Volume 12
Issue32
Bass Festival Heating Up This year’s Bass Festival is shaping up and heating up. Though planning goes on for most of the year, it is these last few weeks when things really start to hum. Our committee is all volunteers from the community, many from Trilogy. The group out there is highly experienced and is willing to take on projects, which we all have to appreciate. Barbara Lee has taken the lead on lining up vendors for food, crafts and special interests. She spends many weekends roaming through other local festivals to get ideas and names of vendors who might come. This weekend she’s at the Tomato Festival, before that it was the Asparagus Festival, the Pear Festival... you get the idea. Al McKenzie, the friendly guy at Lira’s checkstand, offered to organize the Kids Fishing Tank, a new event this year for kids 12 and under. The Montezuma Fire Dept. will build the big tank, but he’s still looking for trout. Know of a source? He’s lining up poles, and volunteers – talk to Al. Also for kids, is the new Street Painting event is on. The Rio Vista Hotel will once again be open for business on Bass Festival weekend. Rio Vista Community Services (formerly Rio Vista Ministries) will hold a “Catch of the Day� rummage sale. Watch for signs on the windows at the hotel, coming soon. If you have items you can donate to this event, call 374-5706 – they will pick up too. We are still looking for someone to chair a Battle of the Beans to be held on Saturday following the Pancake Breakfast. This is a bean tasting with people’s choice awards. If you know of someone who can help to organize this, please call Mary Peinado at the Chamber of Commerce office 374-2700. There is much more!
(925) 550-7811
riovistabeacon@gmail.com
August 18, 2010
for example), a downturn in the economy, or a natural disaster (e.g., a severe flood) that severely impact the current budget, leaving a deficit that must be met. In our situation, we have made up the difference through sales of property, but this is not a long-term solution. We currently have $544,542 in this reserve, which amounts to slightly over one month’s expenses. The amount in this reserve account is approximately down over $300,000 since 2004. Bank Balances 2. Innovation Reserve: The purpose is to fund innovations that result in enAt the last City Council meeting, a hanced services, cost savings, and/or resident asked about the categories enhanced revenue opportunities. The for the General Fund reserves. It is an excellent question, and I would like to amount in this fund is $10,000. 3. Replacement Reserve: Provides explain the categories, what they are for, and why we have them. First, most funds for the anticipated replacement of capital equipment (such as comcities, counties and special districts puters) costing over $5,000. There is have reserve funds. These are funds placed aside for use in emergencies or $50,000 in this account. 4. Compensated Absence Reserve: for special upcoming projects. Some Funds the City’s liability to pay ementities put aside and keep a certain ployees for unused vacation benefits percentage of their general fund for upon termination. The current amount use during an emergency or, as in the current situation, economic downturn. in this account is $102,000. Funds in these reserve accounts canSome set a goal to have anywhere not be used without City Council apfrom 6 months to 1 year of operating proval. expenses available. Cities that have Sister’s City Association these funds are somewhat insulated It is again time for the students from during this extreme recession we are our Sister City of Tobishima, Japan going through. The city of Rio Vista to visit for a weekend. They will be would require $2.184 million in reserves to have 6 months operating ex- arriving at City Hall at 10 AM, Friday, penses (our General Fund expenditure August 20 for a home stay with our budget is $4.3 million, and this is down middle school students. This is always an exciting time for the Japanese stusignificantly from prior years). Rio Vista has four categories of Gener- dents and adults, and for our families, who are honored to have the students al Fund reserves: Uncertainty, Innovastay with them. I hope many of our tion, Replacement, and Compensated residents can come to City Hall on FriAbsences Reserves. Following is a brief description of these reserves and day, August 20 at 10 AM to show a real Rio Vista Welcome! the current amount in them. 1. Economic Uncertainty Reserve: This is an amount set aside to protect the General Fund against unpredictable DE TAI fluctuations in major revenues. These LS may be the result of state government INS IDE actions (the raid on our property tax,
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Rambling Around Rio RIO VISTA WOMEN’S IMPROVEMENT CLUB This year begins with a trip out on the Delta Loop for lunch at the Lighthouse Restaurant, 151 Brannan Island Road. When: Tuesday, Sept 7. Time: Noon to 2 pm. Remember lunch is $10. A choice of chicken or tuna salad sandwich, or Lighthouse Burger is on the menu with coffee, tea or soda to drink. Dessert will also be served. Any woman interested in finding out more about Women’s Improvement Club, can call Renee Tingey, President, 374-2455. Our first meeting of this year will be passing the budget, choosing to help on one of the committees and having fun! Come join us for a fun day out on the Delta. FARMER’S MARKET @ DELTA CLUB AT TRILOGY IN RIO VISTA. Open to the Public 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month Time: 10:00 AM - 03:00 PM THE RIO VISTA MUSEUM is displaying new exhibits every Saturday and Sunday from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. The museum is located at 16 N. Front Street in Rio Vista The R.V.H.S. CLASS OF 2010 GRADUATION COMMITTEE announces that the Senior Slide Show DVD is complete and ready for distribution. 2010 graduates can pick-up their free personal copy by calling Al Eaton at (707) 374-6618. THE AMERICAN FIELD SERVICE (AFS) will again be hosting students from foreign countries who will live in Rio Vista and attend school here. If you would like to learn more about becoming a host family during the next school year, contact Cliff or Natalie Crew at (707) 374-2563. RIO VISTA LINE DANCING meets every Thursday at Raul’s Striper Café, 210 Main Street in Rio Vista beginning at 6:30 p.m. Call (707) 374-6703 or (707) 374-4861 for details and additional information.
Letters to the Editor Dear Editor, I am an interested citizen and relative newcomer to the area. Your newspaper has some provocative articles and entertains a myriad of views. I have enjoyed folks discussing political issues and rendering opinions on many subjects. There does seem to be one, selfappointed expert on ALL things and “keeper of the truth”. His name is Al Eaton. To the best of my knowledge I don’t know Al, but he seems to be of a “liberal” nature in that he would rather attack another person rather than their opinion and he professes to have a corner on truth when his statements are his own opinion. Example: He tried to be sarcastic in his attack on Jeffrey Kennan and used a number of propaganda clichés to demonize Mr. Kennan’s essay, calling it “incoherent” and suggesting that Mr. Kennan is “off his medi-
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cation”. This humorless and malicious approach is all too typical of those who debate from an indefensible position and say more about the character of the writer than it adds support to their view. Example II: Al was one of several that submitted a scathing attack on the School District Superintendent, Mr. Hennes. The allegation is that, evidently the District chose to “get rid” of a long-tenured and “respected” teacher that, obviously, is a favorite of Mr. Eaton’s. Whether it’s his business or not, Mr. Eaton leveled some accusations at the Superintendent that were demeaning and, in my opinion, low class jabs. I have met the Superintendent, and he certainly does not deserve this trashing. I’m not certain how this Community functions, but it appears to me that private conversations and other venues to make a point in this case would be far more appropriate and valuable than a frontal attack in the newspaper. What kind of a message does this send to the student body? Is Mr. Eaton the decider of all things? I would hope not. Example III: Even though the paper left off his “authorship”, the acid-tongued, vitriolic harangue against William Garvin could only be attributed to Mr. Eaton. His “style” was all over it, calling Fox News, “the Jerry Springer of elite journalism” and “not surprised at Mr. Garvin’s journalistic love affair”. Again, he is attacking Mr. Garvin for having a different opinion. If this wasn’t so
very typical of left wing politicos, such as Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid, et al., it might serve as some light-hearted chuckle. It is not. I am suggesting that if Mr. Al Eaton wants to gather “ears to hear” and “minds to bend”, he might choose to deal with issues in an intelligent and proper manner and not attempt to publicly ridicule those with whom he has a disagreement. It only serves to diminish both character and credibility. Respectfully, David Ammerman Dear Editor: I thought I’d respond to the anonymous (sic) commenter who thinks I’m blindly in love with Sarah Palin. Experience has shown me that the only happily married woman you should be in love with is your own wife. Since my name is not Todd Palin, I guess I’ll just stay in love with my beautiful wife right here in little old Rio Vista. I will say, however, I’d rather be blindly in love than in the blind rage that most PDS (Palin Derangement Syndrome) sufferers experience. Like most of those on the JournoList, they chorus the same regurgitated and choreographed malevolence that started on day one.
“She’s a quitter.” As if she didn’t have a right to protect her family from bankruptcy. If you’d really like to know how her financial failure was being orchestrated, check out the links between Andree McLeod, Anchorage Daily News, the Perkins Coie law firm, the Democrat National Committee and the Obama Administration. Or maybe you don’t think women should be the primary breadwinner in a family, is that it? And what’s with the”bad mother” motif? You left out the “Trig is not her baby” smear which is supposed to be chanted simultaneously. Her adult son enlisted in the Army and has served a tour in Iraq. Her adult daughter is living on her own, going to college and working. Her two youngest traveled with her on the book tour. Her middle daughter is still in high school and was quite capably cared for by her father while she was on tour. Maybe you think that men aren’t capable of being “Mr. Mom”? How traditional. The shrinks would have a field day with that one. Maybe I can drag you kicking and screaming all the way into the twentieth century. If there’s a Jerry Springer wannabe in “elite Continued On Pg.4
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journalism”, I’d suggest you check out Ed Schultz, Keith Olberman, and Rachel Maddow. If you do, you’ll double their viewing audience at MessNBC. Inquiring minds would also like to know, exactly what are “winkled noses”? There is hope. Admit you have a problem. Seek professional help. Give up the hating. Just forget about that irrelevant, quitter, uneducated, bad mom, money making, folksy Momma Grizzly from Wasilly and go out and have yourself a really good day! SINCERELY! William L. Garvin Dear Editor I went to the WWEF meeting last week for the first time. This is a volunteer citizens group appointed by the City Council to monitor the water and waste water rate revenue and expenses. Most of the group were also on the CCWW; which had a hand in setting the rate structure (to support the City Manager’s figures). They even had to sign an oath of allegiance. I really feel sorry for these people; they are trying to do a good job, but are hampered by misinformation and missing data. They must feel like mushrooms; kept in the dark and fed crap! If they are an oversight committee, they should be informed about all projects in the works from the beginning; not after the fact. The St. Francis project is a case in point. The committee didn’t know about the project until the city was about to award the contract. They also found out at last week’s meeting that the City does not have all the money in the fund to pay for the project. One of the members, whose job is to audit the funds, found about $800,000 missing. The City Manager explained that he had loaned the Redevelopment Agency about $660,000 for Airport improvements. The City Manager says he does this all the time. These funds are restricted to water and sewer ex-
penses only. This practice has to stop. The City Manager doesn’t have the authority to switch funds around at his pleasure. Rate Payer funds to pay improvements at the Airport? Now, the water fund does not have the funds to pay for this project. A few of the members wanted input from the beginning and feel that this project is putting the cart before the horse. I agree. The City should CCTV the lines first so they know where the trouble spots are. This project should be put on hold NOW. You can’t fix the system until you know what is wrong with it. We have wells to filter, actual waterlines leaking, and equipment to purchase. These should be done before a one million dollar project is undertaken without funds to pay for it. The City Manager says he will simply transfer funds from another fund to make up the difference. It is no wonder that he is bragging that the Airport is now in the black, he did it with your money! One more issue and I will close. It turns out that the chairman of the committee is not a Rio Vista resident and does not vote here. What the Heck is he doing running an Oversight Committee when he doesn’t live here? He should step down immediately Steve Lamb THE WATER METER ISSUE Dear Readers, In response to the article on Arsenic Benzene and Water Meters that appeared in last weeks RHN. I would like to clarify some points made on the Water Meter Issue. In compliance with California law, all private residences built after 1992 are required to have water meters installed in the initial construction. The meters were not required to be read until April of this year. The water rates are currently charged on a flat rate basis. This of course is unfair that a family with a swimming pool is charged
the same rate as a single person living in a mobile home. As of April of 2010 the law required that all homes equipped with meters must be read for one year and the residents billed for water usage starting in April 2011. The reason for a 12 month dummy run is twofold: To determine the usage and develop a data base to compute the cost charged to the residents and To give the homeowners the opportunity to monitor, optimize and fix any leaks or wastage. As I was quoted in the article, “Voluntary conservation isn’t working” however when it hits the wallet, “The heart and the mind will follow” All meters installed in the City before 2009 are (old technology) analog meters manufactured by Sensus/Rockwell Corporation. They are installed in a box covered by a concrete lid and are easily accessible within a foot of the of the pavement or sidewalk. In order to read the meters it is necessary to remove the 20# concrete lid and manually note the 6 digit recording odometer on the dial. The readings are then manually entered into a database in City Hall. This has several disadvantages. It is time consuming requiring about one minute / meter. (My repeated requests for actual average times have been ignored) Subject to misreads by number transposition etc Potentially hazardous due to possibility of poisonous insects lurking in the box.. Currently the City is reading these analog meters to presumably develop a database to compute the future water rates. However if misreads occur these may go undetected and a flawed database will be generated resulting in an incorrect rate structure. Residents will note that the City has changed the billing format to report the water usage. However the reading reported in the last two billing statements is 0 (zero) usage. This is because the City has not yet entered the
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data collected since April or May.! This is not a good start to the program. According to a comment in Al Eaton’s recent column the cost of mailing this non informational report is $6000? month. It was reported in the article that Mayor Vick stated “Water education is an ongoing effort” correct, but what has he City done. Does Mayor Vick consider that the half page inclusion into the last bill an ongoing effort?. In the early 1970s I was a project engineer at Neptune Company and when the former CCWW was developing the new proposed direction for the City’s future I was asked to research the “Water Meter Issue”. After many many hours of investigation including discussions with several other municipalities which I shared both with the CCWW and the City Council/Administration, my recommendation that the meters be upgraded with a Sensus Touch Read system with almost 300,000 currently in use by over twenty municipalities within 100 miles of Rio Vista. This entails removing the analog portion of the meter and replacing it with an encoder which sends a signal to a sensor installed in the lid of the meter box. In order to read the meter it is necessary only to touch the mushroom shaped sensor on the meter box lid with a wand. This automatically uploads the information into a a small computer (with a 10,000 read storage capability) attached to the readers belt. At an appropriate time the computer is docked and read seamlessly into the computer at City Hall. This information generates initially an accurate database and later the water bill. I was able to simulate 208 reads/ hour in Trilogy by walking past each meter and touching the lid with a walking cane. If a golf cart was used the reads could easily exceed 300/ hour or complete Trilogy in one day. The cost to upgrade the present system has been quoted by the distributer as less than $80/ meter installed. The total cost to convert approximately 2000 meters including
necessary hardware / software would be less than $200,000. The Council/ City Manager however as reported in the article has decided to go a step further and convert existing meters to allow the meters to be read by driving past the the meter without making contact with the box. This would be achieved by using a Radio Frequency transmitter upgrade to the existing meter.I am totally against this approach for the following reasons. The meters in Rio Vista are in close proximity with each other, and the advantage gained by drive by /RF system Vs using a golf cart /TR system are not cost effective. Upgrading equipment with a competitors third party after market product is asking for problems, the cost of which will no doubt passed on to us. An example can be found in the testimony of K R Mason PE on Website ripuc.org on problems encountered (this refers to Neptune meters) The proposed ORION system is manufactured under license by Escatech in Malaysia for Badger Meter Corporation and is projected to cost the City over $1,000,000 Would this jeopardize our chances of obtaining grant money by contravening the “Buy American Requirement” I wonder? Mayor Vick was quoted that as stating that “ Touch Read is fine but we would have to upgrade in 10 years. If she is quoted accurately this is complete nonsense. The return on investment (ROI) diminishes drastically when the meters are close together. I doubt that in 10 years Rio Vista will become a sprawling metropolis. With constant changes in electronic technology this thinking makes as much sense investing in a plasma TV in anticipation that there will be no advances the market in the future. DOES OUR CITY GOVERNMENT NOT GET IT WE’RE BROKE! I would like to relate a chance meeting recently with a City employee who I engaged in a conversation on this subject. This person was in favor of the drive by system because it
provided protection from the elements in the heat of summer and the rain in winter. Finally when pressed I was given the answer that Hector had made up his mind some time ago based on experience at a previous municipality. This reminds me of the decision to invade Iraq “I have decided!, now make the facts fit”. For obvious reasons I will not divulge the source of this information. It is time that in view of this and many other previous decisions and the lack of cooperation from City Hall that a major change is required in our City Administration if Rio Vista is to remain solvent. The disarming smile is worn out. Having exposed the negatives of this fiscally irresponsible decision I would like to offer a positive approach to the solution. Upgrade the existing meters using the existing manufacturers Touch Read equipment at a cost of about $80/unit. Replace any defective analog meters with a TR meter at a cost of $135/meter plus installation (less than $50). Negotiate the return of any analog meters still under warranty. Hire and train part time employees preferably with a golf cart to touch the mushroom sensor on the lid of each box marked “WATER” with the magic wand and return the equipment to City hall at the end of each day. Determine a cost / meter read and advertise for a part time position with no benefits (approximately 2-3 days / month initially). Notify the public both by letter, City Website and the news media of the legal requirements and benefits of a metered water system Develop a comprehensive list of water saving opportunities include it in the bill and publish it on the City’s Website. For the record I have communicated all of this information to the City Government over the last couple of years but as expected it has been ignored. I would add the disclaimer that I do not own a golf cart and I have no connection either past or present in any way with Sensus or any other meter manuContinued On Pg.5
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facturing or distribution company except Neptune Meter where I was employed about 40 years ago. Bernard Durman Dear Editor: Because emotions run high and our political system is so polarized it is crucial to objectively look at recent immigration history. Twelve million illegal immigrants did not walk across our borders during the last 20 months. They have been coming from all over the world during the last 20 years through many avenues and 45% were originally here legally but now have expired visas. During the Bush administration 18,000 border agents were hired, 12.3 billion dollars was spent, an ineffective billion dollar fence was built, and a system called Everify was implemented that insured citizenship of employees hired by federal contractors. It is inaccurate to state that the government has not been enforcing immigration laws because President Obama has indeed continued with the enforcement of the federal laws already in place at a cost of 17 billion dollars. Each month approximately 30,000 people are in detention centers awaiting deportation. Approximately 310,000 people have already been deported. Over 600 U.S. companies will face charges for hiring illegals. The National Guard has been sent to the border to help stop the violence. Most definitely criminals must be brought to justice. When the economy was good American businesses benefited from the cheap labor and therefore we all enjoyed the lower costs on many items. Now that we are in a recession the easiest target for our frustration are the illegal immigrants. Absolutely they do take jobs away but
not from the groups that you often think of. Many American citizens from a variety of cultural backgrounds are found in low paying jobs in agriculture, food processing plants, and in the service and construction industry. These citizens are the ones who have lost out, not white collar management or blue collar factory workers. Those workers lost their jobs to outsourcing by corporate America. After the infamous Bush tax cuts, these businesses not only stripped our economy of billions of dollars but then shipped their businesses overseas for even more profit (over 700 companies). Euphemistically these overseas sites are called the “emerging markets.” The very politicians who outsourced our jobs are now calling us lazy and non-deserving. These politicians are fighting vigorously to keep those tax breaks for the top 2% because that is who has been financing their election campaigns. The American public is being held hostage by these corporations. These companies have plenty of money to expand and hire people, but they are holding out for the big tax breaks and to keep the unemployment rate high in order to get those politicians who are beholding to them elected to office. Don’t believe for a minute that they are nervous and unsure of how much it will cost them if the tax cuts expire. They certainly can figure how much 4% more in taxes is using a $5 calculator made in China. The unconstitutional Arizona law should be non-issue because the rights of American citizens will be violated while trying to carry out the law. In addition it is the Federal government that sets immigration policy and the backers of the law know that. The opposing party created this timely controversy to distract Americans from the real
job stealing culprits and to use it as a political tool. If they had really cared about immigration they would have done something years ago. If they cared about deficits they would have protested the unfunded wars and tax cuts for the wealthy. If they really believe in the Constitution they wouldn’t be trying to change it, which by the way is extremely difficult to do. So if someone is promising that to you, you are being conned. I will vote in November for those who have voted “yes” for America not the politicians who have voted “no” against us over and over again. Finally our tax dollars are being spent on working class Americans who are in need. Doris Noriega Dear Editor The Gulf of Mexico isn’t the only place where gross negligence and a failure to address the problem are apparent. For two decades, Larry Wright has been the agricultural instructor and adviser for Future Farmers of America at Rio Vista High School. During that time he has built up the department into something worth inheriting for whoever will next take up the position. Sadly, a cordial inheritance is not what looks to be in order; rather, a messy supplantation is taking place, one that aims to continue a trend of crooked shortcuts and unsupportive administrative decisions rendered by River Delta Unified School District. Since the beginning, Mr. Wright has sought to provide his students a more holistic approach to learning through demonstrative activities (among them being student-run enterprises), and the selection and care of breeding animals and livestock. These textual and hands-on lessons both are aimed at nurturing leadership development in self-management, decision making, and problem solving skills. Taking a course in
Mr. Wright’s classroom is a broader exercise in making better people – i.e. improving citizenship. I should know, having learned in that setting and worked alongside him as a fellow staff member both. And as his son, I am also keenly aware of how much time he spent away from home each working day (and often at other times), sacrificing family time to ensure that the Ag./ FFA program and the students he mentored were served by someone who didn’t merely show up, but cared about what he did. And yet, what the Ag. program at RVHS lacked could always be drawn to whatever Mr. Wright lacked in support of the program he championed. Regarding student-run enterprises, notably the eternally nascent RioGro fertilizer business started at RVHS in the late 90s (for which I was a charter member), it was not a lack of student enthusiasm or Mr. Wright’s initiative that caused the venture to stall-out, but rather gradually waning support from outside the program (including, but not limited to, volunteering professionals who grew tired of their unglamorous involvement). Furthermore, Mr. Wright has never been fortunate enough to teach Ag. Classes with a fully dedicated school farm or green house to operate from. Imagine teaching a Chemistry class without chemicals, or gym class without a gym. It’s no doubt difficult to inspire confidence in a program that lacks the proper facilities, and while he has attempted in the past to secure the necessary on-campus facilities, those efforts too often fell on deaf ears. Still, he has managed to run a responsible and respected program. Despite these setbacks and undeserved restraints, Mr. Wright perseveres. Fast forward to today. A new school year is set to begin, and Mr. Wright, a veteran teacher of
Rio Vista Women’s Improvement Club
over 35 years experience, who turns 64 years young this November, draws that much closer to retirement. And now for reasons spurious at best, illusory at worst, he has been reassigned in his teaching duties (or demoted, as it were) and stripped of his FFA advisership. Does this seem the way a company or school board should handle their senior employees? By comparison, BP recently reassigned CEO Tony Hayward in light of his role in the forefront of the oil disaster ongoing in the Gulf. From what I understand he’ll be receiving a healthy pension as a result – quite a handsome outcome for someone who actually presided over a complete and utter failure. Is Mr. Wright’s reassignment an issue over money? If so, why does the superintendent, Mr. Hennes, earn well over $20,000 more than the state average when teachers at RVHS earn anywhere from $3,000$5,000 less on average (per annum; public disclosure as listed on School Accountability Reports accessed from http://www.riverdelta. org/ page144.html). Is sudden, baseless reassignment how RVHS teachers in their professional twilight years are to be treated from now on? (Ironically, even Tony Hayward is treated better.) I hope this is not the case, and pray that the matter will find a resolution of mutual benefit, or at least reasonable sanity. Lance Wright Dear Editor, The City Council Agenda for the Meeting this Thursday, August 19, 2010 lists item #6 to award a contract to the apparent low bidder for the waterline installation on St. Francis Way. Even though the Oversight Committee (WWEF) has found that the fund for this CIP project is missing $800,000 and has recommended putting this project on hold, the City Manager contin-
ues to press forward. There is only $400,000 in the CIP fund. The apparent low bid with a 10% Contingency totals $738,000; which is $338,000 short just for the construction. Other costs such as project management, administration, and other fees that the City Manager and City Engineer will add are around another $400,000. The City Council needs to reject this bid and put a hold on this project now. The City Engineer’s Estimate was about $950,000 for this part of the project. There were 4 bids in this range, three in the $800,000 range, four in the $700,000 range and only two in the $600,000 range. I seriously doubt that this low bid is viable and will trouble the City with change orders, extra work, and found work that wasn’t included. I have not analyzed the bids, but the range of the bids as compared with the Engineer’s Estimate is just too wide. The WWEF feels that this project is putting the cart in front of the horse. I agree. The CCTV work should be done first. The system should be completely analyzed first before this pipeline is installed. The wells need arsenic filters, etc. which is being studied now and funds need to be available to pay for this work. The City Engineer wants to provide a project manager at an additional $50,000 plus for an employee that already is on contract with the city for $95,000 a year. This is not needed. The contract employee can supervise this project with about two visits a day to keep an eye on things during or in between his other duties. We do not need to pay twice for his services. There are just too many problems with this project to go forward. Steve Lamb
BASS DERBY OCT 8, 9,10
This year begins with a trip out on the Delta Loop for lunch at the Lighthouse Restaurant, 151 Brannan Island Road. When: Tuesday, Sept 7. Time: Noon to 2 pm. Remember lunch is $10. A choice of chicken or tuna salad sandwich, or Lighthouse Burger is on the menu with coffee, tea or soda to drink. Dessert will also be served. Any woman interested in finding out more about Women’s Improvement Club, can call Renee Tingey, President, 374-2455. Our first meeting of this year will be passing the budget, choosing to help on one of the committees and having fun! Come join us for a fun day out on the Delta.
Rio Vista Muffler Hitch & Welding Auto Repair \ Oil Changes \ Brakes \ Alignments Tires \ Custom Exhaust \ Hitches \ Wiring Brake Controllers \ Trailer Repair \ RVs
We Service All Makes And Models Bob & Dana Lapp – Owners 1105-D Airport Road
707-374-2484
TECHNICIANS
Fax 707-374-5939
In Home Computer Support Private instruction. Email Surf the Web Computer Basics. New Computer set-up Software installation Anti virus and spy-ware installation Basic Adobe Photo Elements training.
Call Pat at 707 624 6497 Or Email pcwins@yahoo.com
ClickBridge Consulting Rio Vista, CA.
Serving Rio Vista and the Delta For over 33 years
Troubled Waters BBridgeby:Over Pastor Ella Ray Toscano
DRE#01878232
Michele Bowers Realtor Associate (707)374-6683 office (209)993-2755 cell 111 Sacramento St. michele@mcgaheyrealestate.com www.mcgaheyrealestate.com
Cairo’s
Handyman Services
Lic. No. 0001967 landscaping Maintenance Household Handyman Custom Sheds Expert Carpentry Fencing Kitchen & Bath Repairs Gutters Cleaned & Repairs Interior Paint / Repairs Cleaning & Hauling
“Need Help Around the Home”
Installations
(707) 718 1202 Cell or (707) 374-2070 Bus E-mail: cairoraul@hotmail.com
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CONGREGATIONAL CHRISTIAN CHURCHES
First Congregational Church of Rio Vista
So often Believers make our walk in faith so complicated. The complication comes about due to trying to go before God. All of the scientific and theological definitions of the gospel dispel the faith necessary to experience the joyous good news of salvation. There are those who dissect the Bible and scrutinize every passage under a magnifying glass. This kind of approach causes a lock step legalism that destroys the joy of the Gospel. The word Gospel, means the joyous Good news of Salvation in Jesus Christ. This is the truth of the Gospel. It is not a new plan of salvation it is the plan of salvation that began in Israel and was completed in Jesus Christ. The Gospel is the Good News that all can be redeemed and restored. There are no requirements one has to fulfill in order to be forgiven, redeemed and restored. Jesus is not just a messenger of the Gospel He is the Gospel. All one needs is faith to believe and God will reveal the truth. Faith does not require a theological or scientific explanation. The Gospel is the truth that can be seen through faith…and it is so simple. The Gospel is a historical event…Jesus did live a life on earth but the Gospel requires a personal relationship with him. He is our truth and hope for life. Faith is a simple trust placed in Jesus. The Apostle Paul warned about other gospels and he reminded us that all were false that did not preach Jesus. The truth is Jesus Christ…by faith we know and experience who Jesus is. Faith is the ability to accept what we cannot prove or see. Accepting the Gospel Jesus Christ enables us to walk by faith. It does not become necessary to explain the things of God. The truth is simple and uncomplicated… Love Jesus and love one another. Seeing the truth reminds me of the story of Sherlock Holmes and Watson. They were camping one night. In the middle of the night Sherlock awoke and saw the stars. He asked Watson,” Watson what do you see?” Awakened from his sleep Watson look up and said that he saw the stars. “Yes, but what do those stars tell you?” asked Sherlock. Watson looked up and said,” Cosmologically they tell me that we are part of a great universe and we are one of billions of planets. Theologically they tell me that there is a great God who made this world. Meteorologically they tell me that the sky is clear and we’ll have good weather tomorrow. Temporally they tell me that this is the middle of the night and that we should be sleeping. …What do they tell you Sherlock?” “Well said Sherlock…. they tell me that someone has stolen our tent!” The Gospel is simple. It is the people who complicate it! Read the Book of Hebrews. In chapter 11 the writer tells of all the people of faith who have gone before us. He sets them before us as examples of faith. Most of them had a simple trust and faith. Hebrews reminds us of the superiority of Jesus Christ and the practicality of following him. It is not necessary to critique and analyze. That kind of faith causes one to end up critiquing and analyzing their brothers and sisters and Jesus said to love not critique. The bridge over troubled waters is Continued Pg.7 Jesus and it can only be walked in faith.on The bridge of faith will not tell us how, what, when, where or why. It just tells us WHO! Start with Jesus and all else makes sense.
Quick Sincere Honest Positive Caring Experienced Patient
NELKIN INSURANCE AGENCY License # 0D34624
welcomes all to celebrate Jesus 10:30 Sundays at 11 a.m. All are invited to worship services “We gather together in the Name and the Spirit of Jesus Christ”
Marina Nelkin your professional insurance agent is here for you, and all of your insurance needs. AUTO * HOME * RENTER * CONDO * LIFE * COMMERCIAL BUSINESS * MOTORCYCLE * BOAT Let’s schedule your vital policy review today! Special discounts: Good Student * Multi-Car * Auto-Home * Auto-Life * Group Discounts * Retired Special benefits: Original Parts on Auto Repairs * Uninsured/Underinsured Coverage with Umbrella Liability policy * Road Service * Higher Deductibles * Personal Injury * Identity Fraud * American Home Shield
When you do not want to travel highway 12 come and visit us. If you could use more Grandparents come and visit us. If you like the traditional hymns of the church come and visit us. If you like food and fellowship after church come and visit us.
Preferred and Higher risk Coverage Protection Available Don’t forget to ask us about VIP package! Office: 707-438-1744 Cell: 707-758-6255
Pastor Ella Ray Toscano
Don’t delay Start your protection today!
Office hours are every morning...374 2033
Hablamos Español Ǻȩ ȑȜȐȜȞȖȚ țȎ PȡȟȟȘȜȚ
230 Sacramento Street (next door to the Post Office)
2220 Boynton Ave. Ste I, Fairfield, CA 94533 Rio Vista resident Evenings/Weekends
City Treasurer’s Corner By Hale Conklin
Let’s Feed The Cow Before We Milk Her! In attending a Planning Commission meeting this past week, two rather disturbing thoughts crossed my mind. First, it seems difficult for City staff to look at a new business proposal without thinking about how we can tax it and regulate it. Second, the engine that might have been generating new business in Rio Vista, our Economic Development Teams, has sputtered to a stand-still. City staff placed on the Planning Commission’s agenda a discussion as to how the City might tax and regulate someone who rents out his home for a weekend or vacation stay. San Luis Obispo was cited as a city that has in place a number of transient taxes and rental regulations, and it was suggested that we might emulate them. However, it was then pointed out that there is a world of difference between the university-town of San Luis Obispo and Rio Vista, not the least of which is that SLO is an established and credible “destination”, and we are still on the “wannabe” list. The Planning Commission wisely shelved this discussion. We don’t seem to be asking, what business could we encourage? Instead, we zero in on existing economic activity that we fear we haven’t “tapped” sufficiently. Garage sales, home businesses, yes, vacation rentals. Regrettably, we don’t look at what we’re doing from the businessowner’s view point. We recall a Council meeting in July in which the idea of doubling all existing business licenses was presented, several local business owners asked, just what “privileges, advantages, and [city government] assistance” has the City provided us for our license fees to date? Fortunately, the City Attorney said we couldn’t consider changing the license fees until 2012, so no one needed to answer their question that evening. There are a number of ways a city can generate revenues. We seem to think first of increasing taxes (or of increasing tax rates, e.g., sales tax). But what if instead we increased sales tax revenue by increasing local retail sales? That is, we could attract new businesses and stimulate the expansion of existing ones. Their taxable sales go up; our sales tax revenues go up! Win-win. Likewise, we could increase business license revenue by in-
Delta Pharmacy & Gifts Filling all of your pharmaceutical needs and so much more. No need to travel out of town for that unique gift for a special someone. Stop by today and see our wide selection of gift items that are perfect for any holiday. We feature a staff that places customer service at the top of the list. We’ll even wrap a gift you
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creasing the number of businesses. I realize solutions like these don’t yield results immediately. But punishing business now doesn’t help at all in the long run. It’s a matter of attitude… and of a City’s ability to think, and act, more like the business that it is. Which leads me to Economic Development. Whatever happened to the five Economic Development Teams created by our Council, only one of which, the Army Base team (now merged into the Army Base Steering Committee) seems to be doing much? Why have the others gone dormant? I can only guess, but in the future I will share with you what I will have learned by talking to the Leaders and members of those quiescent groups.
ST. BRIGID’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH www.stbrigidsriovista.org P.O. Box 580, Rio Vista, CA 94571 Deacon Susan Reeve 707-374-5734, Deacon Derek Jones 707-374-5372
All who seek Christ are welcome. We meet at 218 California Street, Community outreach is a priority of this church.
Holy Eucharist Every Sunday at 10:30 a.m. with refreshments following. Evening Prayer service is 1st Tuesday at 7 p.m. (707) 374-2667
The Julie Griffin Fundraiser will be In September on Sunday the 12th from 4pm to 7pm. At The Point Restaurant We are selling dinner tickets for $10.00 per person and we are donating 100% of the dinner proceeds back to Julie and Mike. Dinner will be an Italian Buffet served from 4:00-6:30pm. We will also have a potluck dessert bar and possibly a bake sale. Many folks are donating items for the silent auction including some Nancy Tillisch jewelry and some very unique hand crafted furniture made by Julie's dad Jerry. It should be a great event.
BREAKING NEWS........................ THE RIO VISTA BEACON ONLINE ADDITION sTARTING sEPTEMBER 1ST SEPTEMBER!! Call the Rio Vista Beacon “the only direct mail newspaper in Rio Vista” to advertise or submit story information!!! 925-550-7811 or riovistabeacon@gmail.com
REVERSE MORTGAGE COMPANY TO PROVIDE FREE, EDUCATIONAL SEMINARS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS IN THE RIO VISTA COMMUNITY… With the economy currently being of great concern to many senior citizens, and as retirement funds diminish, family-owned and operated Aramco Mortgage, Inc. seeks to help alleviate the stress of fixed-income retirement. With nearly 20 years of experience, Mehran Aram, president of Aramco Mortgage, and his dedicated team of mortgage professionals, have created an invaluable tool to help guide today’s seniors. Seminars have long been an effective way for the financial industry to generate business. Yet most financial seminars are two to three hours of “hard-selling,” where the attendee is pushed, many times shamelessly, to purchase the product at hand. Today however, Aramco Mortgage has developed an educational seminar designed to clear the cloud of confusion, explain the misconceptions, and take the mystery out of Reverse Mortgages, with no pressure put on the attendee: “Demystifying Reverse Mortgages,” an hour-long interactive seminar does just that. It’s a seminar where seniors can comfortably begin to understand this financial tool, and enjoy a lovely meal, making new friends in the process. While Reverse Mortgages aren’t suited for all senior citizens, this seminar exhaustively, but not exhaustingly, delves into the intricate details of the program from a refreshingly educational standpoint. While the seminars are educational, we do still operate as a Mortgage company. The attendees to any seminar are given all the information needed to make an informed decision. Should they decide to proceed, we are more than happy to facilitate their need for a reverse mortgage as we aim to close most of these mortgages within three weeks. So don’t delay! Sign up for the next free, educational seminar today, and be treated to a delicious dinner and priceless information! AUGUST 25th, 2010 at Trilogy – Rio Vista (The Nines Restaurant) Should you have any questions, comments, or concerns, or if you or your club would like to sponsor a seminar such as this, please call Darius Aram at 760-274-7259 or email him at Darius@AramcoMortgage.com
Lucy’s Cafe
Homemade Italian Cuisine August Specials
with minimum purchase Sale items excluded 407 Main Street, Rio Vista CA 707-374-5135 Hours: Mon-Fri. 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday-Closed
The Julie Griffin Fundraiser
Sunday-
Served Sunday-Thursday 4:00-8:00 PM
Wednesday-
Kids 10 & Under Eat Free* with Purchase of Adult Entree (Dine in Only)
Chicken Cacciatore Served over Pasta & Vegetables ...$10.95
Monday-
Thursday-
Mexican Cuisine Different Every Week...$8.95
Tuesday-
Grilled Pork Chop with Scalloped Potatoes & Vegetables...$8.95
Tri Tip Dinner with Mashed Potatoes & Vegetables...$9.95
Breakfast
8 a.m. -12 p.m. Thursday - Sunday
Soup or salad $1 more, No Discounts on Specials *One Free Kids Meal with Purchase of an Adult Dinner (Sun Only)
Breakfast * Lunch * Dinner
95 Main Street, Rio Vista CA
707-374-3939
Serving Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice
NEED A “ROLL UP THE SLEEVES” “HANDS ON” “RENAISSANCE STYLE” CONTRACTOR?
STEVE WENDLING CONSTRUCTION REMODEL & REPAIRS PHONE - 707-374-6693 LICENSE #914545
LET ME WORK ON YOUR HOUSE SO I DON’T HAVE TO WORK ON MINE!
An Ounce of Prevention
You wouldn’t drive your car 50,000 miles without an oil change and a tuneup, so why have you waited five years to have your mouth examined and your teeth cleaned? At Dentistry of the Delta, our aim is to restore your mouth to a healthy state so you will look and feel your best! A healthy mouth is an important part of a healthy you, and an attractive smile is one of your keys to success!
$4.95 Friday Lunch Specials
Regular visits to your dentist will help you avoid unwanted pain and costly repairs.
So, to look better, feel better, and save money, call our office today!
Dentistry of the Delta
Served 11 - 2:00 No To-Go Orders
(707) 374-6863
139 A Bruning Avenue, Rio Vista www.dentistryofthedelta.com
Aug. 6th Calamari Strips w/ House Made Cole Slaw Foster’s “Hot Brown” Sandwich Aug. 13th Crunchy Tuna Sandwich w/ Potato Salad Hot Meatloaf Sandwich & Mashed Potatoes Aug. 20th Lunch Size Fish & Chips w/ Cole Slaw Foster’s BLT (local tomatoes!) & Cole Slaw Aug. 27th Jumbo Shrimp Tacos & Fresh Fruit Salad Salmon Cakes and small Caesar Salad
Dr. Mel Pearson
Rio Vista Auto Repair ning
Free Air Conditio Inspection
Rio Vista Sanitation Service
Foreign & Domestic Auto Repair
Complete Auto Repair Since 1967
Ask the Recycling Guy!
ENGINES • CLUTCHES • TRANSMISSIONS TUNE-UPS • OIL CHANGES MUFFLERS • BRAKES
Spring Su mmerLube L u beOil Oil&& F ilter Special Sp e cial Filter
29
$
Rio Vista Sanitation Service will take the following items in your blue recycling container:
95
V Õ`iÃÊÕ«ÊÌ ÊxʵÌÃÊi } iÊ ]Ê Êw ÌiÀ]Ê tire rotation and safety inspection
Cooling System Service
49
$
What items are recyclable?
95
Includes Flush & Fill of Antifreeze
Hours of Operation À Ên Ê Êx*
374-2796
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PAPER PRODUCTS: Boxes/Packages, Cardboard, Catalogs, Chipboard (cereal boxes, shoe boxes, etc.), Colored Paper, Construction Paper, Copy Paper, Coupons, Egg Cartons (Non-Styrofoam), Envelopes with Metal Clasps, Junk Mail, Loose Newspaper, Magazines, Manila Folders, Newspaper Inserts, Of�ice Paper, Paper Bags, Paper Packaging, Paper Towel Tubes, Shredded Paper (in plastic bags), Telephone Books, White Paper PLASTIC PRODUCTS: California Redemption Plastic #1-#7, HDPE #2, Detergent Bottles, 5-Gallon Buckets, Juice Jugs/Cartons, Milk Jugs/ Cartons, Plastic Bags, Plastic Laundry Baskets, Plastic Water Jugs, Plastic Pot Plants, Rinsed Salad Dressing Bottles, Rinsed Yogurt & Margarine Containers, Shampoo & Bleach Bottles, Soda Bottles, Soft Drink Bottles: PET #1, Toys such as Plastic Tricycles, Water Bottles. ALL CONTAINERS SHOULD BE RINSED & EMPTIED • NO LIDS ON CONTAINERS. METALS: Aluminum Cans, CLEAN Aluminum Foil, Aluminum Pie Plates CLEAN Food Cans, Pet Food Cans, Steel Cans, Tin Cans GLASS: Glass Jars & Bottles
PLEASE BE GREEN & KEEP YOUR RECYCLABLES CLEAN! For information on what is recyclable, please go to www.riovistadisposal.com