The Contra Costa Chamber Orchestra will perform Brits & Brahms on Saturday, April 15 at 2 pm at the historic El Campanil Theatre in Antioch’s Rivertown. The concert offers a timely message of hope through a captivating three-part musical experience. The orchestra will perform spectacular pieces that explore humanity’s astounding ability to thrive despite hard times.
Tickets can be purchased at ElCampanilTheatre.com or at the door (Adults $20, Seniors $15, Students $7).
The theater is located at 602 W. 2nd Street.
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See Hope – Seed Change theme
By Barb Kusha, Interfaith – San Ramon Valley
Interfaith – San Ramon Valley (I-SRV) and the Town of Danville have partnered to launch a fresh kind of Earth Day celebration, one focused on what is working right here, instead of on the gloomy eco-forecast. Its goals are to provide inspiration and to spur behavior change and ongoing commitment to sustainability as a way of life through recognizing and honoring our sacred relationship to nature.
The first annual InterFaith EarthFest, See Hope – Seed Change, celebration will bring together the San Ramon Valley’s interfaith community along with civic leaders, students, environmental, and community groups to channel their collective energies for the common purpose of moving toward a more responsible relationship with the planet. “Through an afternoon of ritual, art, music, pop-up speakers, booths, eco-activities and ceremony, the partnering groups and participants will draw hope from one another and inspire ongoing commitment to local action,” says Rabbi Dan Goldblatt of Beth Chaim.
“This new partnership is a big deal,” notes Pastor Steve Harms of Peace Lutheran Church. “The town’s leaders are coming together with religious leaders and the public and various interfaith congregants for the express purpose of meeting our urgent environmental issues head on with combined resources, ideas and energies. It has created a wonderful synergy of resolve and devotion.”
The event is Sunday, April 23, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Peace Lutheran Church, 3201 Camino Tassajara, Danville. It is free and open to the public. Parking is limited, but more is available at nearby commercial shopping plazas.
InterFaith – San Ramon Valley has been around for nearly 20 years, and includes members from many faith traditions. Participants in the InterFaith EarthFest include representatives from the following groups: Baha’i, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jewish, LDS, Muslim, Sihk, Sufi, and Taoist.
The afternoon will also include:
- youth chorus group, drumming and dance performances
- specially-curated art exhibit from local students and makers
- kids activities, food, and booths
- break-out sessions for in-depth learning
- labyrinth walks
- special displays of sacred texts from participating faiths that speak to the divine obligation we all share to preserve nature
Community partners for the event include Save Mount Diablo, Sustainable Contra Costa, Centre for Information Policy Leadership (CIPL), San Ramon Valley Unified School District, The Crayon Initiative, Cool the Earth, White Pony Express, Central Sanitation District, Republic Services, Rewire Community, SOJA and others.
EkoLinq, a Tri-Valley based recycling company, will collect for resale and recycling, on the spot free of charge unwanted textiles of all types including clothes, towels and sheets, from gently-used to rags.
About Interfaith – San Ramon Valley
I-SRV is a community group of diverse faith congregations from across the valley who are committed to learning, sharing, listening, and acting together. Learn more at https://www.interfaithsrv.org.
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In picture from BASS: CEO Inez Wondeh, MPA, MBA; Jesse Kaestner, BS, RT(T); K. Kenneth Chao, M.D.; Dr. Soheila Azghadi, BASS Medical Group; From CSC: Board President, Donald Duggan; Board VP, Patricia Falconer, MBA; Danielle Bertoni (and BASS), Rob Tufel, MSW, MPH; Margaret Stauffer, LMFT. Source: CSC
Cancer Support Community San Francisco Bay Area (CSC) and BASS Cancer Center, a division of BASS Medical Group, have partnered to develop an automated patient screening process to identify and refer patients at an increased risk of depression, anxiety, and stress to free mental health services provided by Cancer Support Community.
This new referral process is now integrated into BASS Cancer Center’s electronic medical record system. Patients will automatically be provided information for CSC’s services when they indicate an increased risk of mental and emotional stress related to their cancer diagnosis.
“As many as three out of every four cancer survivors experience symptoms of psychological distress which can negatively impact clinical outcomes and quality of life,” says Rob Tufel, MSW, MPH, Chief Executive Officer of Cancer Support Community. “Unfortunately, fewer than 10% of patients are referred for support by their medical team. The lack of support is even more pronounced among cancer patients from communities of color and those who have lower incomes as well as older adults.”
CSC Board Member, Patricia Falconer, MBA, notes that “40% of Cancer patients experience financial hardship as a result of their diagnosis. This unique collaboration between CSC and community-based cancer providers is a model of how to increase patients’ access to vital support including financial assistance and navigation.”
This new screening tool was developed by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network––an alliance of 32 leading cancer centers devoted to patient care research, and education––and is designed to look for evidence of psychological, social, spiritual, and physical indicators that may interfere with one’s ability to cope effectively with cancer, its physical symptoms, and its treatment.
“As the number of cancer patients continue to increase, it is vital that we offer not only high-quality medical care but also comprehensive support,” explains Inez Wondeh, MPA, MBA, Chief Executive Officer of BASS Medical Group, “It was really important to us to develop a streamlined process to better address our patient’s needs and partnering with Cancer Support Community, who already provides excellent psychosocial services for patients and families at no cost, was a natural fit. This will make an incredible impact for our patients.”
CSC has locations in Walnut Creek and Antioch. To learn more visit cancersupport.net.
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Jake Andreotti #00 opened the BCRA Midget Triple Crown series with a $2,000 win. Photo by Katrina Kniss
By Candice Martin, DCRR Racing Media
Antioch, CA…April 8…Jake Andreotti of Castro Valley won the 30 lap BCRA Midgets Main Event Saturday night at Antioch Speedway. This was the 63rd season opening race at the Contra Costa County Fairgrounds venue. It was also the opening round of the three-race special BCRA Triple Crown Series at the track, which pays $2,000 to win each race and has a special point fund.
Past USAC Western States Midgets and WMR Midgets champion Blake Bower of Brentwood raced into the early lead ahead of Caden Sarale of Stockton. Andreotti found his way into third by the sixth lap. A Turn 4 pass on Lap 9 gained Sarale the lead. Andreotti motored into second on Lap 11. Andreotti quickly started to challenge Sarale,, and they caught a slower car on Lap 14. Andreotti went high in Turn 2, while Sarale went low and surrendered the lead. Through a pair of slowdowns during the second half of the race, Andreotti stayed smooth and went on to score the impressive win. Sarale settled for the $1,150 second place finish, followed by Bower, Jake Morgan of Fair Oaks and Bryant Bell of Oakley.
Matt Kile #5 returned to Hobby Stock racing with an impressive feature win. Photo by Katrina Kniss
Matt Kile of San Jose won the 20 lap Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stock Main Event. Kile charged into the lead at the start ahead of Jared Baugh of Pittsburg. Kile didn’t receive much of a threat in this race, but Baugh, Danny Wagner of Bay Point and Grayson Baca of Brentwood had a spirited battle going for second. Baugh held the spot until being passed by Baca on Lap 11. Wagner quickly moved into third and executed to Turn 2 pass on the last lap for what he thought would be second. However, Baca came back strong and beat Wagner back to the line by inches. Kile cruised to the well-earned victory. Baugh settled for fourth ahead of Kevin Brown of Oakley.
David Michael Rosa #2d won the Delta Dwarf Car season opener. Photo by Katrina Kniss
Antioch’s David Michael Rosa won the 20 lap Delta Dwarf Car Main Event. Several drivers were involved in different mishaps during the first 14 laps that caused five yellow flags. Through it all, reigning Delta Dwarf Car champion Danny Wagner of Bay Point led the way. Dublin’s Devan Kammermann spun out of second on Lap 7, moving Ellie Russo of Bay Point into the position. However, Chance Russell of Antioch gained second a lap later. Rosa slipped past Russell for second on a Lap 14 restart and gained the lead when Wagner slowed on Lap 18 with mechanical issues. Rosa went on to win ahead of Russell, Russo, Travis Day of Concord and Pete Piantanida of Discovery Bay.
Greg Dennett #47 dominated the BCRA Lightning Sprint Main Event. Photo by Katrina Kniss
Greg Dennett of Livermore won the 20 lap BCRA Lightning Sprint Main Event. Scott Kinney led two laps before being passed by Dennett on the back stretch on Lap 3. Dakota Albright of Waterford made a Turn 4 pass on Kinney for second on Lap 5, but Dennett had already built a straightaway advantage by then. Dennett cruised to victory ahead of Albright, Harlee Aguilera of Orangevale, Josef Ferolito of Modesto and Cody Meyer of Placerville.
Joel Hannagan piloted The Junkyard Dog #16 Hardtop to an impressive win. Photo by Katrina Kniss
Joel Hannagan of San Jose won the 15 lap Hardtop Main Event. Ronnie Ruiz of West Sacramento led two laps before Brad Coelho of Oakley got by in Turn 4 for the lead. Hannagan followed closely into second, and Hannagan made a Turn 4 pass a lap later to take the lead from Coelho. As Hannagan pulled away, Coello and Ruiz battled fiercely for second. Ruiz made a Turn 4 pass to gain the spot in Lap 7, only to surrender the position to Coelho with an inside move on the frontstretch on Lap 11. Hannagan went on to victory ahead of Coelho, Ruiz, Joe Shenefield of Antioch and Ken Clifford of Placerville.
Dana Gardner #37 remained hot with his Print Club Mini Stock feature win. Photo by Katrina Kniss
After a strong postseason effort last year, San Bruno’s Dana Gardner resumed his impressive efforts with a 20 lap Print Club Mini Stock Main Event win. Gardner led from the outside with Eddie Humphrey III of Torrance an early second. Humphrey held the position until a Lap 9 yellow flag. Humphrey pitted, and Gardner resumed command ahead of reigning champion Tom Brown of Santa Rosa and Tony Quinonez of Corning. As Gardner sped to the impressive win by a wide margin, Brown managed to hold off Quinonez in a close battle for second. Newcomer Max Finley of Santa Rosa wheeled his Ford Pinto Wagon to a fourth place finish ahead Don Abitz of Pittsburg.
At the opening ceremonies, several drivers came out to do a memorial lap for BCRA Hall of Fame member Jim Screeton, who died in a motorcycle accident back in March. Racing continues next weekend with the Hunt Wingless Spec Sprint Tour, the IMCA Sport Modifieds and 600 Micro Sprints competing. For further information, go to www.antiochspeedway.com.
Unofficial Race Results – April 8, 2023
BCRA Midgets
FT-Jake Andreotti 14.312. Heat Winners (8 laps)-Jake Andreotti, Jake Morgan, Bryant Bell. Main Event (30 laps)-Jake Andreotti, Caden Sarale, Blake Bower, Jake Morgan, Bryant Bell, Michael Snider, Sage Bordeneve, Logan Mitchell, Danika Jo Parker, Kevin Box.
Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stocks
Heat Winners (8 laps)-Jared Baugh, Danny Wagner, Matt Kile. Main Event (20 laps)-Matt Kile, Grayson Baca, Danny Wagner, Jared Baugh, Kevin Brown, Ken Johns, Colten Haney, Michaela Taylor, James Graessle, Aidan Ponciano.
BCRA Lightning Sprints
FT Greg Dennett 13.852. Heat Winners (8 laps)-Greg Dennett, Dakota Albright. Main Event-Greg Dennett, Dakota Albright, Harlee Aguilera, Joseph Ferolito, Cody Meyer, Scott Kinney, Hunter Kinney. Daniel Caughran DNS.
Delta Dwarf Cars
Heat Winners (8 laps)-David Michael Rosa, Danny Wagner. Main Event (20 laps)-David Michael Rosa, Chance Russell, Ellie Russo, Travis Day, Pete Piantanida, David Rosa, Joe LeDuc, Danny Wagner, Devan Kammermann, Bobby Motts Jr DNS.
Print Club Mini Stocks
Heat Winners (8 laps)-Dana Gardner, Eddie Humphrey III. Main Event (20 laps)-Dana Gardner, Tom Brown, Tony Quinonez, Max Finley, Don Abitz, Cody Bolles, Eddie Humphrey III, Laina Bales, David Carson, Roberto Monroy DNS.
Hardtops
Heat Winner (6 laps)-Joel Hannagan. Main Event (15 laps)-Joel Hannagan, Brad Coelho, Ronnie Ruiz, Joe Shenefield, Ken Clifford.
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Traffic was blocked in all lanes of Hwy 4 westbound in Concord Saturday night, April 8, 2023.
By Adam Lane, PIO, CHP-Contra Costa
Last night, April 8, 2023, at 8:22pm, a CHP Contra Costa Officer was conducting an enforcement stop on a Chevrolet on the right shoulder of southbound Hwy 242, south of Hwy 4. The Officer was standing near the Chevrolet when a Mercedes traveling southbound veered from the roadway and struck the rear of the Chevrolet. The force of the crash caused the Chevrolet to strike the Officer standing near it.Our Officer was transported to the hospital where she was treated for her injuries and later released. She is expected to make a full recovery. The driver of the Chevrolet suffered potential minor injuries and was transported to the hospital. The driver of the Mercedes sustained no injuries and was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs.
Traffic was blocked in all westbound lanes of Hwy 4 from the Hwy 242 interchange to east of the Port Chicago Highway offramp causing a back-up on the freeway until about 8:55 p.m.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
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Gregory Rossignon was charged with murder by the Contra Costa DA’s Office. Photo: Pittsburg PD
Following search in Antioch, arrest in Modesto
By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office
A Pittsburg man faces a four-count felony complaint related to the murder of a convenience store clerk on March 22nd. (See related articles here, here and here)
37-year-old Gregory Rossignon of Pittsburg has been charged by the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office with the murder of 44-year-old Abdul Raouf. Rossignon also faces a charge of discharging a firearm with gross negligence, dissuading a witness by force or threats, and possession of a firearm with prior felony convictions. The murder charge comes with an enhancement for the intentional discharge of a weapon that killed Mr. Raouf and special allegations related to Rossignon’s prior felony offenses.
The incident occurred around 9:40 pm at the E-Z Stop Convenience Food shop on Power Avenue in Pittsburg. An argument between Rossignon’s girlfriend and another employee at the shop occurred. A short time after the disagreement between the clerk and Rossignon’s girlfriend, Rossignon entered the store and shot Raouf – who was not involved in the argument. He died at the scene. Police located and arrested Rossignon in Modesto on April 5th and booked him into the Martinez Detention Facility. His arraignment is set for April 10th in Martinez at 1:30 pm.
The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office thanks the law enforcement and investigative work of the Pittsburg Police Department in this case.
Case No. 04-23-00555 | The People of the State of California vs. Rossignon, Gregory
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Screenshot of Antioch Mayor Lamar Thorpe’s Facebook Live video offering his remarks about the alleged racist texts sent by Antioch Police Officers.
Union president included; Thorpe wants review of all complaints over last 6 to 8 years
By Allen D. Payton
According to an East Bay Times article published Friday evening, April 7, 2023, Contra Costa Superior Court Judge Clare Maier, while adjudicating a felony case of suspects arrested by Antioch Police, released the names of 17 officers who are “accused of using racist slurs, jokes and memes in text messages over a period of more than two years.” In addition, Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton announced on Friday that the judge ruled to have the texts released to the defense in that case.
In response, Antioch Mayor Lamar Thorpe posted a Facebook Live video on his official page, Saturday afternoon, April 8, 2023, expressing his “profound disappointment” with the officers and called for an independent audit. He specifically called out the Antioch Police Officers Association (APOA) union president, Lt. Rick Hoffman for being included.
According to the Times’ report, the other officers named include Devon Wenger, Eric Rombough, Andrea Rodriguez, Calvin Prieto, Morteza Amiri who already have been placed on leave amid the FBI investigation. The list also includes Joshua Evans, Jonathan Adams, Scott Duggar, Robert Gerber, Thomas Smith, Brock Marcotte, Aaron Hughes, Brayton Milner, John Ramirez and Kyle Smith, as well as Tim Manly who resigned from the department.
Thorpe’s Remarks
After thanking those who offered their condolences for the recent passing of his father, reading from prepared remarks Thorpe said, “On Friday afternoon, Contra Costa Superior Court Judge Clare Maier released the names of 17 Antioch police officers who allegedly were unafraid to use racist language.
There are no words to express my profound disappointment especially given that one of the named officers serves as president of the Antioch Police Union.
While Antioch has worked hard to become one of the Bay Area’s most racially diverse cities, this will undoubtedly leave an embarrassing stain on our community.
The culture at the Antioch Police Department is a problem and has long been a huge legal and financial liability for the city, which is on full display today.
The culture at the department requires further exploration including how the hell all of this alleged misconduct could go on for so long without anyone on the command staff noticing– lieutenant and above.
Therefore, I’m calling for an independent investigation of the internal affairs process specifically looking at all complaints within the last six to eight years from the nature of complaints to their dispositions.
I am also seriously concerned about complaints that have not been investigated and are now outside of the statute of limitations. I want a complete review of that as well.
Moreover, we need a complete independent audit of our hiring and promotions practices so that the Council can implement measures to better root out individuals with certain biases. This idea was part of my original police reform package that I presented to the City Council in 2020 but has yet to be examined.
Lastly, our police-reform efforts to this point are missing the forest for the trees because this is about culture. I agree with Vice Mayor Tamisha Torres-Walker on conducting some kind of police equity audit of the Antioch Police Department to measure bias in our enforcement efforts and ultimately pursue measures that help eliminate racist policies, practices, and behaviors.
We will hold anyone accountable that has allowed this culture to continue whether you’ve been here for a year or 20 years, and regardless of your rank.
In my first 30 days in office, I had to deal with two in-custody deaths; in less than a year, a failed recall effort fueled by the idea of protecting the police department; then in year two I was hauled into the DA’s office to be briefed about a very serious FBI investigation of the Antioch Police Department; and now, on year three we’re dealing with alleged racism.
Our culture of acceptance is wrong. There are no ifs, ands, or buts about it.
The fact of the matter is that our goal of a strong police department will not materialize until every resident in our city regardless of race and socio-economic background can feel that they have a trusting relationship with our police officers.
If you’re a supporter of law enforcement, you should support these reforms as they help separate officers who are committed to the badge and have played by the rules and those who have no business being police officers.”
One thing the mayor said was incorrect. One of the two in-custody deaths he referred to was Angelo Quinto’s. However, he died in the hospital three days after the incident with police and was not in police custody at the time. (See related article)
Mayor Pro Tem Torres-Walker Responds
In a post on her official Facebook page Saturday afternoon, Mayor Pro Tem Tamisha Torres-Walker shared a link to the Times’ article and wrote, “We can no longer be bystanders and action must be taken to correct this culture of racism and anti-blackness in policing starting with Antioch.
I haven’t seen any of the text messages referenced in this article and to be honest I’m not sure I want to. What I will say is that my peers on the City Council and the community at large should take these miscarriages of justice seriously.
I also want to take a moment to acknowledge those in the Antioch police department who work hard every day to provide none bias policing service to our community as public safety continues to be our primary concern moving forward.”
In a previous message posted on Thursday, Torres-Walker wrote, “Antioch Police Union Attorney Rains criticized Mayor Lamar Thorpe’s press conference for allegedly violating the right to confidentially and due process for a few officers suspected of crimes against the public while entrenched in a culture of racism.
Chief Ford has taken actions addressing recruitment, assessment, hiring, retention, promotion, and agency culture since April of last year which included a hefty incentive package to bring new talent with a community policing mindset that is culturally responsive.
Willful ignorance can no longer be the order of the day. We can address the public safety needs of Antioch residents, and lift those in law enforcement who are doing their best while holding their counterparts accountable for their roles in how we got here.
I trust my peers on the council to do what is best for the public at this time and the Leadership of Chief Ford.
I ask the public for grace, your prayers, and your support.
We will get through this together.”
No Responses Yet from Chief Ford, APOA Leadership, Two Other Councilmembers
Police Chief Steve Ford, the department’s PIO Ashley Crandell, Lt. Hoffman and the other APOA leadership were asked for the timeframe the texts were sent and for any other responses. In addition, the APOA’s attorney, Mike Rains and Councilmembers Monica Wilson, Lori Ogorchock and Mike Barbanica were also asked for responses to both the Times’ article and the mayor’s remarks.
APOA Attorney Responds
In response, APOA attorney Rains wrote, “I have been asked by several local television stations for comment, and I am telling everyone that I am not in a position to comment at the moment, because I have not seen any texts, and have not participated in discussions which the DA’s office has apparently had with the court and with counsel for the defendants in the underlying case. In retrospect, I would have liked to have been involved in such discussions, and believe the individual Officers have legal rights which I do not think were adequately considered, because they did not have a voice, either individually, or through counsel in the discussion. The Chief has ordered the commencement of an investigation of the most recent allegations by an ‘outside’ investigator, and the officers and our office plan to fully cooperate with the investigator and answer all questions.”
UPDATE: Barbanica Says There Must Be Accountability But Premature to Assume Anything Before Investigation is Complete
“Racist statements, racist comments at any level are wrong,” Barbanica stated. “However, I don’t know the content of these text messages. What we should be looking at here is, everyone is entitled to due process. It is premature to assume anything at this point until the investigation is complete. Let’s don’t lose sight that there are many hard-working men and women in the Antioch Police Department who are serving every day to protect this community and I don’t want to assume those under investigation are guilty of anything. If racist statements were made there must be accountability. Let’s wait and see what these texts actually say.”
None of the others responded prior to publication time.
Please check back later for any updates to this report.
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By Renée Saldaña, SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West (SEIU-UHW)
Starting the week of April 10, healthcare workers at medical facilities across California, including Walnut Creek and Antioch, will hold events to speak out against the dangers of short staffing and the effects on patients and caregivers.
On Tuesday, a protest will be held at Kaiser Permanente in Walnut Creek from 11 am to 1 pm and on Wednesday, another protest will be held at Kaiser Permanent on Sand Creek Road in Antioch, also from 11 am to 1 pm.
“After years of understaffing and dealing with the pandemic, we are stretched thin and burnt out. Healthcare workers are leaving the field, and those of us who have stayed are doing the work of two or three people. We can’t give our patients the care they deserve without enough staff,” said Datosha Williams, a service representative at Kaiser Permanente. “We are calling on Kaiser to do what it takes to hire more caregivers so that we can deliver the best care possible for our patients.”
After three years of the COVID pandemic and chronic understaffing, healthcare workers are calling on management to provide safe staffing levels and additional support. Caregivers say that short-staffed hospitals can lead to long wait times, mistaken diagnoses, and neglect, making it harder to give patients quality care.
Even before the pandemic, California faced a massive shortage of allied healthcare workers to care for its aging population — as many as 65,000 workers annually, according to conservative estimates. The stress and the toil of fighting the pandemic has led many to leave the industry, creating a full-blown healthcare staffing and patient care crisis.
A survey of over 30,000 SEIU-UHW members, Crisis in Care, highlighted the short-staffing crisis in California, with 83% of responding healthcare workers saying their facility is understaffed. At the same time, healthcare corporations are reporting record profits.
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Surveillance video screenshot of armed robbery. Suspects Christopher Salmeron and Timothy Harvey. Photos by San Pablo PD
$45,000 Rolex watch stolen outside
By San Pablo Police Department
On March 3rd, 2023 at 4:19 p.m., officers responded to an armed robbery of a customer in front of the H Bee Jewelry store located in San Pablo Towne Center in San Pablo. The suspects fled the scene prior to officer’s arrival. San Pablo Detectives assumed the investigation and utilized surveillance cameras within San Pablo Towne Center and public safety cameras in the surrounding areas to identify Timothy Harvey, 19-year-old Vallejo resident, and Christopher Salmeron, 26-year-old San Francisco resident, as suspects in the crime. (See video)
Through the investigation it was learned the victim was inside H Bee Jewelry in possession of a Rolex wristwatch valued at $45,000. Salmeron was also inside the store and observed the victim wearing the Rolex. Salmeron subsequently contacted Harvey and planned the armed robbery as the victim left the store. Harvey arrived at the store with an unknown associate to confront the victim outside with an AR-15 style pistol. The suspects took the Rolex from the victim and fled the scene.
Security camera footage shows the victim and suspect Christopher Salmeron inside the store. Screenshot of video by San Pablo PD
SPPD Detectives conducted weeks of surveillance to identify and locate Harvey and Salmeron. On the morning of April 5, 2023, Detectives with the assistance of the Contra Costa Safe Streets Task Force served search warrants at Harvey’s residence located in Rockwood Court, Vallejo, and Salmeron’s residence located in the 600 block of China Basin Street, San Francisco.
SPPD Detectives arrested Harvey at his home and was found in possession of the AR-15 style pistol inside which was believed to have been used in the robbery. Salmeron was arrested at his home wearing the victim’s Rolex and also in possession of a Glock-23 firearm. Both suspects were booked into Contra Costa County Jail on charges of robbery and conspiracy.
Detectives were able to return the Rolex to the victim who expressed appreciation for the exceptional police work conducted in this investigation.
The AR-15 style pistol used in robbery and recovered Rolex wristwatch. Photos by San Pablo PD
After his watch was returned to him by Detective Perino, the owner, Michael Stropes, said, “I was blown away. It brought tears to my eyes. I never thought I’d see it again and I’m just overwhelmed.”
“Can’t thank you enough. Just phenomenal work,” he added.
“These investigations are difficult to investigate,” Perino said. “But with the support of our business community we had a successful outcome.”
“It’s so great to be able to return an item back to the victim,” the detective continued. “As a whole the Investigations Division did an excellent job, and we were able to get the item back to him.”
This is considered an active investigation and anyone with information in this case is encouraged to contact the San Pablo Police Investigations Unit at 510-215-3150.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
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Ghost gun tossed from car during police pursuit on March 26, 2023. Photo: Oakley PD
By Oakley Police Department
On March 26, 2023 at 11:35PM Oakley Police Officer Hernandez saw a White 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser driving with a false paper plate. Officer Hernandez attempted a traffic enforcement stop of the vehicle and it continued driving eastbound on E Cypress Road toward Rubens Way. The suspect stopped and started several times and Officer Hernandez engaged in a pursuit of that vehicle. The vehicle was pursued southbound on Rubens Way, and then turned eastbound onto Michelangelo Drive. The vehicle continued on Michelangelo Drive and turned around at the dead end of Michelangelo Drive where it intersects with Donatello Way. At this point Officer Hernandez saw a gun get thrown out of the passenger side window of the vehicle. The suspect vehicle continued and turned onto Matisse Court. At the end of Matisse Court a black male passenger jumped out of the vehicle and jumped a fence. The suspect vehicle turned back towards Michelangelo and continued to flee.
At this point we had additional officers in the area, and we minimally had two separate persons attempting to elude police officers. At least one firearm was known to be part of this situation and the threat to public safety was believed to be significant. Our officers were able to pursue after the fleeing male and the fleeing vehicle at the same time. In fairly short order we lost the fleeing male. Our officers momentarily lost the fleeing vehicle as it made a series of quick turns in the immediate area. One of our officers relocated the vehicle as he turned a corner, the vehicle was parked in front of a residence on Renoir Court, and it was unoccupied. We now had two suspects fleeing us in the neighborhood while on foot.
Our officers found Shante Kelley, age 34 from Oakley/Oakland, hiding behind trashcans on the side of a residence on Renoir Court. Our officers took Kelley into custody, without incident, after she balked and refused to initially comply with orders to come out from behind the trashcans. Our officers quickly developed information that Antonio Harris, age 35 from Hayward, was the passenger who had fled the vehicle earlier and focused their efforts on finding him. Our officers also focused on locating the firearm that was thrown from the vehicle and they found it in the area they had seen it tossed in. The firearm was determined to be another 9mm “ghost-gun” loaded with a standard capacity magazine and a full complement of live ammunition. A ghost gun is a firearm lacking manufacturer markings or serial numbers. As a reminder our officers last recovered a ghost gun on March 20, 2023.
Our officers continued their search for Harris throughout the night and at 4:55AM Officer Hernandez, again, saw Harris at the AM/PM at Cypress Road and Main Street. Officer Hernandez safely took Harris into custody. With Harris in custody it was determined he and Kelley were married. Further investigation revealed Harris has been previously convicted of crimes involving violence with firearms.
Kelley and Harris were arrested and booked for various crimes, including: failing to obey a traffic officer, resisting and obstructing officers, possession of a loaded firearm and possession of a firearm without serial numbers.
“Once again, I am finding myself in the position of being very proud of the members of the Oakley Police Department. My officers are consistently discharging their duties by seeking out people who are committing crimes to keep Oakley safe,” said Police Chief Paul Beard. “It is unknown what the end goal was for the suspects in this investigation but, given the fact one of them has a violent criminal past, and a ghost gun was in their possession, it is very clear they were a threat to the community. I appreciate the diligence that was exerted during this investigation, my officers were not content to give up until they did everything they could do to capture everybody involved in this incident and I applaud them.”
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The Contra Costa Chamber Orchestra will perform Brits & Brahms on Saturday, April 15 at 2 pm at the historic El Campanil Theatre in Antioch’s Rivertown. The concert offers a timely message of hope through a captivating three-part musical experience. The orchestra will perform spectacular pieces that explore humanity’s astounding ability to thrive despite hard times.
Tickets can be purchased at ElCampanilTheatre.com or at the door (Adults $20, Seniors $15, Students $7).
The theater is located at 602 W. 2nd Street.
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See Hope – Seed Change theme
By Barb Kusha, Interfaith – San Ramon Valley
Interfaith – San Ramon Valley (I-SRV) and the Town of Danville have partnered to launch a fresh kind of Earth Day celebration, one focused on what is working right here, instead of on the gloomy eco-forecast. Its goals are to provide inspiration and to spur behavior change and ongoing commitment to sustainability as a way of life through recognizing and honoring our sacred relationship to nature.
The first annual InterFaith EarthFest, See Hope – Seed Change, celebration will bring together the San Ramon Valley’s interfaith community along with civic leaders, students, environmental, and community groups to channel their collective energies for the common purpose of moving toward a more responsible relationship with the planet. “Through an afternoon of ritual, art, music, pop-up speakers, booths, eco-activities and ceremony, the partnering groups and participants will draw hope from one another and inspire ongoing commitment to local action,” says Rabbi Dan Goldblatt of Beth Chaim.
“This new partnership is a big deal,” notes Pastor Steve Harms of Peace Lutheran Church. “The town’s leaders are coming together with religious leaders and the public and various interfaith congregants for the express purpose of meeting our urgent environmental issues head on with combined resources, ideas and energies. It has created a wonderful synergy of resolve and devotion.”
The event is Sunday, April 23, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Peace Lutheran Church, 3201 Camino Tassajara, Danville. It is free and open to the public. Parking is limited, but more is available at nearby commercial shopping plazas.
InterFaith – San Ramon Valley has been around for nearly 20 years, and includes members from many faith traditions. Participants in the InterFaith EarthFest include representatives from the following groups: Baha’i, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jewish, LDS, Muslim, Sihk, Sufi, and Taoist.
The afternoon will also include:
- youth chorus group, drumming and dance performances
- specially-curated art exhibit from local students and makers
- kids activities, food, and booths
- break-out sessions for in-depth learning
- labyrinth walks
- special displays of sacred texts from participating faiths that speak to the divine obligation we all share to preserve nature
Community partners for the event include Save Mount Diablo, Sustainable Contra Costa, Centre for Information Policy Leadership (CIPL), San Ramon Valley Unified School District, The Crayon Initiative, Cool the Earth, White Pony Express, Central Sanitation District, Republic Services, Rewire Community, SOJA and others.
EkoLinq, a Tri-Valley based recycling company, will collect for resale and recycling, on the spot free of charge unwanted textiles of all types including clothes, towels and sheets, from gently-used to rags.
About Interfaith – San Ramon Valley
I-SRV is a community group of diverse faith congregations from across the valley who are committed to learning, sharing, listening, and acting together. Learn more at https://www.interfaithsrv.org.
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In picture from BASS: CEO Inez Wondeh, MPA, MBA; Jesse Kaestner, BS, RT(T); K. Kenneth Chao, M.D.; Dr. Soheila Azghadi, BASS Medical Group; From CSC: Board President, Donald Duggan; Board VP, Patricia Falconer, MBA; Danielle Bertoni (and BASS), Rob Tufel, MSW, MPH; Margaret Stauffer, LMFT. Source: CSC
Cancer Support Community San Francisco Bay Area (CSC) and BASS Cancer Center, a division of BASS Medical Group, have partnered to develop an automated patient screening process to identify and refer patients at an increased risk of depression, anxiety, and stress to free mental health services provided by Cancer Support Community.
This new referral process is now integrated into BASS Cancer Center’s electronic medical record system. Patients will automatically be provided information for CSC’s services when they indicate an increased risk of mental and emotional stress related to their cancer diagnosis.
“As many as three out of every four cancer survivors experience symptoms of psychological distress which can negatively impact clinical outcomes and quality of life,” says Rob Tufel, MSW, MPH, Chief Executive Officer of Cancer Support Community. “Unfortunately, fewer than 10% of patients are referred for support by their medical team. The lack of support is even more pronounced among cancer patients from communities of color and those who have lower incomes as well as older adults.”
CSC Board Member, Patricia Falconer, MBA, notes that “40% of Cancer patients experience financial hardship as a result of their diagnosis. This unique collaboration between CSC and community-based cancer providers is a model of how to increase patients’ access to vital support including financial assistance and navigation.”
This new screening tool was developed by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network––an alliance of 32 leading cancer centers devoted to patient care research, and education––and is designed to look for evidence of psychological, social, spiritual, and physical indicators that may interfere with one’s ability to cope effectively with cancer, its physical symptoms, and its treatment.
“As the number of cancer patients continue to increase, it is vital that we offer not only high-quality medical care but also comprehensive support,” explains Inez Wondeh, MPA, MBA, Chief Executive Officer of BASS Medical Group, “It was really important to us to develop a streamlined process to better address our patient’s needs and partnering with Cancer Support Community, who already provides excellent psychosocial services for patients and families at no cost, was a natural fit. This will make an incredible impact for our patients.”
CSC has locations in Walnut Creek and Antioch. To learn more visit cancersupport.net.
Read MoreJake Andreotti #00 opened the BCRA Midget Triple Crown series with a $2,000 win. Photo by Katrina Kniss
By Candice Martin, DCRR Racing Media
Antioch, CA…April 8…Jake Andreotti of Castro Valley won the 30 lap BCRA Midgets Main Event Saturday night at Antioch Speedway. This was the 63rd season opening race at the Contra Costa County Fairgrounds venue. It was also the opening round of the three-race special BCRA Triple Crown Series at the track, which pays $2,000 to win each race and has a special point fund.
Past USAC Western States Midgets and WMR Midgets champion Blake Bower of Brentwood raced into the early lead ahead of Caden Sarale of Stockton. Andreotti found his way into third by the sixth lap. A Turn 4 pass on Lap 9 gained Sarale the lead. Andreotti motored into second on Lap 11. Andreotti quickly started to challenge Sarale,, and they caught a slower car on Lap 14. Andreotti went high in Turn 2, while Sarale went low and surrendered the lead. Through a pair of slowdowns during the second half of the race, Andreotti stayed smooth and went on to score the impressive win. Sarale settled for the $1,150 second place finish, followed by Bower, Jake Morgan of Fair Oaks and Bryant Bell of Oakley.
Matt Kile #5 returned to Hobby Stock racing with an impressive feature win. Photo by Katrina Kniss
Matt Kile of San Jose won the 20 lap Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stock Main Event. Kile charged into the lead at the start ahead of Jared Baugh of Pittsburg. Kile didn’t receive much of a threat in this race, but Baugh, Danny Wagner of Bay Point and Grayson Baca of Brentwood had a spirited battle going for second. Baugh held the spot until being passed by Baca on Lap 11. Wagner quickly moved into third and executed to Turn 2 pass on the last lap for what he thought would be second. However, Baca came back strong and beat Wagner back to the line by inches. Kile cruised to the well-earned victory. Baugh settled for fourth ahead of Kevin Brown of Oakley.
David Michael Rosa #2d won the Delta Dwarf Car season opener. Photo by Katrina Kniss
Antioch’s David Michael Rosa won the 20 lap Delta Dwarf Car Main Event. Several drivers were involved in different mishaps during the first 14 laps that caused five yellow flags. Through it all, reigning Delta Dwarf Car champion Danny Wagner of Bay Point led the way. Dublin’s Devan Kammermann spun out of second on Lap 7, moving Ellie Russo of Bay Point into the position. However, Chance Russell of Antioch gained second a lap later. Rosa slipped past Russell for second on a Lap 14 restart and gained the lead when Wagner slowed on Lap 18 with mechanical issues. Rosa went on to win ahead of Russell, Russo, Travis Day of Concord and Pete Piantanida of Discovery Bay.
Greg Dennett #47 dominated the BCRA Lightning Sprint Main Event. Photo by Katrina Kniss
Greg Dennett of Livermore won the 20 lap BCRA Lightning Sprint Main Event. Scott Kinney led two laps before being passed by Dennett on the back stretch on Lap 3. Dakota Albright of Waterford made a Turn 4 pass on Kinney for second on Lap 5, but Dennett had already built a straightaway advantage by then. Dennett cruised to victory ahead of Albright, Harlee Aguilera of Orangevale, Josef Ferolito of Modesto and Cody Meyer of Placerville.
Joel Hannagan piloted The Junkyard Dog #16 Hardtop to an impressive win. Photo by Katrina Kniss
Joel Hannagan of San Jose won the 15 lap Hardtop Main Event. Ronnie Ruiz of West Sacramento led two laps before Brad Coelho of Oakley got by in Turn 4 for the lead. Hannagan followed closely into second, and Hannagan made a Turn 4 pass a lap later to take the lead from Coelho. As Hannagan pulled away, Coello and Ruiz battled fiercely for second. Ruiz made a Turn 4 pass to gain the spot in Lap 7, only to surrender the position to Coelho with an inside move on the frontstretch on Lap 11. Hannagan went on to victory ahead of Coelho, Ruiz, Joe Shenefield of Antioch and Ken Clifford of Placerville.
Dana Gardner #37 remained hot with his Print Club Mini Stock feature win. Photo by Katrina Kniss
After a strong postseason effort last year, San Bruno’s Dana Gardner resumed his impressive efforts with a 20 lap Print Club Mini Stock Main Event win. Gardner led from the outside with Eddie Humphrey III of Torrance an early second. Humphrey held the position until a Lap 9 yellow flag. Humphrey pitted, and Gardner resumed command ahead of reigning champion Tom Brown of Santa Rosa and Tony Quinonez of Corning. As Gardner sped to the impressive win by a wide margin, Brown managed to hold off Quinonez in a close battle for second. Newcomer Max Finley of Santa Rosa wheeled his Ford Pinto Wagon to a fourth place finish ahead Don Abitz of Pittsburg.
At the opening ceremonies, several drivers came out to do a memorial lap for BCRA Hall of Fame member Jim Screeton, who died in a motorcycle accident back in March. Racing continues next weekend with the Hunt Wingless Spec Sprint Tour, the IMCA Sport Modifieds and 600 Micro Sprints competing. For further information, go to www.antiochspeedway.com.
Unofficial Race Results – April 8, 2023
BCRA Midgets
FT-Jake Andreotti 14.312. Heat Winners (8 laps)-Jake Andreotti, Jake Morgan, Bryant Bell. Main Event (30 laps)-Jake Andreotti, Caden Sarale, Blake Bower, Jake Morgan, Bryant Bell, Michael Snider, Sage Bordeneve, Logan Mitchell, Danika Jo Parker, Kevin Box.
Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stocks
Heat Winners (8 laps)-Jared Baugh, Danny Wagner, Matt Kile. Main Event (20 laps)-Matt Kile, Grayson Baca, Danny Wagner, Jared Baugh, Kevin Brown, Ken Johns, Colten Haney, Michaela Taylor, James Graessle, Aidan Ponciano.
BCRA Lightning Sprints
FT Greg Dennett 13.852. Heat Winners (8 laps)-Greg Dennett, Dakota Albright. Main Event-Greg Dennett, Dakota Albright, Harlee Aguilera, Joseph Ferolito, Cody Meyer, Scott Kinney, Hunter Kinney. Daniel Caughran DNS.
Delta Dwarf Cars
Heat Winners (8 laps)-David Michael Rosa, Danny Wagner. Main Event (20 laps)-David Michael Rosa, Chance Russell, Ellie Russo, Travis Day, Pete Piantanida, David Rosa, Joe LeDuc, Danny Wagner, Devan Kammermann, Bobby Motts Jr DNS.
Print Club Mini Stocks
Heat Winners (8 laps)-Dana Gardner, Eddie Humphrey III. Main Event (20 laps)-Dana Gardner, Tom Brown, Tony Quinonez, Max Finley, Don Abitz, Cody Bolles, Eddie Humphrey III, Laina Bales, David Carson, Roberto Monroy DNS.
Hardtops
Heat Winner (6 laps)-Joel Hannagan. Main Event (15 laps)-Joel Hannagan, Brad Coelho, Ronnie Ruiz, Joe Shenefield, Ken Clifford.
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Traffic was blocked in all lanes of Hwy 4 westbound in Concord Saturday night, April 8, 2023.
By Adam Lane, PIO, CHP-Contra Costa
Last night, April 8, 2023, at 8:22pm, a CHP Contra Costa Officer was conducting an enforcement stop on a Chevrolet on the right shoulder of southbound Hwy 242, south of Hwy 4. The Officer was standing near the Chevrolet when a Mercedes traveling southbound veered from the roadway and struck the rear of the Chevrolet. The force of the crash caused the Chevrolet to strike the Officer standing near it.Our Officer was transported to the hospital where she was treated for her injuries and later released. She is expected to make a full recovery. The driver of the Chevrolet suffered potential minor injuries and was transported to the hospital. The driver of the Mercedes sustained no injuries and was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs.
Traffic was blocked in all westbound lanes of Hwy 4 from the Hwy 242 interchange to east of the Port Chicago Highway offramp causing a back-up on the freeway until about 8:55 p.m.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
Read MoreGregory Rossignon was charged with murder by the Contra Costa DA’s Office. Photo: Pittsburg PD
Following search in Antioch, arrest in Modesto
By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office
A Pittsburg man faces a four-count felony complaint related to the murder of a convenience store clerk on March 22nd. (See related articles here, here and here)
37-year-old Gregory Rossignon of Pittsburg has been charged by the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office with the murder of 44-year-old Abdul Raouf. Rossignon also faces a charge of discharging a firearm with gross negligence, dissuading a witness by force or threats, and possession of a firearm with prior felony convictions. The murder charge comes with an enhancement for the intentional discharge of a weapon that killed Mr. Raouf and special allegations related to Rossignon’s prior felony offenses.
The incident occurred around 9:40 pm at the E-Z Stop Convenience Food shop on Power Avenue in Pittsburg. An argument between Rossignon’s girlfriend and another employee at the shop occurred. A short time after the disagreement between the clerk and Rossignon’s girlfriend, Rossignon entered the store and shot Raouf – who was not involved in the argument. He died at the scene. Police located and arrested Rossignon in Modesto on April 5th and booked him into the Martinez Detention Facility. His arraignment is set for April 10th in Martinez at 1:30 pm.
The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office thanks the law enforcement and investigative work of the Pittsburg Police Department in this case.
Case No. 04-23-00555 | The People of the State of California vs. Rossignon, Gregory
Read MoreScreenshot of Antioch Mayor Lamar Thorpe’s Facebook Live video offering his remarks about the alleged racist texts sent by Antioch Police Officers.
Union president included; Thorpe wants review of all complaints over last 6 to 8 years
By Allen D. Payton
According to an East Bay Times article published Friday evening, April 7, 2023, Contra Costa Superior Court Judge Clare Maier, while adjudicating a felony case of suspects arrested by Antioch Police, released the names of 17 officers who are “accused of using racist slurs, jokes and memes in text messages over a period of more than two years.” In addition, Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton announced on Friday that the judge ruled to have the texts released to the defense in that case.
In response, Antioch Mayor Lamar Thorpe posted a Facebook Live video on his official page, Saturday afternoon, April 8, 2023, expressing his “profound disappointment” with the officers and called for an independent audit. He specifically called out the Antioch Police Officers Association (APOA) union president, Lt. Rick Hoffman for being included.
According to the Times’ report, the other officers named include Devon Wenger, Eric Rombough, Andrea Rodriguez, Calvin Prieto, Morteza Amiri who already have been placed on leave amid the FBI investigation. The list also includes Joshua Evans, Jonathan Adams, Scott Duggar, Robert Gerber, Thomas Smith, Brock Marcotte, Aaron Hughes, Brayton Milner, John Ramirez and Kyle Smith, as well as Tim Manly who resigned from the department.
Thorpe’s Remarks
After thanking those who offered their condolences for the recent passing of his father, reading from prepared remarks Thorpe said, “On Friday afternoon, Contra Costa Superior Court Judge Clare Maier released the names of 17 Antioch police officers who allegedly were unafraid to use racist language.
There are no words to express my profound disappointment especially given that one of the named officers serves as president of the Antioch Police Union.
While Antioch has worked hard to become one of the Bay Area’s most racially diverse cities, this will undoubtedly leave an embarrassing stain on our community.
The culture at the Antioch Police Department is a problem and has long been a huge legal and financial liability for the city, which is on full display today.
The culture at the department requires further exploration including how the hell all of this alleged misconduct could go on for so long without anyone on the command staff noticing– lieutenant and above.
Therefore, I’m calling for an independent investigation of the internal affairs process specifically looking at all complaints within the last six to eight years from the nature of complaints to their dispositions.
I am also seriously concerned about complaints that have not been investigated and are now outside of the statute of limitations. I want a complete review of that as well.
Moreover, we need a complete independent audit of our hiring and promotions practices so that the Council can implement measures to better root out individuals with certain biases. This idea was part of my original police reform package that I presented to the City Council in 2020 but has yet to be examined.
Lastly, our police-reform efforts to this point are missing the forest for the trees because this is about culture. I agree with Vice Mayor Tamisha Torres-Walker on conducting some kind of police equity audit of the Antioch Police Department to measure bias in our enforcement efforts and ultimately pursue measures that help eliminate racist policies, practices, and behaviors.
We will hold anyone accountable that has allowed this culture to continue whether you’ve been here for a year or 20 years, and regardless of your rank.
In my first 30 days in office, I had to deal with two in-custody deaths; in less than a year, a failed recall effort fueled by the idea of protecting the police department; then in year two I was hauled into the DA’s office to be briefed about a very serious FBI investigation of the Antioch Police Department; and now, on year three we’re dealing with alleged racism.
Our culture of acceptance is wrong. There are no ifs, ands, or buts about it.
The fact of the matter is that our goal of a strong police department will not materialize until every resident in our city regardless of race and socio-economic background can feel that they have a trusting relationship with our police officers.
If you’re a supporter of law enforcement, you should support these reforms as they help separate officers who are committed to the badge and have played by the rules and those who have no business being police officers.”
One thing the mayor said was incorrect. One of the two in-custody deaths he referred to was Angelo Quinto’s. However, he died in the hospital three days after the incident with police and was not in police custody at the time. (See related article)
Mayor Pro Tem Torres-Walker Responds
In a post on her official Facebook page Saturday afternoon, Mayor Pro Tem Tamisha Torres-Walker shared a link to the Times’ article and wrote, “We can no longer be bystanders and action must be taken to correct this culture of racism and anti-blackness in policing starting with Antioch.
I haven’t seen any of the text messages referenced in this article and to be honest I’m not sure I want to. What I will say is that my peers on the City Council and the community at large should take these miscarriages of justice seriously.
I also want to take a moment to acknowledge those in the Antioch police department who work hard every day to provide none bias policing service to our community as public safety continues to be our primary concern moving forward.”
In a previous message posted on Thursday, Torres-Walker wrote, “Antioch Police Union Attorney Rains criticized Mayor Lamar Thorpe’s press conference for allegedly violating the right to confidentially and due process for a few officers suspected of crimes against the public while entrenched in a culture of racism.
Chief Ford has taken actions addressing recruitment, assessment, hiring, retention, promotion, and agency culture since April of last year which included a hefty incentive package to bring new talent with a community policing mindset that is culturally responsive.
Willful ignorance can no longer be the order of the day. We can address the public safety needs of Antioch residents, and lift those in law enforcement who are doing their best while holding their counterparts accountable for their roles in how we got here.
I trust my peers on the council to do what is best for the public at this time and the Leadership of Chief Ford.
I ask the public for grace, your prayers, and your support.
We will get through this together.”
No Responses Yet from Chief Ford, APOA Leadership, Two Other Councilmembers
Police Chief Steve Ford, the department’s PIO Ashley Crandell, Lt. Hoffman and the other APOA leadership were asked for the timeframe the texts were sent and for any other responses. In addition, the APOA’s attorney, Mike Rains and Councilmembers Monica Wilson, Lori Ogorchock and Mike Barbanica were also asked for responses to both the Times’ article and the mayor’s remarks.
APOA Attorney Responds
In response, APOA attorney Rains wrote, “I have been asked by several local television stations for comment, and I am telling everyone that I am not in a position to comment at the moment, because I have not seen any texts, and have not participated in discussions which the DA’s office has apparently had with the court and with counsel for the defendants in the underlying case. In retrospect, I would have liked to have been involved in such discussions, and believe the individual Officers have legal rights which I do not think were adequately considered, because they did not have a voice, either individually, or through counsel in the discussion. The Chief has ordered the commencement of an investigation of the most recent allegations by an ‘outside’ investigator, and the officers and our office plan to fully cooperate with the investigator and answer all questions.”
UPDATE: Barbanica Says There Must Be Accountability But Premature to Assume Anything Before Investigation is Complete
“Racist statements, racist comments at any level are wrong,” Barbanica stated. “However, I don’t know the content of these text messages. What we should be looking at here is, everyone is entitled to due process. It is premature to assume anything at this point until the investigation is complete. Let’s don’t lose sight that there are many hard-working men and women in the Antioch Police Department who are serving every day to protect this community and I don’t want to assume those under investigation are guilty of anything. If racist statements were made there must be accountability. Let’s wait and see what these texts actually say.”
None of the others responded prior to publication time.
Please check back later for any updates to this report.
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By Renée Saldaña, SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West (SEIU-UHW)
Starting the week of April 10, healthcare workers at medical facilities across California, including Walnut Creek and Antioch, will hold events to speak out against the dangers of short staffing and the effects on patients and caregivers.
On Tuesday, a protest will be held at Kaiser Permanente in Walnut Creek from 11 am to 1 pm and on Wednesday, another protest will be held at Kaiser Permanent on Sand Creek Road in Antioch, also from 11 am to 1 pm.
“After years of understaffing and dealing with the pandemic, we are stretched thin and burnt out. Healthcare workers are leaving the field, and those of us who have stayed are doing the work of two or three people. We can’t give our patients the care they deserve without enough staff,” said Datosha Williams, a service representative at Kaiser Permanente. “We are calling on Kaiser to do what it takes to hire more caregivers so that we can deliver the best care possible for our patients.”
After three years of the COVID pandemic and chronic understaffing, healthcare workers are calling on management to provide safe staffing levels and additional support. Caregivers say that short-staffed hospitals can lead to long wait times, mistaken diagnoses, and neglect, making it harder to give patients quality care.
Even before the pandemic, California faced a massive shortage of allied healthcare workers to care for its aging population — as many as 65,000 workers annually, according to conservative estimates. The stress and the toil of fighting the pandemic has led many to leave the industry, creating a full-blown healthcare staffing and patient care crisis.
A survey of over 30,000 SEIU-UHW members, Crisis in Care, highlighted the short-staffing crisis in California, with 83% of responding healthcare workers saying their facility is understaffed. At the same time, healthcare corporations are reporting record profits.
Read MoreSurveillance video screenshot of armed robbery. Suspects Christopher Salmeron and Timothy Harvey. Photos by San Pablo PD
$45,000 Rolex watch stolen outside
By San Pablo Police Department
On March 3rd, 2023 at 4:19 p.m., officers responded to an armed robbery of a customer in front of the H Bee Jewelry store located in San Pablo Towne Center in San Pablo. The suspects fled the scene prior to officer’s arrival. San Pablo Detectives assumed the investigation and utilized surveillance cameras within San Pablo Towne Center and public safety cameras in the surrounding areas to identify Timothy Harvey, 19-year-old Vallejo resident, and Christopher Salmeron, 26-year-old San Francisco resident, as suspects in the crime. (See video)
Through the investigation it was learned the victim was inside H Bee Jewelry in possession of a Rolex wristwatch valued at $45,000. Salmeron was also inside the store and observed the victim wearing the Rolex. Salmeron subsequently contacted Harvey and planned the armed robbery as the victim left the store. Harvey arrived at the store with an unknown associate to confront the victim outside with an AR-15 style pistol. The suspects took the Rolex from the victim and fled the scene.
Security camera footage shows the victim and suspect Christopher Salmeron inside the store. Screenshot of video by San Pablo PD
SPPD Detectives conducted weeks of surveillance to identify and locate Harvey and Salmeron. On the morning of April 5, 2023, Detectives with the assistance of the Contra Costa Safe Streets Task Force served search warrants at Harvey’s residence located in Rockwood Court, Vallejo, and Salmeron’s residence located in the 600 block of China Basin Street, San Francisco.
SPPD Detectives arrested Harvey at his home and was found in possession of the AR-15 style pistol inside which was believed to have been used in the robbery. Salmeron was arrested at his home wearing the victim’s Rolex and also in possession of a Glock-23 firearm. Both suspects were booked into Contra Costa County Jail on charges of robbery and conspiracy.
Detectives were able to return the Rolex to the victim who expressed appreciation for the exceptional police work conducted in this investigation.
The AR-15 style pistol used in robbery and recovered Rolex wristwatch. Photos by San Pablo PD
After his watch was returned to him by Detective Perino, the owner, Michael Stropes, said, “I was blown away. It brought tears to my eyes. I never thought I’d see it again and I’m just overwhelmed.”
“Can’t thank you enough. Just phenomenal work,” he added.
“These investigations are difficult to investigate,” Perino said. “But with the support of our business community we had a successful outcome.”
“It’s so great to be able to return an item back to the victim,” the detective continued. “As a whole the Investigations Division did an excellent job, and we were able to get the item back to him.”
This is considered an active investigation and anyone with information in this case is encouraged to contact the San Pablo Police Investigations Unit at 510-215-3150.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
Read MoreGhost gun tossed from car during police pursuit on March 26, 2023. Photo: Oakley PD
By Oakley Police Department
On March 26, 2023 at 11:35PM Oakley Police Officer Hernandez saw a White 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser driving with a false paper plate. Officer Hernandez attempted a traffic enforcement stop of the vehicle and it continued driving eastbound on E Cypress Road toward Rubens Way. The suspect stopped and started several times and Officer Hernandez engaged in a pursuit of that vehicle. The vehicle was pursued southbound on Rubens Way, and then turned eastbound onto Michelangelo Drive. The vehicle continued on Michelangelo Drive and turned around at the dead end of Michelangelo Drive where it intersects with Donatello Way. At this point Officer Hernandez saw a gun get thrown out of the passenger side window of the vehicle. The suspect vehicle continued and turned onto Matisse Court. At the end of Matisse Court a black male passenger jumped out of the vehicle and jumped a fence. The suspect vehicle turned back towards Michelangelo and continued to flee.
At this point we had additional officers in the area, and we minimally had two separate persons attempting to elude police officers. At least one firearm was known to be part of this situation and the threat to public safety was believed to be significant. Our officers were able to pursue after the fleeing male and the fleeing vehicle at the same time. In fairly short order we lost the fleeing male. Our officers momentarily lost the fleeing vehicle as it made a series of quick turns in the immediate area. One of our officers relocated the vehicle as he turned a corner, the vehicle was parked in front of a residence on Renoir Court, and it was unoccupied. We now had two suspects fleeing us in the neighborhood while on foot.
Our officers found Shante Kelley, age 34 from Oakley/Oakland, hiding behind trashcans on the side of a residence on Renoir Court. Our officers took Kelley into custody, without incident, after she balked and refused to initially comply with orders to come out from behind the trashcans. Our officers quickly developed information that Antonio Harris, age 35 from Hayward, was the passenger who had fled the vehicle earlier and focused their efforts on finding him. Our officers also focused on locating the firearm that was thrown from the vehicle and they found it in the area they had seen it tossed in. The firearm was determined to be another 9mm “ghost-gun” loaded with a standard capacity magazine and a full complement of live ammunition. A ghost gun is a firearm lacking manufacturer markings or serial numbers. As a reminder our officers last recovered a ghost gun on March 20, 2023.
Our officers continued their search for Harris throughout the night and at 4:55AM Officer Hernandez, again, saw Harris at the AM/PM at Cypress Road and Main Street. Officer Hernandez safely took Harris into custody. With Harris in custody it was determined he and Kelley were married. Further investigation revealed Harris has been previously convicted of crimes involving violence with firearms.
Kelley and Harris were arrested and booked for various crimes, including: failing to obey a traffic officer, resisting and obstructing officers, possession of a loaded firearm and possession of a firearm without serial numbers.
“Once again, I am finding myself in the position of being very proud of the members of the Oakley Police Department. My officers are consistently discharging their duties by seeking out people who are committing crimes to keep Oakley safe,” said Police Chief Paul Beard. “It is unknown what the end goal was for the suspects in this investigation but, given the fact one of them has a violent criminal past, and a ghost gun was in their possession, it is very clear they were a threat to the community. I appreciate the diligence that was exerted during this investigation, my officers were not content to give up until they did everything they could do to capture everybody involved in this incident and I applaud them.”
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