The County Connection Employee Newsletter

June 2011 Vol. 60

Fourth Quarter 2010

Honor Roll Shining Stars.2-3

Anniversaries..............................4

Note from the General Manager......................5

Roadeo Pics............................6-7

Featured Employee..................8

Summer........................................9

Events Committee News.....10

Farmer’s Market News........10

A’s/Angel’s Game Info..........11

Scavenger Hunt......................12

In this issue:

2

Chan the

Man

Maintenance

Chan SaechaoAdministration

Oscar PalicteMaintenance

Administration

Oscar grew up in the Philippines and relocated to the United States in 1989. After settling in, he joined the CCCTA family as his first job in the USA. He’s been an exceptional employee here for 20 years and has 19 years of safety.

He enjoys walking a mile or two several days a week. San Francisco sports teams the Forty Niner’s and the Giant’s are his favorite teams. Although, he’s never been to a live game, he does like to watch the games on TV. He also visits his sisters in the Philippines every year and is fortunate to be able to be there a month. Traveling around the Philippines never gets boring. It seems there is always something new to explore.

Oscar is a quiet person. He jokes that he does his job to get the paycheck. He does enjoy his coworkers and says they are nice (no joke here). Swing shift is his favorite shift. He works from 5 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

It was a pleasure getting to know Oscar. Congratulations on being selected employee-of-the-quarter!

Chan the man! Boy trying to get information to write up the article is like pulling teeth. Chan is a very private person.

Most of you know Chan as the computer guru. The best part of his job is helping people. He’s been working on computers for 12 years. He’s been with CCCTA for six years. He came from Providian Bank where he supported UNIX.

Congratulations Chan, and thanks for helping us stay connected.

3

Sayed MiryTransportation

Scott DouglassTransportation

Transportation

Scott has been with the CCCTA family for 25 years and has an astonishing 21 years of safe driving. Before joining the early years of the CCCTA family, Scott was a machine operator at caterpillar. This job was his first job at 18 years old.

He enjoys hiking around the Sunol Regional Wilderness area, gardening, collecting records, and listening to vintage albums. His favorite sports teams aren’t doing that bad either. The San Francisco Giants are the current World Series Champions and the San Jose Sharks made it past round one in the play offs but unfortunately, didn’t make it far enough.

The best part about being a bus operator is the people because they are pleasant and positive. Route 36 is Scott’s favorite route to drive. The area is a nice suburb and reminds him of hometown USA. People here have a positive attitude and it’s good for your optimism. Choosing route 36 to drive allows him to work Monday through Thursday and gives him a routine so he can get to know his passengers.

Thanks Scott for a wonderful job and helping to keep our passengers safe. Congratulations on being selected as an Honor Roll employee. Sayed just celebrated 5 years with CCCTA in

March. He enjoys playing volleyball with friends five to six times a week and working on cars. His four kids ages 10 months, 3 years, 11 years, and 16 years and his wife of 18 years keep him on his toes.

Need a cab? Sayed is the owner of Safeway Cab Company in Walnut Creek. He enjoys driving the bus in the morning so he can dispatch part time for the cab company. Most business comes from repeat customers. Sayed came to CCCTA because he grew tired of driving the cabs. He likes that he has a lot of regular riders. Route 10 is his favorite route.

He is hard working and just wants to keep going. Congratulations on being selected for Honor Roll.

4

2 years: Mary Wright

3 years: Erik Miller

4 years: Paul Carrero, Bazil Gimalay, Hack Saengsourith

5 years: Roashona Daniel, Antonio DeLaTorre, Oswaldo Fajardo, Kevin Finn, Cheryl Long, Ruben Portan, Melody Scott

6 yaers: Martha Lee, Maria Portan

7 years: Elizabeth Lauver

9 years: Tim Chinn, Michael Domogma, Sonia Grady, Edwin Joe, Arun Prasad, Bryan Stanley, Anthony Treat

10 years: Timothy Bates, Phillip Beaulieu, Roderick Garner, Stacey Howard, Marcial Santa Maria, Luis Stein

11 years: John Bartley, John Borja, Katherine Casenave, Maurice Mayberry

12 years: William Dowling

13 years: David Griscti, Charles Marshall, Ruben Rivera

14 years: Bill Churchill, Moises Cordero, Antoinette Lane-Fomby, Ronald Salerno

15 years: Leroy Dominguez

16 years: Nils Bernhus, Robin March, David Salberg, Monroe Woodard

17 years: Edgardo Aparicio, Ron Massey

18 years: Loretta Draper

19 years: Sheila Hunter, Rick Ramacier

20 years: Rolando Aguilos, Julie Barry

21 years: Debra Lowery

24 years: Glen Edlund, Susan Flynn, Gary Jones, Lynn Koldewey

26 years: Pablo Morales

27 years: Sidney Dempsey, Mark Romero, Kathleen Thorsted, Jaime Velasco, Jr.

28 years: Darryl Hall

29 years: Bonnie Yang

October, November, December

5

June 16th was our Employee Appreciation Day. Now more than ever, it is important that we all take time to thank everyone for their great work at County Connection. I am especially appreciative of all our employees and what you do for our customers and our community. Those of us in public transit continue to struggle with inadequate finances, a media that often points the finger back at the employees, and a public that is rightly frustrated and confused.

We are in strange new waters where history is not necessarily useful. It may seem like you are not appreciated. It may seem like there is no light at the end of the tunnel as you are asked to once again forgo an increase in compensation. However, just think what would happen to the 14,000 or so people we serve everyday if we were not here? Their lives would be a fraction of what they are if not for each and everyone one of you working hard every day to bring them bus service. Yes, all of you make a difference!

We should take joy and satisfaction in that we do all make a difference in so many lives by the work we all do at County Connection. Many people do not make such a difference in lives of others you all do. This can help sustain us as we continue to ride out our troubles. I would like to be able to tell you that we are near the end of these troubled times. But, as you already know, I can’t. But, I can thank you all and tell you that I greatly appreciate you all and know that these are tough times for you.

Once again, I ask you to keep doing what you do to make this one of the best transit systems in the world. I ask you to keep your spirits up and recognize what you give back to so many people through your work is so important to the many people that benefit from your work. Please keep up the great work and let’s not lose hope for better days ahead. Thank you for all you have done this past year!

My Appreciation Is Year RoundRick Ramacier, General Manager

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Roadeo Participants

7

VolunteersSpecial thanks to all the

volunteers. This could not have been a success without you.

8

FEATURED

EMPLOYEE

So far in 2011, the world has been hit with many natural disasters. Japan for one had back to back earthquakes and tsunami that also affected the west coast of the United States. The United States was also hit with a devastating tornado in Joplin, Missouri. I’m sure I’m missing other natural disasters but these are just a few that come to mind. In any case, are you ready for a natural disaster? The internet is a great way to find information and help to prepare for any natural disaster. For general disaster preparedness tips, visit www.cchealth.org/topics/emergencies/ . This is a wonderful resource guide for families and individuals. It helps you talk with your family on how to protect yourself in an emergency, making your home safe, what supplies are needed to have on hand, and much, much more.

Someone suggested we feature employees who volunteer for local organizations or charities and highlight them in our flyers. What wonderful idea! So the first person to be recognized for her involvement with Homeless Animals’ Lifeline Organization (H.A.L.O.) is Elizabeth Lauver.

In the wake of the devastation the world and the USA has encountered this year alone, we have to know where we can turn to for help. Remember the dog in Japan who wouldn’t leave his friends side? Many of you know that Elizabeth is a dog lover. What you may not know is how she was able to create an emergency plan for your pets.

Elizabeth is involved with the CCCTA Emergency Response Team along with other CCCTA employees. Several Bay Area police and fire departments, transit agencies, and many city and county offices helped to develop The Regional Catastrophic Earthquake Mass Transportation/Evacuation Plan. With the creation of this plan and thoughts of the poor dog in Japan, Elizabeth thought that H.A.L.O. needed to be part of the evacuation efforts for animals. With the blessings of the Mayor of Oakley, Elizabeth has secured the old firehouse to be used for housing animals in an emergency. H.A.L.O. also adopts dogs and cats. For more information on East Contra Costa County Homeless Animals’ Lifeline Organization, visit their website www.eccchalo.org.

Do you volunteer for an organization or know another employee who does that should be featured? Contact Valerie Carver carver@cccta.org or x2042 for information on making a submission for a future flyer.

Natural Disasters and Your Animals

Dare I say that summer has finally made its debut? Summer is usually the warmest season of the year, occurring in June, July, and August in the Northern Hemisphere. June 21 is the celebratory day in which we welcome summertime. With all the fun family and friend get-togethers bound to happen this summer, keep in mind that it is important to use sun screen and perhaps having heart- healthy grilling too.

Best Sunscreen(from About.com)

Things to look for that would indicate that you are buying the 'best sunscreen,' include that it:

New sunscreen rules from the FDA will soon make it even easier to choose a sunscreen. Available next summer, the new rules will require testing for broad-spectrum sunscreens, new labels that make it easier to see all sunscreen ingredients, and restrictions on terms like waterproof and sweat proof. They may even cap SPF ratings at "SPF 50+."

Summer Grilling Tips(from Sharon Jenkins, MPA, MCHES)

For heart-healthy grilling this summer be choosy about what you put on the grill. Steaks, hamburgers, hot dogs and sausages can be heavy in saturated fat and cholesterol. Follow these tips when deciding what foods to include for your bbq’s:

For side dishes, there are great tasting alternatives to heavy, mayonnaise salads and spreads. If a recipe calls for full-fat mayonnaise or sour cream, substitute a low-fat variation. Your potato salads and baked potatoes won’t know the difference.

• provides broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection.• has an SPF of at least 15 to 30. You could go for a higher SPF, but most experts believe that these high SPF sunscreens don't provide that much extra protection. Some experts go as far as to say the SPF rating should be capped at SPF 30 or SPF 50, which provides protection against 97 to 98 percent of UVB rays. Using a high SPF sunscreen might provide more protection for those parents who don't use enough sunscreen and don't reapply it often enough though.

• is water-resistant. Even if you aren't going swimming, if your child is outside, he will likely be sweating, so a water resistant might provide better protection than a regular sunscreen.• is hypoallergenic and fragrance free, especially if your child has sensitive skin.• is in a form that is easy to use on your child, whether that means it is a stick, gel, lotion, spray, or continuous spray, etc.

• “Prime” cuts usually have more fat than “choice” or “select”.• Look for ground beef with the lowest percentage of fat on the label.

• Grill lean turkey dogs, chicken sausages, buffalo burgers or veggie burgers in place of full-fat options.• Instead of sautéed onions, put onions on the grill for great smoky flavor.

9

Six FlagsDiscovery Kingdom

Discount tickets available online at:

https://shop.accesso.com/clients/sixflags/affiliate/index.php?m=14211

California’s Great AmericaDiscount tickets available online at:www.CAgreatamerica .com/corporateCompany ID = CCCTA2011

Oakland Athletics vs.Los Angeles Angels

DOUBLE HEADER7/16/2011game 1 - 1 PMgame 2 - shortly after game 1 ends

Lower Box - $20 (YES, that is $20 for both games not each game!) Sign up at reception desk. Payments must be received by June 24. There will be no extensions for this game.

E V E N T S C O M M I T T E E N E W SUpcoming Events ~ Mark Your Calendars

10

Waterworld - tickets available here. $20 cash only. See Malissa Dean for tickets.

Soccer: With the NBA season now complete, now is the chance for Warriors fans to take advantage of this special offer from the San Jose Earthquakes and the Golden State Warriors!

Save up to $8 per ticket and see Danville native Chris Wondolowski and the San Jose Earthquakes host Thierry Henry and the New York Red Bulls at Stanford Stadium on Saturday, July 2. Plus, enjoy post-game fireworks!

Secure your seats today and start your 4th of July Weekend off with one of the Earthquakes’ most exciting match-ups of the season.

https://www.gs-warriors.com/forms/secure/fct_earthquakes_av.html

All links on this page are available online in the employee only section under employee events.

Farmer’s Market News

Now that his vacation is over, Myron will be here on payday Friday’s in the afternoon. He will have his van open for business with lots of fruits and veggies. Myron does this for us on his days off! Thanks Myron, for providing this wonderful service to us.

DOUBLE HEADER GAME2 games ~ 1 low price!

SATURDAY, JULY 16FIRST GAME STARTS 1:05 PM

Tickets $20 - Lower Box Seats.Sign up today.

Cash payments due by June 24 or until sold out.Contact Valerie Carver x2042

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Scavenger Hunt List1. Movie stub2. Sport event ticket stub3. Picture of pool or waterslide4. Fast food receipt 5. Grocery Receipt 6. Coupon7. Flower8. Wedding photo9. Baby picture10. Business card (non-CCCTA employee)11. Candy wrapper12. Money dated before 198013. Gift Card of any kind14. Gas receipt15. Picture of boat16. Shoelace17. Season Pass18. Candle19. Jewlery20. Pencil How long has it been since you’ve done a scavenger hunt. It’s simple really. All you have to do is gather 15 or more items on the list (the more the better). Once you have the items, see Valerie Carver in Marketing to have your photo taken with your items. All entries must be received by 12 noon on Friday, July 8, 2011. Names will be entered into a drawing that will take place on or about Monday, July 12, 2011. Chances of winning are dependent on number of entries. Winner(s) will receive a gift card. Good luck and happy hunting!