By Rudy Recile, Retired U.S. Army Major, candidate for Congress, CA District 8
Rudy Recile. Source: 2024 campaign
Grassroots candidates running for an office don’t have it easy. People don’t know your name, you have no money in your campaign account and adding insult to injury, depending on what party you are affiliated with, the media may or may not be friendly towards you or your campaign.
Recently an article was written about my campaign “Rematch race for East Bay congressional seat clouded by disinformation from challenger” by Katie Lauer East Bay Times October 30, 2024.
With a title like that would any challenger have a chance? Depending on whether or not the reader keeps up with current events would determine what type of article they are reading. I don’t know if this was an article, opinion statement or hit piece.
I know Rep. John Garamendi has cancer, and I mentioned to the reporter during the interview I wouldn’t disparage the congressman in any way. I wanted to run a clean race and not a smear campaign. Instead of John Garamendi going after me the reporter decided to write an article seemingly attacking me.
All stories have a point of view and there is always some truth in the telling of the story. When I was being interviewed, I didn’t remember all of the details of the current events we were discussing. I was able to get most of the information correct and instead of the reporter doing her due diligence she took the negative side and stated I am passing dis-information.
For example, when hurricane Helene devastated the east coast, I stated the Government was restricting air space and it was in fact happening.
Eventually the restrictions were lifted. The point the reporter emphasized was the lifting of restrictions which means there were restrictions in place. The reporter failed to mention that FEMA and other federal agencies didn’t show up for almost a week after the hurricane and there were many people posting on social media platforms that they were being restricted from flying.
I spoke about a Veteran being evicted to make way for migrants. The reporter found an article where some people acted and reported they were evicted to make way for migrants from a hotel which was found to be a hoax. The article I was referring to was about a New York Army Veteran who was evicted from a nursing home to make way for migrants and not the story she mentioned. https://nypost.com/2023/11/30/news/army-vet-kicked-out-of-nyc-nursing-home-to-make-room-for-migrants/ There are many stories out there she could have chosen but the story she chose to back her story was the one regarding the hoax.
I also mentioned how crime is not being reported based on an article in the Wall Street Journal entitled, “Contrary to Media Myth, U.S. Urban Crime Rates Are Up” – https://www.wsj.com/opinion/contrary-to-media-myth-u-s-urban-crime-rates-are-up-violence-cities-9ce714f6. “National Crime Victim Survey (NVCS) 2023 finds no statistically significant evidence that violent crime or property crime is dropping in America…” NVCS. “In the 2023 NVCS, crime victims conveyed that a majority – 55% of violent victimizations weren’t reported to the police,
while 70% of property crime victimizations weren’t reported.”
Since crime is not being reported as it was in the past the statistics seem to be decreasing. It is so easy to find articles regarding how Prop 47 has affected California. She decided to identify an article which soft plays Prop 47 which I mentioned.
Even with all the negativity the best parts of the article were the parts where she directly quoted my full statement and not just parts of my statements
The bottom line is this, if you’re a grassroots candidate, realize running for office isn’t easy and it won’t be all sunshine and rainbows. If you’re going to vote, do your own due diligence and be an educated voter before you vote. Vote the policies the person supports and not the person or the party.
For more information about me and my campaign visit https://rudyforuscongress.com.
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Source: CCDA’s Office
Martinez, CA — In an age where there’s so much information available to us, why would the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office start a podcast?
The answer is simple: to inform the public on legal issues that directly impact our community. The approach of the Cross-Examination podcast is one that focuses on depth and detail, wrapped up in engaging discussions.
Cross-Examination aims to unpack the complexities of the criminal justice system, shine a light on important public safety topics, and foster transparency in law enforcement as it applies to residents in Contra Costa County.
The debut episode features District Attorney Diana Becton in a conversation with hosts Ted Asregadoo and Deputy District Attorney Brian Feinberg. Together, they explore the vital role of the District Attorney’s Office in seeking justice, maintaining public safety, and balancing these responsibilities with the need for reform.
Other episodes delve into timely and relevant topics, such as retail theft. Chief of Inspectors Arnold Threets shares insights from real-world cases and discusses crime prevention strategies, while criminologist Dr. Samuel DeWitt examines how media coverage influences public perception of crime.
By launching this podcast, the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office is providing a way for the public to gain a better understanding of the criminal justice system from multiple angles. District Attorney Diana Becton said, “I think podcasts about the kind of work our local government does — especially the District Attorney’s Office — will be beneficial in building trust by fostering stronger community relations through deep discussions about issues related to public safety.”
Cross-Examination is available now on Podbean, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, and other podcast platforms.
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Mike Barbanica. Source: 2024 campaign
With experience in law enforcement, private sector and government he offers common-sense views unlike his left-leaning opponent
By Allen D. Payton, Publisher
In the race for Contra Costa County Supervisor District 5 seat held by Federal Glover who is retiring after six consecutive terms, Antioch Councilman Mike Barbanica is clearly the best choice to replace him. He faces Pittsburg Councilwoman Shanell Scales-Preston in the November run-off, after both made it past the four-candidate March primary election. The district includes the county’s northern waterfront cities and communities from the Senator John A. Nejedly-Antioch Bridge in East County to Hercules in West County.
Scales-Preston is Too Socialist and Progressive
Scales-Preston has some applicable experience having served as a councilmember and rotated vice mayor and mayor for the City of Pittsburg for the past six years, as well as on the four transportation boards serving East County, three for just the past two years, as past president and current member of the East Bay League of California Cities, and chair of the Los Medanos Health Advisory Committee. That committee worked with the now defunct healthcare district where Antioch Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe was the executive director for which the County Board of Supervisors settled with two of his female employees over sexual harassment claims for $350,000.
According to her bio on the City of Pittsburg’s website, Scales-Preston grew up in the City of Pittsburg graduated from Pittsburg High School and earned a degree in Political Science with an option in Pre-Law from Cal State East Bay. Her career has been in government, working for over 20 years as a staff member for both former Congressman George Miller and now Congressman Mark DeSaulnier.
That’s one of the challenges I have with Scales-Preston. Unlike her current boss, DeSaulnier who was a restaurateur in Concord before getting elected to local, then state and now federal office, Shanelle hasn’t worked in the private sector. So, she can’t truly understand what it takes to create jobs or wealth and grow the economy. That’s what is one of the key issues that needs to be addressed in District 5, especially along the waterfront.
Another issue I have with Scales-Preston is her political alliances and from whom she has accepted and promotes endorsements. They include Our Revolution East Bay, which according to their website, ourrevolutioneastbay.org, is “a progressive political organization that emerged from the historic Bernie Sanders campaign.” Sanders for decades described himself as a democratic socialist and has been the most liberal member of the U.S. Senate, except when now-Vice President Kamala Harris was serving. Those are not the kind of bigger, more expensive government views we need on the Board of Supervisors.
That brings up another issue, the blatant injection of partisan politics into local, non-partisan races, which I’ve harped on for the past 12 years, ever since Antioch Councilwoman Monica Wilson put her face and name on one side of a mailer and Obama’s on the other. Scales-Preston’s running a billboard ad on Highway 4 in Antioch with her face on one side of the ad and Harris’ on the other side. That’s completely inappropriate, and unnecessarily, and foolishly divisive. Scales-Preston also touts the endorsements of several Democratic Party organizations, including the State Party which surprisingly is opposing Prop. 36, the anti-crime measure, on the November ballot.
Finally, the other alliance and endorsement Scales-Preston promotes in her campaign is from the nation’s top abortion provider, Planned Parenthood. As I called out District Attorney Diana Becton for doing the same in 2022, I’m calling out Shanelle. Why would a Black woman take the endorsement of an organization founded in racist eugenics which by Margaret Sanger who spoke about and worked to eliminate the Black and brown races, which includes Hispanics, and has been very successful. Because the majority of abortions in the U.S. each year are by Black and Hispanic mothers. That’s why Planned Parenthood continues to focus and located their so-called “clinics” in neighborhoods with high populations of African- and Hispanic Americans. Scales-Preston is literally siding with the organization that continues to work against her own people of color. (Please see Margaret Sanger: Ambitious Feminist and Racist Eugenicist, https://womanisrational.uchicago.edu/2022/09/21/margaret-sanger-the-duality-of-a-ambitious-feminist-and-racist-eugenicist/)
While I like her and find that she’s a nice lady in our few conversations, Shanelle is seriously misdirected in her thinking and views and needs some experience with a job in the private sector before running either for re-election or higher office, again.
Backed by the Badge, Councilman, Former Cop, Business Owner Barbanica is Better and Best for the Board
Barbanica, on the other hand, has a much broader career experience having served as an officer and retired lieutenant after 21 years with the Pittsburg Police Department, where he helped fight against eight dirty cops, one of whom is still in prison for murder. He also worked as a sexual assault detective and a homicide detective, where he “helped women in the worst times of their lives,” Barbanica stated. That included saving a 13-year-old girl from repeated sexual assaults from an older man. He also ran the traffic division, oversaw not only Code Enforcement and all the other specialized enforcement units, including gangs, alcohol and tobacco, and street-level drug dealing teams.
He developed and led a six-officer team for six years, that worked on violent and street-level crime, which was reduced by almost 24% over a few years. Barbanica also ran the K-9 and Field Training Officer programs, and the Emergency Operations Center working with the FBI after 9-11 to prevent any terrorist attacks inside local industrial plants.
For the past 19 years he’s owned a successful, local real estate business in both residential and commercial sales, property ownership and management, the appropriately named Blue Line Property Real Estate & Management. That has given him the experience of dealing with renters and owners, understanding the issues that both sides have to deal with.
For the past four years, Barbanica has also served on the embattled Antioch City Council where he’s been the mature voice of reason in spite of the chaos, cronyism and corruption in which he did not participate. Nor can he be blamed for it, as he was on the short end of a variety of 3-2 and 4-1 votes while at the same time he was able to push for and successfully obtain majority votes in favor of his proposals, such as body cameras for police officers and dash cams for their vehicles, and tougher penalties for sideshows. In fact, Barbanica was the one who found common ground with the mayor to include penalties for advertisers planners, participants and spectators, as well.
He also pushed for expanding Antioch’s Code Enforcement by seven officers, doubling it to 14.
Barbanica has developed private-sector solutions to the challenge of homelessness in our county. He worked to revise the existing HUD contract with the County “to make it more palatable for owners to want to do business with homeless residents,” he said. “The program was actually my wife’s idea. We started with one single mom with her children, one of whom is disabled, and who are still housed with us, today.”
They expanded it to include homeless veterans.
“We work with seven different agencies to get people off the street and today, we have over 575 people housed that were facing homelessness or instability, who now have a roof over their head,” the candidate shared.
Barbanica’s platform focuses on his top priorities which are public safety, homelessness and blight.
Asked about economic development he said, “It’s always a constant. But we have to deal with the other issues, first. If we want business to come here, we have to provide them a place where their business will thrive.”
Regarding the Northern Waterfront Initiative, “It needs retooling,” Barbanica stated. “Because the zoning doesn’t match the long-term plans and developers have struggled and are very frustrated with the County. I’m going to be an advocate to develop that area and work with those developers but balance it with the concerns for the environment.”
He will also work on the Green Empowerment Zone, “to bring green jobs into our county to boost our local economy,” he added.
Barbanica also worked to bringing in 1,100 new, upscale homes in the Sand Creek area of Antioch in which “both sides, the developer and the environmental community, specifically Save Mt. Diablo, were satisfied,” following multiple meetings.
About transportation, he says supports extending BART to Tracy and back to Pleasanton, as well as completing the Highway 4 bypass / extension and building Route 239 from Brentwood to Tracy to connect Highway 4 to I-5, 205 and 580, “an East Bay loop” he said. It will permanently open East County for economic development. “Finally, it’s being planned after being on the books for almost 65 years,” Barbanica added.
Not surprisingly, he has the support of law enforcement, including Contra Costa County Sheriff David Livingston, the Contra Costa County Deputy Sheriffs Association, Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Association, Contra Costa County District Attorney Investigators’ Association, California Association of Highway Patrolmen, PORAC – Police Officers Research Association of California, as well as the Police Officers Associations of Antioch, Pittsburg, Concord, Martinez, Hercules, Brentwood, Clayton, Moraga, Pinole, Pleasant Hill, Richmond and Walnut Creek and the United Professional Firefighters of Contra Costa County.
Regarding the police scandals that affected both the Antioch and Pittsburg Police Departments, one thing needs to be clarified. When Antioch’s mayor and one councilwoman were irresponsibly and publicly calling for all 35 Antioch officers caught up in the racist text scandal to be fired – most of whom merely received the texts, but didn’t send any, and before the investigations were completed, and most returned to their jobs – Barbanica was again, the voice of reason. He said he, the mayor and other council members needed to shut their mouths and let the investigators work through the process, and not give the dirty, guilty cops anything they could use to keep their jobs, such as claiming their terminations were politically motivated. Yet, his opposition has been attempting to twist his words to mean something he didn’t.
One additional thing I like about him, having dealt and worked with with him in a councilman-reporter relationship for the past four years, Barbanica is available and responds to phone calls, texts and emails including any and all questions no matter how challenging. I respect that in an elected official.
“I truly believe the media’s responsibility is to keep government and politicians honest, and the people informed,” he stated. I completely agree.
On a personal note, Barbanica is married to Kristine, they have three children and six grandchildren, most of whom live in the area. Two of his children have followed him into law enforcement as his son is a Pittsburg Police Officer who “works my old beat with the same call sign assigned to it,” Barbanica shared. His youngest daughter is a prosecutor in another county in California. His older daughter is a physician’s assistant.
For the benefit of the northern portion and all of Contra Costa County, please join me in supporting Mike Barbanica as our next Supervisor representing District 5.
To learn more about him and his campaign visit www.mikebarbanica.com.
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Source: CCTABIG, exciting news for Richmond passengers! CCTA and SF Bay Ferry have teamed up to offer Free Ferry Fridays on the Richmond/SF route for the rest of 2024! Hop on board starting Nov. 1 for a stress-free, cost-free ride every Friday across the Bay! #FreeFerryFridays
Source: SF Bay Ferry
All trips between Richmond and Downtown San Francisco are FREE ON FRIDAYS until the end of the year, thanks to a partnership with Contra Costa Transportation Authority – CCTA. Check the Richmond route schedule here: https://sanfranciscobayferry.com/richmond-ferry-route.
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Contra Costa Transportation Authority’s INNOVATE 680 Program to receive over $166 million mega-boost
U.S. Representatives Mark DeSaulnier, Nancy Pelosi join CCTA Officials to announce DOT Bipartisan Infrastructure Law grant for improvements
WALNUT CREEK, CA – Yesterday, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, U.S. Representatives Mark DeSaulnier and Nancy Pelosi joined regional transportation officials from Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) to announce CCTA will receive over $166 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding to improve mobility along the Interstate 680 (I-680) corridor. This mega-boost is the largest 2024 transportation award earmarked for California.
The funds will upgrade I-680, which is critical to the region’s economy and prosperity—providing for the movement of goods, services, and people throughout northern California and beyond. The federal investments to CCTA’s INNOVATE 680 project were made through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (US DOT) National Infrastructure Project Assistance (Mega) Program.
“As a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and longtime champion for policies that would reduce commute times, cut harmful pollution, and improve our quality of life, I was proud to advocate for this funding and am delighted it has been granted and will begin making a difference in the lives of Bay Area and California residents,” Congressman Mark DeSaulnier said. “I am thankful to CCTA and DOT for their partnership in working to improve transportation across our region.”
“When President Biden signed Democrats’ historic Infrastructure Law in 2021, it was an opportunity to strengthen our nation’s crumbling infrastructure, fund projects to address equity issues and create millions of good-paying jobs throughout America,” Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi said. “Thanks to Biden-Harris Administration’s MEGA grant program made possible by the Infrastructure Law, $166 million in federal funding is coming to the CCTA’s INNOVATE I-680 project to improve quality of life for people throughout the Bay Area. Democrats remain relentlessly committed to investing in America, building a fairer economy and delivering For The People.”
The highly competitive Mega Grant program funds major projects that are too large or complex for traditional funding programs and are likely to generate national or regional economic, mobility, or safety benefits. More information on the program is available here.
The federal funding will go toward CCTA’s INNOVATE 680 Program to address the northbound I-680 express lane gap from California State Route (SR) 24 to SR-242 and to convert the existing northbound high-occupancy vehicle lane from SR-242 to north of Arthur Road into an express lane. The project will also construct a braided ramp system between the North Main Street and Treat Boulevard interchanges in Walnut Creek to address an existing bottleneck caused by weaving and implement Coordinated Adaptive Ramp Metering for a 19-mile segment of Northbound I-680.
“CCTA is grateful for the efforts our federal delegates made to secure much needed federal dollars from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for California infrastructure improvements,” CCTA Chair Newell Arnerich said. “Upgrading I-680 will truly improve our quality of lives as they ease congestion, make our roads safer, and boost our economy by creating 3,500 direct and indirect jobs per year for the duration of the projects.”
CCTA is Contra Costa’s congestion management agency. CCTA’s full project plan to alleviate congestion on I-680 may be found here.
“This is a monumental award for Contra Costa County and the greater Bay Area,” CCTA Executive Director Tim Haile said. “Thousands rely on this corridor and increased congestion has led to unacceptable delays. CCTA is excited to advance the I-680 corridor through focused modernizations that will maximize efficiency and promote shared transportation.”
“I-680 is one of the major north-south corridors in the San Francisco Bay Area and frequently ranks among our most congested corridors,” MTC Executive Director Andy Fremier said. “This $166 million grant will support projects that improve safety, smooth traffic, and increase access while aligning with federal, state and local safety, equity, and emissions goals.”
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.
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Photo: Kaiser Permanente
Application period for Kaiser Permanente’s Community Health Care Program opens Nov. 1st
By Antonia Ehlers, PR and Media Relations, Kaiser Permanente Northern California
Many low-income Californians make too much money to qualify for Medi-Cal, but they’re unable to get affordable health coverage anywhere else. Kaiser Permanente’s Community Health Care Program (CHCP) was designed with them in mind.
The Kaiser Permanente CHCP provides comprehensive, affordable health care coverage for qualified low-income adults and children in California who don’t have access to other public or private health coverage.
Open enrollment for CHCP is Nov. 1, 2024, through Jan. 31, 2025.
Eligible Californians receive comprehensive health coverage from Kaiser Permanente including preventive services, without paying a monthly premium. They also don’t pay copays or out-of-pocket costs for most care at Kaiser Permanente facilities.
“Even with the expansion of Medi-Cal in 2024, too many Californians remain uninsured,” said Yvette Radford, vice president, External and Community Affairs, Kaiser Permanente Northern California. “The Community Health Care Program helps address this gap, providing Kaiser Permanente’s high-quality care and coverage to eligible Californians in our service areas.”
Who is eligible for the Community Health Care Program?
The program is designed for applicants who meet the following criteria:
• total household annual income of no more than 3 times the federal poverty level (Example: up to $45,180 for an individual or up to $93,600 for a family of 4 in 2024)
• not eligible for any other health coverage, including Medi-Cal, Medicare, a job-based health plan, or Covered California
• must live in a Kaiser Permanente California service area
Individuals do not have to be U.S. citizens to qualify. Applications must be submitted by January 31, 2025.
How to apply
As of November 1, you can apply online at www.kp.org/chcp. Click the “apply now” button at the top of the website for a link to the application. If you need assistance, click the “get help” button for a list of community agencies that can provide help, or call Kaiser Permanente Member Services at 1-800-464-4000 (TTY 711).
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Early Voting Sites open today, Friday, Nov. 1st
By Kristin B. Connelly, County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters & Dawn Kruger, Community and Media Relations Coordinator, Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder-Elections Department
The Contra Costa Elections Division would like residents to know that our staff and volunteers are ready for Election Day! Five Early Voting Sites will be open beginning Friday, November 1st and polling places will be open from 7:00 AM until 8:00 PM on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5th.
Voters can still return their ballots by mail, postmarked on or before Election Day – make sure to check mailboxes for pick up times – or drop their ballot off at one of the County’s 43 official drop boxes before 8:00 PM on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5th, to ensure we receive your ballot on time.
“We encourage voters to vote early if they can,” said Kristin B. Connelly, the County’s top Elections Official. “Voting early means voters have less stress around rushing to vote before the deadline and finding time on one day to vote. Even if voters wait until just before Election Day, or on Election Day to cast their vote, there are plenty of options for Contra Costa County residents to ensure that their voices are heard at the ballot box.”
In-Person Services
If you prefer to vote in person or need in-person services to cast your ballot, Contra Costa County residents will have early voting options at five Regional Early Voting sites throughout the county beginning today, November 1st.
All registered Contra Costa voters will be able to vote at any of the Regional Early Voting locations, which will be open Friday November 1st from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM; Saturday, November 2nd from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM; and Monday, November 4th from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Here are the locations of Contra Costa’s Regional Early Voting sites:
• Brentwood Community Center, 35 Oak Street, Brentwood
• Pittsburg Library-Community Room, 80 Power Avenue, Pittsburg
• Richmond Library-Madeline F. Whittlesey Community Room, 325 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond
• San Ramon Valley United Methodist Church, 902 Danville Boulevard., Alamo
• Walnut Creek City Hall, 1666 North Main Street., Walnut Creek
Polling Places
Polling places will be open on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5th from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Please check the back of your Voter Information Guide for your assigned polling place or go to our website and check “My Voting Information.”
Drive-Thru Drop Off
Drive-thru drop-off will be available at the Clerk-Recorder-Elections Office on Monday, November 4th from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5th from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Conditional Voter Registration
If you missed the voter registration deadline, you still can register and vote in-person using Conditional Voter Registration. It is a one-stop opportunity to register and cast your ballot and is available at our office at 555 Escobar Street in Martinez, Regional Early Voting sites, and all polling places.
Accessible Voting Equipment and Additional Language Access
Official ballots and voting instructions are provided in English, Spanish, and Chinese. Voting equipment with accessible features is available at every in-person voting location for voters who may need assistance due to a disability. Additional language resources are available through ballot translation guides which are available online and at in-person voting locations.
Be Prepared
If you vote in person, many voters find it helpful to come prepared. Make your choices ahead of time and bring your pre-marked Sample Ballot to the polls to help you save time. Copies of the Voter Information Guide are available at the polls and the information is also available online.
Leave the Campaign T-Shirts, Buttons, and Hats at Home
Please remember that voters have the right to cast a ballot free from intimidation or distraction. Electioneering, including wearing anything with a candidate’s name on it, is prohibited within 100 feet of any voting location. Anyone wearing items with a candidate’s name will be asked to remove or cover them while they are at the voting location. Please help our poll workers by refraining from electioneering and leave your campaign t-shirts, buttons and hats at home.
For more information on voting options for the General Election, visit www.contracostavote.gov or call 925.335.7800.
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USGS national estimates of the probability for PFAS in groundwater at the depth of private drinking water supply. Source: USGS
Estimates according to a new USGS predictive model. Exposure to some PFAS may lead to adverse health risks.
Contra Costa has some of the highest levels
Approximately 71 to 95 million people in the Lower 48 states – more than 20% of the country’s population – may rely on groundwater that contains detectable concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS, for their drinking water supplies. These findings are according to a U.S Geological Survey study published Oct. 24. The predictive model results can help members of the public, water suppliers and regulators understand the potential for PFAS contamination, guide future studies and inform strategic planning for water resources. USGS scientists are the first to report national estimates of PFAS occurrence in untreated groundwater that supplies water to public and private wells. This research also provides the first estimate of the number of people across the country who are potentially affected by PFAS-contaminated groundwater. Along with a scientific report, the USGS published an interactive, online map so users can see probability estimates of PFAS occurrence. Note that predictive results are intended to be evaluated at state, regional and national scales rather than at individual household levels. Probability estimates are for the presence of PFAS in groundwater and do not account for any subsequent actions taken by states, municipalities or individuals to treat drinking water. The model does not include estimates of PFAS concentrations; testing is the only way to confirm the presence of contaminants.
Levels of contaminated groundwater in Contra Costa County. Source: USGS PFAS in US Groundwater Interactive Dashboard
By Dawn Kruger, Community and Media Relations Coordinator, Contra Costa Elections Division
Election and law enforcement officials in Contra Costa County are taking steps to make the safety and security of the 2024 election paramount on multiple levels.
“Contra Costa County voters have several safe and convenient ways to vote in the November 5, 2024, General Election,” said Contra Costa Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters Kristin B. Connelly. “Specific information on different options can be found in our Voter Information Guide that went out to all registered voters the last week of September, or on our website, www.contracostavote.gov. Our Elections team has prepared diligently to ensure every valid ballot is counted and that our county residents’ voices are heard.”
AB 2642, the Protecting Elections from Armed Coercion and Extremism – Peace Act, went into effect September 24, 2024, creating protections for California voters and the workers who administer our elections in all 58 counties. Of note the Peace Act protects voters and election officials by explicitly prohibiting intimidation and threats. There are also legal protections that make the presence of a firearm – or even a replica of one – at a polling place unlawful intimidation. Moreover, the Peace Act will provide voters, election officials, and election workers with civil legal recourse against intimidation and coercion.
Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton said, “My office and local law enforcement will work in concert to protect our fundamental right to vote in Contra Costa County. Any threats, intentional disruptions, or intimidating acts designed to stop a citizen from legally voting or officials from administering an election will be held accountable.”
According to a September 27th Memorandum addressed to “All County Clerks/Registrars of Voters” in the state from Robbie Anderson, Elections Counsel in the California Secretary of State’s Office, “The purpose of the Act is to supplement, and not limit or replace existing statutes that prohibit the intimidation of voters and others in the election process and the carrying of firearms where votes are cast and counted.”
“Our focus is on the safety and security of election workers, voters, and the election process,” said Contra Costa County Sheriff David Livingston. “Additional arrangements will be put in place and we encourage anyone to report suspicious activity or crimes by calling 9-1-1 or their local law enforcement agency.”
County officials are collaborating to ensure that the 2024 General Election in Contra Costa County is safe, secure, and free from threats and intimidation.
For more information on how or where to vote, visit the Contra Costa County Elections website.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
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By Rudy Recile, Retired U.S. Army Major, candidate for Congress, CA District 8
Rudy Recile. Source: 2024 campaign
Grassroots candidates running for an office don’t have it easy. People don’t know your name, you have no money in your campaign account and adding insult to injury, depending on what party you are affiliated with, the media may or may not be friendly towards you or your campaign.
Recently an article was written about my campaign “Rematch race for East Bay congressional seat clouded by disinformation from challenger” by Katie Lauer East Bay Times October 30, 2024.
With a title like that would any challenger have a chance? Depending on whether or not the reader keeps up with current events would determine what type of article they are reading. I don’t know if this was an article, opinion statement or hit piece.
I know Rep. John Garamendi has cancer, and I mentioned to the reporter during the interview I wouldn’t disparage the congressman in any way. I wanted to run a clean race and not a smear campaign. Instead of John Garamendi going after me the reporter decided to write an article seemingly attacking me.
All stories have a point of view and there is always some truth in the telling of the story. When I was being interviewed, I didn’t remember all of the details of the current events we were discussing. I was able to get most of the information correct and instead of the reporter doing her due diligence she took the negative side and stated I am passing dis-information.
For example, when hurricane Helene devastated the east coast, I stated the Government was restricting air space and it was in fact happening.
Eventually the restrictions were lifted. The point the reporter emphasized was the lifting of restrictions which means there were restrictions in place. The reporter failed to mention that FEMA and other federal agencies didn’t show up for almost a week after the hurricane and there were many people posting on social media platforms that they were being restricted from flying.
I spoke about a Veteran being evicted to make way for migrants. The reporter found an article where some people acted and reported they were evicted to make way for migrants from a hotel which was found to be a hoax. The article I was referring to was about a New York Army Veteran who was evicted from a nursing home to make way for migrants and not the story she mentioned. https://nypost.com/2023/11/30/news/army-vet-kicked-out-of-nyc-nursing-home-to-make-room-for-migrants/ There are many stories out there she could have chosen but the story she chose to back her story was the one regarding the hoax.
I also mentioned how crime is not being reported based on an article in the Wall Street Journal entitled, “Contrary to Media Myth, U.S. Urban Crime Rates Are Up” – https://www.wsj.com/opinion/contrary-to-media-myth-u-s-urban-crime-rates-are-up-violence-cities-9ce714f6. “National Crime Victim Survey (NVCS) 2023 finds no statistically significant evidence that violent crime or property crime is dropping in America…” NVCS. “In the 2023 NVCS, crime victims conveyed that a majority – 55% of violent victimizations weren’t reported to the police,
while 70% of property crime victimizations weren’t reported.”
Since crime is not being reported as it was in the past the statistics seem to be decreasing. It is so easy to find articles regarding how Prop 47 has affected California. She decided to identify an article which soft plays Prop 47 which I mentioned.
Even with all the negativity the best parts of the article were the parts where she directly quoted my full statement and not just parts of my statements
The bottom line is this, if you’re a grassroots candidate, realize running for office isn’t easy and it won’t be all sunshine and rainbows. If you’re going to vote, do your own due diligence and be an educated voter before you vote. Vote the policies the person supports and not the person or the party.
For more information about me and my campaign visit https://rudyforuscongress.com.
Read MoreSource: CCDA’s Office
Martinez, CA — In an age where there’s so much information available to us, why would the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office start a podcast?
The answer is simple: to inform the public on legal issues that directly impact our community. The approach of the Cross-Examination podcast is one that focuses on depth and detail, wrapped up in engaging discussions.
Cross-Examination aims to unpack the complexities of the criminal justice system, shine a light on important public safety topics, and foster transparency in law enforcement as it applies to residents in Contra Costa County.
The debut episode features District Attorney Diana Becton in a conversation with hosts Ted Asregadoo and Deputy District Attorney Brian Feinberg. Together, they explore the vital role of the District Attorney’s Office in seeking justice, maintaining public safety, and balancing these responsibilities with the need for reform.
Other episodes delve into timely and relevant topics, such as retail theft. Chief of Inspectors Arnold Threets shares insights from real-world cases and discusses crime prevention strategies, while criminologist Dr. Samuel DeWitt examines how media coverage influences public perception of crime.
By launching this podcast, the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office is providing a way for the public to gain a better understanding of the criminal justice system from multiple angles. District Attorney Diana Becton said, “I think podcasts about the kind of work our local government does — especially the District Attorney’s Office — will be beneficial in building trust by fostering stronger community relations through deep discussions about issues related to public safety.”
Cross-Examination is available now on Podbean, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, and other podcast platforms.
Read MoreMike Barbanica. Source: 2024 campaign
With experience in law enforcement, private sector and government he offers common-sense views unlike his left-leaning opponent
By Allen D. Payton, Publisher
In the race for Contra Costa County Supervisor District 5 seat held by Federal Glover who is retiring after six consecutive terms, Antioch Councilman Mike Barbanica is clearly the best choice to replace him. He faces Pittsburg Councilwoman Shanell Scales-Preston in the November run-off, after both made it past the four-candidate March primary election. The district includes the county’s northern waterfront cities and communities from the Senator John A. Nejedly-Antioch Bridge in East County to Hercules in West County.
Scales-Preston is Too Socialist and Progressive
Scales-Preston has some applicable experience having served as a councilmember and rotated vice mayor and mayor for the City of Pittsburg for the past six years, as well as on the four transportation boards serving East County, three for just the past two years, as past president and current member of the East Bay League of California Cities, and chair of the Los Medanos Health Advisory Committee. That committee worked with the now defunct healthcare district where Antioch Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe was the executive director for which the County Board of Supervisors settled with two of his female employees over sexual harassment claims for $350,000.
According to her bio on the City of Pittsburg’s website, Scales-Preston grew up in the City of Pittsburg graduated from Pittsburg High School and earned a degree in Political Science with an option in Pre-Law from Cal State East Bay. Her career has been in government, working for over 20 years as a staff member for both former Congressman George Miller and now Congressman Mark DeSaulnier.
That’s one of the challenges I have with Scales-Preston. Unlike her current boss, DeSaulnier who was a restaurateur in Concord before getting elected to local, then state and now federal office, Shanelle hasn’t worked in the private sector. So, she can’t truly understand what it takes to create jobs or wealth and grow the economy. That’s what is one of the key issues that needs to be addressed in District 5, especially along the waterfront.
Another issue I have with Scales-Preston is her political alliances and from whom she has accepted and promotes endorsements. They include Our Revolution East Bay, which according to their website, ourrevolutioneastbay.org, is “a progressive political organization that emerged from the historic Bernie Sanders campaign.” Sanders for decades described himself as a democratic socialist and has been the most liberal member of the U.S. Senate, except when now-Vice President Kamala Harris was serving. Those are not the kind of bigger, more expensive government views we need on the Board of Supervisors.
That brings up another issue, the blatant injection of partisan politics into local, non-partisan races, which I’ve harped on for the past 12 years, ever since Antioch Councilwoman Monica Wilson put her face and name on one side of a mailer and Obama’s on the other. Scales-Preston’s running a billboard ad on Highway 4 in Antioch with her face on one side of the ad and Harris’ on the other side. That’s completely inappropriate, and unnecessarily, and foolishly divisive. Scales-Preston also touts the endorsements of several Democratic Party organizations, including the State Party which surprisingly is opposing Prop. 36, the anti-crime measure, on the November ballot.
Finally, the other alliance and endorsement Scales-Preston promotes in her campaign is from the nation’s top abortion provider, Planned Parenthood. As I called out District Attorney Diana Becton for doing the same in 2022, I’m calling out Shanelle. Why would a Black woman take the endorsement of an organization founded in racist eugenics which by Margaret Sanger who spoke about and worked to eliminate the Black and brown races, which includes Hispanics, and has been very successful. Because the majority of abortions in the U.S. each year are by Black and Hispanic mothers. That’s why Planned Parenthood continues to focus and located their so-called “clinics” in neighborhoods with high populations of African- and Hispanic Americans. Scales-Preston is literally siding with the organization that continues to work against her own people of color. (Please see Margaret Sanger: Ambitious Feminist and Racist Eugenicist, https://womanisrational.uchicago.edu/2022/09/21/margaret-sanger-the-duality-of-a-ambitious-feminist-and-racist-eugenicist/)
While I like her and find that she’s a nice lady in our few conversations, Shanelle is seriously misdirected in her thinking and views and needs some experience with a job in the private sector before running either for re-election or higher office, again.
Backed by the Badge, Councilman, Former Cop, Business Owner Barbanica is Better and Best for the Board
Barbanica, on the other hand, has a much broader career experience having served as an officer and retired lieutenant after 21 years with the Pittsburg Police Department, where he helped fight against eight dirty cops, one of whom is still in prison for murder. He also worked as a sexual assault detective and a homicide detective, where he “helped women in the worst times of their lives,” Barbanica stated. That included saving a 13-year-old girl from repeated sexual assaults from an older man. He also ran the traffic division, oversaw not only Code Enforcement and all the other specialized enforcement units, including gangs, alcohol and tobacco, and street-level drug dealing teams.
He developed and led a six-officer team for six years, that worked on violent and street-level crime, which was reduced by almost 24% over a few years. Barbanica also ran the K-9 and Field Training Officer programs, and the Emergency Operations Center working with the FBI after 9-11 to prevent any terrorist attacks inside local industrial plants.
For the past 19 years he’s owned a successful, local real estate business in both residential and commercial sales, property ownership and management, the appropriately named Blue Line Property Real Estate & Management. That has given him the experience of dealing with renters and owners, understanding the issues that both sides have to deal with.
For the past four years, Barbanica has also served on the embattled Antioch City Council where he’s been the mature voice of reason in spite of the chaos, cronyism and corruption in which he did not participate. Nor can he be blamed for it, as he was on the short end of a variety of 3-2 and 4-1 votes while at the same time he was able to push for and successfully obtain majority votes in favor of his proposals, such as body cameras for police officers and dash cams for their vehicles, and tougher penalties for sideshows. In fact, Barbanica was the one who found common ground with the mayor to include penalties for advertisers planners, participants and spectators, as well.
He also pushed for expanding Antioch’s Code Enforcement by seven officers, doubling it to 14.
Barbanica has developed private-sector solutions to the challenge of homelessness in our county. He worked to revise the existing HUD contract with the County “to make it more palatable for owners to want to do business with homeless residents,” he said. “The program was actually my wife’s idea. We started with one single mom with her children, one of whom is disabled, and who are still housed with us, today.”
They expanded it to include homeless veterans.
“We work with seven different agencies to get people off the street and today, we have over 575 people housed that were facing homelessness or instability, who now have a roof over their head,” the candidate shared.
Barbanica’s platform focuses on his top priorities which are public safety, homelessness and blight.
Asked about economic development he said, “It’s always a constant. But we have to deal with the other issues, first. If we want business to come here, we have to provide them a place where their business will thrive.”
Regarding the Northern Waterfront Initiative, “It needs retooling,” Barbanica stated. “Because the zoning doesn’t match the long-term plans and developers have struggled and are very frustrated with the County. I’m going to be an advocate to develop that area and work with those developers but balance it with the concerns for the environment.”
He will also work on the Green Empowerment Zone, “to bring green jobs into our county to boost our local economy,” he added.
Barbanica also worked to bringing in 1,100 new, upscale homes in the Sand Creek area of Antioch in which “both sides, the developer and the environmental community, specifically Save Mt. Diablo, were satisfied,” following multiple meetings.
About transportation, he says supports extending BART to Tracy and back to Pleasanton, as well as completing the Highway 4 bypass / extension and building Route 239 from Brentwood to Tracy to connect Highway 4 to I-5, 205 and 580, “an East Bay loop” he said. It will permanently open East County for economic development. “Finally, it’s being planned after being on the books for almost 65 years,” Barbanica added.
Not surprisingly, he has the support of law enforcement, including Contra Costa County Sheriff David Livingston, the Contra Costa County Deputy Sheriffs Association, Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Association, Contra Costa County District Attorney Investigators’ Association, California Association of Highway Patrolmen, PORAC – Police Officers Research Association of California, as well as the Police Officers Associations of Antioch, Pittsburg, Concord, Martinez, Hercules, Brentwood, Clayton, Moraga, Pinole, Pleasant Hill, Richmond and Walnut Creek and the United Professional Firefighters of Contra Costa County.
Regarding the police scandals that affected both the Antioch and Pittsburg Police Departments, one thing needs to be clarified. When Antioch’s mayor and one councilwoman were irresponsibly and publicly calling for all 35 Antioch officers caught up in the racist text scandal to be fired – most of whom merely received the texts, but didn’t send any, and before the investigations were completed, and most returned to their jobs – Barbanica was again, the voice of reason. He said he, the mayor and other council members needed to shut their mouths and let the investigators work through the process, and not give the dirty, guilty cops anything they could use to keep their jobs, such as claiming their terminations were politically motivated. Yet, his opposition has been attempting to twist his words to mean something he didn’t.
One additional thing I like about him, having dealt and worked with with him in a councilman-reporter relationship for the past four years, Barbanica is available and responds to phone calls, texts and emails including any and all questions no matter how challenging. I respect that in an elected official.
“I truly believe the media’s responsibility is to keep government and politicians honest, and the people informed,” he stated. I completely agree.
On a personal note, Barbanica is married to Kristine, they have three children and six grandchildren, most of whom live in the area. Two of his children have followed him into law enforcement as his son is a Pittsburg Police Officer who “works my old beat with the same call sign assigned to it,” Barbanica shared. His youngest daughter is a prosecutor in another county in California. His older daughter is a physician’s assistant.
For the benefit of the northern portion and all of Contra Costa County, please join me in supporting Mike Barbanica as our next Supervisor representing District 5.
To learn more about him and his campaign visit www.mikebarbanica.com.
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Source: CCTABIG, exciting news for Richmond passengers! CCTA and SF Bay Ferry have teamed up to offer Free Ferry Fridays on the Richmond/SF route for the rest of 2024! Hop on board starting Nov. 1 for a stress-free, cost-free ride every Friday across the Bay! #FreeFerryFridays
Source: SF Bay Ferry
All trips between Richmond and Downtown San Francisco are FREE ON FRIDAYS until the end of the year, thanks to a partnership with Contra Costa Transportation Authority – CCTA. Check the Richmond route schedule here: https://sanfranciscobayferry.com/richmond-ferry-route.
Read MoreContra Costa Transportation Authority’s INNOVATE 680 Program to receive over $166 million mega-boost
U.S. Representatives Mark DeSaulnier, Nancy Pelosi join CCTA Officials to announce DOT Bipartisan Infrastructure Law grant for improvements
WALNUT CREEK, CA – Yesterday, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, U.S. Representatives Mark DeSaulnier and Nancy Pelosi joined regional transportation officials from Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) to announce CCTA will receive over $166 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding to improve mobility along the Interstate 680 (I-680) corridor. This mega-boost is the largest 2024 transportation award earmarked for California.
The funds will upgrade I-680, which is critical to the region’s economy and prosperity—providing for the movement of goods, services, and people throughout northern California and beyond. The federal investments to CCTA’s INNOVATE 680 project were made through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (US DOT) National Infrastructure Project Assistance (Mega) Program.
“As a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and longtime champion for policies that would reduce commute times, cut harmful pollution, and improve our quality of life, I was proud to advocate for this funding and am delighted it has been granted and will begin making a difference in the lives of Bay Area and California residents,” Congressman Mark DeSaulnier said. “I am thankful to CCTA and DOT for their partnership in working to improve transportation across our region.”
“When President Biden signed Democrats’ historic Infrastructure Law in 2021, it was an opportunity to strengthen our nation’s crumbling infrastructure, fund projects to address equity issues and create millions of good-paying jobs throughout America,” Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi said. “Thanks to Biden-Harris Administration’s MEGA grant program made possible by the Infrastructure Law, $166 million in federal funding is coming to the CCTA’s INNOVATE I-680 project to improve quality of life for people throughout the Bay Area. Democrats remain relentlessly committed to investing in America, building a fairer economy and delivering For The People.”
The highly competitive Mega Grant program funds major projects that are too large or complex for traditional funding programs and are likely to generate national or regional economic, mobility, or safety benefits. More information on the program is available here.
The federal funding will go toward CCTA’s INNOVATE 680 Program to address the northbound I-680 express lane gap from California State Route (SR) 24 to SR-242 and to convert the existing northbound high-occupancy vehicle lane from SR-242 to north of Arthur Road into an express lane. The project will also construct a braided ramp system between the North Main Street and Treat Boulevard interchanges in Walnut Creek to address an existing bottleneck caused by weaving and implement Coordinated Adaptive Ramp Metering for a 19-mile segment of Northbound I-680.
“CCTA is grateful for the efforts our federal delegates made to secure much needed federal dollars from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for California infrastructure improvements,” CCTA Chair Newell Arnerich said. “Upgrading I-680 will truly improve our quality of lives as they ease congestion, make our roads safer, and boost our economy by creating 3,500 direct and indirect jobs per year for the duration of the projects.”
CCTA is Contra Costa’s congestion management agency. CCTA’s full project plan to alleviate congestion on I-680 may be found here.
“This is a monumental award for Contra Costa County and the greater Bay Area,” CCTA Executive Director Tim Haile said. “Thousands rely on this corridor and increased congestion has led to unacceptable delays. CCTA is excited to advance the I-680 corridor through focused modernizations that will maximize efficiency and promote shared transportation.”
“I-680 is one of the major north-south corridors in the San Francisco Bay Area and frequently ranks among our most congested corridors,” MTC Executive Director Andy Fremier said. “This $166 million grant will support projects that improve safety, smooth traffic, and increase access while aligning with federal, state and local safety, equity, and emissions goals.”
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 MorePhoto: Kaiser Permanente
Application period for Kaiser Permanente’s Community Health Care Program opens Nov. 1st
By Antonia Ehlers, PR and Media Relations, Kaiser Permanente Northern California
Many low-income Californians make too much money to qualify for Medi-Cal, but they’re unable to get affordable health coverage anywhere else. Kaiser Permanente’s Community Health Care Program (CHCP) was designed with them in mind.
The Kaiser Permanente CHCP provides comprehensive, affordable health care coverage for qualified low-income adults and children in California who don’t have access to other public or private health coverage.
Open enrollment for CHCP is Nov. 1, 2024, through Jan. 31, 2025.
Eligible Californians receive comprehensive health coverage from Kaiser Permanente including preventive services, without paying a monthly premium. They also don’t pay copays or out-of-pocket costs for most care at Kaiser Permanente facilities.
“Even with the expansion of Medi-Cal in 2024, too many Californians remain uninsured,” said Yvette Radford, vice president, External and Community Affairs, Kaiser Permanente Northern California. “The Community Health Care Program helps address this gap, providing Kaiser Permanente’s high-quality care and coverage to eligible Californians in our service areas.”
Who is eligible for the Community Health Care Program?
The program is designed for applicants who meet the following criteria:
• total household annual income of no more than 3 times the federal poverty level (Example: up to $45,180 for an individual or up to $93,600 for a family of 4 in 2024)
• not eligible for any other health coverage, including Medi-Cal, Medicare, a job-based health plan, or Covered California
• must live in a Kaiser Permanente California service area
Individuals do not have to be U.S. citizens to qualify. Applications must be submitted by January 31, 2025.
How to apply
As of November 1, you can apply online at www.kp.org/chcp. Click the “apply now” button at the top of the website for a link to the application. If you need assistance, click the “get help” button for a list of community agencies that can provide help, or call Kaiser Permanente Member Services at 1-800-464-4000 (TTY 711).
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Early Voting Sites open today, Friday, Nov. 1st
By Kristin B. Connelly, County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters & Dawn Kruger, Community and Media Relations Coordinator, Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder-Elections Department
The Contra Costa Elections Division would like residents to know that our staff and volunteers are ready for Election Day! Five Early Voting Sites will be open beginning Friday, November 1st and polling places will be open from 7:00 AM until 8:00 PM on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5th.
Voters can still return their ballots by mail, postmarked on or before Election Day – make sure to check mailboxes for pick up times – or drop their ballot off at one of the County’s 43 official drop boxes before 8:00 PM on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5th, to ensure we receive your ballot on time.
“We encourage voters to vote early if they can,” said Kristin B. Connelly, the County’s top Elections Official. “Voting early means voters have less stress around rushing to vote before the deadline and finding time on one day to vote. Even if voters wait until just before Election Day, or on Election Day to cast their vote, there are plenty of options for Contra Costa County residents to ensure that their voices are heard at the ballot box.”
In-Person Services
If you prefer to vote in person or need in-person services to cast your ballot, Contra Costa County residents will have early voting options at five Regional Early Voting sites throughout the county beginning today, November 1st.
All registered Contra Costa voters will be able to vote at any of the Regional Early Voting locations, which will be open Friday November 1st from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM; Saturday, November 2nd from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM; and Monday, November 4th from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Here are the locations of Contra Costa’s Regional Early Voting sites:
• Brentwood Community Center, 35 Oak Street, Brentwood
• Pittsburg Library-Community Room, 80 Power Avenue, Pittsburg
• Richmond Library-Madeline F. Whittlesey Community Room, 325 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond
• San Ramon Valley United Methodist Church, 902 Danville Boulevard., Alamo
• Walnut Creek City Hall, 1666 North Main Street., Walnut Creek
Polling Places
Polling places will be open on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5th from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Please check the back of your Voter Information Guide for your assigned polling place or go to our website and check “My Voting Information.”
Drive-Thru Drop Off
Drive-thru drop-off will be available at the Clerk-Recorder-Elections Office on Monday, November 4th from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5th from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Conditional Voter Registration
If you missed the voter registration deadline, you still can register and vote in-person using Conditional Voter Registration. It is a one-stop opportunity to register and cast your ballot and is available at our office at 555 Escobar Street in Martinez, Regional Early Voting sites, and all polling places.
Accessible Voting Equipment and Additional Language Access
Official ballots and voting instructions are provided in English, Spanish, and Chinese. Voting equipment with accessible features is available at every in-person voting location for voters who may need assistance due to a disability. Additional language resources are available through ballot translation guides which are available online and at in-person voting locations.
Be Prepared
If you vote in person, many voters find it helpful to come prepared. Make your choices ahead of time and bring your pre-marked Sample Ballot to the polls to help you save time. Copies of the Voter Information Guide are available at the polls and the information is also available online.
Leave the Campaign T-Shirts, Buttons, and Hats at Home
Please remember that voters have the right to cast a ballot free from intimidation or distraction. Electioneering, including wearing anything with a candidate’s name on it, is prohibited within 100 feet of any voting location. Anyone wearing items with a candidate’s name will be asked to remove or cover them while they are at the voting location. Please help our poll workers by refraining from electioneering and leave your campaign t-shirts, buttons and hats at home.
For more information on voting options for the General Election, visit www.contracostavote.gov or call 925.335.7800.
Read MoreUSGS national estimates of the probability for PFAS in groundwater at the depth of private drinking water supply. Source: USGS
Estimates according to a new USGS predictive model. Exposure to some PFAS may lead to adverse health risks.
Contra Costa has some of the highest levels
Approximately 71 to 95 million people in the Lower 48 states – more than 20% of the country’s population – may rely on groundwater that contains detectable concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS, for their drinking water supplies. These findings are according to a U.S Geological Survey study published Oct. 24. The predictive model results can help members of the public, water suppliers and regulators understand the potential for PFAS contamination, guide future studies and inform strategic planning for water resources. USGS scientists are the first to report national estimates of PFAS occurrence in untreated groundwater that supplies water to public and private wells. This research also provides the first estimate of the number of people across the country who are potentially affected by PFAS-contaminated groundwater. Along with a scientific report, the USGS published an interactive, online map so users can see probability estimates of PFAS occurrence. Note that predictive results are intended to be evaluated at state, regional and national scales rather than at individual household levels. Probability estimates are for the presence of PFAS in groundwater and do not account for any subsequent actions taken by states, municipalities or individuals to treat drinking water. The model does not include estimates of PFAS concentrations; testing is the only way to confirm the presence of contaminants.Levels of contaminated groundwater in Contra Costa County. Source: USGS PFAS in US Groundwater Interactive Dashboard
By Dawn Kruger, Community and Media Relations Coordinator, Contra Costa Elections Division
Election and law enforcement officials in Contra Costa County are taking steps to make the safety and security of the 2024 election paramount on multiple levels.
“Contra Costa County voters have several safe and convenient ways to vote in the November 5, 2024, General Election,” said Contra Costa Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters Kristin B. Connelly. “Specific information on different options can be found in our Voter Information Guide that went out to all registered voters the last week of September, or on our website, www.contracostavote.gov. Our Elections team has prepared diligently to ensure every valid ballot is counted and that our county residents’ voices are heard.”
AB 2642, the Protecting Elections from Armed Coercion and Extremism – Peace Act, went into effect September 24, 2024, creating protections for California voters and the workers who administer our elections in all 58 counties. Of note the Peace Act protects voters and election officials by explicitly prohibiting intimidation and threats. There are also legal protections that make the presence of a firearm – or even a replica of one – at a polling place unlawful intimidation. Moreover, the Peace Act will provide voters, election officials, and election workers with civil legal recourse against intimidation and coercion.
Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton said, “My office and local law enforcement will work in concert to protect our fundamental right to vote in Contra Costa County. Any threats, intentional disruptions, or intimidating acts designed to stop a citizen from legally voting or officials from administering an election will be held accountable.”
According to a September 27th Memorandum addressed to “All County Clerks/Registrars of Voters” in the state from Robbie Anderson, Elections Counsel in the California Secretary of State’s Office, “The purpose of the Act is to supplement, and not limit or replace existing statutes that prohibit the intimidation of voters and others in the election process and the carrying of firearms where votes are cast and counted.”
“Our focus is on the safety and security of election workers, voters, and the election process,” said Contra Costa County Sheriff David Livingston. “Additional arrangements will be put in place and we encourage anyone to report suspicious activity or crimes by calling 9-1-1 or their local law enforcement agency.”
County officials are collaborating to ensure that the 2024 General Election in Contra Costa County is safe, secure, and free from threats and intimidation.
For more information on how or where to vote, visit the Contra Costa County Elections website.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
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