Friday evening through Monday night, May 26-29
By Jaime Coffee, CHP Media Relations
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Memorial Day weekend is quickly approaching, and many Californians are preparing to kick off the summer with a holiday gathering or road trip. Forty-five people were killed in crashes in California during last year’s Memorial Day weekend, nearly a 30 percent increase from the same period in 2021. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) has a plan to help people arrive to their destinations safely, while reducing the number of deadly crashes on the state’s roads.
Beginning at 6:01 p.m. on Friday, May 26, the CHP will implement a statewide Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP) in anticipation of the increased traffic that often accompanies a holiday weekend. The MEP will continue through 11:59 p.m. on Monday, May 29.
“The core mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security to the communities we serve,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “This holiday, motorists can expect to see additional CHP officers patrolling California’s roadways. All available uniformed members of this Department will be on patrol during this Memorial Day MEP. Our primary focus will be to enhance public safety, deter unsafe driving behavior, and when necessary, take appropriate enforcement action.”
In addition to assisting motorists and looking for traffic violations that often lead to serious injury or death, such as failure to wear a seat belt, speed, and distracted driving, CHP officers will be paying close attention to people who are suspected of driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs and/or alcohol.
CHP officers made nearly 900 DUI arrests during the Memorial Day MEP in 2022. Keep yourself and others who are on the road safe by designating a sober driver or using a ride-share service.
If you see or suspect an impaired driver, call 9-1-1 immediately. Be prepared to provide the dispatcher a description of the vehicle, the license plate number, location, and direction of travel. Your phone call may save someone’s life.
The CHP’s Memorial Day MEP coincides with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s ongoing Click It or Ticket campaign, which continues through
June 4. Seat belts save lives. Take two seconds to secure your safety and buckle up.
The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.
Applications due 6/1/23
BART is currently recruiting to fill positions in two civilian advisory committees critical for public safety and accountability.
The BART Police Citizen Review Board (BPCRB) is a civilian advisory committee with the authority to provide BART riders and the public with transparency and input into BART’s policing services. We are seeking a District 2 position candidate who will be appointed by BART Director Mark Foley.
The BART Transit Security Advisory Committee (TSAC) is the citizen and community oversight committee that works to ensure Assembly Bill 716 — which allows BART Police Officers the authority to issue prohibition orders to offenders who are cited or arrested for certain offenses — is implemented as the Legislature intended. BART is currently looking to fill several open positions.
Below are full announcements for both BCPRB and TSAC positions.
The BART Board of Directors is currently in the process of recruiting for the BART Police Citizen Review Board (BPCRB) for the District 2 position to be appointed by BART Director Mark Foley.
Applicants don’t need to reside in District 2, however they must be a resident of Contra Costa, Alameda, San Mateo, or San Francisco.
Members of the BPCRB work to increase the public’s confidence in BART’s Policing services by:
- Reviewing, recommending and monitoring the implementation of changes to police policies, procedures and practices
- Receiving citizen allegations of on-duty police misconduct
- Advising Board of Directors, General Manager, Independent Police Auditor and Police Chief
- Participating in recommending appropriate disciplinary action
- Meeting periodically with representatives of the BART Police associations
- Participating in community outreach
Read more about the BPCRB and download the District 2 Application
Application period closes on Thursday, June 1, 2023
Call (510) 464-6083 or email CitizenReviewBoard@bart.gov with any questions.
BART’s Transit Security Advisory Committee (TSAC) is currently looking to fill several open positions and is accepting applications until June 1, 2023.
TSAC is the citizen and community oversight committee that works to ensure Assembly Bill 716 (Dickinson) — which allows BART Police Officers the authority to issue prohibition orders to offenders who are cited or arrested for certain offenses — is implemented as the Legislature intended. The oversight group, comprised of at least five citizens, serves as a volunteer review body for the implementation of BART’s prohibition policy.
Board-appointed members of TSAC are professionals in the areas of mental health, homelessness, public safety and youth advocacy and cultural awareness. Drawing from their private and public sector experiences, the committee brings a diverse set of skills to the review and execution of the prohibition policy. The advisory committee reports directly to the BART Board of Directors.
BART Transit Security Advisory Committee is currently looking for the following Open Seats:
- One (1) Alternate Committee Member for the Mental Health, Youth Advocate, or Law Enforcement Representative Seat
- Two (2) Public at Large Representative Seats
- One (1) Mental Health Representative Seat
- One (1) Law Enforcement Representative Seat
- One (1) Youth Advocate Representative Seat
Final Filing Date – Application Deadline Thursday, June 1, 2023, at 5:00 P.M. (PST)
Please download the application here and return the application form and relevant attachments to the BART Office of the District Secretary at:
2150 Webster Street, 10th Floor, Oakland, CA 94612
Applicants may email to TransitSecurityAdvisory@bart.gov
Feel free to call (510) 464-6083 with any questions. Learn more about the TSAC here.
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Source: California Department of Social Services
During their meeting on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, the Board of Supervisors approved a proclamation declaring May as CalFresh Awareness Month (See below)
More Contra Costa County residents are encouraged to apply for the food assistance program.
CalFresh food benefits stretch household budgets, enabling recipients to afford nutritious food, including more fruits, vegetables, and other healthy options. In Contra Costa County, 93,169 Contra Costa County residents are receiving CalFresh as of March 2023. But many more may be eligible. Learn more, including how to apply, at ehsd.org.
Source: California Department of Social Services
CalFresh Facts:
- CalFresh Food benefits can be used at most grocery stores and even select online retailers; and matched dollar for dollar at participating farmers markets.
- Adults 18 years or older can be eligible for CalFresh, and may apply on behalf of their children, including non-citizen parents who may apply on behalf of their U.S.-born children.
- CalFresh benefits have contributed $297 million to our economy from April 2022 through March 2023 in Contra Costa County.
CalFresh Awareness Month news cards are posted on ehsd.org and on the County website. Also, social media posts @ContraCostaEHSD on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram.
Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors
Proclaiming May 2023 as CalFresh Awareness Month
WHEREAS, CalFresh food benefits stretch household budgets, enabling recipients to afford nutritious food, including more fruits, vegetables, and other healthy options; and
WHEREAS, encouraging eligible residents to enroll in the CalFresh program will increase the health and well-being of eligible families and individuals by helping provide a means to meet their nutritional needs; and
WHEREAS, EHSD’s community partnerships, including the Food Bank of Contra Costa County and Solano, help raise awareness and visibility of CalFresh; and
WHEREAS, adults 18 years or older can be eligible for CalFresh, and may apply on behalf of their children, including non-citizen parents who may apply on behalf of their U.S.-born children; and
WHEREAS, CalFresh Food benefits can be used at most grocery stores and even select online retailers; and matched dollar for dollar at participating farmers markets; and
WHEREAS, 93,169 Contra Costa County residents are receiving CalFresh as of March 2023; and
WHEREAS, CalFresh benefits have contributed $297 million to our economy from April 2022 through March 2023 in Contra Costa County; and
WHEREAS, Contra Costa County is one of 34 counties in the state to offer the CalFresh Employment and Training Program, providing CalFresh participants training and assistance towards job readiness, job security, work norms and access to higher education; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors does hereby proclaim May 2023 as CalFresh Awareness Month in Contra Costa County, and honors all of the individuals, organizations and agencies working to ensure that all County residents have access to safe, nutritious food and support in achieving sustainable economic health.
By Marisa Greenberg, Marketing & Communications Coordinator, 4CD
Dr. Pamela Ralston
The Contra Costa Community College District (4CD) has selected Dr. Pamela Ralston as the seventh permanent president of Los Medanos College (LMC). The 4CD Governing Board will vote on ratification of her contract at their June 14, 2023, meeting. The announcement was made following a search that began in February 2023.
“Dr. Ralston brings tremendous experience and commitment to improving student success and student equity by working collaboratively with faculty, staff, and administrators,” said Interim Chancellor Mojdeh Mehdizadeh. “Through the development and support of strong, innovative programs, and in designing a supportive environment where both students and staff feel respected and appreciated, I am confident we have chosen a leader who is a great fit for 4CD, Los Medanos College, and the East County community.”
Over the course of a two-decade career in public higher education, Dr. Ralston has served as the Interim President at Los Medanos College, President at Santiago Canyon College, and Executive Vice President of Educational Programs at Santa Barbara City College, where she led the academic and student services programs. A passionate advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in education, Dr. Ralston has worked to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students, with special attention to the strengths that their cultural backgrounds and ethnic identities bring to their college experiences.
Dr. Ralston earned a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Oregon and Master of Arts and doctoral degrees from the University of Washington in Comparative Literature.
“I am honored to be selected to lead this incredible higher education institution,” said Dr. Ralston. “I am eager to help maintain and expand LMC’s legacy of educational excellence, promote community college as a great choice for our students, while building stronger connections and partnerships with our community.”
The Contra Costa Community College District (4CD) is one of the largest multi-college community college districts in California. The 4CD serves a population of 1,200,997 people, and its boundaries encompass all but 48 of the 734-square-mile land area of Contra Costa County. 4CD is home to Contra Costa College in San Pablo, Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill, Los Medanos College in Pittsburg, as well as educational centers in Brentwood and San Ramon. The District headquarters is located in downtown Martinez. For more information visit www.4cd.edu.
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For agricultural, arts and crafts, childcare, energy, housing, worker-owned cooperatives, etc.
By Alicia Sloper, Admin. and Communications Support Specialist, California Center for Cooperative Development
The Cooperative Movement is well positioned to play a critical role in the larger movement for social and ecological justice. The California Center for Cooperative Development (CCCD) will host its annual California Cooperative Conference at Mexican Heritage Plaza in San Jose on Friday, June 2, and Saturday, June 3, 2023. CCCD will be showcasing innovative leaders in the cooperative movement and promoting a commitment to local economic development and underserved communities. Statewide cooperators and changemakers will have the opportunity to network with leaders in the cooperative ecosystem, share insight from experience in cooperative development, and discover the cooperative difference.
This year’s California Co-op Conference is honored to host Keynote speaker Gopal Dayaneni, who will be speaking on Cooperation for Collective Liberation. Dayaneni has been involved in working for social, economic, environmental, and racial justice through organizing, campaigning, teaching, writing, speaking, and direct action since the late 1980’s. Currently, Dayaneni supports movement building through his work with organizations including The Climate Justice Alliance, ETCgroup, NDN Collective, the Center for Story-based Strategy and People’s Solar Energy Fund, among others.
The event will feature panels and workshops covering a wide range of topics surrounding the co-op movement, with opportunities to learn and take part in both English and Spanish. Some workshops of note include Herramientad de Comunicaion Efectiva para Nuestras Cooperativas with Claudia Arroyo and Ana Castano (Prospera Community Development), Legal workshops on Limited Equity Housing Cooperatives with Karen Tiedemann and Erin Lapeyrolerie of Goldfarb and Lippman LLP, and Cooperative Businessing with Elisabeth Barton (Echo Adventure Cooperative).
In addition, the California Co-op Conference will provide opportunities to network, with hosted lunches and a Co-op Social. Conference participants be directly connected with statewide cooperators to share their resources, products, and services at exhibitor tables during the conference. Please join CCCD at the California Co-op Conference in San Jose as we build connections, strengthen our learning, and use co-ops to create a just economy.
More information about the conference, including a full list of workshops, speakers, and links to registration are available via our QR code, at www.cccd.coop, by emailing info@cccd.coop or calling 530-297-1032. Individuals must be registered to attend.
Please let me know if you are interested in covering this story. I can be contacted via email at asloper@cccd.coop or phone at 530-297-1032 to discuss the details further. I look forward to hearing from you.
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A couple gets married on Mount Diablo by Contra Costa County Deputy Commissioner of Marriages. Photo: CoCoCo Clerk-Recorder
By Dawn Kruger, Civic Outreach and Engagement Specialist, Contra Costa Clerk-Recorder’s Office
The Contra Costa Clerk-Recorder’s Office, in partnership with the California Department of State Parks, will be offering “Destination Weddings” on top of Mount Diablo on Friday May 26, 2023. Sixteen marriage ceremonies will be performed at the summit by Clerk staff between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm. Couples may have up to 30 guests, but there is limited seating available during the ceremony (16 chairs).
“Destination Weddings on Mount Diablo is always a favorite location for our customers,” Clerk-Recorder Registrar of Voters, Kristin Connelly said. “We are excited to be able to offer couples this accessible opportunity for a unique day to remember at the summit of a Bay Area jewel.”
Mount Diablo State Park is a Contra Costa County landmark. On a clear day visitors have views westward beyond the Golden Gate Bridge to the Farallon Islands; South to Mount Hamilton and the Santa Cruz Mountains, North to Mount Saint Helena; and East over the Delta waterways. The stunning views provide a special backdrop for wedding ceremonies.
Because of the event’s popularity, all ceremony appointments for this Destination Weddings event have been booked, and no unscheduled appointments will be accommodated.
A marriage license must be obtained before a ceremony can be performed. Couples must purchase a license before their ceremony appointment at the County Clerk-Recorder’s office in Martinez. The fee for a public marriage license is $86, while a confidential license is $90. The civil marriage ceremony fee is $60.
For information about marriage license and ceremony services, go to www.contracostacore.us or call the office at 925-335-7900 Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:30 pm.
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Trains will bring visitors to celebrate at a site unique to California’s African American history
50% discount
By David Lipari, San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority
Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park is holding its annual celebratory Juneteenth event on Saturday, June 10 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. In partnership, Amtrak San Joaquins has scheduled a special stop at the park for multiple trains, bookable at a 50 percent discount rate to bring travelers to the historically significant Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park.
The town of Allensworth was established in 1908 by Colonel Allen Allensworth and at one point was home to more than 300 families. The park is a California state treasure because it was the first town in California to be founded, financed, and governed by African Americans. Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park became a historical landmark in 1974.
The Juneteenth Festival is a key annual event hosted by Friends of Allensworth (FOA), a 501(c)(3) charitable organization whose mission is to support, promote, and advance the educational and interpretive activities at Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park. The Juneteenth holiday commemorates the June 19th, 1865, arrival of Union Army troops in Galveston, Texas, bearing news that the institution of slavery had been terminated, officially spreading news of the freedom of all enslaved people.
“Amtrak San Joaquins has been a long-time partner to the FOA in connecting the people of California and visitors with the historic town of Allensworth” said FOA President, Sasha Biscoe. “We encourage any individual that is interested in immersing themselves in the rich, ethnically diverse history of our state to consider taking advantage of the affordable, convenient, and fun transportation option provided by Amtrak San Joaquins and join us on June 10th to celebrate this important holiday.”
Event activities will include square dancing, self-guided tours of historic buildings, historic games with prizes, storytelling, and arts and crafts. Food and refreshment vendors will also be present. Travelers can also bring their bikes and chairs aboard Amtrak trains and Thruway buses.
The southbound trains that will be running for the event include trains 702, 710, 712, 714. When purchasing train tickets, a 50 percent discount will automatically be applied to the ticket purchase. Additional discount programs regularly available to riders includes:
- Infants under 2 years of age ride for free
- Children 2-12 years old ride half-price every day
- Seniors (62+ years of age) receive 15% off
- Veterans & active military members receive 15% off
- Disabled riders save 15% off
Visitors attending the Juneteenth Festival will be able to take Amtrak San Joaquins trains to the Allensworth station. From there, riders will be met by a free shuttle for the short ride to the main property. The Allensworth station is normally a whistle stop on the San Joaquins available to be booked by groups desiring to visit the park.
Train tickets to Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park can be booked online at amtraksanjoaquins.com. For more information on how to book a group trip to Allensworth, please contact Carmen Setness, community outreach coordinator for San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission (SJRRC), at Carmen@sjjpa.com.
About Allensworth State Historic Park
The town of Allensworth is located in the heart of the Central Valley, about 30 miles north of Bakersfield, and has a rich history that is of interest to students, families, history buffs, minority community organizations, and anyone else looking to spend a fun day exploring the historic community and its restored buildings. In 1908, Allensworth was established as a town founded, financed and governed by African Americans. There were a series of challenges impeding the town’s long-term survival, but it is celebrated as a key historic icon, and in 1974 California State Parks purchased the land in order to maintain it as a site for visitors to learn and explore the Colonel’s house, historic schoolhouse, Baptist church, and library.
About the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority (SJJPA)
Since July 2015, SJJPA has been responsible for the management and administration of Amtrak San Joaquins. SJJPA is governed by Board Members representing each of the ten (10) Member Agencies along the 365-mile San Joaquins Corridor. For more information on SJJPA see www.sjjpa.com.
Amtrak San Joaquins is Amtrak’s 6th busiest route with 18 train stations throughout the Central Valley and Bay Area, providing a safe, comfortable and reliable way to travel throughout California. Amtrak San Joaquins is currently running six daily round-trips. In addition to the train service, Amtrak San Joaquins Thruway buses provide connecting service to 135 destinations in California and Nevada including Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, San Diego, Napa Valley, Las Vegas and Reno.
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By Sharon M. Lawrence, Esq, CEO, California CASA Association
In observance of National Foster Care Month, California CASA highlights the work of Court Appointed Special Advocate volunteers who advocate for the needs of children and youth in foster care. Thank you to the 11,000 CASA volunteers statewide for being a consistent presence and reliable resource for 12,700 children and youth during times of uncertainty and transition.
With more than 78,000 children and youth in foster care in the state—victims of neglect, abuse, or exploitation—we need to do more. A CASA volunteer often represents their only stable, trusted relationship with an adult; the one person who will speak up for them—in court, in school, and in the community—to make sure their voice is heard, and their needs remain the top priority.
The CASA volunteer model works. Youth in foster care supported by a CASA volunteer are more likely to do better in school, receive more services, secure a permanent home, and have higher levels of hope.
California CASA works in partnership with our state’s 44 local CASA programs. Our vision is to ensure every child in foster care in California can have access to the transformative services and support of a CASA volunteer.
You can help foster more hopeful futures—one child, one CASA, at a time—by making a gift to California CASA today. Your gift will enable us to expand our collective impact so every child in foster care has a chance to thrive, with the skilled and compassionate support of a CASA volunteer.
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DJ Keldsen #01 returned for a thrilling Figure 8 victory. Photo by Katrina Kniss
By Candice Martin, DCRR Racing Media
Antioch, CA…May 19-20…Auto racing returned to the Contra Costa County Fair in a big way with two nights of racing. The Saturday night Figure 8 was a Main attraction. It was the first of six scheduled events for the popular race, and the win went to DJ Keldsen of Newman.
Keldsen had the outside front row for the Figure 8 race, and he charged into the lead at the start ahead of Chester Kniss of Antioch and Jimmy Robbins of Concord. Both Robbins and Dakota Keldsen of Watsonville slipped past Kniss for second and third on the fourth lap. A close battle developed between Robbins and Dakota Keldsen with Robbins taking a wild ride into the infield on Lap 5 and falling back a couple of positions. Angela Brown of Antioch gained third at that point, but she and Dakota Keldsen had contact on Lap 10 as Kniss and Robbins moved into second and third. To that point, there had been plenty of close calls in the X, but it turned into a battle at the front for the win between DJ Keldsen and Kniss. When the checkered flag flew, Keldsen prevailed ahead of Kniss, Robbins, Dakota Keldsen and Tommy Clymens Jr of Oakley.
Jacob Tuttle drove the Ted Finkenbinder #3 car to a Wingless Spec Sprint win. Photo by Katrina Kniss
Piloting one of the two Ted Finkenbinder owned entries, Jacob Tuttle of Oakley prevailed in the 25 lap Wingless Spec Sprint Main Event. Tuttle had the pole and charged into lead over WMR Midgets champion Blake Bower of Brentwood, who was also in a Finkenbinder car. Kevin Box of Bethel Island settled into an early third with reigning champion Shannon Newton of Elk Grove starting to pressure him for the position. The track was a bit dry with drivers preferring the lower line. Newton had just overtaken Box for the third position on Lap 16 when he began to smoke and lost power for the only yellow flag on Lap 17. Tuttle continued to lead Bower and Box on the restart, and they finished in that order as Jarrett Soares of Gilroy and James East of Oakley rounded out the Top 5.
National IMCA Rookie point leader Andrew Pearce #15p won the IMCA Modified feature. Photo by Katrina Kniss
IMCA National rookie point leader Andrew Pearce of Oakley won the 20 lap IMCA Modified Main Event. This was his first win of the season. Anthony Slaney of Martinez set the early pace ahead of Buddy Kniss of Oakley and Pearce. Pearce slipped underneath Kniss in Turn 4 on Lap 5 to gain second and set his sights on Slaney. By the midpoint of the race, there was a battle at the head of the pack. Pearce finally made an inside pass on the front stretch on Lap 16 to grab the lead, and he brought it home to victory from there. Slaney settled for second ahead of Kniss, Troy Foulger of Oakley and Timothy Allerdings of Prescott Valley, Arizona.
Troy Foulger #49 picked up another IMCA Stock Car Main Event win. Photo by Katrina Kniss
Troy Foulger of Oakley won the 25 lap IMCA Stock Car Main Event. It was Jason Robles of Rio Vista taking the early lead, but Foulger slipped underneath him in Turn 4 on Lap 2 to gain command. As Foulger began to pull away, Jason Robles was being challenged by son Kenneth for the second spot. The race for second place saw a back-and-forth battle during the late stages. Kenneth went low in Turn 4 to pass his father for the spot on Lap 19, but his father regained the position in Turn 2 a lap later. It was Foulger winning ahead of Jason Robles, Kenneth Robles, Scott Foster of Antioch and Travis Dutra of Concord.
Ken Johns #32 won his first Hobby Stock Main Event of the season. Photo by Katrina Kniss
Ken Johns of Antioch picked up his first Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stock Main Event win of the season. The race was led early by third-generation racer Colten Haney of Brentwood with Johns in pursuit. They ran that way until Johns found an opening low in Turn 2 on the seventh lap to take over. Jared Baugh of Pittsburgh followed Johns into second. The race was run in rapid fashion on a hooked up racing surface. The leaders lapped several slower cars before a yellow flag waved on Lap 17. This didn’t stop Johns as he resumed command on the restart and went on to victory ahead of Baugh, Haney, Grayson Baca of Brentwood and Kevin Brown of Oakley.
Reigning State champion Jacob Mallet Jr #127 picked up his first IMCA Sport Modified win of the year. Photo by Katrina Kniss
Reigning IMCA Sport Modified State champion Jacob Mallet Jr of Oakley collected the win in the 20 lap IMCA Sport Modified Main Event. Mallet had the pole position and raced into the early lead ahead of Mark Garner of Antioch. However, Joseph Pato of Oakley went low in Turn 4 on the third lap to take second. A yellow flag waved on Lap 3 for Trevor Clymens of Brentwood in Turn 4. Mallet continued to lead the restart ahead of Pato and Matt Pitts of Rodeo. As the lead duo pulled away from the pack, Pitts had his hands full in a close battle for third. Kenny Shrader at Pacheco got by with a low pass in Turn 2 on Lap 14. Jason Ryan Jr of Oakley found his way into fourth late, but Mallet drove a flawless race to collect the win. Pato settled for a career best second, followed by Shrader, Ryan and Garner .
The racetrack on Saturday for the Hobby Stocks, Figure 8 and Sport Modifieds was hooked up and fast, while the Friday surface for the Wingless Spec Sprints, IMCA Modifieds and IMCA Stock Cars was dry. The crew worked very hard to produce the fast-racing conditions on Saturday.
After a week off, the show returns on June 3rd. The Soares Memorial race is on the schedule, featuring the IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars, IMCA Sport Modifieds, Xtreme Limited Late Models and Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stocks. For further information, go to www.antiochspeedway.com.
Antioch Speedway Race Results – May 19 & 20, 2023
Friday
Wingless Spec Sprints
FT Jacob Tuttle 15.715. Heat Winners (8 laps)-Jacob Tuttle, Blake Bower. Main Event (25 laps)-Jacob Tuttle, Blake Bower, Kevin Box, Jarrett Soares, James East, Anthony Bruno, Nathan Johnson, MacKenzie Newton, Steve Maionchi, Shannon Newton.
IMCA Modifieds
Heat Winner (8 laps)-Anthony Slaney. Main Event (20 laps)-Andrew Pearce, Anthony Slaney, Buddy Kniss, Troy Foulger, Timothy Allerdings, Tim Balding, Jeff Browne, Eric Berendsen.
IMCA Stock Car
Heat winner (8 laps)-Jason Robles. Main Event (25 laps)-Troy Foulger, Jason Robles, Kenneth Robles, Scott Foster, Travis Dutra, Jeff Bentancourt, Kimo Oreta.
Saturday
IMCA Sport Modifieds
Heat Winners (20 laps)-Dylan Connolly, Trevor Clymens. Main Event (20 laps)-Jacob Mallet Jr, Joseph Pato, Kenny Shrader, Jason Ryan Jr, Mark Garner, Matt Pitts, Tom Fraser, Trevor Clymens, Billy Garner, Kelly Campanile.
Hobby Stocks
Heat Winners (8 laps)-James Graessle, Grayson Baca, Jared Baugh. Main Event (20 laps)-Ken Johns, Jared Baugh, Colten Haney, Grayson Baca, Kevin Brown, Jake Archibald, Taylor DeCarlo, Jess Paladino, Michaela Taylor, Rob Waldrop.
Figure 8
Main Event (15 laps)-DJ Keldsen, Chester Kniss, Jimmy Robbins, Dakota Keldsen, Tommy Clymens Jr, Angela Brown, Michaela Taylor, Mike Conley Jr, James Graessle, Dennis Keldsen.
Read MoreAn estimated 577 million robocalls sent to California phone numbers on National Do Not Call Registry
Including Social Security, Medicare and employment scams
SACRAMENTO – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today, as part of a bipartisan coalition of 49 attorneys general, announced a lawsuit against Arizona-based Avid Telecom for allegedly initiating and facilitating billions of unlawful robocalls in California and around the country. Those robocalls included Social Security Administration scams, Medicare scams, and employment scams; two robocall examples can be heard here and here. Today’s complaint is the result of efforts by the nationwide Anti-Robocall Litigation Task Force, which Attorney General Bonta helped launch last year and is charged with taking legal action against telecommunications companies that perpetuate robocall traffic.
“As the People’s Attorney, I’ve been laser focused on protecting consumers since taking office, and stopping unwanted robocalls is an important bipartisan and nationwide effort,” said Attorney General Bonta. “In addition to being a daily annoyance, robocalls can and do cause real financial damage. I’m taking Avid Telecom to court for delivering not hundreds, or thousands, or millions of robocalls — but billions of robocalls. Our coalition alleges that Avid Telecom has violated federal and state laws, and we are confident that we will prevail.”
From December 2018 to January 2023, Avid Telecom sent or attempted to transmit over 24.5 billion calls to consumers. More than 90% of those calls lasted under 15 seconds, strongly indicating that they were likely robocalls. Further, Avid Telecom sent or transmitted over 7.5 billion calls to telephone numbers on the National Do Not Call Registry, an estimated 577,879,156 of those calls were to telephone numbers in California. Registering for the National Do Not Call Registry allows consumers to legally opt out from receiving telemarketing calls, but robocallers regularly fail to respect such legal prohibitions.
In the multistate coalition’s complaint, among other misconduct, Attorney General Bonta alleges that Avid Telecom:
- Violated the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, which prohibits any person from making a call using an automatic telephone-dialing system or an artificial or prerecorded voice to any cellular telephone;
- Violated the Telemarketing Sales Rule, which prohibits abusive and deceptive acts or practices by “sellers” or “telemarketers”;
- Violated the Truth in Caller ID Act, which prohibits the transmission of misleading or inaccurate caller-ID information;
- Violated California’s Unfair Competition Law, which prohibits unlawful, unfair, or fraudulent business acts and practices, by transmitting a colossal number of illegal robocalls into California.
In filing today’s complaint, Attorney General Bonta joined the attorneys general of Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, and the District of Columbia.
A copy of the lawsuit can be found here.
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Friday evening through Monday night, May 26-29
By Jaime Coffee, CHP Media Relations
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Memorial Day weekend is quickly approaching, and many Californians are preparing to kick off the summer with a holiday gathering or road trip. Forty-five people were killed in crashes in California during last year’s Memorial Day weekend, nearly a 30 percent increase from the same period in 2021. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) has a plan to help people arrive to their destinations safely, while reducing the number of deadly crashes on the state’s roads.
Beginning at 6:01 p.m. on Friday, May 26, the CHP will implement a statewide Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP) in anticipation of the increased traffic that often accompanies a holiday weekend. The MEP will continue through 11:59 p.m. on Monday, May 29.
“The core mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security to the communities we serve,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “This holiday, motorists can expect to see additional CHP officers patrolling California’s roadways. All available uniformed members of this Department will be on patrol during this Memorial Day MEP. Our primary focus will be to enhance public safety, deter unsafe driving behavior, and when necessary, take appropriate enforcement action.”
In addition to assisting motorists and looking for traffic violations that often lead to serious injury or death, such as failure to wear a seat belt, speed, and distracted driving, CHP officers will be paying close attention to people who are suspected of driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs and/or alcohol.
CHP officers made nearly 900 DUI arrests during the Memorial Day MEP in 2022. Keep yourself and others who are on the road safe by designating a sober driver or using a ride-share service.
If you see or suspect an impaired driver, call 9-1-1 immediately. Be prepared to provide the dispatcher a description of the vehicle, the license plate number, location, and direction of travel. Your phone call may save someone’s life.
The CHP’s Memorial Day MEP coincides with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s ongoing Click It or Ticket campaign, which continues through
June 4. Seat belts save lives. Take two seconds to secure your safety and buckle up.
The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.
Applications due 6/1/23
BART is currently recruiting to fill positions in two civilian advisory committees critical for public safety and accountability.
The BART Police Citizen Review Board (BPCRB) is a civilian advisory committee with the authority to provide BART riders and the public with transparency and input into BART’s policing services. We are seeking a District 2 position candidate who will be appointed by BART Director Mark Foley.
The BART Transit Security Advisory Committee (TSAC) is the citizen and community oversight committee that works to ensure Assembly Bill 716 — which allows BART Police Officers the authority to issue prohibition orders to offenders who are cited or arrested for certain offenses — is implemented as the Legislature intended. BART is currently looking to fill several open positions.
Below are full announcements for both BCPRB and TSAC positions.
The BART Board of Directors is currently in the process of recruiting for the BART Police Citizen Review Board (BPCRB) for the District 2 position to be appointed by BART Director Mark Foley.
Applicants don’t need to reside in District 2, however they must be a resident of Contra Costa, Alameda, San Mateo, or San Francisco.
Members of the BPCRB work to increase the public’s confidence in BART’s Policing services by:
- Reviewing, recommending and monitoring the implementation of changes to police policies, procedures and practices
- Receiving citizen allegations of on-duty police misconduct
- Advising Board of Directors, General Manager, Independent Police Auditor and Police Chief
- Participating in recommending appropriate disciplinary action
- Meeting periodically with representatives of the BART Police associations
- Participating in community outreach
Read more about the BPCRB and download the District 2 Application
Application period closes on Thursday, June 1, 2023
Call (510) 464-6083 or email CitizenReviewBoard@bart.gov with any questions.
BART’s Transit Security Advisory Committee (TSAC) is currently looking to fill several open positions and is accepting applications until June 1, 2023.
TSAC is the citizen and community oversight committee that works to ensure Assembly Bill 716 (Dickinson) — which allows BART Police Officers the authority to issue prohibition orders to offenders who are cited or arrested for certain offenses — is implemented as the Legislature intended. The oversight group, comprised of at least five citizens, serves as a volunteer review body for the implementation of BART’s prohibition policy.
Board-appointed members of TSAC are professionals in the areas of mental health, homelessness, public safety and youth advocacy and cultural awareness. Drawing from their private and public sector experiences, the committee brings a diverse set of skills to the review and execution of the prohibition policy. The advisory committee reports directly to the BART Board of Directors.
BART Transit Security Advisory Committee is currently looking for the following Open Seats:
- One (1) Alternate Committee Member for the Mental Health, Youth Advocate, or Law Enforcement Representative Seat
- Two (2) Public at Large Representative Seats
- One (1) Mental Health Representative Seat
- One (1) Law Enforcement Representative Seat
- One (1) Youth Advocate Representative Seat
Final Filing Date – Application Deadline Thursday, June 1, 2023, at 5:00 P.M. (PST)
Please download the application here and return the application form and relevant attachments to the BART Office of the District Secretary at:
2150 Webster Street, 10th Floor, Oakland, CA 94612
Applicants may email to TransitSecurityAdvisory@bart.gov
Feel free to call (510) 464-6083 with any questions. Learn more about the TSAC here.
Read MoreSource: California Department of Social Services
During their meeting on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, the Board of Supervisors approved a proclamation declaring May as CalFresh Awareness Month (See below)
More Contra Costa County residents are encouraged to apply for the food assistance program.
CalFresh food benefits stretch household budgets, enabling recipients to afford nutritious food, including more fruits, vegetables, and other healthy options. In Contra Costa County, 93,169 Contra Costa County residents are receiving CalFresh as of March 2023. But many more may be eligible. Learn more, including how to apply, at ehsd.org.
Source: California Department of Social Services
CalFresh Facts:
- CalFresh Food benefits can be used at most grocery stores and even select online retailers; and matched dollar for dollar at participating farmers markets.
- Adults 18 years or older can be eligible for CalFresh, and may apply on behalf of their children, including non-citizen parents who may apply on behalf of their U.S.-born children.
- CalFresh benefits have contributed $297 million to our economy from April 2022 through March 2023 in Contra Costa County.
CalFresh Awareness Month news cards are posted on ehsd.org and on the County website. Also, social media posts @ContraCostaEHSD on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram.
Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors
Proclaiming May 2023 as CalFresh Awareness Month
WHEREAS, CalFresh food benefits stretch household budgets, enabling recipients to afford nutritious food, including more fruits, vegetables, and other healthy options; and
WHEREAS, encouraging eligible residents to enroll in the CalFresh program will increase the health and well-being of eligible families and individuals by helping provide a means to meet their nutritional needs; and
WHEREAS, EHSD’s community partnerships, including the Food Bank of Contra Costa County and Solano, help raise awareness and visibility of CalFresh; and
WHEREAS, adults 18 years or older can be eligible for CalFresh, and may apply on behalf of their children, including non-citizen parents who may apply on behalf of their U.S.-born children; and
WHEREAS, CalFresh Food benefits can be used at most grocery stores and even select online retailers; and matched dollar for dollar at participating farmers markets; and
WHEREAS, 93,169 Contra Costa County residents are receiving CalFresh as of March 2023; and
WHEREAS, CalFresh benefits have contributed $297 million to our economy from April 2022 through March 2023 in Contra Costa County; and
WHEREAS, Contra Costa County is one of 34 counties in the state to offer the CalFresh Employment and Training Program, providing CalFresh participants training and assistance towards job readiness, job security, work norms and access to higher education; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors does hereby proclaim May 2023 as CalFresh Awareness Month in Contra Costa County, and honors all of the individuals, organizations and agencies working to ensure that all County residents have access to safe, nutritious food and support in achieving sustainable economic health.
By Marisa Greenberg, Marketing & Communications Coordinator, 4CD
Dr. Pamela Ralston
The Contra Costa Community College District (4CD) has selected Dr. Pamela Ralston as the seventh permanent president of Los Medanos College (LMC). The 4CD Governing Board will vote on ratification of her contract at their June 14, 2023, meeting. The announcement was made following a search that began in February 2023.
“Dr. Ralston brings tremendous experience and commitment to improving student success and student equity by working collaboratively with faculty, staff, and administrators,” said Interim Chancellor Mojdeh Mehdizadeh. “Through the development and support of strong, innovative programs, and in designing a supportive environment where both students and staff feel respected and appreciated, I am confident we have chosen a leader who is a great fit for 4CD, Los Medanos College, and the East County community.”
Over the course of a two-decade career in public higher education, Dr. Ralston has served as the Interim President at Los Medanos College, President at Santiago Canyon College, and Executive Vice President of Educational Programs at Santa Barbara City College, where she led the academic and student services programs. A passionate advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in education, Dr. Ralston has worked to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students, with special attention to the strengths that their cultural backgrounds and ethnic identities bring to their college experiences.
Dr. Ralston earned a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Oregon and Master of Arts and doctoral degrees from the University of Washington in Comparative Literature.
“I am honored to be selected to lead this incredible higher education institution,” said Dr. Ralston. “I am eager to help maintain and expand LMC’s legacy of educational excellence, promote community college as a great choice for our students, while building stronger connections and partnerships with our community.”
The Contra Costa Community College District (4CD) is one of the largest multi-college community college districts in California. The 4CD serves a population of 1,200,997 people, and its boundaries encompass all but 48 of the 734-square-mile land area of Contra Costa County. 4CD is home to Contra Costa College in San Pablo, Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill, Los Medanos College in Pittsburg, as well as educational centers in Brentwood and San Ramon. The District headquarters is located in downtown Martinez. For more information visit www.4cd.edu.
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For agricultural, arts and crafts, childcare, energy, housing, worker-owned cooperatives, etc.
By Alicia Sloper, Admin. and Communications Support Specialist, California Center for Cooperative Development
The Cooperative Movement is well positioned to play a critical role in the larger movement for social and ecological justice. The California Center for Cooperative Development (CCCD) will host its annual California Cooperative Conference at Mexican Heritage Plaza in San Jose on Friday, June 2, and Saturday, June 3, 2023. CCCD will be showcasing innovative leaders in the cooperative movement and promoting a commitment to local economic development and underserved communities. Statewide cooperators and changemakers will have the opportunity to network with leaders in the cooperative ecosystem, share insight from experience in cooperative development, and discover the cooperative difference.
This year’s California Co-op Conference is honored to host Keynote speaker Gopal Dayaneni, who will be speaking on Cooperation for Collective Liberation. Dayaneni has been involved in working for social, economic, environmental, and racial justice through organizing, campaigning, teaching, writing, speaking, and direct action since the late 1980’s. Currently, Dayaneni supports movement building through his work with organizations including The Climate Justice Alliance, ETCgroup, NDN Collective, the Center for Story-based Strategy and People’s Solar Energy Fund, among others.
The event will feature panels and workshops covering a wide range of topics surrounding the co-op movement, with opportunities to learn and take part in both English and Spanish. Some workshops of note include Herramientad de Comunicaion Efectiva para Nuestras Cooperativas with Claudia Arroyo and Ana Castano (Prospera Community Development), Legal workshops on Limited Equity Housing Cooperatives with Karen Tiedemann and Erin Lapeyrolerie of Goldfarb and Lippman LLP, and Cooperative Businessing with Elisabeth Barton (Echo Adventure Cooperative).
In addition, the California Co-op Conference will provide opportunities to network, with hosted lunches and a Co-op Social. Conference participants be directly connected with statewide cooperators to share their resources, products, and services at exhibitor tables during the conference. Please join CCCD at the California Co-op Conference in San Jose as we build connections, strengthen our learning, and use co-ops to create a just economy.
More information about the conference, including a full list of workshops, speakers, and links to registration are available via our QR code, at www.cccd.coop, by emailing info@cccd.coop or calling 530-297-1032. Individuals must be registered to attend.
Please let me know if you are interested in covering this story. I can be contacted via email at asloper@cccd.coop or phone at 530-297-1032 to discuss the details further. I look forward to hearing from you.
Read MoreA couple gets married on Mount Diablo by Contra Costa County Deputy Commissioner of Marriages. Photo: CoCoCo Clerk-Recorder
By Dawn Kruger, Civic Outreach and Engagement Specialist, Contra Costa Clerk-Recorder’s Office
The Contra Costa Clerk-Recorder’s Office, in partnership with the California Department of State Parks, will be offering “Destination Weddings” on top of Mount Diablo on Friday May 26, 2023. Sixteen marriage ceremonies will be performed at the summit by Clerk staff between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm. Couples may have up to 30 guests, but there is limited seating available during the ceremony (16 chairs).
“Destination Weddings on Mount Diablo is always a favorite location for our customers,” Clerk-Recorder Registrar of Voters, Kristin Connelly said. “We are excited to be able to offer couples this accessible opportunity for a unique day to remember at the summit of a Bay Area jewel.”
Mount Diablo State Park is a Contra Costa County landmark. On a clear day visitors have views westward beyond the Golden Gate Bridge to the Farallon Islands; South to Mount Hamilton and the Santa Cruz Mountains, North to Mount Saint Helena; and East over the Delta waterways. The stunning views provide a special backdrop for wedding ceremonies.
Because of the event’s popularity, all ceremony appointments for this Destination Weddings event have been booked, and no unscheduled appointments will be accommodated.
A marriage license must be obtained before a ceremony can be performed. Couples must purchase a license before their ceremony appointment at the County Clerk-Recorder’s office in Martinez. The fee for a public marriage license is $86, while a confidential license is $90. The civil marriage ceremony fee is $60.
For information about marriage license and ceremony services, go to www.contracostacore.us or call the office at 925-335-7900 Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:30 pm.
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Trains will bring visitors to celebrate at a site unique to California’s African American history
50% discount
By David Lipari, San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority
Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park is holding its annual celebratory Juneteenth event on Saturday, June 10 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. In partnership, Amtrak San Joaquins has scheduled a special stop at the park for multiple trains, bookable at a 50 percent discount rate to bring travelers to the historically significant Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park.
The town of Allensworth was established in 1908 by Colonel Allen Allensworth and at one point was home to more than 300 families. The park is a California state treasure because it was the first town in California to be founded, financed, and governed by African Americans. Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park became a historical landmark in 1974.
The Juneteenth Festival is a key annual event hosted by Friends of Allensworth (FOA), a 501(c)(3) charitable organization whose mission is to support, promote, and advance the educational and interpretive activities at Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park. The Juneteenth holiday commemorates the June 19th, 1865, arrival of Union Army troops in Galveston, Texas, bearing news that the institution of slavery had been terminated, officially spreading news of the freedom of all enslaved people.
“Amtrak San Joaquins has been a long-time partner to the FOA in connecting the people of California and visitors with the historic town of Allensworth” said FOA President, Sasha Biscoe. “We encourage any individual that is interested in immersing themselves in the rich, ethnically diverse history of our state to consider taking advantage of the affordable, convenient, and fun transportation option provided by Amtrak San Joaquins and join us on June 10th to celebrate this important holiday.”
Event activities will include square dancing, self-guided tours of historic buildings, historic games with prizes, storytelling, and arts and crafts. Food and refreshment vendors will also be present. Travelers can also bring their bikes and chairs aboard Amtrak trains and Thruway buses.
The southbound trains that will be running for the event include trains 702, 710, 712, 714. When purchasing train tickets, a 50 percent discount will automatically be applied to the ticket purchase. Additional discount programs regularly available to riders includes:
- Infants under 2 years of age ride for free
- Children 2-12 years old ride half-price every day
- Seniors (62+ years of age) receive 15% off
- Veterans & active military members receive 15% off
- Disabled riders save 15% off
Visitors attending the Juneteenth Festival will be able to take Amtrak San Joaquins trains to the Allensworth station. From there, riders will be met by a free shuttle for the short ride to the main property. The Allensworth station is normally a whistle stop on the San Joaquins available to be booked by groups desiring to visit the park.
Train tickets to Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park can be booked online at amtraksanjoaquins.com. For more information on how to book a group trip to Allensworth, please contact Carmen Setness, community outreach coordinator for San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission (SJRRC), at Carmen@sjjpa.com.
About Allensworth State Historic Park
The town of Allensworth is located in the heart of the Central Valley, about 30 miles north of Bakersfield, and has a rich history that is of interest to students, families, history buffs, minority community organizations, and anyone else looking to spend a fun day exploring the historic community and its restored buildings. In 1908, Allensworth was established as a town founded, financed and governed by African Americans. There were a series of challenges impeding the town’s long-term survival, but it is celebrated as a key historic icon, and in 1974 California State Parks purchased the land in order to maintain it as a site for visitors to learn and explore the Colonel’s house, historic schoolhouse, Baptist church, and library.
About the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority (SJJPA)
Since July 2015, SJJPA has been responsible for the management and administration of Amtrak San Joaquins. SJJPA is governed by Board Members representing each of the ten (10) Member Agencies along the 365-mile San Joaquins Corridor. For more information on SJJPA see www.sjjpa.com.
Amtrak San Joaquins is Amtrak’s 6th busiest route with 18 train stations throughout the Central Valley and Bay Area, providing a safe, comfortable and reliable way to travel throughout California. Amtrak San Joaquins is currently running six daily round-trips. In addition to the train service, Amtrak San Joaquins Thruway buses provide connecting service to 135 destinations in California and Nevada including Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, San Diego, Napa Valley, Las Vegas and Reno.
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By Sharon M. Lawrence, Esq, CEO, California CASA Association
In observance of National Foster Care Month, California CASA highlights the work of Court Appointed Special Advocate volunteers who advocate for the needs of children and youth in foster care. Thank you to the 11,000 CASA volunteers statewide for being a consistent presence and reliable resource for 12,700 children and youth during times of uncertainty and transition.
With more than 78,000 children and youth in foster care in the state—victims of neglect, abuse, or exploitation—we need to do more. A CASA volunteer often represents their only stable, trusted relationship with an adult; the one person who will speak up for them—in court, in school, and in the community—to make sure their voice is heard, and their needs remain the top priority.
The CASA volunteer model works. Youth in foster care supported by a CASA volunteer are more likely to do better in school, receive more services, secure a permanent home, and have higher levels of hope.
California CASA works in partnership with our state’s 44 local CASA programs. Our vision is to ensure every child in foster care in California can have access to the transformative services and support of a CASA volunteer.
You can help foster more hopeful futures—one child, one CASA, at a time—by making a gift to California CASA today. Your gift will enable us to expand our collective impact so every child in foster care has a chance to thrive, with the skilled and compassionate support of a CASA volunteer.
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DJ Keldsen #01 returned for a thrilling Figure 8 victory. Photo by Katrina Kniss
By Candice Martin, DCRR Racing Media
Antioch, CA…May 19-20…Auto racing returned to the Contra Costa County Fair in a big way with two nights of racing. The Saturday night Figure 8 was a Main attraction. It was the first of six scheduled events for the popular race, and the win went to DJ Keldsen of Newman.
Keldsen had the outside front row for the Figure 8 race, and he charged into the lead at the start ahead of Chester Kniss of Antioch and Jimmy Robbins of Concord. Both Robbins and Dakota Keldsen of Watsonville slipped past Kniss for second and third on the fourth lap. A close battle developed between Robbins and Dakota Keldsen with Robbins taking a wild ride into the infield on Lap 5 and falling back a couple of positions. Angela Brown of Antioch gained third at that point, but she and Dakota Keldsen had contact on Lap 10 as Kniss and Robbins moved into second and third. To that point, there had been plenty of close calls in the X, but it turned into a battle at the front for the win between DJ Keldsen and Kniss. When the checkered flag flew, Keldsen prevailed ahead of Kniss, Robbins, Dakota Keldsen and Tommy Clymens Jr of Oakley.
Jacob Tuttle drove the Ted Finkenbinder #3 car to a Wingless Spec Sprint win. Photo by Katrina Kniss
Piloting one of the two Ted Finkenbinder owned entries, Jacob Tuttle of Oakley prevailed in the 25 lap Wingless Spec Sprint Main Event. Tuttle had the pole and charged into lead over WMR Midgets champion Blake Bower of Brentwood, who was also in a Finkenbinder car. Kevin Box of Bethel Island settled into an early third with reigning champion Shannon Newton of Elk Grove starting to pressure him for the position. The track was a bit dry with drivers preferring the lower line. Newton had just overtaken Box for the third position on Lap 16 when he began to smoke and lost power for the only yellow flag on Lap 17. Tuttle continued to lead Bower and Box on the restart, and they finished in that order as Jarrett Soares of Gilroy and James East of Oakley rounded out the Top 5.
National IMCA Rookie point leader Andrew Pearce #15p won the IMCA Modified feature. Photo by Katrina Kniss
IMCA National rookie point leader Andrew Pearce of Oakley won the 20 lap IMCA Modified Main Event. This was his first win of the season. Anthony Slaney of Martinez set the early pace ahead of Buddy Kniss of Oakley and Pearce. Pearce slipped underneath Kniss in Turn 4 on Lap 5 to gain second and set his sights on Slaney. By the midpoint of the race, there was a battle at the head of the pack. Pearce finally made an inside pass on the front stretch on Lap 16 to grab the lead, and he brought it home to victory from there. Slaney settled for second ahead of Kniss, Troy Foulger of Oakley and Timothy Allerdings of Prescott Valley, Arizona.
Troy Foulger #49 picked up another IMCA Stock Car Main Event win. Photo by Katrina Kniss
Troy Foulger of Oakley won the 25 lap IMCA Stock Car Main Event. It was Jason Robles of Rio Vista taking the early lead, but Foulger slipped underneath him in Turn 4 on Lap 2 to gain command. As Foulger began to pull away, Jason Robles was being challenged by son Kenneth for the second spot. The race for second place saw a back-and-forth battle during the late stages. Kenneth went low in Turn 4 to pass his father for the spot on Lap 19, but his father regained the position in Turn 2 a lap later. It was Foulger winning ahead of Jason Robles, Kenneth Robles, Scott Foster of Antioch and Travis Dutra of Concord.
Ken Johns #32 won his first Hobby Stock Main Event of the season. Photo by Katrina Kniss
Ken Johns of Antioch picked up his first Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stock Main Event win of the season. The race was led early by third-generation racer Colten Haney of Brentwood with Johns in pursuit. They ran that way until Johns found an opening low in Turn 2 on the seventh lap to take over. Jared Baugh of Pittsburgh followed Johns into second. The race was run in rapid fashion on a hooked up racing surface. The leaders lapped several slower cars before a yellow flag waved on Lap 17. This didn’t stop Johns as he resumed command on the restart and went on to victory ahead of Baugh, Haney, Grayson Baca of Brentwood and Kevin Brown of Oakley.
Reigning State champion Jacob Mallet Jr #127 picked up his first IMCA Sport Modified win of the year. Photo by Katrina Kniss
Reigning IMCA Sport Modified State champion Jacob Mallet Jr of Oakley collected the win in the 20 lap IMCA Sport Modified Main Event. Mallet had the pole position and raced into the early lead ahead of Mark Garner of Antioch. However, Joseph Pato of Oakley went low in Turn 4 on the third lap to take second. A yellow flag waved on Lap 3 for Trevor Clymens of Brentwood in Turn 4. Mallet continued to lead the restart ahead of Pato and Matt Pitts of Rodeo. As the lead duo pulled away from the pack, Pitts had his hands full in a close battle for third. Kenny Shrader at Pacheco got by with a low pass in Turn 2 on Lap 14. Jason Ryan Jr of Oakley found his way into fourth late, but Mallet drove a flawless race to collect the win. Pato settled for a career best second, followed by Shrader, Ryan and Garner .
The racetrack on Saturday for the Hobby Stocks, Figure 8 and Sport Modifieds was hooked up and fast, while the Friday surface for the Wingless Spec Sprints, IMCA Modifieds and IMCA Stock Cars was dry. The crew worked very hard to produce the fast-racing conditions on Saturday.
After a week off, the show returns on June 3rd. The Soares Memorial race is on the schedule, featuring the IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars, IMCA Sport Modifieds, Xtreme Limited Late Models and Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stocks. For further information, go to www.antiochspeedway.com.
Antioch Speedway Race Results – May 19 & 20, 2023
Friday
Wingless Spec Sprints
FT Jacob Tuttle 15.715. Heat Winners (8 laps)-Jacob Tuttle, Blake Bower. Main Event (25 laps)-Jacob Tuttle, Blake Bower, Kevin Box, Jarrett Soares, James East, Anthony Bruno, Nathan Johnson, MacKenzie Newton, Steve Maionchi, Shannon Newton.
IMCA Modifieds
Heat Winner (8 laps)-Anthony Slaney. Main Event (20 laps)-Andrew Pearce, Anthony Slaney, Buddy Kniss, Troy Foulger, Timothy Allerdings, Tim Balding, Jeff Browne, Eric Berendsen.
IMCA Stock Car
Heat winner (8 laps)-Jason Robles. Main Event (25 laps)-Troy Foulger, Jason Robles, Kenneth Robles, Scott Foster, Travis Dutra, Jeff Bentancourt, Kimo Oreta.
Saturday
IMCA Sport Modifieds
Heat Winners (20 laps)-Dylan Connolly, Trevor Clymens. Main Event (20 laps)-Jacob Mallet Jr, Joseph Pato, Kenny Shrader, Jason Ryan Jr, Mark Garner, Matt Pitts, Tom Fraser, Trevor Clymens, Billy Garner, Kelly Campanile.
Hobby Stocks
Heat Winners (8 laps)-James Graessle, Grayson Baca, Jared Baugh. Main Event (20 laps)-Ken Johns, Jared Baugh, Colten Haney, Grayson Baca, Kevin Brown, Jake Archibald, Taylor DeCarlo, Jess Paladino, Michaela Taylor, Rob Waldrop.
Figure 8
Main Event (15 laps)-DJ Keldsen, Chester Kniss, Jimmy Robbins, Dakota Keldsen, Tommy Clymens Jr, Angela Brown, Michaela Taylor, Mike Conley Jr, James Graessle, Dennis Keldsen.
Read MoreAn estimated 577 million robocalls sent to California phone numbers on National Do Not Call Registry
Including Social Security, Medicare and employment scams
SACRAMENTO – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today, as part of a bipartisan coalition of 49 attorneys general, announced a lawsuit against Arizona-based Avid Telecom for allegedly initiating and facilitating billions of unlawful robocalls in California and around the country. Those robocalls included Social Security Administration scams, Medicare scams, and employment scams; two robocall examples can be heard here and here. Today’s complaint is the result of efforts by the nationwide Anti-Robocall Litigation Task Force, which Attorney General Bonta helped launch last year and is charged with taking legal action against telecommunications companies that perpetuate robocall traffic.
“As the People’s Attorney, I’ve been laser focused on protecting consumers since taking office, and stopping unwanted robocalls is an important bipartisan and nationwide effort,” said Attorney General Bonta. “In addition to being a daily annoyance, robocalls can and do cause real financial damage. I’m taking Avid Telecom to court for delivering not hundreds, or thousands, or millions of robocalls — but billions of robocalls. Our coalition alleges that Avid Telecom has violated federal and state laws, and we are confident that we will prevail.”
From December 2018 to January 2023, Avid Telecom sent or attempted to transmit over 24.5 billion calls to consumers. More than 90% of those calls lasted under 15 seconds, strongly indicating that they were likely robocalls. Further, Avid Telecom sent or transmitted over 7.5 billion calls to telephone numbers on the National Do Not Call Registry, an estimated 577,879,156 of those calls were to telephone numbers in California. Registering for the National Do Not Call Registry allows consumers to legally opt out from receiving telemarketing calls, but robocallers regularly fail to respect such legal prohibitions.
In the multistate coalition’s complaint, among other misconduct, Attorney General Bonta alleges that Avid Telecom:
- Violated the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, which prohibits any person from making a call using an automatic telephone-dialing system or an artificial or prerecorded voice to any cellular telephone;
- Violated the Telemarketing Sales Rule, which prohibits abusive and deceptive acts or practices by “sellers” or “telemarketers”;
- Violated the Truth in Caller ID Act, which prohibits the transmission of misleading or inaccurate caller-ID information;
- Violated California’s Unfair Competition Law, which prohibits unlawful, unfair, or fraudulent business acts and practices, by transmitting a colossal number of illegal robocalls into California.
In filing today’s complaint, Attorney General Bonta joined the attorneys general of Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, and the District of Columbia.
A copy of the lawsuit can be found here.
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