For the sixth consecutive year, the East Bay Regional Park District will host two Youth Job Fairs designed to raise awareness of employment opportunities for youth in the East Bay. The fairs are scheduled in Hayward on Saturday, January 25, 2020, and in Pleasant Hill on Saturday, February 1, 2020. Both events offer attendees an opportunity to learn about the specific Park District jobs available and interact with current employees to get insight into what it’s like to work for the Park District. Positions include: Interpretive Student Aides, Public Safety Student Aides, Recreation Leaders, Lifeguards, Gate Attendants, Park Services Attendants, Student Laborers, Field Interns, and Interns.
The Youth Job Fairs also include general information sessions on resume writing, application submittal, and job interviewing for youth looking to enter the workforce, whether at the Park District or elsewhere.
The East Bay Regional Park District is the largest employer of youth in the East Bay, hiring over 400 Bay Area youth each year to work in the District’s 73 regional parks and ten visitor centers. The Youth Job Fairs are key to filling seasonal summer positions, especially Recreation Leaders and Lifeguards.
2020 Youth Job Fair Details
The East Bay Regional Park District is a system of beautiful public parks and trails in Alameda and Contra Costa counties east of San Francisco Bay, established in 1934. The system comprises 121,000 acres in 73 parks including over1,250 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and nature learning.
Read MoreAbout 5:40 p.m. officers were dispatched to a welfare check for a man standing in the middle of the road holding two suitcases in his hands, causing traffic to drive around him, according to Oakley Police Sergeant Rick Grubaugh.
When the officers arrived, “the subject immediately punched one officer in the face a couple of times,” he stated. “That turned into a 700-foot chase on Delta Road, which ended at Elvis (Lane). The first officer had tazed the suspect and the second officer tazed him a second time.”
A couple other officers arrived on the scene, Sgt. Grubaugh continued.
“We believe, due to a mental health condition, the man put up a struggle before officers were able to bring him into custody,” he said. “Delta Road was closed, and it took about 30 minutes to clear the scene.”
According to a witness, who lives in Knightsen and was on his way home at the time, about 10 police cars and multiple ambulances were on the scene and Delta Road was closed between Brentwood Blvd. and Sellers Road.
“Both the suspect and the officers were treated at the scene,” Grubaugh shared. “Then both officers were transported to John Muir Walnut Creek. The suspect was seen at Contra Costa Regional Medical Center in Martinez and then booked at the county jail.”
Read MoreWALNUT CREEK – The debate between the Beatles and the Rolling Stones has been going on ever since they first crossed paths on the charts 54 years ago. The argument at the time, and one that still persists, was that the Beatles were a pop group and the Stones were a rock band: the boys next door vs. the bad boys of rock. So who’s better? These two legendary bands will engage in an on-stage, throw down – a musical ‘showdown’ if you will – on February 17 at the Lesher Center courtesy of tribute bands Abbey Road and Satisfaction – The International Rolling Stones Show. The Abbey Road band has performed to capacity audiences at the Lesher Center in the In My Life – A Musical Theatre Tribute to the Beatles production.
Taking the side of the Fab Four is Abbey Road, one of the county’s top Beatles tribute bands. With brilliant musicianship and authentic costumes and gear, Abbey Road plays beloved songs spanning the Beatles’ career. They face off against renowned Stones tribute band Satisfaction – The International Rolling Stones Show, who offer a faithful rendition of the music and style of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and the bad boys of the British Invasion.
Where did the idea for the show come from?
“Music fans never had a chance to see the Beatles and the Rolling Stones perform on the same marquee,” said Chris Legrand, who plays “Mick Jagger” in the show.
“Now, music aficionados can watch this debate play out on stage.”
The Walnut Creek show is part of a 125-stop tour of the U.S., Australia and Canada and has been touring since 2011.The show also performs long term residencies for a number of the Harrah’s Casino properties. The production includes some of the more popular songs from the two rock pioneers and covers the scope of their musical careers, although the set list for Satisfaction usually includes Rolling Stones songs up to the 1980s.
“They certainly have more pop songs but we’re a really great live show. The fans are in for an incredible night of music,” says LeGrand.
During the two-hour show, the bands perform three sets each, trading places in quick set changes and ending the night with an all-out encore involving both bands. The band members have their outfits custom-made, since avid fans know exactly what the Beatles and Stones wore onstage during different time periods in their careers. There’s a lot of good-natured jabbing between the bands as well.
“Without Beatlemania, the Stones might still be a cover band in London,” said Chris Overall, who plays “Paul”.
“There’s no question that the Beatles set the standard.”
The audience naturally enjoys top shelf tributes to two legendary bands in the same evening. Like The Idaho Statesman said: “If you see only one tribute show, see this one…smart and loads of fun.”
“It’s just a fun time and a cool back-and-forth nonstop show,” Overall said.
“We’re going to bring it all. It’s going to be an evening of high-energy music,” said LeGrand.
Calendar: Beatles vs. Stones – A Musical Showdown comes to the Lesher Center for the Arts on Monday, February 17 at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $45/$55/$65 and may be purchased at the Center Ticket Office, by phone at 925.943.7469 or online at www.lesherartscenter.org. The Center Ticket Office is located adjacent to the main entrance of the Walnut Creek Lesher Center for the Arts at 1601 Civic Drive. The show is appropriate for all ages.
Read MoreThe public is invited to an opening reception on Saturday, February 1 to kick off the new exhibit “Women Win the Vote, in California, Contra Costa and the Nation” at the Contra Costa County History Center in Martinez. “A Toast to the Indomitable Suffragists,” a program featuring feminist local historian Beverly Lane, will begin at 1 p.m.
The exhibit features the 72-year battle for American women’s right to vote, ending 100 years ago with passage of the 19th Amendment on Aug. 26, 1920. It includes a display from the National Archives “Rightfully Hers,” suffrage banners, and a history of the movement. Stories of Contra Costa County woman leaders beginning in the 1920’s are also included.
The reception is sponsored by the Contra Costa County Historical Society and the League of Women Voters of Diablo Valley. It runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the History Center, 724 Escobar in Martinez. Street parking is available.
The Contra Costa History Center is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the first and third Saturdays each month. Go to cocohistory.org for more information.
For more information on reception contact: lwvdv.org.
Read MoreBy Scott Alonso, Public Information Officer, Contra Costa District Attorney
Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton is proud to join the Richmond Police Department, the San Pablo Police Department, the 23rd Street Merchants’ Association, the Contra Costa County Family Justice Center, Community Violence Solutions, the Contra Costa Human Trafficking Task Force and the Contra Costa Human Trafficking Coalition in hosting Richmond’s Human Trafficking “Day of Action” on Thursday, January 23, 2020 at 2:00 p.m.
Inspired by California State Senate Bill 1193, the Day of Action intends to educate individuals on how to recognize signs of human trafficking and inform them on how they can help prevent it. Members of the business community are encouraged to participate by posting human trafficking awareness signs with resources for victims to reach out to. Our local businesses are the extra eyes of our community and can help significantly in combating the crime of human trafficking in Contra Costa County.
A training session will be presented from 2:00 to 2:30 p.m. at the Family Justice Center’s West County office located at 256 24th Street in Richmond. From there, attendees will form teams and talk with local businesses about putting up posters with resource information for people who may be experiencing forced or coerced labor or commercial sex. The outreach will occur from 2:30 to 4:00 p.m. The public is encouraged to attend and join with law enforcement, city leaders and community organizers to make a difference in our community.
If you or someone you know has information regarding any acts or suspicions of human trafficking, please call the Contra Costa County Human Trafficking Hotline maintained by the District Attorney’s Office: 925-957-8658.
Local resources include Community Violence Solutions 24-hour resources line (800-670-7273) and Contra Costa’s Family Justice Center (925) 521-6366).
Contra Costa County was awarded a federal grant in October 2018 to form a Human Trafficking Taskforce that enhances collaboration between state, federal and local law enforcement and service providers for victims of both labor and sex trafficking.
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On January 17, 2020, at approximately 6:21 AM, Concord PD Officers were dispatched to a report of an auto vs. bicyclist collision that occurred on Port Chicago Highway near Panoramic Drive. A vehicle traveling northbound on Port Chicago Highway collided with a 54-year-old female, who was riding a bicycle. The male driver, a 68-year-old Vallejo resident, remained on scene and cooperated with police. Drugs and/or alcohol do not appear to be a contributing factor.
Port Chicago Highway north of Panoramic Drive was closed for approximately 1.5 hours in order to conduct the collision investigation.
The name of the deceased is not being released pending notification of next of kin.
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 Officer Katan Nanthasiri at the Concord Police Department, 925-671-5096.
Read MoreBy Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff
Sheriff-Coroner David O. Livingston announces that a Coroner’s Jury has reached a finding in the April 13, 2019 death of 36-year-old Maria Barraza of El Cerrito. The finding of the jury is that the manner of death is a suicide. (See related article).
The Coroner’s Jury reached the 12-0 verdict after hearing the testimony of witnesses called by the hearing officer, Matthew Guichard.
A Coroner’s Inquest, which Sheriff-Coroner Livingston convenes in fatal incidents involving police 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.
Read MoreMondo Live Music has become a huge part of our Campos Family Vineyards Family and he definitely will be missed! Join us on January 17th as we give Mondo Mariscal a Campos Family Vineyard Farewell.
Get tickets here: Farewell to MONDO – Wine Down Friday
A portion of ticket sales proceeds will be donated to Mondo to bless his family in the move.
Campos Family Vineyards is located at 3501 Byer Road in Byron, CA. For more information visit www.camposfamilyvineyards.com or call (925) 308-7963.
Read MoreToday, Representatives Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11) and Mike Thompson (CA-05) announced that they will host a town hall meeting to discuss the impeachment inquiry into President Trump at Alhambra High School in Martinez on Thursday, January 23rd.
This will be Congressman DeSaulnier’s 102nd town hall and mobile district office hour since coming to Congress. During the town hall, Representatives DeSaulnier and Thompson will be joined by a panel of constitutional scholars to answer questions about the ongoing impeachment process.
Impeachment Town Hall with Congressman Mike Thompson
Thursday, January 23, 2019
6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Alhambra High School
Performing Arts Building
150 E Street
Martinez, CA 94553
Doors open at 6:00 p.m.
This event is open to the public, press, and photographers.
To confirm your attendance, please RSVP online at https://desaulnier.house.gov/town-hall-rsvp or call (925) 933-2660. To request ADA accommodations or for more information, contact one of Congressman DeSaulnier’s offices in either Walnut Creek or Richmond.
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Begin process of possibly changing office to appointed instead of elected post
By Daniel Borsuk
The list of candidates for the County Recorder/Clerk-Registrar of Voters’ position was whittled down from 22 to six candidates at a special meeting of the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday.
The six semi-finalists will undergo thorough interviews at the supervisors’ next meeting scheduled for February 4th when a potential finalist could be unveiled.
Still in the running is former Republican Assemblywoman Catharine Baker, who resides in Alameda County but 1.5 miles from the Contra Costa County line and attracted a major political lobbying effort with at least 10 supporters speaking on her behalf, citing her two terms of office as a State Assembly member and her service in the Dublin-San Ramon and LaMorinda communities.
According to Supervisor Candace Andersen’s Chief of Staff, Gayle Israel, Baker has already informed the supervisors that she has secured an apartment in Walnut Creek to meet the Feb. 4 deadline when the supervisors are expected to announce a finalist for the county clerk post. Baker had informed the supervisors about the Walnut Creek apartment at the supervisors’ Jan. 7 meeting.
One Baker backer, Cindy Chin, said the supervisors should appoint Baker to fill former County Clerk/Recorder Joseph Canciamilla’s term of office that expires in 2021.
“You need to take the money and politics out of this position. Catharine Baker would bring integrity to the office,” Chin said.
Supervisor Karen Mitchoff of Pleasant Hill made the semi-finalist list, even though she was not in attendance at Tuesday’s meeting.
Acting County Recorder-Clerk Kristin Connelly, who has been on the staff at the county office of clerk-recorder since 1990, got the nod to proceed in the supervisors’ deliberations on February 4.
A finalist could possibly be announced at the supervisors February 4 meeting.
Kristin Connelly, who is president and chief executive officer of the East Bay Leadership Council and executive director of the Contra Costa Economic Partnership, will interview for the top County Election Officer post that pays an annual salary of $350,000.
Current County Assistant Registrar of Voters Scott Kanopasek of Walnut Creek will move forward in the selection process on February 4.
Mark Friedman, who has served on the El Cerrito City Council for more than 11 years and works for a Fremont-based consulting firm, also made the cut to be interviewed.
Supervisors instructed deputy county counsel Mary Ann Mason to prepare a report on what options are available to transform the County Recorder-Clerk and Registrar of Voters from an elected position to an appointed position.
During the meeting, League of Women Voters of Diablo Valley President Susan Rena suggested that supervisors study the feasibility of changing the position that pays a salary of $350,000 a year from an elected position to an appointed position.
“The board of supervisors has the authority to convert the office from an elected to appointed office,” Mason said. Supervisors would have to place a proposition on the ballot to get voter approval to make the change.
Supervisors plan to fill the vacant Recorder-Clerk/Registrar of Voters’ post since former office holder Joseph Canciamilla resigned from the post on October 30. It was eventually revealed Canciamilla resigned after he was cited by California Fair Political Practices Commission auditors that he had misused $130,529 in campaign funds for personal purposes, including renovations to a Hawaiian home.
In late November, the California Fair Political Practices Commission fined the former state assembly member and former county supervisor $150,000. The Pittsburg native still faces potential criminal charges and pension forfeiture.
Other applicants for the County Clerk-Recorder post who did not make the cut were: Karen Basting of Walnut Creek, Paul Burgarino of Antioch the Community Education and Engagement Specialist for the Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder-Elections Department, Martin Dunlop of Martinez, Herman Farmer of Bay Point, Richard Hernandez of Martinez, Concord Council Member Laura Hoffmeister, Hakam Ibrahim of Walnut Creek, Debra McKillop of Martinez, Elliot Meltzer of Martinez, Tina Norton of Oakley, Courtney O’Brien of Martinez, Scott Rafferty of Walnut Creek, Martinez Vice Mayor Mark Ross, Dedra Siguenza of Martinez, Antioch City Clerk Arne Simonsen, and Walnut Creek Council Member Justin Wedel.
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