Nuvision Credit Union Partners with VFW Post 1351 & American Legion Post 29
Bill Meyer, AVP, Communications, Nuvision Credit Union
May is Military Appreciation Month, and Nuvision Credit Union is proud to be honoring local veterans this Memorial Day. Nuvision is privileged to partner with VFW Post 1351 and American Legion Post 29 for the credit union’s upcoming Memorial Day Military Appreciation BBQ in Martinez, California.
The event takes place on Monday, May 26th from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm at Veterans Memorial Building, 930 Ward Street in Martinez.
The BBQ is to honor and thank the men and women who serve our country, welcoming all veterans, active-duty military members, and the families that serve alongside them. The BBQ is open and free to all who have served, as well as their families.
Baseball players from the Martinez Sturgeon, an independent professional baseball team, will be in attendance to honor our veterans and active military for their service and sacrifice, and will be serving lunch to attendees.
During the BBQ Nuvision will also be presenting $1,500 donations to two Bay Area veteran support organizations — Delta Veterans Group, and Diablo Valley Veterans Foundation – in support of their ongoing missions.
Active military and veterans interested in attending are invited to register for the free BBQ.
Nuvision Credit Union Background:
Headquartered in Huntington Beach, California, Nuvision was founded in 1935. Today, the credit union has more than $3.8 billion in assets
- Nuvision has 6 branches in the Bay Area, serving the communities of Berkeley, Martinez, Pleasanton, Walnut Creek, Brentwood and Hayward
- Nuvision serves more than 200,000+ members in 5 states, including California, Alaska, Washington State, Wyoming, and Arizona.
Website: Nuvision Credit Union | Banking, Credit Cards & Loans (nuvisionfederal.com)
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Volunteers of the Adopt-A-Block cleanup drive organized by DSNDP in collaboration with the Maintenance Services Department in Alameda County, CA on March 22nd, 2025. Photo: DSNDP
Dr. Shri Nanasaheb Dharmadhikari Pratishthan (DSNDP), a global nonprofit organization, has been running various cleanliness drives and tree plantation-conservation programs across 113 cities in the USA in collaboration with the government.
DSNDP prioritizes working towards fostering a cleaner and greener environment. Since July 2022, with the nationwide cleanliness drive initiative, DSNDP has expressed deep commitment to maintaining the beauty of America by adopting 18 States and 76 cities, pledging to keep them clean and litter-free, which align with the US government’s initiative. These ongoing nationwide cleanliness drives have engaged 3,022 dedicated DSNDP volunteers to collect 47,250 pounds of trash.
DSNDP is also actively engaged in Tree Plantation and Conservation across 15 states and 37 cities engaging 766 volunteers and resulting in a total of 23,973 trees planted to date.
On Saturday, May 17th, DSNDP is conducting a cleanliness drive with an aim to foster a balanced ecosystem in collaboration with the Contra Costa County, Public Works Department in Alamo, California.
Event Date and Time: Saturday, May 17, 2025 between 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm PST.
Location: Livorna Road, Alamo
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Measure T fails to receive two-thirds vote
On May 15, the Contra Costa Clerk Reporter published final results of the Acalanes Union High School District Measure T parcel tax election, showing that the measure failed to achieve the two-thirds majority required for passage. “Yes” votes totaled 19,448 or 63.57% of all votes counted.
The “No” vote of 11,115 was 50% higher than the negative vote total when AUHSD last went to the ballot for a parcel tax measure in 2014 suggesting increased resistance to supplementary taxation in the District, which includes Lamorinda and adjacent portions of Walnut Creek.
Leading opposition to the ballot measure was the Contra Costa Taxpayer’s Association, whose President, Marc Joffe, acted as a plaintiff on a successful ballot language lawsuit and wrote the opposition arguments in the ballot guide.
CoCoTax’s major concerns with the ballot measure included the District’s decision to call a costly special election and its use of misleading ballot language. For example, the original version of the 75-word ballot summary did not clearly state that the amount of the parcel tax would increase with the area cost of living.
With respect to the need for an additional $130 per year parcel tax (on top of the $301 already levied), opponents were critical of the large number of highly compensated administrative employees in the District and its emphasis on non-academic matters such as Diversity Equity and Inclusion.
Campaign finance disclosures reported to County Clerk Recorder showed that the campaign on behalf of Measure T raised over $140,000 in cash contributions and received non-monetary support worth over $20,000.
The “Yes” campaign sent multiple mailers and text messages while also blanketing social media. “Advocates should take pause from the fact that they raised over $7 per Yes vote and still failed to win“ Joffe said. “The tens of thousands donated by local educational foundations and parent teacher organizations would have been better spent on programs for area high school students.”
Several of the donating organizations are Section 501(c)3 tax-exempt charitable organizations. “While they may have not violated the letter of IRS regulations, channeling charitable donations to election campaigning seems to run contrary to the spirit of the laws governing 501(c)3 non-profits,” Joffe concluded.
Read MoreBy Patrick McCarran, Real Estate Broker
New Year and new resolutions! Make one to create a living trust. Even though you may have plenty of time you never know what life has planned. Many people mistakenly believe that if they have a Will the estate will not go through probate, this is patently wrong. Your heirs will go through probate and pay the state a hefty sum to make a difficult period in your family lives more difficult.
The probate process in California can be expensive. The fees for Probate are based on the gross value of the assets and are a tiered rate according to the value of the estate, so if you have a house worth $500,000 but there is a $480,000 loan on the property you would potentially owe the state $13,000 for the probate tax leaving the heirs with $7000. In addition there are attorney fees, Executor fees, filling fees, and miscellaneous court fees!
The process for a probate is not quick and can easily take a year or more. If there are disputes, problems or a backed up court system, it can take much longer delaying closure for the family and draining money from the estate for expense such as a mortgage, other loans and credit cards.
Most of the deceased person’s property has to go through probate in an estate currently over $150,000, whether there is a will or not (intestate). However, there are several instances where property and assets would avoid the process, such as assets that are held in joint tenancy or with a designated beneficiary.
You may be asking by now, “How do I avoid this?” I would not recommend transferring title to your heirs prior to death because this also will transfer the cost basis the profit of the item and create a tax burden for the heirs. A second option that helps avoid this is a deed on death which activates, on passing and can avoid the step up tax basis. The third option is a living trust, the cost basis is the value at time of death and therefore the heirs may have limited or no tax liability.
Real estate, bank accounts, and vehicles can be held in a living trust. A typical trust is the Family Trust and can be an individual or a couple who are the Trustees and, with their children or heirs, the Beneficiaries. Those who establish the trust and transfer their property into it are known as Trustors or Settlors. A successor trustee designated by the trust creator will execute the wishes of the Trustees via a will contained in the trust. No contest clauses are placed in trusts as a caution to potential challengers. Beneficiaries under the will or trust who challenge the document lose or forfeit their inheritance under the document, this discourages would-be challengers from contesting the document.
A Living Trust provides you with peace of mind now by setting a clear plan and knowing that your estate will be handled exactly as you wish later. It will also provide comfort to your loved ones during an already stressful time because you’ve laid everything out for them and eliminated stressful guesswork and government bureaucracy.
The purpose of this article is to help get you thinking and start a conversation with your family and appropriate legal counsel. I am not an estate planner nor an attorney. This article is not meant as tax or legal advice. The examples I have given are merely illustrative and should not be relied upon. You should always consult with a tax consultant and/or lawyer for your specific circumstances.
Patrick McCarran is a local Realtor and Broker DRE# 01325072. He can be contacted by phone or text at (925) 899-5536, pmccarran@yahoo.com or www. CallPatrick.com. An independently owned and operated office. In association with Realty One Group Elite DRE# 0193160. Equal Housing Opportunity.
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Miss Contra Costa County Fair to be chosen Thursday, May 17
Discounted Presale Tickets & Carnival Unlimited Ride Wristband pass on sale now
Fair Hours: 12:00 Noon-9:30pm Daily. (Gates Close at 9pm)
Midway of Fun Carnival Hours: Noon-10pm Daily except Saturday, Noon-11pm (Carnival will remain open after Fair Gates Close)
SPECIAL DAYS
Dollar Day – Thursday, May 15 at Noon – $1 Admission until 5pm Buy 1 Carnival Ride Wristband get 1 FREE until 6pm (Riders must be present at time of wristband purchase)
Senior Day – Friday, May 16 – $1 Admission for Seniors 62+.
Military & Law Enforcement Day – Saturday, May 17 – Military/Law Enforcement and their families with active ID will receive FREE Admission.
Fiesta Day – Sunday, May 18 – Hispanic Themed Stage and Grounds Entertainment.
See complete schedule of daily events.
SPECIAL EVENT
Miss Contra Costa County Fair Queen Pageant at 5PM – Estrella Pavilion Stage – Come watch and support these local girls competing for the title of Miss Contra Costa County Fair.
DAILY ATTRACTIONS
Barnyard Bash – Get ready to go Hog-Wild with this interactive music and dance, audience participation Hoe-Down stage show. Daily Performance 1:30pm, 3:30pm, & 5:30pm.
BC Characters – Keep your eye pealed for these fun and furry characters.
Camel Rides – Feeling a little adventurous, here is your chance to take a ride on a camel.
Chicken Rider – Be on the lookout for the Chicken Rider and his chicken, Salt & Pepper.
Cowgirl Tricks – Cowgirl Tricks is a tongue-in-cheek vaudeville-style comedic bonanza of trick roping, whip cracking, music, magic, audience participation and lots of kooky cowgirl shenanigans. Performing daily on the Estrella Pavilion State, 12:30pm, 2pm and 3:30pm, May 15 – 17.
Daily Parade – 5PM on the Midway
Fables of the West – Look out for these two just horsing around.
Little Rascals Kids Club – FREE interactive, hands-on kid’s activity zone, where parents can relax and let their kids be kids in this fun activity area.
Paradise Roller Skating Academy – Demonstrations Watch as some of these skaters show you their amazing Roller-Skating talents. Demonstrations Thursday, May 15th at 6pm, and Saturday, May 17th at 2pm in Paradise Skate Roller Rink.
Petting Zoo – Here is your opportunity to get up close and personable with all kinds of fun furry creatures.
Pony Rides – Be a Cowboy or Cowgirl and ride the ponies.
Roaming Railroad – Take a ride on this Fun Little Train.
Sarah Nep Cheese Carver – Watch as Sarah turns a block of cheese into a fabulous work of art. Daily demonstrations from 1pm to 6pm in the Arts Pavilion.
Wiener Dog Stampede – Come out and support local contestants and their Wiener Dogs compete for Grand Champion in the Wiener Dog Stampede. Saturday May 17th at 3pm.
Wooden Creations – Chainsaw Carving Demonstrations – Watch these chainsaw artists work their magic and turn a log into a work of art. Fairgoers will have the opportunity to purchase Chainsaw Carvings. Daily Demonstrations 2pm, 4pm, & 6pm.
Xtreme Sports Zone – A thrill for everyone young and old. Bungee, Rock Wall, Water Balls and more.
EXHIBITS
Agriculture Pavilion
Arts Pavilion
Fur & Feathers Pavilion
Livestock Pavilion (Closed Sunday, May 18th)
Home Arts, Fine Arts, Photography, Agriculture Exhibits, Floriculture, Horticulture, Ag Mechanics, Industrial Technology & Science. – Take a look at what the talented local community artists have created, from youth home arts to adult fine art and photography, as well as agriculture and horticulture exhibits and displays.
LIVESTOCK COMPETITIONS & AUCTIONS – Livestock Show Ring
Daily Goat Show followed by All Other Breeding Goat Show – 5:00PM
Boer Goat Show followed by Sheep Show – Friday, May 16, 4PM
Swine Show – Saturday, May 17, 8AM
Small Stock Master Showmanship – Saturday, May 17, 4PM
Large Livestock Showmanship – Saturday, May 17, 7PM
Junior Livestock Auction – Sunday, May 18, 9AM
LIVE MUSIC – Headliners
Gotcha Country is the band that can keep you “Boot Scootin” all night long! Daily shows are at 4pm, 6pm and 8pm – PG&E Midway Stage.
You Should Be Dancing – A Tribute to the Bee Gees – The San Francisco Bay Area’s premiere Bee Gees Tribute band. Experience non-stop dancing, soaring falsettos, and the most beautiful ballads of all time. Friday 7:30pm – Estrella Pavilion Stage.
Patton Leatha – Making Music that moves your mind body and Soul. Saturday 5:30pm & 7pm – Estrella Pavilion Stage.
Night Owls – Top 40 Cover Band, based out of San Francisco Saturday 8:30pm & 10pm – Estrella Pavilion Stage.
Sunday Hispanic Themed Entertainment to include: DJ Winners, Banda Katana, El Rifle, Komando De La Siera
MIDWAY OF FUN CARNIVAL
Brass Ring Amusements Midway of Fun is a family owned and operated carnival business which has served the California fair circuit since 1991. From the Ferris Wheel to the Zipper and the Merry Go Round to the Viper there is something for all ages to enjoy at the Midway of Fun Carnival. Don’t forget to try your luck at one of the fun carnival games.
ANTIOCH SPEEDWAY – Saturday Night Races
Get your adrenalin pumping as you prepare for racing action, Saturday, May 17th. Watch IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars, Pacific Coast Hobby Stocks, Mini Stocks & Figure 8. Gates open at 4pm. Racing starts at 5:30pm. Separate Ticket required for Races, visit www.antiochspeedway.com for details.
Tickets & More Info
Ticket Prices: Kids 5 and under FREE Youth 6 – 12, $9 at the Fair, $7 presale
Seniors 62 & Over, $9 at the Fair, $7 presale
Adults, $14 at the Fair, $10 presale
Youth Season Pass – $25
Adult Season Pass – $35
Unlimited Carnival Ride Wristbands at the Fair $40, presale $35 Daily
Parking – $10
Season Parking Pass Livestock Lot – $35
Livestock Exhibitor Carnival Wristband – $99
To buy tickets and for more information visit contracostafair.com or call (925) 757-4400.
Chaperone Policy
The safety of our guests is of the utmost importance to the Fair. To improve this safety the Contra Costa County Fair Board of Directors adopted and implemented a Chaperone Policy for the 2024 Fair and will continue the policy for the 2025 Fair.
All youth under the age of eighteen (18) are required to be accompanied by a parent/guardian (adult – age 25+) to be admitted into the Contra Costa County Fair. Any person entering may be asked to show a valid California Driver License or Identification Card or other government-issued ID. Each adult can only chaperone 4 youths at a time. Groups larger than 4 youths require an additional chaperone for every 4 youths. The chaperone (parent/adult) are required to remain on the facility with the youth during their time at the Fair. The youth must provide a telephone number of the attending parent/adult to a Fair Security representative upon request. Any and all misbehaving youth will be held and released to their chaperone (parent/adult). Any youth under the age of eighteen (18) not accompanied by an adult will not be admitted.
Location
The 2025 Contra Costa County Fair at the Contra Costa Event Park, 1201 W. 10th Street in Antioch. Parking off L Street and O Street entrances.
Source: CCCFair
Source: CCCFair
Video screenshot of suspect’s vehicle from Contra Costa Sheriff’s helicopter STARR 3 and suspect arrested by Antioch Police. Source: Antioch PD
With help from Sheriff’s helicopter, K9’s; bonded out of custody
By Antioch Police Department
We’re just having a good time. Arresting criminals per usual. This little firebug lit his ex-girlfriend’s tent on fire while she was inside. The victim was okay, but there were now attempted murder charges in the works. The Brentwood Police Department put out a BOLO for his arrest and the next day he made his way to our city. When he stopped to get some car parts, he was unaware that his arrest was already imminent.
Two police K9’s assisted with the arrest and search of the suspect’s car. Photos: Antioch PD
Contra Costa Sheriff’s helicopter STARR 3 was overhead watching the car while a team waited out of view. When he attempted to get into his car to leave, we swooped in with overwhelming force. Seeing he was surrounded, and K9 Boss was watching his every move, he surrendered without incident. K9 Nox conducted a firearm search inside the vehicle to make sure there were no guns hidden inside.
Another felon of the streets. Justice for another victim. Teamwork makes the dream work.
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The DUI suspect’s gun and ammunition confiscated by police on April 20, 2025. Photo: Brentwood PD
By Brentwood Police Department
Around 11PM on April 20th, 2025, a Brentwood officer was patrolling the area of Sand Creek Road and Highway 4 when they observed a vehicle weaving on the roadway. A traffic stop was conducted, and the driver was identified as 50-year-old Gerord Maurice Neil of Antioch.
During the stop, the officer noticed an open container of alcohol inside the vehicle. After conducting a series of field sobriety tests, it was determined that Neil was driving under the influence of alcohol, and he was placed under arrest.
Following his arrest, a loaded firearm was discovered inside the vehicle.
Neil was transported to the Martinez Detention Facility for booking on charges related to DUI and possession of a loaded firearm.
According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, Neil is Black and as of April 22nd he had bonded out of custody.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
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The Contra Costa County Fair is coming May 15-18th. Tri Delta Transit goes to the fair, and so should you.
Enter to win a four pack of tickets to the County Fair. Four people will win! Visit www.trideltatransit.com
for details and how to enter. Come visit our booth at the fair.
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Being held on over $1.5 million bail
Has history of arrests for other gun-related crimes dating back to 2016
By Concord Police Department
On March 18, 2025, at approximately 4:30 P.M., the Concord Police Department’s Communications Center was notified that a gunshot victim had come into the John Muir Emergency Department. Patrol Officers arrived at the hospital and learned that a single victim had been shot. The victim’s injuries were not life threatening, and the Victim was treated and released.
Officers located the scene of the shooting, which occurred in the area of Esperanza Drive and Huron Drive. Detectives from various CPD Investigative Units were called to the scene to further investigate. Through a variety of investigative methods, Devante Lucas Watson, age 27 (born 8/6/97) of Concord, was identified as the suspected shooter in this case.
An arrest warrant for Watson was sought and approved. With the assistance of the United States Marshal’s Service, Watson was located at a location in Richmond where he was arrested and transported to the Concord Jail. Detectives conducted multiple search warrants and located a loaded firearm.
Further investigation has led to the conclusion this was a targeted attack and not a random act of violence.
The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office filed a five-count felony criminal complaint on Watson for:
PC245(a)(2) – Assault with a semi-automatic firearm (two counts)
PC246 – Discharging a firearm at an occupied motor vehicle
PC29800(a) – Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
PC626.9(d) – Discharging a firearm in a school zone
Watson is being held in custody at the Martinez Detention Facility on $1.5 million bail.
The Concord Police Department continues to take a zero-tolerance approach to violence in all areas of the City, with an extremely high emphasis on violence in school zones. Violence in school zones is simply unacceptable, and the Concord Police Department will dedicate all available resources to investigating and solving these crimes.
Anyone with information regarding the shooting can reach out to Detective Luciano at 925-603-5831.
According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, the six-foot, three-inch tall, 170-pound Watson is Black, and being held on $1,521,000 bail and his next court appearance is scheduled for May 21, 2025, in Superior Court, Martinez.
According to localcrimenews.com, he has a history of arrests dating back to 2016 by multiple agencies including Concord and Pleasant Hill Police Departments and the Sacramento Sheriff’s Department for crimes, such as gun and drug charges, assault, battery, robbery and receiving or concealing stolen property.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
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Pet sitting service manager didn’t use weapon
By Sgt. Mike Watson, Walnut Creek Police Department
Shortly after 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 24, Walnut Creek Police received a 911 call reporting a bank robbery that had just occurred at Chase Bank, 1390 S. Main Street. WCPD Officers arrived within minutes of the call and learned the suspect had passed a note to the teller demanding money. No weapon was used in the commission of the crime, and the suspect left in a vehicle after receiving money from the teller.
Officers continued to check the area and found the suspect vehicle traveling on Olympic Blvd. Officers made a traffic stop on the vehicle at 1:07 PM and our investigation revealed the driver was the suspect in the bank robbery.
The suspect, 54-year-old Ronald Terry Lane, Jr. (born 10/15/70) of Livermore, was arrested and the money stolen was recovered from inside the vehicle. The suspect was transported to the Martinez Detention Facility for booking and our Investigations Bureau will be forwarding the case to the District Attorney’s office for review.
Walnut Creek Police would like to thank the Chase employees for being quick to report the crime and provide detailed information that assisted our officers locate and apprehend the suspect.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Walnut Creek Police Department at 925-943-5844 or call the anonymous tip line at 925-943-5865.
According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, the six-foot, three-inch tall, 195-pound Lane is now being held in the West County Detention Facility on $50,000 bail.
According to Bizapedia, he is the Manager of Twenty-Four Paws, LLC a pet-sitting service which is based in Livermore.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
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Nuvision Credit Union Partners with VFW Post 1351 & American Legion Post 29
Bill Meyer, AVP, Communications, Nuvision Credit Union
May is Military Appreciation Month, and Nuvision Credit Union is proud to be honoring local veterans this Memorial Day. Nuvision is privileged to partner with VFW Post 1351 and American Legion Post 29 for the credit union’s upcoming Memorial Day Military Appreciation BBQ in Martinez, California.
The event takes place on Monday, May 26th from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm at Veterans Memorial Building, 930 Ward Street in Martinez.
The BBQ is to honor and thank the men and women who serve our country, welcoming all veterans, active-duty military members, and the families that serve alongside them. The BBQ is open and free to all who have served, as well as their families.
Baseball players from the Martinez Sturgeon, an independent professional baseball team, will be in attendance to honor our veterans and active military for their service and sacrifice, and will be serving lunch to attendees.
During the BBQ Nuvision will also be presenting $1,500 donations to two Bay Area veteran support organizations — Delta Veterans Group, and Diablo Valley Veterans Foundation – in support of their ongoing missions.
Active military and veterans interested in attending are invited to register for the free BBQ.
Nuvision Credit Union Background:
Headquartered in Huntington Beach, California, Nuvision was founded in 1935. Today, the credit union has more than $3.8 billion in assets
- Nuvision has 6 branches in the Bay Area, serving the communities of Berkeley, Martinez, Pleasanton, Walnut Creek, Brentwood and Hayward
- Nuvision serves more than 200,000+ members in 5 states, including California, Alaska, Washington State, Wyoming, and Arizona.
Website: Nuvision Credit Union | Banking, Credit Cards & Loans (nuvisionfederal.com)
Read MoreVolunteers of the Adopt-A-Block cleanup drive organized by DSNDP in collaboration with the Maintenance Services Department in Alameda County, CA on March 22nd, 2025. Photo: DSNDP
Dr. Shri Nanasaheb Dharmadhikari Pratishthan (DSNDP), a global nonprofit organization, has been running various cleanliness drives and tree plantation-conservation programs across 113 cities in the USA in collaboration with the government.
DSNDP prioritizes working towards fostering a cleaner and greener environment. Since July 2022, with the nationwide cleanliness drive initiative, DSNDP has expressed deep commitment to maintaining the beauty of America by adopting 18 States and 76 cities, pledging to keep them clean and litter-free, which align with the US government’s initiative. These ongoing nationwide cleanliness drives have engaged 3,022 dedicated DSNDP volunteers to collect 47,250 pounds of trash.
DSNDP is also actively engaged in Tree Plantation and Conservation across 15 states and 37 cities engaging 766 volunteers and resulting in a total of 23,973 trees planted to date.
On Saturday, May 17th, DSNDP is conducting a cleanliness drive with an aim to foster a balanced ecosystem in collaboration with the Contra Costa County, Public Works Department in Alamo, California.
Event Date and Time: Saturday, May 17, 2025 between 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm PST.
Location: Livorna Road, Alamo
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Measure T fails to receive two-thirds vote
On May 15, the Contra Costa Clerk Reporter published final results of the Acalanes Union High School District Measure T parcel tax election, showing that the measure failed to achieve the two-thirds majority required for passage. “Yes” votes totaled 19,448 or 63.57% of all votes counted.
The “No” vote of 11,115 was 50% higher than the negative vote total when AUHSD last went to the ballot for a parcel tax measure in 2014 suggesting increased resistance to supplementary taxation in the District, which includes Lamorinda and adjacent portions of Walnut Creek.
Leading opposition to the ballot measure was the Contra Costa Taxpayer’s Association, whose President, Marc Joffe, acted as a plaintiff on a successful ballot language lawsuit and wrote the opposition arguments in the ballot guide.
CoCoTax’s major concerns with the ballot measure included the District’s decision to call a costly special election and its use of misleading ballot language. For example, the original version of the 75-word ballot summary did not clearly state that the amount of the parcel tax would increase with the area cost of living.
With respect to the need for an additional $130 per year parcel tax (on top of the $301 already levied), opponents were critical of the large number of highly compensated administrative employees in the District and its emphasis on non-academic matters such as Diversity Equity and Inclusion.
Campaign finance disclosures reported to County Clerk Recorder showed that the campaign on behalf of Measure T raised over $140,000 in cash contributions and received non-monetary support worth over $20,000.
The “Yes” campaign sent multiple mailers and text messages while also blanketing social media. “Advocates should take pause from the fact that they raised over $7 per Yes vote and still failed to win“ Joffe said. “The tens of thousands donated by local educational foundations and parent teacher organizations would have been better spent on programs for area high school students.”
Several of the donating organizations are Section 501(c)3 tax-exempt charitable organizations. “While they may have not violated the letter of IRS regulations, channeling charitable donations to election campaigning seems to run contrary to the spirit of the laws governing 501(c)3 non-profits,” Joffe concluded.
Read MoreBy Patrick McCarran, Real Estate Broker
New Year and new resolutions! Make one to create a living trust. Even though you may have plenty of time you never know what life has planned. Many people mistakenly believe that if they have a Will the estate will not go through probate, this is patently wrong. Your heirs will go through probate and pay the state a hefty sum to make a difficult period in your family lives more difficult.
The probate process in California can be expensive. The fees for Probate are based on the gross value of the assets and are a tiered rate according to the value of the estate, so if you have a house worth $500,000 but there is a $480,000 loan on the property you would potentially owe the state $13,000 for the probate tax leaving the heirs with $7000. In addition there are attorney fees, Executor fees, filling fees, and miscellaneous court fees!
The process for a probate is not quick and can easily take a year or more. If there are disputes, problems or a backed up court system, it can take much longer delaying closure for the family and draining money from the estate for expense such as a mortgage, other loans and credit cards.
Most of the deceased person’s property has to go through probate in an estate currently over $150,000, whether there is a will or not (intestate). However, there are several instances where property and assets would avoid the process, such as assets that are held in joint tenancy or with a designated beneficiary.
You may be asking by now, “How do I avoid this?” I would not recommend transferring title to your heirs prior to death because this also will transfer the cost basis the profit of the item and create a tax burden for the heirs. A second option that helps avoid this is a deed on death which activates, on passing and can avoid the step up tax basis. The third option is a living trust, the cost basis is the value at time of death and therefore the heirs may have limited or no tax liability.
Real estate, bank accounts, and vehicles can be held in a living trust. A typical trust is the Family Trust and can be an individual or a couple who are the Trustees and, with their children or heirs, the Beneficiaries. Those who establish the trust and transfer their property into it are known as Trustors or Settlors. A successor trustee designated by the trust creator will execute the wishes of the Trustees via a will contained in the trust. No contest clauses are placed in trusts as a caution to potential challengers. Beneficiaries under the will or trust who challenge the document lose or forfeit their inheritance under the document, this discourages would-be challengers from contesting the document.
A Living Trust provides you with peace of mind now by setting a clear plan and knowing that your estate will be handled exactly as you wish later. It will also provide comfort to your loved ones during an already stressful time because you’ve laid everything out for them and eliminated stressful guesswork and government bureaucracy.
The purpose of this article is to help get you thinking and start a conversation with your family and appropriate legal counsel. I am not an estate planner nor an attorney. This article is not meant as tax or legal advice. The examples I have given are merely illustrative and should not be relied upon. You should always consult with a tax consultant and/or lawyer for your specific circumstances.
Patrick McCarran is a local Realtor and Broker DRE# 01325072. He can be contacted by phone or text at (925) 899-5536, pmccarran@yahoo.com or www. CallPatrick.com. An independently owned and operated office. In association with Realty One Group Elite DRE# 0193160. Equal Housing Opportunity.
Read More
Miss Contra Costa County Fair to be chosen Thursday, May 17
Discounted Presale Tickets & Carnival Unlimited Ride Wristband pass on sale now
Fair Hours: 12:00 Noon-9:30pm Daily. (Gates Close at 9pm)
Midway of Fun Carnival Hours: Noon-10pm Daily except Saturday, Noon-11pm (Carnival will remain open after Fair Gates Close)
SPECIAL DAYS
Dollar Day – Thursday, May 15 at Noon – $1 Admission until 5pm Buy 1 Carnival Ride Wristband get 1 FREE until 6pm (Riders must be present at time of wristband purchase)
Senior Day – Friday, May 16 – $1 Admission for Seniors 62+.
Military & Law Enforcement Day – Saturday, May 17 – Military/Law Enforcement and their families with active ID will receive FREE Admission.
Fiesta Day – Sunday, May 18 – Hispanic Themed Stage and Grounds Entertainment.
See complete schedule of daily events.
SPECIAL EVENT
Miss Contra Costa County Fair Queen Pageant at 5PM – Estrella Pavilion Stage – Come watch and support these local girls competing for the title of Miss Contra Costa County Fair.
DAILY ATTRACTIONS
Barnyard Bash – Get ready to go Hog-Wild with this interactive music and dance, audience participation Hoe-Down stage show. Daily Performance 1:30pm, 3:30pm, & 5:30pm.
BC Characters – Keep your eye pealed for these fun and furry characters.
Camel Rides – Feeling a little adventurous, here is your chance to take a ride on a camel.
Chicken Rider – Be on the lookout for the Chicken Rider and his chicken, Salt & Pepper.
Cowgirl Tricks – Cowgirl Tricks is a tongue-in-cheek vaudeville-style comedic bonanza of trick roping, whip cracking, music, magic, audience participation and lots of kooky cowgirl shenanigans. Performing daily on the Estrella Pavilion State, 12:30pm, 2pm and 3:30pm, May 15 – 17.
Daily Parade – 5PM on the Midway
Fables of the West – Look out for these two just horsing around.
Little Rascals Kids Club – FREE interactive, hands-on kid’s activity zone, where parents can relax and let their kids be kids in this fun activity area.
Paradise Roller Skating Academy – Demonstrations Watch as some of these skaters show you their amazing Roller-Skating talents. Demonstrations Thursday, May 15th at 6pm, and Saturday, May 17th at 2pm in Paradise Skate Roller Rink.
Petting Zoo – Here is your opportunity to get up close and personable with all kinds of fun furry creatures.
Pony Rides – Be a Cowboy or Cowgirl and ride the ponies.
Roaming Railroad – Take a ride on this Fun Little Train.
Sarah Nep Cheese Carver – Watch as Sarah turns a block of cheese into a fabulous work of art. Daily demonstrations from 1pm to 6pm in the Arts Pavilion.
Wiener Dog Stampede – Come out and support local contestants and their Wiener Dogs compete for Grand Champion in the Wiener Dog Stampede. Saturday May 17th at 3pm.
Wooden Creations – Chainsaw Carving Demonstrations – Watch these chainsaw artists work their magic and turn a log into a work of art. Fairgoers will have the opportunity to purchase Chainsaw Carvings. Daily Demonstrations 2pm, 4pm, & 6pm.
Xtreme Sports Zone – A thrill for everyone young and old. Bungee, Rock Wall, Water Balls and more.
EXHIBITS
Agriculture Pavilion
Arts Pavilion
Fur & Feathers Pavilion
Livestock Pavilion (Closed Sunday, May 18th)
Home Arts, Fine Arts, Photography, Agriculture Exhibits, Floriculture, Horticulture, Ag Mechanics, Industrial Technology & Science. – Take a look at what the talented local community artists have created, from youth home arts to adult fine art and photography, as well as agriculture and horticulture exhibits and displays.
LIVESTOCK COMPETITIONS & AUCTIONS – Livestock Show Ring
Daily Goat Show followed by All Other Breeding Goat Show – 5:00PM
Boer Goat Show followed by Sheep Show – Friday, May 16, 4PM
Swine Show – Saturday, May 17, 8AM
Small Stock Master Showmanship – Saturday, May 17, 4PM
Large Livestock Showmanship – Saturday, May 17, 7PM
Junior Livestock Auction – Sunday, May 18, 9AM
LIVE MUSIC – Headliners
Gotcha Country is the band that can keep you “Boot Scootin” all night long! Daily shows are at 4pm, 6pm and 8pm – PG&E Midway Stage.
You Should Be Dancing – A Tribute to the Bee Gees – The San Francisco Bay Area’s premiere Bee Gees Tribute band. Experience non-stop dancing, soaring falsettos, and the most beautiful ballads of all time. Friday 7:30pm – Estrella Pavilion Stage.
Patton Leatha – Making Music that moves your mind body and Soul. Saturday 5:30pm & 7pm – Estrella Pavilion Stage.
Night Owls – Top 40 Cover Band, based out of San Francisco Saturday 8:30pm & 10pm – Estrella Pavilion Stage.
Sunday Hispanic Themed Entertainment to include: DJ Winners, Banda Katana, El Rifle, Komando De La Siera
MIDWAY OF FUN CARNIVAL
Brass Ring Amusements Midway of Fun is a family owned and operated carnival business which has served the California fair circuit since 1991. From the Ferris Wheel to the Zipper and the Merry Go Round to the Viper there is something for all ages to enjoy at the Midway of Fun Carnival. Don’t forget to try your luck at one of the fun carnival games.
ANTIOCH SPEEDWAY – Saturday Night Races
Get your adrenalin pumping as you prepare for racing action, Saturday, May 17th. Watch IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars, Pacific Coast Hobby Stocks, Mini Stocks & Figure 8. Gates open at 4pm. Racing starts at 5:30pm. Separate Ticket required for Races, visit www.antiochspeedway.com for details.
Tickets & More Info
Ticket Prices: Kids 5 and under FREE Youth 6 – 12, $9 at the Fair, $7 presale
Seniors 62 & Over, $9 at the Fair, $7 presale
Adults, $14 at the Fair, $10 presale
Youth Season Pass – $25
Adult Season Pass – $35
Unlimited Carnival Ride Wristbands at the Fair $40, presale $35 Daily
Parking – $10
Season Parking Pass Livestock Lot – $35
Livestock Exhibitor Carnival Wristband – $99
To buy tickets and for more information visit contracostafair.com or call (925) 757-4400.
Chaperone Policy
The safety of our guests is of the utmost importance to the Fair. To improve this safety the Contra Costa County Fair Board of Directors adopted and implemented a Chaperone Policy for the 2024 Fair and will continue the policy for the 2025 Fair.
All youth under the age of eighteen (18) are required to be accompanied by a parent/guardian (adult – age 25+) to be admitted into the Contra Costa County Fair. Any person entering may be asked to show a valid California Driver License or Identification Card or other government-issued ID. Each adult can only chaperone 4 youths at a time. Groups larger than 4 youths require an additional chaperone for every 4 youths. The chaperone (parent/adult) are required to remain on the facility with the youth during their time at the Fair. The youth must provide a telephone number of the attending parent/adult to a Fair Security representative upon request. Any and all misbehaving youth will be held and released to their chaperone (parent/adult). Any youth under the age of eighteen (18) not accompanied by an adult will not be admitted.
Location
The 2025 Contra Costa County Fair at the Contra Costa Event Park, 1201 W. 10th Street in Antioch. Parking off L Street and O Street entrances.
Source: CCCFair
Source: CCCFair
Video screenshot of suspect’s vehicle from Contra Costa Sheriff’s helicopter STARR 3 and suspect arrested by Antioch Police. Source: Antioch PD
With help from Sheriff’s helicopter, K9’s; bonded out of custody
By Antioch Police Department
We’re just having a good time. Arresting criminals per usual. This little firebug lit his ex-girlfriend’s tent on fire while she was inside. The victim was okay, but there were now attempted murder charges in the works. The Brentwood Police Department put out a BOLO for his arrest and the next day he made his way to our city. When he stopped to get some car parts, he was unaware that his arrest was already imminent.
Two police K9’s assisted with the arrest and search of the suspect’s car. Photos: Antioch PD
Contra Costa Sheriff’s helicopter STARR 3 was overhead watching the car while a team waited out of view. When he attempted to get into his car to leave, we swooped in with overwhelming force. Seeing he was surrounded, and K9 Boss was watching his every move, he surrendered without incident. K9 Nox conducted a firearm search inside the vehicle to make sure there were no guns hidden inside.
Another felon of the streets. Justice for another victim. Teamwork makes the dream work.
Read MoreThe DUI suspect’s gun and ammunition confiscated by police on April 20, 2025. Photo: Brentwood PD
By Brentwood Police Department
Around 11PM on April 20th, 2025, a Brentwood officer was patrolling the area of Sand Creek Road and Highway 4 when they observed a vehicle weaving on the roadway. A traffic stop was conducted, and the driver was identified as 50-year-old Gerord Maurice Neil of Antioch.
During the stop, the officer noticed an open container of alcohol inside the vehicle. After conducting a series of field sobriety tests, it was determined that Neil was driving under the influence of alcohol, and he was placed under arrest.
Following his arrest, a loaded firearm was discovered inside the vehicle.
Neil was transported to the Martinez Detention Facility for booking on charges related to DUI and possession of a loaded firearm.
According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, Neil is Black and as of April 22nd he had bonded out of custody.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
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The Contra Costa County Fair is coming May 15-18th. Tri Delta Transit goes to the fair, and so should you.
Enter to win a four pack of tickets to the County Fair. Four people will win! Visit www.trideltatransit.com
for details and how to enter. Come visit our booth at the fair.
Read MoreBeing held on over $1.5 million bail
Has history of arrests for other gun-related crimes dating back to 2016
By Concord Police Department
On March 18, 2025, at approximately 4:30 P.M., the Concord Police Department’s Communications Center was notified that a gunshot victim had come into the John Muir Emergency Department. Patrol Officers arrived at the hospital and learned that a single victim had been shot. The victim’s injuries were not life threatening, and the Victim was treated and released.
Officers located the scene of the shooting, which occurred in the area of Esperanza Drive and Huron Drive. Detectives from various CPD Investigative Units were called to the scene to further investigate. Through a variety of investigative methods, Devante Lucas Watson, age 27 (born 8/6/97) of Concord, was identified as the suspected shooter in this case.
An arrest warrant for Watson was sought and approved. With the assistance of the United States Marshal’s Service, Watson was located at a location in Richmond where he was arrested and transported to the Concord Jail. Detectives conducted multiple search warrants and located a loaded firearm.
Further investigation has led to the conclusion this was a targeted attack and not a random act of violence.
The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office filed a five-count felony criminal complaint on Watson for:
PC245(a)(2) – Assault with a semi-automatic firearm (two counts)
PC246 – Discharging a firearm at an occupied motor vehicle
PC29800(a) – Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
PC626.9(d) – Discharging a firearm in a school zone
Watson is being held in custody at the Martinez Detention Facility on $1.5 million bail.
The Concord Police Department continues to take a zero-tolerance approach to violence in all areas of the City, with an extremely high emphasis on violence in school zones. Violence in school zones is simply unacceptable, and the Concord Police Department will dedicate all available resources to investigating and solving these crimes.
Anyone with information regarding the shooting can reach out to Detective Luciano at 925-603-5831.
According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, the six-foot, three-inch tall, 170-pound Watson is Black, and being held on $1,521,000 bail and his next court appearance is scheduled for May 21, 2025, in Superior Court, Martinez.
According to localcrimenews.com, he has a history of arrests dating back to 2016 by multiple agencies including Concord and Pleasant Hill Police Departments and the Sacramento Sheriff’s Department for crimes, such as gun and drug charges, assault, battery, robbery and receiving or concealing stolen property.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
Read More
Pet sitting service manager didn’t use weapon
By Sgt. Mike Watson, Walnut Creek Police Department
Shortly after 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 24, Walnut Creek Police received a 911 call reporting a bank robbery that had just occurred at Chase Bank, 1390 S. Main Street. WCPD Officers arrived within minutes of the call and learned the suspect had passed a note to the teller demanding money. No weapon was used in the commission of the crime, and the suspect left in a vehicle after receiving money from the teller.
Officers continued to check the area and found the suspect vehicle traveling on Olympic Blvd. Officers made a traffic stop on the vehicle at 1:07 PM and our investigation revealed the driver was the suspect in the bank robbery.
The suspect, 54-year-old Ronald Terry Lane, Jr. (born 10/15/70) of Livermore, was arrested and the money stolen was recovered from inside the vehicle. The suspect was transported to the Martinez Detention Facility for booking and our Investigations Bureau will be forwarding the case to the District Attorney’s office for review.
Walnut Creek Police would like to thank the Chase employees for being quick to report the crime and provide detailed information that assisted our officers locate and apprehend the suspect.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Walnut Creek Police Department at 925-943-5844 or call the anonymous tip line at 925-943-5865.
According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, the six-foot, three-inch tall, 195-pound Lane is now being held in the West County Detention Facility on $50,000 bail.
According to Bizapedia, he is the Manager of Twenty-Four Paws, LLC a pet-sitting service which is based in Livermore.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
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