Delta Group

"What's Ahead for East Contra Costa in 2005?"

Tuesday, January 18, 7 pm, Antioch Library, 501 West 18th Street, Antioch.

On Nov. 2, more than 70% of Contra Costa voters passed Measure J, extending the half-cent sales tax for transportation projects. A critical component of Measure J requires that the county and cities reach an agreement on an Urban Limit Line before going ahead with the tax extension (see article). Although some cities are fighting to expand the current Urban Limit Line and extend their growth areas, the majority of area residents have strong anti-growth feelings.

Another outcome of the voting is election of Mary Nejedly Piepho of Discovery Bay as a new supervisor for District 3 in the far eastern end of the county . Thus, for the first time, our two East County supervisors also reside here. This could prove to be an advantage for representing our interests during county-wide discussions. We have invited Supervisors Piepho and Federal Glover (District 5), to come to the Delta Group's January general meeting to discuss Measure J, the Urban Limit Line, and other hot issues they expect to deal with in 2005.

An exciting project underway for East Contra Costa in 2005 is "Delta 2020", an alliance of Los Medanos College in Pittsburg with environmental organizations, industry, governmental agencies, and educators from elementary school through university level. Delta 2020 has four major goals:

• create a seamless intersegmental environmental-science and -technology curriculum in Contra Costa;
• improve professional development of the region's K-12 and college science teachers;
• partner with industry and agencies to provide a scientifically competent and ethically aware workforce;
• use the California Delta as a living laboratory for research and restoration opportunities, involving area students, employees and community volunteers.

Los Medanos chemistry professor Mitch Schweickert, also a Delta Group Executive Committee member, is involved with the management of Delta 2020. Mitch will describe this exciting project, and what it can mean for East Contra Costa.

Upcoming Delta Group hikes and activities

See the Events and Activities calendar for details.

Sat., Jan. 8, 1A/B hike, Walnut Creek Regional Trails.
Sun., Jan. 9, sketch hike, Oakland Museum/Lake Merritt, Oakland.
Sat., Jan. 15, bird-watching safari, Sacramento Valley and Delta.
Sun., Feb. 13, sketch hike, Waterbird Park, Martinez.
Sun., Feb. 27, 2A hike, Martinez to Port Costa.