On a 4-1 vote the Antioch School Board decided to not support the 2012 Clean Water Initiative at their meeting on Wednesday, March 28, 2012.  Trustees Diane Gibson-Gray, Gary Hack, Walter Ruehlig and Claire Smith voted no and Trustee Joy Motts gave the sole affirmative vote.

If passed will place a $12 per year assessment on property tax bills in Antioch. Cynthia Ruehlig, speaking as a citizen, gave public comment claiming that the entire county was being asked to pick up the burden for a few cities that suffer inadequate sewage release during heavy downpours.

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 for the Somersville Road project will close all lanes on westbound SR-4 between Loveridge and Somersville Roads for several hours on Thursday evening, March 29, 10:00 pm to 3:30 a.m.

In addition, eastbound SR-4 will be closed between Loveridge Road and Somersville Road Thursday evening, March 29 from 11:59 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.

The westbound 0n-ramp and both eastbound on-ramps will be closed at Loveridge Road during these freeway closures.

Detour signs will be in place to direct motorists to alternate routes. Please be alert and carefully follow all directional signs when encountering detours.

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. 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 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 for the Somersville Road project will close all lanes on westbound SR-4 between Loveridge and Somersville Roads for several hours on Thursday and Friday evenings, March 29 and 30, 10:00 pm to 3:30 a.m.

In addition, the CHP will conduct a rolling closure of single lanes of eastbound SR-4 between Railroad Avenue and Somersville Road Thursday and Friday evenings, March 29 and 30, 11:59 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

Detour signs will be in place to direct motorists to alternate routes. Please be alert and carefully follow all directional signs when encountering detours.

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. 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.

By Walter Ruehlig

After a lively discussion at the March 21 meeting of the Contra Costa County Board of Education, the board voted against supporting the 2012 Clean Water Initiative. Board President Cynthia Ruehlig, a vocal critic of the proposed tax, and Trustees Richard Asadoorian and Daniel Gomes voted no, while Trustee Pam Mirabella voted to abstain. Trustee Ellen Elster was absent.

If it passes, the parcel tax for the County Office of Education is estimated at $2,000 per year. The three ballots received for facilities owned by the Office of Education located in Pleasant Hill, Brentwood and Concord will all be marked “no”. Ballots for the county-wide mail-in Proposition 218 election must be received by 5:00 p.m., April 6, 2012.

One interesting aspect of the election is that the process is being conducted and monitored by a private organization, Carol Keane and Associates a certified public accounting firm located in Walnut Creek, and not by the County Clerk’s Election Division.

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.

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.