While continuing to protect the community
The health officers of Contra Costa County, Alameda County, Marin County, Santa Clara County, City and County of San Francisco, and City of Berkeley issued the following statement on Monday, June 1, 2020:
These are among the most challenging times our community has ever experienced. We will continue to do all that we can to protect the most vulnerable and keep everyone safe. Thanks to the commitment of our communities to practice social distancing and follow public health guidance, we expect to move forward with additional openings starting this week.
As we proceed through the uncharted territory of reopening businesses and activity in the midst of a global pandemic, the Public Health Officers across the Bay Area continue to work in close collaboration on how to best protect the residents of our region. Each decision we make involves difficult trade-offs and affects the community’s wellbeing in many different ways. As we open additional sectors, we are relying on businesses to consistently follow social distancing protocols and public health guidance to protect their employees and customers. Bay Area residents should still stay home as much as possible, wear face coverings, frequently wash hands, stay home when feeling ill, get tested if exposed, and follow the other precautions that have helped our region make such outstanding progress to slow the spread of COVID-19.
We are carefully tracking data related to the spread of COVID-19 in our region and in each of our own communities. We are encouraged by what we are seeing in some areas and concerned about what we are seeing in others. As we move forward together, we will each make choices about what to reopen and how quickly to do so. Those decisions will be based on the data related to the specific conditions in our communities, as well as our joint assessment of broader regional trends.
Although the specific path forward and timeline in each community may vary slightly, we are united in our commitment to work together as a region; to ensure our decisions are data-driven; to take steps that are measured, careful, and to allow sufficient time between significant changes to understand their effects.
Read MoreBoard of Supervisors to consider curfew at Tuesday morning meeting
By Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff
This is a message from Contra Costa Sheriff David Livingston
Due to continuing civil unrest, ongoing disturbances and sporadic looting of businesses, all Contra Costa residents are encouraged to remain indoors today, June 1st from 8:00 PM until tomorrow, June 2nd at 5:00 AM. There is currently NO countywide curfew order.
However, that is subject to change.
Please note that some cities have implemented their own curfews and residents should check their city’s website for updates. Please try to avoid calling for non-emergency police services until tomorrow if possible.
Please be assured law enforcement throughout the county is working together and has brought in additional resources to address incidences of civil unrest.
According to Jami Napier, Chief Assistant Clerk of the Board and Senior Deputy County Administrator that the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors is holding an emergency meeting tomorrow morning at 9:30 a.m. to consider a curfew. Please see the meeting agenda by clicking here.
Allen Payton contributed to this report.
Read MoreWalnut Creek police enforce curfew near City Hall. Tear gas shot at protesters. Herald reporter and other members of the media affected by the gas. Forced to leave the area.
Posted by Contra Costa Herald on Monday, June 1, 2020
Report by Allen Payton Videos by Contra Costa Herald staff
WARNING: Graphic language in videos.
A large group of protesters descended on Walnut Creek’s downtown, Monday and held a rally in Civic Park across from City Hall. Things were peaceful with speeches in the park. That was followed by a few confrontations as protesters marched down North Broadway toward a police line. That lasted until the city’s 6:00 p.m. curfew set in and police forced the protesters to leave. Cannisters of tear gas were shot at the protesters, some of whom threw them back at the officers. (See 48-second mark of video above)
![](http://contracostaherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Civic-Park-rally-and-speeches.jpg)
Screenshot from Contra Costa Herald staff video of Civic Park rally and speeches in Walnut Creek on Monday, June 1, 2020.
Earlier during a rally in Civic Park, near the iconic gazebo, speeches were given and responsive chants of “no justice” yelled out by one person, with “no peace” yelled by the crowd, followed by “no racist” by the leader and “police” yelled by the crowd in response.
Protest in downtown Walnut Creek right now. Exclusive to the Herald.
Posted by Contra Costa Herald on Monday, June 1, 2020
At one point, a few police officers took a knee to the delight of the crowd who cheered, and some of the protesters showed their appreciation for the officers demonstrating their solidarity with fist and elbow bumps.
Walnut Creek police kneel with protestors.
Posted by Contra Costa Herald on Monday, June 1, 2020
There were chants of “no justice, no peace, prosecute the police,” “hands up, don’t shoot,” the responsive chants of “say his name” and “George Floyd”, as well as “I can’t breathe” – Floyd’s final words – as the protesters stood or kneeled in front of the police line on North Broadway. They were then warned about the 6:00 p.m. curfew and told a few times “you have five minutes to leave” by a voice over a loud speaker.
Protest in Walnut Creek continues — graphic language warning.
Posted by Contra Costa Herald on Monday, June 1, 2020
There were chants of “no justice, no peace, prosecute the police,” “hands up, don’t shoot,” the responsive chants of “say his name” and “George Floyd”, as well as “I can’t breathe” – Floyd’s final words – as the protesters stood or kneeled in front of the police line on North Broadway. They were then warned about the 6:00 p.m. curfew and told a few times “you have five minutes to leave” by a voice over a loudspeaker. That’s when things took a turn for the worst with police resorting to firing tear gas cannisters at the protesters forcing them to disperse from the intersection of the North Broadway and Civic Drive. Some of the cannisters were tossed back at the police.
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Call on state bar to create a new ethics rule claiming it “would help restore the independence, integrity, and trust of elected prosecutors by preventing them from taking donations from police unions.”
“They’re trying to hamper pro-law enforcement candidates who will run against them” – law enforcement official (who chose to remain anonymous)
SAN FRANCISCO – Today, Monday, June 1, 2020, in the wake of mass protests following the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer, a coalition of current and former elected prosecutors representing millions of Californians in diverse counties banded together to call on the California State Bar to cure the conflict of interest created by police unions’ outsized influence in local elections. The new rule would explicitly preclude elected prosecutors – or prosecutors seeking election – from seeking or accepting political or financial support from law enforcement unions. (Read letter, here).
“The legal representation of an accused officer is generally financed by their law enforcement union,” said Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton. “It is illogical that the rules prohibit prosecutors from soliciting and benefiting from financial and political support from an accused officer’s advocate in court, while enabling the prosecutor to benefit financially and politically from the accused’s advocate in public.”
“District Attorneys will undoubtedly review use of force incidents involving police officers,” said San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin. “When they do, the financial and political support of these unions should not be allowed to influence that decision making.”
“When videos emerge like the one depicting the killing of George Floyd or Ahmaud Arbery, the damage it does to the entire criminal justice system cannot be overstated,” said former San Francisco District Attorney George Gascón. “That damage, however, is further compounded by delays in the condemnation, arrest, and charging of the involved law enforcement officers. These feelings, these protests, and the pain we’re seeing, would not be as raw and widespread if we had seen police held accountable by local prosecutors quickly and with regularity. An important step in curing this pain is curing the conflict of interest that gives, at minimum, the appearance that police do not face consequences swiftly – or at all – due to the proximity and political influence of their union.”
“We have a tremendous amount of work ahead of us to restore trust in our profession, but trust must be earned, it cannot be demanded,” said San Joaquin County District Attorney Tori Verber Salazar. “The first step to earning that trust back is ensuring the independence of county prosecutors is beyond reproach.”
Prosecutors are in a unique position of having to work closely with law enforcement and simultaneously evaluate whether crimes have been committed by these same officers. Recent events involving police misconduct in which prosecutors either delayed or failed to file charges have shined a light on the importance of prosecutors making decisions regarding law enforcement officers’ conduct without any undue influence or bias. Yet when prosecutors initiate an investigation or prosecution of an officer, the law enforcement unions often finance the legal representation of the accused officer. Prosecutors who have received an endorsement from the entity that is funding the defense of the officers being investigated or prosecuted creates, at a minimum, the appearance of a conflict of interest for elected prosecutors.
By precluding elected prosecutors—or prosecutors seeking election—from seeking or accepting political or financial support from law enforcement unions, the State Bar will reduce the presence of conflicts of interest and ensure independence on the part of elected prosecutors. This proposal also aspires to help reestablish community trust in the integrity of prosecutors at a time when national events have damaged that trust.
For more information, follow #CureTheConflict.
In response, the following questions were sent to Becton’s public information officer, Scott Alonso:
“Is she saying that currently a prosecutor cannot solicit and benefit from financial and political support from an attorney representing a police officer accused of a crime while in court or during the court case? But the police officer’s attorney can support the prosecutor financially and politically when not in court or during the court case?
Please clarify who the accused is in her comment about the ‘accused’s advocate’. I assume it’s the same accused officer she refers to twice before in her comment. But, not sure.
Also, are she and the rest of the DA’s willing to forgo any financial contributions from criminal defense attorneys and public defenders? How about no financial support from any organization and only from individuals who live within their counties? How far should this go to ensure fairness in prosecutions? Isn’t this really one-sided? Also, if the police unions have so much influence in our county and they all backed Becton’s opponent in the last election how did she still win? Isn’t she in effect attempting to violate the free speech rights – which political campaign contributions have been defined as by the courts – of the police unions?
June 2 UPDATE: Alonso responded with, “Any questions about political contributions I cannot answer as a public employee. You would need to direct those to DA Becton’s campaign.”
This reporter then emailed him, “Please pass on my questions to DA Becton. I’m not asking you to answer them. I’m asking for her to.”
Alonso responded, “Her statement speaks for itself. Not sure what else to provide. Her reference to the advocate is the law enforcement union.”
A further email was sent to him with, “Her statement and the effort is clearly one sided and doesn’t answer my questions that I emailed you. Did you pass on my questions to her? If not can you, please? I really don’t want to have to write that she’s refusing to answer them. Surely neither you nor she expects the media to just run press releases on controversial matters unchallenged and without question.
Thanks for the partial answer to my one question. But it still doesn’t clarify what she’s saying in that quote. How would a prosecutor solicit and benefit from financial and political support of a law enforcement union in court? I seriously don’t understand that.
I really need to hear back from her on the questions I sent. I don’t want to just write she refused to respond.”
Alonso responded with, “With all respect we do answer your questions. Your comment that this ‘effort is one side’ is odd. Not sure what you mean by that. There are standards in place for prosecutors in terms of receiving or benefitting from opposing defense counsel. This is outlined in the letter that you were provided. In terms of any questions on donations I cannot answer that as I have said.”
This reporter further responded by email with, “Yes, in the past you’ve answered my questions and I appreciate that. But I’m talking about this press release on a very controversial, political issue, which is rare if not the only one I recall ever receiving from you.
About the effort being one sided, that’s because all the DA’s and former DA quoted in the press release are attempting to silence one side in the political battle for who should be elected DA. Diana wasn’t backed by any of the police unions in the county, if I recall. They backed her opponent, DDA Paul Graves. Now she’s trying to prevent police unions from contributing to her potential opponents in future elections in effectively silencing their voice during a political campaign. Yet, I don’t see anything in the press release in which she or the other DA’s call for limiting the contributions to candidates from those on the criminal defense side.
Again, I’m not asking you to answer my questions. I’m asking you to pass along my questions to DA Becton, who as an elected official can answer them and should. You sent out on official CCDA letterhead a press release about a political matter. Frankly, that should have gone out on her campaign letterhead if you or she aren’t going to answer questions about it.
Now, please quit being a gatekeeper for her and pass on my questions to her. Another day has passed since you sent me the press release and I still don’t have but one question answered.
I’m trying not to go around you. I do have her cell phone number and have called her before when it was after hours. But I am avoiding calling her. I guess I’ll have to if I can’t get you to simply forward my questions to her.
So, let’s please stop the back and forth. I’m not asking you any questions about a political matter. I’m asking her.”
No response to that email was received.
When reached for comment, Becton said she was in a meeting and to “send questions to Scott.”
Please check back later for any updates to this report and responses from the DA.
Read More![](http://contracostaherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Tweet-threatening-looting-in-Antioch-Brentwood-06-01-20.jpg)
Screenshot of post on Twitter from Antioch by a person who claims to be from Oakland (whose account we will not identify due to its graphic content), which includes a photo of shops in the Streets of Brentwood shopping center at 9:30 a.m. Monday, June 1, 2020. The tweet has since been removed.
Some stores already closed or are closing early as a result of threat on social media
By Allen Payton
Due to a comment posted on Twitter by someone who claims to be from Oakland, telling people in Oakland to go to Antioch and the Streets of Brentwood shopping center to loot, on Monday, both the Antioch and Brentwood Police Departments are making preparations.
The message, posted in Antioch at 9:30 a.m. Monday, June 1, 2020 reads, “Oakland, we need to make our way to Antioch and the streets of Brentwood today and take EVERYTHING. The outlets is outside so it’ll be easier to break in and take everything! THIS IS ALL FOR GORGE DONT FORGET! REPOST!” That refers to George Floyd, the man who died after a Minneapolis police office had his knee on Floyd’s neck pinning him to the street for nine minutes, while two other officers also had him pinned down, while a fourth officer stood by guarding them. The tweet has since been removed.
When asked about the message, Antioch Police Chief Tammany Brooks responded, “Already on it.”
Brentwood Police posted the following about their actions to prepare their city, and specifically the shopping center:
“While we stand by everyone’s right to peacefully protest in this difficult time, threats of looting and vandalism will be taken seriously. We have learned of such threats being spread on social media directed at the Streets of Brentwood.
As a result, Streets of Brentwood will be closing businesses early today and we will be adding additional staffing to the area to monitor the safety of the public and protection of property. In the interest of everyone’s safety, we ask that you avoid the Streets of Brentwood since businesses will be closed and access to the property will be closed off.”
As of 3:40 p.m., witness said they saw Antioch Police are gathering at the Somersville Towne Center and asking the stores to close. Another resident reported the Lowe’s and Target stores are closed in Antioch.
Also, Brentwood PD posted on their Facebook page at 3:40 p.m. that “Home Depot contacted us to let us know they have closed early today for the safety of their employees and customers.”
Please check back later for any updates to this report.
Read MoreBut no churches until June 15 and only outdoor events
By Dr. Chris Farnitano, Contra Costa County Health Officer & Anna Roth, Contra Costa County Health Director
May 30, 2020 – If we continue to make progress in our fight to contain COVID-19, Contra Costa County will be relaxing more restrictions on businesses and social activities in the coming days and weeks. Details will be announced on June 2. Below are some of the most significant changes being considered: Effective Wednesday, June 3
Businesses
- Office-based businesses (telework remains strongly encouraged)
- Services that don’t require close customer contact, such as housekeeping, car washes, pet grooming and plumbing
- Outdoor museums, and open gallery spaces and other public spaces with modifications
- Indoor retail stores, including shopping malls and swap meets
Activities
- Childcare, including child and youth educational activities and camps for all children, not just essential and allowed workers
- Small outdoor social gatherings with social distancing (household support bubbles and child extracurricular activities)
Effective Monday, June 15
These are higher risk activities and thus restrictions would be relaxed at a later date.
- Limited-capacity religious services and cultural ceremonies up to 100 people. These would be limited to outdoor events only.
- Protests up to 100 people; limited to outdoor events only
The state has a timeline for opening higher risk activities like swimming and salons, which can be found at covid19.ca.gov.
Read MoreEmployment & Human Services Department Opens Four Locations for Hot Weather Relief
The Contra Costa County Employment & Human Services Department (EHSD) has partially re-opened four of its public lobbies where residents can cool off on days of extreme heat during the COVID-19 shelter-in-place health order. The places to get relief from hot weather are open to all, including individuals, families with children, seniors and disabled adults. Water and charging stations are available at each of the following locations, open for cooling off from Saturday, May 29, 2020, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
EHSD District Office | 4545 Delta Fair Blvd. | Antioch | |
EHSD District Office | 400 Ellinwood Way | Pleasant Hill | |
EHSD District Office | 151 Linus Pauling | Hercules | |
EHSD District Office | 1305 Macdonald | Richmond |
Social distancing and face covering requirements are in place in the EHSD buildings, and capacity may be limited in order to comply with County health orders. Community members should NOT go to any of these places to cool off if they have been exposed to or are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, or if they have been ordered to quarantine. All visitors to EHSD offices are required to answer screening questions, per CDC guidelines, before they can enter the buildings.
During the COVID-19 shelter in place, EHSD’s regular programs and services are NOT available at these offices. County residents can call (925) 957-5647 or (925) 957-5648 (Spanish) for assistance with CalFresh, CalWORKs, Medi-Cal and other benefit programs.
Contra Costa County Employment & Human Services
Employment & Human Services (EHSD) partners with the community to deliver quality services to ensure access to resources that support, protect, and empower individuals and families to achieve self-sufficiency. Based on the core values of delivering an exceptional customer experience, encouraging open communication, embracing change, practicing ethical behavior, and embracing diversity, EHSD envisions Contra Costa County will continue to be a thriving community where all individuals and families can be healthy, safe, secure and self-sufficient. More information about EHSD is available at www.ehsd.org.
Read MoreThe Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) are constructing the first phase of a multi-phased project to improve safety and help reduce congestion at the Interstate-680/State Route 4 Interchange in central Contra Costa County. In order to facilitate a key phase of construction that will shift traffic onto newly constructed facilities, the agencies are planning significant traffic shifts prior to, during and after the Memorial Day Weekend which will impact SR-4 and both of the I-680 connector ramps spanning Martinez, Pacheco, and Concord. CCTA and Caltrans have scheduled the closures during evening/nighttime hours and over the weekend in order to minimize impacts to the motoring public.
Nightly lane closures of SR-4 (from Pacheco Boulevard to Solano Way) and the I-680 connector ramps in both directions (northbound and southbound connectors to SR-4) will continue from May 28 –31, 2020. The work taking place during this time will enable traffic to move onto newly constructed facilities as they are completed, including:
- Northbound Interstate 680 connector ramp to Eastbound State Route 4
- Westbound State Route 4 connector ramp to Northbound Interstate 680
- New Grayson Creek Eastbound and Westbound bridges
- Shifting traffic onto the new median concrete pavement widening on State Route 4 between Pacheco Boulevard and Walnut Creek Bridge
Planned closures include:
Thursday, May 28 through Sunday May 31, 2020: Varies by evening, see below for specific times
Nightly full freeway closures for Eastbound and Westbound State Route 4 and full closure of the following ramps:
- Full ramp closure of Eastbound SR-4 connector to Northbound I-680
- Full ramp closure of Southbound I-680 connector to Eastbound SR-4
- Full Ramp closure of Northbound I-680 connector to Eastbound SR-4
Thursday, May 28, 2020: 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.
Full freeway closure of Eastbound SR-4 from Pacheco Boulevard to Solano Way including full ramp closures listed above.
Friday, May 29, 2020: 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.
Full Freeway closure of Westbound SR-4 between Solano Way and Pacheco Boulevard including full ramp closures listed above.
Saturday May 30, 2020: 12:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m.
Full Freeway closure of Eastbound SR-4 between Pacheco Boulevard to Solano Way including full ramp closures listed above.
Sunday May 31: 8:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
Full freeway closure of Westbound SR-4 between Solano Way and Pacheco Boulevard including full ramp closures listed above.
Motorists are advised to be alert for on-site closure and detour signs, and to Slow for the Cone Zone. Please drive with caution through the detours and leave a safe traveling distance between your vehicle and vehicle ahead of you. Please note that the construction schedule and closure information presented here are subject to change based on weather and other conditions. We appreciate everyone’s patience and cooperation as we work to complete these important improvements.
About the Interstate 680/State Route 4 Interchange Improvement Project
The Interstate 680/State Route 4 Interchange Improvement Project will widen approximately four miles of State Route 4 in both directions between Morello Avenue in Martinez and State Route 242 by adding a third lane in the eastbound and westbound directions to improve on-ramp and off-ramp merging. The project also includes widening of five structures, extending eastbound State Route 4’s carpool lane approximately two miles, installation of safety lighting, and replacement of the Grayson Creek Bridge to bring it up to current State bridge safety codes. This segment of work in this multi-phased project will lay the groundwork for future improvements to connector ramps, improve traffic safety and enhance traffic flow.
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“that threatens the long-term economic and social well-being, health, safety, and security of the County” – proposed language from resolution.
Commission asked for input before making recommendation to full Board of Supervisors later this year
During their meeting on Friday morning, May 29, 2020, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors’ Sustainability Committee, heard public input on the proposed Climate Emergency Resolution. Supervisor Federal Glover serves as committee Chair and Supervisor John Gioia, serves as Vice Chair.
“The committee didn’t actually vote on it,” said Jody London, Sustainability Coordinator for the county. “We received a lot of public comment on it. They wanted some modifications. There was argument that it wasn’t strong enough in some areas. The committee wasn’t in agreement with all the ideas but, we’re going to go back and work with the Sustainability Commission.”
“It’s a standing committee of the board that meets every other month,” she explained. “The commission, made up of members of the public appointed by the board, meets during the months in between. They usually happen at 5:00 p.m. on the fourth Monday of the month. It will be held online.”
The next meeting of the commission will be on June 23rd.
A revised resolution that includes input from the commission will return to the committee on July 27th, for final vote of recommendation to the full board, which can happen sometime in August or September depending on vacation schedules, London said.
According to the staff report, “On November 19, 2019, the Board of Supervisors (Board) received a proposal from the Contra Costa County Sustainability Commission that the Board adopt a Climate Emergency Resolution. The Board referred this item to the Sustainability Committee.
On December 9, 2019, the Sustainability Committee discussed options for structuring a climate emergency resolution. Supervisors expressed their opinion that resolutions have greater value when they identify tangible actions we can take. They cited to the recent State Executive Order N-19-19 on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating impacts of climate change in State government as an example. The Committee expressed interest in seeing the County take action on those issues where it can have the greatest impact. The Committee recognized that the County must balance priorities, it cannot invest in everything people might want at this time.Community members offered many ideas for a climate emergency resolution. They stressed that this is an emergency and the County should provide bold leadership and action. Community members urged the Board include in any resolution deadlines or dates by which action can be expected. Community members expressed interest in the Board taxing the refineries located in Contra Costa County and determining how the County should plan for a situation where the refineries and other fossil-fuel based industries are not viable.The Committee directed the Sustainability Coordinator to develop a draft climate emergency resolution in consultation with the Sustainability Commission and come back to the Committee.
The attached draft Climate Emergency Resolution was developed by staff, in consultation with the Sustainability Commission, which has discussed this at several meetings, most recently its February 24, 2020 meeting. The draft Resolution reflects the new realities of the COVID-19 pandemic. It recommends three actions:
- The County Department of Conservation and Development is directed to work with the County Administrator and other departments to establish an interdepartmental task force of Department heads, or their immediate deputies, that will focus on implementing the County’s Climate Action Plan and identifying additional actions, policies, and programs the County can undertake to reduce and adapt to the impacts of a changing climate.
- The County Sustainability Commission is directed to seek input from the community to help the County anticipate and plan for an economy that is less dependent on fossil fuel extraction and processing, helps plan for a transition from a fossil-fuel dependent economy, and considers how the County’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic can incorporate the County’s climate goals. As the State of California adopts policies and goals for reducing pollution and addressing climate change, the County will consider with the assistance of the Sustainabilty Commission what this will mean for County revenues, jobs, health, and infrastructure, including new opportunities and how frontline communities will realize economic and other benefits. The Commission will include this topic in its ongoing advice to the Board of Supervisors.
- Health, socio-economic, and racial equity considerations should be included in policymaking and climate solutions at all levels and across all sectors as the consequences of climate change have significant impacts on all County residents, but especially the young, the elderly, low-income or communities of color, and other vulnerable populations.”
The declaration portion of the draft resolution in its current form reads as follows:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Supervisors of the County of Contra Costa declares a climate emergency that threatens the long-term economic and social well-being, health, safety, and security of the County.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the County Department of Conservation and Development work with the County Administrator and other departments to establish an interdepartmental task force of Department heads, or their immediate deputies, that will focus on implementing the County’s Climate Action Plan and identifying additional actions, policies, and programs the County can undertake to reduce and adapt to the impacts of a changing climate.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the County Sustainability Commission seek input from the community to help the County anticipate and plan for an economy that is less dependent on fossil fuels, helps plan for a transition from a fossil-fuel dependent economy, and considers how the County’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic can incorporate the County’s climate goals. As the State of California adopts policies and goals for reducing pollution and addressing climate change, the County will consider with the assistance of the Sustainability Commission what this will mean for County revenues, jobs, health, and infrastructure including new opportunities and how frontline communities will realize economic and other benefits. The Commission will include this topic in its ongoing advice to the Board of Supervisors.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that health, socio-economic, and racial equity considerations should be included in policymaking and climate solutions at all levels and across all sectors as the consequences of climate change have significant impacts on all County residents, especially the young, the elderly, low-income or communities of color, and other vulnerable populations.
Read the entire draft resolution, here – 41815_DRAFT Climate Emergency Resolution
Read More![](http://contracostaherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Concord-PD-fatal-collision-05-28-20-1024x392.jpg)
Concord Police closed Monument Blvd. for four hours following the fatal collision on Thursday, May 28, 2020. Photos by CPD.
By Concord Police Department
On May 28, 2020, at approximately 6:14 AM, Concord PD Officers were dispatched to a report of a solo vehicle collision on Monument Blvd. near Virginia Lane. The vehicle traveled eastbound on Monument Blvd. and veered off the road, colliding with a support pole on the south sidewalk of Monument Blvd., near 1500 Monument Blvd. The male driver, 52-year-old Concord resident, and sole occupant of the vehicle was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Monument Blvd., between Lacey Lane and Virginia Lane, was closed for approximately four hours. As this is an ongoing investigation, no further details are being released at this time.
Anyone who may have witnessed the collision is asked to contact Traffic Investigator Justin Wilson at the Concord Police Department, 925-603-5962. -482
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