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Fall BACK Vol. 18, No. 44
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WaterFix debate continues by Tony Kukulich Staff Writer
Photo by Tony Kukulich
Delta Stewardship Council (DSC) Chair Randy Fiorini listens to public comments during a hearing in West Sacramento, Friday Oct. 27. The hearing will determine if the California WaterFix Project is consistent with the Delta Plan, a step required before construction of the tunnels can begin. The DSC will issue its ruling on the request in December.
Last week opponents and proponents of the California WaterFix Project squared off against one another again, this time during three days of hearings and public comments as the Delta Stewardship Council (DSC) attempted to determine if WaterFix, aka the Delta tunnels project, is consistent with the Delta Plan. By the end of the hearings, WaterFix opponents delineated a number of perceived shortcomings in the plan while proponents argued that it’s based on proven science and economics and is necessary to secure reliable water for a significant portion of the state’s population. Required by the 2009 Delta Reform Act, the Delta Plan is a comprehensive, long-term management plan for the Delta
adopted by the DSC in 2013. It contains 14 regulatory policies that are legally enforceable through the Delta Reform Act that requires state and local agencies be consistent with the Delta Plan. At the heart of the plan is a requirement that the Delta be managed for the co-equal goals of providing a more reliable water supply for California while protecting, restoring and enhancing the Delta ecosystem. These goals must, according to the plan, be achieved in a manner that protects and enhances the unique cultural, recreational, natural resource and agricultural values of the Delta as an evolving place. For WaterFix to continue down the path toward breaking ground, DSC needs to certify that the project is consistent with the Delta Plan. see WaterFix page 22A
Cities support funds for homeless by Kyle Szymanski Staff Writer
The cities of Brentwood and Oakley recently put their support behind Contra Costa County’s attempts to secure grant funding to assist the area’s homeless but stopped short of declaring homeless crises in their own jurisdictions. County officials had asked all 19 incorporated Contra Costa County cities to adopt a formal resolution declaring a homeless crisis in their municipalities to show support for and receive a portion of the county’s estimated $7,196,770, expected to be handed down by the state through its Homeless Emergency Aid Program. The Oakley City Council adopted a resolution with amended language to acknowledge that
a countywide crisis exists but without specifically mentioning Oakley. Brentwood decided not to adopt a resolution, instead opting to sign a letter of support for the county and any cities seeking funds. Brentwood’s decision came in part as one 2017 homeless count revealed only four in the city. “To list that as a shelter crisis just doesn’t seem right,” said Brentwood City Councilmember Karen Rarey. “We are not going to be applying for those funds.” Oakley officials, estimating the city’s homeless population at between 16 and 20 expressed similar concerns but didn’t want to exclude residents from any help the funds may provide. County officials say the money may be used for adult and
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youth services, rental assistance or subsidies, capital improvements to current infrastructure or to develop additional infrastructure. “I think it’s important to not have our people in Oakley miss out on an opportunity, to maybe not lose their home by getting some sort of assistance,” said City Councilmember Sue Higgins. It’s expected that the county’s Continuum of Care – an agency that gathers and analyzes data to better understand the conditions of those experiencing homelessness and identify the best means for providing programs – will receive the estimated $7,196,770 from the state, later allocating funds to cities requesting assistance. East County is expected to receive about $2.9 million. East County cities to adopt
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the requested resolution include Pittsburg and Antioch. The Contra Costa Board of Supervisors is expected to adopt the resolution to account for unincorporated areas on Nov. 6. Lavonna Martin, the county’s director of health, housing and homeless services, was discouraged by Brentwood’s action, noting that cities approving the resolutions showcase the county’s unified mission to support the homeless. She added all 696 beds available to homeless were filled during one homeless count in 2018, leaving an estimated 1,300 others on the street countywide. “The letter of support is great, and I am sure the City of Antioch and other communities as well as the Continuum of Care see Homeless page 22A
BART Updates
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BART is moving ahead with plans to 800 new parking spaces Antioch station.
November 2, 2018
I’m Just Here For The Pie
Residents compete for bragging rights at Hot Rods 4 Paws’ pieeating contest. Page 8A
Planting The Next Chapter
Geraldine Stanton of Flowers by Gerry retires after 45 years as East County’s florist. Page 4A
Bowl Game Blowout
Liberty takes down Heritage 49-0 in annual Brentwood Bowl football game. Page 1B Calendar..............................11B Classifieds.............................5B Cop Logs................................9B Entertainment.................... 9A Food..................................... 10A Health & Beauty................10B Milestones......................... 21A Opinion............................... 17A Pets...................................... 19A Sports.....................................1B
Tri-Delta Hiring
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First Transit is accepting applications to become a Tri-Delta Transit bus driver.