Received Feb 06 2009

RECEIVED FEB 06 2009

DSTWCT SECRETARY'S Pamela Belchamber

1633 Grant Street, Berkeley, CA 94703 • 510.549.2839* [email protected]

February 5,2009

Rocky Fernandez President, Board of Directors Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District 1600 Franklin Street, 10th Floor Oakland, CA 94612

Re: Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District Director-at-Large Vacancy

Dear President Fernandez,

Following a successful 25-year career as General Manager of Public Transit for the City of Vallejo, I am busily fulfilling many retirement dreams. I am passionate about the environment and a dedicated public transit advocate, but I miss being involved in strategic decision-making that affects public transit. I have the time, interest and passion to use my talents and knowledge to benefit the AC Transit system.

As soon as I heard about the vacancy on the AC Transit Board, I knew I wanted to serve on the Board. I have worked with and led countless collaborative teams and committees over a lifetime. I am a knowledgeable, collaborative team player and I know how to get things done.

Basically, it could be said that I built Vallejo's Transit Program from the ground up. What was a limited, 10-bus local service when I was hired in 1980, is now a complex 65-bus system connecting the Vallejo's community, workers, students, and transit-dependent residents to every city in Solano County. What was essentially a small town local service, became a regional transit link that now includes high-speed ferries to San Francisco, an express bus link to the BART system, and a planned "transit village" that links downtown Vallejo to the Vallejo waterfront with access to a transit hub for all modes.

I was instrumental in designing this program and bringing it to fruition. I successfully sought and secured local, state and federal funding for transit projects; increased the number of union jobs, and regularly represented the City of Vallejo in the Metropolitan Transportation Commission's, the Solano County CMA, and various public forums in the transit planning and financing process. I like the challenge of finding my way around barriersthat block progress, and I havebeen successful doing it. I believe I can make a positive contribution to AC Transit which is in my own back yard, where I have lived, raised a family, and been an active member of the community for forty years. Thank you so much for consideration of my candidacy.

Sincerely,

Pamela Belchamber

Enclosures: Resume Letters of Recommendation: Assemblywoman Nancy Skinner AD 14; Mayor Pro Tern Janet Abelson, City of El Cerrito; Karen Hemphill, Berkeley School Board, Mayor Terry Curtola, City of Vallejo Pamela Belchamber

1633 Grant Street, Berkeley, CA 94703 • 510.549.2839 • [email protected]

Director-at-Large Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District Board of Directors

SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS

> Uniquely qualified through 25 years experience as general manager of public transit for City of Vallejo > Working knowledge of and experience with Bay Area transit agencies and their operations, transportation legislation and funding opportunities > Innovative problem solver with proven success in developing transit programs relevant to complex issues and challenges facing AC Transit > Team Player with ability to build and fully participate in collaborative action-oriented teams moving toward a common goal > Passionate environmentalist and dedicated public transit advocate who understands importance of integrating all regional transit modes

SELECTED PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS

City of Vallejo 1980 to 2005 Superintendent of Transportation

Local Public Transit Development

• Built Vallejo's Transportation Program from the ground up - from existing 10-bus local service to 65-bus system connecting city's residents with all essential services • Successfully delivered cost-effective fixed routes, paratransit and half-fare taxi services to workers, students, elderly, disabled, transit-dependent and low income groups • Secured funding for and oversaw construction of new maintenance facility which enabled acquisition of additional buses and significant expansion of service • Secured long-term funding commitments from Metropolitan Transportation Commission to increase fleet size, and provide for passenger facilities, and off street transit hubs.

Regional Public Transit Development

• Envisioned, implemented and managed development of Vallejo's multi-modal regional transit services, including express bus and high-speed ferry service to San Francisco • In 1985, developed highly successful BARTIink express bus system connecting Solano County with San Francisco, del Norte BART, and ACTransit • Successfully lobbied for $10M earmark in Prop. 116 funds and $17M from federal ISTEA to purchase two high-speed ferries to implement Vallejo ferry service, later expanding fleet to five vessels • Supervised detailed ferry system planning, managed development of specifications, and negotiated contracts for vessel and facility acquisition and construction • In 1997 successfully inaugurated Baylink ferry services providing major regional link between North Bay, Solano County and San Francisco • Secured funding commitments of $50M in RM2, state and federal funds for increased operating funds and the "Vallejo Station," a "transit village" linking downtown Vallejo to Vallejo waterfront and transportation services Page 1of2 Pamela Belchamber

Other Significant Accomplishments

• Established Vallejo as major transportation player in MTC region. • Negotiated on Vallejo's behalf in many regional forums to secure federal, state and local funding • Secured Project funding included a new ferry dock and terminal, and a total of five new ferries • Negotiated, implemented and managed numerous major capital construction contracts for facilities, vehicles and vessels • Negotiated numerous service contracts for transportation services and successfully expended service, increased jobs, and maintained equitable wages and benefits from perspective of both Union and City • Developed and managed five-year transit planning process which helped ensure approval and funding for Vallejo operations and capital projects • Achieved increased ridership across all bus and ferry services, maintained high farebox recovery of more than 50%.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT Co-Chair, Berkeley-Albany-Emeryville United Democratic Campaign September through November, 2008 Nancy Skinner for Assembly Campaign, Full-time Volunteer January to August, 2008 National Women's Political Caucus, Vice Chair and Fundraising Chair 2006 - Present

AFFILIATIONS Golden Gate Audubon Society Community Conservation Centers, Inc. Bay Area Follies

EDUCATION University of California, Berkeley B.A., Anthropology

Page 2 of 2 RECEIVED FEB 0-jS 2009 January 22, 2009 °8IW0T8ECflETAW8 ofrce Rocky Fernandez President, Board of Directors Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District 1600 Franklin Street, 10th Floor Oakland, CA 94612

Dear Members of the AC Transit Board of Directors

I am very happy to support the appointment of Pam Belchamber to serve the remainder of Director Rebecca Kaplan's term on the AC Transit Board of Directors. AC Transit is very lucky to have someone with 25 years of experience in transportation management eager to serve the District. How fortunate we are.

I say "we" because although I am transit dependent and a frequent user of AC Transit and other forms of public transit, I have also worked closely with you, as well as with county, regional, state and federal transportation organizations and officials and numerous committees to provide good service to our community. I have been deeply involved with transportation policy. In addition to being a council member and mayor of El Cerrito since 1999,1 have served as a member of the Contra Costa Transportation Authority for 8 years and the West Contra Costa Transportation Advisory Committee since 1999. My many years of service on the AC Transit Accessibility Advisory Committee, AC Transit Riders Advisory Committee, the Service Review Advisory Committee of the East Bay Paratransit Consortium and the MTC Elderly and Disabled Advisory Committee make me eminently qualified to judge Pam Belchamber's qualifications for this seat on the AC Transit Board. I am very proud to lend my name and reputation to her candidacy. I hope that you will appoint her. Let me explain why.

This is an At-Large position and as such will require someone who has experience and insight into the needs of regional and local transportation. Pam Belchamber spent 25 years as Superintendent of Transportation for the City of Vallejo. During that time she successfully built Vallejo's Transportation Program from a 10-bus local service to a 65-bus system that connected citywide residents. Of great importance to me was her ability to deliver cost-effective fixed route, paratransit and reduced-fare taxi service to elderly and disabled people who were transit dependent Way back in 1985 she developed a BARTlink express bus system that connected Solano County with San Francisco, Del Norte BART and AC Transit. I have personally used the Vallejo transit system she developed and especially admire the fixed route transfer hub where it's possible to transfer freely from one route to another without waiting because of the timed transfers that work. That's the kind of service I want and the kind of service our riders deserve.

In 25 years of doing her job, she acquired the knowledge, skills and methods to ensure high quality transit access in Vallejo. At the same time, she established herself among transportation professionals as a savvy, cooperative and insightful person. She maintains these relationships to this day. She knows about fundraising. She knows how to balance labor and agency needs. She knows about capital projects.

Pam Belchamber studies problems and seeks solutions. She will be a perfect addition to the AC Transit Board. Please allow AC Transit to be served by this incredible woman.

Sincerely,

Janet Abelson, Mayor Pro Tern City of El Cerrito RECEIVED FEB U 2009 February 4, 2009 OFFICE Mr. Rocky Fernandez, President Board of Directors AC Transit 1600 Franklin Street, 10th Floor Oakland, California 94612.

Dear Mr. Fernandez and AC Transit Board Members:

I am writing to encourage your selection of Pam Belchamber for the vacant At-Large- Seat on the AC Transit Board. I have known Pam for more than 20 years in my current capacity as Assistant to the City Manager and formerly as Environmental Programs Manager in Emeryville with responsibilities for developing many of the City's alternative transportation initiatives, ranging from managing transportation studies to developing the Emery Go-Round Shuttle, and before then working for the City of Berkeley's Public Works Department. Throughout the years, Pam has been one of my most trusted colleagues and mentors and I now consider her one of my closest friends as well.

Professionally, Pam has given me the benefit of her expert knowledge and proven track record in implementing state-of-the-art transportation systems and I have relied upon her expertise in learning how to procure funding and generate revenue for transportation projects - skills that will be invaluable to the AC Transit District during these challenging economic times. Pam is also a long-time environmental activist, which is how I first met her. Pam was instrumental in laying the groundwork for recycling and waste management in Berkeley (I was part of the City's recycling staff and she was and still is on the Board of Directors for the City's non-profit recycling processor) and she continues to stay involved in and to be knowledgeable about local environmental issues that are increasinly important in the transit world.

Along with her transportation and environmental background, I also know that Pam is very actively involved in local politics. She has worked particularly hard to help local women get elected to local and state office, including encouraging me to successfully run for the Berkeley School Board in 2006 and now State Assemblymember Nancy Skinner to run for office last year. Pam co-chaired the 2008 Berkeley/Albany/Emeryville United Democratic Campaign and is currently Vice President and Fundraising Chair of the National Women's Political Caucus-Alameda County North (NWPC-AN). I believe her political involvement has given her a broad understanding of how the differing and complex priorities and perspectives of local, regional, and state agencies work and intertwine as well as knowledge of constituent issues that are relevant to AC Transit.

Lastly, as long as I've known Pam, I can say unequivocally that she has been an extremely ethical, hard working and strategic minded public servant. She works hard to understand the needs of diverse constituencies and she is a member of the LGTB community, a community that is still politically underrepresented. Again, I encourage your selection of Pam Belchamber for the vacant At-Large AC Transit seat. If you have questions or need additional information, please feel free to contact me at [email protected] or 510-841-6153.

'KarenHemp 2822 Wallace Street Berkeley, CA 94702 510-841-6153 RECEIVED FEB 06 2009

DISTRICT SECRETAHTa owes

Assemblymember Nancy Skinner

1515 Clay Street

Suite 2201

Oakland, CA 94612

February 4, 2009

The Honorable Rocky Fernandez The Honorable Jeff Davis The Honorable Greg Harper The Honorable Elsa Ortiz The Honorable Chris Peeples The Honorable Joe Wallace

It gives me great pleasure to support the appointment of Pam Belchamber to fill the unexpired term of Rebecca Kaplan on the AC Transit Board of Directors. Pam and I have been friends and colleagues for years and I can think of no one better qualified to fill that seat. Pam's background in the transportation sector is widely known and respected. More important, she is ready to hit the ground running which you need, given the difficulties your agency is facing today.

Pam is uniquely qualified for the position. Her 25 years as Superintendent of Transportation for the City of Vallejo put her in the middle of a multi-faceted transportation system with buses, taxis, para-transit services, ferry services, and BART link express services. She understands the funding streams and how they play out here in the Bay Area.

She is a team player. I saw that most recently in my campaign effort, but I am quite aware of her work with other jurisdictions as she managed local public transit development for the City of Vallejo. Pam knows success does not come from working in a silo. Pam is truly a collaborator reaching out for example to other partners in the county and neighboring cities to develop a plan that worked for all the stakeholders.

Pam is a dedicated public transit advocate. She has had to be in order to effectively deliver services for the rider community. She understands the needs of the riders, whether it be workers getting to their jobs, children getting to school, or seniors who are transit dependent for their continued independence. Pam understands the role that public transit plays in cleaning up our air and making our communities safe and healthy environments. Her multi-faceted background in transportation, environmental issues, and community concerns is why I think it is so important to have her represent all of us on your board. She can bring together the diverse interests of our community in this at-large seat, at the same time synthesizing the many complex issues that regularly come before the board.

I hope you will join me in supporting Pam for the at-large seat appointment. She will make a fine addition to your board and bring a sense of levity which is so often needed during these trying times.

Sincerely,

Nancy Skinner Assemblymember, 14lh District RECEIVED

FEB 06 2009

DISTRICT 8ECBETMWS OFFICE

TERRY A. CURTOLA 50 La Cresenda Vallejo, California 94590 (707) 643-8242

February 1,2009

Rocky Fernandez President, AC Transit Board 1600 Franklin Street, 10 Th Floor Oakland, CA 94612

Dear Mr.Fernandez: This letter is being sent to you, as a whole hearted endorsement of Pam Bclchambcr and her bid to be appointed to the AC Transit Board of Directors. As a former Vallejo City Councilmember (1969-1977) and the elected Mayor of the City (1979-1987) I have been fortunate to have known Pam since the first day she began work as Transportation Analyst in 1980.1 was also, Solano County's Charter member of the Metropolitan Transportation and al Vallejo native whose family has roots here and loves their town. Both as Mayor and later as an active member of the business community and Chairman of the Board for die VaUejo Chamber of Commerce (2000), I followed Pam's work throughout her 25 year career. During the 1980 s, I am provided broad expertise and leadership that convinced the City of Vallejo to active y pursue improvements to our transit program. Pam led the way improving local and regional bus service, and instituted both express bus service to regional locations and a high speed ferry service to ban Francisco Pam provided the City with a robust and well run transit program as well as a renewed pride in the downtown and waterfront, which was the hub of the bus and ferry system. When Pam arrived in Vallejo, the "auto was king" and Vallejo Transit was a small bus system with very limited local service. Pam convinced the "powers that be" that local demographics demanded public transit that served the transit dependent and larger community, including the growing numbers who commuted and traveled outside city limits. Pam laid the groundwork that built the City of Vallcjo's Transportation Program into a system that served and linked the community to work, school, health care, shopping and other basic services. In 1985 under Pam's direction Vallep Transit expanded service to Solano CotyCommunity College,g, pgggplugging a major gap. In 1987, Vallqo express bus servicei connectedd lo HilltopHillt Mall and AC Transit,Transit providing connections to many East Bay destinations. This expanded bus system continued to develop and grow throughout the 1990s connecting to every train at Del Norte BART, and opened up the broad Bay Area job market for Solano County and the North Bay. Page 2: Belchamber Recommendation.

Following the Loma Prieta earthquake, Pam worked to transform VaUejo s existing two-bo*ferr^ system connecting San Francisco to Marine World, (which service I helped negouate wiA Manne World Africa USA, Crowley Maritime and the City as Mayor) into the five-boat Vallejo Baylink, a significant regional connection across the San Francisco Bay. Pam's insights ensured that Vallejo told the "right story". Despite strong competition in our own back yard, Pam worked with local and regional agencies and officials to reach consensus for the ferry program. A Proposition 116 earmark of $1) mdhon ^da federal earmark of $17 million for Vallejo's ferry program was the result Beginning in 1990, under Pam's supervision, the City undertook detailed ferry system planning, tendered controls for vessel construction, obtained an interim ferry maintenance facility on Mare Island planned ferry docking facilities, and undertook many other activities leading to startup of Vallejo Baylink service in May 1997. Baylink proved to be very successful, achieving an 80 percent fare box recovery before gas prices skyrocketed in the early 2000s. Pam continually impressed the City Council and business community with her ability to represent the City of Vallejo at MTC, Caltrans, Federal Transit Administration and other venues, and ob am grants for bus and ferry facilities. One of Pam's major accomplishments was obtaining $50 million in RM2, state and federal funds for "Vallejo Station" which is a "transit village linking downtown Vallejo to the Vallejo waterfront. Still in the development stage, Vallejo Station will include residential housing, commercial development, bus and ferry parking and a bus transfer facdity which is a short walk from the ferry dock. This project will make a significant contribution to Vallejo s downtown and waterfront. Pam and I worked together well when I was Mayor and for the years after I was termed out. She was tough and decisive, but fair and always a team player. I strongly believe that Pam wiU be a great asset to the AC Transit Board so I urge you to appoint her to your board. Please caU me with any questions or requests for more information. I look forward to the opportunity to talk to you.

Sincerely yours,

Terry ^urtola ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES CUSTOMER SERVICE 2477 Arnold Industrial Way TRANSPORTATION CENTER Concord, CA 94520-5326 mnechan At Walnut Creek BART (925) 676-1976 220 Ygnacio Valley Rd Fax (925) 687-7306 Walnut Creek, CA 94596-3739 (925) 676-7500 Fax (925) 932-1478

RECEIVED 9 January 2009 JAN 12 2009

AC Transit Board of Directors DISmiCTSECnETARVS Attention: Rocky Fernandez, Board Chair OFFICE 1600 Franklin Street, 10th Floor Oakland, CA 94612

RE: Pamela Belchamber application for AC Transit Board of Directors At- Large Position vacated by Rebecca Kaplan

Dear Mr. Fernandez,

I am writing this letter in support of the appointment of Ms. Pamela Belchamber to fill the At-Large position on the AC Transit Board left vacant by Rebecca Kaplan upon her election to the California Assembly.

I have known Pam for nearly 25 years in her capacity as the transit manager for Vallejo Transit, and as a trusted friend and colleague.

I have always found Pam to be thoughtful, knowledgeable, committed, and absolutely passionate about public transportation and the important role it plays in the lives of so many people. Pam has always had the unique ability to see beyond narrow self interest to include a more global view of how all of the complicated pieces of a well-oiled transit network should fit together. I think that these talents would serve the AC Transit Board very well. As 1 am sure you are aware, Pam almost single handedly rescued a failing fixed route bus system, introduced the very popular and even financially profitable commute bus service between Vallejo and El Cerrito Del Norte BART, and facilitated the start up of the successful Vallejo Ferry Service. This within the confines of local municipal government and with very little in the way of staff support, but the uncanny ability to garner and nurture political support.

I urge you to take advantage of these great talents by appointing Pam to the AC Transit Board of Directors.

■ours,

"Celinda Dahlgren Director of Administration (925) 680-2045 [email protected]

Clayton Concord • Contra Costa County • Danville • Lafayette • Martinez Moraga Orinda • Pleasant Hill • San Ramon • Walnut Creek

CENTRAL CONTRA COSTA TRANSIT AUTHORITY 01/20/2009 15:22 FAX 5105246464 JOAN 52001

Joann Steck-Bayat 636 Clayton Street El CcniJo, California 94530 510 524.9461

January 20,2009

Mr. Rocky Fernandez, President Board of Directors Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District 1600 Franklin Street, 10"1 floor Oakland, California 94612

Dear Mr. Fernandez,

With Pleasure, I am writing a letter of support for Pamela Belchamber who has applied for Ehrector-at-Large for the Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District.

Pan, and I have been friends fox only a year. Even though it is short time, i feel I have

person.SZT SheS^ is knowledgeable1 ?lrtS *™"PSm about a wide " 3 variety°Pen' 8enCrOU8' of topics *»*with a«* emphasis domin on transportation and the issues facing the Bay Area^She hi a hug ^ T she has developed over the years.

Pam is a d.^nd.hk h i*q"isiti|ve; one *"invites questions and comments, ram is a dependable, mature and inclusive person.

She would make a perfect Director-at-Large.

Sincerely,

Joann Steck-Bayat RECEIVED

JAN 2 0 2009

January 17, 2009

Rocky Fernandez President Board of Directors Alameda -Contra Costa Transit District 1600 Franklin Street, 10th Floor Oakland, CA. 94612

To whom it may concern:

I have not known Pam Belchamber for very long; we both served on Executive Board of NWPC in 2007 and 2008. Pam was the chair of the committee on which I served. The committee was in charge of the annual fundraiser which supported our organization's activities and was the main source of income for the upcoming year. Under her leadership and guidance we had the most successful event in our chapter of NWPC's history. Pam initiated new and innovative ways to fundraise, she ensured that all aspects of our event were well thought out and left no detail to chance. She worked tirelessly and with enthusiasm that permeated to the rest of her committee. Our committee needed to meet often to iron out the many details of our event. Despite very busy lives and other commitments few members ever missed one of Pam's meetings, because not only did Pam provide leadership but cooked a fabulous meal to get us there. While this may not have been a necessary part of our planning it is indicative of Pam's commitment to our event, to her ability to make sure all of her committee members were enthusiastic and to her dedication to all she undertakes. These are all qualities that I would deem essential to an AC Transit Board of Director.

Thank you for your consideration

Claudia Harriso RECEIVED JAN % 1 2009

omcs January 19, 2009

Mr. Rocky Fernandez, President Board of Directors Alamcda Contra Costa Transit District 1600 Franklin Street, 10th Floor Oakland, California 94612

Dear Board President Fernandez:

I strongly urge you to appoint Pam Belchamber to the AC Transit Board of Directors. As former Mayor of Vallejo over four terms between 1987 and 2007,1 can assure you that Pam is very highly qualified, having broad experience and expertise in policy issues and also having great success obtaining funding from and establishing excellent relations with state and federal funding agencies.

During my first two terms as mayor, Pam worked to establish the Vallejo Baylink ferry program. Pam's insights ensured we had the "right story" to tell funding agencies so that we received the funds to implement the program, even though we had strong competition in our own back yard. Baylink service began in May 1997 and proved to be very successful and efficient, with a farcbox recovery of 80 percent before gas prices spiked in the early 2000s.

Pam and her very small staff worked to establish Baylink ferry service and also ensured that the ferries and buses worked together as one system, providing transit users with feeder services and backup services. Riders had flexibility and could use ferries and/or direct express buses between Vallejo and San Francisco, or the combination of express buses and BART. To this day Vallejo provides a full spectrum of transit service, including regional fast ferry service, regional express bus connections between Solano County and the Bay Area, as well as local bus service, ADA paratransit, and our long-established subsidized taxi system.

During my second administration between 2000 and when Pam retired in 2004, she strategized and successfully obtained substantial state and federal funding for the $60 million Vallejo Station multimodal/mixed use project at the Vallejo Ferry Terminal, a project now under design. Pam also provided very strong leadership and strategies that kept Vallejo Baylink and Vallejo Transit financially intact, and die budget balanced during the recession following the "dotcom bust" in 2000, the events of 9/11, and numerous spikes in diesel fuel prices during those years.

In addition to her professional expertise and experience, Pam has a personality that will be a distinct asset to your Board of Directors. She is a very good listener with a great sense of humor. If she is appointed, her colleagues will have every reason to welcome her presence on die Board. Thank you very much for this opportunity to support Pam Belchamber for the AC Transit Board of Directors. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call me at 707-642-5614. My email address is aintintoli(S!vnhoo.com.

Sincerely yours,

AndionyJ. Intintoli Former Mayor, City of Vallejo RECEIVED JAN 2^ 2009

DISmCT8ECflETAHY18 OFFICE

January 19,2009

Mr. Rocky Fernandez, President, Board of Directors Alameda Contra Costa Transit Disctrict 1600 Franklin Street 10th Floor Oakland, California

Dear Mr. Fernandez:

I was elected Mayor of Vallejo in 1996 and, during my one term as mayor, Pam Belchamber was in charge of Vallejo's Transportation Program. The transit program included local and express buses, Vallejo Transit, the Runabout paratransit program, and the half-fare taxi program for our seniors. When I was elected Mayor I was 76 years old, and the paratransit program was near and dear to my heart. Pam was a special help to me because we both cared enormously about the transportation needs of Vallejo's seniors and disabled community. For my entire term in office, Pam and I worked together closely to make sure those needs were met!

Pam, the City Council, and I also worked togedier overseeing construction of the Vallejo Ferry Terminal docks and purchase of two high-speed ferries for the Baylink ferry service which began in 1997. Pam oversaw construction of the new ferries and launched the system, while helping me prevent a new State agency from grabbing the ferries from Vallejo's control! We worked hand in hand in Sacramento to convince State representatives that the Vallejo ferry was best managed by the community it served. We also paved the Terminal parking lots during this time for ferry passengers. During my term, Pam also led efforts for the planning and development of die Vallejo Station parking garage and multimodal terminal at the Vallejo Ferry Terminal.

When die Transportation Program was under Pam's management, the transportation needs of older and disabled folks were always kept in mind, as were those of everyone else. T enjoyed working on all of the transportation issues when I was Mayor; there was always something going on and it was a joy to work with Pam; we remain friends today. I think you would do very well for yourselves widi Pam on your board. I heartily recommend diat she be appointed to the AC Transit Board of Directors. Thank you for this opportunity to comment.

Sincerely yours,

U^tyu.

Gloria Exline, Mayor 159 Greenfield Avenue Vallejo, CA 94590 (707 643-3827 Bill lh*U. Chair Njpi Onimy »J Otic»

Scott llajrjzcrty: I 'ire Chair

Tom Ammiano Cm ind County of Sin rrincncn Mr. Rocky Fernandez, President Tom Azttmhrado [>„„,,„„,,,:,,iH,™,,nP Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District and L rban Development 1600 Franklin Street, 10th Floor Oakland, CA 94612

Dear Board President Fernandez:

II 's Wltn §reat pleasure that I personally endorse Pam Belchamber's application to be appointed to the Alameda- Contra Costa County Transit Board of Directors. Pam's background certainly speaks for itself, but I would underscore that in that background, her significant experience in transit management and knowledge of

Federal D. Glover A . ... transit policy issues.

During my eight year as a Napa County Supervisor, MTC Commissioner, and my two years as Chair of MTC, I have worked with many directors of transit agencies from throughout the Bay Area. It is my opinion that Pam will be an incredible asset to the District, its voters and transit riders

Site Lempert In closing, I would like to also stress Pam's leadership skills and her ability to work

jo*,MMkmie well with others; these are also important traits that will serve the District and its Smyrna C^ur.n tr.A Otic*. Board of Directors.

Jon Rubin Best wjsnes t0 you an(j your Board as you begin 2009 in these very challenging times.

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FEB 02 2009

CTBECnE OFRCE January 30, 2009

Rocky Fernandez, President Alameda Contra Costa Transit District 1600 Franklin Street, 10th Floor Oakland, CA 94612

Re: Board Member Appointment

Dear Director Fernandez;

I am writing to recommend Pam Belchamber for appointment to the AC Transit Board of Directors. I have known Pam as a colleague in the transit industry for the past 8 years. When my agency, the Water Transit Authority, was initially formed, Pam was recognized as the expert in ferry transportation. She was helpful and supportive to our staff, and was a strong advocate for both bus and ferry transit.

The success of Pam's bus and ferry operation in Vallejo is a testament to her ability to work collaboratively with the public, transit funders, and even opponents to build a successful transit system. As Vallejo's transit General Manager, she was able to evaluate and analyze complex data from technical experts. This was especially challenging give the multimodal nature of the Vallejo operation.

As the Board Chair of the Water Emergency Transportation Agency, I can appreciate the unique skills necessary to serve on a Board and successfully represent a transit agency. Pam would be an excellent addition to the AC Transit team, and I would look forward to the opportunity to work with her in implementing complimentary bus and ferry service.

H Charlene Haught Johnson, Chairhi Water Emergency Transportation Authority

Pier 9. Suite 111 The Emharcadero, San Francisco CA 9-4111 Phone (415) 291-3377 Fax. (415) 291-3388 RECEIVED ■feB 02 2009

OFFICE

Michael Fajans January 30,2009 1911 Yolo Avenue Berkeley, CA 94707

Rocky Fernandez, President Alameda Contra Costa Transit District 1600 Franklin Street, 10th Floor Oakland, CA 94612 Re: Pam Belchamber

Dear President Fernandez and Board Members:

1 want to highly recommend that the Board select Pam Belchamber for the vacant at-large seat on the Board. As a former AC Transit Director (1979-88) who has known Pam since 1990,1 believe she would be an asset to the Board. I had the privilege to serve as a consultant to the City of Vallejo as she built up a successful ferry and transit operation, and I was impressed by her ability to collaboratively work with MTC, other transit agencies, city officials, and the public to create an effective and well utilized transit service. At a time when most transit agencies struggled to maintain ridership, Pam expanded the system and grew ridership. She showed environmental leadership in purchasing and operating the first high speed ferry with a selective catalytic reduction system.

At a time when MTC favored BART over all other transit agencies, Pam worked with them to show how critical it was to expand complementary transit agencies. Watching the service Vallejo Transit provided to a lower income community reminded me of the battles we had (and you continue to have) at AC to make MTC understand transit equity - the necessity to allocate sufficient resources to serve a transit dependent market - and focus less on capital and operating subsidies for the higher income BART commuters. Pam understands this important issue.

Pam has lived in the community for many years, understands the complexity of public transit, has excellent political contacts, and desires to work on maintaining and improving AC Transit. From our conversations and watching her interact with the Vallejo City Council, she understands the distinct roles of a manager and a policy board member. As a retiree, she will devote a great amount of time to the District, and you would be more than satisfied with her particular interest and knowledge about transit issues. When I was a new member of the board, I learned the importance of quality buses and reliable maintenance. All the plans in the world will not work if the agency does not deliver the product. There will be no learning curve if you appoint Pam; 1 believe she will be an effective board member from day 1.

Please contact me at 527-6615 or mfaj [email protected] if you have any questions about Pam's interest or enthusiasm about serving on the AC Transit Board. I urge you to give serious consideration to her application and appoint her to the vacancy.

Sincerely yours,

Michael Fajans FEB 0 3 2009 UJtJTLliTi&R —

Western Contra Costa Transit Authority

January 24, 2009

Rocky Fernandez President Alameda Contra Costa Transit District 1800 Franklin Street, 10th Floor Oakland, CA. 94612

Dear President Fernandez,

As a resident of the AC Transit service area, and as the General Manager of a neighboring public transit agency, I enthusiastically support the candidacy of Ms. Pamela Belchamber for a position on the AC Transit Board of Directors. I have known Ms. Belchamber professionally for over 20 years, and have tremendous respect for her intelligence, her judgment, and her knowledge of both the bay area political environment and the complexities of public transportation.

During her long tenure as Transit Manager for the City of Vallejo, Ms. Belchamber played an active role in the process of formulating very complicated regional policies. She is insightful, balanced, and creative in her approach, contributing to outcomes that protected her agency's interests while benefiting the region as a whole. She has a comprehensive understanding of the technical details of public transit, and is nuanced in the application of her knowledge to negotiating workable and lasting solutions to complex problems.

Pam is direct and incisive, quick to penetrate to the heart of complicated issues. This is a critical competency for a policy board member, and a skill that I think will serve the AC Transit Board well in responding to the current crisis now facing public transit operators in our State.

I believe Ms. Belchamber will bring skills and perspective that will make the Board's job easier, while maintaining the progressive leadership the AC Transit Board has exhibited in recent years. I urge you to take this opportunity to appoint Pam to the vacant seat on the AC Board. I strongly believe this is the right decision for both our community and for the region.

Sincerely,

Charles Anderson General Manager

601 Walter Avenue Pinole, California 94564 FAX (510) 724-5551 • (510) 724-3331 RECEIVED FEB 0 5 2009 FROM THE DESK OF COUNCILMEMBER LINDA MAIO DISTRICT 8ECRETWW8 OFFICE

January 28, 2009

Rocky Fernandez. Chairman of the Board AC Transit District 1600 Franklin Street. 10th Floor Oakland, CA 94612

Dear Mr. Fernandez,

This letter is intended as evidence of my strong, heartfelt, and enthusiastic support of Pam Belchamber to fill the vacant seat on the AC Transit Board of Directors.

I have known Pam and worked with her in a variety of settings. She is a dedicated community participant, is reliable, professional in all of her dealings, smart, and thorough. Her strong work ethic and commitment to public service makes her valuable to any board she serves on. I would think that a board member of AC Transit would need to be conversant with budgets and dealing with complex issues, have a commitment to serving the ridership community, energetically marshal support for the agency's endeavors, and bring a fresh and innovative perspective to the team. Pam Belchamber is able in all of these areas.

The AC Transit Board position is a particularly good fit for Pam Belchamber. Her quarter century heading up the transit activities of the City of Vallejo earned her a reputation for managerial excellence and innovation. Her hands-on knowledge of the field and her passion for public transit make her uniquely qualified to fill the vacant seat on the AC Transit Board of Directors.

Very T^fly Yours, JdAr Jnda Maio, Berkeley City Council. District One

1732 Berkeley Way. Berkeley. CA (510) 843-5987 [email protected] FEB 0 5 2009

DISTRICT SECRETARV8 February 3,2009 office

Rocky Fernandez, President Alameda Contra Costa Transit District 1600 Franklin Street, 10th Floor Oakland, CA 94612

Dear Mr. Fernandez:

I write to recommend Pamela Bel chamber to the Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District Board of Directors. Pam possesses many qualities that will make her an excellent board member, and I recommend her very highly and extremely enthusiastically for this role.

I have known Pam for over three years through Golden Gate Audubon, where I served as Executive Director until January 2009. Golden Gate Audubon is one of the Bay Area's most effective wildlife conservation organizations, and many of its successes are the result of its tremendous volunteer corps. Since 2006, Pam has served a crucial volunteer role within Golden Gate Audubon as Chair of the Field Trips Committee. The Field Trips program is a centerpiece of Golden Gate Audubon's work, offering over 100 free field trips to community members each year. Its goal is to inspire Bay Area residents to learn about and enjoy native birds and wildlife— and ultimately to support their conservation.

In this position, Pam has represented Golden Gate Audubon to dozens of volunteer birders, who also give their time to Golden Gate Audubon. Pam has worked collaboratively with board, staff and many volunteer leaders to "curate" and provide hundreds of exciting and educational birding opportunities to our members and the public. Pam has worked very effectively with our community and staff, and we enjoy her supportive and energetic approach to her work. Pam has also shown tremendous leadership, creativity and skill in her role as Field Trips Chair. This position demands strong organizational skills, attention to detail, enthusiasm, and interpersonal skills. Pam has proven herself effective in each of these. Her enthusiasm and creativity have also helped generate support, community participation and membership growth for our organization.

I have greatly enjoyed working with Pam over the past three years. I am aware of Pam's work in the public transit sector, where she gained over 25 years of experience directly relevant to the AC Transit Board. I am also aware of her leadership within our community—including her role as Vice-Chair and Fundraising Chair of the National Women's Political Caucus and as a key volunteer with Nancy Skinner for Assembly. Pam has exemplary skills to serve on the AC Transit Board: she is reliable, collaborative, diplomatic, effective, and she has a thorough understanding of the work of AC Transit—as a well as a good sense of humor. I am delighted to recommend her for your Board of Directors and trust that you will enjoy working with Pam as much as I did when I was at Golden Gate Audubon.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Murdock

Elizabeth Murdock 538 Congo St. M San Francisco, CA 94131 Harold J.Tavaleto swiH 1932 Don Luis Circle OFFICE Mesa, Arizona 85202 January 25, 2009

Mr. Rocky Fernandez, President Alamcda Contra Costa Transit District 1600 Franklin Street, 10th Floor Oakland, Ca 94612

Dear Board President Fernandez:

I am pleased to lend my strong, enthusiastic support to Pam Belchamber's application to the AC Transit Board of Directors. In my opinion, Pam's long experience in transit management and broad knowledge of transit policy issues will serve East Bay voters and bus riders extremely well.

As to my transit experience: I managed Vallejo Citizens Transit Corporation, (VCTC) which contracted with the City of Vallejo to operate the bus system, from 1975 until I retired in 1999. I now serve on the Advisory Board of Directors for MV Transit, which is now the new contractor for the City. During the years we worked together from 1980 until I retired, I worked very closely widi Pam to improve public transportation in Vallejo, including improved and expanded service for the transit riding public and more. When Pam first started with the City, VCTC was skeptical of the City's "interference", but we found Pam eager to work with us to improve the bus service and provide die tools we needed to succeed. Under Pam's leadership as the City of Vallejo's Transportation Superintendent over more than two decades, the City obtained funding and capital improvements which not only improved Vallejo's local bus service, but also expanded, Vallejo Transit into a successful regional system. During our association in Vallejo, we managed to increase our yearly patronage from 200,000 in 1980 to over 1 million riders in 2005; increase the total number of union jobs (ATU) from approximately 35 in 1980 to 125 in 2005 and improve working conditions for our employees.

Pam was an effective advocate and worked widi local and regional agencies, and also in Sacramento and Washington, D.C, to deliver the buses and facilities we needed to do the job. She was direcdy responsible for obtaining funding and approval for a Vallejo Transit maintenance facility replacing a dilapidated old City corporation yard widi a modern operations facility diat provides bus administration, dispatch, and maintenance activities. The facility, which opened in 1988, was designed and ready for the bus program expansion diat took place over the next twenty years and is in full operation today. Her leadership made sure that buses were replaced on time; that more vehicles to expand service were funded, procured, and delivered; and that vehicles were comfortable for drivers and passengers, fully accessible, and bike friendly.

Based on my many years of working with Pam Belchamber, I can assure AC Transit that she would bring her many strengths and talents to your organization. I strongly endorse her appointment to the AC Transit Board of Directors.

Harold J. Tavalero FEB 0 5 2009

DISTRICT SECRETARY'S OFFICE

February 4, 2009

Mr. Rocky Fernandez, President Board of Directors AC Transit 1600 Franklin Street, 10th Floor Oakland, California 94612.

Dear Mr. Fernandez and AC Transit Board Members:

Professionally, Pam has given me the benefit of her expert knowledge and proven track record in implementing state-of-the-art transportation systems and I have relied upon her expertise in learning how to procure funding and generate revenue for transportation projects - skills that will be invaluable to the AC Transit District during these challenging economic times. Pam is also a long-time environmental activist, which is how I first met her. Pam was instrumental in laying the groundwork for recycling and waste management in Berkeley (I was part of the City's recycling staff and she was and still is on the Board of Directors for the City's non-profit recycling processor) and she continues to stay involved in and to be knowledgeable about local environmental issues - issues that are increasingly important in the transit world.

Lastly, as long as I've known Pam, I can say unequivocally that she has been an extremely ethical, hard working and strategic minded public servant. She works hard to AC Transit At-Large Board Appointment/Pam Belchamber Page 2 of2

understand the needs of diverse constituencies and she is a member of the LGTB community - a community that is still politically underrepresented.

Again, I encourage your selection of Pam Belchamber for the vacant At-Large AC Transit seat. If you have questions or need additional information, please feel free to contact me at [email protected] or 510-841-6153.

S ncprely,

K rfenHemphill 2! 22 Wallace Street Berkeley, CA 94702 510-841-6153 FEB © ^ 2009 Marge Atkinson nfi5mcJ,SrAim' 1045 Key Route Blvd. Albany, CA 94706 684-9582 (c)

Mr. Rocky Fernandez President Alameda Contra Costa Transit District 1600 Franklin Street, 10th Floor Oakland, CA 94612

RE: Ms. Pam Belchamber

Dear Mr. Fernandez,

It is my pleasure to write to you to recommend the appointment of Pam Belchamber to fill the vacant Director-At-Large seat on the Transit District Board. In the coming weeks you will be making this important decision, and Ms. Belchamber would bring her vast knowledge of local and regional transportation systems to this seat. Her hands-on experience in the planning, development and funding of comprehensive transportation systems are skills that would prove invaluable to the Transit Board during these difficult economic times.

In addition to her work on transportation issues, Ms. Belchamber was an early visionary in the development of a very successful recycling program for the City of Berkeley. She remains actively involved in the community and has a demonstrated ability to trouble shoot and respond to the needs of diverse constituencies.

Ms. Belchamber's work record as a public servant and her expertise on transportation issues speak for themselves. She has a proven track record of innovation, experience, team-building and can-do spirit. Ms. Belchamber will hit the ground running and would be a knowledgeable, valuable addition to the Alameda Contra Costa Transit Board.

Sincerely,

Marge Atkinson Mayor, City of Albany FEB-B£-2»vQ3 14:34 Froir,:SENPTOR HANCOCK 15102863885 To:510 59: 4705 P.£-2

^^Hsr-^.&sa;4 (California .ii>tate ^£uat£ 3er»AT-Co«^c

SENATOR I1^.?^^.. LONI HANCOCK 286 1333* NINTH SENATE DISTRICT . 286 3SS5 , m-ix

February 6,2009

AC Transit Beard of Directors 1600 Franklin Street Oakland, CA 94612

RE: AC Transit Board ol'Directors Appointment

Dear Members of the AC Transit Board of Directors:

Pain Bclchamber is a many-faceted candidate '"or the unexpircd tenn of Rebecca Kaplan and I am happy to speal. to the breadth of her accomplishments. She brings a strung interest and service to the world of transportation, the environment and 10 electoral politics.

For 25 veers Pam served the Cit> ofVallejo as the Superintendent of Transportation, in that capacity she formed solid nnd lasting relationships «iih transportation colleagues throughout the region. She is respected for having brought planned growth, sustainable services for workers, students, elderly, disabled and transit-dependent, and low income groups to the City of Vallejo and to the region. Her designs for iuccessfuL regional services and her ability to seek and attain federal, stata and looal funding to make Vallejo a much-acclairr.ed transit \illag-; solidified her reputation as an accomplished transportation e:\pert

The National Women"s Political Caucus-Alameda North (NWPC) has a highly effective political action committee. As the person in charge of their annual fundraiser. Pam Belchambtr distinguished herself as an organized, dependable, creative and successful person who reaches out to the community as well ai the NWPC membership. This annual event has grown considerably under her diicctkm.

Ham has successful!.1, worked to elect candidates at both the state »rd Icvul levels and has maintained her devotion to environmental coupes for decades. She is diliger.t in her conservatorship of the planet

Earth which she accomplishes through her work on behelf of candidates for public office and herer contributions of funds:), comprehensive public transportation

ThanK ycu for considering Pam Delchamber for an appointment to the AC Transit Board of Directors

1.ONI HANCOCK Senator February 10,2009 Hon. Ryan "Rocky" Fernandez, President " * 0 gQnq AC Transit Board of Directors O(871Fl«*8eep Attn: District Secretary Q^G^flVls 1600 Franklin Street Oakland, CA 94607

Dear President Fernandez and Members of the Board of Directors:

The Sierra Club is pleased to inform you of its endorsement for Ms. Pamela Belchamber to fill the appointment to the current At-Large vacancy on the AC Transit Board of Directors.

The Sierra Club has conducted a comprehensive process that included questionnaires sent to 17 known applicants for the position and interviews of candidates. We found Ms. Belchamber to be the most qualified and desirable candidate for this position. The Sierra Club hopes that you will agree with us and appoint Pam to this office.

Pam Belchamber has devoted more than 25 years of her life to public transit issues. In her position with Vallejo Transit, she demonstrated creativity, thoughtfulness, conscientiousness, dedication, and great integrity - all qualities that can immediately be brought to bear on behalf of AC Transit. She demonstrates a combination of substantive knowledge and political acumen, which places here head and shoulders above the others candidates. As a public transit advocate in the only county remaining in the Bay Area region that still spends Transportation Development Act (TDA) funds on streets and roads purposes, she has developed numerous skills in building coalitions and working constructively among multiple jurisdictions and interest groups. As such, she has earned the respect and trust of transportation officials throughout the region and State, and AC Transit has the opportunity to share in this good will.

In addition, as a person who is retired from daily employment, she has the time, energy, and resources to dedicate on behalf of AC Transit, and this is a quality that should not be overlooked. It certainly can have the advantage of providing added flexibility to you and your current Board colleagues.

The Sierra Club is America's oldest, largest, and most influential grassroots environmental organization. Inspired by nature, we are 1.3 million of your friends and neighbors, working together to protect our communities and the planet. We have always been advocates of good, effective public transportation, and are proud to add our voice to this important decision for AC Transit's riders, employees, and taxpayers, as well as for the environment. We believe that Ms. Belchamber can truly advance our mutual public policy goals.

Again, thank you for the opportunity for the Sierra Club to support AC Transit and Pamela Belchamber. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at (415) 751-1615 or at [email protected].

Sincerely,

Jqnn Rizzo litical Chair Sierra Club San Francisco Bay Chapter cc: Pamela Belchamber Sierra Club San Francisco Bay Chapter 2530 San Pablo Ave. Suite I, Berkeley, CA 94702-2000 1736 13th Street FEfe 1*2009 Sacramento, CA 95811 dgnucTaH/HErowre OFHCE February 6,2009

Rocky Fernandez, President Alameda Contra Costa Transit District 1600 Franklin Street, 10th Floor Oakland, CA 94612

RE: Pam Belchamber for AC Board

Dear Mr. Fernandez^ __.—

This is to recommend Pam Belchamber for the vacant seat on the AC Transit District Board. I have spent 35 years in transit and rail planning and marketing, partly with Caltrans Division of Rail and partly as an independent consultant..

I first learned of Pam's pro-active approach to fostering better local transit service when I began doing outreach as a Caltrans Rail employee for cooperative marketing campaigns with transit agencies, to promote state supported Amtrak service in the late 1980's. . ' . '

To my knowledge, there are very few people in the Bay Area who are able to conceptualize what good transit service means and get it to happen in places it doesn't already exist. Pam is one of those people. < ' ,•

There are also very few people working in government who show ability to network successfully with business people, city bureaucracies, and union people and get them all united behind par ticular projects. Pam is one of those people. .

There are also very few people in the transit business who think dollars and cents and ask all the right questions. Pam is one of those people.

The way she was able to dp all of the above in Vallejo and effortlessly create a network of connec- =—tions^'whtrbuses, ^errfesr-anc! BART, ^wercommg Solnnp-fTeafVi/s^x^firie^TOi^age nffifrsrice am4=- - relatively sparse population still amazes me.

Pam has a solid grasp of transit's complexities and challenges, and her strong ties both in her , community and to staff in the oversight agencies make her an outstanding asset to the AC Transit board. I cannot think of any other potential board member who would do more to advocate for AC Transit on the state and federal level or who has more enthusiasm for the job of growing the transit business sustainably. -

Sincerely, .

Richard F. Tolmach fEBI9Z009 Februarys, 2009

DFFH5E

Dear Members of the AC Transit Board,

You will soon be making an important decision about appointing a board member to fill the AC Transit at-large seat vacated by Rebecca Kaplan. The Executive Board of the National Women's Political Caucus, Alameda North, voted unanimously to urge you to appoint one of the two highly qualified women: Pamela Belchamber or Elizabeth Echols. There is only one woman on the seven member AC Transit board even though women make up more than 50% of the population of Alameda and Contra Costa County, and women make up the majority of AC Transit riders. Women rely heavily on bus service to get themselves and their kids to school, shopping health services, and jobs. For those reasons alone, it is important to have more than one women represented on the Board. A woman's perspective is vital when considering transit issues. A women's concerns may differ from a man s, and it is important to have both perspectives.

Fortunately there are two well-qualified women who have presented themselves as candidates. We think that each one has unique qualities and would be an outstanding addition to your Board.

Pam Belchambji5has excellent credentials in transit policy, planning, and ' implementationTpam worked for 25 years as Superintendent of Transportation for the City of Vallejo where she built a local and regional transportation system from the ground up, successfully competing for and winning regional financial support for all projects. Specifically, Pam is credited with envisioning and delivering a multimodal regional transit service, including local bus, express bus to BART, a high speed ferry service to San Francisco, and special services for the transit dependent community. Pam is also a dedicated environmentalist and an experienced and effective board member, currently serving on the Executive Board of NWPC as fund-raising chair, and Community Conservation Centers, Inc. a non-profit recycling agency. Pam is active politically, and most recently worked on Assemblywoman Nancy Skinner's campaign, and then served as co-chair of the United Democratic Campaign in Berkeley, Albany, and Emeryville.

Elizabeth Echols has excellent credentials in public policy and management in the private, nonprofit, and government sectors. Elizabeth served in a senior management role at Google and as CEO of OpNet Community Ventures. Elizabeth is an experienced and effective board member, having served on a number of boards, including the NWPC Executive Board. Elizabeth worked on the Obama