Says “Bay Area leaders have not stepped up to fix the fiscal oversight problems with BART…”
BART Board Vice Chair Foley responds, Director Allen applauds Glazer
By Allen D. Payton
SACRAMENTO – Senator Steve Glazer, D-Contra Costa, announced that he resigned today, Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023 from his position as a member of the Senate Select Committee on Bay Area Public Transit, saying Bay Area leaders have failed to support fiscal oversight of BART.
Senator Glazer is a longtime supporter of public transit and is concerned about the financial problems facing Bay Area transit systems, which are essential to the health of the regional economy. But, he said, the status quo is unacceptable.
“Bay Area leaders have not stepped up to fix the fiscal oversight problems with BART, as well as the underfunding of the Inspector General’s office,” Glazer said. “When these problems are addressed, I will join with my colleagues and support greater transit funding.”
In June 2022, an Alameda County Grand Jury found that BART’s leadership has repeatedly blocked the Inspector General’s authority and autonomy.
Just two months later, former State Auditor Elaine Howle found that the BART office “lacked the authority and independence necessary to do its job…”
The BART inspector general was created by Senator Glazer as part of a transportation bill in 2017. Senator Glazer advanced legislation (SB 827) to the governor’s desk last year that enhanced independence for the IG, conforming its auditing standards and investigations with other transportation IGs. At the request of the BART Board, Governor Newsom vetoed the bill.
Senator Glazer’s letter reads as follows:
Dear Senator Wiener,
I hereby resign from the Senate Select Committee on Bay Area Public Transit, effective immediately. The failure of Bay Area leaders to hold BART financially accountable makes my participation in this transit support committee incompatible.
I recognize and support the pressing need for the state to invest in public transit agencies throughout the Bay Area given the financial uncertainty that looms over these systems. However, there is no guarantee that these agencies will spend taxpayer dollars sensibly without adequate oversight of their expenditures. I point to the recent alarming reports from BART’s Inspector General regarding BART’s financial mismanagement and brazen defiance of voter-mandated oversight.
In June 2022, an Alameda County Grand Jury found that BART’s leadership has repeatedly blocked the Inspector General’s authority and autonomy. Specifically, the Grand Jury found that BART’s board of directors and management engaged in a “pattern of obstruction” that has impeded the Inspector General’s ability to conduct independent oversight and “stymied OIG independence and the confidentiality of investigations.”
Just two months later, former State Auditor Elaine Howle, comparing the powers and responsibilities of the BART IG to other, similar offices, found that the BART office “lacked the authority and independence necessary to do its job according to the best practices recommended by national professional organizations that set standards in the accountability field.’ She also asserted in a letter to Governor Newsom that ‘(e)nsuring the independence of the BART Inspector General is critical to the credibility and effectiveness of the office.”
As BART and other regional transit systems seek additional state funding to stave off upcoming fiscal problems, the Legislature must ensure that the same systems spend public resources responsibly.
I wish you well with your important work.
———————
BART Directors Respond
When reached for comment about Glazer’s resignation from the committee and reason for it the four BART Board directors who represent Contra Costa County, including Vice Chair and District 3 Director Mark Foley, District 1 Director Deb Allen, District 3 Director Rebecca Stutzman and District 7 Director Lateefah Simon.
Foley responded writing, “I’d like to thank Senator Glazer for his continuing support of BART and public transit. I look forward to partnering with the senator on matters of mutual interest, including strengthening the Office of the Inspector General and helping support BART’s efforts to provide safe, world-class transit, invest in infrastructure renewal and address societal issues such as unhoused individuals within the BART system. I’m eagerly anticipating Chair Wiener’s appointment to this vacancy on the Senate Select Committee on Bay Area Public Transit.”
Allen responded writing, “I applauded CA Senator Glazer for standing up to Bay Area elected leaders to insist on accountability to transit riders and taxpayers. They deserve answers about how BART spends $2.5B plus annually and those answers aren’t easy to come by.
Senator Glazer and I have worked for over six years together to get answers and still continue to meet resistance in making meaningful independent oversight a permanent part of the BART culture. We have worked tirelessly over last 4 years on strengthening the role of the Office of Inspector General we created and built, while the majority of BART board directors, unions and executive staff continue to focus on the ‘more money please!’ approach. We saw it last week in BART’s annual Board Workshop and it seems Senator Glazer is seeing the same approach evolving from the Senate select Committee on Bay Area Public Transit. That will only produce more of the same failed policies we see now for BART.
I believe BART executive management and a majority of directors will continue to fight proper oversight. Unless our state leaders like Senator Glazer attach oversight strings to new funding at the state level to keep transit agencies accountable to the people who are paying for it, transit will continue to fail the riders, workers and the Bay Area.”
Read MoreBy Kristi Jourdan, PIO, Contra Costa County Office of Communications & Media
(Martinez, CA) – Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers are now open for Contra Costa County residents impacted by the December and January winter storms to connect with federal recovery resources in person.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will open the mobile center on Sunday, Feb. 26, making it the second and third locations in the County. The mobile center will be available at these dates and times, depending on need:
Locations:
Richmond Civic Center Parking Lot Between 24th and 25th streets in Richmond Time: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily Dates: Feb. 26 to March 1Community Presbyterian Church200 E. Leland Road in Pittsburg
Time: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily Dates: March 2 to March 4
The Danville Center remains open* for residents and available at these dates and times, depending on need:
Location: 510 La Gonda Way, Danville
Time/Dates: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily through March 1 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through March 16 *Please note: This site will be closed Sunday, March 5 and Sunday, March 12
The Center can help residents:
- Apply directly for assistance. Residents can still apply online or check the status of their application at disasterassistance.govor call 1-800-621-3362;
- Learn more about disaster assistance programs;
- Learn the status of a FEMA application;
- Ask questions regarding eligibility;
- Find housing and rental assistance information;
- Get answers to questions or resolve issues; or
- Get referrals to agencies that might offer other assistance.
Other resources through the California Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) and the Small Business Administration (SBA) will also be available.
For those who have experienced personal property damage, please contact your insurance company first to determine available resources. FEMA provides assistance to applicants for uninsured or underinsured disaster-caused expenses and serious needs.
County Approved for Public Assistance Program:
On Feb. 24, Contra Costa County submitted its request for Public Assistance for the unincorporated areas. Each city within the county will have to submit a request to be eligible for federal reimbursement. FEMA’s Public Assistance Program provides supplemental grants to local governments so communities can respond and recover from major disasters or emergencies. After an event like severe storms, government organizations need help to cover their costs for debris removal, life-saving emergency protective measures, and restoring public infrastructure.
The County, including unincorporated and incorporated areas, reported an estimated $43 million in damage to public infrastructure from the storms, including bridges, roads and culverts.
To prepare for future storms, sign up for emergency alerts through the Community Warning System at www.CWSAlerts.com. Visit www.contracosta.ca.gov to find information about County services.
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Both have history of arrests and may be responsible for other robberies
By Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office
During the evening hours of January 3, 2023, Sacramento Sheriff’s Office (SSO) deputies responded to the report of a robbery that occurred at a residence in the Vintage Park area of South Sacramento County. Deputies contacted the 71-year-old victim, who stated a male suspect entered her attached garage, punched her in the face while she was sitting in her vehicle, and then stole her purse.
Detectives from the Robbery Bureau and Central Division Problem-Oriented-Policing (POP) deputies determined the victim was followed from a local casino. Residential surveillance cameras revealed two suspects entered the victim’s garage, while a third suspect waited in a getaway vehicle.
Arrest warrants were obtained for 26-year-old Kesean Edwards of Oakland and 23-year-old Jeral Wimberly of Antioch. Edwards and Wimberly were arrested pursuant to the warrants in Oakland and Los Angeles, CA respectively.
Detectives believe Edwards and Wimberly may be responsible for other robberies and are seeking the public’s help in locating any additional victims. Detectives are asking anyone with information relating to this incident, to please contact the Sheriff’s Office at (916) 874-5115 or Sacramento Valley Crime Stoppers at (916) 443-HELP. Tip information may also be left anonymously at www.sacsheriff.com or by calling (916) 874-TIPS (8477).
According to localcrimenews.com Wimberly has a history of arrests dating to 2017 including for burglary, auto theft, possession of a concealed weapon in a vehicle, altering ID marks on a firearm, receiving stolen property, first degree residential robbery and more in Contra Costa, Alameda and Solano counties, and West Hollywood. Most recently he was arrested Feb. 20, 2023 by the Los Angeles Police for robbery.
Also according to localcrimenews.com Edwards has a history of arrests dating to 2015 for burglary, robbery, grand theft, receiving or concealing stolen property, hit and run, use of stolen identity and more in Contra Costa and Alameda counties. Prior to this month’s arrest, his most recent arrest was in September 2018.
Sacramento County residents are reminded to be aware of their surroundings and watch for suspicious people/vehicles, especially when leaving places such as casinos, banks, jewelry stores, and retail stores. Do not go home if you believe you’re being followed. If you ever feel you may be in danger, call 911 and follow the dispatcher’s instructions.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
Read MoreStockton, CA – The San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority (SJJPA) is pleased to announce that Amtrak San Joaquins has expanded its discount for kids aged 2-12. A travelling adult (18+) can now add up to 7 kids at 50% off. This updated policy revises the old Kids Discount policy, which most recently allowed the discount to apply to only one kid per adult.
The expanded discount will make it possible for more families to explore any of the over 100 destinations accessible via the San Joaquins train and Thruway Bus service. These destinations include, the Bay Area, Los Angeles, Yosemite, Sacramento, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom (seasonally), and many more. Parents can explore potential destinations by visiting https://amtraksanjoaquins.com/trip-ideas/.
“We are pleased to be able to extend the Kids Discount across our service,” said David Lipari, Marketing Manager for the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority. “The expansion of the Kids Discount will make family travel easier and more affordable for our riders. Eliminating barriers for travelers is central to our mission of providing a safe, affordable, and reliable service.”
Discount Restrictions
Learn more at Amtrak.com/children-discounts.
- Kids and infants must be accompanied by at least one adult (18+) in the same reservation.
- Kids 2-12 years of age may not travel unaccompanied.*
- All persons 13 years of age or older, and all unaccompanied minors, pay adult fares.
- Kids under 2 years occupying a separate coach seat will be charged the fare for Kids aged 2-12 years.
- Kids’ ages are determined by actual date of birth.
- The age of the kid at the start of the trip determines the fare that applies for the entire itinerary.
- Amtrak reserves the right to require proof of age at any time.
- Additional restrictions may apply.
In addition to the expanded Kids Discount, Amtrak San Joaquins offers discounts to a variety of travelers, including students, veterans, active duty military, and their spouses, seniors, rider with disabilities, and others. More information on the other discounts available can be found at https://amtraksanjoaquins.com/promotions/.
About the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority (SJJPA)
Since July 2015, SJJPA has been responsible for the management and administration of Amtrak San Joaquins. SJJPA is governed by Board Members representing each of the ten (10) Member Agencies along the 365-mile San Joaquins Corridor. For more information on SJJPA see www.sjjpa.com. Amtrak San Joaquins is Amtrak’s 6th busiest route with 1 million annual riders and 18 stations providing a safe, comfortable and reliable way to travel throughout California. Prior to service modifications due to the COVID-19 crisis, Amtrak San Joaquins operated 7 daily train round-trips and its Thruway buses provided connecting service to over 100 destinations in California and Nevada including Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, San Diego, Napa Valley, Las Vegas and Reno. To book your next trip, visit www.AmtrakSanJoaquins.com or call 1-800-USA-RAIL.
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By Harlo Pippenger, Consultant, San Francisco Bay Ferry
San Francisco Bay Ferry is proud to sponsor the 6th Annual Black Joy Parade in Oakland, a hyper-positive celebration of the Black experience and community during Black History Month. Visit their booth at the festival to learn more about getting around the Bay Area and California by ferry.
San Francisco Bay Ferry offers daily service connecting San Francisco to Oakland’s Jack London Square, a short distance from the Black Joy Parade and Festival.
WHAT: The Black Joy Parade is an annual event featuring a festival and procession that brings together the community to highlight Black joy past, present, and future. The parade includes live music, art, vendors of all kinds, food, games, sponsor activations, dance, and more.
WHO: Black Joy Parade, sponsored by San Francisco Bay Ferry
WHEN: Sunday, February 26, 2023. Parade starts at 12:30pm, festival starts at 12pm.
WHERE: Downtown Oakland, CA. The parade begins at 14th and Franklin Streets in downtown Oakland. Festival entrance is at 19th and Franklin Streets.
Read MoreBy Antonia Ehlers, Senior Public Relations Consultant, PR and Media Relations Kaiser Permanente Northern California
Maria Muñoz vividly remembers the day last September when her 11-year-old son Cristian was injured playing football with his friends.
He jumped up to catch a ball, but accidentally fell. Cristian felt intense stomach pain; something didn’t feel right. He called his mom and she raced to school to pick him up. Later that evening, Cristian ended up in the Kaiser Permanente Antioch Medical Center emergency room.
“Every minute, his pain was increasing,” said Munoz, an instructional aide at Pioneer Elementary School. “It was awful. They told us that Cristian had internal bleeding and a possible mass.”
It was soon determined that the energetic boy had a common form of childhood kidney cancer known as Wilms’ tumor. The impact of the football injury ripped the tumor and caused Cristian’s excruciating pain. Cristian was sent to Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center for surgery where he was cared for by a team of physicians and nurses, including Surgeon Sani Yamout, MD, and Pediatric Oncologist Caroline Yingwen Hu, MD.
“Wilms’ tumor is the most common childhood kidney cancer,” Hu noted. “We see several cases each year. Symptoms can include belly pain, belly swelling, blood in the urine, nausea and vomiting.”
However, Cristian didn’t have these symptoms because his cancer presented suddenly, Hu said. Because of that, doctors had to quickly determine a treatment plan that included surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.
Munoz said Cristian’s Kaiser Permanente doctors and nurses have been “one hundred percent amazing.”
“I’ll never forget the nurse who held my hand before Cristian’s biopsy,” she added. “He said, ‘Your son is going to be just fine.’ That made me feel safe. Another nurse was wonderful to Cristian. She wrote him notes, sent him inspirational quotes and told him to stay strong.”
Muñoz shared that some days more difficult than others.
“There are days when I go into my closet and cry,” she said. “That releases my stress, and it helps. However, our support network has been incredible. So many of our friends and family members have brought us meals and have visited Cristian to cheer him up—he loves that. The community of Brentwood has supported our family tremendously. We are so grateful.”
Community Spirit
Cristian, a Bristow Middle School student, said his courageous battle has taught him many life lessons, especially the importance of community.
Cristian has been surrounded by the love and support of his family and friends. His parents, Maria and Joel, and his siblings—Anthony, Jonathan and Liliana—have lifted his spirits and have encouraged him to stay positive and strong. Cristian’s friend, Liam Freitas, sold “Team Cristian” bracelets to the local community.
“Cristian is so brave and gregarious,” Hu said. “He has tons of friends and a very close-knit family.”
In December, Cristian was honored at Brentwood’s community-building event, Tunnels of Joy. Since 2016, Brentwood residents have walked through glorious lights to honor cancer patients. The popular fundraiser was named after Joy Bursch, who passed away in 2009. The colorful lights on La Costa Street illuminate the neighborhood and create an inclusive ambiance of unity, holiday spirit and joy.
“The highlight of Tunnels of Joy was all the attention I received,” Cristian said. “I felt famous. I loved being able to see my friends, all the lights and the hot chocolate.”
Cristian, like many other middle-school students, enjoys listening to music and playing video games on his Xbox. He hopes to inspire other young cancer patients on his journey.
“I would advise other children battling an illness to stay strong and find a hobby that will distract your mind,” Cristian said. “If you don’t like your medication, just plug your nose and take it. My goals for the future are to be healthy and strong, and to continue to play sports. My illness has taught me how much my family and friends love and care for me.”
Read MoreDisaster Recovery Center in Danville to remain open
(Martinez, CA) – Contra Costa County offices will be closed Monday, Feb. 20, in observance of Presidents’ Day. Emergency services and law enforcement will be available.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Contra Costa County Disaster Recovery Center will remain open from 10 am to 7 pm at 510 La Gonda Way in Danville to help residents impacted by recent winter storms. For more information, please see www.contracosta.ca.gov/9761.
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By Public Information Officer Ashley Crandell, Antioch Police Department Community Engagement Unit
On Wednesday, February 8, 2023, at 2:56 pm, the Antioch Police Department Communications Center received a call reporting shots fired at a residence in the 2300 block of “L” Street. Shortly after, a second call was received from an individual reporting they had been on the phone with a male at the residence when a gunshot was heard in the background. The caller believed the male had committed suicide.
Officers arrived and contacted bail bonds agents who indicated they had gone to the residence to take a 30-year-old male into custody for multiple outstanding felony warrants. As they approached the front door, they heard one gunshot from inside the residence. Officers received no response at the residence and forced entry to find a deceased male with a gunshot wound to the head. The male was found still holding a handgun. No other occupants were found inside the residence.
Officers continue to investigate the incident and ask any potential witnesses to contact our Dispatch Center at (925) 778-2441. We are not naming the victim at this time pending further notification of family members.
Read MoreOn Contractors State License Board’s Most Wanted list
By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office
On February 8th, 2023, a jury in Contra Costa County found 42-year-old Adan Contrera Rivas of Modesto guilty of multiple felonies and misdemeanors related to unlicensed contracting, fraud, theft, and failing to obtain workers’ compensation insurance.
The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office filed an initial complaint against Rivas in March 2022 following an investigation into his actions that led to his eventual arrest. After his release on his own recognizance, Rivas was arrested again in November 2022 for posing as a licensed contractor in the landscaping and construction industry and stealing thousands of dollars from unsuspecting consumers. Prior to his offenses in Contra Costa County, Rivas had served time in the state prison for several related felony and misdemeanor convictions for grand theft, theft from an elder, and contracting without a license in Santa Clara County.
Deputy District Attorney Natasha Mehta, who prosecuted the case for the People, said: “The defendant defrauded numerous victims out of thousands of dollars. Justice was achieved for those harmed by Rivas in this case, and the jury’s conviction will help to protect consumers in the future.”
Rivas will be sentenced on March 8, 2022, in Martinez, and faces up to 9 years and 8 months in prison.
Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton notes, “My office is protecting consumers in the county by partnering with multiple government agencies like the Contractors State License Board and the California Department of Insurance. This partnership has been effective in conducting undercover sting operations, as well as, investigating unlicensed contractors who fail to obtain workers’ compensation insurance.”
According to the Department of Consumer Affairs Contractors State License Board website, Rivas was added to their Most Wanted List in 2015. Born in 1984 he used numerous aliases including Orlando Parras, Adam Contreras Rivas, Adam Rivas Contreras and Juan Rangel. Rivas operated under several business names including Parras Landscaping and Pavers, View Tree Service, High Tech Tree Care, New View Tree Care, New View Tree Service, One Way Tree Service, View Maintenance & Landscaping, View Landscaping & Tree Service, High Tech Tree Care.
Investigators believe Adan Rivas victimized more than two dozen Bay Area families by soliciting landscaping and tree removal services. According to investigators, Rivas usually focused his attention on more affluent neighborhoods, often targeting the elderly. It’s alleged that after reaching an agreement with a homeowner, Rivas would take an excessive down payment and then abandon the job.
When Rivas was added to CSLB’s Most Wanted in July 2015, most of the alleged crimes occurred in the cities of Danville, San Ramon, Alamo, Lafayette, Orinda, and Walnut Creek. In October 2016 this page was updated to reflect that it was believed Rivas was also using the name Orlando Parras of Parras Landscaping and Pavers and victimized homeowners in both Alameda and Santa Clara Counties.
Rivas was arrested on April 19, 2017 in Medford, Oregon, on felony charges of aggravated first-degree theft, first-degree theft, and on his California arrest warrant. He was ultimately charged in Santa Clara County with 25 counts of financial elder abuse, grand theft, larceny, unlicensed contracting, and failure to provide workers compensation insurance. On September 15, 2017, Rivas agreed to a plea bargain and pled guilty to eight of the 25 counts. On November 1, 2017, he reported to San Quentin State Prison to serve a 20-month prison sentence.
Unlicensed contractors pose a threat to consumers by failing to acquire skills and licensure when hired to perform home improvement or construction projects. Some unlicensed contractors illegally require excessive down payments for construction or landscaping projects, and frequently fail to begin or complete projects once they receive money. Consumers are often unaware unlicensed contractors have not completed background checks and usually do not carry workers’ compensation insurance for their employees – which increases liability risks to consumers.
California law requires contractors to be licensed in their chosen specialty and to obtain the appropriate insurances, including workers’ compensation insurance. Moreover, contractors are legally required to conduct their business in specific ways, which includes restrictions on down payment amounts. For more information on how to verify a contractor’s license, go to cslb.ca.gov.
01-198386-5 | The People of the State of California vs. Rivas, Adan
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
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