On Tuesday, July 19th, 2016 at 9:45 PM, Richmond police officers responded to calls of multiple shots fired in the city’s Central District – North Richmond, with a possible victim of a shooting. Officers arrived and found 32 yr. old Paul King of Richmond suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to his upper torso. Mr. King was lying in the middle of the roadway in the 200 block of Gertrude Ave. where he succumbed to his injuries.
Homicide Detective M. Castillo along with other detectives responded to the scene and began their investigation. Detectives learned that the incident was about an argument between Paul King and the suspect. The disagreement escalated and the suspect shot Mr. King multiple times before he fled from the scene. Detective Castillo identified the suspect as 39 yr. old Kendrick Barfield of Richmond.
On Friday, July 29th, 2016, Detective Castillo, along with RPD’s Special Investigations Section (SIS) detectives located and arrested Barfield in an apartment in the city’s Southern District.
On Tuesday, August 2nd, 2016, Kendrick Barfield was charged for the murder of Paul King and multiple enhancements. His bail is set at $5.8 million.
Read MoreOn Friday, July 29, Contra Costa County educators were well represented as presenters at CSU East Bay, for the second annual Better Together: California Teachers Summit. Opening the program was Contra Costa County Office of Education’s Deputy Superintendent Pamela Comfort, Ed.D. and the county’s current Teachers of the Year Kate Perry (Liberty Union High School District) and Maria McClain (Antioch Unified School District).
The California Teachers Summit is a free statewide day of learning and networking that is open to all California PreK-12 teachers, teacher candidates, school administrators, and other educators. One of 38 locations across the state, CSU East Bay welcomed hundreds of Bay Area teachers to share ideas, join a teacher network, and learn effective strategies for implementing the new California Standards in their classrooms. The Summit featured keynote addresses by education leaders, TED-style EdTalks presented by local teachers, and Edcamp discussions on timely topics such as the California Standards in English/Language Arts and Math, and the Next Generation Science Standards.
In the early afternoon, Perry and McClain, together, presented a stimulating EdTalk session to all the attending educators. The audience was in full attention as the two gave real-life stories on how they learned to reach some of their most challenging students through the years.
“As we celebrate this day of learning, we want to emphasize the essential lessons that our students can teach us, if we take the time to listen and learn,” McClain said. “Lisa and Lisbeth [student examples] made Kate and I better teachers. They taught us that we must meet students where they are, not where we expect them to be, and then work to support and guide them. We must broaden our focus beyond content acquisition and understand that achievement for all students can only occur once their primary needs are met. California’s new standards represent significant changes in educational content and practice. Successful implementation requires both students and teachers to stretch outside their comfort zones, take risks, and embrace new ideas. As we work to adjust our course content and teaching practices, we must also focus on building classroom environments that are safe, welcoming, and truly value all students.”
Perry also offered her comments.
“Now we know how complicated teaching is, and the many daily pressures that face us all,” she said. “And in the face of these we have both learned that the key to staying in the profession is our connection to our students and colleagues. So, if you take nothing else away from us, today, please remember, listen to your students, listen to your fellow teachers, and find mentors like Maria – people who will listen, support, and challenge you. We all – teachers, students, parents, and administrators – have so much to learn and share with one another and that only happens when we open ourselves to the people around us and really hear what they have to say.”
In addition to, CSU East Bay, Summit locations in the Bay Area include:
- Brandman University, Walnut Creek
- Mary’s College of California
- CSU Monterey Bay
- San Francisco State University
- Sonoma State University
More information, a list of event locations, and online registration is available at CATeachersSummit.com. Follow #CATeachersSummit for up-to-date information.
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Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (D, CA-11) will host five more town hall meetings in the communities of Danville, Orinda, Rossmoor, Concord and Pittsburg during the month of August. He held his first in Richmond on Monday night. One of DeSaulnier’s top priorities is to be accessible to his constituents. Since being elected to Congress in January 2015, Mark has hosted 23 town hall meetings and mobile district office hours throughout Contra Costa County.
“Hearing directly from the residents of Contra Costa County helps make me a better representative. It is my hope that these town hall meetings will serve as a place for constituents to share their thoughts and opinions on issues important to our community. I invite you to join me at a town hall meeting to listen to a Congressional update on key policy issues, learn about our legislative work in Congress, and discuss the broad range of services we can provide,” said Congressman DeSaulnier.
Danville Town Hall
Wednesday, August 3, 2016
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
(Check-in begins at 6:30 p.m.)
Veterans Memorial Building
Community Hall
400 Hartz Avenue, Danville
Orinda Town Hall
Saturday, August 6, 2016
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
(Check-in begins at 10:30 a.m.)
Orinda Library Auditorium
26 Orinda Way, Orinda
Rossmoor Town Hall
Saturday, August 6, 2016
1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
(Check-in begins at 12:30 p.m.)
Rossmoor, Fireside Room
1001 Golden Rain Road, Walnut Creek
Concord Town Hall
Monday, August 8, 2016
6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
(Check-in begins at 6:00 p.m.)
Concord City Council Chambers
1950 Parkside Drive, Concord
Pittsburg Town Hall
Wednesday, August 10, 2016
6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
(Check-in begins at 6:00 p.m.)
Pittsburg Senior Center
300 Presidio Lane, Pittsburg
For more information or to request ADA accommodations, please email CA11.RSVP@mail.house.gov or call (925) 933-2660
Read MoreEditor:
The shooting death of Richard “Pedie” Perez by the Richmond Police Officer was unnecessary. The Officer-absolving findings by the RPD and D.A.’s Office also was wrong. I know because I personally investigated the matters for the victim’s family attorney.
I have about 75,000 hours of law enforcement related investigations employment, experiences, training, education, and a lot of expertise in death investigations. For 33 plus of those years, out of 50 years total, I was a full time sworn Officer, Police Supervisor, Investigations Units’ Supervisor, and State P.O.S.T. certified Police Supervisor and Homicide Investigator.
I personally examined and photographed Perez’s deceased body, finding that he had more gunshot bullet entries than the three the police claimed. Perez, in my opinion and experiences, was not a violator of Penal Code Section 647f – Public Intoxication (as corroborated by the surveillance video tapes). Perez was also not “swaying from side to side” as police claim. The agencies’ use of DUI levels regarding Perez was also disingenuous and misleading! Perez was not driving! I also interviewed eye witnesses, reviewed the store’s recorded video tapes of the events, and Perez’s and the responsible officer’s actions. I overall determined that the Officer didn’t have to use deadly force when he instead had readily available non-lethal alternatives at hand.
As in the Oscar Grant shooting death case, which I also personally investigated, the actions by the officers in these, and other similar, cases further increasingly endanger other uninvolved officers’ lives, performances, and community support (as evidenced, unfortunately, by the on-going attacks and deaths nationwide of even uninvolved officers). I’ve been alerting and warning law enforcement agencies over the years now about such possibilities and predicted repercussions. It seems to have fallen on deaf ears, with more uninvolved officers suffering the consequences.
It’s time that they finally admit that they’ve responded wrongly, have been close-minded, and should now move forward by honestly and fully addressing how to positively try to correct this dangerous and deadly environment they’ve contributed to. Intimidating and verbally attacking incidents’ news reporters by police defenders and POAs is reprehensible. They can continue to hide from it but I again warn that it could cost more citizens’ and officers’ lives, and their families, while they remain in their self-protecting denials with their heads buried in the ground. Don’t they get it, or even care?
Ralph A. Hernandez, Antioch
Read MoreIn accordance with the Contra Costa County Chiefs’ of Police Association Officer Involved Fatal Incident Protocol, Sheriff Coroner David O. Livingston will hold an inquest into the death of Leona Rachael Moreno.
On October 22, 2015, Moreno was a passenger in a vehicle that was being pursued by Antioch police officers. The vehicle left the roadway and hit a PG&E pole before coming to rest, overturned on the roadway. Moreno was ejected from the vehicle. She was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The proceedings will convene on Thursday, August 4, 2016 at 9:00 AM at the Wakefield Taylor Courthouse, 725 Court Street, Department 34, Room 312, in Martinez, California.
The purpose of the inquest, which Sheriff-Coroner Livingston convenes in fatal incidents involving peace officers, is to present the facts of the incident to a jury for their deliberation and finding on the manner of death.
The inquest is open to the public and members of the media are invited to attend. However, no photographs or video may be taken during the proceedings.
Read MoreA woman whose body was found on Highway 242 on Sunday morning, July 24, was identified after someone saw the media reports on this Jane Doe case. She is identified as 62-year old Marie Chellino of Concord.
Following is the original report:
On Sunday, July 24, 2016, at about 2:09 AM, the California Highway Patrol responded to a report of a person on the roadway on southbound Highway 242 near Olivera Road. The person was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The Coroner’s Division, which took custody of the body, has not been able to identify the person, who did not have any identification.
She is described as:
Adult female, 50-60 years old, dark hair with some greying, 5’,5”, about 143 pounds. She was wearing a gray/blue buttoned down pinstripe shirt.
She did have a knitted red/grey pouch necklace that contained what appears to be a clear crystal. Please see the attached photograph.
Anyone with any information on the identity of the person is asked to contact the Coroner’s Division at (925) 313-2850.
Read MoreHalf-cent sales tax in addition to Measure J
The Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) believes that the future success of Contra Costa County includes offering safe, reliable mobility for all. To provide funding for this goal, on Wednesday, July 20th, the Contra Costa Transportation Authority board – which includes representatives from all parts of the County – voted unanimously to put a tax measure on the November 8 ballot. If approved by voters, the ballot measure will fund transportation improvements throughout Contra Costa County, for the next 30 years. The details are outlined in CCTA’s Transportation Expenditure Plan. CCTA 2016 TEP for Ballot Measure
The measure, which will appear on the November 8 ballot, will ask Contra Costa voters to approve a new half-cent sales tax that will generate $2.9 billion in revenues over 30 years to continue to improve the transportation system in Contra Costa. The tax will be in addition to the current half-cent sales tax for transportation in the county.
The proposed Transportation Expenditure Plan (TEP) is the culmination of months of extensive public outreach, stakeholder engagement, and advocate input. The TEP has also been approved by all of Contra Costa’s 19 cities and towns, as well as the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors. The plan focuses on innovative strategies and new technologies to promote a strong economy, protect the environment, and enhance the quality of life for all of Contra Costa’s diverse communities.
“The CCTA Board is incredibly proud of the TEP,” said Authority Board Special Meeting Chair Don Tatzin. “This is a transportation plan that reflects the values of our diverse region, has garnered broad support across the county, and will guide the next 30 years of transportation planning. If a super majority of voters approve the tax measure in November, the tax revenue will provide necessary funding for the transportation improvements included in the TEP.”
Contra Costa residents have made significant contributions to their transportation infrastructure since 1988, when voters passed Measure C, a half-cent sales tax dedicated to maintaining the ability of residents to travel safely and conveniently throughout the county. Measure C helped fund the BART extension to Pittsburg/Bay Point, built the Richmond Parkway, improved bicycle and pedestrian trails in the county, and invested more than $30 million in senior and disabled transit services.
In 2004, voters passed Measure J, which renewed the half-cent sales tax through 2034. Measure J has helped deliver the Fourth Bore of the Caldecott Tunnel, generated $1.3 billion dollars of investments to Highway 4 in Eastern Contra Costa County, including a BART extension to Antioch, and combined with Measure C has provided $286 million to Contra Costa’s cities and towns to maintain and repair local streets.
The TEP includes plans to reduce congestion and smooth traffic; improve BART, bus, ferry, and train service; and fix local streets and roads. It also dedicates unprecedented funding to new technologies and bicycle and pedestrian improvements in every part of the county, to give commuters viable alternatives to driving and in the process help get them out of traffic.
The TEP builds on CCTA’s strong record of fiscal responsibility and includes strong taxpayer protections and accountability. A public oversight committee will provide independent review of all funds raised and spent. It will ensure that funds are spent only in accordance with the voter-approved plan and only to benefit Contra Costa County.
“As we move into the future, Contra Costa’s economic strength is going to depend on people being able to travel quickly and conveniently throughout the county – to jobs, shopping and entertainment destinations, and everywhere else they need to go. This plan – and the measure that will fund the improvements it describes – helps make sure that is a reality in years to come,” said Tatzin.
To find out more information about the transportation improvements planned for the next 30 years – including projects in each of Contra Costa’s 19 cities and towns – and the tax measure, which will fund those plans if approved by voters on November 8, 2016, visit KeepContraCostaMoving.net.
About The Contra Costa Transportation Authority
The Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) is a public agency formed by Contra Costa voters in 1988 to manage the county’s transportation sales tax program and oversee countywide transportation planning efforts. CCTA is responsible for planning, funding and delivering critical transportation infrastructure projects and programs that connect our communities, foster a strong economy, increase sustainability, and safely and efficiently get people where they need to go. CCTA also serves as the county’s designated Congestion Management Agency, responsible for putting programs in place to keep traffic levels manageable. More information about CCTA is available at ccta.net.
Read MoreDetectives from the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff are continuing to investigate two burglaries that occurred at a home in unincorporated Martinez.
On Friday, July 15, 2016, at about 9:10 PM, Deputy Sheriffs responded to the 5000 block of Alhambra Valley Road regarding a residence that was burglarized. The next day at about 1 PM, Deputies went to the same location for a second burglary report. That same evening at about 8 PM, a truck parked in the driveway of the home was stolen.
Items taken in the burglaries include a number of bronze statues, including:
Marc Anthony, 8 feet tall
Cleopatra, 8-1/2 feet tall
Also stolen were two bronze tigers statues, three bronze drinking pitchers, whiskey decanters, an MK tile saw and a mink-like coat.
The truck that was stolen is a white 1995 Dodge 3500, extended cab with California license plate—5Y33805.
Many of the items stolen are distinctive. Please see the attached photographs.
Anyone with any information on these burglaries or the whereabouts of the stolen items is asked to contact the Investigation Division at (925) 313-2661. For any tips, please email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call 866-846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.
Read MoreThe Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors paid tribute on Tuesday, July 19, to the professionals who serve the County as Probation, Pretrial and Parole Supervision Officers, recognizing their often unsung achievements in contributing to public safety, community engagement, and support for victims.
Most public safety professionals don’t enter the profession for the recognition, appreciation or financial rewards.
“There is one particular branch of the profession, though, whose role is keeping communities safe, and yet their crews are far too often overlooked,” noted Supervisor Candace Andersen, Chair of the Board of Supervisors. “Those are the dedicated workers in the community supervision profession, who are the linchpin of the Criminal Justice System. They often don’t wear recognizable uniforms or drive marked cars with lights and sirens, yet they play an equally vital role in ensuring everyone’s safety.”
In Contra Costa County, the Probation Department supervises adults placed on Probation as well as individuals being released from prison and being placed on Post Release Community Supervision (PRCS). In the juvenile justice system, the Probation Department operates the Juvenile Hall located in Martinez and Orin Allen Rehabilitation Facility located in Byron, supervises juveniles placed on probation, and provides a wide range of in home and support services aimed at keeping at-risk kids out of custody whenever possible.
The probation profession has changed dramatically in recent years, utilizing data and evidence-based practices to more creatively and effectively manage increased caseloads. The implementation of public safety realignment in California, which has resulted in a strong Community Corrections Partnership in Contra Costa County, has added additional responsibilities and opportunities for Probation Officers to make a difference with the individuals we supervise.
Interim Probation Chief Todd Billeci notes that Contra Costa County’s Probation, Pretrial and Parole team members are innovators in the field, providing service and support for offenders while also providing protection and assistance for victims.
“Too often, the impact of our staff on public safety might go unnoticed,” Billeci said. “We appreciate the Board of Supervisors taking time to recognize this week as ‘Probation, Pretrial and Parole Supervision Officer’s Week’ and acknowledging the vital role our officers play. Our success comes when we give juveniles and adults the education, job training and life skills they need to enable them to become more industrious citizens in our community.”
Contra Costa County’s Probation Department has been honored for its innovative approaches and high degree of success. Nationally, the week of July 17 – 23, 2016, serves as the official week to recognize the professional achievements of the probation, pretrial and parole supervisors.
Read MoreHighway 4 cameras possible among $1.5 million in community benefits from Keller Canyon Landfill fund
After a rigorous review of 117 applications, Supervisor Federal Glover announced the recipients of the $1.5 million in grants from the Keller Canyon Landfill Mitigation Fund. The Board of Supervisors approved the expenditures on Tuesday morning, July 19, 2016 at their meeting in Martinez.
Among the Keller grants this year was $100,000 for electronic surveillance of Highway 4 from Bay Point to Antioch where gang-related shootings have occurred the past year. It will be shared with the law enforcement agencies that line that roadway segment.
In all, the grants for the fiscal year 2016-2017 were awarded to 82 recipients providing a wide range of activities from a Christmas party for Bay Point’s children to a full-time resident deputy to crossing guards for Bay Point schools.
“The allocation set aside for to monitor Highway 4 – possibly including cameras and license plate readers – will be used by law enforcement to keep our residents safe,” says Glover.
The amount of available funding varies from year to year because the Keller fund is based on the tonnage delivered to the Keller Canyon Landfill located in the hills off of Bailey Road south of Pittsburg and Bay Point.
The county supervisors created the mitigation fund when voters in the early1990s approved the location of a landfill site in the hills south of Bay Point and Pittsburg. Since the landfill was located in District 5, the district 5 supervisor was given the responsibility of administering the fund. The fund helps alleviate some of the landfill’s impacts to the neighboring community.
In 2011, at the recommendation of the Auditor, Supervisor Glover reformed the distribution of the funds by limiting its use to the impacted area and instituting a fully transparent system for determining who is granted the awards and to ensure that the money is used for what it is intended.
The grants will be awarded August 18 after the recipients sign their contracts with the county. The programs or events that will benefit from the grants include:
- Bay Point holiday celebrations
- Field trips from Bay Point teenagers
- Antioch Rivertown Jamboree and Delta Thunder Boat Race
- A full-time deputy as a school resource officer in Bay Point schools.
- Bay Point Spring Derby Memorial Day Parade and Festival
- World Music and Arts Festival for Bay Point and Pittsburg elementary school students
- RotaCare Pittsburg Free Medical Clinic
- Ambrose Park Aquatic Center Project.
This year’s fund of $1,507,000 is based on the anticipated tonnage that will be delivered to the landfill for the fiscal year 2016-2017.
This is the second year in a row that the Keller fund has shown an increase, which might be an indication of an improving economy, said Glover.
“The grant awards are always difficult decisions because there are so many good services being provided by local agencies,” he added.
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