City of Pittsburg: Free Holiday Concert

Free Holiday Concert

U.S. Air Force Band of the Golden West

Date: 12/10/2013 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Cost: Free

Location: Creative Arts Building
250 School Street
Pittsburg, California

Come to a free holiday concert by the U.S. Air Force Band of the Golden West. The show will take place at 7 p.m. Tuesday, December 10 at the Creative Arts Building, 250 School Street in Pittsburg.

Tickets are required, but they are free from the Pittsburg Chamber of Commerce. Call (925) 432-7301.

U.S. Air Force Band Free Concert

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City of Pittsburg: Holiday Parade

Holiday Parade

Featuring Pittsburg High School Marching Show Band and Others

Date: 12/14/2013 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Location: Railroad Avenue
From Eighth to Third Streets
Pittsburg, California

The annual Holiday Parade returns to Old Town at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 14. The parade route will begin at 8th Street and Railroad Avenue, and will continue along Railroad to its end at Third Street.

After the parade, the City Recreation Department will have activities for children and families to enjoy at Old Town Plaza, located along Railroad Avenue between Fifth and Sixth streets. Also in the neighborhood is the Pittsburg Arts and Community Foundation boutique, which is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 690 Railroad Avenue. Come for the parade, stay for the holiday activities and shopping.

To enter your group or float in the parade, contact Timi Tumbaga at Timi@pittsburgfoundation.org or by phone at (925) 639-2981. No entry fee.

Holiday Event Flyer 2013

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City of Pittsburg: PACF Poker Tournament

PACF Poker Tournament

Fundraiser for Art and Literacy Programs

Date: 12/6/2013 5:30 PM - 10:00 PM

Location: EJ Phair Brewery Tap Room
300 Cumberland Street
Pittsburg, California

The Pittsburg Arts and Community Foundation, Inc. will host its annual Texas Hold 'Em Poker Tournament starting at 5:30 p.m. Friday, December 6 at the EJ Phair Brewery.

The tournament features a buffet dinner at 5:30 p.m. Poker begins at 6:30 p.m. Unlimited $20 re-buys for the first hour. All skill levels are welcome. The $75 buy-in includes dinner, $1,000 in chips and a special thank you gift. For dinner only, tickets are $25.

The foundation is raising money for art and literacy programs in Pittsburg, including art classes for kids and the Railroad Book Depot bookstore. For more information, contact PACF at (925) 252-6930.

Poker Tournament Fundraiser

 

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ABOUT STAFF SERGEANT TY CARTER -- I think more words need to be spoken

Posted: 12 Nov 13


... and here are a few of them.

A LOCAL HERO WAS AGAIN HONORED THIS WEEKEND

As explained in the bio, below, Staff Sergeant Ty Carter is a resident of Pittsburg's very close friend and neighbor, Antioch, CA.  

He has covered himself in glory, a proud fact made better known this Veterans Day weekend, here in Pittsburg, at various events and along the social network.  

The Medal of Honor is the most significant recognition a service member can ever hope to achieve -- in bitterest battle -- and Sgt. Carter is one of the newest members in that exclusive, much hallowed hall of heroes.

Staff Sergeant Carter has lifted himself and his country to greater heights and deserves the eternal gratitude and respect of his fellow countrymen and women.

1.  ABOUT STAFF SERGEANT TY CARTER -- a brief but comprehensive bio.

Here is what they say he did (further elaborated on in the bio, below) -- oh, well done, sir!

• http://www.army.mil/medalofhonor/carter/citation.html?from=carter&page=menu_bar
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ty_Carter

2.  A LITTLE OF WHAT I THINK IT MEANS TO WIN THAT MEDAL

Among other things, these heroes, who turn the tide of battle, even offering to lay down their lives for their comrades, do things that reverberate down the ages.

(1) Large populations now exist (which wouldn't, otherwise), "only" because these warriors saved the lives of future fathers and mothers -- both directly and indirectly.

(2) Wars turn out differently and society flourishes, rather than darkens

(3) Great acts inspire more of the same

(4) They teach us well, by demonstrating how freedom and human dignity exact awesome costs for their preservation -- by causing us to search our own souls to see whether we could have done such deeds, ourselves -- to truly rise to the occasion -- and by showing us that it is not completely impossible to do so.

(5) They leave a legacy of honor that blesses their descendants (as well as their contemporaries) and shapes their lives -- and the lives of those whom these others, themselves, touch -- ALL OF US -- connected together into the single great human chain-reaction which IS us...

"These bravest of the brave."

3.  SOME OF THE PRIVILEGES AND COURTESIES TO WHICH THE GOOD SERGEANT IS NOW RIGHTFULLY ENTITLED

Here are a few of the official and traditional courtesies and privileges to which his astounding and famous acts of patriotic courage have entitled him:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medal_of_Honor#Privileges_and_courtesies

In this life, the way it happens to be, it seems to me that we need all the heroes we can get -- and are blessed when they step forward -- both in combat and at home.

Thank you for this, Staff Sergeant!

David Nelson

All Original Content © 2013 , The MENTOR Enterprises / ELMS, All Rights Reserved -- BUT, I hereby waive those rights, to this extent: You may freely copy and pass this along, if you think it will do some good -- as long as it's free of charge, unchanged, and you include this statement.

VETERANS DAY CONCERT at the California Theatre -- A HUGE SUCCESS! (Update #1)

Posted:  9 Nov 13
*Updated: 12 Nov 13



Tonight's 1st Annual Veterans Day concert at Pittsburg's California Theatre was a big smash in my opinion (and my wife's).

It was a lovely, community-building event in a great cause (for the Veterans Employment Committee of Contra Costa County) -- and the very start of a tradition which will surely grow over the years -- especially, now that the California Theater is up and running. Even appropriately printed T-shirt mementoes were passed out at the door to our delighted surprise.

A little more than half the seats were filled, which was quite respectable for the first event of its kind.  No doubt, as word of mouth does its work, a bursting auditorium will probably become the norm.

The bands were top-notch entertainers and fun to watch and admire. The music was a little loud (for us senior citizen types), but I suspect that will be modulated next time -- especially if that type of happy music is repeated -- classic rock 'n' roll, foot-tapping, body moving irresistibles.

A fabulous guitarist-singer (*Billy Shaub) rendered splendid versions of Neil Diamond favorites.   He left us wanting a whole lot more. We would definitely attend more of his performances and will keep a watchful eye out for his next appearances.  (I am so sincere about this and about everything else I deliberately say)

The undeniable high point: We all jumped to our feet to offer vigorous and prolonged applause to Medal of Honor winner, *Staff Sgt. Ty Carter. When we finally quieted down to allow him to speak, this fine, brave gentlemen spoke inspiring words to us.

What a sense of pride and privilege washed over the auditorium. I had to rush home and look up his citation, as follows.  As you would expect, it is utterly awesome.

Click here to see and amaze and inspire yourselves

*And here is his incredible Wikipedia biography

City Councilmember Ben Johnson -- who is very, very active in veterans affairs, among many other voluntary community efforts -- was in his usual photographic mode and has already started building an album of the event on his Facebook page.

He will be presiding over Monday's free Kiwanis breakfast at the Community Center and the Veterans Day ceremony to follow.  Details on these events may be found in this City-Journal bulletin.


David Nelson






All Original Content © 2013 , The MENTOR Enterprises / ELMS, All Rights Reserved -- BUT, I hereby waive those rights, to this extent: You may freely copy and pass this along, if you think it will do some good -- as long as it's free of charge, unchanged, and you include this statement.

VETERANS DAY 2013 WEEKEND -- Honors and Joy for Days to Come

Posted:  8 Nov 13

Purpose

To publicize some practical information concerning this annual commemoration of exemplary courage and sacrifice in the greatest of causes -- preservation of our nation against all comers and the continuing chance to enhance both our way of life and our home planet. (Things could have turned out far differently... lucky, lucky us!)

The information applies to commemorative activities within the successively larger territories that contain and shield us all, as neighbors of our City and County, Economic Area, Great State, West Coast Region, and throughout our much beloved and respected Nation.  (Stars and Stripes Forever! Amen! Courtesy of the United States Marine Band and, of course, John Philip Sousa)

Festoon the land with the most meaningful color-set on earth -- red, white, and blue.  But do not half-mast the national ensign on Monday (When to fly your American flag).  Let her fly high!

The Link-List

1.  In Pittsburg

• 11/9/SAT/4 pm -- A FREE CONCERT: "1st Annual Veterans Benefit Jam" -- 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 9, California Theatre, 351 Railroad Ave., Pittsburg. The event is in recognition and appreciation of veterans service and will help support The Veterans Employment Committee of Contra Costa County. Music by The Delta Dogs, The RaveUps, The Blondies, Billy Schaub, Syria Berry, and special guests. Admission is free; donations appreciated. All proceeds will benefit area veterans. Tickets: www.pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com. 925-427-1047.
• 11/11/MON/8 & 11 am -- BREAKFAST & CEREMONY to Honor Veterans: Breakfast: 8 a.m., Ceremony: 11 a.m.  Pittsburg Senior Center, 300 Presidio Lane. Breakfast sponsored by the Pittsburg Kiwanis Club. For information, call Ben Johnson, 925-252-4850.

2.  In Contra Costa County

• Also see a typically fine and thorough summary on the Contra Costa Times website

3.  In the San Francisco Bay Area

4.  In California

5.  On the West Coast

6.  Around the Nation

AS YOU CAN SEE, THERE ARE PLENTY OF GREAT OPPORTUNITIES TO KEEP THINGS REAL

Have another safe, joyous, and meaningful weekend!  

It's all been bought and paid for, many times over 

(Lucky, lucky US!!!)

David Nelson
Fellow Citizen of a Great World and Humankind's Crown Jewel


All Original Content © 2013 , The MENTOR Enterprises / ELMS, All Rights Reserved -- BUT, I hereby waive those rights, to this extent: You may freely copy and pass this along, if you think it will do some good -- as long as it's free of charge, unchanged, and you include this statement.

NOTICE OF DETERMINATION -- Trans Bay Cable Project Improvements

Posted:  7 Nov 13



1.  Brief Synopsis

The embedded Notice of Determination (NOD) is received from Kathy Comtois of the Pittsburg Planning Department, concerning construction of two new buildings, 26 parking spaces, and other improvements at the Trans Bay Cable Converter Station at 570 W. 10th Street, Pittsburg, CA.

Special Note:  Before reaching the embedded document, below, you will find two very interesting excerpts, from reliable websites, which reveal the great significance of this vital Bay Area resource's presence in Pittsburg -- and, indeed, of its very existence at all. [Added for context and because it's just plain good to know -- seemed like a perfect publicizing opportunity]

As you will see, in the embedded public document:

• This Notice of Determination complies with Section 21152, Public Resources Code
• The City approved this project on 19 August 2013
• The Project Description explains the sense of this project.

2.  Excerpts from the Trans Bay Cable website:

The Trans Bay Cable, LLC is an energy transmission company in the San Francisco Bay Area.

The Trans Bay Cable consists of a 53-mile HVDC [High Voltage Direct Current] cable system that runs under the San Francisco Bay to transfer existing energy from the City of Pittsburg to the City of San Francisco.

TBC has convertor stations in both Pittsburg and San Francisco. Power is used by consumers in the Alternating Current (AC) form. Because AC power cannot travel efficiently over long distances while buried it must be converted to the Direct Current (DC) form in Pittsburg, and then back to AC once it reaches San Francisco.

It is important to note that the Pittsburg Substation receives power through transmission lines from many other power plants in California and the Western U.S. Because of the diversity of its energy sources, it is impossible to identify the specific sources of power the Cable will receive, but it does include energy from renewable sources.


3.  Excerpts from Wikipedia

The Trans Bay Cable is a high-voltage direct current underwater cable interconnection between San Francisco, California and Pittsburg, California.

The 53 mi (85 km) cable under San Francisco Bay and through the Carquinez Strait can transmit 400 megawatts of power at a DC voltage of ±200 kV, enough to provide 40% of San Francisco's peak power needs.

Owned by SteelRiver Transmission Company, the line connects PG&E's Potrero Substation to its 230 kV transmission line in Pittsburg.

The system was completed in November, 2010.

The Trans Bay Cable project was the first HVDC system to use the Modular Multi-Level Converter (MMC) system.

4.  Notice of Determination

David Nelson

NOTICE OF DETERMINATION -- Pittsburg Plastic Bag Ordnance

Posted:  7 Nov 13

Brief Synopsis

The embedded Notice of Determination (NOD) is received from Kathy Comtois of the Pittsburg Planning Department, concerning a new plastic bag regulation for the City of Pittsburg.

As you will see,

• This Notice of Determination complies with Section 21152, Public Resources Code
• The new ordnance goes into effect on 15 January 2014
• The Project Description explains the sense of this new ordnance.

David Nelson

Plastic Bag Regulation NOD.pdf by Decian1

DESIGNING OLD TOWN PARK (Update #1) -- Next TWO meetings -- 11/6/WED (7 pm) & 11/18/Mon (7 pm)

Posted:  6 Nov 13
Update #1:  6 Nov / 10:40 am

Purpose

This bulletin transmits a message from the City Planning Department concerning the new park being designed, with much public input, to convert the vacant lot on Railroad Avenue -- between the downtown plaza, Momo's, and La Veranda; across from the museum; and catty-corner from Lumpy's -- into "Old Town Park," Pittsburg.

Update #1 adds new information (embedded at the bottom of this bulletin) from the Planning Department:

1. Narrative description of the three design options considered and 
2. Actual design sketches (with photo examples).  
3. Associate Planner Leigha Smith informs me that a simple majority [of responding public] preferred Concept B, about 52%. 
4. And then an additional 18% preferred Concept A which was very similar to B in that it was an "active concept" [too] with lots of programming. 
5. This indicated to staff that the majority of people [responding] wanted to see active programming in the park.
   .

You can open these embedded documents to full-screen mode by clicking the rectangle in the lower right-hand corner of each frame.

Background

To help bring everyone up to speed, here is a link-list to City-Journal bulletins concerning this exciting, long-lasting City-enhancer:

• Public Meeting for a New Downtown Park 8/20/13/TUE/ 6:30pm
• City of Pittsburg: Old Town Park Master Plan Kick-Off Meeting
• AFTER ACTION REPORT: On the 8/20 Downtown Park Public Brainstorming Meeting (Amd: 8/25)

David Nelson
(Thanks to neighbor, Dena Jordan, for calling for the above additional information)

======= PLANNING DEPARTMENT MESSAGE BEGINS =======

On Tue, Nov 5, 2013 at 10:07 AM,
Leigha Schmidt <LSchmidt@ci.pittsburg.ca.us> wrote:

Hello All,

I apologize about the late notice but I wanted to make you aware of two upcoming meetings related to the Old Town Park.

1.  On Wednesday, November 6 at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 65 Civic Avenue, 3rd Floor Council Chambers, the Community Advisory Commission (CAC) will consider the Old Town Park conceptual designs, public comment on those designs, preliminary cost estimate and the Land Use Subcommittee recommendation for the Old Town Park.

• At that meeting the CAC will be asked to provide a recommendation to the City Council on a preferred conceptual design. 
• This is not a public hearing but there will be allocated time for the public to speak on agenda and non-agenda items. 
• Please see http://www.ci.pittsburg.ca.us/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=5910 for this meeting’s agenda materials.

2.  On Monday, November 18, 2013 at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 65 Civic Avenue, 3rd Floor Council Chambers, the City Council will consider the Old Town Park conceptual designs, public comment on those designs, preliminary cost estimate and the Land Use Subcommittee and CAC’s recommendations.

• At that meeting, the Council will be asked to approve a conceptual design and to authorize staff to develop construction level drawings and a bid package for the Old Town Park. 
• This is not a public hearing but your presence will be appreciated. 
• The agenda is not available for that meeting at this time, but you can check back at the following link: http://www.ci.pittsburg.ca.us/index.aspx?page=533 next week and the staff report and supporting materials will be posted for public review.

 Please feel free to contact me with any questions about the project. Hope to see you at the meetings!

Leigha Schmidt
Associate Planner
City of Pittsburg
65 Civic Avenue
Pittsburg, CA 94565
p. 925-252-4015
f. 925-252-4814

Attach 3 OTP Concept Descriptions.docx

Attach 2 OTP Concept Exhibit 09.25.13.pdf

HALF-STAFF ALERT -- Representative Foley, 10/29/13/TUE till Sunset

Posted:  29 Oct 13

Rest in peace, Mr. Speaker.

On Tue, Oct 29, 2013 at 6:57 AM, GFW Newsletter <newsletter@gettysburgflag.com> wrote:

Half-Staff Alert In This Issue Stars for our Troops Official Proclamation Half Staff How-To Quick Links Gettysburg Flag Works Home Page American Flags Flag Poles This Week's Sale Clearance Items Your old flag can touch the lives of 50 American Soldiers or Veterans! Learn more... Gettysburg Flag Works  715 Columbia Turnpike  East Greenbush, NY 12061  1-888-697-3524  www.gettysburgflag.com Date: Tuesday, October 29, 2013 Reach: Throughout the USA --------------Proclamation-------------- As a mark of respect for the memory of Thomas S. Foley, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and laws of the United States of America, I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions on Tuesday, October 29, 2013. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff on that day at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-eighth day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand thirteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-eighth.                                                                                 BARACK OBAMA How to fly your flag at Half Staff What sort of flag pole are you using? When raising the flag to half staff on a vertical pole, always raise it briskly to the top of the flagpole for a moment before lowering it. When taking it down for the night, raise it to the top of the flagpole again & lower it to the bottom. With a telescoping flag pole it is acceptable to put the USA flag on the second set of rings instead of the top set. In this case the top set would be left empty. When the United States flag is flown at half-staff, State & other flags should be removed or flown at half-staff too. For flags that can't be lowered, such as those on many homes, the American Legion says that attaching a black ribbon or streamer to the top of the flag is an acceptable alternative. The ribbon should be the same width as a stripe on the flag and the same length as the flag.

Remind a friend Gettysburg Flag Works | 715 Columbia Turnpike | East Greenbush | NY | 12061

Supervisor Glover Offers FREE 1-DAY GRANT-WRITING WORKSHOP -- 10/30/WED -- Hercules

Posted:  7 Oct 13


1.  Purpose

The purpose of this bulletin is to announce the 6th annual free grant-proposal-writing workshop presented by Contra Costa County, District Five -- on Wednesday, 30 October, from 8 to 4:30 pm -- in Hercules, CA.

The official announcement is embedded at the bottom of this bulletin.

2.  Synopsis of the Announcement

Writing a grant proposal -- successfully -- requires knowledge and skill.

The County has repeatedly shown that this free workshop is a very effective way to help community-based organizations (non-profit and government agencies) write winning grant proposals.

[No matter how worthy the cause, 

it can only hope to win the competition for scarce funds

 if proper procedures are followed 

and mistakes are minimized.]

Over the years, scores of attendees have won thousands of grant dollars after attending the one-day course.


David Nelson

RELEASE Grant Class.2013

MAGIC DINNER SHOWS IN MARTINEZ? YOU BET!

Posted:  6 Oct 13

1.  Purpose

This bulletin is to insure that you are aware of another lovely and unique entertainment option within Contra Costa County.  

Specifically, this is to give you this descriptive web-link to the "California Magic Club," a dinner and magic theater in downtown Martinez, the county seat. (By the way, did you know that the City of Martinez has a credible claim on the title of "home of the martini cocktail?")


2.  Background

Do you like unique dining experiences?  Do you like magicians strolling about, doing magic tricks and telling jokes at every dinner table?  Does the thought please you, of enjoying a fine meal followed by a great, bonafide magic show, up on stage, under the spotlights,  presented by first-rate professional magicians? Would you like to purchase a few magic specialty items with which to wow yourself and others, later?   

Do I know of a place for you, then.

For the last several years, various out-of-town guests and a daughter's birthday have been my wife's and my "excuses" for paying another visit to our favorite magic dinner place. It costs a bit more than "regular" dinner and a movie -- but you remember and smile for a long time afterwards -- for you will have been nicely fed and thoroughly entertained --  and will possess a unique and fond memory to share and savor.

And each show is always different.


3.  Skeleton Outline of a Magical Evening

3.1  Gerry Griffin is the kindly owner, host, and chief magician who makes it a point to warmly greet everyone at the door and check on their enjoyment throughout the evening. Here is a charming gentleman who loves his craft -- and is excellently generous and skilled at using it to please others.

• He says, "There's something truly beautiful about seeing the impossible, and when you see the impossible presented up close by a gentleman with a twinkle in his eye and a smile in his voice, that's captivating."
• And, as you leave, Gerry's always there to say good night, thanks for coming.

3.2  You'll be seated at a table suited to your party's size.  The dining/show room is attractive, comfortable, intimate, with subdued lighting, and seating for about 30 or 40 folks -- at a mix of small and larger tables.  The walls are covered with interesting photos of famed and unfamiliar magicians and memorabilia of the trade.  Totally informal.  Extremely cordial and attentive staff.  

3.3  While anticipation builds for the meal, whose smells have been enticing you all along, several staff and guest magicians (including Gerry) delight each and every table with close-up magic -- to abundant laughter and frequent bursts of applause.

3.4  Next, before you know it, a very artful and tasty dinner is sitting in front of you. Time continues to fly.  The mood heightens and lightens even further.  And soon, you're eagerly putting your fork down after the last pleasing morsel -- almost a signal for the stage show to begin.  

3.5  The generous length of that totally captivating show is just about right -- hands get sore after all that clapping.  The magicians always seem to be having as grand a time as their audience.  It's such a contagious pleasure to see someone truly enjoying their life's work or avocation.  (And the old saying proves wise, yet again, "Always leave 'em wanting more, rather than less.")


4.  In our opinion, this is an evening where you really get your money's worth.

You'll have to buy your tickets before you come -- for, as you can tell, they do a lot of advance preparation to make everything just right.

There's surely room for a little magic in this life!

Enjoy!

David Nelson


All Original Content © 2013 , The MENTOR Enterprises / ELMS, All Rights Reserved -- BUT, I hereby waive those rights, to this extent: You may freely copy and pass this along, if you think it will do some good -- as long as it's free of charge, unchanged, and you include this statement.

AMAZING: David Copperfield Does An Instant MAGIC Trick!!!

Posted:  5 Oct 13

How does he do this?  My cousin, John Robinson, just sent this to me and it has been correct every time (so far).

I thought you might find this interesting.  (I'll bet David C.'s the life of any party!)

THIS WILL BLOW  YOU AWAY!!!!

Now  send  it to some of your Friends, so they can have  fun   also...

Afternote:  I figured out how he does this.  Can you?   He will never be incorrect.  Clue:  Check your assumptions.  Misdirection applied.  I was asking the wrong questions for a while. (Good little life-lesson, here)