By Barbara Barrigan-Parrilla
Restore the Delta

Among many other things you will find in the fifth staff draft of the Delta Plan, issued last week, is the subsidence/earthquake/sea level rise mantra repeated over and over and over and OVER.

Roger Patterson of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD), among others, is going around chanting the same mantra.

Facts hardly matter in the face of this kind of religious conviction.

But we’ll put some facts out there anyway. These are from the July 21 draft of the Delta Protection Commission’s Economic Sustainability Plan, Chapter 4 (“Flood, Earthquake and Sea-Level Rise Risk Management”) and Appendix D (“Clarification of Some Basic Issues with Regard to Delta Levees”).

Recent estimates of levee fragility rely on the Delta Risk Management Strategy (DRMS) Phase 1 report, which is based on older test borings and insufficient testing, and which doesn’t take into account ongoing improvements to Delta levees. (People in the Delta have not just been sitting around waiting for the rest of the state to decide what to do with their levees.) Use of decades-old data led to erroneously high failure probabilities. DRMS has been criticized by a number of reviewers, including an independent review panel assembled by the Cal-Fed Science Program.

The Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP) notes that although there were many levee failures in earlier years, the majority resulted from overtopping, not collapse. “Improved flood management, in addition to other improvements in the levees, has significantly reduced the rate of failure. Today’s levees, which retain water 24 hours a day, have demonstrated an ability to withstand normal tidal and typical flood loadings regardless of their variability [in construction and composition].”

Regarding vulnerability to tides and floods, “High water elevations resulting from tides and floods can . . . be seen days or weeks in advance so that appropriate emergency measures can be taken. The probabilities of failure due to overtopping that are calculated in DRMS appear to be inconsistent with these realities.”

Regarding subsidence, it is worth remembering that this is a river delta with land protected by levees, and it is not abnormal for the land side to be lower than the water side. Interpretation of the data suggests that problems associated with subsidence, such as impaired drainage, are occurring on less than 14 percent of the area of the Delta; continued subsidence is not a Delta-wide problem.

And anyway, subsidence of even several more feet has little impact on the stability of levees that are already 20 to 30 feet high on the land side.

Sea level rise, meanwhile, can be addressed by routine maintenance of levees improved to the state and federal standards already in place for Delta levees.

But aren’t the Delta levees vulnerable to earthquakes? No more vulnerable than other portions of California through which water transfer infrastructure moves, and maybe less vulnerable.

“Meticulous work by Drexler et al. (2009) indicates that the oldest peat deposits [in the Delta] are in the order of 7,000 years old so that the underlying sands are at least this old.” These sands are not especially susceptible to liquifaction. “The repeated citing of levee deformations that were sustained in the Kobe and Christchurch earthquakes, which had higher ground motions and where levees were founded on very loose and recent alluvial soils, is not particularly helpful. However, although these case histories are not directly applicable to the Delta, they do illustrate that levees do not necessarily breach and release water, even when they are quite badly deformed. In fact, to the extent that the Delta levees are largely composed of peat [which is fibrous], they may be expected to perform better than levees in general under earthquake loadings.”

What about “sunny-day failures”? There has only been one in 30 years due to weaknesses in levees. Two other sunny-day failures in that period resulted from operation of the PG&E gas storage facility under a Delta island.

The Economic Sustainability Plan recommends reducing risks resulting from levee failure by building more robust levees; improving regular maintenance and monitoring; improving flood-fighting and emergency response; and improving preparedness for dealing with failures when they do occur. All this can be done at far less cost and with far less disruption than building a big canal or tunnel.

Much of the money to do the necessary work on Delta levees has already been allocated in voter-approved bond issues. So why hasn’t it been spent?
(more…)

One of the motions before the Antioch City Council on Tuesday, August 9th is a consulting services agreement with Karate Consulting.

Lonnie Karste worked for the city’s recreation department back in the early ’90s, but later was transferred to the Antioch Police Department despite heated protests by the unions. He was transferred once again, this time to Prewett Park, before his retirement, after which he incorporated a consulting business.

City Manager Jim Jakel, who has contract authority for contracts under $50,000, has contracted with Mr. Karste to handle a couple of smaller projects such as emergency operations planning and exercises ($10,800) and a study of redevelopment records and transactions ($8,600).

Tuesday night the City Manager will be requesting council to approve a $48,000 agreement with Mr. Karste to oversee the Measure WW funds for three projects over the next year: lighting at the Lone Tree Golf Course, Prewett Aquatics Facility renovation and synthetic turf fields at the Antioch Community Park. Cost for the projects is approximately $3 million with up to 20% allowed for administrative costs.

I disagree with City Attorney Lynn Nerland’s statement to council that “With no staff resources available with the qualifications to handle this project management assignment, the City would be looking to contract it out to someone if not Karste Consulting.” In fact, I find the statement highly objectionable.

The Community Development Director and staff, with involvement from the six members of the Parks and Recreation Commission, should be overseeing these projects. Also why was Mr. Karste doing a study of redevelopment records and transactions? The city has a finance department to do that.

To the editor:

We were deeply disappointed to see Mr. Payton’s article on the “Gay History Bill” in your August 2011 issue. While this is not Mr. Payton’s first display of negativity toward the gay and lesbian community, it was extremely unfortunate to see this published as if it were an actual article based on fact as opposed to an “opinion piece” more suitable to an editorial page.

At a time when we are seeing an increase in the bullying of gay and lesbian youth as well as suicides, for Mr. Payton to refer to homosexuality as a “choice” is tragic. If homosexuality were a choice like choosing between chocolate and vanilla ice cream, why would so many of our youth take their life if it were just a simple choice? Why would anyone “choose” a lifestyle that continues to subject them to ridicule, discrimination and acts of violence?

It’s ironic this article appeared in the issue that included the appointment of our new police chief. My partner and I were subjected to ongoing harassment from a neighbor as a result of our sexual orientation and the members of the Antioch Police Department were more than supportive whenever we dealt with them. We have no doubt that compassion will continue.

At a time when people are struggling to simply keep their lives together, promoting discrimination and discord is the last thing that we should be doing. My partner and I have been together almost 15 years. We get up and go to work, pay our taxes, participate in our local community and are fortunate to have supportive, loving families. Other than the fact that we are lesbians, don’t we wish everyone could say the same?

Susan Kennedy and Stephanie Bonham
Antioch

To the Editor:

Re: “Bonilla and DeSaulnier Vote for Controversial New ‘Gay’ History Law,” this is an editorial which the publisher tries to disguise as “reporting.”

“Controversial?” Every law is controversial unless it is unanimously agreed on. This is just a prejudicial term as used here.

“Even as young as age 5” is loaded, not balanced reporting. We teach five-year-olds lots of things, why not this?

“There is no opt-out” is similarly loaded. Cherry-picking for prejudicial factors.

“Now, not only…” At this point Mr. Payton abandons any pretense at reporting and lays on his views.

“… those who have chosen that lifestyle and the behavior that it includes.” Rubbish. Homosexuality is no more a choice than being ugly, or being stupid, or being only 4′ 10″ tall. It happens. And has our good publisher a list of the “behavior” — bad behavior, naturally — that has occurred among the gay population of this city?

No, I’m not gay, or, as Mr. Payton puts it in quotes, “Gay,” as if the word were not part of the language yet. But I respect good journalism, and this is not journalism. So don’t pretend to be a newspaper, just let it all hang out.

Of course, we have to take a shot at the two Democratic legislators who voted their conscience. Meanwhile I’m sure the publisher, who I’m sure just hates laws and regulations like a good right-winger, takes full advantage of the postal service’s generosity in having the paper delivered to my mailbox, without even an address, at minimum cost, while it costs me $.44 to mail a letter.

Frank Scalpone
Antioch

By Don Gill
Superintendent, Antioch Unified School District

It has been a great year for Dozier-Libbey Medical High School. In the short span of three years since this high school opened its doors they have amassed an impressive array of awards and recognitions. Dozier-Libbey Medical High School is a school that is the product of the collaborative efforts of the Antioch Unified School District and its affiliated administrators, teachers, staff, students, parents, businesses, and elected officials. The results of their efforts show the depth of their commitment to this school’s success.

The most recent recognition bestowed upon Dozier Libbey Medical High School occurred July 11th when the Antioch Unified School District was informed that this Academy earned the distinction of becoming an official Linked Learning Certified Pathway Program high school. This certification was granted to Dozier-Libbey Medical High School as a result of a two day site visitation by the Linked Learning Pathway Quality Review Team on March 30-31, 2011. According to Arlene P. LaPlante, Director, ConnectEd Network and Linked Learning Certification Coordinator, “The review team took special note of the strong spirit of collaboration, support, and leadership that is reflected in student outcomes.”

Nancie Castro, Principal of Dozier-Libbey Medical High School and her team of dedicated teachers and staff members need to be commended for their work in building such a strong connection with the students and families that attend this outstanding school. Nancie has worked very closely with Antioch Unified School District Executive Director of Programs & Intervention, Robin Schmitt, and the larger local and regional business community. They have worked as a team in support of promoting the Linked Learning initiative at this school which helps students pursue pathways to careers by combining rigorous academics with demanding technical education, work based learning, and academic interventions.

In addition to receiving the Linked Learning Pathway Quality Review Certification, Dozier-Libbey Medical High School recently joined 97 other exemplary California public secondary schools that were selected as 2011 California Distinguished Schools. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson stated “These schools are recognized for attaining high levels of performance and sustained growth and for making significant progress in closing the academic achievement gap.” He went on to state, “Becoming a distinguished school is a direct reflection of the dedication, hard work, and vision of each school’s education community. They have succeeded despite a bleak economic environment and have endeavored to maintain their momentum and focus.” As an added bonus, Dozier-Libbey Medical High School also earned the honor of receiving the Exemplary Career Technical Education Program award of which only five were granted this year.

Thanks to the generous and committed support of ConnectEd: The California Center for College and Career, which is funded through the James Irvine Foundation, the Antioch Unified School District has been the recipient of $2.5 million in grant funding to support the District’s efforts to promote Linked Learning academies such as Dozier-Libbey Medical High School, Deer Valley Delta Academy for the Performing Arts, Deer Valley High School Law Academy, and Antioch High School’s Engineering and Designing for a Green Environment Academy. In addition, other smaller learning communities are active in their pursuit of connecting students to multiple pathways such as the Business Academy and Science and Research Academy both of which are located on the Deer Valley High School campus.

The Antioch Unified School District Board of Education is committed to preparing its students to meet the challenges that they face as they assume the roles and responsibilities expected of them upon their graduation from all the District’s high schools. The evidence mounts each year that this comprehensive approach to multiple pathways can raise achievement, reduce the dropout rate, and increase post-secondary persistence and career success. The District looks forward to continued expansion of its Linked Learning and Career Academies and is appreciative of the $2.5 million grant funding from ConnectEd: The California Center for College and Career, through the James Irvine Foundation, and the $2.5 million Smaller Learning Communities federal grant that was recently awarded to Antioch High School. These funds will continue to move the District forward in preparing students to meet the challenges of a fast changing world.

The economic impact and opportunity of ensuring that students graduate from high school with the necessary academic skills to assume high wage careers and post-secondary education are critical to our region. As stated in the Gateways Regional Cradle to Career Education & Workforce Partnership 2010 Annual Report to the community, the California Department of Education estimates, for example, that if just 1,000 more students completed high School in Alameda, Contra Costa, and Santa Clara counties, they would earn $20 million in additional income each year, purchase an additional $66 million of housing by the midpoint of the careers, support 100 new jobs in the region, increase the gross regional product by $24 million, and add $2.9 million to state and local government coffers.

The Antioch Unified School District is committed to replicate the successes that have been achieved at Dozier-Libbey Medical High School in their short history. This includes the Linked Learning academies and Smaller Learning Communities at both Deer Valley High School and Antioch High School. We see our District as a vital part of building local and regional pathways to prosperity, social cohesion, and equal access to opportunity. If you wish to be a part of the expansion of this exciting work, please contact Mr. Robin Schmitt at robinschmitt@antioch.k12.ca.us.

The Antioch Animal Shelter was established in 1978 when voters approved the following ballot measure: “The city of Antioch shall re-establish, maintain and operate a City Pound and Animal Shelter. Funds therefore shall be appropriated by the City Council annually. The City Pound and Animal Shelter shall be self-supporting to the extent that the fees for dog licenses and charges made for animal care shall be paid or credited to its operating budget. Such fees and other income shall no longer be part of the General Fund of Antioch.”

In January 2008, when the shelter subsidy was approximately only 1% of the General Fund budget, the city spent $50,000 for a consultant to prepare a study in regard to turning the Antioch Animal Shelter operation over to a nonprofit corporation. That never happened, and the shelter has continued to meet residents’ needs although its hours of operation have been cut and it remains underfunded and understaffed.

Although a lot of us love our pets (note the photo of my boxer Hootch), many residents don’t license their dogs or neuter their pets, which leads to the shelter’s high euthanization rates.

We all should give a warm welcome to the new animal rescue group in Antioch, Delta Animals Safe Haven (DASH). According to their website http://deltaanimalssafehaven.org, it was established to provide an additional and alternative co-operative adoption center for homeless animals in the Sacramento River Delta Area, thereby reducing overcrowding in the only animal shelter in East Contra Costa, the Antioch Animal Shelter.

Delta Animals Safe Haven, which received its tax exempt status from the IRS in June, had a booth at the annual Ramble hosted by HALO (Homeless Animals Lifeline Organization). and is hosting a meet and greet at 4 p.m. on August 20th. Call 925-219-0150 or email info@deltaanimals.org to receive address and directions info.

Good news: PG&E has announced its intention to apply to the Public Utilities Commission to close five older, higher polluting power plants – two in Pittsburg, two in Antioch and one in Bay Point, operated by GWF Energy LLC of Pittsburg.

The plants, all located along the waterfront, have been operating since the late 1980s. The plants burn petroleum coke, an oil refinery byproduct, and use water taken from the San Joaquin river, and return the waste into the water. At the time the plants were proposed, GWF had only one such petroleum coke burning plan in operation, which was in Torrance, CA.

GWF was in a rush in those days to get the plants on line in order to benefit from an energy crisis, which obligated PG&E to purchase the power under the PUC Policies Act of 1978. (PG&E would be released from this obligation if the plants didn’t start operation by December 1989.) Sale of the energy generated by the plants to PG&E was considered so favorable that it was anticipated GWF would recoup their investment within five years.

In reply to my inquiry about the project to a PG&E executive, I received the following statement ”As you know, our customers pay for fuel costs and purchased power costs directly because our rate structure allows these costs to be flowed through (without profit or loss) to the ratepayer. Since other, less costly, sources of power are available in the short run, your impression that power purchases from these kinds of projects can be uneconomical for our customer is correct.”

There was heavy public opposition when the project was presented to the Antioch Planning Commission by GWF consultant Eric Hasseltine, a former county supervisor. The three-hour hearing before a standing room only crowd of 180 people ended in a 4-3 vote denying the project. GWF immediately appealed the decision to the City Council.

Although speaker after speaker argued against construction of the plant during GWF’s appeal to the council, causing the council to postpone discussion of giving further indirect financial assistance to Roger Morgan‘s ferryboat San Diego restaurant project, which ultimately cost the city about $2.7 million, the council approved the deal.

Guess all those company donations – e.g., $117,000 for construction of a Little League baseball diamond, $10,00 for the East County Hospice program and $100,000 for the Delta Learning Center for whom the company secured a $100,000 interest-free construction loan and financial support for several of the City’s leisure events – paid off, as did donations to several council members.

It was disillusioning to learn that shortly after approval of the project, the husband of council member Mary Rocha, who had received a $250 donation from GWF, was hired as a maintenance worker at the plant – one of only 15 permanent positions.

Responding to inquiries by the press, GWF’s Chief Operating Officer Marion Horna , who took charge of the five plants in East County in 1989, stated “I’m sure locally the people are going to say there was a conflict but there was no impropriety. He applied for the job and went through the interviews. The only difference is Mary knew we were needing jobs. That’s the only inside track he had. We promised to hire locally. He was a local citizen and, as a matter of fact, a minority.” Mr. Horna resigned from GWF in 1991.

What will the Antioch City Council do now that it has the authority to decide what to do with the $2 million of Mello-Roos money left after construction of the combination Community Center, police substation and library on Lone Tree Way? The windfall was a result of a competitive bidding climate in the ongoing nationwide economic slowdown.

Before passing the baton to the council, the Antioch Mello-Roos Board, consisting of two Antioch Unified School District representatives, two city council representatives and three members of the community appointed by the other four board members (none required to actually live in the Mello Roos District), recently held two public meetings soliciting citizen input as to what to do with the money. Public input was also solicited via the Antioch Herald online survey.

Thirty-three percent of respondents said the money should be returned to shorten the payoff of the bond used to fund the construction, and 67 percent want the money spent on another public project, which doesn’t surprise me. It’s just another example of why our country is in debt as taxpayers continue to elect the same old tax-and-spend legislators.

I’m a long-term observer of the many games public entities play with taxpayer funds in addition to pension spiking, e.g. management spotting leftover monies in a department’s budget towards year end and, rather than crediting the funds to next year’s projected budget, spending the money on a new project, which will incur future operational costs.

It’s not the Antioch City Council that should be making the decision in regard to the unexpected windfall. It’s the 11,400 Mello -Roos homeowners who were taxed to pay for the project who should do so.