32nd annual event brings communities together outdoors to celebrate and give back to trails
Take the 2024 National Trails Day® Pledge by June 8 to be entered to win premium gear prize packs.
East Bay Regional Parks District offers variety of trails to hike
By American Hiking Society
The nationwide celebration of National Trails Day® on Saturday June 1, 2024, will bring together people from across the country, Puerto Rico, and beyond, to celebrate, enjoy, and give back to the trails. American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day®, is an annual event aimed at advocacy, trail service, and encouraging local communities to connect in the outdoors.
Trail users, including hikers, cyclists, horseback riders, paddlers, trail clubs, federal and local agencies, and various organizations, unite on National Trails Day® to improve the trails and outdoor community. This is accomplished through collective efforts toward advocating for, maintaining, cleaning up, and celebrating trails and nature. By working together, this diverse coalition can ensure that these outdoor spaces remain accessible, safe, and enjoyable for everyone now and in the future.
National Trails Day® is an event that people of all ages, abilities, and lifestyles can celebrate by participating in a local trail event. Participants can also take the National Trails Day® pledge to commit to leaving the trails and the outdoor community better than they found them. Additionally, individuals can share their trail experience by tagging #NationalTrailsDay and @AmericanHiking on social media.
Last year, more than 700 sites across the U.S. brought people together for various recreational and volunteer opportunities. More than 7,044 trail volunteers built and maintained more than 558 miles of trails as part of the festivities.
The East Bay Regional Park District offers multiple trails to hike this Saturday. See list, locations and maps, here: www.ebparks.org/trails.
“National Trails Day® provides a unique opportunity to bring community members of all walks of life together in the outdoors, all with a common goal of enjoying nature and preserving it,” said Heather Klein Olson, Executive Director of American Hiking Society. “This is our 32nd annual celebration of National Trails Day®, and it’s incredible to see how the trails unite us and remind us of the power of our collective action and passion. Spending time on the trails offers us time to reflect on nature’s positive impact on our physical and mental well-being and the positive impact we can have on it, too. This annual event reminds us to appreciate the beauty of the great outdoors and commit to doing our part to protect it for generations to come.”
2024 National Trails Day® Pledge
“In honor of #NationalTrailsDay, I’ll leave the trails and the outdoor community better than I found them.” Take the pledge by June 8 to be entered to win premium gear prize packs.
Corporate & Federal Sponsors
American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day® is made possible by the generous support of Corporate Sponsors – Exclusive Beer Sponsor Athletic Brewing, Aflac, AKHG by Duluth Trading Company, REI, Osprey Packs, Fjallraven, GORE-TEX Brand, Zevo Insect, and GOES Health. Federal Partners include: National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau Of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Federal Highway Administration.
Founded in 1976, American Hiking Society is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering all to enjoy, share, and preserve the hiking experience.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
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Unveiling the top 10 U.S. states with highest cybercrime losses last year
By CyberNut
Cybercrime surged to unprecedented levels in 2023, resulting in over $12.5 billion in losses across the United States. Discover which states suffered the most significant financial impacts and delve into the factors driving these staggering losses in our comprehensive analysis.
- California ranks #1 among states that experienced cybercrime loss
- California lost around $2.16 billion in 2023. due to cybercrimes
- California alone accounted for approximately 17.3% of the total cybercrime losses in the U.S. in 2023
Cybercrime has become a growing threat to businesses, schools, and individuals all over the United States, with more than $12.5 billion in potential losses incurred in the last year alone. But some states are bearing the brunt of the financial losses – is your state one of them?
“This can be attributed to the state’s large population (the largest in the U.S.), thriving tech industry, and high concentration of affluent individuals and businesses, making it an attractive target for cybercriminals,” notes Oliver Page, CEO of CyberNut.
![](http://contracostaherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Cybercrime-photo-by-Kaur-Kristjan-1024x682.jpg)
Photo by Kaur Kristjan on Unsplash
Page delves into the top ten U.S. states that experienced the highest cybercrime losses in 2023, exploring the potential reasons behind these staggering figures.
Rank | State | Loss (in USD) |
1 | California | 2,159,454,513 |
2 | Texas | 1,021,547,286 |
3 | Florida | 874,725,493 |
4 | New York | 749,955,480 |
5 | New Jersey | 441,151,263 |
6 | Pennsylvania | 360,334,651 |
7 | Illinois | 335,764,223 |
8 | Arizona | 324,352,644 |
9 | Georgia | 301,001,997 |
10 | Washington | 288,691,091 |
- Washington
Washington’s thriving tech industry makes it a prime target for cybercriminals. Oliver Page says, ‘With major tech companies like Microsoft and Amazon headquartered here, the state holds vast amounts of valuable data.’ Attacks on these giants and smaller businesses contributed to the state’s losses in 2023, which amounted to over $288 million.
- Georgia
Atlanta’s status as a significant financial hub plays a role in Georgia’s cybercrime losses, which reached over $300 million last year. Oliver Page notes, ‘The state houses numerous banks and financial institutions, attracting cybercriminals seeking to exploit vulnerabilities in the financial sector.’
- Arizona
Arizona’s growing population and businesses make it susceptible to cyber threats. Small to medium-sized companies, often with fewer cybersecurity resources, become easy targets. The state’s focus on healthcare and education makes it a prime target for ransomware attacks.
Arizona lost over $320 million to cybercrimes last year.
- Illinois
Illinois, particularly Chicago, is a center for business and commerce. The state’s diverse economy, including finance, healthcare, and manufacturing, offers cybercriminals a variety of lucrative targets. Cybercrimes in Illinois in 2023 reached over $335 million.
- Pennsylvania
‘Pennsylvania’s large number of healthcare providers and insurance companies make it a prime target for data breaches,’ said Oliver Page. Cybercriminals exploit vulnerabilities in these sectors to steal sensitive information, leading to significant financial losses. In 2023, these losses amounted to some $360 million.
- New Jersey
New Jersey, in fifth place, experienced over $441 million in cybercrime losses, potentially due to its proximity to New York and its own thriving financial and pharmaceutical sectors.
- New York
Oliver Page says, ‘New York, the fourth-highest state, suffered nearly $750 million in losses, reflecting its status as a global financial hub and the presence of numerous high-profile companies and organizations, all of whom are a prime target for cybercriminals.’
- Florida
Florida ranks third, with nearly $875 million suffered in cybercrime losses. ‘The state’s reliance on tourism, real estate, and financial services, as well as its large elderly population, make it vulnerable to scams and data breaches,’ Oliver Page says.
- Texas
The state of Texas comes in second with over $1.02 billion in losses, likely due to its large population, diverse economy, and significant presence in industries like energy, finance, and healthcare, all of which are prime targets for cyberattacks.
- California
California tops the list as the state with the highest cybercrime losses in 2023, reaching a staggering amount of nearly $2.16 billion.
Oliver Page notes, ‘This can be attributed to the state’s large population (the largest in the U.S.), thriving tech industry, and high concentration of affluent individuals and businesses, making it an attractive target for cybercriminals.’
Cybercrime’s Devastating Impact
These staggering cybercrime losses have a significant impact on the overall economy and financial system. Oliver Page says, ‘The theft of sensitive data, financial fraud, and disruption of critical infrastructure can lead to decreased consumer confidence, higher insurance premiums, and increased costs in every area for businesses and individuals.’
To mitigate these risks, businesses, organizations, and individuals in these high-risk states should implement robust cybersecurity measures, such as:
- Regularly updating software and systems to address known vulnerabilities.
- Implementing strong access controls, including multi-factor authentication and password management.
- Providing comprehensive cybersecurity training for employees to recognize and respond to phishing attempts and other social engineering tactics.
- Regularly backing up data and testing incident response plans to ensure business continuity in the event of a breach.
- Cyber insurance should be considered to transfer some of the financial risk associated with cyber threats.
About CyberNut
CyberNut is a security awareness training solution built exclusively for schools. CyberNut’s automated campaigns train your school’s faculty, staff, & students to recognize and report the phishing emails and deep fake Al scams that are targeting your school district, making CyberNut the easiest and the most painless security awareness training solution to implement and manage for school IT departments.
Methodology
The data on U.S. states with the highest cybercrime losses is taken from the FBI’s Internet Crime Report 2023, Page 25 (https://www.ic3.gov/Media/PDF/AnnualReport/2023_IC3Report.pdf). After collecting the data, we ranked it based on the highest losses to the respective state. The total amount of money lost ($12.5 billion) was taken from the same report.
Read MoreThe food distribution is a joint effort of the Golden Hills Community Church Serving & Engaging Neighbors Together, (SENT) ministry and Team Jesus Outreach Ministries.
Free hot meals are also served at the Community Outreach Center at 525 E. 18th Street in Antioch Monday through Friday. Doors open at 5:00 pm. Our desire is that no one in our community suffer from hunger or malnutrition. Each night we serve a wholesome, home-cooked hot meal to satisfy our appetite. However, we also realize there is a spiritual hunger that God wants to fulfill in each one of us and we have a brief worship service designed to help us connect with the Lord each evening. Everyone is welcome to join regardless of their faith background. For more information visit Community Outreach Center.
Golden Hills Community Church is located at 2401 Shady Willow Lane in Brentwood. For more information about the church and its ministries visit www.goldenhills.org.
![](http://contracostaherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/CUSEF-Bay-Area-mayors-052124-1024x682.jpg)
Dr. Pamela Tin, Saratoga Vice Mayor Marilyn Librers, Alex Fang, Nicholas Kwan, East Palo Alto Mayor Antonio Lopez, Victor Wang, James Chau, Saratoga Mayor Yan Zhao, Oakley Mayor Anissa Williams, Alan Wong, San Carlos Mayor John Dugan, Betty Chan, Antioch Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe. Photo by CSUEF
Met with the China-United States Exchange Foundation, an NGO closely collaborating with the Chinese government
Paid for by Palo Alto-based nonprofit
By Danielle Navarro, Assistant City Manager, City of Oakley
Oakley, CA – Mayor Anissa Williams has successfully concluded a productive visit to Chongqing, China, aimed at fostering international cooperation and exploring new opportunities for economic and sustainable development. During the trip, the mayor attended several key meetings and events, reinforcing the city’s commitment to global partnerships, educational opportunities, and green city initiatives.
She was one of five mayors and one vice mayor from the Bay Area who participated in a global meeting of city leaders on May 22 and 23. They included Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe of Antioch, Antonio Lopez of East Palo Alto, John Dugan of San Carlos, Yan Zhao of Saratoga and Vice Mayor Marilyn Librers of Morgan Hill on her 38th visit to China. During Monday’s annual Antioch Memorial Day Ceremony, Hernandez-Thorpe pointed out that unlike him, the mayors in China whom they met with were appointed by the Chinese Communist Party. Then, during the Antioch City Council meeting Tuesday night, May 28, 2024, he said, “I was very proud to be the mayor and represent this city, absolutely proud. You sometimes forget how great this city is.” Hernandez-Thorpe then added he will present his remarks about the trip in a different way.
The elected officials were welcomed to Hong Kong on May 20, 2024. CUSEF’s President James Chau, Governor Alan Wong, and Governor Alex Fang who was raised between Hong Kong and Silicon Valley, met with the mayors. The delegation was organized by Victor Wang, founder and chairman of China Silicon Valley, a Palo Alto-based nonprofit founded in 2012, which paid for the trip. The organization was formed to improve business cooperation, create jobs, increase economic activity, facilitate investment and international trade and promote communications between China and the larger Silicon Valley region.
Reflecting the shared nature of the San Francisco Bay and the Greater Bay, the meetings centered on the hopes and concerns of the 95 million people living in both areas, including issues relating to economic growth, technology, and investment, as well as education, housing, and environmental resources.
Meetings and Collaborations
Williams and the others in the delegation met with the China-United States Exchange Foundation (CUSEF), an NGO closely collaborating with the Chinese government to enhance bilateral relations. The discussions focused on mutual cooperation and the benefits of cultural and economic exchanges between the two countries. In a strategic meeting with Invest HK, a government entity promoting investment in Hong Kong, the mayor explored avenues for facilitating business relationships between Hong Kong enterprises and the US. The discussions highlighted opportunities for businesses in the food and beverage, fashion, and logistics sectors to establish a footprint in the US, enhancing cross-country economic ties. Mayor Williams also engaged with various businesses from China, with a special focus on startups and green technology seeking expansion into the U.S. market, emphasizing Oakley’s welcoming environment for international investments and its strategic advantages as a business hub.
“We are delighted to welcome the mayors to Hong Kong, the first stop on their visit to China,” said CUSEF’s Chau after the delegation’s arrival. “Silicon Valley drives the world’s fifth largest economy and accelerates California’s reputation for knowledge, learning, and research. Today was an opportunity to exchange ideas and align values with the elected representatives of a dynamic and globally renowned community. CUSEF works with everyone who cares about the U.S. and China, and their proven track record for advancing the human condition.”
Industry Matchmaking and Sustainable Development
The mayor participated in an industry matchmaking event designed to link top industries in Chongqing with city leaders from around the world. This event featured representatives from various global cities, fostering an exchange of innovative ideas and best practices for future development projects, particularly in green city development. During the visit, Mayor Williams delivered a speech highlighting the unique opportunities that Oakley offers and stressed the importance of maintaining our delta lifestyle while building resilient and inclusive cities. She quoted, “As long as you are an official in a place, you need to create benefits for that place and its people,” a guiding principle she has followed during her term.
Strengthening Sister City Relationships
The importance of establishing sister city relationships with China was emphasized by Secretary Blinken, who noted that the two countries share the world’s largest economies. This visit to Chongqing marks a significant step in deepening Oakley’s international partnerships and advancing our agenda for sustainable and inclusive growth. Should we enter a sister city relationship, our youth will have incredible opportunities for participating in both cultural and educational exchanges.
The outcomes of this trip are expected to yield long-term benefits, fostering economic development, educational growth, and a deeper understanding of the cultures of our two countries.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
Read MoreNeighborhood residents ordered to shelter in place for a few hours
Suspect held on $150,000 bail; has previous arrests for drug charges, DUI’s
By Sgt. Scott Smith, Concord Police Major Crimes Unit
On Monday, May 27, 2024, at 6:08pm, the Concord Police Department’s Dispatch Center received a call from a Concord resident reporting that a man she recognized from the neighborhood, later identified as 47-year-old Christian Alexander Stuart (born 10/8/76), had forced his way into her home on Rosebrook Court. She advised Stuart was armed with a handgun and she was home with three young children. Stuart waved his firearm around and pointed his firearm at the adult victim and one of the children. The adult victim was able to distract Stuart in a way that allowed all of them to escape outside. Officers quickly arrived, got the victims to safety, surrounded the residence, and deployed a drone. Officers heard several gunshots coming from inside the home.
A shelter-in-place order for the neighborhood was issued on X (formerly Twittter): “Concord PD is requesting residents in the area south of Cowell Road, from Saint Francis Dr to Ridge Park Dr, to shelter in place. There is heavy police activity on Saint Francis Dr. If you see anything suspicious or unusual, please call 911 or 925-671-3333.”
After a couple hours, Stuart exited the residence holding the firearm. He was safely taken into custody. No one was injured during the incident. Several bullet impacts were located inside the residence as well as evidence of a small fire. Stuart told officers he entered the victim’s home because he was being followed by several armed subjects. A thorough investigation was conducted and no evidence was located to support Stuart’s statement.
Stuart was arrested per 245(a)(2) PC – Assault with a Deadly Weapon, 451 PC – Arson, 246.3 PC – Negligent Discharge of a Firearm, 25850(c)(6) PC – Carry a Loaded and Unregistered Firearm, and 273.5A – Cruelty to Child. He was booked at the Martinez Detention Facility.
According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, the five-feet, five-inch tall, 165-pound Stuart is being held on $150,000 bail.
According to localcrimenews.com, he was also arrested in 2016 by Concord Police for planting and/or cultivating marijuana and/or hashish, in April 2010 and, again in October 2010 by Contra Costa Sheriff’s Deputies for DUI.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
Read MoreNamed to 2024 Cal Hospital Compare Patient Safety Honor Roll for having a strong culture of safety
By Antonia Ehlers, PR and Media Relations, Kaiser Permanente Northern California
With a commitment to providing high-quality, safe patient care, Kaiser Permanente Antioch Medical Center has been named to the Cal Hospital Compare 2024 Patient Safety Honor Roll.
The honor roll uses objective, publicly available patient safety measures to evaluate hospitals across a variety of domains, including hospital-acquired infections, adverse patient safety events, sepsis management, patient experience, and the Leapfrog Group’s Hospital Safety Grade.
This year, 72 of the state’s 306 adult, acute-care hospitals made the honor roll. Kaiser Permanente Northern California had 10 hospitals on the list – representing 14% of the hospitals recognized.
“The safety of our patients is our top priority,” said Pam Galley, senior vice president and area of Kaiser Permanente’s Diablo service area. “Our health care providers work hard to create a safe, exceptional patient-care experience.”
Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals are consistently recognized as among the country’s best for outstanding patient safety, positive care outcomes, and exceptional patient-care experiences.
“We are committed to providing excellent personalized care while keeping our patients safe from harm,” said Kaiser Permanente Antioch Medical Center Physician in Chief Sharon Mowat, MD. “We are very grateful for our extraordinary physicians, nurses and staff members who make a difference every day.”
Hospitals on the honor roll had to meet a rigorous threshold of performance by having at least two-thirds of measure results above the 50th percentile and no measure result below the 10th percentile and/or an “A” grade in the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade for the past three reporting periods.
This honor roll offers Californians a rigorously evaluated list of hospitals that have consistently demonstrated a strong culture of safety across multiple departments, according to Cal Hospital Compare.
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First commitments spur near-term projects to improve bus, light rail service
County Connection’s routes in Concord’s Monument Corridor will benefit from more reliable service, reduced travel times
By John Goodwin, Assistant Director of Communications and Khristina Wenzinger, Principal, Public Information, Legislation & Public Affairs, Metropolitan Transportation Commission
SAN FRANCISCO – The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) last week approved an $18.3 million allocation to fund eight near-term transit priority projects in Concord, other East Bay cities, San Jose, San Francisco and Redwood City. These investments are the first to be made through the $30 million Bus Accelerated Infrastructure Delivery (BusAID) program established as part of the Bay Area Transit Transformation Action Plan to implement quick-build solutions designed to improve service at problem ‘hotspot’ locations identified by transit agencies throughout the region.
What Does Transit Transformation Mean?
- Design, adequately invest in and effectively manage a public transit network that is equitable, inclusive, frequent, affordable, accessible and reliable.
- Integrate with unified service, fares, schedules, customer information and identity.
- Serve all Bay Area populations, resulting in increased transit ridership and reduced growth in vehicle miles traveled.
The Action Plan aims to improve the Bay Area’s public transportation network to create a more user-friendly and connected system. It identifies key targets and actions to make this vision a reality.
![](http://contracostaherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Monument-Corridor-Co-Connection-routes-map-1024x473.jpg)
Map of County Connection’s routes in the Monument Corridor. Source: Central Contra Costa Transit Authority
Approved Projects
Each of the eight approved projects is slated for completion in the next one to three years:
- Monument Corridor Transit Speed Improvements (Concord): This project will transit priority signals along Monument Boulevard between Detroit Avenue and Mohr Lane, and will relocate and reconfigure bus stops to improve efficiency and accessibility. County Connection routes 11, 14, 16, 311, 314, 611, 613, 616 and 619 will benefit from more reliable service and reduced travel times.(See pages 5-2 & 5-3 of the Monument Corridor Community-Based Transportation Final Plan)
- Park Street Transit Signal Priority and Signal Optimization (Alameda): this project will install transit signal priority and optimize signal timing at four intersections along Park Street from Alameda Avenue to Otis Drive, reducing delays for AC Transit routes 20, 21, OX and 663.
- International Boulevard Transit Lane Delineation (Oakland): this project will reduce delays for AC Transit’s Tempo (1T) line, reduce speeding by drivers on non-transit vehicles and improve corridor safety between 14th Avenue and 42nd Avenue through the installation of vertical treatments to separate the existing bus lanes from general purpose lanes, and by painting the bus lanes red to deter non-transit vehicles from using the bus lanes.
- El Camino Real Bus Boarding Islands & Bus Stop Balancing (Redwood City): To reduce delay for SamTrans routes ECR, 79, 270, 278, 295, 296, 2960 and 397, this project will fund the planning and design of bus boarding islands at stops along El Camino Real between Whipple Avenue and Dumbarton Avenue in Redwood City and unincorporated North Fair Oaks.
- K-Ingleside Rapid Project Ocean Avenue Quick Build (San Francisco): Spanning Ocean Avenue from Junipero Serra Blvd. to Geneva Avenue, this project will increase service reliability and reduce travel times for Muni’s K-Ingleside light rail line by installing longer and wider boarding islands, adding red transit lanes, and implementing signal timing refinements and turn restrictions.
- VTA Frequent Network Cloud-Based Transit Signal Priority (San Jose): This project will install next-generation transit signal priority at 174 intersections along VTA’s Frequent Network in San Jose, reducing delays for numerous bus routes, including 25, 26, 61, 64A, 64B, 70, 71, 72, 73, 77 and 500.
- Vision Zero Senter Road East San Jose Safety Corridor Project (San Jose): This project will reduce delays for VTA routes 70, 72 and 73 by installing bus boarding islands along Senter Road between Story Road and Monterey Road.
- Alvarado-Niles Road Part-Time Transit Lane Pilot (Union City): To reduce congestion-related delays for AC Transit route 97 and Union City Transit routes 1, 3 and 5, this project will install for a two-year pilot period a part-time transit lane along Alvarado-Niles Road from Decoto Road to Almaden Boulevard, providing buses with a dedicated lane during hours with peak traffic congestion.
MTC approved funding for these projects at its regularly scheduled May meeting, after each had been endorsed last month by the multi-agency Regional Network Management Council. Project recommendations were developed based on a two-stage screening process that evaluated potential rider benefits (time savings), equity considerations, and feasibility and readiness. Each project will include pre- and post-implementation evaluation to quantify project benefits. The remaining balance of $12 million in BusAID funding will be used for future funding rounds, when additional projects are identified and ready for implementation.
MTC is the transportation planning, financing and coordinating agency for the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area. Caltrans owns and operates the state highway system.
Allen D. Payton contribute to this report.
Read MoreNearly $2 billion in statewide investments to improve, protect state’s infrastructure
By Edward Barrera, Division Chief of Public Affairs, California Department of Transportation
SACRAMENTO — Earlier this month, the California Transportation Commission (CTC) allocated $1.9 billion to support transportation infrastructure projects that play a starring role in powering the world’s fifth largest economy. The approved funding provides significant investments for bridges, roadways, transit and improved facilities for people who walk and bike.
The latest allocations also include nearly $430 million from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 (IIJA) and $740 million via Senate Bill (SB) 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017.
A total of $10.183 million was allocated for improvements in Contra Costa County with most of it for 20 miles of BART track and $3.6 million for I-680 in San Ramon and Danville.
Among the efforts spurred by the $1.9 billion commitment include several projects prioritizing the state’s vital bridge network, highlighted more than $4 million to repair bridge damage along Interstate 80 in Alameda County.
Also included are projects that will build or renovate shoreline embankments, bus, bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, and railroad overcrossings.
“California’s transportation infrastructure is critical to the economic and cultural lifeblood of our state, and this funding provides key support in our mission to provide a safe, equitable and sustainable transportation system for all users,” said Tony Tavares, Caltrans Director.
Contra Costa County Projects
- $6 million allocation for BART Expansion and Contraction of Steel Rail in Contra Costa County which will destress twenty miles of rail track within the BART operating corridor that has been identified as being affected by such conditions in Contra Costa County. (Funding description and source: Locally-Administered Local Transportation Climate Adaptation Program Project off the State Highway System – Resolution LTCAP-A-2324-04)
- $3.6 million allocation for I-680 in San Ramon and Danville, from Alcosta Boulevard to north of Diablo Road. Rehabilitate pavement, upgrade guardrail, and upgrade facilities to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.
- $500,000 allocation for the Pavement Resurfacing Project, which will focus on applying pavement rehabilitation treatments in various streets located in the southeast area of the City of Martinez to improve the City’s overall pavement condition index and reduce on-going maintenance. Project will also include ADA curb ramp improvements, restoration of vehicle detection sensors at signalized intersections, striping restoration, and green infrastructure improvements. (Funding description and source: Locally-Administered SB 1 Local Partnership Program (LPP) (Formulaic) Projects Off the State Highway System – Resolution LPP-A-2324-38)
- $83,000 allocation for the Morello Avenue sidewalk gap closure in Martinez will address gaps of concrete sidewalk on the east side of Morello Avenue, south of Village Oaks Drive; and the east side of Morello Avenue, north of Arnold Drive. Improvements will also new curb and gutter, and a new ADA curb ramp at the southeast corner of Morello Avenue/Village Oaks Drive. (Funding description and source: Locally-Administered SB 1 LPP (Formulaic) Projects Off the State Highway System – Resolution LPP-A-2324-38)
The Contra Costa projects funded are among multiple approved projects in District 4 – Bay Area / Oakland which includes Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano and Sonoma counties.
IIJA, known as the “Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,” is a once-in-a-generation investment in our nation’s infrastructure to improve the sustainability and resiliency of our energy, water, broadband and transportation systems. Since 2021, California has received more than $42 billion in IIJA funds, including more than $29 billion for transportation-related projects.
In addition, SB 1 provides $5 billion in transportation funding each year that is shared between state and local agencies. Road projects progress through construction phases more quickly based on the availability of SB 1 funds, including those partially funded by SB 1.
See the complete list of the latest CTC-approved projects in each of the other nine Caltrans Districts in the state:
District 1 – Eureka (Del Norte, Humboldt, Lake and Mendocino counties)
District 2 – Redding (Lassen, Modoc, Plumas, Shasta, Siskiyou, Tehama and Trinity counties)
District 3 – Marysville / Sacramento (Butte, Colusa, El Dorado, Glenn, Nevada, Placer, Sacramento, Sierra, Sutter, Yolo and Yuba counties)
District 5 – San Luis Obispo / Santa Barbara (Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz counties)
District 6 – Fresno / Bakersfield (Kings, Tulare, Fresno, Madera and Kern counties)
District 7 – Los Angeles (Los Angeles and Ventura counties)
District 8 – Riverside and San Bernardino counties
District 9 – Bishop (Inyo, Kern and Mono counties)
District 10 – Stockton (Alpine, Amador, Calaveras, Mariposa, Merced, San Joaquin, Stanislaus and Tuolumne counties)
District 11 – San Diego (San Diego and Imperial counties)
District 12 – Orange County
For more information about California transportation projects funded by IIJA and SB-1, visit RebuildingCA.ca.gov and www.build.ca.gov.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
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Willie James Mims
November 30, 1944 – May 22, 2024
Willie James Mims was born to Edward and Lillie Mims on November 30, 1944, in McCaul, LA. He was one of nine siblings. He lived in California since he was two years old. Willie grew up in West Pittsburg, now called Bay Point, California, where he attended and graduated from Pacifica High School in 1963. In high school, Willie excelled in sports, including track and field, basketball, and football. Willie was concerned about issues revolving around environmental justice, especially in Pittsburg. In 1963, he entered the political arena for the first time, passing out flyers supporting the Rumford Fair Housing Act. George Ealy, a local political activist, organized that event.
Willie married Darlene Lea-Mims on July 15, 1967, and they celebrated 52 years of joyous marriage before she preceded him in death. From this union, they have two children, Dana and Marcus; six grandchildren, Tasha Thompson, Nailah Thompson, Khiry Gosha-Mims, Zaheem Smith, Niara Mims, and Inaya Mims; and two great-grandchildren, Khira Gosha-Mims and Chance Gosha-Mims.
Willie graduated from Diablo Valley College in 1972 with an Associate of Arts Degree. He then transferred to San Francisco State University and earned a Bachelor of Arts in English/Creative Writing in 1974. He proceeded to graduate school, where, in 1978, he earned an M.A. Degree in English/Creative Writing. Willie’s thesis was a collection of short stories called “The Boy Who Threw Rocks,” loosely based on his childhood. Willie then earned a California Secondary Education Teaching Credential in English in 1979.
From 1965 to 1970, he was employed as a stevedore with the Concord Naval Weapons Station. From 1971 to 1987, he worked as a food service worker at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Martinez, California. Willie worked for the Vallejo City Unified School District for over 25 years, serving as Teacher/Teacher-in-Charge at John Finney High School, formerly Peoples High School. He retired from wage work in 2009.
Since retirement, he continued as an activist, advocating for the best interests of the community, parents, and students in the school system. Willie believed that parents and activists should monitor and observe the school districts in East County. This included monitoring and observing local governments and how they conduct the people’s business.
He attended local and county-wide meetings (mainly those in Central and East Counties), bringing issues of concern to School Boards, City Councils, and the Board of Supervisors. His goal on all issues was to support students, parents, or people in their grievance redress.
Willie was a former mentor of the S.I.M.B.A (Safe In My Brother’s Arms) program, which focuses on boys from 8 to 16 to support self-esteem and served as a form of “manhood” training. He was a former East County Boys and Girls Club board member. He served as an “on-call” Educational Advocate for the YIN (Youth Intervention Network) Program. He served as a volunteer historian for the Parents Connected Organization. He was a representative of the Black Political Association in Pittsburg, CA, and a member of the Executive Committee of the East County National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), where he served as its Education Chair. He worked as a volunteer for the Greater Faith Food Pantry, an agency serving and feeding low-income and underserved citizens of Pittsburg. He was a member of its board and volunteered four times per month. He was a member of the Antioch School District’s African American Male Initiative, a former representative on the Contra Costa Community College’s Hiring Policy Review Committee, a member of the Mt. Diablo Unified School District’s Equity & Disproportionality Committee, and a member of the Vallejo Unified School District’s LCAP & LCFF Committees.
Willie was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Lillie Mims, his sisters Wilma Douglas and Isabel Medford, and his brothers Melvin Mims, Mack Mims, and Walter Mims. He leaves behind his two children, Dana and Marcus (Cassandra) Mims; six grandchildren, Tasha Thompson, Nailah Thompson, Khiry Gosha-Mims, Zaheem Smith, Niara Mims, and Inaya Mims; and two great-grandchildren, Khira Gosha-Mims and Chance Gosha-Mims. He is also survived by sisters: Hilda Murdoch (Pittsburg), Nancy Mims-Burt (Pittsburg), and Ruth Mims-Jemerson (Oakland), Melodye Montgomery (Alameda), daughter-in-law Cassandra Waller-Mims, a brother-in -law/friend Larry Harold, who was always by his side, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and lastly, the East Bay Community.
Willie’s main goal was to educate, motivate, and support his community. He leaves a legacy of love, compassion, and service that will continue to inspire all fortunate enough to know him. Willie James Mims will be missed by his family, friends, and the community.
You can send flowers to the family or plant a memorial tree in memory of Willie Mims.
Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, June 1, 2024, at Delta Bay Community Church, 1020 E. Tregallas Road in Antioch. Repast immediately following burial at Pittsburg Youth Development Center at 1001 Stoneman Avenue in Pittsburg.
To watch online visit zoom link ID: 740 600 9196, Password: 2024
Donations in his memory to the Willie J. Mims Education Scholarship for East County Youth are accepted at www.obituare.com/willie-james-mims-obituary-133141/.
Read MoreSponsors needed
By Sophia Martin, Regional Director, Love Life NorCal Antioch
Please support us in our annual fundraiser, LifeRide. We will be riding bikes across the nation to raise awareness and funds to unite and mobilize the Church to end abortion and the orphan crisis.
What is LifeRide?
In 2023, Pastor Jay Stewart at the age of 60, rode his bicycle over 3,100 miles across America to bring awareness to the ministry of Love Life and to raise over a million dollars. Pastor Jay has been a partnering pastor with Love Life from the beginning and his church is also a House of Refuge church. (See video1 and video2)
Locally, our goal is to raise $10,000. If you would like to give $25, $50 or $100 to help us meet our goal and learn more, please visit: https://join.liferideusa.org/team/580862.
“Rescue those who are being taken away to death; hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter.” – Proverbs 24:11
For more information about Love Life visit https://lovelife.org and to sign up for a 1-Hour Journey visit: https://lovelife.org/1-hour-journey. Get your Love Life apparel and coffee here: https://shop.welovelife.org/?ref=antioch.
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