Following vehicle pursuit by Richmond police
By Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff
Contra Costa County Sheriff-Coroner David Livingston announces that a coroner’s jury today reached a finding in the July 23, 2020 death of 53-year-old Steven Kenneth Trottier of El Sobrante. The finding of the jury is that the death is a suicide.
The coroner’s jury reached the verdict in the inquest after hearing the testimony of witnesses called by hearing officer Matthew Guichard.
Following reports of a man with a gun, Richmond police responded and a vehicle pursuit of Trottier ensued. He stopped his car on Amend Road and died of a self-inflicted gunshot.
A July 23, 2020 post at 9:04 p.m. on the Richmond Police Department’s Twitter feed read, “Richmond police officers responded to the 5000 block of Amend Rd. following a report of a man with a gun. The incident has been resolved and there is no risk to the public. Please avoid the area while the investigation continues.”
A coroner’s inquest, which Sheriff-Coroner David Livingston convenes in fatal incidents involving law enforcement personnel, is a public hearing during which a jury rules on the manner of a person’s death. Jury members can choose from the following four options when making their finding: Accident, Suicide, Natural Causes or At the hands of another person, other than by accident.
Allen Payton contributed to this report.
Read MoreBy Rachel Heggen, Community Relations & Development Specialist, MOWDR
At 66, Dianne never imagined she would depend on others to do her grocery shopping. Walking is difficult for her, which makes going to the supermarket challenging, and because she lives on a fixed income, she faces yet another obstacle to obtaining healthy food.
“I didn’t plan on my life coming down to this.” says Dianne. “I had a well-paying job, but now, I’m on disability. With the high cost of living nowadays, it’s really been tough.”
In 2020, Meals on Wheels Diablo Region (MOWDR) partnered with the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano to launch the Grocery Bag Program to help seniors like Dianne who face food insecurity. Twice a month, a MOWDR volunteer is able to deliver healthy groceries and fresh produce along with her weekly meals.
“It’s a wonderful program,” says Dianne. “It’s been life-saving.”
The Grocery Bag Program provides food to low-income seniors in Antioch, Bethel Island, Brentwood, Oakley, Pittsburg, Concord, Martinez and Walnut Creek. MOW Diablo Region Grocery Bag Coordinator Casey Claibourne says, “the program currently serves 160 clients, but there are many more people who need the service. The only way we can offer it is to find more volunteers.”
“You can tell most of the seniors are struggling, and from the looks of things, most likely they do not have a lot in their refrigerator,” says Ted Dason, who’s been volunteering since February. “If anyone is considering being a volunteer, I tell them, it’s super rewarding and it literally only takes about two hours every month.”
If you would like to learn more or volunteer for the Meals on Wheels Diablo Region’s Grocery Bag program, contact Casey Claibourne at cclaibourne@mowdr.org.
About
MOW Diablo Region delivers meals to seniors, 60 years or older, who are homebound, not able to drive, unable to prepare food themselves, and do not have a caregiver that prepares their meals. Meals are provided based on need, not on income. Volunteer drivers deliver over 1,000 hot, nutritious meals to homebound seniors every day. Meal deliveries also provide a needed safety-check and is often the only human interaction a senior will have all day.
Read More“Laurie Sings A Song For You” A Cabaret Concert Inspired by the Music of Karen Carpenter
Presented by Laurie Roldan
November 5 – 14, 2021
Directed by Rachel Robinson. Musical Direction by Brett Strader.
Oakley resident Laurie Roldan shares personal stories and memories in an uplifting evening woven through well-known Carpenters songs. Featuring Musicians Roberta Drake on drums and Pat Tinling on bass and Special Guest Vocalists Anita Colotto, Clarisse Nichole, Stephanie Hill and Charlotte Jeffries, Roldan’s daughter.
Running Time: approx. 1 hour 45 minutes, with one intermission
Proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 is required for all guests age 12 and over, and face coverings are required to be worn by all guests age two and over when visiting the Lesher Center for the Arts.
About
On her website, Roldan writes, “I am a singer with an inexhaustible passion for inspirational music. I believe that each of us has a destiny. I know that it is my destiny to sing. It is my goal to bring hope, joy, and comfort to all those I am privileged enough to perform for.”
She is a professional singer and actor with a passion for inspirational music. She thrives on using music to inspire others and feels this is her unique purpose in life. Laurie is a guest artist at many special events throughout the West and has appeared as a soloist with symphony orchestras throughout California and performed lead roles at a variety of Bay Area Theaters.
Laurie recorded a unique inspirational album, Even That, which was created to comfort to those going through difficult times, as well as provide relaxing soothing music that relieves stress.
Laurie also loves to sing with her husband, Dan, all over Northern California. They perform concerts of best loved show tunes and standards, with a unique theme each month, for senior living, retirement communities, and at special events.
Laurie is very excited about a new chapter in her life, writing and premiering her new one-woman show Laurie Sings A Song For You.
For more information about Roldan, visit www.laurieroldan.com.
Read MoreFundraiser supports efforts to provide hospice and palliative care services
By Cindy Hatton, President & CEO
Hospice East Bay has been caring for patients and their families in our community since 1977. We are proud to be celebrating our 35th annual Tree of Lights. These ceremonies set aside time for families and friends to honor their loved ones through the symbolism of light and the reading of names.
Funds raised by these events help Hospice East Bay provide hospice and palliative care services to everyone in our communities, regardless of their ability to pay. Through your gifts, we also offer additional supportive services and programs, such as music therapy and children’s grief programs, which are not covered by insurance.
I wish to thank the many community groups that make these events so special and unique. A special thank you to Rudney Associates for their ongoing support as a Sustaining Light Sponsor.
This year, we are hoping to see you in person at a ceremony near you. However, due to growing concerns about the Delta variant, we may need to hold these events virtually once again. I hope you will join us either way and gather with others to remember or honor someone special in your life.
About
Hospice East Bay provides compassionate end-of-life care to terminally ill patients, while offering emotional, spiritual, and grief support for the entire family. As a not-for-profit organization, we accept all medically qualified patients, regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay. Proceeds from our thrift shoppes support our programs.
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Forced into oncoming traffic on Brentwood Boulevard near Sellers Avenue
By CHP Contra Costa
On October 26, 2021 at around 3:35 pm, Contra Costa CHP was advised of a three vehicle collision on Brentwood Boulevard, east of Sellers Avenue. The events occurred as follows, a Honda Civic with one occupant was stopped and waiting to make a left turn. A Dodge Ram with one occupant was approaching the Civic from the rear and collided with the rear of the Civic. This initial collision caused the Civic to be pushed into the opposite lanes of traffic and an approaching Ford Expedition with one occupant collided with the right side of the Civic.
The driver of the Honda was pronounced deceased at the scene and was identified by the Contra Costa Coroner’s Office as 39-year-old Jesus Ismael Virgen-Medina of Pittsburg.
The occupants of the Ford and Dodge suffered minor injuries.
This collision is still under investigation. If anyone witnessed it or the events leading up to it, please contact Contra Costa CHP in Martinez, (925) 646-4980.
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$18 million in funding for the next 3 years available to private and public land owners
CAL FIRE announced today, Thursday, October 28, 2021, it is allocating more than $18 million for the California Forest Improvement Program (CFIP), which is designed to provide up to a 90% cost-share assistance to small private and public forestland owners to improve forest health and increase the resilience of California’s forestlands to adapt to climate change. Funding to support private forestland owners through this and other programs was provided through Senate Bill-170 Budget Act of 2021.
The purpose of the CFIP is to encourage private and public investments in forestlands and resources within the state to ensure adequate future high quality timber supplies, related employment, and other economic benefits, and to protect, maintain, and enhance the forest resource for the benefit of present and future generations.
The funds will be released over the next three years beginning in 2021 for forest health projects. The funds will be dispersed in bi-monthly blocks of approximately $2 million until all monies have been applied for by project applicants. Cost-share assistance is available to private and public ownerships containing 20 to 5,000 acres of forest land, and cost-shared projects include thinning for forest health and fire resilience, tree planting, pruning, and other forest health improvement activities as described at the following web location:
https://www.fire.ca.gov/grants/california-forest-improvement-program-cfip/
For inquiries on the program and how to apply, please contact one of CAL FIRE’s Forestry Assistance Specialists at the following web location:
https://www.fire.ca.gov/media/trjncbme/contact-a-cfip-forest-advisor.pdf
This funding is designed to help meet California’s goals of improved forest health, resilience to climate change, and reduced forestland impacts due to devastating wildfires. The efforts help implement the recommendations in California’s Wildfire and Forest Resilience Action Plan from the Governor’s Forest Management Task Force issued in January, this year.
The CFIP has been in existence since the 1978 California Forest Improvement Act was passed and has encumbered over $75 million for landowner assistance since the beginning of the program.
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Federal grant funding Impaired Driving Reduction efforts
By Jaime Coffee, Information Officer II, California Highway Patrol
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The California Highway Patrol (CHP) and the California Office of Traffic Safety are partnering on a campaign aimed at reducing the number of crashes caused by impaired drivers. The $5.5 million grant will fund the Impaired Driving Reduction (IDR) education and enforcement campaign, which began October 1, 2021 and continues through September 30, 2022.
In 2019, impaired driving crashes were responsible for 568 deaths and 11,444 injuries within the CHP’s jurisdiction throughout the state. Each one of these injuries and deaths represents a preventable tragedy and a continued need to focus efforts on reducing impaired driving in California.
“This grant will help support the Department’s mission by strengthening education and enforcement efforts throughout the state,” CHP Commissioner Amanda Ray said. “As a public safety organization, we will continue to do everything in our power to promote safety for all on California’s roadways.”
In 2020, more than 90,000 violations for driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol and/or drugs were cited by CHP officers through California. The IDR grant provides the CHP with funding to conduct additional saturation patrols, checkpoints, and traffic safety education efforts throughout California. These efforts are designed to remove impaired drivers from the roadway and educate the public regarding the dangers of DUI. Additionally, the CHP will actively participate in California’s Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over public awareness campaign.
The CHP wants to remind the public, “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” Alcohol, cannabis, certain prescription and over-the-counter medications, illegal drugs, or any combination can affect your ability to drive and will result in an arrest if you are under the influence. Always make good decisions and plan ahead by designating a sober driver, take public transportation, or call a taxi or ride-share. There is always a better option than getting behind the wheel while impaired.
The public is encouraged to call 9-1-1 if they observe a suspected impaired driver. Be prepared to provide the dispatcher a location, direction of travel, and vehicle description.
Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.
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Follows Kaiser Permanente’s Medicare health plan in California receiving a 5 out of 5-star rating making it among the highest rated in the nation
By Antonia Ehlers, PR and Media Relations, Kaiser Permanente Northern California
Kaiser Permanente’s Medicare Advantage health plan is one of the best in California for quality care and service, according to U.S. News & World Report’s Best Insurance Companies for Medicare Advantage Plans 2022.
To create its 2022 list of best insurance companies for Medicare Advantage, U.S. News & World Report analyzed Medicare Advantage offerings in each state based on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) annual Star Quality Ratings for 2022.
In the CMS 2022 ratings, Kaiser Permanente’s Medicare health plan in California received a 5 out of 5-star rating – making it among the highest rated in the nation – for providing expert medicine, seamless care, and outstanding service to its Medicare health plan members. This is the 11th straight year Kaiser Permanente’s Medicare health plan in California has been rated 5 out of 5 stars.
According to U.S. News & World Report, a “best” Medicare Advantage insurance company is defined as a health care organization whose plans were all rated at least 3 out of 5 stars by CMS and whose plans have an average rating of 4.5 or more stars within the state.
With Kaiser Permanente, Medicare members get high-quality medical services, hospital care, prescription drug coverage, preventive care, and more in one easy-to-use plan. We also offer convenient care options, such as video visits, phone appointments, and secure email.
Learn more about Medicare, explore Kaiser Permanente’s Medicare Advantage plans, and get information on enrolling.
About Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve almost 12.5 million members in 8 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. http://about.kaiserpermanente.org
Read MoreInvestigation conducted by multi-agency Contra Costa County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force
By Scott Alonzo, Public Information Officer, Contra Costa County Office of the District Attorney
On Tuesday October 26, 2021, after a six-day trial, a jury in Contra Costa County found 30-year-old Pleasant Hill resident Won Kwak guilty of aggravated possession of child pornography and attempting to destroy evidence.
The jury found that on November 24, 2020, Kwak knowingly possessed over 600 images of child sexual abuse material, depicting pre-pubescent children engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The jury also found Kwak attempted to destroy evidence on his laptop computer when he deleted thousands of sexually explicit files as officers served a search warrant at his residence.
On November 24, 2020, members of the Contra Costa County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force served a search warrant at Kwak’s residence after it was discovered someone at the residence was making child pornography files available for sharing on the internet. When officers knocked on the front door, Kwak looked through the blinds, saw the police officers, and then went to his computer and began deleting files of child pornography. Concord Detective Daren Billington, a digital forensics expert, was able to recover many of those files and demonstrate to the jury exactly what Kwak did to delete them.
Kwak’s sentencing is scheduled for January 7, 2022, in front of the Honorable Joni T. Hiramoto. Kwak faces a maximum penalty of five years in state prison. The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Max Laettner with the Interpersonal Violence Division.
This investigation was conducted by the multi-agency Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, which is managed by the San Jose Police Department. In Contra Costa County, detectives and investigators from the Walnut Creek, Martinez, Danville, Pleasant Hill, Concord and Moraga Police Departments, the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, United States Secret Service, Homeland Security Investigations, the Contra Costa County Probation Department, and Inspectors from the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office participate in the task force.
Parents seeking additional resources can visit www.kidsmartz.org or the website for the Silicon Valley Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force at www.svicac.org. Reports of illegal activity involving minor victims on the internet should be reported at once to your local police department.
Case information: People v. Kwak, Docket Number 01-195765-3
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The Packard Foundation has also donated $40,000 and the Golden State Warriors $5,000 to fund free BART rides for field trips
In partnership with the local non-profit, The Youth Transportation Organization (“Yoots”), BART is working to launch a special Free BART Rides for School Field Trips program that will provide local students, teachers, and chaperones the opportunity to take transit to BARTable field trip destinations. Google.org has stepped up to support this program by providing $100,000 that will provide 20,000 students access to these field trips.
“We can’t thank Google.org enough for supporting transit trips for youth in the Bay Area during this critical time in pandemic recovery,” said BART Board member Lateefah Simon. “Many of our youth are coming out of a long period of isolation from the pandemic. Offering an opportunity to schools and parents to cover the cost of field trip rides will provide new educational experiences as many venues are reopening for field trips later this year.”
“We’re incredibly proud to work with Yoots and BART to help provide more in-person learning opportunities for students,” shared Rebecca Prozan, Google’s West Coast Government Affairs Lead. “Increasing access to education and experiences, like these BARTable field trip destinations, is especially important for youth in the Bay Area after a year of distance learning.”
“Over half of students in the Bay Area have had extremely limited access to external education opportunities. Yoots is thrilled to partner with Google and BART who together can help us make a massive, sustainable and lasting impact on our youth,” said BART Partner and Yoots Founder and CEO, Craig Flax.
Free Field Trip Eligibility
BART and Yoots will work with Title 1 schools—schools in which children from low-income families make up at least 40 percent of enrollment—directly to arrange trips. However, BART and Yoots will also provide on a first-come, first-served basis, trips for enrolled students of elementary, middle, and high schools located in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, Santa Clara, and San Mateo counties on school-sponsored field trips for educational purposes. Students must be chaperoned by adults at a ratio of at least 1 adult per 15 students, and all must enter, travel, and exit stations as a group — no exceptions.
In addition to the Google.org donation, The Packard Foundation has donated $40,000 and the Golden State Warriors $5,000 to fund free BART rides for field trips that will further expand the program.
BART is launching a pilot program with a small number of schools this fall with the hopes of expanding the program in 2022.
BART Seeking Additional Donors
Other organizations, companies and foundations who are interested in supporting BART and Yoots in sustaining free educational field trip opportunities to local youth should contact Jill Buschini, Field Trip Program Manager in BART Marketing at jbuschi@bart.gov and Craig Flax, Yoots Founder and CEO at craig@yoots.org.
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