Contra Costa Herald

The City of Lafayette has sought opportunities to combine relatively small projects with the City of Orinda, Town of Moraga, and Contra Costa County to take on larger, less expensive projects for each public agency.

LAFAYETTE, CALIF. — When cities join forces, they can achieve cost savings on construction projects. By combining multiple construction projects into one larger project, cities attract more contractors and receive more competitive bids.

This ultimately means more efficient use of taxpayer dollars, improved infrastructure, and a better overall quality of life for residents in each participating community.

Through these joint efforts, the cities can use economies of scale for construction projects and save money because the contractor’s overhead becomes a smaller percentage of the overall project costs.

“This can take the form of lower unit prices for asphalt pavement and surface seal materials or an increase in the number of bidders, thus a more competitive bidding environment,” explained Mike Moran, the Director of Engineering and Public Works for the City of Lafayette, CA.

Lafayette has collaborated with the City of Orinda, Town of Moraga, and Contra Costa County to combine smaller projects into one large project that is more cost-effective for each public agency. Two recent examples of such projects include the following:

• 2019 Surface Seal Project with the town of Moraga; Lafayette spent $391,000, and Moraga spent $1.5 million.
• 2022 Surface Seal Project with the town of Moraga and Contra Costa County; Lafayette spent $2 million, Moraga spent $418,000, and the County spent $60,000.

          “By collaborating with our neighboring cities and the County, we spent less money and fostered stronger working relationships with our neighbors,” says Lafayette Engineering Services Manager Matt Luttropp. 

According to City Manager Niroop Srivatsa, the City continuously seeks ways to save money and secure more. “Additional funding is necessary to maintain the City’s infrastructure, with a particular focus on road maintenance needs,” Srivatsa concludes.

About The City of Lafayette

Lafayette is a charming small community located in Contra Costa County, 30 miles from The City of Oakland. It’s known for its beautiful green hills, excellent schools, and miles of hiking trails, making it an attractive place to live. The City has a population of more than 25,000 highly educated residents, with 75.2% of them holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, 73.6% of the homes in Lafayette are owner-occupied. The median home value is $1,914,700, while the median household income is $219,250. The total area of the city is 15.22 square miles.

For more information, email LafayetteListens@LoveLafayette.org, call (925) 299-3206 , or visit www.LoveLafayette.org.

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Get ready for a wild night out! Tickets are on sale now for Wild@Night: Under the Stars, our 21+ event at Lindsay Wildlife on Friday, August 16, 2024, from 6 to 9 p.m. Come sip beer and mingle with cool animal or enjoy a glass of wine to the sound of live music. Your ticket includes two free drink tickets and a commemorative glass, with additional drink tickets available day-of. Whether you’re into encountering wildlife, dancing under the stars, or just a good time, this indoor/outdoor event is the place to be. Don’t miss out on the most fun you can have with wildlife!

The night includes:

• Live outdoor music featuring The Groove Doctors
• Beer Tables featuring selections from Headlands Brewing Co.and Calicraft Brewing Co.
• Wine Tables featuring wines fromCass Winery
• Commemorative pint and wine glasses
• Up-close encounters with Lindsay animal ambassadors.
• Special wildlife guests courtesy of our partners Conservation Ambassadors
• Food truck
• Axe Throwing
• Photo booth
• Stargazing
• Games and much more!

This is a 21 and over event. IDs will be checked at the door.

For tickets visit Wild@Night: Under the Stars! 2024 – Lindsay Wildlife Experience.

The Lindsay Wildlife Experience is the country’s first wildlife hospital, a zoological organization, and an educational museum specializing in native California wildlife. Every year our veterinarians, husbandry experts, biologists, and teachers treat more than 5,000 wild animal patients, care for the 70 animal ambassadors that call Lindsay home and educate approximately 100,000 people.

The Lindsay Wildlife Experience is located at 1931 First Avenue in Walnut Creek. For more information call (925) 935-1978.

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By Kelly Kalfsbeek, Community & Media Relations Coordinator, PIO, Contra Costa County Public Works Department

Alamo, CA – Contra Costa County Public Works will begin construction of the Livorna Road Shoulder Widening Project on Monday, July 15, 2024, and continue through Friday, August 2, 2024, barring unforeseen circumstances. Work will take place between 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, weather permitting. The work consists of roadway shoulder widening along a 200-foot segment of Livorna Road between Douglas Court and Paseo De Sol.

Traffic control will be used. Message boards will alert drivers about the work. Drivers should expect delays of up to 10 minutes through the construction zone and consider alternative routes during working hours.

Funding for this project is provided by a local Transportation Development Act grant and Gas Tax Funds. For more information visit: https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/9876/Livorna-Road-Shoulder-Widening

About Contra Costa County Public Works Department:

Contra Costa County Public Works Department (CCCPWD) maintains over 660 miles of roads, 150 miles of streams, channels, and other drainage and over 150 County buildings throughout Contra Costa County. CCCPWD provides services such as Parks and Recreation, Sandbag Distribution and Flood Control throughout unincorporated areas of Contra Costa County.  CCCPWD operates two airports, Buchanan Field Airport in Concord, and Byron Airport in Byron. For more information about CCCPWD, please visit us at: www.cccpublicworks.org

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Seats on city councils, school boards, special districts up for election throughout Contra Costa County

Special instructions for Lafayette City Council candidates

By Allen D. Payton

The nomination period for local offices including city councils, school districts and special districts will open on Monday, July 15, 2024, and nomination papers will be available for candidates running for office. The nomination period runs through 5:00 pm Friday, August 9, 2024. The election will be consolidated with the statewide General Election on Tuesday, November 5th, 2024.

Papers for offices that are up for election will be available at the Contra Costa Elections Office, 555 Escobar Street in Martinez or at each city clerk’s office for city offices.

“The 2024 General Election has officially begun,” said Kristin B. Connelly, Contra Costa Registrar of Voters. “Candidate Filing begins Monday July 15, and our Candidate Services team is ready to help our residents who are looking to serve their communities in an elected position.”

If an incumbent does not file to run for office by the deadline on August 9th, the filing period for that office will extend until 5:00 pm on Wednesday, August 14, 2024.

Interested candidates can schedule an appointment through email at candidate.services@vote.cccounty.us or by calling 925-335-7800. Walk-ins are accepted, but service is subject to the availability of staff. Appointments are available on weekdays from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Filing documents and information will be provided to interested constituents at their appointment. The process takes 20 minutes.

For further information on the General Election and key dates, go to www.contracostavote.gov

The following offices are up for election in November:

City Councils

Antioch – Mayor, City Clerk, City Treasurer, Districts 2 & 3 Councilmembers

Brentwood – Mayor, Districts 1 & 3 Councilmembers

Clayton – 3 Councilmembers

Concord – Districts 2 & 4 Councilmembers

Danville – 3 Councilmembers

El Cerrito – 3 Councilmembers

Hercules – 3 Councilmembers

Lafayette – 3 full-term, 4-year Councilmembers; 1 partial term, 2-year Councilmember

Martinez – Treasurer, District 2 & 3 Councilmembers

Moraga – 3 Councilmembers

Oakley – Districts 1, 3 & 5 Councilmembers

Orinda – 2 Councilmembers

Pinole – Treasurer, 2 Councilmembers

Pittsburg – 2 Councilmembers

Pleasant Hill – Districts 1, 2 & 5 Councilmembers

Richmond – Districts 1, 5 & 6 Councilmembers

San Pablo – 3 Councilmembers

San Ramon – Mayor, Districts 1 & 3 Councilmembers

Walnut Creek – 3 Councilmembers

School Districts

Acalanes Union High School District – 2 Governing Board Members

Antioch Unified School District – Areas 1, 3 & 4 Governing Board Members

Brentwood Union School District – 2 Governing Board Members

Byron Union School District – 2 Governing Board Members (4-year terms), 1 Governing Board Member (2-year term)

Canyon Elementary School District – 2 Governing Board Members

Chabot-Las Positas Community College – Ward 7 Governing Board Member (Shared with Alameda which is county of jurisdiction)

Contra Costa County Board of Education – Areas 1 & 3 Governing Board Members

Contra Costa Community College District Wards 2 & 5 Governing Board Members

John Swett Unified School District – 3 Governing Board Members

Knightsen Elementary School District – 3 Governing Board Members

Lafayette School District – 2 Governing Board Members

Liberty Union High School District – Areas 1 & 2 Governing Board Members (4-year terms), Area 4 Governing Board Member (2-year term)

Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District – 2 Governing Board Members (Shared with Alameda which is county of jurisdiction)

Martinez Unified School District – Areas 1, 2 & 4 – 1 Governing Board Members

Moraga School District – 2 Governing Board Members

Mt. Diablo Unified School District – Areas 3 & 5 Governing Board Members

Oakley Union Elementary School District – Areas 1 & 2 Governing Board Members

Orinda Union School District – 2 Governing Board Members

Pittsburg Unified School District – 2 Governing Board Members

San Ramon Valley Unified School District – Areas 2 & 3 Governing Board Members

Walnut Creek School District – 2 Governing Board Members (4-year terms), 1 Governing Board Member (2-year term)

West Contra Costa Unified School District – Districts 1, 2 & 3 Governing Board Members

Special Districts (Nomination Papers issued by County Elections Division)

Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District – Ward 1 Director (Shared with Alameda which is the county of jurisdiction)

Ambrose Recreation & Park District – 2 Directors

Bethel Island Municipal Improvement District – 3 Directors

Byron-Bethany Irrigation District – Division 2 Director

Byron Sanitary District – 3 Directors

Castle Rock County Water District – 3 Directors

Central Contra Costa Sanitary District – Divisions 1, 4 & 5 Directors (4-year terms), Division 3 Director (2-year term)

Contra Costa Water District – Divisions 3, 4 & 5 Directors

Crockett Community Services District – 2 Directors (4-year terms), 1 Director (2-year term)

Diablo Community Services District – 2 Directors

Diablo Water District – Wards 1 & 5 Directors

Town of Discovery Bay Community Services District – 2 Directors

Dublin San Ramon Services District – Division 1 Director

East Bay Municipal Utility District – Ward 1 Director (4-year term), Ward 2 Director (2-year term)

East Bay Regional Park District – Wards 1 & 2 Directors (Shared with Alameda which is county of jurisdiction)

East Contra Costa Irrigation District – Divisions 2, 3 & 5 Directors

Green Valley Recreation & Park District – 2 Directors

Ironhouse Sanitary District – 3 Directors

Kensington Fire Protection District – 2 Directors

Kensington Police Protection & Community Services District – 2 Directors

Moraga-Orinda Fire Protection District – Divisions 2 & 5 Director

Mt. View Sanitary District – Area 1 Director (2-year term) Areas 3, 4 & 5 Directors (4-year term)

Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District – 2 Directors

Rodeo-Hercules Fire Protection District – 2 Directors

Rodeo Sanitary District 3 Directors

San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) – District 1 Director, Districts 3 & 5 Directors (Shared with Alameda which is county of jurisdiction)

San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District – 3 Directors

Stege Sanitary District – 2 Directors

West County Wastewater District – Divisions 2 & 4 Directors

See list of offices currently up for election here.

Lafayette

In Lafayette, the nomination period will close on Friday, August 9, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. If nomination documents from any incumbent is not filed by that date, the nomination period shall be extended until Wednesday, August 14, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. During this extension period, no incumbent is allowed to file nomination documents.

For the Lafayette City Council, appointments for obtaining and filing nomination papers are required and can be requested by emailing City Clerk Joanne Robbins jrobbins@lovelafayette.org or call 925-284-1968. The Lafayette City Clerk’s office is located at 3675 Mt. Diablo Blvd., second floor, Lafayette. Appointments will be scheduled during the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Starting July 15, information on individuals who have been issued nomination papers will be posted on www.lovelafayette.org/election.

Kristin B. Connelly, County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters, Dawn Kruger, Civic Outreach and Engagement Specialist, Contra Costa Clerk-Recorder-Elections Department and Suzanne Iarla, Communications Analyst/PIO, City of Lafayette contributed to this report.

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$21.5 million in public funds for 540 micro-apartments for homeless adults with disabilities; on-site services provided

Originally built by grandfather, renovated by grandson 56 years later

By Contra Costa Health

Contra Costa County Supervisor John Gioia and Contra Costa Health (CCH) hosted a grand opening for El Portal Place, a 54-unit micro-unit apartment building for homeless adults with disabilities, on Saturday, July 13, 2024. The project is the second completed in Contra Costa using state Homekey project funding, as well as funding from the county’s Measure X half-cent sales tax. The event began with prepared comments by elected and CCH homeless services officials followed by guided site tours. will be on hand to interview regarding the project.

Contra Costa County has transformed the vacant office building at 2555 El Portal Drive to serve some of the county’s most vulnerable residents with permanent supportive housing that includes onsite services such as case management, community supports, and referrals to services such as behavioral health, benefits assistance, and healthcare.

According to Overaa Construction, the builder responsible for the renovations, the design-build, adaptive reuse project reimagined an old, two-level, 27,000 square-foot office building as small homes for 60 individuals. Jerry Overaa built the original office building in 1968 and fifty-six years later, his grandson, Jared, spearheaded its conversion. The architectural design for the project was by Studio T Square and Base Landscape architects. (See project video)

“El Portal Place is an innovative project connecting people in desperate need with quality housing and services to improve their health,” said District 1 Supervisor Gioia, whose district includes San Pablo. “We appreciate our strong partnership with the City of San Pablo, and the continued support from Governor Gavin Newsom. These homes help us achieve equity and improved health for county residents.”

The facility will become the first built by the county specifically for residents who meet federal criteria for chronic homelessness, meaning they have been unhoused for a long period of time and have disabilities that prevent them from maintaining permanent housing on their own.

When tenants arrive later this summer, each will live in a micro-unit apartment with bathroom, kitchenette and workspace, in a complex with a community room, courtyard, garden and dog park. Onsite staff will assist in coordinating a comprehensive range of services for residents, supported by federal and state funding.

“Providing stability for people experiencing homelessness not only lifts up those served, but it also lifts our entire community,” said Federal Glover, chair of the county Board of Supervisors. “El Portal Place is an example of putting public funds to work to do something about homelessness.”

Contra Costa’s Measure X, approved by county voters in 2020, contributed $5.2 million toward the project, to go along with a $16 million grant from California’s Homekey program, resulting in a cost of slightly more than $398,000 per unit.

A separate $21.5 million award helped the county build the first project, Delta Landing, a 172-unit interim housing site in Pittsburg, in 2022.

“Contra Costa, like all of California, is experiencing a profound housing crisis. Every partnership, collaboration, and new idea to address homelessness is crucial,” said Anna Roth, CEO of Contra Costa Health.

Contra Costa’s point-in-time survey of homelessness in the county in January estimated 2,843 people experiencing homelessness in the county on any given night, an increase of 18.5% from the previous year’s estimate. The county increased its daily capacity of temporary and permanent housing beds by 26% during the same period.

People who need assistance with housing in Contra Costa County can call 211 to reach CCH’s CORE homeless outreach team.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

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$36 million in state funds will be used for acquisition and clean-up

By Jen Vanya Public Information Specialist, East Bay Regional Park District

The East Bay Regional Park District is poised to acquire the 80-acre Point Molate property located on the Point San Pablo Peninsula in the City of Richmond. The acquisition will ensure that this historic land will be preserved forever as open space and will add it to the Park District’s portfolio. The acquisition supports the Park District’s mission of habitat preservation and providing recreation and public access for all.

Today, Friday, July 12, 2024, the City of Richmond (City) held a Special Council meeting to consider approval of a Letter of Intent (LOI), a three-party agreement between the City, East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD), and the Guidiville Rancheria of California.

“This step is worthy of heralding and there are many partners to thank who have backed our goal to make this an East Bay Regional Park,” said Park District General Manager Sabrina Landreth. “This Letter of Intent is a major step in the process to secure Point Molate as public open space for the community for decades to come.”

The LOI will be before the EBRPD Board of Directors for approval at its regular board meeting on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. This LOI is a precursor to the Purchase and Sale Agreement which will transfer the property into the hands of the Park District no later than January 15, 2025. The LOI includes a purchase price of $40 million, supported by an independent appraised valuation. Additional details can be found in the Board’s meeting agenda. (See Item III B.)

“This important step toward creating a regional park at Point Molate will preserve stunning bay front land with a rich cultural history for all to enjoy,” said Park District Board President Elizabeth Echols. “It promotes our shared goal of creating equitable access to parks and recreation. I thank the many partners, elected leaders, and community members who have long shared our vision for a regional park at Point Molate.”

Combined with the extension of the San Francisco Bay Trail already scheduled for construction along this shoreline, this historic land is now on track toward public ownership and to provide the type of open, outdoor space the community has come to expect from the Park District.

“Point Molate has been called ‘the most beautiful part of San Francisco Bay no one’s ever heard of,’” said Richmond Councilmember Gayle McLaughlin. “We are now at the point where everyone will come to know Richmond as home to an amazing world-class park at Point Molate.”

The Park District’s 2013 Master Plan and the Bay Conservation and Development Commission’s San Francisco Bay Plan both have called for a regional park at Point Molate. It has been a long-standing vision to have a regional park for all of Richmond and Bay Area residents and to ensure the East Bay shoreline is preserved as open space for all to enjoy. Few opportunities remain to create significant parkland in the Bay Area, especially in the Richmond region.

Point Molate is located on the San Pablo Peninsula within the City of Richmond, in Contra Costa County. The San Francisco Bay lies to the west, open space parcels to the north and south, and the Chevron Richmond refinery to the east.

Underscoring the support this acquisition has received over the years, State Senator Nancy Skinner championed $36 million in the 2022-23 California budget for acquisition and clean-up of Point Molate.

“This is truly a great day for the East Bay and all of California,” Senator Skinner said. “I am thrilled that Point Molate’s 80 acres will now and forever be preserved as parkland and open space. The acquisition of Point Molate, with its breathtaking views along San Francisco Bay, continues the East Bay’s decades-long mission to protect our bay shoreline. Securing Point Molate within the East Bay Regional Park District is not only an incredible environmental victory, it will also reawaken the area’s significant cultural history, which includes Native sacred sites, a historic Chinese fishing camp, a historic wine port and America’s last whaling station. I was proud to lead the state budget effort to help in the purchase of this property and thank the Guidiville Rancheria of California, the City of Richmond, and the East Bay Regional Park District for their role in securing Point Molate for all to enjoy.”

The East Bay Regional Park District is the largest regional park system in the nation, comprising 73 parks, 55 miles of shoreline, and over 1,330 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and environmental education. The Park District receives an estimated 30 million visits annually throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties in the San Francisco Bay Area.

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After completing 1,200 hours of intensive training over 26 weeks

By Tami Grimes, PIO, CHP

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The California Highway Patrol (CHP) proudly introduced 102 of the state’s newest officers during a swearing-in ceremony today at the CHP Academy in West Sacramento. In a continued effort to fill vacant officer positions, these men and women hail from communities throughout California, as well as Colorado and Oregon.

“Having successfully completed the last 26 weeks of intensive training, the CHP is pleased to welcome these new officers to the CHP family. They are beginning a career of service and I trust they will do everything they can to take care of their communities,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “Every corner of the State deserves to have the best trained and prepared personnel, and I am confident these new officers will be able to provide the highest level of safety, service, and security possible.”

Before offering his prepared remarks, Duryee said to the audience of the new officers’ family members and friends, “Alright, listen. I was a little disappointed to that approach. Not from the cadets, from the crowd. You all gotta get a little fired up. This is a celebration.”

“I don’t know what they’ve told you how this place is,” he continued with a smile. “But this is a celebration, today. So, as we celebrate them let’s get a little rowdy. Yeah?” to which the audience applauded and cheered in response.

While at the CHP Academy, cadets receive over 1,200 hours of training and start with subjects including nobility in policing, leadership, professionalism and ethics, and cultural diversity. Additionally, cadets receive instruction on mental illness response and crisis intervention techniques. Training also covers vehicle patrol, crash investigation, first aid, and the apprehension of suspected violators, including those who drive under the influence. Cadets also receive training in traffic control, report writing, recovery of stolen vehicles, assisting the motoring public, issuing citations, emergency scene management, and various codes, including the California Vehicle Code, Penal Code, and Health and Safety Code.

The Code of Honor was administered by Duryee and repeated by the cadets as follows: “I, a member of the California Highway Patrol, subscribe in word and deed to the following; To serve the United States of America and the State of California honestly, and conscientiously; and fulfill my oath as a soldier of the law; to uphold and maintain the honor and integrity of the California Highway Patrol; Be loyal to my fellow officers; respect and obey my seniors in rank; and enforce the law without fear, favor or discrimination; to assist those in peril or distress and if necessary lay down my life rather than swerve from the path of duty; my person conduct shall at all times be above reproach; and I will never knowingly commit any act that will in any way bring discredit upon the California Highway Patrol or any member thereof; to all of this I do solemnly pledge my sacred honor as an officer with the California Highway Patrol.”

Today’s graduation concludes the new officers’ stay at the Academy prior to their reporting to one of the 102 CHP Area offices throughout the state on July 22. (View ceremony video)

The CHP continues the search for service-minded individuals who are interested in a career in law enforcement in support of its ongoing, multiyear recruitment campaign to hire 1,000 officers. In 2023, the CHP added 407 officers to its ranks. With today’s swearing-in, an additional 409 officers have been sworn in this year and there are still two more cadet classes scheduled to complete the Academy before the end of 2024.

For more information about a life-changing career with the CHP, visit our website and register for our online hiring seminar at 6:30 p.m. on July 17.

The mission of the California Highway Patrol is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

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Campaign raises $6.5 million to acquire two properties and add to vital Wildlife and Trail Corridor in Contra Costa County

By Jay Dean, John Muir Land Trust

John Muir Land Trust (JMLT, jmlt.org) announces the successful completion of fundraising for the Campaign to Expand Franklin Ridge. Receiving donations from thousands of supporters across the region, JMLT raised the $6.5 million needed to acquire and permanently protect 100-acre Kenneth Gerlack Preserve and 134-acre Barnett Ranch. These pristine acres will be added to the Franklin Ridge Wildlife and Trail Corridor, a beautiful natural landscape southwest of downtown Martinez that is a vital refuge for native wildlife and a treasured recreational haven for outdoor enthusiasts. In an era of global climate change, the preservation of intact natural corridors is more crucial than ever, and this campaign protects one of the most important in the East Bay.

“JMLT has been piecing together the Franklin Ridge Wildlife and Trail Corridor for 35 years,” says Linus Eukel, Executive Director of John Muir Land Trust. “The importance of adding these two new properties cannot be overstated. Along these stunning ridgelines is a nexus for some of our most important regional trails, including the Bay Area Ridge Trail. It is home to over 20 local species, including vital predators such as mountain lions, and endangered and threatened species such as the iconic California red-legged frog. Here it is possible to walk in the footsteps of famed naturalist John Muir himself, who lived nearby and hiked and wrote about its delightful ravines, hilltops, plateaus, open grasslands, and stunning panoramic views.”

Funding came from many sources, most importantly from thousands of local residents who contribute regularly to support JMLT’s conservation work in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. Donations were received in amounts large and small. Two anonymous donors contributed an extraordinarily generous $500,000 each. A challenge match from David and Janice Hammond of Alamo generated $300,000. JMLT received $1,230,000 from the State Coastal Conservancy, an agency charged with protecting and restoring California’s most important natural and scenic resources. California’s Wildlife Conservation Board made a grant of $2,000,000.

“The Wildlife Conservation Board allocates funds throughout the state of California for the purchase of land and waters ideal for recreation purposes, and for the preservation and restoration of vital habitat for native species,” says Dr. Jennifer Norris, Executive Director, WCB. “Supporting the expansion of a landscape as important as Franklin Ridge is at the very core of our mission.”

“The California State Coastal Conservancy makes grants to improve our natural lands and waterways so that more people can access and enjoy the outdoors,” says Amy Hutzel, Executive Officer, Coastal Conservancy. “The opportunity for expanding, connecting, and completing trails of such regional and historic importance as those atop Franklin Ridge is a gift to Californians today and for those in generations to come. This is a win for everyone.”

For the landowners whose cherished lands are now preserved for perpetuity, this is a moment long awaited. “There is so much at the top of the ridge to see and experience all of God’s creation. My children and their children will be immensely proud to visit. We’re preserving it for them and for everyone in the public at large,” says Carolyn Barnett. Gay Gerlack adds, “As our lives changed and our children grew up, we always maintained a reverence for the property and the land. Once it’s gone, you can’t get it back. My late husband Kenneth and I dreamed about this wonderful outcome.”

Eukel stresses that it took many to achieve this milestone. “We are so grateful to the donors, volunteers, and to all of JMLT’s generous and passionate community of supporters who came together to secure this important win in local conservation. It is ordinary people with extraordinary vision who make such achievements possible.”

Those seeking to visit Franklin Ridge will find information and a trail map at jmlt.org.

About John Muir Land Trust

John Muir Land Trust (JMLT) protects and cares for open space, ranches, farms, parkland and shoreline in Contra Costa and Alameda Counties. John Muir Land Trust has become one of the leading forces for conservation in northern California. With thousands of acres protected over 35 years, many beautiful places in the East Bay are now permanently preserved for recreation, wildlife habitat, and spectacular scenic views. JMLT believes that the vitality of our open spaces is essential to the health of our earth, air, water, native plants and animals — and all of us. jmlt.org

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CASE UPDATE

By Brentwood Police Department

You may recall that on October 11, 2023, Brentwood officers responded to the Brentwood City Park for a juvenile armed with a kitchen knife. As officers arrived on scene, they contacted the 16-year-old juvenile.  After numerous attempts to de-escalate the situation, the juvenile stabbed a Brentwood officer who was attempting to take the juvenile into custody.

The officer, who sustained life-threatening injuries, was transported to a local hospital we were relieved and grateful the officer survived. (See related article)

The juvenile, who cannot be named due to his age, was arrested and transported to Juvenile Hall and has been in custody ever since.

On July 3, 2024, members of the Brentwood Police Department and the victim (officer) attended the hearing for this case.  The case was adjudicated and resulted in the juvenile being sentenced to a maximum six-year sentence which was the maximum sentence allowed by law.

This incident had a profound impact on not only our officer and his family, but also on the Department and our community. The involved officer is still recovering from his injuries but wishes to express his sincere appreciation to the community for your support.

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Open house provides community with behind-the-scenes look at significant infrastructure improvements for better air, water quality

Three-year construction project brings substantial improvements to wastewater treatment and odor control systems at Richmond Water Pollution Control Plant

Veolia North America, the leading provider of environmental solutions in the U.S. and Canada, on Thursday, July 11, 2024, unveiled to the public $40 million worth of major upgrades to the Richmond Water Pollution Control Plant. The investment will improve wastewater treatment, environmental compliance and odor control for Richmond and nearby communities on the San Francisco Bay.

Local community leaders and neighbors attended an open house at the plant to see the results of the work and to learn how this infrastructure investment will improve their surroundings. It provided a rare opportunity for an in-depth, guided tour of the major capital improvement.

Richmond’s Water Pollution Control Plant is located at 601 Canal Blvd. in Richmond, California on the southwest side of the city.

Veolia has operated the plant for more than two decades, and the construction project marks a significant step forward in modernizing the plant’s ability to effectively treat the city’s wastewater and protect its environment. Veolia welcomed local community leaders and neighbors to the plant for an open house today to see the results of this work and to learn how this infrastructure investment will improve their surroundings.

“Veolia is proud to be a key partner to the city of Richmond as it continually improves its infrastructure and its resiliency for the future,” said Karine Rougé, CEO for Municipal Water at Veolia North America, who attended the open house. “These vital improvements will make a significant impact in how the wastewater treatment plant functions in the community, by improving the quality of treated water released into San Francisco Bay, delivering more efficient operations to the city, and better controlling the odors produced by the wastewater treatment process.”

The wastewater system improvements are expected to provide additional environmental and financial benefits to Richmond, as more efficient equipment will require less energy and lower levels of chemical treatment to operate, reducing the city’s costs as well as its greenhouse gas emissions. These achievements exemplify the goals of Veolia’s global GreenUp strategy, which strives to lead the ecological transformation of the planet by accelerating water quality improvement, decarbonization and technological innovation. Some 61% of Americans are concerned that worsening climate conditions may result in a deterioration of their quality of life, according to Veolia’s Barometer of Ecological Transformation survey, and projects which respond to ecological threats while also addressing infrastructure needs help build long-term solutions for the environment and public health.

The Richmond Water Pollution Control Plant construction project replaced outdated or ineffective equipment used in major functions at the plant:

• Fine screens – Two new mechanical fine screens were installed to filter out trash, rags and other larger debris from the wastewater stream. This prevents that material from clogging pipes and pumps, and potentially polluting the San Francisco Bay.
• Vortex grit removal system – Grit and sand settles at the bottom of wastewater treatment tanks, where it can cause wear and tear on machinery. The new grit removal system allows those fine materials to be easily separated from wastewater.
• Biofilter – Gases released by the wastewater treatment process are captured and forced through a new filtration system. Many layers of porous materials in the biofilter promote the growth of specialized microorganisms that break down the odor-causing compounds.
• Blower building – a new structure holds powerful mechanical turbo blowers, which ingest outside air that is diffused into wastewater to promote the treatment process.
• Aeration basins – a new system in the bottom of wastewater treatment tanks diffuses air into the water as fine bubbles, rather than the previous mechanical mixing system. These fine bubble diffusers are more consistent, efficient and resilient than the prior system.

The completion of this construction project marks another milestone for Veolia’s partnership with Richmond, in which Veolia is responsible for operating and maintaining the city’s wastewater treatment plant, sewer system and stormwater collection system. Since the partnership began in 2002, the city’s environmental performance has improved significantly.

About Veolia North America  

A subsidiary of Veolia Group, Veolia North America (VNA) offers a full spectrum of water, waste and energy management services, including water and wastewater treatment, commercial and hazardous waste collection and disposal, energy consulting and resource recovery. VNA helps commercial, industrial, healthcare, higher education and municipality customers throughout North America. Headquartered in Boston, Mass., Veolia North America has more than 10,000 employees working at more than 350 locations across the continent. www.veolianorthamerica.com

About Veolia Group

Veolia’s ambition is to become the benchmark company for ecological transformation. With nearly 218,000 employees on five continents, the Group designs and deploys useful, practical solutions for managing water, waste and energy that help to radically change the world. Through its three complementary activities, Veolia contributes to developing access to resources, preserving available resources and renewing them. In 2023, the Veolia group served 113 million people with drinking water and 103 million with wastewater services, produced 42 terawatt-hours of energy and recovered 63 million metric tons of waste. Veolia Environnement (Paris Euronext: VIE) generated consolidated sales of €45.3 billion in 2023. www.veolia.com

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