CCC newsletter logo new 10-08
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.

1355 Willow Way, Suite 253, Concord CA 94520 / 925.246.1880 / www.contracostacouncil.com
In This Issue
October 20 Luncheon: Visionary Transbay Transit Center takes stage center at Council lunch
October 1 Luncheon Recap: Mark DeSaulnier predicts budget approval but laments lack of progress on reform
CCUSA 2011: Journalist Bob Woodward to headline Contra Costa USA on January 27
CEO Viewpoint: Board of Directors adopts umbrella statement
Advocacy: Council requests that Bay Commission suspend proposed Bay Plan amendments . . . Proposition 23 opposed by Council Board . . . Council supports "yes" vote on Measure O
Member News: SunPower offers special discount on home solar installations to Council members
Task Force Spotlight: Council's Water Task Force works to create an environment with thoughtful, issue-based discussions
Task Force Briefings: October and November briefings
Welcome New Member: Law Offices of Rita A. Holder
Quick Links
Upcoming Events

The Council's Transportation and Land Use Task Forces present:

 

Transbay Transit Center: Grand Central Station of the West

 

Featuring Maria Ayerdi-Kaplan, executive director of the Transbay Joint Powers Authority

 

Wednesday, October 20

11:30 am to 1:30 pm

 

Hilton Concord Hotel

1970 Diamond Blvd.

 

Co-hosted by Gray-Bowen and Kilpatrick Stockton LLP

 

Sponsored by Kleinfelder, Harris & Associates, AR\WS Associated Right of Way Services, Inc.

 

Registration information is available on the Council website. Fax your completed form by 12 noon on October 18 to the Council office at 925.674.1654. For questions, contact the Council office at 925.246.1880.

 

............


Save the Date!


Contra Costa USA 2011

 

Thursday, January 27, 2011

8 am to 2 pm; 5:30 to 9 pm


Hilton Concord Hotel

1970 Diamond Blvd.

 

Join us for the Contra Costa Council's signature event!

 

Evening keynote: Bob Woodward, Pulitzer Prize-winning writer and investigative reporter, author of Obama's Wars


Luncheon keynote: Willie Brown, Jr. of the Willie L. Brown Jr., Institute on Politics and Public Service


Morning program: Dan Walters, writer and The Sacramento Bee political columnist; Christopher Thornberg, economic forecaster, Beacon Economics; experts panel presentation


Sponsorships and exhibit tables are available. Please contact the Council office at 925.246.1880 for details.


Become a Member!
Join the Contra Costa Council and help guide our economy and quality of life.

Visit our website or call 925.246.1880.
About the Council
The Contra Costa Council is a public policy advocacy organization that promotes the economic vitality and quality of life of Contra Costa County and the San Francisco Bay Area region. The Council engages on issues of critical importance to the business community and residents of the county, balancing the needs of a diverse county through policy efforts that provide for local and regional economic development while retaining quality of life.

  October 2010
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October 20 Luncheon
Visionary Transbay Transit Center takes stage center at  Council lunch

Join the Contra Costa Council's Transportation and Land Use task forces for lunch on Wednesday, October 20, and a presentation by Maria Ayerdi-Kaplan, executive director of the Transbay Joint Powers Authority. Her presentation, Transbay Transit Center, Grand Central Station of the West, will offer an update on construction of the transportation and housing project that will transform downtown San Francisco and the Bay Area's regional transportation system. Registration is at 11:30 a.m., with lunch from 12 noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Hilton Concord Hotel, 1970 Diamond Blvd.

For an animated preview of the new transit center, visit http://transbaycenter.org.

Please register by Monday, October 18, at 12 noon. Information is posted on the Council website. Fax your reservation form to 925-674-1654, or call 925-246-1880.
October 1 Luncheon Recap
Mark DeSaulnier predicts budget approval but laments lack of progress on reform

At his October 1 Sacramento update to the Contra Costa Council, State Senator Mark DeSaulnier predicted the end of the lengthy state budget impasse, which was announced the following day and was signed into law by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on October 8.

DeSaulnier (pictured above) had praise for California's robust entrepreneur-based economy, "the least gerrymandered" 7th district (which he represents), the state's leadership in green tech, and what he termed the best and most affordable system of higher education and the best public research facility at the University of California.

California could, however, do some things better, he noted. These include cost/benefit analyses of new and existing regulations, and cracking down on the underground economy, which cheats the state's coffers annually of between $4 billion and $9 billion. DeSaulnier also discussed his involvement in "red teams," an economic development effort to try and keep businesses in California.

He admitted that the vision of California for most residents is a state with late budgets, bad budgets, partisan fighting, inexperienced lawmakers, state and local governments in conflict, and little progress on important issues. "The way we have constructed term limits is crazy. Only the middle two years of a legislator's term are the sweet spot. . . . People are so afraid to make a decision," he opined, an extreme example being the Department of Corrections, which is taking much of the state budget. "In this paralysis, policies have made the public less safe," he added.

DeSaulnier said the initiative process poses real challenges to governing California. He admitted to some hostility when he looks at the portrait in the state capitol of Hiram Johnson, the father of California's nearly 100-year-old initiative process. He discussed his disappointment at the legislature's failure to seriously consider budget reforms developed by California Forward organization and legislative proposals, SCR 3, SCA 19, SB 1426 (DeSaulnier) and SB 1020 (Wolk), which did not receive a hearing.

He added he will work with California Forward on new proposals for constitutional revision in 2012. "It's too easy to give up. We're never going to change things until we change the form of how we govern in California," he said.

The Council thanks event sponsor WMH Corporation.
CCUSA 2011
Bob Woodward Journalist Bob Woodward to headline Contra Costa USA on January 27

Pulitzer Prize-winning writer and investigative reporter Bob Woodward, who is appearing on national talk shows and receiving major press this month with the release of his latest book, Obama's Wars, will offer the evening keynote presentation at Contra Costa USA on January 27, 2011. Woodward will deliver his talk, aptly titled "Inside the Obama White House," as the culminating event of the Contra Costa Council's 25th annual signature program.

Taking place at the Hilton Concord, CCUSA 2011 will focus on both the regional and national economic and political landscape. The all-day program will feature a range of presentations, panel discussions and networking opportunities, in addition to an exhibits section.

Other featured speakers are Dan Walters, writer and longtime political columnist for The Sacramento Bee, and leading economic forecaster, Christopher Thornberg of Beacon Economics. Both will speak as part of the morning's presentations, which will also include a panel discussion. Luncheon speaker will be the inimitable Willie Brown, Jr., former mayor of San Francisco and speaker of the California Assembly, and founder of the Willie L. Brown Jr. Institute on Politics and Public Service.

CCUSA opens with registration, exhibits and networking at 8 a.m. on January 27, followed by presentations and lunch. The program adjourns at 2 p.m. and reconvenes at 5:30 p.m. for a reception and dinner at 7 p.m.

To sign up as a sponsor or exhibitor at CCUSA, please contact the Council office at 925-246-1880.
CEO Viewpoint
L Best Board of Directors adopts umbrella statement

By Linda Best, President and CEO, Contra Costa Council

At its September meeting, the Council Board of Directors adopted an umbrella statement that expands on the brief mission statement of the Council.  The statement does an excellent job of defining more precisely the activities and priorities that the organization undertakes to fulfill its mission.

Several months ago, the Social Responsibility and Health Care task forces began a study of what elements are necessary to create and maintain healthy and sustainable communities. Representatives of the two task forces visited other Council task forces to share their findings and discuss implications for policy papers. The feedback helped inform the final version of the statement, which was reviewed by task force chairs and ultimately approved by the board.

Special recognition goes to Health Care Task Force Co-Chair Lynn Baskett for her outstanding leadership in this effort!

The statement is now on the Council's website, providing visitors a concise but comprehensive view of the Council's mission and priorities. It is printed here for your review, and to pass it on to your friends and colleagues!

Council umbrella statement

The Contra Costa Council is a public policy advocacy organization that promotes the economic vitality and quality of life of Contra Costa County and the San Francisco Bay Area region. The Council engages on issues of critical importance to the business community and residents of the county, balancing the needs of a diverse county through policy efforts that provide for local and regional economic development while retaining quality of life.

Economic vitality and quality of life are driven by healthy and sustainable communities which include:
  • A growing and competitive economy that provides jobs for county residents with wage levels that support families and economic self-sufficiency
  • An education system that prepares students for jobs in the 21st century and provides lifelong learning opportunities for all residents
  • Sufficient, quality housing to meet demand at all income levels
  • A transportation system that enhances mobility and goods movement into and out of Contra Costa County, and promotes regional connectivity as well as efficient commuter options
  • Healthy communities with safe, walkable neighborhoods, open space, recreational and cultural amenities, and access to healthy food choices
  • Opportunities for all residents to achieve and maintain optimal physical and mental health, including access to quality, affordable health care
  • A reliable supply of high-quality water and a healthy Delta ecosystem
  • Strong partnerships between the profit and not-for-profit sectors to enhance quality of life
  • Policies that recognize the value and contribution of a vital manufacturing community in the county
  • Policies that recognize the value and contribution of small businesses in the county
  • An adequate infrastructure system, including communications, transportation, water and other utilities
  • A regulatory system that protects the environment, is transparent, consistent, predictable, cost-effective, and based on reputable science that supports clean air and water, and energy conservation
  • Civically engaged residents who are connected to their community
Through its task forces, the Council develops and supports policy positions to further its mission and sponsors educational forums for its members and the community.
ADVOCACY
Council requests that Bay Commission suspend proposed Bay Plan amendments

In an October 5 letter to the Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC) prior to the October 7 hearing, the Contra Costa Council expressed concern about the sweeping impact that proposed Bay Plan amendments would have on development within existing communities, local residents and the economic vitality of the region. The Council recommended that BCDC suspend consideration of the proposed amendments and begin the collaborative process.

"We also fear that the amendments will cause conflicts with other regional agencies and stymie planning and development efforts by shoreline cities and counties," wrote Council President and CEO Linda Best.

"We recognize that climate change and sea level rise will have an impact on our economy, the environment and Bay Area communities. While the magnitude of that impact may be debated, we agree it is imperative to begin the planning needed to address this challenge," continued Best. "However, such planning should occur in a collaborative process, not be dictated by one single-purpose agency.

"We urge you to suspend consideration of the proposed amendments and instead convene the appropriate federal, state, regional and local agencies, along with stakeholder groups, to prepare a comprehensive plan to protect our shoreline, communities and economic assets. There is a wealth of experience and expertise in the region and among agencies that can and should be brought to bear on this issue. . ."

The letter also noted some specific concerns that the proposed amendments run counter to good regional planning. By discouraging new projects in developed areas, they would stifle investment and innovation that could be part of a regional solution. They would also limit development in Planned Development Areas, those identified by the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) as most suitable for increased density. They would drive affordable housing further away from job centers and existing transit infrastructure, thus increasing traffic congestion and air quality.

"The amendments would cause conflicts with the land-use-related directives of AB 32 and SB 375, that need to be resolved before BCDC takes action. In addition, the proposed terms create ambiguity as to how far inland they apply, setting the stage for wasteful litigation over the lawful extent of BCDC's authority and prolonged disputes between regional agencies--leaving local jurisdictions and private property owners caught in the middle."

Proposition 23 opposed by Council Board

Following considerable discussion and a vote postponed from the September board meeting, Contra Costa Council directors voted at the October 15 meeting to oppose Proposition 23. The proposition would suspend state law that requires greenhouse gas emissions be reduced to 1990 levels by 2020, until California's unemployment drops to 5.5 percent or less for four consecutive quarters. 

Council supports "yes" vote on Measure O

The Contra Costa Council has endorsed county-wide Measure O on the November 2 ballot, which will address Contra Costa's highest-priority transportation needs at a time when already unreliable funding from state and federal sources is shrinking. The $10 annual fee proposed by Measure O is expected to generate $85 million over the next 10 years to repair and maintain local streets and roads throughout Contra Costa County.

All the funding from Measure O will remain in Contra Costa. Measure O will provide a secure, local source of funds for critically important local transportation projects.
Member News
SunPower discount page SunPower offers special discount on home solar installations to Council members

The Contra Costa Council is partnering with SunPower Corporation to offer Council members an easy and cost-effective way to go solar. This special program is designed to enable you to save on your electricity bills and to further the movement toward renewable energy.

In addition to federal, state and local solar rebate incentives, the Contra Costa Council affiliate solar program provides an additional rebate of up to $1,500 on the purchase of a SunPower� solar system for your home.

To sign up for a free home evaluation or for more information about the exclusive rebate and savings on a new SunPower system, visit www.sunpowercorp.com/asp/ccc or call 877-779-7496.

Following the September Contra Costa Council Board of Directors meeting, held at Richmond's Craneway Building, Bobby Ram, SunPower's director of global community relations, announced the special discount on a SunPower system for Council members.

Founded in 1985, SunPower Corp. designs, manufactures and delivers the planet's most powerful solar technology broadly available today for residential, business, government and utility customers. For more information, visit www.sunpowercorp.com
Task Force Spotlight
Mitch Randall and Bob Whitley Council's Water Task Force works to create an environment with thoughtful, issue-based discussions

While the water issues that challenge Northern California in 2010 may not be quite as thorny nor the plot as intricate as those captured in the 1974 American neo-noir film, Chinatown, Contra Costa Council Water Task Force Co-chair Bob Whitley did refer to the movie when he talked recently about the San Joaquin Delta and water legislation.

Chinatown was set in Los Angeles and starred Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway, John Huston and Diane Ladd. There are no such major stars in the Contra Costa water story, which features members of state government, elected county officials, three regional water utilities and many in-Delta water users across five counties, landowners and other groups. Still, there tends to be a marked measure of drama, and strong belief systems often take hold when people representing varied interests come together to talk about water and water issues.

Bob Whitley (pictured above, right) and fellow Water Task Force Co-chair Mitch Randall (at left) are clear about the role of the Council and the task force in this heady mix. "Our task is to educate, gather information and inform the members of the Council Board of Directors, and we hope other members, on the implications of the historic change occurring in water reform for California," says Whitley. "Last year was a landmark year for water with the signing in November of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Reform Act of 2009. The reform taking place, and the changes as they relate to water resources, affect everyone in our region to a greater or lesser degree."
 
A framework for setting policy

Mitch Randall points out that the water reform act mandated a set of major new water policy reforms, what he calls "broad-brush strokes that establish a framework for setting policy and implementation." "Over the next 18 months to two years, until the Delta Plan is established in January 2012 and the major bond measure is rescheduled, a lot of policy is going to be adopted among the various entities. This is policy and legislation that we want to be educated about and involved in on behalf of the county and the Council," he says.
 
Randall and Whitley come by their interest in water naturally. Both are major outdoors enthusiasts. Randall grew up in Colorado and came to California in 1997 to go to law school. He is a partner at Morrison and Foerster in Walnut Creek and works in land use and real estate law. This includes entitlement projects, which involves shepherding mixed-use, energy and medical center projects through the regulatory maze at the local, state or federal level, including zoning, wetlands, National Environmental Policy Act, and California Environmental Quality Act issues. A member of the task force for several years, he was recruited as co-chair about a year ago and is also a member of the Land Use Task Force.
 
A native Californian and trained as a civil/environmental engineer, Whitley has a background in infrastructure engineering, which includes the design, construction and management of wastewater and public water utility projects. He established his firm, Whitley, Burchett & Associates, in Walnut Creek in 1985 with his partner, Max Burchett, whom he met at grad school at UC Berkeley. (Now retired, Burchett remains somewhat involved in the business and mentors younger engineering associates.) Whitley first got involved in the Council around 1990, when he was managing a major infrastructure project in the county. He has led the Water Task Force for about 10 years and attends other task force meetings frequently.
 
Gaining credibility with the decision makers

So far this year, all of the task force's monthly meetings, usually held on the third Tuesday, have featured presentations by representatives of the various commissions and public agencies that are implementing the water reform legislation. "We are fortunate we can invite people who are in decision-making roles who are happy to come and discuss what they're doing and hear what we think. I take that as a validation of the work we've been doing for the past five years. We have earned some 'street cred,'" observes Whitley.
 
"We have had excellent speakers and have more lined up," adds Randall. "There has been a lot of interest among our task force members, and crossover with other task forces, and there will be more." In October 2009, the task force hosted a successful Council forum, The Delta Crisis Is Real-Will We See Any Reform?, featuring representatives of the major water agencies and Phil Eisenberg of the Delta Vision Foundation, which developed the Delta Vision Strategic Plan that forms the basis for the water reform act. "We have been encouraged to do more forums," says Randall. "Being able to provide an educated, high-level policy discussion about water and how it affects our lives and our businesses is what's fun about this for me."
 
The differences of opinion among constituents depend largely on where they are, says Whitley. "The Contra Costa Water District (CCWD), the East Bay Municipal Unity District (EBMUD) and the Zone 7 Water Agency are completely different places with different policies driving their operations. Where CCWD is a Delta user, EBMUD pulls water from upstream, whereas to the south, the Zone 7 Water Agency, located in the Amador-Livermore Valley, is dependent on the State Water Project, which conveys water through the Delta. From a water perspective, South County is like Southern California."
 
Sorting through the issues

The recent release of the Delta Flow Criteria Report by the State Water Resources Control Board offers another historical note. "The historic action of establishing flow criteria through the Delta marks the first time in 100 years of water development in the state where a government agency is saying, 'This is what is needed to sustain a healthy ecosystem for fish,'" says Whitley. "It is based on the historic premise of the public trust doctrine, which declares that the state's actions must take into consideration the public trust."
 
"It will continue to be important for the Council and for our quality of life goals that we  have a seat at the table and provide input into the process as we sort through these issues," notes Randall.
 
"Our role is to try and create an environment of issue-based discussions," summarizes Whitley. "My own particular special interest cannot dictate the outcome. What is great about the Council is that we continue to have a diversity of smart people and leaders with an industry cross section. We work to present the kind of information where a reasoned conclusion is possible. It comes down to helping our members become better informed as they make decisions and go about their daily lives."
Task Force Briefings
October and November briefings . . .

New and prospective Council members are welcome to attend task force meetings. Please confirm with a task force co-chair prior to the meeting to verify time and location, as details may change. To view task force agendas, policy papers and recent presentations, visit the individual task force pages on the Council website.

Environmental/Manufacturing Task Force . . . Friday, October 1, 8:15 to 9:30 a.m. . . . Brown and Caldwell, 201 N. Civic Drive, Suite 200, Walnut Creek . . . Heard a presentation from Chris Easter and Randy Schmidt of Central Contra Costa Sanitary District comparing AB 32 to the US Environmental Protection Agency's greenhouse gas reporting and compliance requirements. Next meeting is Friday, November 5 (first Friday), 8:15 to 9:30 a.m. Co-chairs: Peter McGaw and George Smith

Health Care Task Force . . . Thursday, October 7, 8:30 to 10 a.m. . . . Brown and Caldwell, 201 N. Civic Drive, (South Tower, Third floor) Suite 300, Walnut Creek. Special meeting to hear a presentation on the benefits of Proposition 23 passage. Healthy and sustainable community statement, legislative and policy updates. Next meeting is Thursday, November 4 (first Thursday) at Morgan Miller Blair, 1331 N. California Blvd., Suite 200, Walnut Creek. Co-chairs: Lynn Baskett and Steve Van Wart

Water Task Force . . . Tuesday, October 19, 8:15 to 10 a.m. . . . Morrison & Foerster, 101 Ygnacio Valley Rd., #450, Walnut Creek. Mike Machado, new executive director of the Delta Protection Commission (DPC), discusses the challenges and opportunities provided by the Delta reform legislation. Next meeting is Tuesday, November 16 (third Tuesday). (To read more about the Water Task Force, see the Task Force Spotlight, above.) Co-chairs: Bob Whitley and Mitch Randall

Land Use Task Force . . . Co-hosting with the Transportation Task Force the October 20 luncheon presentation by Maria Ayerdi-Kaplan, executive director of Transbay Joint Powers Authority: Transbay Transit Center, Grand Central Station of the West, at the Hilton Concord Hotel, 1970 Diamond Blvd. (see article, this issue). Postponed regular October meeting and urged to attend the Water Task Force meeting on October 19 (see above). Next regular meeting is Wednesday, November 10 (second Wednesday), Morrison & Foerster, 101 Ygnacio Valley Road, Suite 450 (south of Walnut Creek BART). Co-chairs: Mike McGill and Dan Muller

Transportation Task Force . . . Co-hosting with the Land Use Task Force the October 20 luncheon presentation by Maria Ayerdi-Kaplan, executive director of Transbay Joint Powers Authority: Transbay Transit Center, Grand Central Station of the West. (see above and article, this issue). Next meeting is Tuesday, November 2 (first Tuesday), 8 a.m., PMI Offices, 3003 Oak Road, Walnut Creek (across from Pleasant Hill BART). Co-chairs: Kris Johnson and Jim Melino

Workforce Development/Education Task Force . . . Thursday, October 21, 8:30 to 10 a.m. . . . Contra Costa Workforce Development Board, 300 Ellinwood Drive, Bodega Room, Pleasant Hill . . . In September, discussed the Real Coalition White Paper on Economic Development and finalized input to the Council board; discussed Campaign for College Opportunity endorsement and task force policy paper. Next meeting is Thursday, November 18 (third Thursday). Co-chairs: Joanne Durkee and Kathleen Robinson

Small Business/Entrepreneur Task Force . . . Tuesday, October 26, 8:30 to 9:45 a.m. . . De La Housaye & Associates, 1655 N. Main St., Suite 260, Walnut Creek . . . In September, Cyd Jenefsky of JFK University and Kris Chase of Saint Mary's College presented final conclusions and recommendations of the Economic Development Task Force's Higher Education Study. The next expanded quarterly meeting with chamber and legislative representatives is Wednesday, November 3, location TBA. Co-chairs: Angela De La Housaye and Zachary Sahar

Economic Development Task Force . . . Wednesday, October 27, 8 to 9 a.m. . . . City National Bank, 2001 N. Main St., #200, Walnut Creek. Kris Chase of Saint Mary's College and Cyd Jenefsky of JFK University presenting final conclusions and recommendations of the Higher Education Study. Also, Lois Courchaine of the California Product Stewardship Council to discuss product stewardship, aka, extended producer responsibility. Next meeting is Wednesday, November 24 (fourth Wednesday). Co-chairs: Mike Conlon and Gary Craft

Social Responsibility Task Force . . . Thursday, October 28, 8 to 9:30 a.m. . . . Brandman University, 2950 Buskirk Ave., Room 307, Walnut Creek. In September, discussed the Council's proposed umbrella statement, the task force policy paper and the 2010-11 work plan. Co-chairs: Kate Ertz-Berger and Mark Hughes
New Members
Please welcome these Contra Costa Council members!

Law Offices of Rita A. Holder
Rita A. Holder, Attorney
Richard Holder
950 Maplegate Court
Concord, CA 94521
415-246-2000 ph
925-825-6795 fax
[email protected]
[email protected]

Environmental compliance law
About the Council

The Contra Costa Council is a public policy advocacy organization that promotes the economic vitality and quality of life of Contra Costa County and the Greater East Bay region. The Council engages on issues of critical importance to the business community and residents of the county, balancing the needs of a diverse region through policy efforts that provide for local and regional economic development while retaining our quality of life.

Through its task forces, the Council develops and supports policy positions to further its mission and sponsors educational forums for its members and the community.

For more information about the Council, please visit our website.

To comment on 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.

� 2010 Contra Costa Council