The City of San Pablo will be hosting a Dumpster Day on Saturday, August 26th from 7AM-Noon, or until the dumpsters are full (whichever occurs first).
This is a great opportunity for those living in the incorporated area of San Pablo to get rid of old items.College District selects Dr. Tony Wold as Associate Vice Chancellor, CFO
By Marisa Greenberg, Marketing & Communications Coordinator, 4CD
MARTINEZ, California – The Contra Costa Community College District (4CD) has selected Dr. Tony Wold as the next Associate Vice Chancellor, Chief Financial Officer (AVC CFO). Following a nationwide search that began in May 2023, the 4CD Governing Board will vote on ratification of his contract at their August 9, 2023, meeting.
“We are excited to welcome Dr. Tony Wold to 4CD. He brings an impressive amount of experience in finance, public education, labor negotiations, and bond programs. He embodies a student-first approach, complementing our focus on student equity and success,” shared Executive Vice Chancellor of Administrative Services Dr. Micaela Ochoa.
For the past year, Dr. Wold served as Chief Business Officer in Residence for School Innovations & Achievement, where he focused on rebuilding systems to bring students back into schools while addressing the learning loss and changes in attendance behaviors resulting from the pandemic. He recently served as Associate Superintendent, Business Services, for West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD), where he oversaw the daily operations and management of accounting, budget, purchasing, payroll, employee benefits, labor relations, school operations, athletics, safety, warehouse, transportation, nutrition services, and risk management. He also helped lead the passage of WCCUSD’s $575 million Measure R Bond in March 2020, and overcoming a $49.9 million structural deficit to restore the WCCUSD budget certification.
“I am excited to join the 4CD team and support their vision of a college-going culture for its diverse student population,” said Wold. “Community colleges are essential in providing an affordable and quality higher education given the changing job market locally and across the world, and I look forward to helping 4CD successfully achieve that mission.”
Dr. Wold received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California (USC), his School Business Management Certification and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership at USC. He also earned Chief Business Official certifications from the Council of Great City Schools, and Lead Negotiators certification from the School Employers Association of California (SEAC).
The Contra Costa Community College District (4CD) is one of the largest multi-college community college districts in California. The 4CD serves 1.2 million residents, and its boundaries encompass all but 48 of the 734-square-mile land area of Contra Costa County. 4CD is home to Contra Costa College in San Pablo, Diablo Valley College with campuses in Pleasant Hill and San Ramon, and Los Medanos College with campuses in Pittsburg and Brentwood. The District headquarters is located in downtown Martinez. Each college is individually accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges. For more information visit www.4cd.edu.
Pittsburg mayor announces campaign for District 5 Supervisor if incumbent Glover doesn’t run for re-election
Shanelle Scales-Preston says her priorities will include investing in youth services, transportation, promoting economic growth, strengthening public safety, and protecting our environment.
By Allen D. Payton
In a Facebook post on Friday, August 4, 2023, Pittsburg Mayor Shanelle Scales-Preston serving her second term on the city council, announced she will run for Contra Costa County Supervisor in District 5 if current, six-term incumbent Federal Glover doesn’t run for re-election in the 2024 Primary next March.
She currently works as District Director for Congressman Mark DeSaulnier, serving in the position since 2016.
In her post, Scales-Preston wrote:
“Hello Facebook Family and Friends,
I’m excited to announce I’m running for Contra Costa County Supervisor, District V if Federal Glover decides not to seek re-election.
It has been an honor to represent Pittsburg residents as mayor and serve on the city council since 2018. Together, we have strengthened our community and improved services. I firmly believe that a strong and vibrant community is the foundation for a prosperous and fulfilling life. It is this belief that drives me to step forward and offer my dedication, experience, and passion to serve as your County Supervisor.
Pittsburg is my home and has shaped who I am today. I understand the day-to-day struggles we all face. Throughout my life, I have witnessed the power of unity and the strong ties of community built from our relationships with our neighbors, churches, and organizations where we volunteer, and the incredible potential that lies within each individual. That’s why I believe in fostering an inclusive and diverse community that celebrates our differences and embraces our shared goals and aspirations. I am devoted to working tirelessly to ensure that our county is a place where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered.
My campaign is centered around the idea that community and people mean everything. I am committed to being an accessible representative for all residents in District V. My priorities include investing in youth services, transportation, promoting economic growth, strengthening public safety, and protecting our environment.
My community service started in the federal government more than twenty years ago and has equipped me with the tools I need to effectively advocate for residents and fix problems. District V is sprawling and diverse, covering the northern waterfront. I have worked in these communities for my whole career in public service and have built lasting relationships with residents here.
I look forward to engaging with people across District V to learn what matters most to you and all residents. I am excited for the campaign and hope I can earn your support.
Your involvement, ideas, and support are invaluable in shaping the future of our community. Together we can build a stronger, more inclusive, and prosperous community.
Sincerely,
Shanelle Scales-PrestonWebsite: www.shanelle4supervisor.org
Donate: https://www.efundraisingconnections.com/c/ShanelleScalesPreston
Letter: https://conta.cc/44WuQPw”
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According to her campaign website, Scales-Preston is Chair of the Board for MCE, the local electricity provider, Chair of TransPlan which coordinates regional transportation projects in East County and is President of the League of California Cities East Bay Division. She is married and a mother of two boys.
According to her LinkedIn page she has worked for the U.S. House of Representatives for the past 22 years, first as a Field Representative from 2001 to 2015 for Congressman George Miller.
According to her page on votersedge.com during the 2022 campaign in which she was re-elected as the top vote-getter, Scales-Preston wrote, “Growing up in Pittsburg, I benefited from youth programs. Now, I have led efforts to expand activities for young people by investing $3 million dollars in Youth Services.” She has been mayor since December, a position rotated annually among council members in Pittsburg.
If Scales-Preston runs, she will join fellow Pittsburg Councilmember Jelani Killings in the race.
The filing deadline in the race is December 8. If no one wins a majority of the vote in March, the top two candidates will face off in a run-off election in the November General Election.
Efforts to reach her for comment and to reach Glover to determine if he has made a decision about the 2024 election yet, were unsuccessful prior to publication. Please check back later for any updates to this report.
East Contra Costa Career & Resource Fair in Pittsburg Aug. 23
By Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County & Pittsburg Adult Education Center
Get ready for the ultimate East Contra Costa Career & Resource Fair where you’ll have the chance to connect with top employers.
Join us at the East Contra Costa Career & Resource Fair on Wednesday, August 23, 2023! This in-person event is your chance to connect with local employers and explore exciting career opportunities. Located at the Pittsburg Adult Education Center, 1151 Stoneman Avenue in Pittsburg, this fair promises to be a valuable resource for job seekers in the area. Don’t miss out on the chance to network, learn, and potentially secure your dream job. Mark your calendars and be ready to make a great impression.
Register on Eventbrite.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Acting Antioch city manager appoints acting captain as City’s new acting police chief
Will launch search for interim chief
A high-ranking officer on Antioch’s police force will assume temporary leadership of the department following the retirement of the City’s Police Chief this week.
Acting Captain Joseph Vigil has been named Acting Chief effective Aug. 12, said Acting City Manager Kwame Reed on Monday.
Chief of Police Steven Ford announced last month that he will be retiring. His last day is Friday.
Vigil (pronounced “vehill”) was one of four internal candidates Reed interviewed for the top job.
“He’s done a lot in his career,” said Reed, noting that Vigil earned a master’s degree in emergency service administration from California State University, Long Beach.
In December, Vigil also began attending the California Commission on Police Officer Standards and Training’s Command College, a 14-month, master’s level program that equips police who are leaders in their departments with the skills and strategies needed to recognize emerging social, political, and other issues that could affect law enforcement.
Vigil began his 23-year career in law enforcement with the Sacramento Police Department and then served as a Sergeant with the Richmond Police Department for nearly 11 years.
He joined Antioch’s police force in 2020, and as an Acting Captain he oversees patrol teams, investigations, the training of newly hired officers, and monitors the department’s use of body cameras among other duties.
Reed now will launch the search for an Interim Police Chief and once he has made that hire, Vigil will return to his previous position.
After that, there will be a recruitment for a permanent Police Chief. Although he can’t predict how long the search will take, Reed said he looks forward to working with both the City Council and the Antioch community to identify the qualities that are most important for that person to have.
He added that he will be working with Chief Ford and Acting Chief Vigil this week to create a smooth transition between administrations.
Vigil said he had no comment at this time.
Park Happenings for August: Beat the heat in Regional Parks
News from the East Bay Regional Park District
By Jen Vanya, Public Information Specialist, EBRPD
Visitor safety is always important for the East Bay Regional Park District, especially during times of excessive heat. Beat the heat in Regional Parks by preparing in advance for your adventure. Before heading out, make sure you check the weather and pay close attention to any heat advisories and warnings.
Here are some tips to stay safe when visiting Regional Parks on hot days:
- Stay hydrated and bring plenty of water.
- Stay cool by wearing a hat and loose, lightweight, and light-colored clothing.
- Avoid the hottest part of the day. If you do visit, go in the morning or early evening when it is cooler.
- Those vulnerable to heat should consider visiting on days when it is less hot.
- Avoid drinking alcohol and caffeine, which can worsen the heat’s effects on your body.
- Don’t forget your pets! Bring water for them, as water from streams or ponds is not always available or safe to drink.
Whenever it’s hot, fire safety is essential. Visitors must follow all fire safety rules, including no fireworks and no smoking anywhere in parks. Visit the Park District’s Alerts/Closures page (www.ebparks.org/alerts) for Fire Danger Level notices.
Regional Parks with cool weather and shady trails offer an escape from the summer heat. Here are some great options: Point Pinole Regional Shoreline (Richmond), Tilden Regional Park (Berkeley), Briones Regional Park (Lafayette, Martinez), George Miller Jr. Trail (Martinez to Port Costa), Diablo Foothills Regional Park (Walnut Creek, Concord, Alamo), Big Break Regional Shoreline (Oakley), Las Trampas Regional Wilderness (San Ramon), Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park (Oakland), Crown Memorial State Beach (Alameda), Coyote Hills Regional Park (Fremont), Sunol Wilderness Regional Preserve (Sunol). For more info, visit www.ebparks.org/visit/shady-hikes-cooler-parks.
Three Beat-the-Heat Hikes are scheduled in August at Black Diamond Regional Preserve and Del Valle Regional Park. At Black Diamond, enjoy a morning stroll up the shaded Chaparral loop on Saturday, August 12, 2023, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Get some exercise and learn how chaparral survives the hot and dry summer months. At Del Valle, enjoy moderate morning hike on Sunday, August 13, 2023, from 8:30-11:00 am and Saturday, August 26, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. along the East Shore Trail, with oak woodlands and beautiful views of Lake Del Valle. For more information, visit www.ebparks.org/calendar and search “Beat the Heat Hikes.”
Looking for a “Cool” activity? The Coal Mine Experience at Black Diamond Mines takes visitors deep beneath the surface to a time when coal powered California. The interactive and immersive experience transports visitors back in time with the sights and sounds of an active 1870s-era coal mine, with stories of the toils, triumphs, and tragedies embedded under the hills.
The Coal Mine Experience is located inside the Hazel-Atlas Mine at Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve where temperatures are in the mid-50’s year-round, so bring a jacket or wear layered clothing.
Registration is required. For more information, visit www.ebparks.org/calendar and search “Coal Mine Experience.” All participants must be age 7 or older, and parent participation is required. Hard hats are required and provided.
The East Bay Regional Park District is the largest regional park system in the nation, comprising 73 parks, 55 miles of shoreline, and over 1,300 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and environmental education. The Park District receives more than 25 million visits annually throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties in the San Francisco Bay Area.
One-way traffic controls for Marsh Creek Road bridges project begin Aug. 7
By Kelly Kalfsbeek, PIO, Contra Costa County Public Works Department
The Contra Costa County Public Works Department will install one-way traffic control on Marsh Creek Road from approximately 1.3 miles northwest of Deer Valley Road near the Clayton Palms Community to approximately 0.6 miles west beginning on Monday, August 7, 2023, through April 2024, barring unforeseen circumstances.
The traffic control will include installing a temporary traffic signal system to allow one direction of traffic at a time through the Marsh Creek Road Bridges Replacement Project work area for the public’s safety. Message boards and signage will alert drivers about the traffic control. Drivers should expect delays up to 15 minutes.
The project will replace two (2) bridges on Marsh Creek Road with two (2) new concrete bridges. Work will take place on Marsh Creek Road at Bridges 143 and 145. Bridge 143 is located approximately 1.5 miles northwest of Deer Valley Road near the Clayton Palms Community. Bridge 145 is located approximately 3.0 miles east of Deer Valley Road near the road transition to Camino Diablo. Work also includes reconstruction of the bridge approach and construction of drainage facilities. The temporary traffic signal system to allow one direction of traffic will be installed at the Bridge 143 site only.
Funding for this project is provided by the federal Highway Bridge Program and local Gas Tax funds. To learn more about this project, please visit: www.contracosta.ca.gov/MCR-Bridge
About Contra Costa County Public Works Department:
Contra Costa County Public Works Department (CCCPWD) maintains over 660 miles of roads, 150 miles of streams, channels, and other drainage and over 150 County buildings throughout Contra Costa County. CCCPWD provides services such as Parks and Recreation, Sandbag Distribution and Flood Control throughout the unincorporated areas of Contra Costa County. CCCPWD operates two airports, Buchanan Field Airport in Concord, and Byron Airport in Byron. For more information about CCCPWD, please visit us at: www.cccpublicworks.org Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @cccpublicworks
Contra Costa Health investigating Legionnaires’ Disease deaths possibly linked to Richmond spa
Contra Costa Health (CCH) is investigating two recent deaths associated with legionellosis (Legionnaires’ Disease), potentially linked to visits to the Zen Day Spa at 12230 San Pablo Avenue in Richmond.
The deaths were reported to CCH on Thursday afternoon and Friday morning. Investigation of the deaths revealed both patients had reportedly visited the spa just days prior to the onset of their illnesses.
CCH is aware of a third person who was infected with Legionnaires’ Disease after using the jacuzzi tub at the Zen Day Spa in June. That patient recovered.
CCH’s Environmental Health inspectors conducted an assessment of the facility and found no existing records indicating the business has ever been issued a permit for a spa or pool. CCH closed the spa on Friday.
CCH is taking samples of the water at the spa and will send them for lab analysis to confirm the presence of legionella bacteria. Preliminary results are expected by early next week.
Legionnaires’ Disease presents as a severe form of pneumonia that can result in hospitalization yet, is treatable with antibiotics. The incubation period following exposure is typically 2 to 14 days.
CCH encourages anyone who may have recently visited Zen Day Spa to watch for symptoms of Legionnaires’ Disease. If they experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, fever, chills and cough, they should seek immediate medical care.
CCH strongly advises healthcare providers to test for legionella in patients with pneumonia who have visited Zen Day Spa within two weeks of their illness. Testing is also recommended for hospitalized patients with pneumonia of unknown cause.
Legionella bacteria are commonly found in natural freshwater sources such as lakes and streams. However, health concerns arise when these bacteria grow and spread in human-made water systems such as hot tubs.
People can become infected after breathing in small water droplets containing Legionella bacteria, which can become airborne through mist in a hot tub or via the use of hoses and faucets.
Individuals at higher risk of Legionnaires’ Disease include people over 50 years of age, those with a past or current smoking history, individuals with chronic lung disease, or those with a weakened immune system.
It is important to note that Legionnaires’ Disease does not spread from person to person.
CCH is actively working to investigate the source of the potential outbreak and to prevent further cases. Important updates will be posted on the CCH Facebook page at facebook.com/contracostahealth.
Pittsburg councilman announces campaign for District 5 County Supervisor
Jelani Killings will focus on government accountability, public safety, economic development and homelessness
May challenge six-term incumbent Glover
“The county has to do a better job of partnering with cities.” – Jelani Killings
By Allen D. Payton
In a post on his personal Facebook page on July 20, two-term Pittsburg Councilman and former mayor, Jelani Killings announced his campaign for Contra Costa County Supervisor in District 5 in the March 2024 Primary. He wrote, “I am thrilled to announce that I am running for Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors District 5! I look forward to sharing my vision for the County and earning the vote of District 5 residents. See press release for the official announcement and stay tuned for more details about the campaign and how you can get involved! Thank you in advance for the support, prayers, and contributions that will make this campaign a success!”
District 5 includes the cities of Pittsburg, Hercules, Martinez, Pittsburg and portion of Pinole, the northern portion of Antioch and the unincorporated communities of Bay Point, Rodeo, Pacheco, Crockett, Clyde, Port Costa, Alhambra Valley, Briones, Tormey, Mt. View, Vine Hill and Reliez Valley.
Six-term incumbent Federal Glover has not yet announced if he is going to run again in 2024. But that isn’t stopping Killings from jumping in the race.
A July 20th press release about his campaign reads, “A visionary leader for Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors District 5: Jelani Killings
Jelani Killings, a dynamic and experienced public servant, announces his candidacy for Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors District 5. With a fresh perspective and a passion for addressing the community’s needs, Killings brings the energy and leadership necessary to ignite positive change. With an impressive track record serving on the Pittsburg City Council, Killings is poised to bring his experience, integrity, and forward-thinking approach to the next level.
During his two-term tenure on the Pittsburg City Council, Jelani Killings has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to his community and has proven himself as a leader who thinks critically and acts independently. His passion for serving the people and dedication to government accountability has earned him the trust and respect of his constituents as well as leaders throughout the region.
“District 5 has the potential to be the economic and cultural backbone of Contra Costa County,” said Killings. “I envision a future where our community thrives, and its potential is fully realized. Together, we will build a brighter and more prosperous future for all.”
Killings’ platform is centered around three core pillars: government accountability, public safety and economic development. As a tireless advocate for transparency and responsible governance, he aims to foster an environment of trust and cooperation between the County and its residents.
Regarding public safety, Killings understands that a safe community is the bedrock upon which all other progress is built. He is committed to working collaboratively with law enforcement agencies and community leaders to ensure a safer environment for all District 5 residents.
Furthermore, Killings recognizes the immense potential for economic growth in District 5. With his passion for economic development and a clear vision, he plans to increase support for small businesses, champion additional investments for workforce development, and revitalize local industries, ultimately boosting the county’s economy.
His campaign’s motto, “Vision, Integrity, Accountability,” reflects Killings’ unwavering dedication to serving the people and bringing positive change to Contra Costa County. With his proven leadership qualities and experience, Jelani Killings is undoubtedly the candidate to lead District 5 into a prosperous future.
About Jelani Killings
Jelani Killings is a well-respected public servant, having served on the Pittsburg City Council for the past seven years. He brings a wealth of experience, determination, and fresh ideas to his campaign for the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors District 5. Jelani is a champion of government accountability, public safety, and economic development, and he envisions a brighter future for the community he loves.
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When reached for comment Killings said, “I’m excited. I’m already feeling the heat a little bit. My campaign is not predicated on whether Glover runs for re-election or not. For the past two elections he said it would be his last.”
Killings has worked for the City of Oakland for the past 10 years and currently works for the City’s Public Ethics Commission dealing with campaign finance, government ethics, transparency and lobbyist laws in Oakland. Previously he worked as an Office Manager for H&R Block and a Youth Program Coordinator, STS Academy.
He was first elected to the Pittsburg City Council in 2016 then re-elected in 2020 the year he served has mayor.
His bio on votersedge.org during the 2020 campaign reads, “A Pittsburg native and Pittsburg High School graduate, Mayor Killings has dedicated his life to serving others and giving back to the community that inspired him growing up. He is a proud husband, father, minister, and mentor. He currently serves on the City Council’s Finance, Economic Development, and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) committees. Mayor Killings also serves as a city representative to the East Bay League of California Cities, Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG), and the 2×2 School District committees.”
On the issues and his major concerns in the supervisor’s race, he shared, “The county has to make some tough decisions in the next few years. There’s going to have to be some cutbacks. Finance has shared that there are issues that will have to be addressed with the budget. Economic development is going to be a focus and public safety is definitely a strong focus.”
“When I talk about accountability, I’m talking about efficiencies and sustainability of the programs the county runs,” Killings continued. “They’re looking at what to do about homelessness. We’ve seen exorbitant amounts of money spent on homelessness over the past decade but statewide, countywide and even in East County the outcomes haven’t been addressing the problems surrounding it.”
“The county has to do a better job of partnering with cities,” he stated. “In Pittsburg we had the county working with the state to take over Motel 6. The City really had no say in the process. Our consolation prize was them giving us two years of a dedicated CORE team in our community.”
“The larger conversation must be about housing itself,” Killings explained. “I’m more of a supply and demand person, when the government is holding the purse for new, affordable housing, then you have local regulations and litigation that’s slowing down the approval process and production overall of new housing.”
The councilman and candidate for supervisor, earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Clark Atlanta University in 2009 and a Master’s in Public Administration – Public Management and Policy from Cal State East Bay in 2015. He is married with two children, a daughter age 8 and a son, age 5.
Killings said he is in the process of forming a campaign committee and developing a website. For now, for more information or to contact the candidate email killingsforsupervisor2024@gmail.com or visit his official city council Facebook page.
The filing deadline in the race is December 8. If no one wins a majority of the vote in March, the top two candidates will face off in a run-off election in the November General Election.
An effort to reach Glover to determine if he has made a decision about the 2024 election yet, was unsuccessful prior to publication. Please check back later for any updates to this report.
Shoplifter busted in Pleasant Hill late Friday night
By Allen D. Payton
A post on the Pleasant Hill Police Department Twitter feed and Facebook page late Friday night provided the following information: “Shoplifter busted; working with our local loss prevention partners, we have been trying to crack down on shoplifting. Friday night, just before closing a suspect was apprehended for felony level theft at Kohl’s (in the Crossroads Shopping Center). The suspect was booked at the PD. All merchandise was returned.”
No other details were provided.
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