Investigators with the Contra Costa County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force recently participated in the nationwide Operation Broken Heart, a nationwide effort to investigate individuals exploiting children on the internet. Throughout March, April and May, the team conducted investigations of subjects who distributed child pornography over the internet and focused on individuals traveling to Contra Costa County to meet minors to engage in sexual activity.
In addition to the proactive investigations the ICAC team participated in, a significant school outreach program was also undertaken to teach parents and students about the risks associated with smartphones and social media. During the three-month period, investigators and prosecutors delivered presentations at six schools, reaching 140 parents and over 300 students. During the 2017/2018 school year, the ICAC task force has delivered presentations to over 300 parents and over 2,800 students in Contra Costa County.
The three-month nationwide operation by the ICAC Task Force Program resulted in the arrests of 2,300 suspected online child sex offenders.
“No child should ever have to endure sexual abuse,” U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions said. “And yet, in recent years, certain forms of modern technology have facilitated the spread of child pornography and created greater incentives for its production. We at the Department of Justice are determined to strike back against these repugnant crimes. It is shocking and very sad that in this one operation, we have arrested more than 2,300 alleged child predators and investigated some 25,200 sexual abuse complaints. Any would-be criminal should be warned: this Department will remain relentless in hunting down those who victimize our children.”
Some notable arrests and investigations conducted during Operation Broken Heart include:
-On April 6, 2018, investigators arrested Russell Meirose of Milpitas, California. Meirose was arrested after chatting online with someone he believed to be a 13-year old girl and enticing her to meet for sex. Meirose was arrested at a hotel in Pleasanton after he rented a room for the girl and himself. The girl he was talking to was actually an undercover police officer. Meirose has been charged with multiple felonies including attempted lewd acts with a child and arranging to meet a minor for sex.
-On April 19, 2018, investigators arrested Andrew Lund, a fourth grade teacher and school supervisor at Glen Cove Elementary school in Vallejo. Lund was arrested after it was determined he was sending harmful material to a person he believed to be a minor and attempting to arrange a meeting with that 14-year-old girl for sex. In reality, Lund was chatting with an undercover police officer. When investigators searched his house in Vallejo, they located child pornography on Lund’s cell phone. Lund has been charged with possession of child pornography and sending harmful material to a minor, among other charges.
In conjunction with Operation Broken Heart, on May 25, 2018, which is nationally recognized as Missing Children’s Day, the ICAC task force executed three search warrants in Contra Costa County, targeting offenders distributing child pornography.
-Investigators with the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, Contra Costa FBI Safe Streets Task Force, San Ramon Police Department, United States Secret Service, San Jose Police Department, Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office and the Contra Costa County Probation Department served a search warrant in the 1200 block of Elmwood Drive in Walnut Creek. Investigators located a significant quantity of child pornography on computer devices inside of the home and the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office is currently reviewing the case for potential criminal charges.
-Investigators with the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office served a search warrant in the 200 block of Hillside Ave in Antioch. Investigators located a significant quantity of child pornography on computer devices inside of the home and arrested Raymond Myers for possession of child pornography. The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office is currently reviewing the case for potential criminal charges.
-Investigators with the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations, Child Exploitation Unit, served a search warrant on Brush Creek Drive in Pittsburg. Investigators located a significant quantity of child pornography on computer devices inside of the home and the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office is currently reviewing the case for potential criminal charges.
The Silicon Valley Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force is managed by the San Jose Police Department. In Contra Costa County, detectives and investigators from the Walnut Creek, Martinez, San Ramon, Concord and Moraga Police Departments, the Sheriff’s Office, Contra Costa County Probation Department and Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office participate in the task force along with Special Agents from the United States Department of Homeland Security and the United States Secret Service.
Parents are encouraged to discuss online safety with their children and can visit the website www.kidsmartz.org for further information. If you believe your school or community organization would benefit from a smartphone and social media awareness presentation, please contact Deputy District Attorney Lauren Whalen at lwhalen@contracostada.org or Senior Inspector Darryl Holcombe at dholcombe@contracostada.org.
Read More
By Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff
The investigation into the in-custody death at the Martinez Detention Facility is continuing. The death is being investigated by the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff and the District Attorney’s Office per the in-custody death protocol.
At approximately 7:43 AM Tuesday, a Deputy Sheriff at the Martinez Detention Facility found an inmate who had hung himself in the shower.
The inmate was unresponsive. Deputies called for medical staff at the facility and began CPR. An ambulance and the fire department also responded to MDF. The inmate was later pronounced deceased at the scene.
The inmate has been identified as 52-year-old Phillip Andrew Jacobson of Antioch. He was arrested and booked into jail on July 11, 2017 by the Antioch Police Department. He was being held on eight felony counts of child molestation. His bail was set at $4,150,000.
Arrest photos of child molesters are not typically released by the Antioch Police Department out of respect for the victims.
Read More
Article and photo by Jesus Cano
Maybe the Pittsburg Diamonds just needed a change of scenery to have their fortunes change.
After being outscored 20-5 in their opening series against the reigning Pacific Association champion Vallejo Admirals, the Pittsburg hitters woke up as they defeated the Sonoma Stompers 18-7 in their season home opener.
The bats certainly came back to life.
After beginning the game with a rough start by Tyler Stiewart who surrendered a homerun in the first inning, returning player Wes Wallace smacked a three-run shot right after to put the Diamonds ahead 3-1.
“There’s guys looking for a scoring position so I’m looking for a pitch up there,” Wallace said. “It was 2-0 count, I’m just going to make sure to shrink my zone and make sure it’s a pitch I could drive. I got one that was up and put a good swing on it.”
Wallace finished the night 4 for 5 with six RBIs.
Stiewart continued to struggle, as he gave up back-to-back homeruns to the Stompers.
Pittsburg was handed a plethora of gifts in the fourth inning which saw a significant turn in the game.
Tied 4-4 Sonoma pitcher Robbie Kidd game in relief for starter Ethan Gibbons. Kidd struggled with his control, as he faced five batters, and gave all of them walks. Kidd exited the inning with two earned runs. It didn’t get better for Sonoma, as Pittsburg showcased its bats Rafael Valera doubled in two runs. Jordan Van Atta sacrificed to center and Patrick O’Donnell recorded an RBI single to lead the bottom of the fourth with a 10-4 lead.
Pittsburg never lost the lead after that, but that didn’t come with its trouble in the Stompers’ next crack at the bat. Miles Williams hit a two-run homer. Pittsburg pitcher Skylar Shaw-Fuss walked in a runner.
Pittsburg added 10 more runs to finish the game and snap it’s early season slump.
“We got a lot a question marks on the team, but the guys came out today and showed they were hungry and could swing the bats,” World Series champion and Pittsburg Diamonds manager Aaron Miles said.
One of the Diamonds top performers was Valera. While his jersey number is two, his lucky number as four, as he had four RBIs and had a four-hit game.
“I just wanted to be calm and relaxed at the plate,” Valera said. “If you get too rough or to hard you’re not gonna do good.”
The Diamonds play their home games at Winter Chevrolet Stadium located inside City Park at 60 Civic Avenue in Pittsburg. To learn more about the team and to view this season’s schedule visit www.diamondsproball.com.
Read More
By Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff
At approximately 7:43 Tuesday morning, a Deputy Sheriff at the Martinez Detention Facility found an inmate who had hung himself in the shower.
The inmate was unresponsive. Deputies called for medical staff at the facility and began CPR.
An ambulance and the fire department also responded to MDF. The inmate was later pronounced deceased at the scene.
The inmate’s identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
The in-custody death protocol was initiated. Investigators from the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff and the District Attorney’s Office are conducting an investigation into the death.
Read MoreBy Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff
On Sunday, June 10, 2018 at about 4:20 PM, Office of the Sheriff Dispatch received a call regarding a person on the 3800 block of La Colina Road in El Sobrante standing on the balcony with a rifle aimed at a neighbor’s home. The suspect also apparently threatened the neighbor.
Deputy Sheriffs responded and established a perimeter. Deputies made numerous attempts to communicate with the suspect, who initially came out on the balcony. He later retreated into the residence.
Members of the Sheriff’s Office HNT (Hostage Negotiation Team) responded and tried to communicate with the suspect, who would only speak briefly and then hang up the phone. Nearby residents were evacuated as a precaution. At about 10:53 PM, HNT was able to convince the suspect to surrender. The suspect exited his residence, complied, and was taken into custody without incident.
The suspect is identified as 51-year-old Alex Studer of El Sobrante. He was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on several charges – making criminal threats, exhibiting a firearm and obstruction. He is being held in lieu of $25,000 bail.
Read More
Contra Costa Water District canal. Photo from CCWatercom.
Title transfer would advance modernization of the 81-year-old facility
This week, Senator Dianne Feinstein, Senator Kamala Harris and Congressman Mark DeSaulnier introduced legislation to transfer federal ownership of the Contra Costa Canal System to Contra Costa Water District (CCWD), taking an important step toward modernizing the aging water supply aqueduct. CCWD is pleased to strongly support the introduction of this legislation.
The canal system serves as the primary water delivery system for 500,000 people in central and eastern Contra Costa County. It was first constructed in 1937 as part of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s Central Valley Project.
The canal system includes the 48-mile Contra Costa Canal, the Shortcut Pipeline, two reservoirs, and other related facilities. Under the companion bills, CCWD receives ownership of assets it has operated since 1972 and has 100% paid off (principal plus interest) since 2010. Ownership of the canal system on the local level means CCWD can more efficiently operate and maintain the system and will reduce federal administrative burdens and associated costs.
In addition, CCWD would be more secure in investing millions of dollars to modernize the aging canal. CCWD is studying options to modernize the main canal that stretches from Rock Slough Intake near Oakley to Concord. “For those investments to be made,” said CCWD Board President Lisa Borba, “CCWD is awaiting ownership of the canal system.”
Because the canal system is currently owned by the federal government, title transfer requires an act of Congress. This canal system is an ideal unit for title transfer because, its single beneficiary, CCWD, has paid for the facilities and will continue to operate for the benefit of customers currently served.
“The canal system has reliably served the people and businesses of our community for 80 years,” President Borba said. “We appreciate the leadership from Senator Feinstein, Senator Harris and Congressman DeSaulnier to help us gain ownership of a system we can modernize to serve our customers for the next century.”
The canal system also includes recreational trails, Contra Loma and other facilities that will be maintained for recreation with the transfer. This action has gained support from local recreation managers, including East Bay Regional Park District and the cities of Walnut Creek and Antioch.
To learn more about studies to modernize the Contra Costa Canal System, visit www.ccwater.com/688.
Read More
Election results as of Friday, June 6, 2018. From cocovote.us.
By Allen Payton
After counting about 20,000 of the remaining ballots from Tuesday night’s election in Contra Costa County, appointed Interim District Attorney Diana Becton has expanded her lead by another 1,000 votes to 50.01% over her main opponent, and Supervising Deputy District Attorney Paul Graves who now has 42.29%. She now leads him by 11,398 votes. To avoid a runoff in the November election, she only needs to win by 50% plus one vote.
However, Graves is not conceding, yet.
“There are still thousands of provisional votes to be counted,” said Katie DeFerraria, his campaign manager. “When the votes are all in there will be an opportunity for comment. Until then, Paul Graves will continue to focus on his responsibilities as a prosecutor for the people of Contra Costa.”
According to County Clerk-Registrar of Voters Joe Canciamilla, his office has counted “174,000 ballots so far, and we have 50,000 vote-by-mails to go and 10,000 provisionals. So, 60,000 total, roughly.”
Asked when the next update will be, her responded, “We’re going to hopefully have all of the vote-by-mail done and a semi-final by Wednesday. Then on June 22 we should have a full, final report with the provisionals included.”
For all of the latest election results in the county, click here.
Please check back Wednesday for the next update to the election results in Contra Costa County.
Read More
The suspect vehicle is described as a dark blue or black colored Jeep Grand Cherokee, possibly a 2016 model. Photo by CCC Sheriff.
By Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff
Detectives from the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff Investigation Division are continuing to investigate a homicide that occurred in North Richmond on Friday morning, June 1, 2018.
At about 6:28 AM, Deputy Sheriffs were dispatched to the 1500 block of Giaramita Street in North Richmond for a report that someone was shot in a vehicle. Deputies arrived and found a man suffering from gunshot wounds. The victim was transported to a local hospital and later taken by helicopter to a local trauma center. The victim was later pronounced deceased.
The victim is identified as 22-year-old Taison Calderon-Lopez of North Richmond and San Rafael.
The suspect vehicle is described as a dark blue or black colored Jeep Grand Cherokee, possibly a 2016 model.
The suspect is described as an unknown race male, mid-20’s, with dark hair. He was wearing a black-hooded sweatshirt and blue jeans.
Anyone with any information on this incident or the identity of the suspect is asked to contact the Office of the Sheriff Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600. For any tips, please email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call 866-846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.
Read More
By Daniel Borsuk
After listening to 15 speakers knock down Concord-based Discovery Builders Inc. for allegedly skirting state environmental impact report laws and potentially imposing accessibility safety hazards in the tony Alamo Summit neighborhood, Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors axed the proposed 13,888 square foot mansion on a 5 to 0 vote Tuesday.
District 2 Supervisor Candace Andersen of San Ramon made the motion to deny Discovery Builders’ appeal to use its 1992 development’s environmental impact report for what was then a 32-unit housing development on three lots and to consolidate those lots for the construction of one massive dwelling.
According to the staff report, “the project site is located within the boundaries of Alamo Summit, a 37-lot subdivision (SD 7553) that was previously approved by the County. The Alamo Summit subdivision is located on a hillside at the southern terminus of Castle Crest Road, approximately ½ mile west of Danville Boulevard at Livorna Road.”
Concerned that the 1992 environmental impact report might not meet 2018 standards, the supervisor said, “I move to deny the appeal. The developers must do a reversion. They must start CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act) from scratch.”
Supervisor John Gioia of Richmond seconded Andersen’s motion.
Supervisors backed a Planning Commission’s and Department of Conservation and Development recommendation that the development should be rejected because of the “significant hazards” to residents that would exist on Ridgewood Road, especially during construction of the proposed house.
Discovery Builders Inc. president Louis Parsons left the supervisors board hearing room so quickly after the supervisors vote that this reporter was unable to track him and down to ask him and Albert Seeno, III who was also present in the supervisors hearing chambers, whether the Seeno affiliate company plans to abide by the supervisors’ ruling and draft a new EIR that could cost thousands of dollars and delay the development for at least several years. A telephone call to Discovery Builders Inc. went unanswered.
In looking for cost-cutting measures during construction, Discovery Builders plans to use gravel rather than paving the road with asphalt when construction trucks ramble up and down narrow Ridgeway Road that is 16 feet wide.
Prior to the supervisors’ action, speakers hammered away at the proposed Alamo Summit residential project.
“This is an incomplete proposal,” commented Brenda Hoppler of nearby Rossmoor “because the California Environmental Quality ACT has expired, and the developer would need to do a separate environmental review.”
Ken Hoffman of the Castlerock Homeowners Association said a new environmental review is necessary because Ridgeway Road is only 16 feet wide and would probably mean the temporary closure of the road during construction of the Discovery Builders development. “This would mean some residents would be trapped in an emergency,” he said to the proposal to provide a gravel road during construction won’t work in an emergency.
Contra Costa Fire Protection Report Requested
Board Chair Karen Mitchoff has requested that the Contra Costa Fire Protection District submit a written report in response to a Bay Area News Group article that was published on Sunday, June 3, that more than 400 apartment buildings in the Bay Area have not undergone inspections by local fire departments.
The article said in Contra Costa County 25 percent of the apartment buildings have not undergone inspections. Overdue apartment building inspections were found mainly in Walnut Creek, Lafayette, Concord, Martinez, Pittsburg, and Antioch.
Read More
Investigators with the Contra Costa County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force recently participated in the nationwide Operation Broken Heart, a nationwide effort to investigate individuals exploiting children on the internet. Throughout March, April and May, the team conducted investigations of subjects who distributed child pornography over the internet and focused on individuals traveling to Contra Costa County to meet minors to engage in sexual activity.
In addition to the proactive investigations the ICAC team participated in, a significant school outreach program was also undertaken to teach parents and students about the risks associated with smartphones and social media. During the three-month period, investigators and prosecutors delivered presentations at six schools, reaching 140 parents and over 300 students. During the 2017/2018 school year, the ICAC task force has delivered presentations to over 300 parents and over 2,800 students in Contra Costa County.
The three-month nationwide operation by the ICAC Task Force Program resulted in the arrests of 2,300 suspected online child sex offenders.
“No child should ever have to endure sexual abuse,” U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions said. “And yet, in recent years, certain forms of modern technology have facilitated the spread of child pornography and created greater incentives for its production. We at the Department of Justice are determined to strike back against these repugnant crimes. It is shocking and very sad that in this one operation, we have arrested more than 2,300 alleged child predators and investigated some 25,200 sexual abuse complaints. Any would-be criminal should be warned: this Department will remain relentless in hunting down those who victimize our children.”
Some notable arrests and investigations conducted during Operation Broken Heart include:
-On April 6, 2018, investigators arrested Russell Meirose of Milpitas, California. Meirose was arrested after chatting online with someone he believed to be a 13-year old girl and enticing her to meet for sex. Meirose was arrested at a hotel in Pleasanton after he rented a room for the girl and himself. The girl he was talking to was actually an undercover police officer. Meirose has been charged with multiple felonies including attempted lewd acts with a child and arranging to meet a minor for sex.
-On April 19, 2018, investigators arrested Andrew Lund, a fourth grade teacher and school supervisor at Glen Cove Elementary school in Vallejo. Lund was arrested after it was determined he was sending harmful material to a person he believed to be a minor and attempting to arrange a meeting with that 14-year-old girl for sex. In reality, Lund was chatting with an undercover police officer. When investigators searched his house in Vallejo, they located child pornography on Lund’s cell phone. Lund has been charged with possession of child pornography and sending harmful material to a minor, among other charges.
In conjunction with Operation Broken Heart, on May 25, 2018, which is nationally recognized as Missing Children’s Day, the ICAC task force executed three search warrants in Contra Costa County, targeting offenders distributing child pornography.
-Investigators with the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, Contra Costa FBI Safe Streets Task Force, San Ramon Police Department, United States Secret Service, San Jose Police Department, Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office and the Contra Costa County Probation Department served a search warrant in the 1200 block of Elmwood Drive in Walnut Creek. Investigators located a significant quantity of child pornography on computer devices inside of the home and the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office is currently reviewing the case for potential criminal charges.
-Investigators with the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office served a search warrant in the 200 block of Hillside Ave in Antioch. Investigators located a significant quantity of child pornography on computer devices inside of the home and arrested Raymond Myers for possession of child pornography. The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office is currently reviewing the case for potential criminal charges.
-Investigators with the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations, Child Exploitation Unit, served a search warrant on Brush Creek Drive in Pittsburg. Investigators located a significant quantity of child pornography on computer devices inside of the home and the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office is currently reviewing the case for potential criminal charges.
The Silicon Valley Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force is managed by the San Jose Police Department. In Contra Costa County, detectives and investigators from the Walnut Creek, Martinez, San Ramon, Concord and Moraga Police Departments, the Sheriff’s Office, Contra Costa County Probation Department and Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office participate in the task force along with Special Agents from the United States Department of Homeland Security and the United States Secret Service.
Parents are encouraged to discuss online safety with their children and can visit the website www.kidsmartz.org for further information. If you believe your school or community organization would benefit from a smartphone and social media awareness presentation, please contact Deputy District Attorney Lauren Whalen at lwhalen@contracostada.org or Senior Inspector Darryl Holcombe at dholcombe@contracostada.org.
Read MoreBy Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff
The investigation into the in-custody death at the Martinez Detention Facility is continuing. The death is being investigated by the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff and the District Attorney’s Office per the in-custody death protocol.
At approximately 7:43 AM Tuesday, a Deputy Sheriff at the Martinez Detention Facility found an inmate who had hung himself in the shower.
The inmate was unresponsive. Deputies called for medical staff at the facility and began CPR. An ambulance and the fire department also responded to MDF. The inmate was later pronounced deceased at the scene.
The inmate has been identified as 52-year-old Phillip Andrew Jacobson of Antioch. He was arrested and booked into jail on July 11, 2017 by the Antioch Police Department. He was being held on eight felony counts of child molestation. His bail was set at $4,150,000.
Arrest photos of child molesters are not typically released by the Antioch Police Department out of respect for the victims.
Read More
Article and photo by Jesus Cano
Maybe the Pittsburg Diamonds just needed a change of scenery to have their fortunes change.
After being outscored 20-5 in their opening series against the reigning Pacific Association champion Vallejo Admirals, the Pittsburg hitters woke up as they defeated the Sonoma Stompers 18-7 in their season home opener.
The bats certainly came back to life.
After beginning the game with a rough start by Tyler Stiewart who surrendered a homerun in the first inning, returning player Wes Wallace smacked a three-run shot right after to put the Diamonds ahead 3-1.
“There’s guys looking for a scoring position so I’m looking for a pitch up there,” Wallace said. “It was 2-0 count, I’m just going to make sure to shrink my zone and make sure it’s a pitch I could drive. I got one that was up and put a good swing on it.”
Wallace finished the night 4 for 5 with six RBIs.
Stiewart continued to struggle, as he gave up back-to-back homeruns to the Stompers.
Pittsburg was handed a plethora of gifts in the fourth inning which saw a significant turn in the game.
Tied 4-4 Sonoma pitcher Robbie Kidd game in relief for starter Ethan Gibbons. Kidd struggled with his control, as he faced five batters, and gave all of them walks. Kidd exited the inning with two earned runs. It didn’t get better for Sonoma, as Pittsburg showcased its bats Rafael Valera doubled in two runs. Jordan Van Atta sacrificed to center and Patrick O’Donnell recorded an RBI single to lead the bottom of the fourth with a 10-4 lead.
Pittsburg never lost the lead after that, but that didn’t come with its trouble in the Stompers’ next crack at the bat. Miles Williams hit a two-run homer. Pittsburg pitcher Skylar Shaw-Fuss walked in a runner.
Pittsburg added 10 more runs to finish the game and snap it’s early season slump.
“We got a lot a question marks on the team, but the guys came out today and showed they were hungry and could swing the bats,” World Series champion and Pittsburg Diamonds manager Aaron Miles said.
One of the Diamonds top performers was Valera. While his jersey number is two, his lucky number as four, as he had four RBIs and had a four-hit game.
“I just wanted to be calm and relaxed at the plate,” Valera said. “If you get too rough or to hard you’re not gonna do good.”
The Diamonds play their home games at Winter Chevrolet Stadium located inside City Park at 60 Civic Avenue in Pittsburg. To learn more about the team and to view this season’s schedule visit www.diamondsproball.com.
Read MoreBy Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff
At approximately 7:43 Tuesday morning, a Deputy Sheriff at the Martinez Detention Facility found an inmate who had hung himself in the shower.
The inmate was unresponsive. Deputies called for medical staff at the facility and began CPR.
An ambulance and the fire department also responded to MDF. The inmate was later pronounced deceased at the scene.
The inmate’s identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
The in-custody death protocol was initiated. Investigators from the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff and the District Attorney’s Office are conducting an investigation into the death.
Read MoreBy Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff
On Sunday, June 10, 2018 at about 4:20 PM, Office of the Sheriff Dispatch received a call regarding a person on the 3800 block of La Colina Road in El Sobrante standing on the balcony with a rifle aimed at a neighbor’s home. The suspect also apparently threatened the neighbor.
Deputy Sheriffs responded and established a perimeter. Deputies made numerous attempts to communicate with the suspect, who initially came out on the balcony. He later retreated into the residence.
Members of the Sheriff’s Office HNT (Hostage Negotiation Team) responded and tried to communicate with the suspect, who would only speak briefly and then hang up the phone. Nearby residents were evacuated as a precaution. At about 10:53 PM, HNT was able to convince the suspect to surrender. The suspect exited his residence, complied, and was taken into custody without incident.
The suspect is identified as 51-year-old Alex Studer of El Sobrante. He was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on several charges – making criminal threats, exhibiting a firearm and obstruction. He is being held in lieu of $25,000 bail.
Read MoreContra Costa Water District canal. Photo from CCWatercom.
Title transfer would advance modernization of the 81-year-old facility
This week, Senator Dianne Feinstein, Senator Kamala Harris and Congressman Mark DeSaulnier introduced legislation to transfer federal ownership of the Contra Costa Canal System to Contra Costa Water District (CCWD), taking an important step toward modernizing the aging water supply aqueduct. CCWD is pleased to strongly support the introduction of this legislation.
The canal system serves as the primary water delivery system for 500,000 people in central and eastern Contra Costa County. It was first constructed in 1937 as part of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s Central Valley Project.
The canal system includes the 48-mile Contra Costa Canal, the Shortcut Pipeline, two reservoirs, and other related facilities. Under the companion bills, CCWD receives ownership of assets it has operated since 1972 and has 100% paid off (principal plus interest) since 2010. Ownership of the canal system on the local level means CCWD can more efficiently operate and maintain the system and will reduce federal administrative burdens and associated costs.
In addition, CCWD would be more secure in investing millions of dollars to modernize the aging canal. CCWD is studying options to modernize the main canal that stretches from Rock Slough Intake near Oakley to Concord. “For those investments to be made,” said CCWD Board President Lisa Borba, “CCWD is awaiting ownership of the canal system.”
Because the canal system is currently owned by the federal government, title transfer requires an act of Congress. This canal system is an ideal unit for title transfer because, its single beneficiary, CCWD, has paid for the facilities and will continue to operate for the benefit of customers currently served.
“The canal system has reliably served the people and businesses of our community for 80 years,” President Borba said. “We appreciate the leadership from Senator Feinstein, Senator Harris and Congressman DeSaulnier to help us gain ownership of a system we can modernize to serve our customers for the next century.”
The canal system also includes recreational trails, Contra Loma and other facilities that will be maintained for recreation with the transfer. This action has gained support from local recreation managers, including East Bay Regional Park District and the cities of Walnut Creek and Antioch.
To learn more about studies to modernize the Contra Costa Canal System, visit www.ccwater.com/688.
Read MoreElection results as of Friday, June 6, 2018. From cocovote.us.
By Allen Payton
After counting about 20,000 of the remaining ballots from Tuesday night’s election in Contra Costa County, appointed Interim District Attorney Diana Becton has expanded her lead by another 1,000 votes to 50.01% over her main opponent, and Supervising Deputy District Attorney Paul Graves who now has 42.29%. She now leads him by 11,398 votes. To avoid a runoff in the November election, she only needs to win by 50% plus one vote.
However, Graves is not conceding, yet.
“There are still thousands of provisional votes to be counted,” said Katie DeFerraria, his campaign manager. “When the votes are all in there will be an opportunity for comment. Until then, Paul Graves will continue to focus on his responsibilities as a prosecutor for the people of Contra Costa.”
According to County Clerk-Registrar of Voters Joe Canciamilla, his office has counted “174,000 ballots so far, and we have 50,000 vote-by-mails to go and 10,000 provisionals. So, 60,000 total, roughly.”
Asked when the next update will be, her responded, “We’re going to hopefully have all of the vote-by-mail done and a semi-final by Wednesday. Then on June 22 we should have a full, final report with the provisionals included.”
For all of the latest election results in the county, click here.
Please check back Wednesday for the next update to the election results in Contra Costa County.
Read MoreThe suspect vehicle is described as a dark blue or black colored Jeep Grand Cherokee, possibly a 2016 model. Photo by CCC Sheriff.
By Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff
Detectives from the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff Investigation Division are continuing to investigate a homicide that occurred in North Richmond on Friday morning, June 1, 2018.
At about 6:28 AM, Deputy Sheriffs were dispatched to the 1500 block of Giaramita Street in North Richmond for a report that someone was shot in a vehicle. Deputies arrived and found a man suffering from gunshot wounds. The victim was transported to a local hospital and later taken by helicopter to a local trauma center. The victim was later pronounced deceased.
The victim is identified as 22-year-old Taison Calderon-Lopez of North Richmond and San Rafael.
The suspect vehicle is described as a dark blue or black colored Jeep Grand Cherokee, possibly a 2016 model.
The suspect is described as an unknown race male, mid-20’s, with dark hair. He was wearing a black-hooded sweatshirt and blue jeans.
Anyone with any information on this incident or the identity of the suspect is asked to contact the Office of the Sheriff Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600. For any tips, please email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call 866-846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.
Read More
By Daniel Borsuk
After listening to 15 speakers knock down Concord-based Discovery Builders Inc. for allegedly skirting state environmental impact report laws and potentially imposing accessibility safety hazards in the tony Alamo Summit neighborhood, Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors axed the proposed 13,888 square foot mansion on a 5 to 0 vote Tuesday.
District 2 Supervisor Candace Andersen of San Ramon made the motion to deny Discovery Builders’ appeal to use its 1992 development’s environmental impact report for what was then a 32-unit housing development on three lots and to consolidate those lots for the construction of one massive dwelling.
According to the staff report, “the project site is located within the boundaries of Alamo Summit, a 37-lot subdivision (SD 7553) that was previously approved by the County. The Alamo Summit subdivision is located on a hillside at the southern terminus of Castle Crest Road, approximately ½ mile west of Danville Boulevard at Livorna Road.”
Concerned that the 1992 environmental impact report might not meet 2018 standards, the supervisor said, “I move to deny the appeal. The developers must do a reversion. They must start CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act) from scratch.”
Supervisor John Gioia of Richmond seconded Andersen’s motion.
Supervisors backed a Planning Commission’s and Department of Conservation and Development recommendation that the development should be rejected because of the “significant hazards” to residents that would exist on Ridgewood Road, especially during construction of the proposed house.
Discovery Builders Inc. president Louis Parsons left the supervisors board hearing room so quickly after the supervisors vote that this reporter was unable to track him and down to ask him and Albert Seeno, III who was also present in the supervisors hearing chambers, whether the Seeno affiliate company plans to abide by the supervisors’ ruling and draft a new EIR that could cost thousands of dollars and delay the development for at least several years. A telephone call to Discovery Builders Inc. went unanswered.
In looking for cost-cutting measures during construction, Discovery Builders plans to use gravel rather than paving the road with asphalt when construction trucks ramble up and down narrow Ridgeway Road that is 16 feet wide.
Prior to the supervisors’ action, speakers hammered away at the proposed Alamo Summit residential project.
“This is an incomplete proposal,” commented Brenda Hoppler of nearby Rossmoor “because the California Environmental Quality ACT has expired, and the developer would need to do a separate environmental review.”
Ken Hoffman of the Castlerock Homeowners Association said a new environmental review is necessary because Ridgeway Road is only 16 feet wide and would probably mean the temporary closure of the road during construction of the Discovery Builders development. “This would mean some residents would be trapped in an emergency,” he said to the proposal to provide a gravel road during construction won’t work in an emergency.
Contra Costa Fire Protection Report Requested
Board Chair Karen Mitchoff has requested that the Contra Costa Fire Protection District submit a written report in response to a Bay Area News Group article that was published on Sunday, June 3, that more than 400 apartment buildings in the Bay Area have not undergone inspections by local fire departments.
The article said in Contra Costa County 25 percent of the apartment buildings have not undergone inspections. Overdue apartment building inspections were found mainly in Walnut Creek, Lafayette, Concord, Martinez, Pittsburg, and Antioch.
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