By Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff
At approximately 2:48 Monday morning, a Deputy Sheriff conducting a routine room check at the West County Detention Facility noticed an inmate hanging from the top bunk with a bed sheet around her neck.
The Deputy immediately called for medical assistance and with help from another Deputy moved the inmate to the ground. Both Deputies performed CPR until medical personnel arrived. An ambulance and the fire department responded. The inmate was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The inmate is identified as 74-year-old Linda Thomas of Washington. She was recently convicted of first degree murder.
The officer-involved protocol was initiated. Investigators from the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff and the District Attorney’s Office are conducting an investigation into the death.
Read MoreAn argument in favor of Travis Allen for Governor
By Brenda Higgins
This commentary originally appeared on OCPolitical.com on June 2, 2018. Republished at the author’s request.
Polls are not hard to understand. The science of polling, even with the basic college level understanding of how the math behind it works, is also easily understood to be not just subjective, but fully within the manipulation of the pollster.
It doesn’t take a scientific poll to see and comprehend what has happened in elections in the U.S. and around the world in the past three U.S. election cycles. People with a real power to vote, have done so. And, they have done so in outright rebellion to those in power who have told them what to do and how to vote. In spite of the effort of this ruling class of politicians and pollsters and pundits, people have rejected their group-think advisements to vote as they are being told to vote, and they are voting, with a level of enthusiasm and fervor, that we have not seen in our lifetime.
People have, in massive numbers, rejected what they have been told, and voted for candidates that experts said could not win. My opinion is based upon my own very unscientific polling. I knocked on people’s doors and talked to them about things like health insurance and abortion. I called them on the phone and talked to them about unions and school bonds. I knocked on their doors to remind them to vote or show up to their caucus. I have done this many thousands of times in the past few election cycles.
They want to talk about things that aren’t in the polls. In 2014 in Arkansas, people expressed angry reflexive passion to vote for any candidate with an “R” by their name. In 2015 there was fury over more special elections and efforts to create more special taxes to fix things they thought were already paying taxes for. In Nevada in 2016 they only wanted to talk about Donald Trump or Bernie Sanders and had no interest in hearing anything else. In 2018, as I talk to people on phones and at their front door, about the down-ticket, they want to talk about Travis Allen.
The politicians and pollsters and pundits, have told people in the past three election cycles that whatever they are feeling or thinking as an individual, sitting in their living room in front of their TV or behind their computer screen, the way that they should think because a lot of people think that way, and this is who you should vote for because all the other people are going to vote that way. The American public has rejected that instruction out of hand and have become inherently distrustful of the media and of ‘establishment’ politicians. Funny thing it, the media is now telling them that this has happened because of Donald Trump. The media misses it again. The rebellion is not ‘because’ of Donald Trump. Donald Trump is because of the rebellion.
So, it is in 2018, California.
Here’s a poll. How many Democrat governors have we had in California since 1959? That is more than a half century. Think about that, because in the past three election cycles, Democrats, Republicans, pollsters and media pundits, continue to tell Californians that they can only have a Democrat governor.
In the past 59 years, we have had three Democrat Governors. Brown, Brown, Davis, and Brown again. Three. And one, Grey Davis, was kicked out of office by the rulers of California, the California people. In the same time period, we have had four Republicans, Schwarzenegger, Wilson, Deukmejian, and Reagan.
Reagan’s two terms were after the two terms of Edmund G. Brown. and before two terms of his son, Jerry Brown. Jerry Brown had ANOTHER two terms, after Schwartzenegger ousted Grey Davis. The last time we had a one term Governor was Culbert Olson in 1938. He was a Democrat. Before Culbert Olson, sequential Republicans held the office for nearly 50 years. You have to look back to 1894 to find another Democrat Governor. My point is, there is not a long or strong history of support for Democrat Governors in this state, and in the last three election cycles, voters in every other state have rejected Democrat governors by wide margins. Republicans are Governors in 33 states. In 32 states, Republicans control BOTH houses of the legislature. In 2010, Republicans controlled ONLY FOURTEEN STATES. 14, in 2010.
The tide has changed, and California citizens are missing the benefit of conservative ideals.
In the past three election cycles, the pollsters and pundits and party leaders (in both parties actually) are telling the voting public to sit down and be quiet, that there may never be a republican Governor in California again. In keeping with their pearl clutching and hand wringing, over their polls, and research and infinite wisdom, they have given us, Meg Whitman and Neel Kashkari in the past two races for Governor. There was a bizarre victory lap when Neal Kashkari lost by less than expected in 2014. These two were barely Republicans, they were wealthy people who spent their own money and the party rejoiced in that. Kashkari, who had never held public office and supported Obama in 2008, was outspent by something like 10 to 1, so he got more votes per dollar than Meg Whitman. The party leaders bizarrely counted in a victory and called on Tim Donnelly to step down because (by default) Kashkari was the party ‘standard bearer’.
Now we have another non-Californian, rich guy, and they are asking the voters to do the same. Take one for the team, vote this way because we are telling you that everyone else is going to vote this way, and we need to have a candidate at the “top of the ticket”.
Gone is any language about reclaiming the governor’s mansion at any time in the future, the strategy is simply to get someone bland enough, lack luster enough in policies, and rich enough to pay for some TV commercials, but not to win.
There is no strategy to re-take the governor’s mansion or find and promote a conservative candidate for governor in California.
Donald Trump did not have a path to 270. There is a scientific poll. The historic fact however, is that he far exceeded that necessary 270.
In 59 years, a member of the Brown family has held the governor’s office for 24 years, six terms. There are no more members of the Brown dynasty, but the professionals are telling us that it is time for the Newsom/Pelosi dynasty to be coronated. There is nothing you can do about it, we have given you this proper second place finisher, please just sit down and let us tell you how to vote. Ruling, establishment, elitism, but in their tone deafness, they miss, that THIS is precisely what the rebellion has been aimed at.
Remember, this is what they told us about Hillary. It was her turn. She had the money, the experience, she was the most “qualified” and that Donald Trump was a joke. The coronation of the next ruling member of the Clinton dynasty had arrived. Sit down Peasants. The pollsters always leave out one thing.
The ruling class are not rulers, and the people are still in charge, and their not buying this.
Cox is a big government advocate still. No matter what he tries to do to distance himself from his own ideas. His only voting record, is his vote for Pro-Choice, Open Borders, Libertarian, Gary Johnson. Cox has never won a race. That makes him a perfect choice for the second place strategy.
Travis Allen has never lost a race, and was never expected to be in office. The pollsters, pundits and ruling class have counted him out, and told him to sit down and wait his turn for the entirety of his political career.
Historically, it is time for the Governor’s Mansion to be turned back to the Republicans. Someone needs to tell the leadership of the Republican party, they dont know it yet. There is no justification for rolling over and paying dead with a second-place candidate. Californians, just like Americans across the country in the past three elections, have risen up to remind you, who is in charge, and they seem to be pretty tired of Second Place.
Higgins practiced family law for 17 years prior to becoming a pro-life activist. She is currently the Executive Director of Stanton Healthcare SoCal, a non-profit medical center for women who’s mission is to replace Planned Parenthood with life affirming medical care. She writes for both OCPolitical and The127Activist.
Editor’s Note: Opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Herald, or it’s publisher and editor.
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Editor:
I find it interesting that simply pointing out the fact that Jews played a predominant role in the African Slave Trade https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7VkQSb7JlI&feature=youtu.be along with questioning Israel and challenging their control over U.S. foreign-policy, consequently gets me labeled an anti-Semite and NAZI by Former Republican Chairman, Ron Nehring. I will bet that he has NEVER taken the time to read the numerous and informative links I have provided on my website that substantiate my claims. Does Mr. Nehring find it interesting that the ONLY historical issue that lands people in prison– in eighteen countries and counting– is the holocaust? This is a fact! Why is this and why do so many people get imprisoned under Orwellian Hate-Speech laws, simply for challenging any aspect of it outside the “official narrative?” Please read:
Also, watch this video of Monika Schaefer, who is also serving time in prison for apologizing to her mom’s spirit in a video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0_BZphQ7Qo. Isn’t debate good to rule out falsehoods, etc. and to glean fact? So why is the holocaust off-limits but no other issue? Also, why did South Carolina recently pass a similar Hate-Speech law strictly focusing on Israel and anti-Semitism in public schools and college campuses. Please read: https://www.reuters.com/…/south-carolina-passes-bill-to-fig….
Now Tennessee is soon doing the same and a federal law was just introduced last week in Congess to cover all 50 states for a similar anti-Semitism bill: https://www.thefire.org/new-federal-anti-semitism-act-same…/. I find this remarkable and, even moreso, troubling! No matter the issue, taboo or not, why is our 1st amendment (free-speech) being eroded and only for questioning Israel and/or Jewish interests and no other country or people? We supposedly live in a free and civilized society, yet how free are we if we cannot express contrary opinions without fear of being deemed afoul of the law? Also, isn’t this a slippery slope that may lead to more draconian laws and/or measures in the future? After all, shouldn’t one’s opinion– no matter how offensive it may be to some– along with what’s deemed “truth” stand on its own merit when scrutinized? I think so.
I challenge people to go to my website and find any information that I post that is incorrect or anti-Semitic. I research every issue extensively and take what I claim very seriously and I hope you will do the same. I am not an anti-Semite by any means, but only a person of strong values, morals and character who has the courage to challenge controversial and, what many people perceive to be “taboo” subjects that a certain sect of society try to suppress and/or, subsequently, deem off-limits. Thank you and please remember to vote June 5th. Here is my website: http://johnfitzgeraldforcongress.com/
John Fitzgerald
Candidate for Congress, CA District 11
Read MoreIssues statements with Republican Jewish Coalition on CA-11 condemning John Fitzgerald for anti-Semitism
The California Republican Party and the Republican Jewish Coalition issued the following statements regarding the congressional race in CA-11 on Tuesday, May 29, 2018:
California Republican Party Chairman Jim Brulte said:
“Tonight, the California Republican Party’s Board of Directors took swift and decisive action to eliminate any support for John Fitzgerald due to anti-Semitic comments he made recently — those views have no home in the Republican Party. As always, California Republicans reject anti-Semitism, and all forms of religious bigotry, in the harshest terms possible. We reject John Fitzgerald’s campaign and encourage all voters to do the same.”
Matt Brooks, Executive Director of the Republican Jewish Coalition said:
“We absolutely and unequivocally condemn John Fitzgerald and his campaign for Congress. His anti-Semitic views have no place in our political system, and especially not in our Republican party. Fitzgerald is clearly has no grasp of the facts when it comes to the Jewish people, Israel and our nation’s relationship with the only democracy in the Middle East, and history in general.
The California Republican Party has been a good ally in our fight against anti-Semitism in the past, and we proudly stand shoulder-to-shoulder with them on their decision to reject support for Fitzgerald.”
CAGOP http://www.cagop.org/
Read MoreContra Costa voters will have one more quick and easy way to return their vote-by-mail ballots on Election Day.
The Contra Costa Elections Division is hosting a drive-thru ballot drop off site outside of its office, located at 555 Escobar Street in Martinez. The drive-thru will be located along northbound Alhambra Avenue, just north of Escobar.
The drive-thru will be open 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on Monday, and 7:00 am to 8:00 pm on Tuesday.
The goal of the drive-thru is that drivers won’t have to get out of their car or find a parking spot.
Contra Costa Elections also offers a drive-thru from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm on Election Day in the Rossmoor area of Walnut Creek. The drive-thru is located at 1001 Golden Rain Drive.
Additionally, vote-by-mail voters can continue to drop off their ballots at County drop-off boxes at all 19 city hall buildings, select branches of the Contra Costa Library and outside the County Administration building on 651 Pine Street, Martinez.
For more information, visit www.cocovote.us.
Read MoreBy Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff
Detectives from the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff Investigation Division are investigating a homicide that occurred in North Richmond this morning.
At about 6:28 AM, Deputy Sheriffs were dispatched to the 500 block of Grove Avenue in North Richmond for a report that someone was shot in a vehicle. Deputies arrived and found a man suffering from gunshot wounds. The 22-year-old victim was transported to a local hospital and later taken by helicopter to a local trauma center. The victim was later pronounced deceased.
The victim is not being identified at this time. The investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact Sheriff’s Office Investigation Division at 925-313-2600. For any tips, email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call 866-846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.
Read MoreBy Allen Payton, Publisher & Editor
In the race for District Attorney there is one candidate who has the experience to be the top prosecutor we need in Contra Costa County. That’s Senior Deputy District Attorney Paul Graves.
Unlike his current boss, Interim D.A. Diana Becton, who was appointed on a 3-2 vote of the Board of Supervisors, last year, Graves has 22 years of experience prosecuting crime in our county. She has never prosecuted a single case. Yes, Becton served for 30 years as a judge, but that’s not the same thing.
Also, Graves was the first candidate to declare and was willing to run against his former boss, Mark Peterson, who had not yet resigned following a controversy regarding lack of disclosure of loans to himself from his campaign funds.
Becton only entered the appointment process after Peterson’s resignation, which doesn’t show me a serious interest or commitment to the position.
Although accused of being part of the problem, Graves was not part of Peterson’s inner circle. He’s running to restore integrity to the office. Becton on the other hand, admitted to plagiarizing large portions of her application for the position. Yet, three supervisors still voted to appoint her.
The third candidate in the race, businessman and attorney Lawrence Strauss, is opposed to the death penalty – even for cop killers. That to me is an immediate disqualification. If you’re going to be the top prosecutor in the county, you need to be willing to follow and enforce all laws in our state, whether you agree with them or not.
Another thing to look at is who is backing the candidates. Graves has the support of all the Deputy District Attorneys, as well as all of the police officer associations, in the county. Those who enforce the law know Graves is the one candidate who will do the same.
Becton’s backers include the ultraliberal, former San Francisco D.A. and now U.S. Senator Kamala Harris and worse, the soft-on-crime billionaire George Soros. Why are they interfering in our county’s law enforcement? Do we really want to model our D.A.’s office after San Francisco’s? Of course not.
Worst of all, Becton is missing too many days from the office for a job that pays her more than $250,000 per year.
We need a prosecutor who will restore leadership and integrity to the Contra Costa D.A.’s office. Voting for Paul Graves will accomplish that.
Read MoreBy Ron Nehring
Originally published on Flash Report. Republished with permission.
It’s happened before: Some vile racist or anti-Semite runs for an office they have no chance of winning in the hopes of drawing attention to themselves, or their cause. This is exactly what happened earlier this year when Holocaust denier Arthur Jones ran for Congress as a Republican in the heavily Democratic 3rd Congressional District of Illinois. He has been denounced by the Republican Party but will still appear on the November ballot as a result of winning the uncontested GOP primary in the district.
Well, now we have another one of these guys. This time it’s here in California. Today’s vile anti-Semite is John Fitzgerald, who is running for Congress in the heavily Democratic 11th Congressional District in Contra Costa County. The district, in which Hillary Clinton won 71.% of the vote in 2016, is currently represented by Democrat Mark DeSaulnier.
Fitzgerald has zero chance of winning this seat, yet he currently has the official endorsement of the California Republican Party by virtue of being the only Republican running for the office. Under rules adopted by the party following the passage of California’s deeply flawed top-two primary system, the party endorsement goes to any Republican running for state legislature or Congress when they are the only party member running. The Board of Directors may take an affirmative step to reverse the endorsement, which of course should happen immediately.
In a post on his campaign website that went up on May 23rd, Fitzgerald peddles numerous anti-Semitic conspiracy theories. He asserts as “truth” that Jews “played a prominent role in the African slave trade,” linking to an article that further peddles this conspiracy theory. He goes on at length peddling numerous other anti-Semitic claims and theories. I won’t link to his website or post because I have no interest in driving up his search results, but you can Google this guy yourself.
So, what should be done about this?
First and foremost, absolutely no one should vote for this guy. Unfortunately, the state party website lists Fitzgerald as the endorsed party candidate, and since many Republicans rely on the site for guidance when voting, combined with his being the only Republican candidate, he will get an unfortunate number of votes. But certainly all that should come to a screeching halt now.
Second, the state party Board of Directors, which is entirely composed of good people I know personally, needs to reverse Fitzgerald’s default endorsement.
And third, Republicans should speak out against Fitzgerald and candidacy for his blatant anti-Semitism. Let’s not wait and see if this gets traction and only then condemn this vile individual who has soiled the good name of our party – we should affirmatively reject both his candidacy and his ideas because they offend our principles.
The Republican Party was founded on the most noble of causes – the abolition of slavery. Just over 100 years later, people of both parties came together in support of the civil rights movement and the abolition of segregation. Racism and anti-Semitism have no place in our country, and good people of both parties have the responsibility to condemn it regardless of the source.
Nehring is the former Chairman of the California Republican Party.
Read MoreCelebration of Life tonight, Wed. May 30 in Alamo
From Legacy.com
Sept 14, 1937 – Apr. 8, 2018
Walnut Creek, CA
Eric H. Hasseltine, former Contra Costa Supervisor and longtime East Bay resident passed away on April 8, 2018. Eric is survived by his daughter Sallie, of Occidental, CA and his son Eric, of Memphis, TN. He is also survived by his two grandchildren Kate and Austen Hasseltine, longtime partner Daneen Flynn, and his brother George Hasseltine, as well as many cousins and friends.
There will be a Celebration of Life, followed by a reception on Wednesday, May 30, 2018 at The Alamo Women’s Club 1401 Danville Blvd. Alamo, CA 94507 from 6pm-9pm.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Eric’s name to the ellendegenereswildlifefund.org.
Please email sallierenee@gmail.com for any further information.
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