The County Connection Employee Newsletter

February 2011 Vol. 59

Third Quarter 2010

Honor Roll Shining Stars.........2-3

Rider of the Month..........................4

Tell Us About Your Riders.............4

CCCTA Website News......................5

Employee Wellness Program.........6

CCCTA Farmers Market.................7

Roadeo T-shirt Contest Winner.8

Events Committee News.................9

A’s/Giants Game Information...10

A’s/Angels Game Information..11

Quarterly Anniversaries..............12

In this issue:

On a clear night...

You can see forever

pictures by Edwin Joe

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Bruce is another long term employee of CCCTA. He’s been here an astonishing 18 years this month. Looking at him, you wouldn’t know he was in a horrific motorcycle accident a few years back. To this day, he has to get Botox shot into his ankles every three months. The Botox is used to numb the nerve. He says although it’s very expensive because insurance doesn’t cover experimental medicine, it is worth it cause it works. Needless to say, he’s not riding anymore. He said that if he can’t be flying it’s not fun.

He’s always been a mechanic and before coming here, he owned an auto shop where he worked on cars bumper to bumper. Working on large vehicles is not new to him; he also worked on big semi-trucks. He specializes in air conditioning and electrical.

In Bruce’s spare time, he enjoys racing RC trucks with his wife. His daughter lives in San Francisco and has a degree in fashion design and also a cosmetology license. And yes, he gets free haircuts for life. He enjoys spending time with his mother-in-law who lives with them and keeps them on their toes.

He likes the challenges of his job and especially loves doing electrical work. The biggest changes he’s seen in his years here is the loss of life of fellow employees. He faithfully contributes to Lamar’s son’s savings and would adopt him if given the opportunity.

Bruce said, “I used to be young and dumb and now I’m old and stupid.” I know this fits me as well as some of you. Congratulations Bruce! You truly are an asset to our CCCTA family.

Honor

Roll’s

Administration

Maintenance

Miguel has been with County Connection since 1997. Although he has been recognized with this honor as a driver, this is his first time as a supervisor. He’s been a supervisor for just over a year and says it is a more challenging position with more responsibilities. Prior to being a supervisor he worked many years being a protection operator. Although he is out on the road interacting with drivers, he misses the interactions with the passengers.

Prior to coming to the CCCTA family, he worked with the labor unions at the Tosco and Shell refineries. He decided to pursue other career opportunities because he wanted to be in a safer environment, let’s face it, refinery work can be very dangerous. When applying to be a bus driver, he liked the idea of meeting new people and being around the public.

Miguel is a father of three. His baby boy is coming up on his first birthday. He has a daughter in first grade and another in preschool. Miguel works the closing supervisor shift which allows him to take care of his children during the day while his wife goes to LMC.

The biggest change he has seen at County Connection is the technology. As many of the drivers know, the radios used to be open mikes and you could hear all the conversations. Now drivers have a better connection with dispatch.

Congratulations Miguel!

Miguel DuenasDispatch Supervisor

Bruce VoltzMechanic V

3Transportation

Just last month, Sam celebrated twenty-five years as a bus operator at County Connection. With that many years of service, he’s very familiar with the entire service area and connecting services. After spending many years bidding one run at a time, he now enjoys the variety of work available by working the extra board.

Whenever you see Sam, he always has a smile on his face. He thinks County Connection is a good place to work, with good benefits, good amenities (like the exercise room and ping pong set-up), and good employee activities. Helping customers (passengers here) has always come easy to him. Prior to coming to work for County Connection, Sam worked at his family’s restaurant. “Service with a smile” has been his personal and professional mantra. A smile you can see in his eyes.

Although the Bay Area has been Sam’s home since he was 22, he grew up in Taiwan. He’s married and has a grown son. He enjoys travelling and his last spot light article his goal was to travel the European countries. I wonder if he’s been there yet.

Congratulations Sam, keep up the good work. We’re lucky to have you among the best in the transit industry.

Shining StarsShyan Lin (Sam)

Operator

Ken ManningOperator

Ken Manning is one of our most senior drivers. I don’t mean seniors as old but senior as in how long he’s been here. In August, he will be here for 26 years. That’s almost as long as County Connection has been around!

It’s hard to imagine almost 25 years ago, he married his best friend whom he met on route 117 (which is now route 17). In sharing that many years with his beloved, she blessed him with five beautiful children and has two grandchildren. His youngest two boys are very active in basketball and tour around the states playing. Ken enjoys traveling with his boys and cheering them on.

For the long timers around here, do you remember when the drivers and supervisors shared a trailer? Although, still a very close knit family here, Ken remembers that sharing the trailer brought the drivers and supervisors closer together. We sure have grown since the main building was built.

Congratulations Ken on a job well done!

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Anton is not your typical teenager – or is he?

Like many young students Anton began riding County Connection buses when he was in middle school, primarily to get to and from school. And like most of his friends his age he now has his driver’s license. But unlike most young adults, he still appreciates and rides the bus. “I like that I don’t have to be dependent on having a car to get around. I use the bus to visit friends in town, to go the movies in Walnut Creek, and just yesterday, my friends and I took the bus to BART and went to San Francisco.”

Approaching adulthood during a time of heightened awareness of the environment and climate change, Anton, and many of his friends welcome the options available beyond relying solely on a car to get around. “Even though I live in a small suburban community, I feel lucky to have the great transit connections we have. Between the bus and the BART system – a person can get just about anywhere without a car.”

Both Anton and his mother appreciate the reliable service, the courteous drivers, and the addition of Sunday service.

Those selected as Passenger of the Month receive a free monthly pass. If you know of a special passenger, call Mary Burdick at ext. 2040.

Remember the article “Tell Us About Your Riders” in the November Phantom Flyer? In short, marketing wants to know about your passengers. Anton is our first featured passenger of the month. He received a monthly pass and is being featured on our newly redesigned website.

If you know of a passenger who would like to be featured, please encourage them to let us know through the website. We’re looking for new riders, long time loyal riders, and all those in between with a positive and interesting story to tell about our service. A request for entries is posted on the website, as well as to our Facebook and Twitter pages.

FeatureRider of the Month

Tell Us About Your Riders

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As many of you already know, our website has a new look!

County Connection has a new trip planning feature to our website. This trip planning feature is easy to use and gives options for your trip. When selecting the option, the route is highlighted on the map so you know where your route is taking you. Encourage your passengers to use this tool when planning their trips.

Another great tool is the employee login section. Have you checked it out? In this section, you can see the bus stop inventory,

destination sign codes, node name abbreviation list, paddles, run cut summary, service change schedule, turn list, extra board assignments, employee events, and phantom flyers. This is a great way to stay connected. Be sure to check out the employee events section for links to purchase discounted tickets online like basketball games and California’s Great America. You will also get information on upcoming events.

You can also follow County Connection on Facebook and twitter.

CCCTAWebsite News

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E m p l oy e e We l l n e s s P r o g r a mH o l i d a y We i g h t C h a l l e n g e

The annual holiday weight challenge was a success. Many employees participated this year. The challenge goes from Thanksgiving until January. All we have to do is not gain more than three pounds during the holidays to be awarded the points. Watch the Health and Wellness board for the results!

Ve n d i n g M a c h i n e s

There’s more good news! We have new vending machines and a new vendor. The snack and soda machine still have our favorites but now the new vending machine has breakfast items, sandwhiches, and White Castle. Stop by and take a look! The prices are reasonable for vending machines.

E m p l o y e e E x p o

The Employee Expo has been scheduled for Thursday, April 14, 2011 beginning at 7:00am-1:30pm. As normal, sign up sheets will be available at the reception desk. They are not posted yet but they will be in April. Look for more information coming your way!

F e b r u a r yN a t i o n a l H e a r t M o n t h

To celebrate National Heart Month, employees were encouraged to wear red shirts on Friday’s during the month of Febraury. Below are some participants for the first Friday in February.

H . E . A . L . P r o g r a m

The Health Education, Active Living program was created to encourage all employees to participate in the wellness activities offered August 1 - June 30. This program is based on a point system that challenges participants to qualify for an acheivement award. The goal is to earn 95 points by June 30th.

Participation in the H.E.A.L. program is strictly vountary, and all employee information pertaining to the program is confidential. All points awarded in the incentive program are structured so that all employees have equal opportunity to earn points regardless of their current health status.

How do you earn points?

• Going to your doctor for preventative medical screenings.• Health Awareness Programs such as donating blood, H.E.A.L. challenges, brown bag lectures, etc.• Health Screening Programs such as cholesterol screening, blood pressure, diabetes screening, etc.• Attend a health education programs like brown bag lectures, weight management, get certified in CPR and/or first aid, etc.

If you have any questions, please contact Sharon Jenkins, John Muir Health Wellness Coordinator:

925-941-4031sharon.jenkins@johnmuirhealth.com

Join the program and be a WINNER!

Monthly Blood Pressureand Weigh In

2nd Tuesday of the month

Admin buildingfirst floor 1:30-3

Maintenance buildingsecond floor 3:15-4:15

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CCCTAFarmer’s Market

brought to you by:Myron Dailey

Have you noticed that we have a farmers market now? Myron comes in weekly on Thursday’s and Friday’s to bring us fresh fruits and vegetables. The prices are comparable to grocery store prices. Not only does he come here on his days off, he’s living his dad’s legacy. Myron learned from the best. He takes the time to help you pick out your items and even gives you tips on cutting or cooking your selections. Don’t see what you’re looking for? Just let Myron know what you would like to purchase and he’ll bring it when it’s available.

How did we get so lucky to have a farmers market? You may recall a few months back, Rick Ramacier, General Manager talked about his personal weight gain over the past few years. Myron took note of this and decided to ask permission to bring us a farmers market. With Rick’s blessing and the blessing of the newly formed Employee Wellness Program Committee, the farmers market was born.

Several employees have enjoyed shopping with Myron. Sophia Martinez-Morris said, “This is the best thing we have

done so far. By having the fruits and vegetables on site, it makes it easier to buy and brings employees together. Several of the operators have been cooking and eating together. It is much better than eating the “junk” out of the machines.”

Need a snack? Today, I cleaned out the change from the bottom of my purse and instead of buying candy or chips from the vending

machine, I opted for a tangerine. Not only did I choose a healthier snack, I still had some change left!

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2011cccta

concord, ca

On the road to memphis

Winner ofRoadeo T-Shirt

Contest:Valerie Carver

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Six FlagsDiscovery Kingdom

Tickets - $17 cash onlyValid on:March 19-20; 26-27April 2-3; 8-10Tickets can be upgraded at the park to season

tickets. Parking additional $15.Tickets will also be available for purchase online for the summer.

California’s Great Americapurchase tickets online at:www.CAgreatamerica.com/corporateCompany ID = CCCTA2010one day admission = $29.992011 season pass = $54.99 (parking and Halloween Haunt not included)2011 Gold Pass = $69.99 (Great America, Gilroy Gardens, Halloween Haunt and FREE Preferred Parking at California’s Great America).

Annual Employee Appreciation DayEmployee Appreciation Day will be on June 16. Look for flyers coming soon.

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

Annual CCCTA Bus Roadeo

Congratulations to Valerie Carver for winning the roadeo t-shirt design contest. She won a gift card to Safeway and planned on using it for her super bowl party.

The annual CCCTA bus roadeo will be on Saturday, April 9. All operators are encouraged to participate. The top APTA qualified participant will head to Memphis, TN to represent CCCTA in the national bus roadeo at the end of May. Sign up by Sharon Ashby’s office by March 18. Pretrip testing date will be determined.

Volunteers are needed! Sign up to help judge the rodeo. It is lots of fun. Volunteers will need to arrive at 8 a.m. to get their assignments and learn what to do. Contact Valerie Carver x2042 to sign up.

Not participating and don’t want to judge? Come check it out and cheer for your fellow employees. Guests are welcome including children but your guests will be your responsibility.

Oakland Athletics vs.San Francisco Giants

6/18/2011 - 7 pmSection 238 Plaza Reserved - $12Section 230 Plaza Outfield - $20Sign up at reception desk. To guarntee your seats payments must be received ASAP or by May 1 while supplies last. Tickets are limited.

Oakland Athletics vs.Los Angeles Angels

DOUBLE HEADER7/16/2011game 1 - 1 PMgame 2 - shortly after game 1 endsSection 127 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.

When:Saturday, June 18

Time:6:00 PMWhere:

Oakland ColiseumSign Ups:

Reception Deskbe sure to specify

which section you want.

Ticket Prices:Plaza Reserved $12Plaza Outfield $20

Tickets are limited.Payment required

to hold tickets.

VS

Tickets must be paid for by May 1st or until sold out, whichever is first.Cash payments only to Valerie Carver x2042. No refunds once payment is received.

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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

vs

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4 years:John Cabreira, Paul Carrero, Gary Hinrichs, Nancy Johnson, David Kamlin, Belinda McCargo, Michael Perry, Camille Thompson

5 years:Manuel Delgado, Raymon Johnson, Shah Taibzadah, Denae Wilson

6 years:Abel Herrera

7 years:Jeremy Compton, Lathina Hill

8 years:Myron Dailey, Wardy Joubert, Bernabe Leiva, Lisa Nolen, Jorge Rubillos

9 years:Patria Aguilar, Alicia Dominguez, Dalvinder Gill, Ricardo Hercules, Juan Ruiz, Nasrat Sadaat, John Wong

10 years:Agustin Barrientos, Alicia Powell

11 years:Willy Jabonero, Fawad Malekzadeh, Fatima Mixon, Lisa Rettig, Said Saadat

12 years:Michelle Gray, Robert Jackson

13 years:Hayward Hines, Albert Lawrence, Chad Mueller

14 years:John Drake, Paul Taylor

15 years:Correne Pedroza

17 years:Aline Carroll

19 years:Michael East, Yvette Mouton, Moran, James Wackerly

20 years:Sharon Grant-Roscher, Glenn Jones, Jorge Martinez

21 years:Alan Nicholas

22 years:Juan Lujan

24 years:Jay Castro, William Smith, Carolyn Wright, William Wright

25 years:Rethamae Abdelrahman, Gardner Daniels, Maria Grilho, Gerry Hammons, Ruthie Johnson, Andre Lever, Ken Manning, Cornell Toliver

26 years:J.B. Ingram

AnniversariesJuly - September2010

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