Masthead May 2012
Contra Costa Council News for February-March 2013 
In this issue
Council staff update: President and CEO Linda Best plans to retire this summer
Contra Costa Economic Partnership's STEM Workforce Initiative: Business/Education Summit: Building linkages between education, workforce development and a strong economy
State of the County recap: Supervisor Federal Glover says county is off to a good start this year
CCUSA 2013 Recap: Contra Costa USA 2013 was a stunner!
February 22 Tri-Valley Luncheon Recap: Joan Buchanan and John Chiang discuss the state economy: the good, the bad and the ugly
CEO viewpoint: Council's Delta Vision Statement of Principles should continue to drive Delta policy
Advocacy: Council supports I-680 HOV Direct Access Ramps project
Member profile: Jim Brandt: A man of many heights
News from our members: State of Education event in Pittsburg March 19 ... East County TechPalooza helps bridge the digital divide ... Loaves & Fishes Contra Costa benefit is April 13 ... Opportunity Junction seeks items for April fundraiser
Task Force briefings: March and April activities
New members: A warm welcome to FMG Architects, Focused Images Visual Solutions LLC and Richmond Community Foundation
Quick links
Upcoming Events
Reception for District 11 Assemblyman Jim Frazier

Thursday, March 21
5 to 7 p.m.,
Crowne Plaza Hotel, 45 John Glenn Drive, Concord

SAVE THESE DATES!

Strategic Board Service: Maximize the ROI for You, Your Company and the Community
Thursday, April 18
8 to 10 a.m., Brandman University
2950 Buskirk, Walnut Creek

Small Business Awards Luncheon
Friday, May 10

Board Installation Dinner
Thursday, June 13

Contra Costa Council/WSPA 29th Annual Golf Tournament
Monday, August 12
Round Hill Country Club, Alamo

Good golf, good friends and good food = great fun!

For information about any Council event, please contact the Council office or Nanette Cippa-Fukushima. Call (925) 246-1880, fax (925) 674-1654.
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COUNCIL STAFF UPDATE
President and CEO Linda Best plans to retire this summer

Contra Costa Council Chair Bob Brown announced in February that Council President and CEO Linda Best plans to retire from that role this summer. Best has served as CEO of the Council and executive director of the Contra Costa Economic Partnership for nine years.

"I have really enjoyed working with, and getting to know, Linda these past few years and will miss her daily guidance and stewardship with the Council," said Brown. "I know she will remain an active figure in the community, a friend to us and hopefully an occasional consultant to the Council as we move forward."
 
A committee has been formed to map out a transition plan and next steps. Past President George Smith will head a search committee to conduct a search for the best possible person to lead the Council and the Economic Partnership in the future.
CONTRA COSTA ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP'S STEM WORKFORCE INITIATIVE
Willard Daggett
Keynoter Dr. Willard Daggett
Business Education Summit: Building linkages between education, workforce development and a strong economy

Some 250 business and education leaders and practitioners from throughout the East Bay, along with representatives of national education organizations and workforce development groups, gathered to learn and draw inspiration from one another at the fifth East Bay Business/Education Leadership Summit: Education, Innovation and the East Bay's Economy, held February 27 at the Hilton Concord.

Presented by the Contra Costa Economic Partnership's STEM Workforce Initiative, the all-day conference focused on successful national education systems that prepare students for success in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) workplace. Participants heard from experts and attended workshops and small-group discussions that organizers hoped would help them build linkages between education, workforce development and a strong regional economy.

Opening the conference were April Treece, director of the Economic Partnership's STEM Workforce Initiative, and Janet Auer, specialist, Global Partnerships and Programs for Chevron, sponsor of the all-day event. "Business needs qualified STEM workers, and California is projected to need one million skilled workers by 2025," said Auer. She noted that while a STEM education prepares students for the fastest growing careers, it is important to think more broadly than just engineers and scientists. In fact, a STEM education leads to a wide range of career choices and fields.

Education futurist Dr. Willard Daggett, president of the International Center for Leadership in Education, opened the summit with the morning's keynote address. Known internationally for his efforts to move the education system toward more rigorous and relevant skills and knowledge for all students, Daggett began by praising the U.S. education system as "the finest in the world but without the highest standards. ... We're trying to do something no education system in the world is doing: serve all students with excellence," he said. "California, as one of the most diverse populations in the country, continues to see improvements in student performance, but it's not keeping pace with the rapidly changing 21st century skill demands of the workplace."

Common Core standards

While affirming that schools are getting better based on the way we currently measure student success, Daggett posed that the Common Core next-generation assessments that are sweeping the nation will require students to go beyond multiple-choice tests. "Our young people will be asked to apply their knowledge and show how they analyze and problem-solve while connecting math, science and English," he explained. 

Daggett urged educators to embrace new technology and look for innovative ways to engage students in learning. "We think if we create a new computer lab, we're doing something good for students. It will take a much more dynamic approach to provide applied-learning opportunities for students." Daggett shared his Rigor/Relevance Framework, a tool developed by his staff to examine curriculum, instruction and assessment; the tool is based on two dimensions of higher standards and student achievement. Relationships between all stakeholders in a school system make it stronger and provide the opportunity to turn schools around. "Culture trumps strategy every time," he emphasized.

Economic strength

Kish Rajan, director of the Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (GO- Biz), delivered an upbeat afternoon keynote presentation, urging educators to "keep up the great work!" While admitting that the state is "still in the process of growing our way out of the impacts of the recession," Rajan said the California economy is leading the nation in that recovery and is strong across a whole range of economic sectors, including health care, telecommunications, software development, transportation and finance.

"The strength of the California economy is linked directly to the strength of our state's education system. Employers increasingly need a workforce that is skilled, adaptable, creative and equipped for success," he added. Rajan encouraged attendees to do the hard work that's necessary to ensure student success. "California's competitive advantage will continue to rely on more young people having access to a high-quality education."

Following the presentation, participants gathered in small groups to discuss next-step strategies and report back to the larger group, with the support of Tiffany Grant, consultant with the Partnership's Workforce Initiative. Janet Auer made closing comments and thanked participants for attending.

For a full conference program, see the conference  website. Read an article in the Contra Costa Times about the Summit and view photos of the event in the Photo Gallery.

The Economic Partnership's STEM Workforce Initiative thanks sponsor Chevron; partnering organizations the Contra Costa Council, Contra Costa Economic Partnership, East Bay Economic Development Alliance, Innovation Tri-Valley, San Pablo Economic Development Corporation; and sponsors Delta Diablo Sanitation District, the Contra Costa Council, Contra Costa Economic Partnership, Delta Diablo Sanitation District, Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce, Hilton Hotels, John F. Kennedy University, Los Medanos College and SunPower Corporation.
STATE OF THE COUNTY RECAP
Federal Glover Feb 2013 Supervisor Federal Glover says county is off to a good start this year

After thanking the Contra Costa Council for its work in "improving the overall quality of life of our residents and our businesses," Contra Costa Board of Supervisors Chair Federal Glover offered the annual State of the County address to a large Valentine's Day audience at the Contra Costa Country Club. The supervisor warmly acknowledged the work of Council President and CEO Linda Best, who recently announced her plan to retire as soon as a successor is named. "It will be a huge job filling those shoes," said Glover.

"The last few years have been challenging and 2013 will be no different," said the supervisor. The good news is that taxable sales in the county are up 19 percent from 2011 to 2012. While the economy seems to be improving, full recovery is a few years down the line. He noted that, thanks to county departments and employees, Contra Costa has closed a budget deficit that at one point exceeded $100 million. Its other post-employment benefits (OPEB) liability has been reduced from $2.6 billion to $960 million. "For the first time in a long time, we have a balanced budget."

Glover praised the selection of the University of California Richmond Field Station as a new campus for Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, and approval by the Public Utilities Commission for Radback Energy of Danville to build a natural gas power plant in Oakley. He said that with the demise of redevelopment agencies, the county has taken a more active role in economic development and last year created the Bay Point-Pittsburg Enterprise Zone under the Workforce Development Board.

Promoting the northern waterfront

"The northern waterfront is one of the county's greatest resources, but it is underutilized. I want to change that," he said. The county is exploring creation of a task force to promote the northern waterfront and the county as a good place to do business. He noted that Contra Costa was recently included in the Port of San Francisco's application to expand its status as a Foreign Trade Zone.

Glover also discussed the county realignment model, the transfer of low-level offenders in state prisons to county supervision and custody; fire protection and safety issues, including a likely need to close fire stations in Clayton, Martinez, Walnut Creek and Lafayette; health care and the county's electronic health record system, ccLink; the Delta diversion-canal proposal, necessary Delta levee upgrades and other water issues; and transportation, including Glover's own role as a member of a number regional agencies in assuring the widening of Highway 4 and bringing eBART to Antioch. He also called for a more efficient, countywide transportation plan.

"Looking ahead, we are off to a good start, with projected revenues matching projected expenditures . . . and a capital fund with an initial $5 million to replace or update aging infrastructure. We can weather the storms ahead if we work together," he said. "Contra Costa will operate as a lean machine, but like the Tin Man in The Wizard of Oz, a machine has a heart."

Contra Costa Television will air the presentation on Wednesday, March 20, at 5 p.m., and Tuesday, March 26, at 7 p.m. on Comcast channel 27, Astound channel 32 and AT&T U-verse channel 99. For additional air dates, visit the CCTV program guide at www.contracostatv.org or call (925) 313-1180.

View photos of the event in the Photo Gallery.

The Council thanks co-host Tesoro and sponsors AT&T and Pacific Gas and Electric Company.
CCUSA 2013 RECAP
Howard Dean
Keynoter Howard Dean
Contra Costa USA 2013 was a stunner!

The Contra Costa Council's annual Contra Costa USA (CCUSA) forum is known for bringing together the best, and often the brightest, stars of the economic and political worlds. And CCUSA 2013, held January 24 at the Hilton Concord, was exceptional in that regard.

Beacon Economics founder Christopher Thornberg opened the 26th annual all-day forum with a surprisingly positive take on the regional economic outlook and, as always, had solid data to back up his story. He noted that the real estate industry was in full-recovery mode, although he allowed later that the high cost of housing is a long-term issue for the state. "California is an economic success story despite ourselves," said Thornberg. "We are one of the top growth states in spite of the fact we're not an energy state."

Next up was a panel, The Role of the Research Labs in Our Regional Economy, moderated by Dale Kaye, CEO of Innovation Tri-Valley. Panelist James "Buck" Koonce, director of economic development for Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, said the newly created, 110-acre (unclassified research) Livermore Valley Open Campus is a "powerhouse in R&D and education." Patrick M. Dempsey, manager of strategic engagements at the Livermore Lab, said there is a resurgence in manufacturing returning to U.S. shores, and the lab's huge investment in high-performance computing and technology is a resource for California.

Panelist Rob White, director of economic development for the city of Livermore and co-founder and CEO of the i-GATE innovation hub (iHUB), remarked that "other states are desperate to gain a foothold in the Bay Area." (White has since been named chief innovation officer for the city of Davis, CA.) Jay D. Keasling, associate laboratory director for biosciences at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, said the new second campus at the Richmond Field Station will grow to 5 million people in the next 20 years and will be an incredible nexus for bringing science solutions to the world.

A second panel, moderated by Gary Craft of Craft Consulting Group and project manager of the Diablo Innovation Alliance, addressed The Role of Corporations in Innovation in Our Regional Economy. John Magee, chief marketing officer of GE Software, discussed the new GE Global Software Center in San Ramon, which he said is creating a new generation of intelligent systems (and they're hiring!). J. Patrick Kennedy, founder of San Leandro-based OSIsoft, which has created its own power grid connecting three company buildings, noted that entrepreneurs tend to stay where they live. "It's important to develop a community that creates businesses that generate value," said Kennedy. Des King, president of Chevron Technology Ventures in Richmond, said that STEM education is absolutely important to this work. "Contra Costa is very much at the forefront of new technology," said King.

Inspiring keynotes

The Hon. Ellen Tauscher, former special envoy for strategic stability and missile defense with the U.S. State Department, and former representative of California's 10th congressional district, urged the audience to do more for our children and our schools. She said she was proud of Governor Jerry Brown, "who needs to have the support of people to make the tough decisions. Life is about getting big and understanding risk," said Tauscher. She cited education and infrastructure as the number one and two quality-of-life issues. "We need to sacrifice and lead and take risks--and go big," she said. "It's all about political will."

CCUSA audience members returned for an evening reception, followed by dinner and the final program. Ann Notarangelo of KPIX Channel 5 News moderated the program, American in 2013: Challenges and Opportunities, a sparkling conversation between Michael Steele, former chair of the Republican National Committee and MSNBC political analyst, and Howard Dean, former chair of the Democratic National Committee, CNBC contributor and former Governor of Vermont.

Clearly used to sparring, Dean and Steele nevertheless had a warm and not unfriendly conversation that ranged from Washington's public policy problems to Occupy Wall Street to environmental policy and climate change. Steele said he was optimistic about the future but that his optimism was tempered with some concern, including a worry about what we are doing to the next generation. Dean blamed redistricting and the fact that people don't move back to Washington anymore; hence, working relationships don't exist in Congress because people don't really know one another.

Both had positive things to say about House Republican leader John Boehner's leadership. Trained as an Augustinian friar, Steele made an eloquent statement about his pro-life views, while Dean said he didn't think being for gay marriage and abortion rights was a "whacked" world view, as Steele had implied. Both agreed that the Occupy movement had changed the national dialogue. "It mobilized people and alienated people, but mistakes were made," said Dean.  "It was a good idea, poorly executed," said Steele. "I don't think the [Occupy people] will be back."

Contra Costa Television will air CCUSA presentations on Tuesday, March 26, starting at 10 a.m. through 2:30 p.m., and on Thursday, March 28, starting at 5 p.m. through 9:30 p.m., on Comcast channel 27, Astound channel 32 and AT&T U-verse channel 99. For additional air dates, visit the CCTV program guide at www.contracostatv.org or call (925) 313-1180.

View photos of the event in the Council website's Photo Gallery and Diablo Magazine's Faces coverage.

The Council thanks all CCUSA sponsors, exhibitors and table patrons, including Chevron (title sponsor); Contra Costa Times, John Muir Health, Kaiser Permanente, Shell Martinez Refinery (major sponsors); AAA of Northern California, Nevada & Utah, Comcast, Morrison & Foerster, Phillips 66 Rodeo Refinery, San Francisco Business Times, Sunvalley Shopping Center (sustaining sponsors); Contra Costa Association of REALTORS�, Delta Diablo Sanitation District, Fitzgerald Abbott & Beardsley LLP, Foley & Lardner LLP, Mechanics Bank, NRG Energy, Waste Management, and Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County (contributing sponsors).

Photo by Timothy Burman Photography
FEBRUARY 22 TRI-VALLEY LUNCHEON RECAP
Chiang and Buchanan Feb 2013 Joan Buchanan and John Chiang discuss the state economy: the good, the bad and the ugly

At a large gathering at the Four Points Sheraton in Pleasanton, Assemblywoman Joan Buchanan and State Controller John Chiang talked about the California fiscal picture in a conversation aptly named The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. Moderated by Dale Kaye, CEO of Innovation Tri-Valley, the February 22 luncheon was presented by the Council in collaboration with Innovation Tri-Valley and the Livermore Chamber of Commerce.

Chiang said one of the goals of state government is to help local government and try to inject liquidity into the system. He noted that all sectors of the U.S. economy have borrowed too much money, and the most recent slowing of growth was due to debt. He added that Proposition 30, the voter-approved tax increase, with money targeted for schools, will stabilize things, but only for the next seven years. "We have a seven-year window to fix the California budget and our structural problems." Chiang said that Governor Brown should be given credit for using accounting principles to improve the state's credit rating on bonds, which was upgraded in January by Standard & Poor's from A- to a straight A.

"Our children have more student-loan debt than credit card debt," said Buchanan, who chairs the Assembly Education Committee. "The real economic engine is education. If it is not affordable, we will continue to experience long-term consequences." Buchanan noted that the cost of energy will go up with the cost of raw materials. "The factories of tomorrow will rely on robotics and will need skilled workers to be innovators of future products."

California's infrastructure is "the ugly," said Buchanan. "We are paying debt service. We are going to have to look at infrastructure in a different way ... and we need a major discussion."

Contra Costa Television will air the presentation on Friday, March 29, at 9 p.m., and Saturday, March 30, at 12:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Comcast channel 27, Astound channel 32 and AT&T U-verse channel 99. For additional air dates, visit the CCTV program guide at www.contracostatv.org or call (925) 313-1180.

View photos of the event in the Photo Gallery.

The Council thanks sponsor AT&T.
CEO VIEWPOINT
L Best Council's Delta Vision Statement of Principles should continue to drive Delta policy

 

By Linda Best, President and CEO, Contra Costa Council

 

The Contra Costa Council has recently joined a coalition of business and environmental organizations calling for the Bay Delta Conservation Plan (BDCP) to consider a conceptual alternative to the proposed 9,000 cubic-foot-per-second pair of tunnels to divert water around the Delta for export. The letter to Department of the Interior Ken Salazar and California Secretary of Natural Resources Agency John Laird stresses the importance of such an alternative analysis as part of the CEQA/NEPA (California Environmental Quality Act/National Environmental Policy Act) process. Several water agencies, including Contra Costa Water District and East Bay Municipal Utility District, have similarly called for such an analysis.

 

Everyone agrees that the status quo in the Delta is unacceptable. For several years, the Council has studied the Delta issues under the excellent leadership of Water Task Force Co-Chair Bob Whitley and adopted the Delta Vision Statement of Principles to guide the Council's advocacy. Based on these principles, the Council supported the state's Blue Ribbon Task Force's recommendations to support the co-equal goals of a healthy Delta ecosystem and water supply reliability for the entire state. The recently sent letter is consistent with these principles and the co-equal goals.

On the recommendation of the Water Task Force, the Council Board of Directors voted to sign a letter calling for the analysis of a package of actions and investments that, taken together, represent an alternative that could attract support from a diverse coalition of interests. These include evaluation of a 3,000-cubic-feet-per-second facility, which would be far less expensive than the proposed project and still achieve water reliability benefits. Savings could be invested in local water supply sources, additional storage, levee improvements and habitat restoration, all important elements of the Council's Delta Vision Principles.

The recommendation is based on two important principles. First, the BDCP must be based on the best available science for ecosystem management. This is essential to protecting the Delta ecosystem. Second, the BDCP must be cost effective. It must be affordable and able to be financed, or it will fail. Also consistent with the Council's Principles, the letter calls for careful analysis of water project operations based on the best science.

While the letter does not support a preferred project, the signers believe the analysis will assist the BDCP to develop a cost-effective, environmentally beneficial final project that has the best chance of being implemented.

The Council will follow the next steps very carefully, advocating an outcome consistent with the Council's Principles and the Blue Ribbon Task Force's Delta Vision. Follow this newsletter for the latest news on this very important issue.
ADVOCACY
Council supports I-680 HOV Direct Access Ramps project

On February 15, the Contra Costa Council issued a resolution in support of Contra Costa Transportation Authority's (CCTA's) proposed I-680 HOV Direct Access Ramps project. The resolution was presented to the Council for consideration by members of the Transportation Task Force with the support of the Council Executive Board and Board of Directors.

"We strongly believe that a robust transportation system is essential to a vital economy and the quality of life of our residents. It is clear that the proposed project will greatly assist in mobility in the I-680 corridor," wrote Council President and CEO Linda Best to Don Tatzin, CCTA chair.

Best noted that the proposed project will do the following:
  • improve transportation mobility along the I-680 corridor by enhancing transit and carpooling choices;
  • make the I-680 corridor more attractive to businesses and employees, both current and prospective; and
  • reduce travel times for all drivers by reducing weaving across multiple freeway lanes, improving bus schedule reliability, promoting ride sharing and transit use, and promoting the efficient use of transportation resources.

In addition, the project is consistent with the Regional Transportation Plans and is an important component in making the I-680 corridor function better with existing infrastructure and with other planned improvements.
MEMBER PROFILE
Jim Brandt
Jim Brandt at 23,000 feet, atop Mt. Aconcagua, Argentina, the second highest of the Seven Summits

Jim Brandt, a man of many heights

Name: James Hollis Brandt

Born: Winnipeg, Manitoba, where a typical winter day is -25 (�F). "Go Jets! Go Blue Bombers!!"

Residence: Alamo

Your role on the Council and why you got involved: I've been involved with the Council, kind of an extended family, for 12 years--first as a member learning all about what the Council does, then as co-chair of the Small Business / Entrepreneur Task Force, then I got volunteered to work as the Events Director, and now I'm the Membership Director. The Council is an incredible organization. Supporting and advocating quality-of-life issues and a thriving business community are part of its DNA. I'm pleasantly amazed and proud to be part of an organization that collaborates on all fronts with environmentalists, regulators, businesses and policy makers. It gets things done. It's so rewarding to help businesses thrive in our community!
 
Day job: I've worked on Wall Street for over 20 years. Currently, I'm a financial advisor/senior investment management consultant with a premier wealth management firm, Morgan Stanley, here in Walnut Creek. I provide financial planning, estate planning and portfolio management advisory services to select individuals, families, businesses and agencies. My clients are incredible, and are located throughout the country. I'd do almost anything for them! (Visit Jim's website.)
 
Education: University of California, Los Angeles, with a year abroad at the Universidad de Madrid (bachelor's); Columbia State University (master's); and Investment Management Consultants Association/University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School of Business (CIMA, certified investment management analyst)

Allure of Contra Costa County and what keeps you here: We moved to Alamo to start our family in 1987. I love the East Bay. My son and daughter graduated from Monte Vista High School, Danville; both will receive their college degrees this summer. The education is great, the weather can't be beat, quality of life is super, there are business opportunities galore, neighbors are wonderful ... Yes, I'm high on the East Bay!
 
We heard a rumor you climb mountains? My family has always been involved with nature, the outdoors. I've backpacked and mountain climbed throughout the world, and picked up extreme mountain climbing a few years ago. It's a very cool challenge with a group of dads I've known for over 15 years. We've dubbed ourselves: DARE (Dads Ascending Ridiculous Elevations). The beauty, serenity and tranquility of the mountains is awesome. The ascents are physically and psychologically challenging. Especially at -40 (�F) and 20,000 feet plus above sea level! Summiting is beyond emotional. The people we meet throughout the world and the distinct cultures we encounter add to the experience.

We've climbed three of the Seven Summits: Mount Elbrus, Russia; Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania; and Aconcagua, Argentina. Most of our training is on Mount Rainier, WA. We are currently training for Denali. If most goes according to plan, we have Everest on our radar. In business as in mountain climbing, you need a strategy, a great team, and you must remain focused!

And you ride a bike? I've always been involved with sports and a healthy lifestyle. My dad died at a very young age. I'm a Los Angeles Legacy Marathon competitor. I've qualified for, and competed in, the Boston Marathon. I have close to 60 marathons under my belt ... or on the soles of my feet. Yes, I have a road bike. Great cross training. I run and ride with a quirky group of buddies called the Alamo Crazies. I've been known for 4 a.m. ascents up Mount Diablo, a great way to start the day!
 
One more thing about you: My daughter makes a killer cheesecake, and my girlfriend, Theresa Harrington, should win a Pulitzer for her reporting at the Contra Costa Times.

Member Profile is a new feature of this newsletter. Send your nominations for companies and people to feature who stand out from the crowd and contribute to the Council or the community in an exemplary or innovative way. -Ed.
NEWS FROM OUR MEMBERS
State of Education event in Pittsburg March 19

The Pittsburg Chamber of Commerce and the Pittsburg Unified School District and Pittsburg High School will host the community's annual State of Education event on Tuesday, March 19, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., at Pittsburg High School Creative Arts Building, 1750 Railroad Avenue.

A trade show will kick off the event, followed by the Pittsburg High School Jazz Band and guest speaker presentations. Speakers will include Dr. Joseph A. Ovick, Contra Costa County superintendent of schools; Robert Kratochvil, president of Los Medanos College; and Linda Rondeau, superintendent of Pittsburgh Unified. Click here to learn more or contact the Pittsburg Chamber at (925) 432-7301, [email protected].

East County TechPalooza helps bridge the digital divide

Also on March 19, East County businesses will gather for the second annual TechPalooza Conference, Feet on the Ground ... Business in the Cloud, a half-day event aimed at bridging the digital divide and spurring economic development of small- and medium-sized businesses. TechPalooza will be held at Los Medanos College, 2700 East Leland Road, Pittsburg, from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The event is presented by the Antioch, Pittsburg, Brentwood, Oakley, Discovery Bay, Bay Point and Rio Vista Chambers of Commerce and the Los Medanos College Foundation. For reservations, visit TechPalooza.com.

Loaves & Fishes Contra Costa benefit is April 13

Loaves & Fishes of Contra Costa will hold a Texas Hold 'em Tournament to benefit its work in feeding the hungry of Contra Costa County on Saturday, April 3. Dinner will be served by the Antioch Lions Club at 5:30 p.m., and play begins at 6:30 p.m. Register at www.loavesfishescc.org or call (925) 687-6760.

Opportunity Junction seeks items for April fundraiser

Opportunity Junction is looking for donated items for the auction, sponsors and volunteers for its gala fundraiser at Diablo Country Club on Saturday, April 27. The event will benefit the organization's work in offering low-income adults the job training and skills to help them support themselves and their families. Click here for details.

Opportunity Junction offers free classes at its Antioch and Bay Point locations.  Jacqui Kennedy is program and volunteer coordinator at the Antioch site. To learn more, visit the website or call (925) 776-1133, [email protected].
TASK FORCE BRIEFINGS
Jim Stewart of ECORP
Jim Stewart of ECORP Consulting briefs an Environmental/Manufacturing Task Force meeting in 2010
March and April meetings

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 meeting topics, time and location, as details may change. To view task force agendas, policy papers and recent presentations, visit the task force pages on the Council website.

Workforce Development / Education Task Force . . . Wednesday, March 6, 8:30 to 10 a.m. . . . Contra Costa Workforce Development Board, 300 Ellinwood Way, Bodega Room, Pleasant Hill. Discussion of the strategic plan of the Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County, led by Donna Van Wert and Paul Buddenhagen. Heard from Tomi Van de Brooke of Assemblymember Susan Bonilla's office, who explained the role of the Education Budget Committee in the budget approval process. Next meeting is Wednesday, April 3 (to be confirmed). Co-chairs: Joanne Durkee and Kathleen Robinson

Health Task Force . . . Thursday, March 7, 8:30 to 10 a.m. . . . Burr Pilger Mayer, 2001 N. Main Street, Suite 360, Walnut Creek. Discussion of plans for the Exchange Educational Series, starting in May, and an update on the county budget and health care reform from Dr. William Walker. Next meeting is Thursday, April 4 (to be confirmed). Co-chairs: Steve Van Wart and Mitchell Zack

Environmental/Manufacturing Task Force ... Wednesday, March 13, 8 to 9:15 a.m. . . . Archer Norris, 2033 N. Main Street, 8th floor (parking entrance on Pringle), Walnut Creek. Special joint meeting with the Land Use Task Force. Cassie Gibson, a lawyer and CEQA expert, presented the CEQA Working Group's policy principles via conference call from Sacramento. Thus begins the process of learning about, discussing and deciding what, if any, position to take on the proposed CEQA revisions. Next regular meeting is Friday, April 5. Co-chairs: Peter McGaw and George Smith

Land Use Task Force . . . . Wednesday, March 13, 8 to 9:15 a.m. . . . Archer Norris, 2033 N. Main Street, 8th floor (parking entrance on Pringle), Walnut Creek. Special joint meeting with the Environmental/Manufacturing Task Force (see above). Next regular meeting is Wednesday, April 10. Co-chairs: Mike McGill and Ed Shaffer

Water Task Force . . . Tuesday, March 19, 8:15 to 10 a.m. . . . John F. Kennedy University, 100 Ellinwood Way, Room S-315, Pleasant Hill. Carl Wilcox, regional manager for the Bay-Delta Region, one of six regions of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, will present information about recent trends of fishery populations important to the Bay-Delta ecosystem. Next meeting is Tuesday, April 16. Co-chairs: Ann Spaulding and Bob Whitley

Economic Development Task Force . . . Thursday, March 27, 8:15 a.m. . . . Contra Costa Workforce Development Board, 300 Ellinwood Way, Bodega Room, Pleasant Hill. Dr. Sean K. Wright of the Wright Start Family Wellness Center in Antioch will discuss the EC2 initiative, a strategy to support the growth and vitality of East Contra Costa. Next meeting is Thursday, April 24. Co-chairs: Mike Conlon and Gary Craft

Social Responsibility Task Force . . . Thursday, March 28, 8 a.m. . . . Brandman University, 2950 Buskirk Avenue, Room 307, Walnut Creek. Lorne Needle of United Way of the Bay Area will discuss a new regional initiative, the Bay Area Roadmap to Cut Poverty. Will also discuss the task force's workshop about the benefits of serving on a nonprofit board, titled Strategic Board Service, to be held Thursday, April 18, from 8 to 10 a.m., at Brandman. Co-chairs: Mark Hughes and Judith Parker

Transportation Task Force . . . March meeting canceled . . . Tuesday, April 2, 8 to 9 a.m. . . . PMI Building, 3003 Oak Road, Walnut Creek. In February, Susan Miller, projects director of the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA), discussed I-680 Corridor projects planned by CCTA, including direct connection ramps, ramp metering and HOV and HOT lanes. Co-chairs: Kris Johnson and Roger Hughes

Small Business/Entrepreneur Task Force . . . Tuesday, April 23, 8:30 a.m. . . . AAA, 3055 Oak Road, Yosemite Room A, Walnut Creek . . . Will also meet on Tuesday, March 26, at De La Housaye & Associates, 1655 N. Main Street, Suite 260, Walnut Creek, to discuss the Exchange Educational Series planned in May with the Health Task Force, and to finalize plans for the Small Business Awards Luncheon on Friday, May 10. Co-chairs: Angela De La Housaye and David Kelly
NEW MEMBERS
Please welcome our new members!

FMG Architects
Charissa Frank, Principal
330 - 15th Street
Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 465-8700 ph
(510) 465-8711 fax
www.fmgarchitects.com
[email protected]

A recognized leader in the design of governmental and public agency projects.

Focused Images Visual Solutions LLC
Lynn Dykstra, Managing Director
4900 Hopyard Road, Suite 100
Pleasanton, CA 94588
(925) 918-5310
www.focusedimages.com
[email protected]

Provides affordable professional photography services to businesses, associations and groups in the San Francisco Bay Area and Washington, D.C.

Richmond Community Foundation
Joan Davis, President and CEO
Betty Geishirt Cantrell, Site Director
1014 Florida Ave., Suite 200
Richmond, CA 94804
(510) 234-1200 ph
(510) 234-3399 fax
www.richmondcf.org
[email protected]

Works to build the capacity of the Richmond community by serving as a community leader, collaborator and broker, and by leveraging assets of all kinds in order to create and sustain a strong, healthy city.
ABOUT THE CONTRA COSTA 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, please visit www.contracostacouncil.com.

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.

� 2013 Contra Costa Council