue, and left on westbound SR-4 on-ramp.

As part of this construction work, the on-ramp to westbound SR-4 from Somersville Road will be closed on Tuesday night, January 10 between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.

The detour for this closure will be as follows: motorists will either drive south on Somersville Road, right on Delta Fair Boulevard, continue on to Leland Road, right on Loveridge Road, left on California Avenue, and left on west bound SR-4, or they will drive north on Somersville Road, continue on to Auto Center Drive, left on Tenth Street, left on Loveridge Road, right on California Avenue, and left on west bound SR-4.

Motorists are advised to expect delays and allow extra time for their commute. Please drive with caution through the detour and leave a safe traveling distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you.