The Delta Protection Commission announced that Pittsburg Mayor Ben Johnson is a new Commission member, representing the cities of Solano and Contra Costa Counties effective May 2, 2016. Walnut Creek Councilmember Bob Simmons will serve as his alternate.
Mayor Johnson was first elected to the Pittsburg City Council in 2004 and re-elected in 2008 and 2012. His career in public service includes serving as Vice-Chair of the East County Fee and Finance Authority and the Trans Plan Committee, as the alternate Representative for the Contra Costa Transit Authority and the Delta Diablo Sanitation District, and on the Executive Committee and the Housing and Transportation Committee of the League of California Cities. His community involvement includes serving as Post Commander, Chapter Commander and District Commander of the American Legion, and Chairman and Treasurer of the United Veterans Council. He also served as the Chair of the State Executive Committee of Disabled American Veterans, and as the President of the Danish Brotherhood of California.
Councilmember Simmons was elected to his first term on the Walnut Creek City Council in 2008, serving as mayor in 2012 and again in 2015. He is a former member of the Walnut Creek Planning Commission, serving as Chair in 2006, and served on the Park, Recreation and Open Space Commission from 1999 to 2004. His affiliations in the Walnut Creek community include service on the boards of the Walnut Creek Open Space Foundation, the Castle Rock Field Restoration Committee, and Walnut Creek Little League. His volunteer involvement ranges from Master Gardener with the UC Davis Extension Master Gardener Program, tutor with the Diablo Valley Literacy Council and docent for the Bedford Gallery’s Public Art Walking Tours.
The Delta Protection Commission is a State Commission comprised of 17 members representing Delta cities and counties, reclamation districts and water agencies, State agencies with responsibilities in the Delta, and the California State Assembly and State Senate. The Commission serves as a forum for Delta residents to participate in decisions affecting the Delta, advises on actions to protect and preserve unique Delta values of Statewide importance, and regulates local land use in the core of the Delta.
The Delta Protection Commission meets every other month at locations throughout the Delta. Meeting notices and other information about the Commission is available at www.delta.ca.gov or by calling (916) 375-4800.
