The East County Branch would like to invite you to its Candidate Forums in October. The Pittsburg City Council Candidate Forum will be held, tonight, Wednesday, Oct. 5 from 6-8 p.m. in the East County Branch office at 186 E. Leland Road, Pittsburg. The Antioch City Council Districts 1 and 4 Candidate Forum will be held Thursday, Oct. 6 from 6-8 p.m. in the Antioch Council Chambers at 200 H Street.
Please join us either in person or virtually where you will have the opportunity to meet the candidates and hear their positions on vital issues affecting our community. The format includes the opportunity for the candidates to ask each other questions and offer rebuttals to their answers.
Additional forums are scheduled for Pittsburg and Antioch school board candidates on Oct. 19 and 20, respectively.
For more information contact info@eastcountynaacp.org or (925) 439-5099 or visit us at www.eastcountynaacp.org
Read MoreSeveral Members of Congress recently introduced legislation that aims to protect consumer data from misuse and abuse.
Unfortunately, the “American Data Privacy and Protection Act” (H.R.1852) contains significant defects unrelated to much-needed privacy protections for consumers or businesses.
Instead of simply safeguarding the personal information of ordinary Americans and simplifying legal obligations for companies, the bill would uncork a torrent of counterproductive lawsuits that would damage job creators and enrich trial lawyers.
There’s no question America needs a federal data privacy law. Due to the lack of a uniform federal standard, data privacy is governed by a patchwork of state laws and regulations. Consequently, American firms may needlessly spend up to $1 trillion over the next decade trying to navigate that legal maze and comply with the varying statutes — with $200 billion of that burden falling on small businesses.
A single, streamlined federal law would help reassure consumers that their data remains secure, regardless of where they live or where a company is located.
The legislation under consideration, however, contains two massive flaws that would unleash endless class-action litigation over minor or technical violations, allowing lawyers to reap millions while class members receive just a few dollars or, in many cases, nothing at all.
First, the proposed legislation includes a ban on class-action waivers in arbitration agreements, which could prohibit companies and consumers from having their disputes resolved on an individual basis. Arbitration offers a more efficient alternative to court litigation, relying on independent third parties to mediate conflicts. Essentially, the parties in dispute take their issues to a neutral party, present their respective arguments, and agree to abide by whatever the arbitrator decides.
Although trial lawyers are understandably loath to admit it, arbitration is generally better for consumers than traditional court litigation. It is typically cheaper, quicker, and less complicated than formal lawsuits. Consumers prevail 41% of the time in arbitration, versus 29% in court. Additionally, awards in cases decided by arbitration actually exceed courtroom awards — $80,000 versus $71,000, respectively. Arbitration cases are also resolved 27% more quickly on average, and there’s often no need to involve — and thus pay — a lawyer.
However, those benefits present big problems from trial lawyers’ perspective. They prefer huge, class-action lawsuits that, according to a 2015 study by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, net consumers an average of $32 while lawyers earn close to $1 million.
The bill’s second massive flaw would create a “private right of action,” which allows individuals to sue to enforce the law no matter how trivial the violation. When numerous individuals can file the same complaint, plaintiffs’ lawyers try to lump them all together in one big lawsuit against a business — even if most of the people in the class are unaware they’re part of a lawsuit. It’s perfectly clear how that benefits lawyers. But it’s uncertain how it would advance consumer privacy and data protection.
Data security and privacy remain serious, complex issues, and Congress should absolutely pursue a uniform national policy. People who steal our data, and businesses that fail to adequately protect it, must be held accountable.
As currently drafted, however, the American Data Privacy and Protection Act contains unacceptable provisions that would enable rich trial lawyers to get even richer while delivering scant benefits to ordinary Americans whose interests they claim to represent.
Timothy H. Lee is senior vice president of legal and public affairs at the Center for Individual Freedom. This piece was originally published by Inside Sources.
Read MoreA comprehensive package to address concerns of students, families, educators
Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, Thursday, Sept. 29, 2022, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (D, CA-11), Chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee’s Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions, and Education and Labor Committee Chairman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03) announced House passage of the Mental Health Matters Act (H.R. 7780), legislation they authored to help confront the mental health crisis by increasing access to support, services, and resources for children, students, workers, and families. The bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 220-to-205 with all Democrats and one Republican voting in favor.
“From children and young adults experiencing an uptick in mental health challenges to educator burnout, our country is experiencing a mental health and substance abuse crisis. As someone who lost their father by suicide, I am proud to have led this comprehensive approach to strengthen mental health resources for students, educators, and workers with Chairman Scott,” said DeSaulnier. “I urge the Senate to pass this legislation so we can combat the mental health crisis in this county and ensure everyone has the resources they need to live happy, healthy, and fulfilling lives.”
“The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the mental health crisis among students, workers, and families. As a result, educators have been forced to play an outsized role in supporting and responding to students’ mental health needs, leading to increased depression and trauma among educators. Moreover, nearly half of the U.S. workforce now suffers from mental health issues since the COVID-19 pandemic began. In response to the national mental health crisis, I am proud to stand in strong support of the Mental Health Matters Act led by Congressman Mark DeSaulnier. The Mental Health Matters Act delivers the resources that students, workers, and families need to improve their well-being,” said Chairman Scott.
The Mental Health Matters Act takes comprehensive steps to address our nation’s mental health and substance abuse crises by strengthening school-based behavioral health care, bolstering mental health parity protections, and ensuring access to mental health and substance use disorder benefits for workers and families.
Specifically, this bill would:
- Increase the number of mental health professionals serving in high-need schools and help to build a pipeline of school-based mental health services providers;
- Help state educational agencies recruit and retain school-based mental health services providers at high-need public schools;
- Require institutions of higher education to increase transparency around the accommodations process and allow incoming students with existing documentation of a disability to access disability accommodations;
- Increase students’ access to evidence-based trauma support and mental health services through innovation by linking schools and districts with local trauma-informed support and mental health systems;
- Require the Department of Health and Human Services to identify evidence-based interventions to improve the health of children and staff in Head Start programs, and help Head Start agencies implement these interventions;
- Strengthen the capacity of the Department of Labor to ensure that private, employer-sponsored group health plans provide mental health and substance use disorder benefits under the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA); and
- Strengthen the ability of people with private, employer-sponsored health and retirement plans to hold plan sponsors accountable when they are improperly denied mental health and substance use disorder benefits.
DeSaulnier represents most of Contra Costa County in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Read MoreThe Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), yesterday, Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2022, adopted a new Transit-Oriented Communities (TOC) Policy designed to boost the overall housing supply and increase residential densities in transit-rich areas throughout the Bay Area; spur more commercial development near transit hubs served by multiple agencies; promote bus transit, walking, biking and shared mobility in transit-rich areas; and foster partnerships to create transit-oriented communities where people of all income levels, racial and ethnic backgrounds, ages and ability levels can live, work and thrive. The newly adopted policy applies specifically to transit priority areas within a half-mile of BART, Caltrain, SMART, Capitol Corridor and ACE stations; Muni and VTA light-rail stations; Muni and AC Transit bus rapid transit stops; and ferry terminals.
Studies show people are more likely to ride transit if they live within half a mile of a rail station, ferry terminal or bus line. And jobs that are within a quarter-mile of transit often are more attractive to the Bay Area’s workforce.
The TOC Policy is the update to MTC’s 2005 Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Policy. That set minimums for the average number of housing units (both existing and/or permitted housing units) within a half-mile of each new rail station funded through Regional Measure 2. However, according to MTC spokesperson Rebecca Long the new policy applies to any all existing and future transit priority areas.
“The Transit-Oriented Communities Policy is truly groundbreaking,” explained MTC Chair and Napa County Supervisor Alfredo Pedroza. “Using transportation funds as an incentive, the policy encourages cities and counties to upzone transit-rich areas so transit, walking and biking can be viable travel choices for more people, and so we can generate maximum value from the billions of taxpayer dollars that have been invested in our transit network over the years as well as new transit lines that will be built in the years to come. The policy specifically encourages the development of affordable housing and protects current residents from being displaced by new development.”
The TOC Policy links all four of the themes — transportation, housing, the economy and the environment — of Plan Bay Area 2050, the long-range transportation plan and sustainable communities strategy adopted by MTC and the Association of Bay Area Governments in 2021. Minimum residential density requirements range from 25 units per acre for locations within a half-mile of ferry terminals; SMART, ACE and Capitol Corridor stations; and Caltrains stations south of San Jose’s Tamien station up to 100 units per acre within a half-mile of BART stations in downtown San Francisco and Oakland, and within a half-mile of San Jose’s Diridon Station. The policy also eliminates minimum parking requirements in many transit-rich areas, allows for shared parking between residential and commercial uses, and mandates at least one secure bike parking space for each new dwelling unit.
MTC is the regional transportation planning, financing and coordinating agency for the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
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Identified, arrested with assistance from Concord PD, Antioch PD
By Brentwood Police Department
On Tuesday, Sept. 20 at approximately 3:25 PM, Brentwood Police officers responded to the Bank of America located at 6261 Lone Tree Way for a robbery that just occurred. The victim reported that after exiting the bank, she was approached by one suspect who attempted to grab her purse. A struggle ensued with the suspect while a second suspect was waiting close by in a getaway vehicle. The victim’s wallet and purse, containing an undisclosed amount cash was stolen during the struggle. Both suspects fled the scene in the getaway vehicle, described as a black four-door sedan was seen traveling eastbound on Lone Tree Way.
The victim sustained minor injuries and it was determined a second minor victim was on scene but did not sustain any injuries.
Our investigators quickly performed follow-up and with the help of Concord PD and Antioch PD, identified and arrested 18-year-old Dioni Tamira Patton and 20-year-old Delvon Hasain Hasan both from Antioch. Our investigators also recovered two firearms, other related evidence and two vehicles associated with the robbery. Additionally, it was determined through surveillance footage, these suspects were responsible for a similar robbery that occurred at the same location on Sept.16, 2022, at approximately 2:25 p.m.
According to MaxPreps Hasan is a 2021 graduate of Antioch High School where he played baseball and football. According to hudl.com he wore jersey #5 and played quarterback and tight end in 2019.
Through collaboration and partnership, we were able to safely take both suspects into custody. A special thank you to Concord PD and Antioch PD for their assistance.
Please remain vigilant at all times and aware of your surroundings. If you see something suspicious immediately report it to the police.
If you have any information related to this crime, please contact Detective Sares at 925-809-7733. Callers may remain anonymous.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
Read MoreContra Costa County voters can watch the local “Election Preview” voter education forums starting Wednesday, September 21, 2022. This programming offers Contra Costa voters a chance to become informed about candidates before casting their ballots. Moderators for the roundtables are Claudine Wong, KTVU anchor and reporter, Bob Butler, KCBS reporter, and Alan Wang, Public Information Officer with the County and former ABC7 News anchor and reporter.
“Election Preview voter education has been airing on Contra Costa Television for more than 22 years to help inform and engage residents,” said Board Chair, Supervisor Karen Mitchoff. “Through television and online access, County residents can become more informed ahead of the November 8th Election. Be sure to vote and make your voice heard.”
The voter education forums available via broadcast and online, include the following: (for detailed schedule visit www.contracosta.ca.gov/8632/Election-Preview)
- Antioch City Council District 1
- Antioch City Council District 4
- Concord City Council District 1
- Concord City Council District 5
- Contra Costa County Supervisor District 4
- El Cerrito City Council
- Martinez Mayor
- Pinole City Council
- Pittsburg City Council
- Pleasant Hill City Council
- Rodeo-Hercules Fire Protection District
- San Ramon Mayor
- Walnut Creek City Council
The Election Preview’s pre-recorded discussions will air on community TV channels throughout Contra Costa County. Watch Contra Costa Television (CCTV) on Comcast Channel 27, AT&T U-Verse Channel 99, and Astound Channels 32 and 1027. In East Contra Costa County, tune into Delta TV. In Central Contra Costa County, watch Concord TV, City Channel, Walnut Creek (WCTV), and CATV. In West Contra Costa, watch KCRT, Pinole TV, and Hercules TV. Check your local cable channel lineup. For dates and times, see the TV schedule: www.contracosta.ca.gov/7626. The Election Preview videos will also be available online on the Contra Costa Television YouTube channel.
Contra Costa County Elections Division is partnering with the County’s Office of Communications & Media and Contra Costa Television, the League of Women Voters of Diablo Valley, and the League of Women Voters of West Contra Costa. Contra Costa Television is also receiving production assistance from the cities of Walnut Creek, Concord, and Richmond.
Residents who wish to view the Election Preview forums and learn more about the upcoming General Election on November 8, 2022, can go to the Elections Division website cocovote.us for the most up-to-date and accurate information on local elections.
All eligible Contra Costa voters will receive a Vote by Mail Ballot for the November 8th General Election. County Voter Information Guides will be mailed out to voters by September 29th, and ballots will be mailed by October 10th. You can register to vote or check your registration status at the Elections Division website cocovote.us. Voters can track their ballots through the election process at wheresmyballot.sos.ca.gov.
For more information about Election Preview programming, visit the County website at https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/8632/Election-Preview.
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National Hispanic Heritage Month is observed annually from September 15 to October 15. It is a time to appreciate and celebrate the colorful cultures, rich histories, and diversity of the American Latino community and contributions of Hispanic-Americans — specifically, those whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.
Learn more at https://nationaltoday.com/hispanic-heritage-month/
Read MorePearce, Dutra, Holbrook, Brown also winners
By Candice Martin, DCRR Racing Media
Troy Foulger won the 20 lap IMCA Modified Main Event Saturday night, Sept. 17, 2022, at Antioch Speedway. This was his third win of the season aboard the Bowers Motorsports Modified, and the fact that the five-time champion stole the win from title hopeful Kellen Chadwick meant that Chadwick and Nick DeCarlo ended up tied for the point lead. DeCarlo won the championship on tiebreaker due to four wins to the three that Chadwick had.
Chadwick bolted into the early lead ahead of Bobby Motts Jr, but Foulger slipped past Motts for second on Lap 4. Foulger closed in quickly on Chadwick and made a low pass in Turn 2 on Lap 8 to take the lead. After his own car was broke, incoming leader Nick DeCarlo had to borrow his father’s car and started at the back of the pack. He was trying to make enough passes to at least keep a tie with Chadwick. When Tyler Browne bobbled out of Turn 4 two laps from the end, DeCarlo ended up seventh, which was all he needed to do. Foulger set a rapid pace and brought it home to victory ahead of Chadwick, Motts, Buddy Kniss and Trevor Clymens.
Andrew Pearce won his second-straight IMCA Sport Modified Main Event, but a third-place finish wrapped up the third championship for Fred Ryland. The race was destined to go without a yellow flag. Pearce and Ryland started on the front row with Pearce charging into the lead ahead of Ryland and Jacob Mallet Jr. Kenny Shrader made an inside pass on the back stretch on Lap 6 to take third and slipped past Ryland on the inside down the front stretch on Lap 10 to take second. However, Pearce had a commanding lead and led the final 10 laps for the impressive win. Shrader settled for second ahead of Ryland, Tommy Fraser and Jason Ryan Jr.
Travis Dutra wrapped up the 2022 IMCA Stock Car championship with his first win of the season. He started on the front row and led immediately ahead of Jason Robles. Troy Foulger gained second on Lap 8 and held the position until he threw a wheel in Turn 2 on Lap 14 to end his race. At that point, Dutra led Ryland and Robles, but Ryland threw a wheel in Turn 4 on the last lap as Dutra picked up the win ahead of Robles, Dan Gonderman, Dave Hill and Jason Jennings.
Clarence Holbrook III won his fourth Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stock Main Event. Despite having a rough last lap, Misty Welborn won the division championship. Jared Baugh took the early lead over Michaela Taylor and they ran that way until Baugh slowed on the back straightaway and pitted in the infield on Lap 8. Taylor led a lap before Grayson Baca took the lead with a low pass in Turn 4 on Lap 9. Aidan Ponciano settled into second and they ran that way until a yellow flag on Lap 16. Holbrook took the lead on the restart with Baca in second. That’s the way they finished over the final laps as Larry McKinzie Jr ended up third followed by Taylor and Kevin Brown.
Dan Brown, Jr. won the 20 lap Xtreme Limited Late Model Main Event and in the process took the point lead in the series. He had won the previous race at Antioch. Matt Micheli jumped into the early lead and built a straightaway advantage within seven laps. As the race hit the midway point, Micheli closed in on slower traffic and had a difficult time getting by. Brown made a Turn 2 pass to take the lead. Two slower cars got together in front of leaders with Jake Dewsbury spinning for a Lap 18 yellow flag. Brown maintained the lead on the restart and went on to victory ahead of Micheli, Kiely Ricardo, Rod Oliver and Dewsbury.
Next week is Championship Night #2, featuring the Wingless Spec Sprints, Mini Stocks, W
MR Midgets, a non-point Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stock race and the Hardtops. For further information, go to www.antochspeedway.com.
Unofficial Race Results September 17th
Antioch Speedway
IMCA Modifieds
Heat Winners (8 laps)-Bobby Motts Jr, Kellen Chadwick. Main Event (20 laps)-Troy Foulger, Kellen Chadwick, Bobby Motts Jr, Buddy Kniss, Trevor Clymens, Brian Cass, Nick DeCarlo, Jeff Browne, Paul Guglielmoni, Danny Malfatti.
IMCA Sport Modifieds
Heat Winners (8 laps)-Fred Ryland, Kenny Shrader. Main Event (20 laps)-Andrew Pearce, Kenny Shrader, Fred Ryland, Tommy Fraser, Jason Ryan Jr, Jacob Mallet Jr, Chris Sieweke, Joseph Pato, Todd Gomez, Dylan Connelly.
IMCA Stock Cars
Heat Winners (8 laps)-Travis Dutra, Jason Jennings. Main Event (20 laps)-Travis Dutra, Jason Robles, Dan Gonderman, Dave Hill, Jason Jennings, Joe Gallaher, Rob Gallaher, Jeff Bentancourt, Fred Ryland, Troy Foulger.
Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stocks
Heat Winners (8 laps)-Clarence Holbrook III Aidan Ponciano, Jon Haney, Jared Baugh. B Main (15 laps)-Danny Aves, James Graessle, Gavin Griffiths. Main Event (20 laps)-Clarence Holbrook III, Grayson Baca, Larry McKinzie Jr, Michaela Taylor, Kevin Brown, Jewell Crandall, Taylor DeCarlo, Misty Welborn, Jon Haney, Adam Kujala.
Xtreme Limited Late Models
Heat Winners (8 laps)-Matt Micheli, Kiely Ricardo. Main Event (20 laps)-Dan Brown Jr, Matt Micheli, Kiely Ricardo, Rod Oliver, Jake Dewsbury, Jason Ryan Jr, Paul Guglielmoni, Buddy Kniss, Brett Curran.
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By Susan Shiu, PIO, Contra Costa County Office of Communications & Media
(Martinez, CA) – Sept. 19, 2022 – The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors, in its capacity as successor agency to the Los Medanos Community Healthcare District (“District”), has approved an out-of-court settlement relating to claims submitted by Jasmine Cisneros and Jocelyn Munoz against the District and its former executive director, Lamar Thorpe. (See related article)
The liability insurance carrier for the former District, RSUI Group Inc, handled this matter and provided counsel to defend the claims. Following a mediation session among the parties, a settlement was reached. The settlement was fully executed on August 23, 2022.
The total amount of the settlement of both claims was $350,000, inclusive of attorneys’ fees and costs. Of the settlement amount, $321,000 was paid by the former District’s liability insurance carrier. The remaining settlement amount of $29,000 was paid from the Los Medanos Community Healthcare fund, as an insurance deductible payment.
The Board of Supervisors approved the settlement solely in its capacity as the successor agency to the District. As the successor agency, the County was required to assume all liabilities of the District, including any claims filed against it. The settlement includes a release and waiver of all claims by Cisneros and Munoz against the District, the former executive director, and the County. The settlement also avoids potentially expensive federal court litigation relating to the claims.
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