HALFWAY TO CONCORD » alameda county

Buchanan wins endorsement of the Livermore Independent

admin — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 18:51:28 +0000

Citing development concerns, the Livermore Independent, endorsed Democrat Joan Buchanan for the 15th District Assembly seat to be vacated by termed out Republican, Guy Houston. According to the editorial, “The 15th District assembly member will be a player in the North Livermore issue. Buchanan is fully committed to urban growth boundaries and to the principles of Alameda County Measure D (2000) and the Livermore urban growth boundary initiative (2002). Moreover, she supports the acquisition of recycled water for North Livermore agriculture.” The Independent said, “Abram Wilson is by and large pro-developer on issues like this. As mayor, he has been a force[d] to open up rural lands to urbanization.”

Oakland meltdown as Dellums fiddles

admin — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 14:08:31 +0000

Thanks to Richard for sending me this story by Chip Johnson, about the continuing saga of the downward spiral of Oalkand under the pathetic leadership of Mayor Ron Dellums. Johnson says, “What has become apparent to political insiders, and citizens who’ve followed the folly at City Hall from one catastrophe to the next, is that our mayor - either alone or buttressed by his wife - does not possess the skills to adequately perform his duties.”

So many ways to take this story:

- So much for legislative experience turning into executive skill and organizational savvy

- Disturbing trend: Philadelphia, Detroit, Oakland

- Another reason not to invest in Oakland

- Will Oakland be the next Northern California city after Vallejo to default?

- Maybe Willie Brown could fix Oakland instead of running for Governor of California

Win a new Lexus hybrid at Starry Night, Sept 27

admin — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 13:28:45 +0000

The Pleasanton North Rotary will hold its 20th annual fundraiser, September 27,beginning at 5:30 p.m., at the Casa Real located at Ruby Hill Winery in Pleasanton. The winner of a a raffle for a brand new Lexus hybrid will be announced. Raffle tickets are $100.

This will be an unforgettable evening of dining and entertainment, featuring CBS 5, Eye on the Bay host Brian Hackney, music by The Cheeseballs, hosted bar, and live/silent auctions; all to support children and families in need of our help. But we can’t do it without you. Proceeds will go to help create a permanent home for the School of Imagination & Happy Talkers to help those with autism, Down syndrome, and speech delays. ‘A Starry Night’ will also help our club deliver wheelchairs to children, teens and adults in the world who need one, but cannot afford one. You or your company can help “A Starry Night” fundraising event by making a donation for our Silent or Live Auctions, attending our event, or buying a raffle for a brand new Lexus. Tickets for event: $200 ($125 of ticket price is tax deductible). Register online. Download the poster for the automobile raffle. Call 925-556-2380 for ticket and raffle purchase information.

Newspaper Guild to hold online chat, Aug, 13

admin — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 21:34:19 +0000

The Northern California Media Workers Guild plan to commemorate the Bay Area News Group East Bay’s (BANG-EB) birthday with a live moderated online Web chat on Wednesday, August 13, from Noon to 1:00 p.m., www.onebigbang.org This is the place to raise your questions to newspaper employees about what you see — and don’t see — in your local paper, and whether quality journalism can be sustained amid the historic downturns of the newspaper industry? The Guild wants to hear from you — please join the conversation:

Kevin Barry Dever, featured artist during Livermore Wine Harvest Celebration, Aug 31-Sept 1

admin — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 11:31:34 +0000

Livermore’s Bodegas Aguirre Winery will feature the work of abstract artist, Kevin Barry Dever, August 31 and September 1, during the 27th Annual Livermore Harvest Wine Celebration where over 40 wineries are participating in providing wine tasting, live music and food. The event includes: Live bands, complimentary wine tasting (at least two wines per location), 40 participating wineries, complimentary shuttle buses, food vendors on each site. Purchase tickets for the festival or for more Info visit: www.livermorewine.com. Contemporary abstract painter, Kevin Barry Dever’s art has been shown in many East Bay locations, such as the four-diamond, Renaissance ClubSport Spa and Resort in Walnut Creek, Calif. Kevin has also been attracting the attention of important art galleries in 2008. His work can be found at Lesa Johnson’s Art Gallery, in Lafayette, (925)377-0332. You can see more of Kevin’s art work online at: www.finethingsart.com

East Bay Stand Down, Aug 7-10, offers services for homeless vets

admin — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 09:59:05 +0000

The East Bay Stand Down will be held Aug. 7 to 10 at the Alameda County Fairgrounds, 4501 Pleasanton Ave., Pleasanton. The event focuses on providing a variety of services for homeless veterans and is looking for help including cash donations, labor and other services. For more information, or to register volunteer or donate go to www.eastbaystanddown.org.

Abram Wilson launches AD-15 campaign website

admin — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 14:04:27 +0000

Mayor Abram Wilson (R-San Ramon) unveiled his campaign website - www.wilsonforassembly.com. He will face Democrat Joan Buchanan to replace termed out Assemblyman, Guy Houston. AD-15 represents the only Bay Area legislative seat currently held by a Republican.

Among many other things, the website features a biography of Abram and background about the district. It also contains a photo gallery and information regarding volunteering and contributing to the campaign. Finally, the website highlights the numerous awards Abram has received and endorsements throughout Assembly District 15.

Those wishing to join the Abram Wilson for State Assembly campaign may call the headquarters at (925) 867-3474, e-mail at info@wilsonforassembly.com, or sign up on the website. The 15th Assembly District includes Alamo, Brentwood, Danville, Livermore, Oakley, San Ramon, Walnut Creek and a portion of Pleasanton. The district also includes Sacramento Delta communities, Galt and portions of Stockton and Elk Grove.

AB-624 to require foundations to collect race and gender data

admin — Wed, 21 May 2008 21:35:27 +0000

Liz Callahan, Executive Director of The CBO Center, has sent out an all point bulletin to the Non-Profit community to inform them about pending legislation of import. AB 624 would require private, corporate or public operating foundations with assets over $250 million to collect race and gender data related to their governance structures and staffing, and to the governance structures and staffing of their domestic grantees.

This bill is under consideration in the Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee. It’s been held over until the end of May so that negotiations between foundations and the bill’s author can continue. This bill will have an impact on nonprofit organizations receiving foundation grants.

You are encouraged to review the analysis of the proposed legislation and to weigh in with your legislators. Senator Ellen Corbett (D-10) sits on the committee. If your nonprofit is headquartered in Senator Corbett’s district, we urge you to contact her and let your voices be heard.

CCRA gives nod to Rao in straw poll for Republican AD-15 nomination

admin — Thu, 15 May 2008 04:46:39 +0000

The Contra Costa Republican Assembly, the Conservative Voice of the Republican Party, Wednesday night held a straw poll for that party’s nomination for the Assembly District-15 race on June 3. Both Rao and San Ramon Councilmember, Abram Wilson, appealed to the members in attendance, on the basis of their conservative principals and experience. Livermore businessman, Robert Rao, won the straw poll of those in attendance.

Similar conservative bona fides aside, Rao emphasized his business acumen, while Wilson stressed his public record as councilmember and mayor of San Ramon. The endorsement required a two-thirds vote. After the result was announced the group expressed its sincere thanks and best wishes for Wilson.

Scott Kamena and Judy Lloyd, also running for the Republican nomination, did not attend.