CIVIC MENTOR Bulletin Board -- Experimental: October 2011

Monday, October 31, 2011

City of Pittsburg: Tax-Aide Needs You! Volunteers Needed.

Tax-Aide Needs You! Volunteers Needed.

Posted Date: 10/31/2011

Do you like helping others?
Do you use a personal computer?
Can you enter info into a computer?

AARP Tax-Aide provides FREE tax preparation services for low to moderate income taxpayers of all ages with special focus for seniors. Volunteers are needed to help in this service at the Pittsburg Senior Center at Presidio and Harbor from February 1 thru April 15, 2012.

Tax preparation experience is not required, but reasonable computer skills will be needed. Volunteers are trained as counselors in basic tax law and tax preparation software. Experienced counselors are always available to help. An Orientation Meeting will occur in early December and training is scheduled for early January. The Volunteer time commitment is only one day each week during the tax season, once training & certification has been completed. For more information, questions, & to volunteer please call Ginny at (925) 634-5037 or e-mail ginny.dembner@yahoo.com

AARP Tax-Aide is a program of the AARP Foundation, offered in conjunction with the IRS. You need not be an AARP Member to volunteer or participate in the Tax-Aide services.

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City of Pittsburg: Fire vs Police 2nd Annual Softball Game

Fire vs Police 2nd Annual Softball Game

Date: 11/5/2011 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Location: City Park
17th and Railroad
Pittsburg, California 94565

City of Pittsburg: Community Advisory Commission Meeting

Community Advisory Commission Meeting

Date: 11/2/2011 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Location: Council Chambers
65 Civic Avenue
Pittsburg, California 94565

Click here.

City of Pittsburg: Pittsburg murals teach drawing and debate

Pittsburg murals teach drawing and debate

Posted Date: 10/31/2011

By Rick Radin
Contra Costa Times

Posted: 10/29/2011 05:02:42 PM PDT

Updated: 10/30/2011 02:43:55 PM PDT

What started as a project to help Pittsburg kids interested in graffiti find a creative outlet through murals has evolved into a learning experience about art and politics.

"My thinking was to offer an opportunity to paint real good stuff on the walls that would not be an eyesore," murals program sponsor Rosemary Tumbaga said. "But the graffiti artists we were recruiting didn't sign up, and we got high achievers in school instead."
One of those students, Marcus Creel, is building upon his mural experience studying graphic arts at Los Medanos College.
Creel, 18, said he signed up for the after-school class because he has always been interested in art. As a lifelong Pittsburg resident, he also wanted to do something to beautify the city's downtown.
"I've seen the city go through a lot of changes, and I wanted to contribute to it," he said.
Creel and other members of his project team painted a set of three murals behind a block of buildings on Railroad Avenue in April.
One of the murals depicts the sun figure on the Aztec calendar and another a scene from a Mexican restaurant and inn, a reflection of the strong Latino influence in the community.
The artwork inspired a strong reaction on the Old Town Pittsburg Facebook page by a few people claiming that the Aztec and Mexican theme had nothing to do with the history of Pittsburg.
The feedback provoked a lively debate on Facebook among the student muralists and a few critics, covering the First Amendment, the role of ethnicity in society, toleration and acceptance, and the difference between life and art.
"The murals do have a lot to do with Pittsburg, a diverse community," said Alexis Barcenas, who designed the mural with the Aztec theme. "We thought it would be a cool idea to do something that represented the Aztec calendar. Since we had a really big space, we wanted to use big symbols."
"Originally, we wanted the Miwok Indians and decided to go with a different approach," Creel said.
The debate became a lesson that would be difficult to teach as effectively in the classroom, said Tumbaga, manager of arts programs for the city's Arts and Community Foundation.
"It was a valuable lesson for the kids who are used to people saying, 'Oh, we love it,' when they do something artistic," Tumbaga said. "They learned to accept the criticism with grace and dignity."
The murals class is held after school and is separate from Pittsburg High School art classes, although participants do get community service credit toward graduation.
Most of the participants don't have an art background, and Tumbaga begins the class by teaching basic drawing techniques, such as shading, leading to students scaling their sketches to the size of a mural, Creel said.
Students have created 11 murals, seven of which are displayed downtown, in the four times the class has been offered, Tumbaga said.
"I was going out in the streets and begging kids to take the class," Tumbaga said. "Now we're getting kids begging to join."
Pittsburg businesses are getting into the mural act, as well. Ramar Foods, a manufacturer of Filipino cuisine, commissioned Victor Sanchez, one of Tumbaga's art instructors, to paint a set of eight panels about Filipino history mounted on its manufacturing building at 355 Central Ave.

Contact Rick Radin at 925-779-7166.

Pittsburg MURAL team
When: Begins Nov. 14,
3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Mondays
and Tuesdays
Where: Pittsburg Art Shack,
31 Marina Blvd.
Who: Pittsburg residents of high school age
Details: Call 925-252-6981

Thursday, October 27, 2011

City of Pittsburg: Dia De Los Muertos

Dia De Los Muertos

Halloween Happenings

Date: 10/29/2011 - 11/1/2011

Location: Impulse Gallery
329 Railroad Avenue
Pittsburg, California 94565

City of Pittsburg: Pittsburg to hold prescription drug take-back event

Pittsburg to hold prescription drug take-back event

Posted Date: 10/27/2011

By Robert Salonga
Contra Costa Times
Posted: 10/26/2011 03:21:26 PM PDT
Updated: 10/26/2011 03:25:03 PM PDT

The Pittsburg Police Department will host a drug take-back event this weekend in step with a national effort to curb prescription drug abuse.

People can bring expired, unused and unwanted pills to police headquarters at 65 Civic Ave. between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday as part of National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, co-sponsored by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Submissions can be made anonymously, and no information will be recorded, police said.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

City of Pittsburg: City Council Meeting

City Council Meeting

Date: 11/7/2011 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Location: Council Chambers
65 Civic Avenue
Pittsburg, California 94565

Click here to view the agenda

City of Pittsburg: Bob Barner is coming to the Pittsburg Libary

Bob Barner is coming to the Pittsburg Libary

Date: 10/27/2011 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Location: Pittsburg Library
80 Power Avenue
Pittsburg, California 94565

City of Pittsburg: Hillview Junior High School Athletic Field Dedication

Hillview Junior High School Athletic Field Dedication

Date: 10/27/2011 4:00 PM

Cost: FREE

Location: Hillview Junior High School
333 Yosemite Avenue
Pittsburg, California 94565

Hillview Jr High Athletic Field Dedication

Monday, October 24, 2011

City of Pittsburg: Pittsburg anti-violence forum seeks broader audience

Pittsburg anti-violence forum seeks broader audience

Posted Date: 10/24/2011

By Rick Radin
Contra Costa Times

Posted: 10/21/2011 04:43:25 PM PDT

Updated: 10/22/2011 08:24:10 AM PDT

Sponsors of an anti-violence forum in Pittsburg next weekend want to include parents and other adults in the discussion of East County gang violence and what can be done to prevent it.

The Oct. 29 Peace in the Streets Forum at Pittsburg High School will help acquaint older residents with the challenges of dealing with gang culture, said Ed Diokno, a spokesman for the event's sponsor, Supervisor Federal Glover of Pittsburg.
"In the past, we have had day-long 'gang summits,' but we've never been able to attract the attention of a whole lot of adults," Diokno said.
A major objective of the half-day event will be to familiarize adults with identifying gang members and to explain how gangs appeal to youths from poor, dysfunctional families who lack direction and feel powerless to change their situation.
"(The word) 'CAL' doesn't necessarily mean their kid wants to go to college, and wearing all red or blue means more than just wearing a favorite color," Diokno said.
The forum will conclude a week of community events, including a prayer walk sponsored by New Birth Church in Pittsburg and a Stop the Violence March and Festival for Peace sponsored by Do The Word Ministries in Antioch, both Saturday.
New Birth Church is also holding a town-hall meeting on making communities safer Monday evening.
The Oct. 29 forum will also inform lay out alternatives to gang participation, including job training, counseling, safe recreation, after-school programs and tutoring.
The overall goal is to help parents, social workers and school officials intervene before youths enter the juvenile justice system, Diokno said.
"Prevention and intervention is more important and more effective than suppression," he said. "Witness the 70 percent recidivism rate of the formerly incarcerated."
Representatives from the sheriff's, district attorney's and public defender's offices will participate in a panel discussion along with the Pittsburg and Antioch police chiefs. Larry Wallace, director of the state Division of Law Enforcement, will give the keynote speech.
Another session, this one directed at youth, will be folded ino the Youth Summit held in March, Diokno said.

Contact Rick Radin at 925-779-7166.

If YOU GO
What: Peace in the Streets Forum
When: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Oct. 29
Where: Pittsburg High School, 1750 Harbor St.
Information: Call 925-427-8138.
What: Pittsburg Prayer Walk
When: Saturday. Prayer service 6:30 a.m., with walk at 7:30 a.m. following DeAnza Trail to Crestview Avenue.
Where: New Birth Church, 1411 E. Leland Road, Pittsburg
Information: Call 925-439-8989
What: Stop the Violence March and Festival for Peace
When: 10:30 a.m. Saturday
Where: E. 18 and A streets, Antioch
Information: Call 925-978-4839
What: Town Hall meeting
When: 7 to 9 p.m. Monday
Where: 1411 E. Leland Road, Pittsburg
Information: Call 925-439-8989

City of Pittsburg: Pittsburg elementary school gets White House visitor

Pittsburg elementary school gets White House visitor

Posted Date: 10/24/2011

By Rick Radin
Contra Costa Times

Posted: 10/20/2011 04:37:09 PM PDT

Updated: 10/21/2011 06:25:47 AM PDT

The kids at Los Medanos Elementary School in Pittsburg were chattering all morning about a visitor from the White House, and a welcome banner hung over the entrance to the main hall for Nancy Sutley, President Barack Obama's chief environmental adviser.

Sutley, accompanied by Rep. George Miller, D-Martinez, paid a call to see what the school and the Pittsburg district have accomplished in energy conservation, both with changing energy-use habits and installing solar panels at all the schools.
Los Medanos was chosen as an Energy Star-certified school by the Department of Energy after reducing its energy usage nearly 33 percent by dimming lights, shutting down its heating and air conditioning system on nights and weekends and commissioning an energy audit to identify other efficiencies.
The school has saved $114,437 on its energy bills since the beginning of 2009, money that can be used for educational programs when the costs of the program are paid off.
The district as a whole has saved $1.65 million by adopting similar measures at its other 10 campuses.
"The president has made school modernization a priority, including energy upgrades," Sutley said. "It's an opportunity to create jobs and save money."
California will receive $2.8 billion for school upgrades if Obama's jobs bill, currently before the Senate, passes both houses intact.
The 2009 American Recovery Act, more commonly known as the stimulus bill, had no money specifically earmarked for school energy programs, although states could use the money for that purpose, Sutley said.
Pittsburg recently finished an eight-month program of installing solar panels at 10 of its 11 school sites that are reducing electricity consumption by an average of 85 to 95 percent, said Charles Jones, the district's energy education manager.
The district spent $18.5 million from Measure L, a school construction bond passed by voters Nov. 2, to purchase and install the panels, said Enrique Palacios, associate superintendent for business services.
The panels have a 30-year expected life span and will offset the equivalent of 10 million gallons of gasoline, according to representatives from Rohnert Park-based Stellar Energy, the contractor on the project.
Principal Angela Stevenson led Sutley and Miller on a tour of the Los Medanos campus, where they viewed an array of 700 solar panels installed in a fenced-in area next to the school's main playing field.
The two guests visited a classroom where fifth-graders were using screens that can be seen better with the classroom lights turned off.
"A lot of people think (saving energy) is a fantasy, but it's real," Miller said.

Contact Rick Radin at 925-779-7166.

Friday, October 21, 2011

City of Pittsburg: PG&E Pipleine Work Informational Meeting

PG&E Pipleine Work Informational Meeting

Date: 10/24/2011 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Cost: FREE

Location: Delta View Golf Course Wedwood Wedding and Banquet Center
2222 Golf Club Road
Pittsburg, California 94565

Please click here to see these documents in PDF format.

City of Pittsburg: Access to Legislative Public Records Now Available On-Line!

Access to Legislative Public Records Now Available On-Line!

Posted Date: 10/21/2011

The City of Pittsburg is excited to announce the availability of adopted resolutions, ordinances, minute orders and minutes through the City's website.

"We are thrilled to bring this additional technology to the citizens of Pittsburg" said City Clerk Alice Evenson. "Not only has my goal been to advance the City technologically, but this also provides transparency in government by allowing all residents the opportunity to directly view items adopted by the City Council."

To access these records, please log on to www.ci.pittsburg.ca.us and click on the link for the City Clerk Department, Public Records.

For questions, comments, or concerns, please contact Alice Evenson, City Clerk, at 252-4850.

Thursday, October 20, 2011

City of Pittsburg: All bids too high for Pittsburg library remodel

All bids too high for Pittsburg library remodel

Posted Date: 10/20/2011

By Rick Radin
Contra Costa Times

Posted: 10/19/2011 11:49:42 AM PDT

Updated: 10/19/2011 04:42:34 PM PDT

Pittsburg has delayed a project to add a community room and coffee shop to its library because all seven bids came in too high.

The move follows the city's recent delay of a project to make Herb White Way, a downtown thoroughfare, safer for pedestrians with measures that slow traffic because none of the bids fell within the budget.
The maximum the city will spend on constructing the library addition is $1.41 million, and the low bid was $1.79 million, according to Ron Nevels, the chief engineer on the project.
Both projects went back to the drawing board because planners introduced more features than the city could afford -- not because construction costs have suddenly risen, City Manager Joe Sbranti said.
"We were initially just going to do a few things, and that grew and we ended up with a larger scope," he said.
The cost mounted after planners included a new heating and air conditioning system and decided to rebuild the old portion of the library's interior so that it would be in keeping architecturally with the new wing.
"We decided not to repair an old (heating and air conditioning) system that was going to be undersized," Sbranti said.
Now the city will have to eliminate some features or determine how to build them more inexpensively.
"We're going to find ways to lower the cost and send them out for a rebid," Sbranti said.
The objective of the renovation will remain the same.
The 1,500- to 2,000-square-foot coffee shop will be accessible from the inside and outside of the library and could serve the City Hall and county courthouse at the Civic Center.
The community room would be available for public meetings of 25 and 50 people and will be much easier to secure than the 71,000-square-foot City Hall, Sbranti said.

Contact Rick Radin at 925-779-7166.

City of Pittsburg: Ramar Foods Ribbon Cutting and Mural Dedication

Ramar Foods Ribbon Cutting and Mural Dedication

Date: 10/21/2011 4:30 PM

Location: 335 Railroad Avenue
Pittsburg, California 94565

Contact: PJ Quesada
Ramar Foods International
Phone: (925) 439-9009
Email: Primoj@ramarfoods.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ramar Foods Ribbon Cutting and Mural Dedication

PITTSBURG, CA - October 18, 2011: In conjunction with Filipino Heritage Month, Ramar Foods is celebrating with a Ribbon Cutting and Mural Dedication on October 21, 2011. As one of the original pioneers of Filipino food in the United States, Ramar Foods has become the number one Filipino food company in this country. When it relocated to Pittsburg, it employed 15 people in a 3,000 square foot facility. The facility has grown to 80,000 square feet with approximately 160 employees and is one of the largest employers in the City of Pittsburg. It is now a third generation business that continues to thrive.

"Being a family business in the food industry is something of a blessing. We always ate together when we were growing up, and now I feel like our family has grown through our employees and our customers alike," said PJ Quesada of Ramar Foods International. "We commissioned this mural because it is an important story to tell. Filipinos are present in many aspects of modern American life; it is crucial that we acknowledge our heritage, so we have decided to dedicate this work of art to the community in celebration of our culture."

The event begins at 4:30pm at 335 Railroad Avenue, Pittsburg, CA. Featured speakers will be Congressman George Miller of California, representing the 7th District and Mona Pasquil, Appointment Secretary to the Office of Gov. Jerry Brown and the former Lt. Governor of California. Also featured in the program will be an introduction of the artist, Victor Sanchez. Sanchez has been an instructor for the Pittsburg Arts and Community Foundation Teen Mural Arts Program. Ramar Foods and the Pittsburg Arts Community Foundation worked closely during the artist selection process. For additional information, contact PJ Quesada at (925) 439-9009.

"For the artist, this was an opportunity to highlight culture, family, and food, three core elements that are essential in defining what is important to Ramar Foods as a company and turning these into a visible art form," said Rose Mary Tumbaga of the Pittsburg Arts Community Foundation. "The addition of outdoor murals brings art out into the public sphere exposing it to a new audience of people that might never step into a gallery. It can also provide the cultural history of an entire group of residents, as in this work, it tells the story of the bond that has been created between the homeland and the adopted homeland of the Filipino people of our community."

About the Ramar Foods International:

Ramar Foods International manufactures over 100 products in its three factories that find their way to Asian groceries and distributors nationwide. Using high quality ingredients and time-tested family recipes combined with reliable distribution and excellent customer service, Ramar Foods has gained much respect in the industry and the community. With strategic growth plans in place, Ramar Foods International is well on the path towards sustained growth and long term success.

Monday, October 17, 2011

City of Pittsburg: Pittsburg schools want to give teachers a raise amid austerity

Pittsburg schools want to give teachers a raise amid austerity

Posted Date: 10/17/2011

By Rick Radin
Contra Costa Times

Posted: 10/17/2011 12:00:00 AM PDT

Updated: 10/17/2011 12:08:02 AM PDT

The Pittsburg school district is juggling budget uncertainties as it tries to increase teacher salaries, find the money to pay for state-mandated services and continue to provide innovative programs that administrators believe raise test scores.

The district is negotiating a new contract with its 510 teachers, who are among the lowest-paid in Contra Costa, said Enrique Palacios, Pittsburg's associate superintendent for business services.
The teachers are working under a contract that expired June 30. Salaries range from $39,824 to $73,906, not including benefits.
Antioch teacher salaries, by comparison, begin at $35,938 and top out at $80,124.
The lower salaries help the district balance its budget, but they are proving a barrier to recruiting and retaining good teachers, Palacios said.
Pittsburg hired 77 teachers this fall, an usually high number for a district its size. The district has 10,310 students.
"We're trying to keep the teachers we've hired, and we're looking at the entire compensation package," Palacios said.
The district has also closed its child care center on the site where it is building a new junior high school on Pueblo Avenue and moved the students to seven of its eight elementary schools.
The 322 children are in child care or preschool programs, said Superintendent Linda Rondeau.
The Lynn Center for special needs children moved from the child care center to Brentwood in early August, Rondeau said.
School district finances will be affected if the Legislature makes up to $4 billion in statewide cuts because projected tax revenues don't materialize, Palacios said.
If state revenues fall $2 billion to $4 billion short, the district would lose all or part of its state funding for busing and up to $260 out of the $5,213 it spends per student.
Schools are safe from the trigger up to $2 billion, but after that it "hits schools fast and hits schools hard," according to the California Association of School Business Officials.
School districts are required to provide busing for students who are moved to elementary schools farther from their homes because of overcrowding on certain campuses. The district also buses some regular elementary and junior high students.
When the new junior high opens north of Highway 4, the district will have to bus fewer students to the two other junior high schools south of the highway, Rondeau said.
Said Palacios: "If (the trigger cuts occur), we'll have to cut our budget somehow. We won't lay off people; we have to cut the budget."
Although the state controller's office released a pessimistic report last week about chances of getting the additional $4 billion, the state will have a better handle on the situation in November, said finance department spokesman H.D. Palmer.

Contact Rick Radin at 925-779-7166.

City of Pittsburg: Spooktacular!

Spooktacular!

Halloween Happenings

Date: 10/22/2011 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Location: Brendan Theaters
4085 Century Boulevard
Pittsburg, California 94565

Friday, October 14, 2011

City of Pittsburg: Pittsburg Police Department Launches Facebook Page

Pittsburg Police Department Launches Facebook Page

Posted Date: 10/14/2011

The Pittsburg Police Department is pleased to announce the launch of it Facebook page. This will be another way for the department to interact exchange ideas with the community. The page can be accessed online at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pittsburg-Police-Department/220025218060825

The department plans to use Facebook to pass along crime information, traffic alerts, information on community efforts in which the department is participating, safety tips, and local news stories about crime and crime prevention efforts.

Neighborhood Watch and community resource guides are currently featured on the page with additional items to be added weekly, including holiday tips. The department encourages feedback from residents and will reply to postings in a timely manner. Come check us out!

City of Pittsburg: Week of Peace Targets Street Violence and Youth Gangs

Week of Peace Targets Street Violence and Youth Gangs

Posted Date: 10/14/2011

PITTSBURG (Oct. 12, 2011) - Violent crime has taken a downturn this year according to
statistics gathered from Antioch and Pittsburg police departments.

At the same time, violent incidents among and by young people appear to be rising based on
reports in the media and from school districts.

    *    Recently, two men shot a young man dead in Antioch in the Sycamore neighborhood.
The men are still at large.

    *    A young man was shot while sitting in his car in Oakley. Police suspect it is gang-related.

    *    Two young men who are connected to a gang were arrested for shooting a man on an
Antioch street.

    *    A member of an Aryan gang fatally stabbed a father in Bay Point.

"While the number of total violent crimes may have gone down, media reports indicate that
gangs are involved in a greater percentage of the crimes committed in East County," said Contra
Costa Supervisor Federal Glover.

Criminal violence in East County has attracted the attention of one of the top law enforcement
officials in the state. Larry Wallace, director of the Division of Law Enforcement in the Attorney
General's office, will be the keynote speaker at a local anti-violence and anti-gang forum, Peace
in the Streets.

"Being smart on crime, that's a part of collaborating and working with local entities and other forms of law
enforcement, other groups within the community ... not just a lock--'em--and--throw--away--the--key
approach," said Wallace, who has been in law enforcement for 28 years.

While East County gang-related incidents pale in comparison to other parts of the Bay Area,
Glover and the East County Gang Task Force want to make sure that it doesn't get any worse.
Glover and the task force are sponsoring the Peace In The Streets Forum this Oct. 29, 9 a.m. to 2
p.m. at Pittsburg High School.

Also featured during the forum will be panels composed of the county and city law enforcement
agencies as well as members of the school districts and local community-based organizations
who deal with at-risk youth. The forum is open to the public. Especially urged to attend are
parents who want to prevent their kids from joining gangs, educators who want to learn the latest
trends in local gangs and youth workers of the nonprofit agencies that offer services to parents
and youth.

The forum caps a week of community events against violence. These include:

• Prayer Walk sponsored by New Birth Church in Pittsburg on Oct. 22. Corporate Prayer
starts at 6:30 a.m. and the march will begin around 7:30 a.m. The route will follow the
DeAnza Trail to Crestview Ave., the site of a recent shooting. For more info, call 925-
439-8989.

• Stop The Violence March & Festival For Peace sponsored by Do The Word Ministries on
Oct. 22 at 10:30 a.m. Assembly starts at 10:30 a.m. at East 18 and A streets in Antioch to
Contra Loma Park where the Peace Festival will be located. For more info, call 925-978-
4839.

• Town Hall by New Birth Church in Pittsburg, Oct. 24, 7 p.m.- 9 p.m. There will be a
panel on safe communities featuring panelists from law enforcement, education and
Supervisor Glover. For more info, call 925-439-8989.

Based on information shared by the gang task force, gangs are no longer just an urban problem,
says Ed Diokno, who coordinates the task force for Glover. They are actively recruiting
vulnerable young people in the suburbs. They use areas like East County as places to hide when
the law clamps down on their activities in places like Oakland, San Francisco or Richmond.

"Parents and educators need to know the signs that their children might be at risk of being lured
by the violent gang lifestyle," said Glover. "None of us can afford to be bystanders."

"The good thing to know is, we are not alone. There are resources and help available. There are
people already working to stop the violence.

"We can reclaim the streets if we act as a community," says Glover.

"Hopefully, this forum and the events leading up to it will give the community the knowledge
and resources to fight the street violence and gangs."

Pre-register for the Peace In The Streets Forum at www.cccounty.us/supervisorglover or call
(925) 427-8138. Registration will also be accepted at the door. All the marches and the forum are
free and open to the public.

Federal D. Glover
Supervisor, District Five
Contra Costa County
Board Of Supervisors
315 East Leland Road
Pittsburg, CA 94565
(925) 427-8138
(925) 427-8142 Fax
(925) 634-5915 Toll Free

For more information, contact Ed Diokno at (925) 427-8138.

City of Pittsburg: Pittsburg Community Theatre announces 2011-2012 season

Pittsburg Community Theatre announces 2011-2012 season

Posted Date: 10/14/2011

Here is the list of events for Pittsburg Community Theatre (www.pittsburgcommunitytheatre.org) 2011-2012 Season:

"The Quality of Life" October 14, 15, 21, 22, 2011 @ 8:00 PM
October 16 and 23 @ 2:00 PM
at Impulse Technology Building, 329 Railroad Avenue, Pittsburg, CA 94565

"Pinocchio" and "Midnight Madness"December 2, 3, 9, and 10, 2011 at 8:00 PM
December 4 and 11, 2011 at 2:00 PM
at Rancho Medanos Jr. High 2301, Range Rd. Pittsburg, CA 94565

Auditions for "The Kids Left. The Dog Died. Now What?"Wednesday, January 4, 2012 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
at Hillview Jr. High, 333 Yosemite Drive Pittsburg, CA 94565

"The Kids Left. The Dog Died. Now What?"February 17, 18, 24 and 25, 2012 at 8:00 PM
February 19 and 26, 2012 at 2:00 PM
Location: Check www.pittsburgcommunitytheatre.org closer to the date.

"Laughter on the 23^rd Floor"May 11, 12, 18 and 19, 2011 at 8:00 PM
May 13 and 20, 2011 at 2:00 PM
Location: Check www.pittsburgcommunitytheatre.org closer to the date.

City of Pittsburg: Haunted Bus, Spiders & Bats & Dem Bones at the Library

Haunted Bus, Spiders & Bats & Dem Bones at the Library

Halloween Happenings

Date: 10/20/2011 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Location: Pittsburg Library
80 Power Avenue
Pittsburg, California 94565

City of Pittsburg: Community Emergency Response Team Training

Community Emergency Response Team Training

Date: 10/17/2011 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM

Cost: FREE

Location: Delta Hawaii Community Room
875 Stoneman Avenue
Pittsburg, California 94565

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

City of Pittsburg: THIRD HUMAN CASE OF WEST NILE VIRUS AND ANOTHER VIRUS-POSITIVE BIRD IN CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

THIRD HUMAN CASE OF WEST NILE VIRUS AND ANOTHER VIRUS-POSITIVE BIRD IN CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

MOSQUITO SOURCES PLENTIFUL AT RESIDENTIAL HOMES

Posted Date: 10/12/2011

CONCORD, CALIFORNIA - - The Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District reported another bird that has tested positive for West Nile virus bringing the total number of birds and groups of mosquitoes this year to 37 and six. In addition, Contra Costa Health Services posted on their website that a 65 year-old woman from East County is infected with the disease and is recovering. The recent bird was collected in Concord near San Jose Avenue and Clayton Road.

"Our technicians are busy scouring the known areas where infection is taking place and working to eliminate those sources of larval mosquitoes; however, West Nile virus is endemic throughout the county," said Deborah Bass, public affairs manager for the District. "Many high-producing mosquito sources are in residents' yards, areas we can't access. Flower pot saucers, for example, can produce hundreds of mosquitoes----and neglected swimming pools, even partially filled, can produce more than 1 million mosquitoes and affect people up to five miles away."

"Dumping water out and maintaining swimming pools would go a very long way in the fight against mosquitoes and the diseases they transmit," Bass stated.

The state's West Nile Virus website now lists a total of four people who have died this year from the virus. Two were from Kern County and two were from Los Angeles county.

Residents are urged to continue to report dead birds to the West Nile Virus state hotline: 1-877-968-2473. Reports may also be made online at www.westnile.ca.gov. Dead bird reports are an important tool for West Nile virus detection, even if the bird is not picked up and tested. Lack of dead bird reports decreases the District's ability to detect higher risk locations.

The District makes every effort to notify residents about West Nile virus activity and adult mosquito spraying events. People wishing to be notified about adult mosquito spraying in residential areas have several options. They may visit the District's website and opt to receive the maps and notifications automatically by email.There is also an option to receive media releases and the Mosquito Bytes newsletter. They can also view all of these communications directly on the District's website. Spray schedules are also available by calling the District at (925) 771-6195 and listening to a recorded message.

Residents are urged to help reduce their risk of contracting mosquito-borne diseases by following these guidelines:

Don't breed mosquitoes on your property. Dump or drain standing water. Mosquitoes can't begin their life without water.
Defend yourself against mosquitoes using repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus.
Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are present, typically Dawn and Dusk.
Report neglected swimming pools by calling 925-771-6195 or visiting www.ContraCostaMosquito.com Anonymous calls accepted. Just one neglected pool can produce more than 1 million mosquitoes and affect people up to five miles away.

Since 2005, 39 people in Contra Costa County have been diagnosed with West Nile virus. In 2006, two people died from the disease. Studies have shown that the majority of cases are undiagnosed.

Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District, an independent special district and public health agency, is located at 155 Mason Circle in Concord. Call the District to report mosquito problems at (925) 771-6195 or visit their office between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to get FREE mosquitofish for ornamental ponds, horse troughs or neglected swimming pools.

For information concerning human West Nile virus symptoms, prevention, or testing, please call the Contra Costa Health Services department at (888) 959-9911. For information concerning West Nile virus and horses, please call the California Department of Food and Agriculture Animal Health Branch at (916) 654-1447.