Seize devices as part of county’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force
By Brentwood Police Department
Recently our agency took part in the Contra Costa County Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force for a week-long operation targeting adults who were seeking to meet minors for sex with the goal of identifying victims of child sexual abuse.
A total of 12 law enforcement agencies participated in “Operation Broken Heart,” which encompassed hundreds of law enforcement work hours throughout the week. The ICAC Task Force resulted in 7 arrests, the identification of minors, the seizure of multiple devices and a “safer community, which is the primary focus of these missions.
The ICAC program helps state and local law enforcement agencies develop an effective response to technology-facilitated child sexual exploitation and internet crimes against children. This includes forensic and investigative services, training, technical assistance, victim services, and community education.
Our agency remains committed to protecting the most vulnerable in our community and would like to thank all of the participating agencies for their contributions last week in combatting child exploitation.
Read More
Faced 9 years in prison, given 30 days in Sheriff’s Work Alternative Program, 1 year probation
Total loss to district: $65,000
By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office
The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office secured a felony grand theft conviction against a former battalion chief with the Contra Costa Fire Protection District as part of a negotiated disposition.
58-year-old Louis Manzo, Jr. of Danville was initially charged by the District Attorney’s Office in 2019 with felony crimes related to the misappropriation of public funds that occurred between 2014-2019. Moreover, Manzo, Jr. committed theft of Contra Costa Fire Protection District funds by falsifying information on timekeeping records, paid time off requests, and then redirecting public funds for his personal use. The Fire Protection District lost over 46-thousand dollars in fraudulent salary payments. (See related article)
In total, the loss to Con Fire is $46,000 in direct salary payments and $19,000 in costs incurred to cover shifts while Manzo was out of the office or claiming to be on special assignment.
Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton said: “Acts of public corruption erode the integrity of our institutions that are here to serve our communities. The resolution in this case ensures that the misappropriated funds are returned to the Fire District.”
The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Steven Bolen, who said that Manzo, Jr. pled no contest to one count of felony grand theft [PC 487(a)]. He’s been ordered by the court to serve 30 days of custody time through the Sheriff’s Work Alternative Program, one year of court probation, 30 hours of community service, must pay restitution and fines, cannot have any contact with Fire District employees, and is ordered to stay away from all official Fire District locations.
Manzo, Jr. also must comply with searches and seizures of records and other materials related to his finances. In addition to the court-ordered penalties, Manzo Jr.’s felony plea will also affect his county pension benefits under Government Code section 7522.72.
According to his LinkedIn profile, Manzo, Jr. started as a Firefighter in 1990 and had “30 years in fire safety and response, moving through the ranks from Firefighter through Battalion Chief. Manage up to seven stations, overseeing budgets up to $20 million, and leading up to 60 personnel, effectively supporting daily operations, emergency events, and apparatus shops.”
As Battalion Chief, Manzo, Jr. “Managed seven fire stations leading and supporting nine Fire Captains, overseeing up to 60 personnel and a budget of up to $20 million. Oversaw training, development, and education of personnel, driving improvements and building collaborative teams.”
Case No. 01-192362-2 | The People of the State of California v. Manzo, Louis Jr.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
Read MoreBy Lt. Chris Peart, Brentwood Police Department
On Saturday, March 16, 2024, at approximately 8:00 pm, Brentwood officers responded to a report of a shooting at the 400 block of Orchard Drive. When officers arrived, they located an adult male victim who had been shot multiple times. The victim is recovering in a local hospital and is expected to survive.
After speaking to the victim and witnesses in the area, officers identified an adult suspect who was taken into custody without further incident.
This was an isolated incident and there is no further threat to the community. This investigation is ongoing and should you have any additional information to provide, please contact Detective Bascom at (925) 809-7822.
Read MoreIf you earn $28K per year or more; unless state legislature reverses course; 5 local legislators voted for bill
By Allen D. Payton
Bill Votes – AB-205 Energy. (ca.gov)
In 2022, the California legislature passed and Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB205 – Energy into law, which requires that the Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) “shall, no later than July 1, 2024, authorize a fixed charge for default residential rates.” As a result, the CPUC is currently reviewing proposals for a tiered, fixed-price structure, as directed by the bill.
According to FOX Business, the state’s three main, investor-owned utilities – Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), Southern California Edison (SCE) and San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E) – proposed a tiered rate plan: “Households earning $28,000-$69,000 would be charged an extra $20 to $34 per month. Those earning $69,000-$180,000 would pay $51 to $73 per month, and those earning more than $180,000 would pay a $85-to-$128 monthly surcharge.”
According to California Energy Markets, “The first version of the income-graduated fixed charge, or IGFC, could be implemented by SDG&E and SCE by 2026, according to Freedman. PG&E is in the process of changing its billing system, he said, so its implementation would likely be in 2027.”
That’s on top of the 13% increase for both electricity and natural gas rates for PG&E customers approved by a unanimous vote of the CPUC last November that went into effect on January 1, 2024. Plus, another vote on March 7 for $4-$6 in additional monthly fees for the typical ratepayer that will take effect in April, was approved for PG&E to recover $516 million in costs for wildfire mitigation, gas safety and electric modernization.
According to a Canary Media report, “The utilities are also proposing to significantly lower the per-kilowatt-hour charges that customers pay to counterbalance the big increase in fixed charges, and to structure both fixed and volumetric charges in a way that allows lower-income customers to save money overall. Still, the proposal, if enacted, would instantly make California the home of the nation’s highest monthly utility fixed fees, according to analysis by clean energy research firm EQ Research.”
The IGFC would require the CPUC to evaluate every ratepayer’s income annually in order to assess the appropriate fee.
Local Legislators Voted for Bill
Five of Contra Costa’s state legislators supported AB205 on party-line votes including Assemblymembers Tim Grayson, Rebecca Bauer-Kahan, Buffy Wicks, Lori Wilson and State Senator Nancy Skinner. The first four each voted for the bill, twice.
Assemblyman Jim Frazier didn’t vote on the bill in 2021 and State Senator Steve Glazer didn’t vote on AB205 during the State Senate’s floor vote in 2022. Newsom signed the bill into law on June 30, 2022.
Details of New Law
As of July 1, 2022, the applicable portion of the law now reads as follows:
“SEC. 10. Section 739.9 of the Public Utilities Code is amended to read:
(d) The commission may adopt new, or expand existing, fixed charges for the purpose of collecting a reasonable portion of the fixed costs of providing electrical service to residential customers. The commission shall ensure that any approved charges do all of the following:
(1) Reasonably reflect an appropriate portion of the different costs of serving small and large customers.
(2) Not unreasonably impair incentives for conservation, energy efficiency, and beneficial electrification and greenhouse gas emissions reduction.
(3) Are set at levels that do not overburden low-income customers.
(e)(1) For the purposes of this section and Section 739.1, the commission may authorize fixed charges for any rate schedule applicable to a residential customer account. The fixed charge shall be established on an income-graduated basis with no fewer than three income thresholds so that a low-income ratepayer in each baseline territory would realize a lower average monthly bill without making any changes in usage. The commission shall, no later than July 1, 2024, authorize a fixed charge for default residential rates.
(2) For purposes of this subdivision, ‘income-graduated’ means that low-income customers pay a smaller fixed charge than high-income customers.”
Californians Pay 27% More for Electricity Than National Average
According to Energy Sage, California residents currently pay 31 cents per kilowatt-hour compared to the national average of 18 cents per kilowatt-hour. “On average, California residents spend about $256 per month on electricity. That adds up to $3,072 per year. That’s 27% higher than the national average electric bill of $2,426.”
Effort to Reverse Course
Now, some members of the legislature are trying to backpedal on their votes and stop the IGFC increases from being approved. As they had unsuccessfully attempted last September, on Jan. 30, Republican lawmakers tried to bring an immediate vote to repeal AB 205 to the Senate floor, but Democrats who have the majority, voted to table the motion.
That same day, Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, (D-Thousand Oaks) and 10 others introduced a bill to repeal AB205. According to Irwin’s press release about the new bill, “The CPUC has had the authority to implement a fixed rate charge, up to $10, since 2015, but has declined to do so. I see no need to rush now. It’s time to put some reasoning back into how we charge for electricity in California.” Bauer-Kahan is listed as a principal coauthor. It was also introduced in the State Senate.
According to the aforementioned Canary Media report, “The newly introduced bill, AB 1999, would limit the CPUC to adding a fixed charge of no greater than $10 a month on customers’ bills to pay for the rising costs of maintaining the state’s utility grids, regardless of household income.”
The bill is in the committee process, was referred to the Assembly Committee on Utilities and Electricity. If approved it will then head to the floors of both houses of the state legislature for votes and if passed, the bill will head to the governor’s desk for his signature or veto.
Read MoreBoth already out of custody one on bond, the other with no charges filed
By Brentwood Police Department
On Sunday night, March 10, 2024, a Brentwood officer conducted a routine traffic stop in the area of Lone Tree Way and Fairside Way. The stop was initiated due to multiple vehicle code violations observed by the officer.
During the course of the stop, the officer found an un-serialized loaded high-capacity firearm in the backseat of the vehicle. As a result, 19-year-old Daekaylah Leiloni Little and 20-year-old Louis Edward Quinn, Jr., both of Antioch, were placed under arrest and transported to the Martinez Detention Facility for booking.
According to localcrimenews.com they were charged with carrying a loaded firearm on person or in vehicle while in a public place, carrying a concealed weapon in a vehicle and a large capacity magazine.
According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department, as of Monday, March 11 Little bonded out of custody and Quinn was released with no charges filed on Wednesday, March 13.
According to an August 22, 2021, post on her Facebook page, Little was a cheerleader at Deer Valley High School in Antioch.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of routine traffic stops and the diligent efforts of our officers in keeping the community safe.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
Read MoreCould face 10 years in prison and $250,000 fine
By U.S. Attorney, Northern District of California
OAKLAND – On Monda, March 4, 2024, a federal grand jury indicted Edijalma De Souza Ferreira, charging him with smuggling ammunition from the United States to Brazil without an export license, announced United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Tatum King.
According to the indictment, filed February 27, Ferreira, 46, of Richmond, Calif., smuggled thousands of rounds of ammunition in two container shipments that were exported from the Port of Oakland in 2021. Export of the ammunition was contrary to the Export Control Reform Act and associated regulations. The indictment charges Ferreira with a felony violation of 18 U.S.C. § 554.
Ferreira was arrested on February 29, 2024, and made his initial appearance in federal court in Oakland the same day. He was released on bond and his next appearance is scheduled for March 6, 2024, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Donna M. Ryu for identification of counsel.
An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, Ferreira faces a maximum sentence of ten years of imprisonment, and a fine of $250,000 for the 18 U.S.C. § 554 violation. However, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle J. Kane is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Kathy Tat. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by HSI with assistance from the U.S. Department of Commerce, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Container Security Initiative, the HSI Brasilia Attaché Office, and the Customs and Revenue Service of Brazil.
See case details at U.S. v. Ferreira, 4:24-cr-00120-YGR-1 (DMR) |
Read MoreSold it in Oakland, SF; Hercules PD assists
By Brentwood Police Department
IF YOU DECIDE TO STEAL IN BRENTWOOD
On Monday, March 11, 2024, around 1:30PM, Brentwood officers were dispatched to Ulta at the Streets of Brentwood for a report of a theft of over $6,300 in merchandise. The reporting party provided a description of the two suspects, who had just fled in a vehicle.
BPD officers contacted the Streets of Brentwood Security, who were able to obtain the license plate of the suspect car from video surveillance. The officers confirmed the car was a rental vehicle, as it is common for organized retail thieves to use rental vehicles to commit crimes in order to evade detection.
Later that day around 5:00 PM, Hercules PD located the suspect vehicle and detained two of the occupants identified as 19-year-old Andrea Glaser of Oakland, and 21-year-old Tyerra Destiny Townsend of Pittsburg. BPD detectives responded to the city of Hercules as soon as they were notified.
Both suspects admitted to stealing from Ulta and also said they sold the stolen merchandise in Oakland and San Francisco for cash. None of the stolen merchandise was recovered; however approximately $1,000 in cash was found on Glaser and Townsend.
Glaser had additional warrants and Townsend, who is on felony probation in Contra Costa County, received additional related charges. Both Townsend and Glaser were placed under arrest for organized retail theft.
According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the 5-foot, 4-inch, 120-lb. Townsend is being held on no bail in the West County Detention Center in Richmond. Her next hearing is scheduled for Thursday, March 14 at 1:30 PM in Superior Court. Additional information about Glaser could not be located online.
The cooperation and assistance provided by the Streets of Brentwood Security team and Hercules PD were instrumental in solving this case. Their collaboration exemplifies the collective commitment to maintaining public safety and combating criminal activity in our city.
Furthermore, this investigation highlights the dedication of Brentwood PD officers and detectives in solving crimes and ensuring accountability within the community.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
Read More
By Candice Martin, DCRR Racing Media
Antioch, CA…The rainy weather has prevented things from happening at Antioch Speedway for the last three weeks, but this Saturday night, March 16th that’s about to change. The 64th season of auto racing begins with an exciting five-division lineup.
The track at the Contra Costa County Fairgrounds is the only place to enjoy auto racing in the county. There will be weekly racing from Saturday night through the end of October with some events planned in November as well.
The popular IMCA Modifieds are the headliners. This division enters its 35th consecutive championship season. They started in 1990 as the track became the third in the state to add the division.
Nearly 15 years ago, the IMCA Sport Modifieds were offered as a slightly more affordable alternative. This is also the opening night of the fourth season for the IMCA Stock Cars.
Rounding things out will be the Pacific Coast Hobby Stocks, which began being featured at the speedway in 1995. Also, the 26th season for the Wingless Spec Sprints will begin. Antioch Speedway was the first place to feature a wingless, carbureted Sprint Car class in the state.
Last season, Troy Foulger of Oakley and Billy Bowers teamed up for a stellar effort. The duo picked up championships in both the Modified and Stock Car classes, making this the first team to ever win two championships in the same season at the track. Furthermore, Foulger was the IMCA Stock Car State title winner.
The closest point battle last season was featured in the IMCA Sport Modified ranks, where Kenny Shrader of Pacheco, Jason Ryan Jr of Oakley, Trevor Clymens of Brentwood and Mark Garner of Antioch all had a shot at the title going into the finale. Shrader beat Ryan by just two points. Ryan also settled for second in the State point battle behind Clymens.
Grayson Baca of Brentwood left little doubt who the Pacific Coast Hobby Stock title winner would be, despite the resurgence of Antioch’s Ken Johns late in the season. Not to be forgotten in the mix, Gilroy’s Jarrett Soares scored a pivotal win late last season to notch the Wingless Spec Sprint title as Oakley’s James East again settled for second.
General consensus is that these are the five most popular classes featured in the speedway’s lineup, and this will be a rare opportunity to see them all in the same night as the curtain comes up on an exciting new season.
As we approach spring, this is a unique opportunity to see green grass in the infield and cars with new bodies on them as they hit the racetrack for the first time. It’s a clean slate for everybody, and anything is possible.
Jason Robles of Rio Vista ended up runner up in the IMCA Stock Car class for the second-straight season last year. He’s hoping to get back in the winner’s circle for the first time since 2022, an honor his son Kenneth Robles of Rio Vista earned at the opener last season. Kenneth topped the rookies and ended up third in the standings. 2022’s top rookie, Jason Jennings of Antioch, returns this week after a year off.
Last season’s top IMCA Modified rookie Andrew Pearce of Oakley also won the State title. Each year this talented up-and-comer has improved noticeably in his driving skills. The DeCarlo family should be back in action again, including two-time champion Nick DeCarlo of Martinez and his Hall of Fame father Terry DeCarlo, Sr. of Martinez. Nick and brother Terry DeCarlo, Jr. of Martinez are anticipated in the IMCA Stock Car ranks as well.
Terry, Jr.’s daughter Taylor DeCarlo of Martinez is one of the top Hobby Stock drivers in the field. Jewell Crandall of Antioch will attack the season with renewed excitement, and other returning stars include Aidan Ponciano of Oakley, Kevin Brown of Oakley and Jared Baugh of Pittsburg.
The Wingless Spec Sprint division will be visited by top competitors from out of town throughout the season with a Hunt Series race scheduled for next week. Some of our top stars include ageless veteran Roy Fisher of Antioch, Jeff Scotto of Brentwood, Steve Maionch of Sonora and Bob Newberry and nephew Dylan Newberry of Brentwood.
There’s plenty of anticipation in the air as we get ready for the excitement that only a night of racing at Antioch Speedway can bring. It’s not a show that you will want to miss.
The gates will open at 4:00 PM with the first race starting at 6:00 PM.
Adult tickets are $20, Senior/Military $15, Kids (5-12) $15 and kids four and under free.
Parking for the Speedway is located on L Street between W. 10th and 18th Streets.
For further information, go to www.raceantiochspeedway.com or check out the Antioch Speedway by PROmotions Facebook page.
Read MoreI thought I would update our communities. In this day and age, it’s so important that we continue to provide accessible quality education for our communities so we can build and sustain a skilled and educated workforce.
Heading into 2024 and final year of my term as a Trustee for Ward 5 in Contra Costa Community College District I would like to underscore my role and the successes of the District.
Coming onto the board I brought my experiences as a positive collaborator, consensus builder, positions in Technology and Finance and understanding the issues in the communities we serve. Coming out of the pandemic my role is to contribute to support increasing enrollment, oversight of policies, helping set priorities, educational quality, financial review’s for approval of budget, selection of our Chancellor and approve key leadership positions.
Education is a key to helping our communities improve as valued members of our workforce. Beyond Associate Degree Transfer programs we continue to support pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs as part of our wide array of CTE programs with valuable skills certifications.
Some of our priorities included Leadership Stability, Educational Quality and Equity, Workforce Development and Community Partnerships. I am sharing the results of these efforts as the recent President of the Governing Board of Trustees and overall, as a key member of the board.
I worked to create a respectful approach in building relationships with fellow board members and restoring the trust of the 3 Academic Senate bodies as we together moved forward in a shared governance model.
Our faculty and staff are the heart of the District and we worked closely with United Faculty and Local 1 on new contract agreements to ensure the needs of its members were addressed and aligned with our priorities and ensuring financial stability for the future.
Leadership Stability: Having a transformative leadership team drives our mission, prepares us to meet the challenges of the future and provides stability for our faculty, staff and for student success. Approvals completed for the following key positions:
Chancellor – Mojdeh Mehdizadh
Executive Vice Chancellor – Micaela Ochoa
Chief Finance Officer – Tony Wold
Director of Human Resources – Dan Cueva
President Los Medanos College – Pamela Ralston
President Contra Costa College – Kimberly Rogers
Educational Quality and Equity: Our Colleges continue to receive recognition and here is a snapshot of these recognitions. The commitment of our faculty and classified professionals are underscored in the way students thrive and rise to succeed.
Los Medanos College – Aspen Institute Award – Recognized as 1 of the top 150 colleges for Community College excellence. The 6 critical areas reviewed for this award are teaching and learning, transfer and bachelor’s attainment, workforce success, access, and equity for students of color and students from low-income backgrounds. Received 2021 Equity Champion Award for transferring students.
Diablo Valley College – Ranked as #1 in the state in transfers to UC Berkeley, Saint Mary’s College, and Cal State Maritime Academy.
Additionally, DVC ranked in the top 5 for large schools Community Colleges in California based on graduation and transfer rates.
Contra Costa College – Chosen as one of the 10 US Colleges to participate in Achieving the Dream (ATD), a program that uses high-level coaching and other resources to help community colleges collect and analyze data, then use those findings to help students succeed.
Recognized for their Center for Science Excellence and Green Energy Programs and also offering the only Hybrid Technician Certification in the Bay Area. CCC continues to be a leader in Culinary Arts and Journalism.
Equity– The District was awarded a grant by the State Chancellor’s office to research and create the framework for a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging framework as part of an Institutional Effective Plan to improve our culture of belonging and improve student success.
Los Medanos College and Contra Costa College are recognized as Hispanic Serving Institutions with robust STEM programs. The Puente, Umoja, and African American Male Leadership programs thrive in the District and lead to a unique experience for students and faculty.
Partnerships and Community Engagement: I diligently provided the details needed to have Diablo Valley College partner with United Latino Voices and the Mount DIablo School District to increase enrollment and pilot an augment outreach and enrollment through culturally and linguistically diverse approaches.
The pilot may lead to DVC submitting and receiving a Hispanic Service Institution (HSI) designation allowing for additional grant proposals. LMC and CCC are existing HSI colleges in our District.
Working on partnerships with the East Bay Leadership Council, Contra Costa School Board Association, Dual Enrollment, Concurrent Enrollment and Non-profits continue to reap benefits.
Workforce Development: The Colleges offer unique leadership opportunities and continue to innovate in the area of workforce development for future jobs to support the growing needs of the county. Our new Learning Aligned Education Program (LAEP) offers for-profit employers 50% reimbursement and non-profits 90% reimbursement for the cost of internships if they invest in our students. Our advanced robotics program in which we partner with Tesla provides the skills for immediate employment.
Certifications for Firefighting, Process Power Technology, Nursing, Early Childhood Education and Police Services continue to provide valuable skills.
Graduates and Certificates: The most recent graduating class in 2023 conferred completions for 7,702 degrees and certificates, including 2,133 Associates in Science, 2,204 Associates of Arts and 3,365 Certifications across our District.
Enrollment: The efforts of the colleges to regain students as part of outreach and enrollment associated with the pandemic and economy continues to show results. Year to year enrollment has continued to increase FTE’s enrollment is up by 9.3% across the district prior year point in time.
Our work is not done. We need to keep our bar raised to improve enrollment and provide educational services for our communities to support our labor needs.
Financial Stability: The recent audit just completed showed strength in our finances and no issues with our Bond Oversight continuing to ensure that our expenditures are in alignment with policies and practices and align with the voters expectations as we invest in our facilities and as we review future needs.
Modernization: Bonds passed by our residents resulting in a new Science Building at Contra Costa College, a new Student Union and Kinesiology Building at Los Medanos College as well as modernizing facilities at Diablo Valley College. This investment will support the future needs of our students.
Advocacy: We continue to work with our legislators to aid in support and this resulted in a $1,000,000 grant by Congressman DeSaulner and Senator Padilla to the District for driving our Open Educational Resources program to reduce the cost of books for our students.
Thank you, again for support in my role
Fernando Sandoval
Ward 5 Trustee
Past President- Governing Board of Trustees
Contra Costa Community College District
Read More5,300 ballots remaining to be counted in the county
By Allen D. Payton
In the race for Contra Costa County District 5 Supervisor Antioch Councilman Mike Barbanica leads in votes over Pittsburg Councilwoman Shanelle Scales-Preston who placed a second in last Tuesday’s primary election. But she leads in campaign finances, having raised about $114,500 while Barbanica had raised close to $100,500.
In a distant third place is Pittsburg Vice Mayor Jelani Killings in both votes and campaign finances, having raised close to $18,000 and fourth-place finisher in both votes and finances is Iztaccuauhtli “White Eagle” Hector Gonzalez who raised almost $10,200 all in loans from himself.
As of the latest update from the Contra Costa Elections Office today, Wednesday, March 13 at 2:50 PM, Barbanica has 14,080 votes or 38.59% of the vote to 12,834 votes for Scales-Preston or 35.18%. Killings has 5,597 votes or 15.34% and Gonzalez has 3,973 votes or 10.89% of the vote.
On Monday, Barbanica posted a thank you message on his campaign Facebook page writing:
“Dear Friends and Supporters,
The results are in, and it’s official: we’re advancing through the primary elections for District 5 of the Board of Supervisors! With a grateful heart, I extend my deepest thanks to each and every one of you who cast your vote, shared your voice, and believed in our vision for a safer, stronger community.
Your support has been the driving force of this campaign. To the countless volunteers, the dedicated team members, and especially to the voters who took a stand for our shared values—thank you. This triumph is yours as much as it is ours.
A special acknowledgment to the elected officials who have endorsed our cause; your faith in our mission fortifies our resolve. I’m also incredibly thankful for the endorsements and unwavering support from esteemed organizations such as Thousand Friends of Martinez, PORAC, CCDSA, and the Police Officers Associations of Martinez, Richmond, Concord, Pittsburg, San Mateo County, and Clayton. The backing of the Local 326 United Steel Workers has been nothing short of inspiring.
As we gear up for the next phase of this journey, let’s remember that this is more than a campaign; it’s a collective effort to nurture the well-being and prosperity of Contra Costa County. We’re in this together, and together, we will make a difference.
Warm regards,
Mike Barbanica”
When reached for comment he said, “I’m absolutely honored for the support from our community and I look forward to continuing to move towards the general election and change coming to the District 5 office, later this year, in December. For the last 24 years this office has been represented by someone from Pittsburg and it would be nice to see change coming to the office, from someone such as myself who has Pittsburg connections, Antioch connections and connections to the rest of the district.”
“I spent 21 years as a Pittsburg Police officer, retiring as a lieutenant, and my wife was born and raised in Pittsburg. So, we have a lot of ties, there,” Barbanica added.
Attempts to reach Scales-Preston for a comment were unsuccessful prior to publication. However, on Saturday, she posted the following comment on her campaign Facebook page: “thank you for all your support! There are many votes left to count, but we remain in the top two and are confident we will advance to November. This is due to your support and all that you did to advance our campaign.”
Campaign Finance Comparison
According to the required campaign finance disclosure reports known as Forms 460 and 497 posted on the Contra Costa Elections Public Portal, as of March 6, 2024, Scales-Preston had raised $114,514 and as of Feb. 29 her campaign had spent $105,029.33, with $5,036.13 in outstanding debts and $8,596.22 cash on hand.
As of March 6, 2024, Barbanica’s reports show he had raised $100,452.65 and as of Feb. 29, his campaign had spent $93,384.62 with $58,817.66 in outstanding debts and $24,229.52 cash on hand.
As of Feb. 29, Killings’ reports show he had raised $17,773 and spent $19,769.39. He ended his campaign with $2,515.54 in outstanding debts and $3,185.26 cash on hand.
As of the same date, Gonzalez’s reports show he loaned his campaign $10,197.13, didn’t raise any other funds and spent $8,576.42. He ended his campaign with outstanding debts of $10,197.13 and 1,620.71 cash on hand.
Both Scales-Preston received $5,000 from the Building Industry Association of the Bay Area’s Build Jobs PAC and both she and Killings received contributions from former Antioch resident Keith Archuleta.
Scales-Preston Supported by PACS, Politicians & Unions
Scales-Preston received most of her campaign funds from union political action committees and local politicians. Her largest contributions were as follows:
$5,000 each from International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) 302 Community Candidates PAC of Martinez; IBEW PAC Educational Fund in Washington, DC; Sheet Metal Workers Local Union 104 Poltical Committee; United Association No. 159 Consumer Protection Fund Sponsored by Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 159 of Martinez; American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees Council 57 PAC, and International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers Local 549 PAC, and Build Jobs PAC, ID #761102 Sponsored by Building Industry Association of the Bay Area;
$2,500 each from Dignity CA SEIU Local 2015; Karen Grove Menlo Park, retired; former political consultant Melody Howe Weintraub of Lafayette, Progressive Era PAC (ID# 1449477) which, according to its website, “exists to elect governing majorities of leaders in California committed to building a progressive era for people of color”; homemaker Faye M. Stratus and a separate contribution from Sandor H. Stratus, retired, both of Lafayette; Victor Baker of Martinez, owner of Equitify a diversity, equity and inclusion consulting firm; Sikh Society of Central Contra Costa County; Lift Up Contra Costa Action which, according to its website, “fights against all forms of oppression, including anti-black racism, racism, anti-immigrant, anti-LBGTQ, environmental & healthcare injustice and the classist, anti-worker movements”, a Project of Tides Advocacy PAC, which, according to its website, is “deeply committed to advancing social justice”; District 1 Contra Costa County Supervisor John Gioia, Laborers International Union of North America Local No. 324, Northern California Carpenters Regional Council Small Contributor Committee, and Service Employees International Union Local 1021 Candidate PAC;
$2,000 from garbage company Republic Services Inc., and affiliated entities;
$1,400 from Kanwar Singh of Pittsburg, a Sequence Read Archive Explorer for the Joint Genome Institute;
$1,000 from David Bowlby of Danville, public affairs consultant of The David Bowlby Group; East Bay Regional Parks Director Colin Coffey of Hercules; Daniel Madigan of Walnut Creek, not employed; Debbie Toth of Fairfield, Director of the nonprofit Choice in Aging; DRIVE Committee (International Brotherhood of Teamsters. Democrat, Republican, Independent Voter Education) in Washington, DC; East Bay Trans, Inc. trucking company of Concord, Haver Trans, Inc. dump trucking company of Concord, Jasmine Tarkoff of Lafayette, retired; and Lupe Schoenberger of Alamo, listed as not employed but her LinkedIn profile shows she is Congressman Mark DeSaulnier’s political director and Principal of Acceso Government Relations, LLC described as “Facilitating cannabis business licensing and local government relations;” and Latika Malkani of
Orinda, Attorney for employment law firm Siegel LeWitter Malkani;
$700 from Leonard Ramirez of Concord, retired;
$600 each from Contra Costa DA Diana Becton; Paramjit Virk of Antioch, a Registered Nurse at the Contra Costa Regional Medical Center; Contra Costa County Democratic Central Committee Chair Katie Ricklefs of Lafayette, listed as retired, and Kathleen Petricca of Martinez, retired;
$500 each from Berkeley school teacher Cathy Campbell of El Cerrito; John Cumbers of Lafayette, Chief Executive Officer for SynBioBeta; Friends of Gina Daly for Board of Education Trustee Area 1 2024 in Oakland (former San Rafael school board member who resigned in December after the contribution was made); Carol Hatch of Martinez, retired; insurance broker Gregory Osorio of Pittsburg, consultant Keith Archuleta of Chapel Hill, NC (a former Antioch resident); Service Employees International Union United Healthcare Workers West PAC, Kathy Braun of Martinez, retired; G R Beverages, Inc. of Antioch, United Teachers of Richmond, Cynthia Miller of Martinez, Owner of George & Cynthia Miller Wellness Center (wife of former congressman), Willie Mims of Pittsburg, Mariana Moore of Benicia, Program Manager for Richmond Community Foundation, Leslie Shafton of Walnut Creek, Realtor, Dudum Real Estate Group, Teamsters Local Union No. 315,
$460 from Mt. Diablo Unified School Board Trustee Cherise Khaund of Walnut Creek, listed as a nonprofit manager;
$400 from Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools Lynn Mackey;
$350 each from Jim Craft of Pittsburg, as an in-kind contribution for use of a venue for a fundraiser; and Caitlin E. Sly of Walnut Creek, Executive Director for Meals on Wheels Diablo Region;
$300 from former City of Antioch Public Information Officer Rolando Bonilla of San Jose; El Cerrito Councilman Gabriel Quinto, Susan Mautner of Orinda, not employed; Charles Glasper of Antioch, retired, who contributed on Jan. 11, 2024 and then served as the MC and asked the questions during the NAACP Candidates Night in Antioch on Feb. 22;
$260 from Mt. Diablo Unified School District Trustee Cherise Khaund of Walnut Creek;
$250 each from DLC Group Inc. of Pleasant Hill owned by a Dalton Chow, Walnut Creek Mayor Pro Tem Loella Haskew, Benjamin Miller of Arlington, VA, Principal, Kadesh & Associates a bipartisan federal advocacy firm; Patricia Reyes of San Ramon, Consultant for Strategic Prevention Solutions; Valerie Sloven of Pleasant Hill, Case Manager for Heluna Health, Carol Toms of Concord, Information Technology Professional for Albertsons; Contra Costa County School Board Trustee Sarah Butler of Orinda; Baljit Bhandal of Pittsburg, General Manager for The Wine Village, Inc.; Bombay Trading Company of Concord, Contra Costa County Public Defenders Association, State Farm Insurance agent Tim McGallian of Clayton, Tara Sanders of Pittsburg, Program Manager – Workforce & Economic Development for the Contra Costa Community College District; Tracy Brog of Lafayette, retired; Martinez City Councilman Jay Howard’s 2022 campaign committee, Mike McCoy of Danville, Billboard Developer for Mesa Outdoor, and Janitzia Rodriguez of Pittsburg, Mental Health Clinician for Contra Costa County.
Although not large contributions, Scales-Preston also received $200 from Adrienne Ursino of Martinez, Director of Stakeholder Engagement for the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers and former Antioch School Board Trustee Debra Vinson, $150 from Pittsburg Mayor Juan Banales, Hercules City Councilwoman Christine Kelley, former Pittsburg Councilwoman Nancy L. Parent, and former Clayton Councilwoman Tuija Catalano, as well as $100 each from Concord Councilman Edi Birsan, former Orinda Councilwoman Amy Worth, former Walnut Creek Councilwoman Gail Murray, and the Marsh Creek Democratic Club.
Barbanica Backed by the Badge, Builders & Business
Barbanica’s largest contributions were from law enforcement, the building industry and local businesses. They include the following:
$10,000 from the Contra Costa County Deputy Sheriff’s Association PAC Small Contributor Committee with $5,000 for the primary and the other $5,000 for the general election;
$5,000 each from Bryan Benton of Antioch, owner of Da Nang Turang restaurant and Build Jobs PAC, ID #761102 Sponsored by Building Industry Association of the Bay Area;
$2,500 each from Peace Officers Research Association of California PAC (PORAC PAC) Small Contributor Committee, Sheriff David Livingston’s 2028 re-election committee and the Richmond Police Officers Association PAC;
$2,000 each from Kay Ku of Newport Beach, retired; Stacey Romero of Pittsburg, retired; Weston Law Group, PC of Danville; Fernandes Auto Wrecking and Towing of Pittsburg; and San Bernardino County Sheriff’s County Employees’ Benefit Association Local PAC;
$1,500 from Jim Moita of Clayton, owner of property management company JMI Properties Corporation;
$1,000 each from real estate investor Mike Cava of Oakley and Thousand Friends of Martinez;
$500 each from the Concord Police Association PAC; Dennis Costanza of Pittsburg, Director for home builder Lennar; former Pittsburg Mayor, City Clerk and Assistant City Manager Mary Erbez; Brentwood Councilman Tony Oerlemans; Sheila Stokley, of Stokley Properties in Pleasant Hill; and Christopher Thorsen of Walnut Creek, retired; and
$250 each from Assistant District Attorney Mary Knox, Mike McCoy of Danville, Billboard Developer for Mesa Outdoor and Susan Dragon Presser of Pittsburg, retired.
Killings’s Campaign Cash is from Kin, Cops & Others
$2,500 from Denise Killings of Pittsburg, retired;
$1,500 from Henry A. Killings, Pastor of Threshing Floor Tabernacle in Antioch; Leah L. Blackman of Brentwood, Pastor of Faith Worship Center, and William Posada of Antioch, listed as an Independent Distributor but is the Manager with Only Believe Distributor, LLC;
$1,000 from Pittsburg Police Officer’s Association, Efrem R. Finn of Oakland, Operator for Rydetrans bus service; consultant Keith Archuleta of Chapel Hill, NC (former Antioch resident), and a non-monetary, in-kind contribution for fundraising event expenses from Peter Nguyen of Pittsburg, Owner of Fisherman’s Catch;
$600 from Blayne Wittig of Martinez, Executive Director, Options Health;
$500 from Jerry Beverly of Alameda, listed as an Investor/Philanthropist, Losefa Lam Yuen of Pittsburg, who works in Logistics for the Department of Homeland Security, and Paul Loukianoff of San Leandro, who works in construction for Con-Quest Contractors, Inc.,
$450 from Daniel Patton of Oakley, Business Solutions Manager for WK Kellogg Company;
$250 from East County Glass & Window, Inc. in Pittsburg, and Kevin McGary of Hayward, President of Every Black Life Matters; and
$200 from Sarah Jean Killings of Pittsburg.
Ballot counting has continued as mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day, March 5 could be received until yesterday, March 12 and the County Elections Office has 28 days to certify the election.
Asked if there are any remaining ballots to be counted and when the next results update will be, Assistant Registrar Helen Nolan said, “We have about 5,300 ballots left to process as of today” and added the next update will be Friday, March 15 at 4 p.m.
The top two candidates, Barbanica and Scales-Preston will face off in the November general election.
Please check back later for any updates to this report.
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