![](http://contracostaherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Kenji-Yamada-speaks-at-FPPC-hearing-1024x576.png)
Screentshot of Kenji Yamada of Concord speaking during public comments at the FPPC hearing on Thursday, on the agenda item regarding Canciamilla.
Reimburses $130,529 in misused campaign funds; some county residents who spoke wanted stiffer penalties.
By Daniel Borsuk
Potential criminal and abuse of public pension charges might be levied against former Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder and Elections Chief Joseph Canciamilla following a vote of the California Fair Political Practices Commission at its meeting on Thursday.
commissioners voted 4-0 to assess one of its largest penalties of the year of $150,000 against the Pittsburg native at its meeting in Sacramento, for misuse of campaign funds. The fine has been paid and all fines go to the state’s General Fund.
Without going into detail, commissioners also referred the case to Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton and the Contra Costa County Employees Retirement Association for further review and potential action against the former Contra Costa County Clerk-Record-Registrar of Voters, who was once considered to be a rising political star in the Democratic Party when he launched his political career at the age of 17 years old, winning a seat to the Pittsburg Unified School District’s Board of Education in 1973.
“We have an active investigation,” said Scott Alonso, spokesman for DA Becton. “So, we won’t be able to weigh in here.”
Gail Strohl, Executive Director of the Contra Costa County Employees Retirement Association, said her organization has yet to receive instructions from the FPPC, but she said the association does have power to forfeit public pensions of elected officials “for job-related convictions.”
“One of the basic trusts people place in the system is when you give money to a candidate, it’s used as intended, which is a campaign, not to line their pockets or take vacations,” FPPC Chair Richard C. Miadich said in a press release.” Not only is this egregious in and of itself, but even more troubling is the damage to the public trust. That’s why this required a strong penalty, and the public deserves strong actions to restore and maintain integrity in the system.”
The FPPC uncovered Canciamilla’ s misuse of campaign funds from an audit conducted by the Franchise Tax Board’s Political Reform Audit Program. The audit found numerous issues, including personal use and reporting errors. The FPPC Enforcement Division conducted an investigation that determined Canciamilla misled the Franchise Tax Board for the purpose of concealing other violations, including additional personal use of campaign funds, false reporting, and commingling of campaign funds with personal funds.
“I’m proud of our Enforcement unit for helping uncover this scheme,” said FPPC Chief of Enforcement Galena West. “The work of our investigative unit took the FTB’s findings and uncovered even more instances and details. I thank the Commission for approving thi substantial penalty to show how serious we are about making sure public officials serve the public, and not themselves.”
Canciamilla was found to have used campaign funds to remodel a vacation home in Hawaii and for a vacation to Asia. Canciamilla fully reimbursed the committee for the $130,529 improperly used and the approved settlement required Canciamilla to pay half the penalty with his own personal funds. The full exhibit of facts can be found here – FPPC Joseph Canciamilla – Stipulation Decision & Order
Even still, a contingent of Contra Costa County residents spoke before FPPC commissioners requesting that the proposed fine for Canciamilla did not go far enough to punish the former longtime politician. They wanted stiffer fines but, were informed the penalties the FPPC levied were legislatively the highest the commissioners could impose.
“It’s pretty outrageous our local elections official violated these rules in a very willful way. Making this case painful for Mr. Canciamilla is the point,” said Kenji Yamada, who stated he was a candidate for public office, last year. “We need a deterrent. A stronger one than we have seen in previous cases. What we, those of us from Contra Costa, would like you to do is reject staff’s stipulation agreement which charges Canciamilla with far fewer counts than possible. Instead direct staff to seek the maximum number of counts for the maximum penalty…for the purpose of deterrence and to make this case as painful as possible.”
“Your work serves as a deterrent,” said one of the speakers, Mike Pierce, who said many of the elected candidates for countywide posts run uncontested.
Claire Mitchell also of Contra Costa County reminded commissioners of the case where former county District Attorney Mark Peterson was forced to step down from his post and convicted in 2017 for misusing $66,000 of campaign funds for personal use.
“This $150,000 fine is a drop in the bucket,” protested Mitchell.
FPPC Commissioner Frank Cardenas said the Canciamilla case shook his resolve about “transparency and the disclosure process of elected officials who have had our interests and had a good heart.”
“Mr. Canciamilla has taken full responsibility for this situation, is humbled, and embarrassed and hopes the FPPC fines won’t severely overshadow his 46 years of public service to the residents of Contra Costa County for various campaign violations,” said Andy Rockas, a Sacramento attorney representing Canciamilla, who was not in attendance.
“Mr. Canciamilla has cooperated with the FPPC, paid a hefty fine and has paid back all disputed amounts. None of the violations involved the use of taxpayer funds and were limited to campaign funds contributed by private sources” the Canciamilla press statement said.
“Canciamilla resigned his clerk-recorder position on October 31 so as to not bring undue hardship to the office while this matter was being resolved,” said Rockas.
To view the hearing, click here for the YouTube video beginning at the 39:00 mark for the agenda item regarding Canciamilla.
Read MoreDefendant identified after posting racist messages, identifying himself as a neo-Nazi, and discussing mass shootings of synagogues on an online video game website
SAN FRANCISCO – Ross Anthony Farca was charged in a criminal complaint with making a false statement to a government agency, announced United States Attorney David L. Anderson and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge John F Bennett.
He had been previously charged for threats to commit mass shooting at synagogue, shoot cops and possession of an illegal assault-style rifle. (See related article).
In a complaint filed November 19, 2019, a redacted version of which was unsealed today, Farca, 23, of Concord, was charged with making a false statement on an online background check application in his bid to join the U.S. Army. According to the complaint, on June 22, 2017, Farca traveled to a U.S. Army Recruitment Center in Mountain View, Calif., where he completed and submitted the background check application, also known as an SF-86. The SF-86 contains language specifically warning that falsifying or concealing a material fact on the application is a felony which may result in fines or imprisonment. In this case, the criminal complaint alleges that Farca nevertheless knowingly made false statements about his mental health when completing the form. Specifically, he affirmatively stated that he had not received mental health treatment, which the complaint alleges was not true.
According to the complaint, Farca had been in regular contact with a psychiatrist since 2011. In addition, Farca allegedly had received prescriptions for various medications and had received treatments to manage his mental disorders. Further, according to the complaint, Farca understood that because of his diagnosis, he needed a letter of clearance from a mental health professional before he would be qualified to enlist in the army.
The complaint alleges that Farca requested a letter of clearance from both his psychiatrist and a caseworker familiar with his condition; both mental health professionals, however, denied Farca’s request for a clearance letter. The complaint further alleges that when Farca completed the SF-86, rather than admit he had been seeing a psychiatrist and that he was unable to obtain a letter clearing him for duty, Farca instead denied he had ever had counseling for his psychological or emotional health.
According to the complaint, Farca reported to basic training on August 28, 2017, and was discharged October 3, 2017. The discharge paperwork cited “failed medical, physical, procurement standards” and noted, “erroneous enlistment; medical condition disqualifying for military service, with no medical waiver approved.”
The complaint suggests that evidence of Farca’s false statements on the SF-86 was obtained during the June 10, 2019, search of his home. Officers from the Concord Police Department executed warrants to arrest Farca and to search his home while investigating messages Farca posted on an online video game website. The complaint describes several messages Farca allegedly posted using his online name “Adolf Hitler (((6 MILLION)))” about carrying out a mass shooting of synagogues and praising terrorists who have perpetrated recent mass shootings at houses of worship. During the search of Farca’s home, paperwork relating to his psychiatric condition and his military service discharge were found.
The complaint charges Farca with knowingly making false statements to a government agency, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1001(a)(2). The charges contained in the criminal complaint are mere allegations. As in any criminal case, the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Farca currently is in federal custody pending a continued detention hearing currently scheduled before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sallie Kim on Tuesday, November 26, 2019 at 10:30. If convicted, Farca faces a maximum statutory penalty maximum sentence of five years imprisonment and a fine of $250,000, plus restitution, for each violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1001(a)(2). However, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
The case is being prosecuted by the Special Prosecutions and National Security Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in San Francisco and investigated by the FBI and the Concord Police Department.
Read More![](http://contracostaherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Domenico-Dones-Frederick-Johnson.jpg)
Domenico Dones and Frederick Johnson are suspects in the Halloween Orinda party shooting deaths. Photos by CCCSheriff
By Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff and
On Thursday, November 21, 2019, at 7 AM, the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff served Ramey arrest warrants and search warrants in multiple locations, including Martinez and Vallejo, in connection with the Orinda shooting on October 31, 2019.
The Office of the Sheriff was assisted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
The two suspects are identified as:
-29-year-old Domico Michael Dones of Martinez. Dones was booked on charges related to the Orinda shooting. On Friday, the Contra Costa County DA’s Office has filed two formal charges against Dones – felon in possession of a firearm and felon in possession of ammunition.
According to Scott Alonso, the CCDA’s Public Information Officer, Dones has a prior felony conviction for second degree robbery in Santa Clara County. He was in possession of a Glock 22. 40 Caliber handgun with a laser scope and ammunition. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) San Francisco Field Division also assisted in the arrest of Dones.
Dones will be arraigned on Monday, November 25, in Martinez. Dones was not one of the five suspects arrested in connection with the Orinda Halloween shooting last week by the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office. Due to the sensitive nature of the Orinda investigation, no further details will be released regarding Dones in connection with the incident.
-29-year-old Frederick Johnson of Vallejo. Johnson was also booked on charges related to the Orinda shooting. The Solano County DA’s Office has filed charges against Johnson – felon in possession of a firearm, felon in possession of ammunition, and child endangerment.
Both of them are being held at the Martinez Detention Facility. Dones is being held in lieu of $300,000 bail; Johnson is being held in lieu of $75,000 bail.
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing. Sheriff’s Office Detectives along with multiple law enforcement agencies have worked continuously on the investigation into the shooting that killed five people at a Halloween party.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600. For any tips, please email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call 866-846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.
Read More![](http://contracostaherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/BOS-CCTV-11-19-19-1024x499.jpg)
The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors recognized CCTV on its 25th anniversary at the supervisors’ meeting on Tuesday. Accepting the resolution on behalf of CCTV was Susan Shiu, Contra Costa County director of communications and media. CCTV currently broadcasts six channels – CCTV, City Channel, Ed TV, Community Access, Hercules Community TV, and Delta TV. The Contra Costa Television network provides public, education and government access services for users in Contra Costa County, in the cities of Antioch, Clayton, Danville, Hercules, Martinez, Moraga, Pleasant Hill, and San Ramon. CCTV has adopted the slogan “Making Television Part of the Solution.” Photo by Daniel Borsuk.
Recognize 25th anniversary of CCTV
By Daniel Borsuk
A few hours after supervisors had unanimously passed an ordinance banning the sale of vaping products and prohibiting the delivery of cannabis vaping products in unincorporated Contra Costa County, the elected officials instructed Planning Department officials on Tuesday to prepare for supervisors’ potential approval of land use permits for commercial cannabis storefront retailers and cultivators at the supervisors’ upcoming December 10th meeting.
Supervisors adopted the county’s anti-vaping ordinance, after supervisors listening to 10 speakers advocate for the prohibition of the sale or delivery of tobacco vaping products, cannabis vaping products, and flavored tobacco products in 54 retail stores in unincorporated areas of the county. A week ago, more than 50 speakers called on supervisors to pass the proposed anti-vaping ordinance.
Prior to adoption of the new law banning the countywide sale of vaping products, the county prohibited the retail sale of vaping products to persons under 21 years old within 1,000 feet of a public or private school, playground, park or library. That law had affected about 45 retailers in unincorporated parts of the county.
More than 2,000 Americans, many of them teenagers and young adults, have become sick from using vaping products since March, according to the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Some persons have died from using vaping products.
Supervisors set the stage to select candidates who will be invited to apply for either cannabis storefront retail and commercial cannabis cultivator land use permits from the Conservation & Development Department.
Supervisors learned a 10-member Cannabis Review Panel consisting of representatives from the county Administrator’s Office, Department of Agriculture, Contra Costa Fire Protection District, Health Services Department and Conservation & Development Department(CDD), had met 15 times to score and rank candidates seeking land use permits to start the regulatory process of legally operating in accordance with the County’s Cannabis Business Tax Ordinance that was approved by county voters on Nov. 6, 2018.
The county cannabis ordinance permits for the creation of four storefront cannabis retailers, 10 commercial cannabis cultivators and two commercial cannabis manufactures in agricultural zones.
CDD official Ruben Hernandez, said proposals for storefront retailers were received from Bay Point, 2; from Clyde, 1; Pacheco Boulevard, 10; El Sobrante, 7, and North Richmond, 1.
Eleven of the 19 commercial cannabis cultivator proposals were found to be ineligible because the subject properties are not within service area of a retail water supplier, a requirement set in the Cannabis Business Tax Ordinance.
A majority of the commercial cannabis cultivation proposals were located in the Eastern Contra Costa areas of Bethel Island, Kingston and Brentwood area. Three proposals were located in North Richmond.
“Since fewer proposals were received than the maximum number of commercial cultivation businesses to be permitted, the panel is recommending that all seven eligible proposals be invited to apply for land use permits,” a document from CDD Director John Kopchik stated.
During the public speaking portion, several persons protested that the cultivation operations nearby housing subdivisions will stimulate crime and/or health problems.
Knightsen resident Ann Richie said permitting cannabis cultivation operations nearby her residence will only increase crime. “We’ve had two incidents recently,” she said. “They were violent crimes. Please don’t let this happen.”
Patrice Kintral of Knightsen told supervisors that allowing a cannabis cultivation operation nearby her home will mean more health problems for her nine-year-old special needs daughter. “This proposal could mean she may expect to have more migraines,” Kintral said.
In the meantime, some Supervisors plan to study the proposed sites before the December 10, meeting.
Board Chair John Gioia plans to look at each site before the Board’s next meeting. “Some of these locations are better than others,” he said.
“We want to start slow on this,” said Vice Chair Candace Andersen. “We want to dot the i’s and cross the t’s because we have seen how other counties have made mistakes when they enacted cannabis laws.”
District 5 Supervisor Federal Glover, who has five cannabis proposals in his district, and District 4 Supervisor Karen Mitchoff, who has 10 cannabis proposals in her district (Pacheco Boulevard), both liked the community benefit proposals that bidders submitted. “You did a fabulous job,” Mitchoff said.
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The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors recognized Donald L. Bouchet for 55 years of public service including 23 years serving on Treasury Oversight Committee since April of 1995 at their meeting on Tuesday. Bouchet, 89, was honored for serving on the oversight committee since its creation and performing the committee’s responsibilities of annually reviewing the county’s investment policy and cause an annual audit to be conducted to determine the county treasurer’s compliance with the policy. Bouchet recently retired from the committee. Board Chair John Gioia is shown holding the resolution with Bouchet and family members, board of supervisors, and county Treasurer-Tax Collector Russell Watts. Photo by Daniel Borsuk.
In other action, supervisors approved on consent the following:
- Renewed a $322,927 a year contract with Baker & Taylor for book rental services for the Contra Costa County Library from Jan. 1, through Dec. 31, 2020. Baker & Taylor builds and maintains an economical method for maintaining an inventory of the most current, high demand hardcover titles.
- Approved the $13 million Marsh Drive Bridge Replacement Project over the Walnut Creek Channel. Constructed in 1938, the existing bridge is structurally, seismically and hydraulically deficient and will be replaced with a new five-span bridge, pre-stressed concrete slab structure on concrete piles that is longer and wider than the existing bridge, at about 340 feet long and 55 feet wide. The bridge is currently 325 feet long and 34 feet wide.
- Increased solid waste collection rates in the unincorporated West County areas covered by the Richmond Sanitary Service. The residential rate increase of 4.63 percent effective Jan. 1, 2020
- The rate increase corresponds with a monthly raise of $1.17 in the most common (35-gallon cart) collection rate.
By Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff
Sheriff-Coroner David O. Livingston announced that a Coroner’s Jury reached a finding in the February 8, 2019 death of 50-year-old Steven Kenneth Hankins, who was homeless and in the custody of the Concord Police at the time. The finding of the jury is that the death is an accident.
The Coroner’s Jury yesterday reached the 12-0 verdict after hearing the testimony of witnesses called by the hearing officer, Matthew Guichard.
According to authorities, police were called to the Concord Homeless Shelter at 2047 Arnold Industrial Way where Hankins was yelling and being violent. He was still “acting erratically and being violent” after police arrived, they said. After struggling with police, Hankins showed signs of medical distress. He became unresponsive and police attempted to revive him. Paramedics were called and after they arrived Hankins was declared dead at the scene.
A preliminary coroner’s report found Hankins had a “high concentration of methamphetamine” in his system, according to Concord Police spokesperson Lt. Mike Kindorf.
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 or at the hands of another person, other than by accident.
Allen Payton contributed to this report.
Read MoreA celebration to introduce the new El Sobrante Library and the adjoining Nancy Fahden House to the community is set for Saturday, November 23 from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Supervisor John Gioia and the Contra Costa County Library will mark the occasion with a community ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10:30 a.m. The all-day event is free and will include library tours, performers, a scavenger hunt, storytimes and special guests.
The Library, located at 4191 Appian Way has been closed since it sustained major damage in a February 2018 fire. The severe smoke, fire and water damage required that the building be stripped down to the studs for appropriate renovation. The Library, constructed in 1961, also underwent asbestos abatement, accessibility improvements and plumbing and electric systems code upgrades.
The completely remodeled Library has new windows on all sides including two walls of windows and six skylights that allow natural light into the building. The roof, paint, carpet, furniture, shelving and books are all brand new. The remodel also includes new bathrooms, a new meeting room and all new computers.
The newly renovated adjoining building – the Nancy Fahden House (formerly the Friends of the Library building) – will also be introduced to the community. It will be home to both the Friends of the El Sobrante Library and the El Sobrante Historical Society. This building is named after former Supervisor Nancy Fahden, who was the first female elected to the Board of Supervisors in 1978 and once housed her District Office.
“The County is proud to re-open our completely remodeled library that better meets the needs of the El Sobrante community with state of the art technology and improved meeting space. In addition, the adjacent Nancy Fahden House will provide greater community space for local non-profits,” said John Gioia, Chair of the Board of Supervisors, who represents El Sobrante.
The project led by Contra Costa County Public Works and the Library, included Mark Scott Construction, BRW Architects and Humphries Poli/RATIO Architects.
“We are so thankful for the hard work and dedication of the many county departments, library staff and contractors who brought this library back to life,” said County Librarian Melinda Cervantes. “The new building is stunning, and we are thrilled to be serving the El Sobrante community once again.”
Entertainment for the celebration will include performances by Coventry and Kaluza, an award-winning physical comedy duo, guitarist Daniel Fries, musical storytimes, face painting, balloon-making, and a visit from Oakland Athletics mascot, Stomper. Guests can also participate in a scavenger hunt that will take them on a tour of the new library and grounds.
For more information about the grand opening, please call (800) 984-4636 or email ask@ccclib.org.
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The five suspects arrested, not charged and to be released are (l-r) Jason Iles, Shamron Mitchell, Devin Williamson, Lebraun Wallace and Jaquez Deshawn Sweeney. Photos by CoCoSheriff.
Suspects are or will be released; Sheriff stands by his department’s investigation
By Allen Payton
In a news release, this evening, Scott Alonso, the Public Information Officer for Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton, wrote, “Today the District Attorney’s Office met with members of the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff to review the Orinda Halloween shooting incident. No criminal charges are being filed at this time against any individual. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about the case should call the Sheriff’s Homicide Unit at 925-313-2600.” (See related article)
When reached for comment, Alonso said, “We made the decision about 5:00 p.m. tonight.”
Asked if all five suspects who were arrested would be released, he responded, “That’s my understanding, yes. If they have no holds are on their records, then they will be released, tonight. If there are no charges filed against them. Four are in custody of the Contra Costa Sheriff. One is in custody of the Marin County Sheriff.”
Asked why D.A. Becton chose not to charge any of the suspects, Alonso said, “We have a really high filing standard and we need more information. We are collaboratively working with the Sheriff’s Office to see what else is out there.”
“It’s very complex. We want more witnesses to come forward. There were a lot of people at that party,” he added.
When reached for comment and asked about the suspects, Jimmy Lee, the Director of Public Affairs for the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff responded, “They have either been released or are in the process.”
“We stand by our investigation and the arrests were made pursuant to a judge’s order,” he continued. “Although the district attorney may want more investigation done, the persons arrested and responsible for these crimes will ultimately be held to account. The entire investigation is ongoing, as is common in these types of complex cases.”
Read More![](http://contracostaherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Five-suspects-arrested-in-Orinda-shooting-1024x264.jpg)
The five suspects arrested are (l-r) Jason Iles, Shamron Mitchell, Devin Williamson, Lebraun Wallace and Jaquez Deshawn Sweeney. Photos by CoCoSheriff.
Shootings were result of rival gangs
By Daniel Borsuk
More arrests are expected to be made in connection with the Orinda Airbnb case where five people were shot and killed on Halloween night, Contra Costa County Sheriff David O. Livingston said at a press conference Friday afternoon.
Unable to provide further details, the sheriff said that five suspects had been arrested on Friday in connection with the Orinda shootings on Friday that had ties with two Bay Area gangs – the Page Street Gang of San Francisco and the Marin City Jungle Gang of Marin City.
Sheriff Livingston said he expects any additional persons arrested in the Orinda Airbnb case will likely have gang affiliations. He would not elaborate.
The five suspects under arrest are identified as:
- Shamron Mitchell, 30, of Antioch. Mitchell was arrested on the charges of murder and conspiracy. He is being held without bail.
- Lebraun Wallace, 28, of San Mateo. Wallace was arrested on the charges of murder and conspiracy. He is being held without bail.
- Jaquez Deshawn Sweeney, 20, of Marin City. Sweeney was arrested on the charges of murder and conspiracy. He is being held without bail.
- Jason Iles, 20, of Marin City. Iles was arrested on the charges of murder and conspiracy. He is being held without bail.
- Devin Williamson, 21, of Vallejo. Williamson was arrested on the the charges of being an accessory. He is being held in lieu of $500,000 bail.
“Extraordinary cooperation among multiple law enforcement agencies led to these arrests and a small measure of justice for the true victims,” said Sheriff Livingston.
“We have video showing a number of people at the party had carried firearms and secreted their firearms in their pants once the shooting spree in the house had subsided,” the sheriff said.
Four firearms were recovered by law enforcement authorities at the crime scene, Sheriff Livingston said.
“We believe people at the party had intent to do harm at this party,” the sheriff said in reference to potential connections with other gangs in the Bay Area. “Additionally, evidence shows two of the deceased persons inside the house were themselves armed, which may have played a role in this tragedy,”
Those victims, who had possessed weapons, were Ramon Hill Jr., 24, of San Francisco/Oakland and Javin County, 29, of Sausalito/Richmond.
Other murder victims were Tiyon Farley, 22, of Antioch; Omar Taylor, 24, of Pittsburg; and Oshiana Tompkins, 19, of Vallejo/Hercules, according to the sheriff’s office. Five additional victims suffered gunshot wounds. One person jumped 30 feet over a balcony to escape the gunfire, said deputies.
“The blame rests specifically on the people who brought guns into the party, pulled the trigger and murdered someone. That’s who should have the blame in this case,” said the sheriff.
The sheriff said neither the Orinda police, the homeowner, nor Airbnb deserve blame in this case.
In the aftermath of the crime, Orinda Mayor Inga Miller said the city council is expected to consider tougher home rental ordinance proposals that would apply to Airb&b at Tuesday’s council meeting. “I want to thank the Contra Costa County Sheriffs Office and other local law enforcement agencies for the resources they have deployed into resolving this heinous crime,” said Miller
The Antioch Police Department, San Mateo Police Department, Vallejo Police Department, Marin County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Marshalls Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Federal Bureau of Investigation assisted in the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff in this case.
Persons with any information is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600. For any tips, please email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call (866) 846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.
Read More![](http://contracostaherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/BOS-Vets-Day-300x178.jpg)
Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors recognized the men and women who served in the armed forces on Tuesday by passing a resolution recognizing Veterans Day, November 11. Supervisors presented an enlarged version of the proclamation during a ceremony in which United States Air Force Veteran Jeffrey (Jeff) Jewell, who has retired as the Concord Vet Center Director, spoke to veterans who have served various military operations such as World war II, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq and other confrontations. Jewell, far right, served in the United States Air Force from 1973 to 1981 with two tours at Travis Air Force Base and on tour at Yokota Air Force Base in Japan as a crew chief on C5-A’s. Jewell has been the Concord Vet Center director since 2014, He joined the Department of Veteran Affairs in 2001. He is a 5th District Commander for the American Legion. He holds the following degrees with honors: Associate of Arts in Business, Solano Community College: Bachelor of Arts in Human Relations, Golden Gate University; Master’s in Public Administration, Human Resource Management, Golden Gate University, Master of Arts, Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy, Chapman University. At the ceremony were from left, Supervisor Diane Burgis of Brentwood, Chair John Gioia of Richmond, Vice Chair Candace Andersen of Danville, Supervisor Karen Mitchoff of Pleasant Hill, Supervisor Federal Glover of Pittsburg, and Jeffrey (Jeff) Jewell. Photo by Daniel Borsuk.
Place half-cent transportation sales tax measure on March 2020 ballot
By Daniel Borsuk
County supervisors are hopping aboard the bandwagon in banning the sale of any e-liquid or electronic smoking device in unincorporated Contra Costa County.
Supervisors voted 5-0 voted on Tuesday to set the stage to formally adopt an ordinance next week that will outlaw the retail sale of e-liquid flavored smoking devices within 1,000 feet from a school, park or library at the supervisors’ upcoming November 19 meeting.
The ordinance also inserts limitations on the delivery of cannabis-related e-devices in unincorporated Contra Costa County.
The supervisors’ action means Contra Costa County will join an expanding number of California counties including Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Mateo that have already adopted laws banning the sale of e-cigarettes that have killed three Californians while some 151 related medical cases have been reported around the Golden State, Dr. Chris Fonataano of the Contra Costa Health Services reported. More than 800 cases and 12 deaths across 46 states have been reported by the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control.
Since 2019, the City Councils of San Pablo, Lafayette, Richmond and Oakley have passed laws banning the sales of e-cigarettes within city limits.
The rising health concerns about e-cigarettes at the national level has financially hit the e-cigarette industry. Major e-cigarette maker Juul Labs on Monday announced it is cutting about 650 jobs, or about 16 percent of its total workforce because of the national pullback on its products, especially its most popular flavors mint and mango flavored pods, in the U.S.
During the public hearing, where Board Chair John Gioia discretionarily decided to cut speaker time fifty percent to one minute per speaker in order to accommodate the supervisors’ annual Veterans Day ceremony scheduled at 11 a.m., 45 speakers, many from middle and high schools, shared stories about how fellow students have become hooked to e-devices in restrooms or anywhere they can sneak in a smoke.
Mt. Diablo High School student Dominique Vine complained that vaping is a serious problem at his school. “The air is contaminated,” he complained.
“It is my understanding that this proposed ordinance would help improve public health and continue the positive work the county has historically done to combat youth tobacco usage,” said Congressman Mark DeSaulnier in a written statement read by District Director Shanelle Scales-Preston.
Lafayette City Councilwoman Susan Kendall encouraged supervisors to pass the ordinance. Adopt this ordinance. You are the right body to do this. Lafayette is an island that none of its neighboring cities have addressed.”
The new ordinance will also impose new retail delivery standards on cannabis products from about 84 retail locations in unincorporated Contra Costa County, which is a priority issue of Vice Chair Candace Andersen of Danville, who has previously overseen tough protections on cannabis deliveries in the county.
“We are providing an additional layer of protection to residents wanting this kind of service,” Supervisor Andersen told the Contra Costa Herald.
The new ordinance states:
A – The delivery of more than eight hundred milligrams of tetrahydrocannabinol in the form of edible cannabis products to a single cannabis customer in a single day is prohibited.
B – The delivery of any cannabis product listed in Title 17, California Code of Regulations, section
40300, is prohibited.
C – The delivery of any flavored cannabis product for which the primary use is human inhalation of the gases, particles, vapors, or byproducts released as a result of combustion, electrical ignition, or vaporization of the flavored cannabis product, is prohibited.”
Support Half-Cent Sales Tax for Transportation Ballot Measure
Supervisors voted to place a half-cent sales tax measure on the March 2020 ballot for transportation. Contra Costa County voters will get a chance to vote up or down on a half-cent sales tax measure to raise $103 million a year for local transportation annually for 35 years. The tax measure will be placed on the March 3, 2020 ballot and will be spent for only county road or transit projects. The state cannot take the funds. See how the funds will be spent, here – Draft 2020 Transportation Expenditure Plan
The purpose of the half cent sales tax is to reduce congestion and fix bottlenecks on highways and major roads, make commutes faster and more predictable, improve the frequency, reliability, accessibility, cleanliness and safety of buses, ferries, and BART; improve air quality and repave roads.
Animal Service Fees Hiked
Starting in 2020, Contra Costa residents wanting to adopt cats or dogs or other veterinary services from the county’s Animal Services Department will have to dig deeper into their wallets.
Supervisors unanimously approved new Animal Services Department fees that have not been increased since 2008.
No one spoke either against or in favor of the fee increases that vary all over the map from a 2% rise to spaying a dog over 100 pounds from $195 to $199 to spaying a dog less than 20 pounds to $121, a 29% increase of $27.
“The average cost to care for an animal made available for adoption for the Animal Services Department is $908.21,” stated the report prepared by Animal Services Director Beth Ward. “These costs are based on an average length of stay of 30 days and includes the cost of daily care, basic medical care and spay/neuter to prepare an animal for adoption.
New adoption fees for a dog are $155 (age of dog), $135 (puppies under six months), $85 dogs over six years), $5 (senior citizens over 65 years of age or dogs over six years old). New adoption fees for cats are $120 (age of cat), $100 (kittens under four months), $55, (cats over six years), senior citizens (over 65 years of age) adopting cats over 6 years old $5.
2018 Agriculture Production Down 10 Percent
Agricultural crop production in the county declined 10% last year, according to a report submitted by Agricultural Commissioner Director of Weights and Measures Matt Slattengren. Supervisors approved the report as a consent item.
“The total gross value of agricultural crops in 2018 was $208,556,338, a decline of $11,884,662 or 10% from 2017. In general, demand and prices have remained strong from agricultural crops in Contra Costa County,” wrote Slattengren in his report submitted to California Department of Food and Agriculture and the Contra Costa Count Board of Supervisors.
Slattengren cited a decrease of 27 percent of vegetable and seed crop values because of rainy weather and market conditions for the decline.
Rodeo’s Lefty Gomez Community Center Fee Increase
Supervisors will consider an increase in rental rates for the use of the Lefty Gomez Community Center facilities in Rodeo at their meeting on Dec. 19. Fees have not been increased in 16 years. The fees for rental use of the center, restrooms, and security guard have not kept up with current maintenance and energy costs.
The Public Works Department requested that renters of the facility obtain insurance with coverage of $1 million of liability coverage. The department also has imposed a specific prohibition against the use of inflatable jumpers.
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The five suspects arrested are (l-r) Jason Iles, Shamron Mitchell, Devin Williamson, Lebraun Wallace and Jaquez Deshawn Sweeney. Photos by CoCoSheriff.
By Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff
Law enforcement agencies served Ramey arrest warrants and search warrants in several Bay Area counties this morning and arrested five suspects in connection with the Orinda shooting on October 31, 2019. (See related article)
The arrest warrants were served in the cities of San Mateo, Marin City, Vallejo and Antioch.
The Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff was assisted by the San Mateo Police Department, Antioch Police Department, Vallejo Police Department, Marin County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Marshals Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Sheriff’s Office Detectives, assisted by multiple law enforcement agencies, have worked continuously on the investigation into the shooting that claimed five lives at a Halloween party.
The five suspects are identified as:
-30-year-old Shamron Joshua Mitchell of Antioch. Mitchell was arrested on the following charges: murder and conspiracy. He is being held without bail.
-28-year-old Lebraun Tyree Wallace of the city of San Mateo. Wallace was arrested on the following charges: murder and conspiracy. He is being held without bail.
-20-year-old Jaquez Deshawn Sweeney of Marin City. Sweeney was arrested on the following charges: murder and conspiracy. He is being held without bail.
-20-year-old Jason D. Iles of Marin City. Iles was arrested on the following charges: murder and conspiracy. He is being held without bail.
-21-year-old Devin Isiah Williamson of Vallejo. He was arrested on the following charge: being an accessory. He is being held in lieu of $500,000 bail.
“Extraordinary cooperation among multiple law enforcement agencies led to these arrests and a small measure of justice for the true victims,” said Contra Costa Sheriff David Livingston. “Additionally, evidence shows two of the deceased persons inside the house were themselves armed, which may have played a role in this tragedy. We look forward to providing more information in the coming days.”
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing. Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600. For any tips, please email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call 866-846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.
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