$752,000 in civil penalties
By Scott Alonso, PIO, Contra Costa County Office of the District Attorney
Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton announced today that the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, together with 33 other California District Attorneys and City Attorneys, have reached a settlement for violations of hazardous waste regulations with Ulta Beauty, Inc., Ulta Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc., Ulta, Inc., and Possibilities AB, Inc., (collectively referred to as “Ulta”) that includes $752,000 of civil penalties, supplemental environmental projects, and costs. Ulta has five stores in Contra Costa County and 161 facilities overall in California. The settlement follows an investigation of Ulta stores’ improper storage, handling, and disposal of hazardous and other regulated waste and inadequate employee training.
Ulta stores in Contra Costa County are located in Brentwood, Concord, Pinole Pleasant Hill and San Ramon.
“Companies must be held responsible for business practices that pose a harm to the environment.,” said DA Becton. “Ulta was cooperative throughout the investigation and in correcting the issues.”
In fact, Ulta stores in California have adopted and implemented new policies and procedures and enhanced existing training programs designed to properly manage and dispose of hazardous waste products, other regulated waste, and confidential customer consumer information.
Under the settlement, which includes a Final Judgment and Permanent Injunction entered in Solano County Superior Court Case No. FCS057080, by the Honorable Alesia Jones, the corporations must pay $439,500 in civil penalties, $250,000 in costs and $62,500 in supplemental environmental projects. Defendants must also implement certain compliance assurance programs.
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By Eddie Willis, Planner, East Bay Regional Park District
Greetings, park supporters:
I am excited to announce that East Bay Regional Park District and East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy will be hosting a free, on-site OPEN HOUSE EVENT at the former Roddy Ranch Golf Course in Antioch the morning of Saturday, September 25. This is an opportunity to see the site in-person, walk along a section of former golf cart paths, and learn about park planning efforts, design ideas, and habitat restoration for the future Regional Park. Capacity is limited, so registration is required. Face coverings and/or social distancing may also be required per local health orders.
When: Saturday, September 25*, 2021 from 9:30am – 11:30am
*If September 25 is canceled due to wildfire smoke or other issue, an alternate date of Saturday, October 9 will be offered.
Where: Former Roddy Ranch Golf Course at 1 Tour Way, Antioch (entrance off Deer Valley Road)
Registration required: visit [t.ly/4Axy]t.ly/4Axy or call 1-888-EBPARKS (1-888-327-2757) and reference program #41871
Please pass this invitation along to any community members, civic leaders, family, or friends you think may be interested in learning about the new park. For general questions, I can be contacted at ewillis@ebparks.org.
Thank you for supporting your Regional Parks!
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Virgil Lee Adams arrested and illegal gun confiscated on Tues., Sept, 15, 2021. Photos: WCPD
Ages 22, 21 and 13; during Tuesday traffic stop; both adults have history of arrests, already released from custody
By Walnut Creek Police
If you happened to see police activity in the area of S. California Ave. and Newell Ave. on Tuesday, here is what happened!
At around 3:40pm, Officer Kim and his FTO Officer Young made a traffic stop on the corner of S. Cal and Newell Ave.
While they were investigating, one person in the car (Virgil Lee Adams, born 8/18/99) got out of the car and ran away from the scene. Officers then located a loaded firearm underneath the seat Adams was sitting in.
Additional WCPD Officers and Detectives quickly responded to the scene.
Officer Marre and Sergeant Njoroge located Adams in the creek just south of Newell Ave. after a foot chase.
Officers Young and Kim located the loaded firearm and over 80 fentanyl pills inside the car.
Adams was arrested for narcotics possession, possession of narcotics while armed, weapons possession, and obstruction.
Other occupants in the car included a 13-year-old male who was arrested for an outstanding warrant out of Oregon and Quan’naejia Ta’zjae Taylor (born on 10/31/99. Taylor was arrested for ID Theft. Excellent work by all involved!
Virgil Lee Adams Aug. 2020 and Quan’naejia Ta’zjae Taylor Aug. 2019 and Feb. 2018. Sources: Portland, OR Police & Clackamas Co., OR Sheriff
As of Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021, according to the Vine website she was out of custody on general release and Adams was out of custody released on court order.
According to bustedmugshots.com he was arrested on Oct. 28, 2016 for attempted murder and unlawful use of a weapons. Then, according to arrestfacts.com Adams was arrested by Portland Police on Dec. 9, 2016 for unlawful possession of a loaded firearm and interfering with a peace officer. According to thegrio.com, he was arrested on Feb. 13, 2017 for robbery and assault, but was later found not guilty.
Finally, according to crimeinformer.com, Adams was arrested in Portland, OR on Aug. 25, 2020 for attempted murder, assault and unlawful use of a weapon. According to his Facebook page he lives in Portland and is the father of three children.
According to crimeinformer.com, Taylor was also arrested on Feb. 2, 2018 for theft in Clackamas County, OR, then again on Aug 5, 2019 in Portland, OR for disorderly conduct and interfering with a peace officer. According to mugshots.com and bustedmugshots.com she was arrested by Portland Police on May 9, 2019 for robbery, identity theft and fraud. According to her Facebook page, she’s the mother of two children.
Allen Payton contributed to this report.
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Illegal guns seized during traffic stop on Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021. Photo: RPD
During Saturday morning traffic stop
By Richmond Police Department
PROACTIVE POLICING = SAFER STREETS!
Saturday morning, while patrolling the 23rd Street corridor, Officer McDonell saw a car driving without headlights, and conducted a traffic enforcement stop on the vehicle.
Upon contacting the driver, Officer McDonell immediately noticed that the driver appeared to be driving under the influence (DUI). Furthermore, he could see open containers of alcohol and marijuana within the car, which was occupied by four other passengers.
During the course of his investigation, Officer McDonell located three illegal firearms within the car! Not only was one of the guns loaded with an illegal 32-round extended magazine, but a records check revealed that a second gun had been reported stolen out of another local jurisdiction.
The driver, who was under the age of 21, was determined to have been driving under the influence (DUI) with the four passengers in her car. RPD officers provided free rides to RPD jail, where the suspects were booked on multiple DUI, narcotics, and firearms-related charges.
We are relieved that this DUI driver, and the illegal firearms in her car, were intercepted before anyone was potentially injured or killed. We are proud of Officer McDonell’s proactive policing efforts to keep our community safe!
Richmond PD is committed to protecting our community, with a zero-tolerance approach if you are caught driving under the influence. Remember – buzzed driving is drunk driving; PLEASE plan ahead and designate a sober driver!
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By CHP – Oakland
OAKLAND, CA. – On September 16, 2021, at 3:30 p.m., the California Highway Patrol (CHP) received a call of a road rage incident which led to a freeway shooting on eastbound State Route 24 (SR-24), west of the Caldecott Tunnel. CHP officers responded to the scene and located the victim stopped on the right shoulder. The victim vehicle sustained multiple bullet strikes. No injuries were reported.
Traffic was impacted from 3:30 p.m., to 6:00 p.m. while the shooting investigation was being conducted. This remains an ongoing investigation. The CHP asks that any person with information contact the CHP Golden Gate Division tip line at (707) 917-4491, or by email at 30specialinvestigations@chp.ca.gov.
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Suspect’s van rams Oakland Police car on April 16, 2020 injuring two officers. Richmond PD video screenshot.
After pointing gun at police, rammed his car into theirs, injuring two Oakland officers
CORONER’S INQUEST JURY FINDING
By Jimmy Lee, Public Affairs Director, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff
Deceased kidnapping suspect Juan Ayon-Barraza. Photo by Vallejo PD
Contra Costa County Sheriff-Coroner David Livingston announced that a coroner’s jury Friday, Sept. 17, 2021 reached a finding in the April 16, 2020 death of 24-year-old Juan Carlos Ayon-Barraza of Vacaville. The finding of the jury is that the death is at the hands of another person, other than by accident.
A suspect in the shooting of a Vallejo woman and dumping her body in the Oakland Hills, Ayon-Barraza led police on a chase to Richmond. The suspect pointed his firearm at pursuing officers. Multiple Oakland police officers and a Richmond police officer fired their weapons in defense of their and/or other lives. Simultaneously, the suspect vehicle crossed over into traffic on South 37th Street and Stege Ave. and collided with an Oakland police vehicle. (See Richmond PD video and related article for more details)
Two Oakland police officers were injured during the collision, both considered moderate and non-life threatening. The suspect sustained a fatal gunshot wound during this incident. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. The female victim sustained critical injuries and was transported to a local hospital.
An Oakland Police Officer on the ground in front of the suspect’s van after being one of two struck when he rammed their cars.
The coroner’s jury reached the verdict in the inquest after hearing the testimony of witnesses called by hearing officer Matthew Guichard.
A coroner’s inquest, which Sheriff-Coroner David Livingston convenes in fatal incidents involving peace officers, is a public hearing during which a jury rules on the manner of a person’s death. Jury members can choose from the following four options when making their finding: Accident, Suicide, Natural Causes, At the hands of another person, other than by accident.
Allen Payton contributed to this report.
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NCQA rated Kaiser Permanente Northern California among highest for consumer experience, prevention, and treatment
By Antonia Ehlers, PR and Media Relations, Kaiser Permanente Northern California
OAKLAND, CA – For the sixth year, Kaiser Permanente Northern California’s Medicare health plan is rated 5 out of 5 stars, making it the highest rated plan in the region – and among the highest rated in the country.
In the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) Health Plan Ratings 2021, published today, Kaiser Permanente’s Medicare health plan in Northern California received 5 stars and its commercial health plan received 4.5 stars. Kaiser Permanente’s Southern California region received the same ratings – making the two plans among the highest rated in California and the nation.
“Kaiser Permanente continues to be recognized nationally for what matters most to our members and patients: high quality care and exceptional service,” said Carrie Owen Plietz, FACHE, president of Kaiser Permanente’s Northern California region. “We are proud to be a leader in health care delivery and these ratings, which are so consistent over time, demonstrate our commitment to putting our patients and their health at the center of all we do.”
“This recognition is a tribute to the dedication and expertise of our highly-skilled physicians, nurses, and staff,” said Richard S. Isaacs, MD, FACS, CEO and executive director of The Permanente Medical Group. “Through our innovative, personalized, and technologically advanced approach to health care, we continue to transform care delivery while having a positive and often life-changing impact on the health and well-being of our members and patients.”
NCQA analyzed over 1,000 health plans in the nation – private, Medicare, Medicaid – for quality and service. Only 17 health plans in the country, or about 1.6 percent, were rated 5 out of 5 stars. In all, Kaiser Permanente has six of those highest rated plans.
NCQA is a national, private not-for-profit organization that surveys health plans for performance in a wide range of clinical service measures including consumer experience, prevention and treatment. All Kaiser Permanente health plans were rated 4 stars or higher. For the sixth year in a row, all Kaiser Permanente Medicare health plans were rated highest (or tied for the highest) in the areas they serve. Kaiser Permanente serves more than 12.5 million members in eight states and the District of Columbia.
The NCQA’s Health Insurance Plan Ratings are based on combined scores for health plans in Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set®, commonly called HEDIS; the Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems®, or CAHPS; and NCQA Accreditation standards scores.
The ratings and methodology are posted on the NCQA’s website at www.ncqa.org.
About Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve almost 12.5 million members in 8 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. http://about.kaiserpermanente.org
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Today is Constitution Day, celebrating the U.S. Constitution which was created on September 17, 1787 and ratified on March 4, 1789. Read more about the celebration and document, here. Following is the Preamble with the original spelling and punctuation.
“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”
To read the complete text, visit the U.S. Archives by clicking here: http://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/constitution-transcript
The actual first page of the U.S. Constitution.
Senator Glazer calls it “broken” in spite of only two recalls of governor in state history; joins Assembly member Berman; Assembly Election Committee Chair to hold hearings to examine needed changes in wake of recently concluded recall election
By Steven Harmon, Policy Analyst/Communications, Office of Sen. Steve Glazer
State Senator Steve Glazer (D-7-Orinda)
Sacramento – Following Tuesday night’s recall election of the governor, only the second one to qualify for the ballot in state history, the California Legislature’s two leading members on election issues on Wednesday announced a coordinated effort to examine reforms to California’s recall election system.
Senator Steve Glazer (D – Contra Costa) and Assemblymember Marc Berman (D – Menlo Park) and said they are determined to fix a broken system in the wake of the 2021 gubernatorial recall election, which raised questions about whether a system designed in the early 20th century has enough checks and balances to ensure democratic and fair elections.
Berman, Chairman of the Assembly Committee on Elections, and Glazer, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Elections and Constitutional Amendments, will hold a series of bipartisan joint hearings in the coming months to begin a statewide discussion regarding potential improvements to California’s recall laws. The intent is to produce a proposal that will be taken up in the Legislature during the 2022 legislative session.
“Now that the recall is over, I believe it is time to re-evaluate and update California’s recall process,” said Senator Glazer. “The voters want to see a more democratic process put in place that keeps elected officials accountable but, prevents political gamesmanship of the rules. We hope to work with policy experts and stakeholders of different political perspectives on a viable solution that ultimately makes sense for a modern-day California.”
The recall process is one of four ways the state’s voters can have direct impact on the legislative and governing process, which also include electing representatives, as well as the referendum and initiative. (See CA Constitution Article II) Under the leadership of then Gov. Hiram Johnson came into office proposing the three major populist changes, bringing direct democracy to California. According to Ballotpedia, “Johnson and the new Progressive majority in the legislature made the most sweeping governmental changes ever seen in the history of California. Among these were the introduction of initiative, referendum, and recall at both the state and local levels. Voters ratified these amendments in a special election on October 10, 1911.”
At that time, Johnson said, “they do give to the electorate the power of action when desired, and they do place in the hands of the people the means by which they may protect themselves.”
According to the Secretary of State’s website, “Since 1913, there have been 179 recall attempts of state elected officials in California. Eleven recall efforts collected enough signatures to qualify for the ballot and of those, the elected official was recalled in six instances.” Of those 179, 55 were attempted recalls of the governor, two qualified for the ballot, Grey Davis and Newsom, and only Davis was successfully recalled.
The committees will evaluate recall laws in other states, and will invite experts to examine California’s recall process, including issues such as grounds for removal; signature gathering requirements; process of succession if a governor is recalled; and other issues. The process will be open to the public in an effort to maintain the utmost transparency, and the committees also hope to include the expertise of elections officials, political scientists, legal experts, and others.
“While the recall is an important tool for voters to address misconduct or corruption by elected officials, yesterday’s election highlighted the fundamentally undemocratic nature of California’s existing recall process,” said Assemblymember Berman. “California law should not allow someone else to be recalled and replaced by a candidate who receives far fewer votes. I look forward to hearing from a bipartisan group of experts about how California’s recall process should be reformed.”
Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins said that she supports examining recall reform.
“A thorough review of California’s recall law is timely and worthy of debate, and I would like to thank Senator Glazer and Assemblymember Berman for spearheading the efforts to start this important conversation,” Atkins said.
Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon said, “It is totally appropriate to begin discussion of reforming the recall process. We came far too close to having a governor elected by a tiny fraction of eligible voters. While that is no way to pick the leader of the most populous state in the nation, it would be equally wrong to make any changes without a thorough study of alternatives. I look forward to hearing the discussion.”
The recall process was adopted in California almost 110 years ago but, has been used sparingly for most of the state’s history. More than 70% of the attempts to recall elected state officials that have qualified for the ballot, including the only two statewide recall elections in California history, have occurred in the last 27 years. Each of California’s last nine Governors has faced multiple recall attempts, though only two of those attempts have qualified for the ballot.
Two recent polls, conducted by the Public Policy Institute of California and by the Institute of Government Studies at the University of California, Berkeley, have found that a majority of voters favor keeping but reforming the recall process.
Allen Payton contributed to this report.
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Narcan kit. Photo: Richmond PD
By Richmond Police Department
SWIFT RESPONSE SAVES A LIFE
Last night, an alert citizen called RPD after seeing a male driver hitting and holding down a female passenger, in the backseat of a car. Based on the Good Samaritan’s detailed information, Officer K. Shanks tracked down the car, being driven in the city’s Northern District, and conducted an enforcement stop to investigate the alleged assault.
Upon contact, Officer Shanks quickly realized that the pale, unresponsive woman in the backseat was actually suffering from a major medical emergency caused by a medication overdose. Recognizing the severity of the woman’s condition, Officer Shanks immediately retrieved a Narcan (naloxone) kit from her patrol car and administered the medication while awaiting the arrival of medical personnel.
Thankfully, the Narcan was effective in bringing the woman back to a responsive state, and she was later transported to the hospital to receive further medical treatment. According to the Narcan website, “NARCAN® Nasal Spray is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of a known or suspected opioid overdose emergency with signs of breathing problems and severe sleepiness or not being able to respond.”
Thanks to the alert citizen’s observations, the coordination of information by RPD dispatchers, and the quick actions, assessment and medication administration by Officer Shanks, there is no doubt that a life was saved last night!
The availability of Narcan (naloxone) medication is made possible through a funded program administered by the California Department of Health Services. We are thankful for this collaboration that further ensures that Richmond police officers are always equipped and ready to serve our community!
Allen Payton contributed to this report.
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$752,000 in civil penalties
By Scott Alonso, PIO, Contra Costa County Office of the District Attorney
Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton announced today that the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, together with 33 other California District Attorneys and City Attorneys, have reached a settlement for violations of hazardous waste regulations with Ulta Beauty, Inc., Ulta Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc., Ulta, Inc., and Possibilities AB, Inc., (collectively referred to as “Ulta”) that includes $752,000 of civil penalties, supplemental environmental projects, and costs. Ulta has five stores in Contra Costa County and 161 facilities overall in California. The settlement follows an investigation of Ulta stores’ improper storage, handling, and disposal of hazardous and other regulated waste and inadequate employee training.
Ulta stores in Contra Costa County are located in Brentwood, Concord, Pinole Pleasant Hill and San Ramon.
“Companies must be held responsible for business practices that pose a harm to the environment.,” said DA Becton. “Ulta was cooperative throughout the investigation and in correcting the issues.”
In fact, Ulta stores in California have adopted and implemented new policies and procedures and enhanced existing training programs designed to properly manage and dispose of hazardous waste products, other regulated waste, and confidential customer consumer information.
Under the settlement, which includes a Final Judgment and Permanent Injunction entered in Solano County Superior Court Case No. FCS057080, by the Honorable Alesia Jones, the corporations must pay $439,500 in civil penalties, $250,000 in costs and $62,500 in supplemental environmental projects. Defendants must also implement certain compliance assurance programs.
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By Eddie Willis, Planner, East Bay Regional Park District
Greetings, park supporters:
I am excited to announce that East Bay Regional Park District and East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy will be hosting a free, on-site OPEN HOUSE EVENT at the former Roddy Ranch Golf Course in Antioch the morning of Saturday, September 25. This is an opportunity to see the site in-person, walk along a section of former golf cart paths, and learn about park planning efforts, design ideas, and habitat restoration for the future Regional Park. Capacity is limited, so registration is required. Face coverings and/or social distancing may also be required per local health orders.
When: Saturday, September 25*, 2021 from 9:30am – 11:30am
*If September 25 is canceled due to wildfire smoke or other issue, an alternate date of Saturday, October 9 will be offered.
Where: Former Roddy Ranch Golf Course at 1 Tour Way, Antioch (entrance off Deer Valley Road)
Registration required: visit [t.ly/4Axy]t.ly/4Axy or call 1-888-EBPARKS (1-888-327-2757) and reference program #41871
Please pass this invitation along to any community members, civic leaders, family, or friends you think may be interested in learning about the new park. For general questions, I can be contacted at ewillis@ebparks.org.
Thank you for supporting your Regional Parks!
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Virgil Lee Adams arrested and illegal gun confiscated on Tues., Sept, 15, 2021. Photos: WCPD
Ages 22, 21 and 13; during Tuesday traffic stop; both adults have history of arrests, already released from custody
By Walnut Creek Police
If you happened to see police activity in the area of S. California Ave. and Newell Ave. on Tuesday, here is what happened!
At around 3:40pm, Officer Kim and his FTO Officer Young made a traffic stop on the corner of S. Cal and Newell Ave.
While they were investigating, one person in the car (Virgil Lee Adams, born 8/18/99) got out of the car and ran away from the scene. Officers then located a loaded firearm underneath the seat Adams was sitting in.
Additional WCPD Officers and Detectives quickly responded to the scene.
Officer Marre and Sergeant Njoroge located Adams in the creek just south of Newell Ave. after a foot chase.
Officers Young and Kim located the loaded firearm and over 80 fentanyl pills inside the car.
Adams was arrested for narcotics possession, possession of narcotics while armed, weapons possession, and obstruction.
Other occupants in the car included a 13-year-old male who was arrested for an outstanding warrant out of Oregon and Quan’naejia Ta’zjae Taylor (born on 10/31/99. Taylor was arrested for ID Theft. Excellent work by all involved!
Virgil Lee Adams Aug. 2020 and Quan’naejia Ta’zjae Taylor Aug. 2019 and Feb. 2018. Sources: Portland, OR Police & Clackamas Co., OR Sheriff
As of Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021, according to the Vine website she was out of custody on general release and Adams was out of custody released on court order.
According to bustedmugshots.com he was arrested on Oct. 28, 2016 for attempted murder and unlawful use of a weapons. Then, according to arrestfacts.com Adams was arrested by Portland Police on Dec. 9, 2016 for unlawful possession of a loaded firearm and interfering with a peace officer. According to thegrio.com, he was arrested on Feb. 13, 2017 for robbery and assault, but was later found not guilty.
Finally, according to crimeinformer.com, Adams was arrested in Portland, OR on Aug. 25, 2020 for attempted murder, assault and unlawful use of a weapon. According to his Facebook page he lives in Portland and is the father of three children.
According to crimeinformer.com, Taylor was also arrested on Feb. 2, 2018 for theft in Clackamas County, OR, then again on Aug 5, 2019 in Portland, OR for disorderly conduct and interfering with a peace officer. According to mugshots.com and bustedmugshots.com she was arrested by Portland Police on May 9, 2019 for robbery, identity theft and fraud. According to her Facebook page, she’s the mother of two children.
Allen Payton contributed to this report.
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Illegal guns seized during traffic stop on Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021. Photo: RPD
During Saturday morning traffic stop
By Richmond Police Department
PROACTIVE POLICING = SAFER STREETS!
Saturday morning, while patrolling the 23rd Street corridor, Officer McDonell saw a car driving without headlights, and conducted a traffic enforcement stop on the vehicle.
Upon contacting the driver, Officer McDonell immediately noticed that the driver appeared to be driving under the influence (DUI). Furthermore, he could see open containers of alcohol and marijuana within the car, which was occupied by four other passengers.
During the course of his investigation, Officer McDonell located three illegal firearms within the car! Not only was one of the guns loaded with an illegal 32-round extended magazine, but a records check revealed that a second gun had been reported stolen out of another local jurisdiction.
The driver, who was under the age of 21, was determined to have been driving under the influence (DUI) with the four passengers in her car. RPD officers provided free rides to RPD jail, where the suspects were booked on multiple DUI, narcotics, and firearms-related charges.
We are relieved that this DUI driver, and the illegal firearms in her car, were intercepted before anyone was potentially injured or killed. We are proud of Officer McDonell’s proactive policing efforts to keep our community safe!
Richmond PD is committed to protecting our community, with a zero-tolerance approach if you are caught driving under the influence. Remember – buzzed driving is drunk driving; PLEASE plan ahead and designate a sober driver!
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By CHP – Oakland
OAKLAND, CA. – On September 16, 2021, at 3:30 p.m., the California Highway Patrol (CHP) received a call of a road rage incident which led to a freeway shooting on eastbound State Route 24 (SR-24), west of the Caldecott Tunnel. CHP officers responded to the scene and located the victim stopped on the right shoulder. The victim vehicle sustained multiple bullet strikes. No injuries were reported.
Traffic was impacted from 3:30 p.m., to 6:00 p.m. while the shooting investigation was being conducted. This remains an ongoing investigation. The CHP asks that any person with information contact the CHP Golden Gate Division tip line at (707) 917-4491, or by email at 30specialinvestigations@chp.ca.gov.
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Suspect’s van rams Oakland Police car on April 16, 2020 injuring two officers. Richmond PD video screenshot.
After pointing gun at police, rammed his car into theirs, injuring two Oakland officers
CORONER’S INQUEST JURY FINDING
By Jimmy Lee, Public Affairs Director, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff
Deceased kidnapping suspect Juan Ayon-Barraza. Photo by Vallejo PD
Contra Costa County Sheriff-Coroner David Livingston announced that a coroner’s jury Friday, Sept. 17, 2021 reached a finding in the April 16, 2020 death of 24-year-old Juan Carlos Ayon-Barraza of Vacaville. The finding of the jury is that the death is at the hands of another person, other than by accident.
A suspect in the shooting of a Vallejo woman and dumping her body in the Oakland Hills, Ayon-Barraza led police on a chase to Richmond. The suspect pointed his firearm at pursuing officers. Multiple Oakland police officers and a Richmond police officer fired their weapons in defense of their and/or other lives. Simultaneously, the suspect vehicle crossed over into traffic on South 37th Street and Stege Ave. and collided with an Oakland police vehicle. (See Richmond PD video and related article for more details)
Two Oakland police officers were injured during the collision, both considered moderate and non-life threatening. The suspect sustained a fatal gunshot wound during this incident. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. The female victim sustained critical injuries and was transported to a local hospital.
An Oakland Police Officer on the ground in front of the suspect’s van after being one of two struck when he rammed their cars.
The coroner’s jury reached the verdict in the inquest after hearing the testimony of witnesses called by hearing officer Matthew Guichard.
A coroner’s inquest, which Sheriff-Coroner David Livingston convenes in fatal incidents involving peace officers, is a public hearing during which a jury rules on the manner of a person’s death. Jury members can choose from the following four options when making their finding: Accident, Suicide, Natural Causes, At the hands of another person, other than by accident.
Allen Payton contributed to this report.
Read MoreNCQA rated Kaiser Permanente Northern California among highest for consumer experience, prevention, and treatment
By Antonia Ehlers, PR and Media Relations, Kaiser Permanente Northern California
OAKLAND, CA – For the sixth year, Kaiser Permanente Northern California’s Medicare health plan is rated 5 out of 5 stars, making it the highest rated plan in the region – and among the highest rated in the country.
In the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) Health Plan Ratings 2021, published today, Kaiser Permanente’s Medicare health plan in Northern California received 5 stars and its commercial health plan received 4.5 stars. Kaiser Permanente’s Southern California region received the same ratings – making the two plans among the highest rated in California and the nation.
“Kaiser Permanente continues to be recognized nationally for what matters most to our members and patients: high quality care and exceptional service,” said Carrie Owen Plietz, FACHE, president of Kaiser Permanente’s Northern California region. “We are proud to be a leader in health care delivery and these ratings, which are so consistent over time, demonstrate our commitment to putting our patients and their health at the center of all we do.”
“This recognition is a tribute to the dedication and expertise of our highly-skilled physicians, nurses, and staff,” said Richard S. Isaacs, MD, FACS, CEO and executive director of The Permanente Medical Group. “Through our innovative, personalized, and technologically advanced approach to health care, we continue to transform care delivery while having a positive and often life-changing impact on the health and well-being of our members and patients.”
NCQA analyzed over 1,000 health plans in the nation – private, Medicare, Medicaid – for quality and service. Only 17 health plans in the country, or about 1.6 percent, were rated 5 out of 5 stars. In all, Kaiser Permanente has six of those highest rated plans.
NCQA is a national, private not-for-profit organization that surveys health plans for performance in a wide range of clinical service measures including consumer experience, prevention and treatment. All Kaiser Permanente health plans were rated 4 stars or higher. For the sixth year in a row, all Kaiser Permanente Medicare health plans were rated highest (or tied for the highest) in the areas they serve. Kaiser Permanente serves more than 12.5 million members in eight states and the District of Columbia.
The NCQA’s Health Insurance Plan Ratings are based on combined scores for health plans in Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set®, commonly called HEDIS; the Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems®, or CAHPS; and NCQA Accreditation standards scores.
The ratings and methodology are posted on the NCQA’s website at www.ncqa.org.
About Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve almost 12.5 million members in 8 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. http://about.kaiserpermanente.org
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Today is Constitution Day, celebrating the U.S. Constitution which was created on September 17, 1787 and ratified on March 4, 1789. Read more about the celebration and document, here. Following is the Preamble with the original spelling and punctuation.
“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”
To read the complete text, visit the U.S. Archives by clicking here: http://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/constitution-transcript
The actual first page of the U.S. Constitution.
Senator Glazer calls it “broken” in spite of only two recalls of governor in state history; joins Assembly member Berman; Assembly Election Committee Chair to hold hearings to examine needed changes in wake of recently concluded recall election
By Steven Harmon, Policy Analyst/Communications, Office of Sen. Steve Glazer
State Senator Steve Glazer (D-7-Orinda)
Sacramento – Following Tuesday night’s recall election of the governor, only the second one to qualify for the ballot in state history, the California Legislature’s two leading members on election issues on Wednesday announced a coordinated effort to examine reforms to California’s recall election system.
Senator Steve Glazer (D – Contra Costa) and Assemblymember Marc Berman (D – Menlo Park) and said they are determined to fix a broken system in the wake of the 2021 gubernatorial recall election, which raised questions about whether a system designed in the early 20th century has enough checks and balances to ensure democratic and fair elections.
Berman, Chairman of the Assembly Committee on Elections, and Glazer, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Elections and Constitutional Amendments, will hold a series of bipartisan joint hearings in the coming months to begin a statewide discussion regarding potential improvements to California’s recall laws. The intent is to produce a proposal that will be taken up in the Legislature during the 2022 legislative session.
“Now that the recall is over, I believe it is time to re-evaluate and update California’s recall process,” said Senator Glazer. “The voters want to see a more democratic process put in place that keeps elected officials accountable but, prevents political gamesmanship of the rules. We hope to work with policy experts and stakeholders of different political perspectives on a viable solution that ultimately makes sense for a modern-day California.”
The recall process is one of four ways the state’s voters can have direct impact on the legislative and governing process, which also include electing representatives, as well as the referendum and initiative. (See CA Constitution Article II) Under the leadership of then Gov. Hiram Johnson came into office proposing the three major populist changes, bringing direct democracy to California. According to Ballotpedia, “Johnson and the new Progressive majority in the legislature made the most sweeping governmental changes ever seen in the history of California. Among these were the introduction of initiative, referendum, and recall at both the state and local levels. Voters ratified these amendments in a special election on October 10, 1911.”
At that time, Johnson said, “they do give to the electorate the power of action when desired, and they do place in the hands of the people the means by which they may protect themselves.”
According to the Secretary of State’s website, “Since 1913, there have been 179 recall attempts of state elected officials in California. Eleven recall efforts collected enough signatures to qualify for the ballot and of those, the elected official was recalled in six instances.” Of those 179, 55 were attempted recalls of the governor, two qualified for the ballot, Grey Davis and Newsom, and only Davis was successfully recalled.
The committees will evaluate recall laws in other states, and will invite experts to examine California’s recall process, including issues such as grounds for removal; signature gathering requirements; process of succession if a governor is recalled; and other issues. The process will be open to the public in an effort to maintain the utmost transparency, and the committees also hope to include the expertise of elections officials, political scientists, legal experts, and others.
“While the recall is an important tool for voters to address misconduct or corruption by elected officials, yesterday’s election highlighted the fundamentally undemocratic nature of California’s existing recall process,” said Assemblymember Berman. “California law should not allow someone else to be recalled and replaced by a candidate who receives far fewer votes. I look forward to hearing from a bipartisan group of experts about how California’s recall process should be reformed.”
Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins said that she supports examining recall reform.
“A thorough review of California’s recall law is timely and worthy of debate, and I would like to thank Senator Glazer and Assemblymember Berman for spearheading the efforts to start this important conversation,” Atkins said.
Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon said, “It is totally appropriate to begin discussion of reforming the recall process. We came far too close to having a governor elected by a tiny fraction of eligible voters. While that is no way to pick the leader of the most populous state in the nation, it would be equally wrong to make any changes without a thorough study of alternatives. I look forward to hearing the discussion.”
The recall process was adopted in California almost 110 years ago but, has been used sparingly for most of the state’s history. More than 70% of the attempts to recall elected state officials that have qualified for the ballot, including the only two statewide recall elections in California history, have occurred in the last 27 years. Each of California’s last nine Governors has faced multiple recall attempts, though only two of those attempts have qualified for the ballot.
Two recent polls, conducted by the Public Policy Institute of California and by the Institute of Government Studies at the University of California, Berkeley, have found that a majority of voters favor keeping but reforming the recall process.
Allen Payton contributed to this report.
Read MoreNarcan kit. Photo: Richmond PD
By Richmond Police Department
SWIFT RESPONSE SAVES A LIFE
Last night, an alert citizen called RPD after seeing a male driver hitting and holding down a female passenger, in the backseat of a car. Based on the Good Samaritan’s detailed information, Officer K. Shanks tracked down the car, being driven in the city’s Northern District, and conducted an enforcement stop to investigate the alleged assault.
Upon contact, Officer Shanks quickly realized that the pale, unresponsive woman in the backseat was actually suffering from a major medical emergency caused by a medication overdose. Recognizing the severity of the woman’s condition, Officer Shanks immediately retrieved a Narcan (naloxone) kit from her patrol car and administered the medication while awaiting the arrival of medical personnel.
Thankfully, the Narcan was effective in bringing the woman back to a responsive state, and she was later transported to the hospital to receive further medical treatment. According to the Narcan website, “NARCAN® Nasal Spray is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of a known or suspected opioid overdose emergency with signs of breathing problems and severe sleepiness or not being able to respond.”
Thanks to the alert citizen’s observations, the coordination of information by RPD dispatchers, and the quick actions, assessment and medication administration by Officer Shanks, there is no doubt that a life was saved last night!
The availability of Narcan (naloxone) medication is made possible through a funded program administered by the California Department of Health Services. We are thankful for this collaboration that further ensures that Richmond police officers are always equipped and ready to serve our community!
Allen Payton contributed to this report.
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