Ivette Ricco

Sunday, June 16, 2013

As was reported by the West County Times’  Tom Lochner on June 11, 2013, Pinole lost four fire fighters to other cities.
Why, I wondered, would these fire fighters make that move? Was it due to better benefits, salaries, training? What would cause them to “jump ship”?

Was it prompted by the politically charged climate in Pinole, a climate that some say is “toxic” and anti-union? Did it have something to do with Jeff Rubin, the most vocal member of the Concerned Citizens of Pinole,  the political action committee behind the 2007 recall and instrumental in the election of four of the five sitting council members and his self-proclaimed war on Local 1230?

To be sure there are serious concerns about the firefighters union and other labor unions’ salaries, benefits and pensions. Valid concerns exist not just in Contra Costa County but throughout the state. Most agree that pension reform is necessary, but many also agree that changes must begin at the State level and that true and comprehensive reform will take time. But, a line seems to have been drawn in the sand in Pinole.
I asked Vince Wells, President of Local 1230, the United Professional Firefighters of Contra Costa County, to comment on the exodus of fire fighters in Pinole. His comments are posted below.

__________________________________________________

Four of Pinole’s firefighters have resigned and left for other Fire Departments. One was hired by the City of Vallejo, and the other three moved next door to the Rodeo Hercules Fire District. This is due to the toxic environment that exist between the firefighters, city management, the City Council, and the group once known as the “Concerned Citizens of Pinole. One only has to go back and watch the many city council meetings where fire services were on the agenda to see how disrespectful they were to those who provide Fire and EMS protection to the citizens of Pinole and surrounding jurisdictions. I believe more of the firefighters would leave if they weren’t so vested in the department and late into their careers. I predict that the firefighters hired to replace them will not stay long either, unless there are drastic changes.

The Citizens of Pinole need to engage and hold their City Council accountable to provide them with firefighters that are well equipped, staffed, and have the training necessary. The firefighters morale also has a significant impact on the level of service provided; the current morale is amongst the lowest in the county.

Getting a job as a firefighter is very competitive. Sometimes you take what you can get until you arrive at the department of your choice. That was not the case with those that left the department. Most of them were from the area. and enjoyed working in the community in which they grew up in or around.

The City Manager was aware of the fact that Chief Hanley was going to hire three of the Pinole Firefighters. This was not something that was unknown to Pinole. It is my opinion that the City Council and City Management wanted to lower their staffing and did not want the responsibility of having to take the SAFER grant to re-open station 74. They will use this as their excuse along with the ”unfair labor practice” charges we have filed against them. Do not be fooled by the attacks on the ethics of Chief Hanley, this is a smoke screen. Their desires all alone, were to get the staffing down to no more then 12 firefighters to put the re-opening of station 74 further out of reach. Mission accomplished!

_________________________________________________

This is a deadly serious topic.
A civil dialogue within the community and among the stake holders is long overdue. This public feuding has gone on far too long and has only served to alienate our firefighters and to place our city in a most precarious position, one that may put Pinole citizens and businesses in harms way.

Saturday, June 15, 2013
The City of Pinole is poised to ratify the lease agreement with Verizon for an 80 foot monopole at Pinole Valley Park, at this Tuesday’s City Council meeting.
The Council has been dancing around this issue for over a month. Interestingly, they recently held a special closed session meeting, on a Monday night, simply to discuss this item.
 That certainly drew the attention and ire of those residents who have been campaigning against this tower. The Council has often stated that the City’s resources cannot be wasted on unnecessary staff time. Yet the City added this meeting for one, closed-door session item. Seems a bit of a contradiction.
The city has a budget to review Tuesday and we will all know soon enough how the city’s finances look.

Does the $24,000 revenue translate to new services? Will $24,000 go towards the services volunteers have been keeping upright for the last few years? Or will that $24,000 simply be lost in the abyss known as the General Fund for unspecified and unknown budget line items?
 
The City is bouncing back from the recession. However, it seems as if they are contemplating staffing cost increases of one type or another. The use of public funds should dictate that $24,000 of revenue for a cell tower on public that belongs to you and me, should allow for input from its residents on the use of those funds.

Below is a letter from Matt Bielby, who represents the residents opposed to the erection of an 80 foot cell tower at Pinole Valley Park. 

No Cell Tower in Pinole Valley Park

            The City of Pinole has plans which will allow Verizon to install an 80ft Cell Tower on public lands in Pinole Park.  Pinole Park is recreationally zoned and this will be opening it up for commercial use.  Local residents have voiced their concern for this poorly planned venture, but the City Council is poised to ratify the lease this Tuesday, June 18th.  

            This plan reeks of a weak City Council allowing its City Staff to dictate policy and open their doors to a major corporation.  The city is only going to be making $24k a year, which does not cover even a quarter of the cost of a police officer or fire fighter, yet they’re willing to sacrifice one of the most beautiful areas of Pinole for it.  

            Pinole’s City Staff just want the extra revenue, and see this as a ‘bottom line’ issue. The City Council is meant to look out for its residents’ best interest, which they will not be doing by ratifying this lease.  Our property values have just begun to turn around and the last thing we need is something to harm them.

Please join us at The Pinole City Council meeting on June 18th and let The City Council know you don’t want this Cell Tower in Pinole Valley Park.

Also, please contact:
Pete Murray   home  222-1910      pmurray@ci.pinole.ca.us
Debbie Long   510-684-3080      dlong@ci.pinole.ca.us   
Tim Banuelos 510 872 9646 tbanuelos@ci.pinole.ca.us

Let them know this is a flawed plan and you don’t want this Cell Tower in Pinole Valley Park.
Matt Bielby
Sheila Grist
Tony Gutierrez

Pinole City Council Agendas:
Attached are 2 agendas.  In the event that the Council  does not complete the Budget Workshop review on June 18^th, a Special Meeting has been noticed in order to continue the discussion the following evening.  If the review is concluded on June 18^th, the Mayor will cancel the Special meeting scheduled for the following evening.
June 18
http://www.ci.pinole.ca.us/admin/docs/cc-rda/2013/2013-06-18/AG-2013-06-18.pdf
June 19
http://www.ci.pinole.ca.us/admin/docs/cc-rda/2013/AG-2013-06-19-SpMtg.pdf

Max Glanz

For those who have been following (for the last seven years) the progress or lack thereof of the Pinole Skate Park, there are some recent developments to report.

On May 22, the Skate Park Committee met with City representatives and laid the ground work for the future of a Skate Park in Pinole.
This meeting was significant in that some of the most important issues were finally addressed, concerns aired and possibly mitigated.
For those of you who are in favor of the Skate Park this is good news; news that has been a long time coming. But we can expect that the proposed project will continue to be  discussed and debated before it becomes a reality. What we do know is that a major step has been taken in the campaign to bring a Skate Park to Pinole.

Below are comments from Sandee and Max Glanz, Skate Park Committee members following the meeting.

“Here is what happened at the skate park meeting last night:
Council approved the preferred larger 10k sq ft site in PV Park (located only yards from the original site). Council also approved moving ahead with the Design and Engineering aspect of the project and approved acquiring contracts with the Sk8 Park Designer and Civil Engineer who did the feasibility studies.
Most importantly, Dean Allison proposed construction to start in 2015 however Council and the Skate Park committee felt that was too long of a timeline. Council made/approved a motion to start construction in Spring/Summer of 2014!!
Our committee, the skaters of Pinole and much of the community has waited for a meeting like this for over 7 years! “

The Pinole Skate Park Committee still has obstacles to overcome.
The preferred location in Pinole Valley Park could be an issue, and the possibility of cost overruns might present a new set of challenges. But, for this group of dedicated and persistent Pinole Skate Park advocates, these issues don’t seem insurmountable. Not after working for the last seven years just to get to this point.

May 29, 2013
Greetings all. I am home after a long and difficult trip.
Tomorrow, Mike and I celebrate our 49th wedding anniversary which we will spend together, catching up.

As you may recall, the purpose of my trip was to try and convince my 92 year-old mother that she could no longer live alone in Puerto Rico. If you think a political campaign is grueling then you should try to campaign for what’s best for my mother! She is one tough cookie.
But, I am happy to report that after weeks of conversations, intervention from her priest as well as her doctor, I succeeded in getting my mom to leave her “Isla” and travel with me to Orlando Florida, where she is staying with my sisters. It was touch and go up until the moment I got her through security at the San Juan airport. I feared she would bolt at any moment.
This was a big step but the reality is there will be more hard work to do in order to have her remain in Orlando. More angst is in store for everyone. I kept a dairy of my trip and will be posting bits and pieces of it as time goes on.

I am still dealing with jet lag and overall exhaustion resulting from this difficult trip. But, I am getting my bearings back and will be able to update “Life as I know it” soon.
Of interest will be an update on the Verizon cell tower, the Skate Park and the Proposed Waste Water Treatment Plant Rate Increases.

Remember that this Sunday, June 2, is the Save the Swim Center Fun Run.
The weather promises to be beautiful and the $25 donation will go towards maintaining one of the city’s most wonderful amenities, the Pinole Swim Center. Register here.

Ivette

April 21, 2013
When I started my blog I knew I wanted to keep my community informed and involved about Our City, but I also knew that for me, family comes first.

Mother’s Day is a few weeks away and I am hours away from leaving Pinole to fly to Puerto Rico to care for mom.

My 92 year old mother lives alone in Puerto Rico. She went “home” after living in New York City for over 40 years.
I admire her strengths, but her care has become increasingly difficult. She has moderate dementia, a multitude of age related problems and has refused any and all outside help or services. She refuses to pay for anything she doesn’t deem necessary or important, which in her mind is pretty much everything.
My goodness how much is a loaf of bread? Yes mom it’s two bucks.

My sisters and I have been travelling from the States to care for her the for the last 3+ years. Moving her is not an option, she refuses to leave her home and Puerto Rican law is on her side. 
She fell twice yesterday (the last day my other sister was there with her) and is now alone dealing and with her bumps and bruises.  I will fly to Puerto Rico to try and care for her and try to reason with her, yet again. The odds of my getting through? Slim to none. Or as we say in the Bronx, “Forgedaboudit”.
I’m sure there are some of you saying, yeah, been there, done that.

Mom has become a legend among my friends and family.
Like many elders, she is fiercely independent, strong-willed, and plain old hard-headed. I started jotting down her “idiosyncracies” a few years ago. I add to the list whenever I visit. My sisters have also contributed to Mom’s Rules through knowing gales of laughter.
Mom’s Rules help me find humor in what is a sad and tough situation for my sisters and I. We love mom and want to protect her.
I want to share some (not all) of my Mom’s Rules with you as I jet off to be with her. I hope it makes you smile and appreciate family a little bit more.

Mom’s Rules
If broken expect the silent treatment and a hunger strike.

Unplug every electrical appliance after use.
Lock every door, window, and padlock by 6 pm.
Don’t turn on any lights even if it is pitch black.
Don’t use the hot water unless you absolutely have to take a hot shower and then make it quick.
Lift the toilet seat, yes we are all female, but that doesn’t matter, she wants air to circulate in the bowl.
Do not throw away anything, that includes containers from take out food, plastic utensils, old papers, rubber bands, nick knacks, paper clips, diaper pins, old cards, invitations, bills, documents or envelopes, seat cushions, stuffed animals, plastic flowers, broken cups, Melmac dishes that date back to 1970, Styrofoam cups, and containers, ancient utensils or cookware.
Do not throw or give away old appliances or electronics even if they date back to 1960 or full of rust, don’t work and will never work again.
Do not use the air conditioner unless you are gasping for air, same goes for the fan.
Manually shut the 40-50 window louvers in the house if there is any chance of rain at all, (there is always a chance of rain in Puerto Rico).
And hour later open them all up again.
Don’t go to the store and stay too long or you’re leaving her alone and don’t care about her.
Don’t feed her any meat; she won’t eat it when you’re looking.
Don’t throw away any of the hundreds of pairs of socks she owns and never uses. Must be a throw back to her days in New York.
Don’t throw away or give away any of the multitude of clothes, shoes and hand bags she has in the closet that she doesn’t wear and will never wear again.
Don’t throw away any of the empty or half empty bottles of cologne, used lipstick, or make-up.
Don’t use any “good” sheets on the beds; use the ones that have no elastic to keep them on the bed.
Don’t wash too many clothes because you’re using too much water.
Don’t use the water hose because her water bill has gone up.
Don’t disagree with her she knows better than we do.

Happy Mother’s Day to all you mothers out there.

Mafalda: But…why do I have to do it?
Her mom: Because I order it. I’m your Mother!!
Mafalda: If it’s a question of titles, I’m your Daughter!!
Mafalda: And we graduated on the same day! Or not?

TGIF – Of Skate Parks and Cell Towers
Friday, April 12, 2013

Hey Dude!
This past Thursday a small group of parents, staff, residents and youth assembled at 2131 Pear Street to listen to presentations made by Cunha Enginnering, Civil Engineers and Brad Siedlicki, President of Pillar Action Sports Development, Skate Park Designer. The purpose of the meeting was to select a Pinole Skate Board Park site from a group of 4 possible sites. After several hours of discussion there was consensus amongst the group that the best location for the Park was “Area 2″. Area 2 is a large area at the northeast corner of the soccer field at the foot of Wright Avenue in Pinole Valley Park.
More than that I can’t provide without scanning a slew of diagrams.
I hope the city will post them on their website so that the community can review them.

I will not attempt to define the location or the various options discussed. What I will say is that the there was a general feeling of cautious optimism from all parties. Cautious because it has taken a very long time to come this far. Much work still needs to be done, but the possibility of a Skate Park in Pinole has inched ever closer.

Can you hear me now?
Recently I wrote about the proposed Verizon Cell Tower which would be built in Pinole Valley Park. This proposed facility appears to be on the fast track. Now that the Planning Commission has approved the Conditional Use Permit (CUP) by a 4-3 vote, the City Council will consider on Tuesday, April 16, whether or not to approve a resolution to allow the cell tower to be erected.
City Council Agenda here.
Please note the unusual start time (4:30) of the meeting, also note that Councilman Swearingen will be teleconferencing from his home.

Other items of interest on Tuesday’s agenda.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
9. OLD BUSINESS
A. Responses to Citizen Questions / Concerns (Standing Item)
B. WCCIWMA Post Collection Negotiations Status Report (Standing Item)
C. Approve the Lease Agreement with Verizon Wireless For A Cellular Tower at Pinole Valley Park [Council Report No. 2013-34; Action: Approve Resolution and Lease per Staff Recommendation (Allison)]

10. NEW BUSINESS
A. Approve the Recreation Department Reorganization Plan [Council Report No.
2013-35; Action: Approve Resolution Per Staff Recommendation (DeLaRosa)]
B. Provide Direction To Staff On The Establishment Of The Wastewater Rates For Fiscal Year 2013-14 Through Fiscal Year 2017-18 [Council Report No. 2013-36; Action: Provide Direction to Staff & Continue to April 16, 2013 (DeLaRosa)]

C. Consider The Feasibility Regarding Contracting Out The City’s Fire Department.

March 22, 2013
Spring is in the air…ah… Warm breezes blowing, birds chirping, flowers blooming. I was born and raised in the South Bronx section of New York City where we had no flowers, birds or trees. I am still, after 4o plus years, moved by the beauty of the Bay Area.

What’s happening in our little corner of the world on this fine day?
I suppose if you still subscribe to the Times you have, once again, read all about the Phil Green FPPC Form 460 issue; which seems to be the Times favorite Pinole political hot potato. I wonder why the person who filed the complaint in the first place has never been named? Is it not fair to name that person, surely they were performing a public service by analyzing everyone’s Form 460, right? So why not identify that person in the articles published? Fair, balanced and comprehensive reporting should dictate that. My sources tell me the person who filed the complaint is Jeff Rubin of the CCOP. Perhaps he did it anonymously.

The professional journalists code of ethics states in part, “The duty of the journalist is to further those ends by seeking truth and providing a fair and comprehensive account of events and issues.” 
Source:http://ethicsadvicelineforjournalists.org/code.asp

Must be a slow news day in Pinole, and it must be a good day to wage war on Phil Green and anyone you don’t have on your side.
Just saying.

Have news? Send me an email, ivettericco@gmail.com

March 5, 2013
I guess it must be a slow news day/week in Pinole.
Today’s breaking news per Tom Lochner:

“PINOLE — A candidate who fell short in a run for City Council in November says she never received contributions totaling a little more than $2,000 that a prominent backer reported to have made to her campaign.”

Say What? So for those of you who may be interested in my responses without BANG editing, keep reading.

Upon my return to my home after weeks of travelling, I had a message from Pinole City Attorney Ben Reyes to call him.
Which I did. Mr. Reyes informed me that a complaint had been filed regarding discrepancies on Phil Green’s Form 460 listing a contribution to my committee, but no corresponding contribution was on my 460.
Simple answer, I never received it and knew nothing about it, therefore I had no record of any such contribution.
Ben informed me that I would be receiving a letter from the City asking for an explanation. Perfect, not a problem.
  
I appreciated Ben’s call and the fact that he contacted me directly.
As expected, I received a letter from the Pinole City Clerk which we replied to on February 27, 2013 (response below). One would think that would be the end of that. Silly me.
On Sunday I received an email from Tom Lochner:

“Good afternoon Ivette, 
Phil Green’s most recent California Form 460, page 5 of 6 (Schedule D Summary of Expenditures), reports spending $1,194.08 on 10/30/12, on a “post card” for Ivette Ricco. On the following page, Schedule E (Payments Made), Green reports the same $1,194.08 (as campaign literature) plus $900.69 for postage, for a total of $2,094.77 spent on your campaign.”
 
“However, I don’t see any reference to these contributions on your campaign’s Form 460.” 
“Could you explain the apparent discrepancy?” 
“Thanks in advance”

He followed that email up with this one:

Good morning Ivette,
“Further to my most recent email: There is another issue in play here besides the aforementioned reporting issue under FPPC rules, and that is a 2008 Pinole ordinance that bars campaign contributions totaling more than $500 in cash from an individual, or more than $1,000 in cash from a committee, or more than $2,000 in combined cash and services from a committee.”
 
“Please comment on this situation. Also, regarding the aforementioned ordinance, which amends Chapter 1.16 of the Pinole Municipal Code, did you receive from the City Clerk, sometime prior to the election, a copy of the chapter, which is supposed to inform qualified candidates of its provisions?” 
Thanks in advance.
Tom Lochner

Here is my full reponse:
Hello Tom:
My committee has no record of any such contribution from Phil Green.  Furthermore, any cost for materials listed on his report must have been an independent expenditure and as such are not a direct contribution to my campaign committee and would not be listed on my report.
In so far as the Pinole ordinance is concerned, relative to the limits on campaign contribution; it is my understanding that every candidate receives this information from the City Clerk when preparing and filing their papers at City Hall.
Attached is our response to the City regarding form 460.

Ivette Ricco
Here is the text of the letter sent to the City.
Pinole Municipal Code Section 1.16.060(B) Notice Letter dated 02/22/2013

Dear Ms. Athenour;

I am in receipt of your letter referenced above. Please note for your records the Form 460 for the period 10/21/2012 through 12/31/2012 was originally filed correctly.

Your letter states Form 460 does not record any contributions from Phil Green or the Friends of Phil green Committee. Our banking records do not have any record of this contribution you are describing. Please check with this payee directly for further information regarding this claim. If you need further copies of documentation or information, please feel free to contact me directly and I will get it to you right away.

Warm regards,
Monica Shaw

January 29, 2013
In my book, family and the holidays trump politics. It is for that reason that I have refrained from speaking out in public about the falsehoods spoken about me.
My work in this community means a lot to me and now that the dust has settled I must speak out.

At the October 30, 2012 Council meeting Jeff Rubin and Mary McMain, speaking for the Concerned Citizens of Pinole, and citing the minutes of November 6, 13, and 27, 2007 made false, and defamatory statements about me.

Those statements were mentioned in Tom Lochner’s column dated November 2, 2012.
“At Tuesday’s meeting, Ricco touted her leadership skills, and about a half dozen supporters wearing Ivette Ricco t-shirts praised her personality and savvy. But Jeff Rubin of Concerned Citizens of Pinole, which endorses Murray and Swearingen, portrayed Ricco as someone more adept at driving away business, citing her and the chamber’s opposition to a plan for a commercial-retail building in 2007 and 2008 at what is now the Community Corner, and to several planned restaurants at Tennent and San Pablo avenues, including Tina’s Place, which ended up opening anyway”.

The following statements are absolutely false.
* That in my ten years as the Pinole Chamber of Commerce Executive Director or President I opposed virtually every new business that wanted to locate in Pinole.
* That I and several of my board members helped kill the retail office complex that was supposed to be on the corner of Tennent and San Pablo Avenue where the Community Corner is.
* That I am partially responsible for the ugly green fence being there in the first place.
* That I and others from the Chamber board stood at the council podium and spoke against the retail office complex that would have been on that corner and helped kill it.

The truth is:
I have never opposed any new business in Pinole either as the Executive Director or as the President of the Chamber.
I have never spoken against the Hirahara Project.
No one representing the Chamber of Commerce Board has ever spoken against the Hirahara project.

* That I and several of my board members have opposed every restaurant that wanted to open in the space where Tina’s Restaurant is. The First St. Café, an Indian restaurant, an Italian restaurant and that we opposed Tina’s Place.

The real truth is:
I have never spoken against any of these restaurants. No one representing the Chamber of Commerce Board has ever spoken against any of these restaurants. The July 2010 minutes where Tina’s was discussed are here.

* That I have spoken against a business that wanted to lease space at Pinole Shores Business Park.

The truth is that the Bay Cities Mechanical transaction in question was brought to the Chamber policy committee by Roy Swearingen who questioned the deal points and asked the Pinole Chamber of Commerce Policy Committee to consider opposing the deal terms. After meeting to discuss the Bay Cities Mechanical deal the Chamber, in a letter dated March 2010 expressed concern regarding the deal terms.
It reads in part “based on the information available to us, we feel that the benefits to the City of the proposed $430,000 BRIP loan and the $50,000 New Business Development Assistance Grant are not sufficient to justify the expenditures, in this case. The deal does not provide the City of Pinole, its citizens nor the business community with benefits commensurate with the City’s investment of $480,000.”
Council members Swearingen and Long voted against the deal which passed 3-2. A week later Bay Cities pulled out of the deal.
Chamber letter here

* That I oppose a lease with a husband and wife team that wants to open a coffee shop and jazz club in the bank building.

There are two situations you should be aware of.
1. I met with the couple interested in opening a coffee shop at the Pinole Bank Building in March at the request of staff.  I told the couple that I believe in a free market economy and would welcome new business in Old Town. I advised them to meet with the owners of the Bear Claw to mitigate any possible business issues’ pointing out that the community was in the process of “making over” the Bear Claw Bakery. I have never voiced opposition to them or any new business.
Update – March 2013 – The couple interested in leasing the Pinole Bank Building has pulled out of this deal with the city. They will open their business on San Pablo Avenue several blocks away from the Pinole Bank Building.

2. In September I was contacted by a resident who could not understand why his inquiry to the broker of the Pinole Bank building had been rebuffed in July, without explanation. He told the broker that he was interested in opening an Italian restaurant at that location. The broker said that the city didn’t want another restaurant, that they wanted a coffee shop. Email communications between me and the city ask why the resident’s idea was rebuffed when this piece of public property still displayed a For Lease sign.

Emails regarding the rejection of the resident’s inquiry here.

The truth is that I was the Executive Director of the Pinole Chamber of Commerce from 2002 until September 2007; prior to the period of time referenced in these statements (November-December 2007). As the Executive Director, I made no policy decisions on behalf of the Chamber. Neither I nor any member of the Chamber Board speaking on behalf of the Chamber ever spoke against the Hirahara project or the restaurants mentioned.  I stepped down in September 2007 and declared my council candidacy in August 2007.
In September 2008 I was elected as the President of the Pinole Chamber of Commerce.

During the period in November 2007 referred to, the Chamber President and Board members were:
Monica Shaw, President - Vickie Resso, Carol White, Michelle Blackwell, Deanna Million (Executive Director) Nancy Miller, Judy O’Bannon, Scott Carter, and Crag Parker.
I stepped down in September 2007 as the Executive Director.

Please note that those who are mentioned in the minutes spoke as private citizens and business owners, not, as representative of the Pinole Chamber of Commerce.

Complete copies of the Minutes of November 6, 13, 20 and 27, 2007 are below.|

November_6
November13
November_20
November_27

I have copies of the all the relevant minutes in 2007 as well as the July 2010 minutes regarding Tina’s as well as the Chamber’s March 2010 letter regarding Bay City Mechanical. I also have the relevant emails between the city and me regarding the Pinole Bank Building and the July 2010 minutes which reference Tina’s.
I am happy to provide you a copy of these documents.
Some of them can be seen here.

Please contact me at 510-758-0613 (home) or by email at ivettericco@gmail.com

January 2, 2013
Happy New Year everyone.
2013! Wow that sure makes me feel old, or older depending on the mood I’m in.

During my campaign for Pinole City Council I was left with some lasting impressions;  having face to face conversations with so many of you, the members of my community, served as a reminder of how intelligent and caring you are. I would have been proud to represent you. Many of you raised questions, expressed opinions and voiced valid concerns. With this blog, “Life as I know it” I will stay connected with you and have fun doing it.

I realize that it is very difficult to stay informed about local issues when parents are working and raising a family, or in the case of many others, they simply don’t quite “get” all the political jargon and the acronyms that are tossed about like so many pieces of confetti. Frankly, it takes a concerted effort to stay informed and be able to follow the bouncing political ball.

For many, it’s not due to a lack of interest, as I discovered, but a lack of time. That unfortunately, leads to having the opinions and views of a small segment of the population being heard over the voices of those who do not have the time to immerse themselves in the goings on of our local government. Democracy is time-consuming.
For those busy with life, it is only when something we care about is threatened that, perhaps, we are moved to take action and speak out.

As I made my way around the neighborhoods, PTA meetings and living rooms, many told me that they felt city council meetings had become a platform for one-sided opinions and self-interest proclamations. Some stated that the length and complexity of council meetings were mind numbing exercises. There were some who had the unpleasant experience of attending a council meeting to speak on an issue that they cared about only to have to wait until almost midnight to be heard.
Others saw that there is a tendency to manipulate the speaker cards submitted under citizens to be heard so that an individual can get the last word and therefore no one can rebut those last indelible statements. Still others opined that the rules seemed to favor those with friends on the council, while others complained that they had evidenced Brown Act violations, such as cell phone usage and texting between the council and the public, with no apparent censure of those in violation.
As I said democracy is time-consuming, and many of you just do not have the time to dig through all this government-speak, gobbledygook.

I feel that we as a community do not have a true and relevant local news presence.
The West County Times has downsized its staff and the only local news they report is the type of news that sells newspapers, primarily controversy and scandal. The Patch is a hot mess, I don’t know what the heck is going on there.

This is a new world and many residents get their news via the internet. When was the last time you saw anything in the news, hard copy or online, that speaks to any of the concerns of the average family or resident in Pinole? Those concerns (some listed below) are the impetus for this blog.

I am opening the door to a dialogue about the things you feel are important to you.
I invite you to send me your questions, thoughts, ideas and comments.
The topics raised most often were, (not in this order):

1. Pinole’s financial future
2. Will we have to pay more for less services?
3. The state of the West Contra Costa Unified School District
4. Traffic
5. Public Safety
6. Community services
7. Salaries and benefits for our elected officials
8. Salaries and benefits for our paid staff
9. Parks and Recreation
10. Pinole Cable TV
11. The Waste Water Treatment Plant upgrade
12. Waste Treatment Plant rate increases
13. Hercules’ bleak future’s effect on Pinole
14. Safety in our schools
15. Development of vacant lots and store fronts in Old Town
16. Pensions and contracts for all public employees
17. The City Manager’s evergreen contract
18. The remodel of Pinole Valley High School
19. The use of Bond money by the WCCUSD
20. What will happen to revenue from the sale of RDA properties?
21. Why can’t we get representation on the school board?
22. How is the city marketing Pinole for economic development?
22. How much money did we lose in failed RDA projects?

These are areas I invite you to discuss. I will cover these areas but my postings will also be very personal and not limited to these topics alone. Perhaps we want to have a dialogue about gun control or the legalization of marijuana, so let’s do that.
I may decide to bore you with stories about the grand-kids or let you in on some of the legendary stories about my 92 year-old mother.

This forum is open to all, but I will moderate the comments and I will not permit disrespectful or less than civil posts. I want your voice to be heard but in a positive and constructive way. If you ask questions I will attempt to answer them or get the answers.
I really want to know what is important to you.

Please submit you comments via the blog or send an email to ivettericco@gmail.com

It’s time everyone in Pinole had a voice.

The opinions expressed on this blog are the opinions of Ivette Ricco only.

Friday, December 21, 2012
A friend asked me to look at the current election results and I was pleasantly surprised to see that my vote totals have increased.
Total votes for Ricco, 3218, Swearingen, 3581, a difference of 363 votes, or 3.13%!

Percent Votes ROY V. SWEARINGEN (I) 30.87% 3,581 PETER MURRAY (I) 40.75% 4,727 IVETTE RICCO 27.74% 3,218 WRITE-IN 0.64% 74 11,600

Saturday, November 17, 2012
The final tally for the City Council indicates that the gap was narrower than originally thought. I received 3121 votes or 426 votes less than incumbent Roy Swearingen.
I continue to receive calls and emails and am so touched by your sentiments.

It’s just a few days before Thanksgiving, time to reflect on the positives in our lives and time to be with family and friends. Hold your loved ones close and remember that a life with meaning is the greatest legacy you can leave.
Happy Holiday, see you ’round town.
Ivette

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

The votes have been counted and Roy Swearingen received 463 votes more than I did. Thank you to the 2527 citizens who voted for me.
That’s not exactly an overwhelming vote of confidence for the incumbents when an underdog can garner that number of votes while running solo.
I may have lost the election to the incumbents but I believe that my message was received by many. Pinole is tired of fighting, lies, bullies and politics. Pinole needs and wants positive change. We want solutions, we want ideas, we want leaders who aren’t speaking to just a handful of people that dominate every public meeting and control the actions of the council.
We want respectful and civil dialogue. The malicious nature of these handful of people will be challenged. There are now many more eyes on how the council conducts its business. We expect the council to be respectful of all its constituents and not just a few. These political allies have succeeded in clouding the real issues again.
If we have balanced our budget it has been done with loans from redevelopment and PALC. In reality we have a structural imbalance, no reserves and no vision for spurring economic development.

The passage of Measure M is a bright spot. We must maintain our Public Safety. Thank you to the Pinole Police and Fire fighters for standing with me. I stand with you as well.

I will continue to demand change, and critical examination of issues. I will demand sunshine on government operations and hold our elected officials and staff accountable.
I will continue to challenge the status quo. I will continue to speak for the many citizens who are not aligned with a small group which seems to get their way on every issue. I will demand that all council members and those who address the council speak with respect.
Congratulations to the incumbents. I hope that they will put politics aside and work diligently to take Pinole’s issues seriously in the months to come.

Ivette Ricco

Monday, November 5, 2012

Vote Ricco, Vote Yes on Measure M

The election is tomorrow.
I have fought hard to represent the good and thoughtful people in Pinole. My message has been clear, we need positive change.
I have challenged the old guard and the handful of people who spread rumors and want to hold onto power.
It is unfortunate that at a time when the citizens of Pinole have real and important issues to think about, there are those who refuse to move forward and continue to cling to the old battles and political cronies.
It is truly unfortunate that their claims and their message serves only to continue to divide,  polarize and move us backwards and not forwards.
Lost in the rhetoric is an important message – it is that message I want to leave with you, the citizens of Pinole.

Pinole needs the extension of Measure M.
In the past two months I have spoken with a large cross-section of the community.
We discussed many issues and concerns, but one thing they do agree on is the need to maintain our current level of Public Safety.

The Pinole Police and Firefighters are heroes to most of us in Pinole.
Citizens said that they feel safe in Pinole. It is a reason given most often for choosing to buy a home here and raise their families.
Businesses are also very supportive of the efforts of these fine men and women, they give it as one of the reasons they have established their businesses in Pinole.
We can not reduce their numbers any further without jeopardizing the safety of our community.

The Fire Fighters have been portrayed in a negative light by the same individuals who make ridiculous claims about me and try to drag us back to the past.
Yet when the support of the Fire Fighters is needed by these same people, they are expected to give their support without question. Our firefighters are important and valuable to the citizens I spoke with. The citizens of Pinole support them and the work they do.
We need our Firefighters on the job.

When you go to the polls tomorrow, think about the need for positive change and about the type of community you want to live in.
Vote Yes on Measure M.
Vote Ricco.

Ivette

Friday, November 2, 2012
This week has had a little bit of everything. I have a lot of friends and family in New York and I was worried about their well being when Superstorm Sandy hit.
Thankfully, my family and friends are fine, albeit very inconvenienced by the loss of power and inability to resume life as they know it.
They were on my mind on Tuesday the 30th when I attended the Special City Council meeting. But I had important comments to make, and I made them.
You can view the October 30, Special City Council Meeting here.

Here is an excerpt from my comments made under Citizens to Be Heard:
“People are tired of petty politics, lies, and fighting, we all want results and solutions!
It seems that during campaign time people will say anything about the opponents, no matter how false, no matter how malicious – people claim that this is all just part of the game. But it’s precisely such politics that causes division in our community, and leads citizens to distrust government and elected representatives”.
…”My campaign will not engage in lies, untruths or slander. I will cast issues in a fair – although maybe critical – light, and be straightforward with my position on the issues. If I make a mistake I will take appropriate action. But it is always appropriate to ask questions, to make inquiries, and to make sure everyone is playing by the same rules. I will, and I encourage other to do so as well.”

The issue of the use of the Pinole Fire Department and Police Department patches was also addressed at the meeting under Agenda Item 10A:
Here are my comments - in their entirety - on the use of City Seals:

“People often say “There are no stupid questions”. I can’t agree more. If we want to get to the bottom of any issue we must know all the facts.
If we want to craft the best public policy, we must have active and respectful discourse, disagreement, and compromise – all of which comes from asking questions.
I think it is fair for people to make inquiries about the use of the City Seal and other appropriate or inappropriate campaign activities. I also think that these are issues that might require a more formal City Council policy.
Although the original inquiry was specifically about Councilmember Swearingen’s campaign literature, my blog, ivettericco.wordpress.com has also been called into question.
I want to say that I welcome the discussion and opinion of the City Attorney. I am happy that as a community we are talking about what is appropriate campaigning and what is not.
I am proud of the support of the Police Employees Association and the Pinole Firefighters Local 1230. As such I have listed them on my blog and removed the patches per the opinion of the City Attorney.
While the opinion absolves Councilmember Swearingen, based on that rationale, the uses of seals (mine and Councilmember Swearingen’s) seem relatively equal.
In other words, Councilmember Swearingen was not intentionally misleading voters because it was a photo in a public location. Similarly, I DO have the support of the Police Employees Association and the Fire Fighters Union, so it was also not intentionally misleading. Even the City Attorney’s opinion annotates that I listed the organization names correctly, so there was clearly no intention to indicate that a city department is an endorsing entity.
Nevertheless, I concur with the City Attorney that the Council should develop and adopt a clear policy so that all incumbents and future candidates play by the same rules and are held to the same standards, and to prevent future unintentional missteps.

Finally, there is a bigger question here for our citizens: are candidates and campaigns in Pinole acting appropriately? Is it right to use a city council meeting to talk about campaigns – or openly campaign for one candidate or another? Is it right for sitting councilmembers to use a council meeting to campaign for themselves or address campaign issues?
Whether it has been the practice around here for years should not matter. The questions is, is it right? I think the answer is no.
When elected, I will make sure that elected officials do not abuse their position, that campaigning is done outside of council meetings.
As I said before, the people of Pinole deserve representatives they can trust. If I make a mistake I will admit it and correct it. But it is always appropriate for citizens to ask questions, to make inquiries, and make sure everyone is playing by the same rules.
I encourage the citizens of Pinole to keep asking questions, to hold us all accountable to the rules and the issues important to our community”.

Onward!

Thursday, November 1, 2012
Last night the trick or treaters were out in numbers on Simas Avenue.
My favorite moment was when a little guy, maybe 4 years old, came to the door with his mom and I asked him what he was (costume-wise) he was wearing a cape, and he thought about it, and replied, “I don’t know”. His mom said he was Casanova.
So cute. Oh that’s right, cute is now a four letter word.
A few other great moments happened when parents standing out on the sidewalk in front of my house yelled, “We’re voting for you Ricco”,  “We voted for you”.
Onward!

Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Happy Halloween.
Today, I want to encourage every voter to vote. Change can only take place if you send a clear message, that the time has come for change and new leadership.
The Ricco Victory Campaign is right on track.
Everyday I go out into the community. Everyday I say hello to the people of Pinole. Everyday I am surprised and delighted by their reaction to me and my campaign.
Running for office is challenging. Running against two incumbents is even more challenging. I don’t have a running mate or the ability to pool resources with another candidate. But I am running because I feel so strongly that our city needs a new voice, a voice that represents all of Pinole not just a small group. Pinole needs a leader that is not afraid to speak for everyone.

Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Seven days before the election. VOTE!
Vote Ricco for positive change and new leadership.
Onward!

Monday, October 29, 2012
It was a beautiful weekend in Pinole. On Friday I attended the football game between the PVHS Spartans and the Valley Christian Vikings. The Spartans took a 21-0 lead, but the Vikings came back to score 22 unanswered points in the second half and win.
But our players played hard and the mood was positive and fun.
After the game I taped a campaign ad, as a sponsor for the game. I hope you get a chance to watch it on PCTV.
I also enjoyed meeting many neighbors and voters at the Ruports’ meet and greet. Some came prepared with good questions and we had in depth conversations about the real and the important issues facing Pinole. Voters are interested in the future of Pinole, not the past.  If you see me around town in my Ricco Mobile, honk or give me the V for victory sign. Onward!

Ivette in her Campaign Mobile

Friday, October 26, 2012
If you have been following me on Facebook,  you already know that the Pinole Rotary Awards Dinner was held last night. It was a moving moment for me and my family.
Today, I will take part in the Pinole Valley High School Homecoming Parade and will also be in the booth for tonight’s football game.
The weather is great and the spirits are high.
Onward!

Thursday, October 25, 2012
I have received several complaints from residents that members of the opposition have asked them if they could place their signs along mine and then removed my signs without permission.
Please report this violation to me by calling me at 510-758-0613 or by email at ivettericco@gmail.com. I will forward this on to the proper authorities.

Wednesday, October 24, 2012
I have had the pleasure recently of answering questions from voters interested in knowing more about me.
It is wonderful to see that there are so many thoughtful and conscientious voters who can wade through the rhetoric, political grandstanding and scripted attacks and focus on the important issues.  It is encouraging to see that not everyone believes what they hear from those individuals who make it a practice to attend every council meeting and sling mud in the direction of anyone who does not agree with them.
Pinole needs new leadership, Pinole needs fresh ideas, Pinole needs a voice that is ready to move from the past and into the future. That is the reason I am running and battling against the incumbents. Thank you to everyone who has contacted me by phone, email or in person.  I do answer all of my emails, I do answer all of my calls and I do talk to the community one on one. My home number, 510-758-0613 is the same number we have had for the last 41 years. My email, ivettericco@gmail.com hasn’t changed in the last 5 years.
Thank you for your interest in your community and its future, a future I feel is full of promise if we can move forward with new leadership and fresh ideas.

Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Mark your calendar.
There’s never a bad time for Pizza, so please join us at the Bear Claw Bakery on Wednesday the 24th from 5-7:30 for some of Mike’s great pizza and a chance to chat.

Monday, October 22, 2012
I am deeply honored that the Rotary Club of Pinole, Inc. has chosen me as this year’s recipient of their Community Service Award.
The Rotary Club is a service organization committed to “service above self”.
The 17th Annual recognition Dinner, on the 25th will be held at the Pinole Senior Center, 6-9. Other award recipients are:
Dwayne Bal, Youth Service, Beth Bartke, Vocational Service and Diane Springer, International Service.
Service above Self, that says it all.

Sunday, October 21, 2012
It should come as no surprise to any one that the political machine is hard at work and churning out propaganda against me.
It is, as they say, “politics”. Falsehoods and innuendos are nothing new.
That seems to be especially true when a challenger is recognized as having a real chance to win against incumbents.
I will continue to be true to myself and to who I am and what I represent.
“Don’t believe everything you hear”, no doubt!
I will fight on, I will represent you honestly and diligently.
It is time for change and it is time for the Status Quo to go!
This election you have a clear choice.
Vote Ricco.

Saturday, October, 2012
Thank you to all of you who came to the Meet and Greet at the Parkers and the Greens. You are the very reason I am in this battle. It was great speaking to all of you.
Mark you calendar for Wednesday the 24, Pizza Party at the Bear Claw Bakery from 5-7:30.

Wednesday, October 17, 2012
5:00 pm. I was asked to explain my financial background today, something I am happy to do, as it is a source of pride for me.
To understand what my background is please click here.

Wednesday, October 17, 2012
It’s a glorious day and another fine day to speak to the community. I will be attending a meet and greet this morning and another one this evening.
I am so thankful for all the support I am receiving. The message is clear, we need change, we need new leadership, we need to move forward.
That message resonates with the community who has had its fill of negativity.
Onward!

Tuesday, October 16, 2012
The CC Times article summarizing the debate on October 9, states that the City Manager’s total compensation was $217,021 according to the Public Employees Salaries database compiled from public records.
According the City of Pinole budget for 2011-12 the City Manager’s salary was $227,907, benefits $79,223. Total = $307,130.00.
That same budget lists the City Manager compensation for 2012-13 as, salary $180,00 and benefits $49,880.00. Total = $230,680.
These figures are taken directly from the City Budget. See link below.
In addition, these figures represent only General Fund budget numbers and do not reflect costs allocated to the RDA Successor agency or the Waste Water Sewer Enterprise Fund.
Page 53
http://www.ci.pinole.ca.us/admin/docs/cc-rda/2012/2012-05-22/2012-2013_Budget-preliminary.pdf

Saturday, October 13, 2012
Today was the Ribbon Cutting ceremony at the Community Corner.
Comments have been made that I have taken undue credit for this project.
So, let’s review how the Community Corner became a reality.
In November 2010 at a Pinole Chamber of Commerce Board meeting, the Executive Director mentioned something should be done about the ugly green fence on the corner of San Pablo and Tennent Avenues. The Chamber agreed that such a prominent corner could be put to better use and that it would make a great place for promoting and announcing community events. It was an eyesore and not conducive to our goal to beautify Old Town.

The city had been renting/leasing the fence for $200 a month for about 3 years ($7200).
The council agreed to fund the entire project’s material in the amount of $7,000. All labor was volunteered.
That idea morphed several times as I met with, the City Planner, the City Manager, the City Engineer, and members of the City Council. Thank you City Council and staff.

The council suggested I take this idea to the Community Services Commission for their “buy-in”.
I prepared a Power Point presentation and the Artisans developed a model which I presented to the Community Services Commission, who whole heartedly backed the idea.
The Community Services Commission asked that the Chamber attempt to schedule the landscape work on the corner in conjunction with Community Service Day, June of 2011. This resulted in an amazing outpouring of support from the community, the city and the business community. Thank you Community Service Commission and all the volunteers.
Thank you Travalini Construction, Dolan Lumber and Sugar City.
Today, almost two years later, we celebrated the result of that effort.

Every project needs a leader and willing participants.
We had a lot of help. Council member Tim Banuelos, an architect, and I spent many, many hours working on all of the design elements. Thank you Tim.
Council member Roy Swearingen worked side by side with the Chamber on Phase One. Thank you Roy.  City staff was also an integral part of this project. Thank you Dean, Winston, Rich and Junior.
The Artisans spent countless months working with the Chamber to complete the intricate piece of artwork, thank you Joan and Don Landis and Mike Resso.
As the Chamber President from 2008-2012 and designated to lead this project I took part in every meeting with the city, the Rotary, the Lions and the Artisans.

There are individuals who have labored for these many months working on the corner and the sign construction simply to serve the community. Thank you Crag Parker (Maintenance Plus) and Mike Ricco.

Phase Two of the Community Corner (the sign) culminated with an application to the Planning Commission. During the public hearing a member of the Planning Commission responded to a member of the public who objected to the Chamber logo being on the sign by saying, “If it weren’t for the Chamber we wouldn’t be here discussing the sign”, indeed. The Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve the sign.

The Chamber, and I feel a great source of pride in the Community Corner. It’s been a long and difficult road, but in the end, it’s all about community.

Tuesday, October 9, 2012
The debate…
Thank you to all my supporters for coming out and expressing their opinions and asking their questions. Click on the link below, then click on the Candidate Forum.
http://pinole.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=2

Monday, October 8, 2012
Walking today but the highlight of the day was my meeting with parents of students at PVHS. I am keeping a close eye on the progress of the PVHS rebuild as a member of the WCCUSD Bond Oversight Committee, A concern expressed by these parents is the potential loss of the Pinole Swim Center and the lack of action on the proposed Skate Board Park at Pinole Valley Park.
I strongly support these recreational facilities.

Saturday, October 6, 2012
Had a great day of walking Old Town and meeting with residents. Ran into some folks with legitimate issues and I am hoping to help them navigate the city departments to get them in touch with the right people.
I had a great time walking through the St. Joseph Oktoberfest. Many familiar faces, and everyone was in a terrific mood on that sunny day.

Friday, October 5, 2012
I spent part of my day walking and talking to the people of Pinole.
I had a memorable conversation with a 93 year old, who invited me in and shared her stories with me.  Later I helped at the Ellerhorst Walk-A-Thon. My job was to direct the kids through the course by waving pom poms!

Thursday, October 4, 2012
This was a day that left me feeling closer than ever to my community.
I shared lunch with seniors at the Senior Center, was part of a group that sang to the residents of the Senior Village and met with the parents at Ellerhorst.
Sharing my day with so many generations of Pinoleans reinforced my committment to Pinole.

Wednesday, October 3, 2012
I have been walking and speaking to the people of Pinole. I have been struck by their response to my personal visits to their neighborhoods and my positive message.
A recently naturalized citizen will cast her first vote as an American on November 6 and will vote for me.
A young lady who recently turned 18, will cast her first vote in an election and will vote for me.
I climbed 30 steps to reach a voter in a rather isolated part of Pinole, and she was so impressed that I found her and climbed the stairs in the heat, that she will cast her vote for me. She said no one ever bothers to visit that area of town.
Onward!

Friday, September 28, 2012
I woke up to some great news today.
The Pinole Police Employees Association has endorsed me as their candidate for Pinole City Council. I am honored to have been endorsed by the Pinole Fire Fighters Local 1230 and Pinole Police Employees Association. The only candidate to receive both those endorsements.

I also spent some time this morning helping out at the Collins Elementary Walk-A-Thon. It was cold but the kids were pretty enthusiastic about doing their laps.
I was helping hand out water and snacks as they finished. One little guy really brought a smile to my face. He asked me if we had any mushrooms. Mushrooms? I told him we only had grapes and pretzels did he want that? He said no, mushrooms. I asked, do you like mushrooms as a snack? He replied, yes when they are cooked on a stick over the fire. You gotta love it.

Over the course of the last few weeks I have had the pleasure of speaking to many members of our community, smart and caring people.
They have asked thought provoking questions. I certainly can’t answer all their questions and I can’t take positions on topics I have limited knowledge of, but I am available to you.
I want to know what kind of city YOU want. What’s important to you?
To get the conversation started I am asking you to give me your two cents worth.
Tell me what’s on your mind!

You can call me at 510-758-0613, send me an email at ivettericco@gmail.com or post a comment on this blog. Check here for my event calendar.
Talk to me.

Campaign Contributions cheerfully accepted.
Ricco 2012 Council Victory Committee
2826 Simas Ave.
Pinole, Ca 94564
FPPC #1349019

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