$202.7K from Office of Traffic Safety
Contra Costa Health (CCH) announced today that it has received a $202,692 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to support its Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Program. This grant will allow CCH to promote safe practices for pedestrians and bicyclists and provide education about the importance of sharing the road.
Local data show an increase of nearly 30% in fatal crashes involving pedestrians over the past 10 years in Contra Costa County, and that pedestrians and bicyclists are 2.4 times more likely to be seriously injured or killed in a traffic crash compared to drivers. The OTS grant funds multiple efforts to improve safety for pedestrians and bicyclists.
“Everyone deserves a safe environment to travel, regardless of how people get to places,” OTS Director Barbara Rooney said. “The safety of people walking and biking on our roads is a high priority. Education plays a pivotal role in creating a strong road safety culture that prioritizes traffic safety, especially for our most vulnerable road users.”
Grant funds will support a variety of activities focused on bicycle and pedestrian safety:
- Support for local jurisdictions to include public health in road safety plans and address the community conditions that create unsafe environments for non-motorized road users.
- Local bicycle and pedestrian safety campaigns.
- Community bicycle and walk “audits” of streets with high rates of pedestrian or bicyclist fatalities and serious injury crashes.
- Bicycle training courses that teach youth on how to stay safe on the road.
- Community events that promote bicyclist and pedestrian visibility and the importance of sharing the road, slowing down, and staying alert to bicyclists and pedestrians while driving.
Area Goals for the OTS program include:
- Reduce the total number of pedestrians killed.
- Reduce the total number of pedestrians injured.
- Reduce the number of pedestrians killed under the age of 15.
- Reduce the number of pedestrians injured under the age of 15.
- Reduce the number of pedestrians killed over the age of 65.
- Reduce the number of pedestrians injured over the age of 65.
- Reduce the total number of bicyclists killed in traffic related crashes.
- Reduce the total number of bicyclists injured in traffic related crashes.
- Reduce the number of bicyclists killed in traffic related crashes under the age of 15.
- Reduce the number of bicyclists injured in traffic related crashes under the age of 15.
- Increase bicycle helmet compliance for children aged 5 to 18.
The grant program will run through September 2024.
Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Read MoreCasa Abierta sobre el Borrador del Plan General del Condado y el Plan de Acción Climática
At El Cerrito City Hall
By District 1 Supervisor John Gioia
I invite you to join us for an upcoming open house to learn about the Draft Contra Costa County General Plan and Draft Climate Action Plan Update!
When: Wednesday, February 21 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm
Where: El Cerrito City Hall Lobby, 10890 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito
Learn about proposed land use policies for the unincorporated areas of West County – Kensington, East Richmond Heights, El Sobrante, North Richmond, Rollngwood, Montalvin Manor/Bayview and Tara Hills; and provide input.
Click on my video explaining the importance of participating in the General Plan!
The Draft Contra Costa County General Plan and Draft Climate Action Plan (CAP) 2024 Update are part of the Envision Contra Costa 2040, the County’s plan to address land use, transportation, housing, climate change, environmental justice and other important issues over the next 20 years. They update is available for public review at envisioncontracosta2040.org. (See related article)
Community feedback has been the driving force behind our planning efforts. Now, we invite you to explore our work and ensure it reflects our collective vision for Contra Costa County’s future.
We’ll be taking questions, providing answers, and encouraging you to share feedback in-person or through our online commenting tool.
View the event flyer here.
Thank you, and we hope to see you there!
En Español
¡Lo invito a unirse a nosotros en una próxima jornada de puertas abiertas para conocer el borrador del Plan General del Condado de Contra Costa y el borrador de la actualización del Plan de Acción Climática!
Cuándo: Miércoles 21 de febrero de 5:00 a 7:00 p.m.
Dónde: Vestíbulo del Ayuntamiento de El Cerrito, 10890 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito
Conozca las políticas de uso de suelo propuestas para las áreas no incorporadas del oeste del condado: Kensington, East Richmond Heights, El Sobrante, North Richmond, Rollngwood, Montalvin Manor/Bayview, Tara Hills; y proporcionar información.
El borrador del Plan General del Condado de Contra Costa y el borrador del Plan de Acción Climática (CAP) 2024 están disponibles para revisión pública en envisioncontracosta2040.org
Los comentarios de la comunidad han sido la fuerza impulsora detrás de nuestros esfuerzos de planificación. Ahora, lo invitamos a explorar nuestro trabajo y asegurarnos de que refleje nuestra visión colectiva para el futuro del condado de Contra Costa.
Responderemos preguntas, brindaremos respuestas y lo alentaremos a compartir sus comentarios en persona o a través de nuestra herramienta de comentarios en línea.
Vea el folleto del evento aquí.
¡Gracias y esperamos verte allí!
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
Read More![](http://contracostaherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Drugs-gun-confiscated-Oakley-PD.jpg)
Drugs and gun confiscated from San Francisco man during arrest by Oakley Police on Friday, Feb. 9, 2024. Photo: Oakley PD.
Antioch 20-year-old had fake ID’s; SF 46-year-old has history of arrests dating to 2015
By Chief Paul Beard
On Friday February 9, 2024, at 2:11PM Oakley Police Special Services Team Officers T. Burton and F. Williams were conducting a follow-up investigation in Antioch looking for a 2015 Dodge Charger Hellcat (black satin wrap over original dark gray paint) that had been stolen during the night from the 800 block of Stickney Way in Oakley. During this investigation our officers observed a vehicle driving at a high rate of speed and running two red lights. Officers Burton and Williams tried to stop the vehicle, but it continued to drive at a high rate of speed in an attempt to flee from our officers. The vehicle pulled into an apartment complex located at 2747 Winding Lane, Antioch and the driver fled from the vehicle and ran away. Officers Burton and Williams caught up to the suspect after a short foot chase and took him into custody.
The suspect, identified as Andrew David Early (20, Antioch) also had two fake forms of identification on him. Early was booked into jail for fleeing from officers, resisting officers and forgery.
Also on Friday, Officer C. Johnson was on patrol when he located a black Chevrolet Silverado that was wanted by the San Francisco Police Department for its involvement in a pursuit. Officer Johnson stopped the Silverado At Main Street and Bridgehead Road. Officer Johnson identified one of the occupants of the Silverado as Irie Lee Louis Benson, Jr. (46, San Francisco). During the investigation Benson was found to be in possession of a backpack containing a Glock pistol with a fully loaded 17 round magazine and a live round in the chamber, Benson was found to be in unlawful possession of this firearm. Also found in the backpack was approximately a combined half pound of methamphetamine, crack cocaine and cocaine powder packaged in multiple separate baggies with scales. Benson was placed under arrest and booked into jail for:
- Unlawful weapon
- Loaded and concealed weapon
- Armed while being in possession of dangerous drugs and controlled substances
- Dangerous drugs
- Possession of controlled substance
- Possession of dangerous drugs and controlled substances for sales
According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, Early is out of custody on bond as of Saturday, Feb. 10. According to localcrimenews.com, Benson has a history of arrests dating back to 2015 by the San Francisco County Sheriff’s Department, Stockton CHP, San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Department and Vacaville PD for shoplifting, drug possession, possession of cocaine base for sale, possession of ammunition, evading a peace officer and wanton disregard for safety, resisting, obstructing or delaying a peace officer, inflicting corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant and vandalism – property damage.
According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, he is also bonded out of custody on Feb. 10.
“Both of these cases are indicative of how egregious and felonious driving behaviors are very often indicative of involvements in deeper crimes. While that does not ring true 100% of the time it is a trend we have been seeing for the past few years with the relaxed laws and soft legislation that do not serve to hold offenders properly accountable. One of the best ways to prevent future crimes from occurring has always been to identify criminals and incarcerate them and then properly sentence them so they are severely hampered in re-offending or victimizing others. Officers Burton, Williams and Johnson stayed true to their duty and identified criminals and took them into custody. Due to their efforts they prevented, at least in some small measure, future crimes of identity theft, sales of drugs and possible gun violence from occurring. I am proud of the work that was done and I applaud each officer who was involved in these cases.
Stay safe Oakley!
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
Read MoreFor armed robberies, stolen vehicles, gun charges, more
By Richmond Police Department
PATROL ACTIVITY REPORT – WEEKLY OVERVIEW:
JANUARY 29 – FEBRUARY 4, 2024
Below is an overview of significant service activity provided by RPD patrol officers during their scheduled shifts. Please note that activity shared in these segments are provided only as an overview, and do not reflect the entirety of service calls and reports taken throughout each shift.
1/29 – ARMED ROBBERY
Officers responded to the area of 17th & Chanslor Ave for report of an armed robbery. Officers learned the victim was walking when he was approached by two suspects holding a firearm. The suspects searched the victim’s pockets and fled with the victim’s wallet. During the course of their investigation officers were able to locate and arrest the two suspects. #0973
1/30 – RECKLESS DRIVING
Officers observed a vehicle driving recklessly in the 700 block of Florida Ave. An enforcement stop was conducted, the driver was cited, and the vehicle was impounded. #1023
1/31 – STOLEN VEHICLE – RECOVERY
Officers responded to a Flock notification for a stolen vehicle. A records check confirmed the vehicle to be reported stolen. Officers located the vehicle and observed the driver and solo occupant exit the vehicle before being taken into custody. #1068
2/1 – ROBBERY
Officers responded to the 900 block of 23rd St for a report of a robbery. The victim was entering his vehicle when approached by 6 suspects demanding money. The victim was physically assaulted and pepper sprayed. The suspects fled with the victim’s wallet and cellphone prior to officers’ arrival. #1113
2/2 – NEGLIGENT DISCHARGE OF A FIREARM
Officers responded to the 2800 block of Esmond for a ShotSpotter activation. Officers found numerous casings at the scene. No victims were located and no property appeared to have been struck. #1115
2/2 – NEGLIGENT DISCHARGE OF A FIREARM/ CARRY CONCEALED WEAPON
Officers responded to the 600 block of Portola Ave for a ShotSpotter Activation. Officers found numerous casings at the scene. No victims were located and no property appeared to have been struck. Officers conducted an enforcement stop on the suspect vehicle and located a firearm and expended casings inside the vehicle. The suspect was arrested without incident. #1117
2/2 – STOLEN VEHICLE – RECOVERY
Officers responded to a flock notification for a stolen vehicle. A records check confirmed the vehicle to be reported stolen. Officers lost sight of the vehicle and shortly after located the vehicle unoccupied. Officers established a perimeter, and the suspect was taken into custody after a brief foot pursuit. #1136
2/2 – ROBBERY
Officers responded to the area of 23rd St & Maricopa Ave for a report of a robbery. The victim was walking when he was physically assaulted by 3 suspects. The suspects fled with the victim’s backpack prior to Officers’ arrival. #1143
2/2 – HOME INVASION ROBBERY
Officers responded to the 300 block of Hawk Ridge Dr. for a report of a suspicious event. Upon arrival, Officer located a vehicle matching the description given by the reporting party. Officers attempted to conduct an enforcement stop but the vehicle failed to yield, leading officers on a pursuit. Shortly after, the vehicle came to a stop and the four occupants’ foot bailed. Officer were able to detain the driver. A search of the vehicle yielded burglary tools #1153
2/4 – ARMED ROBBERY
Officers responded to the 4300 block of Wall Ave for a report of a robbery. The victims reported they were exiting their vehicle when they were approached by the suspect holding a firearm. The suspect fled with the victim’s purse prior to officers’ arrival. #1195
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By CHP – Contra Costa
Sunday morning, Feb. 11, 2024, at approximately 7:36am, CHP Contra Costa responded to a two-vehicle crash on southbound Hwy 242, south of Clayton Road. Our preliminary investigation indicates a BMW SUV, with one occupant, and a Ford sedan, with one occupant, were traveling southbound on Hwy 242. The vehicles collided and the driver of the Ford sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the BMW was not injured.
The victim was identified by the Contra Costa County Coroner’s Office as Cassandra Spain, age 62 from Santa Rosa.
This crash is still under investigation. If anyone witnessed it or the events leading up to it, please contact CHP Contra Costa in Martinez, (925) 646-4980 or email your contact information to 320Investigations@chp.ca.gov to be contacted by the investigating officer.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
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![](http://contracostaherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Shoplifting-arrrest-02-12-24-BPD.jpg)
Shoplifting arrest in the Lone Tree Plaza in Brentwood Monday night, Feb. 12, 2024. Photo: Brentwood PD
Has history of arrests dating to 2013
By Brentwood Police Department
Last night, Monday, Feb. 12, 2024, around 8:30pm, one of our Swing Shift Officers was conducting extra patrol within the Lone Tree Plaza off of Lone Tree Way when he witnessed a shoplifting in progress at one of our local department stores.
Our Officer witnessed the suspect, 41-year-old Virginia Lee Mobley out of Pittsburg, run to an awaiting vehicle, placing a large amount of clothes into the backseat of the vehicle, and get into the passenger seat. A traffic stop was conducted and both occupants within the vehicle were detained for a theft investigation.
Mobley was found to be on felony probation for a previous burglary conviction, and our Officer confirmed Mobley stole close to $650 worth of clothing. Mobley was booked into jail for shoplifting and for violating her terms of probation.
According to localcrimenews.com, the suspect has a history of arrests dating back to 2013 by Antioch PD, Pittsburg PD and the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department for crimes including petty theft, driving without a license, possession of drug paraphernalia, failure to appear and receiving stolen property – vehicle.
According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, the five-foot, nine-inch, 280-lb. Mobley is being held on no bail at the West County Detention Facility in Richmond.
Talk about being at the right place at the right time! We also strongly encourage our residents to call our Non-Emergency Dispatch at 925-809-7911 if they see anything suspicious. Together we can keep our shopping centers safe for everyone.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
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SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The California Department of Parks and Recreation (State Parks) has developed a five-year strategic plan to help shape the future direction of the state park system and the many recreational and conservation programs that serve California’s communities.
Named Path Forward, the strategic plan aligns with Governor Gavin Newsom’s Equity Executive Order N-16-22, 30X30 and Outdoor Access for All initiatives and will guide State Parks in strengthening operations to focus on key priorities and directing energy and resources toward meeting the goals and objectives. The themes, goals, and objectives in the plan are based on the foundational elements of access, inclusivity, and equity to provide optimal public service, strengthen partnership development, and empower the department’s workforce.
“The Path Forward strategic plan is about resilience and focusing on how we prepare the department for the century ahead,” stated State Parks Director Armando Quintero. “California needs these natural and cultural resources for everyone’s wellbeing. State Parks leadership, employees, and partners are committed to caring for your California. This is where you live.”
An employee workgroup composed of more than 100 frontline staff, managers, and supervisors representing all field regions, headquarters, and all program areas, was assembled to develop the Path Forward Plan. The vision, themes, goals, objectives, and core values were created and refined over several virtual meetings and reviewed by a partner and stakeholder advisory committee, employees, commissions, and executive staff along the way.
The input and perspective of stakeholders and partners helped to inform the final version of the plan and to ensure that the future of State Parks reflects the diverse experiences and priorities represented in the State of California.
Two factors set Path Forward apart from previous change efforts. Department staff from all levels developed the plan with input from partners, rather than an executive team taking a top-down approach. The second factor will begin in winter 2024 and involves an actionable implementation plan led by a committee made up of key leaders representing all program areas. The implementation plan includes interdisciplinary teams to carry out and manage projects tied to the goals and objectives of the plan. These teams will use a designated project management tool to develop specific plans, timelines, and evaluation metrics to achieve each goal. The teams will provide regular progress and status updates.
By using this strategic plan as a guide, a course of action has been developed to support State Parks in meeting challenges. The plan will also create new strategies for institutional growth and optimization.
With 280 park units, California’s State Park System is a world-class network of incomparable lands, waters, and features vitally important to the well-being of the state’s environment, economy, and people. State Parks manages these precious natural and cultural resources while providing hundreds of recreational and conservation programs and services for millions of Californians and visitors from all over the world.
The Path Forward Plan is available in English and is translatable to several other languages at parks.ca.gov/PathForward.
Read More![](http://contracostaherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/PFE-SnugArooz-Big-Fix-Friends-Dog-and-Cat-Toys-1024x767.jpg)
SnugArooz Bix Fix Friends dog and cat toys for the Pet Food Express campaign. Source: Pet Food Express
Sale of exclusive toys from SnugArooz benefits nonprofit clinics throughout California including Animal Rescue Foundation in Contra Costa County to impact animal overpopulation
Pet Food Express, a trusted California pet retailer and advocate for animal welfare, is excited to launch The Big Fix at https://www.petfood.express/bigfix. The new campaign is aimed at impacting animal overpopulation and the overcrowding of animal rescue organizations, as well as bringing awareness to the need for essential spay and neuter services for California’s pets. Available for purchase now online and in stores, customers can get exclusive, limited-edition toys from SnugArooz, known as Big Fix Friends (BFFs), where 50% of the retail price will go directly to 10 nonprofit, public-facing, low-cost, or sliding-scale spay and neuter clinic programs.
“Every year, too many animals suffer due to overpopulation, leading to strained resources and, in some cases, homelessness. The Big Fix is our response to this pressing issue,” Denyelle Bruno, CEO of Pet Food Express stated. “We’re committed to making a tangible difference in the lives of pets and their families.”
The Big Fix nonprofit partners include, Animal Rescue Foundation, Berkeley Humane, Napa Humane, Peninsula Humane Society, Pasadena Humane, Sacramento SPCA, San Francisco SPCA, Silicon Valley Animal Control Authority, Spay Neuter Imperative Project and Valley Humane Society.
“Spay and neuter is the most effective way to fight pet overpopulation and decrease the number of unaltered, homeless, and unwanted pets,” said Lisa Van Buskirk, Senior Vice President at Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA, During the last 70 years, we have seen that altering animals has been instrumental in decreasing the number of incoming animals, thereby reducing our euthanasia rate by 99% in San Mateo County.”
The limited-edition Big Fix Friends dog and cat toys retail for $9.99 and $5.99, respectively. For dogs, Fang Cuddlearms features a squeaky body and long, stretchy arms. For cats, Spike Hugface entertains with a catnip and crinkle middle. The Big Fix will continue until all toys are sold out or until the end of the calendar year 2024, whichever comes first.
Spaying and neutering play a crucial role in combating pet overpopulation, reducing the number of homeless and unwanted animals, as well as producing positive effects on pet behavior, health, and longevity.
For more information on Pet Food Express’ Community Programs or to find out how to become an adoption partner, please visit www.petfood.express.
ABOUT PET FOOD EXPRESS
Pet Food Express is California’s trusted pet expert dedicated to helping pets live longer, healthier lives. With a reimagined experience delivered by animal-loving team members, Pet Food Express sells a variety of high quality products that they trust to give their own pets, puts pets above profits, and leads the way as a committed partner to 275+ non-profit animal rescue and shelter organizations annually. Shop and learn more at www.petfood.express. Get social on Facebook and Instagram.
Read More![](http://contracostaherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Stolen-cars-items-gun-02-24-SPPD-1024x802.jpg)
Two stolen cars and items recovered, and fake gun discovered in one of the vehicles by San Pablo Police. Photos: SPPD
By San Pablo Police Department
Teamwork Makes The Dream Work
It was another busy week for officers in San Pablo, as they remained proactive protecting the city. This tremendous effort resulted in 24 arrests and the recovery of six stolen cars! A few snippets for those of you who are curious…
The other day, officers found bad guy driving a stolen car through town. The driver was arrested, and he was found to have thousands of dollars, a cash drawer, gloves, a mask, a fake pistol, bolt cutters and gift cards to FBI Burger in Novato. We decided to call our friends at Novato Police to help put the puzzle pieces together, and sure enough, found out a couple of businesses in Marin County had been recently broken into!
Earlier last week, a few guys tried to steal beer from a local liquor store without paying. When the clerk tried to stop them, they threatened him with a knife and tried to stab him. Thanks to the quick response of our officers, all three men were located and arrested.
On Friday, Feb. 9, officers found another bad guy in a stolen car parked at Nations, which was just stolen from El Cerrito. The thief tried to run but he was quickly apprehended with the help of our four-legged friend, K-9 Riddik. The owner was reunited with her Prius.
To wrap it all up, on Saturday, officers stopped a car wanted by Dixon Police for organized retail theft. Lo and behold, a bunch of stolen loot was located, and the crooks were identified, one of which had a warrant. Needless to say, their getaway vehicle was towed.
This would not have been possible without the partnership and support of our community and fellow law enforcement friends!
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![](http://contracostaherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Save-the-Ridge-Pittsburg-2024-mailer-Councilmembers-votes.jpg)
Mailer from Save Mount Diablo shows how the five Pittsburg councilmembers voted on the Faria housing development last year. Source: Save Mount Diablo
Two running for county supervisor on March 5th ballot; org leader says they have no position in race
By Allen D. Payton
A week before the ballots for the March 5th primary election began arriving in mailboxes, a mailer from Save Mount Diablo (SMD) was sent to all households in Pittsburg asking for public support of their effort to get the council members to reverse their vote last April for Discovery Builders’ hillside housing development. Known as the Faria project, the project includes 1,500 homes on 341 acres with 265 acres of open space on the south side of the city which borders the new Thurgood Marshall Regional Park in Concord.
The mailer reads, “On April 17, 2023, the Pittsburg City Council approved a Master Plan for the Faria/Southwest Hills Annexation Project.” It shows photos of and “aye” votes by then Mayor Shanelle Preston-Scales, Councilmember Jelani Killings, who are both running for county supervisor in the March 5th primary election, as well as Councilmembers Dionne Adams and Angelica Lopez. But the leader of SMD claims they have no position in the race for supervisor. The mailer also shows then-Vice Mayor Juan Antonio Banales who voted to abstain.
In addition, the mailer claims, the “plan…was opposed by thousands of residents, environmentalists and the city Planning Commission, which recommended against the plan.”
![](http://contracostaherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/FARIA-Genl-Plan-Land-Use-map-adopted-4-17-23.jpg)
Faria project General Plan Land Use map, adopted 4-17-23 (bottom) versus map of the previously adopted General Plan Land Use. Source: City of Pittsburg
Read mailer, here: Save-the-Ridge-Pittsburg-2024 mailer
It’s part of the organization’s campaign, including an online petition, to keep the homes from being built along the ridgeline. The effort has also included a successful lawsuit filed by SMD in May 2021. On February 10, 2022, a Contra Costa County Superior Court judge sided with SMD. Discovery Builders then appealed the decision but lost again when the court ruled in favor of SMD on April 4, 2022 rejecting all of the developer’s arguments. (See related articles here, here and here)
SMD refers to the Faria project as a Seeno development because Discovery Builders is owned and operated by Albert Seeno, III.
On the organization’s website, SMD wrote, “We stopped Faria for two years, but now it’s back” and asks the public to “Save the Ridge!” The organization says, “We’re not opposed to all development; we just think the Pittsburg City Council and the developer should move it off the ridgetop.” SMD claims the project “would also betray the voters who approved Measure P in 2005 and placed the entire site in the protective hillside zoning. Now Seeno wants to change the zoning to bulldoze the steep hills for massive subdivisions. Because the site is almost entirely over 30 percent slope, with substantial parts at 50 to 70 percent slope, Seeno’s proposed new zoning will allow up to 25 times as many houses as the current Measure P zoning that the voters approved.”
However, according to the City staff report for the agenda item 13 for the April 2023 meeting, “the current General Plan allows for up to 478 acres of residential use and 129 acres of open space.” It also reads, “The proposed amendments would not change the existing maximum development potential (1,500 single family units), but rather would focus the development to the center of the site within the valley area.”
The effort’s webpage further reads, “Thee Pittsburg City Council should SAVE THE RIDGE for everyone and ensure public access to the new regional park for Pittsburg residents.
Save the ridge to keep our area a beautiful and desirable place to live, work, and visit!
Join us and sign our Save Pittsburg Hills/Save Mount Diablo petition urging the Pittsburg City Council to SAVE THE RIDGE and require the Seeno/Discovery Builders Faria development to be relocated off the top of Pittsburg’s ridge.”
SMD Asked If Attempting to Impact the Election
Questions were sent to SMD’s Executive Director Ted Clement asking when the effort began and why the mailer was sent during election season. He was further asked if it was timed to impact the election of Killings and Scales-Preston in their campaigns for county supervisor.
Clement responded, “We’ve been working to protect the Los Medanos ridge between Concord and Pittsburg for years. That effort is ongoing. We’re working to educate as many people as possible. We don’t have a position on the county supervisor campaigns.”
He was again asked if the mailer was sent to all homes in Pittsburg and if not, how many were mailed. But he did not respond.
Efforts to reach Killings and Preston-Scales asking if they had any comments about the mailer and their votes for the project were unsuccessful, as were efforts to reach Albert Seeno, III or anyone at Discovery Builders for comment.
Please check back later for any updates to this report.
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