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 |
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A Conversation with State Senator Mark DeSaulnier
Friday, November 20
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Crowne Plaza Hotel
45 John Glenn Drive
Concord
Register here today or call 925.246.1880.
Co-hosted with Contra Costa Water District, NECA/IBEW Union Electrical Construction Industry and PG&E
Sponsored by AT&T, East Bay Municipal Utility District, John Muir Health and Miller Starr Regalia
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Save the Date!
Contra Costa USA 2010
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Join us for the Contra Costa Council's signature event.
Evening keynote: Michael Milken of the Milken Institute, discussing public policy issues relating to the global economy, health care, education and philanthropy
Luncheon keynote: Christine Todd Whitman, Staying Ahead While Going Green
Morning and evening program
See Linda Best's CEO Viewpoint this issue for details.
Please contact the Council office at 925.246.1880 for more information or to sign up for a sponsorship.
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Share the news about the Council!
The Contra Costa Council News is published monthly to keep you informed about Council events and activities. This issue and past issues can be found in the News section on our website.
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| Luncheon This Friday |
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 State Senator Mark DeSaulnier to address topical state issues at November 20 luncheon
Senator Mark DeSaulnier, D-Concord, who represents the 7th Senate District, will join the Contra Costa Council for lunch on Friday, November 20, to talk about some of the myriad issues that make Sacramento such a turbulent political arena. High on the agenda are likely to be the Bay Bridge, the California initiative process, the state water reform package and efforts in Sacramento to reform the legislative branch and the budget process. Join the Council on November 20 at 11:30 a.m. at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 45 John Glenn Drive, Concord. Price is $35 for Council members and elected officials, $45 for nonmembers. Reservations and payment are required by Monday, November 16. Please register at the Council website or call 925.246.1880 for additional information. Event co-hosts are Contra Costa Water District, NECA/IBEW Union Electrical Construction Industry and PG&E. Sponsors include AT&T, East Bay Municipal Utility District, John Muir Health and Miller Starr Regalia. |
| November 10 Special Reception |
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 New Caltrans Commissioner Patrick Mason feted at Council reception
New California Transportation Commissioner Patrick Mason (pictured above with Contra Costa Council President and CEO Linda Best and another guest) was the honored guest at a Council reception on November 10 at the offices of The PMI Group, Inc. in Walnut Creek. About 75 people from throughout the county attended, including representatives of the various transportation agencies. The new commissioner, who said he was thrilled to be named to the post, noted, "We stopped investing in ourselves 30 years ago. We have got to invest in our infrastructure." Mason has served since 1984 as president of the California Foundation on the Environment and the Economy (CFEE), a non-profit institution that works closely with the state legislature and state and federal regulatory agencies to develop consensus on energy, environmental, telecommunications and economic growth issues. (Please visit the Photo Gallery on the Council website to view photos of this event.) The Council thanks event sponsors, Engineering & Utility Contractors Association, AAA of Northern California, Nevada & Utah and Gray-Bowen. |
| November 30 Event Canceled |
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| Breakfast with Congressman George Miller has been canceled
The breakfast event scheduled for Monday, November 30, with Congressman George Miller has been canceled, due to congressional responsibilities in Washington. We hope to reschedule this event after the first of the year. Reservation refunds will be issued next week. Thank you for your interest.
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| CEO Viewpoint |
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 Save the date: Contra Costa USA is January 27, 2010
By Linda Best, President and CEO, Contra Costa Council
We are excited about the program that is shaping up for Contra Costa USA, the Contra Costa Council's annual signature event. For our evening keynote address, we are honored to have Michael Milken, chairman of the Milken Institute, a publicly supported independent think tank, who will discuss a wide range of current public-policy issues related to the global economy, healthcare, education and philanthropy.
For our daytime program, we will focus on the many positive trends and programs in the Bay Area that focus on addressing climate change. Two years ago at Contra Costa USA, we heard about the latest science on the realities of climate change and the resulting issues that would confront us nationally and regionally. While those challenges are sobering, we can be proud of the progress in California and the region that not only will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but create a new industry cluster and new jobs.
Our morning program will include panels discussing the cutting-edge research and innovation that abound in this region. We will feature some of the numerous, growing entrepreneurial companies that are commercializing new research, creating jobs and providing consumers with ways to reduce emissions. In addition, there are many public agencies, including cities, counties, and water and wastewater districts, that are "going green" while saving money.
Capping this discussion will be our lunch keynoter, Christine Todd Whitman, first woman governor of New Jersey and former Environmental Protection Agency administrator, who will discuss "Staying Ahead While Going Green."
Don't miss this exciting program! Mark your calendars for Wednesday, January 27, and expect your invitation in early January. CCUSA is an excellent opportunity to host clients and colleagues to hear these exciting speakers. Sponsorships at various levels are available for the event, which will provide tickets to the program as well as recognition on our website, in our newsletter and other printed materials and at the event. Please contact me at the Council office for more information. |
| Contra Costa Economic Partnership News |
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 Partnership broadens education leadership role with two new posts
The Contra Costa Economic Partnership's Workforce Initiative, which is dedicated to developing and supporting collaboration among business, labor, government, K-12, and post-secondary education and training institutions in Contra Costa County, has been invited to join the executive committee of the Intermediary Network (INet), a national association of education, workforce and youth development organizations. April Treece, project director of the Workforce Initiative, will serve as the Partnership's representative on the committee, in addition to another new role as statewide co-chair of the ConnectEd multiple pathways working group.
"The goal of the Workforce Initiative is to shape the conversations around seamless transitions for high school to post-secondary education, training and careers, as well as closing the achievement gap," says Treece, "and these two organizations will enhance our work in achieving these goals for our region and more broadly."
Over the past two years, the Workforce Initiative and its partners, with the support of a grant that ended in July 2009, have been successful in increasing the number and quality of high school programs in the county that are focused on engineering, construction and manufacturing pathways. In total, more than 1,500 secondary students; 500 secondary teachers; 550 engineering, construction and manufacturing industry partners (business, labor and government) and 24 higher education faculty from three community colleges and their staffs benefited directly from 64 different events and activities that were generated by this grant from May 2007 to July 2009. (Some individuals may have taken advantage of several different opportunities the grant provided.)
According to Treece, the grant leveraged at least $1.6 million in additional resources being invested in the next several years, including more than $700,000 in California Partnership Academy grants at three schools over three years; more than $400,000 over two years in engineering curriculum design and implementation in four schools; and more than $500,000 in school district equipment investments over the next four years (pre-engineering) in four schools. Schools include California High in San Ramon, Mt. Diablo and Clayton Valley high schools in Concord, and Antioch High School. |
| Business Information from Our Members |
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 If your employees are parents, they have more on their mind than their job.
As the only child care resource and referral agency serving all of Contra Costa, the Contra Costa Child Care Council is critical to businesses and parents who need child care so they can work. The 33-year-old nonprofit organization is at the center of the child care delivery system, providing free child care referrals and support to all families living or working in Contra Costa, regardless of income. The Child Care Council's programs and services promote quality care and early education so that children are ready for success in school. Counselors are currently helping many families who are in crisis.
Learn more about how the Child Care Council is helping families and caregivers during these difficult times and why investing in quality early education is a good business policy. Visit www.cocokids.org.
Note to our members: If you have an interesting article or helpful information to share with other readers, please contact the Council office, and we will try to accommodate your request.
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| Helping Our Community |
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Earn It! Keep It! Save It! campaign needs volunteers and venues Nobody wants to lose hard-earned money. But that very thing happens each year to a number of Contra Costa workers. Volunteers are needed to help these individuals claim tax money from their earnings, which is rightfully theirs under U.S. tax law.
The Contra Costa Earn It! Keep It! Save It! (EKS) campaign is a free, volunteer-based tax service that helps low-income, working families claim the earned income tax credit (EITC) and other federal tax credits they are due. Since the inception of the program, more than 12,000 returns have been prepared and some $15 million in refunds have been returned to Contra Costa families.
Volunteers are needed as greeters, screeners, tax preparers and translators. Free training is provided to all volunteers (20 hours of training for tax preparers and three hours for greeters and screeners). Monetary and equipment donations (laptops, printers, shredders and office supplies) are also requested.
EKS Contra Costa is operated by the Community Housing and Development Corporation on behalf of the Family Economic Security Partnership (FESP). To volunteer, or learn how your company can encourage employees to volunteer, go to Earn It! Keep It! Save It! or call Carol Finis Perez, EKS coordinator, at 510.412.9290, ext. 17.
For more information about FESP, visit First 5 Contra Costa. |
| Social Responsibility Task Force: Creating Partnerships |
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California Symphony and Court Appointed Special Advocates team up for a special reason: kids!
Sometimes things happen for a (very good) reason. At the September meeting of the Contra Costa Council's Social Responsibility Task Force, Charlie Mead, executive director of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Contra Costa County and Jean Blomberg, a board member of the California Symphony, were invited to talk about their respective organizations, a regular feature of this task force's monthly briefings. Discussion ensued about what the two organizations offer local youth--CASA, in advocating for abused and neglected children in the Juvenile Court process, and the California Symphony, for its music education programs in the schools and its program that gives extraordinarily talented young performers their first professional concert appearances.
Jim Brandt, a member of the California Symphony board and also the Council's VP Programs--a man who is rarely at a loss for ideas--was impressed with what he heard and suggested a partnership between the two organizations. The idea Brandt presented, which was met with immediate enthusiasm, was to offer the youth who are represented by CASA volunteer advocates the opportunity to attend a California Symphony performance with their advocate. And thanks to the generosity of Symphony board members, a group from CASA will be attending the Freedom Rings concert on January 24 and 26, 2010, at the Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek for free. (The concert has a decided youth bent, and will feature Mozart's Symphony No. 35, Mendelssohn's Symphony No. 3 and Aaron Copland's Lincoln Portrait, narrated by political satirist Will Durst.)
Expanding their world view
"The opportunity for these kids to attend the event with their advocate will probably be the first time they have ever attended a live music concert," says CASA's Charlie Mead. "They have very limited access to anything like this with the potential to expand their view of the world. What an enriching experience!"
"We are thrilled to partner with CASA, which provides such an admirable service to youth," says Stacey Street, executive director of the California Symphony and a Council board member. "Our board is very excited about the opportunity to support this wonderful effort."
"This is an exciting collaboration that will bring a lot of color, beauty and joy to young kids who may never have an opportunity like this," says Jim Brandt. "Who knows, we could be planting the seed for the next Mozart, Gershwin or Bono!" |
| Task Force Briefings |
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November and December briefings . . .
New and prospective Council members are welcome to attend task force meetings. Please notify a task force co-chair prior to the meeting to confirm time and location. Transportation Task Force . . . Tuesday, November 3, 8 a.m. . . . PMI Building, 3003 Oak Road, Walnut Creek (across from Pleasant Hill BART). Update from Cristina Ferraz, regional project manager, Caltrans District 4, on the Caldecott Tunnel Improvement Project. Next meeting is Tuesday, December 1 (first Tuesday). Contacts: Hank Haugse and Bob Brown Health Care Task Force . . . . . Thursday, November 5, 8:30 to 10 a.m. . . . Morgan Miller Blair, 1331 N. California Blvd., Suite 200, Walnut Creek. A discussion of the Council's Chronic Conditions Health Forum on October 9; Wendel Brunner, MD, of Contra Costa Health Services, regarding a CDC grant application focusing on obesity, nutrition and physical activity; and an update regarding the Collaborative Care Model for Contra Costa County work group, among other topics. Also discussed a proposal to present a briefing for Council members on health care reform and legislative and policy updates. The next meeting is Thursday, December 3 (first Thursday). Please confirm meeting details with a task force co-chair. Contacts: Lynn Baskett and Steve Van Wart
Environmental/Manufacturing Task Force . . . Friday, November 6, 8:15 to 9:30 a.m. . . . Brown and Caldwell, 201 N. Civic Drive, Suite 300, Walnut Creek. Alan Zelenka of Kennedy/Jenks Consultants spoke on how to do carbon footprinting. Also had a presentation and discussion of the Taxpayers Right to Vote Act, a proposed constitutional amendment that would require a two-thirds vote before a city could initiate or expand publicly-provided electrical service. Next meeting is Friday, December 4 (first Friday). Please confirm meeting date and details with a task force co-chair. Contacts: Peter McGaw and George Smith
Land Use Task Force . . . Wednesday, November 11, 8 a.m. . . . Morrison & Foerster, 101 Ygnacio Valley Road, Suite 450 (across from Walnut Creek BART). Continued to update the Land Use Policy Paper. Next meeting is Wednesday, December 9 (second Wednesday). Contacts: Dan Muller and Mike McGill Water Task Force . . . Tuesday, November 17, 8:15 to 9:30 a.m. . . . Brown and Caldwell, 201 N. Civic Drive, Suite 115 (third floor), Walnut Creek. Contra Costa Water District's Greg Gartrell provided an analysis of the recently enacted Delta water policy legislation. No meeting in December. Next meeting is Tuesday, January 19 (third Tuesday). Contacts: Bob Whitley and Mitch Randall Small Business & Entrepreneur Task Force . . . Tuesday, November 17, 8:30 a.m. . . . De La Housaye and Associates, 1655 Main Street, Room 210, Walnut Creek. Please confirm meeting details with a task force co-chair. Convened a meeting in October with representatives of area chambers of commerce, along with a representative of the California Chamber by phone, to discuss regional coordination of the chambers and legislation affecting small business. Next meeting is Tuesday, December 15 (note date change). Contacts: Angela De La Housaye and Zach Sahar Economic Development Task Force . . . Wednesday, November 18, 8 to 9 a.m. . . . City National Bank, 2001 North Main Street, Suite 200, Walnut Creek. Please check with a task force co-chair for details. October presenters included Cal State-East Bay's Terri Swartz, dean of the College of Business & Economics, and Emily Lowe Brizendine, in addition to Kris Chase of Saint Mary's and Brian Lofman of John F. Kennedy University on the impact of higher education on the county's economy. Next meeting is Wednesday, December 16. Please confirm meeting date and details. Contacts: Gary Craft and Mike Conlon
Workforce Development & Education Task Force . . . Thursday, November 19, 8:30 to 10 a.m. . . . JFK University, 100 Ellinwood, Room S217, Pleasant Hill. A discussion of Contra Costa's engineering, construction and manufacturing sector jobs programs; also learn about the Chevron/Project Lead the Way initiative just under way! Next meeting is Thursday, December 17 (third Thursday). Contacts: April Treece and Keith Archuleta
Social Responsibility Task Force . . . No meeting in November . . . Thursday, December 10, 8 to 9:30 a.m. . . . Chapman University, 2950 Buskirk Ave., Room 307, Walnut Creek.
Please confirm meeting details with a task force co-chair. Heard in October from Mitch Randall of Morrison & Foerster, who discussed social responsibility and corporate giving in the legal industry, and John Cullen about "Earn It! Keep It! Save It!, a volunteer tax preparation service for families (see article, this issue). Contacts: Mike Erwin and Mark Hughes |
| Corporate Member Spotlight |
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Foley & Lardner LLP provides a full range of legal services to the business community
Foley & Lardner LLP is a highly regarded, national law firm providing innovative client-focused services for its business clients.
Foley brings a wealth of technical experience and industry knowledge to its client representation, enabling the firm to serve a diverse client base, from small technology and entrepreneurial companies to global multinationals. Practice areas encompass a wide range of legal services, including intellectual property and IP litigation, business litigation, corporate governance and compliance, business transactions, construction and land use, securities, labor and employment, mergers and acquisitions, and tax. The firm's attorneys are recognized as leaders regarding these practice areas and many of today's most complex business issues.
An innovative spirit pervades all aspects of the business, from the emerging industries Foley attorneys serve to the landmark subject matter they address to, and most especially, a cutting-edge connectivity with clients. Foley's commitment to world-class interactivity has earned the firm accolades from various industry experts as an award-winning technology trendsetter.
Continually evolving to meet the changing legal needs of its clients, Foley's team-based approach, proprietary client service technology and practice depth enhance client relationships through the most complex legal challenges.
Foley is also committed to providing pro bono services. These activities run the gamut from providing services to individuals, legal aid societies or civil rights organizations, to representing nonprofit organizations in strategic projects and litigation matters. In recent years, Foley attorneys have provided significant representation in matters referred to the firm by such public interest firms as the AIDS Legal Clinic, Pro Bono Advocates and Public Counsel.
With more than 1,000 attorneys in 22 offices and some 50 practice areas, Foley offers high-caliber business and legal insight. The firm has a substantial presence throughout California, with offices in San Francisco, Silicon Valley and Sacramento. Locally, Foley can be counted on to understand the business and legal needs of the Bay Area and East Bay Area business communities, and on its commitment to supporting organizations such as the Contra Costa Council that promote the economic vitality of Contra Costa County. Partner Michael Delehunt has been a member of the Council's Board of Directors since 2003.
For further information, please contact Michael Delehunt at mdelehunt@foley.com, or visit the Foley & Lardner website. |
| Become a Member! |
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Join the Contra Costa Council and help guide our economy and quality of life.
Visit our website or call 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.
© 2009 Contra Costa Council |
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