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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By Allen D. Payton
Kemani McAlpin, a 29-year-old Black woman struggling with mental health issues has been missing from El Cerrito, Western Contra Costa County, since Monday morning, Feb. 14, 2022
According to a family friend, the family of Kemani McAlpin is very concerned about her safety. She was visiting family in El Cerrito and went for a walk around 7:30 am on Monday, February 14, 2022. After she did not return, at 6:30 pm, the family reported her as a missing person to the El Cerrito Police Department.
Kemani may appear disoriented at times. She was seen in the 500 block of Kearney Street in El Cerrito on Monday, Feb. 14 and there was a reported sighting of her in Oakland on the same day in the early afternoon.
McAlpin is about 5’7” and 170 pounds. She has brown eyes, her hair is black with reddish blond highlights, and she wears it pulled up in puff style. She was last seen wearing a black face mask, beige sweatshirt, black pants and high-top Nike sneakers.
In addition to working with the El Cerrito Police, and surrounding agencies, the family is using social media to raise awareness about her disappearance and sharing fliers in El Cerrito, and surrounding communities she may have traveled to, including Oakland and Berkeley.
The family friend who chose to not be identified said, “Kemani is deeply loved and we encourage anyone with information to contact their local police department or Detective John Whitney at El Cerrito Police Department at (510) 215-4420. Additionally, text messages and calls can be made to (415) 515-3816.”
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Join Congressman Mark DeSaulnier and representatives from the Contra Costa County Elections Division for an important and timely conversation during the Voting in Contra Costa town hall on elections and mail-in ballots Friday, February 18, 2022 at 12:00 p.m.
To RSVP, click here before 10:00 a.m. Friday.
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Gun confiscated from the suspect in a standoff in Richmond on Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2022. Photo: Richmond PD
“Threatened to shoot the victim’s entire family”
“Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office helicopter kept an eye from the sky.”
By Richmond Police Department
Tuesday night, Richmond police officers successfully negotiated a peaceful resolution with an armed and barricaded suspect – through patience, collaboration and care.
On Feb. 15, 2022, RPD officers responded to the 2300 block of Grant Avenue on reports of a man armed with a gun. Officers learned that the suspect was a neighbor who had entered the victim’s home, pulled out a gun, and threatened to shoot the victim’s entire family. After a brief struggle, the victim was able to push the suspect outside of their home. The suspect was then seen entering his own house by arriving RPD officers.
Richmond police officers quickly guided the victim and her family to safety, and established a perimeter around the suspect’s house and the neighborhood. Officers from the RPD Crisis Negotiations Team (CNT) established communication with the suspect, who refused to exit his house.
As this dangerous situation continued to unfold, the RPD Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team was called upon to respond, along with additional members of the Crisis Negotiations Team. CNT officers patiently negotiated with the suspect for several hours, while the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office helicopter kept an eye from the sky.
Through patience, communication, and collaboration, the suspect eventually agreed to a peaceful surrender, and was safely detained by RPD officers. A realistic-looking replica firearm was also located at the scene.
We would like to thank our community for their patience and understanding during this volatile incident. Additionally – to our partners at the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, thank you for your assistance in providing additional resources to help ensure the safety of our officers and our community!
We are relieved that this incident ended with a safe and peaceful resolution, and we are proud of the patience and professional composure exhibited by our patrol officers, SWAT, and CNT members during this dangerous situation! Excellent work, officers!
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Alexis Gabe – Missing fliers have been posted throughout East County. Source: Oakley PD
24-year-old Alexis Gabe’s car was found in Oakley the next day
One of the digital billboards on Highway 4 and I-680 provided by Mesa Outdoor. Source: Del Rey Advertising.
By Allen D. Payton
Today, Wednesday, February 16, 2022, Oakley Police Chief Paul Beard issued the following brief update on the search for the woman missing since January 26 and last seen by her ex-boyfriend in Antioch that night. (See related article)
“The investigation into the disappearance of Alexis Gabe has remained at the forefront of the Oakley Police Departments daily operations. We have also remained in frequent contact with the Gabe family throughout our investigation and we support them in their efforts as they try to locate Alexis as well.
We understand there is a great deal of public interest in this case. We remain committed to the tenets of completing a thorough investigation and making sure the integrity of our investigation outweighs public curiosity. The Oakley Police Department remains committed to locating Alexis and we are continuing on our path towards a complete investigation.”
Fliers about Gabe have been distributed and posted throughout East County, as well as posts on social media and ads have been placed on digital billboards along Highway 4 and I-680 to help in locating her.
If you have any information, please contact Oakley PD at (925) 625-8060.
Read MoreWould leave State Senate two years early if elected
State Senator Steve Glazer. Source: SenatorGlazer.com
By Allen D. Payton
In an email sent out, today, Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2022, State Senator Steve Glazer (D-Orinda), who represents the 7th District which includes most of Contra Costa County, said he’s considering running for California State Controller and asked his supporters for their input. Incumbent Betty Yee is termed out after serving eight years in the position so, Glazer would be running for the open seat.
According to the office’s website, the controller is the chief fiscal officer of the state and is responsible for accountability and disbursement of the state’s financial resources…safeguards many types of property until claimed by the rightful owners, independently audits government agencies that spend state funds, and administers the payroll system for state government employees and California State University employees. The Controller is a member of numerous financing authorities, and fiscal and financial oversight entities including the Franchise Tax Board and Board of Equalization.”
If elected Glazer would step down from his seat two years early, creating a vacancy that would be filled by a special election.
When reached for comment, Glazer said he has to decide by March 11, which is the usual end of the candidate filing period. However, according to the California Secretary of State’s Primary Election Calendar (see page 6-10) filing is extended five more days until March 16 when the incumbent cannot or does not file to run for re-election. Asked what would be the determining factor in his decision he said, “hearing from people like you.”
In his message, Glazer wrote:
“I want to share some exciting news with you: I am pondering what could be a big step in my career in public service.
I have been deeply reflecting on my seven years in the Senate, the many policy and fiscal challenges facing our state, and my energy and passion for public service. I don’t make decisions quickly and I do try to take a 360 degree view of any serious matter.
It has been a hard two years under Covid for my work and my family, and I’m sure it has been for you as well. Life is precious, and I often reflect on how I am spending my time. My father died at age 55, so as I have aged, I have continuously felt the time clock ticking. This has helped me live with a no-regrets approach to so many things. Do your best, be nice to everyone, enjoy every day.
So here is my self-assessment: I like my job in the Senate, but I could be working in a school, a non-profit or even local government again and still feel that public service is immensely fulfilling and important. Titles don’t matter so much. It is doing valuable work that is important. So I have a strong desire to remain in public service.
A big reason I ended up running for a legislative office was in rebellion against the status quo of politics. I saw first-hand the rivers of power politics flowing through the Capitol canals. It’s a cliché to simply say that the people’s voices were being drowned out. I would just say that good people are involved on all sides, but most are frozen in fear that the ‘right’ decision would cost them politically. I ran not just to cast a thoughtful vote on the issues of the day. It was to try to set an example as someone willing to do what they think is best and not worry so much about perceived power from interest groups or party bosses.
As you know, I get politically labelled in simplistic ways. People are always looking for shorthand descriptions and analysis, so it is not a surprise to be framed as this or that. Suffice it to say I am not a conformist. The status quo of politics is breaking down and people wonder why I am not conforming. Hello!
To cut to the chase, there is a state constitutional office of Controller where the incumbent is termed out. There is meaning to the word constitutional. It is an independent office elected by the entire state, and the responsibilities of the office — overseeing all taxes and revenues — are intended to be independent of party power. Besides sitting as a voting member of numerous tax, pension and land authorities, the Controller has independent power to audit the use and effectiveness of your tax dollars by every public agency in our state. Spending on schools, the homeless, fire prevention, drought, public safety, pensions, mental health, and safety net programs are all subject to review by the Controller. Knowing me as so many of you do, you can see my interest in this position.
Asking hard questions and instigating oversight has been a part of all my public service work. For ten years, I was on the audit committee of my city. I served for four years on the audit committee of the Board of Trustees of the 23-campus California State University. I presently serve on the Joint Legislative Audit Committee. Part of the reason that members of my own party are uncomfortable with me is because I see the spending of every tax dollar as critically important not just in delivering the best services for the money but because the wise stewardship of our tax dollars is the foundation upon which we built public trust. Underscoring all of that is the willingness to have the independent backbone to speak truth to power.
So I am taking the next few weeks to delve deeper into the job, the dynamics of a short campaign (June primary), and feedback from friends and supporters.
My current Senate term runs until 2024. Should I run for this job, I will encounter the same vitriol that is emblematic of our current state of politics. But it is an opportunity to potentially pursue a job of bigger scope, responsibility and impact. What do you think?
Your support is why I have the privilege of serving as your state Senator. Many thanks for this honor of a lifetime.
Best,
Steve”
Constituents can let Glazer know what they think of his plans at steve@senatorglazer.com.
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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.
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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By Allen D. Payton
Kemani McAlpin, a 29-year-old Black woman struggling with mental health issues has been missing from El Cerrito, Western Contra Costa County, since Monday morning, Feb. 14, 2022
According to a family friend, the family of Kemani McAlpin is very concerned about her safety. She was visiting family in El Cerrito and went for a walk around 7:30 am on Monday, February 14, 2022. After she did not return, at 6:30 pm, the family reported her as a missing person to the El Cerrito Police Department.
Kemani may appear disoriented at times. She was seen in the 500 block of Kearney Street in El Cerrito on Monday, Feb. 14 and there was a reported sighting of her in Oakland on the same day in the early afternoon.
McAlpin is about 5’7” and 170 pounds. She has brown eyes, her hair is black with reddish blond highlights, and she wears it pulled up in puff style. She was last seen wearing a black face mask, beige sweatshirt, black pants and high-top Nike sneakers.
In addition to working with the El Cerrito Police, and surrounding agencies, the family is using social media to raise awareness about her disappearance and sharing fliers in El Cerrito, and surrounding communities she may have traveled to, including Oakland and Berkeley.
The family friend who chose to not be identified said, “Kemani is deeply loved and we encourage anyone with information to contact their local police department or Detective John Whitney at El Cerrito Police Department at (510) 215-4420. Additionally, text messages and calls can be made to (415) 515-3816.”
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Join Congressman Mark DeSaulnier and representatives from the Contra Costa County Elections Division for an important and timely conversation during the Voting in Contra Costa town hall on elections and mail-in ballots Friday, February 18, 2022 at 12:00 p.m.
To RSVP, click here before 10:00 a.m. Friday.
Read MoreGun confiscated from the suspect in a standoff in Richmond on Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2022. Photo: Richmond PD
“Threatened to shoot the victim’s entire family”
“Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office helicopter kept an eye from the sky.”
By Richmond Police Department
Tuesday night, Richmond police officers successfully negotiated a peaceful resolution with an armed and barricaded suspect – through patience, collaboration and care.
On Feb. 15, 2022, RPD officers responded to the 2300 block of Grant Avenue on reports of a man armed with a gun. Officers learned that the suspect was a neighbor who had entered the victim’s home, pulled out a gun, and threatened to shoot the victim’s entire family. After a brief struggle, the victim was able to push the suspect outside of their home. The suspect was then seen entering his own house by arriving RPD officers.
Richmond police officers quickly guided the victim and her family to safety, and established a perimeter around the suspect’s house and the neighborhood. Officers from the RPD Crisis Negotiations Team (CNT) established communication with the suspect, who refused to exit his house.
As this dangerous situation continued to unfold, the RPD Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team was called upon to respond, along with additional members of the Crisis Negotiations Team. CNT officers patiently negotiated with the suspect for several hours, while the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office helicopter kept an eye from the sky.
Through patience, communication, and collaboration, the suspect eventually agreed to a peaceful surrender, and was safely detained by RPD officers. A realistic-looking replica firearm was also located at the scene.
We would like to thank our community for their patience and understanding during this volatile incident. Additionally – to our partners at the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, thank you for your assistance in providing additional resources to help ensure the safety of our officers and our community!
We are relieved that this incident ended with a safe and peaceful resolution, and we are proud of the patience and professional composure exhibited by our patrol officers, SWAT, and CNT members during this dangerous situation! Excellent work, officers!
Read MoreAlexis Gabe – Missing fliers have been posted throughout East County. Source: Oakley PD
24-year-old Alexis Gabe’s car was found in Oakley the next day
One of the digital billboards on Highway 4 and I-680 provided by Mesa Outdoor. Source: Del Rey Advertising.
By Allen D. Payton
Today, Wednesday, February 16, 2022, Oakley Police Chief Paul Beard issued the following brief update on the search for the woman missing since January 26 and last seen by her ex-boyfriend in Antioch that night. (See related article)
“The investigation into the disappearance of Alexis Gabe has remained at the forefront of the Oakley Police Departments daily operations. We have also remained in frequent contact with the Gabe family throughout our investigation and we support them in their efforts as they try to locate Alexis as well.
We understand there is a great deal of public interest in this case. We remain committed to the tenets of completing a thorough investigation and making sure the integrity of our investigation outweighs public curiosity. The Oakley Police Department remains committed to locating Alexis and we are continuing on our path towards a complete investigation.”
Fliers about Gabe have been distributed and posted throughout East County, as well as posts on social media and ads have been placed on digital billboards along Highway 4 and I-680 to help in locating her.
If you have any information, please contact Oakley PD at (925) 625-8060.
Read MoreWould leave State Senate two years early if elected
State Senator Steve Glazer. Source: SenatorGlazer.com
By Allen D. Payton
In an email sent out, today, Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2022, State Senator Steve Glazer (D-Orinda), who represents the 7th District which includes most of Contra Costa County, said he’s considering running for California State Controller and asked his supporters for their input. Incumbent Betty Yee is termed out after serving eight years in the position so, Glazer would be running for the open seat.
According to the office’s website, the controller is the chief fiscal officer of the state and is responsible for accountability and disbursement of the state’s financial resources…safeguards many types of property until claimed by the rightful owners, independently audits government agencies that spend state funds, and administers the payroll system for state government employees and California State University employees. The Controller is a member of numerous financing authorities, and fiscal and financial oversight entities including the Franchise Tax Board and Board of Equalization.”
If elected Glazer would step down from his seat two years early, creating a vacancy that would be filled by a special election.
When reached for comment, Glazer said he has to decide by March 11, which is the usual end of the candidate filing period. However, according to the California Secretary of State’s Primary Election Calendar (see page 6-10) filing is extended five more days until March 16 when the incumbent cannot or does not file to run for re-election. Asked what would be the determining factor in his decision he said, “hearing from people like you.”
In his message, Glazer wrote:
“I want to share some exciting news with you: I am pondering what could be a big step in my career in public service.
I have been deeply reflecting on my seven years in the Senate, the many policy and fiscal challenges facing our state, and my energy and passion for public service. I don’t make decisions quickly and I do try to take a 360 degree view of any serious matter.
It has been a hard two years under Covid for my work and my family, and I’m sure it has been for you as well. Life is precious, and I often reflect on how I am spending my time. My father died at age 55, so as I have aged, I have continuously felt the time clock ticking. This has helped me live with a no-regrets approach to so many things. Do your best, be nice to everyone, enjoy every day.
So here is my self-assessment: I like my job in the Senate, but I could be working in a school, a non-profit or even local government again and still feel that public service is immensely fulfilling and important. Titles don’t matter so much. It is doing valuable work that is important. So I have a strong desire to remain in public service.
A big reason I ended up running for a legislative office was in rebellion against the status quo of politics. I saw first-hand the rivers of power politics flowing through the Capitol canals. It’s a cliché to simply say that the people’s voices were being drowned out. I would just say that good people are involved on all sides, but most are frozen in fear that the ‘right’ decision would cost them politically. I ran not just to cast a thoughtful vote on the issues of the day. It was to try to set an example as someone willing to do what they think is best and not worry so much about perceived power from interest groups or party bosses.
As you know, I get politically labelled in simplistic ways. People are always looking for shorthand descriptions and analysis, so it is not a surprise to be framed as this or that. Suffice it to say I am not a conformist. The status quo of politics is breaking down and people wonder why I am not conforming. Hello!
To cut to the chase, there is a state constitutional office of Controller where the incumbent is termed out. There is meaning to the word constitutional. It is an independent office elected by the entire state, and the responsibilities of the office — overseeing all taxes and revenues — are intended to be independent of party power. Besides sitting as a voting member of numerous tax, pension and land authorities, the Controller has independent power to audit the use and effectiveness of your tax dollars by every public agency in our state. Spending on schools, the homeless, fire prevention, drought, public safety, pensions, mental health, and safety net programs are all subject to review by the Controller. Knowing me as so many of you do, you can see my interest in this position.
Asking hard questions and instigating oversight has been a part of all my public service work. For ten years, I was on the audit committee of my city. I served for four years on the audit committee of the Board of Trustees of the 23-campus California State University. I presently serve on the Joint Legislative Audit Committee. Part of the reason that members of my own party are uncomfortable with me is because I see the spending of every tax dollar as critically important not just in delivering the best services for the money but because the wise stewardship of our tax dollars is the foundation upon which we built public trust. Underscoring all of that is the willingness to have the independent backbone to speak truth to power.
So I am taking the next few weeks to delve deeper into the job, the dynamics of a short campaign (June primary), and feedback from friends and supporters.
My current Senate term runs until 2024. Should I run for this job, I will encounter the same vitriol that is emblematic of our current state of politics. But it is an opportunity to potentially pursue a job of bigger scope, responsibility and impact. What do you think?
Your support is why I have the privilege of serving as your state Senator. Many thanks for this honor of a lifetime.
Best,
Steve”
Constituents can let Glazer know what they think of his plans at steve@senatorglazer.com.
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