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Hikers enjoy the trails on Save Mount Diablo’s Four Days Diablo Group Camping Trip, a 30-mile trek along the Diablo Trail over 4 day leading you on an adventure through rarely seen Mount Diablo landscapes. Photos by Scott Hein, Save Mt. Diablo Board President
Discover Diablo is Save Mount Diablo’s new free public hike series, offering an annual schedule of guided walks, hikes and interpretive tours open to any and all trail blazers. Generously sponsored by the Shell Martinez Refinery, the Discover Diablo Free Public Hike Series will launch in early 2017. Discover Diablo will offer two events per month for the entire year (please see schedule, below) – one taking place and focusing on a Save Mount Diablo property and one designed for families on other public parks.
Hosted by Save Mount Diablo, the new Discover Diablo program seeks to build awareness of local land conservation efforts and to convey the importance of protecting open space for habitat and recreation. With the launch of Discover Diablo, we intend to reach new audiences, build our membership base of adventurers, explorers and outdoor enthusiasts, and spark a passion for the Diablo Range.
We invite you to join us in exploring the Bay Area’s beautiful wild lands and open spaces. We hope that with two events per month in various locations, there will be something for everyone to enjoy and learn from. Save Mount Diablo’s Family walks are for hikers of all skill levels and will take place on other portions of open space on and around the mountain. Save Mount Diablo’s Property tours will illustrate the importance of preserving wildlife habitat, building corridors between existing parks, and of course, all the beauty that the Diablo Range has to offer.
To honor Save Mount Diablo’s mission, we aim to display both our current property holdings as well as those we have helped protect over the years. Hosting monthly hikes is an effective way to engage and grow communities invested in the sustainability of local open space. SMD properties aren’t usually open to the public, so these are rare opportunities.
To complete the land conservation picture in the Diablo Range and pay homage to collaborating agencies, we also host monthly outings on Mount Diablo State Park, East Bay Regional Park District, and Walnut Creek Open Space Foundation lands. Save Mount Diablo’s new hike series, Discover Diablo, ties these outings together by offering an annual schedule of free public hikes to explore these diverse lands – with the added bonus of being guided by staff and experienced volunteer hike leaders.
According to Ted Clement, Executive Director of Save Mount Diablo, “It is the goal of the Discover Diablo program to build connections between people and land, helping communities develop a strong sense of place and a deepened appreciation for our collective backyard. Most importantly, we want to cultivate a love of the land in participants – so as to grow the land ethic and stewardship for our precious Mount Diablo area.”
We intend to reach audiences from all over the Bay Area to improve awareness of and advocacy efforts for the Diablo Range. There is something for us all to discover in the nooks and crannies surrounding Mount Diablo. Please join us on the trails to find your own individual inspiration!
Visit us on Eventbrite to our full schedule of upcoming hikes: Discover-Diablo.eventbrite.com. RSVP required.
What: Save Mount Diablo’s Discover Diablo Free Public Hike Series
When: Two monthly events throughout 2017. (See schedule below)
Where: CONTRA COSTA COUNTY – Walnut Creek, Clayton, Concord, Livermore, Pittsburg.
Save Mount Diablo is a nationally accredited, non-profit land trust founded in 1971 with a mission to preserve Mount Diablo’s peaks, surrounding foothills, and watersheds through land acquisition and preservation strategies designed to protect the mountain’s natural beauty, biological diversity, and historic and agricultural heritage; enhance our area’s quality of life; and provide recreational opportunities consistent with the protection of natural resources. To learn more and support Save Mount Diablo please visit www.savemountdiablo.org.
Read MoreState Senator Steve Glazer, D-Orinda, on Martin Luther King Day, Monday, called on President Barack Obama to exonerate the Port Chicago 50, the African American sailors wrongly convicted of mutiny in Concord, CA, during World War II.
During a noon press conference with the Social Justice Alliance of the Interfaith Council of Contra Costa County & Mt. Diablo Peace & Justice Center at the Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church, Glazer made the following statement:
“As we celebrate and honor Dr. Martin Luther King today, we are witnessing the end of President Barack Obama’s historic term in the White House as the first African-American president of the United States.
“In his final days, President Obama has taken important steps to ensure environmental protections, such as protecting the California coastline and environmental standards for fuels. President Obama also announced the designation of three civil rights sites as national monuments.
“While these are significant acts that will have great national impact, I am asking President Obama to take one final small but important step before he leaves the presidency: To take executive action to exonerate the 50 African American sailors – members of the group known as the “Port Chicago 50” – who were wrongfully convicted of mutiny following the tragic accident at the Port Chicago Naval Magazine in Concord, CA, in 1944.
“Exonerating these men would restore honor to these 50 sailors, acknowledge the racism that led to their unjust convictions and correct a wrong. It would reflect the just and equal society that President Obama has strived to achieve in the spirit of Dr. King, and would be one final act of grace for the families of these United States sailors.”
Glazer also asked the congregation to tweet President Obama at @POTUS encouraging him to take action with #PortChicago50.
Background:
∙After an explosion at Port Chicago in Concord, CA that killed 320 men – most of whom were African-Americans naval seamen – other African-American seamen were ordered back to work loading munitions at the same location.
∙Two-hundred and fifty eight of these sailors refused the orders because working conditions remained unsafe and they had not been trained to handle munitions.
∙After being threatened with the death penalty, 208 of these men reluctantly returned to work. However, the remaining 50 were court-martialed and sentenced to 17 years in prison.
∙They were later discharged with honor, which shows that the U.S. Navy acknowledged the convictions were unjust.
∙Their convictions, however, were never rescinded and the “Port Chicago 50” would carry the mutiny charges until they died.
Read MoreAlhambra Valley Road between Bear Creek and Castro Ranch Roads closed indefinitely
Contra Costa County reopened Marsh Creek Road between the Clayton city limits and Deer Valley Road today. The following roads are open to local traffic only:
- Morgan Territory Road between Marsh Creek Road and Manning Road (anticipated to reopen the week of January 23)
- McEwen Road between Highway 4 and Carquinez Scenic Drive (anticipated to reopen this weekend on either January 21 or 22)
The closures were required due to mudslides and flooding concerns. The amount of rain received has saturated the soil which makes it more difficult to remove the mudslides and clean the roadways. Alhambra Valley Road between Bear Creek Road and Castro Ranch Road is closed indefinitely. Signs and message boards will alert drivers of the closure. There is not an estimated timeframe for reopening Alhambra Valley Road at this time. Drivers are encouraged to use the routes on the map below as alternate routes for Alhambra Valley Road.
If you’re concerned about flooding at your home or business, it’s not too late to visit one of the free sandbag stations located throughout the county. Please note that you’ll need to bring a shovel, but bags and sand are available for free. Find out details regarding County sandbag sites at www.cccounty.us/sandbags.
County Public Works Maintenance road crews maintain the storm drain inlets through a program of annual inspection and cleaning. To report a clogged catch basin or drainage inlet please call the Public Works Maintenance Division at 925‐313‐7000 during work hours and after hours call Sheriff’s Dispatch at 925‐646‐2441.
Important phone numbers and webpages:
(925) 313-7000 Public Works Maintenance Division- For emergencies during normal business hours
(707) 551-4100 California Highway Patrol- For emergencies after hours
(925) 646-2441 Contra Costa County Sheriffs Dispatch- For emergencies after hours
http://www.cccounty.us/sandbags – Contra Costa County Sand Bag Locations
http://www.cccounty.us/5906/Winter-Storm-Preparedness-Winter Storm Preparedness
http://www.co.contra-costa.ca.us/5895/Flooding-Information-Flood Information
http://www.cccounty.us/332/FEMA-Floodplain-Program- FEMA Floodplain Program
http://www.contracosta.ca.gov/1578/Flood-Forecast-Information-How to Flood Forecast
http://www.co.contra-costa.ca.us/5907/Flood-Preparedness-California Flood Preparedness
Read More
Washington, DC – On Friday, January 13, 2017, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA11) announced that he will not attend the Inauguration of President-elect Donald J. Trump, one week from today.
“The peaceful transition of power from one administration to the next is a uniquely American tradition that defines our democracy. Inaugurations are a time for our Presidents to ignite hope, demonstrate humility, and espouse faithfulness to the principles enumerated in the Constitution. The President-elect has yet to demonstrate these traits, and it is with a heavy heart and deep personal conviction that I have decided not to attend the Inauguration on January 20, 2017,” said DeSaulnier.
“Having watched, listened, and waited during this transition period, I was hopeful the President-elect would turn away from the divisive and contentious behavior exhibited during the campaign and embrace a message to unify all Americans. Sadly, we have witnessed one polarizing action after another. Since being elected, he has demonstrated hostility toward our free and open press, committed to gutting health insurance for millions of hardworking families, and is filling his cabinet with nominees more closely aligned with Wall Street than Main Street.
“Earlier this week, the President-elect acknowledged, but took no meaningful steps to mitigate his many personal conflicts of interest. The plan he outlined is wholly inadequate and leaves the American public with more questions than answers. It is the duty of the President of the United States to meet the minimum legal and ethical standards outlined in the Constitution. This makes his refusal to follow the precedent set by the last four generations of presidents from both parties gravely concerning.
“As President, the nation will look to him for guidance in times of turmoil and times of plenty. In these moments, the country must have full confidence that his sole focus is on protecting America’s interest – not his own. I believe when he places his hand on the Bible and takes the sacred oath that Presidents Washington and Lincoln did before him, he will in that very moment, be in violation of that oath and the Constitution.
“As a student of American history, I cannot sit idly by and normalize a President who has displayed disregard for our past traditions and Constitution. In this critical period of transition, I am reminded of when Benjamin Franklin exited the Constitutional Convention at its completion and approached a group of citizens, one of whom asked ‘Mr. Franklin, what have you given us?’ to which he replied ‘A republic, if you can keep it.’ On Inauguration Day, I will not be in attendance, but instead preparing to do all I can to keep our republic.”
DeSaulnier represents most of Contra Costa County in the U.S. House of Representatives. To communicate with the Congressman, contact him through his website at https://desaulnier.house.gov/contact, call his Washington, D.C. office at (202) 225-2095 or District office in Richmond at (510) 620-1000 or his office in Walnut Creek at (925) 933-2660.
Read MoreThe Furry Friends Food Relief Program (FFFR) will hold their second annual benefit dinner Saturday, February 11, 2017. Just in time to spend a wonderful evening with family, friends or that special someone for Valentine’s Day.
We assist families in need in Contra Costa County with dog and cat food. We now have our food pantry open every Monday from 7-8 pm and Wednesday from 6-8 pm, located at 1300 Central Blvd, Brentwood. We do low cost vaccine clinics and food distributions to the public every four weeks. Please check our calendar on our website for the next upcoming clinic.
We are always in need of donations of medical supplies, flea treatment, food, bedding, collars, leashes, crates, anything to assist families and their furry friends.
The theme for this year’s dinner will be The Roaring 20’s and it will be held, once again at the beautiful event center at Shadow Lakes Golf Course in Brentwood, located at 401 W Country Club Drive from 5:00 to 10:00 pm. The evening will be filled with music, dancing and wonderful silent auction items.
Cocktail hour from 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm. Appetizers and salads will be served along with rolls. Dinner choices are pork tenderloin, salmon, the vegetarian option is Eggplant Parmesan with sides of mashed potatoes and mixed veggies. The pork tenderloin has a creamy Dijon-wine sauce and Salmon is topped with garlic, lemon, butter and onions. No-Host Bar.
We have wonderful raffle and silent auction items to bid on. Stop by to have some fun at the Photo Station. It’s going to be a great night of fun to raise money for this organization who helps families keep their pets out of the shelters.
Get your tickets before February 3, 2017 and join us in a fun and different way to spend time with friends, family, or that special someone. Each table seats up to 8-10 people.
Ticket sales are going on now at http://furryfriendsfoodre.wixsite.com/fffr/roaring-20-s-benefit-dinner-2017.
Furry Friends Food Relief Program – “Helping those in need feed their Furry Friends.” Tax ID 47-2163583.
For more information visit us online at www.furryfriendsfoodre.wix.com/fffr, “Like” us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/FurryFriendFoodReliefProgram or you can contact us by phone or text at 925-240-3178.
Read MorePursuit began in Pittsburg, ended in Concord
Thursday night, January 12, 2017 at about 11 pm, CHP began a DUI investigation of a driver suspected of driving impaired at Harbor Court and Harbor Street in the city of Pittsburg. The driver showed signs of impairment and CHP requested him to exit his vehicle for a DUI investigation. The driver refused to exit and fled the scene prompting CHP to pursue him on westbound Highway 4.
CHP pursued the Honda sedan as he exited Port Chicago Highway, drove to and parked in a driveway located on Gratton Way in Concord. At that point, two CHP units and a CHP supervisor were parked behind the suspect vehicle. While still in his Honda, the suspect (a 45-year-old white male from Antioch) brandished a semi automatic pistol, turned it on himself, discharged it and suffered a self-inflicted wound and subsequently killed himself.
No CHP Officers were injured nor did any CHP officers fire their weapons. CHP’s Golden Gate Divisions Special Investigative Unit (SIU) is conducting a full investigation. This is still an open investigation. A call into the CHP Contra Costa office for the suspect’s name and any other details was not returned before press time and that is all the information the CHP has released as of now.
Read MoreAssemblymember Jim Frazier will be a special guest at an upcoming free workshop for East Contra Costa County businesses that want to learn more about using social media to promote their work. Co-sponsored by the Antioch and Brentwood Chambers of Commerce, the workshop will run from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Friday, January 27, 2017, at the Lone Tree Golf & Event Center, 4800 Golf Course Road in Antioch.
The “Boost Your Business” event will give participants up-to-date tools, insights and best practices for using Facebook and Instagram to grow their business. Participants will also hear tips and tricks from local business owners and learn about creative ways to reach out.
The workshop is free, but registration is encouraged. To sign up, or for more information, visit https://boostantioch.splashthat.com.
To contact Assembly member Jim Frazier please visit his website at www.asmdc.org/frazier or call his District Office at 925-513-0411. Follow and “Like” him on Facebook for updates on events and happenings in the 11th AD.
Read MoreContra Costa County plans to reopen the following roads by 5:00 p.m. on January 13, 2017.
- Marsh Creek Road between the Clayton city limits and Deer Valley Road
- Morgan Territory Road between Marsh Creek Road and Manning Road
- McEwen Road between Highway 4 and Carquinez Scenic Drive
The closures were required due to mudslides and flooding concerns. Alhambra Valley Road between Bear Creek Road and Castro Ranch Road is closed indefinitely.Signs and message boards will alert drivers of the closure. There is not an estimated timeframe for reopening Alhambra Valley Road at this time.Drivers are encouraged to use the routes on the map below as alternate routes for Alhambra Valley Road.
If you’re concerned about flooding at your home or business, it’s not too late to visit one of the free sandbag stations located throughout the county. Please note that you’ll need to bring a shovel, but bags and sand are available for free. Find out details regarding County sandbag sites at www.cccounty.us/sandbags.
County Public Works Maintenance road crews maintain the storm drain inlets through a program of annual inspection and cleaning. To report a clogged catch basin or drainage inlet please call the Public Works Maintenance Division at 925-313-7000 during work hours and after hours call Sheriff’s Dispatch at 925-646-2441.
Important phone numbers and webpages:
(925) 313-7000 Public Works Maintenance Division- For emergencies during normal business hours
(707) 551-4100 California Highway Patrol- For emergencies after hours
(925) 646-2441 Contra Costa County Sheriffs Dispatch- For emergencies after hours
http://www.cccounty.us/sandbags – Contra Costa County Sand Bag Locations
http://www.cccounty.us/5906/Winter-Storm-Preparedness-Winter Storm Preparedness
http://www.co.contra-costa.ca.us/5895/Flooding-Information-Flood Information
http://www.cccounty.us/332/FEMA-Floodplain-Program- FEMA Floodplain Program
http://www.contracosta.ca.gov/1578/Flood-Forecast-Information-How to Flood Forecast
http://www.co.contra-costa.ca.us/5907/Flood-Preparedness-California Flood Preparedness
Read MoreDear Editor:
For forty years I have dedicated my professional life to helping the mentally ill, the homeless, substance abuse addicts and low income families with children.
ACA – Affordable Care Act has saved thousands of lives. I know because many of those lives are my clients. Without ACA, those with drug addictions will be on the streets, trying to survive through stealing, breaking in to homes or stores, and other criminal acts that make our community unsafe. With ACA, my clients are in residential treatment programs and practicing full recovery. My homeless or mentally ill clients have full medical support, getting their prescriptions so they are not delusional or dangerous. Our clinics and hospitals need ACA to keep their doors open to our citizens, our families and the children. People will die without ACA.
Please contact your Congressman or Senator and urge them to vote to keep ACA or comparable health care for our citizens. You can contact Daily Action call 1-844-241-1141 (user friendly and free) and you will be directly connected with your Representative.
Jerri Curry, PhD Forensic Psychologist 27385, Licensed Family Therapist 19776, Certified Drug Addiction Specialist, Formerly with Contra Costa County
Benicia
Read More![](http://contracostaherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Oaths-of-Office-1024x683.jpg)
Former Congressman George Miller administers the oaths of office to new Contra Costa County Supervisor Diane Burgis, left, and re-elected Supervisors Federal Glover and Candace Andersen, Tuesday, January 10, 2017 as Supervisors Karen Mitchoff and John Gioia look on. photos by Jonathan Bash
By Veronica Hampton
Diane Burgis became a new member of the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors, and re-elected Supervisor Federal Glover was voted in as Chair of the Board for this year, during the board meeting on Tuesday, January 10. During the procedures, Glover announced this will be his last term on the board.
The meeting began with the presentation of colors by veterans groups from Pittsburg and Martinez. Oakley veteran, Randy “Smitty” Smith, led the Pledge of Allegiance and county Senior Deputy Administrator Julie Enea led in the singing of the National Anthem. Re-elected District 2 Supervisor and out-going Chair for 2016, Candace Andersen opened with an inspirational thought for the day by Michelangelo.
“The greater danger for most of us isn’t that our aim is too high and miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it,” she said.
Former Congressman George Miller administered the oaths of office to both the new and returning Supervisors, Burgis for District 3 Supervisor, Andersen who was re-elected without opposition and Glover who began his fifth term as District 5 Supervisor.
Burgis, a long time resident of the county, was welcomed to the board and paid homage to her alma mater, saying “Go Bulldogs” and then thanked her family for their support. She expressed her eagerness to start working with the board and introduced members of her staff, stating she is confident with their help and support they can “help Contra Costa meets its full potential.”
Burgis recognized her predecessor, Mary Piepho, thanking her for her encouragement, saying they share the same goals for Contra Costa County.
“In my district, I want to grow our economy while protecting our natural resources, including our precious Delta, provide quality public service, [and] protect the most vulnerable amongst us, while practicing fiscal responsibility and prudence,” Burgis stated.
In her outgoing remarks as Chair, Andersen thanked the board, staff and family for their support and hard work during her term. She stated she is “grateful” to be reelected and welcomes collaborating with Glover, in his new role as chair, and with Burgis, as well as the other supervisors.
“I am looking forward to working with my colleagues, both new and old as we continue to serve Contra Costa County,” she said.
Anderson hopes that the county’s past accomplishments can continue to produce new accomplishments for 2017. Focus will continue on the research and resources for mental health for county inmates.
“Next Saturday, Board and County Members will travel to Sacramento to attend the Stepping Up Summit, to look at Best Practices on this issue,” Andersen shared. “With the reopening of Pittsburg Fire Station 87, focus will continue on reopening station 16 in Lafayette. The County will continue to further their alliance with AMR and continue to work on faster medical emergency response times.”
Anderson was presented a gift of appreciation by Glover and the board and he thanked her for “making a solid voice for Contra Costa and for handling difficult decisions with style and grace.”
County Clerk Joe Canciamilla swore Glover as the new Board Chair and District 4 Supervisor Karen Mitchoff as the new Vice Chair of the Board for 2017.
In his remarks, Glover announced “that this will be his last term, but it will be his best term.” He said he will continue to strive to make “one Contra Costa County,” and to maintain the county’s AAA bond rating from Standard and Poor’s. Focus will continue on developing employment opportunities.
Four years ago, Glover asked the Board to look into the revitalization of the northern waterfront in the county as a means of employment opportunities. He will continue to pursue that but also as a means of goods movement.
“Revitalizing the waterfront will not only continue to bring us opportunity for job development but also open up an infrastructure that hasn’t been used in our waterway that will go good for goods movement that will allow us to continue roadwork that is so important,” he stated.
Glover hopes that this will eventually lead to other routes created within the state and other opportunities surrounding the Byron Airport. He then thanked the board, county and his family for their support during his term.
Glover reflected on his past health issues and thanked the county and board for their support during that time. He also thanked Miller and Canciamilla as inspirations and mentors in Glover’s political career.
Both Mitchoff and District 1 Supervisor John Gioia welcomed back their fellow board members, and Burgis, offering well wishes to each other for the New Year. Both thanked their staff for their continued support.
Mitchoff recognized the new library opening this year in Pleasant Hill. Gioia reiterated the county’s success with the AMR alliance and faster medical response times. The Board joined together to sing Happy Birthday to Gioia and wished him well. Mitchoff stressed the importance of encouraging people to run for office. Contra Costa County is one of the five counties, out of the 58 in the state, which have a female majority on their board.
“It is not a bad thing to put good people in office,” she stated.
During Public Comments, Marianna Moore, Director of the Ensuring Opportunity Campaign to End Poverty in Contra Costa thanked and congratulated members of the Board but also thanked Burgis for acknowledging her goal to protect the “most vulnerable amongst us.” Moore stressed the need to work together as the fear of the negative impact that will affect the county’s budgeting and programs, when the new federal administration takes over. She stressed the need to create a sense of safety throughout the county and to continue to work as one Contra Costa County.
Debbie Toth, CEO of Rehabilitation Services of Northern California, which operates the Mt. Diablo Center for Adult Day Health Care, spoke after Moore and “echoed her sentiments” citing her major concern for the increase in senior homelessness, “that is the greatest number in poverty” and will continue to increase.
Pest Detection Specialist for Contra Costa County Department of Agriculture, Lindsay Skidmore of Lafayette, requested that when the labor contract between Local 1 and the County is reviewed, the A-2 medial plan not be removed. Currently the new contract will not have this, leaving many without a subsidized health care plan, causing a negative impact on the income of many.
A motion was then passed to approve Glover’s nominations of Board Members to be appointed to various county committees and regional boards and commissions.
The meeting was adjourned in memory of former Danville Mayor Richard Waldo, and Richard “Brad” Nail, the former Director of Economic Development of Pittsburg.
![](http://contracostaherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Diane-Burgis-in-new-office-1024x768.jpg)
Burgis in here new District Office in Brentwood, during a reception on Tuesday evening, January 10th. Photo by Allen Payton