Contra Costa Herald

Donald Eugene Anderson

May 31, 1933 – November 24, 2019

Resident of Lafayette

Donald Eugene Anderson passed away after a brief illness on November 24, 2019. Born May 31, 1933 in Oakland, California to Thomas Shober and Lillian Anderson (née Diamond), he loved music, travel, and family. Don graduated from Oakland High School and then attended U.C. Berkeley, where he joined the Kappa Alpha fraternity. He later received his J.D. from Hastings College of the Law in San Francisco.

Don was a business litigator for over 50 years in San Francisco and Walnut Creek. Early in his career, before Public Defenders existed, Don represented inmates at Alcatraz as court appointed counsel. Ultimately Don’s litigation practice involved representation of high-profile real estate, construction, and transportation companies.

As important as his law practice was to him, his family came first. Don and his first wife Marian Anderson (née Meadowcroft) raised three children, Tom, Allan and Carol in the Orinda-Moraga area. Don made sure the kids could say “Go Bears” at an early age, and they each carried on the family tradition of attending Cal.

With Don’s second marriage to Helen in 1988, he found his best friend and soul mate. Together they travelled the world, planned epic birthday celebrations, soaked in the sun by the pool and in Cabo, and enjoyed each other’s company whether having a quiet dinner at home or over long lunches in Napa and San Francisco.

Outside of work and family, Don was committed to community service. He was engaged in politics throughout his adult life and was appointed to several administrative posts. He started by serving on various local boards in Orinda and Moraga in the late 60s and early 70s. He then moved to regional boards, serving on the Contra Costa County Planning Commission from 1974 to 1986, and the Bay Area Regional Water Quality Control Board, to which he was appointed by Governor Deukmejian in 1983. His dedication to community service continued into the 2000s, with his appointment as the public member of the RAN (Regional Access Network) Board. Don was also the chair of the Contra Costa County Republican Party from 1981 to 1984.

He was equally active with the First Presbyterian Church of Oakland, the church where his parents met in the 1920s. Over his lifetime, he served as an elder and held roles critical to continued operations of the church as the community evolved around it. Don was also a member of the Lafayette Rotary and the Oakwood Athletic Club, where he swam with the master’s program past his 85th birthday.

Above all else, Don enjoyed connecting with friends, a good laugh, and any occasion that brought family together. He relished spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren and could be counted on to be the first on the dance floor and to burn the midnight oil telling stories. He rests more peacefully knowing Cal beat Stanford for the first time in ten years at the Big Game in 2019.

Don is survived by his wife Helen, his children Tom (Sandy), Allan (Nancy) and Carol (Drew), their mother Marian, his brother Ralph (Joanne), his step-daughter Jaclyn, his 7 grandchildren (Emily, Philip, Henry, Isaac, Kelsi, Shelby and Samantha), his nieces and nephews, many dear friends, and his devoted dog Rusty.

A memorial service will be held on January 18, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Oakland, located at 2619 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to the First Presbyterian Church of Oakland, care of Food Ministry.

Photo: CCC Sheriff

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

On Thursday, January 2, 2020, at about 11:16 PM, the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff was advised about a stolen vehicle on Highway 24. The vehicle was stolen out of Alameda County.

A Lafayette Police Officer located the stolen vehicle on westbound 24 at the Wilder exit and followed it. Sheriff’s Office STARR 1 helicopter provided aerial support for the officer.

In the area of Marina Boulevard and Highway 880 in San Leandro, the officer, assisted by other agencies, attempted to conduct a traffic enforcement stop. The suspect did not yield and drove away at a high rate of speed. The officers terminated the pursuit, while STARR 1 stayed overhead monitoring the vehicle’s location.

CHP helicopter. Photo: Wikimedia

The suspect drove to the Bay Fair BART station where he abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot along the tracks. STARR 1 and a CHP helicopter located the suspect who was trying to hide from officers. The suspect was later arrested after surrendering.

The suspect is identified as 20-year-old Joseph Willis. He was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on charges that include felony evading, obstruction, vehicle theft, possession of stolen property, and multiple weapons violations including felon in possession of a firearm, carrying a stolen firearm and having large capacity magazines. Willis also had three outstanding out of county arrest warrants. Willis, who was also booked for a probation viola-tion, is being held without bail.

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.

As of January 1st, 2020, Contra Costa Animal Services (CCAS) will be implementing a new fee structure, updating exiting fees to reflect the actual costs of services provided by the Department and to comply with new state laws. Approved by the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors on November 19, the new fee structure amends the Department’s current fees – adjusting certain fees and creating new fees – and changes the licensing options available to County residents to better reflect the licensing needs of pet owners in Contra Costa County.

Highlights of changes incorporated in the Department’s new fee structure include:

• Shifting from a line item adoption fee structure to a flat-rate adoption fee structure, based on breed, age and sex of the animal.
• Allowing seniors (65 years or older), veterans and current service members to license their first pet for free, and each additional pet for a 50% reduced license fee.
• Increasing the cost, and decreasing the penalty, for pet licensing.
• Amending the options for pet licensing from three options (1-year, 2-year & 3-year licenses) to two (3-12 months & 12-36 months licenses).

“At its core, this updated fee structure represents a commitment to our community,” said Beth Ward, Director of Contra Costa Animal Services. “While the update will certainly bring our fees into balance with the true costs we incur, we are most excited about the benefits our patrons will enjoy, including lower overall adoption costs and allowing veterans and elders in our community to license their pets for free or at a reduced rate.”

To view the entire updated 2020 fee structure, click here. To view the existing 2019 fee structure, click here.

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.

Contra Costa Animal Services (CCAS) is the largest animal welfare organization in Contra Costa County. CCAS operates two shelters, in Martinez and Pinole, where we provide high-quality animal care services, shelter homeless, abandoned and lost animals, place animals in safe, caring homes, and provide education and services to enhance the lives of people and their animal companions. Additionally, our Field Services Division plays a crucial role in protecting the health and safety of all people and animals in our community through enforcement of state and laws, protecting the public from animal injury and working to prevent animal cruelty, abuse and neglect.

Presented by the Diablo Regional Arts Association

January 16, 2020 / 7:30PM – 9:00PM (no intermission)

Tickets available at: https://lesherartscenter.showare.com/lettersto87

Celebrate the Legacy of the 49ers with Letters to 87 live!

Football fans will always remember “The Catch” as the moment a dynasty was born. When Dwight Clark caught the touchdown pass that sent the 49ers to their first Super Bowl in 1982, an indelible moment was etched into the history of the NFL. Later, as Clark battled ALS, he and sportswriter Matt Maiocco put out a call to friends and fans, asking them to share their memories of this moment. The letters that Clark and Maiocco received tell the story of how the man who wore number 87 brought together a city and a franchise through his sincerity, his loyalty, and his spirit for life and the game.

Join us for a special star-studded evening at the Lesher Center for the Arts presented by the Diablo Regional Arts Association where we will look back on the legacy of “The Catch” and the 49ers in the Bay Area featuring Hall of Famer Steve Young and 49ers greats Brent Jones, Eric Wright and Dwight Hicks in a panel moderated by NBC Sports’ Matt Maiocco. Your ticket includes a copy of the commemorative coffee table book, Letters to 87, featuring essays by Edward J. DeBartolo Jr., Ronnie Lott, Joe Montana, Brian Murphy, and Kelly Clark along with rare photos from Michael Zagaris, Brad Mangin, and John Storey.

Regular admission tickets to the event are $50 with proceeds going to the Golden Heart Fund, a charity that was near and dear to Dwight Clark. The Golden Heart Fund provides emotional, financial, and physical support to former 49ers players in dire need of assistance. A special VIP reception is also available for $187 and includes a ticket to the show, a book, and admission to the VIP reception featuring all panel participants plus some surprise special guests. Space is limited to the VIP reception.

The perfect gift for any football fan!

Suspects’ vehicle. Photo: Concord PD.

By Concord Police Department

As the holiday time has come to an end, clearly the Christmas time grinchery shenanigans have not.

While patrolling the area around the Sun Valley Mall one of our SET Team officers spotted two individuals that were just involved in a ‘grab-n-run’ theft from JC Penney’s. Our officer attempted to stop the male and female duo however they jumped into their car and led us on a pursuit. While you can try and outrun our cars, you can’t outrun our radios!

One of our Sergeants was able to position himself well ahead of the pursuit on Highway 4 and was anxiously awaiting as the suspects approached the Willow Pass Rd. exit. Utilizing a timely placed set of ‘spike strips’ our Sgt. was able to disable 3 out of the 4 tires on the suspect vehicle, subsequently bringing this chase to a conclusion in Pittsburg. The driver decided to pull over on her own accord and both were arrested without further incident.

Make no mistake, we don’t like having to chase people, but if you come into our city and attempt to victimize any of our citizen’s and/or businesses, we will come after you.

We charged the 31-year-old female driver from Bay Point with multiple theft, driving related offenses and violating the terms of her probation. Her passenger, a 28-year-old male also from Bay Point, was also charged with theft and conspiracy.

Contra Costa Regional Medical Center. Photo by Contra Costa Health Department.

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

The Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff is investigating the death of inmate Samuel Martinez that occurred at Contra Costa Regional Medical Center (CCRMC) in the City of Martinez.

61-year-old Martinez was a resident of Brentwood. He was arrested by the Office of the Sheriff on February 8, 2018 for felony elderly abuse and felony arson.

On Tuesday, December 24, 2019, Martinez, who was housed at the West County Detention Facility (WCDF), was taken by ambulance to Kaiser Permanente Richmond Medical Center after suffering multiple seizures.

On Wednesday, December 25, 2019, Martinez was transferred by ambulance from Kaiser Richmond to CCRMC where he was admitted.

On Thursday, December 26, 2019, Martinez was cleared by medical staff to return to WCDF.

At about 6:40 PM, while still inside the hospital, Martinez apparently suffered a medical emergency and collapsed. Hospital staff administered CPR. Martinez was pronounced deceased at 7:08 PM.

The investigation by the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office and the Office of the Sheriff is ongoing.

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.