Editor:

It seems Susan Morgan (who failed to identify herself as Vice President of the Ironhouse Sanitary District Board) has made some factual errors in her letter supporting Diane Burgis.  Such errors could easily have been avoided by simply asking her fellow board members who they are supporting in the District 3 Supervisor race.  As shown on www.doughardcastle.com/endorsements, Doug is supported by many current and former public figures and local leaders, including three members of ISDB, namely Chris Lauritzen, Dr. Michael Painter and Board President Doug Scheer.

By failing to check her facts on such a simple matter as public endorsements, Susan Morgan has called into question her veracity and competence as a public servant, a spokeswoman for Ms. Burgis, and as a professional called to a high ethical standard.

In addition, while Morgan identifies the positions held by Ms. Burgis, as evidence of her experience and qualifications for the office of Supervisor, she fails to note Burgis’ length of service (less than four years), or any positive achievements of her chosen candidate.  By contrast, Doug Hardcastle has served Contra Costa County for over 15 years, while at the same time running a local business with his wife, Lyn.  During that time, he supported innovative solutions to reduce ratepayers’ costs, and, after his tenure as Mayor of Oakley, left the city with an improved public safety record and no debt to the State of California.

While I have not met Ms. Burgis personally, not being a member of the politically elite circles in which both she and Susan Morgan seem to move, I know from personal experience that everyone who meets Doug Hardcastle comes away with a positive impression of him, and all of his friends and colleagues can vouch for his honesty, his character, his dedication to public safety, and his record of accomplishment in fiscal management.  None of the other candidates have such a positive record of accomplishment, and none of the other candidates had the courage to challenge the current incumbent after she and her colleagues on the Board of Supervisors voted themselves a large pay raise instead of prioritizing public safety, like the underfunded fire protection service in East County.

In short, if you want a candidate with a record of improving public safety and using your tax dollars wisely, Doug Hardcastle is the only choice.

Sean Pearson

Brentwood

Dear Editor:

Over 9,000 citizens signed a petition for Measure E after the Council failed to adopt gambling reforms recommended by an Antioch citizens’ group.

Measure E supports the health and public safety of the Antioch community.  Measure E stops politicians from issuing gambling licenses to felons, keeps gambling away from our churches, schools, and stops card rooms from becoming mini-casinos.  Measure E also helps keep criminal activity that is directly connected to illegal gambling, drug and alcohol abuse and other violent crimes from infiltrating our community.  We need to fight back against dishonest gambling operators and fight the politicians who protect them.   That is why we need Measure E in Antioch.

I find Ms. King’s commentary full of passion and pride regarding her father’s service to our country.  I truly and respectfully appreciate her father’s service to our country as I also appreciate Mr. Wilkinson’s service in Vietnam and his father’s service as a Marine at Guadalcanal during WWII.  Measure E has nothing to do with the sale of Kelly’s Restaurant/Card Room, a business shut down years ago by the State.

I believe Measure E is necessary in order to protect our community, families and property values.  Money spent gambling does very little to boost the local economy.  In fact, gambling establishments can have a negative impact on our community, city government and can create additional strain on our police services.  I believe we do not need additional gambling establishments in Antioch.

You can learn more about Measure E at their website, www.stopantiochgamblingexpansion.com.

Jesse Zuniga

Antioch resident

Zuniga is one of five Antioch residents who signed the ballot argument in favor of Measure E.

Editor:

Doug Hardcastle is the only candidate in the race for County Supervisor who has served his country in the military, served in public office and owned a business in the county.

He has the best combination of experience, knowledge and commitment to serve the people of Contra Costa. Doug’s a proven leader and isn’t afraid to take on the tough issues.

He was the only candidate to jump in the race to take on the incumbent and speak out against the 33% pay raise she voted to give herself, as an example of wasteful spending by the county, before she backed out.

We need to elect him, this year, and provide new, strong, proven leadership on the Board of Supervisors. Please join me in voting for Doug Hardcastle on June 7th. To get involved in his campaign, please visit www.doughardcastle.com.

Sincerely,

Ron Yarolimek

Antioch

Editor,

As you may have heard, I have made a difficult choice not to run for re-election for the Contra Costa Board of Supervisors.  This choice was made easier because of one person, East Bay Regional Parks District (EBRPD) Director Diane Burgis.

Diane is uniquely qualified to serve on the Board of Supervisors. She is a true leader and has all of the qualities I feel are the most important to serve the citizens of District III.  Diane is a fiscal conservative; supports police and firefighters that work hard to make our communities safe; supports investment into our transportation system; she is approachable and knowledgeable; advocates to protect our Bay/Delta and our environment; and most importantly, Diane cares about you.

Diane has the most regional experience of all the candidates.  As a Director of the East Bay Regional Park District, Diane works to serve the taxpayers of two counties, Alameda and Contra Costa.  Diane has learned how to responsibly manage an annual budget of over $200 million dollars and oversee a District police and fire department.

As a recent council member for the City of Oakley, Diane knows the challenges of local government and how to fight for the needs of taxpayers and invest in public safety as a top priority.

Diane is a Delta advocate, having served as a member of the Delta Protection Commission she has worked to advance the federal National Heritage Designation to preserve, protect and promote our vibrant Delta region and has fought Governor Brown’s Twin Tunnel project.

As ​Executive Director of Friends of Marsh Creek Watershed, Diane knows that salmon are a vital link not only to our Delta and our environment, but also our economy.  Diane has fought to protect salmon migratory routes and save this valuable fish.

Diane is fiscally conservative.  As a former small business owner, Diane knows what it takes to make a budget work and meet the bottom line.  Diane puts Public Safety first by supporting a well staffed police force and fire department in order to protect citizens, property and make communities safe. Living in far East County, Diane is acutely aware of and supports the need to fully fund transportation and Vasco Road safety projects that allow for shorter commute hours and more time with family.

Diane has my vote for Contra Costa County’s District III Supervisor because she is the right candidate.  I ask you to give her your vote too.  If you have any questions I can be reached at 925-516-2358.

It has been my honor and privilege to work for you for nearly 12 years on the Board of Supervisors.  Thank you for the opportunity to serve.

Mary Nejedly Piepho

District III, Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors

By Linda King

This commentary is written with the intention of explaining the real reason behind Measure E on the June 7th ballot in Antioch.

It’s not about the City Council “failing” the citizens of Antioch but more about the intention of the California Grand Casino in Pacheco.  Will Wilkinson, the owner of the Grand, has been successful in previous attempts at “stealing” gaming licenses in Pacheco, San Ramon and Point Molate in Richmond. This is his fourth attempt to “steal” a gaming license and he is using the voters in Antioch to do this. Will stays in the shadows and uses people like Lamar Thorpe to do his dirty work for him; capitalizing on Thorpe’s “political agenda” and his sense of “entitlement” that he should be on the City Council.

The Council has already reduced the number of card rooms in Antioch from five to two. The language in Measure E has already been adopted, except for the unnecessary, costly requirement to have an election whenever there’s a proposed card room amendment. Measure E will prevent the previously approved second one from reopening and offering a fine dining restaurant in the downtown area.

The measure will also ensure Wilkinson’s success in “stealing’’ the remaining gaming license in Antioch and keeping the current owners from selling it along with Kelly’s Restaurant and Card Room on O Street. Al and Estelle Cianfichi, the long standing owners, have been in business in Antioch for over 35 years. They successfully owned and operated two businesses in Martinez and then used the proceeds from their sale and invested them into Kelly’s, over the years.

Al is now 85 years old and a disabled American Veteran from the Korean War 3rd Army Infantry Division Charlie Company. He is the recipient of the Silver, Bronze and Army Infantry medals that were awarded to him at the Antioch VFW Hall in the 1980’s.  Al is the only surviving officer from the battle of Pork Chop Hill in Korea and was injured while carrying another soldier to safety. They were both blown off a cliff from a mortar that went off near them and they fell more than 20 feet, yet survived. Al is a true American hero and has given his lower legs to his country which have been amputated. He is also paralyzed from the neck down and will be spending his remaining days in a hospital bed.

What service did Will Wilkinson from the California Grand perform for the U.S.A? He is from an Eastern European country that does not believe in our democracy or what America truly stands for.  He has un-American values and deplorable business practices, and he is now trying to use the good citizens of Antioch – using the political process for his own personal gain by eliminating his competition. If Measure E passes, it will maximize his profits in Pacheco and take away jobs in Antioch and income for the City of Antioch. It will also keep Al from being able to sell Kelly’s and live the rest of his life in comfort and peace. Is this how we reward our veterans for their service to our country, who have given life and limb so that we can remain a free country?

Wilkinson should focus on his own problems at his “Mega Casino” and not bully the City Council and citizens of Antioch over a six-table card room. The California Grand has invested over $310,000 to pass Measure E and take a disabled war veteran’s retirement away from him without giving it a second thought. What kind of individual does that? Clearly someone who does not hold our values dear and only cares about his own financial gain. He wants Antioch residents to have to travel to Pacheco to play cards and spend their money there, instead of here. Let’s keep “Greedy Will” in Pacheco where he belongs and out of Antioch.

Please vote NO on Measure E. Let’s keep Antioch under local control.

King is Chair of Antioch Friends for Local Control, organized to defeat Measure E

Dear Editor:

With the race for the June primaries almost upon us, and six different candidates running for County Supervisor in District 3, what’s a poor voter to do?  I am fortunate to have had the privilege of meeting most of these candidates, and without question, Diane Burgis is, by far, the most qualified and absolute best candidate for this position.

Diane is the only candidate with broad, regional experience – she is currently a trustee on the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) Board, which manages a budget in excess of two hundred million dollars servicing almost three million people, and overseeing its own fire department and police force.  This is an entirely different level of responsibility decision-making than that of a local city council member – with just a local city issues to address.  No other candidate has this breadth of experience and understanding of complex issues and decisions required to address an entire county.

Diane is a leader who knows how to build consensus and bring people together.  Diane has the endorsement of over sixty leaders throughout the county and state, including all of the current Trustees on the EBRPD.  Contrast that with candidate Hardcastle, who touts his 12 years of experience on the Ironhouse Sanitary District (ISD) Board, yet not one of the ISD Directors, current or previously-serving, has stepped up to endorse him.

Join me in voting for Diane Burgis for District 3 County Supervisor – the only qualified candidate for this position.

Susan Morgan

Director, Ironhouse Sanitary District

“Water is the driving force of all nature.” – Leonardo da Vinci

Last year Governor Jerry Brown mandated a emergency water cutback in urban areas, although we all know that it’s agriculture that’s using the majority of water in this state.  Ironically,  many California homeowners and businesses do not have water meters and are charged a flat monthly rate. (It’s estimated that unmetered communities use 39% more water than metered communities.)  Although a 1992 state law requires all new homes have a water meter, a state law passed in 2004 merely requires homes built before that date be retrofitted by 2025, nine years away.

This year the emphasis from public agencies is to have residents replace their lawns with water-wise landscaping.  Let me caution those who have been told they can receive rebates to do so.  I took at look at the Contra Costa Water District website.  At first glance your eyes are drawn to the CCWD Lawn to Garden Rebate Program which states “The rebate is $1.00 per sq. ft. with a maximum of $1,000 per single family residence and up to $20,000 for commercial, homeowner associations, industrial and institutional properties.”  What you might not notice folks is the paragraph entitled Potential Federal Tax on Rebates.  That’s right folks, the CCWD will issue a IRS 1099 tax form which you will have to disclose as income when you file your tax forms next year.

CCWD directors also cut a back door deal with the state, agreeing to drop objections to Gov. Jerry Brown’s twin tunnels proposal if the state provides enough upstream water to mitigate an expected increase in salinity if the project proceeds.   Time to replace those directors as well as asking any candidate for local or state office where they stand on this vital issue.

Fortunately,  Contra Costa and San Joaquin County Counties and several environmental organizations filed suit in San Joaqiuin County Superior Court to stop the Metropolitan Water District from purchasing five Delta island tracts which would aid Gov. Brown’s proposed twin tunnels plan, dubbed “Delta Peripheral Canal plan revisited”  a former failed plan to ship our water south.

Additionally, Senate Bill 1713 introduced by Assembly Member Susan  Eggman (D-Stockton), Principal coauthor Senator Wolk and coauthored by Assembly members Baker, Bonilla, Cooley, Cooper, Frazier, McCarty and Olsen would prohibit the construction of a peripheral canal unless authorized by an initiative voted on by the voters of California on or after January 1, 2017 for any infrastructure project that conveys water directly from a diversion point in the Sacramento River to pumping facilities of the State Water Project at the federal Central Valley Project south of the Delta. The bill also requires the Legislative Analyst’s Office to complete a economic feasibility analysis prior to a vote.

NOTE:  In May 2015, the Antioch City Council mandated that residents reduce water consumption by 28%, not water outdoor plants more than three days a week,  not water between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.  or wash driveways, sidewalks or other hard surfaces with hoses that don’t have a shut-off  nozzle, etc.  Restaurants were told not to serve water unless requested by the customer  and residents advised to report violators who would be fined $100 per day for the first violation, and up to $500 a day for continuing violations.  The ordinance has not as yet been redacted.

Council is holding a public hearing on May 24 to raise numerous rates, one of which is water usage.  Is that due to reduced water revenues from water restrictions or transfer of water funds into the General Fund?

Dear Editor:

Doug Hardcastle is the best candidate for the job of Contra Costa County Supervisor. He is an all-around upstanding citizen and servant to his country and community. Doug served his country in the military; public office in his community, and owns a business in the county.

Doug is a proven leader and is not afraid to take on the tough issues. His combination of experience, knowledge and commitment to serve the people of Contra Costa is unsurpassed by any other candidate.

Doug Hardcastle has been the first candidate to take immediate action on the incumbent by speaking out against the 33% pay increase that she voted to give herself. This was one example of continued wasteful spending by the county. Fortunately, the incumbent backed out before the increase could be put in place.

We need to elect Doug Hardcastle June 7th, and provide new, strong, proven leadership on the Board of Supervisors. Please join me in voting for Doug Hardcastle on June 7th. To get involved in his campaign, please visit www.doughardcastle.com.

Sincerely,

Carma Dutra

Oakley