YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
Vol. 17, No. 30
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Tunnels opponents set to file suit by Ruth Roberts Staff Writer
The Save the California Delta Alliance (STCDA) has announced plans to block the California Department of Water Resources’ (CDWR) latest move to push forward with Gov. Jerry Brown’s twin-tunnels project. On July 21, a Notice of Determination, which certifies the environmental impact report (EIR), was released by the CDWR, signaling the department’s intent to proceed with the tunnels plan. According to Michael Brodsky, attorney for the STCDA, the group plans to file litigation in objection to the final EIR’s certification.
Photo by Richard Wisdom
Members of the Save the California Delta Alliance from Discovery Bay attend a recent rally in Sacramento to protest the Delta tunnels project. “We have 30 days to file our suit challenging the EIR and 60 days to file our suit challenging
the financing plan for the tunnels,” said Brodsky. The tunnels project, also
known as California WaterFix, proposes two tunnels, each 40 feet in diameter, be buried 150 feet below the Delta’s islands and sloughs. The tunnels would draw water from the Sacramento River near Hood (about 20 miles south of Sacramento) and deliver the water to canals near Tracy, which carry Delta water south to the central valley farms and Southern California cities. The WaterFix project claims the plan’s goal is to bolster regional self-sufficiency in water supplies, reduce reliance on the Delta, recover native fish populations and bring reliability, restoration and resilience to California’s water supply. But opponents of the project
by Kyle Szymanski The already fragile lives of the residents of Oakley’s Oak Place Senior Villas could become even more precarious when rent hikes take effect this September. “I can’t afford it,” said resident Angelina Sanchez, whose rent will jump from $834 to $930 a month. “I am going to be on the streets.” Citing an increase in administrative and maintenance costs, Domus Management tacked notices on residents’ doors in late June, notifying them of the mandatory increases. For many, the monthly rise of rent, which will include hikes of $85, $125, $165, $265 and $309, is more than they can bear. “For me and my wife, that is going to leave us $100 a month to pay our bills and eat,” said Jesus Sanchez, whose rent will surge $130 a month to $830. The owners of the property, the nonprofit Corporation for Better Housing, did not return requests for comment, but property management indicated the residents’ complaints will be forwarded to corporate managers. The facility is a low-income housing, taxcredit project, with federal tax law guiding rent
Residents of Oakley’s Oak Place Senior Villas, including Richard Lawhorn (center), are in an uproar over a September rent hike and lingering maintenance issues at the facility. Photo by Tony Kukulich
limits based on U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) income limits for the county, said Mark Stivers, executive director of the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee (TCAC). The TCAC administers the federal and state low-income housing tax credit programs. “The TCAC revises the rent limits annual-
ly based on new HUD data,” Stivers said. “The TCAC does not set actual rents at any property. The property owner may charge any rent he or she chooses up to the TCAC rent limit.” Maximum TCAC rent limits for Contra Costa County vary widely – from $548 a
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Healthy, Fit And Beautiful
Check out this week’s special section to get moving toward health and fitness. Page 1B
Celebrating Love At Cap’s
see Tunnels page 26A
Apartment residents decry rent increase, lingering maintenance issues Staff Writer
July 28, 2017
see Residents page 26A
Cool Cars
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The Goodguys 31st West Coast Nationals will feature more than 3,000 hot rods.
Couple celebrates 54th anniversary where they held their wedding reception. Page 4A
It’s All In The Family
A trio of local brothers recently qualified in a number of track and field competitions. Page 17A Calendar.............................27A Classifieds..........................22A Cop Logs.............................25A Entertainment.................... 9A Food....................................... 8A Milestones.........................13A Opinion...............................16A Pets......................................15A Sports..................................17A
Road Closures
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Public works closes Canal Road and Alves Lane at the Contra Costa Canal bridge.