Suspect Lonnie Wright
By Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff
Allegations of molestation and sexual abuse were brought last week to the attention of the Stockton Police Department. Officers later arrested the suspect, 69-year-old Lonnie Wright. He was then booked into the Martinez Detention Facility (MDF).
As the alleged crimes occurred in the unincorporated town of Rodeo in Contra Costa County, Detectives from the Office of the Sheriff followed up on the investigation. On Tuesday, September 17, 2019, Detectives presented the case to the Contra Costa D.A.’s Office, which charged Wright for 10 felonies that include sexual intercourse and oral copulation with a child 10 years old or younger and forcible lewd acts upon a child.
Wright, a Rodeo resident, is currently being held at the MDF. His bail is set at $5,500,000.
Wright has reportedly cared for numerous children. Detectives believe there may be additional victims and would like to talk to anyone who was cared for by Wright.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Special Victim’s Unit of the Investigation Division at (925) 313-2625. For any tips, please email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call 866-846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.
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Suspect Adalberto Guardado
By Captain Brian Bubar, San Pablo Police Department & Scott Alonso, Public Information Officer, Contra Costa County District Attorney
San Pablo Police received information of sexual abuse of a 3-year-old child after the victim reported the conduct to a family member. In turn, San Pablo Police Detectives were called and an investigation ensued. Subsequently Detectives arrested Adalberto Guardado, a 65-year-old resident of San Pablo, on Saturday, September 14th, at his home where the alleged attack occurred.
The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office charged defendant Guardado with two felonies, including the alleged sexual abuse of a minor, Jane Doe. The enhancements allege the defendant assaulted a three-year-old minor girl and befriended her before the alleged assault.
Guardado is set to be arraigned this afternoon at 1:30 p.m. in the Contra Costa County Superior Court in Richmond. The defendant is in custody at the Martinez Detention Facility and is being held without bail.
We will not release how a victim may know a defendant in a sexual assault case as well as the name of a victim to protect their confidentiality.
The investigation is ongoing and active. We are hoping the public may have additional information about the case or defendant. Members of the public with information about the case should call the San Pablo Police Department at 510-215-3150.
The case is assigned to Deputy District Attorney Bryan Tierney with our Office’s Sexual Assault Unit.
Case information: People v. Adalberto Guardado, Docket Number 02-330741-0
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Direct DA’s office to reopen 2005 Lafayette murder case; approve new land development fees
By Daniel Borsuk
On a thin 3-2 vote, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday slapped a temporary moratorium on the County’s collection and assessment of 14 Adult Criminal Justice Fees that will cost the county $1.8 million in revenue a year should the moratorium become permanent.
During Public Safety Committee meetings, Chairperson John Gioia of Richmond and Supervisor Federal Glover of Pittsburg agreed with citizen committee members the fees are discriminatory to persons of color and likely result in longtime economic or financial hardship for persons who had a criminal record.
An “aye” vote from District 3 Supervisor Diane Burgis of Brentwood meant the county will temporarily stop the collection of fees, including the Sheriff Central Administration’s Booking Fee that will generate about $40,000 in 2019/2020, and the Adult Probation Supervision Fee that potentially could have generated nearly $1.8 million in 2019/2020 revenue.
The temporary moratorium will be effective immediately with the Board expecting to reevaluate the moratorium’s progress no later than Dec. 31, 2019. Supervisors will reassess the value of the moratorium at a December meeting.
Even though the county’s coffers are plentiful, with supervisors also officially adopting on a 5-0 vote the county’s $3.6 billion 2019-2020 final budget, the county is spending funds at a rapid pace through newly inked employee-union labor agreements like a 3.44 percent pay hike for social workers, an 8 percent salary raise for county supervisors that went into effect in July, and tacking on an additional $7.5 million in costs to the new Administration Building and new Emergency Operations Center/Public Safety Building to improve the security and communication capabilities during emergencies.
During a three-hour discussion on the item, Board Vice Chair Candace Andersen consistently opposed the moratorium on grounds that by dropping the fees for all persons, individual with the financial resources will benefit the most. “There are a lot of people who are committing these crimes who have the ability to pay these fees,” said the supervisor from Danville. “There is no reason why we shouldn’t be assessing these fees.”
In arguing against the proposal, District 4 Supervisor Karen Mitchoff said the elimination of $1.8 million of criminal justice fees could financially impact social and health programs such as drug diversion programs that assist persons with criminal records. “I cannot support the moratorium at this time,” the supervisor from Pleasant Hill declared.
But there were a number of citizens in support of the proposal to eliminate the fees.
“There are many people I have represented who 15 to 20 years later did not know that they’d have their wages garnished or face the ongoing inability to pay even though they have jobs and families,” said Mary Sylla, an attorney at Rubicon Programs.
“We urge you to do the right thing,” pleaded Ali Saidi, head of the Contra Costa Public Defenders Association, “These fees impact people of color.”
Request to Reopen Lafayette Murder Case Referred to DA’s Unit
Antioch private investigator and former Antioch Councilman Ralph Hernandez’s pitch, to have the 2005 murder case of Pamela Vitale of Lafayette reopened, got the thumbs up from the board of supervisors. The case was referred to Contra Costa District Attorney’s newly created conviction integrity unit. In this instance, Scott Dyleski, who Hernandez represents, was convicted for the October 2005 murder of Vitale.
“Your assistance in directing such from your two agencies (D.A.’s Office and Public Defender’s Office) is more than warranted,” Hernandez said. “Fourteen years of Scott’s youth has already been denied him and he still faces many more if this very serious matter is just ignored by all. Pamela Vitale’s memory deserves that the truth be determined, not ignored.”
Supervisors did not comment openly about the case, but Gioia consented that at least the DA’s new conviction integrity unit review the case.
New Land Development Fees Approved
Without opposition from either supervisors or the public, supervisors unanimously approved new land development fees charged for services performed by the Department of Conservation and Development and the Public Works Department starting March 1, 2020.
Some fees like encroachment fees have not been adjusted since 1995 and in many instances, rates are decreasing “due to economy of scale,” John Kopchik, director of the Contra Costa County Department of Conservation and Development told the Contra Costa Herald.
Supervisors withheld action on a proposal to charge a $1,000 fee for the time and materials needed to submit and process applications for nomination of a building or cultural resource for consideration before the Historical Landmarks Advisory Committee.
“The Historical Landmarks Advisory Committee believes that the current and proposed fees of $1,000 deposit and time and materials required to submit and process applications to nominate historical and cultural resources to the County’s Historic Resources Inventory (HRI) are a deterrent to public participation in the program.
“The HLAC voted at their meeting held on August 8, 2019 to make a formal recommendation to the Board of Supervisors to reduce these fees to encourage organizations or individuals to nominate potential resources to be designated to the HRI,” Historic Landmark Advisory Committee staff member Dominique Vogelpohl wrote on August 26.
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PITTSBURG, CA — Nonprofit organizations, municipal or government agencies or school districts in East Contra County are invited to apply for community grants of up to $5,000 in the areas of education and environmental sustainability and workforce development programs for local students through Corteva Agriscience – Pittsburg Operations. Deadline for submittal of applications is Oct. 18, 2019.
The Corteva Community Grants are reviewed and approved by the site’s Community Advisory Panel (CAP), members of the East Contra Costa community who serve as liaisons between the community and Corteva (formerly Dow), and learn about the site’s operations, support shared goals and voice any concerns on behalf of the community.
“Corteva Agriscience values the opportunity to provide charitable giving to communities where the company has a presence,” said Jose Carrascal, Corteva Agriscience Site Director. “This site has been involved with the community for many, many years, and our CAP members help us to be better neighbors and we look forward to continuing that tradition. We know the CAP strives to select sustainable projects that result in positive and definitive outcomes within the neighboring communities. We support this endeavor wholeheartedly.”
Applicants must be certified 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations, schools, municipalities and county entities located in or which provides services in Pittsburg, Bay Point and Antioch. Ineligible organizations, per Corteva’s contribution guidelines, include funding for individuals, political organizations, religious organizations, and grants cannot be used to underwrite salaries, stipends, travel, fundraisers, meals, utilities.
To obtain a grant application, go to the following link: Application, Guidelines, and FAQ’s
About Corteva Agriscience
Corteva Agriscience is a publicly traded, global pure-play agriculture company that provides farmers around the world with the most complete portfolio in the industry – including a balanced and diverse mix of seed, crop protection and digital solutions focused on maximizing productivity to enhance yield and profitability. With some of the most recognized brands in agriculture and an industry-leading product and technology pipeline well positioned to drive growth, the company is committed to working with stakeholders throughout the food system as it fulfills its promise to enrich the lives of those who produce and those who consume, ensuring progress for generations to come. Corteva Agriscience became an independent public company on June 1, 2019, and was previously the Agriculture Division of DowDuPont. More information can be found at www.corteva.com.
Follow Corteva Agriscience on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube.
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By Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff
Sheriff-Coroner David O. Livingston announced that a Coroner’s Jury has reached a finding in the September 28, 2018 death of 41-year-old Marcus Lamont Bray of Oakley. The finding of the jury is that the death is a suicide.
The Coroner’s Jury reached a 12-0 verdict after hearing the testimony of witnesses called by the hearing officer, Matthew Guichard.
Bray shot himself during a traffic stop by a San Pablo police officer.
A Coroner’s Inquest, which Sheriff-Coroner Livingston convenes in all fatal incidents involving police officers, is a public hearing, during which a jury rules on the manner of a person’s death. Jury members can choose from the following four options when making their finding: accident, suicide, natural causes or at the hands of another person, other than by accident.
Allen Payton contributed to this report.
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Beverly Johnson from 2016. Photo courtesy of CCCSheriff
By Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff
Detectives from the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff continue to investigate a death that was reported on September 3, 2019.
On September 3 at about 8:56 AM, Delta Station Deputy Sheriffs responded to a call regarding a possible dead body. Deputies located a deceased female adult near Byron Highway and Herdlyn Road in Byron.
The body was later identified as 56-year-old Beverly Johnson. An autopsy was performed. The cause of death is still being investigated.
Johnson was a transient who was said to hitch rides around California. She was found wearing a white shirt and black sweatpants. She is described as a white female, 5’, 6”, approximately 115 pounds, with brown colored hair and eyes.
Anyone with any information on this case is asked to contact the Office of the Sheriff Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600. For any tips, email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call (866) 846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.
Read More
Contra Costa Animal Services (CCAS) is offering reduced cost adoptions for dogs and cats between now and September 30th to help find forever homes for the hundreds of animals at the County’s shelters. During this period, the adoption fee for dogs over 25lbs and black cats/kittens, or partially black cats/kittens, will be reduced to $20. Interested adopters can take advantage of this adoption promotion by visiting CCAS’ Martinez and Pinole adoption centers to meet animals and adopt their new family member.
“Typical adoption costs range from $86-$264 at CCAS, depending on the animal, which makes this promotion a huge incentive for potential adopters,” says CCAS spokesperson, Steve Burdo. “Our hope is that the community will take advantage of this great opportunity and help us find forever homes for the animals in our care.”
The reduced cost adoption fee includes the cost of adoption, spay/neuter surgery, microchip and vaccinations. The discounted adoption fee does not include licensing or any refundable deposits that may be required for spay/neuter surgery.
To view animals available for adoption, visit www.ccasd.org.
CCAS Adoption Locations
Martinez Adoption Center – 4800 Imhoff Pl., Martinez, CA 94553
Pinole Adoption Center – 910 San Pablo Ave., Pinole, CA 94564
For more information, contact Contra Costa County Animal Services’ Media and Community Relations Manager Steve Burdo at 925-393-6836, or by email at steve.burdo@asd.cccounty.us.
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Volunteers assist veterans during the 2017 Stand Down on the Delta. Herald file photo.
By Sandee Wiedemann
The biennial effort known as Stand Down on the Delta to support homeless and at-risk veterans returns to Antioch at the Contra Costa Event Park (fairgrounds) September 20-23. This is a great opportunity for the community to show appreciation for their service to our country and to receive the reward of helping others.
Veterans will be given dental, medical, and counseling services, plus legal and VA claims assistance. They will also receive clothes, haircuts, shaves, meals, and sleeping accommodations. Real estate and banking leaders will be available to help the veterans possibly purchase a home.
Delta Veterans Group needs the community’s help to provide the most possibilities for our veterans. There are opportunities for professional services in the fields of medical, dental, legal, and more. See volunteer options under categories of general volunteer and/or professional services at https://www.deltaveteransgroup.org/stand-down-on-the-delta. There is a place for every person or service club to make a difference in the lives of our Veterans.
The Contra Costa Event Park is located at 1201 W. 10th Street in Antioch.
Veterans relax on their bunks at Stand Down. Herald file photo.
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The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors recognized September as Suicide Prevention Month by honoring the Freedom High School student video production program that produced effective anti-suicide awareness videos for students during the 2018-2019 academic year. Since September 2013, the board of supervisors has promoted a Suicide Prevention Strategic Plan to give communities a plan to reduce suicide through education, increasing awareness of knowing warning signs, and implementing trainings to equip people with tools needed to help others who consider suicide. In the United States, among individuals between the ages of 15 and 24, more than 47,000 people in the United States take their lives every year. At Tuesday’s presentation were from left Jennifer Brugeman of Contra Costa County Behavioral Health Services; Jamie Sampson, Freedom High School graduate and a current Los Medanos College freshman; Supervisor Federal Glover of Pittsburg; Tom Tamura, executive director of the Contra Costa Crisis Center; Board of Supervisors Vice Chair Candace Andersen, Supervisor Karen Mitchoff of Pleasant Hill; Rapiel Cadena, Freedom High School graduate and Los Medanos College freshman; and Supervisor Diane Burgis of Brentwood. Photo by Daniel Borsuk.
Propose ban on e-cigarettes, $1.5 million for transitional housing, $600 million for Medi-Cal contract with Kaiser
By Daniel Borsuk
One hundred Contra Costa County social workers won a hard-fought 3.44 percent salary increase from the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday that reconvened after taking a five-week summer break.
On a 4-0 vote supervisors approved the consent item granting the pay hike for social workers. Social workers will see the salary increases go into effect Oct. 1.
An absent board chair John Gioia of Richmond was attending a statewide supervisors meeting.
“We are pleased and we are surprised by the board of supervisors vote,” said social worker Carmen Rivera, a union member of the Service Employees International Union Local 1021 that represents 100 employees.
Board Vice Chair Candace Andersen of Danville said the reason the board decided to move on the long sought demand by SEIU was to finally bring county social workers salaries up to Bay Area salary levels. A recent survey found Contra Costa social workers were 3.44 percent below mean of comparable salaries of Bay Area social workers.
“This has been an on-going issue and finally we had some flexibility in the budget to do something about it,” Andersen said.
Unlike Alameda County that draws additional revenues from a sales tax and can pay social workers better salaries, Andersen said Contra Costa County must pay social worker positions from general funds.
Currently, the county has a 12 percent vacancy rate in its Employment and Human Services Department with 409 unfilled positions, the highest in the Bay Area.
It is too early to tell if the pay increase will turn the tide in permanently improving the earning power of social workers in the county, but it might be the start of good things to come.
OK Pay Hikes for Probation Workers, Juvenile Institution Officer
County probation workers and supervisors under contract with the represented by the Deputy Sheriffs Association have agreed to a new four-year labor agreement with the county that increase salaries 5 percent every July 1 on 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022.
Ban on E-Cigarettes Proposed
An idea to impose a countywide ban on e-cigarettes, the vaporized flavored tobacco product that is heavily marketed to teenagers and is reportedly linked with respiratory and cancer cases around the nation, was proposed by Supervisor Karen Mitchoff of Pleasant Hill.
Health hazards tied to teens who have used e-cigarettes have been recently popping up around the nation and Mitchoff believes Contra Costa County Health officials should report what is occurring locally. “There’s been so much bad publicity about vaping products and the health risks associated with them for our youth, I think we need to have a discussion on that topic and maybe impose a ban on this product,” the supervisor said.
There was no further discussion on the topic. A date has not been set when the report or issue will be presented for discussion.
Supervisors Approve $1.5 Million Contract With Interfaith Transitional Housing
Supervisors approved a $1.5 million contract with Contra Costa Interfaith Transitional Housing Inc. to provide temporary supportive housing services to homeless Contra Costa County residents to assist CalWORKS families achieve self-sufficiency and housing stability. The contract will be in effect from August 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020.
County Inks $600 Million Medi-Cal Contract Extension With Kaiser
Supervisors approved a Medi-Cal contract extension with Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc. effective September 30, 2019 to September 30, 2021 for additional Medi-Cal services for Contra Costa Health Plan members enrolled in the Kaiser Health Plan. The supervisors’ action was consent vote.
Fire Chief Broschard’s Report
Contra Costa County Fire Protection District’s Lewis T. Broschard IlI’s report to supervisors, who also serve in the capacity of the county fire commission, the chief reported about the fire season:
“To date, this fire season has been mild across the state. There are estimates stating that up to 90 percent fewer acres have burned compared with the same time last year.
In our District, there have been about the same number of fires as compared with last year, and we have succeeded in keeping these relatively small fires small. There have been three significant wildland fires in the east Contra Costa Fire Protection District within the last 60 days, and we provided substantial resources for an extended period. We now are entering what is normally the most active and dangerous period of our local fire season but with a significantly higher fuel load than in recent years. We all should be reminded there is still considerable potential for large and destructive wildfires until consistent rains begin to fall in the area.”
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Suspect Lonnie Wright
By Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff
Allegations of molestation and sexual abuse were brought last week to the attention of the Stockton Police Department. Officers later arrested the suspect, 69-year-old Lonnie Wright. He was then booked into the Martinez Detention Facility (MDF).
As the alleged crimes occurred in the unincorporated town of Rodeo in Contra Costa County, Detectives from the Office of the Sheriff followed up on the investigation. On Tuesday, September 17, 2019, Detectives presented the case to the Contra Costa D.A.’s Office, which charged Wright for 10 felonies that include sexual intercourse and oral copulation with a child 10 years old or younger and forcible lewd acts upon a child.
Wright, a Rodeo resident, is currently being held at the MDF. His bail is set at $5,500,000.
Wright has reportedly cared for numerous children. Detectives believe there may be additional victims and would like to talk to anyone who was cared for by Wright.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Special Victim’s Unit of the Investigation Division at (925) 313-2625. For any tips, please email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call 866-846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.
Read MoreSuspect Adalberto Guardado
By Captain Brian Bubar, San Pablo Police Department & Scott Alonso, Public Information Officer, Contra Costa County District Attorney
San Pablo Police received information of sexual abuse of a 3-year-old child after the victim reported the conduct to a family member. In turn, San Pablo Police Detectives were called and an investigation ensued. Subsequently Detectives arrested Adalberto Guardado, a 65-year-old resident of San Pablo, on Saturday, September 14th, at his home where the alleged attack occurred.
The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office charged defendant Guardado with two felonies, including the alleged sexual abuse of a minor, Jane Doe. The enhancements allege the defendant assaulted a three-year-old minor girl and befriended her before the alleged assault.
Guardado is set to be arraigned this afternoon at 1:30 p.m. in the Contra Costa County Superior Court in Richmond. The defendant is in custody at the Martinez Detention Facility and is being held without bail.
We will not release how a victim may know a defendant in a sexual assault case as well as the name of a victim to protect their confidentiality.
The investigation is ongoing and active. We are hoping the public may have additional information about the case or defendant. Members of the public with information about the case should call the San Pablo Police Department at 510-215-3150.
The case is assigned to Deputy District Attorney Bryan Tierney with our Office’s Sexual Assault Unit.
Case information: People v. Adalberto Guardado, Docket Number 02-330741-0
Read MoreDirect DA’s office to reopen 2005 Lafayette murder case; approve new land development fees
By Daniel Borsuk
On a thin 3-2 vote, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday slapped a temporary moratorium on the County’s collection and assessment of 14 Adult Criminal Justice Fees that will cost the county $1.8 million in revenue a year should the moratorium become permanent.
During Public Safety Committee meetings, Chairperson John Gioia of Richmond and Supervisor Federal Glover of Pittsburg agreed with citizen committee members the fees are discriminatory to persons of color and likely result in longtime economic or financial hardship for persons who had a criminal record.
An “aye” vote from District 3 Supervisor Diane Burgis of Brentwood meant the county will temporarily stop the collection of fees, including the Sheriff Central Administration’s Booking Fee that will generate about $40,000 in 2019/2020, and the Adult Probation Supervision Fee that potentially could have generated nearly $1.8 million in 2019/2020 revenue.
The temporary moratorium will be effective immediately with the Board expecting to reevaluate the moratorium’s progress no later than Dec. 31, 2019. Supervisors will reassess the value of the moratorium at a December meeting.
Even though the county’s coffers are plentiful, with supervisors also officially adopting on a 5-0 vote the county’s $3.6 billion 2019-2020 final budget, the county is spending funds at a rapid pace through newly inked employee-union labor agreements like a 3.44 percent pay hike for social workers, an 8 percent salary raise for county supervisors that went into effect in July, and tacking on an additional $7.5 million in costs to the new Administration Building and new Emergency Operations Center/Public Safety Building to improve the security and communication capabilities during emergencies.
During a three-hour discussion on the item, Board Vice Chair Candace Andersen consistently opposed the moratorium on grounds that by dropping the fees for all persons, individual with the financial resources will benefit the most. “There are a lot of people who are committing these crimes who have the ability to pay these fees,” said the supervisor from Danville. “There is no reason why we shouldn’t be assessing these fees.”
In arguing against the proposal, District 4 Supervisor Karen Mitchoff said the elimination of $1.8 million of criminal justice fees could financially impact social and health programs such as drug diversion programs that assist persons with criminal records. “I cannot support the moratorium at this time,” the supervisor from Pleasant Hill declared.
But there were a number of citizens in support of the proposal to eliminate the fees.
“There are many people I have represented who 15 to 20 years later did not know that they’d have their wages garnished or face the ongoing inability to pay even though they have jobs and families,” said Mary Sylla, an attorney at Rubicon Programs.
“We urge you to do the right thing,” pleaded Ali Saidi, head of the Contra Costa Public Defenders Association, “These fees impact people of color.”
Request to Reopen Lafayette Murder Case Referred to DA’s Unit
Antioch private investigator and former Antioch Councilman Ralph Hernandez’s pitch, to have the 2005 murder case of Pamela Vitale of Lafayette reopened, got the thumbs up from the board of supervisors. The case was referred to Contra Costa District Attorney’s newly created conviction integrity unit. In this instance, Scott Dyleski, who Hernandez represents, was convicted for the October 2005 murder of Vitale.
“Your assistance in directing such from your two agencies (D.A.’s Office and Public Defender’s Office) is more than warranted,” Hernandez said. “Fourteen years of Scott’s youth has already been denied him and he still faces many more if this very serious matter is just ignored by all. Pamela Vitale’s memory deserves that the truth be determined, not ignored.”
Supervisors did not comment openly about the case, but Gioia consented that at least the DA’s new conviction integrity unit review the case.
New Land Development Fees Approved
Without opposition from either supervisors or the public, supervisors unanimously approved new land development fees charged for services performed by the Department of Conservation and Development and the Public Works Department starting March 1, 2020.
Some fees like encroachment fees have not been adjusted since 1995 and in many instances, rates are decreasing “due to economy of scale,” John Kopchik, director of the Contra Costa County Department of Conservation and Development told the Contra Costa Herald.
Supervisors withheld action on a proposal to charge a $1,000 fee for the time and materials needed to submit and process applications for nomination of a building or cultural resource for consideration before the Historical Landmarks Advisory Committee.
“The Historical Landmarks Advisory Committee believes that the current and proposed fees of $1,000 deposit and time and materials required to submit and process applications to nominate historical and cultural resources to the County’s Historic Resources Inventory (HRI) are a deterrent to public participation in the program.
“The HLAC voted at their meeting held on August 8, 2019 to make a formal recommendation to the Board of Supervisors to reduce these fees to encourage organizations or individuals to nominate potential resources to be designated to the HRI,” Historic Landmark Advisory Committee staff member Dominique Vogelpohl wrote on August 26.
Read MorePITTSBURG, CA — Nonprofit organizations, municipal or government agencies or school districts in East Contra County are invited to apply for community grants of up to $5,000 in the areas of education and environmental sustainability and workforce development programs for local students through Corteva Agriscience – Pittsburg Operations. Deadline for submittal of applications is Oct. 18, 2019.
The Corteva Community Grants are reviewed and approved by the site’s Community Advisory Panel (CAP), members of the East Contra Costa community who serve as liaisons between the community and Corteva (formerly Dow), and learn about the site’s operations, support shared goals and voice any concerns on behalf of the community.
“Corteva Agriscience values the opportunity to provide charitable giving to communities where the company has a presence,” said Jose Carrascal, Corteva Agriscience Site Director. “This site has been involved with the community for many, many years, and our CAP members help us to be better neighbors and we look forward to continuing that tradition. We know the CAP strives to select sustainable projects that result in positive and definitive outcomes within the neighboring communities. We support this endeavor wholeheartedly.”
Applicants must be certified 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations, schools, municipalities and county entities located in or which provides services in Pittsburg, Bay Point and Antioch. Ineligible organizations, per Corteva’s contribution guidelines, include funding for individuals, political organizations, religious organizations, and grants cannot be used to underwrite salaries, stipends, travel, fundraisers, meals, utilities.
To obtain a grant application, go to the following link: Application, Guidelines, and FAQ’s
About Corteva Agriscience
Corteva Agriscience is a publicly traded, global pure-play agriculture company that provides farmers around the world with the most complete portfolio in the industry – including a balanced and diverse mix of seed, crop protection and digital solutions focused on maximizing productivity to enhance yield and profitability. With some of the most recognized brands in agriculture and an industry-leading product and technology pipeline well positioned to drive growth, the company is committed to working with stakeholders throughout the food system as it fulfills its promise to enrich the lives of those who produce and those who consume, ensuring progress for generations to come. Corteva Agriscience became an independent public company on June 1, 2019, and was previously the Agriculture Division of DowDuPont. More information can be found at www.corteva.com.
Follow Corteva Agriscience on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube.
Read MoreBy Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff
Sheriff-Coroner David O. Livingston announced that a Coroner’s Jury has reached a finding in the September 28, 2018 death of 41-year-old Marcus Lamont Bray of Oakley. The finding of the jury is that the death is a suicide.
The Coroner’s Jury reached a 12-0 verdict after hearing the testimony of witnesses called by the hearing officer, Matthew Guichard.
Bray shot himself during a traffic stop by a San Pablo police officer.
A Coroner’s Inquest, which Sheriff-Coroner Livingston convenes in all fatal incidents involving police officers, is a public hearing, during which a jury rules on the manner of a person’s death. Jury members can choose from the following four options when making their finding: accident, suicide, natural causes or at the hands of another person, other than by accident.
Allen Payton contributed to this report.
Read MoreBeverly Johnson from 2016. Photo courtesy of CCCSheriff
By Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff
Detectives from the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff continue to investigate a death that was reported on September 3, 2019.
On September 3 at about 8:56 AM, Delta Station Deputy Sheriffs responded to a call regarding a possible dead body. Deputies located a deceased female adult near Byron Highway and Herdlyn Road in Byron.
The body was later identified as 56-year-old Beverly Johnson. An autopsy was performed. The cause of death is still being investigated.
Johnson was a transient who was said to hitch rides around California. She was found wearing a white shirt and black sweatpants. She is described as a white female, 5’, 6”, approximately 115 pounds, with brown colored hair and eyes.
Anyone with any information on this case is asked to contact the Office of the Sheriff Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600. For any tips, email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call (866) 846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.
Read MoreContra Costa Animal Services (CCAS) is offering reduced cost adoptions for dogs and cats between now and September 30th to help find forever homes for the hundreds of animals at the County’s shelters. During this period, the adoption fee for dogs over 25lbs and black cats/kittens, or partially black cats/kittens, will be reduced to $20. Interested adopters can take advantage of this adoption promotion by visiting CCAS’ Martinez and Pinole adoption centers to meet animals and adopt their new family member.
“Typical adoption costs range from $86-$264 at CCAS, depending on the animal, which makes this promotion a huge incentive for potential adopters,” says CCAS spokesperson, Steve Burdo. “Our hope is that the community will take advantage of this great opportunity and help us find forever homes for the animals in our care.”
The reduced cost adoption fee includes the cost of adoption, spay/neuter surgery, microchip and vaccinations. The discounted adoption fee does not include licensing or any refundable deposits that may be required for spay/neuter surgery.
To view animals available for adoption, visit www.ccasd.org.
CCAS Adoption Locations
Martinez Adoption Center – 4800 Imhoff Pl., Martinez, CA 94553
Pinole Adoption Center – 910 San Pablo Ave., Pinole, CA 94564
For more information, contact Contra Costa County Animal Services’ Media and Community Relations Manager Steve Burdo at 925-393-6836, or by email at steve.burdo@asd.cccounty.us.
Read MoreVolunteers assist veterans during the 2017 Stand Down on the Delta. Herald file photo.
By Sandee Wiedemann
The biennial effort known as Stand Down on the Delta to support homeless and at-risk veterans returns to Antioch at the Contra Costa Event Park (fairgrounds) September 20-23. This is a great opportunity for the community to show appreciation for their service to our country and to receive the reward of helping others.
Veterans will be given dental, medical, and counseling services, plus legal and VA claims assistance. They will also receive clothes, haircuts, shaves, meals, and sleeping accommodations. Real estate and banking leaders will be available to help the veterans possibly purchase a home.
Delta Veterans Group needs the community’s help to provide the most possibilities for our veterans. There are opportunities for professional services in the fields of medical, dental, legal, and more. See volunteer options under categories of general volunteer and/or professional services at https://www.deltaveteransgroup.org/stand-down-on-the-delta. There is a place for every person or service club to make a difference in the lives of our Veterans.
The Contra Costa Event Park is located at 1201 W. 10th Street in Antioch.
Veterans relax on their bunks at Stand Down. Herald file photo.
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The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors recognized September as Suicide Prevention Month by honoring the Freedom High School student video production program that produced effective anti-suicide awareness videos for students during the 2018-2019 academic year. Since September 2013, the board of supervisors has promoted a Suicide Prevention Strategic Plan to give communities a plan to reduce suicide through education, increasing awareness of knowing warning signs, and implementing trainings to equip people with tools needed to help others who consider suicide. In the United States, among individuals between the ages of 15 and 24, more than 47,000 people in the United States take their lives every year. At Tuesday’s presentation were from left Jennifer Brugeman of Contra Costa County Behavioral Health Services; Jamie Sampson, Freedom High School graduate and a current Los Medanos College freshman; Supervisor Federal Glover of Pittsburg; Tom Tamura, executive director of the Contra Costa Crisis Center; Board of Supervisors Vice Chair Candace Andersen, Supervisor Karen Mitchoff of Pleasant Hill; Rapiel Cadena, Freedom High School graduate and Los Medanos College freshman; and Supervisor Diane Burgis of Brentwood. Photo by Daniel Borsuk.
Propose ban on e-cigarettes, $1.5 million for transitional housing, $600 million for Medi-Cal contract with Kaiser
By Daniel Borsuk
One hundred Contra Costa County social workers won a hard-fought 3.44 percent salary increase from the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday that reconvened after taking a five-week summer break.
On a 4-0 vote supervisors approved the consent item granting the pay hike for social workers. Social workers will see the salary increases go into effect Oct. 1.
An absent board chair John Gioia of Richmond was attending a statewide supervisors meeting.
“We are pleased and we are surprised by the board of supervisors vote,” said social worker Carmen Rivera, a union member of the Service Employees International Union Local 1021 that represents 100 employees.
Board Vice Chair Candace Andersen of Danville said the reason the board decided to move on the long sought demand by SEIU was to finally bring county social workers salaries up to Bay Area salary levels. A recent survey found Contra Costa social workers were 3.44 percent below mean of comparable salaries of Bay Area social workers.
“This has been an on-going issue and finally we had some flexibility in the budget to do something about it,” Andersen said.
Unlike Alameda County that draws additional revenues from a sales tax and can pay social workers better salaries, Andersen said Contra Costa County must pay social worker positions from general funds.
Currently, the county has a 12 percent vacancy rate in its Employment and Human Services Department with 409 unfilled positions, the highest in the Bay Area.
It is too early to tell if the pay increase will turn the tide in permanently improving the earning power of social workers in the county, but it might be the start of good things to come.
OK Pay Hikes for Probation Workers, Juvenile Institution Officer
County probation workers and supervisors under contract with the represented by the Deputy Sheriffs Association have agreed to a new four-year labor agreement with the county that increase salaries 5 percent every July 1 on 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022.
Ban on E-Cigarettes Proposed
An idea to impose a countywide ban on e-cigarettes, the vaporized flavored tobacco product that is heavily marketed to teenagers and is reportedly linked with respiratory and cancer cases around the nation, was proposed by Supervisor Karen Mitchoff of Pleasant Hill.
Health hazards tied to teens who have used e-cigarettes have been recently popping up around the nation and Mitchoff believes Contra Costa County Health officials should report what is occurring locally. “There’s been so much bad publicity about vaping products and the health risks associated with them for our youth, I think we need to have a discussion on that topic and maybe impose a ban on this product,” the supervisor said.
There was no further discussion on the topic. A date has not been set when the report or issue will be presented for discussion.
Supervisors Approve $1.5 Million Contract With Interfaith Transitional Housing
Supervisors approved a $1.5 million contract with Contra Costa Interfaith Transitional Housing Inc. to provide temporary supportive housing services to homeless Contra Costa County residents to assist CalWORKS families achieve self-sufficiency and housing stability. The contract will be in effect from August 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020.
County Inks $600 Million Medi-Cal Contract Extension With Kaiser
Supervisors approved a Medi-Cal contract extension with Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc. effective September 30, 2019 to September 30, 2021 for additional Medi-Cal services for Contra Costa Health Plan members enrolled in the Kaiser Health Plan. The supervisors’ action was consent vote.
Fire Chief Broschard’s Report
Contra Costa County Fire Protection District’s Lewis T. Broschard IlI’s report to supervisors, who also serve in the capacity of the county fire commission, the chief reported about the fire season:
“To date, this fire season has been mild across the state. There are estimates stating that up to 90 percent fewer acres have burned compared with the same time last year.
In our District, there have been about the same number of fires as compared with last year, and we have succeeded in keeping these relatively small fires small. There have been three significant wildland fires in the east Contra Costa Fire Protection District within the last 60 days, and we provided substantial resources for an extended period. We now are entering what is normally the most active and dangerous period of our local fire season but with a significantly higher fuel load than in recent years. We all should be reminded there is still considerable potential for large and destructive wildfires until consistent rains begin to fall in the area.”
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