Mojdeh Mehdizadeh is expected to be voted in as the new chancellor on December 13, 2023. Source: 4CD
By Timothy Leong, Director of Communications & Community Relations, 4CD
The Contra Costa Community College District (4CD) Governing Board announces their selection of Mojdeh Mehdizadeh as the 10th permanent Chancellor, pending contract negotiations and approval. The 4CD Governing Board will vote to approve Ms. Mehdizadeh’s contract at their Wednesday, December 13, 2023, meeting.
“On behalf of the Governing Board, we are delighted that Ms. Mehdizadeh will continue leading 4CD as permanent Chancellor,” said Governing Board President Fernando Sandoval. “Her commitment to our mission of transforming the lives of all our students is unwavering, and she ensures that students are at the forefront of every discussion and decision. Her 36 years of leadership at 4CD has helped us maintain our legacy of higher education excellence.”
Ms. Mehdizadeh has been serving as Interim Chancellor for the Contra Costa Community College District since February 2022. Prior to this leadership role, she served as the Executive Vice Chancellor of Education and Technology.
“It is truly an honor to be selected as the next permanent Chancellor of the Contra Costa Community College District,” Mehdizadeh said. “I am grateful to the members of the Governing Board, our community, and employees for their trust in me to lead 4CD in transforming the lives of our students and the community. I will continue to focus on creating environments where every student feels a sense of belonging on our campuses, and that will allow us to contribute to their educational journey.”
Ms. Mehdizadeh holds an M.A. in Organizational and Intercultural Communications from California State University, East Bay, and a B.S. in Computer Information Systems from San Francisco State University, after having completed her general education requirements at Diablo Valley College.
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.
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Source: CCC Library
“Rolling Reader” to visit underserved communities
By Brooke Converse, PIO, Contra Costa County Library
The Contra Costa County Library is introducing the Rolling Reader, the Library’s brand-new, all-electric, early literacy outreach van. The Rolling Reader will visit underserved communities across the county where library staff will present storytimes, hand out free books and crafts, and provide activities focused on early literacy, small motor skills, and STEM.
The Contra Costa County Library has 26 branches across the county, yet many residents still are not able to easily access a library. Some may live too far from a branch, or don’t have access to reliable transportation, or have to work during library open hours. The Rolling Reader will allow the library to prioritize providing literacy services to children 0-5 years old in vulnerable communities impacted by poverty. Research shows that early and positive experiences with books set the stage for a child’s success in learning to read. Additionally, literacy skills are a strong predictor of health, employment status, and overall success in life. Providing storytimes and crafts for young children will encourage regular exposure to reading and books, thus improving the potential for life success for many children and families.
“We recognized that to reach all our communities, we needed to get out of our buildings and take our services to the residents who need them most,” said County Librarian Alison McKee. “The goal of the Rolling Reader is to instill a lifelong habit of reading and love for libraries.”
Funding for the outreach van was provided by the Bella Vista Foundation and MCE. Staffing for the outreach van is provided by Measure X. Measure X is a half-cent sales tax passed by voters in 2020.
“Early childhood services are one of our County’s top priorities,” said Supervisor John Gioia, Chair of the Board of Supervisors. “The new library outreach van and early literacy program will improve the lives of many children by making these opportunities easily accessible.”
The Rolling Reader will make its debut on Wednesday, November 15 at the Monument Crisis Center (rain or shine). The event will include a Spanish/English bilingual storytime, free books, crafts and activities for children, and an opportunity to see the Rolling Reader and the new van mascot, Roxy the fox.
Visit ccclib.org to sign up for a library card and get connected to books and resources. For questions about Library services and programming or account information, contact the Library via online Chat, email ask@library.cccounty.us or text questions to (925) 290-7627.
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By Contra Costa Elections
On Monday, November 13th, the Candidate Filing Period for the March 5th 2024 Presidential Primary Election will begin and nomination papers will be available for candidates running for United States Senator, United States Representative in Congress, Member of the State Senate, Member of the State Assembly, County Board of Supervisors, Superior Court Judges and Mt. View Sanitary District. The nomination period runs through 5:00 pm Friday, December 8, 2023. If an incumbent doesn’t run for re-election, the filing period is extended five days until 5:00 pm Wednesday, December 13, 2023.
A list of offices currently up for election can be found here: www.contracostavote.gov/wp-content/uploads/24Mar05_PositionsUpForElection.pdf
Papers for offices that are up for election will be available at the Contra Costa Elections Office, 555 Escobar Street, Martinez.
For further information on the primary election and key dates, go to www.contracostavote.gov.
“The 2024 Presidential Election cycle is ramping up,” said Kristin Connelly, Contra Costa Registrar of Voters. “Our Candidate Services team is ready to help candidates get their papers filed. We look forward to working with any candidates who are planning to run for office.”
Interested candidates can schedule an appointment through email at candidate.services@vote.cccounty.us or by calling 925-335-7800. Walk-ins are accepted, but subject to the availability of staff. Appointments are available on weekdays from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Filing documents and information will be provided to interested constituents at their appointment. The process takes 20 minutes.
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Photos: MTC
Two lanes of Bay Bridge will be closed.
Various ramps and ped/bike path closures scheduled along I-80 and U.S. 101 in San Francisco due to Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation 2023 Summit
Information from MTC, CalTrans & CHP
People traveling to, from and within San Francisco next week can expect heavy congestion and traffic delays; transit reroutes, delays and crowding; and reduced or inconvenient pedestrian and bicycle access during the Asian-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2023 Summit taking place in the city from Monday, Nov. 13, through Sunday, Nov. 19.
APEC is expected to draw more than 20,000 people, including heads of state and dignitaries from over 20 member economies, to downtown San Francisco. MTC encourages people to avoid traveling to San Francisco next week if possible. For those who must travel to or through the city, MTC encourages them to ride transit and to visit 511.org for critical travel alerts related to street closures and transportation delays.
In cooperation with the California Highway Patrol, and in coordination with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, Caltrans is implementing enhanced safety measures throughout our highway systems in and around San Francisco during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2023 summit starting Wednesday, November 15. The U.S. Secret Service recently designated the APEC summit as a National Special Security Event, requiring heightened security measures in and around the city of San Francisco.
Closures: At the request of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, Caltrans will be implementing the following closures to ensure the safety and security of all attendees and residents:
San Francisco / Oakland Bay Bridge
Closures of #1 (left) lane on Eastbound I-80 and #5 (right) lane on Westbound I-80
o Tuesday, November 14 through Friday, November 17, 2023.
o 4 Day Closure, beginning 11/14 at 5:00 AM, ending 11/17 at 9:00 PM.
o Controlled access to Bay Bridge Ped/Bike Path.
o No impacts to transit bus services.
o Treasure Island on-/off-ramps, Fremont Street off-ramp remain open.
Closures of 4th Street off-ramp from Eastbound I-80 and 5th Street off-ramp from Westbound I-80
o Wednesday, November 15 through Friday, November 17, 2023.
o 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM (Daily).
Closure of NB U.S. 101 Dana Bowers Vista Point off-ramp
o Tuesday, November 14 through Saturday, November 18 (Five Day Closure).
o No access to Dana Bowers Vista Point for vehicles, bicycles, or pedestrians.
o Golden Gate Bridge Pedestrian Path closed at north end of bridge; no pedestrian access from Marin County.
o Bicycle Path on west side of bridge to remain open between Marin County and San Francisco.
California Highway Patrol officers will be present to enforce these closures. We understand that these closures may cause temporary inconvenience, but they are essential to ensure the safety and security of this significant event and to promote immediacy and availability for emergency response. We encourage you to plan your travels, accordingly, allow extra time for your commute, and consider using alternative routes or public transportation during this period. Your patience and cooperation are greatly appreciated as we work to ensure the success of the APEC 2023 summit and the safety of our community.
Muni will reroute several transit lines from Nov. 13-19, and Muni Metro T-Third service will be suspended. For more details, visit SFMTA’s APEC information page. BART, Caltrain and the San Francisco Bay Ferry do not anticipate any major APEC-related impacts to their services.
For the Golden Gate Bridge, the Dana Bowers Vista Point off-ramp from northbound U.S. 101 will be closed from Nov. 14-18. There will be no access to the Vista Point for vehicles, bicyclists or pedestrians. The Golden Gate Bridge Pedestrian Path will be closed at north end of bridge, and there will be no pedestrian access from Marin County.
Most APEC activities will take place in the South of Market and Nob Hill neighborhoods. Due to the scale of the gathering, APEC also may create travel impacts on travel in other areas. People should expect a range of street impacts in and around the United States Secret Service security zones (Vehicle Exclusion Zones)(link is external) established for the conference and conference-related events. Pedestrians will be banned from APEC security zones unless they live or work there; and bicycles, whether traditional or e-bikes, also will be barred.
For 24/7 traffic updates, please visit 511.org: https://twitter.com/511SFBay. MTC operates 511 in partnership with Caltrans, the California Highway Patrol and other transportation agencies.
For real-time traffic, click on Caltrans QuickMap: http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/
Read MoreBy Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office
A jury in Martinez returned guilty verdicts on November 7th in a felony case involving an attorney, William James Reed, who embezzled $400,000 from his clients.
Reed, an 80-year-old attorney formerly of Alamo, was convicted of felony grand theft by embezzlement and a white-collar crime enhancement related to a settlement agreement with PG&E. The agreement included payments to victims of the 2006 Zamora Fire near Woodland, CA.
Following the fire, Reed authored a letter, purportedly from a fellow landowner impacted by the fire, stating that in a lawsuit against PG&E, attorney’s fees would be covered by PG&E. He invited fire victims to a Town Hall meeting in Zamora, where he assured them that, according to the law, PG&E would be responsible for attorney’s fees, not the clients.
Two families, including elderly victims with ranch properties damaged by the fire, agreed to have Reed represent them. Reed presented unclear and confusing lawyer-client relationship documents, including a contract implying clients would pay his hourly legal fees and costs at the rate of $625 an hour, and a cover letter stating PG&E would cover Reed’s attorney’s fees and costs. After obtaining the victims’ agreement on legal representation, Reed filed a lawsuit against PG&E on the victims’ behalf in 2008.
In 2013, a $200,000 settlement for each victim family was brokered by Reed with PG&E. Reed received the $400,000 settlement from an attorney representing PG&E — but Reed failed to inform his clients about the money. His clients discovered the settlement money was paid to Reed at an unrelated court hearing.
Afterward, when the victims asked Reed about their money, he presented them with a proposed settlement agreement. The agreement stated the clients would each give him $103,000 for attorney’s fees and costs, and in turn each client would receive $97,000. The victims refused to sign Reed’s proposed settlement agreement because it contradicted their initial agreement with him. Years of civil litigation ensued between Reed and the victims, with Reed using some of the settlement money to pay his lawyers to fight the victims.
In 2017, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office was alerted to possible criminal violations related to the victim’s settlement money. A Forensic Accountant at the District Attorney’s Office analyzed Reed’s bank account statements and determined that Reed had spent the entire $400,000 on himself. Thereafter, felony grand theft by embezzlement charges were filed against Reed.
The case went to trial on October 13, 2023. Deputy District Attorney Scott Prosser had to prove beyond a reasonable doubt to a jury that Reed was not entitled to the victim’s settlement money for attorney’s fees A key piece of evidence presented to the jury during the trial was the document stating that Reed’s fees would be paid by PG&E and not the victims.
The jury deliberated for a few hours and convicted Reed on two felony counts of grand theft by embezzlement and a white collar crime enhancement, establishing illegal possession of over $100,000. Reed faces imprisonment for three years and eight months and will be sentenced on January 10, 2024, by
Superior Court Judge Charles Treat.
Deputy District Attorney Prosser, after the verdict, stated, “It is unconscionable for an attorney to lead a client to believe they were not responsible for attorney’s fees, and then take 100 % of the client’s money from a settlement agreement. And we are very pleased with the outcome in our fight to seek justice for the
victims in this case.”.
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During Annual Veterans Day Celebration
By Contra Costa County District 3 Supervisor Diane Burgis
Contra Costa County’s Board of Supervisors honors Veterans & their families at the Annual Veterans Day Celebration on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. in the Board Chambers at 1025 Escobar Street, Martinez.
This year, the ceremony will feature a special recognition for the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War.
Watch online at www.contracostatv.org. The celebration will broadcast live on Contra Costa Television channels: Comcast Channel 27, AT&T U-Verse Channel 99, and Astound Channels 32 and 1027.
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Contra Costa Health (CCH) recommends that anyone who has spent time inside California Grand Casino in Pacheco since 2018 consider a tuberculosis (TB) test, after recent genetic testing revealed several related cases among staff and customers over the past five years.
Of the 11 confirmed TB cases, 10 are genetically linked and the majority are associated with staff or customers at the casino. The 11th case has not yet been genetically tested.
CCH has so far not identified a current or ongoing source of transmission at the casino. CCH is working closely with casino management to ensure prompt, appropriate testing, health advice and screening for all its staff.
“We are making this recommendation now because there is new evidence that TB may have spread among people who spent time at the casino from 2018 to 2023,” said Dr. Meera Sreenivasan, deputy health officer for Contra Costa County. “TB can live inside someone for years without showing signs of its presence. That is why it’s important to take a test, even if you do not feel sick. TB can cause serious illness, but it is treatable and curable with medicine, especially when caught early.”
To date, CCH has contacted more than 300 people who may have been exposed to active TB and is working with California Grand management to provide health education to staff and to encourage testing.
Symptoms of active TB can include a persistent or bloody cough, fever, unexpected weight loss, night sweats and fatigue.
TB bacteria can live inside a person for months or years without causing any symptoms, so even people with no symptoms should talk to their healthcare providers about getting a TB test if they believe they may have been exposed.
TB can spread when a person who has developed symptoms coughs or breathes out droplets containing the bacteria, particularly in an enclosed space over a long period of time, such as several hours.
The only way to know if someone was infected after a TB exposure is to test.
If you believe you may have been exposed to TB, talk to your healthcare provider or call CCH’s TB Client Services Program at 925-313-6740 if you are uninsured or need advice about next steps. Visit cchealth.org/tb for more information about TB.
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San Pablo Dam Road Work Area Map. Source: CCC Public Works Dept.
San Pablo Dam Road Winter prep work begins Wednesday morning
By Kelly Kalfsbeek, PIO, Contra Costa County Public Works Department
October 27, 2023, El Sobrante & Orinda, CA – Contra Costa County Public Works Department will be performing work along San Pablo Dam Road starting on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, through Thursday, November 16, 2023, barring unforeseen circumstances. Work will occur between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm, Monday through Thursday, weather permitting. Work will take place on San Pablo Dam Road, between Tri Lane in El Sobrante and Wildcat Canyon Road/Bear Creek Road in Orinda. The work will consist of clearing slides and cleaning drainage ditches for winter storm preparation and safety.
Message boards will be posted to advise drivers before scheduled work begins. Traffic control, including lane and shoulder closures, will be used. Drivers should expect delays up to 15 minutes near the work area.
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 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
CONTACT: Michael Stevens, 925.313.7038
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Source: BART
Making way for new fare gates
Paper ticket holders will need to seek refund
By Bay Area Rapid Transit District
It is an end of an era.
Beginning November 30, 2023, paper tickets will no longer be accepted at BART. This change is occurring as BART begins to roll out new state of the art fare gates we have ordered which will not accept paper tickets and as Clipper prepares for the launch of the next generation of Clipper.
Paper tickets balances cannot be transferred onto a Clipper card. BART offers paper ticket refunds for tickets with a remaining value greater than $1.00. It can be multiple tickets that add up to $1 or more. Click here for directions to request a refund.
Pay By Phone
Clipper is now available through Apple Pay and Google Pay. Riders can get a new Clipper card on their phones for free (normally $3). Funds added using Apple Pay and Google Pay are immediately available for use.
Set up is easy and can be done on the spot or in advance while you are at home. Every rider needs their own digital card. For families travelling together, multiple cards can be added to an Apple phone, but users must turn off Express Transit mode to toggle between each card when tagging at the fare gate.
Next Generation Clipper
BART has moved to a Clipper-only fare payment system because the region has prioritized the use of Clipper as the Bay Area’s all-in-one transit card administered by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission. In calendar year 2024, the next generation of Clipper will be rolled out including open payment which provides the option to tag a credit/debit card at a BART fare gate, including Apple Pay or Google Pay, without setting up a card on your phone in advance. The next generation of Clipper also opens the door for new discount programs, promotions, and potentially fare capping for BART riders.
On Saturday, September 30, 2023, BART ceased the sale of magstripe paper tickets at SFO. Only Clipper cards are available at SFO vending machines and riders will continue to be encouraged to add a Clipper card to their phone for a card-free option.
BART began offering paper tickets at SFO in October 2022 in response to global supply chain issues impacting the region’s plastic card inventory. The region now has an adequate supply of cards and BART will eliminate the sale of all paper tickets. This includes the sale of red paper tickets at the Customer Service window at Lake Merritt Station for RTC applicants waiting for their Clipper card to arrive and paper tickets for group sales.
Riders are still able to use the paper tickets they already have on hand, including weekend promotion tickets, to enter and exit through most fare gates until November 30, 2023.
Refunds
Paper Ticket Refunds
Beginning November 30, 2023, paper tickets will no longer be accepted at BART. This change is occurring as BART begins to roll out new state of the art fare gates which will not accept paper tickets and as Clipper prepares for the launch of the next generation of Clipper.
Paper tickets balances cannot be transferred onto a Clipper card. BART offers paper ticket refunds for tickets with a remaining value greater than $1.00.
Until November 30, 2023, riders with paper tickets will be able to add enough fare to a paper ticket to exit a station using cash at the Addfare machines located inside the paid area of each station.
You have 3 options for getting a refund:
- A Station Agent can help process a ticket refund request. The agent will have you fill out a form and you will provide the agent with your ticket(s) and the agent will send it to BART Treasury. Treasury will mail you a check. This option helps you avoid paying for postage and is the most secure option. The refund may take 4-6 weeks to process.
- You can also visit the Customer Services Center at Lake Merritt Station to drop off tickets in a sealed envelope addressed to BART’s Treasury Department. Please include your name, phone number, and return address and note that you are seeking a refund of paper ticket(s) using this form. A receipt will be provided for dropping off your envelope.
- Mail the ticket(s) to BART’s Treasury Department. Include your name, phone number, and return address and note that you are seeking a refund of your paper ticket(s) due to BART’s elimination of paper ticket sales. Station Agents can also provide pre-addressed envelopes to Treasury. Due to observed delivery issues this is a less secure option. It is recommended that items of value be insured when selecting this option.
Mail it to:
BART Finance Department
2150 Webster, 9th floor, Oakland, CA 94612
Attention: Requests
BART’s Treasury Department will then process the refund. You will get a check in the mail at the address you provide. The check may take 4-6 weeks.
Tickets submitted for refund must have been purchased by cash or debit card. Tickets purchased with a credit card (there will be a small “c” on these near the magnetic stripe) will be credited back to the credit card which was used to purchase the ticket.
BART doesn’t offer cash refunds.
BART will also refund full unused paratransit ticket books.
Tickets purchased using pre-tax dollars/Commuter Checks are not refundable due to federal restrictions of the Commuter Check program
For more information, call the BART Treasury at (510) 464-6841.
Clipper Refunds:
Only registered Clipper cards, are available for refunds. Please contact Clipper Customer Service at 877.878.8883 to request a refund without cancelling your card.
Ticket Donations (“Tiny Tickets”)
Donations of tickets with unused value of less than $1 can be made to local non-profits. Check with your favorite non-profit or charity organization to see if it accepts these small value tickets. Former Tiny Ticket non-profit organizations can still submit these tickets for refund directly to BART Treasury.
Submit to:
Refunds, BART Treasury Department
2150 Webster St., 9th floor, Oakland, CA 94612
If you have a question, please call (510) 464-6841.
Replacement Tickets:
BART’s Treasury Department will no longer issue replacement tickets in order to reduce the use of tickets in the system. Due to increased Clipper Card use and the corresponding reduction in use of paper tickets, the Ticket Exchange Booth at 12th St Oakland City Center Station has been permanently closed.
Need help?
BART Customer Service is available to help riders with inquiries over the phone at (510)464-7133 or in person at Lake Merritt Station (concourse level).
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Mojdeh Mehdizadeh is expected to be voted in as the new chancellor on December 13, 2023. Source: 4CD
By Timothy Leong, Director of Communications & Community Relations, 4CD
The Contra Costa Community College District (4CD) Governing Board announces their selection of Mojdeh Mehdizadeh as the 10th permanent Chancellor, pending contract negotiations and approval. The 4CD Governing Board will vote to approve Ms. Mehdizadeh’s contract at their Wednesday, December 13, 2023, meeting.
“On behalf of the Governing Board, we are delighted that Ms. Mehdizadeh will continue leading 4CD as permanent Chancellor,” said Governing Board President Fernando Sandoval. “Her commitment to our mission of transforming the lives of all our students is unwavering, and she ensures that students are at the forefront of every discussion and decision. Her 36 years of leadership at 4CD has helped us maintain our legacy of higher education excellence.”
Ms. Mehdizadeh has been serving as Interim Chancellor for the Contra Costa Community College District since February 2022. Prior to this leadership role, she served as the Executive Vice Chancellor of Education and Technology.
“It is truly an honor to be selected as the next permanent Chancellor of the Contra Costa Community College District,” Mehdizadeh said. “I am grateful to the members of the Governing Board, our community, and employees for their trust in me to lead 4CD in transforming the lives of our students and the community. I will continue to focus on creating environments where every student feels a sense of belonging on our campuses, and that will allow us to contribute to their educational journey.”
Ms. Mehdizadeh holds an M.A. in Organizational and Intercultural Communications from California State University, East Bay, and a B.S. in Computer Information Systems from San Francisco State University, after having completed her general education requirements at Diablo Valley College.
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.
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Source: CCC Library
“Rolling Reader” to visit underserved communities
By Brooke Converse, PIO, Contra Costa County Library
The Contra Costa County Library is introducing the Rolling Reader, the Library’s brand-new, all-electric, early literacy outreach van. The Rolling Reader will visit underserved communities across the county where library staff will present storytimes, hand out free books and crafts, and provide activities focused on early literacy, small motor skills, and STEM.
The Contra Costa County Library has 26 branches across the county, yet many residents still are not able to easily access a library. Some may live too far from a branch, or don’t have access to reliable transportation, or have to work during library open hours. The Rolling Reader will allow the library to prioritize providing literacy services to children 0-5 years old in vulnerable communities impacted by poverty. Research shows that early and positive experiences with books set the stage for a child’s success in learning to read. Additionally, literacy skills are a strong predictor of health, employment status, and overall success in life. Providing storytimes and crafts for young children will encourage regular exposure to reading and books, thus improving the potential for life success for many children and families.
“We recognized that to reach all our communities, we needed to get out of our buildings and take our services to the residents who need them most,” said County Librarian Alison McKee. “The goal of the Rolling Reader is to instill a lifelong habit of reading and love for libraries.”
Funding for the outreach van was provided by the Bella Vista Foundation and MCE. Staffing for the outreach van is provided by Measure X. Measure X is a half-cent sales tax passed by voters in 2020.
“Early childhood services are one of our County’s top priorities,” said Supervisor John Gioia, Chair of the Board of Supervisors. “The new library outreach van and early literacy program will improve the lives of many children by making these opportunities easily accessible.”
The Rolling Reader will make its debut on Wednesday, November 15 at the Monument Crisis Center (rain or shine). The event will include a Spanish/English bilingual storytime, free books, crafts and activities for children, and an opportunity to see the Rolling Reader and the new van mascot, Roxy the fox.
Visit ccclib.org to sign up for a library card and get connected to books and resources. For questions about Library services and programming or account information, contact the Library via online Chat, email ask@library.cccounty.us or text questions to (925) 290-7627.
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By Contra Costa Elections
On Monday, November 13th, the Candidate Filing Period for the March 5th 2024 Presidential Primary Election will begin and nomination papers will be available for candidates running for United States Senator, United States Representative in Congress, Member of the State Senate, Member of the State Assembly, County Board of Supervisors, Superior Court Judges and Mt. View Sanitary District. The nomination period runs through 5:00 pm Friday, December 8, 2023. If an incumbent doesn’t run for re-election, the filing period is extended five days until 5:00 pm Wednesday, December 13, 2023.
A list of offices currently up for election can be found here: www.contracostavote.gov/wp-content/uploads/24Mar05_PositionsUpForElection.pdf
Papers for offices that are up for election will be available at the Contra Costa Elections Office, 555 Escobar Street, Martinez.
For further information on the primary election and key dates, go to www.contracostavote.gov.
“The 2024 Presidential Election cycle is ramping up,” said Kristin Connelly, Contra Costa Registrar of Voters. “Our Candidate Services team is ready to help candidates get their papers filed. We look forward to working with any candidates who are planning to run for office.”
Interested candidates can schedule an appointment through email at candidate.services@vote.cccounty.us or by calling 925-335-7800. Walk-ins are accepted, but subject to the availability of staff. Appointments are available on weekdays from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Filing documents and information will be provided to interested constituents at their appointment. The process takes 20 minutes.
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Photos: MTC
Two lanes of Bay Bridge will be closed.
Various ramps and ped/bike path closures scheduled along I-80 and U.S. 101 in San Francisco due to Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation 2023 Summit
Information from MTC, CalTrans & CHP
People traveling to, from and within San Francisco next week can expect heavy congestion and traffic delays; transit reroutes, delays and crowding; and reduced or inconvenient pedestrian and bicycle access during the Asian-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2023 Summit taking place in the city from Monday, Nov. 13, through Sunday, Nov. 19.
APEC is expected to draw more than 20,000 people, including heads of state and dignitaries from over 20 member economies, to downtown San Francisco. MTC encourages people to avoid traveling to San Francisco next week if possible. For those who must travel to or through the city, MTC encourages them to ride transit and to visit 511.org for critical travel alerts related to street closures and transportation delays.
In cooperation with the California Highway Patrol, and in coordination with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, Caltrans is implementing enhanced safety measures throughout our highway systems in and around San Francisco during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2023 summit starting Wednesday, November 15. The U.S. Secret Service recently designated the APEC summit as a National Special Security Event, requiring heightened security measures in and around the city of San Francisco.
Closures: At the request of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, Caltrans will be implementing the following closures to ensure the safety and security of all attendees and residents:
San Francisco / Oakland Bay Bridge
Closures of #1 (left) lane on Eastbound I-80 and #5 (right) lane on Westbound I-80
o Tuesday, November 14 through Friday, November 17, 2023.
o 4 Day Closure, beginning 11/14 at 5:00 AM, ending 11/17 at 9:00 PM.
o Controlled access to Bay Bridge Ped/Bike Path.
o No impacts to transit bus services.
o Treasure Island on-/off-ramps, Fremont Street off-ramp remain open.
Closures of 4th Street off-ramp from Eastbound I-80 and 5th Street off-ramp from Westbound I-80
o Wednesday, November 15 through Friday, November 17, 2023.
o 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM (Daily).
Closure of NB U.S. 101 Dana Bowers Vista Point off-ramp
o Tuesday, November 14 through Saturday, November 18 (Five Day Closure).
o No access to Dana Bowers Vista Point for vehicles, bicycles, or pedestrians.
o Golden Gate Bridge Pedestrian Path closed at north end of bridge; no pedestrian access from Marin County.
o Bicycle Path on west side of bridge to remain open between Marin County and San Francisco.
California Highway Patrol officers will be present to enforce these closures. We understand that these closures may cause temporary inconvenience, but they are essential to ensure the safety and security of this significant event and to promote immediacy and availability for emergency response. We encourage you to plan your travels, accordingly, allow extra time for your commute, and consider using alternative routes or public transportation during this period. Your patience and cooperation are greatly appreciated as we work to ensure the success of the APEC 2023 summit and the safety of our community.
Muni will reroute several transit lines from Nov. 13-19, and Muni Metro T-Third service will be suspended. For more details, visit SFMTA’s APEC information page. BART, Caltrain and the San Francisco Bay Ferry do not anticipate any major APEC-related impacts to their services.
For the Golden Gate Bridge, the Dana Bowers Vista Point off-ramp from northbound U.S. 101 will be closed from Nov. 14-18. There will be no access to the Vista Point for vehicles, bicyclists or pedestrians. The Golden Gate Bridge Pedestrian Path will be closed at north end of bridge, and there will be no pedestrian access from Marin County.
Most APEC activities will take place in the South of Market and Nob Hill neighborhoods. Due to the scale of the gathering, APEC also may create travel impacts on travel in other areas. People should expect a range of street impacts in and around the United States Secret Service security zones (Vehicle Exclusion Zones)(link is external) established for the conference and conference-related events. Pedestrians will be banned from APEC security zones unless they live or work there; and bicycles, whether traditional or e-bikes, also will be barred.
For 24/7 traffic updates, please visit 511.org: https://twitter.com/511SFBay. MTC operates 511 in partnership with Caltrans, the California Highway Patrol and other transportation agencies.
For real-time traffic, click on Caltrans QuickMap: http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/
Read MoreBy Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office
A jury in Martinez returned guilty verdicts on November 7th in a felony case involving an attorney, William James Reed, who embezzled $400,000 from his clients.
Reed, an 80-year-old attorney formerly of Alamo, was convicted of felony grand theft by embezzlement and a white-collar crime enhancement related to a settlement agreement with PG&E. The agreement included payments to victims of the 2006 Zamora Fire near Woodland, CA.
Following the fire, Reed authored a letter, purportedly from a fellow landowner impacted by the fire, stating that in a lawsuit against PG&E, attorney’s fees would be covered by PG&E. He invited fire victims to a Town Hall meeting in Zamora, where he assured them that, according to the law, PG&E would be responsible for attorney’s fees, not the clients.
Two families, including elderly victims with ranch properties damaged by the fire, agreed to have Reed represent them. Reed presented unclear and confusing lawyer-client relationship documents, including a contract implying clients would pay his hourly legal fees and costs at the rate of $625 an hour, and a cover letter stating PG&E would cover Reed’s attorney’s fees and costs. After obtaining the victims’ agreement on legal representation, Reed filed a lawsuit against PG&E on the victims’ behalf in 2008.
In 2013, a $200,000 settlement for each victim family was brokered by Reed with PG&E. Reed received the $400,000 settlement from an attorney representing PG&E — but Reed failed to inform his clients about the money. His clients discovered the settlement money was paid to Reed at an unrelated court hearing.
Afterward, when the victims asked Reed about their money, he presented them with a proposed settlement agreement. The agreement stated the clients would each give him $103,000 for attorney’s fees and costs, and in turn each client would receive $97,000. The victims refused to sign Reed’s proposed settlement agreement because it contradicted their initial agreement with him. Years of civil litigation ensued between Reed and the victims, with Reed using some of the settlement money to pay his lawyers to fight the victims.
In 2017, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office was alerted to possible criminal violations related to the victim’s settlement money. A Forensic Accountant at the District Attorney’s Office analyzed Reed’s bank account statements and determined that Reed had spent the entire $400,000 on himself. Thereafter, felony grand theft by embezzlement charges were filed against Reed.
The case went to trial on October 13, 2023. Deputy District Attorney Scott Prosser had to prove beyond a reasonable doubt to a jury that Reed was not entitled to the victim’s settlement money for attorney’s fees A key piece of evidence presented to the jury during the trial was the document stating that Reed’s fees would be paid by PG&E and not the victims.
The jury deliberated for a few hours and convicted Reed on two felony counts of grand theft by embezzlement and a white collar crime enhancement, establishing illegal possession of over $100,000. Reed faces imprisonment for three years and eight months and will be sentenced on January 10, 2024, by
Superior Court Judge Charles Treat.
Deputy District Attorney Prosser, after the verdict, stated, “It is unconscionable for an attorney to lead a client to believe they were not responsible for attorney’s fees, and then take 100 % of the client’s money from a settlement agreement. And we are very pleased with the outcome in our fight to seek justice for the
victims in this case.”.
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During Annual Veterans Day Celebration
By Contra Costa County District 3 Supervisor Diane Burgis
Contra Costa County’s Board of Supervisors honors Veterans & their families at the Annual Veterans Day Celebration on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. in the Board Chambers at 1025 Escobar Street, Martinez.
This year, the ceremony will feature a special recognition for the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War.
Watch online at www.contracostatv.org. The celebration will broadcast live on Contra Costa Television channels: Comcast Channel 27, AT&T U-Verse Channel 99, and Astound Channels 32 and 1027.
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Contra Costa Health (CCH) recommends that anyone who has spent time inside California Grand Casino in Pacheco since 2018 consider a tuberculosis (TB) test, after recent genetic testing revealed several related cases among staff and customers over the past five years.
Of the 11 confirmed TB cases, 10 are genetically linked and the majority are associated with staff or customers at the casino. The 11th case has not yet been genetically tested.
CCH has so far not identified a current or ongoing source of transmission at the casino. CCH is working closely with casino management to ensure prompt, appropriate testing, health advice and screening for all its staff.
“We are making this recommendation now because there is new evidence that TB may have spread among people who spent time at the casino from 2018 to 2023,” said Dr. Meera Sreenivasan, deputy health officer for Contra Costa County. “TB can live inside someone for years without showing signs of its presence. That is why it’s important to take a test, even if you do not feel sick. TB can cause serious illness, but it is treatable and curable with medicine, especially when caught early.”
To date, CCH has contacted more than 300 people who may have been exposed to active TB and is working with California Grand management to provide health education to staff and to encourage testing.
Symptoms of active TB can include a persistent or bloody cough, fever, unexpected weight loss, night sweats and fatigue.
TB bacteria can live inside a person for months or years without causing any symptoms, so even people with no symptoms should talk to their healthcare providers about getting a TB test if they believe they may have been exposed.
TB can spread when a person who has developed symptoms coughs or breathes out droplets containing the bacteria, particularly in an enclosed space over a long period of time, such as several hours.
The only way to know if someone was infected after a TB exposure is to test.
If you believe you may have been exposed to TB, talk to your healthcare provider or call CCH’s TB Client Services Program at 925-313-6740 if you are uninsured or need advice about next steps. Visit cchealth.org/tb for more information about TB.
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San Pablo Dam Road Work Area Map. Source: CCC Public Works Dept.
San Pablo Dam Road Winter prep work begins Wednesday morning
By Kelly Kalfsbeek, PIO, Contra Costa County Public Works Department
October 27, 2023, El Sobrante & Orinda, CA – Contra Costa County Public Works Department will be performing work along San Pablo Dam Road starting on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, through Thursday, November 16, 2023, barring unforeseen circumstances. Work will occur between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm, Monday through Thursday, weather permitting. Work will take place on San Pablo Dam Road, between Tri Lane in El Sobrante and Wildcat Canyon Road/Bear Creek Road in Orinda. The work will consist of clearing slides and cleaning drainage ditches for winter storm preparation and safety.
Message boards will be posted to advise drivers before scheduled work begins. Traffic control, including lane and shoulder closures, will be used. Drivers should expect delays up to 15 minutes near the work area.
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 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
CONTACT: Michael Stevens, 925.313.7038
Read MoreSource: BART
Making way for new fare gates
Paper ticket holders will need to seek refund
By Bay Area Rapid Transit District
It is an end of an era.
Beginning November 30, 2023, paper tickets will no longer be accepted at BART. This change is occurring as BART begins to roll out new state of the art fare gates we have ordered which will not accept paper tickets and as Clipper prepares for the launch of the next generation of Clipper.
Paper tickets balances cannot be transferred onto a Clipper card. BART offers paper ticket refunds for tickets with a remaining value greater than $1.00. It can be multiple tickets that add up to $1 or more. Click here for directions to request a refund.
Pay By Phone
Clipper is now available through Apple Pay and Google Pay. Riders can get a new Clipper card on their phones for free (normally $3). Funds added using Apple Pay and Google Pay are immediately available for use.
Set up is easy and can be done on the spot or in advance while you are at home. Every rider needs their own digital card. For families travelling together, multiple cards can be added to an Apple phone, but users must turn off Express Transit mode to toggle between each card when tagging at the fare gate.
Next Generation Clipper
BART has moved to a Clipper-only fare payment system because the region has prioritized the use of Clipper as the Bay Area’s all-in-one transit card administered by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission. In calendar year 2024, the next generation of Clipper will be rolled out including open payment which provides the option to tag a credit/debit card at a BART fare gate, including Apple Pay or Google Pay, without setting up a card on your phone in advance. The next generation of Clipper also opens the door for new discount programs, promotions, and potentially fare capping for BART riders.
On Saturday, September 30, 2023, BART ceased the sale of magstripe paper tickets at SFO. Only Clipper cards are available at SFO vending machines and riders will continue to be encouraged to add a Clipper card to their phone for a card-free option.
BART began offering paper tickets at SFO in October 2022 in response to global supply chain issues impacting the region’s plastic card inventory. The region now has an adequate supply of cards and BART will eliminate the sale of all paper tickets. This includes the sale of red paper tickets at the Customer Service window at Lake Merritt Station for RTC applicants waiting for their Clipper card to arrive and paper tickets for group sales.
Riders are still able to use the paper tickets they already have on hand, including weekend promotion tickets, to enter and exit through most fare gates until November 30, 2023.
Refunds
Paper Ticket Refunds
Beginning November 30, 2023, paper tickets will no longer be accepted at BART. This change is occurring as BART begins to roll out new state of the art fare gates which will not accept paper tickets and as Clipper prepares for the launch of the next generation of Clipper.
Paper tickets balances cannot be transferred onto a Clipper card. BART offers paper ticket refunds for tickets with a remaining value greater than $1.00.
Until November 30, 2023, riders with paper tickets will be able to add enough fare to a paper ticket to exit a station using cash at the Addfare machines located inside the paid area of each station.
You have 3 options for getting a refund:
- A Station Agent can help process a ticket refund request. The agent will have you fill out a form and you will provide the agent with your ticket(s) and the agent will send it to BART Treasury. Treasury will mail you a check. This option helps you avoid paying for postage and is the most secure option. The refund may take 4-6 weeks to process.
- You can also visit the Customer Services Center at Lake Merritt Station to drop off tickets in a sealed envelope addressed to BART’s Treasury Department. Please include your name, phone number, and return address and note that you are seeking a refund of paper ticket(s) using this form. A receipt will be provided for dropping off your envelope.
- Mail the ticket(s) to BART’s Treasury Department. Include your name, phone number, and return address and note that you are seeking a refund of your paper ticket(s) due to BART’s elimination of paper ticket sales. Station Agents can also provide pre-addressed envelopes to Treasury. Due to observed delivery issues this is a less secure option. It is recommended that items of value be insured when selecting this option.
Mail it to:
BART Finance Department
2150 Webster, 9th floor, Oakland, CA 94612
Attention: Requests
BART’s Treasury Department will then process the refund. You will get a check in the mail at the address you provide. The check may take 4-6 weeks.
Tickets submitted for refund must have been purchased by cash or debit card. Tickets purchased with a credit card (there will be a small “c” on these near the magnetic stripe) will be credited back to the credit card which was used to purchase the ticket.
BART doesn’t offer cash refunds.
BART will also refund full unused paratransit ticket books.
Tickets purchased using pre-tax dollars/Commuter Checks are not refundable due to federal restrictions of the Commuter Check program
For more information, call the BART Treasury at (510) 464-6841.
Clipper Refunds:
Only registered Clipper cards, are available for refunds. Please contact Clipper Customer Service at 877.878.8883 to request a refund without cancelling your card.
Ticket Donations (“Tiny Tickets”)
Donations of tickets with unused value of less than $1 can be made to local non-profits. Check with your favorite non-profit or charity organization to see if it accepts these small value tickets. Former Tiny Ticket non-profit organizations can still submit these tickets for refund directly to BART Treasury.
Submit to:
Refunds, BART Treasury Department
2150 Webster St., 9th floor, Oakland, CA 94612
If you have a question, please call (510) 464-6841.
Replacement Tickets:
BART’s Treasury Department will no longer issue replacement tickets in order to reduce the use of tickets in the system. Due to increased Clipper Card use and the corresponding reduction in use of paper tickets, the Ticket Exchange Booth at 12th St Oakland City Center Station has been permanently closed.
Need help?
BART Customer Service is available to help riders with inquiries over the phone at (510)464-7133 or in person at Lake Merritt Station (concourse level).
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