Public Hearing on Sunnyside Estates Request 8/27/13/TUE/7:00pm

Posted:  20 Aug 13

To:  Interested Parties:

[Embedded below] for your reference is the Public Hearing Notice for the next Pittsburg Planning Commission meeting on Tuesday, August 27, 2013.

Thank you,

Kathy Comtois

City of Pittsburg

65 Civic Avenue

kcomtois@ci.pittsburg.ca.us

Phone:  925-252-4922

PHN Sunnyside Estates 8.27.13

Public Notice (till 9/23/TUE/12 pm): Mesa Outdoor Electronic Billboard

Posted:  27 Aug 13

On Mon, Aug 26, 2013 at 4:25 PM, Kathy Comtois <KComtois@ci.pittsburg.ca.us> wrote:

Interested Parties:

Re:  Mesa Outdoor Electronic Billboard

Attached [embedded below] for your reference is a Notice of Intent to Consider Adoption of a Mitigated Negative Declaration.

Sincerely,

Kathy Comtois

City of Pittsburg

65 Civic Avenue

kcomtois@ci.pittsburg.ca.us

Phone:  925-252-4922

===================
Please note that public comment period is from August 23 to 12:00 pm, September 23/TUE.

Please allow a few seconds for the embedded public notice to open, below.

NOI - Neg Dec - Mesa Outdoor Electronic Billboard

SECURITY ADVISORY! Smartphone Pictures Pose Privacy Risks

Posted:  26 Aug 13

1.  Purpose

1.1  The purpose of this bulletin is to increase public well-being by illuminating another threat that accompanies the magnificent blessings of mobile phone and computer technologies.

1.2  Specifically, it is to report a cursory investigation, just conducted, on the potential threat of using smart-type phones to take photos and then posting those on the internet.

As a starting point for the discussion:

• Another benefit of Facebook is that people can point out some of the significant things we are missing all the time -- but shouldn't miss.  
• This story has been circulating since 2010, before it finally reached me -- but reached me it has -- this very morning.  
• By its seriousness, it pushed itself to the very top of my priority list.  Here is the result, so far.

2.  The Basic Story

This story was brought into my view by my Facebook Friend, George D., by means of this video posted on another's private-seeming blog (http://kyeos.wordpress.com) -- which passed along the following video -- thereby triggering the chain-reaction leading to this morning's bulletin.

Please Note:  The basic story is nearly four years old and the affected industries have been taking action. But, you should be aware of the pieces of the story so you can see where it applies to you and so you can help others separate fact from fiction.

From Nov 9, 2010, KSHB-TV, Kansas City, Action News Report, 4 minutes

On YouTube:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2vARzvWxwY 

3.  The Investigation

Disclaimer about this link-list:  I have long known Snopes.com and About.com to be superb fact-checking sites which you can always rely upon.  I'm NOT familiar with the others, so I can't vouch for what they always do, but at least in this case, their information is sound, in my view:

1. Google search -- August 26, 2013, "smartphone pictures pose privacy risks hoax"
2. Snopes.com -- Updated: August 12, 2013, "Smart Phone Pictures Pose Privacy Risks"
3. About.com --  Since January 2013, "Smartphone Pictures Pose Privacy Risks?"
4. Gimmiefreebies.com -- Aug 13, 2013, "Gimmie Alert: Smartphone Pictures Pose Privacy Risks Hoax?"
5. SpeedofCreativity.org --  February 17, 2011, "Photo Geotagging Poses Privacy Risks, But Is NOT a Reason for Panic

4.  Preliminary Findings

• This is a valid, sound story of social significance -- BUT AN OLD ONE -- Facebook & Twitter have since begun taking automatic measures in processing uploaded photos
• If certain mobile phones are not set to the "right" settings, a villain can do some very alarming things -- among which are: (1) figuring out where the photo was taken; (2) the identity of the person photographed (heads-up, parents); (3) the home address; (4) even the room in which it was taken (5) the places a person frequents -- and more.
• The solution/fix/precautions are simple, quick, and effective and fully explained in the above articles.

5.  Recommendations

• Spend fifteen minutes, or so, following this investigative trail for yourselves.
• Follow the suggestions if they apply to you.
• Pass the word, far and wide -- either by linking this bulletin or by other means -- but please don't let your friends and associates down by withholding this information, as it applies. (Don't be a "broken link" in the good chain-reactions -- just the bad ones)
• Continue to relish, enjoy, and protect the technological advances of the age.

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.

WHO IS WESPAC? What Do They Say About the Proposed Pittsburg Project?

Posted:  25 Aug 13

1.  Purpose

1.1  In anticipation of (1) the 26 August workshop (click here) and (2) the close of the 45-day public comment period, at 5:00 pm, Friday, 6 September (click here), this bulletin provides some additional background information for residents to consider -- so they might become better acquainted with WesPac.

1.2  Specifically, this bulletin presents and briefly summarizes WesPac Corporate information, as referenced below. While these references are interesting and helpful, they do not reflect certain recent developments that required this 2013 EIR recirculation sequence.  To see those "missing pieces," please see the "Executive Summary" for the actual EIR, published on the City website (click here).

1.3  EIR = "Environmental Impact Report"


2.  A Brief Summary of the Referenced Materials

3.1 On the Corporate website, WesPac states:

• ABOUT US -- "WesPac Energy Group ("WesPac") develops, constructs, owns, and operates energy infrastructure throughout North America."  More...
• SAN FRANCISCO BAY TERMINAL PROJECT -- "The Pittsburg Energy Infrastructure Project is the modernization and reactivation of the existing marine terminal, oil storage and transfer facilities at the GenOn Pittsburg Generating Station.  These upgraded and improved facilities will be used to transport and store virgin and partially refined crude oil.  Products handled at the facility will be transported by pipeline, ship or barge."  More...
• CORPORATE MISSION & STRATEGIES -- "To develop and own energy assets in selected markets where we can provide strategic value, lower our customer's total operating costs, and/or create more efficiency and reliability in our customer's business."  More...
• TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS TO PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT -- "In 1998, WesPac began working with airports across the country to help them make the switch to receiving fuel by pipelines instead of trucks. Why? Trucks are a significant source of mobile air pollution including CO2, and are a major cause of road deterioration as well as traffic hazards and congestion. On the other hand, WesPac's underground pipeline systems are the safest, cleanest, and most economical means to transport fuel. Environmentally proactive cities such as San Diego, Reno, and Memphis have worked with WesPac to eliminate the transportation of jet fuel by tanker trucks."
• WESPAC PROJECTS & ACHIEVEMENTS -- The Company refers to representative projects it has undertaken in San Diego, Reno, Memphis, Los Angeles as well as on Hydrant System Balance and Web-based Inventory.  More...

3.2  In the Pittsburg Project Description, WesPac provides a clear, straight-forward statement:

• A Project Overview
• A Description of Terminal Operations Intended for Pittsburg (NOTE:  This section, apparently not yet updated, makes no mention of the current EIR under consideration, which deals with the Company's intention to add a "new method of oil delivery by rail.")
• Mention of the Environmental Impact Report Process (NOTE:  This section refers to an earlier EIR, submitted last year.  No mention is made about this current 2013 EIR Recirculation process facing us now.  Fuller information is on the City's website)
• Timeline (NOTE:  The provided timeline is obsolete, being based upon assumptions about last year's EIR process.  It is interesting to note that the project was expected to take 15 months.)
• Safety and the Environment / Safety Features
• Questions and Answers -- (1) What is the PEI Project; (2)  Why it is Needed; (3) Benefits to Pittsburg; (4) Precautions to ensure neighborhood safety; (5)  Approval Timeline; (6) Construction and Operation Timelines; (7)  About WesPac.
• Project Location Topographic Map
• Proposed Project Layout Map and site boundaries

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.

THE CIVIC MENTOR ~~~ This City-Journal's Next Evolutionary Step (Rev. 8/25/13)

---

Posted:  19 July 13
Revised:  25 Aug 13

NOW IS NOT A BAD TIME TO THINK BIG!
More and more, the impossible is becoming inevitable 
for our rapidly and well maturing society and species

1.  Purposes

1.1  To introduce to you the next major step -- "The Civic Mentor" -- and its interim website portal (Civicmentor.net).  They constitute yet another system-building tool -- in a public-service "system-of-systems" development process -- spanning decades -- and first made public with the creation of this Pittsburg City-Journal (PCJ), during 2012.

• From now on, new readers will not need to deal with the awkward URL (VNYLCityGov.Blogspot.com) when they wish to access the PCJ -- and all the other public service systems, as these come online.  
• You only need to remember the simpler name: "CIVICMENTOR.NET."

1.2  To continue increasing the quality and scope of public service to next include, more directly, the entire Contra Costa County -- then, to extend ever-refining systems-services, as appropriate, far beyond the territory -- even throughout this blessed nation -- humankind's crown jewel -- if that is to be.

1.3  To invite you to regularly visit the newly-forming system of many web-based systems, which is to be, among other things, the parent framework for the NEW PCJ.   I hope you will watch it as closely as you can, for I intend to keep growing and refining the emergent "super-system" -- until it has become a complete joy for you to habitually use and rely upon -- and until there is nothing left to do to it to make it as practical for you as it can be -- and keep it that way, as circumstances change.

---

2.  Background

REASONS AND BEGINNINGS

2.1  The PCJ first began as the outward-looking component of a voluntary, grass-roots Neighborhood Management System (NMS) I've been developing for the 114-home neighborhood where I reside -- and expect to make that NMS fully operational before June 2014.

2.1.1  The PCJ combines with an inward-looking communications system (two sides of the same coin).  The idea was to create a TOTAL view and a THOROUGH way -- to methodically and reliably anticipate, respond to, and favorably influence -- ALL KNOWN changes in the total environment -- having the power to affect us -- both inside the neighborhood and within its wider surroundings.

2.1.2  Besides, there are relatively few human groupings more potentially important to an average life than neighbors.  No matter who they are or whatever else they do, everyone, with few exceptions, is a neighbor among neighbors -- at the very "grass roots" of society -- and the relationship is inescapable -- for the role comes with the territory.

• Neighbors are special among those who, if so inclined, can help insure another's (even many others') survival, prosperity, and well-being.  
• They personify the human instinct of "I watch out for you and you watch out for me."  
• The relationship is usually of long-duration -- even life-long -- so the quality of that relationship is especially important.  
• They are the ones who might be turned to when a common (or private) act of fate threatens or summons.
• They can heighten one's awareness and readiness for life's sudden and gradual impacts -- good or bad.  
• Together, they can do needful/desirable things that are difficult or impossible to do, otherwise -- if their essential unity and cooperation are sufficient to the tasks before them.  
• They constitute a special class of friendship, to be prized and nurtured -- and much, much more, too -- which will be explored with you, in coming days.

FATEFUL  INTENTIONS

2.2  It has always been my intention (virtually life-long) to (among a whole lot of other INTERRELATED things) develop and expand a range of needful services, spiraling outward from my very soul, through my family and home, my neighborhood, and throughout my city, county, region, state, and the Nation.  But, I have found fate constantly disrupting (and usually improving upon) my timetables.  For fate overrides all agendas with its own -- and is a far better "planner" than I could ever hope to be.

MANY BIRDS, ONE STONE

2.3  For example, I soon realized that the PCJ, with certain adjustments, could just as easily begin serving the City, too (and even the County and beyond), much sooner than later.  Once I understood what it was becoming, a perfect opportunity to "leap frog" my plans smacked me squarely on my noggin.  So, how could I justify withholding this emerging tool from my more distant neighbors? (And truly, we humans are ALL neighbors on our common, tiny planet.)

• Many birds could be killed with one PCJ-stone (a dreadful expression, but illuminative)
• Unfortunately, while the URL I created made sense for my own neighborhood, it quickly outgrew its original purpose.  As a result, I know it has been confusing for others -- but, by then, momentum made changing it untenable, until now.

BESIDES, The PCJ is the PRELIMINARY PUBLIC TOOL 

to help build the "SYSTEM-OF-SYSTEMS" TO FOLLOW 

-- proceeding, next, with establishment of the Civic Mentor.

GAPS IN THE SOCIAL ARMOR

2.4  I also confirmed that, in order to THOROUGHLY complete my own neighborhood's NMS, I needed certain things to be provided TO my neighborhood (and many others), in a certain form, from the various systems that comprise and serve our society.  And these are things I believe virtually every neighborhood needs to have in order to become fully optimized -- no matter where that neighborhood happens to be.  The Civic Mentor is meant to serve those needs, methodically.

• 2.4.1  And, I have repeatedly confirmed to myself that there are certain other "social structural gaps" that need to be closed in order for ALL the people, in their universal "grass-roots settings,"  to more fully organize themselves as integral, optimized subsystems of society, in this complex era.  

• 2.4.2  And, I think I have figured out a way to begin closing all of those gaps -- through the Civic Mentor, plus 5 or 6 other major components being planned for.  The Civic Mentor is the "linch-pin" and logical foundation for all that is to follow.

• 2.4.3  Indeed, THE MISSION OF THIS ENTIRE "SOCIAL ENTERPRISE" includes: (1) Providing for THE SOCIAL INGREDIENTS Perceived to be Missing and (2) Seeing to the CLOSURE of ALL closable STRUCTURAL GAPS -- particularly at the "grass roots" level of a self-governing society.

IT'S ALL SO FEASIBLE, NOW

2.5  With the passage of time and my growing absorption of new technologies, it has now become possible to advance beyond the groundwork thus far laid by the PCJ -- and ALL that has come before and is still appearing -- faster and faster -- to reach "the golden shore" I see and am so certain awaits us -- though much, much more remains to be discovered, devised, explained, and done -- and shall be.

THE MAGNIFICENT INTERNET ACHIEVEMENT CHANGES EVERYTHING!!  

We are still just beginning to build up our momentum 

in understanding and capitalizing on its awesome social potential.

The deliberate and methodical redesign of the social fabric -- during this generation -- in light of the profound social impact, opportunities, and risks, emerging from revolutionary modern technology -- is feasible, inevitable, and highly advantageous to the human good.

---

3.  A Proviso

THE NORM

3.1  Please keep in mind that this system-building project is not a "typical" one.  Normally, an entrepreneur works on an innovation (often in secret) until enough has been accomplished that they feel ready to release their new product-service mix into the world.  He or she can do and correct many of the dumb-seeming things in private and no one will ever know.   Such reticence is often crucial to them, so as to not undermine themselves by premature exposure of their unfolding plans to the threats of negative forces that due care and timing could have avoided.

THE EXCEPTION

3.2  The special nature of this project, which life has "assigned" me to do, no longer affords me that luxury.  For I have now reached the point where I, though a private citizen, simply must do more and more of the remaining work under the public eye  -- though much has been done beforehand, behind the scenes -- over decades of thought and preparation.

URGENCY AND POSTPONEMENT RISK

3.3  Why must this all be done in public?  Because this project is so vast that if I wait till it's all done before presenting it to you, I might not even be alive to do so -- I'm no longer a young fellow -- plus, life is so risky.  Thus, it must be tackled in public or not at all.  Frankly, success is unimaginable to me, without undergoing this crucial public stage, at this particular time-point -- for this forces pursuit of clarity and helps me persevere, as I falter, from time to time.

• 3.3.1  Besides, the process of perfecting things must eventually involve all of us, if results are to be truly practical and meaningful.  Why not, then, afford you the early opportunity to witness and participate in the evolution, refinement, and institutionalization of the hoped for results -- thereby, greatly increasing prospects for success?  

• 3.3.2  Ultimately, at the very core of this whole undertaking is an unshakable commitment to deliver high-quality service, for the greater good of "we the people."  Naturally, since all is being done for us all, we the people have an implicit right to influence things, favorably, whenever we are ready to do so.  How could it be otherwise?  My own small allotment of genius, inspiration, time, and energy can only go so far -- to push "this boulder uphill."

• 3.3.3 And, I firmly believe that what fate is having me do will work, hand-in-hand with others, to save many lives and add much value to them -- even before the entire project is completed.  

• 3.3.4  THUS, THERE IS A VERY REAL SENSE OF URGENCY -- so time is not to be wasted on secrecy, fear, hurt feelings, and other private concerns.

THE IMMINENT FUTURE

3.4  Therefore, everything you see is likely to be in a constantly-changing "rough" form and will be refined as I can get to it.  (So please, don't judge me too harshly -- for there are many, many "balls in the air" and mishaps, blunders, and short-cuts must happen as part of the process.)  The smoothing-out has to be done on the fly.  And, it will likely take years before this project can be said to be finished with my part in it.

• Like a big building-construction project, "the land" has been studied and cleared, materials gathered, blueprints worked out, foundations are establishing, and the framework is starting to solidify for this emerging skyscraper. (I'll worry about "decorating" it, later)  You are standing on the very construction site.  
• As preparations solidify, team-building can begin in earnest, leading to establishment of the parent corporation -- "The Mentor Enterprises / ELMS" -- (circa 2016) -- to help refine and advance these concepts -- beyond the limits of my personal reach, unassisted -- and purify and perpetuate the concepts -- if found to be worthy -- beyond my lifespan (unless fate is playing terrible tricks on me).   But, with luck, further maturation of the concepts, and with the fabulous technology of this new age -- I can reasonably hope to progress a long way -- before any serious formal delegating to others needs to begin, in earnest.
• "ELMS" stands for "Entire Life-time Management Systems."

3.5  As I have said, many times, mistakes, even blunders, will be unavoidable -- and, to my chagrin, you will see many of them.  So be it.  The public advantages far outweigh the personal costs.

Who dares seriously say that any one of us cannot be a catalyst for world change -- for the better rather than the worse -- by fulfilling the suitably high purposes, dreams, determination, and luck at their disposal? 

 Oh, Yes We Can and Do and Shall!
Humans have been proving the truth of this 
for a long, long time -- and will doubtless continue to do so.

With your patience and help, all will be well, 
whenever "waiting is filled,"

if fate continues to be kind.

Respectfully yours,

David Nelson

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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.

CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES EVALUATION SYSTEM (CERES)

Posted:  28 Aug 13

1.  Purpose

To raise public awareness of a powerful online tool available from the California Natural Resources Agency, "The California Evironmental Resources Evaluation System -- CERES."

By placing this information here on this blog, it should be another convenient way to explore and exploit the advantages -- always here  (so as to remind you of its existence) for your revisits, at your leisure.

An eventual goal of the emergent "Civic Mentor," of which this blog is but one planned product, is to place many practical tools, within the social inventory, into convenient reach of our awareness and fingertips.

2.  About CERES

The California Environmental Resources Evaluation System (CERES) is a program of the California Resources Agency established to facilitate access to a variety of electronic data describing California’s rich and diverse environments.

The goal of CERES is to improve environmental analysis and planning by integrating natural and cultural resource information from multiple contributors and by making it available and useful to a wide variety of users.

CERES collects and integrates data and information and distributes it via the World Wide Web, tapping into important information sources and contributing to advances in the science of data management and metadata cataloging by encouraging cooperation among governmental, educational, and private groups. (More ...)

3.  By Exploring the Site, You Will Find:

• CERES LIBRARY -- which is an online catalog and repository for digital information resources for California’s natural environment
• MY PLAN -- which is a map service designed to be a simple interface to California natural hazard data products produced by the California Natural Resources Agency departments and other government agencies. 
• ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION -- for this is a great resource for Californians who are interested in the environment. [For all audiences, educators, students, kids]
• CAL-ATLAS GEOSPATIAL DATA LIBRARY -- which facilitates the coordinated and sustainable development, maintenance, licensing and sharing of geospatial data resources.
• MAP LAYER SERVICES -- of The California Environmental Digital Atlas, which offers an array of environmental data to aid in regional conservation planning and analysis.
• LUPIN -- CERES’ Land Use Planning Information Network (LUPIN) which provides an aggregate view of California’s land use and environmental planning information including county general plans and more.
• CEQA WEB -- The California Environmental Quality Act Statutes & Guidelines searchable interface.
• MYHAZARDS -- Discover the hazards that exist in your area and learn how to reduce YOUR risk! Remember, the best way to recover from disasters is by reducing the risks before a disaster strikes.
• CERES MAPPER -- An easy to use online mapping tool. [It's  unclear how this one works, couldn't find any instructions, looked around, over my head]

Another reason for calling this "The Great State of California"

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.

ASSEMBLY WOMAN BONILLA: Save the Date -- 10/14/FRI/10 am to 12 pm - Walnut Creek

Posted:  30 Aug 13

On Fri, Aug 30, 2013 at 4:55 PM, <Assemblymember.Bonilla@outreach.assembly.ca.gov> wrote:

Problems viewing this E-Alert, click here. Save the DATE! Hearing of the Assembly Select Committee on Increasing the Integration of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) in Education in California K-14 Schools Chaired by Assemblywoman Susan A. Bonilla (D-Concord) Special Guest:State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson Hearing Topic: STEM Task Force Report: From Planning to Implementation Friday, October 4, 2013 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Contra Costa Transportation Authority Board Room 2999 Oak Road, Suite 110 Walnut Creek, CA 94597 For more information, please contact Assemblywoman Susan A. Bonilla's  District Office at (925) 521-1511. Website: http://asmdc.org/BonillaEmail: Assemblymember Bonilla Capitol Office: State Capitol P.O. Box 942849 Sacramento, CA 94249-0014 Tel: (916) 319-2014 Fax: (916) 319-2114 District Office:2151 Salvio Street Suite 395 Concord, CA 94520 Tel: (925) 521-1511 Fax: (925) 602-1536