THIS PRESS RELEASE WAS PLACED IN THE DECEMBER ISSUE OF THE EL SOBRANTE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE'S NEWSLETTER "

******************************************************************************************** Press release from Supervisor John Gioia's office

County Seeks Public Input to Revitalize Historic Downtown

Unprecedented Opportunity aimed at Restoring Commercial Core of El Sobrante

El Sobrante, CA

Contra Costa County unveiled plans today [NO DATE GIVE FOR RELEASE] to establish a community process to develop a common vision for a more vibrant Downtown El Sobrante. For years, business along San Pablo Dam Road and Appian Way has declined as shoppers, who once frequented retailers in the commercial strip, decided to take their business to malls in surrounding cities.

"Downtown El Sobrante was once a hub for shoppers," said Bob Sharp, a member of the El Sobrante Chamber of Commerce.[AND PRIMARY INSTIGATOR, ALONG WITH COUNTY OFFICIALS OF THE EL SOBRANTE REDEVELOPMENT PROCESS] "But now, no one stops here anymore. You can't Traffic moves too fast." [AWWW, BOB, YOU'RE BREAKIN' MY HEART!!]

Over the next few months, the County's Community Development Department will hold community meetings and open houses through a "Charrette" process that brings together community residents with a talented team of planners, traffic engineers, and real estate experts [CHANGE AGENTS] to create a community plan based on a shared theme and common understanding.

The plan will be grounded in economic, market, design and civic principles for a better downtown, in a collaborative process of brainstorming [BRAINWASHING] ideas, testing concept feasibility, and reaching agreement on the future of the historic hub ["HISTORIC HUB"????]

Residents will help resolve challenging issues including transportation, parks, property rights [THAT'S EASY, JUST DON'T USE EMINENT DOMAIN!!], community values [HUH??], and community participation affecting the area. County Supervisor John Gioia hopes this new plan allows all residents to voice their opinions about El Sobrante in an open and friendly environment.

"This community process will encourage greater participation by making it more convenient for businesses and residents to give their input" said Supervisor Gioia. [YOU MEAN SUPPRESS ANY DISSENT!!]

The following are the upcoming dates and locations for important events associated with the Downtown El Sobrante charette:

EVENT DATE LOCATION

Stakeholder Interviews Dec. 10-12 El Sobrante Boys Club 4660 Appian Way [BY INVITATION ONLY]

Kick-off Meeting/Workshop Jan. 8, 2004 TBA

Charrette Jan. 22-27, 2004 Masonic Lodge, 5050 El Portal Dr.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Terrrance Cheung, Deputy Chief of Staff 510-374-3231

Patrick Roche, Contra Costa Co. Community Development 925-331-1242 [THIS NUMBER IS DISCONNECTED!!]