By Nick Goodrich

During its meeting on Tuesday, September 27th, the Antioch City Council heard a report from Assemblyman Jim Frazier, discussed housing for the city’s homeless, and  voted to bring in Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) to provide help for its struggling animal shelter.

Frazier’s Report

To open the meeting, Council hosted Assemblyman Jim Frazier, who provided an update on his recent legislative activities in the California State Assembly and sought support for his transportation funding proposal.

Frazier was pleased to note the completion of the Highway 4 corridor widening project, which he has worked for since his time on Transplan, the East County division of the Contra Costa Transportation Authority.

The project, which amounted to $1.3 billion through the county’s half-cent sales tax measure and state funds, created over 12,000 jobs and employed more than 40 local businesses.

“We have infrastructure in poor shape. It’s horrible, it’s crumbling,” he said. As the chairman of the Transportation Committee in California, Frazier said he has made it his mission to create and support various transportation projects in the state.

He reported that he has been working with his colleagues, local communities, and industry experts to develop an all-inclusive plan that would help make major improvements to California’s transportation and infrastructure.

“By strengthening trade corridors and improving the movement of goods, this proposal keeps businesses in California,” he told the Council.

In addition, Frazier’s plan calls for an additional $7.4 billion annually to be designated for transportation in the state. It includes increases to the tax on gas and diesel, as well as to the vehicle license registration fee.

He called on Antioch residents and citizens throughout California to show their enthusiasm for his plan by writing letters of support to their local newspapers and representatives.

“Let’s make transportation funding a priority this year,” he said.

Public Hearing: Priorities for Housing and Homeless

Council also oversaw a public hearing on priorities for Antioch’s homeless population. The city’s plan, which began with a study session in August of this year, includes providing a grant program for mobile home owners and seeking County funds to support homeless outreach.

Outreach to Antioch’s homeless will soon see an increase, as at least one County-funded outreach team will begin operating mostly in the East Bay—namely, Pittsburg, Antioch, etc. All homeless outreach in Contra Costa will be funded by the County, but Antioch has still managed to allocate $38,000 for the fiscal year in order to resolve the issue of homelessness in the city.

The Council is expected to allocate extra money toward increased outreach as needed—for example, if a second outreach team is deemed necessary, the city will contribute to the County’s funding to help make that happen. Or, an outreach team that operates in the evening will be given the funding to allow it to operate for more hours during the week.

An East County care center, designed to replace the resource center that used to work with the Don Brown shelter on 4th Street, was tentatively approved for County funding to the tune of over $660,000.

East County is currently the only County location that does not have a multi-resource center. A suitable location is still in the works, however, and funding for the center won’t be available for the next 8-10 months.

Mayor Pro Tem Lori Ogorchock made sure to clarify that, if the city needs to, it can always designate more than its current $38,000 to help out.

“I just want to make sure our hands aren’t tied,” she said.

Animal Rescue Foundation Steps In

The Council then discussed a Memorandum of Understanding for a partnership with Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF).

ARF has agreed to provide the Antioch Animal Shelter with services and expertise in key areas for a one-year period, at no cost to the City. The partnership comes on the heels of months of complaints about the state of Antioch’s Animal Shelter, by many residents.

During the Council’s last meeting, Antioch Police Chief Allan Cantando presented a list of options for the city to consider to begin addressing some of the issues the shelter faces, such as funding shortages and a lack of trained professionals. Seeking outside help was among them.

Several residents from the surrounding area stated their satisfaction with the ARF partnership, including Louise McGuire, a resident of Concord, where ARF has run a successful shelter for years.

“I applaud the Memorandum of Understanding,” McGuire told the Council. “I hope that this resolution will benefit the lives of the animals in the shelter, and also the people the people that care for them.”

Karen Kopps, President of HARP, the Homeless Animals Response Program, was happy with the news.

“I’m also delighted that this update is being done now, and not in early 2017,” she stated. “So, thank you.”

An initial meeting and walk through of the shelter will be conducted with ARF soon, the council reported. That will allow ARF to determine the number of staff and number of hours they will provide.

Harper was happy to give the community a concrete course of action after continued complaints about the shelter.

“TherResolution is not yet a detailed plan,” he said. “But it looks like we’re attempting to take steps move forward. We’re listening. We still have a responsibility to make improvements…Now it’s time for us to start making those improvements.”

The resolution to approve the understanding with ARF was approved by Council in a unanimous 5-0 vote.

By Allen Payton

There were no big surprises in the results of the Community Priorities Survey paid for by the City of Antioch and shared with the Antioch City Council at their regular meeting, on Tuesday night.

“Crime and gangs are clearly perceived as the most-urgent problems in Antioch,” the headline of the survey results reads.

The live phone survey using both landline and cell phones, which lasted about 15 minutes according to some residents who received the call and participated, was taken between July 17 and 21, 2016 and conducted in both English and Spanish.

Of the 400 residents who participated in the survey, 75% of residents who responded said crime was very or extremely serious. Of those surveyed 72% also rated gangs and youth violence as very or extremely serious.

Homeless was the next highest rated problem, with 62% saying it’s very or extremely serious, followed by a lack of good-paying, local jobs, with 59% of respondents rating that issue very or extremely serious.

The next major concern was categorized as “An empty downtown,” with 53% of respondents rating that as very or extremely serious. Waste and inefficiency in local government had 46% of those surveyed calling it very or extremely serious, and another 32% rating it as somewhat serious, for a total of 78% of respondents giving it a serious rating.

The condition of the local economy had 43% of respondents rating it very or extremely serious, and another 39% rating it as somewhat serious.

Finally, in the categories which a majority of those surveyed rating as serious is traffic congestion, with 41% rating as very or extremely serious and another 32% rating it as somewhat serious.

The survey next stated “Few are concerned about development, or the lack of retail or parks” with only 17% of respondents saying “A lack of parks and open space” was very or extremely serious, and another 29% rating it as somewhat serious. However, 55% rated it as “not too serious” or “didn’t know” or provided “no answer.”

Then the survey states “A plurality feel the city is growing at the right pace.”

It also states “Respondents were overwhelmingly satisfied with existing parks; they are less satisfied with nightlife and fine dining options.”

The survey then focused on downtown Antioch, stating “Only half of respondents indicated they were familiar with Waldie Plaza,” and “More than three in five say they haven’t heard about plans for the former lumberyard,” the controversial  lot on which a group of residents are pursuing an initiative for a park and event center. The survey also states about the lumberyard, “Those who have heard something know relatively few details other than ‘new housing.'”

Finally, the survey states and provides a breakdown in statistics of answers by respondents that “Jobs and scenery were seen as top priorities for the land.” Of those surveyed, 77% said “Creating local jobs” was extremely important or very important, and another 15% said it was somewhat important, for a total of 92% saying it is important at some level.

Please see the complete results of the survey, here: antioch-community-priorities-survey-report

By Allen Payton

The Antioch School Board was hit with a two-fold challenge when approving the budget for Fiscal Year 2016-17. Revenue is down because enrollment continues to decrease in the district. But, at the same time there have been increases in district staff retirement costs.

The presentation, by Interim Chief Business Officer Chris Learned, began with him saying “your enrollment is declining” and ”your deficit spending is continuing to be a problem.” That was followed by Learned stating, “It’s starting to be scary.”

Enrollment in the district has decreased since the 2004-05 school year by 4,285 students, for a total of 24.15%. It decreased by 485 students between Fiscal Years 2014-15 and 2015-16 and projected to decrease another 434 students for this new school year.

Revenue to the district increased, this year, by $6.4 million in Local Control Funding Formula funding and $100,000 from the federal government. However, revenue from the state decreased by $7.2 million and other revenue is down by $1.8 million. That created a net decrease of $2.46 million in annual revenue.

The costs for CALSTRS, which is the state retirement plan for teachers, and for CALPERS, the retirement plan for all other district personnel, increased.

“The cumulative effect is an $11.2 million hit to the district,” Learned said.

The district will experience deficit spending of $1.2 million, this year, $2.1 million next year, and $2.4 million in Fiscal Year 2018-19.

The district is required to have 3% in reserves, which “doesn’t even cover one payroll for the district,” he shared. “We want to keep reserves at 7%, preferably 10%.”

The district currently has $15.3 million in reserves or 8.1% of the total $190 million budget.

Learned said he’s concerned that “one-time money is being used for ongoing expenses.”

Trustee Debra Vinson spoke, first.

“Our desire is to protect the district and remain in the black,” she said. “I’m very impressed with your management team, here” adding because it’s “conservative.”

Trustee Walter Ruehlig asked “is it too early to project if there’s going to be layoffs?”

Learned responded, “It’s too early.”

Trustee Fernando Navarro asked “why are we dipping into the budget for books and supplies?”

“We’re doing a big text book purchase,” Learned said. “Budgeted this year. Purchase next year.”

Navarro later clarified that his question was to ensure that the funds for books and supplies were not being for use any other purpose, “and not balancing the budget on the backs of the students.”

The board members voted unanimously to adopt the budget totaling $190,423,184.15.

Individuals Sought for Four Seats

The Metropolitan Transportation Commission – the Bay Area’s transportation planning, financing and coordinating agency – is recruiting interested Bay Area residents to fill four vacancies on its Policy Advisory Council. There are two openings for residents of Napa County: one for an individual representing the interests of people with disabilities, and one for an individual representing the interests of the county’s minority residents. In addition, there are two at-large seats available on the Council, which can be filled by individuals who would represent either the economy or the environment from any of the nine Bay Area counties. The Council normally meets the second Wednesday of each month from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the MTC offices in San Francisco, and advisors are reimbursed for their transportation to and from the meeting.

Created by the Commission in November 2009 to advise MTC on transportation policies in the San Francisco Bay Area, the Policy Advisory Council incorporates diverse perspectives relating to the environment, the economy and social equity. The Council advises MTC on a range of topics, including:

• Regional planning efforts linking transportation, housing and land-use plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions;
• Public transit productivity improvements; and
• Pursuit of new revenues to support a transportation system that better serves all Bay Area residents.

“The Commission wants and needs to hear various viewpoints when making transportation policy and investment decisions,” said MTC Chair Dave Cortese. “Incorporating different perspectives enhances our decision-making process.”

Applications for the four vacancies will be accepted through September 9, 2016. No specific educational background is needed for most seats – just a background in the specific application category, and an interest in transportation and how it affects residents in the nine Bay Area counties. Experience working on public policy issues or community-related issues is desirable. Appointed advisors are expected to attend monthly meetings at MTC’s offices in San Francisco and will serve through the term ending in July 2017. While positions are voluntary, advisors do receive a small stipend for their attendance at certain meetings.

MTC’s appointing Commissioners will review the applications, and the full Commission is scheduled to approve the selections in October. The selected applicants will attend their first meeting on November 9, 2016. To apply for a vacant position or to learn more about the Policy Advisory Council, visit http://mtc.ca.gov/about-mtc/what-mtc/mtc-organization/policy-advisory-council or call 415.778.6706.

Contra Costa County Supervisor Mary Nejedly Piepho is seeking qualified, motivated candidates to serve on the following county advisory committees:

County Library Commission

2 seats

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

The Commission serves in an advisory capacity to the Board of Supervisors and the County Librarian. They provide a community linkage to the County Library and establish a forum for the community to express its views regarding goals and operations of the County Library. The Commission assists the Board of Supervisors and the County Librarian to provide library services based on assessed public needs and develops and recommends proposals to the Board of Supervisors and the County Librarian for the betterment of the County Library including, but not limited to, such efforts as insuring a stable and adequate funding level for the libraries in the County.

The Commission meets on the 4th Thursday of every other month at 7:00 p.m. located at 75 Santa Barbara in Pleasant Hill.

Alcohol and Other Drugs Advisory Board

1 seat

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

The board assesses family and community needs regarding treatment and prevention of alcohol and drug abuse problems and provides input and recommendations on prevention, intervention, and treatment services to the Contra Costa Health Services Department, the Board of Supervisors, and the communities they serve.

The Board meets on the 4th Wednesday of the month at 3:45 p.m. located at the Alcohol and Other Drugs Services Division, 1220 Morello Avenue, Suite 200 in Martinez.

Emergency Medical Care Committee

2 seats

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

The Emergency Medical Care Committee (EMCC) function is to review the operations of each of the following at least annually:

1. Ambulance services operating within the county.

2. Emergency medical care offered within the county,

3. First aid practices in the county.

Regular meetings of the EMCC shall be held at least four (4) times per year or more often as deemed necessary. Meetings will convene at 4:00 p.m. on the Second Wednesday of March, June, September, and December unless otherwise directed by the EMCC or its Executive Committee. Location: Contra Costa County Schools Insurance Group, 550 Ellinwood Way, Pleasant Hill, CA.

Family & Children’s Trust Commission

1 seat

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

The Commission conducts a bi-annual needs assessment on family and children’s services in the County.

The Commission meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 8:30 a.m. located at the Employment and Human Services Dept., 40 Douglas Drive, in Martinez

Discovery Bay P-6 Citizen Advisory Committee

1 seat – Ravenswood Development

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

To make reports and recommendations to the Board of Supervisors on extended police protection services which shall include, but not limited to, enforcement of the State Vehicle Code where authorized by law, crime prevention, and litter control.

The Committee meets on the 2nd Monday of every month at 7:30 p.m. located at 1800 Willow Lake Road in Discovery Bay.

Contra Costa County Fire Protection District’s Fire Advisory Commission

1 Alternate seat

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

The Commission shall review and advise on annual operations and capital budgets; to review district expenditures; to review and advise on long-range capital improvement plans; pursuant to district ordinance to serve as the Appeals Board on weed abatement matters; to advise the Fire Chief on district service matters; to meet jointly with the Board of Supervisors and provide advice to the board as needed; to communicate with the other fire district advisory commissions on services and functional integration; to assist in the Fire Chief’s selection process as required; to serve as liaison between the Board of Supervisors and the community served by each district; to perform such other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned and as directed by the Board of Supervisors.

The Commission meets on the 2nd Monday of February, April, June, August, October and December located at the Administration Building, 2010 Geary Road in Pleasant Hill.
Bethel Island Municipal Advisory Committee

1 seat

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

The Council shall advise the Board of Supervisors on land use and planning matters affecting the community of Bethel Island and may represent the Bethel Island community before the Board of Supervisors, the East County Regional Planning Commission and the Zoning Administrator on such issues as land use, planning and zoning. The Council may also represent the Bethel Island Community before the Local Agency Formation Commission no proposed boundary changes affecting the community. The Council may advise the Board on services which may be provided to the Bethel Island Community by Contra Costa County or other local governmental agencies.
The Council meets on the 2nd Tuesday of every month at 6:00 p.m. located at Scout Hall, 3190 Ranch Lane in Bethel Island.

Background

The Board of Supervisors receives valuable input and community participation from numerous citizen advisory boards on a range of issues. Boards usually meet monthly on a regular basis.
Candidates for these positions must live in District III or any specified boundary area for special districts.  District III is comprised of the cities of Antioch, Brentwood, and Oakley, and the unincorporated communities of Bethel Island, Blackhawk, Byron, Diablo, Discovery Bay, and Knightsen.

For more information about the advisory committees, click here.

Click here to download an application from the County’s website.  Applications should be submitted to the Clerk of the Board’s office, 925.335.1900, located at 651 Pine Street, Martinez, CA 94553.

For more information, including on how to apply, you may contact Supervisor Piepho’s Deputy Chief of Staff, Lea Castleberry at 925.820.8683.

Washington, D.C. – Last week, Congressman Jerry McNerney (CA-9) and Congressman Walter Jones (NC-3) launched the bipartisan Congressional Campaign Finance Reform Caucus to address the undue influence of money on our political process.

“I’m excited to launch the Campaign Finance Reform Caucus with my colleague, Congressman Jones,” said McNerney. “Since the Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision, too much campaign spending comes from undisclosed and unregulated sources.  We need reform that brings transparency to the campaign finance system and restores the voice of the voters. Our democracy depends on it,” McNerney said.  “By bringing together members from both sides of the aisle, the Caucus can address these inequities and advocate for changes to the current system.”

The Center for Responsive Politics reports that total federal election spending in 2012 was more than $6.2 billion, doubling money spent on the 2000 campaign.  A joint report issued by the Brookings Institution and the American Enterprise Institute found that, adjusted for inflation, House candidates spend more than 300 percent as much getting elected as they did nearly 30 years ago – an average of $1.6 million dollars every two years.

“I am greatly troubled by the undue influence that fat-cat lobbyists and special interests have in Washington, DC.  Now, more than ever, secretive special interest money plays an enormous role in our electoral process and in governing.  Beginning in my days in the North Carolina General Assembly, I have long advocated for returning power to the people and getting big money out of politics. Launching this Campaign Finance Reform Caucus is another step in that direction,” said Congressman Jones.

At its inaugural meeting on Thursday, Reps. McNerney and Jones were joined by other Caucus members and were briefed by academic and legal scholars on the history of campaign finance policy and its effects on politics today.  The Caucus will hold regular meetings to educate members of Congress and staff about these policies and advocate for relevant policy proposals.

The Caucus is open to all members of Congress and will provide a forum to discuss and advance solutions to reform the way campaigns are financed in this country.

Rep. Jerry McNerney serves the constituents of California’s 9th Congressional District which includes portions of San Joaquin, Sacramento Counties and Contra Costa, including most of Antioch. For more information on Rep. McNerney’s work, follow him on Facebook and on Twitter @RepMcNerney.

The East County Senior Coalition invites all interested senior citizens to get on the bus and join them for the Senior Rally Day in Sacramento, on Wednesday, May 11

If interested, contact Mary Chapman at either (925) 978-1883 or info@elderlywish.org so they can fill an East County bus.

Can make appointment at next meeting on April 20th if Board chooses

The Board of Education of the Antioch Unified School District Board of Education is seeking applications to fill a vacancy on the Board caused by the resignation of Claire Smith on April 1, 2016.  Board members will use the following process to appoint an individual to complete Mrs. Smith’s term, which expires December 2016.

Remaining Term of Office:  June 2016 – December 2016

Requirements for Office:

• At least 18 years of age
• Resident of Antioch Unified School District
• Registered voter
• United States citizen
• Not disqualified by the U.S. Constitution or state law from holding a civil office

Application Process: 

To secure an application, visit the District’s website at www.antioch.k12.ca.us or pick up an application at the School Services Building, located at 510 G Street, Antioch by April 20, 2016 by 12:00 p.m. The District office is open Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Timeline:

• Completed applications must be received in the Superintendent’s Office no later than 12:00 p.m. April 20, 2016.  Neither postmarks nor late delivery will be accepted.
• Board of Education will interview candidates in a public meeting called by the Board.  The following date and time has been set aside for interviews:  May 4, 2016 between 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.
• The new Board Member will be sworn in at the regular Board of Education meeting on June 8, 2016.

If you should have any questions, please call (925) 779-7500 ext. 51000.

However, the Board can make an appointment at their next meeting on Wednesday, April 20.

“Under a provisional appointment, they can do the process like they did for Mr. Navarro,” according to Nancy Belleci, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent. “They can do anything they want. But, they have to wait 30 days before the new member can take their seat.”

“At the last meeting during the discussion the Board determined they want to revise interview questions and the tally process,” she added.

Notice:  This appointment is provisional and subject to the petition process specified in California Education Code 5092.