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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 |
AB 32 and SB 375
Briefing
Presented by the Contra Costa Council, the Contra Costa County Mayors' Conference and the East Bay Economic Development Alliance
Tues., January 27
8:30 to 10:30 a.m.
Dean Lesher Regional Center for the Arts, Knight Stage 3
1601 Civic Drive
Walnut Creek
With Dave Fogarty, AB 32 Implementation Group, and Bill Higgins and Kyra Ross, Legislative Representatives, League of California Cities
To reserve a space, contact the Council office at 925-246-1880, or fax 925-674-1654.
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Contra Costa USA 2009
Thurs., January 29
Join us for the Contra Costa Council's signature event!
Registration and exhibits open at 8 a.m. Program starts at 9 a.m. and continues through 1:30 p.m. Evening banquet and program from 6 p.m.
Hilton Concord Hotel
1970 Diamond Boulevard
9 a.m.: Opening by political satirist Will Durst
10 a.m.: State budget reform panel with Jim Mayer of California Forward, Chris McKenzie of the League of California Cities -- and two other panelists
11 a.m.: Former legislators panel with Willie Brown (invited), Joe Canciamilla and Keith Richman; Phil Matier invited to moderate.
12:30 p.m.: Luncheon presentation on state financial and governance reform with Thomas V. McKernan of the Automobile Club of Southern California and leaders of California Forward; Sunne Wright McPeak to moderate.
6 p.m.: Evening banquet and keynote address by George F. Will, Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist, noted author and television panelist.
Title sponsor: Chevron.
Major sponsors: Contra Costa Times, Morrison & Foerster, John Muir Health, Shell Oil Products and Wells Fargo.
Invitations are being mailed in early January.
Additional sponsorships are still available!
Contact the Council office for more information at 925-246-1880.
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| News & Comment |
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An upbeat Tom Torlakson says state's financial issues will be resolved
"California is the greatest state on earth, a place where we have dreams -- we are still resilient," newly elected 11th District Assemblymember Tom Torlakson told the Contra Costa Council luncheon audience on December 10 at the Concord Holiday Inn. After that positive opening, he referred to the current economic crisis as "one of the worst downturns ever in my lifetime." Cautioning people to be mindful of families who have lost their homes and jobs, he said the state will go through a corrective process. "We will turn things around and build a better California for our communities."
Torlakson offered a brief report on the status of the state budget as of early December, thanked constituents for the good advice he had received, and praised the passage of another $15 million dollars in school bonds. He saluted the leadership of the Contra Costa Council and its determination to invest in the future. Pointing up the need to stabilize the budget in order to continue the state's public works projects, he offered that much of the state's problem is "self-inflicted by the ideological gridlock in Sacramento."
Regarding taxes, he noted that people are investing $11 billion less in taxes today than was the case 10 years ago and the cost of borrowing money is huge, a situation that further challenges the state to come up with the difference. "It's the voice of business and labor leaders that will turn things around and get the legislation out of gridlock," he said, offering the hope that business groups will link arms with colleagues in other parts of state to provide assistance.
Investment in education reaps results
According to Torlakson, 60 percent of the state budget is about kids, 55 percent is about education -- and higher education stimulates new-economy jobs. Creative programs like those at Los Medanos College, which reach out to young people in the community, enable them to go to work in chemical plants as operators. "When we have the chance to invest (in education), we see tremendous results," he said. Contra Costa has been a leader in career technical education, which offers a key answer to providing more public confidence in the economy.
A science teacher by profession, Torlakson announced earlier that he will run for State Superintendent of Public Instruction in 2010 on a platform of restoring faith in public instruction. He cited the success of high school health academies, and other academies in West County, which are inspiring more kids to stay in school. Our kids need work skills and good language skills, he noted. "The West County academies are something we need across the state." In terms of education technology, California is far behind the rest of the nation. Torlakson is pushing for a digital literacy master plan for California that would provide equipment across the board and give teachers more time for kids with challenges. Computers can amplify the power of teachers in the classroom, he said.
"Ever the optimist and with your help and attention, we're going to get somewhere on the budget crisis," he promised. "We will be stronger for all this!"
Public-private partnerships are key
Responding to questions about opportunities for reform, including a two-year budget cycle, Torlakson said a constitutional convention has merit as a long-range strategy. He said more could be done with public-private partnerships and other concepts that the Republicans have been requesting for a long time.
Mayor of Orinda Amy Worth asked about the consequences of not proceeding with public works projects. "The Governor and the Democrats are on same page in terms of public works projects, said Torlakson. The Obama administration will be investing heavily in public works, and states will be required to step up and match funds. "We will have to be ready with our money on the table."
Is this the time to index the gasoline tax? he asked, indicating that the gas tax has not been raised since 1993, and the alcohol tax, not since 1990. "At some point, we have to say yes to something (in raising taxes)."
Assemblymember Torlakson's remarks aired on CCTV (Comcast Chanel 27 and Astound Channel 32) on December 29 and December 30.
The Council thanks luncheon co-hosts PG&E and Wells Fargo, and sponsors Archer Norris, AT&T, Engineering & Utility Contractors Association, John F. Kennedy University, John Muir Health, Miller Starr Regalia and UA Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 159.
-- Photo of Tom Torlakson by Craig Cheslog | |
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CEO Viewpoint |
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Join us for the exciting year ahead!
By Linda Best, President and CEO, Contra Costa Council
Happy new year from the Contra Costa Council! We hope that in spite of the challenging economic times, this will be a prosperous year for all.
In the coming year, the Contra Costa Council will continue its advocacy on issues of importance to our economic vitality and quality of life. We hope you will join us in this effort by participating in our task forces, which shape our advocacy program.
Many of the issues that occupied our attention in 2008 will continue to be of importance in 2009. The crisis in the Delta, both ecosystem and water supply, will be on the front burner as the recommendations of the Delta Vision Blue Ribbon Task Force are considered for implementation by the Administration and the Legislature. Attend the meetings of the Water Task Force for updates.
The issue of climate change and the implementation of AB 32 will also be in the forefront. We will continue to advocate for moving forward to address climate change, but in a way that will not further cripple our economy. Join us for an update on this important issue on January 27 (see Upcoming Events, above).
The City of Concord will be making decisions on a preferred land use plan for the Concord Naval Weapons Station in January and we will continue our involvement to ensure that the final plan is a balanced one, incorporating jobs, housing, recreation and open space.
An issue of increasing concern to Council members is the issue of the state budget crisis. This subject of state budget reform will be the focus of the morning program at Contra Costa USA (CCUSA) on January 29, with several experts, including former legislators, offering their perspectives. In 2009, the Council will become more active on this issue that affects all of us.
You will be receiving your CCUSA invitation in the mail this week. You may also access it on our website at www.contracostacouncil.com. You won't want to miss this exciting program, featuring Pulitzer Prize-winning author and columnist George Will as our evening keynote speaker. For further information, contact the Council office at 925-246-1880. |
| Advocacy Action |
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Council supports James Ghielmetti reappointment to California Transportation Commission
In a letter to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, the Contra Costa Council expressed its support for the reappointment of James Ghielmetti to the California Transportation Commission.
"Mr. Ghielmetti has been an outstanding member of the commission and has brought visionary leadership to the group's work," wrote Linda Best, Council President and CEO. With Ghielmetti's broad experience in meeting the daunting challenges of California's transportation infrastructure, we believe that his continued service will surely benefit the residents of our state," said Best.
Ghielmetti, owner and chief executive officer of Signature Properties, a Northern California land development and homebuilding firm, has served on the commission since 2003. He has also chaired the Transportation Committee of the Tri-Valley Business Council and served on the Alameda County Transportation Authority Expenditure Plan Development Committee. |
| Other News, Events & Briefings |
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Special briefing on AB 32 and SB 375 set for January 27
The Contra Costa Council, the Contra Costa County Mayors' Conference and the East Bay Economic Development Alliance will present a special briefing on Tuesday, January 27, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., covering the ramifications of Assembly Bill 32 (the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006) and Senate Bill 375 (Steinberg), legislation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The briefing will feature experts in the private and public sectors -- David Fogarty of the AB 32 Implementation Group and Bill Higgins and Kyra Ross, legislative representatives of the League of California Cities -- who will offer updates on the implications of the legislation for local governments and the business sector, for the economy and land use and transportation throughout the state and local communities. The briefing will be held at the Knight Stage 3, Dean Lesher Regional Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. (The center is located within walking distance of Walnut Creek BART, with parking available at the center.) For questions or to reserve a space at the briefing, contact the Contra Costa Council office at 925-246-1880, by fax at 925-674-1654.
Council Board welcomes Comcast's Cheryl Chambers and PMI's Tom Taggart
Comcast's Cheryl Chambers, director, Government Affairs/Franchising, East Bay, and Tom Taggart, Vice President of Public Relations for the PMI Group, were elected to the Contra Costa Council Board of Directors at its December meeting. |
| 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., January 8, 8:30 to 10 a.m. . . . Morgan Miller Blair, 1331 N. California Blvd., Suite 200, Walnut Creek. Recently reviewed the Task Force policy statement; discussed Healthy Before 5 Leadership Council and 2009 Health Care Task Force agenda. Continuing to explore a Council discussion forum joint venture event with the Nonprofit/Business Task Force based on Unnatural Causes, a public television documentary series aimed at promoting public discourse on health equity. Next meeting is Thurs., February 5. Contact: Ron Wetter (925-372-1475) and Frank Puglisi, Jr. (925-683-6091)
Workforce Development & Education Task Force . . . Thurs., January 15, 8:30 to 10 a.m. . . . JFK University, 100 Ellinwood, Conference Room S209, Pleasant Hill. Recent presentation by Roman Stearns, director of policy analysis and development at ConnectEd, the California Center for College and Career in Berkeley. Next meeting is Thurs., February 19. Contact: April Treece and Keith Archuleta
Transportation Task Force . . . Fri., January 16, 8 a.m. . . . PMI Building, 3003 Oak Road, Walnut Creek. Teleconference with Paul Schmid of Rep. Ellen Tauscher's Washington, D.C., transportation staff, regarding the federal infrastructure/economic stimulus bill. Also, Jim Bourgart, deputy secretary for the California Business, Transportation & Housing Agency, will provide an update on state infrastructure investments and economic stimulus. (Please RSVP by January 14.) Next meeting is Tues., February 3. Contact: Hank Haugse and Bob Brown
Environmental/Manufacturing Task Force . . . Tues., January 20, 8:15 to 10 a.m. . . . Brown and Caldwell, 201 N. Civic Drive, Suite 115 (Mt. Diablo Conference Room, third floor), Walnut Creek. Joint meeting with the Water, Delta Vision and Land Use Task Forces: P. Joseph Grindstaff, deputy secretary for water policy and director of the California Bay Delta Authority, will provide an update on the state of the Bay-Delta and water in California (litigation, the drought and other topics); status of the Delta Vision Task Force's report and recommendations on governance; and status of the Bay Delta Conservation Plan process and development of the EIS/EIR for new conveyance and restoration efforts in the Delta. Next meeting is Fri., February 6. Contact: Peter McGaw and George Smith
Land Use Task Force . . . Tues., January 20, 8:15 to 10 a.m. . . . Brown and Caldwell, 201 N. Civic Drive, Suite 115 (Mt. Diablo Conference Room, third floor), Walnut Creek. Joint meeting with the Environmental/Manufacturing, Delta Vision and Water Task Forces (see Environmental/Manufacturing Task Force notes, above). Next meeting is Wed., February 11. Contact: Dan Muller and Mike McGill
Water Task Force . . . Tues., January 20, 8:15 to 10 a.m. . . . Brown and Caldwell, 201 N. Civic Drive, Suite 115 (Mt. Diablo Conference Room, third floor), Walnut Creek. Joint meeting with the Environmental/Manufacturing, Delta Vision and Land Use Task Forces (see Environmental/Manufacturing Task Force notes, above). Next meeting is Tues., February 17. Contact: Bob Whitley and Mitch Randall
Nonprofit/Business Task Force . . . Thurs., January 22, 8 to 9:30 a.m. . . . Chapman University, 2950 Buskirk Ave., Room 307, Walnut Creek. Recent presentation by Leyna Bernstein, director of programs, the CBO Center. Next meeting is Thurs., February 26. Contact: Mike Erwin and Mark Hughes
Small Business & Entrepreneur Task Force . . . Tues., January 27, 7:30 a.m. . . . Mass Mutual Financial Group, 2121 N. California Blvd., Suite 395, Walnut Creek. Beginning planning for the May Small Business Awards event; also discussing impact of the banking and housing crisis on small business; continuing to work with county chambers of commerce to clarify how the Task Force can support their efforts on behalf of small business. Next meeting is Tues., February 24. Contact: Stuart Bolinger and Zachary Sahar
Economic Development Task Force . . . Wed., January 28, 8 to 9 a.m. . . . . City National Bank, 2001 N. Main St., Suite 200, Walnut Creek. Have held in-depth discussions on the Concord Naval Weapons Station reuse project; determined it could be helpful to develop and advocate for a set of fiscal principles related to the project. Next meeting will be Wednesday, February 25. Contact: Gary Craft and Mike Conlon
-- Photo, above: Operating turbines at FPL Energy's High Winds facility in Sonoma County, during an Environmental/Manufacturing Task Force field trip in November 2008 |
| Corporate Member Spotlight |
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 AAA: Helping people on the move since 1900
In March 1900, when there were 2 million people in California and only 4,192 cars in the whole country, a group of 25 self-described "auto-mobilists" gathered at the Cliff House in San Francisco. With a new century stretching out before them, they discussed the future of the horseless carriage and decided to form a club dedicated to helping car owners get where they wanted to go with greater comfort and safety. As the story of the West in the 20th century has become a history of people on the move, the club has grown and expanded its services to members and the traveling public. Now AAA Northern California, Nevada & Utah, (AAA NCNU), it is the second largest affiliate of the national AAA federation, with 6,500 employees serving more than 4.5 million members. AAA NCNU is one of the top five insurance carriers in California. One in five cars on Northern California roads is insured by AAA. AAA is also the state's fourth largest insurer of residential property. AAA provides the most reliable emergency road service in the world, with a 96 percent approval rating, as well as a wide array of automotive, travel, insurance, DMV and financial services. As a leading proponent for safe and responsible transportation, AAA advocates for transportation investment, traffic safety, sustainability and consumer protection. AAA also provides numerous programs and education to help drivers, cyclists, pedestrians and people of all ages keep safe while using our roads and sidewalks. Among many honors, AAA earned the prestigious Points of Light Foundation Award for Corporate Volunteerism in 2007. The annual Great Battery Roundup, responsible for recycling more than 1 million pounds of toxic substances, has earned the California Governor's Environmental and Economic Leadership Award. The club also received the 2008 Diversity Best Practices Leadership Award. The AAA Greenlight Initiative represents AAA's commitment to public awareness of alternative fuels and vehicles. AAA is also a longtime supporter of mass transit. AAA has 90 offices in Northern California. In 2009, the company is moving its headquarters from San Francisco to Walnut Creek. For more information, visit www.aaa.com. AAA is a corporate member and strong supporter of the Contra Costa Council, and is represented on the Board of Directors by Robert Brown, Director of Corporate Affairs, who is co-chair of the Council's Transportation Task Force. |
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.
© 2009 Contra Costa Council | |
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