Volume 12
Issue 36
www.RioVistaBeacon.com
(925) 550-7811
riovistabeacon@gmail.com
September 15, 2010
RioVista Council Candidates For Nov 2nd Election Day
Mayor’s Corner 9-9-10 What do our Council Members (and Mayor) do? In light of our hotly contested upcoming City Council election, I thought it would be helpful to our citizens to talk about just what a Council Member does to help run the city. The City Council is the policy-making body of the city; it sets overall policy for the city, as well as certain mandated actions (e.g., approving a budget, and most contracts). The City Manager is the overall administrator responsible for the day-to-day decisions and actions. The City Council hires the City Manager and the City Attorney, and approves the hiring of the City Clerk; the City Manager is responsible for appointing all department heads, and approving staff hires. The primary responsibility of a Council Member is to carefully prepare for the two regular and one special council meeting each month. This requires several hours of careful reading and analysis of a very wide variety of issues, ranging from the major, such as water and sewer rates and the budget, but also projects such as approving a contractor to
do work to improve the city. Between are such issues as contract negotiations, fees, use of property, emergency repairs, economic development, transit, and the airport, to name a few. Questions a Council Member may have on any of these issues are answered by the City Manager with the assistance of the department heads. Each member meets weekly one-on-one with the City Manager. Over time, a Council Member will deal with issues that involve State and Federal laws, policies, procedures, and the complex world of government acronyms. City financing is very different from business financing; we must learn fund accounting at a municipal level, which is complex and it takes time to learn all the limitations, rules and laws that govern municipal budgeting. The Brown Act, which governs much of the way a City Council may conduct business, prohibits more than two members meeting at one time on any issue; we must be careful not to have “serial� meetings, where A talks to B, A talks to C, etc., and a consensus on an issue is reached outside of a pub-
On Tuesday September 7 at 6:30 pm. Candidate�s Night was held at R.V.H.S. When the candidates were all asked the question “What do you think is the most important issue facing Rio Vista?� All Candidates said�that is was the cities finances� Another talked about subject was the sewer and water rate increase. Those running are Don Roos, Fred Kogler, Steve Lamb, Bernie Durman and Connie Boulware. Great Night. More on the Candidates on the weeks to come.
lic meeting. This makes basic communication within the Council difficult, but we must learn to live within these rules. It also makes it very difficult to get on top of things and find solutions quickly, since open meetings are required; it is not possible nor desirable to call numerous special meetings. If regular meetings were not enough, the City is obligated to participate and serve on a number of regional committees and boards. Each Council Member is requested to represent the city on at least one outside board or committee as a member or as an alternate if the regular member cannot attend. The Mayors of
all 7 cities traditionally serve on boards such as the Solano Transportation Authority, the Solano County Water Agency, the City County Coordinating Council and the Mayor’s Committee. Other boards or committees with Rio Vista City Council representation include the Yolo-Solano Air Quality Management District, the Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors, the Joint Council/School District (2 X 2) Committee, and the City Investment Committee. Other organizations in which Council Members are active include the Highway 12 Association, Travis Armed Forces Committee, and the Alcohol,
Tobacco and Other Drugs (ATOD) Collaborative. A member may also choose to participate and represent the city in other outside committees where decisions are made that will impact the city. For example, as Mayor, I represent the city on the Lower Yolo Bypass Planning Forum, and the Central Valley Flood Planning Process. I also represent the cities of Solano and Contra Costa County on the Delta Protection Commission and sit on two important subcommittees, the Primary Zone Study and the Delta Economic Sustainability Plan. The results of the work of these committees can significantly impact Rio Vista. When
you are making your decision this November, it is important to remember that the City Council is responsible for wideranging decisions, for very little remuneration, and no reimbursement for expenses incurred by attending meetings all around the county and region. The job is not easy: each new Council Member will have an awesome responsibility, even for a small city, and will have a steep (and never-ending) learning curve. Think carefully to help us get the best possible new City Council members to help move us along in the next four years.
The Carnival is Coming to Town The Rio Vista Chamber of Commerce will once again bring California Carnivals to town for this year’s Bass Festival on Oct. 8th, 9th, and 10th. California Carnivals will pull intoRio Vista on Monday of Bass Festival week to start setting up their big attractions. The Rio Vista Chamber of Commerce has pre-purchased hundreds of books of tickets they are selling for half-price. A book of
tickets is normally $30.00 but from now to Oct. 7th, RV residents and all military families in the area can buy a book of tickets for $15.00. Half-price carnival tickets are available at Lira’s, Delta Pharmacy, and RV Chamber of Commerce. Tickets must be purchased before 4pm on Oct. 7th. A full book of tickets with front and back cover in tact, can be exchanged for a wristband at the carni-
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val on Friday or Saturday before 7:30pm and on Sunday until 3pm. The wristband is good for one day only. Kiddie rides will cost 3 tickets, Intermediate rides will be 4 tickets and the Zipper will be 6 tickets. The Zipper and The Hammer are only for older kids and adults. The chamber is also sponsoring DOLLAR NIGHT on Thurs. Oct. 7th, 7starting at 5PM the night before the festival. All rides will be
$1.00 - considerably less than using half-price tickets. California Carnivals prides itself on serving small communities with an opportunity for families to enjoy rides and games. They offer many rides for young children – airplanes, race cars, even a roller coaster that gives a thrilling twist. Traditional games like penny pitch, win a gold fish, pop a balloon, hit a ball. Plan ahead to enjoy the carnival
Letters to the Editor
Rambling Around Rio
LETTER TO THE EDITOR, BITS AND PIECES
THE RIO VISTA POLICE DEPARTMENT has announced their cooperation with the California Highway Patrol in enforcing a zero tolerance policy for cell phone usage while driving a vehicle. Citations will be issued and fines can run as high as $280. THE SOLANO LIBRARY LITERARY TOUR will begin on September 15th. The destination this year is 7 days in Georgia and South Carolina. The tour starts in Atlanta and will feature trips and lectures to locations that were significant in the lives of literary giants. Along the way, tourists will sample the fine cuisine of the regions. For information call: Ruth Begell at (707) 592-9415. THE DELTA DISCOVERY CRUISE will tour the WWII mothball fleet anchored near Benicia on September 18 and September. The four hour cruise is accompanied by an historian features a delicious lunch. Cost is $55.00 per person. The cruise sails between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Call (925) 252-9300 for reservations. Instruction in Art for adults will be offered at Rio Vista High School on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. beginning on September 14. The six week program which will offer two-dimensional works of painting, drawing and mixed media, will be taught by award-winning instructor, Ryan Pace. The cost of the class is $75.00 plus materials. DELTA TEA PARTY PATRIOTS MEETING The Delta Tea Party Patriots will meet on Tuesday, September 21 6:30 Pm at the Veteran’s Memorial Hall, 610 St. Francis Way, Rio Vista. Rio Vista Chief of Police, William Bowen will be guest speaker. He will be discussing why “NO” on Proposition 19 on the November ballot. For more information: www.deltateapartypatriots.blogspot.com or dtppatriots@gmail.com. If you have any questions please contact me. Jack Silva
Who raw, it has been reported to me that the oversight committee, now called the “Water, Wastewater, Enterprise Fund” (WWEF) is finally going to attempt to do some over sighting. The committee was formed in January, 2010 to keep an eye on the City Manager, Water and Sewer Revenue, and Expenses. For nine months they have been like a flounder out of water; floundering about and not going anywhere. This is due to information being with held from the City Manager. The committee will be contacting the City Council directly to obtain information up front on projects being proposed and missing fund balances. I hope the Council will support the WWEF Committee’s request. The committee can not do their job without the full information being made available to them. The Mayor and City Council need to do more research on various topics on their own
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Fund Raiser September 18: Orwood Resort 4th Annual “Extreme Water & Air Show” to Benefit Royal Family Kids Camps. 12:00 to 4:00 pm. $5 admission (6 and under Free).
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rather than just believe everything the City Manager and City Engineer tells them. To Mr. Frank Reid; thank you for verifying some of my reported fund amounts and where they were spent. Since we all know where you got the rest of your opinioned information from, I will just consider the source and leave it at that. Thank you to Mr. Hale Conklin and the Chamber on putting on the first Candidate’s Night held at the high school theater. Thanks also to Mr. Eddie Woodruff for moderating the event and keeping us on tract. Thanks most of all to the interested Rio Vista citizens who came out on a windy night to hear us. This was my first outing for this type of event,
needless to say, I was a bit nervous. I hope my vision for better government was useful and acceptable to all that attended. Steve Lamb Dear Editor, It would be wonderful if Rio Vista had only one sewer plant. We have two. I would be wonderful if prior city administrations had raised the water and sewer rates in manageable amounts over the last few years. They did not. It would be wonderful if Sacramento had managed our state finances better over the last twenty years. They have not. It would be really wonderful if Washington had been better at managing our Federal dollars. They have not. The truth is that we have borrowed, spent and wasted money and
now the entire country is in a financial mess. It is time to start dealing with what we have now, today, and to do the responsible things that will put our local house in order. I do not believe that anyresident in this city wanted to see our water/sewer rates increase to the present level! That includes the Council members who voted for the increases. When a committee of citizens searched for a solution and agreed the increases were necessary, they faced the same criticisms. The consequences of failing to deal with this now are serious. This is not “fear mongering”. It is the truth. It is time to demonstrate some fiscal responsibility. I have voted many Letters Continued on Page 3
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times in my life based upon Tax Payers Associations recommendations. I won’t be inclined to do so now because they are dead wrong on this issue. The name-calling and accusations featured in one of our local papers
is bad enough, but what is worse are the political “spin” and the inaccuracies. And speaking of political “spin”. When an unpopular vote is taken, we have one councilperson who having the same information that
everyone else has and knowing that the item will pass anyway, always votes to look like the “good guy”. This looks like political ambition to me! Please, do your job now in a responsible manner. A Concerned Citizen of Rio Vista
Camillus 128, Y L I Presents
Fall Fashion Show Saturday October 2, 2010
RIVERVIEW MIDDLE SCHOOL FUNDRAISER
Time: 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM Place: St. Joseph’s Parish Hall 220 S. Fourth Street
SPONSORED BY THE 8TH GRADE CLASS.
Saturday, September 18th & Sunday, September 19th (9am-3pm)
LOCATION: DH WHITE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 500 ELM WAY, RIO VISTA, CA 94571
FREE
TO RECYCLE TV’s, ELECTRONICS, CLOTHING, TEXTILES, BOOKS & SMALL APPLIANCES
Salad Luncheon Will Be Served
ACCEPTING ALL CLOTHING, TEXTILES & BOOKS INCLUDING: ALL CLOTHES REUSABLE OR NOT JACKETS & COATS JEANS KNITS MIXED & LEATHER CLOTHING SPORTSWEAR AND SUITS UNDERGARMENTS
ALL SHOES & ACCESSORIES BOOTS FOOTWEAR TENNIS SHOES HAND BAGS PURSES TOTES
ALL TEXTILES BEDDING & LINENS TOWELS CURTAINS & DRAPES TABLE CLOTHS PILLOWS
ALL BOOKS HARD COVER PAPER BACK SCHOOL TEXT
“UnWaste
Fashions from
Your World”
Judy’s Rio Vista Clothing
ACCEPTABLE SMALL HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCE ITEMS INCLUDE: WORKING OR NOT BLENDERS ESPRESSO/COFFEE MAKERS TOASTER OVENS/TOASTERS LAMPS
JUICERS & FOOD PROCESSORS VACUUM CLEANERS CURLING IRONS HAIR DRYERS ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSHES
RICE COOKERS INDOOR GRILLS ELECTRIC SHAVERS ELECTRIC CURLERS
unwaste.com
New Fall Line And Rio Vista Rams Merchandise.
ACCEPTING ALL ELECTRONIC ITEMS INCLUDING: TELEVISIONS (ALL SIZES) COMPUTER MONITORS COMPUTER SYSTEMS COMPUTER COMPONENTS COPY MACHINES CELL PHONES CD’S (PLAYERS & DISCS) CAMERAS CABLE BOXES
CONSOLE VIDEO GAMES DVD (PLAYERS & DISCS) DATA TAPES FAX MACHINES GPS SYSTEMS INTERNET DEVICES INK CARTRIDGES KARAOKE MACHINES KEYBOARDS
LCD TV’S & MONITORS LAPTOPS MICE MP3 PLAYERS MISCELLANEOUS WIRING PRINTERS PHONE MACHINES PDA’S RADIOS & BOOM BOXES
RECORD PLAYERS SCANNERS SHREDDERS STEREO EQUIPMENT SPEAKERS TELEPHONES TONER CARTRIDGES VIDEO GAMES VHS PLAYERS AND TAPES
ALSO ACCEPTING LARGE APPLIANCES & MATTRESSES FOR A FEE $40.00 RECYCLING FEE (PER ITEM) REFRIGERATORS & LG FREEZERS DISHWASHERS & STOVES WASHERS & DRYERS WATER HEATERS
$20.00 RECYCLING FEE SMALL REFRIGERATORS SMALL WINE CHILLERS $5.00 RECYCLING FEE MICROWAVE OVENS
Funds will go towards RVHS Scholarships, Riverview Middle School, D.H. White School and Grand President’s Program, Foster Care Children
$30.00 RECYCLING FEE TWIN/ SINGLE MATTRESS $40.00 RECYCLING FEE FULL/QUEEN MATTRESS $50.00 RECYCLING FEE KING/CAL KING MATTRESS
*****PRICES FOR MATTRESSES ARE WITH OR WITHOUT ACCOMPANYING BOX SPRING. *****ALL ITEMS MUST BE CLEAN AND DRY. *****WE CAN ACCEPT CASH ONLY AND EXACT CHANGE PLEASE.*****WE ARE SORRY BUT WE ARE NOT ABLE TO ACCEPT BATTERIES, PAINTS, OILS, FLUORESCENT LIGHT TUBES OR BULBS.****
Got MORE Stuff? Office Furniture? Cubicles? UnWaste also provides Commercial Hauling, Recycling & Waste Diversion Services.
Cost: $15.00 For Tickets Call Shirley: 374-2105 Liz: 374-5010 Judy’s: 374-7522 374-2303
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888.832.9839 - UNWASTE.COM Universal Waste Management, Inc. is a State Licensed Recycler of Electronic and Universal Waste. This program is non-tax deductible, Universal Waste Management, Inc. will not be offering receipts for tax purposes for any of the clothing or E-waste collected. All of the items collected will be recycled to the base bulk components or designated for beneficial re-use in their facility at 721 37th Ave. Oakland, CA in direct compliance to standards approved by the D.T.S.C., C.I.W.M.B., E.P.A. and the State of California. Nothing shipped to land-fills or over seas. UnWaste.com.
“This is not an activity of the River Delta Unified School District. River Delta Unified School District does not accept any liability or responsibilityn for this activity or program.”
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The Agenda A Community Connection By Janith Norman, Rio Vista City Council During the City Council meeting held September 2, 2010, the City Council approved a resolution authorizing the filing of applications and other documents for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) funding. Annually, the FAA makes available Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funds. According to staff, receipt of the previous AIP grant in the amount of $137,000 allowed for the development of a pavement management plan, electrical plan and drainage study and installation of fencing at the airport. To receive the FAA funds, the City of Rio Vista must commit to providing local matching funds. To satisfy this requirement, an application to Caltrans will be also be made for AIP matching grant funds. Architect Ron Wallace spoke on behalf of the Ram Hotel owners and presented the City Council with a proposal for an assisted living facility and day care center to be located at 93 South Second Street. Representatives from the Children’s Network of Solano County and the Senior Coalition of Solano County informed the City Council that having an assisted living facility centrally located in the downtown area is a good idea. They also favored the intergenerational concept of linking childcare with senior care. Parking related issues dominated the discussion. Planning Commissioners Mark McTeer and MaryEllen Lamothe informed the Council that the Planning
Commission reviewed the parking situation and did not perceive parking to be a problem. After the lengthy presentation and discussion, Council gave its approval of the conceptual proposal. Staff will continue to work with the property owners to discern and resolve potential parking issues. The Council by a four-to-one vote adopted the resolution awarding D. A. Construction, Inc. the contract for the St. Francis Way and Virginia Drive Waterline Replacement Project, 2010 in an amount not to exceed $670,850.65. On August 19th of this year, the Council requested staff to examine funding for the asphalt concrete overlay. At that time, I questioned the appropriateness of using money from the Water Fund to pay for the entire overlay project rather than using some funds from the Transit Fund and Gas Tax Fund. The decision to completely overlay the streets as opposed to just paving the affected areas was also questioned. According to the city engineer, the extent and magnitude of the waterline repair/ replacement and installation of fire hydrants will necessitate a complete overlay project. A community inspired and committed to working together can achieve much and overcome anything. Your comments are always welcomed at www.JanithNorman.com. Send emails to Janith@JanithNorman. com or call 374-6451. Stop by city hall on Tuesdays between 1:00 and 3:00 to chat. I am also available on Tuesdays between 3:00 to 5:00 by appointment.
Class changes initiated at R.V.H.S. By Al Eaton In a letter dated August 24, 2010, Superintendent Rick Hennes advised parents and secondary students in the River Delta Unified District that the district’s S.T.A.R. test results have been “negatively impacted” because some students were not enrolled in a science class during their junior year. “As a result, those students were given an automatic
minimum score on the math and/or science end of the course California Standards Test (C.S.T.)” In an effort to correct this inaccurate assessment, Superintendent Hennes ordered the immediate change of class schedules for all 11th grade students who were not enrolled in a science or math class. Students were required to drop one
of their current classes in order to reflect enrollment in a science and/or math class. High school students, who plan their course of study over four years as freshmen, were impacted by the mandate. Some parents resisted the change in policy and the sudden manner in which it was implemented. For those who complained, the district acquiesced and followed parental wishes. The majority of sophomore and junior students complied with the Superintendent’s wishes, not knowing they could do otherwise. Superintendent Hennes also stated in his letter that he intended to seek School Board approval to add a third year of science as a graduation requirement beginning in the fall of the 2011-12 school year. A question/answer interview with Rio Vista High School Principal Vicky Turk revealed the following information: Q. (Eaton) Mr. Hennes’ letter stated that he would be asking the Trustees “to adopt a Board policy beginning in 201112 school year to require three years of science as a graduation requirement”. By implementing class changes immediately at the two high schools, has he not initiated a new district policy without board approval? A. (Turk) Administration is suggesting a third year in science which is aimed at better preparing our students for college and life beyond high school as well as better reflecting our students’ learning in CT results. Mr. Hennes plans to formalize this as a district wide policy next year as we believe it is a best practice used in many progressive districts with high standards. Q. Are students who are currently in their third year of high school being directed to take a math class this year, even though they have completed graduation requirements? A. The majority of third year students have generally not met high school requirements as the requirement is 3 years of high school math. The third year students that have accelerated in math have done so because they are high performing and were not accelerated in order to stop taking math classes earlier. The expectation is that these advanced students will continue into higherlevel math classes as they progress which will make them more attractive candidates for college admission as well as prospective employers. A student not
taking math their last two years of high school puts themselves at risk
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on college placement tests and the SAT’s. Q. Which students have been affected by this abrupt modification and approximately how many students will be facing mandatory class changes? A. 8, 11th grade students are currently not enrolled in math and 55, 10th & 11th graders are not enrolled in science. We are recommending these students enroll in math and science to be better prepared for higher educational opportunities Q. Which classes have been added to the R.V.H.S. curriculum? Do any have pre-requisites to enrollment? Have the names of any existing classes been changed? Which ones and why? Has course content also been changed? I.e. has “Floral Design” been changed to “Plant Science”? A. The floral design class has been changed to Ag Environmental Horticulture. This change will ensure that plant science is taught in addition to Floral Design. One of our goals is to be able to eventually (maybe by next year) offer both of these courses within a new Ag pathway, possibly as ROP courses which lead directly into a vertically articulated agreement. Q. How many of the current science classes contain content which is evaluated on the STAR tests? How many do not meet that criterion A. All science classes contain content which is evaluated on the STAR tests Q. Have any classes been dropped from the R.V.H.S. curriculum? If so, which ones and what was their enrollment? How many staff members were impacted? A. One art class with an enrollment of 9 students was dropped due to its low enrollment, not as a result of these changes. It has not impacted the staff members contract status or pay.. Those students have been moved to another art period. * Q. Is Psychology CP a college preparatory class? Isn’t Psychology a “science”? What is an “Odyssey” class? A. Psychology is in the Humanities field, not science. Odyssey is an approved online instructional program the district uses to meet a variety of student needs. Q. Are there any teachers who will be teaching out of their subject field
as a result of the recent course changes? A. No teachers are teaching outside their field as a result of this change. Q. How are staff members who will be affected by the new policy being accommodated in order to plan the teaching of new and unexpected course content? A. The staff involved in these changes is teaching courses with subject matter they have taught previously and/ or are prepared to teach. They will be accommodated on a case bycase basis but should need little or no accommodation
Q. Are there any further proposed changes in class offerings or student requirements in the coming weeks at R.V.H.S.? A. No further changes are proposed at this time. *The Art 2 class in question had an enrollment of 10 students. Initially, it was replaced by “Odyssey” online science instruction with an enrollment of 7 students. That number has now grown to 14 students. The Odyssey science instruction is proctored by the Art 2 instructor.
Bridge Over Troubled Waters by: Pastor Ella Ray Toscano
When we lived in Virginia many seemed to have front rooms that were like showrooms. However it was only when we had become friends that we were allowed in the back rooms. The back rooms were the dens and patios and places where life was lived. Books and other reading materials were lying about in careless piles. As a matter of fact some of these back rooms were just plain cluttered with things that meant something to those who lived there. Sitting in the back room was casual and friendly. If we were invited to the “den” then we knew we were accepted as family. As Christians we are sometimes hesitant to share the back rooms of our lives with others. We think we have to have our theology arranged in perfect order and present a picture of a showroom Christian. This is why I love the place where I have been called to preach. Most of the gathered family in Christ has lived enough years to discard stuff that is not real. There is no pretentious spirit. Most of the churches in Rio Vista are made up of backroom Christians. They are brothers and sisters in Christ who are not in the Family for show. Show is only a verb with a Believer… we show love, we show forgiveness, we show respect, we show Jesus! There are some groups of so called Christians in other states, who are showing some actions that should be relegated to the alley or the dump. I am speaking about the two groups that have recently been in the news. One is the burning of a book and the other is the protestors who show up for military
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memorials. These are not showing Jesus Christ and it pains those of us who do love Jesus. There have always been fringe groups but with the technology of communication today all is on display. There will always be people who seek to destroy what God has built up. The enemy is camped within and without. The actions that we are seeing in the news have no place in a true Believer’s home. There is no room for hate. Our Christian preschool has a cute little playhouse in the back yard. One of the brothers in Christ painted it all white for the beginning of school. A week before school started someone left a pile of human excrement on the bench inside and then proceeded to smear the newly painted walls with the stuff! Beer bottles and other junk were strewn about. We were appalled by the mean spirited actions. Randy, our painter, got out the rubber gloves and scrubbed it down and sanitized it. It was ready for the first day of school. My prayer is that for whoever flung dung will have a pang of conscience. The vandalism of the play house and the hateful attitude of some Christian groups destroy. It is up to Believers to pray for those who are their enemies. The enemy is a “dung deal!” He attempts to mess up the image of the true Believer in the eyes of the world. He builds on that which should be thrown away. God sees and knows all. God is still on the throne. Those who desecrated the play house will have to answer to God someday. All who continue to keep God out of their house will have to answer to Him also. Those who showroom Christianity in hate will have to answer to God. There is a time of judgment and only God is the judge. Christians are called to pray. CS Lewis tells of the grave inscription he read which said, “Here lies an atheist all dressed up with no place to go.” C.S. Lewis did not laugh. His response was,” The atheist probably wishes now that this was true!”
Real Estate Q&A By Sam Richards
Richards Real Estate LOCATION LOCATION Q. I’ve read in your column that people move to this area for the attractive housing prices, but the homes in Antioch-OakleyBrentwood are cheaper than here. So is the market here dead because of lower prices elsewhere? D.Y. Rio Vista A. I take the Contra Costa Times because my wife is addicted to the crossword puzzles. While she brags that she just finished the New York Times crossword, I’m reading the local beat section. Every day there is a report on muggings, murders, and all sorts of arrests on all kinds of miscreants. When you live there, those are your neighbors. I moved to this community to get away from the complications of urban life and enjoy a friendly community and all the Delta has to offer. If price holds the only meaning, then I recommend Topeka, Kansas. You can still buy a 2 bedroom 1 bath there for $40,000. Or maybe a small town in Iowa, even cheaper. If you want a combination of recreation and a nice place to raise kids, then Rio Vista probably looks more appealing than Bethel Island. Prices here are not as low as surrounding communities, but that would have a lot to do with the attitude of buyers that see the value in the location. For retire-
ment communities, Trilogy is half the cost of Brentwood based Summerset and Trilogy. Supply and demand is another issue; with the lack of new developments there is more competition on existing homes. All this could change with a swing in the economy, so enjoy this low pricing and buy a home or two. Q. What is so special about waterfront property that makes it so expensive? D. S. Fairfield A. You do not now and never have owned a boat, or you would know the answer. A boater’s view of the world is tranquil, exciting, and full of expectation for good times. Being on the water offers the flip side of road rage, a camaraderie that gets a hand wave of friendliness and instant new acquaintances with common interests. There are 67 yacht clubs in the bay area, and many more boat clubs not on the Rosters of organized clubs. California boasts
more boat registrations than most states have car registrations. We have some of the best boating waterways on the planet, so lets look again at what people tuned in to this phenomenon would be willing to pay for a place where they can walk up to their boat docked in their own back yard. People looking to buy waterfront in this area want to be away from the congestion of Discovery Bay, the prices of the Bay Area, and relish the possibility of some land. In the Delta, we have two types of waterfront; the house behind a levee with the boat dock on the other side, or homes where your back yard has a boat dock and a view of the river from the house. The latter is scarce and will command more money because of the esirability. More reasons to be here: Fresh water to boats is like a garage to a car, less maintenance than in salt and less electrolysis. Rio Vista is the first fresh water port coming out of the bay. But, if you’re not a boater, none of this means anything, so just stay in your hovel over there in crabgrass flats. Want waterfront? We know where it is. 707-3746491 or www.richardsrealestate.com
Chantelle’s
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“I wouldn’t have made it without them.�
60,/,1* 7+528*+ $'9(56,7< Breast cancer did not stand a chance against Debbie Seames. The 51-year-old teacher emerged from two surgeries and six weeks of radiation treatment with her unique sense of humor intact. Debbie even shared her humor with the staff at Sutter Solano Cancer Center during her radiation sessions. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I had those people in stitches,â&#x20AC;? she says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is what it is, so I decided to make it fun.â&#x20AC;? The outstanding support she received from the staff at Sutter as well as her students fueled her determination to beat cancer. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have made it without them,â&#x20AC;? she says.
suttersolano.org/cancer (707) 551-3400
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8BML *OT 8FMDPNF 109 S. 2nd St. Open 9:30 to 4:30 Tue-Sat
Serving Rio Vista and the Delta For over 33 years
TOUR OUR WASTE WATER TREATMENT PLANTS
Be on the look-out for our website launch on 9/8/10. Go to: www.riovistabeacon.com
All the news and updates at your fingertips, along with social media (Facebook & Twitter). There will be opportunities to promote your business in (6) different areas within in the site. You will also be able to review the actual print publication as well. We’re excited about our new site launch next week –can’t wait!! Thank you The Rio Vista Beacon
This is an opportunity to learn first hand the operations of both of our water treatment plants. Please sign up for one or both tours, which will take approximately one hour each. Saturday Oct. 2nd Beach Plant 8:30am,
Lucy’s Cafe
Homemade Italian Cuisine September Specials Served Sunday-Thursday 4:00-8:00 PM
Sunday-
Meat Tortellini with Marinara Sauce.....$8.95
Monday-
Homemade Mexican Cuisine Different Every Week...$8.95
Tuesday-
Beef Burgundy Served over Angel Hair Pasta...$9.95
Wednesday-
Manuel’s Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes...$8.95
Contact: Elwin 374-5867 Northwest Plant 10:30am, Contact: Joel 374-5830 Everyone is encouraged to bring a list of questions regarding the operations of these plants. These tours were arranged for the public by the WWEF, a committee of citizens established by the Rio Vista City Council to monitor the Water and Wastewater Enterprise Funds. City of Rio Vista Maintenance Worker I Monthly $2,521 - $3,064 Final filing date: September 23, 2010. Performs a wide variety of skilled and semi-skilled duties. To obtain required City application, contact Dawn Bahrenfussat 707/374-6451 or at the City’s website at www.riovistacity.com Submit applications to City of Rio Vista, City Managers office, One Main Street, Rio Vista, CA 94571. A City application must accompany a resume’.
Thursday-
ST. BRIGID’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH
Linguini & Clams...$9.95
www.stbrigidsriovista.org P.O. Box 580, Rio Vista, CA 94571 Deacon Susan Reeve 707-374-5734, Deacon Derek Jones 707-374-5372
Monday Night Football is BACK @ Lucy’s
Soup or salad $1 more, No Discounts on Specials
All who seek Christ are welcome. We meet at 218 California Street, Community outreach is a priority of this church.
Breakfast * Lunch * Dinner
Holy Eucharist Every Sunday at 10:30 a.m. with refreshments following.
707-374-3939
Evening Prayer service is 1st Tuesday at 7 p.m. (707) 374-2667
95 Main Street, Rio Vista CA
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 purchase at our store FREE! So, shop Delta Pharmacy & Gifts!!!
Free Gift Wrap
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
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”
First Congregational Church of Rio Vista welcomes all to celebrate Jesus Sundays at 11:00 a.m. All are welcome to Adult Sunday School at 10:00 on Sunday Choir practice at five on Sunday Bible Study at ten on Wednesday Children’s Sunday School at 11:15 Prayer Meetings
Tickets are now on sale for the oldest continuing festival of Rio Vista...TheHarvest Festival. It will be held at the church on Saturday Oct.2. There will be homemade candy, baked goods, crafts and the traditional lamb barbecue. All of Rio Vista and places beyond have gathered for this event for over a hundred years. Come and meet old friends and enjoy the best lamb along with Portuguese beans, salad and all the trimmings.Tickets remain at the same price as last year. 230 Sacramento Street (next door to the Post Office) Office Phone...374 2033 Pastor Ella Ray Toscano
Installations
(707) 718 1202 Cell or (707) 374-2070 Bus E-mail: cairoraul@hotmail.com
In celebration of Constitution Day, Dr. Charlie Self, known as “Dr. History” on the Brian Sussman radio show, will be speaking in Rio Vista. His presentation on “Winning Hearts, Not Just Elections” will be at 7:00 pm this Friday, September 17 at the Veterans Memorial Building at 610 St. Francis Way. Dr. History’s nationally acclaimed and entertaining delivery will cover such points as: The Vision of our Founders is a beacon for our future Limited Government liberates compassion and generosity Fiscal restraint and free markets open opportunities for all Personal freedom enhances love for our neighbors
Admission is open to the general public and free of charge although donations to defray expenses will be gratefully accepted. Dr. History’s speaking engagement is being sponsored by the Delta Tea Party Patriots. The DTPP started as a small group of a half dozen concerned citizens but has exponentially grown to nearly 200 Delta area participants. DTPP meetings are also now held at the Veterans Memorial Building at 6:30 pm on the first and third Tuesdays each month. The next meeting will be on September 21st and among the speakers will be Rio Vista Police Chief Bill Bowen who will speak on the proposition to legalize marijuana.
City Treasurer’s Corner By Hale Conklin
Are We Even Ready For Economic Development? As we’ve noted before, the Economic Development Teams (EDT’s) established last year are in disarray. One could argue that this was predictable. Their responsibilities were never made clear. They were given no authority to speak on behalf of the City. When leads were uncovered and turned over to City Hall (as was mandated), nothing came of those leads. Even those parties who brought forward proposed projects on their own were met with apathy… if not antipathy. The EDT’s received no feedback from City Hall, very little assistance when requested, and no show of appreciation (But then the latter is the situation with all City Volunteers. Perhaps a subject for a future article?). And there exists on the Council, and in fact among the current candidates for Council, disagreement on the merits of selling Cityowned property, even though such sales means future income to the City from sales tax and property tax revenue, while unoccupied property generates no income but still
requires maintenance and upkeep.The Industrial Park / Airport EDT is moribund, with no one to head it up. The Business Park EDT has little to work with, since the City has not acquired the right to sell that property. The Downtown EDT has no City Hall support, and the Chamber of Commerce has done more recently to quantify the occupancy situation than has either City Hall or the EDT. The Waterfront EDT is now without leadership and is therefore dead in the water. The Army Base Steering Committee is active but is slowing down because its most promising client has announced it must back off until its funding is assured. Who is best suited to oversee an Economic Development activity? In some cities, City Hall takes the point; but in our case we are admittedly understaffed; we have a reputation for hampering business development; and our City Volunteer Program does not encourage or support volunteerism to make up for lack of staff. In other cities, the Chamber of Commerce takes an active role in Economic Development; but our Chamber runs the annual Bass Derby and is essentially a Downtown Association for its retail merchants (and a great job it does at this).. In the past few weeks, several people have told me that they see a very positive change evolving in both the Planning Commission (under Mark McTeer) and within the City Planning Department (under EmiTheriault), and
I have noticed it, too. My heartiest best wishes and support to both these groups. But without a fundamental change in attitude at the top, I worry that this enthusiasm cannot carry on for long.I’m not sure that now is the time to try to remediate a full-blown Economic Development effort. But when it is time, it might be appropriate to look first to the Chamber of Commerce to take the point, if its members want to become involved in such a new mission. But if the Chamber is content with its current direction, creating a new autonomous
organization might then make sense. In either case, in order for the chosen group to succeed, it would have to be given clear direction, sufficient authority, the support of the City Council, and protection from efforts to encroach upon its territory by those who are arguably neither staffed to handle nor committed to the mission of Economic Development.And if we’re not yet ready to re-compose ourselves in this way and to charge off, this is a good time to start planning for it. Hale Conklin
You are invited to an Open House Remembrance For
Alan Nack Sunday, September 19th The Point Restaurant 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
ANNUAL
Dr. History to Speak in Rio Vista
Quick Sincere Honest Positive Caring Experienced Patient
NELKIN INSURANCE AGENCY License # 0D34624
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 Preferred and Higher risk Coverage Protection Available Don’t forget to ask us about VIP package! Office: 707-438-1744 Cell: 707-758-6255 Don’t delay Start your protection today! Hablamos Español Ǻȩ ȑȜȐȜȞȖȚ țȎ PȡȟȟȘȜȚ
2220 Boynton Ave. Ste I, Fairfield, CA 94533 Rio Vista resident Evenings/Weekends
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
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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