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Contra Costa Council News The Contra Costa Council is a public policy advocacy organization that promotes the economic vitality of Contra Costa County and the region.
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Upcoming Events |
Candidates Forum Assembly District 15 Featuring Joan Buchanan and H. Abram Wilson
Fri., October 10 11:30 a.m. registration; 12 noon lunch and presentation
Roundhill Country Club 3169 Roundhill Road, Alamo
Moderated by Lisa Vorderbrueggen, Contra Costa Times Political Editor
Co-hosted by AT&T, Engineering and Utility Contractors Association and Wells Fargo. Sponsored by Tesoro.
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The Contra Costa Council, Contra Costa Economic Partnership, East Bay Economic Development Association and the Tri-Valley Business Council present:
Getting It Right--Getting It Green (the business case for going green) Fri., October 24 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Hilton Concord 1970 Diamond Blvd., Concord
(See article for details.)
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For more information about any Contra Costa Council event, please contact the Council office, 925-246-1880.
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News & Comment |
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 Assemblyman Mark DeSaulnier addresses Contra Costa Council luncheon in September.
DeSaulnier updates Council luncheon audience on protracted state budget compromise
At a Contra Costa Council luncheon on September 26, Assembly member Mark DeSaulnier commented on the recent California budget agreement and the atmosphere in the state capitol following its protracted resolution. He also outlined budget reform measures approved by the legislature, along with legislation he is backing, and looked ahead to his own political future, which includes his "not terribly competitive" November run for the Senate District 7 seat now held by State Senator Tom Torlakson, who has termed out and is seeking DeSaulnier's position in the 11th Assembly District. In remarks following lunch at the Crown Plaza Concord Hotel, DeSaulnier referred to U.S. founding father Thomas Payne's often quoted words, "'These are the times that try men's souls.' In Sacramento, that's the case," he said. "The budget really hasn't solved the state's problems . . . my colleagues are not happy with the budget, but we have to get past it." One good provision of the budget is an increase in penalties on corporations that don't report accurately, he noted, but the final compromise budget includes major cuts to education in a state that is already 48th in student spending, and cuts to public transit funding and "other programs that people need." Redevelopment funding
In response to a question from Pittsburg Vice Mayor Nancy Parent about "stolen" redevelopment funding of $3.7 million from that city in the budget compromise, DeSaulnier said that $20 million in redevelopment funding was cut from Contra Costa County overall, and was one of the items that delayed the vote; he agreed these cuts were regrettable. DeSaulnier said he was involved in 13 bills awaiting the governor's approval, including AB 239, providing oversight for alcoholism and drug abuse counselors, a bill co-sponsored with Torlakson creating a Contra Costa youth commission that would involve youth in local government, and a bill requiring the mortgage and financial industry to report financial elder abuse. He partnered on the SB 375 (Steinberg) transportation planning legislation and supported Assemblyman Alex Padilla's menu-labeling legislation, which would require large chain restaurants with 15 or more locations to provide nutritional information on their menus and menu boards. With Sen. Torlakson as author, and DeSaulnier and Assembly member Loni Hancock as co-authors, the local legislators have proposed a constitutional amendment that would allow the legislature to pass the budget and raise taxes with a simple majority instead of the current two-thirds vote requirement. Another reform under consideration is that if a budget is 30 days late, the budget prepared by the (nonpartisan) analyst's office would automatically be adopted. Conservative compromise?
"The governor has largely created the problem we're in," said DeSaulnier. "He is a republican governor who really isn't a republican." He is closer to the democratic caucus, and the republicans dislike him, added DeSaulnier, who says he has spent most of his life as a republican, switching about 10 years ago. Driven by socially conservative issues, these republicans are "so conservative it's hard to compromise." Commenting on his own political story, the freshman legislator said he "didn't expect to become a politician and still finds it "an amazing experience . . . it's a challenge but also incredibly rewarding . . . It has been said that in America, government is the enemy until you need a friend. Government is us," he added. "If we take ownership, it can be the best friend we ever had." The Council thanks our generous event sponsors, Engineering and Utility Contractors Association, John F. Kennedy University, John Muir Health and Miller Starr Regalia. | |
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Getting It Right--Getting It Green |
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Sustainability conference will make the case for "going green" and offer an up-close look at cleantech
Learn why major corporations and local governments are adopting green business practices. Find out what clean technology (cleantech) products and services are already available locally.
Join the Contra Costa Council and our partners at our first business sustainability business conference, which we're calling Getting it Right - Getting it Green (The Business Case for Going Green), on Friday, October 24, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Concord Hilton, 1970 Diamond Boulevard in Concord. Co-presenting the conference with the Council are the East Bay EDA, the Contra Costa Economic Partnership and the Tri-Valley Business Council. (To register, visit the Council website.)
Following registration, networking and an array of cleantech company exhibits, scheduled from 8 to 9 a.m., the program gets under way at 9 a.m. with a welcome by Federal Glover, Chair of the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors. Then Gary Craft of Craft Consulting Group will present an overview of the recently completed East Bay Green Economy Study, which was commissioned by the Contra Costa Economic Partnership. Opening presentation will be given by Thomas Enger of UBS Financial, Global Asset Management, Global Real Estate-US. (UBS owns the Pleasanton corporate complex at the 580/680 interchange, where the muti-tenant buildings are Silver LEED certified.) Two experts panels will feature individuals from major corporations and local governments that have adopted impressive sustainability initiatives. The first panel, The Business Case for Going Green, includes Joe Pettus, senior vice president, Safeway Corporation; John Kouletis, director of strategy, planning and design, Kaiser Permanente; and Susan Muranishi, chief administrative officer, Alameda County. A second panel, Implementing Sustainability Initiatives, includes William Bennett, resident engineer, Anheuser-Busch; Jim Bruels, senior sales manager, Orchard Hotel, San Francisco; and Gary Darling, general manager, Delta Diablo Sanitation District. Alameda County Supervisor Keith Carson will provide closing comments.
In addition, many of the 165 innovative companies identified in the East Bay Green Economy Study are expected to be on hand, with information about the cleantech products they are developing to address a carbon- and water-constrained world. Exhibitor booths for cleantech companies are still available.
For sponsorship information or to arrange for an exhibitor booth, please contact Terry Shoaff at the Council office, 925-246-1880.
Photo of Diablo Valley College solar installation, courtesy of the Contra Costa Community College District. |
CEO Viewpoint |
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Take advantage of your Council membership: Join a task force!
By Linda Best, President and CEO, Contra Costa Council
The Contra Costa Council's task forces are our organization's best kept secret! They are the best way to stay informed on critical public policy issues affecting our economic vitality and quality of life. They also offer unique opportunities to network with colleagues on issues of common interest. And, very importantly, they give you a chance to shape our advocacy program and help make a difference in our region.
All of the Council's advocacy positions and initiatives emanate from the task forces, where the task force members gain information, scrutinize various points of view and ultimately arrive at a balanced and informed recommendation to forward to the Board of Directors for action.
Peruse this list of task forces for one that is of interest to you personally or professionally. They present an opportunity to get involved and really obtain value from your Contra Costa Council membership.
- Transportation
- Education and Workforce Development
- Land Use
- Social Responsibility (formerly Nonprofit/Business)
- Health Care
- Economic Development
- Environmental/Manufacturing
- Small Business/Entrepreneur
- Water
The Council also periodically forms ad hoc task forces on various subjects. During the last year and a half, we have had an ad hoc task force on the Concord Naval Weapons Station and also one on Delta Vision. The Delta Vision group spent a year informing itself on water and Delta issues, resulting in a Statement of Principles that has been invaluable in assessing proposals for solving the problems of the Delta ecosystem and water supply. The Concord Naval Weapons Station is still active, following the City of Concord's process for developing a land use plan for the 5,000 acre property.
Any Council member is welcome to participate in one or more task forces. For information, visit our website for contact information for the task forces. You can request to be put on their e-mail distribution list for meeting notices. (Learn about meeting plans in the Task Force Briefings section of this newsletter, and read about the Land Use Task Force in this issue's Task Force Spotlight.)
If you would like more information or help in how to get involved, please feel free to call us at the Council office, 925-246-1880. |
Advocacy Action |
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Council's seven-point program for Delta Vision implementation
The Contra Costa Council Board recently approved a 7-Point Delta Vision Implementation program for 2008-09 in response to discussions with state government staff and area legislators. The program was developed and recommended by the Council's Water Task Force and includes these points:
- Support the vision adopted by the Delta Vision Blue Ribbon Task Force in December 2007 and the ongoing Delta Vision process.
- Advocate for expedited efforts for a multi-agency coordinated emergency responsible action plan in the event of any levee failure to protect lives, personal injury and disease.
- Advocate for the development of an emergency preparedness program to stockpile rock and other logistical material and equipment to be used in the event of any levee failure.
- Advocate for immediate implementation of levee strengthening at strategic locations in the Delta.
- Advocate for the design and construction of improved "fish screens" at the export project pumping stations.
- Encourage immediate actions to improve flow through Delta channels (Franks Tract and Middle River) and proposed ecosystem restoration projects.
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Commence development of legislative concepts and sponsors to implement the Delta Vision Strategic Plan, including revising the existing governance structure.
Call for the Air Resources Board to keep its sights on the big picture
In a September 9 communication to California Air Resources Board Chair Mary Nichols, the Contra Costa Council and Contra Costa County Mayors' Conference commented on local government actions and regional greenhouse gas (GHG) targets as well as economic considerations in the air board's Climate Change Scoping Plan.
Regarding proposed local government actions, the organizations requested that the air board not overly burden cities and counties but address goals and targets at a state and federal level. They also suggested that the plan support incentives and tools for local government to reduce vehicle miles through land use and transportation policies, similar to those contained in SB 375; support expansion of existing transit service, carpooling and other alternatives; allocate traffic on routes of regional significance across the region as opposed to individual jurisdictions; and view GHG actions in the context of other public policy goals.
"How GHG emissions are measured and accounted for is critical," wrote Sue Rainey, Contra Costa Mayors' Conference chair, and Linda Best, Contra Costa Council president and CEO. "We encourage the air board to complete its Local Government Operations Protocols project at the earliest possible time. Best practice approaches should be encouraged without mandating specific actions. Goal achievement should drive this effort, not process."
In addition, the letter called for the integration of regional transportation plans and housing need allocations, recognition that more infill development will require improved infrastructure, simplification of the environmental review process for sustainable site projects, enhancement of public transportation support, and maintenance of existing infrastructure and local roads.
In terms of economic considerations, the organizations requested that the plan architects support and fund removing barriers to developing and investing in alternative energy sources, and perform a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis prior to adopting specific policies or measures. "We recommend greater emphasis on market mechanisms to achieve reductions and less on command and control actions," they said. "The plan should ensure that state and local agencies do not duplicate programs, regulations or fees." Also, the plan should recognize and give credit to past and current efforts of industries to address GHG emissions, e.g., the use of alternative fuels and the introduction of more efficient equipment and operations.
Governor urged to sign water management measure
The Contra Costa Council requested that Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger immediately sign SBXX 1 (Perata), the Integrated Water Management Planning Act, which had been tied up in budget negotiations. (The governor signed the legislation on September 30.) The bill appropriates nearly $821 million from voter-approved bond measures, Propositions 1E, 84, 50 and 13, to protect the Delta and help secure more reliable water supplies for the state. The Council's action was recommended by the Water Task Force.
The bill will allocate investments to ensure emergency preparedness in the Delta; improve storm water flood management; clean up contaminated groundwater basins; develop integrated regional water management plans and projects; protect endangered species in the Delta; and conduct feasibility studies for surface storage projects.
"Given the statewide drought conditions and current crisis in the Delta, your support of this bill is critical to move forward on these projects. . . ," wrote Council president and CEO Linda Best. "These projects will contribute to protecting sensitive species and provide for more flexible operations and supply reliability."
While all regions of California stand to benefit from the bond funds allocated by SBXX 1, the measure appropriates vital funds to two major water suppliers in the east San Francisco Bay Area: first, $45 million for projects that will help protect the East Bay Municipal Utility District's (EBMUD) drinking water supply aqueducts where they cross over the Delta; and second, $50 million allocated for the relocation of the Contra Costa Water District's (CCWD) Delta intake facilities, which will result in drinking water quality improvements for customers. |
Other News, Events & Briefings |
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Concord City Manager welcomed . . . Dan Keen, Concord's new chief administrator (pictured, at right) was welcomed at a luncheon in his honor on September 24, at the Hilton Concord. Luncheon hosts were the Concord Chamber of Commerce and the Contra Costa Council. Keen joined the community in mid-August from Novato, where he was city manager since 2004.
Water Task Force Co-chair named . . . Mitch Randall, partner in the Morrison & Foerster, LLP, law firm, Walnut Creek, has been named co-chair of the Water Task Force, joining co-chair Bob Whitley of Whitley Burchett & Associates.
Suzanne Schoenfeld leaves Council staff . . . Suzanne Schoenfeld, who has served as the Council's director of events, has accepted a full-time position to advance her career. This will be a serious loss to our team and the organization. We are sure that she will be valued in her new position, just as she was in her work with the Council. We wish Suzanne the very best in her new endeavor, and we will miss her!
October 13: New County Administrator reception at Lesher Center . . . The Council will co-host a reception for David Twa, newly named Contra Costa County administrative officer (CAO), on Monday, October 13, from 5 to 7 p.m., at the Bedford Gallery at the Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. Twa succeeds current CAO John Cullen, who retires this fall. Register at the Council website or call 925-246-1880.
November 7: Save the date for John Cullen's retirement celebration . . . Join us in saluting Contra Costa County Administrator John Cullen, who is retiring after 35 years of service. No-host cocktails and a barbecue buffet dinner will be held on Friday, November 7, starting at 6 p.m., at the Contra Costa Country Club in Pleasant Hill. Call Nancy Yee at the Administrator's Office, 925-335-1085, to make your reservation.
Concord Naval Weapons Station Briefing held October 1 . . . In a special briefing on October 1 at Archer Norris's offices in Walnut Creek, Michael Wright, project director of the Concord Community Reuse Project, shared details of the two alternatives for reuse of the Concord Naval Weapons Station, now under consideration by the Community Advisory Committee--the "Clustered Villages" and the "Concentration+Conservation" concepts. The advisory committee expects to make a recommendation to the Concord City Council in coming weeks. The Council's CNWS Ad Hoc Task Force, comprising all of the Council's task forces, and the Economic Development Task Force, are closely following the project. |
Contra Costa Economic Partnership News |
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Partnership's Workforce Initiative moves forward on several fronts
Jennielyn Dino-Rossi has joined the Contra Costa Economic Partnership's Workforce Initiative, and will focus on west Contra Costa workforce issues in partnership with consultants April Treece (central county) and Keith Archuleta (east county). The intermediary services provided through the Partnership's initiative continue its efforts in the energy, health, biotechnology, environmental sciences, engineering, construction and manufacturing industries, with support from the Contra Costa County Community College District and the County Office of Education.
The annual Intel-affiliated Contra Costa County Science and Engineering Fair is planned in March 2009. Also, plans for summer 2009 health, biotech and environmental science camps--along with career awareness panels focusing on manufacturing, advanced technologies, health and biotech careers--are moving forward.
The initiative's after-school program in architecture, construction and engineering (ACE), now in its second year, is getting under way in 2008-09 at Mt. Diablo High School in Concord. Last year, 44 students from three high schools made up Contra Costa's first ACE team. Along with students and teachers, 15 business representatives were involved. This year, the goal is to expand the program to high schools in Pittsburg and Richmond. For questions about the Workforce Initiative, contact April Treece, Keith Archuleta or Jennielyn Dino-Rossi, or leave a message at the Partnership office, 925-246-1880. |
Business News & Notes |
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Library expands resources to meet businesses' needs
The premier resource for identifying business customers and competitors is your local library, and you don't even need to go there, Contra Costa County Library's Valerie Zito, business librarian, told the Council's Small Business & Entrepreneurs Task Force at its meeting in September. With a free library card, which you can apply for at www.ccclib.org, county residents can access current information through a number of specialized databases.
The library system offers many comprehensive information databases, and recently expanded its online resources. The ReferenceUSA database, which includes U.S. Businesses, U.S. Residential, Corp Tech and Health Care modules, has added two new modules. These are New Businesses, which may list businesses within 10 days of their business filing, and International Businesses, compiled by OneSource, an information database aggregator. Used in combination with Industry Surveys from Standard & Poor's NetAdvantage database and BusinessDecision from Civic Technologies, the new resources increase the information available to small businesses.
"On a daily basis, librarians hear the public express surprise to find information they are looking for that isn't on the internet," says Zito. "We find that people starting a business, entrepreneurs and small business owners are not aware of the many useful resources available to them without having to come into the library."
These resources and more are available in any Contra Costa County Library remotely 24/7 at www.ccclib.org under Research Center & eBooks. For questions, contact Valerie Zito at vzito@ccclib.org. |
Task Force Briefings |
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Upcoming briefings . . .
New and prospective Council members are welcome to attend Task Force meetings. Please notify a Task Force chair prior to the meeting to confirm time and location. Here is a list of upcoming briefings, as currently scheduled: Health Care Task Force . . . Thurs., October 2, 8:30 to 10 a.m. . . . Visit to the Planned Parenthood clinic in Concord, part of the Task Force's ongoing effort to learn about all health care venues in the county. Planning a future tour of the new Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in Antioch. Recent discussion of chronic health conditions. Next meeting is Thurs., November 13, at Morgan Miller Blair, 1331 N. California Blvd., Suite 200, Walnut Creek. Contacts: Ron Wetter and Frank Puglisi, Jr.
Environmental/Manufacturing Task Force . . . Fri., October 3, 8:15 to 9:30 a.m. . . . Brown and Caldwell, 201 N. Civic Drive, Suite 300, Walnut Creek. Tom Guarino, public affairs manager, Pacific Gas and Electric Company, discusses the utility's view on Proposition 7, which would require energy providers to have 50% renewable energy resources in their generation portfolio by 2025. Next meeting is Fri., November 7. Contacts: Peter McGaw and George Smith Land Use Task Force . . . Wed., October 8, 8 a.m. . . . PMI Building, 3003 Oak Road, Walnut Creek . . . Joint meeting with the Transportation Task Force: Carolyn Clevenger of the Metropolitan Transportation Commission will provide an update on the Port of Oakland and regional railroad improvements. Also, Linda Maurer, economic development manager, and Paul Eldredge, assistant director of public works, City of Brentwood, will discuss impacts to that community and other cities by the re-activation of the Union Pacific Railroad's Mococo line, which travels through East County. Discussion of Proposition 1A, the High-Speed Train Bond Act. Next meeting is Wed., November 12, at Morrison & Foerster, 101 Ygnacio Valley Rd., Suite 450 (opposite Walnut Creek BART). (See article this issue on the Task Force.) Contacts: Dan Muller and Mike McGill
Transportation Task Force . . . Wed., October 8, 8 a.m. . . . PMI Building, 3003 Oak Road, Walnut Creek . . . Joint meeting with the Land Use Task Force (see Land Use Task Force listing for details). Next meeting is Tues., November 4, at PMI. Contacts: Hank Haugse and Bob Brown
Workforce Development & Education Task Force . . . Thurs., October 16, 8:30 to 10 a.m. . . . JFK University, 100 Ellinwood, Conference Room S209, Pleasant Hill. Featuring Roman Stearns, director of policy analysis and development, ConnectEd, the California Center for College and Career in Berkeley. Next meeting is Thurs., November 20. Contacts: April Treece and Keith Archuleta
Water Task Force . . . Tues., Oct. 21, 8:15 to 10 a.m. . . . Morrison and Foerster, 101 Ygnacio Valey Rd., Suite 450 (opposite Walnut Creek BART). Update on Los Vaqueros Reservoir expansion project. Next meeting is Tues., November 18. Contacts: Bob Whitley and Mitch Randall
Economic Development Task Force . . . Wed., October 22, 8 to 9 a.m. . . . City National Bank, 2001 N. Main St., Suite 200, Walnut Creek. Participating in current meetings about the Concord Community Reuse Project for the Concord Naval Weapons Station. Partnering with the Workforce Development & Education Task Force in reviewing the county's higher education needs. Continuing work on the Green Economy Study (see News & Events for details about the October 24 Council event, Getting It Right-Getting It Green.) Next meeting is Wed., November 26. Contacts: Gary Craft and Mike Conlon
Nonprofit/Business Task Force . . . Thurs., October 23, 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. . . . Chapman University, 2950 Buskirk Ave., Suite 200, Walnut Creek. County Supervisor Susan Bonilla discusses the foster care situation and how business can partner with foster care groups. Combined November/December meeting is on Thurs., December 11. Contacts: Mike Erwin, Mark Hughes and Terry Shoaff
Small Business & Entrepreneur Task Force . . . Thurs., Oct. 27, 7:30 a.m. . . . Mass Mutual Financial Group, 2121 N. California Blvd., Suite 395, Walnut Creek. Heard recently from Valerie Zito, business librarian with the Contra Costa County Library (see article this issue). Also working with county chambers of commerce to clarify how the Task Force can support their efforts on behalf of small business. Next meeting is Tues., November 25. Contacts: Stuart Bolinger and Zachary Sahar |
Task Force Spotlight |
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Land Use Task Force goes "inside the issues" to advocate good policy Dan Muller and Mike McGill could talk about land use issues all day long. The Contra Costa Council Land Use Task Force Co-chairs clearly relish the opportunity "to delve into the issues" and debate the pros and cons of what constitutes good land use policy. According to civil engineer Mike McGill (pictured above, at right), the role of the Task Force is "to bring sunshine, clarity and transparency to a wide array of land use issues in the county that contribute to the quality of life and the need for economic vitality. We deal with small issues, like the appropriateness of certain types of infill development projects, to larger, county-wide issues like the urban limit line. "I don't know of any other organization that takes as broad yet detailed a view--and not from a vested position--as we do," he says. McGill is president of MMS Design Associates, which provides civil engineering design, planning, surveying, project management and engineering plan review services to community, public and private development projects. An elected board member of the Central Contra Costa Sanitary District, he is also a member and treasurer of the Board of Regents of JFK University and chairs JFKU's finance committee. McGill joined the Council in the early 1980s when he was working for the civil engineering firm, Stedman & Associates. He soon began attending meetings of what was then called the Housing Task Force, later renamed the Land Use Task Force, which was chaired by Merle Gilliland. When Gilliland stepped down in the mid '90s, McGill assumed the co-chair role with Ed Shaffer, who now chairs the Council. Frank, firsthand discussions
For land use and condemnation attorney Dan Muller (above, at left), working with the Task Force offers "a really interesting, insider's perspective" on land use issues. He sees the work as an opportunity for frank, firsthand discussions about county projects and land policy with politicians, government staff, engineering consultants, developers, lawyers, open space advocates and other stakeholders. Co-chair of the Task Force for nearly four years, Muller first began attending the group's meetings in 1994 when he was a land use attorney in Danville. He worked for another law firm and since 2000 has headed the Land Use Group at Morgan Miller Blair, a business and real estate law firm in Walnut Creek. His firm's Land Use Group has grown to include seven attorneys, handling a wide variety of land use project-processing and litigation matters for private builders and developers as well as public agencies, complementing the firm's general real estate practice. The subjects and issues the Task Force reviews tend to focus on policies rather than specific projects. The group employs a process that involves sharing wisdom and vetting ideas as to what constitutes good land use policy, utilizing the group's substantial expertise. Members seek input from public agencies, and note that open space advocates are increasingly involved in influencing discussions. At the Task Force's September meeting, for example, a discussion of SB 375 covered the implications of land use policy. "It was a terrific discussion, and quite fascinating to have such a smorgasbord of views on the issue," says McGill. Debating the Task Force's role
"There is continuing consideration within the Task Force about some aspects of our role, the current themes and issues we take on, and the degree to which we should advocate on projects," observes Muller. "Ed Shaffer, my predecessor, has been a good monitor in helping us determine how far our analysis should go and to what degree. For example, while there's overall consensus we should seek to obtain changes that allow development to proceed more predictably, without as much red tape, there is some degree of debate on whether the Task Force (and the Council overall) should weigh-in on state land use policy, or focus on the local and regional level. We often need to ask, is it worth entering into a debate about a given issue? What criteria do we need to meet to take a position on an issue at the state level?" Creating the Land Use Policy Paper, which is available on the Task Force homepage on the Council's website, helped the Task Force clarify its role and goals, and also provided the Council with the opportunity to adopt principles based on established positions, explains McGill. "I would add that there has been an evolving awareness of what they thought would be issues. As 'quality of life' became more salient, there has been increasing emphasis on open space, traffic and other issues relating to 'how we want to live' and how do we provide housing for a growing population?" "Over the years, it has been interesting to watch how our perspective has become broader," observes McGill. "Some of the old-timers feel the Council is losing its business-centric position on land use issues, and perhaps lament it. The fact is that the leadership of the Council in the past three to five years has become more inclusive and has taken a more balanced environmental view." Muller says that although he is "not quite (yet) an old-timer," he shares the concern McGill is talking about, that the Council's business-centric focus should not be diluted too much by the goal of being inclusive, that consensus can come at a cost. Taking a stand
Some of the many issues on which the Task Force has taken a position, and recommended Council advocacy, include the Urban Limit Line; the increasing focus on greenhouse gas emissions and climate change, and how regulations on such issues affect land use policy; initiatives such as Measures C and J (linking tax dollars for transportation improvements to land planning goals); Contra Costa County's inclusionary zoning ordinance, requiring developers to construct a certain percentage of "affordable" housing units in a project; the Strategic Visioning effort that was engaged in by the entire region several years ago; and issues such as the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) process that allocates housing goals. "It's really been a plethora of issues," says McGill. "The hard part is sorting it out, and on rare occasions, there can be a lull." "But there is always something simmering somewhere," adds Muller. "For example, the East County Habitat Conservation Plan involved years of intense debate between 'traditional' development interests, and public and resource conservation organizations, which ultimately resulted in a reasonable compromise. We needed to ask: Are we giving up too much in order to obtain greater certainty and less red tape in project processing? What are the tradeoffs?" Keen interest in the built environment
"My involvement in the Council and the Task Force is an outgrowth of a longstanding interest in land use," says Muller. "Since I was an undergrad, I have been interested in environmental issues and policy. It was the reason for knowing more about issues and having access to information." He adds, "This is a small community. We really need to tap all the experienced players to create credibility for our work and continue to have our diplomatic disagreements." In the end, McGill says the Task Force seeks a good, balanced review of land use issues through solid information and knowledge. Being involved enables him to interact with business and community leaders and feed what he calls "a keen interest in the development of the built environment and how our natural resources are used." "If two heads are better then one, then a room full of people discussing, considering and debating the merits of land use, and change to the environment, is very important to our work in understanding these impacts and the viewpoints and interests of others," says McGill. |
Corporate Member Spotlight |
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Kaiser Permanente: Total health, total wellness
Kaiser Permanente has been an integral part of Contra Costa County's health care community for over 60 years. As one unified, private health care system, it is unique in California in its ability to offer members such convenient access, high quality, and seamless integration of a health plan, network of primary care and specialist physicians, and network of hospitals, medical offices and pharmacies. Kaiser Permanente's integrated health care system is further strengthened by its innovative and nationally recognized "KPHealthConnect" medical information system. KPHealthConnect, which is the largest private medical information management system in the United States, allows members and their physicians to access their confidential health records at any Kaiser Permanente hospital or medical office in Northern California.
In 2007, the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) ranked Kaiser Permanente Northern California as one of America's best health plans. No health plan in Northern California scored higher in NCQA's Health Plan Report Card. Other quality accolades and awards received by the East Bay Service Area include endorsement from the California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development for cardiac patient care; pediatric oncology and orthopedic clinical specialties; and spine care referral services. Kaiser Permanente serves nearly 3.3 million members in Northern California. In Contra Costa County, the system's 360,000 members are served by nearly 700 primary-care and specialist physicians, and 6,350 employees, through three medical centers located in Antioch, Richmond and Walnut Creek, and three medical offices, located in Antioch, Martinez and Walnut Creek. Kaiser Permanente is America's largest non-profit, integrated health care system. Founded in 1945, and headquartered in Oakland, Kaiser Permanente serves the health care needs of over 8.7 million members in nine states and the District of Columbia: California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Maryland, Ohio, Oregon, Virginia and Washington.
Kaiser Permanente is a longtime member of the Contra Costa Council. Sandi Small, SVP and Diablo Service Area manager, along with Ron Wetter, community and government relations manager, Diablo Area, serve on the Council Board. Wetter also co-chairs the Council's Health Care Task Force. For more information, see www.kaiserpermanente.org. |
New Members |
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Please welcome these new Contra Costa Council members!
Assistance League of Diablo Valley Linda Ballard, President 2711 Buena Vista Ave., Walnut Creek, CA 94597
925.934.0901 ph 925.934.4458 fax Assistance League of Diablo Valley is a non-profit member volunteer organization dedicated to improving the lives in our community through hands-on programs.
Contra Costa Electric Michael Dias, President
Donnie Snyder, Project Manager
Pete Murray, Business Development
825 Howe Road, Martinez, CA 94553 925.229.4250 ph 925.228.3265 fax
A full-service electrical contractor providing electrical construction and installation, design, renovation and maintenance services in the areas of industrial, commercial, instrumentation high voltage utility, data technologies and design to build.
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For information about joining the Contra Costa Council, visit our website or call our office at 925-246-1880. |
Our Mission
The mission of the
Contra Costa Council is to provide advocacy on public policy issues
affecting the economic vitality and quality of life in Contra Costa
County.
The Council engages on issues of critical importance to the business
community and residents of Contra Costa County, balancing the needs of
a diverse county though policy efforts that provide for economic
development while retaining our quality of life. The Council also produces top-tier events, including Contra Costa USA,
the premier business event in the County, featuring major national
speakers as well as providing a local perspective on current events.
The Council retains a close relationship with local, state and federal
elected officials. These relationships provide regular opportunities
for our members to interact with their political representatives and
other business leaders.
For more information about the Council, please visit our website.
To comment about items in this newsletter, please contact Linda Best at the Contra Costa Council.
This issue was edited for the Contra Costa Council by Molly A. Walker of Walker Communications.
© 2008 Contra Costa Council
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