Meals on Wheels looking for Volunteers

Meals on Wheels of Contra Costa, Inc. is a charitable nonprofit coalition of public and private agencies, citizen advisory groups and private sector representatives, founded in 1990, dedicated to providing Meals on Wheels services to homebound elders in our county. They are the only agency in Contra Costa County raising funds specifically to provide meals for homebound elders through the countywide Meals on Wheels network.

Through donation from individuals, charitable foundations, businesses and civic groups, they subsidize a potion of all 300,000 Meals on Wheels delivered each year to by 400+ volunteers. These meals are delivered to nearly 2,200 nutritionally at risk home bound elders. Their primary service population is senior citizens aged 85 and older.

There are no paid employees in this organization so volunteers play a huge role in its success. As State and county cut backs continue to put pressure on vital in-home services such as in-home meal preparation and shopping assistance – Meals on Wheels may be the only program left to help.

Meals on Wheels needs dedicated people who will provide good cheer and nutrition to homebound and disabled residents in our community. It’s easy. All the meals are prepared and ready to be delivered. Each meal consists of one hot meal, milk, fruit and a dessert delivered five days a week, Monday through Friday. They are low sodium, diabetic friendly meals that are nutritious. Typical delivery times are between 10:30 am and 12:30 pm everyday, so all you need is a couple of hours a day.

If you would like to help, please call Donna Martin at 925-625-4545.

 

Happy Birthday Marine Corps

 

Salmon Monitoring on Marsh Creek Season Approaches!!

Chinook Salmon in Shallow Water in Marsh Creek - Photo by Tom Lindemuth.

Every late fall through winter, Friends of Marsh Creek Watershed (FOMCW) conducts salmon monitoring to count and document the presence of the salmon spawning up Marsh Creek. The monitoring program involves leading public walks on weekends throughout December through January, and sometimes into February. All walks are led by FOMCW volunteers. This year we will be inviting guests to join us to focus on other parts of the watershed like wildlife, water issues and plants.

It is well known that there has been a decline in salmon populations so severe that salmon fishing seasons were cancelled in past years. It is our hopes that with the possibility of wetter winter we may see more salmon this year.

This is a fun and easy walk that people enjoy. These walks provide a great service to the community by helping raise awareness about habitat restoration, preservation of natural resources, water quality and creating pride and interest in a natural feature that runs through our community.

Are you interested and available to lead walks? Salmon Walk Training will be this coming Saturday, November 14th from 9AM to 11AM. If you can’t make the training but are interested in leading walks call Diane at 925.325.2908. If you or your group is interested in attending a walk you may reserve a date by emailing info@fomcw.org or calling Diane at 925.325.2908.

Public Walk Dates: 12/5, 12/19, 1/2, 1/16 and 1/30 – Want another date? Call or email us and ask!

 

November 12 – Relay For Life of Oakley Kick-Off

 

Burn Wise for Safer, Healthier Winter

WASHINGTON – As smoke begins wafting from chimneys in cooler parts of the country, homeowners are starting the first fires of the home-heating season. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency wants homeowners to learn before they burn this winter. Wood smoke is made up of a mixture of gases and fine particle pollution that isn’t healthy to breathe indoors or out – especially for children, older adults and those with heart disease, asthma or other lung diseases.

EPA has established the Burn Wise campaign to reduce wood smoke
pollution, helping to protect your home, health and the air we breathe,
while keeping those who use wood for heat warm throughout the winter.

If you’re burning wood, you can have a cheaper, safer and healthier fire
by following these tips:

• Burn only dry, seasoned wood. It’s better for the air and
  your wallet. Look for wood that is darker, has cracks in the end
  grain, and sounds hollow when hit against another piece of wood. Dry seasoned wood is more efficient at heating your home and can add up to significant savings over the winter. Never burn painted or treated wood or trash.
• Maintain your wood stove or fireplace and have a certified
  technician inspect it yearly. A certified technician can clean
  dangerous soot from your chimney and keep your wood stove or
  fireplace working properly, which reduces your risk of a home fire.
• Change to an EPA-certified wood stove or fireplace insert.
  These models are more efficient than older models, keeping your air cleaner, your home safer and your fuel bill lower, while keeping you warm in the winter. An estimated 12 million Americans heat their homes with wood stoves each winter, and nearly three-quarters of these stoves are not EPA certified. An EPA-certified wood stove can emit nearly 70 percent less smoke than older uncertified models.

More information on Burn Wise: http://www.epa.gov/burnwise

 

Local Real Estate Market

At a recent City Council Meeting we had presentation by Aaron Meadows from the Delta Association of REALTORS regarding the local Real Estate Market.

The first chart is enough to make you cry. The last one is current inventory. A normal supply is between 5 and 6 months of inventory.

 

Notice of Public Hearings – Proposed Bridge Toll Hike for Earthquake Safety

Bridge Toll Hike Proposed for Earthquake Safety – Notice of Upcoming Public Hearings

The Bay Area Toll Authority (BATA) is considering a toll increase on the seven state-owned Bay Area toll bridges: the Antioch, Benicia-Martinez, Carquinez, Dumbarton, Richmond-San Rafael, San Francisco-Oakland Bay and San Mateo-Hayward bridges. (The toll proposal does not affect the Golden Gate Bridge, which is owned and operated by an independent authority.)

This proposed toll hike comes in response to the need to raise an additional $160 million in annual revenues. The chief reason the additional revenue is needed is to finance the estimated $750 million cost of necessary seismic retrofit projects on the Antioch and Dumbarton bridges. Other factors include a slow but steady decline in toll-paying traffic on the state-owned bridges during each of the past five years, increasing operational expenses and rising debt, due in part to the upheaval in the municipal bond markets over the past two years.

Three options were presented at the October BATA Oversight Committee meeting (http://www.mtc.ca.gov/news/info/toll_increase.htm). BATA will hold three public hearings to take public comment on these options:

Wednesday, November 4, 2009, at 1:30 p.m.
Joseph P. Bort MetroCenter – Lawrence D. Dahms Auditorium
(across from the Lake Merritt BART Station)
101 Eighth Street, Oakland, California

Tuesday, November 17, 2009, at 6:30 p.m.*
San Mateo City Hall – City Council Chambers
330 West 20th Avenue, San Mateo, California

Thursday, December 3, 2009, at 6:30 p.m.*
Concord Senior Center – Wisteria Room
(located in John F. Baldwin Park)
2727 Parkside Circle, Concord, California

*Note: This hearing will feature a short open house (from 6:30 to 7 p.m.) and a staff presentation (beginning at 7 p.m.) prior to taking public testimony.

Written comments will be accepted until 4 p.m., December 21, 2009. Written comments should be submitted to the BATA Public Information Office at 101 Eighth Street, Oakland, California, 94607-4700; faxed to BATA at 510.817.5848; or sent via e-mail to tolls@mtc.ca.gov.

BATA Commissioners will weigh all public comment in their decision on the toll increase, scheduled for January 2010. For more information on the hearings or the proposal, visit the MTC Web site at www.mtc.ca.gov or phone the BATA Public Information Office at 510.817.5757.

 

Biodiesel – What is it?

I borrowed this information from a handout provided by the National BIODIESEL Board

What Biodiesel is:
Biodiesel is a clean burning alternative fuel, produced from domestic, renewable resources such as plant oils, animal fats, used cooking oil and even new sources such as algae. Biodiesel contains no petroleum, but it can be blended at any level with petroleum diesel to create a biodiesel blend. Biodiesel blends can be used in most compression-ignition (diesel) engines with little or no modifications. Biodiesel is simple to use, biodegradable, nontoxic, and essentially free of sulfur and aromatics.

What Biodiesel is not:
Biodiesel is not raw vegetable oil. Fuel-grade biodiesel must be produced to strict industry specifications (ASTM D6751) in order to ensure proper performance. Biodiesel that meets ASTM D6751 and is legally registered with the Environmental Protection Agency is a legal motor fuel for sale and distribution. Raw vegetable oil cannot meet biodiesel fuel specifications, it is not registered with the EPA, and it is not a legal motor fuel. Biodiesel is also not the same as ethanol. Ethanol is a renewable biofuel made primarily from corn and intended for use in gasolinepowered engines, while biodiesel is a renewable biofuel made from a variety of materials and designed for use in diesel engines, with different properties and benefits.

Myth: Biodiesel is an experimental fuel and has not been thoroughly tested.
Fact: Biodiesel is one of the most thoroughly tested alternative fuels on the market. A number of independent studies – performed by the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Stanadyne Corp. (the largest diesel fuel injection equipment manufacturer in the U.S.), Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute, and Southwest Research Institute – have shown that biodiesel performs similar to petroleum diesel with greater benefits to the environment and human health.

Myth: No objective biodiesel fuel standard exists.
Fact: The biodiesel industry has been active in setting quality standards for biodiesel for more than 15 years. ASTM specifications exist for diesel fuel and biodiesel fuel blends from 6 to 20 percent (B6 – B20 (D7467-09)), biodiesel blends up to B5 to be used for onand off-road diesel applications (D975-08a), and home heating and boiler applications (D396-08b). ASTM approved the original specification for pure B100 (D6751) in December 2001. These ASTM specifications apply regardless of the fat or plant oil used
to make the fuel. Copies of specifications are available from ASTM at www.astm.org.

Myth: Biodiesel does not perform as well as diesel.
Fact: One of the major advantages of biodiesel is the fact that it can be used in most existing engines and fuel injection equipment in blends up to 20 percent with little impact to operating performance. Biodiesel has a higher cetane number than U.S. diesel fuel. In more than 50 million miles of in-field demonstrations, B20 showed similar fuel consumption, horsepower, torque, and haulage rates as conventional diesel fuel. Biodiesel also has superior lubricity, and it has the highest BTU content of any alternative fuel (falling in the range between #1 and #2 diesel fuel).

Myth: Biodiesel use voids manufacturers’ engine warranty coverage.
Fact: All major U.S. automakers and engine manufacturers accept the use of up to at least B5, and many major engine companies have stated formally that the use of high quality biodiesel blends up to B20 will not void their parts and workmanship warranties. For a listing of specific statements from the engine companies, please visit the National Biodiesel Board Web site at www.biodiesel.org/resources/oems.

Myth: Biodiesel has fuel quality problems.
Fact: A study released in 2008 by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) shows the biodiesel industry has substantially met national fuel quality standards. The study demonstrated that plants certified under BQ-9000 consistently hit the mark. BQ-9000 is a voluntary fuel quality assurance program that couples the foundations of universally accepted quality management systems with the product specification (ASTM D6751). The program covers storage, sampling, testing, blending, shipping, distribution and fuel management practices. Biodiesel production facilities certified as producers under the program cover nearly 80 percent of the U.S. biodiesel market volume.

Myth: Biodiesel does not have sufficient shelf life.
Fact: The current industry recommendation is that biodiesel be used within six months, or reanalyzed after six months to ensure the fuel meets ASTM specifications. Most fuel today is used up long before six months, and many petroleum companies do not recommend storing petroleum diesel for more than six months. A longer shelf life is possible depending on the fuel composition and the use of storage-enhancing additives.

Myth: Biodiesel doesn’t work in cold weather.
Fact: Properly managed, high quality biodiesel blends are used successfully in the coldest of climates. Biodiesel will gel in very cold temperatures, just as common #2 diesel does. Although pure biodiesel has a higher cloud point than #2 diesel fuel, typical blends of 20 percent biodiesel are managed with similar management techniques as #2 diesel. Blends of 5 percent biodiesel and less have virtually no impact on cold weather operability. See www.biodiesel.org/cold for a cold weather guide.

Myth: Biodiesel contributes to global climate change and increased greenhouse gas emissions.
Fact: U.S. biodiesel is a green sustainable part of the solution. It reduces lifecycle carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, by 78 percent compared to petroleum diesel. A 2008 USDA/University of Idaho study shows for every unit of fossil energy needed to create biodiesel, 4.5 units of energy are returned. New cropland is not needed to grow materials for biodiesel, because there is already a surplus of soybean oil on the market. Advances in technology enable us to grow more using the same acres of land. The
National Biodiesel Board and its members support sustainable production of biodiesel. There is no scientific basis for assigning any significant responsibility for rainforest destruction to U.S. biodiesel, and the vast majority of U.S. biodiesel is made from homegrown resources.

Myth: Biodiesel contributes to rising food prices.
Fact: Produced from a wide variety of renewable resources, including plant oils, fats and even recycled restaurant grease, biodiesel is the most diversified fuel on the planet. And soybean-based biodiesel has a positive impact on the world’s food supply. Processing soybeans for biodiesel uses only the oil, leaving 80 percent of the bean for protein-rich soybean meal. Put more simply, when the demand is increased for soybean oil for use in biodiesel, the price of soybean meal actually decreases what it otherwise might cost.

 

Restore the Delta PSA

 

October 17 was a fabulous day for a ballgame

On October 17, 1989, at 5:04:15 p.m. a magnitude 6.9 earthquake severely shook the San Francisco and Monterey Bay regions. The epicenter was located at 37.04° N. latitude, 121.88° W. longitude near Loma Prieta peak in the Santa Cruz Mountains, approximately 9 miles northeast of Santa Cruz and 60 miles south-southeast of San Francisco.

I was on my way home from work. Stopped at a traffic light I initially I thought there was something wrong with my car. I looked up and saw the lights violently swaying and instantly knew that was not the problem. My parents were at Candlestick Park that day waiting the start of the third game of the 1989 World Series between the A’s and Giants. This is my mother’s recall of that day.

October 17 was a fabulous day for a ballgame – shirt-sleeve weather at San Francisco’s Candlestick Park. Actually I’m not that much into baseball, but this was the World Series between the San Francisco Giants and the Oakland A’s. So when our son-in-law, Tim, said he could get tickets and asked if we wanted to go with him Ken was ecstatic and I said, “Why not? It’s possibly a once-in-a-lifetime event.”

That afternoon it seemed as if everyone was going to the game. Traffic was heavy but steady and we left early enough to find an acceptable parking space. Heading toward the complex we passed tail-gate parties by the score with revelers who were already enjoying themselves a little too much. Generally the crowd was in a good mood and excited about the game. These people were fans in every sense of the word.

Near the top of the stadium we found our seats about 30 feet from what Ken called the “eyebrow.” This was a concrete overhang all around the top of the facility and as it hung over us unsupported it did look like an eyebrow; a very large eyebrow. Towering above the eyebrow a couple of light standards stood rather ominously to the right and left of us. Looking down on the field we could see miniature people finishing preparations for the game, but fortunately, we were prepared having brought a couple pair of field glasses. I took out my camera with its telephoto lense, hung it around my neck and sat back in my seat. Glancing at the time we had about 25 minutes to kill before the game started at 5:00 p.m. We watched as a steady stream of enthusiasts continued to pour into the stadium wearing team hats and waving banners.

At the scheduled hour a cheerful resonating voice spoke into the loudspeaker welcoming all to this historic sporting event. With hardly a few words out of his mouth the sound of what seemed to be a rumbling train drowned out the rest of what he said. Bewildered, the fans looked around to see where the sound was coming from; recognition was almost instant. The stadium began to tremble and the light standards shook and swayed so violently I was sure they would fall on us along with the overhanging “eyebrow.”

While my whole life did not pass before me I was amazed at how many thoughts raced through my mind in just 17 seconds. The first was fear – terror at what was happening. I was certain we would be crushed in the wreckage. The second feeling was acceptance, and the third feeling was a wonderful, peaceful calm. We were all going to die and it was all right. The next thought was planning my last act of service to the world. With my camera in tact I would snap photos of death and destruction until I either ran out of film or a slab of concrete took me out. And then it was over. An audible sigh reverberated through the air as probably every person in attendance let out their breath. Later, as TV and radio commentators spoke of the fans they called it a “cheer.”
Wrong! It was the sound relief.

While everyone was sucking in their next breath the same announcer who had welcomed us all just seconds before came back with the calmest, most controlled voice imaginable and said, “In case of an emergency, please exit in an orderly manner through……..” And then there was silence.

Many bolted from their seats and left, but the stalwarts had come to see a game having paid $100.00 and upwards for their tickets. The earthquake was over, nothing seemed damaged. Let’s play ball.

From our high-in-the sky vantage point we could see some billowing puffs of smoke throughout the city. People in front of us had a portable radio and we asked, “What do you hear?” “Nothing,” was the reply. Must be okay we decided as there were no announcements on the news. But “nothing,” meant nothing. The stations were dead.

And yet we waited. Were they going to play or not? So we waited some more, as did most of the fans. Finally as the sun began to slip over the western hills of San Francisco an official came out with a bull horn and made the announcement, “The game is postponed.” We were dismissed.

Those who had waited had become instant friends talking about the earthquake, damage throughout the city and speculating about the future of Candlestick. Was it stable? Were our homes okay? How about our families? What about the smoke we saw? Are the bridges in tact? How long would it take us to get home? Would the game be played here? We could only imagine. Some of the answers came through our new friend’s portable radio. Within a few minutes after losing power, back-up generators at TV and radio stations kicked in and they were back on the air. We were shocked that a section of the Bay Bridge was down. The Marina was badly damaged and there were fires. In Oakland a section of the Cypress Freeway had collapsed. Rescue teams were on the way.

There was this amazing camaraderie among those who stayed, but now it was time to go home. I looked around as the crowd filed out of the stadium in the requested orderly manner. Would we come back? That day nothing was certain so before we left the top of the world I took some photos of the sun setting over Candlestick, the light standards silhouetted against the fading orange and red sky. These pictures wouldn’t bring me world acclaim, but they would be a part of my remembrance of October 17, 1989 and 17 memorable seconds: and for me a “once-in-a lifetime event.”

 

West Nile Virus Kills More Birds in Oakley

CONCORD, CALIFORNIA – - The Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District announced today that three more dead birds and a squirrel tested positive for West Nile virus. Two dead birds were found in Oakley at Robinwood Avenue and Quail Valley Run, and at Gamay Circle and Alder Drive. One dead bird was found in Brentwood at Sellers Avenue and Sunset Road. The squirrel was found in Concord at Treat Boulevard and Cowell Road.

“We’d like to thank the public for reporting these animals to the dead bird hotline,” said Deborah Bass, public affairs manager for the District. “Their phone calls give us important information and allow us to protect our residents from vector-borne diseases to the best of our ability.”

The public is urged to continue to call in dead birds and squirrels they find to the state hotline: 877-WNV-BIRD (877-968-2473). Not all animals are picked up and tested, but the reports are very valuable to mosquito control surveillance and control efforts.

According to the county health department’s Web site, there have been four human cases of West Nile virus in Contra Costa County this year. Two people have died from West Nile virus in California so far this year.

Today’s report brings the total West Nile virus-positive vectors this year in Contra Costa County to 17 groups of mosquitoes, 44 dead birds, ten sentinel chickens, two squirrels, and one horse.

 

Oakley’s FLW Fishing Tournament will be Featured on the Today Show

Update 10/14 9:30am – The showing of this segment has been postponed until the week of 10/19. When I get the exact date I’ll update the blog.

MINNEAPOLIS (Oct. 8, 2009) – FLW Outdoors announced that it will be featured on the “Today” show on NBC, America’s top-rated news program, Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2009. The segment will feature Team National Guard pro Justin Lucas as he took Jenna Wolfe, who serves as Sunday “Today” co-anchor and as a correspondent for NBC News’ weekday “Today,” fishing on the California Delta recently.

“I was very excited to get the opportunity to take Jenna fishing and show her how fun the sport is,” said Lucas. “She had never been fishing before, so I think she had a good time and learned a lot. It was a hot day making for some challenging conditions, but we had quite a bit of fun and Jenna was a great sport.”

Wolfe, who joined “Today” in August 2007, and Lucas spent the day fishing, discussing how tournament fishing has grown, how anglers prepare and practice for tournaments, the younger generation’s involvement in the sport and addressed the topic of anglers as athletes.

Matt Lauer and Meredith Vieira serve as co-anchors of “Today” and Ann Curry is the news anchor, with Al Roecker reporting on the day’s weather. “Today,” which first broadcast in 1952, airs Monday through Friday from 7 – 11 a.m. Please check local listings for further information.

FLW Outdoors, named after Forrest L. Wood, the legendary founder of Ranger Boats, is the largest fishing tournament organization in the world. FLW Outdoors has also taken fishing mainstream with FLW Fantasy Fishing, offering the largest awards possible in the history of fantasy sports.

The actual FLW tournament episode will air on Versus Oct 25th

 

Significant Early-Autumn Storm to Produce Potentially High Winds Late Monday Night Through Tuesday Night

Update 10/14 7:45am – Rain totals for storm 3.04″    Current Weather at Oakley, CA

Update 10/13 2:30pm – A potent storm system currently moving onshore will be capable of producing strong southerly winds through this evening. High wind warning remains in effect until 11 pm PDT this evening. Southerly winds of 25 to 40 mph with gusts to 60 mph will be possible through this evening. Higher peaks may experience gusts up to 70 mph this afternoon and early tonight. The strong and gusty winds will gradually diminish late tonight.

Update 10/13 12:40 – As of 1240 pm Doppler radar and automated rain gages indicate that rainfall intensity has diminished across the region. Therefore, the flood advisory will be allowed to expire. However, even though rainfall is diminishing rain is forecast to redevelop later this afternoon and evening with an additional 1 to 2 inches possible.

Update 10/13 10:01am – The National Weather Service in the San Francisco Bay Area has issued an urban and small stream flood advisory for, Alameda County in northern California, Santa Clara county in northern California, San Mateo county in northern California, Santa Cruz county in northern California, San Benito county in central California, Monterey county in central California until 1245 pm pdt. At 950 am pdt automated rain gage and Doppler radar data indicated moderate and locally heavy rainfall continues to impact much of the region. As the rain moves through over the next few hours an additional 1 to 2 inches will be possible. Rain is expected to continue through the rest of today

Update 10/13 8:50am – The National Weather Service in Sacramento has issued an urban and small stream flood advisory for, the Sacramento Valley and northern San Joaquin Valley, includes the cities of Redding, Red Bluff, Chico, Oroville, Yuba City, Colusa, Sacramento, Stockton, Modesto until 830 pm pdt Tuesday. Periods of moderate to heavy rain are occurring this morning and are expected to continue through most of the day. Most of the valley has already seen up to .60 inches of rain through 830 am, with the possibility of another 1 to 2 inches of rain possible. Falling leaves from trees combined with excessive rainfall could clog storm drains, causing areas of localized urban flooding. Precautionary/preparedness actions, excessive runoff from heavy rainfall will cause ponding of water in urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor drainage areas and low lying spots. A flood advisory means river or stream flows are elevated or ponding of water in urban or other areas is occurring or is imminent

Update 10/13/ 7:03am - A flash flood watch continues for a portion of CA, including the following areas, mountains of San Benito and interior Monterey county including Pinnacles National Monument, northern Salinas Valley, Hollister Valley and Carmel Valley, San Francisco peninsula coast, Santa Cruz mountains, Santa Lucia mountains and Los Padres national forest and southern Monterey Bay and Big Sur Coast through this evening. A moisture laden storm system continues to impact the central coast of California. this system will bring heavy rain at times to the bay region. The heavy rain may produce flash flooding and debris flows within and downstream of recent and last year fire scars. Flash flooding and debris flows will be a particular threat within and downstream of the basin, summit, Gloria, Lockheed and Pacheco pass fire scars.

A flash flood watch means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding. Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation. You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should flash flood warnings be issued.

Update 10/12 2:13am – The National Weather Service San Francisco Bay Area has issued a wind advisory, which is in effect from 2 am to 11 pm pdt Tuesday. The high wind watch is no longer in effect. Southerly winds will increase ahead of this storm system by this evening with wind speeds increasing to 20 to 35 mph, with gusts to 50 mph possible. Strong and gusty winds are expected to continue through the day Tuesday and begin tapering off by midnight Tuesday night.

A wind advisory means that winds of 35 mph are expected. Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution.

Potent storm system, especially for October, will move into central and northern California beginning late Monday and continuing into early Wednesday. This will be a very dramatic change from the weather the area has been experiencing. The origins of this storm stem from a western pacific typhoon named Melor that affected Japan last week. High wind watch in effect from late Monday night through late Tuesday night for the entire San Francisco and Monterey bay areas, the National Weather service San Francisco Bay Area has issued a high wind watch, which is in effect from late Monday night through late Tuesday night. Southerly winds will increase ahead of this storm system by Monday evening with wind speeds increasing to 20 to 40 mph along the coast and in the hills by early Tuesday morning. Gusts to 60 mph are possible in these areas. Although the strongest southerly winds are expected to occur along the coast and in the higher terrain, strong and gusty winds may also develop in the northern Salinas valley and southern Santa Clara valleys as well as other portions of the district with this storm. Strong and gusty winds are expected to continue through the day Tuesday and begin tapering off after midnight Tuesday night. Precautionary/preparedness actions, a high wind watch means there is the potential for a hazardous high wind event. Sustained winds of at least 40 mph, or gusts of 58 mph or stronger may occur. Continue to monitor the latest forecasts.

 

California Water Rights – In the Beginning

The Central Valley of California is one of the world’s greatest, both in production and in size. Its 50-mile width is tucked between two notable mountain ranges; lengthwise the valley stretches 600 miles north and south, dotting the countryside with farms, towns and cities. As big as England and almost as long as Massachusetts, Vermont and New Jersey combined the Central Valley produces one third of all the table foods grown and ninety percent of all the fresh vegetables consumed in the U.S., thus becoming the bread basket of America. Altogether 269 different crops are grown throughout this fertile land. The value of a single year of agriculture production today is greater than all the gold mined in California.

What is truly startling about this bountiful harvest is the fact that much of the southern half of the valley receives less yearly rainfall than North Africa. Once designated a desert on early California maps, the vast acreage has been transformed into an oasis.

Map - Lecture: Water in California:

The miracle that caused this transformation of desert into abundant farmland was, and is, simply water. However, prior to 1887 water was not available to most of the farmers in Southern California.

When California was granted statehood in 1850, it adopted the law of “riparian rights”. The rule dictates that the owner of a stream bordering his land had full rights to the use of the water and those owners not contiguous to the stream had no rights at all. Landowners with such water rights could monopolize its use. One such landowner was Henry Miller. He owned over 1,000,000 acres of land and controlled the riparian rights to nearly 100 miles of the San Joaquin River as well as thousands of acres along the Fresno, Kern and King Rivers.

Meanwhile the rush for gold in the late 1840’s ushered in a different concept for water rights known as “prior appropriation”. Water was required in much of the gold mining process and sometimes the water was transported great distances from its source. The thousands of gold miners who poured into California acted on the assumption that natural resources, like gold and water, were free for taking. Prior appropriation refers to the process by which water users acquire ownership of water rights by diverting water from a source and using it. Others could appropriate water from the same stream, but priority went to the first user. In times of drought, latecomers would be the first to lose water.
The appropriator has the right to the water itself, separate from any rights to the land adjacent to the stream from which it is taken.

Prior appropriation allows water users to transfer their water rights without selling the land. It took water rights away from the land making them personal property. In 1859 the California Supreme Court ruled, “The ownership of water as a substantive and valuable property, distinct, sometimes, from the land through which it flows…may be transferred like other property”. The prior appropriation doctrine also allowed users to diminish the flow of a stream or change its course.

Map - Lecture: Water in California:

The conflict between these two principles resulted in the “California Doctrine” of dual water rights, established by the State Supreme Court in the case of Lux v. Haggin in 1886. The case ruled the both sides had rights to the water. Riparian rights prevailed if a person had purchased land along the river first, but appropriation prevailed over riparian if the appropriator was the first user.

After the State Supreme Court’s Lux v. Haggin ruling, irrigation advocates in the Legislature argued for laws to limit riparian rights. In a special session in 1887, lawmakers debated issues of appropriation, riparianism and the role of government. The most significant legislation to come out of the session was sponsored by Assemblyman C.C. Wright of Modesto. This law provided for the creation of “special districts” for irrigation under local public control. Construction, operation, and maintenance of irrigation projects in these public districts were funded with tax dollars, and districts were considered political subdivisions of the state. It did not, however, abolish the “California Doctrine” of dual water rights, which would continue to be defined in the courts.

A steady, dependable supply of water meant the desert could be converted to orchard, vine, and row crops that flourished during the long, hot summer months. In ten years, the Central Valley was transformed into over 7,000 independent farms.

The fundamental controversy surrounding California’s water is one of distribution combined with conflicts between competing interests over the use of available supplies. About 75 percent of the water supply originates in the northern third of the state (north of Sacramento), while 80 percent of the demand occurs in the southern two-thirds of the state. Two-thirds of the state’s residents receive at least a portion of their drinking water from the Delta. Consequently, whatever affects the Delta also affects large portions of northern, central and southern California.

“Whiskey is for drinkin’, water is for fightin’ over”–Mark Twain

 

Elevated West Nile Virus Risk in Brentwood Expands; Public Calls in Dead Birds

RISK AREA DOUBLES; PLEA TO CALL IN DEAD BIRDS WORKS, AIDS CONTROL

 

CONCORD, CALIFORNIA – - The Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District announced today that Brentwood’s higher-risk area for West Nile virus has expanded and now covers Brentwood entirely. The determination stems from a report from the West Nile virus state hotline program that processes, analyzes,and reports risk data based on dead bird reports from the public. The risk is based on dead birds that died in Contra Costa County, not necessarily dead birds that confirmed positive for West Nile Virus.

CCMVCD also announced that six more dead birds and five more sentinal chickens have tested positive for West Nile virus. One dead bird each was found in Danville at Adobe Drive and Rockport Court; in San Ramon at Alcosta Boulevard and Bollinger Canyon Road; and in Walnut Creek at Castle Rock Road and Bowling Green Drive. Three dead birds were found in Brentwood: one at Meadowgates Way and San Jose Avenue; one at Wildrose Way and Laurian Way; and one at Balfour Road and Sellers Avenue.

“Dead bird reports are crucial information for our control efforts, even if the birds don’t get picked up and tested,” said Deborah Bass, public affairs manager for the District. “We asked the public to report the dead birds to help us understand where human cases may occur, and the public has done just that. We thank them for helping to support this important health program. Everyone in the county should be doing the same since West Nile virus is present throughout Contra Costa County.”

The public is urged to continue to call in dead birds they find to the state hotline: 877-WNV-BIRD (877-968-2473).

According to the county health department’s Web site, there have been four human cases of West Nile virus in Contra Costa County this year. Two people have died from West Nile virus in California so far this year.

Today’s report brings the total West Nile virus-positive vectors this year in Contra Costa County to 17 groups of mosquitoes, 41 dead birds, ten sentinel chickens, one squirrel, and one horse.

 

A Tsunami Advisory is in Effect Which Includes the Coastal Areas of California

Update 09/30 @ 1:46am – The tsunami advisory is canceled for the coastal areas of California. No destructive tsunami threat exists for California. However, some areas may experience non-damaging sea level changes. As local conditions can cause a wide variation in tsunami wave action the all clear determinations must be made by local authorities. This will be the last West Coast/Alaska tsunami warning center for this event. Refer to internet site… wcatwc.arh.noaa.gov… for more information.

Update 5:30pm – Due to an earthquake near Samoa a Tsunami Advisory has been issued for the California Coast. The impact on Contra Costa County is expected to be minimal and widespread inundation is not expected. However, some low-lying areas near the Bay and the Carquinez Straits could experience strong currents or waves dangerous to persons in or very near the water. This could last for several hours after this unusual ocean wave reaches the Bay Area around 9 o’clock this evening.

People living or working near the water should stay alert for changes in the water level of up to 24 inches over the coming hours. People should move out of the water, off the beach and out of harbors and marinas Do not call police or fire unless you have an immediate life-safety emergency, but if you do need immediate help, call 9-1-1. Stay tuned to Bay Area radio or television for the latest news updates on this Tsunami Warning.

This message is based on earthquake data, observed tsunami amplitudes, historical information and forecast models. A tsunami has been observed at the following sites Apia west Samoa, Pago Amer. Samoa,  Rarotonga Cook Is. Forecasts indicate that a tsunami with amplitudes in the range of 20 to 65cm is expected along the California and Oregon coast. Tsunamis of this amplitude can generate strong currents dangerous to those very near or in the ocean. The tsunami is expected to build and reach its maximum approximately one and a half hours after the initial arrival. Expected in San Francisco at 21:31 PDT. For arrival times at additional locations see wcatwc.arh.noaa.gov

Recommended actions a tsunami has been generated which could cause damage to the advisory regions listed in the headline. Persons in low-lying coastal areas should be alert to instructions from their local emergency officials. Evacuations are only ordered by emergency response agencies. – Persons in tsunami advisory areas should move out of the water, off the beach and out of harbors and marinas. Tsunami advisories mean that a tsunami capable of producing strong currents or waves dangerous to persons in or very near water is imminent of expected. Significant widespread inundation is not expected for areas in an advisory. Tsunamis are a series of waves potentially dangerous several hours after initial arrival time. Estimated times of initial wave arrival for selected sites in the advisory are provided below.

 

Urgent Request

Stanley Jeramy Hopkins, 23 years old, Army National Guard,died in his sleep Labor Day weekend while camping with his mother in Mendocino.

He was first taken to funeral Home in Mendocino county and then transported to the Bay Area. He presently is at Holy Cross Holy Angels Mortuary & Cemetery, 2200 East 18th St., Antioch, CA, 94509

His father Stanley Hopkins, is a Vietnam Veteran, has not worked in 9 months. His mother is disabled. therefore the family has zero funds to bury this young veteran.
Funeral is scheduled Visitation Wednesday, Service and the burial is Thursday afternoon. The family needs to pay the Funeral Home in Mendocino $700.00, for picking him up and transport to Bay Area.

Holy Cross Holy Angels has given the family a price $6100.00 plus $6800.00 for a total of $12900.00.

Antioch Military Families & Friends has set up a Memorial Trust Fund at the ECC Bank of Agriculture 1411 A Street Antioch, CA 94509.
Donations can be made payable to: S.J. Hopkins Memorial Trust Fund.

 

Pat Metheny and Lyle Mays – September fifteenth

 

Update on the H1N1 Flu Virus

H1N1 Fact Sheet from the Department of Health & Human Services

H1N1 is not the flu we’re used to.
· It was just getting started when our flu season should have been ending. CDC estimates that we’ve had more than 1 million cases of H1N1 since the strain was first reported in the US last April.

Who is at risk?
· While anyone can get sick, the pattern of infection is unusual. It hasn’t yet affected many seniors, but it spreads rapidly among otherwise healthy kids up to college age. And it’s especially dangerous for people with chronic illnesses such as asthma, heart disease, diabetes, or people with compromised immune systems, and women who are pregnant.

What are the symptoms?
· Similar to seasonal flu, with H1N1 you’ll get a cough, sore throat, stuffy nose; achiness, headache, chills and fatigue, but not everyone gets a fever. Sometimes H1N1 causes diarrhea and vomiting. Just like seasonal flu, it can be severe and potentially deadly.

Experts Say We Could Have a Surge of H1N1 Patients.
· This week, the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology released a report summarizing and assessing the U.S. preparations for 2009-H1N1 influenza. PCAST is an independent advisory group of leading scientists from academia and industry administered in the Presidential Office of Science and Technology Policy.

· According to PCAST, it’s not that H1N1 is more deadly than other flu strains, it’s that because it’s a new strain to which we have no immunity, it’s likely to infect more people than usual. And because we already have seasonal flu viruses along with the 2009-H1N1 flu virus causing illness, doctors’ offices and hospitals may fill to capacity.

Federal Efforts to Limit H1N1 Flu:
· At the federal level, we have been responding aggressively to H1N1 from the beginning.

· We have been expecting and planning for a resurgence of H1N1 influenza, and we’re letting people know what they should expect and start preparing for a lot more flu cases than we’ve seen in the past few years. Our planning efforts are going well but influenza in unpredictable and we know we are likely to be surprised.

The US is Working with the International Community.
· We’ve also been keeping a close watch the impact of this flu internationally. In particular, we’ve been working closely with public health officials in the Southern Hemisphere, who’ve had several months experience with their seasonal flu season along with the H1N1 virus.

The Federal Government is Reaching Out to State and Local Governments.
· We’re working closely with cities, states and across government agencies to make sure we have a rapid, coordinated response this fall. In the last few months, we’ve sent more than $350 million in federal grants to states, and hospitals to help them strengthen their flu response. Nationwide, we’re distributing $260 million in Public Health Emergency Response Grants and $90 million in Hospital Preparedness grants.

· One of our most important messages to everyone we talk to: The severity of 2009 H1N1 influenza can change rapidly, so work with your state and local officials and make sure you stay up to date on their latest recommendations.

We are Readying Vaccines and Other Medications.
· We have been working with manufacturers to develop vaccines that are now in clinical trials. People at NIH and CDC are working around the clock to produce a vaccine that is safe and effective. We’ve initiated trials looking at how we can safely give H1N1 vaccines at the same time as seasonal flu vaccines, and the appropriate dosage for children. We expect to begin a vaccine campaign in mid-October.

· We are moving forward with the purchase of intravenous antivirals, and we’re working closely with manufacturers, distributors, and national retail pharmacies to determine how much of this medication we now have on hand.

· We’re urging providers to offer the pneumococcal vaccine to high-risk patients, especially those with chronic heart or lung diseases, diabetes, or compromised immune systems. Pneumonia can be a very serious complication of flu.

Prevention is Key.
· All of us need to make it a priority to help others recognize this flu and get the information they need to take preventive measures now.

· Washing your hands, covering coughs and sneezes, staying home if you’re sick are things everyone can and should do. They work.

· In recent weeks, the federal government has issued flu guidance targeted to K -12 schools, the business community, and institutions of higher education. Each of these groups have different challenges when it comes to meeting the common threat of flu.

· Elementary and high schools, for example, need to start promoting prevention and identifying who might be at greatest risk from flu, to protect students and staff and stay open during flu season. They need to remain in contact with students when they’re home sick. This is important both to make sure they don’t fall behind in their studies, and maintain services such as school lunches that many kids depend on.

· Businesses, large and small, need to establish leave policies that encourage sick employees to stay home. They need to plan now so they can continue to operate with a reduced workforce, with staggered shifts, cross-training and teleworking if need be.

Social Networking Communication Tools Can Reach Teens and Young Adults.
· College students are among those at highest risk for H1N1, but this age group is not used to being sick. So we have developed innovative “viral” marketing tools to raise awareness among high school and college students.

· Widgets and buttons available to download from flu.gov; outreach through Facebook and Twitter, where kids not only can learn what to do about the flu, but they can also pass along tips to their own social networks; and, a nationwide contest to submit the best public service announcement to YouTube. The contest closed August 17. The top video—to be determined— wins $2,500 and exposure on federal Web sites and national TV.

· Flu.gov has continually updated information. The site also will take you to CDC guidance, audience-specific information—such as prevention tool kits for parents, K – 12 schools and institutions of higher learning—and creative viral marketing tools such as the ones that I mentioned just now.

The responsibility to respond to this public health threat is a shared one.
· We all have a role to play to protect ourselves, our families and our communities. We can hope for the best, but we must prepare for the worst.

· So let’s get to work. Together.

 

West Nile Virus Confirmed in Three More Dead Birds, Two Chickens, and a Squirrel in Contra Costa County

September 8, 2009 – West Nile Virus Confirmed in Three More Dead Birds, Two Chickens, and a Squirrel in Contra Costa County

CONCORD, CALIFORNIA – - The Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District announced today that three more dead birds, two chickens, and a squirrel have tested positive for West Nile virus. A single dead bird was found in each of the cities of Brentwood, Oakley, and Walnut Creek. The two sentinel chickens are located in Holland Tract (east of Oakley) and the squirrel was found in Walnut Creek.

The Brentwood bird was found at Windsor Way and Village Drive; the Oakley bird was found at Knarlwood Road and Oakley Road, and the Walnut Creek bird was found at Civic Drive and North Broadway. The chickens are located in Holland Tract (east of Oakley) and the fox squirrel was found at Main Street and 2nd Avenue in Walnut Creek.

“As the summer heat continues, so must our diligence in repelling the mosquitoes with repellents,” said Deborah Bass, public affairs manager for the District.

Today’s report brings the total West Nile virus-positive vectors this year in Contra Costa County to 17 groups of mosquitoes, 28 dead birds, four sentinel chickens, and one squirrel. According to the county health department’s Web site, there have been four human cases of West Nile virus in the county this year.