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 |
24th Annual Contra Costa USA
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, Getting Ahead While Going Green
Morning and evening program
Registration and exhibits at 8 a.m.; lunch at 12:30 p.m.; reception at 5:30 p.m. and dinner banquet at 7 p.m.
Title sponsor is Chevron.
Watch for your invitation with full details in early January!
Please contact the Council office at 925.246.1880 for more information or to sign up for a sponsorship. |
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| CCUSA 2010 |
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 Michael Milken to headline Contra Costa USA on January 27
Michael Milken, philanthropist and chairman of the Milken Institute, will keynote Contra Costa USA (CCUSA), the Contra Costa Council's signature event, on Wednesday, January 27, 2010, at the Hilton Concord Hotel. The well-known speaker will address CCUSA's dinner audience about public policy issues related to the global economy, health care, education and philanthropy. The CCUSA program begins with registration and exhibits at 8 a.m., followed by a morning program. Luncheon at 12:30 p.m. will feature Christine Todd Whitman, the first woman governor of New Jersey and former Environmental Protection Agency administrator under President George Bush, who will discuss "Getting Ahead While Going Green." CCUSA will adjourn at 2 p.m. and reconvene with a reception at 5:30 p.m. and the dinner banquet at 7 p.m. CCUSA keynoter, Mike Milken, was called "The Man Who Changed Medicine" by Fortune magazine for his three decades medical-research initiatives. In 1982, he formalized his previous philanthropy in the Milken Family Foundation. Recently, he helped launch the Melanoma Research Alliance and he heads FasterCures, which accelerates progress against all life-threatening diseases. He also chairs the Milken Institute, an economic think tank whose 13th annual Global Conference will bring 3,000 thought leaders from 60 nations to Los Angeles April 26-28. As a financier, he is often said to have revolutionized modern capital markets, making them more democratic by innovating a wide range of financing techniques previously unavailable to most companies. Starting in 1969, he financed thousands of companies that created millions of jobs. He is a graduate of UC Berkeley and the Wharton School. Mike and his wife Lori recently celebrated their 41st anniversary and have four grandchildren. Additional details and a wide selection of articles written by Mike are at www.mikemilken.com. Luncheon speaker, Christine Todd Whitman, is president of The Whitman Strategy Group (WSG), a consulting firm that specializes in energy and environmental issues. She is also co-chair of the Republican Leadership Council political action committee (RLC-PAC), which she co-founded with Senator John Danforth. Don't miss this exciting program! Mark your calendars for January 27 and expect your invitation in early January. CCUSA is an excellent opportunity to host clients and colleagues, and to hear from outstanding speakers and thought leaders. Sponsorships at various levels are still available for the event. Please contact Linda Best or Terry Shoaff at the Council office at 925.246.1880 for more information today! |
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| November 20 Luncheon |
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 State Senator Mark DeSaulnier has a conversation with the Contra Costa Council
At the November 20 Contra Costa Council luncheon, State Senator Mark DeSaulnier (pictured at right, with a luncheon guest) addressed the recently enacted California water reform package, continuing state budget shortfalls and his proposal for a constitutional convention, and correctly predicted that moderate Abel Maldonado (R, Santa Maria) would be the new Lt. Governor appointee by Governor Schwarzenegger. In discussing the major water reform legislation, DeSaulnier noted, "We tried to get some remedy for the concerns of Contra Costa Water and East Bay MUD, but we weren't able to do that." DeSaulnier said he voted against the legislation, "as did everybody who represented the Delta and EBMUD." He called the agreement's $11.14 billion general obligation bond package, which will be placed before voters in November 2010, the largest issuance and indebtedness in the history of the state. (Also see water legislation summaries by Morrison & Foerster here and the Delta Vision Foundation here. You can read the Council's response to the legislation in a letter to the Federal-Bay Delta Leadership Committee in the Advocacy Action section, this issue.) DeSaulnier pointed out extensive spending cuts to the University of California, education and health and social services that have brought the state general fund spending in 2009-10 down to $84 billion. The state budget is expected to be $6.2 billion short this year and $14 billion short next year, he said. (A November 19 report from the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst's Office predicted the state budget deficit will actually balloon to $20.7 billion over the next 18 months due to plans for spending cuts that never happened, court rulings that blocked some cuts, and the assumption that the state would be unable to sell the State Compensation Insurance Fund, which was to bring in about $1 billion this year.) DeSaulnier also noted that while California reacts to the swings in the economy, it also "comes up faster than the rest of the country." Right now we have an opportunity to change California in many ways structurally, he said, citing legislation he introduced early in his term, calling for a constitutional convention. California has the easiest system to get (an initiative) on the ballot, "but the system has created a Winchester house of governance that doesn't connect to the overall architecture," said the legislator. "The trick is to take advantage of this hard time. We have gotten away from, how do I make it better?" "Thomas Payne said, 'These are times that try men's souls . . . We have it within our power to make the world anew.' That is the wonderful opportunity in California . . . We want to make sure a proportion of the budget goes to prevention," he added. "This is the argument for a rainy day fund." The conversation with Mark DeSaulnier aired on CCTV (Comcast channel 27 and Astound channel 32) on Monday, December 7, at 8 p.m. and will be replayed on Wednesday, December 9, at 12 noon. For additional air dates, visit CCTV's program guide at www.contracostatv.org. (Visit the Photo Gallery on the News page of the Council website to view photos of this event.) The Council thanks event co-hosts 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. |
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CEO Viewpoint |
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 Historic water legislation sets the framework to protect the Delta
By Linda Best, President and CEO, Contra Costa Council
The Council's Water Task Force/Delta Vision Committee spent several months studying the issues of the Delta, culminating in adoption of a Statement of Principles by the Council's Board of Directors that has guided our advocacy over the last year and a half.
We closely followed the Delta Vision's Blue Ribbon Task Force and regularly provided input to their deliberations, guided by our statement. We were pleased at the resulting Delta Vision Strategic Plan that was forwarded to the governor a year ago. It aligned very closely with our Delta principles and we urged that its recommendations be put into law.
Last month, to the surprise of many, that happened. After decades of political debate and impasse, California has a comprehensive framework that, properly implemented, can lead to resolution of the thorny problems of environmental degradation in the Delta and the lack of a reliable water supply for millions of Californians.
Some of the key features of the legislative package that are critical to our county and region include:
- Establishment of the co-equal goals of ecosystem restoration and water supply reliability as the foundation for water policy in California
- Restoration of the Delta ecosystem
- Establishment of goals for water conservation and efficiency
- Establishment of a new governance structure with authority and accountability and policy and actions based on sound science
- Development of a plan for economic sustainability for Delta communities
- Appropriation of already approved bond funds for immediate actions needed to protect the Delta, including levee repair, fish screens, etc.
As many have said, the enactment of these laws does not guarantee the health of the ecosystem or a reliable water supply, but it sets the framework for doing so.
Thus, the job of the Council's Water Task Force is not over! We will need to work diligently with our local partners to ensure that the intent of the legislation is realized and that the Delta is protected. This will be a priority for the task force in the year ahead. If you have an interest, join us at the task force meetings. You can check the meeting schedule on our website.
Kudos are due to many--the legislature, the Delta Vision Blue Ribbon Task Force and the many stakeholders. But let's not forget our local heroes! Bob Whitley and Mitch Randall have done a wonderful job in leading us through a responsible, deliberative process that provided credibility in our advocacy. Thank you, Bob and Mitch. |
| Advocacy Action |
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Involvement of Delta communities and immediate levee repair are priorities in water reform work plan The Contra Costa Council has offered recommendations to the six federal agencies--the US Departments of Interior, Commerce and Agriculture, the Environmental Protection Agency, the White House Council on Environmental Quality and the US Army--that have signed a memorandum of understanding to work in partnership with the state and other stakeholders "to achieve a healthy and sustainable Delta ecosystem and a high-quality, reliable and sustainable long-term water supply for California." In the November 30 letter to the heads of the six agencies, the Council congratulated the agencies for creating the agreement, noting that the goals of water reform "cannot be achieved without this kind of coordination." "We have been extensively involved in the Governor's Delta Vision process. We have been and continue to be guided by our Statement of Principles, which calls for restoring the Delta ecosystem and ensuring a reliable supply of high-quality water," wrote Council President and CEO Linda Best. The Council urged the agencies to consider these recommendations in developing their work plan:
- Delta communities and stakeholders must be involved in the process and provide appropriate input.
- It is essential that state and federal agencies move quickly and in a coordinated fashion on immediate actions, including levee restoration and actions to protect health and safety.
- The near-term horizon should focus on expedited repair and infrastructure projects to provide jobs and stimulate economic activity in the Delta region.
- The plan should also focus on a sustainable Delta and economically viable communities.
"Thank you for your consideration and, as the process moves forward, the Contra Costa Council will be pleased to provide input and a business perspective," said Best.
Greg Gartrell endorsed for National Academies' Delta water science review committee
The Council has endorsed the nomination of Greg Gartrell, PhD, PE, assistant general manager and chief scientist of the Contra Costa Water District, to serve on the committee of experts that will review the scientific basis of actions taken to achieve an environmentally sustainable Delta ecosystem and reliable water supply.
In a November 20 letter to the Water Science and Technology Board of The National Academies in Washington, DC, Council President and CEO Linda Best noted, "Dr. Gartrell's academic and scientific qualifications are impeccable, and he is highly qualified to assess biological opinions. He has extensive experience on Delta issues, having participated in Delta Vision, CALFED and the Bay-Delta Accord, as well as overseeing major projects for Contra Costa Water District. He knows the science affecting the Delta very well, and he also understands the Delta and state context in which actions occur," wrote Best.
Assembly needs to debate merits of SBX5 1 (Romero) education measure
The Council has called for the California Assembly to take up the debate of SBX5 1 (Romero), the California education measure authored by Senator Gloria Romero (D-Los Angeles), and to pass a version of the legislation that will allow California to enact school reform and get in line to compete for federal Race to the Top funds.
"The state's budget crisis has dramatically reduced funding to our education system and the near term future looks no better," wrote Council President and CEO Linda Best to Assembly Speaker Karen Bass, on November 20. "Being able to access nearly $700 million in federal funding is an opportunity to bring new resources to California when it is desperately needed and to enact school reform that will provide better education to our students."
Council supports Contra Costa Health Services grant application focusing on obesity prevention
The Council has lent its support to Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) with the public health department's recent grant response to the Center for Disease Control funding opportunity announcement, Communities Putting Prevention to Work, which focuses on health, nutrition and the prevention of obesity.
A perfect follow-on to the recent Chronic Conditions Health Forum, co-hosted by the Council and major health care providers on October 9, the letter of support from Council President and CEO Linda Best noted: "Prevention of chronic health care conditions, such as those caused by obesity, is an important issue for our members. It affects our quality of life and is critical to maintaining a healthy and productive work force."
In the November 12 letter to William Walker, MD, director of Contra Costa Health Services, Best wrote: "We have several groups that would be very interested in working with the Contra Costa Communities Putting Prevention to Work Initiative, including our task forces on Health Care, Land Use, Small Business/Entrepreneur, Social Responsibility and Transportation. We especially appreciate your department's participation in our Health Care Task Force, keeping us informed on health issues and, most recently, in helping to plan, sponsor and keynote our program on chronic health care conditions.
"We believe we can play an important role in this two-year project and beyond, helping our members look at ways their workplace policies support obesity prevention and promote physical activity and nutrition and advocating for policies and systems changes that will last far beyond the end of the project," she continued. |
| Resolution Honors AAA |
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AAA of Northern California, Nevada and Utah saluted by the Council in special resolution
At the November 20 Contra Costa Council Board of Directors meeting, AAA of Northern California, Nevada and Utah was recognized with a special resolution for relocating its corporate headquarters to the City of Walnut Creek and contributing to the quality of life in Contra Costa County. Council Chair Cheryll LeMay (pictured, at left) presented the resolution to AAA President Paula Downey at the meeting in Walnut Creek. The resolution cited the fact that the AAA facility is one of the county's most environmentally sustainable buildings, more than 10 percent of project materials are made from recycled materials, water usage is reduced by 40 percent and irrigation water is reduced by more than 50 percent. AAA is purchasing renewable energy credits for 35 percent of the project's total energy use, and more than 50 percent of all wood is Forest Stewardship Council certified. In addition, the AAA building was specifically located near mass transit to reduce pollution, and provides special parking for bicycles and low-emission vehicles. (Visit the Photo Gallery on the News page of the Council website to view photos of this event.) |
| Task Force Spotlight |
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 Small Business & Entrepreneur Task Force redefines its role to ensure the voice of small business is heard
Angela De La Housaye and Zachary Sahar (pictured, at right) serve as co-chairs of the Contra Costa Council's Small Business & Entrepreneur Task Force for similar reasons: they both want to build their awareness and knowledge of the issues and concerns of the small-business community, and they also want to contribute their expertise, and give back, to that community.
De La Housaye founded De La Housaye & Associates, ALC, a full-service law firm handling business transactions and litigation matters, in 2000. She works with five other attorneys and two paralegals in her Walnut Creek office, the firm's principal location, with satellite offices in San Francisco and Los Angeles. "I left a firm where I was a partner and founded De La Housaye & Associates to focus on small to medium-sized business representation and to give clients individualized, personalized service. We serve privately-owned businesses that focus on preventive legal representation."
Sahar, who heads CPA Firm of Capital Tax & Accounting, also based in Walnut Creek, works with a staff of five people to provide tax and financial reporting services to small and medium-sized businesses. "Setting up accounting systems for these businesses is our specialty," he explains. "We provide clients with solid measurement tools that help them manage their business profitably and strategically, and we also assist them in their planning strategies and minimizing their tax liability."
Getting involved in the Council
Sahar got involved in the Small Business & Entrepreneur Task Force four years ago through Jim Brandt, currently the Council's VP Member Services, who at the time co-chaired the task force with Stu Bolinger. Sahar took over Brandt's role as task force co-chair about two years ago.
De La Housaye heard about the work of the Council and the task force from Jim Brandt as well. "The Council's work struck a chord with me and seemed a great way to get involved on a county level to identify local businesses' concerns," she says. "We deal with a lot of companies in our practice, we hear about local issues and we're also aware of the challenges businesses face. My awareness and knowledge of legal and legislative issues offers me a way to contribute to this community through my participation on the task force." De La Housaye says it took a few months to understand and identify the existing goals and the workings of the Council and the task force, but she liked what she learned and assumed the task force co-chair role when Stu Bolinger stepped down early this year.
Taking a broader approach
According to De La Housaye, one of the task force's current goals is to take a broader approach in determining how the task force can best serve businesses and the Council. "We think there is incredible potential for this task force to work as a liaison with the executives of Contra Costa's various city chambers of commerce as well as leaders in the business community," she explains. In the past, small businesses were invited to participate on the task force as monthly speakers. "While this was a good way to gather information, I think task force members were challenged with how to respond to the issues that were presented," says De La Housaye.
"By involving representatives of the business communities, and having them serve as advocates for the businesses they speak for, we will develop a collective voice, one we can count on, to present community issues. We then work collectively with the executives and other business leaders to determine how the Council can respond and react," she adds. The task force held its first meeting in October with the various chamber executives, along with a representative of the California Chamber; it was very successful, and a second meeting is planned in January.
Sahar says the new direction for the task force involves a major change in strategy toward becoming a catalyst and a point of information to all these organizations. "The legislative front is a huge area where we believe we can be helpful. With input from the chambers, we will advocate for legislation that favors small business. The Council has the resources to support favorable legislation and oppose issues that we deem are unfair to small business," he adds. "Our role is to find the common voice and see how we can take action. When we reach consensus, we will take our recommendation to the Council Board of Directors for advocacy action."
Moving forward with events
"We are focused now on determining the priorities of small businesses, so the structure of our task force meetings has changed somewhat. We will continue to invite individuals who we feel are in touch with small business and brainstorm ideas and priorities in more of an open-meeting format," notes Sahar. "The goal is to address timely and relevant issues through events; we want to engage a larger number of small businesses in a more meaningful way."
The task force plans to continue to sponsor several events each year. Its major event, held in May during National Small Business Week, is the annual awards program honoring small business owners who have been nominated by their local chambers for outstanding contributions to their communities. Last March, the task force also put together a special workshop/finance symposium, "Accessing Capital NOW!," in response to the crisis in the economic environment and the ensuing difficulty of small businesses to access credit.
"As we clarify the focus the content of our meetings, we may add events, depending on businesses' needs," says De La Housaye. "We put the Accessing Capital Now! event together in 40 days because we wanted it to be timely. You don't need a lot of lead time if there is a groundswell on issues." "This is an incredibly critical time for small business," she says. "Some businesses have folded. The issue of the week may be how to handle layoffs, how to offer health care, issues of expansion and infrastructure. It's a time to use the potential of this task force to help businesses to come together. We want to be able to offer help and information and link these businesses to the resources they need. Our committee members, including David Kelly, Janet Fazio, Stu Bolinger and others, have really risen to the occasion.
"It's a very interesting time," she adds, "and very different from six months ago, and even six months from now. The voice of small business is very important, and we want to ensure that every voice is heard." |
| Task Force Briefings |
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December and January 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. For more information and task force policy papers, visit the Task Forces page. Transportation Task Force . . . Tuesday, December 1, 8 a.m. . . . PMI Building, 3003 Oak Road, Walnut Creek (across from Pleasant Hill BART). Hisham Noeimi of Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) presented main components of the authority's 2009 update to the first Measure J Strategic Plan, which comes during a significant downturn in the economy, affecting Measure J revenues and increased debt service on the proposed bonds. For Measure J project updates, click here. The plan is targeted for adoption in December 2009. January meeting date is TBD. Contacts: Hank Haugse and Bob BrownHealth Care Task Force . . . . . Thursday, December 3, 8:30 to 10 a.m. . . . Morgan Miller Blair, 1331 N. California Blvd., Suite 200, Walnut Creek. Updates on the Health Inequity initiative and plans for the Health Care Reform Forum; report from Debbie Toth of County Rehabilitation Services on the Adult Day Services Conference and the Hogue Hospital presentation of a new model for health care and the role of hospitals in partnership with the community. Next meeting is Thursday, January 7 (first Thursday). Please confirm meeting details with a task force co-chair. Contacts: Lynn Baskett and Steve Van WartEnvironmental/Manufacturing Task Force . . . Friday, December 4, 8:15 to 9:30 a.m. . . . Brown and Caldwell, 201 N. Civic Drive, Suite 300, Walnut Creek. Discussion of Kris Chase of Saint Mary's request for the task force's input into the adequacy of educational opportunities in the area to meet the employment needs of local businesses; this is part of a study funded by the Council's sister organization, the Contra Costa Economic Partnership, being conducted by Saint Mary's and John F. Kennedy University. Review of the Policy Paper. Next meeting is Friday, January 8. Please confirm meeting details with a task force co-chair. Contacts: Peter McGaw and George Smith Land Use Task Force . . . Wednesday, December 9, 8 a.m. . . . Morrison & Foerster, 101 Ygnacio Valley Road, Suite 450 (across from Walnut Creek BART). Discussion of the land-use aspects of the recently approved California water legislation. Next meeting is Wednesday, January 13 (second Wednesday), when the task force will attempt to finalize its Land Use Policy Paper. Contacts: Dan Muller and Mike McGill Social Responsibility Task Force . . . Thursday, December 10, 8 to 9:30 a.m. . . . Brandman University (formerly Chapman University College), 2950 Buskirk Ave., Room 307, Walnut Creek. Update on health equity by Lynn Baskett and discussion of outcomes of focus groups regarding future event plans. January meeting date is TBD. Contacts: Mike Erwin and Mark Hughes Small Business & Entrepreneur Task Force . . . Tuesday, December 15, 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. November meeting included reviewing outcomes of the successful October meeting with representatives of area chambers of commerce and the California Chamber, and planning for a second meeting on January 26; task force members are also working to solidify contacts with legislative representatives. (See article this issue for more about this task force.) Next meeting is Tuesday, January 26. Contacts: Angela De La Housaye and Zachary Sahar Economic Development Task Force . . . Wednesday, December 16, 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. November presentation from Egon Terplan of the San Francisco Planning & Urban Research Association (SPUR) on the northern California "mega region" and the movement of employment throughout the region. Next meeting is Wednesday, January 20. Please confirm meeting date and details. Contacts: Gary Craft and Mike ConlonWorkforce Development & Education Task Force . . . Thursday, December 17, 8:30 to 10 a.m. . . . JFK University, 100 Ellinwood, Room S217, Pleasant Hill. Please confirm meeting details with a task force co-chair. November prresentation from the Engineering, Construction and Manufacturing Engineering Pathways teams from Antioch High School and Clayton Valley High School; moved to forward to the Council Board legislation to allow California to become eligible to apply for Race to the Top funding (see Advocacy Action, this issue). Next meeting is Thursday, January 21 (third Thursday), Contacts: April Treece and Keith ArchuletaWater Task Force . . . No meeting in December . . . Tuesday, January 19, 8:15 to 9:30 a.m. . . . Brown and Caldwell, 201 N. Civic Drive, Suite 115 (third floor), Walnut Creek. Please confirm meeting details with a task force co-chair. Recently discussed the impacts on the East Bay of the newly enacted Delta water policy legislation (see other articles, this issue). Contacts: Bob Whitley and Mitch Randall |
| Corporate Member Spotlight |
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 AT&T connects people with their world
For more than a century, AT&T has strived to consistently provide innovative, reliable, high-quality products and services and excellent customer care. Today, AT&T's mission is to connect people with their world, everywhere they live and work, and do it better than anyone else. AT&T is fulfilling this vision by creating new solutions for consumers and businesses and by driving innovation in the communications and entertainment industry. As the company continue to break new ground and deliver new solutions, it is focused on delivering the high-quality customer service that is its heritage.
As the world's largest communications company, AT&T offers a powerful array of network resources, including the nation's fastest 3G wireless network, and is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet and voice services. AT&T also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse (SM) and AT&T │DIRECTV (SM) brands. The company's suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In the US, AT&T's Yellow Pages and YELLOWPAGES.COM organizations are known for their leadership in directory publishing and advertising sales.
AT&T and the AT&T Foundation are strong proponents of corporate generosity. In 2008, AT&T and its employees contributed more than $169 million through corporate, employee and AT&T Foundation giving programs.
For more than 100 years, AT&T has supported corporate citizenship and environmental stewardship. AT&T is taking meaningful steps to run an efficient network and explore alternative energy sources to help reduce adverse environmental effects. In 2009, AT&T announced plans to invest up to $565 million to roll out more than 15,000 additional alternative-fuel vehicles over the next 10 years. Also in 2009, AT&T set a goal to reduce the company's electricity consumption relative to growth on its data network by 15 percent as compared with 2008.
In 2008, Forbes magazine ranked AT&T as one of America's top 10 most generous corporations. And in 2009, AT&T again ranked No. 1 in the telecommunications industry on FORTUNE® magazine's list of the World's Most Admired Companies.
For more information, visit www.att.com.
Ken Mintz, area manager, external affairs, AT&T Services, Inc., San Ramon, is a member of the Contra Costa Council Board of Directors. |
| New Members |
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Please welcome these Contra Costa Council members!
Mike Ghilotti, President
Kevin Dern, Senior Estimator/Project Manager
Ghilotti Bros., Inc.
525 Jacoby Street
San Rafael, CA 94901
415.454.7011 ph
415.454.8376 fax
www.ghilottibros.com
mikeg@ghilottibros.com
kevind@ghilottibros.com As one of the leading construction companies in the Bay Area, Ghilotti Bros., Inc. (GBI), has established a permanent presence as a premier general engineering contractor.
Joseph DeLuca, Managing Practice Director IT Optimizers
1901 Harrison Street, Ste. 1590 Oakland, CA 94612 510.286.8705 ph 510.444.5510 fax www.itoptimizers.com jdeluca@itoptimizers.com IT Optimizers is a consultancy that exclusively serves the health care industry. Our seasoned executive team had driven the creation of pragmatic yet innovative information technology solutions for regional and national health care provider and payer organizations. Becky Rice, Executive Director Rebecca Ines, Development Director Karen Gardner, Education Coordinator The Ruth Bancroft Garden, Inc.1552 Bancroft Road Walnut Creek, CA 94598 925.944.9352 ph 925.210.9663 Tour Hot Line 925.256.1889 fax www.ruthbancroftgarden.orgbecky@ruthbancroftgarden.orgrebecca@ruthbancroftgarden.orgkaren@ruthbancroftgarden.orgThe mission of the Ruth Bancroft Garden, Inc., is to preserve this exceptional example of garden design and to continue to develop its collection of water-conserving plants for the education and enjoyment of the public. |
| 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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