22,000 ballot cards included with 167 “unique combinations of contests”
On Friday, Oct. 14th, the Contra Costa County Elections Division performed the official logic and accuracy testing on their central ballot counting and processing equipment. Logic and accuracy testing is a standard pre-election procedure. The test is designed to confirm that all central count equipment is in working order and functioning properly. A set of test ballots was run through each scanner to ensure they are properly programmed and operating as expected.
Questions were sent to the Elections Division staff asking about the results of the test.
Helen Nolan of the County Elections Office responded, “Our logic and accuracy testing on Friday went very well. We scanned 22,000 ballot cards, which were a mix of pre-printed test ballots, hand marked test cards, ICX (Ballot Marking Device) ballots, RAVBM ballots, and MBP printed ballot cards. Our test decks were comprised of 167 different patterns for each ballot type (unique combination of contests, candidates, and rotations). These test ballots come to us with an expected set of results.
700 ballot cards were adjudicated in order to test each ‘out-stack’ condition (blank card, overvoted contest, indeterminate marks, and write-in positions) to ensure the scanners were accurately identifying those ballots with those pre-indicated conditions.
Our end results matched 100%, meaning after all test ballots were scanned and adjudicated, we found our test results matched the predetermined expected results with 100% accuracy.”
Read MoreStored data on severs in the People’s Republic of China, Los Angeles DA says
Contra Costa data “was not involved in the alleged incident” – Debi Cooper, County Clerk-Recorder-Registrar
Dominion voting equipment used by county does have removable media ports; test run on Friday
Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced on Tuesday, Oct. 4 that the CEO of Michigan-based Konnech Corporation which is responsible for the software used in managing Los Angeles County election poll workers, has been arrested as part of an investigation into the possible theft of personal identifying information of those workers. The Contra Costa County Elections Division also uses the same software. However, it’s been confirmed that Contra Costa’s data was not involved in the alleged incident.
Konnech distributes and sells its proprietary PollChief software, which is an election worker management system that was utilized by the county in the last California election. The software assists with poll worker assignments, communications and payroll. PollChief requires that workers submit personal identifying information, which is retained by the Konnech.
“I want to thank my prosecutors and investigators for their commitment to eliminating cyber intrusions against government entities and local businesses,” Gascón said. “Data breaches are an ongoing threat to our digital way of life. When we entrust a company to hold our confidential data, they must be willing and able to protect our personal identifying information from theft. Otherwise, we are all victims.”
The investigation was concerned solely with the personal identifying information of election workers. In this case, the alleged conduct had no impact on the tabulation of votes and did not alter election results. But security in all aspects of any election is essential so that we all have full faith in the integrity of the election process.”
Earlier that day, Konnech Corporation Chief Executive Officer Eugene Yu was taken into custody on suspicion of theft of personal identifying information by investigators from the District Attorney’s Office Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Meridian Township Police Department in Michigan. In addition, hard drives and other digital evidence were seized by LADA investigators.
The L.A. County District Attorney’s Office is seeking Yu’s extradition to Los Angeles.
Under its $2.9 million, five-year contract with L.A. County, Konnech was supposed to securely maintain the data and that only United States citizens and permanent residents have access to it. District Attorney investigators found that in contradiction to the contract, information was stored on servers in the People’s Republic of China.
The East Lansing Police Department and Ingham County Sheriff’s Office in Michigan also assisted in the investigation.
“Konnech was required to keep the data in the United States and only provide access to citizens and permanent residents but instead stored it on servers in the People’s Republic of China,” the L.A.D.A.’s office said.
As a result of Yu’s arrest, Prince William County, Virginia stopped using the PollChief software, this week, according to a Potomac Local News report.
Contra Costa Clerk Says County’s Data Not Included
Several questions were emailed to Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder-Registrar Debi Cooper, including “does your department use any Konnech software, including its proprietary PollChief, for the Elections Division? If so, do you know if any the personal data of any poll workers, any voters or anyone else in our county was part of the alleged theft and also stored on servers in China? If so, what if anything has the Elections Division done or are they doing about it?”
Cooper responded, “Contra Costa uses PollChief for our poll worker management and communication and asset management (supplies inventory). Our software and data are stored in a secure private cloud located in Lansing, Michigan. This system is used to schedule training and communicate with our volunteers and to track polling place supplies. It is critical to note that this system is not connected to our voter registration/ elections management system nor to our stand-alone vote tabulation system, which is not connected to any other network or the internet.”
“Our poll workers’ personal info, such as SSN or vaccination information, is managed by the Contra Costa County HR database, which is not connected to PollChief in any way,” she continued. “We have confirmed that our data was not involved in the alleged incident. Per our contract, our data and the system have remained in the secure cloud in Lansing, Michigan.”
“In addition, Contra Costa’s PollChief system does not require any personal identifiable information to apply as an Election Volunteer, therefore no volunteer personal identifiable information is captured or stored on Contra Costa’s PollChief site,” Cooper shared. “We continue to be in regular contact with the vendor as they work through this issue. We have reviewed our contract terms and confirmed with the company that the terms continue to be met and our data remains fully secure and without breach.”
Contra Costa’s Dominion Voting Equipment Removable Media Ports Under Lock and Key
As previously reported the county has been using the controversial Dominion voting equipment since 2018.
Regarding election security in Contra Costa County, Cooper was asked, “does the Dominion voting equipment used by the Elections Division have ports in which a mobile hard drive can be inserted and/or removed? If so, who in the office handles that and why would it be done?” She responded, “Any open ports on our equipment at in-person voting locations (ICX accessible voting equipment, ballot printers, etc.) have locking covers or port blockers installed, which we retain the keys to.”
10/17/22 UPDATE: Friday Test Results in 100% Accuracy
On Friday, Oct. 14th, the Elections Division performed the county’s official logic and accuracy testing on central ballot counting and processing equipment. Logic and accuracy testing is a standard pre-election procedure. The test is designed to confirm that all central count equipment is in working order and functioning properly. A set of test ballots was run through each scanner to ensure they are properly programmed and operating as expected.
Questions were sent to the Elections Division staff asking about the results of the test.
Helen Nolan of the County Elections Office responded, “Our logic and accuracy testing on Friday went very well. We scanned 22,000 ballot cards, which were a mix of pre-printed test ballots, hand marked test cards, ICX (Ballot Marking Device) ballots, RAVBM ballots, and MBP printed ballot cards. Our test decks were comprised of 167 different patterns for each ballot type (unique combination of contests, candidates, and rotations). These test ballots come to us with an expected set of results.
700 ballot cards were adjudicated in order to test each ‘out-stack’ condition (blank card, overvoted contest, indeterminate marks, and write-in positions) to ensure the scanners were accurately identifying those ballots with those pre-indicated conditions.
Our end results matched 100%, meaning after all test ballots were scanned and adjudicated, we found our test results matched the predetermined expected results with 100% accuracy.”
Read MoreTo transform passenger rail network in 21-county Nor Cal Megaregion
Link21 is a long-range transportation program sponsored by the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) and the Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority (CCJPA) to transform the passenger rail network serving the 21-county Northern California Megaregion, which includes the greater San Francisco Bay Area, the Monterey Bay area, the Sacramento area, and the Northern San Joaquin Valley.
Phase 1 of Link21 is currently underway. The public is invited to attend one of several in-person and virtual events this fall to engage with the Link21 team on this critical long-term planning investment in a new train crossing of the Bay and other improvements. Public input on potential rail improvement concepts is critical to the success of the Link21 Program to create a connected, equitable network of train service that cares for the people, environment, and quality of life for generations to come.
New Transbay Rail Connection
Link21 is planning a new transbay passenger rail connection between Oakland and San Francisco. Travelers will be able to ride comfortably between the Sacramento Area and downtown San Francisco, the Northern San Joaquin Valley, the Peninsula, and the South Bay. Regional Rail riders with destinations across the Bay may be able to take a direct rail connection without transferring to a different service.
Watch experts talk about the benefits of Link21 or read a report on how the new transbay rail crossing will be a game changer for Northern California. – See California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), California State Rail Plan, 2018 and MTC, Horizon, 2019
The Northern California Megaregion is one of the nation’s most dynamic economies with a wide range of geographic, industrial and cultural diversity. Link21 will create a faster, more connected train service.
“We have a once in a lifetime opportunity to design the kind of system that will make rail transit the mode of choice for trips throughout the Megaregion for everyone,” said Sadie Graham, BART’s Link21 Program Director. “We can’t do this alone and need the public to be part of the planning process at every step of this generational undertaking.”
Three Community Meetings
Three virtual community meetings will be hosted in October to provide the public an opportunity to learn about Program concept development, including results of the service improvements survey, and how all of this information and public input will be used to support technical work and further developing and evaluating concepts. The first meeting will provide a Megaregional overview and benefits focus, while the other two will focus on specific locations.
- Megaregional Focus: Tuesday, October 18, 5:30–7 p.m.
- East Bay Focus: Wednesday, October 26, 5:30–7 p.m.
- San Francisco Focus: Wednesday, November 16, 5:30–7 p.m.
In addition, Link21 will be hosting three virtual office hours.to give the public an opportunity to ask questions of the technical teams.
- Wednesday, October 19: Noon–1 p.m.
- Monday, October 24: 5:30–6:30 p.m.
- Thursday, October 27: 4:30–5:30 p.m.
Register at Link21Program.org/events
Events will be in English with Spanish, and Cantonese translators available. To request American Sign Language and other accommodations, please email inquiries@Link21Program.org or call 855-905-Link (5465) between one and five days in advance of the meeting date.
Can’t Make an Event?
Link21 will also be in local communities to share information and engage with the public. Visit the website for more details. Recordings for all virtual events will also be posted on the website.
Read MoreFor tickets click, here – 2022 Heritage Foundation Dinner | Contra Costa County (cccfheritagefoundation.com).
After two-year hiatus Contra Costa Musical Theatre brings fun and laughs to El Campanil Theatre in Antioch Nov. 4-20
By Liz Nunan, Chair, Marketing Committee, Contra Costa Musical Theatre
Contra Costa Musical Theatre (CCMT) is thrilled to present the non-profit organization’s first musical production in over two years, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee!” The show will run on select dates Nov 4 – 20, and tickets are $38 for adults and $32 for Youth and Senior showgoers. Tickets are available on the El Campanil Theatre website.
About the Show
“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” is a riotous ride, complete with audience participation and a delightful den of comedic genius. Winner of the Tony and the Drama Desk Awards for Best Book, this fabulous musical features a fast-paced, wildly funny and touching book by Rachel Sheinkin and a truly fresh and vibrant score by William Finn, this bee is one unforgettable experience.
The plot centers around an eclectic group of six mid-pubescents vying for the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives, the tweens spell their way through a series of (potentially made-up) words, hoping never to hear the soul-crushing, pout-inducing, life un-affirming “ding” of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Six spellers enter, one speller leaves! At least the losers get a juice box.
About the Production
CCMT’s production is directed by John Maio, produced by David Pinkham with Musical Direction from Kerry Leyden and choreography by Justin Sabino. The cast features wonderfully talented performers from across the Bay Area.
After many wonderful years at the Lesher Theater in Walnut Creek, CCMT productions are now traveling to different theaters across the community in an effort to reach new audiences. “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” will be presented at the historic El Campanil Theatre in Antioch.
PLEASE NOTE: This production is rated PG-13 due to a small number of profanities and vulgarities.
About CCMT
Contra Costa Musical Theatre, Inc. (CCMT) was founded in August 1961 with the purpose of bringing high-quality Broadway musicals to the East Bay. We are a community-based non-profit organization dedicated to an appreciation for and involvement in musical theatre of the highest quality. Since those early beginnings, CCMT productions have been presented on a variety of stages. We have been honored with numerous Shellie Awards and Bay Area Theatre Critic Circle Awards for our productions and the artists associated with our productions, and have had the unique privilege of presenting several East Bay Premieres in recent seasons.
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Antioch Mayor Lamar Thorpe is facing DUI charges from an arrest in the early morning of March 19, 2022.
New hearing set for Dec. 13
By Allen D. Payton
According to an Antioch resident who was at the courthouse in Martinez, Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2022, Mayor Lamar Thorpe did not show up for his DUI trial before Judge Joni T. Hiramoto, and that his lawyer stated Thorpe wants to change his plea from not guilty. The resident also shared that a new hearing for Thorpe is set for Dec. 13, 2022, in Dept 20. at 8:30 am. The information was later confirmed by Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office Public Information Officer, Ted Asregadoo.
Thorpe was arrested in March for DUI at 1:15 a.m. in Concord. In a Facebook video later that morning he apologized for having “the drink with dinner”. He wouldn’t say with whom or where he had dinner nor what alcohol he had consumed that night. Thorpe was charged by the DA and later pled not guilty. (See related articles here, here, here and here)
However, reports from the staff of an Antioch restaurant are that Thorpe had consumed three shots of alcohol earlier that evening before heading out of town.
An email was sent to Asregadoo Wednesday morning asking, if he could confirm the information provided by the resident was true and if not, to please provide the correct information. In addition, he was asked who from the DA’s office is prosecuting the case.
“You are correct,” he replied. “The next court date is on 12/13/22 at 8:30 am in Department 20. They set the date today for a change of plea. I don’t know which DDA has been assigned to this case, but the supervisor of the misdemeanor trail team is Jay Melaas.”
Attempts to reach Thorpe were unsuccessful asking if what the resident shared is true and if not to please provide the correct information. He was also asked, “Why weren’t you there? Were you still in Seattle for the APTA conference or traveling home at the time? What will you be changing your plea to? No contest or guilty? Will you attend the new hearing on Dec. 13?”
Thorpe might have been traveling home from the conference, today and unable to respond to questions. An effort to reach staff of Tri Delta Transit asking who from the agency attended the conference and if Thorpe, who is the agency’s board vice chair, was among them were unsuccessful prior to publication time. District 4 Councilwoman Monica Wilson who is also a board member for the agency representing Antioch did not attend the conference, as was previously expected.
Please check back later for any updates to this report.
Read MoreClerk-Recorder-Registrar claims elections in Contra Costa County are secure
By Dawn Kruger, Civic Outreach/Engagement Specialist, Contra Costa County, Clerk-Recorder-Elections Department
On Friday, Debi Cooper, County Clerk-Recorder-Registrar, announced that registered voters in Contra Costa County will soon receive their Official Ballots for the upcoming November 8, 2022, General Election. Ballots were at the post office on Monday, October 10th and should arrive in mailboxes beginning today, October 11th. If you do not receive your ballot by October 20th, call their office at 925-335-7800.
Cooper emphasizes that “Elections have been designated as critical infrastructure of this nation. The State of California has one of the strongest voting security system standards in the country. Contra Costa County follows each and every procedure to ensure our residents can feel confident that their vote is being counted in the safest, most secure way possible.”
She also claims that “Contra Costa County Elections processes are not only safe and secure, but also fair, accurate, and accessible. Security protocols in place include:
- The voting system is a paper-based system. The paper ballot submitted by the voter is considered the official record of the vote cast.
- The voting system is NEVER connected to the internet or county network.
- The voting system is physically restricted under lock and key; only authorized personnel are allowed in the area.
- Strict chain of custody procedures and the two-person rule are enforced.
- A state-mandated logic and accuracy test of the ballots and voting system is required to ensure votes are tabulated accurately.
- After Election Day, the County is required to perform a manual hand tally (audit) of at least a 1% of the votes as part of the official canvass process to confirm that the voting system accurately tabulated and reported all votes cast.”
For more information about the November 8, 2022 General Election, go to The Contra Costa County Elections Office, your trusted source of nonpartisan elections information, visit the website at www.contracostavote.gov, or call 925-335-7800 M-F 8 am to 5 pm.
Read MoreToday, we celebrate 530th anniversary of the sighting of land by a sailor on one of the three ships in the first voyage of Christopher Columbus to the New World.
Excerpts from Christopher Columbus‘ Log, 1492 A.D.
IN THE NAME OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST
Whereas, Most Christian, High, Excellent, and Powerful Princes, King and Queen of Spain and of the Islands of the Sea, our Sovereigns, this present year 1492…
Thursday, 11 October.
“as the Pinta was the swiftest sailer, and kept ahead of the Admiral, she discovered land and made the signals which had been ordered. The land was first seen by a sailor…”
“the Admiral directed them to keep a strict watch upon the forecastle and look out diligently for land, and to him who should first discover it he promised a silken jacket, besides the reward which the King and Queen had offered, which was an annuity of ten thousand maravedis. At two o’clock in the morning the land was discovered, at two leagues’ distance;”
Read more at http://www.franciscan-archive.org/columbus/opera/excerpts.html.
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Also, worked as cheerleader instructor in San Ramon; faces additional charge of distributing or showing porn to minor
By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa District Attorney
The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office has filed felony charges against a Middle School teacher in Danville for committing lewd acts on minors.
A three-count felony complaint was filed with the Superior Court of California, Contra Costa County on September 16th against 41-year-old Nicholas Brandon Moseby of Concord. Moseby is being charged with two counts of committing a lewd act upon child. One minor is 15 years old, and the offense occurred on August 31, 2022. The other minor is 14 years old and was also a victim of a lewd act and unwanted pornographic images on September 4, 2022. For that offense, Moseby faces one count of distributing or showing pornography to a minor.
Moseby was arrested on September 14th, and at the time he was a biology teacher at Diablo Vista Middle School in Danville — and also worked as a cheerleader instructor at Nor Cal Elites in San Ramon. Moseby’s arraignment is scheduled on September 19th at 1:35 pm in Martinez. He’s currently in custody in the Martinez Detention Facility and bail is set at $200,000.
The Contra Costa County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force investigated this incident. There may be other victims, and anyone who has information, please call Darryl Holcombe, Senior Inspector with the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, at 925-957-2200.
Case Number: 01-22-01583 | The People of the State of California v. Nicholas Brandon Moseby
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