Guns confiscated during arrest on Monday, Feb. 14, 2022. Photo: Concord PD
By Concord Police Department
On Monday, Feb. 14, 2022, at approximately 8:04 AM, a truck driver stopped at a red traffic signal. A Chevrolet Tahoe which was towing another vehicle pulled up beside the truck driver’s vehicle and the driver began yelling obscenities at the truck driver for stopping at the traffic signal. The driver of the Tahoe then produced a black semi-automatic handgun and yelled at the truck driver that people “get shot for driving like that” while waving the gun around in the air.
The truck driver was able to provide a description of the suspect vehicle which was located in the parking lot of nearby shopping center. As officers began arriving at that location, the suspect vehicle drove away from the parking lot and an attempt was made at conducting an enforcement stop. The driver of the suspect vehicle did not yield to police emergency equipment and continued driving onto Oak Grove Road. before eventually pulling over to the side of the roadway.
The suspect driver was detained, and a black handgun was located behind the rear seat of the vehicle. An additional .38 caliber revolver was located in the bed of the Chevrolet Tahoe. The suspect is a convicted felon and was positively identified by the victim. He was arrested, booked and later transported to the Martinez Detention Facility.
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Items confiscated during the arrest of four suspects from Stockton in Feb. Photos: Brentwood PD
By Brentwood Police Department
Meth confiscated during the arrest.
During the week of Feb. 6, 2022, while on patrol, an officer observed a vehicle driving without a rear window and expired registration. He conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle on Sand Creek Road near Highway 4, and found that the driver, Jose Garcia (Stockton) did not have a driver license. Three additional passengers in the car were without proper identification.
Garcia and two of the other passengers identified as; Alicia Saldana (Stockton) and Jasmine Fuentes (Stockton) were all found to be on active probation. The fourth occupant, Jesus Quintero-Zavala (Stockton) lied to police about his identity and was under the influence of drugs.
A search of the vehicle revealed a stun gun, burglary tools, several grams of methamphetamine and stolen property from a business in another city.
Garcia, Saldana, Fuentes, and Quintero-Zavala, were placed under arrest for several charges and transported to the Martinez Detention Facility. Garcia’s vehicle was also towed from the scene.
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Ghost gun parts ammo and other items confiscated by police Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022. Photos: SPPD
Walnut Creek PD assisted by San Pablo, Oakley and Antioch PD’s
Axe, knife and more confiscated items.
By San Pablo Police Department
Thursday night, Feb. 17, 2022, SPPD assisted Walnut Creek PD in a vehicle task force assignment formed to suppress crime in participating agencies in the Contra Costa County. Officer Howes and Officer Agredano performed a proactive traffic stop on a suspicious car and through the course of their investigation they found a loaded firearm inside of the car along other gun parts to make more unserialized firearms aka Ghost guns.
The driver was arrested and taken to jail. SPPD would like to give a shout out to Oakley Police Departments and Antioch PD for their assistance.
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LA Sheriff Aex Villanueva commends Pittsburg Police Detectives during a press conference about the operation on Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2022. Video screenshot
L.A. County Sheriff commends Pittsburg Detectives for their efforts during 7th Annual Operation Reclaim and Rebuild
By Pittsburg Police Department
During the second week of February, in conjunction with Human Trafficking Awareness Month, Pittsburg Police Department personnel took part in a statewide human trafficking operation. The 7th Annual Operation Reclaim and Rebuild is an annual multi-agency initiative that focuses on rescuing victims of human trafficking, providing victims with much-needed services, and identifying and arresting their captors. Police agencies and other trafficking task forces throughout the state, including Brentwood PD joined in the operation to continue a no tolerance focus on human trafficking and sex crimes. (See related article)
This year, the Pittsburg Police Department joined with the Contra Costa County Human Trafficking Task Force and over 100 other agencies throughout California to combat Human and Sex Trafficking. This statewide Task Force is an example of how individual law enforcement agencies can work together to be more effective when they join together.
As the operation took place throughout the state, Pittsburg Police Detectives were hard at work in our community, making several arrests related to human trafficking and other crimes. In addition, several other suspects in human trafficking cases were identified, and many victims were contacted and connected with resources. These arrests are part of the over 494 arrests and 82 rescues made throughout the statewide operation. During a recent media conference by Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office, the great work by Pittsburg Detectives was highlighted.
We were proud to do our part in making Operation Reclaim and Rebuild a big success in Contra Costa County, and a special thank you to our law enforcement partners, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, and Community Violence Solutions for working with us.
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Alleged suspect in Richmond assault of a woman and her young children on Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022. Photos: Richmond PD
CAN YOU IDENTIFY THIS ASSAULT SUSPECT?
Rammed her car into victim’s vehicle dragging her across the parking lot more than 150 feet
By Richmond Police Department
Richmond PD detectives are requesting our community’s assistance to identify the suspect of a violent, unprovoked attack against a mother and her young children.
On Saturday, February 5th, 2022, at approximately 12:16 PM, the victim entered the McDonald’s drive-thru at 2301 MacDonald Avenue, with her children in the car. The suspect (pictured) accused the victim of cutting in line and rammed her car into the victim’s vehicle.
When the victim got out of her car, the suspect drove directly toward the victim, striking and dragging her across the parking lot for more than 150 feet before stopping. The suspect then got out of the car and punched the victim several times as she remained on the ground, before quickly fleeing the scene.
Investigators believe this incident was an unprovoked attack upon the victim and her children. We need your help to identify this violent and dangerous suspect! If you recognize the suspect (pictured), please contact Detective O. Guzman at OGuzman@RichmondPD.net or 510-672-2493.
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Suspects arrested, cash and firearms confiscated during the operation. Photos: Brentwood PD
Part of statewide 7th Annual Operation Reclaim and Rebuild which nabbed 494, rescued 82 victims
A victim is interviewed.
By Brentwood Police Department
Between February 6 and 12, 2022 our agency partnered with the Contra Costa County Human Trafficking Task Force (CCCHTTF) in a state-wide operation dubbed “Operation Reclaim and Rebuild.” The operation involved more than 80 federal, state, and local agencies across California who partnered with victim advocacy groups. The purpose of the operation was to safely rescue and identify sexually exploited victims; however, to also identify and apprehend suspected human traffickers. In total 494 criminal arrests were made statewide, while 74 adults and 8 juveniles were rescued from sexual exploitation. Of those 494 arrested, 201 were sex buyers and 34 were suspected traffickers.
Our local agencies focused on enforcement operations wherever the trafficking of human beings took place, from confronting the reality of sidewalk prostitution to challenging the virtual reality of the cyber world where traffickers believe they can operate anonymously using the internet. But don’t take our word for it – the results speak for themselves! CCCHTTF made a total of 28 arrests and recovered a total of 8 firearms while a total of 18 commercial sex workers were contacted and provided victim services.
While this was a great success, one of our agency’s ongoing goals is to continue our efforts to stop modern day slavery. Our partnership with CCCHTTF is an example of how individual agencies can be far more effective when they join together in a shared mission. If you or anyone you know is a victim of human trafficking, we are here for you.
For more information, you can go to humantraffickinghotline.org and contracostacoalition.org to find out more about the various forms of human trafficking and what you can do to help.
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A’s waterfront stadium rendering. Source: Oakland A’s
Oakland City Council votes to certify Final EIR
By Oakland Athletics
On Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022, the Oakland City Council voted to certify the Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for our waterfront ballpark project at Jack London Square. It follows las month’s unanimous vote by the Oakland Planning Commission recommending the council vote to certify the EIR.
This is a significant milestone for the project and comes after years of work with the City, local community members, and organizations to analyze and outline how our project will adhere to the highest of environmental standards. The project will clean up an industrial site with private dollars and return public access to the waterfront with more than 18 acres of public parks and open greenspace.
In addition, the council voted to approve a resolution requiring community benefits including local hire for jobs and to mitigate impacts to nearby neighborhoods, such as parking in Chinatown, and to West Oakland, following complaints by residents who spoke during the meeting from that neighborhood, as well as freight compatibility for the Port of Oakland.
Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf issued a statement praising the council action in which she said, “Tonight’s action is more than a milestone — it’s a giant leap forward in our shared mission to create a regional destination that gives back our waterfront to the public, connects a new vibrant neighborhood to our downtown, and provides tens of thousands of good union jobs for our residents — and it does it all while keeping our beloved A’s rooted in Oakland.
Now that the Final Environmental Impact Report has been certified, the floor is set for negotiating robust community benefits that our residents demand and deserve, as well as the final development agreement.
Tonight’s action is more than a milestone – it’s a giant leap forward in our shared mission to create a regional destination that gives back our waterfront to the public, connects a new vibrant neighborhood to our downtown, and provides tens of thousands good union jobs for our residents – and it does it all while keeping our beloved A’s rooted in Oakland.”
Oakland A’s waterfront stadium Entitlement Milestones. Source: Oakland A’s
Our waterfront ballpark is a once-in-a-generation project, creating transformative environmental and community benefits for Oakland, and setting the stage for more World Championships for our fans.
We thank our fans, community members, and civic leaders who shared their support during the EIR process and in public meetings. While this is the furthest we have come in securing a new ballpark in Oakland for the Athletics, we have more work to do. We now look forward to finalizing the development agreement and community benefits agreement before a vote later this year.
The city council will still have to approve a development agreement with the team which is expected to occur sometime this summer, plus approvals from the Port, the Bay Conservation and Development Commission, and State Lands Commission.
To learn more about our waterfront ballpark at Jack London Square and the progress we’ve made to date, visit WeAreRooted.com.
Go A’s!
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
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Dr. Brian C. Richardson
By Anita Creamer, Sutter Health
For decades, February—Black History Month—has been a time to remember battles won and hurdles overcome. A crucial hurdle remains: Because of traditional disparities in delivery and access to healthcare, stroke continues to have a disproportionate effect on the African American community.
That’s why Brian C. Richardson, M.D., neurologist and medical director of Stroke Service at Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, a Sutter Health affiliate, thinks February presents an opportunity to raise awareness of stroke and stroke prevention for Black Americans.
“Stroke can be prevented in Black Americans,” he says. “We need greater access to healthcare and treatment of underlying medical conditions. Getting better access to healthcare and managing risk factors for stroke can mitigate the risk of stroke dramatically for African Americans.”
Statistics are startling. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Minority Health, African Americans are 50 percent more likely to have a stroke—a “brain attack,” in which blood stops bringing oxygen to the brain—than white adults, and Black men are 70 percent more likely to die from stroke.
Along with the higher prevalence of stroke and highest death rate from stroke than any other group, says Dr. Richardson, African Americans are predisposed to a range of underlying conditions that can contribute to stroke, including hypertension, or high blood pressure, hyperlipidemia and diabetes.
“Identifying and treating high blood pressure would have a significant effect in decreasing the prevalence of stroke in Black Americans,” he says. “If we can treat hypertension, we can reduce stroke in the African American community.”
Lowering the diastolic blood pressure (the lower number on the reading) by 5 mmHg can reduce the risk of stroke by up to 35%, he says.
And in general, living a healthy lifestyle—eating fresh foods, exercising, consuming less salt, not smoking and drinking less—can help prevent up to 80 percent of strokes.
“If people can consume five servings of fruits and vegetables a day, they’ll reduce their stroke risk by 30%,” Dr. Richardson says. “For Black Americans, that means we need to be able to find healthy, fresh food in our neighborhoods. Fast food isn’t the means to good health.”
To learn more about stroke prevention, risk factors and types of stroke, visit the American Stroke Association.
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Supervisor Diane Burgis stand in front of a truck with nine yards of garbage illegally dumped on roads in the county during press conference in Antioch on Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022. Photo by Allen D. Payton
AB 2374 increases fines, adds teeth to state law on illegal dumping
At a press conference on Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022, in Antioch, Assemblywoman Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (AD16-D-Orinda), District 3 Supervisor Diane Burgis, the bill’s sponsor, and local county leaders announced the introduction of AB 2374. Entitled “Crimes against public health and safety: illegal dumping”, the bill was introduced in response to the rampant illegal dumping plaguing communities across California.
“The illegal dumping of trash, furniture, mattresses, appliances, and toxic materials is out of control in both our rural and urban areas – it isn’t just unsightly, it is putting the health of our communities and environment at risk,” said Bauer-Kahan. “Every Californian deserves the right to live in clean, garbage-free neighborhoods.”
“We started this out when we were trying to figure out how to handle it. That’s when we learned of the multiple agencies each responding,” said Burgis. “We formed a Think Tank of agencies in the county, plus East Bay Regional Park and our garbage haulers. And it’s expensive.”
“What people were doing was instead of taking it to the landfill or transfer station, they were just dumping it on the side of the road,” she stated. Pointing to the truck filled with items picked up along East County roads that was at the press conference Burgis said, “That’s nine yards, but they usually pick up 15 yards of large and small items in East County, each week.”
This bill builds upon previous legislative efforts of Bauer-Kahan and Contra Costa and Alameda Counties in 2019. These efforts provided funding to the counties of Alameda and Contra Costa to establish a pilot program for additional enforcement of illegal dumping laws in both counties. This program has been successful, but more tools in the arsenal to fight illegal dumping are necessary. Policies like increased enforcement, street lighting, and cameras throughout the East Bay region have also helped, however, California still lacks sufficient penalties to deter people from this harmful behavior.
AB 2374 raises fines on illegal dumping of commercial quantities up to $5,000 upon first conviction, up to $10,000 on a second conviction, and up to $20,000 on third or subsequent conviction. Additionally, this bill will give judges discretion to require the convicted to pay for the removal of their illegal dumping, suspend the business license of any individual convicted of dumping waste connected to their business, and allow for that person’s name and name of the business to be publicly displayed as convicted of illegal dumping.
“We want everyone to be doing the right thing, but there’s a limit to what we can do to educate and incentivize good behavior,” said Burgis. “It’s important for the public to understand that dumping has an impact on the quality of our drinking water, and that it disproportionately impacts marginalized communities. I applaud Bauer-Kahan for her efforts to empower us with the tools we need at the local level to start getting greater control of this problem.”
Contra Costa County District 5 Supervisor Federal Glover, who also serves on the County’s Illegal Dumping Ad Hoc Committee, added, “Residents deserve beautiful land and clean neighborhoods to live and work in. We want to be sure that everyone, including commercial businesses, hear loud and clear that they cannot illegally dump in our community without hefty fines, hence the need for this legislation.”
“Illegal dumping is a plague on our entire state – impacting our most urban, suburban, and rural communities. In a pilot project in my Supervisorial District alone we’ve removed nearly 1,200 tons of trash from our streets. This legislation provides needed enforcement authority to combat illegal dumping and blight in our neighborhoods, while alleviating the unfair burden of clean up from residents and local businesses,” said Alameda County Supervisor and Board Vice President Nate Miley.
“By upping the fines and providing tools for the courts to publicly hold violators accountable for committing these acts, we disincentivize actors and create public knowledge on who not to work with,” Bauer-Kahan added. “I want to thank Contra Costa County for bringing this bill idea to my attention and look forward to getting it implemented statewide.”
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
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Reece was placed on paid administrative leave earlier this month for the second time in six months, only in position since Nov. 2020
Board promotes Executive Vice Chancellor to Interim Chancellor through June 2024 with $357,714 starting annual base salary
Two other administrators still on paid leave since last year
By Timothy Leong, 4CD Public Information Officer
Former 4CD Chancellor Dr. Bryan Reece. Source: 4CD
At their February 16, 2022, meeting, the Governing Board (Board) of the Contra Costa Community College District accepted the resignation of Dr. Bryan Reece, effective February 11, 2022. He began working for the District as the ninth permanent chancellor on November 1, 2020.
Reece was placed on paid administrative leave by a unanimous vote of the board during a closed session meeting earlier this month. It was the second time the board had done so, the first time occurring in September on a split vote of 3-0-1 with Area 5 Trustee Fernando Sandoval voting to abstain as he was attending the meeting via Zoom. (See related articles here and here)
In an email to faculty and staff, Jeffrey Michels, president of the United Faculty, wrote about the board’s decision to place Reece on paid leave for a second time.
“In the words of the Yankees’ Yogi Berra, ‘it’s like déjà vu all over again.’ Last week, with no public explanation besides citing ‘personnel matters,’ the District Governing Board voted unanimously to place Bryan Reece on ‘paid administrative leave,’ and they named Executive Vice Chancellor of Education and Technology Mojdeh Mehdizadeh acting chancellor.”
“Spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on managers who don’t report to work certainly seems like a waste, but as we have noted in the past, these decisions are hard to evaluate since most of the facts are kept private,” Michels added
Mojdeh Mezhdizadeh. Photo: 4CD
He was also referring to two other senior administrators that are on paid administrative leave, placed there by Reece last year, Executive Vice Chancellor of Administration Eugene Huff and Vice Chancellor of Human Resources Dio Shipp. (See related article)
“The Governing Board and Dr. Reece have mutually decided to part ways,” said Governing Board President Dr. Judy E. Walters. “We thank Dr. Reece for his service to the District and wish him well as he relocates to Southern California to spend more time with his family.”
The Governing Board also approved a contract with Executive Vice Chancellor, Education and Technology, Mojdeh Mehdizadeh, to become the Interim Chancellor for the period of February 16, 2022, through June 30, 2024, at a starting annual base salary of $357,714. With more than 30 years of experience at the District, mostly in executive leadership roles, the Governing Board is confident Mojdeh provides the steady and stable leadership needed to help advance the District’s mission and vision.”
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
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Guns confiscated during arrest on Monday, Feb. 14, 2022. Photo: Concord PD
By Concord Police Department
On Monday, Feb. 14, 2022, at approximately 8:04 AM, a truck driver stopped at a red traffic signal. A Chevrolet Tahoe which was towing another vehicle pulled up beside the truck driver’s vehicle and the driver began yelling obscenities at the truck driver for stopping at the traffic signal. The driver of the Tahoe then produced a black semi-automatic handgun and yelled at the truck driver that people “get shot for driving like that” while waving the gun around in the air.
The truck driver was able to provide a description of the suspect vehicle which was located in the parking lot of nearby shopping center. As officers began arriving at that location, the suspect vehicle drove away from the parking lot and an attempt was made at conducting an enforcement stop. The driver of the suspect vehicle did not yield to police emergency equipment and continued driving onto Oak Grove Road. before eventually pulling over to the side of the roadway.
The suspect driver was detained, and a black handgun was located behind the rear seat of the vehicle. An additional .38 caliber revolver was located in the bed of the Chevrolet Tahoe. The suspect is a convicted felon and was positively identified by the victim. He was arrested, booked and later transported to the Martinez Detention Facility.
Read MoreItems confiscated during the arrest of four suspects from Stockton in Feb. Photos: Brentwood PD
By Brentwood Police Department
Meth confiscated during the arrest.
During the week of Feb. 6, 2022, while on patrol, an officer observed a vehicle driving without a rear window and expired registration. He conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle on Sand Creek Road near Highway 4, and found that the driver, Jose Garcia (Stockton) did not have a driver license. Three additional passengers in the car were without proper identification.
Garcia and two of the other passengers identified as; Alicia Saldana (Stockton) and Jasmine Fuentes (Stockton) were all found to be on active probation. The fourth occupant, Jesus Quintero-Zavala (Stockton) lied to police about his identity and was under the influence of drugs.
A search of the vehicle revealed a stun gun, burglary tools, several grams of methamphetamine and stolen property from a business in another city.
Garcia, Saldana, Fuentes, and Quintero-Zavala, were placed under arrest for several charges and transported to the Martinez Detention Facility. Garcia’s vehicle was also towed from the scene.
Read MoreGhost gun parts ammo and other items confiscated by police Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022. Photos: SPPD
Walnut Creek PD assisted by San Pablo, Oakley and Antioch PD’s
Axe, knife and more confiscated items.
By San Pablo Police Department
Thursday night, Feb. 17, 2022, SPPD assisted Walnut Creek PD in a vehicle task force assignment formed to suppress crime in participating agencies in the Contra Costa County. Officer Howes and Officer Agredano performed a proactive traffic stop on a suspicious car and through the course of their investigation they found a loaded firearm inside of the car along other gun parts to make more unserialized firearms aka Ghost guns.
The driver was arrested and taken to jail. SPPD would like to give a shout out to Oakley Police Departments and Antioch PD for their assistance.
Read MoreLA Sheriff Aex Villanueva commends Pittsburg Police Detectives during a press conference about the operation on Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2022. Video screenshot
L.A. County Sheriff commends Pittsburg Detectives for their efforts during 7th Annual Operation Reclaim and Rebuild
By Pittsburg Police Department
During the second week of February, in conjunction with Human Trafficking Awareness Month, Pittsburg Police Department personnel took part in a statewide human trafficking operation. The 7th Annual Operation Reclaim and Rebuild is an annual multi-agency initiative that focuses on rescuing victims of human trafficking, providing victims with much-needed services, and identifying and arresting their captors. Police agencies and other trafficking task forces throughout the state, including Brentwood PD joined in the operation to continue a no tolerance focus on human trafficking and sex crimes. (See related article)
This year, the Pittsburg Police Department joined with the Contra Costa County Human Trafficking Task Force and over 100 other agencies throughout California to combat Human and Sex Trafficking. This statewide Task Force is an example of how individual law enforcement agencies can work together to be more effective when they join together.
As the operation took place throughout the state, Pittsburg Police Detectives were hard at work in our community, making several arrests related to human trafficking and other crimes. In addition, several other suspects in human trafficking cases were identified, and many victims were contacted and connected with resources. These arrests are part of the over 494 arrests and 82 rescues made throughout the statewide operation. During a recent media conference by Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office, the great work by Pittsburg Detectives was highlighted.
We were proud to do our part in making Operation Reclaim and Rebuild a big success in Contra Costa County, and a special thank you to our law enforcement partners, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, and Community Violence Solutions for working with us.
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Alleged suspect in Richmond assault of a woman and her young children on Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022. Photos: Richmond PD
CAN YOU IDENTIFY THIS ASSAULT SUSPECT?
Rammed her car into victim’s vehicle dragging her across the parking lot more than 150 feet
By Richmond Police Department
Richmond PD detectives are requesting our community’s assistance to identify the suspect of a violent, unprovoked attack against a mother and her young children.
On Saturday, February 5th, 2022, at approximately 12:16 PM, the victim entered the McDonald’s drive-thru at 2301 MacDonald Avenue, with her children in the car. The suspect (pictured) accused the victim of cutting in line and rammed her car into the victim’s vehicle.
When the victim got out of her car, the suspect drove directly toward the victim, striking and dragging her across the parking lot for more than 150 feet before stopping. The suspect then got out of the car and punched the victim several times as she remained on the ground, before quickly fleeing the scene.
Investigators believe this incident was an unprovoked attack upon the victim and her children. We need your help to identify this violent and dangerous suspect! If you recognize the suspect (pictured), please contact Detective O. Guzman at OGuzman@RichmondPD.net or 510-672-2493.
Read MoreSuspects arrested, cash and firearms confiscated during the operation. Photos: Brentwood PD
Part of statewide 7th Annual Operation Reclaim and Rebuild which nabbed 494, rescued 82 victims
A victim is interviewed.
By Brentwood Police Department
Between February 6 and 12, 2022 our agency partnered with the Contra Costa County Human Trafficking Task Force (CCCHTTF) in a state-wide operation dubbed “Operation Reclaim and Rebuild.” The operation involved more than 80 federal, state, and local agencies across California who partnered with victim advocacy groups. The purpose of the operation was to safely rescue and identify sexually exploited victims; however, to also identify and apprehend suspected human traffickers. In total 494 criminal arrests were made statewide, while 74 adults and 8 juveniles were rescued from sexual exploitation. Of those 494 arrested, 201 were sex buyers and 34 were suspected traffickers.
Our local agencies focused on enforcement operations wherever the trafficking of human beings took place, from confronting the reality of sidewalk prostitution to challenging the virtual reality of the cyber world where traffickers believe they can operate anonymously using the internet. But don’t take our word for it – the results speak for themselves! CCCHTTF made a total of 28 arrests and recovered a total of 8 firearms while a total of 18 commercial sex workers were contacted and provided victim services.
While this was a great success, one of our agency’s ongoing goals is to continue our efforts to stop modern day slavery. Our partnership with CCCHTTF is an example of how individual agencies can be far more effective when they join together in a shared mission. If you or anyone you know is a victim of human trafficking, we are here for you.
For more information, you can go to humantraffickinghotline.org and contracostacoalition.org to find out more about the various forms of human trafficking and what you can do to help.
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A’s waterfront stadium rendering. Source: Oakland A’s
Oakland City Council votes to certify Final EIR
By Oakland Athletics
On Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022, the Oakland City Council voted to certify the Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for our waterfront ballpark project at Jack London Square. It follows las month’s unanimous vote by the Oakland Planning Commission recommending the council vote to certify the EIR.
This is a significant milestone for the project and comes after years of work with the City, local community members, and organizations to analyze and outline how our project will adhere to the highest of environmental standards. The project will clean up an industrial site with private dollars and return public access to the waterfront with more than 18 acres of public parks and open greenspace.
In addition, the council voted to approve a resolution requiring community benefits including local hire for jobs and to mitigate impacts to nearby neighborhoods, such as parking in Chinatown, and to West Oakland, following complaints by residents who spoke during the meeting from that neighborhood, as well as freight compatibility for the Port of Oakland.
Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf issued a statement praising the council action in which she said, “Tonight’s action is more than a milestone — it’s a giant leap forward in our shared mission to create a regional destination that gives back our waterfront to the public, connects a new vibrant neighborhood to our downtown, and provides tens of thousands of good union jobs for our residents — and it does it all while keeping our beloved A’s rooted in Oakland.
Now that the Final Environmental Impact Report has been certified, the floor is set for negotiating robust community benefits that our residents demand and deserve, as well as the final development agreement.
Tonight’s action is more than a milestone – it’s a giant leap forward in our shared mission to create a regional destination that gives back our waterfront to the public, connects a new vibrant neighborhood to our downtown, and provides tens of thousands good union jobs for our residents – and it does it all while keeping our beloved A’s rooted in Oakland.”
Oakland A’s waterfront stadium Entitlement Milestones. Source: Oakland A’s
Our waterfront ballpark is a once-in-a-generation project, creating transformative environmental and community benefits for Oakland, and setting the stage for more World Championships for our fans.
We thank our fans, community members, and civic leaders who shared their support during the EIR process and in public meetings. While this is the furthest we have come in securing a new ballpark in Oakland for the Athletics, we have more work to do. We now look forward to finalizing the development agreement and community benefits agreement before a vote later this year.
The city council will still have to approve a development agreement with the team which is expected to occur sometime this summer, plus approvals from the Port, the Bay Conservation and Development Commission, and State Lands Commission.
To learn more about our waterfront ballpark at Jack London Square and the progress we’ve made to date, visit WeAreRooted.com.
Go A’s!
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
Read MoreDr. Brian C. Richardson
By Anita Creamer, Sutter Health
For decades, February—Black History Month—has been a time to remember battles won and hurdles overcome. A crucial hurdle remains: Because of traditional disparities in delivery and access to healthcare, stroke continues to have a disproportionate effect on the African American community.
That’s why Brian C. Richardson, M.D., neurologist and medical director of Stroke Service at Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, a Sutter Health affiliate, thinks February presents an opportunity to raise awareness of stroke and stroke prevention for Black Americans.
“Stroke can be prevented in Black Americans,” he says. “We need greater access to healthcare and treatment of underlying medical conditions. Getting better access to healthcare and managing risk factors for stroke can mitigate the risk of stroke dramatically for African Americans.”
Statistics are startling. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Minority Health, African Americans are 50 percent more likely to have a stroke—a “brain attack,” in which blood stops bringing oxygen to the brain—than white adults, and Black men are 70 percent more likely to die from stroke.
Along with the higher prevalence of stroke and highest death rate from stroke than any other group, says Dr. Richardson, African Americans are predisposed to a range of underlying conditions that can contribute to stroke, including hypertension, or high blood pressure, hyperlipidemia and diabetes.
“Identifying and treating high blood pressure would have a significant effect in decreasing the prevalence of stroke in Black Americans,” he says. “If we can treat hypertension, we can reduce stroke in the African American community.”
Lowering the diastolic blood pressure (the lower number on the reading) by 5 mmHg can reduce the risk of stroke by up to 35%, he says.
And in general, living a healthy lifestyle—eating fresh foods, exercising, consuming less salt, not smoking and drinking less—can help prevent up to 80 percent of strokes.
“If people can consume five servings of fruits and vegetables a day, they’ll reduce their stroke risk by 30%,” Dr. Richardson says. “For Black Americans, that means we need to be able to find healthy, fresh food in our neighborhoods. Fast food isn’t the means to good health.”
To learn more about stroke prevention, risk factors and types of stroke, visit the American Stroke Association.
Read MoreSupervisor Diane Burgis stand in front of a truck with nine yards of garbage illegally dumped on roads in the county during press conference in Antioch on Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022. Photo by Allen D. Payton
AB 2374 increases fines, adds teeth to state law on illegal dumping
At a press conference on Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022, in Antioch, Assemblywoman Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (AD16-D-Orinda), District 3 Supervisor Diane Burgis, the bill’s sponsor, and local county leaders announced the introduction of AB 2374. Entitled “Crimes against public health and safety: illegal dumping”, the bill was introduced in response to the rampant illegal dumping plaguing communities across California.
“The illegal dumping of trash, furniture, mattresses, appliances, and toxic materials is out of control in both our rural and urban areas – it isn’t just unsightly, it is putting the health of our communities and environment at risk,” said Bauer-Kahan. “Every Californian deserves the right to live in clean, garbage-free neighborhoods.”
“We started this out when we were trying to figure out how to handle it. That’s when we learned of the multiple agencies each responding,” said Burgis. “We formed a Think Tank of agencies in the county, plus East Bay Regional Park and our garbage haulers. And it’s expensive.”
“What people were doing was instead of taking it to the landfill or transfer station, they were just dumping it on the side of the road,” she stated. Pointing to the truck filled with items picked up along East County roads that was at the press conference Burgis said, “That’s nine yards, but they usually pick up 15 yards of large and small items in East County, each week.”
This bill builds upon previous legislative efforts of Bauer-Kahan and Contra Costa and Alameda Counties in 2019. These efforts provided funding to the counties of Alameda and Contra Costa to establish a pilot program for additional enforcement of illegal dumping laws in both counties. This program has been successful, but more tools in the arsenal to fight illegal dumping are necessary. Policies like increased enforcement, street lighting, and cameras throughout the East Bay region have also helped, however, California still lacks sufficient penalties to deter people from this harmful behavior.
AB 2374 raises fines on illegal dumping of commercial quantities up to $5,000 upon first conviction, up to $10,000 on a second conviction, and up to $20,000 on third or subsequent conviction. Additionally, this bill will give judges discretion to require the convicted to pay for the removal of their illegal dumping, suspend the business license of any individual convicted of dumping waste connected to their business, and allow for that person’s name and name of the business to be publicly displayed as convicted of illegal dumping.
“We want everyone to be doing the right thing, but there’s a limit to what we can do to educate and incentivize good behavior,” said Burgis. “It’s important for the public to understand that dumping has an impact on the quality of our drinking water, and that it disproportionately impacts marginalized communities. I applaud Bauer-Kahan for her efforts to empower us with the tools we need at the local level to start getting greater control of this problem.”
Contra Costa County District 5 Supervisor Federal Glover, who also serves on the County’s Illegal Dumping Ad Hoc Committee, added, “Residents deserve beautiful land and clean neighborhoods to live and work in. We want to be sure that everyone, including commercial businesses, hear loud and clear that they cannot illegally dump in our community without hefty fines, hence the need for this legislation.”
“Illegal dumping is a plague on our entire state – impacting our most urban, suburban, and rural communities. In a pilot project in my Supervisorial District alone we’ve removed nearly 1,200 tons of trash from our streets. This legislation provides needed enforcement authority to combat illegal dumping and blight in our neighborhoods, while alleviating the unfair burden of clean up from residents and local businesses,” said Alameda County Supervisor and Board Vice President Nate Miley.
“By upping the fines and providing tools for the courts to publicly hold violators accountable for committing these acts, we disincentivize actors and create public knowledge on who not to work with,” Bauer-Kahan added. “I want to thank Contra Costa County for bringing this bill idea to my attention and look forward to getting it implemented statewide.”
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
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Reece was placed on paid administrative leave earlier this month for the second time in six months, only in position since Nov. 2020
Board promotes Executive Vice Chancellor to Interim Chancellor through June 2024 with $357,714 starting annual base salary
Two other administrators still on paid leave since last year
By Timothy Leong, 4CD Public Information Officer
Former 4CD Chancellor Dr. Bryan Reece. Source: 4CD
At their February 16, 2022, meeting, the Governing Board (Board) of the Contra Costa Community College District accepted the resignation of Dr. Bryan Reece, effective February 11, 2022. He began working for the District as the ninth permanent chancellor on November 1, 2020.
Reece was placed on paid administrative leave by a unanimous vote of the board during a closed session meeting earlier this month. It was the second time the board had done so, the first time occurring in September on a split vote of 3-0-1 with Area 5 Trustee Fernando Sandoval voting to abstain as he was attending the meeting via Zoom. (See related articles here and here)
In an email to faculty and staff, Jeffrey Michels, president of the United Faculty, wrote about the board’s decision to place Reece on paid leave for a second time.
“In the words of the Yankees’ Yogi Berra, ‘it’s like déjà vu all over again.’ Last week, with no public explanation besides citing ‘personnel matters,’ the District Governing Board voted unanimously to place Bryan Reece on ‘paid administrative leave,’ and they named Executive Vice Chancellor of Education and Technology Mojdeh Mehdizadeh acting chancellor.”
“Spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on managers who don’t report to work certainly seems like a waste, but as we have noted in the past, these decisions are hard to evaluate since most of the facts are kept private,” Michels added
Mojdeh Mezhdizadeh. Photo: 4CD
He was also referring to two other senior administrators that are on paid administrative leave, placed there by Reece last year, Executive Vice Chancellor of Administration Eugene Huff and Vice Chancellor of Human Resources Dio Shipp. (See related article)
“The Governing Board and Dr. Reece have mutually decided to part ways,” said Governing Board President Dr. Judy E. Walters. “We thank Dr. Reece for his service to the District and wish him well as he relocates to Southern California to spend more time with his family.”
The Governing Board also approved a contract with Executive Vice Chancellor, Education and Technology, Mojdeh Mehdizadeh, to become the Interim Chancellor for the period of February 16, 2022, through June 30, 2024, at a starting annual base salary of $357,714. With more than 30 years of experience at the District, mostly in executive leadership roles, the Governing Board is confident Mojdeh provides the steady and stable leadership needed to help advance the District’s mission and vision.”
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
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