Contra Costa Herald

Rookie Shan “Lucky” Jiang set to make California debut at Chase Center, Oakland Arena, and SAP Center at San Jose

Harlem Globetrotters_Lucky Jiang_Action Shot_2020 Pushing the Limits World Tour. Photo courtesy of Harlem Globetrotters.

The Harlem Globetrotters newest rookie Shan “Lucky” Jiang will make his California debut when he joins his new teammates during their new “Pushing the Limits” World Tour in the Bay Area for seven games from Jan. 11-20.

Jiang and the world famous team will play the new Chase Center in San Francisco on Saturday, Jan. 11 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., the Oakland Arena (formerly Oracle Arena) on Saturday, Jan. 18 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and SAP Center at San Jose on Friday, Jan. 17 at 7 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 19 at 2 p.m. and Monday, Jan. 20 at 1 p.m.

Lucky Jiang, a 5-11 ball handling sensation from Beijing, China, is the first Chinese player ever to suit up as a Globetrotter in the team’s 94-year history. Jiang first saw the Globetrotters perform live in 2014, during one of the team’s tours of China, and says he was so “awed” by the performance that he made sure he attended a Globetrotters game every time the team toured China from that point on.

Jiang recently joined teammates Zeus McClurkin and Scooter Christensen to trade tricks with Golden State Warriors rookie Eric Paschall (video is available HERE, courtesy Harlem Globetrotters).

Jiang, McClurkin, and Christensen will spread goodwill in the Bay Area from Jan. 8-10, prior to the games.  To request media availability with the Globetrotters, email Eric Nemeth at nemeth@harlemglobetrotters.com.

“Some people said that because I am Chinese, the chance to become a Harlem Globetrotter was always remote, maybe only 1% chance,” said Lucky. “But I was happy with that, because that meant there was always a 1% chance. I always worked hard, and I believe in miracles.”

Tickets for all Bay Area games are now on sale at harlemglobetrotters.com.

On the new tour, Globetrotters’ fans will experience even bigger moments and memories, including a live world record attempt at each game.  Plus, many markets will feature a glow in the dark performance.

The “Pushing the Limits” World Tour will up the ante and create even bigger moments and memories for Globetrotter fans. The Hall of Fame team’s 94th consecutive year will feature over 280 games through April in North America.

New to this year’s tour, and never been done before, include:

• Holders of 21 current world records, the Globetrotters will attempt a new world record live at each game on tour this year, hoping to add to their list of impressive accolades and innovations.
• In many markets, the Globetrotters will also perform their legendary pre-game “Magic Circle” ball handling warmups in the dark, using a glow in the dark Baden basketball to provide the illumination.
• The Globetrotters will celebrate their fans by introducing “The Fifth Quarter,” a free interactive post-game autograph session where fans will have the opportunity to meet the Globetrotters stars up close and personal.

As part of the tour, the Globetrotters will celebrate the 10th anniversary of the four-point shot, a shot 30-feet from the basket which they introduced to the sport in 2010. The team will also bring back its popular “Magic Pass” pre-game event, which enables fans to come onto the court, meet their favorite Globetrotters for pictures and autographs, and even learn how to spin a ball on their finger just like the stars.

The Harlem Globetrotters roster showcases some of the most thrilling athletes in the world, including Big Easy Lofton, Hi-Lite Bruton, Hammer Harrison, Thunder Law, Bull Bullard, and Cheese Chisholm – plus female stars TNT Lister, Torch George and more.

The Harlem Globetrotters® are legendary worldwide, synonymous with one-of-a-kind family entertainment and great basketball skills for the past 93 years. Throughout their history, the Original Harlem Globetrotters have showcased their iconic talents in 124 countries and territories on six continents, often breaking down cultural and societal barriers while providing fans with their first-ever basketball experience. Proud inductees of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, the Globetrotters have entertained hundreds of millions of fans – among them popes, kings, queens, and presidents – over nine thrilling decades. The Ambassadors of Goodwill are sponsored by Baden Sports, the Official Basketball, Champion, the Official Uniform & Apparel provider, Tum-e Yummies, the Official Fruit Flavored Drink, Carnival Cruise Line, Inc., Heelys, and Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Harlem Globetrotters International, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Herschend Enterprises, the largest family-owned themed entertainment company in the U.S. For the latest news and information about the Harlem Globetrotters, visit the Globetrotters’ official Web site: www.harlemglobetrotters.com and follow them on Twitter @Globies.

Rabbi Peretz Goldshmid of Chabad of the Delta with community supporters Art Solomon, Alice and Marty Bauman celebrate Chanukah with the lighting of the menorah in Brentwood on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2019. Photo courtesy of Rabbi Goldshmid.

Attendees sing at the Brentwood menorah lighting. Photo by Betty Estes.

The light of Chanukah has illuminated Eastern Contra Costa County. We are excited to have added Giant Menorahs to City Center of Oakley, Waldie Plaza in Antioch and of course at Brentwood City Hall.

The joy and festivities of Chanukah were celebrated at Brentwood City Hall on Sunday, Dec. 22. There was a large crowd in attendance at the Chabad of the Delta’s Grand Menorah Lighting at City Hall.

Chanukah, a joyous holiday also known as the Festival of Lights, commemorates the Jews’ triumph over Greek oppression nearly 2,200 years ago and the subsequent rededication of the Second Temple of Jerusalem.

Following the traditional Chanukah greeting of ‘Happy Chanukah’, Rabbi Peretz Goldshmid said the blessing and lit the giant menorah – the nine-branch candelabrum that Jews light each night of Chanukah.

Chanukah, whose dates are set by the Jewish calendar, lasts for eight days, this year corresponding to Dec. 22-Dec. 30.

The Chanukah celebration in Brentwood before the menora lighting. Photo by Allen Payton.

After lighting the first flame to mark the first night, the Rabbi continued with his inspirational message. “Each night that we add an extra flame, is a reminder that of the need to increase acts of kindness and warmth to make the world a brighter place.” Goldshmid then continued in his usual eloquent style, “When we bring more light and warmness and kindness into the world eight consecutive nights, it is a very special energy.

People joined in singing traditional Chanukah tunes with musical accompaniment.

The crowd partook in traditional Chanukah cuisine, consisting of delicious doughnuts and hot fried potato latkes.

Rabbi Peretz Goldshmid of Chabad of the Delta (center) is flanked by city employees James Plueger and Joe of the Public Works Department for the menorah lighting on Sat., Dec. 21, 2019. Photo courtesy of Rabbi Goldschmid.

“It’s a family tradition to enjoy Chanukah,” remarked Kayla, who attended with her young daughter Debra. “The crafts, games and awesome fire show ensure this tradition.”

Chanukah, which stems from the Hebrew word for dedication, celebrated the miracle of the oil that had the volume to last one day but instead lasted eight. So too, with the immense dedication of Rabbi Peretz and Mrs. Mashie Goldshmid, Chabad of the Delta is experiencing its’ own little miracle. What was once a dormant Jewish community is now flourishing – the local Jewish community is experiencing tremendous growth. New classes, prayer services and Jewish Kids Club are all up and running.

The menorah at Oakley City Hall. Photo courtesy of Rabbi Goldshmid.

Of the Antioch menorah lighting, Peretz said “Thank you James Pflueger, Joe, Darrel, Laurie Schwartz and the City of Antioch, California for making the menorah go up. The name Antioch originates from Antiochus of the Chanukah story.”

The annual Jewish festival commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem after the Maccabean Jews regained control of Jerusalem after overthrowing King Antiochus IV Epiphenes of the Seleucid empire.

For more information call the office 925-420- 4999, visit www.JewishDelta.com or follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ChabadDelta/.

This successful event was sponsored by Chabad of the Delta and made possible by generous donations from community members and Hadassah George in memory of her parents Avraham and Miriam Vareed who lived their lives with the message of Chanukah, spreading light and Jewish pride even in the toughest of times.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

Screenshot of surveillance video of store clerk being pistol whipped by robbery suspect at Kam’s Market in Bay Point on Sun., Dec. 22. Source: KTVU Fox 2 News

Seek possible second suspect

By Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff

On Sunday, December 22, 2019, at about 11:04 PM, Muir Station Deputy Sheriffs were dispatched to a market on the 200 block of Port Chicago Highway in Bay Point for a report of an assault with a deadly weapon and shooting. (See KTVU news report and store surveillance video – WARNING: contains violence)

Deputies found a clerk inside the store suffering from a head injury. A man was located on the ground near the store at the intersection of Lynbrook Street and Desanie Way. The man suffered from a gunshot wound and was later pronounced deceased at the scene. He is not being identified pending next of kin notification.

Forensic Services Division Crime Lab and Homicide Detectives responded to the scene. Detectives say the man struck the clerk in the head with a gun during a robbery at the market. During the attack, the clerk shot the man. The clerk was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

A second unknown suspect may also be involved.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with any information on this case is asked to contact the 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.

By Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff

On Saturday, December 21, 2019, at about 11:51 AM, Contra Costa Deputy Sheriffs located an occupied stolen vehicle traveling westbound on Highway 24 near the Pleasant Hill Road exit in Lafayette.

The vehicle continued on Highway 24 and eventually exited on 12th Street in Oakland.

Deputies followed the vehicle waiting for cover units to arrive. At no time did Deputies pursue the vehicle. A Deputy conducted a traffic enforcement stop in the area of Willow Street and Goss Street in Oakland.

With the assistance of the Oakland Police Department, the driver and passenger were both detained.

A search of the vehicle found two firearms under the possession of the driver, who was identified as 44-year-old Andres Williams of Oakland.

Williams was later booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on charges that include felon in possession of a firearm, stolen vehicle, possession of stolen property, and a parole hold. The passenger, who is not being identified, was released at the scene.

The Contra Costa Deputy Sheriffs involved in this case were part of the additional Sheriff’s Office patrol deputies assigned to both Lafayette and Orinda following recent violent crimes in those cities.

These Deputy Sheriffs are supplementing Lafayette and Orinda Police Departments’ regular patrols. ​Additional security measures have also been stepped up and are ongoing.

By Timothy Leong, Director of Communications and Community Relations, CCCCD

The Governing Board (Board) has officially begun the search for the next chancellor of the Contra Costa Community College District (District) following the retirement announcement of Dr. Fred Wood. The Board is committed to conducting an equitable, inclusive, and transparent national search that will attract a strong pool of outstanding candidates for this opportunity.

Assisting the District in the chancellor search is Collaborative Brain Trust and Dr. Brice Harris, a longtime California community college educator and Chancellor Emeritus of the California Community Colleges. The goal will be to complete the search process and announce the new chancellor in April 2020, with a start date of June 1-July 1, 2020.

For more details about this search, contact Dr. Brice Harris at harrisbrice@att.net or cell phone at 916-715-7272. Progress reports and updates will be posted on the District website at www.4cd.edu.

About the College District

The Contra Costa Community College District (CCCCD) is one of the largest multi-college community college districts in California. The CCCCD serves a population of 1,019,640 people, and its boundaries encompass all but 48 of the 734-square-mile land area of Contra Costa County. The District is home to Contra Costa College in San Pablo, Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill, Los Medanos College in Pittsburg, as well as educational centers in Brentwood and San Ramon.  Each college is individually accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges. The District headquarters is located in downtown Martinez.

Photo of the aftermath of the Port Chicago disaster.

First recognition in law of racial bias experienced by sailors

Washington, DC – On Wed., Dec. 11, 2019, a measure authored by Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11) to honor and provide federal recognition of the Port Chicago 50 passed in the House of Representatives as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (S. 1790). If signed by the President, which is expected to happen this month, it would represent the first time that federal law recognizes the racial bias experienced by the 50 black sailors following the Port Chicago disaster on July 17, 1944 and the first official call from Congress that the Secretary of the Navy recommend remediation for the Port Chicago 50.

“Seventy-five years ago, the explosion at Port Chicago changed the course of the lives of many and set the stage for racial integration in the military. The brave men who fought back against their unfair, discriminatory treatment have never properly been recognized by the same government that betrayed them. This effort is an important first step toward righting this historical injustice and properly honoring the Port Chicago 50, and we will continue fighting to get the justice these brave service members deserve,” said DeSaulnier.

“The Friends of Port Chicago National Memorial are deeply gratified by Congressman DeSaulnier’s diligent work to include this language recognizing the bias against these African American sailors during World War II. It is extremely meaningful, on the 75th anniversary of this tragedy, that the Congress recognize the discrimination endured by the 256 Port Chicago sailors who were treated so unfairly by the Navy and the nation they served. Survivors of that tragic explosion have said they wanted everyone to know they did their best to help win the War,” said Rev. Diana McDaniel, President of The Friends of Port Chicago National Memorial.

Also included in the bill is a provision authored by DeSaulnier to improve financial transparency for America’s veterans who experience hardship when receiving both separation pay and disability pay. S. 1790 also takes a significant step by providing paid family leave for federal workers.

Despite these successes, DeSaulnier ultimately voted against the bill as it increases the defense budget by another $30 billion, bringing the total spending to a whopping $738 billion for this year alone with no requirement for an in-depth spending analysis or accountability.

Rep. Mark DeSaulnier

Washington, DC – Today, Thurs., December 19, 2019, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11) issued the following statement on today’s passage of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) in the U.S. House of Representatives. The legislation passed by a vote of 385-to-41 with Congressman DeSaulnier voting against.

“The version of the USMCA passed by the House represents important progress in areas that affect Americans across the country,” Congressman DeSaulnier said. “Although negotiations with Democrats made this legislation far better than what was presented to us by the Trump Administration, I do not have confidence that American workers and the environment are adequately protected. With the harm workers in my district suffered after NAFTA was enacted, we must do more to protect against outsourcing and simultaneously provide stronger environmental protections to combat the effects of climate change while the White House denies its impacts.”

The 11th Congressional District consists of portions of Contra Costa County. Cities and communities in the district include Alamo, Bay Point, Blackhawk, Clayton, Concord, Danville, Diablo, El Cerrito, El Sobrante, Kensington, Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda, Pittsburg, Pleasant Hill, San Pablo, Richmond and Walnut Creek, and portions of Antioch.

The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors recognized Larry Sly the retired executive director of the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano Counties for his 43 years of public service on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2019. The University of California at Berkeley history graduate is known for building up the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano into one of the premier provider of food to those in need in the county, The development of the Great Food Fight between Contra Costa and Solano counties raises thousands of dollars annually between the two counties. At the presentation were from left, District 3 Supervisor Diane Burgis of Brentwood, Food Bank Communications Director Lisa Sherill, Board Chair John Gioia, District 5 Supervisor Federal Glover, Larry Sly, District 4 Supervisor Karen Mitchoff, Food Bank Programs Director Caitlin Sly and Vice Chair Candace Andersen. Sly says he has no immediate plans of what he will do during his retirement. Photo by Daniel Borsuk.

Honor former Food Bank Executive Director Larry Sly, Ryse Center in Richmond

By Daniel Bsuk

Look for 2020 to be an unusually busy year for the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors.

The elected officials are expected to take up complex issues like choosing a new County Clerk, adoption of a short-term rental ordinance, numerous construction projects at the county’s two airports, and decide on potentially 11 land use permits for cannabis businesses, perhaps in March, while two members run for re-election.

New County Clerk-Recorder

In the first two months of the new year, supervisors will also be busy selecting a new county clerk-recorder registrar of voters to replace Joseph Canciamilla, who was forced to resign in late October when it was disclosed that he had illegally used campaign funds for personal use. The California Fair Political Practices Commission fined Canciamilla $150,000 for the illegal action.

Short-Term Rental Ordinance

Supervisors got a glimpse of a Draft Short-term Rental Ordinance at Tuesday’s meeting and flashed the green light for Conservation and Development Department (CDD) Director John Kopchik and his staff to proceed in drafting an ordinance for potential board adoption in 2020.

Supervisors directed CDD officials to proceed to draft a Short-term Rental Ordinance in the aftermath of the Halloween night murder spree at an Orinda house that was rented as an Airbnb where five people died and four others were injured. In late November, federal law enforcement authorities had arrested Frederick Johnson, 29, of Vallejo and Domico Dones, 29, of Martinez in connection with the mass shooting.

Presently, unincorporated Contra Costa County does not permit short-term rentals because it has no law on the books addressing the growing rental practice.

So far, supervisors have discussed modeling a potential short-term rental ordinance with a 90-day limit involving a complete house, not a unit of a house. County planners are also reviewing capping the total number of persons at a short-term rental at no more than 20 persons, banning the posting of signs, excessive noise and traffic, and prohibiting special events such as a conference, wedding or commercial event.

Supervisor Diane Burgis of Brentwood said enforcement of a STR ordinance will be a difficult task and CDP Director Kopchik agreed, saying “Enforcement is a challenge. We won’t get a lot of money from enforcement of this ordinance.”

Out-going Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors Chair John Gioia selected the Ryse Center of Richmond as 2019 Chair of the Board Award recipient. The center that provides emotional, mental and political health services for Richmond youth ages 11 to 24 years of age was co-founded by executive director Kimberly Aceves-Iniguez and associate director Kanwarpal Dhaliwal in 2001. Ryse Center has reached out to about 10,000 youth in the Richmond area. Gioia will hand over the gavel to Vice Chair Candace Andersen of Danville at the supervisors’ Jan. 14 meeting. Photo by Daniel Borsuk.

Airports Draw Big Bucks

On a positive note, Supervisors heard Director of Airports Keith Freitas report at Tuesday’s meeting that the county owned and operated airports – Buchanan Field Airport in Concord and Byron Airport – generated $8.4 million in revenue for the airports, county and schools in 2017-2018. During that fiscal year Freitas, who said the airports must be financially dependent on their own revenues, distributed $2.2 million to the county, $882,801 to the schools, and $5.1 million to airport enterprises.

The airports are luring developers, Freitas said. On the drawing boards for Buchanan Field are a new Buchanan Field Airport Terminal, a Concord Airport Self Storage, a new Fire Station No. 9, and on the west side of the airport two major business parks are planned – a three-acre and a 16-acre business park.

Byron Airport is also attracting development, including a 36-acre non-aviation development and a three-acre aviation hangar development.

Freitas said the county airports are in discussions with Alaska and New Mexico Unmanned Aircraft System FAA test sites to potentially strike up a partnership with Buchanan Field and Byron Airport. Potential contracts could mean more jobs and revenue for the airports.

Freitas said the two airports provide 828 jobs in the county – 808 jobs at Buchanan Field and 20 jobs at Byron Airport.

Cannabis Land Use Permits

Possibly at the Supervisors’ March 24 meeting, supervisors will act in awarding land use permits to up to four cannabis retail and seven cannabis commercial cultivation applicants that Supervisors had selected a a Dec. 10th meeting. Supervisors set a 90-day period for the 11 successful candidates to complete and submit land use applications with the Department of Conservation & Development. That application deadline is March 9.

The four retail candidates moving ahead in the selection process are Authentic 925 for a location in South Pacheco, Artist Tree in El Sobrante, Embarc Contra Costa in North Pacheco and Garden of Eden for South Pacheco.

In the running for commercial cultivation permits are Lifted Spirit-Brentwood; 703 Chesley, LLC; Element 7 – Chestnut Street of Brentwood; Element 7 – Willow Way in Byron; Casa Resta Farms of Brentwood, Diablo Valley Farm of Brentwood and Magic Flower Gardens.

Lastly, the supervisors and county employees now working out of the old administrative building at 651 Pine Street in Martinez will be moving into a four-story, 71,000 square foot, $60 million administrative building is spring. The new building will replace the old administrative building at 651 Pine St.

Three Supervisors Up For Election, Two Face Opponents

Three members of the Board are up for re-election but only two are facing opponents in the March Primary Election. Burgis running for a second term in District 3, faces one opponent and Federal Glover, running for a sixth term in District 5, faces two opponents. If no candidate receives a majority of votes, the top two will runoff in the General Election in November. Candace Andersen will be re-elected to her third term representing District 2, since no one filed to run against her.

2020 is shaping up to be a transformative year for the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors in more ways than one.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

A 5.4% inflation-based fare increase will take effect on January 1, 2020 as part of a program first approved by the BART Board in 2003 and renewed for a second series in 2013.

For a short trip like Downtown Berkeley to 19th St./Oakland, the Clipper fare will increase by 10 cents, and a longer trip like Antioch to Montgomery will increase by 40 cents.

View the new fare chart. The Trip Planner and Fare Calculator will be updated with these new fares before December 13, 2019. The fare charts at stations will be swapped out just prior to January 1.

Paper ticket fares will continue to have a 50 cent per trip surcharge. Riders are encouraged to use Clipper and save.

All new revenue from this fare increase goes to BART’s highest priority capital needs including new rail cars, a new train control system to provide more frequent service and an expanded maintenance facility.

According to a KRON4 news report, “For example, if you go from Lafayette and get off at the Embarcadero station, a one-way ticket will cost you $5.30.

From Antioch to Embarcadero, that ticket will cost you $7.90.

Another example – south Fremont to Embarcadero is $7.10.

Dublin to the same station will be $6.60.”

Fare Increase is Based on Inflation

To help fund the BART system’s extensive capital needs, BART has an inflation-based fare increase program adopted by the Board of Directors that raises fares every other year at a rate .5% less than inflation for the previous 2-year period.

It is important fares keep up with inflation because BART is not heavily subsidized by the government and we rely on fares for two-thirds of our operating budget.   We are working very hard to improve the rider experience with stepped up cleaning efforts, additional police presence to keep you safe, and new solutions to address the Bay Area’s homeless crisis and the impact on our system.

This is the last of four biennial fare increases called for under the 2013 series. The BART Board has approved a third series of inflation-based fare increases that will go into effect in 2022, 2024 and 2026.  This latest series will follow the same inflation-based formula as the previous increases.

Means-Based Fare Discount Pilot

BART will participate in the Metropolitan Transportation Commission’s Regional Means-Based Fare Discount Pilot Program expected to begin in early 2020. The program will offer a 20% discount per trip to adult riders earning 200% or less of the federal poverty level.

Get Clipper

Clipper has many advantages over paper tickets:

BART is working to move toward a Clipper-only fare payment system because the region has prioritized the use of Clipper as the Bay Area’s all-in-one transit card administered by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission. Clipper has many advantages over paper tickets:

• Clipper saves money. Adult paper tickets have a 50 cents surcharge on every trip, which equals $1.00 per round trip. With a one-time acquisition fee of $3.00 for a Clipper card, it pays for itself in just 3 roundtrips.
• In addition to the 50-cent per trip savings on BART, customers who use Clipper also pay less on Muni, Golden Gate Transit buses and ferries, San Francisco Bay Ferry, AC Transit and Caltrain.
• Clipper is tourist-friendly as it offers discounts on various transit agencies while eliminating the need to purchase and carry multiple fare products from different agencies.
• Clipper is reusable and long-lasting, unlike paper tickets that get worn and tattered.
• Clipper is accepted by nearly all transit agencies in the region. Many other agencies offer discounted fares when using Clipper.
• Riders can set up their Clipper card account to reload automatically so they won’t have to wait in line.
• The loaded value on the Clipper card is secure when it’s registered. If you lose the card, the balance can be replaced for a nominal fee.
• Your Clipper card can be linked to your BART EZ Rider parking account for a fast and easy way to pay for BART parking. Once you have Clipper, go tohttps://ezrider.bart.gov/ezrider/ and follow the instructions to link the card to our parking program and then simply tap your Clipper at parking validation machines.
• The tag in and out system allows Clipper card users to move through fare gates faster.
• Clipper cards can be purchased at every BART station and at many retail outlets throughout the region.
• Paper tickets can jam our fare gates, so Clipper usage means more open fare gates, shorter lines and less fare gate maintenance.
• Clipper usage reduces the paper waste of the magstripe tickets in the BART system.

By U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of California, Department of Justice

SAN FRANCISCO – Jose Ricardo Loza and Randy Lee Walker were charged in a criminal complaint with distributing fentanyl and heroin, announced United States Attorney David L. Anderson and Postal Inspector in Charge Rafael E. Nuñez, United States Postal Inspection Service.

An affidavit filed in the case by an agent of the United States Postal Inspection Service alleges that Loza sold blue counterfeit oxycodone pills that were laced with Fentanyl.  According to the affidavit, Loza sold to a third party 50 Fentanyl-laced pills on August 22, 2019, when at the auto body shop where he works in Pittsburg, Calif.  Loza allegedly did not initially have enough pills to sell, so he texted Walker, who arrived with more Fentanyl-laced pills.  The affidavit alleges that during the transaction, Loza warned the customer to be careful when taking these pills because he (Loza) gave the same pills to a mutual friend who overdosed and died.  According to the affidavit, a laboratory test verified that a sample of the pills Loza sold contained fentanyl.

In addition, the affidavit alleges that on November 22, 2019, Loza sold 500 more counterfeit pills to an undercover officer and then told the officer that he had 10,000 more of the same pills for sale.  Further, the affidavit alleges Loza sold two ounces of heroin on September 10, 2019.

Loza and Walker are charged with distribution of controlled substances, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C).

Loza and Walker were arrested on December 12, 2019.  At the time of Loza’s arrest, law enforcement agents found more than 2,000 counterfeit oxycodone pills hidden in hollowed out compartments of his furniture.

Defendants Loza and Walker made their initial appearances Friday morning, Dec. 13 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas S. Hixson.  Both defendants currently are in custody.  Walker’s next court appearance was scheduled for Monday, December 16, 2019, for appointment of counsel. Loza’s next court appearance is scheduled for Wednesday, December 18, 2019, for a hearing to address detention issues.

If convicted, the defendants face a maximum statutory penalty of up to 20 years in prison.  A term of supervised release, fines, forfeitures, and restitution also may be ordered, however, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.

The complaint contains allegations only and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ross Weingarten is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Linda Love.  The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service.