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YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
Vol. 12, No. 1
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January 6, 2012
is Setback for cities: State ends RDAs Money no object by Justin Lafferty Staff Writer
The future of several East County projects is up in the air after the California Supreme Court recently ruled that the state government could terminate its cities’ redevelopment agencies and take away their money. In the summer of 2011, Gov. Jerry Brown proposed cutting redevelopment agencies (RDAs) as a way to help balance the state budget. The agencies redirect property taxes from the state back to the agency to fund development, and have historically been used for economic development and to fight blight. Following the governor’s proposed elimination of RDAs, the California League of Cities filed a suit claiming the action was unconstitutional. Shortly before the new year, the Supreme Court upheld a bill that eliminated the RDAs, and struck down a measure that would have let cities pay a “ransom” to keep their redevelopment agencies and any tax revenue that remained. “It was the worst-case scenario,” said Oakley City Manager Bryan Montgomery. “I was surprised that they undid it all.” Antioch planned to pay $3.1 million, Brentwood $2.7 million and Oakley roughly
When asked what changes they’d make to the community, your neighbors didn’t pull any punches. Page 1B
Farewell to city stalwart Press file photo
State auditors could review properties transferred from redevelopment agencies to cities, such as the Roswell Butler Hard House in Antioch, above. $1.5 million to keep their RDAs. Altogether, California will reap about $1.7 billion from its roughly 400 redevelopment agencies statewide. The agencies will dissolve on Feb. 1. On May 1, the state will
establish oversight committees to study redevelopment assets and on July 1, auditors from the state controller’s office will start examin-
Antioch mourns the passing of a citizen who never dodged an opportunity to roll up his sleeves and pitch in. Page 5A
Building from the mat up
see Setback page 15A
City officials fume over fire report “ They say our operation is adequate because
by Rick Lemyre Staff Writer
A grand jury report stating that fire protection in far East County is “adequate” – despite last year’s closure of two stations – is drawing criticism from local fire officials and residents. “They consider the service adequate, but I don’t know where you can find anyone in the district who thinks that,” said East Contra Costa Fire Protection District (ECCFPD) Chief Hugh Henderson. “I haven’t heard that in any of our community meetings.” Due to plummeting property tax revenue and a tax-sharing structure established when fire service in far East County was
no one has died.
”
ECCFPD Board President Kevin Romick provided mostly by volunteers, the ECCFPD is currently operating at a $2 million annual deficit. The reserves now being used to keep the district afloat will run out in about six months. The district is considering placing a $197-per-parcel property tax on the ballot in June to stave off insolvency. In addition to the two station closures last year, the district has virtually no equipment replacement fund, operates at least two stations
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with inadequate crew quarters (Station 95 in Bethel Island has been condemned for toxic mold), and runs two of its six engines with two firefighters instead of the industry standard three. According to the report, however, “The Grand Jury has validated that the level of service provided with the current operating structure meets the needs of the residents of the District. There has been no loss of life or property directly attributable
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A recent job fair sharpened Liberty students’ interview and resumé skills.
to the service levels provided through the current operating structure. … From a quality of service point of view, the current operating structure is adequate.” “They say our operation is adequate because no one has died,” said ECCFPD Board President Kevin Romick. “This is a politically motivated witch hunt to prove the property tax wasn’t necessary. Why don’t they rely on previous (2008) Grand Jury findings, or the county’s Municipal Service Review, or the 2006 Citigate report?” Romick said. Each of those reports examined the ECCFPD and concluded that staff levels were too low see Fire page 15A
Disposal day
go to news/press releases Residents can recycle holiday cooking fats, oils and grease at a special event.
The Panthers’ wrestling team isn’t deep, but their new coach believes they’ve got a headlock on progress. Page 22A Calendar ............................ 15B Classifieds ........................... 9B Cop Logs ............................ 14B East County Life ................ 1B Entertainment ................... 6B Food ...................................... 7B Milestones ........................10A Opinion ..............................14A Sports .................................18A FOR MOVIE TIMES SEE PAGE 5A
Wish list
go to multimedia/videos If you had a bazillion bucks, what would you spend on your community?