pitt 1 working FALL 2010.indd

"ODIPS-JOFT
Highlighting the ongoing efforts of the City of Pittsburg
December 2010
In brief
MEETINGS
■ City Council / Redevelopment Agency
First and third Monday at 7 p.m.
■ Planning Commission
Second and fourth Tuesday at 7 p.m.
■ Community Advisory Commission
First Wednesday at 7 p.m.
■ Housing Authority
Third Monday at 7 p.m. concurrently with
City Council and Redevelopment Agency
All meetings are held in the Pittsburg City
Council Chambers, 65 Civic Ave.
CALENDAR
■ City offices closed
City of Pittsburg offices are closed in
observance of the following holidays:
Christmas, Friday, Dec. 24; New Year’s
Day, Friday, Dec. 31, Martin Luther King’s
birthday, Monday, Jan. 17; Lincoln’s
birthday, Friday, Feb. 11; Washington’s birthday, Monday, Feb. 21; Cesar
Chavez’s birthday, Thursday, March 31;
Memorial Day, Monday, May 30
■ City and community events
The city maintains an extensive calendar
of events of both city functions and local,
community events. Please visit the city’s
homepage at www.ci.pittsburg.ca.us for
an up-to-date listing. To have your event
listed, please send information (including
phone number) to Marc Fox at mfox@
ci.pittsburg.ca.us
In this issue
■ City reduces payroll costs ...........2
■ Book Depot open downtown .........3
■ Tasty new options in Old Town ......4
■ Fields to get synthetic turf ...........6
■ Pools under renovation ..............7
■ Stimulus repaves city roads.........8
City of Pittsburg archives
The 90-year old California Theater is part of the city’s plan to revitalize Old Town.
Staging a comeback
Historic theater is under restoration
T
he renovation of Pittsburg’s historical California Theatre is officially
under way.
Located on Railroad Avenue,
the California Theatre opened in downtown
Pittsburg in 1920 serving as a single-screen
movie house and entertainment center for
live performances. Closing its doors in 1954,
operation of the theater ceased and has
remained out-of-use since, according to the
website Cinema Treasures.
“By the time I started working for the city,
it was no longer used as a theater,” said Maria
Aliotti, redevelopment manager for the city.
However, that is all about to change as the
90-year-old theater is now the recipient of a
much deserved renovation by the city as part of
its efforts to remodel and revitalize Old Town
Pittsburg. When restoration is complete, the
theater is expected to be used once more as
an entertainment focal point for the city to
showcase local performances.
Total restoration of the theater is a multiphase
endeavor that began in July of this year after
approval for the plans were finalized.
“We awarded the project in June, and they
started construction around July,” Aliotti
explained. “We’re currently in phase one.”
Phase one of construction is directed toward
preservation of the theater’s architectural
features, in addition to bringing the offices and
retail space up to code with modern disability
and safety standards. Current plans to locate
restrooms on the first and second floors of
the theater’s lobbies are in progress, as the
offices located on the second floor are also
rehabilitated for use.
Concurrent plans to restore the roof of the
building will be taking place as the theater’s
structure is seismically retrofitted to withstand
the stress of an earthquake.
“It’s important that we maintain the structure
See THEATER, page 2
www.ci.pittsburg.ca.us
2 December 2010
City reduces payroll costs
A
Staff and resources
PITTSBURG CITY COUNCIL
Mayor Will Casey
Vice Mayor Ben Johnson
Councilmember Salvatore Evola
Councilmember Pete Longmire
Councilmember Nancy Parent
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
■ City Manager’s Office
Marc S. Grisham, City Manager,
252-4850
■ City Attorney Office
Ruthann Ziegler, City Attorney,
1-800-464-3559
■ City Clerk Department
Alice Evenson, City Clerk, 252-4850
■ Community Access
Annette Washington, Director, 252-4062
■ Development Services
Joe Sbranti, Assistant City Manager,
Development Services (building,
engineering and planning), 252-4923
■ Economic Department
Brad Nail, consultant, 252-4049
■ Finance Department
Tina Olson, Director, 252-4848
■ Human Resources
Marc Fox, Assistant City Manager,
Internal Services, 252-4876
■ Pittsburg Power Co.
Garrett Evans, Director, 252-4034
■ Police Department
Aaron Baker, Chief of Police, 252-4980
■ Public Works Maintenance Services
Marc Fox, Assistant City Manager,
Internal Services, 252-4876
■ Recreation
Marc Fox, Assistant City Manager,
Internal Services, 252-4876
■ Redevelopment Agency
Joe Sbranti, Assistant City Manager,
Development Services, 252-4923
■ Water Utilities (water and sewer)
Walter Pease, Director, 252-4936
City Hall is located at 65 Civic Ave. Public
office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays
s the state of California and its
municipalities struggle to balance
and enact budgets, the city of Pittsburg and most of its workers have
negotiated benefit reductions. The agreement,
reached last spring, was ratified by the city
council in June and went into effect on July 1.
“Current payroll costs are being reduced by
approximately 10 percent over three years,”
said Marc Fox, assistant city manager for
Internal Services. “Also, long-term retiree
health benefits are being reduced by $18.7
million... and that is in today’s dollars.”
While this agreement covers most of
Pittsburg’s employees, safety employees are
exempted. Fox explained that they will continue
to receive their benefits as is.
“The only people not covered in these cuts
are police officers,” he said. “Their contracts
expire on June 30, 2011.”
The benefits of these budget cuts, Fox explained, is that they have helped stabilize the
budget and prevented cuts from being made
to larger and more important programs. While
budget cuts may be painful to some of these
employees, he added that other municipalities,
such as Walnut Creek, have been forced to take
similar action as California tries to resuscitate
itself from the recession and struggle through
an economic climate that remains uncertain.
In Pittsburg and other cities, many recently
retired employees are receiving benefits that
were agreed on during better times, which is
one reason why the city aims to trim retire-
The box office stands empty
and the historic building is
boarded up awaiting renovation.
■ Theater, from page 1
and that we rehab it so that it withstands
an earthquake,” she explained.
The total cost for the overhaul is estimated to be just over $4 million.
According to Aliotti, the multi-million
dollar budget includes everything from
“design, construction, permits, fees, staff,
consultants” with funding stemming from
redevelopment tax exempt allocation bonds.
Plans to restore the theater’s auditorium
are not in the existing budget. However
the city intends to initiate the theater’s
next phase of renovations in 2011.
“That’s not part of this phase, we just
don’t have the funding for the future phases
right now,” Aliotti explained.
Construction is planned through Fall of
2011 when the first phase of the renovation
is estimated to be complete.
— Leah Martin, LMC Journalism
city of pittsburg
ment pensions, according to Fox.
The city’s non-safety employees will contribute 7 percent of pay toward pension costs.
Beginning in July employees began paying 2
to 3 percent of pay. Next July employees pay 4
to 5 percent, culminating in a 7 percent payroll
deduction beginning July 2012.
Non-safety employees who start work next
July, or later, will receive a lesser retirement
plan.This lower tier retirement plan still provides
a livable pension to the city’s future employees
and reduces taxpayer costs. Fox noted that
pension costs will be reduced between 2.6
percent and 4.3 percent of payroll with the
full impact depending on staff turnover over
the next decade.
The retiree health benefits reductions impact both current and future hires. Current
non-safety employees must retire starting
in 2012 will receive reduced retiree health
benefits. Future employees receive no retiree
health benefits.
All non-safety employees agreed there
would be no wage increases during the next
three years.
Pittsburg remains cautiously optimistic
that its new contract with its employees will
save money and help balance the budget, but
financial stability will be a delicate project as
new representatives take office, new decisions
are made, and new concerns by residents are
brought to the city’s attention in the coming
months and years.
— Corey Hunt, LMC Journalism
Photo by Leah Martin / LMC Journalism
Anchor Lines
December 2010 3
www.ci.pittsburg.ca.us
Born to read?
Then you’ll love
Old Town’s new
bookstore
F
or those of you who
enjoy curling up with a
good book and becoming
immersed in its story,
there is a new place in downtown
Pittsburg where book lovers can
come and find their next literary
adventure. The Railroad Book
Depot hosted its grand opening
Dec. 9 and gives readers the perfect
place to discover new stories and
recycle old ones.
With an emphasis on making
an improvement in literacy in
Pittsburg and bringing the community together, the new bookstore
will not only sell books but will
also feature stationery, gift ideas
crafted by local artists, local collectibles and all kinds of Pittsburg
memorabilia and apparel. It will
also encourage members of the
community to bring in used books
to exchange.
“This is a general interest bookstore. We have all genres, primarily
older books,” said Manager Michael D’Alfonzi. “We take donations
from the community. We’re always
taking donations. We also offer gift
products, journals, magnets, City
of Pittsburg merchandise, and art
from local artists.”
The idea for a bookstore was
generated by the Pittsburg Arts
and Community Foundation, a nonprofit organization that seeks to
improve the quality of life in town.
“The Pittsburg Arts and Community Foundation formed an idea
of improving access to books and
improving overall literacy,” said Ali
Endress, Co-Director of Housing
and Development. “That’s when
the idea of a non-profit bookstore
came about.”
As a non-profit operation, the
bookstore will rely heavily on
volunteers and book donations
Anchor Lines
from the community. Revenue
generated by the bookstore will
fund a variety of programs, including Pittsburg Summer Reads and
Healthy Pittsburg, among others.
The bookstore, another one of
the city’s downtown redevelopment
efforts, is also owned and operated
by the Pittsburg Arts and Community Foundation. While specializing
in used books, the bookstore will
also have new books as they are
released and will accommodate
customers with any special-order
books they are interested in. It
also gives downtown shoppers a
nice spot to relax and read or use
the Internet as the store will offer
free Wi-Fi access. There’s more
in store in the coming months..
“We’re going to offer a book club
and have story time for children.
We almost have gift certificates
available as well,” Endress said.
While construction workers
Photos by Dennis Biles and Leah Martin / LMC Journalism
The non-profit bookstore at 650 Railroad Ave. will promote
literacy and offer book clubs and story time for children.
put the finishing touches on the
store, the PACF encouraged
members of the community to
come downtown and get a sneak
peak. Even though everything
wasn’t fully complete, the store
actually opened for business and
had a “soft” opening Nov. 26 that
was met with rave reviews.
“Come on down!,” D’Alfonzi
exclaimed. “People love us so far.
I think we’ve exceeded expectations.”
— Dennis Biles, LMC Journalism
city of pittsburg
www.ci.pittsburg.ca.us
4 December 2010
Food, glorious food
Pleasure the palate at 615.
Tantalyzing
downtown
options
Photos by Charles Powell / LMC Journalism
Antonio Rucker slices hot links in the kitchen at Dad’s Barbecue.
T
he holiday bustle is here and during
your efforts to spread some cheer,
treat yourself and those you care
for by discovering, or rediscovering, some favorite places to eat in Old Town.
Past the post of fice, Railroad Avenue
becomes a restaurant row that promises to
deliver something delicious whether you are
in the mood for Old Fashioned Barbeque,
Italian, a world tour of fine cuisine — or just
sandwiches or coffee prepared with care and
the attention to detail you cannot bring yourself
to practice at home.
It may be the perfect time to return to New
Mecca Café, or maybe around the corner to E.
Third St. and see what’s cooking and brewing
at E.J. Phair’s Liberty Alehouse.
The 21 and older crowd may want to try
Pineda’s Sports Bar on Cumberland Street, or
perhaps stay on Railroad Avenue and discover
that even though it may be cold outside frozen
yogurt from Pirate’s Cove is scrumptious.
No matter which place you choose you can
rest assured it won’t just be an indulgence, but
a way of supporting local friends and neighbors.
Meredith Ladich, executive vice president of
Pittsburg’s Chamber of Commerce, explained
that small businesses are what keep a community alive.
“If you didn’t have small business what kind
of community would you have? There would
just be vacant storefronts. Local businesses
are an important part of socializing and places
for businesses to have events,” said Ladich. “If
you come to downtown now you see people
city of pittsburg
Old Town Pastry’s staff shows the
delicious freshness by sight alone.
walking, riding bikes and pushing strollers
and that’s because of the local businesses —
they are an important part of the community.”
Ladich’s sentiments are shared by a number
of the customers, and small business owners
as well who cross advertise and support each
other and the area. If you make the trip to
downtown perhaps you will find something
to enjoy and support at the same time, like
Steven “Redd” Davi-Fowler who said he is all
about supporting local businesses and loves
seeing how Old Town Pittsburg has come alive.
DAD’S BARBEQUE
For those looking for old-fashioned slowcooked barbeque, Dad’s at 785 Railroad Ave.
is a place that should be on your destination
list. Owner Dietra King promises its sauces are
not something you can find on grocery store
shelves. Despite serving Pittsburg diners for
11 years, its flavors are not being duplicated
Damir Dopovac enjoys his Steeltown
coffee with the day’s paper.
in backyard cookouts, and it offers ribs and
hot links with both mild and spicy varieties
of sauce.
For first timers Ray and Adija Evan’s, their
respective meals were delicious and a reason
to return.
“It rivals Everett & Jones Barbeque in
Oakland,” said Ray.
For hours and directions for Dad’s Barbeque
call 439-1955
See FOOD, page 5
Anchor Lines
www.ci.pittsburg.ca.us
December 2010 5
■ Food, from page 4
LA VERANDA RISTORANTE ITALIANO
Nicolas Maamari and Johny Khalilieh’s La
Veranda Ristorante Italiano at 444 Railroad
Ave. offers a dining experience that was given
three and a half stars across the board by the
Contra Costa Times, a feat that is proudly
displayed in their waiting area.
“We give to the community. We do a lot of
fundraising and give them good product,” said
Maamari, “We take care of the community and
they take care of us.”
The restaurant is designed to make a person
feel at home with a menu created to tempt
people to come in with dishes ranging from
Antipasti or Appetizer selections like Insalata
Cesare, a caesar salad served with or without
chicken breast, to sautéed mussels, to a variety
of pizzas and pasta dishes for fuller meals including Penne all’arrabiata, prepared in garlic
and vodka with spicy marinara cream sauce.
For Melanie Baymon it isn’t just La Veranda’s
food that keeps bringing her back.
“They are good hearty meals and the bread
is delicious, but the main thing for me is the
service,” she said..
For hours and directions to La Veranda
Ristorante call 427-0444.
RESTAURANT 615 & PALACE OF FINE FOODS
Restaurant 615 California Bistro, located
fittingly at 615 Railroad Ave., is proud of
its menu, and its support of education. The
restaurant does not simply offer a chance to
sample fine dining influences from the world
over, but every purchase supports learning
opportunities for college students, who help
prepare and serve the dishes under the guidance of instructor and Chef Patrick Robertson.
In addition 615 supports other local businesses one of which is only a few doors down
— the Palace of Fine Foods whose ingredients
helps to create some of the signature dishes at
615. Featured as well are a selection of wines,
which hail mostly from vineyards located in
Contra Costa County and Lodi.
One of the featured dishes is Seared Salmon
Fillet with Butter Leek Mashed Potato, Roasted
Tomato with Fried Leeks and Chive Oil, and
the 615 Ceviche “Martini” crafted out of tilapia
and shrimp. Beyond the seafood offerings
are gourmet chicken, steak dishes and pasta
dishes complemented by the Hannah Nicole
Viognier grown in Contra Costa County.
Greg DiLoreto, one of Restaurant 615’s
faithful, found his own meal to be great and
said that the staff always does a nice job.
The Fragrant Spiced Heirloom Chicken is
one of the dishes prepared with ingredients
found at the Palace of Fine Foods.
“The Poulet Rouge (red heirloom chicken)
are a truly much higher quality chicken that
cooks juicy and plump,” said Robertson.
Anchor Lines
Photo Charles Powell / LMC Journalism
Patrons enjoy food and ambience at the Mecca, and Liberty Alehouse, below.
A tasty treat from
Pirate’s Cove.
He explained that they cost about as much
as a rocky mountain free-range chicken, adding that picking up this variety is one way
people could add a touch of the gourmet to
their own dinners.
For hours and directions to Restaurant 615
call 252-1900.
For hours and directions to the Palace of
Fine Foods also known as Pacific Plaza Imports
located at 675 Railroad Ave. call 252-9700.
OLD TOWN PASTRY AND DELI
Old Town Pastry and Deli, located at 755
Railroad Ave., offers a variety of fresh breads
to suit the taste of customers, who can select
from specials or create their own sandwich
by circling the condiment, topping, meat and
cheese options of their choice.
“Ever ything is homemade — we make
our breads and all our sides in the back,”
said employee Bianca Lee. “You can taste the
freshness in every bite.”
Bianca said that even on her days off she
comes in and gets a sandwich, perhaps because
to her their prices beat the competition.
For Steven, or “Redd the Barber,” who
works at one of the several barbershops in
Old Town Pittsburg, it is a sandwich place
worth returning to.
“I come down here because the food is great
and it is a welcoming place to go,” he said.
For hours and directions to Old Town Pasty
and Deli call 427-1722.
PIRATE’S COVE FROZEN YOGURT
Although it may be cold outside the people
and the selection at Pirate’s Cove Frozen Yo-
gurt, located at 765 Railroad Ave., may give
you ample reason to try their treat.
The staff behind the counter will be happy
to help you sample flavors ranging from classics like non-fat chocolate and vanilla to more
adventurous flavors like Mango Tart.
The serving cups are all one size and the
price is determined by weight. The ounces
may build up not only from the yogurt itself,
but also from a wide selection of toppings
ranging from sprinkles to bolder choices like
captain crunch cereal.
Brian Ortega, a first-time customer who
was amazed by all the toppings, sampled the
non-fat chocolate.
“It was tasty and not too thick,” said Brian.
“The staff was friendly. I plan on coming again.”
Brian’s assessment matched Daisy Gallego’s
appraisals, which may seem biased since she
works there. But she said she went there every
day before she got the job.
“The yogurt is really rich and creamy,” she
said. “It is a fun place to hang out.”
For hours and directions call 427-1123
STEELTOWN COFFEE AND TEA
For those looking to warm up, try Steeltown
Coffee and Tea. Located at 695 Railroad Ave.
inside the same building as Mechanic’s Bank,
it is a wonderful choice according to Damir
Popovac, who has been going to there at least
a couple of times a weeks for 10 months.
“They are cool people and they make a really
good cup of coffee,” said Damir.
To Adrian Badger, the owner, the reason
See FOOD, page 8
city of pittsburg
www.ci.pittsburg.ca.us
6 December 2010
City in Brief
SELECTED ACTIONS OF THE HOUSING
AUTHORITY (HA), THE PITTSBURG
POWER COMPANY (PPC) AND THE
PITTSBURG ARTS AND COMMUNITY
FOUNDATION (PACF)
HA ACTIONS
■ 10-249 Approved th budget for Fiscal
Year 2010-11 for the City of Pittsburg
Housing Authority and appropriated
funds for Fiscal Year 2010-11 (6/17/10)
Photos by Godofredo Vasquez / LMC Journalism
Fields at Central Park (above left) and Hillview Jr. High will get synthetic turf.
■ 10-250 Approved funding for the HUD
Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing
(VASH) Program (7/19/10)
Fields to get synthetic turf
■ 10-251 Approved carryover of FY
2009-10 Capital Improvement and
Administrative Project Balances at June
30, 2010 into the Current Fiscal Year
2010-11 Budget for the Pittsburg Housing Authority (10/18/10)
he city has begun to make an effort
in reconstructing Central Park and
Hillview Junior High School playing
fields to improve the students’ and
community’s experiences during their recreational activities using the fields.
Many citizens of the community came to play
on the Central Park soccer field throughout
the years, but sometimes the field had to be
shut down due to the damage of its grass.
“Due to the amount of use that the field
was getting, the grass field was getting torn
up and required frequent closures to allow the
grass to recover, or the replacement grass to
grow,” said Senior Civil Engineer Ron Nevels.
A construction plan was created to put
together an all-weather artificial turf soccer
field that will complement the field lighting
done in a previous project, along with other
new features.
“With this project there will also be a picnic
area constructed that can be used without
opening the field,” said Nevels.
Construction to renovate the field began
in mid-August after a contract was generated
with the same construction company currently
working on widening Highway 4.
According to Nevels, the “City Council
awarded a construction contract to O.C Jones
& Sons on Aug. 16, 2010.”
Since then, construction has been under
way and is expected to be fully complete and
the field usable in December 2010. With the
finished project, the community can expect
a playing field that will be more durable and
available for use, and the city can expect a
reduction in maintenance costs.
The overall Central field project costs
$1,029,000 with the construction part costing $740,000, which is entirely funded with a
Measure WW park bond from the East Bay
Regional Park District.
The city has different plans for the Hillview
field. The current field has “several holes and
depressions making it unsafe for use,” said
Nevels, so it too will receive artificial turf
along with other features.
PPC ACTIONS
■ 10-228 Awarded contract for the Sidewalk Rehabilitation Project to AJ Vasconi
General Engineering Inc. (5/17/10)
■ 10-229 Approved the budget for Fiscal
Year 2010-11 for the Pittsburg Power
Company and Appropriated funds for
Fiscal Year 2010-11 (6/7/10)
■ 10-230 Adopted changes in Island
Energy’s Electric Rate Schedules CES-1,
CES-1 and RES-1 for Electric Services;
Adopted changes in Island Energy’s Gas
Rate Schedules GS-1 and GS-2 for Gas
Services; Adopted LS Rate Schedule for
Street Light Service on Mare Island for
Fiscal Year 2010-2011 (6/21/10)
■ 10-231 Adopted Island Energy 2009
Annual Report of Power Source Disclosure Program and 2009 Annual Power
Content Label (9/20/10)
■ 10-232 Authorized the executive
director to abandon an electric easement
adjacent to the Mare Island Causeway
(10/18/10)
■ 10-233 Approved the carryover of FY
2009-10 capital improvement and administrative project balances at June 30,
2010 into the current Fiscal Year 2010-11
budget for the Pittsburg Power Company
(10/4/10)
■ 10-234 Adopted an agreement for
attorney services with Russell Townsend
to provide legal services to the Pittsburg
Power Company (10/4/10)
■ 10-235 Adopted an agreement for consultant services with Douglas Buchanan
See CITY IN BRIEF, page 7
city of pittsburg
T
“The plan is to construct an all-weather
artificial turf field, field lighting, restroom
facilities and parking at Hillview Junior High
School,” he added.
Construction for the new features has yet
to start as the city it waiting on approval of the
design from the Division of State Architects,
which approves all the planned construction
projects on school property in the state. Once
the design is approved by the DSA, bidding
will start and a contractor will be hired.
“We anticipate that the project will be out
to bid in late December 2010 or early January
2011,” said Nevels. “Construction will start
approximately three months after that. We
expect construction to be complete late summer 2011.”
The field is being reconstructed, “to provide a benefit to both the school and city by
constructing a field that can be used by both,”
said Nevels.
The city and Pittsburg Unified School
District have a joint use agreement in place
for the multi-use field that will be built. It is
agreed that PUSD will allow the city to build
the facility on the PUSD property, allowing
Hillview students to use the field during school
hours and the community to use it outside of
school hours.
The multi-use field is expected to benefit the
community by offering an additional lighted
sports field and providing another option for
play locations within the city. Students will
also benefit by gaining a better and safer
field to use.
The new multi-use field will be striped for
soccer use, marked for baseball play and lined
up with yardage lines for football games.
The entire Hillview project budget is
$2,100,000, with the construction estimated
to cost $1,800,000, but the scope of the project
may have to be scaled back if bids come in
too high.
Park Dedication Fees and a Measure WW
park bond grant from the East Bay Regional
District are funding the project.
— Angelica Gonzalez, LMC Journalism
Anchor Lines
www.ci.pittsburg.ca.us
December 2010 7
7
City in Brief
SELECTED ACTIONS OF THE HOUSING
AUTHORITY (HA), THE PITTSBURG
POWER COMPANY (PPC) AND THE
PITTSBURG ARTS AND COMMUNITY
FOUNDATION (PACF)
Continued from page 6
for the Pittsburg Power Company
(10/4/10)
■ 10-236 Authorized the executive director to abandon an electric easement on
a portion of Mare Island known as the
Crane Test Area (10/18/10)
■ 10-237 Approved and authorized
the city manager/executive director to
execute a settlement agreement, a lease
agreement, and other termination agreements relating to the Trans Bay Cable
Project (11/15/10)
Photo by Dennis Biles / LMC Journalism
The pool at Buchanan Park has been closed since 2009 for repairs, but is
scheduled to reopen in 2011 for the summer swimming season.
Diving into renovation
Buchanan, Ambrose pools getting upgrade
F
or most residents of Pittsburg, going
to Buchanan Park and taking a dip
in the pool during the hot months of
summer was a ritual that was not only
a great way to beat the heat but also served as
something of a right of passage for the youth.
However, in recent years the condition
of the pool has deteriorated and new safety
standards were enacted, necessitating the
rehabiliation of the pool.
After being closed for more than a year while
the city worked out the details of renovation,
the pool is one step closer to being re-opened
now that construction is set to begin.
“The pool was originally closed about 18
months ago because the city had to make
modifications for the health department. As
we went over the project, the list of modifications grew and grew,” explained Public
Works Superintendent Hilario Mata. “We’re
making ADA accessible upgrades, replacing
the concrete decking, replacing the plaster,
putting up new fencing around the pool center,
renovating the kiddie pool, and we’re going
to completely redo the bathrooms.”
The city plans to implement the improvements
in two phases. The ADA accessible upgrades
will come first, with that phase set to in Fall
2010. The second phase, which includes the
rest of the changes, will be bid in the near
future. The city hopes to secure the contract
soon so that the second phase can begin imAnchor Lines
mediately upon completion of the first phase.
If everything goes according to plan the pool
will be re-opened in 2011.
“Our hope is to have everything done on
time so we can have our season opening this
summer,” Mata said. “Besides the construction, we are also required to train new staff
since many of the old staff have moved on to
jobs at other pools.”
The project will provide the main pool with
security fencing to meet current health and
safety standards, and necessary design and
construction for pool drain upgrades, replastering, decking removal and replacement,
and several equipment and utility upgrades.
Master planning will also provide for future
improvements at the swim center complex and
to identify future funding sources.
In addition to the renovations at Buchanan
Park, the city has partnered with Ambrose
Recreation & Park District to replace the
pool and accompanying facilities at Ambrose
Park, a public park recently annexed by the
city. The 12.3-acre park, which is about a mile
from the Pittsburg/Bay Point BART station,
is under the control and management of the
ARPD but is now located within the city limits
of Pittsburg as a result of the annexation.
The first step in the Ambrose Park plan calls
for a new pool to replace the 60-year old one
that has been closed for two years.
— Dennis Biles, LMC Journalism
PACF ACTIONS
■ 10-015 Approving a Construction
Loan Agreement by and among the City
of Pittsburg and Pittsburg Arts and Community Foundation for the La Almenara
Development on West 10th and Beacon
Streets (4/19/10)
■ 10-017 Approving a Termination
Agreement by and among the Agency,
City of Pittsburg, and the Pittsburg Arts
and Community Foundation, Inc. Terminating a Disposition, Development and
Loan Agreement dated March 15, 2010
(6/21/10)
■ 10-018 Authorizing the Executive Director to Hire One Manager and Two Part
Time Support Staff for the Foundation’s
Bookstore (9/20/10)
■ 0-019 Approving the Carryover of FY
2009-10 Capital Improvement and Administrative Project Balances at June 30,
2010 into the Current Fiscal Year 2010-11
Budget for the Pittsburg Arts and Community Foundation for the Current Fiscal
Year 2010-11 Budget (10/4/10)
■ 10-020 Approving a License Agreement by and between the Redevelopment Agency of the City of Pittsburg
and the Arts and Community Foundation
(11/15/10)
NEED MORE INFORMATION?
More information about the City in Brief
can be found on the city’s website.
Subscribe to eNews for free to receive automatic updates on city news and events.
Ir’s just a click away at www.ci.pittsburg.
ca.us
— Compiled by Pittsburg city staff
city of pittsburg
www.ci.pittsburg.ca.us
Anchor Lines
Anchor Lines is a regular update of
developments and programs serving
the citizens and businesses of Pittsburg,
California. The newsletter, a collaborative
project by Pittsburg city staff and the Los
Medanos College Journalism Program,
is designed to enhance communication
within the community.
CITY STAFF
■ Editor: Marc Fox
■ Content coordinators: Maria Aliotti,
Don Buchanan, Ali Endress, Jill Hecht,
Hilario Mata, Ron Nevels, Sean Williams
and Laura Wright
LMC STAFF
■ Faculty Advisers: Curtis Corlew
and Cindy McGrath
■ Student writing and production staff:
Dennis Biles, Angelica Gonzalez, Corey
Hunt, Leah Martin and Charles Powell
For information about this publication
contact Assistant City Manager Marc Fox
at 252-4876, [email protected]
information about Journalism contact Faculty Adviser Cindy McGrath at 439-2181
ext. 3357, [email protected]
■ Food, from page 5
the coffee stands out is simple.
“We focus on the actual coffee itself — instead of the additives,” said Adrian. “We try
to make the absolute best cup of coffee and
espresso we can.”
He explained they accomplish this by doing
everything by hand that can be.
In addition to cups of coffee, and tea that
is held to similar standards, are a variety of
treats and coffee-tasting opportunities, as well
as a staff that enjoys what they do.
Customers are also able to access wi-fi and
can enjoy live music on weekends.
For hours, directions and details on events
call 432-0307.
NEW MECCA CAFÉ
Few things might be considered well-known
outside of Pittsburg, California to surrounding
communities where, even a few cities away,
when the name Pittsburg is mentioned its
Pennsylvania name-sake may come to mind
first. The New Mecca Café is one exception,
according to Morris Carey, a customer who
has been frequenting the establishment for
over 40 years.
“I had a construction business for over 35
years and always made people come to me
from places like Orinda, Moraga and Lafaycity of pittsburg
December 2010 8
Stimulus repaves roads
N
early two years after Presi- Design of the project began in February 2009
dent Barack Obama initiated the and was completed by the end of April 2009.
American Recovery and Reinvest- The project was then submitted for final review
ment Act, the results are being to the Federal Highway Administration. Their
seen throughout the city of Pittsburg.
review took a while due to the sudden surge
Last year, Power Avenue and California of projects associated with the ARRA, and
Avenue were assessed by engineers and was finally authorized for construction July
repaved, with most of
9, 2009.”
the funds coming from
On Aug. 26, bids were
the Federal Governopened and the contract
“Prior to the passage of the
American Reinvestment and
ment. The project was
went to Top Grade Concompleted in December
struction, a company
Recovery Act, Power Avenue
of 2009, meaning that
based in Livermore, on
and California Avenue had
drivers can now enjoy a
Sept. 21. Less than two
been identified ... as needing
smoother ride on their
weeks later, construction
reconstruction”
way to work or school.
was started on Oct. 1,
— Civil Engineer Sean Williams
It is one of many steps
2009, and was largely finthe Obama Administraished by Dec. 24, 2009,
tion has taken to rebuild America’s battered when paving was completed.
economy and its infrastructure with hopes
According to Ron Nevels, a Senior Civil
of boosting the morale of its citizens and Engineer with the city the federal government
putting the recession into the history books. provided $1,103,000 through the ARRA, while
“Prior to the passage of the American Re- the rest came from Redevelopment Agency
investment and Recovery Act, Power Avenue funds. He added that the contract with Top
and California Avenue had been identified by Grade Construction was $1,082,000, slightly
our pavement management system as need- less than the funds given to the city by the
ing reconstruction,” said Civil Engineer Sean federal government. Williams said that with
Williams. “When the act was passed, these the design costs prior to construction, the
sections of roadway were chosen because total cost of the project came out to $1,258,000.
of the straightforward nature of the design.
— Corey Hunt, LMC Journalism
ette,” said Morris. “They use to call me and
ask me where I was in relation to the Mecca.”
What has kept Morris coming back time
and time again, and made it a landmark for
many? To Morris it is because the food is
“insanely good” and because the prices are
reasonable too.
Martin Guzman, who has worked at the
Mecca for over 30 years, explained that the
food is consistently good possibly because
the owner Guillermo “Bill” Muniz does not
trust trucks, and always buys ingredients
from grocery stores.
For Martin it is more than the food though
that draws people back.
“It is the history. People’s parents came here.
They brought their children here. Then when
the kids got older, they bring their children
too,” said Martin. “For a long time there were
no other restaurants in town.”
New Mecca Café is located 324 Railroad
Ave. for hours and directions call 432-7433.
E.J. PHAIR LIBERTY ALEHOUSE
E.J. Phair’s Liberty Aleshouse, located at
200 E Third St., offers customers a chance to
sample micro or craft brews in a welcoming
environment. But don’t let the name fool you,
there is a lot more to their menu beside ale.
In addition to sampling brews of their own
design, and those of other local operations,
there is a full adult menu and a children’s
menu as well.
Selections range from appetizers like pot
stickers to Beer Cheese Nachos, to main
dishes such as the Cumberland Street Club
and a dish called Jaggerschnitzel.
Maureen Gibe, manager of Liberty Alehouse,
explained they showcase craft beers.
“We do smaller scale creations with a lot
more attention to detail than mainstream
beers,” she said..
Phil, one of their regulars, appreciates that
approach and its end product.
“I like having craft beer as opposed to the
every day beer,” said Phil. “It feels great here.
They take care of you.”
For hours and directions call 252-9895.
PINEDA’S SPORTS BAR
Pineda’s Sports Bar, located at 673 Cumberland St., is only for those of legal age to drink.
Owner Ron Camarillo explained it is a family
bar that was owned by his uncle before him.
He described it as having a friendly atmosphere where everyone pretty much knows
each other, and a place for people to have a
good time — something that long-time customer Alex Chatman agrees with.
“The people are real. You know each other.
There is camaraderie,” said Alex.
— Charles Powell, LMC Journalism
Anchor Lines