Free class to develop responsible, young drivers
By Isiah Thompson, Departmental Community and Media Relations Coordinator, Contra Costa County Probation Dept.
Martinez, CA – Contra Costa County Probation has renewed their partnership with California Highway Patrol (CHP) to prepare and develop responsible young drivers. The partners will host the CHP’s Start Smart classes at 50 Douglas Drive, Ste. 200, in Martinez. Dates will be offered in the future and will be posted on the Probation Department’s website and social media sites.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the leading cause of death for Americans 15-20 years old is motor vehicle collisions. The California Highway Patrol’s goal is to reduce the death rate among teenagers caused by these collisions. Start Smart provides teens and their parents/guardians with an interactive safe driving awareness class that will illustrate how poor choices behind the wheel of a vehicle can affect the lives of numerous people. Start Smart also focuses on the responsibilities of newly licensed drivers, the responsibilities of parents/guardians, and the collision-causing elements for new drivers, especially males, such as excessive speed, driving under the influence, and distracted driving. Start Smart teaches what precautions to take to stay safe, such as seatbelt safety, collision avoidance techniques, and what to do when involved in a collision.
“We are excited to host Smart Start. This partnership with California Highway Patrol provides youth in Contra Costa County with the opportunity to gain invaluable knowledge, that ultimately creates safer drivers, and safer communities,” said Esa Ehmen-Krause, Chief Probation Officer.
The classes are FREE to the participants, who will receive a certificate of completion that may be utilized to reduce vehicle insurance fees.
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Interrupting a lethal moment: A multi-disciplinary panel discussion highlighting collaborative approaches to intervene in potentially lethal domestic violence in Contra Costa.
In Brentwood and San Pablo
This informative event will be held in three locations throughout the county to share information on how STAND!, law enforcement, and medical professionals are working together to interrupt high-risk events and interactions between intimate partner victims and offenders.
Panelists include Ashley Palomino, STAND! Intervention Support Services Manager, local law enforcement representatives, and medical experts in emergency treatment of domestic violence patients.
Registration is free. Register at http://standforfamiliesfreeofviolence.ticketspice.com/lap-speaker-series.
Read MoreBy Marc Joffe
Like mom and apple pie, the public library seems so intrinsically good that it should be beyond criticism. But like any institution that consumes millions of tax dollars, public libraries should not be free from scrutiny. And the facts are that neighborhood libraries have largely outlived their usefulness and no longer provide value for the public money spent on them.
In this fiscal year, Contra Costa, Alameda, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties are collectively spending $270 million to operate their library systems, with some cities chipping in extra to finance extended operating hours. Contra Costa County is spending $20 million of state and county funds to build a new library in Bay Point, and El Cerrito voters may see a sales tax measure on the November ballot, part of which will go to building a new library as part of a transit-oriented development near a BART station.
The public library’s historical functions of lending physical books and enabling patrons to view reference materials are being made obsolete by digital technology. An increasing proportion of adults are consuming e-books and audiobooks in addition to or instead of printed books, with younger adults more likely to use these alternative formats.
In response, libraries have tried to reposition themselves as “third places:” alternatives to homes and offices where people can relax, learn, and socialize. But the private sector offers numerous third places of its own, with coffee houses being the most common.
In Walnut Creek, the public library has responded by adding its own coffee shop, but just a few minutes away, residents and visitors can relax and enjoy free wi-fi at the Capital One Café at no cost to taxpayers and without being required to buy a cup of joe.
While no third place used by the public can be guaranteed to be safe and clean, private operators have a stronger incentive to provide an attractive environment because they otherwise risk going out of business.
They also face fewer legal restraints in enforcing public decorum. A 1991 federal court decision prohibited a New Jersey public library from “barring patrons who are not reading, studying or using library materials, who harass or annoy others through noisy activities or by staring, or whose ‘bodily hygiene is so offensive’ that it is a nuisance to others.”
As the Antioch Herald reported in February, the Antioch library had to be temporarily closed after multiple incidents “including a couple having sex openly in the bathroom, a wanted criminal using a library computer who was later removed by Antioch police, a racist letter left on the service desk and intoxicated library patrons acting aggressively.” The Contra Costa Public Library, which operates the Antioch facility reopened it four days later after negotiating an emergency contract for private armed security and arranging for a patrol car to monitor the exterior.
Library advocates argue that their public terminals offer essential internet access to those in need. But some patrons use free internet access at the local library to view pornographic content, sometimes to the distress of other terminal users including children. And low-income individuals are eligible for the Federal Communications Commission’s Lifeline program which provides a free smartphone with internet access.
Like local post offices, neighborhood libraries once served an important community function but are now becoming increasingly irrelevant. And, as with post offices, libraries continue to receive funding because they enjoy support from a relatively small but vocal segment of the population, while the rest of us are usually too reluctant to question their utility.
Marc Joffe is a federalism and state policy analyst at the Cato Institute.
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The City of Oakley, incorporated in July 1999, is one of California’s youngest cities. Residents enjoy a charming area with an abundant housing supply, quality schools, and a friendly atmosphere that truly make Oakley, “A Place for Families in the Heart of the Delta.” Learn more at either www.ci.oakley.ca.us or www.facebook.com/CityofOakley.
Read MoreFrom City of Oakley
In 2022, our community was gripped with the disappearance of Alexis Gabe, who was a local resident of ours. Our police department became deeply involved in her disappearance and quickly began operating as if Alexis met with foul play. This case ultimately became a case involving several jurisdictions in California and the State of Washington.
The suspect was the ex-boyfriend of Alexis and he was killed during the investigation, further hampering the efforts of local law-enforcement. Partial human remains were found in Amador County later that year and positively identified as those of Alexis. (See related article)
Alexis’ case will be featured on the program “On the Case with Paula Zahn” on April 24, 2024. The program will feature interviews with family members of Alexis and Oakley Police personnel. To see the program, you will need to be able to tune into the Investigation Discovery Channel (ID Channel).
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22-year-old Jesus Ivan Dorantes Guzman held on $1,000,000 bail.
By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office
Martinez, California – A 22-year-old man from Oregon has been charged by the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office with a two-count felony complaint centering on a deadly crash that occurred in Concord on April 7th. (See related articles here and here)
Jesus Ivan Dorantes Guzman faces charges of a felony hit-and-run that resulted in the death or serious injury of another. He is also charged with child abuse for putting a minor in a situation that caused her death. The child abuse charge comes with a special allegation of great bodily injury.
The circumstances of the incident occurred around 5:20 am on April 7th. Dorantes Guzman was driving a vehicle with multiple passengers when he crashed on Northbound Interstate 680 at California State Route 242 in Concord. The vehicle overturned in a dirt area near the freeway.
The crash injured five individuals – three of whom are minors – and killed a 9-year-old girl. Dorantes Guzman fled the scene on foot after the crash. Days later, he was found by police officers in the City of Williams – which is in Colusa County.
Dorantes Guzman is currently in the Martinez Detention Facility and will be arraigned on the charges in Contra Costa County Superior Court in Martinez on April 15 at 1:30 pm. His bail has been set at $1,000,000.
Case No: 01-24-01483 | The People of the State of California v. Dorantes-Guzman, Jesus Ivan
Read MoreBy CHP Contra Costa
Contra Costa, CA – April 10, 2024 – The California Highway Patrol (CHP) Contra Costa Office has made the arrest of 22-year-old Jesus Ivan Dorantes in connection with the fatal crash that claimed the life of a nine-year-old girl. Dorantes was apprehended this afternoon and is currently being held at Martinez Detention Facility
Dorantes faces multiple charges, including manslaughter (192 PC), felony hit and run (20001 VC), and child abuse (273 PC). His bail has been set at $200,000.
CHP Contra Costa remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring the safety, security, and service of all individuals on the road. This arrest underscores the CHP’s dedication to holding accountable those responsible for senseless tragedies on our roadways.
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Larry Dean Ridge, Jr. also arrested March 20th for sexual battery
By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office
Martinez, California — 40-year-old Larry Dean Ridge, Jr. of Berkeley has been charged by the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office with a three-count felony complaint for forcible rape, assault and second-degree robbery against a female victim in Concord.
The incident occurred on April 8, 2024, around 6:30 pm near the North Concord BART station. The victim was walking on a pedestrian/bike trail when Ridge allegedly pushed the victim to the ground and proceeded to rape her. The victim was able to strike Ridge, who grabbed the victim’s purse and stole her cell phone and wallet. He left the purse as he fled toward the BART station.
A witness biking on the trail was able to help the victim to the BART station, where a station agent called 911. Concord Police officers arrived at the station shortly after and were able to locate and detain Ridge, who was on a BART train. After both the victim and the witness identified him as the assailant, he was arrested by officers.
On Thursday, April 11, Ridge was arraigned in Martinez on the charges, including special allegations for prior serious or violent felonies in another county. He’s being held in the Martinez Detention Facility.
His bail has been set at $1,250,000.
Case No. 01-24-01348 | The People of the State of California v. Ridge, Larry Dean, Jr.
According to localcrimenews.com, Ridge was also arrested last month by the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office for sexual battery in Milbrae.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
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Convicted of murder in 2005; bail set at $1.25 million
By Lt. Mark Robison, Concord Police Department
On April 8th, 2024, at 6:25 PM, Concord Police officers responded to a sexual assault that had just occurred on the BART Linear Park trail in the area of Port Chicago Highway and the North Concord BART Station. A female victim, who was walking alone on the trail, was attacked by an unknown male, who forced her to the ground and sexually assaulted her.
The victim fought with the suspect, and he fled toward the BART station. The victim and a witness were able to follow the suspect and called the police. Multiple officers from the Concord and BART Police Departments responded to the scene, resulting in the suspect’s detention by BART officers at the BART station. He was identified as the responsible and arrested.
The suspect was identified as Larry Dean Ridge, Jr. (40 years old, born 4/25/1983, resident of Berkeley). On Thursday afternoon, the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office filed several felony charges against Ridge related to this assault. He remains in custody.
The Concord Police Department has no prior contacts with Ridge. He has a previous conviction for murder in 2005 and is not on parole or probation.
According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, seven-inch tall, 175-pound Ridge is being held in the Martinez Detention Facility and his bail is set at $1.25 million. His next court appearance is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. on April 22 in Superior Court Department 23. Ridge’s description is listed as Non-Hispanic. But according to vinelink.com, he is listed as Black.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
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Investigation continues, expected to conclude next week
“…some officers have returned to work or will be returning, although some have been terminated.” – APOA attorney Mike Rains
UPDATE: As of Friday, April 12, 2024, APD has 77 current sworn officers of which 50 are on full duty status.
By Allen D. Payton
Following up on a February Herald article about the Antioch Police Officers still on paid for the investigation into the racist text scandal since last March, questions were emailed on Thursday evening, Feb. 8, 2024, to City Attorney Thomas L. Smith, Acting City Manager Kwame Reed and Human Resources Director Ana Chavez asking:
“How long can police officers or any city employee remain on paid administrative leave?
Since most of the officers merely received but didn’t send any of the text messages, what possible disciplinary actions can be taken against them?
When will the officers who merely received but didn’t send any text messages return to work? Have any of them yet? If so, how many?
Can the investigation just go on indefinitely and the taxpayers continue to pay the officers on leave to not do their jobs?
Can’t the officers return to work as each one is deemed to have not committed any fireable offense?
Or do all of them have to wait to return to work until after the entire investigation has been completed?
Have any disciplinary actions been taken against any of the officers, yet? If so, how many? What did they include?
Have any of you been approached or pressured by any of the council members to keep the investigation open and not allow the officers to return to work – other than the public statements by the mayor and Councilwoman Torres-Walker that they want all of them fired?” (See related articles here and here)
No responses to those questions were received from the three city staff members.
At that time, 31 sworn officers were on some form of leave, most of whom were for the text investigation and only 50 on the force were actively working. As previously reported, most of the officers caught up in the scandal only received some of the text messages but didn’t send any. (See related articles here, here and here)
On Wednesday, April 10, 2024, in response to a resident claiming none of the officers were still on leave due to the text scandal, questions about the officers on leave were asked of Acting City Manager Kwame Reed, Acting Police Chief Brian Addington and Mike Rains, attorney for the Antioch Police Officers Association.
They were asked if that statement was correct, if all the officers had returned to work and if any of them had been terminated.
Reed responded simply, “The process is still ongoing.”
Addington wrote, “That is incorrect, but I can’t comment further.”
However, Rains shared more details writing, “We have not resolved all the cases. Some are resolved, and some officers have returned to work or will be returning, although some have been terminated.”
“I won’t discuss the outcome of administrative cases until all are concluded, probably in a week – 10 days,” he added.
According to a post by Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe on his official Facebook page entitled, “April Police Staffing Update” of the 115 sworn officer positions approved in the city budget, there are currently 89 sworn officers including nine Community Service Officers on the force. Of that amount 39 are patrol officers. His report also shares that there are six officer candidates currently in the Police. Academy and seven more are preparing to enter the academy this month.
But it doesn’t mention how many sworn officers are currently active. A question was emailed early Thursday afternoon to both Reed and Addington asking how many of the 80 non-CSO sworn officers are currently active.
UPDATE #1: They did not respond before end-of-business hours on Thursday. However, when asked if he had any comment, APOA Vice President Sgt. Loren Bledsoe responded, “The APOA cannot comment on personnel matters; however, we look forward to the conclusion of the investigation so we can focus on rebuilding.”
UPDATE #2: On Friday, Acting Chief Addington provided the following department staffing details, writing, “As you may be aware, staffing levels can change daily. With that said, as of today, APD staffing levels are as follows:
115 – Authorized sworn staff
77 – Current sworn staff
5 – Modified duty (working but not able to work at full capacity)
22 – On some form of leave
50 – Full Duty Status
39 – Assigned to Patrol – 33 officers, 4 sergeants, 2 watch commanders
7 – Assigned to Investigations – 1 lieutenant
4 – Command Staff
7 – Community Services Officers (4 vacancies).”
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