Released more than 20 tons of metal-laden dust on Thanksgiving, CC Health not notified, no public warning issued
On Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023, Contra Costa Health (CCH) formally requested that the District Attorney consider taking legal action against the Martinez Refining Company (MRC) for not notifying the County after the refinery released more than 20 tons of metal-laden dust into the community over the Thanksgiving holiday.
The accidental release of “spent catalyst” from the refinery during multiple flarings, began around 9:30 p.m. on Nov. 24 (Thanksgiving Day) and continued into the early hours of Nov. 25, showering the surrounding community in the dust-like substance. Samples of the dust taken later showed it had elevated levels of aluminum and other metals, which could have potentially caused respiratory symptoms in people who breathed it. Prolonged exposure to these metals can lead to health concerns.
MRC did not report the release via the county’s Community Warning System or directly to CCH, as required by the county’s notification policy. CCH learned about the release from media accounts two days after it began. Had MRC followed the notification policy, the Community Warning System would have been activated to notify the community about the hazard at the time of the accident.
“It is unacceptable that the refinery did not notify County Health Services of their chemical release and that the County learned about it through the media,” said John Gioia, Chair of the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors. “By failing to notify the County in a timely manner, the refinery delayed an emergency response that could have reduced harm to the surrounding community.”
“We rely on our industrial businesses to follow the rules and be good neighbors – and most of the time, they are. But when an industrial facility doesn’t follow the rules and possibly puts its neighbors in harm’s way, as in this case, then they must be held accountable,” said Supervisor Federal Glover, whose district includes the Martinez refinery.
The District Attorney’s Office has approximately 30 days to decide whether to accept the enforcement case referral from CCH.
In a separate but related move, CCH is also recommending an independent investigation and risk assessment be done of the accidental release of spent catalyst from the refinery. The Contra Costa Industrial Safety Ordinance (ISO) Ad Hoc Committee, which is appointed by the County Board of Supervisors, will consider that recommendation at its Jan. 12 meeting at 1 p.m., which is open to the public.
A Nov. 30th post on MRC’s Facebook page reads, “On November 30, 2022, Contra Costa County Health Services held a news briefing regarding the Martinez Refining Company spent catalyst release that occurred overnight last Thursday, November 24th. You can watch a video of the County’s briefing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9PovDvIq7IQ
This incident is still under internal and external investigations, and we appreciate the cooperation and responses of the Contra Costa County Health Services and Bay Area Air Quality Management District. MRC will continue working with the agencies on this matter. Again, we apologize for the inconvenience this incident has posed to our neighbors and community.”
In that video, Contra Costa Health Officer Dr. Ori Tzveli said, “Contra Costa Health does not believe that there is an immediate risk to the community from this event. Breathing the air containing this material could have caused temporary respiratory symptoms…during the incident. Anyone who experienced those or are continuing to experience those should contact their healthcare provider. Exposure during a single event like this would be unlikely to cause any major health problems.”
“We will be working with the facility to make sure exposures like this don’t happen again,” he added.
MRC is owned by New Jersey-based PBF Energy. According to the parent company’s website, it “is one of the largest independent petroleum refiners and suppliers of unbranded transportation fuels, heating oil, petrochemical feedstocks, lubricants and other petroleum products in the United States.”
Asked for comment about CCH’s request, MRC’s Community Relations Advisor, David Schoenthal responded, “While this incident is still under internal and external investigation, MRC will continue cooperating with all agencies.”
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
Read MoreBy Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff
The Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff and the Contra Costa DA’s Office are currently investigating an in-custody death that occurred at the Martinez Detention Facility this afternoon.
The inmate, who is not being identified at this time, was arrested on December 31, 2022, by Antioch police for misdemeanor spousal battery. Upon entering Intake, he tested positive for Covid and was assigned to a module on quarantine status and housed alone. He was screened by County Health Services and cleared for incarceration by Medical and Mental Health staff.
On Jan. 3, 2023, at approximately 1:22pm, deputies conducted a room check and observed no movement from the inmate. Deputies made entry and called for jail medical staff to respond. Life-saving measures were attempted by deputies, medical staff and paramedics. He was later pronounced deceased at the scene. There were no immediate signs of trauma or anything suspicious.
The countywide law enforcement involved fatal incident protocol was invoked and the investigation is ongoing.
Read MoreDecember 29, 2022 – Stockton, Calif – Josh Hill has joined locally-owned BAC Community Bank as Senior Vice President and Retail Banking Officer. Hill is a results-driven financial services professional with more than 28 years of extensive leadership experience. He has most recently led and grown retail banking teams within the BAC Community Bank footprint and Northern California.
“We are excited to be working with Josh,” said Jackie Verkuyl, Chief Administrative Officer, “the skills and insight he brings complement BAC’s future-focused strategic path.”
Working with other seasoned members of management, Hill is responsible for the overall success of the relationship banker and deposit service specialist teams, as well as leading BAC’s branch operations and ensuring consistent delivery of high-quality customer banking experiences. He also assists in developing and overseeing retail policies and strategies while working with team members to improve and implement new retail products and services.
Hill holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Financial Management and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics.
About BAC Community Bank
BAC Community Bank is California’s 10th oldest state-chartered bank. Established in 1965, BAC operates branch offices throughout San Joaquin, Stanislaus, and Contra Costa counties and is identified as “one of the strongest financial institutions in the nation” by BauerFinancial, Inc.
The bank is centrally headquartered in Stockton, California, and is continuously recognized for banking excellence through local awards and banking industry accolades.
BAC Community Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and Equal Opportunity Employer. Member FDIC. More information is available online at www.bankbac.com.
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Maximum Enforcement Period Friday night 12/30/22 – Monday night 1/02/23
Multi-state DUI Enforcement Campaign 12/30/22-1/01/22
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The California Highway Patrol (CHP) urges everyone to ring in 2023 responsibly by designating a sober driver.
The CHP will conduct a Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP) starting at 6:01 p.m. on Friday, December 30, 2022, continuing through 11:59 p.m. on Monday, January 2, 2023. During that time, all available CHP officers will be out on patrol with a focus on removing impaired drivers.
“Every year, people’s lives are impacted forever by making the decision to get behind the wheel while under the influence,” CHP Commissioner Amanda Ray said. “Driving impaired is never worth it and certainly not the way to ring in the new year – always designate a sober driver.”
During the previous new year’s MEP, 29 people were killed and CHP officers arrested 495 impaired drivers. Additionally, the CHP issued over 2,300 citations for speeding and 26 citations for seat belt violations during the same time period.
To help bolster this year’s holiday traffic safety effort across state lines, the CHP will again coordinate with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration and law enforcement partners from all over the Western United States. With this year’s “Eyes on the Interstates” initiative, officers from Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Arizona, Idaho, and Montana will be teaming up with the CHP to increase awareness about driving under the influence and removing impaired drivers from the roadways.
The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.
Read MoreThanks donors, supporters and volunteers
BRENTWOOD, CA – The International Orphan Relief Foundation of Brentwood held their 16th annual children’s pajamas, toy and grocery gift card giveaway on Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022. Led by organizers former Councilwoman Claudette and her husband Johnny Staton, they partnered with Toys for Tots by the U.S. Marines and helped about 150 families, this year.
The families signed up for the giveaway through three organizations, Sisters of Immaculate Heart, Delta Community Services and Village Community Resource Center of Brentwood. The giveaway was held at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Brentwood.
“It was heartfelt to see people, especially the children with smiles on their faces and so grateful to receive the gifts,” Johnny shared.
“We want to thank Fremont Bank branch in Brentwood, specifically branch manager Deborah Willis and Community Outreach Manager Julie Moore who supported us throughout the years as well as McNally Insurance Company, as they are our major donors.”
“We also want to thank all those who donated toys and pajamas, Toys for Tots, Got Kicks and Tammy Young of the Streets of Brentwood, the volunteers, JoAnn Klement, Surah and Shaddin Abukishk, Dawn Bass, mother Gloria and daughter Gloria Pantoja, Claudia Rodriguez, Allen Payton, the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church and Carol Ilch-Rojo,” Claudette said.
![](http://contracostaherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Statons-volunteers-12-19-22-IORF-1024x355.jpg)
Organizers Johnny and Claudette Staton were joined by several volunteers for the 2022 giveaway event. Photo: IORF
The Statons also thanked last year’s donors including Dub 4 Kids and past volunteers Jilda Fairhurst, Roy and Elma Richards, Villa Millan Serrano, for helping on distribution day, as well as all the past volunteers over the years including Glen Combs.
Finally, they thanked their legal counsel, Hon. Elihu Harris, former Mayor of Oakland, and Dr. Sheila Wells.
Johnny said, “I also want to thank my wife, Claudette for being such caring person.”
“We do it all for the praise and glory of God,” he added.
For more information and to donate to IORF visit International Orphan Relief Foundation (www. iorf.org).
Read More![](http://contracostaherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Thorpe-DUI-symbol-CHP-badge.jpg)
Antioch Mayor Lamar Thorpe was arrested on March 19, 2022, for DUI. Later that day in an apology video he said, “I never felt inhibited by the drink I had with my dinner”.
Enough for 3 drinks for his body weight, more than “the drink…with dinner” he admitted to; lied to CHP officer; failed field sobriety tests; refused breath test during stop
By Allen D. Payton
According to the arrest report of his DUI arrest in March Antioch Mayor Lamar Thorpe had a Blood Alcohol Level of .121% and .124% according to two chemical breath tests he was administered. Released by the California Highway Patrol on Thursday, Dec. 22, 2022, the report also reveals Thorpe failed the field sobriety tests in a variety of ways including having nystagmus which is defined as, “uncontrolled repetitive movements of the eyes” and “the distinct odor of an alcoholic beverage emitting from his breath”. Thorpe DUI Arrest 3-19-22 Report Redacted
Yet, in an apology video on his official Facebook page later that morning, Thorpe said, “I never felt inhibited by the drink I had with my dinner”. He was pulled over by CHP Officer J. Dagnino at about 1:15 AM.
The report also shows Thorpe lied to the officer about having anything to drink.
“I asked Lamar if he had consumed any alcoholic beverages prior to driving and he related he had nothing to drink,” Rosario wrote.
The report shows the 41-year-old Thorpe, who was wearing a “Michelob Ultra” wristband at the time of the stop, “was struggling to maintain a center lane position” while driving northbound on I-680 in Concord at 59 MPH.
During the field sobriety test, while standing on one leg he, “Swayed from center, left to right” and “lost his balance” during the Walk and Turn portion of the field test. Officer Dagnino wrote that he, “advised Lamar of the PAS (Preliminary Alcohol Screening Device)…and he refused to provide a sample.”
Blood Alcohol Content and Level
According to Law and Daily Life “The definition of blood alcohol content is the blood alcohol level expressed as a percentage” and “Generally one drink is considered: (1) 12 fluid oz. beer, (1) 5 fluid oz. glass of wine or (1) 1.5 fluid oz shot of hard liquor.”
The arrest report shows Thorpe weighs 120 pounds. According to the DMV’s BAC chart that means he had to have consumed at least four drinks prior to his arrest, not taking into account the reduction by 0.01% for each 40 minutes of drinking. His two tests were administered at 2:13 AM and 2:19 AM, which means his BAC was higher at the time he was driving an hour prior.
12-28-22 9:00 PM UPDATE: However, the original arrest report issued in March shows Thorpe weighs 150 pounds which according to the above chart clearly requires at least three drinks to be legally intoxicated. Chp288B.THORPE Report of Arrest 3-19-22
An email was sent to CHP PIO Andrew Barclay Wednesday evening for clarification of which weight for Thorpe is correct. Barclay responded, “His license lists 120 lbs., but as you know you can claim whatever. I would not know what his current weight is as it is inconsequential in our investigations. The 150 could simply be a typo.”
According to reports from Antioch residents and restaurant staff members who chose to remain anonymous, Thorpe was seen drinking at an Antioch restaurant earlier that day prior to leaving the area.
Transcript of Report
Observation Prior to Contact
“On 3/19/2022 at approximately 0110 hours, I was on patrol, in full CHP uniform, driving a fully marked black and white CHP patrol vehicle, with my partner Officer J. Del Rosario #22568 (passenger). On the date and time mentioned, I was traveling northbound on I-680, just south of Monument boulevard within the #4 lane, monitoring traffic. Traffic was moderately light, and I observed a silver SUV just ahead of my location, within the #5 lane, that was struggling to maintain its center lane position. I accelerated my patrol vehicle and positioned it directly behind the silver SUV, now identified as a silver Volvo with a California license plate of (redacted) and continued to monitor the Volvo’s driving behavior. While monitoring the Volvo’s driving behavior, I observed the Volvo continue to struggle to maintain a center lane position, by crossing over the broken white lane divider line on left side and the solid white line on the right side. The Volvo was also traveling at approximately 59 MPH in a posted 65 MPH zone.
After observing the Volvo’s driving behavior, I activated my patrol vehicle’s emergency CODE 3 lights and initiated an enforcement stop on the Volvo. The driver of the Volvo applied the brakes and began to pull to the right shoulder on SR-242 northbound, just north of the I-680 transition. Using the patrol vehicle loudspeaker (PA) my partner began to instruct the driver of the Volvo to exit at the Clayton Road exit. The driver of the Volvo continued to drive on the shoulder of SR-242, until my partner directed the Volvo to turn right onto Market Street and pull to the right curb edge, just south of Clayton Road. The Volvo followed instructions given by my partner and pulled to the right curb edge, just south of Clayton Road and Market Street intersection. I parked directly behind the Volvo, exited my patrol vehicle and made a passenger side approach of the Volvo.
Observation Upon Contact
I contacted the driver, who was the only occupant in the vehicle, through a lowered passenger window and immediately detected the odor of an alcohol beverage emitting from within the Volvo. I advised the driver for the reason of the stop and asked for his license, registration, and insurance. The driver provided me with a California Driver License and was positively identified as Lamar Anthony Thorpe with a date of birth of 04/06/81 and [redacted].
Upon contact, Lamar displayed objective signs and symptoms of intoxication; watery eyes, droopy eye lids and slurred speech. Lamar was also wearing a white Michelob Ultra wristband around his right wrist and related he was on his way home from dinner. I asked Lamar if he had consumed any alcoholic beverages prior to driving and he related he had nothing to drink. I directed Lamar to exit the vehicle and meet me near my patrol vehicle to answer a series of questions and perform a series of voluntary field sobriety tests. Lamar exited his vehicle and met me on the concrete sidewalk. While speaking with Lamar outside the vehicle, I could smell the odor of an alcoholic beverage emitting from his breath. I asked Lamar the remainder of the Pre-FST questions which he answered accordingly. I explained and demonstrated a series of Field Sobriety Tests to Lamar, which he did not complete as explained and demonstrated.
Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus
Lamar related he was wearing soft contact lenses. His eyes were watery, his pupils were equal, and he was able to track the tip of my finger with both eyes. He displayed the following:
- Lack of smooth pursuit in both eyes
- Distinct and sustained nystagmus at maximum deviation in both eyes
- Onset of nystagmus prior to 45 degrees in his right eye, at approximately 40 degrees
- Lack of convergence in his left eye.
During Walk and Turn, Lamar displayed the following:
- Lamar lost his balance during the instruction phrase. I instructed him to set back up in the starting position.
- Lamar used his arms for balance by raising them more than six inches from his sides.
- Stepped offline between steps 5 and 6, during the first set of steps
- Missed heel to toe contact by more than 1” between steps 3 & 4 of the first set.
One Leg Stand:
Lamar raised his left foot for the test, and he displayed the following:
- Swayed from center, left to right
- Used his arms for balance by raising them more than six inches from his sides.
- Put his foot down twice and was instructed to lift his foot and continue to test
Modified Rhomberg
Lamar was instructed to end the test once he reached an internal estimated count of thirty seconds, he ended the test at fifty-two seconds.
- His eyes displayed tremors
- He swayed from center, front to back
- Lamar displayed a bouncing pulse in his neck
ARREST
Due to Lamar operating a motor vehicle upon a highway, his admission to operating a motor vehicle, the distinct odor of an alcoholic beverage emitting from his breath, his objective signs and symptoms of alcohol impairment (water eyes, slowed/ slurred speech, droopy eye lids) and his poor performance on the field sobriety tests, I determined Lamar was operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and was impaired. I placed Lamar under arrest for violation of California Vehicle Code section 23152(a) VC (Misdemeanor, DU). Lamar was searched incident to arrest and placed in the front seat of my patrol vehicle. I advised Lamar of Implied Consent (23612 VC) and he chose to submit to a chemical breath test.
Lamar was transported to the CHP Contra Costa Area Office for the chosen chemical test. I observed Lamar for fifteen minutes prior to administering the chemical breath test to ensure he did nothing to compromise the test. Lamar provided two breath sample with results of .121% and .124%. I advised Lamar of Trombetta and he declined any further testing. (According to LosAngelesDUIAttorney.com, “California v. Trombetta was a Supreme Court case that found that police do not have to preserve DUI breath test samples like other evidence. It was also be used as a precedent…to establish rules for destroyed or missing evidence).
Following the chemical test, Lamar signed the CHP 215/ Promise to Appear in my presence and was released to [redacted].
EVIDENCE
Item #1 1 Compact Disc containing video of news clip/ suspect’s admission to driving while under the influence.
OTHER FACTUAL INFORMATION
The same morning following the incident, ABC 7 news uploaded an article regarding the arrest/ incident. In the video, Lamar Anthony Thorpe (Mayor Antioch, Ca) relates he was arrested by California Highway Patrol for driving under the influence. In the video, Lamar related he assumes full responsibility for his actions and admits to operating a motor vehicle while under the influence. The video was copied onto a compact disc, booked into the CHP Contra Costa temporary evidence locker and a copy was attached with this report.
The patrol vehicle utilized is equipped with a Wireless Mobile Video Audio Recording System (VVMVARS) that was on at the time of the incident and which may or may not have captured all relevant information.
RECOMMENDATION
I recommended a copy of this report be forwarded to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office for review and prosecution of Lamar Anthony Thorpe for the following charges:
- 23152(a) VC – Misdemeanor – Driving Under the Influence.
- 23152(b) VC – Misdemeanor – Driving Under the Influence over .08% BAC.”
———-
Found Guilty on One DUI Count
As previously reported, Thorpe, through his attorney, pled no contest to both charges, during his court hearing, on Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022. According to the Felony and Misdemeanor Clerk’s Docket and Minutes he was found guilty on the second count of DUI over .08% BAC and the other charge was dismissed. Thorpe Clerk’s Docket and Minutes 12-13-22 redacted
According to the Misdemeanor Order of Probation, Thorpe was fined $1,749 and was sentenced to two days I prison with one day credited and is eligible for the Sheriff’s Work Alternative Program for the one remaining day. Thorpe was also sentenced to three years of probation and cannot drive a vehicle with any measurable alcohol in his blood and must attend and complete a three-month alcohol program. Thorpe Misdemeanor Order of Probation 12-13-22 redacted
He was given the Watson advisement. According to LosAngelesDUIAttorney.com, A “Watson advisement” is a formal statement you must sign after being convicted of DUI. It says you understand that driving under the influence can injure or kill people, and it can be used against you if you ever cause a DUI accident in the future. Legally, this means that you could be tried for second degree murder if your DUI kills someone.”
Please check back later for any updates to this report.
Read MoreDon’t drop the ball on safety, savings or convenience
By John Goodwin, MTC
The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) and Bay Area transit agencies encourage residents and visitors planning a night on the town to celebrate the new year this weekend to:
- Travel by bus, train or ferry. Several Bay Area transit agencies — including BART —will extend their usual operating hours Saturday night and early Sunday morning to accommodate New Year’s Eve revelers.
- Avoid long lines at the station by adding a Clipper card to your phone’s digital wallet ahead of time. No app fee is required, and customers can instantly load cash value with their Apple Wallet or Google Wallet. For those who already have Clipper, make sure you have your round-trip fare loaded before boarding.
- Go to clippercard.com and visit Clipper’s Apple Pay or Google Pay pages for more information, including step-by-step instructions on how to add a new Clipper card to your iPhone or Android system phone running Android 5 or later.
Clipper will waive the standard $3 new-card fee for customers who choose Clipper on their mobile phone. The $3 fee will be charged to customers who opt for a traditional plastic card. MTC reminds travelers riding on BART that each rider age 5 or older needs their own Clipper card to pay the BART fare.
MTC is the transportation planning, funding and coordinating agency for the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area. MTC operates the Clipper system on behalf of the region’s transit agencies.
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![](http://contracostaherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Fresh-Approach-mobile-farmers-market-truck.jpg)
The Fresh Approach mobile farmers’ market truck visits three locations in West County on Wednesdays. Photos: Kaiser Permanente
Wednesdays at the library, YMCA and San Pablo Senior Center
By Antonia Ehlers, PR and Media Relations, Kaiser Permanente Northern California
Richmond resident Marsha Quick has more energy and has reached a healthy weight since she started visiting the Fresh Approach mobile farmers’ market at the Richmond Public Library on Wednesday mornings. She credits the truck for giving her a new appreciation for healthy foods.
“It has changed how I eat,” she said. “I used to hate broccoli, but now I have it four times a week because it’s so fresh. I’ve also learned how to make sweet potato tacos with ground turkey and spices. Most of all, I enjoy meeting other Richmond residents in line – I’ve made a lot of friends out here.”
Fresh Approach is a Bay Area nonprofit dedicated to connecting residents to healthy food from California farmers and to expanding knowledge in the community about food and nutrition. Its mobile farmers’ market truck, stocked with fresh fruits and vegetables, serves six cities in three Bay Area counties.
“The COVID-19 pandemic and recent inflation concerns have increased the number of Bay Area residents who face food insecurity,” said Fresh Approach Food Access Program Manager Ellen Olack. “We’ve seen lots of changes pre- and post- pandemic. More folks are coming out each week.”
The Fresh Approach truck stops at three locations on Wednesdays – the Richmond Public Library, the San Pablo Senior Center and the Richmond Parkway YMCA. The Richmond route and a similar route in Antioch are funded in part by Kaiser Permanente.
Yvette Radford, Kaiser Permanente’s Northern California vice president of External and Community Affairs, noted that having access to affordable, nutritious food is critical for good health.
“That’s why we have partnered with Fresh Approach to provide fresh produce every week to West County residents who are struggling to make ends meet during these challenging economic times,” she said. “This partnership reflects our deep commitment to improve health in the communities we serve and help people live longer, healthier lives.”
Fresh Approach offers a 50 percent discount to customers who participate in income-based benefit programs, including CalFresh (SNAP), WIC, SSI/SSDI, Medi-Cal and unemployment.
For Sharolyn Reed, the mother of three young children, the food truck has been life changing. It has enabled her to plan nutritious meals for her family every day and be more conscientious about healthy snacks.
“My kids look forward to eating apples and fresh vegetables every day,” she said. “I always have them on hand now.”
Fresh Approach Community Ambassador Towanna Turner said her primary goal is to help Richmond residents prevent various diseases by providing easy access to nutrient-rich food.
“I’ve seen people with tears in their eyes because they’re so grateful for healthy food,” she added. “I love being an ambassador because I’m able to help people live better lives.”
Every Wednesday, the Fresh Approach Mobile Farmers’ Market truck stops at the Richmond Public Library from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. It moves to the San Pablo Senior Center at 1943 Church Lane from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. The last stop of the day is the Richmond Parkway YMCA at 4300 Lakeside Drive from 1:45 to 2:45 p.m.
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Free crossings for eligible veterans begin Jan. 1, penalty-waiver program coming
Dec. 27, 2022 – The Bay Area Toll Authority (BATA) and the Golden Gate Bridge District today announced two new bridge toll assistance programs that will benefit customers from lower-income households as well as eligible military veterans, beginning in 2023.
By July 1, 2023, BATA and the Golden Gate Bridge District will institute a policy for toll bridge customers whose household income is no more than 200 percent of the federal poverty level (approximately $55,000 for a family of four) to receive a waiver of any penalties assessed for late or missed payments of toll invoices and toll evasion notices incurred for toll bridge crossings between March 20, 2020 and Jan. 1, 2023. The waiver applies to the Golden Gate Bridge and to the state-owned Antioch, Benicia-Martinez, Carquinez, Dumbarton, Richmond-San Rafael, San Francisco-Oakland Bay and San Mateo-Hayward bridges. The waiver will not apply to Express Lanes.
The Low-Income COVID Waiver program — created by Assembly Bill 2594, which was authored by San Francisco Assembly member Phil Ting and enacted earlier this year — will allow qualifying motorists to request from FasTrak® a waiver of outstanding bridge toll violation penalties. Waiver recipients will be required to pay tolls and any fees charged by the Department of Motor Vehicles for vehicle registration holds due to the non-payment of penalties.
Another new state law — AB 2949, authored by Assembly member Alex Lee of San Jose — goes into effect Jan. 1, 2023, granting eligible veterans of the U.S. armed forces free tolls on California toll bridges. These include the Golden Gate Bridge as well as the state-owned Antioch, Benicia-Martinez, Carquinez, Dumbarton, Richmond-San Rafael, San Francisco-Oakland Bay and San Mateo-Hayward bridges. The free-passage benefit does not apply to Express Lanes.
To be eligible for free travel across California toll bridges, vehicles registered to military veterans must have a license plate with one of the following designations: Congressional Medal of Honor, Disabled Veteran, Legion of Valor, Pearl Harbor Survivor, Ex-Prisoner of War, or Purple Heart.
Eligible veterans do not currently need to have a FasTrak electronic toll payment account to qualify for free passage, although a FasTrak-enrollment requirement will be instituted in the future. To avoid being charged a toll, veterans who already are FasTrak customers must place their FasTrak tag in a Mylar bag when traveling through bridge toll plazas. Customers may request a bag by logging into their FasTrak account, clicking ‘Vehicles and Tags’, and selecting ‘Request Toll Tag Supplies.’ Veterans also may request a Mylar bag by calling the FasTrak customer service center at 877-BAY-TOLL (877-229-8655). These bags are free of charge.
BATA administers all toll revenues from the San Francisco Bay Area’s seven state-owned toll bridges. The Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District owns and operates the Golden Gate Bridge.
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