Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) & Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) have launched Round 2 of public outreach for Plan Bay Area, a blueprint-in-the-making for expanding transportation and housing in a sustainable way over the next 25 years.

Planners have prepared several scenarios for what the Bay Area could look like in 2040, and are seeking the public’s help in selecting desired features among the alternative choices, and in prioritizing transportation investments.

At the meetings, participants will rotate among a series of stations where they will have a chance to view informational videos, vote on potential transportation investments, select preferred strategies for reducing driving and greenhouse gas emissions, and use an Urban Vision tool that shows visually how various future development scenarios might appear in their respective counties.

For more information: www.onebayarea.org/spotlight_12-11.htm

When & Where:
• San Francisco County: Thursday, January 5, 2012, 5:45 p.m. at UCSF Mission Bay Conference Center, William J. Rutter Center, 1675 Owens Street, San Francisco
• Sonoma County: Monday, January 9, 2012, 5:45 p.m. at Finley Community Center,
2060 West College Avenue, Santa Rosa
• San Mateo County: Tuesday, January 10, 2012, 5:15 p.m. at The Hiller Aviation Museum,
601 Skyway Road, San Carlos
• Alameda County: Wednesday, January 11, 2012, 5:45 p.m. at City of Dublin Civic Center,
100 Civic Plaza, Dublin
• Marin County: Tuesday, January 17, 2012, 5:45 p.m. at Marin Center, 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael
• Santa Clara County: Wednesday, January 18, 2012, 5:15 p.m. at Santa Clara County Government Center, 70 West Hedding Street, San Jose
• Napa County: Thursday, January 19, 2012, 5:45 p.m. at Napa Elks Lodge,
2840 Soscol Avenue, Napa
• Contra Costa County: Monday, January 23, 2012, at 5:45 p.m. at Richmond Convention Center, 403 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond
• Solano County: Wednesday, January 25, 2012, 5:45 p.m. at Solano County Events Center,
601 Texas Street, Fairfield

Antioch Police Department responded to an auto versus pedestrian traffic collision on Pembroke Court on December 26 at 1:21 p.m. The vehicle was driving out of a driveway in the court and struck a two-year-old boy.

The victim fell and was run over by the vehicle. The driver of the vehicle was a relative of the child. The victim sustained life-threatening injuries as a result of the incident and was transported to a local area hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.

The investigation is ongoing, but it appears this is nothing more than a horrible accident.

By Allen Payton

According to Antioch Police Sergeant Steve Bias, the two missing teen sisters, Nadya and Tamara (Toma) Nealey are on their own and are not in danger.

They were in touch with someone by phone as of a couple days ago.

However, the Bias said the Antioch police are not giving up on trying to locate them, as they are under age 18.

Anyone with information on their whereabouts are asked to call Antioch Police Detective Stanton at 925-779-6884.

For more information, visit the Facebook page set up by their parents by clicking on this link: Find Nadya and Toma Nealey.

California Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. and Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar today reaffirmed their strong mutual resolve to moving forward with the Bay Delta Conservation Plan (BDCP) and reinforced their joint commitment to effective action to achieve the dual goals of a healthy San Francisco Bay Delta ecosystem and a reliable water supply for California.

As part of today’s statement, Governor Brown and Secretary Salazar announced several actions that will ensure a fair, open and transparent process and a full opportunity for input by all interested parties in the development of a plan to address the future of California’s San Francisco Bay Delta – most significantly, revisions to the draft BDCP Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that are responsive to the comments received by a wide range of water stakeholders in recent weeks.

“It is clear that our Delta ecosystem needs repair and restoration. We shouldn’t wait for a natural disaster to force our hand,” said Governor Brown. “This agreement takes us in the right direction to protect California’s water supply.”

“Successfully developing a science-based Bay Delta Conservation Plan holds the promise of breaking from the unsustainable status quo and being a game-changer for California,” said Secretary Salazar. “That is why the Obama administration is joining with Governor Brown and recommitting funding and technical assistance to support what could become the largest restoration project in history.”

Today’s actions come in response to public comments on the draft MOA. They reconfirm that all members of the public who have a stake in the future of the San Francisco Bay Delta will have an opportunity to participate in development of the BDCP, that the agencies’ commitment to an aggressive BDCP schedule will not trump their commitment to scientific integrity, and that the process will be transparent, with all draft documents available to all members of the public.

In response to concerns raised about a prior draft of the MOA, Secretary Salazar said: “I have personally reviewed the concerns raised about the previous draft of the MOA, and we have heard the public loud and clear. Today we are responding to these concerns by proposing changes that underscore our commitment that no special advantages have been or will be granted to any party in developing this plan for the future of the Bay Delta. I am proud to endorse this process, and I know that it will continue to benefit from the great work of my Deputy Secretary David J. Hayes and Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Mike Connor, as well as the rest of our team working with the state and interested stakeholders on the front lines of this challenging effort.”

The comments received during the public comment period, which ended on Nov. 16, identified several opportunities to improve the MOA – chief among them a renewed agreement of all stakeholders to the dual goals of the BDCP: a healthy Bay Delta ecosystem and a reliable water supply for California. To that end, Secretary Salazar and Governor Brown released today a comprehensive response to public comments that included a revised MOA, a commitment to post all draft documents on the internet, and a commitment to work with stakeholders to develop additional agreements or a statement of principles that will guide the agencies’ work on the BDCP. These documents, including a redlined version of the MOA, are available at www.BayDeltaConservationPlan.com.

The responses reflect the commitment shared by all parties to an open, transparent, and inclusive process; the imperative that any schedule not take precedence over the application of sound science in the development of a successful BDCP; and the willingness of state and federal agencies to engage directly with all interested entities to ensure their full and complete participation in BDCP development activities.

It is important to note that the Delta Reform Act of 2009 requires the beneficiaries of the project to pay for the planning process. This follows a long-standing principle of Delta water policy – for the entities that will benefit from an improvement to pay for that improvement. California law would have to change to have Delta communities or some third party pay for this process.

The actions announced today include:

Commitment to Transparency – As announced on Nov. 29, 2011, key BDCP-related documents will be posted on the BDCP website and made available to all interested parties concurrently – enhancing transparency in developing the BDCP and providing all parties prompt access to key documents. These documents are considered preliminary drafts and are being made available prior to the release of the formal public review drafts of the BDCP and the Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement (EIR/EIS).

A list of key BDCP-related draft documents to be released and expected release dates have been posted on the BDCP website at www.BayDeltaConservationPlan.com. The formal public review and comment process for the drafts of the BDCP and EIR/EIS is expected to commence in the spring of 2012.

Commitments to Other Stakeholders – To confirm and elevate their commitment to provide full access to all stakeholders, the state and federal agencies will extend the opportunity to develop and enter into appropriate agreements or statements of principles regarding development of the BDCP with other interested stakeholders – such as local governments, special districts, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

Specific Modifications to the MOA – State and federal agencies have proposed to the other parties to the MOA several modifications to the MOA in response to key concerns raised during the comment period. Proposed edits are shown on the redline/strikeout version of the MOA posted on the BDCP website.

Prioritizing Sound Science – State and federal agencies will conduct a monthly review of the BDCP schedule to evaluate any changed circumstances that may affect the schedule. The agencies will then publicly disclose any adjustments to the schedule that are made on an ongoing basis and the reasons for such adjustments. The aggressive schedules in the MOA will not trump the obligation to develop and evaluate the BDCP using the sound and credible scientific information.

Policy-level Engagement – Policy-level representatives from state and federal agencies will further build on their engagement in direct dialogue with a number of stakeholder groups to allow the policy-level representatives to gain a better understanding of the key issues to be addressed further during development of the BDCP.

Navigating Bay Area Traffic Just Got Easier

The award-winning 511 traveler information system is offering new functionality to the Bay Area traveling public through a significant update and overhaul of the 511 Traffic page.

The new 511 Traffic page, now being launched in beta at trafficbeta.511.org, provides information to help commuters avoid traffic jams and incidents, and suggests alternate routes to keep travelers moving and reduce congestion in the Bay Area.

Visitors to the 511 Traffic page at traffic.511.org will see a banner at the top of the page inviting them to go to the beta version. The new page features real-time and predicted traffic information and driving times, an enhanced map with improved navigation and easier access to information, and personalization, such as saved recent trips and map preferences.

511 Traffic excels at providing highly accurate, real-time and predicted traffic information for the Bay Area.

“We made major enhancements to our traffic map and information tools based on input from 511 users,” says Shauna Callow, 511 Website Coordinator and Project Manager. “We’re excited to offer a beta version of the new 511 Traffic page now so users can help us confirm the page is working as designed.” The full launch of the new 511 Traffic page is expected spring 2012.

The enhanced traffic map shows travelers real-time traffic congestion, incidents, and construction projects on freeways and highways, at a glance.

Users can also use map tools to view predicted traffic congestion (based on historical averages) when planning a future trip – especially one that requires arriving on-time, like a trip to the airport. 511 operators update incident and construction information 24/7 so that 511 users can access information specific to their trip, whenever they need it.

“The 511 Traffic page is the only resource of its kind built and continually customized for the Bay Area,” says Callow. “So much of the work that we do is related to collecting and verifying traffic data, so it’s exciting to release these website improvements that enable travelers to quickly access this powerful data via a fresh, streamlined design.”

The 511 Driving TimesSM feature delivers personalized point-to-point driving times, including speeds and incidents along a route, and is now better integrated into the traffic map. Travelers can find out how long a trip will take to the minute, given current traffic conditions.

Users can check a typical driving time compared to the current time to know whether conditions are better or worse than usual. When available, alternate routes are provided to allow travelers to choose a different path and avoid congested areas.

511 users can also calculate driving times for a specific future day and time. For example, when making weekend getaway plans, users can enter their trip and select “Fridays” as the day type to view predicted driving times for Friday travel.

With cookies enabled, 511 Traffic will personalize the user experience so that each time users return, their maps preferences and trips are immediately available to them. The Recent Trips feature will save up to three of a user’s most recent trips for quick access to current driving times, incidents, and speeds along the route.

As always, the 511 Traffic page consistently provides the most accurate, latest-breaking traffic news and emergency information affecting drivers. When urgent news breaks or emergencies occur, 511 Traffic displays a ticker at the top of the page to make sure motorists stay informed about major traffic impacts in the region and their commute alternatives.

511 is a one-stop phone and web source for up-to-the-minute Bay Area traffic, transit, rideshare and bicycling information. It’s free of charge and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from anywhere in the nine-county Bay Area.

Call 511 or visit 511.org. 511 is managed by a partnership of public agencies led by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, the California Highway Patrol, and the California Department of Transportation.

Missing Teens Description Nadya and Tamara (Toma) Nealey were last seen on 11/30/11 at Deer Valley High School in Antioch, CA where they are students. Toma has a serious health problem and is presumed without medication. Their cell phones were left at home. Both girls are fluent in English, Russian and Ukraine languages. Antioch Police Department considers them endangered missing children. If you have any information or suspect you have seen them please contact the Antioch California Police at 925-778-2441. They are the daughters of Mike and Garrie Lee Nealey. Their parents and siblings want them home safe and sound. Nadya and Toma if you see this please contact the police or mom and dad or anyone who you feel safe with. Let us know where you are. We love you. Please visit our Facebook page below: Find Nadya and Toma Nealey

This just in – posted on the Facebook page today, 12-19-11 – “Detective Stanton is on our case..his number is 925 779 6884.  I am asking everyone to contact him and ask him when will he make our daughter’s case a priority. Today marks 21 days they are missing. I can not get them on the news until a police officer gives the news the permission. So please help us out..”

Jiaxing, China delegates meet local cowboy Jack Roddy at the Roddy Ranch Golf Club. From left - Luo Xianzhong, Allen Payton, Yao Yuming, Jiang Suolou, golf club General Manager Kevin Fitzgerald, Jack Roddy, James Shenn, Fu Yiming and Wu Kaiming. photo by Scott Barrow

Another group of officials from Jiaxing, China visited Antioch, this week, to further efforts in establishing a Sister City relationship with Antioch for both business trade and cultural exchange. The first delegation visited Antioch in May of this year.

Jiaxing is a city of approximately three million people near Shanghai, on the Grand Canal of China, on the eastern side of the country.

The delegates met with Mayor Jim Davis, Councilwoman Mary Rocha and local business people James Shenn, Ming Zhou and Antioch Herald Publisher Allen Payton, all members of the Antioch Rotary Club (where the concept for the relationship originated, last year), and exchanged business cards and gifts, took photos and shared ideas of cultural, art and education exchanges between the two cities.

The delegates included Mr.Wu Kaiming, Secretary-General of Jiaxing Municipal Committee of Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), Mr. Luo Xianzhong, Vice Secretary-General of the Standing Committee of Jiaxing Municipal People’s Congress, Mr.Jiang Suolou, Director of Jiaxing Municipal Supervision Bureau, Ms.Wang Mingxia, Director of Jiaxing Administration of Culture Broadcasting Television Press & Publication, Ms. Fu Yiming, Director of Education, Science, Culture, Public Health and Overseas Chinese Affairs Commission, the Standing Committee of Jiaxing Municipal People’s Congress and Mr,Yao Yuming, Director of Jiaxing People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries who is also a police officer.

The group also had the opportunity to meet Antioch City Manager Jim Jakel and Police Chief Allan Cantando.

The group was then given a tour of Antioch, including a stop at Roddy Ranch Golf Club where they met a real American cowboy, Jack Roddy, as well as a stop at the historic El Campanil Theatre, for a tour by Executive Director Rick Carraher.

The day finished with lunch at Humphrey’s on the Delta in the Harbor Room overlooking the river.

Those interested in helping establish the Antioch – Jiaxing Sister City Committee and participating in activities, trips to Jiaxing, and a youth educational exchange next summer, please contact either James Shenn at (925) 628-8308 or by email at james@vikingind.com or Allen Payton at (925) 457-0414 or by email at allenpayton@rocketmail.com.

The public workers will rally against massive pay and benefit cuts at the Contra Costa Board of Supervisors meeting (651 Pine St., Martinez) TUESDAY, December 6, at 9 a.m. to oppose a county plan to slash their pay and benefits, and impose the cuts – despite a good faith proposal by the union to save the taxpayers $14 million.

Five unions are organizing the rally including Public Employees Union Local One, AFSCME Locals 2700 and 512, SEIU Local 1021 and Western Council of Engineers. They represent more than 4400 employees, including clerks, custodians, gardeners, licensed vocational nurses and other medical staff, Head Start staff, eligibility workers, child welfare social workers, appraisers and engineers.

The County’s so-called “Last, Best and Final Offer,” which the Board is considering, imposes a 3.2 percent pay cut effective December 1, 2011 and would nearly double what employees pay for a pension – on average an additional 3.1 percent cut in pay. It also will require employees to pay 100 percent of increases in health care – more than $100 a month for a majority of employees with family health care.

The County’s insistence throughout bargaining that the employees pay 100 percent of the health care increases has been at the center of the dispute between the parties throughout negotiations.

Ironically, the Board of Supervisors is scheduled to adopt a new contract with the Deputy Sheriffs’ Association under which the County will pay 80 percent of the increases in health care on January 1, 2012 and 75 percent of the January 1, 2013 increases.

During the last three years, the County paid 87 percent of the health care increases for the Deputy Sheriffs while only paying 50 percent of increases for Coalition union-represented lowest-paid county employees.

“Our current proposal on the table will save the County, by its own calculations, well in excess of $14 million a year, yet it’s not good enough for the County,” said Felix Huerta, Business Agent for AFSCME Local 512. “We have also made creative proposals on health care that call for the County to share the increases in health care premiums, as it always has and as it continues to do for other employees. We made significant sacrifices during our last contract – not all County employees did.

“And now the Board is threatening to impose cuts on our members that are greater than those they have negotiated with other unions including the DSA. We have bargained in good faith. The County has not. The Board needs to back down from imposing and get back to the bargaining table.”