William Martinek, candidate for Congress in the 9th District. By Ariana Drehsler.
By Allen Payton
William Martinek, a financial advisor and decorated combat Army veteran from Brentwood, has decided to throw his hat in the ring and take on seven-term incumbent Congressman Jerry McNerney.
After serving in the Army and doing two tours in Iraq and one in Afghanistan between 2006 and 2014 Martinek became a financial advisor for a major national company in 2016.
Asked why he’s running, Martinek responded, “I want to represent my home area in Congress and because McNerney hasn’t done a whole lot. He’s very comfortable in his position and just sitting there not doing much.”
“That’s a common theme among Democrats and Republicans that I speak with,” Martinek continued. “He’s not responsive at all and from what I hear, doesn’t call anyone back or respond to emails.”
Martinek is committed to being much more accessible and responsive to the people he’s running to represent. “Either I or someone on my staff will call you back,” he promised.
Martinek’s top priority if elected will be to help create jobs and continue to grow the economy.
“With an extremely robust economy we will also be able to help solve some of the social issues, such as homelessness,” he stated. “There is still a lot of room left to grow the economy. We need to continue reforming regulation that is making it difficult for small businesses to grow. I hate it when people say corporations are corrupt. In a real, free market economy corruption is stemmed because there is more competition.”
Martinek is also focused on protecting the Constitution and making sure what happens in Washington complies with it. He has a challenge with parts of the Patriot Act, which are overreaching and “violating our rights.”
He will also work to protect the agriculture industry, “making sure our farmers have the water and resources they need to continue growing crops in the 9th District.”
The congressional district includes most of Antioch, all of Brentwood, Oakley, Discovery Bay and the rest of Far East County, and most of San Joaquin County.
William, Lauren and their children. Photo by Ariana Drehsler.
“Transportation is also a big issue for me, especially with having had to commute to San Francisco to work,” he mentioned. “I’m fortunate now to both live and work in Brentwood. But others aren’t so fortunate. That’s why I want to bring jobs to the area.”
Martinek grew up in Fremont and moved to Brentwood in 1998 as a teenager. He graduated from Liberty High School in 2003, where he played football and was a long-distance runner on the track and field team. Between his junior and senior year, he joined of the Army National Guard split option and did the one weekend a month training and continued that for about a year.
But it wasn’t until after he attended Los Medanos College for a few years that he decided to join the Army at age 21.
During his military service he received Army Accommodation and Army Achievement medals, Combat Infantry and Expert Infantry badges and several ribbons.
Martinek is currently a board member of the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce and Chairman of the Advocacy Committee, and a member of the Brentwood Rotary Club. He served on the Parents Club board for his children’s elementary school and is a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10789 in Brentwood.
Martinek is married to Lauren, and they have three children ages 5, (almost) 7 and 8, and his parents and two brothers still live in East County. His dad is a glazing contractor with his own commercial window business in Tracy and his mom works at Lowe’s in Antioch.
There is one other candidate in the race, Tony Amador of Lodi, the former Chairman of the San Joaquin County Republican Central Committee. He ran twice before in the 9th District and once before in another district, and once for State Assembly, all unsuccessfully. Amador filed his papers the final week before deadline long after Martinek was in the race.
Learn more about Martinek and his campaign visit www.williamforcongress.com or Facebook.com/williammartinekca9 or call (925) 238-8407.
Read More
Dear Editor:
Political tribalism is a growing danger to our country. People select their Party/tribe and can then retreat into in a bubble where they believe that their Party is right about everything and the other Party is universally wrong. That mentality leads to elections where candidates often stop trying to win votes from around half the population to have a chance at victory. Those officials who legitimately try to represent everyone, and who work each day to improve the lives of all of their constituents regardless of Party are rare and valuable. Supervisor Diane Burgis is one of those precious public servants.
I’ve had the pleasure to be a constituent and a nearby neighbor of Supervisor Burgis for years, and I have found her accessible, accountable, and devoted to her community. She doesn’t pay lip service to the ideals of non-partisanship, hard work, and of legitimately wanting to serve her community: she lives those ideals. Supervisor Burgis puts the needs of her constituents over the desires of her Party. And most importantly, she is committed to serving every person in her district regardless of whether that person voted for her in the past or is likely to vote for her now; she will never sell us out in order to stay in office. Personally I know that if I make Supervisor Burgis aware that I need her help, she’ll be there for me, and I know that I have someone in my corner fighting for me, and not because I’m a Democrat, but because I’m her constituent, her neighbor, and a human being.
All of that is why I support electing Diane Burgis to another term as Supervisor of Contra Costa District 3, why I supported her in the past, and why I will continue to support her in the future.
Heath Lenoble
Oakley
U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael H. Lehman.
GULF OF ADEN (Jan. 3, 2020) Fire Controlman 2nd Class Michael Read, left, from Walnut Creek, Calif., and Fire Controlman 3rd Class Justin Janssen, from Crofton, Neb., perform a routine inspection on the surge antenna of the starboard close-in weapon system aboard the guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60). The Normandy is part of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group and is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points.
Read More
Weapons seized by the CASE Team. Photo by CCCSheriff.
By Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff
Earlier this month the Contra Costa Anti-Violence Support Effort (CASE) team, led by a Pittsburg Police Department task force officer, launched an investigation after receiving information from the state Armed Prohibited Persons System (APPS) that a Bethel Island resident had firearms registered to him despite being prohibited. Further investigation found he attempted to purchase silencers through the mail.
The CASE team obtained a search warrant for his residence from a judge.
On Thursday, January 30, 2020, CASE agents executed the search warrant at the residence on the 2000 block of Taylor Road in Bethel Island. CASE agents seized four AR-15-style assault rifles, nine handguns, 10 rifles, one shotgun, four lower receivers, one silencer, 20 large capacity magazines, and approximately 5,000 rounds of ammunition.
The man was arrested. He is identified as 57-year-old Jeffery Irvine. Irvine was later booked into the Martinez Detention Facility (MDF) on the following charges:
-Manufacturing an assault rifle
-Possession of an assault rifle
-Prohibited person in possession of a firearm
-Prohibited person in possession of ammunition
-Ghost gun
-Illegal transfer of a firearm
Irvine was being held at the MDF, in lieu of $240,000 bail. He has since bailed out.
The CASE Team is a joint effort by the Office of the Sheriff, California Department of Justice, California Highway Patrol, Pittsburg Police Department, Walnut Creek Police Department, Contra Costa County Probation Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. CASE was created in November 2011 as a collaborative effort to reduce violent crimes in Contra Costa, especially those related to illegal firearms.
Read More
By Scott Alonso, Public Information Officer, Contra Costa County District Attorney
Earlier this week, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office filed multiple felonies against Christopher Dopp, a transient with no known address, and Richard Lange, from Richmond, for last week’s burglary of the Walnut Creek Macy’s store at Broadway Plaza. During the early morning burglary of January 24, the defendants took $65,244 of gold jewelry from display cases.
The defendants were spotted by store employees on the first floor of the store as the pair smashed display cases. The defendants fled the scene after the employees saw the pair destroying the display cases. Ultimately, Walnut Creek Police Officers apprehended the burglars as they left the store. In total, the damage to the store totaled over $80,000 from the broken glass.
The bail for each defendant is set for Lange at $170,000 and Dopp at $35,000. The defendants are not in custody as they bailed out.
The specific felony charges are as follows:
Lange: Second Degree Burglary, Grand Theft of Personal Property, Vandalism Over $400 Damage — Special Allegation Serious or Violent Felony Prior & Special Allegation Two Prior Offenses
Dopp: Second Degree Burglary, Grand Theft of Personal Property, Vandalism Over $400 Damage
Case information: People v. Dopp, Lange, Docket Number 01-192927-2
Read More
Wanted felon arrested with the help of Pittsburg Police K9 Kyra who was rewarded for her efforts. Photos by CPD and PPD.
By Concord Police Department
On Saturday night, Jan. 25 our Special Enforcement Team located a subject wanted on a felony warrant in the 3000 block of Willow Pass Road As we set up to try and take him into custody the male, identified as Kevin Villatoro, decided to try and make a run for it out a back window. Unfortunately for him we were ready for that.
Mr. Villatoro ran though a residential area off Euclid Drive where he tried to hide himself. Again, we had a plan for that too!
With help from Contra Costa Sheriff helicopter Starr 3 and Pittsburg Police Department K9 “Kyra”, Mr. Villatoro was quickly located hiding behind a house. He chose to ignore multiple commands from officers and was ultimately apprehended by K9 Kyra. Mr. Villatoro was treated for his injuries and later booked into county jail on multiple felony charges.
As a thank you to K9 Kyra one of our officers Venmo’d her handler to treat her to some In-N-Out. Kyra’s eyes tell the ending to this story.
According to the Pittsburg Police Department, “Officer Oreja and K9 Kyra were requested by the Concord Police Department to help locate a violent, possibly armed, wanted felon believed to be hiding within an established perimeter. Once on scene, Officer Oreja and K9 Kyra began searching yards with the assistance of STARR 3 (helicopter) overhead. STARR 3 advised they had a heat source coming from a backyard which Officers were about to enter. K9 Kyra searched the yard and apprehended the hiding, motionless, suspect making it safe for Officers to enter and take him into custody.
This is another great example of why Police K9’s are such a useful tool in our day to day job. Concord PD bought Kyra a cheeseburger for a job well done! Scroll right to see how happy she was to eat her treat.” #teamworkmakesthedreamwork #winforthegoodguys #youcanrunbutyoucanthide #PPD #k9unit #workingdog #CPD #Police
Read More
The Contra Costa County Library is hosting two candidate forums in advance of the March primary. Voters attending the forums can hear directly from the candidates about their experience and positions on relevant issues. The forums will stream live on Facebook and re-air on Contra Costa Television (CCTV).
The Hercules Library will host a forum for the Board of Supervisors District V race on Tuesday, February 4 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. East County residents interested in watching the District V forum can attend a viewing party at the Pittsburg Library from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the library community room.
The Brentwood Library will host a forum at the Brentwood Community Center on Thursday, February 6 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Candidates for the Board of Supervisors District III seat will take part in the moderated forum.
County residents unable to attend the forums can watch live on the Contra Costa County Library Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ccclib/. The forums will also be archived on the Library’s YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/user/theccclib.
All forums will re-air on Contra Costa Television (CCTV). CCTV is available on Comcast channel 27, AT&T U-Verse channel 99 or Astound channel 32. For a full schedule, visit ccclib.org.
The Library is partnering with the League of Women Voters of Diablo Valley and the West County League of Women Voters, Contra Costa County Elections Department and Contra Costa Television (CCTV).
For more information, contact Rich Hall at rhall@ccclib.org, (925) 608-7770.
Oakley and county officials join representatives of NorthPoint Development for the ceremonial ground breaking at the Contra Costa Logistics Center on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2020. Photos and graphic by City of Oakley.
One of the most exciting developments in Oakley history is underway. The City of Oakley broke ground on Tuesday, Jan. 28 for the Contra Costa Logistics Center, a two‐million‐square‐foot project from Kansas City‐based NorthPoint Development.
Contra Costa Logistics Center site plan.
The light industrial, warehouse, distribution, e‐commerce fulfillment, and light manufacturing space will be located on the former site of the DuPont Chemical Plant at 6000 Bridgehead Road.
The City has planned for development at the site since 2002 and it is now becoming a reality. Once completed, the campus is expected to generate 2,800 full and part time jobs and bring in $388,400 annually to the City’s General Fund as well as a contribution of $420,000 per year in revenue to the East Contra Costa County Fire Protection District once compete.
NorthPoint Development has similar light manufacturing and distribution properties in 21 states with a client portfolio that includes Ford, Amazon, and Adidas.
“This is a large‐scale economic driver,” said Josh McMurray, the City of Oakley’s Community Development Director. “This is a catalyst not only for Oakley, but for the region. The amount of jobs and benefit to the county as a whole are just great.”
Plans call for five buildings to be constructed on 143 acres along the southwest portion of the site, with the additional 232 acres remaining natural.
Contra Costa Logistics Center area map.
Construction is underway following this week’s groundbreaking and a tenant for one full building has already been secured. NorthPoint hopes to finish the full buildout within four years.
As part of the project, NorthPoint Development will also complete roadway improvements on nearby streets including the intersections of Wilbur Avenue and Bridgehead Road and Bridgehead Road and Neroly Road, as well as alterations on Main Street at Empire Avenue and on Big Break Road at Main Street.
“We are thrilled to be starting construction this month on the Contra Costa Logistics Center in Oakley,” said Jed Momot, NorthPoint Development’s Chief Strategy Officer. “We believe the central location of Oakley being able to reach the population within the Bay Area and Northern California as well as the surplus of qualified labor will attract logistics, manufacturing, and e‐commerce businesses to locate within the park.
Momot went on to say that two buildings have planned construction starting this month, with the three other buildings to follow. He added that the project offers many unique characteristics such as rail service situated on the BNSF line and direct access onto Hwy 160 to Hwy 4.
Oakley Mayor Kevin Romick said that this new development will create a vital, long awaited economic hub in Oakley.
“Since Oakley’s incorporation as a city 20 years ago, this property has been considered a key to job growth and a potential hub of industry,” said Mayor Romick. “To see this project come to fruition is so gratifying and exciting for the entire Oakley community.”
Read More
Suspect Jimmey Allen Parrish and the weapons seized. Photos by CCCSheriff.
By Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff
A suspect who barricaded himself inside his residence in Tara Hills near San Pablo, last week has been charged with four felonies and a misdemeanor by the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office. 30-year-old Jimmey Allen Parrish was charged with two counts of possession of an assault weapon, possession of a machine gun, discharge of a firearm with gross negligence and resisting/obstructing a peace officer.
On Tuesday, January 21, 2020, at about 8:43 PM, Deputy Sheriffs were dispatched to a report of a person with a gun at a home on the 2400 block of O’Toole Way in the Tara Hills neighborhood in unincorporated Contra Costa. At the time Parrish apparently brandished a weapon and possibly fired some shots. There were no injuries.
Deputy Sheriffs attempted to make contact with Parrish but were not able to. At about 11:30 PM, the Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team and negotiators responded to the location. Negotiators continued trying to make contact with him. The SWAT Team on Wednesday morning entered the heavily fortified home and detained Parrish. He was later taken to the hospital and arrested on Thursday, January 23, 2020.
Parrish is currently in custody at the Martinez Detention Facility. He is being held in lieu of $353,000 bail.
Anyone with any information on this case is asked to contact the Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600. Tips could be emailed to: tips@so.cccounty.us or call (866) 846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.
Read More
William Martinek, candidate for Congress in the 9th District. By Ariana Drehsler.
By Allen Payton
William Martinek, a financial advisor and decorated combat Army veteran from Brentwood, has decided to throw his hat in the ring and take on seven-term incumbent Congressman Jerry McNerney.
After serving in the Army and doing two tours in Iraq and one in Afghanistan between 2006 and 2014 Martinek became a financial advisor for a major national company in 2016.
Asked why he’s running, Martinek responded, “I want to represent my home area in Congress and because McNerney hasn’t done a whole lot. He’s very comfortable in his position and just sitting there not doing much.”
“That’s a common theme among Democrats and Republicans that I speak with,” Martinek continued. “He’s not responsive at all and from what I hear, doesn’t call anyone back or respond to emails.”
Martinek is committed to being much more accessible and responsive to the people he’s running to represent. “Either I or someone on my staff will call you back,” he promised.
Martinek’s top priority if elected will be to help create jobs and continue to grow the economy.
“With an extremely robust economy we will also be able to help solve some of the social issues, such as homelessness,” he stated. “There is still a lot of room left to grow the economy. We need to continue reforming regulation that is making it difficult for small businesses to grow. I hate it when people say corporations are corrupt. In a real, free market economy corruption is stemmed because there is more competition.”
Martinek is also focused on protecting the Constitution and making sure what happens in Washington complies with it. He has a challenge with parts of the Patriot Act, which are overreaching and “violating our rights.”
He will also work to protect the agriculture industry, “making sure our farmers have the water and resources they need to continue growing crops in the 9th District.”
The congressional district includes most of Antioch, all of Brentwood, Oakley, Discovery Bay and the rest of Far East County, and most of San Joaquin County.
William, Lauren and their children. Photo by Ariana Drehsler.
“Transportation is also a big issue for me, especially with having had to commute to San Francisco to work,” he mentioned. “I’m fortunate now to both live and work in Brentwood. But others aren’t so fortunate. That’s why I want to bring jobs to the area.”
Martinek grew up in Fremont and moved to Brentwood in 1998 as a teenager. He graduated from Liberty High School in 2003, where he played football and was a long-distance runner on the track and field team. Between his junior and senior year, he joined of the Army National Guard split option and did the one weekend a month training and continued that for about a year.
But it wasn’t until after he attended Los Medanos College for a few years that he decided to join the Army at age 21.
During his military service he received Army Accommodation and Army Achievement medals, Combat Infantry and Expert Infantry badges and several ribbons.
Martinek is currently a board member of the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce and Chairman of the Advocacy Committee, and a member of the Brentwood Rotary Club. He served on the Parents Club board for his children’s elementary school and is a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10789 in Brentwood.
Martinek is married to Lauren, and they have three children ages 5, (almost) 7 and 8, and his parents and two brothers still live in East County. His dad is a glazing contractor with his own commercial window business in Tracy and his mom works at Lowe’s in Antioch.
There is one other candidate in the race, Tony Amador of Lodi, the former Chairman of the San Joaquin County Republican Central Committee. He ran twice before in the 9th District and once before in another district, and once for State Assembly, all unsuccessfully. Amador filed his papers the final week before deadline long after Martinek was in the race.
Learn more about Martinek and his campaign visit www.williamforcongress.com or Facebook.com/williammartinekca9 or call (925) 238-8407.
Read MoreDear Editor:
Political tribalism is a growing danger to our country. People select their Party/tribe and can then retreat into in a bubble where they believe that their Party is right about everything and the other Party is universally wrong. That mentality leads to elections where candidates often stop trying to win votes from around half the population to have a chance at victory. Those officials who legitimately try to represent everyone, and who work each day to improve the lives of all of their constituents regardless of Party are rare and valuable. Supervisor Diane Burgis is one of those precious public servants.
I’ve had the pleasure to be a constituent and a nearby neighbor of Supervisor Burgis for years, and I have found her accessible, accountable, and devoted to her community. She doesn’t pay lip service to the ideals of non-partisanship, hard work, and of legitimately wanting to serve her community: she lives those ideals. Supervisor Burgis puts the needs of her constituents over the desires of her Party. And most importantly, she is committed to serving every person in her district regardless of whether that person voted for her in the past or is likely to vote for her now; she will never sell us out in order to stay in office. Personally I know that if I make Supervisor Burgis aware that I need her help, she’ll be there for me, and I know that I have someone in my corner fighting for me, and not because I’m a Democrat, but because I’m her constituent, her neighbor, and a human being.
All of that is why I support electing Diane Burgis to another term as Supervisor of Contra Costa District 3, why I supported her in the past, and why I will continue to support her in the future.
Heath Lenoble
Oakley
U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael H. Lehman.
GULF OF ADEN (Jan. 3, 2020) Fire Controlman 2nd Class Michael Read, left, from Walnut Creek, Calif., and Fire Controlman 3rd Class Justin Janssen, from Crofton, Neb., perform a routine inspection on the surge antenna of the starboard close-in weapon system aboard the guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60). The Normandy is part of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group and is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points.
Read MoreWeapons seized by the CASE Team. Photo by CCCSheriff.
By Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff
Earlier this month the Contra Costa Anti-Violence Support Effort (CASE) team, led by a Pittsburg Police Department task force officer, launched an investigation after receiving information from the state Armed Prohibited Persons System (APPS) that a Bethel Island resident had firearms registered to him despite being prohibited. Further investigation found he attempted to purchase silencers through the mail.
The CASE team obtained a search warrant for his residence from a judge.
On Thursday, January 30, 2020, CASE agents executed the search warrant at the residence on the 2000 block of Taylor Road in Bethel Island. CASE agents seized four AR-15-style assault rifles, nine handguns, 10 rifles, one shotgun, four lower receivers, one silencer, 20 large capacity magazines, and approximately 5,000 rounds of ammunition.
The man was arrested. He is identified as 57-year-old Jeffery Irvine. Irvine was later booked into the Martinez Detention Facility (MDF) on the following charges:
-Manufacturing an assault rifle
-Possession of an assault rifle
-Prohibited person in possession of a firearm
-Prohibited person in possession of ammunition
-Ghost gun
-Illegal transfer of a firearm
Irvine was being held at the MDF, in lieu of $240,000 bail. He has since bailed out.
The CASE Team is a joint effort by the Office of the Sheriff, California Department of Justice, California Highway Patrol, Pittsburg Police Department, Walnut Creek Police Department, Contra Costa County Probation Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. CASE was created in November 2011 as a collaborative effort to reduce violent crimes in Contra Costa, especially those related to illegal firearms.
Read MoreBy Scott Alonso, Public Information Officer, Contra Costa County District Attorney
Earlier this week, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office filed multiple felonies against Christopher Dopp, a transient with no known address, and Richard Lange, from Richmond, for last week’s burglary of the Walnut Creek Macy’s store at Broadway Plaza. During the early morning burglary of January 24, the defendants took $65,244 of gold jewelry from display cases.
The defendants were spotted by store employees on the first floor of the store as the pair smashed display cases. The defendants fled the scene after the employees saw the pair destroying the display cases. Ultimately, Walnut Creek Police Officers apprehended the burglars as they left the store. In total, the damage to the store totaled over $80,000 from the broken glass.
The bail for each defendant is set for Lange at $170,000 and Dopp at $35,000. The defendants are not in custody as they bailed out.
The specific felony charges are as follows:
Lange: Second Degree Burglary, Grand Theft of Personal Property, Vandalism Over $400 Damage — Special Allegation Serious or Violent Felony Prior & Special Allegation Two Prior Offenses
Dopp: Second Degree Burglary, Grand Theft of Personal Property, Vandalism Over $400 Damage
Case information: People v. Dopp, Lange, Docket Number 01-192927-2
Read MoreWanted felon arrested with the help of Pittsburg Police K9 Kyra who was rewarded for her efforts. Photos by CPD and PPD.
By Concord Police Department
On Saturday night, Jan. 25 our Special Enforcement Team located a subject wanted on a felony warrant in the 3000 block of Willow Pass Road As we set up to try and take him into custody the male, identified as Kevin Villatoro, decided to try and make a run for it out a back window. Unfortunately for him we were ready for that.
Mr. Villatoro ran though a residential area off Euclid Drive where he tried to hide himself. Again, we had a plan for that too!
With help from Contra Costa Sheriff helicopter Starr 3 and Pittsburg Police Department K9 “Kyra”, Mr. Villatoro was quickly located hiding behind a house. He chose to ignore multiple commands from officers and was ultimately apprehended by K9 Kyra. Mr. Villatoro was treated for his injuries and later booked into county jail on multiple felony charges.
As a thank you to K9 Kyra one of our officers Venmo’d her handler to treat her to some In-N-Out. Kyra’s eyes tell the ending to this story.
According to the Pittsburg Police Department, “Officer Oreja and K9 Kyra were requested by the Concord Police Department to help locate a violent, possibly armed, wanted felon believed to be hiding within an established perimeter. Once on scene, Officer Oreja and K9 Kyra began searching yards with the assistance of STARR 3 (helicopter) overhead. STARR 3 advised they had a heat source coming from a backyard which Officers were about to enter. K9 Kyra searched the yard and apprehended the hiding, motionless, suspect making it safe for Officers to enter and take him into custody.
This is another great example of why Police K9’s are such a useful tool in our day to day job. Concord PD bought Kyra a cheeseburger for a job well done! Scroll right to see how happy she was to eat her treat.” #teamworkmakesthedreamwork #winforthegoodguys #youcanrunbutyoucanthide #PPD #k9unit #workingdog #CPD #Police
Read More
The Contra Costa County Library is hosting two candidate forums in advance of the March primary. Voters attending the forums can hear directly from the candidates about their experience and positions on relevant issues. The forums will stream live on Facebook and re-air on Contra Costa Television (CCTV).
The Hercules Library will host a forum for the Board of Supervisors District V race on Tuesday, February 4 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. East County residents interested in watching the District V forum can attend a viewing party at the Pittsburg Library from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the library community room.
The Brentwood Library will host a forum at the Brentwood Community Center on Thursday, February 6 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Candidates for the Board of Supervisors District III seat will take part in the moderated forum.
County residents unable to attend the forums can watch live on the Contra Costa County Library Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ccclib/. The forums will also be archived on the Library’s YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/user/theccclib.
All forums will re-air on Contra Costa Television (CCTV). CCTV is available on Comcast channel 27, AT&T U-Verse channel 99 or Astound channel 32. For a full schedule, visit ccclib.org.
The Library is partnering with the League of Women Voters of Diablo Valley and the West County League of Women Voters, Contra Costa County Elections Department and Contra Costa Television (CCTV).
For more information, contact Rich Hall at rhall@ccclib.org, (925) 608-7770.
Oakley and county officials join representatives of NorthPoint Development for the ceremonial ground breaking at the Contra Costa Logistics Center on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2020. Photos and graphic by City of Oakley.
One of the most exciting developments in Oakley history is underway. The City of Oakley broke ground on Tuesday, Jan. 28 for the Contra Costa Logistics Center, a two‐million‐square‐foot project from Kansas City‐based NorthPoint Development.
Contra Costa Logistics Center site plan.
The light industrial, warehouse, distribution, e‐commerce fulfillment, and light manufacturing space will be located on the former site of the DuPont Chemical Plant at 6000 Bridgehead Road.
The City has planned for development at the site since 2002 and it is now becoming a reality. Once completed, the campus is expected to generate 2,800 full and part time jobs and bring in $388,400 annually to the City’s General Fund as well as a contribution of $420,000 per year in revenue to the East Contra Costa County Fire Protection District once compete.
NorthPoint Development has similar light manufacturing and distribution properties in 21 states with a client portfolio that includes Ford, Amazon, and Adidas.
“This is a large‐scale economic driver,” said Josh McMurray, the City of Oakley’s Community Development Director. “This is a catalyst not only for Oakley, but for the region. The amount of jobs and benefit to the county as a whole are just great.”
Plans call for five buildings to be constructed on 143 acres along the southwest portion of the site, with the additional 232 acres remaining natural.
Contra Costa Logistics Center area map.
Construction is underway following this week’s groundbreaking and a tenant for one full building has already been secured. NorthPoint hopes to finish the full buildout within four years.
As part of the project, NorthPoint Development will also complete roadway improvements on nearby streets including the intersections of Wilbur Avenue and Bridgehead Road and Bridgehead Road and Neroly Road, as well as alterations on Main Street at Empire Avenue and on Big Break Road at Main Street.
“We are thrilled to be starting construction this month on the Contra Costa Logistics Center in Oakley,” said Jed Momot, NorthPoint Development’s Chief Strategy Officer. “We believe the central location of Oakley being able to reach the population within the Bay Area and Northern California as well as the surplus of qualified labor will attract logistics, manufacturing, and e‐commerce businesses to locate within the park.
Momot went on to say that two buildings have planned construction starting this month, with the three other buildings to follow. He added that the project offers many unique characteristics such as rail service situated on the BNSF line and direct access onto Hwy 160 to Hwy 4.
Oakley Mayor Kevin Romick said that this new development will create a vital, long awaited economic hub in Oakley.
“Since Oakley’s incorporation as a city 20 years ago, this property has been considered a key to job growth and a potential hub of industry,” said Mayor Romick. “To see this project come to fruition is so gratifying and exciting for the entire Oakley community.”
Read MoreSuspect Jimmey Allen Parrish and the weapons seized. Photos by CCCSheriff.
By Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff
A suspect who barricaded himself inside his residence in Tara Hills near San Pablo, last week has been charged with four felonies and a misdemeanor by the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office. 30-year-old Jimmey Allen Parrish was charged with two counts of possession of an assault weapon, possession of a machine gun, discharge of a firearm with gross negligence and resisting/obstructing a peace officer.
On Tuesday, January 21, 2020, at about 8:43 PM, Deputy Sheriffs were dispatched to a report of a person with a gun at a home on the 2400 block of O’Toole Way in the Tara Hills neighborhood in unincorporated Contra Costa. At the time Parrish apparently brandished a weapon and possibly fired some shots. There were no injuries.
Deputy Sheriffs attempted to make contact with Parrish but were not able to. At about 11:30 PM, the Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team and negotiators responded to the location. Negotiators continued trying to make contact with him. The SWAT Team on Wednesday morning entered the heavily fortified home and detained Parrish. He was later taken to the hospital and arrested on Thursday, January 23, 2020.
Parrish is currently in custody at the Martinez Detention Facility. He is being held in lieu of $353,000 bail.
Anyone with any information on this case is asked to contact the Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600. Tips could be emailed to: tips@so.cccounty.us or call (866) 846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.
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